PGN March 25-31, 2011 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Taking to the air

Family Portrait: Amber Hikes PAGE 19

Philly AIDS Thrift’s relocation means a call for volunteers — and bargains.

PAGE 23

PAGE 6

Mar. 25-31, 2011

��

Vol. 35 No. 12

Man stoned to death, suspect cites Bible By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Police in Lansdowne last week charged a man with first-degree murder whom they say allegedly stoned a 70-year-old developmentally disabled man to death, saying the victim made unwanted sexual advances toward him. Police filed charges against John Joe Thomas, 28, March 18 in connection to the January killing of Murray Seidman. Thomas was already incarcerated on unrelated charges. Thomas confessed to SEIDMAN the murder last week, saying he beat Seidman in the head with stones and batteries inside of a sock after the older man allegedly came onto him over a period of time. Police say Thomas told them he prayed about how to handle the advances and committed the murder after reading of stoning as a punishment for homosexuality in the Old Testament of the Bible. Seidman’s brother, Lenny, however, called the Biblical defense a sham, contending the defendant, a former psychiatric patient, repeatedly took advantage of his brother’s generosity. Within the past year, Seidman drew up a will and had Thomas listed as executor and sole beneficiary. Although Thomas indicated Seidman was gay, Lenny said that he never knew his brother to have sexual impulses one way or the other, save for a time about 25 THOMAS years ago when he told his brother that he kissed a female friend. Lenny, a Philadelphia musician, said he has plenty of gay friends and would have happily accepted his brother if he were gay, but that was not the case. “My brother wasn’t gay,” he said. “I don’t think he was necessarily anything — he wasn’t heterosexual, gay — I just think he liked people. If I thought he may have been gay, I’d say so.” Seidman was born with brain damage and lived until his late 20s in Elwyn Institute, a home for the developmentally disabled before he moved out on his own. Two

years ago, he retired from a 40-year career as a laundry worker at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. Seidman befriended Thomas when the latter was in the psychiatric ward of the hospital. Thomas called police to Seidman’s apart-

ment Jan. 12, saying he found the older man dead on the floor when he went to check on him. The medical examiner, however, determined Seidman was killed up to 10 days before police were called. The cause of death was determined to be blunt-force trauma to the head.

Thomas told police last week he struck Seidman at least 10 times. Lansdowne chief of police Daniel Kortan cautioned that Thomas’ allegations of advances should be put into perspective. “No one has ever stated that either Seidman or Thomas was PAGE 16

Giovanni’s Room honored with historical marker By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

IVY LEAGUE LGBTS: About 50 LGBT and ally students turned out for the kickoff of the University of Pennsylvania’s annual LGBT celebration week March 20. QPenn got underway with a launch party Sunday at the LGBT Center at Penn’s Carriage House that offered food and fellowship. Throughout the past week, QPenn, organized by the university’s Lambda Alliance, featured workshops on LGBT issues, socials and discussions with figures like National Center for Transgender Equality executive director Mara Keisling and LGBT activist Sherry Wolf. Events continue through March 27; a full listing can be found at www.vpul.upenn.edu/lgbtc/. Photo: Scott A. Drake

First state sees first civil-union bill Lawmakers in Delaware this week introduced a measure seeking to grant same-sex couples the rights afforded by marriage, but without the title. The civil-union bill was introduced in both chambers of the Delaware legislature March 22 by Sen. David Sokola and Rep. Melanie George. Eight senators signed on as cosponsors, along with 18 representatives. The list of supporters is heavily Democrat, although a few Republicans are cosponsors. Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) said this week that he supports the legislation and stood beside advocates at a press conference announcing the introduction of the Civil Union & Equality Act.

The measure would offer “all of the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibility as married persons under Delaware law.” The bill summary includes language that it does not seek to “revise the definition or eligibility requirements of marriage under Delaware law or to require any religious institution to perform solemnizations of civil unions.” Last week, Equality Delaware released the results of a statewide poll indicating that more than 60 percent of voters are in favor of a civil-union law. A civil-union bill was introduced last month in the Pennsylvania House. ■ — Jen Colletta

Giovanni’s Room, the nation’s oldest LGBT bookstore, will soon have its place in Philadelphia history marked permanently. The store was one of 13 sites recently approved for a historical marker from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. The Giovanni’s Room marker is only the second LGBT marker in the state, after the placard designating the Annual Reminder LGBT marches of the 1960s outside of Independence Hall. The commission reviewed 54 applications for this latest round of markers, making the final decisions at its March 16 meeting. A coalition of local advocates first submitted an application early last year but just missed the deadline. Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs, said contributors worked to make this year’s application, submitted in early January, as full as possible, including scholarly articles that mention the store and letters of support from the Mayor’s Office, the Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, the PAGE 16

GIOVANNI’S ROOM PGN file photo

2 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PGN

LOCAL PGN

Two more suits leveled against Archdiocese By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was hit with two more sex-abuse lawsuits in the past two weeks, bringing the number of suits in just the past month to four. Delaware County resident Francis Finnegan filed suit March 16 against the Archdiocese and several current and former high-ranking officials, alleging a priest sexually abused him in the late 1960s and church officials covered up the crime. On March 21, an Arizona man also filed suit, accusing a priest who was also named in one of the other recently filed suits. Archdiocese director of communications Donna Farrell said the Archdiocese was not able to comment on the pending litigation. In his suit, Finnegan said the Rev. John Kline assaulted him between 196869 when he was assigned to St. Francis Xavier Parish. Finnegan said Kline was a close friend of his family and the abuse took place when the priest went on vacation with the family. Finnegan, 49, said he repressed the memories of the encounter until three years ago. In a press conference this week, he said he’d contacted the Archdiocese Victims Assistance office after acknowledging the abuse and heard back only once from a staffer in the ensuing three years. Attorney Marci Hamilton, who is representing the plaintiffs in all four cases, said Kline allegedly also abused Finnegan’s brother. Although Kline died in the mid-’90s, Hamilton said the priest’s alleged crimes, and the Archdiocese’s failure to properly

address abuse claims, had long-lasting effects on the family. “Frank does not want another child hurt by the Archdiocese’s cover up,” Hamilton said in an email to PGN. “His brother Jack was abused before he was and as a result pulled away from the family. They lost decades.” In this week’s complaint, filed Monday, a man only identified as John Doe alleges that Monsignor John Gillespie abused him from 1988-91 when he was a student at Our Lady of Calvary. Gillespie died in 2008. The suit said Gillespie attended sexabuse treatment before 1991 but continued to have Archdiocesan-approved contact with children. The late monsignor was also accused by a Delaware man who sued the Archdiocese earlier this month, charging Gillespie assaulted him from 1994-97, also at Calvary. Gillespie resigned in 2000 and was named in a 2005 grand-jury report, which referenced complaints dating to the 1950s, although no charges were brought against him. The suits filed this month came shortly after the district attorney released a grandjury report that resulted in the arrests of three current and former Archdiocesan priests and one lay teacher for sex abuse, as well as Monsignor William Lynn, who formerly oversaw the investigation of sexabuse complaints. Among the parties named as defendants in both recent suits are the Archdiocese, Lynn, former Archbishop Anthony Bevilacqua and current Archbishop Justin Rigali. ■

Comcast launches diversity council By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com One of the nation’s largest entertainment providers announced this week that it was launching a new diversity initiative that includes LGBT representation. Comcast Corporation/NBCUniversal created a Joint External Diversity Advisory Council, which will work to advise executives at the company on diversity issues pertaining to certain communities. The council consists of four separate nineperson committees that will address issues pertaining to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics and women. The joint council was also designed to represent the interests of veterans, Native Americans, people with disabilities and the LGBT communities. Council members will advise the company on corporate governance, employment recruitment and retention, procurement, programming and philanthropy with respect to the specific communities they

represent. In addition to the four committees, there are also four members at large, including PGN publisher Mark Segal and Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defense president Jarrett Barrios. Alba Martinez, the out principal of Vanguard and former CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, will serve as vice chair of the Hispanic Advisory Council. “One of our key goals when establishing the Council was to achieve a cross-section of viewpoints from multiple groups, including business, entertainment and media, and civil-rights organizations,” said David L. Cohen, executive vice president and chief diversity officer at Comcast Corporation. “We believe we have achieved that with the council’s members and we look forward to working together to become a model on diversity for the communications and entertainment industries.” The Joint Diversity Council will hold its first meeting in May. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

4 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PGN

ALL IN FAVOR SAY “I”: The city welcomed the grand opening of ICandy on March 19 with a huge turnout and lots of, well, eye candy. More photos on page 21. Photo: Scott A. Drake

NEWS

Local News News Briefing Media Trail International News

3 12 8 18

Contents FEATURES

Crime Watch On Being Well

15 17

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Editorial Creep of the Week Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11

Target or Lady Gaga? Poll results from our online survey as of March 23:

38% I’m still a Target shopper 32% I side with the lady 16% Neither 14% Both Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

Are religion and homosexuality mutually exclusive?

Philadelphia Gay News 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

For advertising inquiries; advertising@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 218.

Phone: 215-625-8501 Fax: 215-925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Advertising Director Tami Sortman (ext. 218) tami@epgn.com

Publisher

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com

Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.co0m Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206)

Advertising Sales Representatives David Augustine (ext. 219) david@epgn.com

Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com

Amy Mather (ext. 214) amy@epgn.com

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com

National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863

Editor

sarah@epgn.com

Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Art Director/ Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspaper Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2011 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Judgeship ‘next step’ for out attorney By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Openly gay attorney Christopher Mallios has worn many hats throughout his professional career — prosecutor, defense attorney, LGBT liaison — and is now looking to fuse those experiences for a new title on his repertoire: Common Pleas Judge. Mallios, a Philadelphia native, will be one of 45 locals vying for one of 10 open vacancies on the Court of Common Pleas in the May 17 primary. Mallios grew up in Juniata and Bustleton in the Northeast, attending Philadelphia public schools and later putting himself through Penn State University and earning his law degree from Temple University in 1987. “I’m a talker and a communicator and I like to argue with people,” he said. “I got a job in my first year of law school working for a judge in criminal cases and just fell in love with trials. I got to watch really good, really smart lawyers go into court and fight for victims and fight to protect our city and keep our streets safe. I knew that was what I wanted to do.” Mallios, who lives in Center City with his partner of 16 years, Bill McNett, worked as an assistant district attorney from 1989-92, prosecuting mostly rape and domestic-violence cases. He then switched gears and spent several years as a criminal defense

attorney and was certified to represent defendants in capital cases, working on five death-penalty cases before moving on to become a law clerk for the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and state Supreme Court. In 1998, he returned to the district attorney’s office, where he said his true passion lies. “I have spent most of my career working on rape, child-abuse and domestic-violence cases. I love that dynamic of putting a really aggressive, smart, articulate person on the side of someone who’s been victimized in a really brutal and personal way,” he said. In 2002, he was named chief of the district attorney’s Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, where he prosecuted such cases and also supervised 18 prosecutors. He also served as an advisor to the police department’s Special Victims Unit and Internal Affairs Division. Mallios came out during his period away from the district attorney’s office and, upon his return, had a frank discussion with thenD.A. Lynn Abraham about his orientation and the opportunities it afforded both the office and the public. “Before she offered me the job, she said, ‘Chris, I remember when you were here before and I understand you’re out and open now and, if you come back, I want you to be the first person I can point to as an openly LGBT prosecutor in this office.’ She made

it clear I wasn’t being hired because I’m decisions and let people know that these are gay but because I’m a good prosecutor, but still hate crimes,” he said. “Even though she told me she wanted me to help make the we couldn’t charge perpetrators with a hate crime, I worked to show people that we still office a more gay-friendly place.” Abraham appointed Mallios as the need to treat them as hate crimes because of office’s LGBT liaison, and he went on the impact on the victims and the community.” to sit on the office’s Mallios also trained Diversity Recruitment law-enforcement perCommittee. Mallios sonnel on LGBT-sensia t t e n d e d L ave n d e r tivity issues regarding Law’s annual job fairs, intimate-partner vioone of only three proslence. ecutors’ offices — in He left the disaddition to New York trict attorney’s office and San Francisco — to in 2009 to become consistently attend such an attorney advievents and, by the time MALLIOS (LEFT) AND MCNETT sor at AEquitas: The he left the office two years ago, the district attorney employed Prosecutors’ Resource on Violence Against nine openly LGBT prosecutors. Women, which provides information and Mallios, the former chair of the Gay and training to law enforcement, medical perLesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia, also rep- sonnel, victims’ advocates and others on resented the district attorney’s office on the proper handling of sexual assault, stalkthe LGBT Police Liaison Committee and ing and domestic-violence cases. “A lot of people think that if you don’t served as the office’s hate-crimes coordinator, where he worked to train members of report a crime right afterward, then you’re the police department and the city’s Human not telling the truth,” he said. “A majority of Relations Commission on handling hate- people don’t ever report and of those who crimes complaints. do, it’s only a very small number that report From 2002-07, the state had a hate- right away. But we have police officers and crimes law that was LGBT-inclusive, but prosecutors making decisions about how sexual orientation and gender identity were to handle cases on bad information. So we dropped from the law on a technicality. take research about reporting and common PAGE 9 “I did training before and after those court victim behaviors and try

6 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

LOCAL PGN

Philly AIDS Thrift gets new space By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com This summer, Philadelphia AIDS Thrift is packing up and moving. While the new store will just be around the corner, the move is expected to offer a space that will be worlds away from the cramped, crowded current shop. PAT, which donates a portion of its proceeds to HIV/AIDS causes, has been at 514 Bainbridge St. for five-and-a-half years, but come June will call 710 S. Fifth St. home. The new store will be headquartered in the Kroungold’s Furniture building, a space that offers three floors and two basements — a total of nearly 12,000 square feet, double PAT’s current space. PAT co-founder and volunteer coordinator Christina Kallas said the increased room was becoming a necessity. “We’ve really been running out of space, we’re just packed to the gills,” Kallas said, noting the move is being supported by a group of generous donors. Currently, PAT operates a furniture warehouse across the street from the store, but the new location will allow for everything to be housed under one roof. The top floor will be dedicated solely to processing, as a spot for volunteers to sort through the donated clothes and items.

Kallas said the move is going to span the spring. “[The owners of the new building] have been really kind in letting us have a few months to gradually move things over there,” she said. “We’re going to be taking it slow and moving over a little bit at a time. We’re not doing the big, gigantic push yet, but that’ll happen eventually.” The store currently has about 80 volunteers supporting its operations, and Kallas said they’ll need all hands on deck in the coming months. She said new volunteers are welcome to pitch in for the move and the several “sorting parties” she envisions PAT throwing. The grand-opening date has not been set yet, but Kallas said she expects the move to be wrapped up by late June and the store to mark the move with a party. PAT also celebrated another organizational milestone last week with its monthly contribution to AIDS Fund. During this month’s Gay BINGO, PAT passed along a check for $8,000, putting its total contributions to the agency since its inception at more than $250,000. In honor of reaching 25 percent of $1 million in contributions, this weekend PAT is offering shoppers 25 percent off all merchandise in the store. For more information, visit www. phillyaidsthrift.com. ■

BEBASHI receives $25K grant By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

An international cosmetics company’s HIV/AIDS-awareness campaign, currently being led by spokesperson Lady Gaga, recently awarded local HIV/AIDS service organization BEBASHI: Transition to Hope with a grant to launch a new youth-focused prevention program. M·A·C AIDS Fund’s 2011 VIVA GLAM campaign earlier this month announced $5 million in grants for HIV/AIDS agencies throughout the country. All profits from the sale of VIVA GLAM lipstick and lipgloss go to HIV/AIDS causes, raising more than $200 million since its inception in 1994. BEBASHI, which applied for the program late last year, was selected for a $25,000 grant for its proposed “Little Brotha” program, which targets young AfricanAmerican men who have sex with men. The program is designed for ages 13-24, a demographic that is especially at risk for contracting HIV, said BEBASHI executive director Gary Bell. “This is a group where we’re really seeing the risk for HIV rising fast,” Bell said. “And from my vantage point, this is a group that is most often overlooked.” Bell explained that the organization had originally applied for a $250,000 grant and is modifying the program to fit with the actual funding allotted, by reducing the number of projected participants from 400

to between 50-100. Bell noted that BEBASHI has been working with youth since its founding in 1985, but said the alarming numbers of young African-American males testing positive for HIV, and the dearth of opportunities for this population, necessitated the creation of a more intensive outreach program. “Little Brotha” would offer Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services (CRCS), a one-on-one counseling program where youth would meet up to five times with BEBASHI staff, or more if necessary, for intensive risk-reduction instruction. Youth would also be able to partake in case management geared specifically toward their individualized challenges. “This would be for young people who have very acute but more concrete needs like housing, substance-abuse issues or something like that, where they need more than information and referrals, but they need someone to follow them and continue to work with them,” Bell said. BEBASHI has already begun reaching out to youth-service agencies such as The Attic Youth Center, as well as substance-abuse providers, schools, the city’s Department of Human Services and the Probation Department to identify participants. Bell said the agency is also looking to other sources, like pharmaceutical companies and federal funding opportunities, to support and expand the program as it moves forward. ■

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

DA rejects panel’s request for Morris records By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The District Attorney’s office this week declined to provide records related to the Nizah Morris incident to the Police Advisory Commission, but invited PAC members to review the materials onsite if they agree not to publicly disclose what they see. Morris was a transgender woman found unconscious on a Center City street, bleeding profusely from the head — shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. She died two days later, on Dec. 24, 2002, from complications due to a fractured skull. The PAC has 14 new commissioners, and they’re trying to determine whether any departmental regulations were violated in the Morris incident. In January, they asked the DA for “any and all 911 tapes, transcripts or other documents or materials that relate in any way to the matter of Nizah Morris,” along with an itemized list of all documents and other materials previously produced to the PAC by the D.A.’s office, and a privilege log describing any materials being withheld and the reason. But on March 21, Todd M. Mosser, the D.A.’s chief of litigation, sent a letter to the PAC, denying the request. Mosser said that

releasing additional Morris records would jeopardize an ongoing homicide investigation and interfere with the internal operations of the D.A.’s office. Tasha Jamerson, a spokesperson for District Attorney R. Seth Williams, issued a statement the following day, elaborating on the D.A.’s position. “The District Attorney’s Office has made substantial efforts to assist the PAC in the Nizah Morris matter, to the unprecedented extent of allowing PAC members to actually view our files. As has been stated numerous times, this is an open murder case and the request to physically hand over the files would jeopardize the integrity of this investigation.” Members of the PAC received Mosser’s letter minutes before convening a community meeting at the Cambria Recreational Center in North Philadelphia. They said they needed more time to review it before deciding on their next move. A decision on whether to subpoena the D.A.’s Morris records is expected at the PAC’s next meeting, 6 p.m. April 18 at Community College of Philadelphia. Police officers Thomas Berry, Kenneth Novak and Elizabeth Skala responded to Morris at various times throughout the early morning of Dec. 22, 2002 — both before and after Morris’ injury. In the PAC’s 2007 report, the officers were cleared of any responsibility for

Morris’ death. But the report recommended additional training for Skala — who gave the courtesy ride — concerning the proper handling of people who need to go to a hospital. Neither former Police Commissioner Sylvester M. Johnson nor current Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey responded to the report, and it’s unknown if Skala has ever received the recommended training. In 2008, the PAC reopened the case after learning that the police department’s Morris homicide file had been missing for several years. In April 2009, a PAC contingent viewed the Morris records at the D.A.’s office, after then-D.A. Lynne Abraham refused to comply with a PAC subpoena for the records. According to sources, the PAC contingent viewed information about cell-phone conversations related to the incident, including an alleged cell-phone conversation between Skala and her then supervisor, Sgt. Michael Dougherty. However, the contingent wasn’t permitted to photocopy any of the records it viewed, and was bound by a non-disclosure agreement. Dougherty didn’t testify during the four days of PAC hearings on the Morris matter, nor was he interviewed by the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division, which also investigated the incident.

Police said the Morris homicide file recently was found in a city Archives Unit intake box. However, several key items appear to be missing from the file, including 911 tapes related to the incident. Officers’ paperwork The new PAC members also are reviewing the police report written by Berry on the morning of Morris’ injury. In 2006, he testified that he wrote the report at 16th and Walnut streets, while waiting for medics to transport Morris to Jefferson University Hospital. However, another version of Berry’s report was included in the recently discovered homicide file. That version indicates that Berry wrote the report a few hours later, after meeting with Skala and Novak at Jefferson Hospital. Questions remain about the timing of Berry’s report, and whether the officers prepared their patrol logs jointly at the hospital or separately at different times that morning. When pieced together, the officers’ paperwork depicts Morris as a “hospital case” who initially was “DK [drunk] only,” but then received a “cut on head” and needed to go to the hospital. There is no mention in any of the officers’ paperwork that Morris was a crime victim, nor that she was inside a police vehicle shortly before her fatal head wound. ■

8 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PGN PGN

turn a Missoula city ordinance that protects gay people from discrimination. House Bill 516 has already passed the House and will go to the Senate floor next. Lawmakers spoke heatedly for and against the measure March 18 before the committee’s approval. Supporters believe Missoula’s ordinance is unconstitutional because it goes beyond a city’s local authority. Opponents say the bill is targeted against the gay community and would meddle with a local government’s right to govern itself.

Media Trail New Orleans cops targeted gays, blacks Advocate.com reports the New Orleans Police Department is under fire for systemic misconduct, with charges that officers used excessive force and targeted black and gay residents. A 10-month analysis by the Department of Justice indicates police had singled out gay and lesbian residents for unjustified stops, arrests and harassment. Additionally, the analysis showed 500 African-American males older than age 17 were arrested in 2009 while only eight white males were arrested during the year. In the 27 instances in which an officer intentionally fired a weapon at someone, all 27 individuals were black. Justice officials said at a March 18 press conference that they would work with the city to help change the police department, which has been in decline since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Senate committee backs overturning gay policy KULR8 [Billings, Mont.] reports the Montana Senate Local Government Committee has backed a proposal to over-

Ft. Worth may settle gay bar raid suit The Houston Chronicle reports the city of Ft .Worth is expected to pay nearly half a million dollars to settle a lawsuit filed by a man who suffered a severe head injury in a gay bar raid. The City Council is set to vote on the $400,000 settlement with Chad Gibson. He claims excessive force was used during the Rainbow Lounge raid in 2009. The agenda item says the settlement’s approval should not be considered as admission of the city’s liability, but would avoid time-consuming and costly litigation. After the raid, three Ft. Worth police officers were suspended, and two Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents and a supervisor were later fired. But both agencies’ investigations determined no excessive forced was used. The city later dropped all charges against Gibson and three others arrested that night. ■

— Larry Nichols

Consumer Research Council’s top dentist 2007, 2008, and 2009. Rainbow Award best dentist who contributes to his community 2007 and 2008.

Medical Arts Bldg. 1601 Walnut St. , Suite 1302 Phila. PA 19102

215-568-6222

www.philadelphiadentist.com

��

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Center announces interim development director By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com At its second public board meeting of the year, held March 22, William Way LGBT Community Center executive director Chris Bartlett announced the hiring of Paul Bloor as interim development coordinator. Barlett also reported on several new development and fundraising initiatives, including new foundation requests from banks such as PNC and Wachovia to fund the center’s programming. The center is also planning a bachelor/bachelorette auction April 2 at Smokin’ Betty’s, 116 S. 11th St. Bartlett said he will be one of the bachelors auctioned off and asked the board members to do what they can to drive up bids for him. Bartlett also said the center’s annual Building Bash event will be replaced by a new event called Homecoming, which will be held June 11 at the center during Pride weekend. Board members in attendance were cochairs Stephanie Gross and Jeff Sotland, treasurer Ann Butchart, secretary Matthew O’Malley, Amber Hikes, Brad Richards, Laurie Ward, Adam Hymans and Joseph Dougherty. Eric Ashton, Deb Francesco, Diane George, Leon King, Ted Greenberg, Moira Mulroney and Steve Brando were not in attendance. Director of Center Services Candice Thompson presented the center’s program report and noted that the facility’s next art

exhibition will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference. The center’s art gallery is also presenting “Life As I See It,” an exhibition of works from The Attic Youth Center. Thompson reported that Way Gay U, the center’s series of educational classes, held an open house on March 16. She added that registration for classes is up from last year and the program is covering its costs. Board member Hymans reported the center has recently formed a marketing and public-relations committee, which is currently focusing on event promotions and the short-term needs of the center, including a revamp of the website and seeking a social-media representative for the center. Treasurer Butchart reported on the center’s finances at roughly the halfway point in the fiscal year. Butchart said the center is down in revenue, reporting an actual revenue of $266,836, which is $123,090 below the anticipated revenue of $389,926. Actual expenses were $251,854, under expectations by $4,784. Butchart said expenses are where they should be and the drop in revenue was not unusual for this time of year. The lower revenue was attributed to the center bringing in more gifts from the Indigo Balls last year and a decrease in grants this year. Butchart said that, because of the drop in the center’s revenue, the board will be reviewing the budget next month and making adjustments. Butchart added that 76.4 percent of every dollar the center brings in

MALLIOS, from page 5

to explain it to people in ways that make sense and will help them handle cases based on facts and not myths.” Misinformation about intimate-partner violence, especially incidents between same-sex couples, has also extended to the judicial branch, Mallios said, which he would seek to remedy if elected. “A judge can have a really incredible impact on the cases they hear, and also on the people who come before them — victims, defendants and the families of both,” he said. Mallios estimated he’s tried thousands of cases in his career, while he said other judicial candidates have scant trial experience. His previous positions, however, prohibited him from political activity, which he said prevented him from building inside relationships that could fuel the backing of the local Democratic Party. But in the past few years, he noted, voters elected out Common Pleas Judges Ann Butchart, Dan Anders and Dawn Segal, with only Anders having the party’s backing. “The LGBT community is really a sleeping giant in this city. We know that our folks vote in disproportionately high numbers because our civil rights really depend on the way we’re treated in the court system — and that depends on having the right people in that system,” he said. “There’s a real difference between electing someone who’s gay-friendly and someone who’s actually gay. We’ve seen time and time again people who say they support our issues and then when push comes to shove and it looks like that could be politically difficult, that support vanishes. That’s not me. And the best way to make a difference in government — whether in the legislative, executive or judicial branches — is to have more openly LGBT people there.” In last week’s ballot-position selection, Mallios drew number eight, a good position that he said is inspiring him “to run twice as hard. My whole career has been in public service, and this is the next step for me.” For more information, visit www.mallios4judge.com. ■

is used for programming. The center’s income totaled $42,297.90 for February, $12,687.10 below the expected income of $54,985. While building revenue, grants and individual giving came close to or exceeded expectations for the month, income from events and fundraisers fell below expectations, primarily because an expected February fundraiser did not occur. Total February expenses for the center were $58,809.48, which was $3,836.48 over the estimated expenses of $54,973. The overage was attributed to expense related to a consultant for the center’s senior housing project and a town-hall meeting. Secretary O’Malley reported that the center is looking to draft a new strategic plan as its current five-year strategic plan is nearly ended. To drive strategic planning, the center will establish an advisory council, which will meet monthly beginning in April. O’Malley said an initial draft of the new strategic plan should be completed by August and presented to the board by September. Bartlett gave a progress update on the center’s senior housing project, reporting that if the tax credits for the project are approved in July, the project will be able to move forward. The center’s next public board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 26. For more information, visit www.waygay.org. ■

The nation’s oldest, continuously operating LGBT bookstore.

Readings with Felice Picano and David Pratt March 29, 2011 at 5:30pm

Felice Picano’s new David Pratt is the book is True Stories-- author of Bob the Book (Chelsea Portraits from my Past (Chelsea Station Station Editions, $16 pb). Editions, $16 pb).

www.queerbooks.com email: giovannis_room@verizon.net 345 S. 12th St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107 215-923-2960 Mon-Sat 11:30 - 7, Sun 1 - 7

PGN

SERVICES DIRECTORY ��

��

10 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Victoria Jackson

Editorial

Pursuing equality abroad This week, the United Nations Human Rights Council issued a statement titled “Ending Acts of Violence and Related Human Rights Violations Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.” In it, the 85 signatory countries call for greater attention to violence and humanrights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Though the U.N. council has issued two previous similar statements, this latest statement garnered a greater number of signers than before: In 2006, 54 nations signed on; in 2008, 67 nations signed on. This statement encourages LGBT issues to be reviewed in the Universal Periodic Review process and for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to address LGBT issues, and calls for countries to end criminal sanctions based on LGBT status. The statement also references the secretary general’s statement earlier this year that “the Universal Declaration guarantees all human beings basic rights without exception, and when individuals are attacked, abused or imprisoned because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the international community has an obligation to respond.” Specifically mentioned are “killings, rape, torture and criminal sanctions” of individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In her own statement, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated her assertion that “gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights,” adding that the U.S. will “continue to promote human rights around the world for all people who are marginalized and discriminated against because of sexual orientation or gender identity.” Last week, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) introduced an amendment to put pressure on countries that condone or allow violence and discrimination against LGBT individuals. Specifically, the amendment, which the Financial Services Committee approved, urges the Department of Treasury “to advocate that governments receiving assistance from the multilateral development institutions do not engage in gross violations of human rights, for example, the denial of freedom of religion, including the right to choose one’s own religion, and physical persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity.” Though not explicitly stated, the amendment takes aim at Uganda and the attacks legislators there have made against the rights of gays and lesbians. In the U.N. statement, the council noted some positive movement on behalf of various organizations. Specifically, it acknowledged the work of the Asia-Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institutions to integrate LGBT issues with humanrights institutions in the region and the increasing attention the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has given to LGBT issues. While neither the U.N. council statement nor Frank’s amendment has any consequences per se, both serve to raise the issue in international settings and evoke dialogue around issues that need greater attention abroad — and at home. ■

I used to love “Saturday Night Live” when I was a kid. By far one of my favorite cast members was Victoria Jackson. I thought she was hilarious. Granted, she mostly played the same ditzy blonde character in every skit, but she did it well. When Jackson left the show in 1992, I remember feeling disappointed. I was positive SNL just wouldn’t be the same without her. And, of course, it wasn’t, but my allegiance was with the show, not with Jackson. And it wasn’t long before I lost track of her. Fast-forward almost two decades. I hadn’t even thought of Victoria Jackson in years. In fact, if you would have asked me if she were still alive, I would have been unable to answer. But she’s alive all right. And, it turns out, completely insane. On March 18, “The Muslims next door,” a column by Tea Party Princess Jackson, appeared on World Net Daily, the Internet’s go-to source for right-wing ranting and raving about homosexuality. Granted, Jackson’s piece is, as the title indicates, about Muslims, but she manages to get some antigay jabs in there as well (I suspect that’s editorial policy at WND). “Why do liberals embrace Islam knowing it frowns on homosexuality?” Jackson writes. “Because they have the same goals. Progressives, communists, liberals, globalists and Muslims want to destroy America. When that goal is reached, they will fight for top billing. It will be bloody.” Ah, yes. The great race to destroy the country and then beat the shit out of each other. She’s on to us. Granted, I don’t know where we’re going to live once our shared dream of destruction is realized. Probably Canada. I should point out that Jackson’s criteria for “embracing Islam” simply means the opposite of denouncing Islam. So, basically, if you don’t hate something, then that means you love it. And probably want to gay-marry it. Very logically sound. And so her thinking goes throughout her column. It’s rambling and full of sweeping generalizations and unsupported claims. At times she tries to be funny, but really she just comes across as a hateful person. “Frankly, I’m afraid to say anything about Muslims. Why? Because they kill people,” she writes. “I try to stay away from violence, and I wouldn’t even be thinking about Islam except that they keep

jumping in front of my face. No one talked about Islam when I grew up. How did they all suddenly appear in America?” Good question. How did they “all suddenly appear in America?” Surely there weren’t Muslims here back in the ’60s and ’70s when Jackson was a kid. I mean, it’s not like Islam is one of the largest religions in the world or anything. So there’s really just no telling how they managed to get some of their people on U.S. soil right under Jackson’s nose. All Muslims are up to no good in Jackson’s eyes. She writes, “Why can’t the ‘good, peaceful’ Muslims denounce the actions of the ‘bad, violent’ Muslims? I’m Baptist, and I denounce the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church. They are not living the way Jesus taught — but the opposite. Maybe, just maybe the ‘good’ Muslims approve of what the ‘bad’ Muslims are doing! Maybe they are celebrating it, funding it and cheering them on.” It’s strange that Jackson seems to be completely unaware of the multitude of Muslims who condemn violence. The majority of them, even. Maybe, just maybe, she needs to read something other than World Net Daily. And before we give her too much credit for denouncing the Westboro Baptist Church, don’t forget that she doesn’t like gays one bit. Especially, it seems, not the gleeful ones. “Did you see ‘Glee’ this week?” she writes. “Sickening! And, besides shoving the gay thing down our throats, they made a mockery of Christians — again! I wonder what their agenda is? Hey, producers of ‘Glee’ — what’s your agenda? One-way tolerance?” Granted, I don’t watch “Glee,” but I know that there was a kiss between two boys on the show. Perhaps, for the sake of “balance,” someone should have beaten the shit out of those two fags on the same episode. You know, a nod to all of the tenderhearted Christians out there offended by a boy kissing another boy. Remember, when you kiss a homo, you do it for Satan. But when you sucker-punch one, you’re doing it for Jesus. ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: (215) 925-6437.

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

OP-ED PGN

Cohen’s campaign victories Sherrie Cohen just hit the trifecta of is doing: After all, this year the Victory elections. The community organizer and Fund is celebrating 20 years of helping to LGBT candidate for City Council-atelect openly LGBT candidates to public Large just learned that she is one of only office. Since its founding, the number of two Pennsylvania candidates who has out elected officials serving in the United been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian States has gone from 49 to more than 400. Victory Fund; the other is As to that trifecta. Cohen Brian Kraus, who is running filed more signatures than any other citywide candidate from for reelection to Pittsburgh City Council. Not only has both parties for an at-large seat Victory Fund endorsed — and it’s a big field of more than 60 candidates in both Cohen’s candidacy, she is one of its “focus” candidates. Democrat and Republican parSo if, like me, at first you ties. In the first financial filing of the campaign season, didn’t believe that Cohen’s chances were good, it might be her campaign had raised more time to sit up and take note of funds than any other candiher campaign, since it is about date for an at-large seat. And, as hot as a campaign can get. finally, she drew a top ballot The Victory Fund is a spot. This campaign is really on a roll. national LGBT organization that works with out canBut let’s save the final word didates to get them elected. Mark Segal for the Victory Fund. Endorsement brings both funds “It’s important to have and organizational support along with it. authentic LGBT voices in government. It is also a seal that says, “We believe this People like Sherrie, who have the courage person is in a good place to win.” to step up and run for office while being As the Victory Fund itself stated, open and honest about themselves, are “Sherrie Cohen was endorsed by the making sure our community has a place at Victory Fund Saturday at a meeting of our the table.” ■ Victory Campaign Board. She’s among Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He is the our “Focus Candidates” ... as with all nation’s most-award-winning commentaof the Victory Fund’s endorsements, the tor in LGBT media, having received the board’s decision to endorse means Cohen 2010 Columnist of the Year Award from meets our endorsement criteria, among the 2,000-member Suburban Newspapers which is a requirement that the candidate of America. He can be reached at must be deemed viable in the race.” mark@epgn.com. And the Victory Fund knows what it

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

Tobias Grace

Suffer the children Chief executives — whether kings, presidents or prime ministers, are often referred to (especially by their PR people) as “the father of their people.” That being so, Mayor Bloomberg, one of the richest men in the world, has said to his children, “I’m sorry but we have to make budget cuts. I need to continue to entertain my plutocrat friends to dinners at Gracie Mansion, so you kids are just going to have to forage in dumpsters and sleep on the street.” This is precisely what Bloomberg has said in his administration’s abrupt termination of all housing subsidies in the city budget. There was no warning — no adjustment period — no time to seek other options. Some 15,000 letters went out telling everyone receiving rental

assistance that, effective at once, it was eliminated. Many of those affected are young people — some of whom waited years to get a certificate for the Advantage program, many of whom are for the first time in a place of their own, off the streets and able to begin getting a life together. Now, those dreams are crushed and they are thrown out — back to the streets. Assuredly, the streets will be the death of some of these kids. We know with certainty that some have already contemplated suicide. Mayor Bloomberg does not expect his life of limousines, first-class flights and black-tie dinners to be marred by their misery and deaths — yet there will be specters haunting his feasts. As when the

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Street Talk What are you looking forward to about spring? “The flowers — especially Gerbera daisies. They’re beautiful. I come back to life in the spring. The sunshine Bill Bell and warmth fitness coach bring me back Bella Vista to life. The flowers just make everything more beautiful.”

“Going fishing. It’s very relaxing. When I’m fishing, I can enjoy life. But I throw the fish back. Kate Eagle I won’t eat illustration student them. I don’t South Philadelphia use a gnarly hook, so they can still survive. It’s just like they’re getting a lip piercing.”

“This is my first spring in Philly. So I’d say the adventure that spring offers. Philly is a big city, with so much to see. But Colleen Finazzo I don’t like dance student traveling in Center City the winter. Now I want to visit as many places as possible. I’ve heard a lot about Fairmount Park, and plan on going there soon.”

“Wearing open-toe shoes. I like the freedom of that type of shoe. And jogging. I don’t run as much in the winter. It’s too cold. Running keeps me healthy. I need

Ghost of Christmas Present draws back his robe to reveal the starving children of ignorance and want, thus will the curtains Bloomberg has hung to screen his view of terrible realities be parted to show the ghosts of children — his children; our children — whom his heartless decision has cast to the implacable and deadly fates. A terrible chilly wind will blow through those parted curtains — turning his wine sour and his roast, his sweet desserts, all to ashes in his mouth. One by one, his guests will draw back and depart as the accusing ghosts of dead children point out the man who destroyed their lives with a mere flick of a pen. In the last moments of his old age, they are the spirits who will come to conduct him to his final reward.

Susan Rafetto Realtor Washington Square West

to do it more.”

History will record Mayor Bloomberg as a man of fabulous wealth who could not find it in his heart to help children of his own city who have no resource and no shelter. Have we at last become a society so debased, so without the fundamentals of civilized morality that we can tolerate a leader who takes food from the mouths of children and the roof from over their very heads? If there are gods, surely they will turn away in disgust from a people who have become so vile. This is evidently what Mayor Bloomberg is, but surely it is not what we are. It is time we proved it by rising up with one voice, as a people, to say, “You will not do this terrible thing to children.” Tobias Grace, Editor, Out In Jersey

Planning a wedding, civil union or commitment ceremony? Let the community share your good news. E-mail announcements with your contact information to editor@epgn. com, and put “announcement” in the subject line.

PGN

12 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

News Briefing Gay priest settles with CHC The Rev. James St. George, the openly gay priest at the center of last month’s highly publicized employment conflict with a local Catholic college, announced a settlement with the school this week. In a statement released from his publicist this week, St. George said he and Chestnut Hill College reached an “amicable resolution,” although he declined to provide details beyond saying the settlement was “consistent with each party’s respective religious beliefs.” St. George will not return to teach at the school, his publicist said. Late last month, the university declined

to offer St. George another teaching contract, saying the school recently learned of public statements he made about his 15year committed relationship with another man. St. George is pastor of Blue Bell’s St. Miriam’s, which is affiliated with the Old Apostolic Church, a non-Vatican-approved denomination that allows priests to be gay and non-celibate. “Chestnut Hill College and I have expressed our respect for each other’s churches, however different our religious principles may be,” St. George said. “We are committed to moving forward and tending to our respective ministries.”

and an auction. Awards will be given out to Dr. Mariana Chilton, state Rep. Dwight Evans (D-203rd Dist.) and the Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice, an HIV clinical program at the Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine at Drexel University’s College of Medicine. The event is being co-chaired by Philadelphia Phillies player Ryan Madson and Eagles player Winston Justice and their wives, Sarah and Dania. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased at www.mannapa.org/nourish.

MANNA imparts honors

Gaying it forward for center

The Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance will host a fundraising gala next week to pay tribute to its supporters and celebrate the agency’s more-than two decades of providing nourishing meals to those facing life-threatening illnesses. The second annual MANNA Nourish Awards will be held from 6-10 p.m. March 31 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., featuring dinner, drinks, a raffle

Local entertainer Nicholas Rocco will host date auction “Gay It Forward” from 9 p.m.-midnight April 2 at Smokin’ Betty’s, 116 S. 11th St. The event, a fundraiser for the William Way LGBT Community Center, will feature between 20-30 eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, and partygoers can bid on dates with them at local restaurants. The

event will also feature raffles, drag performances and live entertainment. There is no cover charge for the event. For more information, email thenicholasrocco@yahoo.com.

Scholarship for Blahnik youth House of Blahnik is offering an academic scholarship for youth in the house/ball community. The HOB Scholarship will support the educational goals of Blahnik youth who’ve demonstrated academic excellence. The three previous recipients have all attained degrees at four-year universities with support of the scholarship. Applications, which must be submitted by 5 p.m. May 6, are available online at www.houseofblahnik.org. For more information, contact Damon Humes at houseofblahnik@yahoo.com or 215-4311790. The winner is expected to be chosen by June. ■ — Jen Colletta

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

��

215-735-1006

��

Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney 1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

��

�� WWW.HOLTESQ.COM New Jersey 856-599-5555

“We are a debt relief agency”

��

Philadelphia 215-545-7789

��

Thomas E. Hora Attorney-at-Law ��

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

��

�� ~ Now Accepting New Patients ~

• General and Specialized Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Early Morning and Evening Hours • Education

Cornell University, B.S., 1986 U of P School of Dental Medicine, DMD, 1990 Temple University, Residency in Prosthodontics, 1992

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For�� As Little As $25.00 A W ��

��

Dr. Ira Sheres (center) with his life partner and their children

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For AsWeekly Little For As As $25.00 Week. 215-625-8501 Today! Reach Over 40,000 Readers LittleAAs $25.00Call A Week.

14 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PGN

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

��

“We Put Your Grandma’s Roof On”

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Gayborhood Crime Watch

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between March 8-12. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686TIPS (8477).

ARREST: At 1:20 a.m. March 8, 6th District officers stopped a male in the 1300 block of Locust Street and found that he was wanted on a warrant for probation violations. REPORT: At 3 a.m. March 8, complainant was talking to a panhandler at Broad and Locust streets and was about to give him money when another panhandler grabbed the money from his pocket and fled. The offender was described as a black male, 40 years old, 5-foot-5, with a light complexion and thin build, wearing a dark hoodie.

ARREST: At 8:55 a.m. March 9, Central Service Detail officers observed a male yelling obscenities at passing pedestrians near Juniper and Market streets. The 69-yearold male with a West Philadelphia address refused to disperse and was arrested for disorderly conduct.

by the DPR Unit via phone, police were not dispatched, and thus no fingerprints were lifted.

male, in his late 20s, last name of Ramos, 5-foot-2, with a beard and wearing a blue coat.

ARREST: At 11:40 p.m. March 9, 6th District plainclothes officers arrested a male for prostitution at 1220 Locust St.

ARREST: At 9:40 a.m. March 9, complainant was walking in the 1100 block of Market Street using his cell phone when a female snatched it from his hand and fled. After checking the area with his friend, the complainant flagged down police and pointed out the offender. Officers from the Highway Patrol Unit apprehended the female and recovered the complainant’s cell phone. The 32-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with theft and related offenses.

REPORT: At 5 p.m. March 10, a video projector was taken from a third-floor conference room inside the Loews Hotel, 1200 Market St. Video shows that the offender was a black male, in his 30s, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, with a dark complexion, a muscular build and close-trimmed beard and mustache, wearing a grey striped brim hat, a black button-down shirt, grey pants and carrying a black plastic trash bag.

ARREST: Between 2-7:30 a.m. March 12, someone entered an unlocked 2004 Jeep, parked in the 1000 block of Spruce Street, and stole a phone and ID. Officer Cody was unable to lift fingerprints.

REPORT: Between 9:30 p.m. March 9 and 12:50 a.m. March 10, someone smashed the window of an out-of-towner’s 2010 Honda, parked in the paid garage at 1200 Walnut St., and stole a GPS. This report was received

REPORT: At 11:25 p.m. March 11, complainant was asleep in the subway, 1004 Market St., and was awakened by another homeless male known to him by last name only who then cut the complainant on the cheek with a knife and fled to street level. The offender was described as a Hispanic

ARRESTS: At 8:40 p.m. March 12, 6th District bicycle patrol officers observed a group of approximately 10 youths, ages 818, gathered outside 1 S. Broad St., blocking pedestrians and acting disorderly. The group was ordered to disperse; two males in the group, ages 17 and 18, refused and were arrested for disorderly conduct. REPORT: At 8:45 p.m. March 12 (reported 9:45 p.m.), complainant was at Broad and Pine streets when a group of about eight teens accosted him, demanded and took his wallet and cell phone and fled east on Pine. The only description provided was approximately eight black males, age 17. ■

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

16 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

STONING, from page 1

gay,” Kortan said. “Thomas only stated that Seidman made sexual advances toward him, but keep in mind Mr. Seidman was a 20-year product of the Elwyn system and is developmentally challenged.” Lenny said his brother had the mental capacity on par with a second- or thirdgrade education. “He was really bad with math but, fortunately, only about .1 percent of the people he encountered took advantage of that. If he was at a grocery store and he gave the cashier a $20 and the order was $1.50 and they gave him $3 back, he wouldn’t really know — but thankfully most people were honest with him,” Lenny said, noting, however, that his brother was strong in other areas. “He definitely was very conversant and could write very slowly and read very slowly. But he had an uncanny ability to learn the public transportation system throughout the whole Philly, Jersey and Delaware areas. He’d take the busses and trains to malls and other places, and everyone at the hospital where he worked, if they ever had a question about a bus route, would go right to him. And he had an uncanny memory: If we’d talk about things from 45 years ago, he’d know the year and the date of when something hap-

PGN

pened.” Seidman retired from Mercy Fitzgerald at the end of last year, and his brother said he became acquainted with Thomas sometime in the past year after delivering linens to his room. “When I first met him, I thought I saw something in him that he did have a big heart,” Lenny said. “He thought of my brother as this gramps he never had, and I know Murray was probably the first person in years to really give him uplifting advice — he would tell all the patients at the hospital that things were going to be alright.” Thomas and Seidman would visit several times a week and dine out, play miniature golf or bowl. While Lenny said he was at first happy with the companionship Thomas provided, the friendship began to worry him, especially after he learned his brother added Thomas to his bank accounts. “We went to breakfast and I was getting ready to pay and [Thomas] pulled out a debit card and said he’d pay for it, and I said, ‘Oh, you’re going to put it on your debit card?’ and he said, ‘Well, Murray added me to his account,’” Lenny said. Seidman lived on about $1,600 a month from a small pension and Social Security, his brother said.

Look Better NAKED! Move Forward Fitness

13 Week Fitness Program! • Lose Fat! • Gain Muscle! • Speed Metabolism!

GUARANTEED RESULTS! 215-399-3541

MoveForwardFitness.com Call Today!

Kortan said that the financial motivation may have been a “contributing factor but we will not discuss it further until trial.” Lenny said his brother was always adamant about his independence and, while he cautioned his brother to be careful, he knew his advice would only go so far. “He was always determined to make his own decisions, whether or not it was right or wrong in my mind,” Lenny said. “I was hoping I was being a little paranoid [about Thomas] but I knew that there was little I could do because he was going to do what he was going to do.” Lenny did, however, ask Thomas to send him monthly bank statements so he could ensure proper spending. After seeing expenditures for $80 dinners, gas for Thomas’ car and $400 withdrawals, Lenny said he confronted Thomas on the telephone late last year and got into a verbal spar with him. “I said to him, ‘Look, a good friend does not take money from your friend. If you’re really friends, you can’t take someone’s money, especially when that person cannot afford it,’” Lenny said. “He asked me to go to church with him, and I just lost my temper. That was the last time I spoke to Johnny before the murder.” Thomas is a member of The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but Lenny said he was a “religious fanatic.” He brought Seidman into the Mormon Church, which Lenny said was beneficial because of the community support it provided, although he said he didn’t think his brother would have joined the church on his own. Lenny speculated that the murder could have been solely financially motivated or that the Biblical defense could stem from Thomas’ confusion over his own sexuality. “I think he’s framing his defense already. I think he had his eye on my brother’s savings. He got him to sign over power of attorney, he had him make him the sole executor of his will — these aren’t things that Murray would have done on his own. He owed Murray a lot of money and told me that Murray told him the loans were now gifts. When Murray made friends with someone, he would literally take the shirt off his back if they needed it. He was generous to his own detriment.” A judge denied Thomas bail in a March 18 hearing. In addition to first-degree murder, Thomas is also charged with third-degree murder, criminal homicide, aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and reckless endangerment. ■

GIOVANNI’S, from page 1

tion changes and owners, and its collection — and iconic place in the community — flourished. Current owner Ed Hermance came on board in 1976, and Wilson Weinberg said he’s been the driving force behind the store’s growth since that time. “Ed has been such a devoted bookophile and community member and just a good store manager,” he said. “He’s there all the time, he knows the inventory and he knows and loves his customers. I really think he’s been the key to the store’s success.” Hermance said the store played a pivotal role in the dissemination of information about HIV/AIDS in the height of the epidemic, and has continued to evolve in its significance to the local community. In 2009, the community rallied behind the store, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the repair of an exterior wall. “It’s gratifying that so many people worked so hard to make this come to our front door,” he said of the marker. “It’s great that people are still so interested in the store and want to recognize it.” Casarez noted the marker will be especially meaningful to the generations of LGBT Philadelphians who’ve seen its growth and progress alongside the development of the local LGBT community. “For those of us here in the city, we all love Giovanni’s Room anyway, whether or not it’s the oldest LGBT bookstore,” she said. “When Giovanni’s Room opened, it only had about 100 titles, and I think that really shows you what things were like back then. They now carry tens of thousands of titles, and the fact that Giovanni’s Room is still existing and thriving as a community hub, when even big-book sellers like Border’s are closing, is really significant.”

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, PGN, Philly Pride Presents and the Washington Square West Civic Association. Casarez explained the wording on the sign — which will likely be installed in October, LGBT History Month — had to be crafted as if the store were no longer standing, as the markers are meant to signify historical locations in perpetuity. The proposed language reads: “Founded in 1973 and named after James Baldwin’s second novel, Giovanni’s Room served as bookstore, clearinghouse and meeting place at the onset of the lesbian and gay civilrights movement, a time when one could be ostracized, arrested or fired for loving someone of the same gender.” Tom Wilson Weinberg, who founded the store along with Bernie Boyle and Dan Sherbo, said that at its inception, Giovanni’s Room offered not only rare LGBT reading material but also a chance to come together as a community. “In 1973, it was hard to buy gay books anywhere. There just weren’t many. And the ones that did exist weren’t available in general bookstores,” he said. “And there really weren’t many alternatives for LGBT people to meet and hang out other than at bars. So we wanted to create a space where we could invite people of all ages together. It had a real coffeehouse atmosphere.” The store was originally located at Second and South streets in a storefront property with a monthly $85 rent, furnished by trash-picked items and with all books displayed with the front covers facing outward, a testament to the minimal number of titles available at the time. Over the years, however, the store survived numerous loca-

■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Come out for LGBT Health Awareness Week Are you “out” to the health-care probody of knowledge about health issues viders in your life? If you’re a patient affecting the LGBT population — and at our primary-care practice at Mazzoni also to increase the availability of, access Center Family and Community Medicine, to and quality of physical, mental and 809 Locust St., you know what it’s like behavioral health and related services for the LGBT population. to receive care in an LGBTBack in 1997, our agency friendly and supportive enviconducted a “needs assessronment. Not everyone has that ment” of lesbian and bisexual opportunity, but for so many reasons it is vitally important women in the Philadelphia to speak openly with the people metropolitan area with regard to their health-care concerns. who provide your health care. At that time, our survey Next week, March 28- April 1, marks the ninth annual LGBT revealed that only 7 percent of Health Awareness Week, sponwomen were asked directly by sored by the National Coalition their providers about their sexual orientation. Nearly half of for LGBT Health, an organization for which I am proud to the women surveyed (46 percent) had not disclosed their serve as a board member. This orientation to their primary year’s theme, “Come Out for care doctor — meaning half of Health,” represents a call to Nurit Shein them had not. action for community members, advocates, service providers Ten years later, we conducted a similar survey and, while the and governmental officials to recognize health and wellness as an essential part of responses showed some movement, we the social-justice movement for lesbian, learned that 30 percent of lesbian or gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. bisexual women were still not “out” to The central goal of this year’s awareness their provider. The reasons for lack of campaign is to encourage LGBT people to disclosure included embarrassment, fear speak to their health-care provider about of ostracism or refusal to treat, voyeuristic curiosity or breach of confidentialtheir sexual orientation and gender identity. Only by making ourselves visible as ity. Some said they simply didn’t feel individuals can we work to increase the comfortable having the conversation. Yet

On Being Well

www.dignityphila.org Make us part of your Lenten Observance Ash Wednesday, March 9th

Join us for mass at 7:30 pm in the Blue Room

St. Luke & The Epiphany Church

330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine Streets, Philadelphia, PA Also join us on Sunday at 7 pm for mass – Social after mass on Sundays Communion in the form of Consecrated bread, wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion available upon request.

615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah @rodephshalom.org

CONGREGATION BETH atAHAVAH Rodeph Shalom

A GLBT synagogue welcoming people of all gender and sexual identities since 1975

JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Saturday, March 19, 8:00 PM - Purim Celebration: The Whole Megillah

Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional Join us for a Beit Cafe (Coffee House), a little Megillah, a little Havdalah, and Dessert information, programming and It is going to be a hilariously good time with dessert and a Beit Cafe (Coffee House) featuring favorites from directions

Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next light, Mt. Vernon St. Parking lot entrance on left.

past Beth Ahavah Purim Shpiels and acts from clergy and congregants. Get a babysitter and come dressed in your favorite costume (optional) and get ready to party! Get ready for some serious silliness for Purim. RSVP to Marcia at (215) 627-6747 x12 or mbiggs@rodephshalom.org. Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

nearly all of these women agreed that sharing this information would enhance the medical care they receive. The good news was that most of the women in our survey reported a “good” relationship with their primary-care provider and, among those who didn’t, most were actively seeking a provider with whom they felt more comfortable. One woman wrote: “I would love to find a provider who will not be ‘surprised’ I sleep with women, and who knows what health concerns are relevant to the queer community.” Several women echoed this respondent, who told us: “I got tired of people asking if I might be pregnant!” In health care, as with many other areas of our lives, straightness is typically assumed. That puts the burden on us as LGBT individuals to initiate conversations that aren’t always easy to have. I am happy to report that this is changing, as medical, nursing and other students across the health professions receive education and training around what we call “cultural competence” and sensitivity to the needs of LGBT and other minority populations. All of us who work in health care need to realize that making patients feel welcome is of critical importance — and that it’s ultimately about much more than someone’s feelings. When you don’t disclose personal information for

whatever reason, when you delay visiting a doctor, put off tests or other procedures out of discomfort or fear, you put your own health at risk. You may have read that lesbians, bisexuals, gay men or transgender individuals face an increased risk for certain cancers (breast cancer or ovarian cancer, for example), but that there are no specific data as to why. Lack of self-disclosure is part of the reason health professionals lack this hard data. Increased awareness — of our numbers, our geographic location, our behaviors, our concerns — leads to increased research, which ultimately leads to improved care and better health outcomes. It’s all related! If you haven’t done so already, here’s one simple but meaningful step you can take for better health this year: Come out to the health-care providers in your life. You’ll be doing yourself and your community a favor. And if you don’t currently have a primary-care provider, or aren’t fully comfortable talking with the one you see, please consider visiting our website, www.mazzonicenter.org, to find out more about becoming a patient at Mazzoni Center. ■ Nurit Shein is executive director of Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia’s only LGBT health-care center.

PGN

18 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Questions About Hemorrhoids?

Proctology Colonoscopy

International

Office Hemorrhoid Treatment Gay erotica writers arrested in China Colon Cancer Screening Office Surgery • Laser Surgery Bleeding • Constipation • Diarrhea Treatment of Anal Warts (HPV) Most Insurances Accepted Day & Evening Appointments Dr. Lowell D. Meyerson D.O. Board Certified Proctologist

Two Locations City Line Professional Building 7516 City Line Avenue Suite 2 Philadelphia, PA 19151 215-877-3639

Medical Arts Building

50 East Township Line Rd. Suite 226, Elkins Park, PA 19027 215-379-0444

www.fannydoctor.com

Vote For Judge

CHRISTOPHER MALLIOS Court of Common Pleas

Experience in our community: • Chair of Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP) • Hate Crimes Prosecutor – Received the Civil Rights in Law Enforcement Award from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations • District Attorney’s Liaison to the LGBT Community • Member of the Police Commissioner’s LGBT Advisory Committee

VOTE ON MAY 17th for a member of our community.

www.mallios4judge.com

Police in China have arrested 32 women for allegedly writing erotica for a gay website. The women, including one 17-year-old, were arrested in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province. They were reportedly arrested for spreading obscene material. Police said the website contained 80,000 erotic stories and had 600,000 registered members. The site’s owner reportedly said that his workers were young women in their 20s in cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing. China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and it was seen as a mental illness until 2001.

Dutch soldiers to march in Pride parade The Dutch defense ministry will this year for the first time officially participate in Amsterdam’s Gay Pride Canal Parade, event organizers have announced. Gay and lesbian members of the Dutch armed forces dressed in uniform, with the ministry’s official “blessing,” will join the Saturday-afternoon parade through some of the Dutch capital’s world-famous canals on their own special boat. The plan is the result of an initiative by an organization that represents gays and lesbians in the armed forces. The parade will take place on Aug. 6 as part of the Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend. The parade’s organizers and the gay military organization have both welcomed the news. They say officially sanctioned participation is a huge step forward in the social acceptance of gay and lesbian people in the armed forces. Two years ago, gay soldiers were not allowed to join the event. Last year, they were granted permission to do so but only on an individual basis.

Thailand to draft trans Thailand’s defense ministry has altered the terms it uses when referring to transgender individuals, who would typically be exempt from military service. When Thailand’s annual conscription begins in April, “Type 2” will refer to men who have undergone breast enhancement surgery and “Type 3” will describe those who have undergone sexual-reassignment surgery. “Type 1” will refer to men “whose appearances are typical of men.”

Previously, the law has exempted transgender individuals from service because of a “psychological abnormality.” “Type 1” men have previously been required to draw a conscription ballot, but this year, “if the number of Type 1 is insufficient, Type 2 will be conscripted as well, despite their female-like breasts,” said Thaksin Chiamthong, director of the academic resources division of the Army Reserve Command. This year, the military needs to draft 97,280 men age 21 — an increase of 9,828 from 2010.

New gay Italian IKEA ad draws ire Swedish furniture giant IKEA has unveiled an ad featuring a gay couple in Italy. The ad — which is not the first gayfriendly campaign the company has run — shows two men holding hands under the slogan: “We are open to all families.” Below, text says: “With us you will feel at home. What we want to do is make life easier for everyone, every family, every couple, whoever they are.” Italian newspaper Il Giornale, which is owned by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, accused IKEA of “Swedish imperialism” and trying to be “provocative.” Berslusconi said this month that his government would never allow gay couples to marry or adopt children. In the past, IKEA has had to withdraw gay-friendly adverts. Its first gay ad, in 1994, showed a male couple shopping for dining tables. It was pulled after the retailer received a bomb threat. In 2008, Polish Catholics called for a boycott of IKEA because its catalogue featured gay couples. The store was accused of “promoting” homosexuality.

Malaysia censors Gaga Malaysian radio stations have garbled the lyrics to Lady Gaga’s hit single “Born This Way” to prevent listeners’ exposure to “offensive” gay content. The decision was made by broadcasters in the Muslim-majority nation, where the Pan Malaysian Islamic Party protested a concert by Adam Lambert last year. Malaysians who tune in to popular stations hear edited versions of “Born This Way” that use indecipherable garble to replace the lyrics: “No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track, baby.” Broadcasters can face a fine of up to $16,000 and other penalties for breaking the rules. Malaysian gay-rights activists criticized the decision and suggested that Lady Gaga protest by asking Malaysian radio stations not to play her songs at all. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

PGN

AC ul t ure rts

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PAGE 27

Scene in Philly Q Puzzle Worth Watching Family Portrait Dining Out & About Bulletin Board

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

21 22 22 23 25 26 28

Green Fairy (clockwise from top left) Photo courtesy of Philadelphia School of Circus Arts; Grounded Aerial at PIFA, Photo courtesy of Grounded Aerial; PIFA 1976 Photos courtesy of Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Aerial events to turn heads at arts festival By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The sky truly is the limit when the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts brings a broad range of international arts and artists to venues throughout the city April 7-May 1. The ﬁrst-ever festival features more than three weeks of events highlighting and showcasing visual arts, literature, fashion, architecture, music, cinema and performances, all centered around the theme of Paris circa 1910-20. In keeping with the theme, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is scheduled to perform “The Green Fairy Cabaret.” The original show echoes the style of the permanent circuses of the era, which kept artists such as Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger and Guillaume Apollinaire entertained and inspired into the wee hours with jugglers, clowns and acrobats. Robin Marcotte, the show’s director

The best of the rest at PIFA There are too many events and exhibitions at PIFA this year to list here, but here’s list of events that shouldn’t be missed: The exhibition and film festival “Free to Be: The Artistry and Impact of African American Artists in Turn-of-the-Century Paris” explores the lives of Josephine Baker and other African-American artists who found artistic and personal freedom in Paris during the early part of the 20th century, April 7-May 1 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.

Mercedes de Acosta, and the women in her life (including Greta Garbo, Isadora Duncan and fashion icon Rita Lydig), come to life in “Raving Beauty” an musical performance inspired by the life of the controversial socialite and writer, 2 p.m. April 9 at Rosenbach Museum and Library, 2008-2010 Delaney Place.

entitled “Puppets: The Original Avatars,” 5-6:30 p.m. at Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge, University of Pennsylvania, 3417 Spruce St. The Roots’ timekeeper and bandleader, ?uestlove, performs a one-night-only cabaret-styles show with French singer-songwriter Keren Ann, 8 p.m. April 17 at the Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St.

“A Lyrical Opera Made by Two” is a lesbian love Rennie Harris story depicting the relationRenowned Philadelphia choship between critic Alice B. Toklas reographer Rennie Harris re-imagines and writer-poet Gertrude Stein dur- Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” for “Heaven,” Organist T. Desiree Hines and ing their years in Paris when modern- a performance that includes 15 dancers, the Queer Urban Orchestra of ism was born, April 13-17 at Caplan Japanese motifs, multimedia anime and burnNew York and friends present the-floor dance moves, April 15-17, Kimmel Studio Theater, 211 S. Broad St. Mercedes de “Fete Du Soir,” an evening of Center 260 S. Broad St. Acosta Martin P. Robinson, performer, master works written and inspired designer, and director of International by leading Parisian composers, For a full list of Philadelphia International 3 and 7 p.m. April 9 at Arch Street United Puppet Training for Sesame Street joins other Festival of the Arts events, visit www.pifa.org. puppet experts for a roundtable discussion ■ Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.

20 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

and managing director for Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, said the Kimmel Center approached PSCA about putting a performance together but had only a theme in mind. “They just wanted a cabaret of sorts,” Marcotte said. “We thought about what we could do it about, related to the timeframe and the period and what was popular then. I was looking into that time period and absinthe was just such a huge source of people to ﬁnd inspiration. That led us down the road to ‘The Green Fairy.’” Marcotte is certainly no stranger to directing, as he has been involved as a performer and director for the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus since 2002, as well as co-founded Hotel Obligado Physical Theatre. But with the size and scale of “The Green Fairy,” which features aerial fabric, trapeze and acrobatic performers, there are new challenges for him. “It’s a different type of challenging,” Marcotte said, comparing this production to those he’s done in the past. “Here, there’s a lot of trained professionals and there’s a higher expectation for knowledge of the material inside this realm.” Paris in the early 1900s was a hotbed of creativity, spawning many artistic and cultural movements — plenty to explore when the school was researching the era. “It was a time of innovation and inspiration,” he said. “It was the birth of symbolism. At the time, there was a disregard of the literal. We were inspired by the artistic passions of the bohemian lifestyles of all the artists in that time

PGN

Marcotte added there is one particular period. Have you seen ‘Moulin Rouge’? It’s very much that flavor of things: the absinthe, element from that era they are sure to have on the poets, the visual artists, burlesque, the hand. “We’re going to have an absinthe bar up cabaret scene, all of that. We had to dig really deep into it to have a good foundation there and everything,” he said. “It should be of knowledge before we pushed forward. So great. Of course, they won’t have it for the 12 it was really about finding new ways to do p.m. family-friendly show.” Don’t be too envious of the performers things. That’s what I wanted to do with this cabaret: find a new way to show a cabaret. It’s flying around in the air. Regular Joes and not going to be traditional. It’s going to be a Janes will have the opportunity to get their wings as well at PIFA. much more cohesive Philadelphia piece, where the School of Circus Arts emcee is integrated and Fly School Circus into the show and is Arts are teaming up to more of a storyteller present “Fly City,” an than an introducer. outdoor flying-trapeze So that’s how we’re lesson where children putting an innovative and adults can get their switch on how we Peter Pan on high above would typically do a Broad Street under the cabaret.” One switch that Grounded Aerial Photo: M. Edlow for watchful eye of trained surely isn’t typical of GPTMC instructors. Kory Michael Aversa, cabaret performance is the choice of venue for “The Green Fairy” public-relations manager for FSCA, said the — the Kimmel Center’s rooftop Hamilton lessons are well-supervised and safe. Garden. “Fly School Circus Arts is bringing their rig “They haven’t had too many performances from Bucks County and setting it up in the up there but it’s definitely going to be a University of the Arts parking lot,” Aversa challenge, especially for the lighting designer said. “The platform is 25 feet up in the air, just because there are no walls,” Marcotte said. like you would see at the circus or Cirque du “And there’s no roof. There’s not really a Soleil. If you were a student, you’d be walking place to capture and control light. But we’re up a ladder to a platform and the teacher would excited about the intimate nature of it. There’s be teaching you from the platform. There will definitely a level of danger there, which is be a net underneath and you’ll be harnessed.” why we’re using professionals.” (Personally, we’d probably be more

comfortable at the absinthe bar. All of us except for our intrepid publisher, Mark Segal, who somehow got talked into taking a lesson — provided he won’t have to wear tights.) “A lot of people say it sounds scary,” Aversa said. “The ﬁrst thing they teach you is how to fall, because if you keep doing these lessons and you don’t know how to fall safely ... We don’t want that to happen. We also want you to enjoy the experience. Once you know how to fall correctly, you realize it’s not that bad. You just get up and try again.” Um, yeah. Another absinthe with a beer back, please. But in all fairness, the trapeze event does sound exciting and Fly School Circus Arts is expecting the trapeze rig to see a lot of amateur action during the course of the festival. “We think it’ll be one of the highlights of the festival,” Aversa said. “Flying trapeze is already unique, but where else can you go and do ﬂying trapeze in Center City with the Avenue of the Arts and City Hall at your feet?” Philadelphia School of Circus Arts presents “The Green Fairy Cabaret,” 10 p.m. April 1417 and noon April 16-17. Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and Fly School Circus Arts host “Fly City,” 9 and 11:30 a.m., 4:30 and 7 p.m. April 7-May 1 in the University of the Arts lot, 313 S. Broad St. The cost is $55 for a two-hour lesson for participants ages 6 and up. Reservations and tickets are available by calling 215-546-7432 or by visiting www. pifa.org. ■

Starring

Tina Fabriq MAR 22 – 27

SIX PERFORMANCES ONLY!

It’s a life lived out loud in this exhilarating musical about “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald. This theatrical event weaves myth, memory and music as it tells the uplifting and poignant story of one of the greatest jazz vocalists of 20th century music. Featuring two dozen legendary hits including “Night and Day,” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” you’ll fall in love all over again with the magic and soul of Ella Fitzgerald!

TICKETS START AT $20! ORDER TODAY! Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts 215.898.3900 AnnenbergCenter.org

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PGN

22 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Q Puzzle Not a Plain Jane Across

1. Stonewall 6. Part of DADT 9. In a fey way? 14. Sweet heat source 15. Good in Grenoble 16. First indications of orientation 17. With 26-Across, song sung by Jane 20. 66, e.g. 21. Diamond swingers 22. Seaman 23. Augsburg article 24. Docs’ org. 26. See 17-Across 31. Screw-up 33. Reveal, in verse 34. Pitched for Brittin 37. Tyler of “Jersey Girl” 38. Closest point for

Uranus, e.g. 41. Sorbonne summer 42. Stein fillers 44. Pale-green moths 45. “Myra Breckinridge” author Vidal 46. With 51-Across, movie with 17/26Across 49. Off-rd. ride 50. Granola lesbian’s bit 51. See 46-Across 55. Late screen icon Jane 59. Tear apart 60. Failure to accept others, and others 62. Chocolate sandwich 63. Italian wine city 64. Gertrude’s partner 65. Where boxers are visible 66. Brightly colored 67. Abbey residents 68. Targets of men who make passes

Down

1. S&M souvenir 2. “Are you up ___?” 3. Troubling spots 4. Sodomite of the Bible 5. Get slick in the shower 6. Aid’s partner 7. Put in order 8. Trick joint, maybe 9. It leaks out after you shoot off 10. Suffix with honor 11. “___ Rhythm” 12. Sultry Horne 13. River near Dunkirk 18. Put in a position 19. Asian inland sea 23. Phone button trio 25. Greeting to Maria 26. Place of refuge 27. “Julius Caesar” setting 28. Give a piece of one’s mind 29. “King Lear” daughter 30. “___ the Tiger”

31. Loose woman, in the land of Auden 32. Queen Cleo’s river 35. To be, in Toulon 36. Many bucks 39. Checkout time, often, at no-tell motel 40. Online husbands and wives? 43. Broadway understudy, e.g. 45. Forget to use the KY? 47. Ford of old 48. Dorm VIPs 51. Part of a healthy stud muffin? 52. Add-on for Congo 53. Not taken in by 54. Like autoeroticism 55. Hudson of “Giant” 56. Emma Donoghue’s country 57. What libraries do 58. Woody pile 61. Anais who went both ways

Worth Watching PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORIES: “Logo Docs,” the critically acclaimed documentary series, returns for a new season with the premiere of “Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens,” 8 p.m. March 26 on Logo. The film is a down-to-earth and honest portrayal of openly gay Leibovitz, who photographed well-known subjects such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rob Besserer, and takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes look of her life, her art and her relationship with Susan Sontag. Photo: by Annie Leibovitz

FANTASTIC: R&B singer Fantasia (pictured) and actor Wayne Brady guest judge on a new episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where the queens have to compete in a fantasy hair show, 10 p.m. March 28 on Logo. Photo: Randall Slavin

‘OUT’-NUMBERED: Host Aliya-Jamine Sovani (right) sits down with a group of gay men to answer questions in a roundtable discussion on Canadian TV import “1 Girl 5 Gays,” weeknights at midnight on Logo. Photo: Javier Lovera

CROSSROADS: Out character Callie (Sara Ramirez), on the verge of a life-changing moment with girlfriend Arizona, envisions her hospital and friends as they’ve never been seen before on a new episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m. March 31. Photo: ABC/Ron Tom

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Suzi Nash

Amber Hikes: Stimulating community and education Stimulus: 1) (physiology), something external that influences an activity. 2) something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc. Make that “stimulating” and you have PGN’s conversation with Amber Hikes. The 27-year-old Hikes is one of the women behind the popular Stimulus and Arouse parties that have been inciting people to mix, mingle and be merry at the monthly events. We sat down to learn a little more about the up-and-coming community leader. PGN: Where are you originally from? AH: I’m from Atlanta by way of Louisiana and Japan. My dad was in the military, so I was born in Okinawa, then moved to Hawaii, then Louisiana and Atlanta before my parents got divorced and we settled in Delaware. PGN: What were you like as a kid? AH: In high school, I was kind of awkward. We moved to Fayetteville, Atlanta, and it was a very conservative area. Fayetteville was in the news for protesting the removal of the Confederate flag. It was a tense time for the few black students, and I was withdrawn and rebellious at the same time. I was a band nerd on one hand and dating bad boys on the other. PGN: What instrument did you play? AH: Clarinet. And drums in jazz band. We won top marching band in the state of Georgia and got to play for the opening ceremony at the Sydney Olympics. I got to see Cathy Freeman light the torch! PGN: Tell me about the family. AH: My dad is retired now, but still does work for the military as a civilian and my mother worked in education. Not too many people know this, but it was an abusive situation, and we escaped when I was about 10, literally leaving in the middle of the night and not letting him know where we were for a number of years out of fear for our lives. We settled in Delaware and my mother got a job in admissions at the University of Delaware and worked her way up to assistant vice president of Student Affairs at U of D, then Spellman University and, finally, the University of Virginia Tech. PGN: A good childhood memory? AH: We moved to Delaware in the winter of ’96, the year we had the huge blizzard. We were Southern girls, so we had no idea how to shovel and didn’t have any equipment. It took us the better part of a day to shovel our small driveway, but it was fun and we were incredibly proud of ourselves. We took a picture and, when my mom went to Spellman, I framed it and

wrote, “3 women did this!” because it was the first time we accomplished something together after leaving my father. PGN: Any notable relatives? AH: My mother, who’s been on Larry King and several other shows, mainly speaking for the school after the shooting tragedy at Virginia Tech, and my uncle was U.S. ambassador to Botswana and Nigeria. PGN: So, I’m looking at your résumé and see you have a bachelor of arts cum laude in English with a minor in psychology from the University of Delaware and graduated with a GPA of 4.0, and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. Did you get your drive from your mom? AH: Absolutely, for her to be on the run with two small children and a mother with Alzheimer’s and still manage to get her doctorate was inspiring. She really taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you can always find a way out of adversity. And there’s always someone who has it worse than you, so count your blessings, suck it up and keep going! PGN: Do you have a relationship with your dad now? AH: I do, now. I’m told that as men age, their testosterone levels drop and they become more docile, and that’s certainly the case with him. He’s really come around and become a sweet man and good father. PGN: Best moment in school? AH: I always knew I wanted to go to an Ivy League school, so getting accepted into Penn was a great moment and, to top it off, I received a full scholarship and they only give out one of those a year in my field. I was very proud. PGN: You were a residential coordinator/ advisor: What were some of the things you had to deal with? AH: As an RA with undergrads at Delaware, it was mostly telling people to turn their music down or consoling someone after a break-up. At the graduate level, I figured it would be easy, but was shocked by the number of suicide attempts we had to deal with. It’s such a high-pressure environment and a lot of people had difficulty handling it. You had high-achieving people used to being the smartest ones suddenly in a place where everyone is a high achiever and the competition gets fierce. There were a lot of mental-health issues, but I was surprised at how many people thought that suicide was the way out. It was really unfortunate. PGN: At Delaware, you also did trainings with students and staff about sexuality, dis-

crimination and reproductive health. Were you surprised at how much they knew or didn’t know? AH: A little of both. I was given specialinterest housing, which was fun. I had everything from the eco-housing, which were the environmentally concerned students, to the MLK community, which were predominantly the black students, to the LGBT students, and between those groups we had random white freshmen interspersed where they could find room for them! It was challenging, like an episode of “The Real World” come to life. But it all came together, kids from the cornfields of Nebraska dining with the MLK kids, who in turn did programming with the LGBT kids. Everyone worked as one. It was encouraging and inspiring. PGN: Jumping to your internship with Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: What did you do there? AH: I worked with a wonderful attorney

the state of Pennsylvania, you can be fired simply for being gay. PGN: And when did you come out? AH: In my freshman year of college. I knew before that, but didn’t really acknowledge it. As I mentioned, I dated all the wrong guys in high school and then in college actually became serious with one guy and got engaged. Then I met a woman who was an RA — [laughs] not mine, I don’t have an authority complex — and we really hit it off. She was the first openly gay person I knew and the first person I spoke to about my feelings. I broke it off with my fiancé, which was a mutual thing by that time, and she and I dated for a while. I didn’t come out to my mother as much as she pulled me out of the closet. I brought a woman home and, though I didn’t introduce her as my girlfriend, she was obviously gay and my mother put two and two together. A few months later, she got me on the phone and wouldn’t let me off until I came clean. I think she’d taken time to do some research first before getting me to come out to her. I told her I was bisexual, which I still identify as, even though I haven’t been a practicing bisexual for nine years! It was wonderful: She used my coming-out to help her be a better administrator with the LGBT students she worked with, helping the GSAs become stronger and addressing the homophobia on campus. That’s the kind of person she was. PGN: And your sister? AH: She’s my biggest ally. She was actually upset that I came out to my mother before her!

PGN: What’s your role with Stimulus? AH: I’m one of the coPhoto: Suzi Nash founders and co-producwho provided legal services for youth ers. I’m responsible for the majority of the marketing — Facebook, in Pennsylvania who were having issues at school or at their jobs — kids who were emails, etc. My business partner, Morgan being ostracized or harassed, not just by Levine, and I also do the venue negotiastudents, but by teachers or administrators. tions and hire and manage staff. I also She would go into the schools and say, have been responsible for editing all our “If you don’t protect and take care of this pictures, which is a pretty big deal for us. student, we will sue you.” A lot of times, We’re known for having a really diverse that’s all it took to make them pay attencrowd and we make sure our images tion to the problem. I was struck by how reflect that. People come from all over, much the young people had to deal with. from New York to California to Canada, Also, a lot of people don’t realize that, in because they’ve PAGE 24

24 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PORTRAIT PROFILE PGN

never seen such a mix of people in one spot. PGN: So do you have to personally audition the dancers? AH: Yes, I have a very difficult job watching attractive women doing intricate moves, hiring shot girls ... PGN: Where was the first event? AH: It was at Stir and started as a little fundraiser for the Dyke March. It was supposed to be a one-time thing and we had so many people, we outgrew the venue on the first night. It was cool because Morgan knew a lot of people and I knew a lot of people and we both knew so many different people that it brought an interesting mix together. It was so amazing, we decided to do it again and got the space at Marathon, where we’ve been for two years. By the way, I had my first date with my partner, Samantha, at that first event! PGN: I like the fact that Stimulus tries to give back to the community. AH: Yes, we raise money with the Arouse parties for a lot of great organizations like The Attic Youth Center, MANNA, Elements, BEBASHI, etc. We also have a community-service initiative, Stimulus Gives Back, where we help with community service, clean-ups or planting flowers, something to give back each month. There are a lot of women who may not want to come to a party, but they still want to go out and meet other people and help out in the community, so that’s a part of us too. PGN: Were you involved with the Dyke March from the start? AH: Oh no, but I’m proud to be an organizer for the last three years and the chair of the performers and speaker committee. We’re really looking forward to another great march with more diversity than ever this June. We might even have a new route this year!

PGN: What did you want to be when you grew up? AH: A lawyer, mainly because that’s what everyone told me I should be, and I always wanted to work in education, though not necessarily as a teacher. PGN: Any nicknames? AH: Peach, because I’m from Georgia. PGN: And finally, your current job is director of the Upward Bound Program at Penn. What’s great about your program? AH: It’s a federally funded program to help get underrepresented high-school students into college. We work with seven different schools, primarily in the West Philadelphia area. We do tutoring and mentoring and try to close the gap that exists in so many inner-city schools so that students can perform up to the same standards and expectations as their suburban counterparts. The thing that I like about the program is that a lot of scholarships are geared for high-achieving students, the “cream of the crop,” who would probably get into college anyway, but this one reaches out to all students. We work with students with academic need, those with 2.0 to even 1.0, and help them get up to working on a college level. It’s hard work, but it’s so rewarding. PGN: You must be appalled at the current attacks on the teaching profession. AH: It’s just so awful. Everyone is so scared: They’re actually talking about shutting down the Department of Education. It’s insane. I’m not worried about us, but even the fact that they would bring it up is ludicrous. The last thing we should be doing right now is trying to bring down the education system. It’s scary, but we just keep fighting and doing the work that we can while we’re able to do it. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

Food & Drink Happy Hour Mon- Fri 5:30-7:30pm

“Delightful Thai Cuisine”

$2.50 Domestics $3.50 Imports $3.50 Well Drinks $2.50 Pabst & Highlife Bottles Everyday

let us surpise you ...

Rainbow Award Best Bar and Bartender 2008, 2009, 2010

White Elephant Restaurant

759 Huntingdon Pike • Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 (215) 663-1495 • www.whiteelephant.us Voted Best Thai Restaurant in Philadelphia for the last 4 consecutive years! ~MyFox Philly Hotlist

255 Camac St., Philadelphia

215.545.8731 www.VIphilly.com

Dinner served nightly 5:30-11pm Fox Philly Best Gay and Lesbian Bar 2008, 2009, 2010

PGN DINING

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

All hail the ‘Greek’ squad By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

“Opa” is a Greek word that means “party” or “get down,” an exclamation of joy and celebration. From what we tasted at the aptly named Opa, 1311 Sansom St., you might have that very reaction when your meal is done. The new Greek tapas restaurant knows how to elicit joy. Forgive us for not delving too deeply into the main entrées, and not even making it to the desserts, for this review, as we got stampeded, steamrolled and avalanched by Opa’s appetizers. And we’re not complaining. If you end up doing nothing more than sip cocktails and nibble on appetizers at this cozy and stylish establishment, you’re leading a full and happy life. The appetizers aren’t too complex but pack a lot of flavor. The mini gyros ($9) were addictive, as were the keftedes ($11), succulent veal meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. The plates without meat impressed too. The pikilia ($11), a platter of pita bread, vegetables, hummus and other spreadables, was far better than your average hummus dish. The vegetables were so fresh and tasty, we almost didn’t need any of the dips. Also better than the sum of its parts was the saganaki ($7), a serving of kaseri cheese seared and topped with a splash of lemon juice and liqueur. Zucchini usually isn’t our thing, but we gobbled up Opa’s crispy and tender zucchini chips ($10) faster than we did anything else that hit the table.

If you go Opa 1311 Sansom St. 215-545-0170 www.opaphiladelphia.com Open Monday through Saturday for dinner

THE BAR AT OPA Photo: Scott A. Drake

We also tasted the zimi ($6), a baked feta-cheese-filled pita, which underwhelmed us. Things rebounded in superb fashion with the grilled octopus ($12) — perfect enough on its own, but all the more appealing served with an equally good chickpea fondue. Opa also knows how to put together a drink. The specialty cocktails are interesting and include the Opa martini ($10), a concoction of white wine, lemon and orange blossom; the Portokali ($11), rye vodka, blood orange and ouzo; and the Koukla ($9), pineapple vodka, lemon and lavender. It takes a sip or two to wrap your head around the flavors, but it’s

Food & Drink THE ABBAYE EXCELLENT BELGIAN AND MICROBREW SELECTIONS

HAPPY HOUR Mon.-Fri. 4-6 pm $2 off all Drafts $5 glass of wine $2 select daily $3 Well Drinks domestic bottle New Happy Menu - Nothing over $5 DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL Mon-Fri. 11:30 -2:30pm $2 off all Sandwiches $1 off all Entrees (Eat-in Only) BRUNCH - Sat. & Sun. 10 am-3 pm QUIZZO - Every Thursday 10 pm KARAOKE - Every Sunday 10 pm

637 NORTH THIRD STREET PHILADELPHIA TEL: 215.627.6711 FAX: 215.627.6167 WWW.THEABBAYE.NET

all love and the risk of a hangover after that. The entrées we tried were as memorable as the appetizers. The bifteki ($12), a feta-stuffed burger topped with tomato, dill and cucumber relish, is hands-down one of the most perfect examples of a burger and fries you can get in the city: It’s juicy and delicious. The striped bass ($18) was flawless as well. The perfectly cooked piece of fish rested on a bed of sautéed spinach and was accompanied by an excellent garbanzo-bean soufflé. Now do you understand why we couldn’t drag ourselves to any of the desserts? ■

26 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 03/25 Jill Sobule The singer-songwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; 215928-0770. Elton John The out singer performs at 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-336-3600. Jeff Beck’s Rock ’n’ Roll Party The legendary guitarist performs at 8 and 10:45 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Jefferson Starship The classic-rock

band performs at 8 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 03/26 Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge The sixth annual same-sex dance competition returns to town from 9 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.; 732525-0688. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker The animated Batman film is screened at 2 p.m.

at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. From Where We Sit: Black Writers Write Black Youth Victoria Brownworth and contributors to a new anthology, Mecca Jamilah Sullivan, Becky Birtha, Lowell Boston and Lisa R. Nelson, host a reading and book signing at 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. The Fab Faux The Beatles tribute band performs at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. The Legwarmers The ’80s tribute band performs at 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre,

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Lil’ Wayne and Nicki Minaj The hip-hop stars perform at 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215336-3600. Joanne DeSimone and Friends The cabaret singer performs with guests Debbie Knight, Janet Wright, Shayne Frederick, Sonny James and Terry Fenningham, 8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225.

Sun. 03/27 Lover Come Back The 1962 film starring Rock Hudson

and Doris Day is screened at 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Garrison Starr The out singersongwriter performs at 7 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; 215928-0770.

Mon. 03/28 The Social Network The Oscar-winning film is screened at 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

Tue. 03/29 Felice Picano and David Pratt The author of “True Stories: Portraits from my Past” and the author of “Bob the Book” host a reading at 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Thin Lizzy The classic-rock band performs at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650.

Whip It The Penn Jersey Roller Girls host a screening of the roller-derby film at 8:30 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

Wed. 03/30 Kaki King The out guitarist and singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Thu. 03/31 Jessica Lea Mayfield with Daniel Martin Moore The singer-songwriter and the guitarist for The Black Keys perform at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. The 2011 Miss Bob & Barbara’s Pageant The current reigning Miss Bob & Barbara’s, Desiree Evergreene, along with Miss Lisa Lisa, host and perform at the competition, from 10 p.m.-1 a.m., at Bob & Barbara’s, 1509

DARLING NICKI: Rap sensation and fashion risk-taker Nicki Minaj rounds out a bill featuring rap superstars Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross and Blink182 drummer Travis Barker, at 7 p.m. March 26 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-3363600.

South St.; 215-5454511.

Fri. 04/01 AIDS Fund’s Black-Tie GayBINGO AIDS Fund Philadelphia hosts the fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. at Crystal Tea Room, 100 Penn Square East, The Wanamaker

Building; 215-7319255. Nnenna Freelon The Grammy Award-winning jazz singer performs 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. The Residents The avant-garde band performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

SUPER-STARR: You’ve probably heard Garrison Starr’s music on TV shows such as “The Hills” and “Brothers & Sisters,” or seen her opening for the likes of Melissa Etheridge. Now you can catch the out singer-songwriter when she performs at 7 p.m. March 27 at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St. For more information, visit www. garrisonstarr.com or call 215-9280770.

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: diversions@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Je’Caryous Johnson’s Marriage Material A couple’s counseling retreat goes sour for a couple when their skeletons come flying out of the closet, March 31-April 3 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215731-3333. Music and Comedy Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform with comedian Robert Klein, March 30April 3 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Paul Mooney The comedian seen on “Chappelle’s Show” performs March 30-April 2 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001. Speaking In Tongues Walnut Street Theatre presents a psychological thriller comprised of interwoven stories March 29-April 17 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550. Truly Classical The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with Canadian-born Philadelphian Marc-André Hamelin, led by Munich-born Jun Märkl, March 31-April 2 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.

Continuing Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps Walnut Street Theatre presents Alfred Hitchcock’s fast-paced spy mystery through May 1, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

265 S. 10th St.; 215-627-6250. A Glimpse of Paradise: Gold in Islamic Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring the unique status of gold in Islam through a small group of objects from the museum’s collection, through April, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play The Wilma Theater, through April 3, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824. Mary Poppins The stage adaptation of the beloved Disney musical, through April 17 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215731-3333. The Men of Mah Jongg Society Hill Playhouse presents the story of four aging poker buddies who discover the joy of playing mah jongg, through April 17 in the Red Room, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210. The Peacock Male: Exuberance and Extremes in Masculine Dress Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition, drawn from the museum’s collection of Western fashion, examining 300 years of men’s sartorial display, through June, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America The National Constitution Center, through May 30, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6600.

Epherman Existence Gallery 339 presents an exhibition by Tetsugo Hyakutake exploring the contradictions inherent in the Japanese landscape, and how those contradictions offer clues to understanding Japan today, through May 7, 339 S. 21st St.; 215-7311530.

PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM: Rock superstar and gay icon Elton John comes to town for what is sure to be a rollicking concert, 8 p.m. March 25 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-336-3600.

Superior Donuts Arden Theatre Company presents a comedy about a doughnut shop that’s undergoing some changes along with its surrounding community that it’s in, through April 3 at F. Otto Hass Stage, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122.

Arts presents the story of the great jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, through March 27 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215898-3900. French Connection The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with Stéphane Denève, music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, on a program of music by three major French composers, through March 26 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-8931999.

Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition focusing on Philadelphia’s tailoring industry, featuring clothing designed John Heffron by Francis Toscani (1915-73), through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215- The comedian who won the second sea763-8100. son on “Last Comic Standing” performs through March 26 at Helium Comedy Club, The Terrible Girls 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Azuka Theatre presents a dark comedy of friendship, obsession and Southern senResisting Racism: 30 Years of Men sibilities, through April 3 at The Latvian of All Colors Together Society, 531 N. Seventh St.; 215-733-0255. The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition highlighting the To Love, Honor and Obey? Stories long and rich history of the gay, multiracial, of Italian Renaissance Marriage multicultural organization, through March Chests 25, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an WTC View exhibition of the commemorative works Allens Lane Theater Company presents the of art, through July, 26th Street and the story of a gay photographer who places an Parkway; 215-763-8100. advertisement in the Village Voice for an available bedroom in his SoHo apartment, Closing which boasts a view of the World Trade Center and appears on Sept. 10, 2001, Ella The Musical through March 26, 601 W. Allens Lane; The Annenberg Center for the Performing 215-248-0546. ■

Special Events Commissioned Work Fine Art Photography Portraits Advertising

The Eyes of Babylon The Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the one-man show written and performed by out former Marine Jeff Key, who served in Iraq under the ban on openly gay servicemembers, through April 3, 120 Radcliffe St.; 215-785-0100. Facing Out, Facing In: Figurative Works The James A. Michener Art Museum, through May 1, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Fruitville/The School Papers AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of two series of intimate, seldom-seen works by artist Douglas Witmer, through April 2,

THE KING’S SCREECH: Kaki King, the phenomenal out guitarist and singer-songwriter, comes through town again in support of her latest album, “Junior,” when she performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, visit www.kakiking.com or call 215222-1400.

scottdrakephotos@gmail.com

267-736-6743

COMMUNITY PGN

28 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; 215-898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday

Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3-6 p.m. Tuesday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies

■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377

Key numbers

■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221

■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment hot line: 215545-2212 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBTLAW; legalservices@mazzonicenter. org ■ Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822 or 866-2223871. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803.

HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and conﬁdential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077.

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth ﬂoor; 215-563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw.org.

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for informa-

tion about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.

■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org.

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; 856-8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

12-step programs and support groups Adult Children of Alcoholics ■ Meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center. ■ Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Saturdays at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 456-9129. Al-Anon ■ Gay Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. Fridays at St. Andrew’s Church, 50 York St., Lambertville, N.J.; (215) 986-1029. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) ■ Acceptance meets at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets. ■ Beginnings meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■ Community meets at 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; (484) 529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets at 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets at 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Beginners meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2212 Spruce St. ■ Sober and Gay meets at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets at 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Ties That Bind Us is a12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community. Meetings are held from 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call (800) 581-7883. ■ Way Gay Young Peoples meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the William Way Center. Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) ■ Meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the William Way Center. Emotional Support ■ Healing After Loss has monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn. southjersey.com. ■ NJ LGBT Cancer Support Group Discussion/support group for LGBT cancer survivors, patients and caregivers meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month at the Pride Center,

85 Raritan Avenue, Room 3, Highland Park, N.J.; (609) 2178697; njlgbtcsg@me.com. ■ Pink and Blues is a free depression and bipolar support group for sexual minorities and meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 627-0424. ■ Pink and Blues Main Line, a peer-run mental health support group, meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at Bryn Mawr Consumer Center, 1001 W. Lancaster Ave.; (610) 527-1511. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets at 7:30 p.m. on first Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; (215) 545-2242; www.phillysos.tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County meets at 7:30 p.m. on second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Office Building; (215) 545-2242; www.phillysos.tripod. com. HIV/AIDS ■ Strength In Numbers Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/SINPhiladelphia. Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets from 6-8 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence Branch of the the Free Library, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. ■ A support group for HIVpositive men and women meets from 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; (215) 769-3561. ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIV-positive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St.; (215) 9853382. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, begins at 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; (215) 3872885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets at 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; (215) 851-1898. Wednesdays: ■ A support group for HIVpositive women will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; (215) 387-6055. ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205;

(215) 563-2424. ■ Project Teach, a peereducation and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, will meet from 3-5 p.m. at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ■ Positive Effect, for HIVpositive people 18 and over, meets from 5-7 p.m. at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432. Thursdays: ■ A support group for HIVpositive men and women will meet from 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; (215) 7693561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55. N. Broad St.; call Zak, (215) 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. Saturdays: ■ AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets at 11 a.m. at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington; a social session will follow at 12:30 p.m.; (302) 652-6776. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) ■ Meetings are at 2 p.m. Sunday through Saturday and at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center. Overeaters Anonymous (OA) ■ Open meeting, Tuesdays, beginners meet at 5:30 p.m., regular meeting at 6 p.m., and 6 p.m. Friday, at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St., third ﬂoor; call Troy, (215) 514-3065. S.A.R.A. ■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and evening hours; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous ■ Mondays, 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ Mondays, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 20 N. Route 9, Marmora, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. ■ Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 542-3279. ■ Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean View Lodge, Metropolitan Community Church, 521 Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 945-5982. ■ Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. SEPCADD ■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance abuse problems with ofﬁce in William Way Center; (215) 340-9995. Smoking Cessation ■ FreshOUT!, Mazzoni Center’s free quit-smoking program, hosts individual sessions, classes and support groups and offers Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum and lozenges); (215) 563-0652 ext. 228 or email quitsmoking@mazzonienter. org.

REAL ESTATE PGN

Classifieds PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

Home of the Week

VACATION

REAL ESTATE

RENT

RENTAL

VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215-468-9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________35-19 INVEST NOW IN NY LAND! Our best New York land Bargains EVER! Camp on 5 Acres-$19,995. Big acreage w/ timber. Farms & hunting tracts. Waterfront @ 50% discount! Over 150 properties on sale. Call now 800-229-7843 Or visit www. LandandCamps.com _______________________________35-12 Lake Morris, NY: 5 acres on Lake $29,900. 6 acres Lakefront $29,900. 10 acres 2300’ Waterfront, Lake Peninsula $59,900. Village Road, Utilities. www.WaterfrontPropertyNY. com Owners-Broker 1-888-683-2626. _______________________________35-12 ART MUSEUM AREA, SPRING GARDEN A must see! Elegant, awesome 1 BR condo, ultra high 14’ celings, modern, hdwd flrs thruout, built in appl., LR/DR, track lighting, fitness room & storage area. $179,000+. Qualified buyers only. Call Mac at 267-251-4689. _______________________________35-12 Cameron County: 7 acres with stream frontage. Borders state forest land, perc, electric, level building site. North of Emporium near Potter County line. $59,900. 800-668-8679. _______________________________35-12

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________35-19 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215)735-8050. _______________________________35-12 QUEEN VILLAGE 3RD & CATHARINE Gated. 1 BR, hdwd ﬂrs, F/P, C/A, W/D, D/W, private & quaint. $1100. 215-336-4629, cell, 215-687-8461. _______________________________35-13 JEFFERSONVILLE, NEAR K OF P, BLUE BELL Apt. in private wing on home with large yard. Private bath, entrance, kit. $495/mo. + elect. & sec. dep. 610-539-6381, leave message. _______________________________35-14 Bella Vista nice 1 BR apt. Avail. 4/1. $850 + utils. Contact Larry at 215-687-5629. _______________________________35-13

AFFORDABLE FORT LAUDERDALE All Gay Resort. Apts., full kit, 10 min Gay Nightlife, beaches, attractions. Clothing opt. pool, WiFi. 877-927-0090, www.LibertySuites.com _______________________________35-15 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com _______________________________35-12

SAWMILLS Band/Chainsaw -Cut lumber any dimension, anytime. Build anything from furniture to homes. IN STOCK ready to ship. From $4090.00. www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N. 1-800-661-7747. _______________________________35-12

REAL ESTATE

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-19 SPECT. RMATE IN BUCKS. FARM HS. Rarely avail. furn. by desgnr, lg 1 BR with sit. area, pvt. BR, C/A, cbl, W/D, swm. pool, must like pets. Resort set. $998 + sm. util. chg. 215-297-9751. _______________________________35-14

Highlands, New Jersey Sandy Hook Cottage currently being used as a Bed & Breakfast with unbeatable bay and ocean views & decorated Key West style. Main house consists of 3 guestrooms (1 w/ terrace,1 w/roofdeck-both w/oceanviews), owners quarters & 3 updated full baths. Guest cottage is 1 BD,1 Ba.Other features include hardwood ﬂoors thru-out, ﬁreplace,open kitchen leading to a private deck & stairs leading to offstreet parking and hottub. Close to nude beach and NYC Seastreak Ferry. Large repeat guests.Potential expansion. All inclusive furnishings & operating systems. Also available as a private residence.

REAL ESTATE

ROOMMATES

Featured property: 36 Navesink Ave.

All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

SALE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

SALE

PGN FOR SALE

SALE

Beds: 5 Baths: 4

Phone: (732) 890-0598

Price: $799,000

E-mail: broccia@conovernj.com

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

��

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

��

� �

��

Jersey Shore - A Rehoboth/Fire Island Alternative!

��

�

st City ��

rden

www.15jacksoncircle.com

www.36navesinkavenue.com

For more info contact:

Robert Roccia 732-890-0598 John C. Conover Agency - Asbury Park

��.

ondo lding.

oors. ��

h ews. �

��

Open Houses Sunday March 27, 2011 NOON - 2:00 PM *2155 MONTROSE STREET - new construction, tax abatement, 3BR/2.5BA ...............................................................$425,000.00 2136 TRYON STREET - New listing in Rittenhouse Square area. Cute 2 bedroom, one bath with small garden and nice deck...... ..................................................................................$299,000.00 NOON - 1:00 PM 927 SPRUCE STREET 2R Junior 1BR/1BA Condo, parking available for $20,000...........................................$199,000.00 1:30-2:30 PM 255 S. HUTCHINSON STREET. 2BR/1.5BA cute home in great area............................................................$250,000.00 1109 SPRUCE STREET 3 units available, Studio, and two, 1BR/1BA,Condos................................................$180,000.00

��

Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com Dan Tobey

The Curtis Center 1401 Walnut St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com

HELP WANTED

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED! 2011 PAY RAISE! UP TO $.52 PER MILE! HOME WEEKENDS! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! NEW EQUIPMENT! HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com _______________________________35-12 OWNER OPERATORS 85% of Gross. 40% Advance on Loads. No Forced Dispatch. Trailer Rental Program. Low Cost Insurance Available. Flatbed, Dryvan, Specialized. JRC 866-572-7297. www. jrctransportation.com _______________________________35-12 COMPANY Up to $2000 SIGN ON BONUS +FREE LAPTOP OR GPS! With 3 yrs. veriﬁed OTR exp. Up to $.50 Per Mile. Regional Lanes/ Home Weekly 888-463-3962 6 mo. OTR exp. & current CDL www.usatruck.jobs eoe m/f/h/v. _______________________________35-12 Driver- New Trucks *Local Orientation *Service Centers w/Showers *Fuel and Truck Maintenance. Dry Van *Refrigerated. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. 800-414-9569. www. driveknight.com _______________________________35-12 Announcing Incredible Pay Raise! Earn up to 44.5 cpm. Run Regional: Weekly Home Time, Great Miles, New Equipment. CDL-A, 6mo. experience required. EEOE/AAP 866-3224039 www.Drive4Marten.com _______________________________35-12 CRESSLER TRUCKING, CARLISLE, PA $$$Van/Flatbed Drivers$$$ Regional-Northeast runs, home weekends. Excellent Equipment, Pay, Beneﬁts. CDL-A w/1yrExp. HazMat, TWIC card a plus! www.CresslerTrucking.com 888-872-5336 Subsidiary of Keen Transport. _______________________________35-12

Driver: CDL-A 53’ Van or Flatbed Drivers Within 60 miles of Somerset or York, PA; Or within 60 Miles of Hagerstown, Baltimore, or Frederick, MD. 800-609-0033. joindmbowman.com _______________________________35-12 $500 Sign-On Bonus! for Van and Flatbed drivers. Plus top pay with high miles and brand new equipment. Excellent beneﬁts and bonus opportunities. We’ve got it all! CDL-A, 6mo. OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-12 Between High School and College? Over 18? Drop that entry level position. Earn what you’re worth!!! Travel w/Successful Young Business Group. Paid Training. Transportation, Lodging Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________35-12 Drivers- Paid CDL Training & a Stable Career! NO CREDIT CHECK! No Experience required! TRAINERS EARN $.49/MILE! 888-417-7564 CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com _______________________________35-12

REAL ESTATE

SALE

HELP WANTED

Creative and Conﬁdent Design Store Manager Boutique Design ﬁrm needs Retail, Design and Sales Mgr. Organized, meticulous leader excellent with computers, people, furniture/design industry and merchandising. Point of Sale knowledge. Design background. Online store and social media savvy a plus. 3+ yrs retail exp. Someone to build our brand and work hard. Not a 9 to 5 job. Cover letter, salary req to mark@busybeephilly.com

SALE

LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to §128.85 of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Title 7 regulations, GROWMARK FS, LLC. hereby gives notice of ground application of “Restricted Use Pesticides” for the protection of agricultural crops in municipalities in Pennsylvania during the next 45 days. Residents of contiguous property to our application sites should contact your local GROWMARK FS, LLC. facility for additional information. Concerned Citizens should contact: Michael Layton, MGR. Safety & Environment, mlayton@growmarkfs.com GROWMARK FS, LLC. 308 N.E. Front Street, Milford, DE 19963. Call 302-422-3002 _______________________________35-12

PGN REAL ESTATE

SALE

��

REAL ESTATE

��

PGN

30 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

��

ADOPTION UNIQUE ADOPTIONS Let us help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial assistance, housing relocation and more. Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us ﬁrst! 1-888-637-8200 24-hours hotline. _______________________________35-12 ADOPTION Birthmother- We’ll care about your concerns as you get to know us. Creative, optimistic, married couple hoping to become adoptive parents. Expenses Paid. Conﬁdential. Legal. Please text/call Lisa & Miles: 1-917-478-3178. _______________________________35-12

BUSINESS

OPORTUNITIES Do you earn $800 in a day? Your Own Local Candy Route! 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995. 877-915-8222 All Major Credit Cards Accepted! _______________________________35-12

SERVICES

nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 ADULTPGN PERSONALS GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out FRIENDS of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18

FINANCIAL

SERVICES

MEN

Attention Annuity Owners. Unhappy with your payments? Need money now? We provide immediate cash with our customized solutions. Call George at 610-304-4091 or visit www. ﬁvestarcommercialﬁnance.com _______________________________35-12

FRIENDS

MEN

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-19

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical *Business *Paralegal *Computers *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 888-220-3984 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________35-12 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715. _______________________________35-12

FRIENDS

MEN

Books

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

CERTIFIED

MASSAGE �� MASSAGE

r FULLB “A

�� Hot Italian Stud �� Does�� Massage For �� Stress�� & Tension �� Call 610-368-2032

City/

(

24/7

D-95 Online. Anytime.

WWW .EPGNHandsome .COM Tall, attractive, muscular

Man for Man Massage

Erotic Dungeon Master

6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________35-15 Got a big torpedo? Fire it into a white butt. Call 8-11 PM, 215-732-2108. _______________________________35-14 Daddy seeks playmate. 610-931-6633. _______________________________35-14 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________35-15

MEN

Adult

Str

Sensual/Erotic Massage I will tailor your massage to suit your needs... Incall/Outcall Convenient to Lower Bucks, NE Phila. 15 mins from CC & S.Jersey Available to any Phila area Hotel G12

215-313-1010

PGN Gay is our middle MEN name. FRIENDS

��

SPRING FLING

Saturday- April 9, 2011

TIME: 10pm-3am DJ Zathan Radix · Food Catered by Tommy D. · Go-Go Boys and more... ·

EVOLUTION: It’s Raining Men! Saturday- April 23, 2011

TIME: 10pm-3am · Dj Dutch · Food Catered by Tommy D. · HOT Dancers and more...

Certified Therapist

��

6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

B-7

Gay is our middle name. FRIENDS

APR

FRIENDS

MEN

IL E vent s

��

Come visit us. We are under NEW MANAGEMENT!! Sansom Street Gym 2020 Sansom Street 267-330-0151 www.sansomstreetgym.com

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Naked Guys)

Sunday- April 17th, 2011 TIME: 3pm- 6pm

- Rooms are on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis... Rooms Go Quickly! So CHECK IN EARLY :-)

*Don’t forget to visit the Adonis Cinema right next door!!

32 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Mar. 25-31, 2011

PGN