PGN April 8-14, 2011 by The Philadelphia Gay News

A fresh batch of diva disks for spring

Professional Portrait: Mary Catona

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Millennial Poz: A new monthly column on HIV in the new PAGE 23 generation April 8-14, 2011

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Vol. 35 No. 14

Transwoman arrested for murdering boyfriend Police say Alonzo Simmons stabbed her boyfriend to death in their home last weekend after an argument. The victim died at the hospital, and Simmons faces an April 20 arraignment on murder charges. By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Police this week charged a transgender woman with the murder of her boyfriend in South Philadelphia last weekend. Police arrested 29-year-old Alonzo Simmons, who reportedly lives as a woman, April 3 in connection with the stabbing death of Angel Brown, 27. Simmons allegedly stabbed Brown once in the chest during an argument in their home on the 2000 block of Oakford Street early Sunday. The altercation took place around 2:45 a.m., and Simmons contacted police and led them to the victim, who was in a bedroom. Brown was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead at 3:27 a.m. Simmons was brought in for questioning on Sunday and arrested that day, charged with murder and possession of an instrument of crime. Police spokesperson Lt. Ray Evers said he was unsure what type of knife was used in the stabbing. He said there are no details available about what led up to the argument, other than it was “domestic” in nature. Court records indicate that Simmons was arrested six times since 2003 for such crimes as drug possession, disorderly conduct and loitering and obstruction of highway — offenses typically associated with prostitution. SIMMONS Simmons was arrested Dec. 4, 2009, for obstruction of highway in a case that was conjoined with codefendant Herman Burton, also arrested at that time for the same crime. Burton is a transgender sex worker arrested late last year for the murder of an alleged client inside the Omni Hotel. Evers said police do not believe Simmons is connected in any way to the Omni case. ■

Gay couple attacked at Swarthmore By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

FORWARD THINKERS: Smokin’ Betty’s played host to a bachelor/bachelorette auction April 2 to raise funds for the William Way LGBT Community Center. “Gay It Forward” drew some 230 people and raised $2,230 for the center. Chris Bartlett (third from right), executive director of the William Way and one of the 13 who were auctioned off, brought in $250. The showcase was organized by Nicholas “Rocco” DiFinis, who called the event a “really great success.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

Report: 9 million LGBTs in the country By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com An LGBT think tank at the University of California this week released a study that estimated the total number of LGBT Americans to be about 9 million.

The Williams Institute’s report, released April 6, examined both national and statelevel population surveys to formulate that figure. The researchers estimate that approximately 8 million, or 3.5 percent of the American population, is PAGE 17

Study urges more LGBT health research By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A highly anticipated national LGBT health study released last week found research on LGBT health issues to be severely lacking. “The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People,” handed down March 31 by the Institute of Medicine, urged the National Institutes of Health to adopt a specific LGBT health-research agenda that takes into account the unique pressures faced by the sexual- and gender-minority popula-

tion and recommended LGBT inclusion in federal data-collection tools. The report was the result of an investigation by a 17-member committee created at the urging of NIH, which looked at the state of LGBT health and identified research disparities to allow NIH to enhance its future research efforts. Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said the report provides the “first comprehensive overview of health-related research” on the LGBT population PAGE 17

An attack on two college students on a suburban campus this week is being investigated as a possible gay-bashing. Swarthmore College officials said two students, one of whom attends the University of Pennsylvania, were walking on a field on the campus of the Delaware County college early Sunday morning when they were attacked by at least six teens. The five boys and one girl kicked and punched the two students, knocking them to the ground and stomping on their heads and necks. The teens fled and both males, after seeking treatment at the student health center, were transported to a local hospital, where they underwent X-rays and CT scans and received treatment for cuts and abrasions, according to The Daily Gazette, the college’s newspaper. Dean of Students Elizabeth Braun issued a letter to the campus community earlier this week detailing the incident and mentioning that it may have stemmed from homophobia. Braun said in the memo that the student and his friend ”were being affectionate with one another when they were approached by the high-school-aged students. While it still isn’t clear what prompted the assault on our student and his friend, it does appear that homophobia could have been a factor in the attack.” The Daily Gazette carried an anonymous interview with the victimized student, who said he and his friend were walking back from a party when the teens approached them and asked them for alcohol. The student told the paper he asked the teens if they were underage and refused their request, at which time the confrontation became violent. In a conversation with PAGE 13

PGN

2 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

April 28, 2011 Dine at a participating restaurant on April 28th, and 33% of your food bill will benefit local services in the fight against AIDS. Event benefits HIV/AIDS programs at: ActionAIDS • AIDS Delaware • Dooley House • Family & Community Service of Delaware County Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County • Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania * Make an additional donation of $25 or more on April 28th and you will receive a 20% Off Tuesday card with your thank you letter. This card entitles you to 20% off of your table’s food bill on Tuesday evenings** throughout the year at participating 20% Off Tuesday Restaurants. Listings with an asterisk* are 20% off Tuesday participants.**Excluding holidays. Not to be combined with other offers.

ART MUSEUM/ FAIRMOUNT Illuminare* Jack’s Firehouse London Grill* Rembrandt’s Rose Tattoo Café* Trio

215.765.0202 215.232.9000 215.978.4545 215.763.2228 215.569.8939 215.232.8746

CENTER CITY EAST Barbuzzo 215.546.9300 Bindi Restaurant 215.922.6061 Buddakan 215.574.9440 Caribou Café* 215.625.9535 Chifa 215.925.5555 Cooperage* 215.226.2667 215.928.9800 El Vez Garces Trading Co 215.574.1099 Giorgio on Pine* 215.545.6265 IHOP Walnut St 215.732.1726 Jones 215.223.5663 Kanella 215.992.1773 Knock 215.925.1166 Lolita 215.546.7100 Mercato 215.985.2962 Mixto 215.592.0363 More Than Just Ice Cream 215.574.0586 Morimoto 215.413.9070 M Restaurant* 215.625.6666 Ms. Tootsies 215.731.9045 Soulfood Café Opa 215.545.0170 Perch Pub 215.546.4090 Sampan 215.732.3501 Singapore Vegetarian Restaurant* 215.922.3288 Tabu 215.964.9675 terra* 215.545.1102 Time 215.985.4800 Tria Wash West 215.629.9200 Valanni 215.790.9494 Varga Bar 215.627.5200 Venture Inn 215.545.8731

Westbury Bar* 215.546.5170 Woody’s 215.545.1893 Zinc Bistro á Vins* 215.351.9901

CENTER CITY WEST Alma de Cuba 215.988.1799 Audrey Claire 215.731.1222 Barclay Prime 215.732.7560 Bellini Grill* 215.545.1191 Bistro St. Tropez 215.569.9269 Butcher and Singer 215.732.4444 Continental Midtown 215.567.1800 The Dandelion 215.558.2500 El Rey 215.563.3330 Friday, Saturday, Sunday 215.546.4232 Matyson 215.564.2925 Meritage 215.985.1922 Mexican Post Center City* 215.568.2667 My Thai* 215.985.1878 Nineteen 215.790.1919 Noble American Cookery 215.568.7000 Novita Bistro 215.545.4665 Oyster House 215.567.7683 Parc 215.545.2262 Prime Rib 215.772.1701 Seafood Unlimited 215.732.3663 Square 1682 215.563.5008 Tinto 215.665.9150 Tria Rittenhouse 215.972.8742 Twenty Manning 215.731.0900

CHESTNUT HILL/ MOUNT AIRY Avenida Bacio Cafette Cake Cin Cin* Geechee Girl Rice Cafe Trolley Car Café Umbria

215.385.6857 215.248.2740 215.242.4220 215.247.6887 215.242.8800 215.843.8113 215.385.6703 215.242.6470

Red Ribbon Partners

MANAYUNK Adobe Café

215.483.3947

NORTHERN LIBERTIES/ FISHTOWN Full Plate Café 215.627.4068 Cantina Dos Segundos 215.629.0500 IHOP Roosevelt Blvd 215.744.7841 Johnny Brenda’s 215.739.9684 Koo•Zee•Doo 215.923.8080 Las Margaritas 215.969.6600 North 3rd Restaurant* 215.413.3666 Silk City Diner* 215.592.8838

OLD CITY Amada 215.625.2450 Continental 215.923.6069 DiNardo’s Famous Seafood 215.925.5115 Fork 215.625.9425 Khyber Pass Pub 215.238.5888 Mexican Post 267.923.5225 Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti 215.238.0499 QBBQ & Tequila 215.625.8605 Race Street Café 215.627.6181 Ristorante Panorama 215.922.7800 Spasso 215.592.7661 Zahav 215.625.8800

SOCIETY HILL/ SOUTH PHILADELPHIA Beau Monde Bistro Romano* Bistrot La Minette Café Nola* Cantina Los Caballitos Cochon* Copabanana IHOP Snyder Ave Izumi James

215.592.0656 215.925.8880 215.925.8000 215.574.1687 215.755.3550 215.923.7675 215.923.6180 215.339.5095 215.271.1222 215.629.4980

Media Partners

Johnny Rockets* 973.463.9555 Mustard Greens 215.627.0833 New Wave Cafe* 215.922.8484 Paradiso 215.271.2066 Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine 215.298.9500 Percy St Barbecue 215.625.8510 Pizzeria Stella 215.320.8000 Royal Tavern 215.389.6694 Salt & Pepper 215.238.1920 Southwark 215.238.1888 Villa Di Roma 215.592.1295 Xochitl 215.238.7280

WEST PHILADELPHIA Dahlak* 215.726.6464 Distrito 215.222.1657 Gold Standard Café * 215.727.8247 JG Domestic 215.222.2363 Landmark Americana 215.222.4500 Lemon Grass Thai 215.222.8042 Marigold Kitchen 215.222.3699 Pod 215.387.1803 Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College* 215.222.4200 x3005/3024

BUCKS COUNTY Bowman’s Tavern Poco’s Restaurant Rick’s Restaurant* The Raven The Washington House Tortuga’s Cocina

215.862.2972 215.348.3424 609.397.0051 215.862.2081 215.257.3000 609.397.7272

CHESTER COUNTY Catherine’s Restaurant Cedar Hollow Inn* Columbia Bar & Grill* High Street Caffé Kildare’s Irish Pub*

610.347.2227 610.296.9006 610.983.0300 610.696.7435 610.430.0770

International Partner

Market Street Grill Mas Mexicali Cantina PJ Whelihan’s Side Bar & Grille Three Little Pigs

610.429.5328

Timothy’s of Newark 302.738.9915

610.918.6280 610.873.1311 610.429.8297 610.696.8957

Wilmington BellaVista Trattoria & Pizzeria* 302.239.4858 Bellefonte Café 302.761.9175 Chelsea Tavern 302.482.3333 302.691.5532 El Diablo Burritos Extreme Pizza* 302.384.8012 Fresh Thymes Cafe 302.656.2026 Kooma Riverfront 302.543.6732 Lamberti’s Italian Grill & Bar (Centerville Road)* 302.995.6955 Lamberti’s Italian Grill & Bar (Philadelphia Pike) 302.762.9094 Lucky’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant 302.477.0240 Luigi Vitrone’s Pastabilities Restaurant* 302.656.9822 The Melting Pot Restaurant 302.652.6358 Stoney’s British Pub 302.477.9740 Union City Grille 302.654.9780

DELAWARE COUNTY Court Diner Restaurant 610.566.4895 IHOP Ardmore 610.642.2555 Lotus Farm to Table 610.565.5554 Nais Cuisine 610.789.5983 Picasso Restaurant & Bar 610.891.9600 Pinocchio’s Pizza Inc 610.566.4403 Pinocchio’s Restaurant 610.566.4870 The Original Clam Tavern 610.623.5070

MONTGOMERY COUNTY IHOP Blue Bell IHOP Jenkintown PJ Whelihan’s Pub Spring Mill Café Trax Café White Elephant Restaurant*

610.270.9101 215.969.5170 610.272.8919 610.828.2550 215.591.9777 215.663.1495

DELAWARE Bear Stewart’s Brewing Company Greenville BBC Tavern & Grill New Castle Jack’s Bistro Jessop’s Tavern Traders Cove at Penn Place* Newark Caffe Gelato Restuarant Soffritto Italian Grill

302.836.2739

*302.655.3785 302.544.5174 302.322.6111 302.322.6334

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY Andreotti’s Viennese Café 856.795.0172 Barnsboro Inn 856.468.3557 Café Gallery* 609.383.6150 Casona 856.854.5555 Cork Restaurant 856.833.9800 Court House Café 856.251.1922 Dream Cuisine Café 856.751.2800 IndeBlue Indian Cuisine* 856.854.4633 Los Amigos Restaurant 856.767.5216 Nunzio Ristorante Rustico 856.858.9840 The Pop Shop* 856.869.0111 The Tortilla Press 856.869.3345 Tortilla Press Cantina 856.356.2050 Westmont Diner* 856.854.7220

302.738.5811 302.455.1101

E-Partners

phillymag.com cellit.com yelp.com opentable.com visitphilly.com phillyfunguide.com phillygaycalendar.com

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PAID board mum on Scouts deal By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

Members of a quasi-governmental entity that could play a key role in the proposed Boy Scouts property settlement had little to say about the matter when asked this week. Mayor Nutter has indicated that the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development will act as an intermediary, if city-owned land is sold to the Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty Council to settle a federal lawsuit. The Home Rule Charter requires public bidding for the sale of city-owned property. But a 1967 state law allowing for the creation of PAID also permits the city to use PAID to bypass public-bidding requirements for projects related to economic development. Under the proposed settlement, PAID would purchase 231-251 N. 22nd St. from the city for a nominal fee, then sell it to the Scouts for at least $500,000. Proceeds from the sale would be placed in the city’s general fund. Critics of the proposed settlement say PAID would be straying too far from its mission if it becomes involved in transferring property to the Scouts. Board members attending PAID’s April 5 public meeting said they had no opinion about the proposed settlement, but they routinely follow any guidance provided to them by the city law department. “It’s difficult to comment on something that hasn’t come to us yet from the city,” said James F. McManus, the board chair. “It may never come to us.” Board members David L. Hyman and Evelyn F. Smalls also attended the meeting. Thomas A.K. Queenan and Harold B. Yaffe were absent. The mayor appoints PAID board members. In December, City Councilman Darrell L. Clarke introduced a bill allowing the transfer of the property to the Scouts in order to settle federal litigation. However, Clarke’s bill doesn’t state that PAID, or any other entity, would serve as an intermediary in the property transfer. A 1974 city ordinance requires approval from City Council before PAID can act as an intermediary in the transfer of cityowned property. PAID board members at the meeting said they had no opinion on Clarke’s bill, nor whether it should explicitly state anything about PAID. They also said they have no plans to testify at a public hearing on Clarke’s bill, if one is held. LGBT activist Andrew A. Chirls, who did not attend the PAID meeting, opposes the Scouts settlement. He questioned why Clarke’s bill doesn’t specify that PAID is authorized to participate in the proposed

settlement. “The bill doesn’t say that no public bidding is needed,” Chirls told PGN. “And it doesn’t say an entity that can sell the building without public bidding should participate.” Kera Walter, a spokesperson for the Scouts, had no comment on whether the Scouts would object to an amendment to Clarke’s bill spelling out the intended role of PAID. In the past, the Scouts have claimed ownership of the building — even though they don’t hold the deed — partly because they built it, have occupied it since 1928 and installed upgrades. Walter had no comment on whether the Scouts’ current legal position is that they don’t own the building and need the deed transferred to them in order to assert ownership. If PAID decides to participate in the proposed deed transfer, that decision would be announced at a PAID board meeting, McManus said. “If PAID were asked to be involved, it would be reviewed at a public meeting, and a vote would be taken,” he said. Advance notification of the vote would be provided to the public upon request, he said. PAID members were asked if they could do anything to ensure that discrimination doesn’t take place on property that PAID plays a role in selling. “Our assumption is that all applicable laws will be followed in any lease or sale agreement,” McManus said. “Typically we wouldn’t layer on additional requirements. But that’s not to say we couldn’t.” Mel Heifetz, a local businessman and philanthropist, has offered to pay $1 million for the property. Additionally, Heifetz has agreed to pay legal fees assessed against the city stemming from the federal lawsuit. But twice, his down payment of $10,000 was returned to him by the city law department, on the basis that the building is expected to be sold to the Scouts. PAID board members said they had no opinion as to whether someone other than the Scouts should have an opportunity to purchase the property. Philadelphians Against Subsidized Discrimination want the city to appeal last year’s federal-jury verdict, which found that the city violated the Scouts’ constitutional rights when citing the Scouts’ antigay policy as a reason for eviction. If the property is to be sold, PASD members want a public-bidding process to ensure the highest proceeds for the city’s general fund. They say selling the property to the Scouts for $500,000 would be far below market value, and would amount to subsidized discrimination because the Scouts exclude gays and atheists. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

4 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

PGN

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Shoppers browse the myriad unique gifts and merchandise at the grand opening of EQUAL at 1516 Snyder Ave. in South Philly. The shop, owned by J.R. Criswell, boasts an array of LGBT-themed items, such as T-shirts, cards and a host of rainbow-themed products, in addition to other kitschy novelty gifts. EQUAL officially opened its doors April 1, and the gay-owned shop is open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

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Contents

6 FEATURES 6 Crime Watch 9 Out Money

9 12

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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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.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Lesbian attorney wants to bring diverse career, background to bench By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Center City criminal-defense attorney Barbara McDermott is looking to bring her three decades of legal experience to the bench in her second run for Court of Common Pleas. McDermott, an open lesbian, is vying for one of 10 Common Pleas seats in the May 17 primary. She lost her first bid for the bench in 2001, but is returning to the race a decade later with renewed vigor. McDermott, 55, is a native of Aliquippa, near Pittsburgh, and attained her law degree from Georgetown University. After graduation, McDermott worked for four years in Harrisburg prosecuting hazardous-waste dumpers before moving to Philadelphia and spending six years as an assistant district attorney in the homicide unit. From 1990-2001, she served as a judicial law clerk for a Common Pleas judge and left the city position to run her own campaign for judge. In her first campaign, McDermott was endorsed by a number of local progressive groups, including the Liberty City Democratic Club and also the Philadelphia Inquirer. For the past 10 years, McDermott has devoted her efforts to her own criminaldefense firm. She said the spark for law was ignited in her from a young age. “I was one of those kids BARBARA who got really MCDERMOTT angry because of all the things I was told I couldn’t do just because I was a girl,” she said. “At my First Communion, I remember being angry I was told I couldn’t play ball with my male cousins because I was wearing a dress. I wanted a paper route but I was told I couldn’t because I was a girl. In the summers I wanted to work in the steel mills but was told I wasn’t allowed because girls didn’t do that. So I saw a lot of inequity and I began to think that being a lawyer would help me work against that. And I was always told I argue too much, so I felt like law would be a good fit for my personality.” McDermott said that, as for most LGBTs, her coming-out process was a journey of education for her family, friends and coworkers — one that wasn’t always easy. “I’ve spent years, probably decades, working to show my family that being gay or lesbian is OK. I’ve had situations where

friends of mine would have arguments over whether they could tell their kids about my sexuality. In the workplace, when I first started my career, [sexual orientation] wasn’t really discussed — there wasn’t necessarily overt homophobia, it was just kind of ignored.” In the past decade, McDermott said, the city has seen radical change, with more and more legal professionals coming out. McDermott said she was initially drawn to Philadelphia because of the diversity in the city’s judicial branch. “Back in the ’80s it was really the only bench in the commonwealth with any diversity. We had African-American judges and women judges, and I’d been working around the state and just hadn’t seen that elsewhere.” The Court of Common Pleas now has three openly LGBT judges and three out judicial candidates in the primary, including McDermott. While the bench continues to reflect the diversity of the city, McDermott said she’s seen over the years that judges do not always have that same commitment to equality for the defendants who come before them. “I’ve literally tried thousands of cases in my career. I still respect the bench but I see the weaknesses that exist. A lot of my practice has been court appointments and, in order to ensure equity for all of us, I think we have to treat those given the least amount of priority with respect and dignity. I don’t think that happens right now, and I’m strongly committed to that.” Apart from her career experiences, McDermott said that, if elected, her personal background would also be integral to how she would oversee her courtroom. McDermott is the mother of two adopted daughters, now ages 19 and 21, who are of mixed races. Her partner also adopted the girls, and McDermott said their family structure has given her a unique perspective that would assist her on the bench. “I’ve been exposed to a lot and absorbed a lot that has given me a certain appreciation for our differences. For instance, my ideas about racism have changed after spending the last 20 years raising children of color. There’s a difference between understanding racism on an intellectual level and in your day-to-day life. I’ve had discussions before about how being a lesbian made me better equipped to raised mixed-race kids, and people have looked at me like I’m crazy, but I know what it’s like to be different and they’re different. And that’s helped me to understand them and to help them.” McDermott also joked that another skill acquired from motherhood would be key if she ascends to the bench: “I’m a very good judge of character and I can usually tell who’s lying and who isn’t — my kids hate it. They could never get away with anything.” ■

APRIL FOOL’S FUN: The more-than 225 people who turned out for the annual Black Tie Gay BINGO April 1 generated about $35,000 in fundraising for the agency, which supports local HIV/AIDS service organizations. Apart from the BINGO games, the night featured dinner and the presentation of awards to The Dukes of Destiny, the Rev. Marlene “Mike” Haines and AIDS Fund volunteers Joe Shenk and Howard Traivers. Photos: Scott A. Drake

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6 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

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1315 Spruce St. The session will be facilitated by Stacey Long of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Group participants will discuss and determine the top issues impacting LGBT people of color in the area in order to begin planning for the organization’s 2012 campaign. To attend, RSVP to info@ourelements. org by 5 p.m. April 8.

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An investigation and judicial proceedings are still ongoing in the case of a gay couple arrested late last year for a domestic disturbance that led to a run-in with police. The trials of Jason Mendez and Luis Berrios were both continued again late last month and are now scheduled for May and June, respectively. Both were arrested in late December following a domestic disturbance during which Berrios alleges police used excessive force and racist and homophobic slurs. Berrios filed a complaint with the Police Internal Affairs Division, which handles citizen grievances with police conduct. Internal Affairs has 75 days from the filing of the Jan. 4 report to complete the investigation. Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson, head of Internal Affairs and liaison to the LGBT community, said investigators have had trouble contacting witnesses and others involved in the case for interviews, which has delayed it past the 75 days.

Planning for people-ofcolor group The Elements Organization Action Network will stage its first quarterly community roundtable discussion, “Stepping into Action,” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 9 at the William Way LGBT Community Center,

The Liberty City Democratic Club will host a fundraiser next week to fuel its getout-the-vote efforts in the coming weeks. The Liberty City Spring Fundraiser and Happy Hour will be held from 6-8 p.m. April 11 on the second floor of Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. The event will allow Liberty City supporters to meet and greet with the myriad candidates running in the May 17 primary and, for Liberty City members, will qualify as one of two organizational events they need to attend in order to participate in the endorsement votes April 14. For more information, search for Liberty City on Facebook.

Film tackles growing up gay The award-winning LGBT-themed film “Punch Me” will be screened at 6:30 p.m. April 13 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. “Punch Me” is a short film that focuses on one young man’s journey to self-acceptance as he grapples with other pressures in his life. Hosted by BEBASHI, the screening is $5 and will be followed by a question-andanswer session with the cast, moderated by Chris Hayes. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

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MEAL FOR MANNA: More than 250 people turned out last week for the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance Nourish Awards, which raised about $125,000 for the agency, which provides meals to those with life-threatening illnesses. Award recipients included Dr. Mariana Chilton (front row, from left), director of Witness to Hunger; state Rep. Dwight Evans (D-203rd Dist.); and Dr. Jeffrey Jacobson, accepting on behalf of the Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice at Drexel University College of Medicine. The fundraiser, which included dinner and a silent auction, was co-chaired by Ryan Madson and Winston Justice of the Phillies and Eagles, respectively, and their wives. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Freedom Band director looks to conduct growth By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The city’s predominantly LGBT marching band recently came under the direction of a new conductor, who is looking to lead the group through its ongoing renaissance. The Freedom Band brought on Henco ESPAG Espag as its artistic director this past winter. Espag’s position enables the South African native to oversee the group’s overarching artistic direction. Espag came to the United States in 2007 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Berklee School of Music in 2008, setting up a career path he said was natural for him: His mother holds degrees in organ and piano and Espag’s father is a singer. After graduation, Espag lived in New York City for a time before moving to New Jersey and getting a teaching position at Westminster College of Arts at Rider University, where he provides vocal coaching for theater students and accompanies the group on the piano. In the past few years, he’s also done orchestration for a film and is currently working as the composer for a new Broadway musical that’s in the early stages. “I’ve done a lot of random gigs as an accompanist. I’ve worked with some of the professors at Westminster on recitals and done some music directing during the summer at a private school,” Espag said.

His partner is a euphonium player in the Freedom Band and told him about the opening earlier this year. Despite his already-busy schedule, he said he jumped at the chance to put his conducting skills to use. “At this point, I’m pretty much used to doing random things all over the area,” he said. “I basically live in my car — I’m always driving somewhere. Conducting is really one of my passions so I’d honestly do anything to make time for this.” Freedom Band was nearly dormant for 10 years, but in the past three years has come under new leadership and, in just the past two years, membership has grown 10-fold. Members now hail from throughout the region, including New Jersey and suburban locales, and participate in Freedom Band’s three separate groups — marching band, concert band and jazz ensemble. “They’ve really been doing great, and I’m very excited and hoping to be part of that growing process,” Espag said. Espag said the organization, a member of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, is working to become the host for the national group’s annual conference in the near future, and is also hoping to develop partnerships within the city. “Locally we want to really be more integrated within the arts scene. We’d love to get more involved in film schools or composition programs with universities and schools, doing workshops and things like that,” Espag said. “We’re just looking to continue growing like we have been.” Freedom Band will next perform at the City of Brotherly Love Softball League season opener at 1 p.m. April 17 in Fairmount Park. ■

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8 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

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sure the civil-unions law is implemented smoothly. Civil unions in Hawaii, will be permitted Jan. 1, offer the same state rights of marriage to couples regardless of sexual orientation.

focus on Kevin’s friendships, his strong bond with his father and his coming out to friends and family.

Lawsuit dismissed after HI passes civil Archie Comics plans series for gay unions character

The San Francisco Examiner reports a Navy petty officer who was investigated for violating the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers says a review board at his California base has voted against his discharge. Derek Morado said the threemember board voted unanimously after a six-hour hearing at Lemoore Naval Air Station on March 31 to allow him to serve out the remaining three years of his current enlistment. The 26-year-old Morado says he had been under investigation for violating the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy since 2009, when someone reported seeing a picture of him kissing another man and that he described himself as gay on his MySpace page.

Media Trail

Hawaii’s KPUA reports six gay couples are withdrawing a lawsuit against Hawaii’s government now that same-sex civil unions have become law. Gay-rights advocacy group Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii said legal action seeking equal rights for gays and lesbians is no longer needed since Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed the civilunions legislation. The groups sued the state last year after then-Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a similar civilunions measure. On April 1, Jennifer Pizer of Lambda Legal said her group would work with the legal and business community to make

ABC News reports that, after Archie Comics’ first openly gay character prompted a second printing of one of its books, the publisher is giving the character his own mini-series. The character, Kevin Keller, has connected with the comicbook publisher’s fans, said Dan Parent, who is writing and drawing the four-issue series that comes out in June. There have been and are gay characters in other comics, but Keller’s role as a friend to Archie and the others at Riverdale High in “Veronica” No. 202 is part of the company’s push to keep them relevant and contemporary. Parent said the series will

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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between March 23-27. Information is courtesy of 6th 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). REPORT: Between 8:30-9:30 p.m. March 23, complainant’s bicycle, secured to a pole outside 241 S. 11th St., was stolen. ARREST: At 1:30 a.m. March 24, 6th District officers arrested a female for a summary arrest outside 200 S. 13th St. REPORT: Between 8:30 p.m. March 20 and 10 a.m. March 24, someone smashed the window of a 1999 Toyota, parked in the 300 block of South 10th Street, and stole a GPS and tools. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, thus police were

not dispatched and no prints were lifted. REPORT: At 6:45 p.m. March 25, complainant was at Ninth and Pine streets when a male snatched the iPhone from his hand and fled south on Ninth, then east on Lombard. The offender was described as an Asian male, 5foot-8, 130 pounds and wearing a black sweatshirt and a black hat. REPORT: At 4 a.m. March 27 (incident reported 7 a.m. to the 18th District), out-of-town complainant met a male at 13th and Walnut streets and let him into his car. The male told the complainant he would help him find girls; the complainant declined, at which time the male stabbed the complainant in the neck with a small penknife. The complainant shoved the male out of the car and was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania by private auto. The offender was described as a black male in his 20s, 6-foot with light complexion and wearing all black clothing. ■

10 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Joe Wilson

Editorial

A light goes out Last week, news broke that A Different Light in San Francisco’s Castro District was closing. Though unconfirmed by store owner Bill Barker, there were apparently closing signs posted in the store windows. A Different Light originally opened in 1979 and expanded to a second location in West Hollywood, which closed in 2009. Many have lamented the closing of iconic LGBT bookstores, from the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York City to Lambda Rising in Washington, D.C. Some have postulated that the closings represent the mainstreaming of LGBT identities, that since mainstream bookstores now stock LGBT titles — and even have gay sections — LGBT-specific stores aren’t needed. While that may be true, there are other confluent forces at work here. One is the pressure big-box bookstores put on independent stores. This phenomenon is by no means exclusive to LGBT bookstores, or even just bookstores. There are plenty of instances of small shops going out of business because of large retailers. (Hardware stores are another good example.) Even big-box retailers are trimming down, as evidenced by the shuttering of Borders bookstores locally. Another factor impacting sales at LGBT bookstores are e-readers. From Kindle to Nook to books on iPad, readers can now choose portable, paperless options that take up less space and don’t require paper production (a nod to eco-consciousness). Add on the benefits of being able to buy a book without leaving your house or while on the go and being able to carry hundreds of books in the space of just one, and a book becomes a harder sell. More than just e-readers is the technology overtaking people’s daily lives. In the last century, we’ve moved from books, to radio, to television, to computers, the internet and texting. Internet surfing, Facebook and Twitter have amped up our need for immediacy of information — in small allotments. Television and internet news too have decreased our attention spans: It’s becoming more rare that we take time to learn about a subject or story in-depth. In newspapers, the harbinger of change was USA Today in 1982, which served bite-sized stories for a national audience — and vies with the Wall Street Journal for highest circulation. But there’s something to be said for losing one’s self in a book, spending an hour — two, four — learning about new people, places and things. There’s a value to being able to concentrate on a subject for long spans of time, delving into the intricacies and exploring the nuances, as opposed to being fed small, easily digestible morsels of information. Books still represent something tangible — a touchstone — to evidence the knowledge you have collected and shared (and lost), and the journey you have made, in a way that Facebook or Twitter can never duplicate. ■

Oh, Joe Wilson, shut up. I’m sorry. That was childish. Then again, that’s apparently the level of discourse Wilson operates on. He is, after all, the guy who shouted, “You lie!” during the president’s address to Congress two years ago and became an asshole folk hero to anti-Obama nuts everywhere. And now he’s whining and stomping his feet over the repeal of the antigay military policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Letting gay people serve in the military without having to lie about and hide who they are is too much for folks like Wilson and his fellow House Republicans, who are supporting a bill to stop the repeal. The House Arms Services personnel subcommittee held a hearing about repealing the repeal on April 1, which is fitting since the whole thing’s a joke. Unfortunately, Wilson and his ilk aren’t kidding. They are super-worked-up about this. It’s all too much, too soon, too hot and too fast. Wilson said in a statement of his opening remarks at the hearing, “I was troubled by the process employed to repeal the law known as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ this past fall. I feel the repeal was rushed through the Congress without adequate review and consideration of the full extent of the implications of repeal.” Also, the only people who feel this process was rushed are people who weren’t impacted by the ban and haven’t been paying attention for the last, oh, decades. The military has a long and undistinguished history of discharging gays and lesbians, ruining their careers and, in numerous cases, their lives. If anything, the United States took far too long to address this injustice. And just what are those implications Wilson feels have not been adequately reviewed and considered? The fact is, the implications are hardly as dire as those in favor of the ban would like you to believe. You see, the implications are only dire if you think that homos are sex-crazed lunatics with depraved morals and no social skills who can’t help themselves around

people of the same sex. Gays don’t join the military to hook up with guys. There are websites for that. I doubt any gay person has ever enlisted with fantasies of showering with groups of naked muscle men and traveling “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” style through exotic Middle East locations. In reality, it’s more like being packed into Humvees with sweaty guys who haven’t showered or changed their socks in a week and watching fellow soldiers take dumps in irrigation ditches alongside roads in the desert. You know, the sexy stuff. To Wilson, letting gays serve is a tragic result of political maneuvering. “I believe the lame-duck session was undemocratic in that dozens of defeated Congressmembers adopted a law with significant consequence,” he said. “It was an insult to the principles of representative democracy.” Last time I checked, it was still within the rights of Congressmembers to pass legislation while still in office. And if, as polls showed, 67 percent of Americans favored a repeal, that sounds like democracy at work to me. Of course, maybe Wilson is of the belief that majority rule should only apply when voting to deny rights to gays and lesbians. “We must get the process for considering the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ back on track and ensure that our military is truly prepared to allow the open service of gays and lesbians,” Wilson continued. “We must ensure that we do not make a mistake by allowing the repeal to move ahead when there is any possibility that it will put the combat readiness of our force at risk at a time our nation is in three wars with worldwide instability.” And by “back on track” he means kicking homos out, not letting them in. Because training people and then deciding to give them the boot just because they’re gay doesn’t undermine combat readiness at all. ■ 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.

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Gavin Newsom, Elizabeth Birch (and me) This week, President Obama officially tion and decision-making rights for LGBT announced (to no one’s surprise) that he individuals — Funded studies on LGBT was a candidate for reelection. endangered youth The following day, I was on a — Barred discrimination based conference call to kick off the LGBT part of the campaign. on gender identity in federal First up to voice his supemployment — Funding on LGBT seniors port for the president was — Reversing the U.S. posiCalifornia Lt. Gov. Gavin tion, supported LGBT issues at Newsom, former mayor of San the United Nations and signed Francisco. Next was the former president of Human Rights the U.N. Declaration on Gay Campaign, Elizabeth Birch. Rights Since they have already — Lifted the ban on HIV-positive travelers to the U.S. vocalized their support, I guess — Established foreign policy it’s my turn. Or is it? that will not accept antigay bigIn 2008, it took a lot of time for then-Sen. Obama to conotry Mark Segal — Supports the effort to pass vince me that he was real in his support of our issues. As you ENDA in Congress might recall, we had a few bumps in that This is only the short list. But it is very road and many in our community chastised me for not getting onboard sooner. impressive. For those of you who might But Obama did win me over and, in say he didn’t live up to my expectations, some ways, those of us who were late to I’d say maybe not, but no elected official get onboard are very proud we went with ever does. What we can expect is a new him, and are even prouder of his record. direction and that it is clear. His accomplishments far outweigh any disappointThat record, simply put, is the best record on LGBT issues of all presidential admin- ments. As we often hear, no one is perfect. istrations combined. But this president is the best on LGBT Here’s the short list: issues in history, and it is my honor and — Appointed the largest number of LGBT privilege to say I proudly support him for people to major administration posts reelection, and hope you’ll join me in that — Ordered the Department of Justice to effort. ■ stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the — The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” nation’s most-award-winning commenta— Directed the Department of Health and tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. Human Services to ensure hospital visita-

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Street Talk Did you file your tax returns? “Yes, I earned about $50,000 this year, and I paid about $6,000 in taxes. I paid them in the United Kingdom, Lee Dewar where I live. business executive The taxes are Bristol, England high, but not excessive. I have no complaints. In England you get free healthcare, so the taxes are worth it. The only exception is dental care. I have to pay for that.”

“I just finished the paperwork yesterday, and my accountant will do the actual filing with the IRS. Because Justin Proudley carpenter my income East Falls decreased this year, I don’t have to pay that much in taxes. Actually, I don’t anguish over paying taxes. You don’t have a choice in the matter. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

“Yes, I filed online for free. I filed early in January, and got my return within two weeks. That’s the benefit of filing early. Patrick Sanders If you file in archivist April, you Fairbanks, Alaska don’t get your refund until July. I got a $2,000 refund, which I used to tour the country.”

“My mother filed for me. She used TurboTax, and got a nice refund for me. That happened in February. I Toyah Whitehead was happy, salesperson because she Northeast made sure I Philadelphia got the best result. But unfortunately, it’s all gone. I spent all of the money on clothes.”

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady

April is National Minority Health Awareness Month April is National Minority Health Awareness Month. And, to ensure that there is greater attention paid to the severe health disparities faced by minorities in the nation, I have introduced a resolution in support of the goals and ideals of the awareness campaign. Though the general health of our nation has recently improved and people are living longer, many racial and ethnic minorities in our country do not enjoy these advances and, unfortunately, still experience very unequal levels of access, treat-

ment and overall health. African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians and Alaska natives, and native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders experience a very disproportionate level of illness or death as compared to the U.S. population as a whole. While the 10 leading causes of death for African Americans and whites are similar, they occur at different rates within each population. For instance, nationally, African Americans experience significantly higher rates of infant death, heart disease, all cancers, homicide and HIV/AIDS than whites.

Hispanics in the U.S. are almost twice as likely to die from diabetes as are whites and account for 20 percent of the new cases of tuberculosis. Though Asians and Pacific Islanders appear to be one of the healthiest populations in the U.S., there is great diversity in this population: Vietnamese women experience cervical cancer at nearly five times the rate of white women, for example. Since Philadelphia is culturally and ethnically diverse, these statistics are reflective of the health disparities in our city. While much of the disease and premature

death that affects all groups can be linked to lifestyle choices, the very real issues of unequal levels of access to quality medical care and treatment represent a serious reality for minority populations. Besides being the right thing to do, paying national attention to these disparities makes fiscal sense, as we move forward in an effort to reform the delivery and financing of our health-care system. ■ U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D) represents Pennsylvania’s 1st District in Congress.

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

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Inflation: The silent threat to long-term financial security Q: My life-partner and I are concerned about the rising cost of food, gas, etc., and how that might affect our retirement down the road. We’ve also adopted a son, and are concerned about how expensive it will be to send him to school some day. What are your thoughts on inflation and investing? A: This is certainly a very timely question since many of us with cars are feeling a pinch when we fill up at the gas station. It’s critical to consider inflation when doing any longer-term financial planning. Here are some things to think about.

days between Feb. 21-28. This spike marked the secon-largest one-week increase since 1990. Again, between March 7-14, retail gas prices rose another 4.7 cents per gallon. Where the current upward spiral in oil and other commodity prices will end is anyone’s guess. But one thing is clear: Over time, inflation can erode your purchasing power, which means that your dollar will buy less tomorrow Jeremy than it does today.

Out Money

While most investors are rightfully pleased with rising growth projections at home and abroad, the recovering global economy brings with it the specter of inflation. The dreaded “I” word has cropped up increasingly in recent months, largely due to the rapidly escalating price of commodities — particularly oil. The current situation The recent overthrow of governments in Tunisia and Egypt and ongoing unrest in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Iran and Algeria have sent oil prices soaring above $100 a barrel, the highest level in more than two years> (Source: Standard & Poor’s, U.S. Financial Notes, Feb. 25) And consumers are feeling the pinch at the pumps. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average retail price for regular-grade gasoline increased 19.4 cents, to $3.38 per gallon, in the seven 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah @rodephshalom.org Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions

Gussick

Inflation under the microscope Just what is inflation, this ravenous beast that eats away at the value of every dollar you earn? It is essentially the increase in the price of goods and/or services. The most commonly referenced measure of that increase is the Consumer Price Index, which is based on a monthly survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI compares current and past prices of a sample “market basket” of goods from a variety of categories, including housing, food, transportation and clothing. The CPI does have shortcomings, however, according to economists. For instance, it does not take taxes into account or consider that, as the price of one product rises, consumers may react by purchasing a cheaper substitute (name brand vs. generic, for example). Nonetheless, it is widely considered a useful way to measure prices over time. Despite the recent spike in the cost of gasoline, inflation has remained quite tame for the past 30 years or so, hovering around

3 percent (Bureau of Labor Statistics). At that low rate, many people understandably overlook inflation when preparing for their financial future. After all, 3 percent might not seem to be worth a second thought — until you consider the impact it can have on the purchasing power of your money over the long term. For example, after 30 years, an annual inflation rate of 3 percent could drive the value of today’s dollar down to the equivalent of 41 cents (Bureau of Labor Statistics; Standard & Poor’s). Inflation and your investments Inflation also works against your investments. When you

vide returns that outpace inflation. Over the long run — 10, 20, 30 years or more — stocks may provide the best potential for returns that exceed inflation. While past performance is no guarantee of future results, stocks have historically provided higher returns than other asset classes. Consider these findings from a study of Standard & Poor’s data: An analysis of holding periods between 1926 and Dec. 31, 2010, found that the annualized return for a portfolio composed exclusively of stocks in Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 Stocks was 9.93 percent — well above the average inflation rate of 3.01 percent for the same period

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Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 light, Mt. Vernon St. Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within Parking lot entrance the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at on left.

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calculate the return on an investment, you need to consider not just the interest rate you receive, but also the real rate of return, which is determined by figuring in the effects of inflation. Your financial advisor can help you calculate your real rate of return. Clearly, if you plan to achieve long-term financial goals, from college savings for a child to your own retirement, you will need to create a portfolio of investments that will provide sufficient returns after factoring in the rate of inflation. Protecting your portfolio against the threat of inflation might begin with a review of the investments that may help pro-

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— while the annualized return for long-term government bonds was only 5.53 percent (Standard & Poor’s; Barclay’s Capital). A balancing act Keep in mind that stocks do involve greater risk of shortterm fluctuations than other asset classes. Unlike a bond, which guarantees a fixed return if you hold it until maturity, a stock can rise or fall in value based on daily SWARTHMORE, from page 1

PGN Wednesday, Braun said she didn’t believe the attackers used homophobic words during the incident, but noted the two students were holding hands when they were approached. “The important thing from our perspective is, regardless of what motivated the attack, we will not tolerate physical violence of any kind on our campus,” she said. “This type of incident is very rare and, as both a small and a closeknit community, we are taking this very seriously.” The student told The Daily Gazette that, while the assault may have been prompted by the alcohol request, he couldn’t “imagine them attacking a guy and a girl, two girls [or] two guys they thought were straight.” Braun said the campus is an open one, and area residents are permitted to access the grounds. The victims were unable to describe the attackers, which Braun said was part of her motivation for the campus-wide letter. “We hope that someone out there saw something and will be able to provide more information,” Braun said. “The investigation is ongoing, and both our Public Safety Department and the Swarthmore Police Department are working very hard to get any additional information.” Braun said the attack belies the campus’ commitment to diversity. “It’s a very welcoming community to LGBTQ students and all students,” she said. “One of our core values is around creating a diverse, inclusive learning environment for students, faculty and staff, so that’s one of the reasons this has been particularly difficult for our campus to grapple with. It’s just so antithetical to our values. But I think the victims are really appreciative of the outpouring of support they’ve received and the fact that the campus is really focusing its energies on supporting them and the entire community while this investigation continues.” ■

events in the stock market, trends in the economy or problems at the issuing company. But if you have a long investment time frame and are willing to hold your ground during short-term ups and downs, you may find that stocks offer the best chance to beat inflation. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s leading independent broker-dealer.*

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2010 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine. He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network and the Independence Business Alliance. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question, email jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. This article was prepared with the assistance

of McGraw-Hill Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy if you have any questions. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 19962010. Stocks are represented by the total annual returns of the S&P 500, an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Other risks inherent to investments in stocks include the fluctuation of dividend, loss of principal, and potential illiquidity of the investment in a falling market. Bonds are represented by the total

annual returns of the Barclays Long-Term Government Bond index, a broad-based index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. bond market. Inflation is represented by the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The performance shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of the performance of any specific investment. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and are subject to availability and change in price. Investing in stocks involves risks, including loss of principal.

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Congratulations! PGN staff won ﬁve awards in the 2010 Suburban Newspapers of America editorial contest PAGE 1

Health care act, national HIV strategy bold steps to end AIDS By Matthew McClain President, McClain and Associates Public Health Policy and Planning When future historians write their books on the AIDS crisis in America, this year may need its own chapter to tell how health reform and a national AIDS plan — both new in 2010 — helped to end the epidemic once and for all. So how does health reform required by the Affordable Care Act — ACA for short — impact people living with HIV/AIDS? Right now, fewer than one in five people living with HIV has private insurance. Nearly one-third do not have any coverage at all. When fully implemented in 2014, ACA will help ensure people living with HIV/AIDS will have secure, stable, affordable health insurance

and the relief they management and Notable years the history of need from skyrockother medical and AIDS in America eting health-insursupportive services 1991: The Ryan White Program was ance costs. through the federally launched, bringing new federal fundMedicaid, the funded Ryan White federal-state pro- ing to care for people living with HIV Program. Yet this in the Philadelphia region and 15 other gram that provides funding is not guarhealthcare benefits big cities anteed from year to to low-income peo- 1994: AZT was found to protect newyear. So advocates ple and people with borns from HIV must continuously 1996: The age of combination therapy disabilities, has long lobby Washington been a major source arrives for every dollar, of coverage for 2009: The ban on the use of federal every year. people with AIDS, funds for syringe-exchange programs The ACA will is lifted as is Medicare, the address some, but 2010: Enactment of the Patient federal program for not all, of these Protection and Affordable Care Act seniors and people problems. Already, with disabilities. The (ACA) and launch of the nation’s first insurers cannot deny Ryan White Program National HIV/AIDS Strategy coverage to children is another key source living with HIV/ of funding for health AIDS. They are also and social services for people living prohibited from canceling coverage for with HIV/AIDS. Currently, of the nearly adults or children unless they can show 30,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in evidence of fraud in an application. And the Delaware Valley, more than 12,000 of insurers can no longer impose a lifetime them receive primary care, medical case cap on benefits. Health insurers offering

new plans will have to develop an appeals process to make it easy for enrollees to dispute the denial of a medical claim. ACA brought $160 million federal dollars to Pennsylvania as of July 2010 to provide coverage for uninsured residents with preexisting medical conditions through a new transitional high-risk pool program, funded entirely by the federal government. It also for the first time gives Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware the option of federal Medicaid funding for coverage for all lowincome populations, irrespective of age, disability or family status as soon as the state applies for a special waiver that is available now. In addition to expanding coverage, the authors of the ACA wisely thought about how the estimated 30 million Americans who will be newly covered by 2019 will get their health care and who will provide the care. So, things like increased federal funding for community health centers and programs to expand the health-care work

PGN Staff First Place, Best Special Section World AIDS Supplement

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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MAY 21 - 27, 2010

John Waters is my role model

A departure from the ordinary

WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND THE PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Detour

DEC 1, 2010

Gary M. Kramer First Place, Best Arts & Entertainment Writing-Feature “John Waters Is My Role Model”

See STRATEGY, Page 4

Local activists press for cure By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

The AIDS Policy Project, headquartered in Philadelphia and San Francisco, is taking a rarely employed approach to the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, pressing not for enhanced prevention and treatment methods but for a more final solution: a cure. Kate Krauss, founder and executive director of the project, said she and other staffers have worked both in the prevention and treatment arenas and, while both are crucial in the fight against HIV/ AIDS, researchers need to start looking further into the future. “We know that prevention is not going to save the lives of the 33 million people who have AIDS now,” she said. “And treatment is very different when it comes to different countries: There are about 15 million people who need treatment immediately, but only about 36 percent are actually receiving it. The number of people with AIDS is increasing and most don’t have access to treatment, so they’re just dying.” Krauss said she’s seen a disconnect between those in the HIV/ AIDS community and HIV/AIDS researchers on this issue. “Many researchers think people

with AIDS are perfectly happy with their treatment and aren’t concerned about wanting a cure,” Krauss noted. “But people we’ve worked with who have AIDS are just stunned by that. Most of them have no idea that there would be any confusion over whether people with AIDS would want a cure found.” Just recently, Krauss was Skyped in the middle of the night by an HIV-positive man in Pakistan, who was interested in learning more about the work of The AIDS Policy Project. She said the man was on his second line of therapy, which wasn’t working well, and worried that he wouldn’t be able to afford to keep trying new drug combinations. Despite countless situations like that man’s, however, Krauss said researchers in the field have historically been resistant to opening up a discussion about a cure, an effort The AIDS Policy Project is hoping to fuel. “A lot of researchers have said it’s no longer necessary to look for a cure because the treatments are so tremendous. I’ve seen researchers use air quotes around the word ‘cure,’ and seen them whisper the word. And that’s really an issue. We want to connect activists and people with AIDS with

the researchers so they can just shake them and say, ‘Yes, you’re doing great work, but we do need a cure.’” The AIDS Policy Project last week hosted a town-hall meeting in Philadelphia to help educate the public about cure research. One of the most well-known efforts is the Berlin Patient, an HIV-positive German man with leukemia whose infection was cured in 2008 after he received a stem-cell transplant from a donor with a CCR5 double deletion, a mutation that makes cells highly resistant to AIDS. That case has spurred a number of research initiatives that utilize less risky methods, Krauss said. Cure research is being conducted at the University of Pennsylvania by Drs. Carl June and Pablo Tebas, as well as at the Quest lab in San Francisco, the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. At the latter location, Dr. Paula Cannon administered human stemcell transplants in mice to create human immune systems and then infected the mice with HIV. Mice whose systems had been genetically modified to remove ALIVE WTH ACTIVISM: Philadelphians are reminded of HIV/AIDS

By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor John Waters may be a role model to his fans, but whom does he admire? In his terrific new book, “Role Models,” Waters writes about what he calls “the amazing people who inspire” him. The choices are, as his fans might expect, an eclectic collection of outsiders, ranging from fashion designer Rei Kawakubo and artist Cy Twombly to the singer Little Richard. But the one quality they all share is that they have lived, as Waters puts it, “an extreme life.”

Detour PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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budgetary, health and policy issues because of ACT-UP’s frequent See CAMPAIGN, Page 6 protests. Photos: Scott A. Drake

SEPT. 18 - 24, 2009

Sitting in the living room of his Baltimore home, surrounded by books and copious amounts of fake food — from a plastic hamburger on the window sill to a tempting box of chocolates on the table — the filmmaker explains what it takes to be one of his role models: “They are certainly people who have survived something — whether it’s great success, or great horror. They have had to be braver [than me]. They can inspire me through patience like Leslie Van Houten, who has been in jail for 40 years for something terrible she did, or being the opposite of me, like Johnny

SEPT. 18 - 24, 2009

By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer

At this point in her career, either you get Meshell Ndegeocello or you don’t. Unlike many of her peers, after 16 years of delivering powerfully soulful and stylistically diverse albums, the queer singer and multi-instrumentalist is showing no signs of losing her artistic edge. Ndegeocello first came to national attention as one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records label in the early 1990s. Her first album, 1993’s “Plantation Lullabies,” was a critical success, earning three Grammy nominations for “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night).” At the time, many credited Ndegeocello with sparking the neo-soul movement, but she never was one to get too caught up in categorizing her own music. “I just make what I make,” she said. “I do the best that I can. I try to have a good time. I stay interested in other music. I don’t really believe in genres. They’re all connected. Neo-soul, I don’t believe in that. I know I was given that moniker for a minute. The best I can do is be true to myself and express myself to the best of my abil-

ity.” Apparently her ability has grown over the years. Her upcoming album, “Devil’s Halo,” is an aural feast that finds Ndegeocello serving up an irresistible combination of R&B, rock, new wave and everything in between with fiery and sultry abandon. The independent label Mercer Street/Downtown Records is releasing the new album. Ndegeocello and Maverick parted ways in 2003, and her 2007 album “The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams” was released on the jazz label EmArcy. Ndegeocello said there were never any hard feelings or discord between her and Maverick during her time there or after the split. “I loved being on Maverick,” she said. “I never felt stifled creatively. They let me do whatever I wanted to do.. I just don’t think they knew what to do with me in terms of promotion or getting the music out there. I really liked my experience on Mercer. They’ve been super-supportive. It’s a different energy, for lack of a better word. I’m just always happy to make music. I’m not really involved with all the inner workings. I always have a good time. I’m happy to get a budget to try and be as creative as possible.”

Still, it can be argued that Ndegeocello’s creativity has expanded since her split with Maverick. “Devil’s Halo” and “The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams” both seem to draw from a wider range of genres than her Maverick albums. But Ndegeocello said that was more a result of where her head was at the time. “That’s just evolution and growth,” she said of her everevolving sound. “I’m around different people living in a different world. I’m exposed to a lot of different things. I definitely feel more excited about music now than I did back then just because I’m in a better place in my life. I did a world-music record on a European label [2005’s “The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel”] and it was a lot of fun to exorcise some of my demons. I don’t think too much about what other people are expecting of me. I just try to listen to as many artists as I can and maintain excitement about music.” For “Devil’s Halo,” Ndegeocello made a point to say that she focused on musicianship and live-band energy over the use of advanced technology and studio tricks, on which she thinks many musicians have become too dependent. “It’s too broad of a generalization, but sorry to say I do believe that. I’ve made several records with other people.

Everyone is really dependent on Pro Tools and Auto-Tune. It was getting a little stagnant. It was really fun to make a record on tape with no click [track] and no Pro Tools.” Ndegeocello is frank about the creative process involved in her new album, but when it comes to the meaning behind “Devil’s Halo,” she gets mercurial. “That there is a gray area,” she said. “That’s all. Everything is not so black and white.” We can’t be mad at her for that; the results are phenomenal. One of the most striking tracks on the album is her cover of “Love You Down,” a song by ’80s Prince & The Revolution wannabes Ready for the World. The original song might not have aged well, but Ndegeocello’s cover reinvents the dated slow jam as a powerfully sexy, yet ambient, crusher of a song. “I grew up with that,” she said. “It was one of the songs that shaped my creativity: Ready for the World and Prince. It was just like time-traveling back to first feeling my hormones kicking in. I just tried to relive that. I love the song. It’s sexy and nice. I just tried to put a little Wu-Tang in it. Hopefully people will enjoy it and move their body to it, make love and have a good time.” Ndegeocello’s knack for genre-mixing and her proficiency on many different instruments frequently earned her comparisons to Prince. Yet, while it was a heady experience to be compared to one of her idols, being in the same room with him wasn’t exactly what she expected. “It’s amazingly flattering,” she said about the comparison. “That’s what I wanted to be. It’s not only flattering, it’s inspiring. It means I’m OK. I’m doing all right. But then I met him and that wasn’t so great. He’s a jerk, I’m sorry to say. I’d tell it to his face. I remember getting that first record ‘For You’ and playing each side over and over again, learning all the bass lines and telling myself my goal is to make records. Even though he’s a jerk, he’s one of the greatest songwriters of our time and he deserves all the accolades that anyone could possibly give him.” Ndegeocello said despite her respect for Prince’s accomplishments, she couldn’t appreciate the talented megastar’s insular way of life.

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Waters has always “stuck up for those people who had a tough time,” and this is why his fans like the way he thinks. “Everybody feels they are an outsider,” he says. Waters’ chapter on Tennessee Williams is especially revealing. After reading Williams’ “One Arm” — which he confesses to stealing from the library, because it was forbidden — he writes, “[I] didn’t have to worry about fitting in with a crowd I didn’t want to hang out with in the first place ... Didn’t want to be part of this dreary conformist life that I was told I had to join.”

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

“I’ve had personal interactions with him. He’s created this bubble. My dare to him is like, dude, come hang out with me in Brooklyn. We’ll go get some Levis 501s, some Tims and some T-shirts. How about you hang out with some regular folks and just have a regular experience because you’ve created something that’s like a surreal reality. Not to be weird. I’m not like the dinosaurs. They couldn’t see their demise. “Being in the time I am now, I get to look back on so many artists in terms of drug use, megalomania and other self-destructive behaviors. And I’m really glad that music is first and foremost to me and not fame and other things that people are battling with. Let’s sit on the porch and play some music.” It’s that laidback approach to the flow of creativity that has also made Ndegeocello so in demand as a producer. She said she looks for “individuality and openness” in the artists with whom she works.

A departure from the ordinary

The many faces of Meshell

Mathis. Or they can inspire me as a kid, as Madalyn Murray O’Hair did, even though she turned out to be kind of a horrible person. Sometimes we have to embrace the extremes in people that change the laws and how we live, even if they are not so honorable.” Embracing extremes is what Waters has done from his infamous 1972 classic cult film “Pink Flamingos” to his more mainstream success with “Hairspray.” (The latter became a hit Broadway musical, followed by a hit Hollywood film version/remake, and a sequel to the movie-musical is due out this summer).

PAGE 19

happen in a studio. When I write a song, especially these songs, it was kind of a simple process. I wanted to make something that could exist with just a vocal and a guitar. But some of them grew from that. That’s why I like being more of a musician than being a recording artist. I like the challenge of bringing things to life.” She also said the songs will vary from night to night and that she and her band are still trying to figure out which ones to perform. “We’re all e-mailing each other now, submitting what we want to play. It’s interesting what everyone is choosing. It’s going to be a surprise. We have a very socialist band. Everyone has an opinion. I promised someone close to me that I’d play some old songs, so I’m curious to see what we come up with. We have to switch up or we’d kill each other. A few of the musicians I play with come from improvisational backgrounds. So in order to keep it fresh, especially for me, I have to switch it around or I become sort of tedious. I know that’s hard on the audience sometimes, but I definitely like to switch the setlist up.” That being said, when asked if they would be open to spontaneous requests (like if a certain PGN staff writer stood on a barstool shouting out song titles), Ndegeocello said, with a chuckle … “No. Um [thinking about it] … no. I play with musicians that have other groups they play with and their own lives. So we get together right before the tour and rehearse two weeks before and we prepare a certain number of songs that we can play well. I have a large catalog, but I don’t try to get the musicians to learn all eight records. That would be difficult.” We’re not mad at her. “Devil’s Halo” will be released Oct. 6. Meshell Ndegeocello performs at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, visit www. meshell.com or call (215) 222-1400. � Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

“Lately I mostly get called to do improvisational musicians,” she said. “So I have to really enjoy their playing and their technique. They have to be someone I can be around for eight hours at a time and that we enjoy each other and find some kind of connection. I [like to] create an environment that allows the artist to be themselves and get to what they are trying to achieve.” Ndegeocello is about to hit the road in support of “Devil’s Halo,” requiring her and her band to figure out how to execute some of the new songs in a live setting. She said the live-performance element doesn’t weigh too heavily on her mind when she records. “I was just asked to produce this French artist who specifically told me she wanted to have a record that could sound exactly the same live. When I’m making a record, I kind of have the Steely Dan approach: We’re making a record. It can be whatever it is in this environment but it may change live. I just like to use what I have access to and be open to whatever can happen that maybe only can

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Photos by Scott A. Drake It was a beautiful day in the Gayborhood last weekend for the 19th annual OutFest. Rainbows abounded on clothes, pets and buildings as entertainers energized the already-rowdy crowd, and community organizations and activists turned out in full force to take part in the world’s largest Coming Out Day celebration. Franny Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents, which stages the annual street festival, estimated that some 45,000 LGBTs and allies celebrated in the Gayborhood last Sunday. Attendance was slightly higher than last year and evidently not impacted by the National March for Equality, which took place in Washington, D.C., the same day. About 135 vendors set up shop throughout the streets of the Gayborhood, selling artisan goods and LGBT-related merchandise and informing passersby about local LGBT-service organizations and other resources.

Henri David hosted the entertainment on the main stage — which included performances by Hunter Valentine, Barry Brandon, Anne Simoni, Allazae, NIO, L.Y.F.E., local drag performers, The Attic Youth Center participants and entertainers with Cirque du Soleil — and representatives from LGBT health clinic the Mazzoni Center and the William Way LGBT Community Center, as well as Attic Youth volunteer Khalil Nelson, all took the stage to accept awards from Philly Pride Presents. Returning this year were the annual high-heel race and penis-shaped bagel-eating contest, and back by popular demand was a mechanical bull that Price said was a big hit with last week’s crowd. Price noted this year marked only the second time in OutFest’s history that the event actually fell on Oct. 11, the designated National Coming Out Day, which she said made this year’s celebration even more momentous. “The whole day was so great. There was just so much going on. Everything was special in its own little way.”

Scott A. Drake Honorable Mention, Best Photojournalism “Outfest”

Photos: Mark Seliger

OCT. 16 - 22, 2009

Tens of thousands come out for OutFest

Scott A. Drake Honorable Mention, Best News Photo “Historic Storm”

Larry Nichols Second Place, Best Arts & Entertainment Writing-Feature “The Many Faces of Meshell”

A handful of representatives of antigay group Repent America with signs and a microphone near the corner of 13th and Locust streets, where the main-stage entertainment was taking place. Five years ago, several Repent America members were arrested for protesting OutFest, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld a lower court’s ruling that the group was permitted to attend the event but could not “move from distributing literature and wearing signs to disruption of the permitted activities.” Price said she thought the group’s use of a microphone was on the border of that stipulation. “They were a little bit loud when they first got there,” she said. “And it was disappointing because the ruling allows them to be there and express their FirstAmendment rights, but not to disrupt the event. But the police did cut them off from the microphone eventually when the festival really got going and the louder they got, so we were happy about that.” Philadelphia Police spokesperson Officer Jill Russell said no arrests were made during OutFest.

OCT. 16 - 22, 2009

A Norristown woman said she sustained injuries after she tried to intervene in a fight on 13th Street outside Woody’s. The woman said four officers attempted to break up the fight between two other women she knew, and that a Civil Affairs officer threw her to the ground, knocking her unconscious. Officer Mitchell Spritzler of the office of Chief Inspector James Tiano, the police LGBT liaison, said the report from the incident cited that the participants were intoxicated and that police broke up a fight between the women twice. He said police offered medical assistance to the woman who was injured but that she declined. The woman told PGN the officers did not offer medical assistance. � Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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and is “an important step in identifying research gaps and opportunities as part of an overall effort to understand and address the health needs of LGBT people.” The report ultimately declined to identify research “gaps,” saying the body of research on LGBT health was so minimal, it could only propose a series of opportunities to begin to populate the research field. The committee found that one of the main impediments to LGBT health research is the relatively small size of the population and researchers’ resistance to asking potential study participants to self-identify as LGBT. The modest amount that is known about health needs of sexual and gender minorities is lumped under the “LGBT” umbrella, which the committee said allows for little segmentation among the diverse factions of the community. The report found the majority of LGBT health research to focus on adult white gay males. The dearth of research is also

further fueled by a lack of funding allocated for studies that investigate LGBT health. “It’s easy to assume that because we are all humans, gender, race or other characteristics of study participants shouldn’t matter in health research, but they certainly do,” said Robert Graham, professor of family medicine and public-health sciences at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and chair of the committee that produced the study. “Routine collection of information on race and ethnicity has expanded our understanding of conditions that are more prevalent among various groups or that affect them differently. We should strive for the same attention to and engagement of sexual and gender minorities in health research.” To reach that end, the committee set forth a number of recommendations, primarily that NIH implement a research agenda devoted to advancing knowledge and understanding of LGBT health. To achieve a more complete understanding of LGBT health, the

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

committee advised NIH to undertake projects that collect demographic information, data on social influences, health-care inequities, intervention research and trans-specific needs. In addition to developing this agenda, the committee urged NIH to undertake agency-wide training on LGBT research, encourage grant applicants to focus on LGBT studies, and support research measures that seek to examine the particular challenges in collecting data on the LGBT community. The report also recommended that information on sexual orientation and gender identity be included in federally funded health surveys, such as those undertaken by HHS. The day after the report was released, Sebelius announced the results of an internal review of HHS’ current capacity to address LGBThealth issues: Recommendations include collecting LGBT data, guidance to states about the inclusion of LGBT families in welfare programs and outreach about LGBT health initiatives. ■

9 MILLION, from page 1

gay, lesbian or bisexual, with an additional 700,000 people identifying as transgender. Put in context, the report suggests that the LGBT population is equal to the entire population of the state of New Jersey. The report was based on an analysis of four national surveys and two state studies, and lead researcher Dr. Gary Gates noted that the results underscore the need for further LGBT-inclusive surveys. “Last week, the Institute of Medicine at the National Academies released an analysis of LGBT health research calling for federal statistical agencies to quickly move toward LGBT inclusion in their data collection,” Gates said. “The surveys highlighted in this report demonstrate the usefulness of sexualorientation and gender-identity

questions on large-scale national population-based surveys. Better data can provide the building blocks for critical information to understand the lives of the 9 million LGBT Americans who have been historically marginalized in both society and research. Among the LGB population in the surveys, the bisexual community was slightly larger — comprising about 1.8 percent of the adult population, compared with 1.7 percent for gays and lesbians. While an estimated 8 million people self-identify as LGB, the report found that overall 19 million Americans, about 8.2 percent of the population, have experienced same-sex sexual behavior, and more than 25 million people, or about 11 percent of the country, report having had an attraction to someone of the same sex. ■

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rts

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Scene in Philly Bulletin Board Professional Portrait Out & About Worth Watching Comics & Q Puzzle

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These women want to rock you with new music By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

It’s been a minute since we’ve been inspired enough to do some CD reviews, mostly because we’ve been bored with some of the ho-hum music on the market. But this week we hit the motherload. Maybe it’s because the weather is getting nice out and people need some sonic newness to pulsate from their car stereos and iPods now that we can ﬁnally roll the windows down after a long and miserable winter. Maybe we’re enjoying watching two of the biggest pop divas on the planet compete for the hearts and minds of LGBT listeners. Maybe we didn’t have anything more compelling to write about this week. Whatever the reason, we’re delighted that a wave of well-known pop stars and lesserknown fringe rock acts are offering up some interesting new releases for us to crank up. Britney Spears Femme Fatale Jive Records Britney’s back! Yay! That’s what most of the world is saying regarding the release

of her new album, and it’s good in that thisis-exactly-what-we’ve-come-to-expectfrom-Britney sort of way. And that’s the point, right? Right about now, modern-day pop divas are in two camps: They’re either chasing the superstar glittery coattails of Lady Gaga and coming up woefully short (Ke$ha, Christina Aguilera, etc.), or they’re reinvesting in their own individual sense of attitude and ﬁnding varying degrees of success and street credibility (Pink, Robyn, etc.). Britney isn’t doing either. She’s an institution and her own industry. And it looks like she isn’t trying to tinker with anything that isn’t broke. The formula is still selling (safe pop songs + Wonder Bread glamour photos + vague album title), so why change it? Did Britney write any of the songs on “Femme Fatale”? No. Did Britney do anything on this new album that her fans couldn’t see coming a mile way? Nope. Is she going to sing a note on her upcoming tour? Why start now? Is there a moment of the CD that isn’t purely calculated, pre-fabricated pop? Nah! Can you still see the puppet strings

attached to her career? Yup. Is there a good chance that the real Britney Spears has been replaced by a “Stepford Wives” robot lookalike while she’s locked in a room somewhere with a shaved head, talking to an empty KFC bucket and high as a giraffe on prescription meds? Probably. But, at the end of the day, the album works like it should. Singing live, co-writing your own songs and lyrics and trying to stay on the cutting edge of pop are all admirable aspirations for a pop star, but it’s not doing Christina Aguilera any good these days now, is it? And you can’t muck up the lyrics if they’re pre-recorded. Britney knows she’s a confection and, as long as we keep eating it up while she shakes her ass and lip-syncs, she’s never, ever, ever going to tire of dishing it out. “Femme Fatale” is expertly and expensively constructed dance-floor and remix-ready fodder overflowing with slick production, chopped-up slightly auto-tuned vocals and catchy but predictable pop hooks as evident on the first two singles, “Till the World Ends” and “Hold It Against Me.” The album also stays consistently electropop, not a ballad in sight, until the last song, “Criminal,” which shifts into more acoustic-pop territory. It’s also the most

authentic-sounding song on the whole disc. Otherwise, “Femme Fatale” unleashes a furious barrage of potential club bangers, like the propulsive “Trouble For Me,” “(Drop Dead) Beautiful” and “Gasoline.” But then there are tracks like “Seal It With a Kiss” and “Inside Out” that are as solid as one can expect, but sound like songs that didn’t make onto Katy Perry, Fergie or the Pussycat Dolls’ latest. Anyone who likes Britney isn’t about to stop now. Let’s hear it for coasting! Jennifer Hudson I Remember Me Arista Jennifer Hudson’s sophomore release is definitely a more confident collection of songs than her debut solo effort. Don’t get us wrong: Hudson’s first, self-titled album, hot on the heels of her star-making, Oscar-winning turn in “Dreamgirls,” was good, but it seemed like she was getting songs from every corner of pop R&B thrown at her to see what would stick to the wall. As a result, her first album seemed all

20 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

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over the place, with showtunes bumping up against the by-the-numbers urban radio track with requisite rapper cameo. Hudson’s latest album finds her sweet spot style-wise: big organic beats anchored by piano-driven R&B that give her amazing voice room to soar on uplifting tracks like “Gone” and the title track. Hudson also goes to town vocally on the ballad “Still Here,” which showcases her range without beating you over the head with it. Hudson also gets into a neo-1970s groove with disco-flavored tracks like “Everybody Needs Love” and the jazzier “Don’t Look Down,” the latter of which was written by Alicia Keys. Keys wrote two other songs on Hudson’s new album (“Angel” and “Everybody Needs Love”) and, while both have that unmistakable Keys retro swagger, Hudson’s vocal performance does a great job of making them her own. “Feeling Good” is a dramatic and solid-enough track but, much like Sarah McLachlan songs and sad, abused animals, we can’t hear this song without seeing cans of Slim Fast dancing in our heads. Yeah, we know Hudson shills for Weight Watchers, but we’re trying to paint a picture here. Hudson has definitely delivered the goods on her second album. Lady Gaga Born This Way: The Remixes Parts 1&2 Interscope Records Gaga’s new, hotly anticipated global smash hit and gay anthem came out of the gate sounding all high-energy, glossy and clubready. You would think remix artists, of which Gaga would probably attract the best and the brightest, would be a little more adventurous when revamping a song everybody and their mother has heard by now. Michael Woods does a fine but textbook job of taking the song in the techno-trance direction. The Dada Live remix does the same for the distorted Daft Punk-ish techno contingent. The most dynamic transformations of the song are the Zedd remix, which strips down the verses and then drops the sonic hammer on listeners in the chorus, and the Grum remix, which gives the song a very cool 1980s new-wave spit-shine. On the other end of the spectrum, the LA RIOTS remix and the DJ White Shadow remix are lukewarm rave fodder that any teenager with a laptop and free remix software could pull off. The Bimbo Jones Club remix and the Chew Fu Born To Fix remix are lively enough, but shouldn’t one of the more daring and attention-grabbing pop stars warrant remixes that push the envelope as much as the artist dares to? Eh. Whatever. This is enough to chew on until Lady Gaga’s new album drops next month.

Rasputina Great American Gingerbread: Rasputina Rarities & Neglected Items Filthy Bonnet This probably isn’t the best place to get introduced to the quirky and naughty charms of Rasputina’s cello-driven sound, but “Great American Gingerbread” is a great collection of oddities amassed from the group’s career. Rasputina is the kind of band that would seem equally at home playing a Renaissance fair as it would performing at a goth club. That’s probably why rocking and distortiondrenched tracks like “Black Hole Hunter” and “Do What I Do” seem to fit when played next to more traditional and ethereal songs like “I Go To Sleep” and “Loom.” Other songs split the difference. “Death at Disneyland” and “Children’s Reform Center” both start out lush and gorgeous, then launch into furious distorted choruses. Other songs are cinematic in scope, such as the sprawling instrumental “On My Knees.” Oh, and there’s also the bonus of a live DVD of the band performing at the Knitting Factory to sweeten the deal. Rasputina is definitely a one-of-a-kind band and, like the rest of its albums, “Great American Gingerbread” is definitely an adventure. The Sounds Something To Die For Side One Dummy Records The Sounds, fronted by bisexual singer Maja Ivarsson, thrust its new-wave punk sound deep into electronic territory with the latest album. For the new album, the Swedish band decided to produce the record itself in Sweden, unlike the last two albums, which were recorded in the U.S. While there is a palpable shift in the band’s sound on the new record, the results produce some impressive ear candy. Album opener “It’s So Easy” is enough to make longtime fans panic, as it’s more techno/electro than anything found on previous efforts. But it turns out the band just treads in that territory briefly. The rest of “Something To Die For” is brimming with the muscular, electronically enhanced rock the band is known for, although the electronics are inching closer to the forefront these days. That still doesn’t hamper tracks like “Dance with the Devil” and “Yeah Yeah Yeah” from bristling with attitude and aggression. The only other overly mechanized song in the bunch, “Better Off Dead,” holds its own up against strong flesh-and-blood tracks like “The Best of Me” and “Wish You Were Here.” Is the new record “to die for?” That’s a definite maybe. ■

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HIV in the new millennium My name is Aaron Stella. I’m 25 years negative (no pun intended) about HIV. old and HIV-positive — or poz, in the verYet, while the fear of death is no longer nacular. Welcome, everyone, to a new colthe central repulsion to HIV, its stigma has umn about HIV in Philadelphia. There’s a become the new death sentence. lot we have to talk about. I am of a generation coming into our On the day of my diagnosis last summer, I left the Mazzoni offices at Ninth and own after the HIV scare, so it means something completely different to Locust streets and walked to my peers and me. While many South Philadelphia. Everything of us know that life doesn’t end I laid eyes on seemed wrapped with becoming HIV-poz, we in hard iron. My mind was believe it portends a long life as blank and my heart, stony and dormant. a fallen angel in the shadow of Later that day, my friend and HIV-neg elites. In other words, I bought fish from the Italian once you’re poz, you’ll always be undesirable and destined to Market. When we got home, we be unloved. found the fish was rotten — and My generation has a diffia horde of flies was buzzing cult time talking fluently about about the backyard. There, in HIV, and many have no stock the midst of everything seeming diseased and derelict, I in it. Unfortunately, this brand of insouciance not only persaid to him, “This HIV. It’s just petuates HIV’s stigma, but its another living organism trying Aaron Stella infection as well. I can’t count to live out its life. It’s selfish of how many people I’ve met me to feel sad, isn’t it?” (through various venues) who don’t care In response, he said, “You can be a what disease they have or to whom they Daoist in a couple of weeks. For now, be pass it, much less know when they were human.” last — if ever — tested. And with great strength and boldness, In their eyes, the battle has been won. that’s how I’ve lived ever since. With death no longer an imminent factor, Just to be clear, this is not a column they can continue to live out their sexual about my life as a poz gay white male in lives in the shadows even if they contract Philadelphia. You’ll get my thoughts when the virus. And that’s where they believe needed and exploits when appropriate, but HIV-poz people dwell — in the shadows. mainly, this is column about HIV: what it And in reality, many poz folk believe this is, what people are doing about it and how too. people perceive it, talk about it or not talk So where do we go from here? I haven’t about it; how poz Philadelphians of all even begun to explore the uncharted terwalks, races and religions live with it; and how HIV’s evolution defines the ethos of a ritory of Philadelphia’s poz community — how it spans every societal group and new generation. subculture imaginable. I can’t do this alone, quite simply, because I’m not alone. When the first wave of HIV hit the nation 30 years ago, more than 4,000 What I can do is walk with you, one step Philadelphia gay men died in its wake. at a time, just as my friend walked with me on the day of my diagnosis. Many people lost 20 or more friends. Some of you may wonder why I haven’t Being gay gained a new facet to its stigma. Since most STIs at the time were curable, addressed “the cure.” In lieu of a physiuntil HIV appeared, condoms were virtucal cure — which may come one day — I ally nonexistent in the gay community. believe our community has the power to And HIV medication, when it came, wasn’t produce one better. Our “cure” will be a greater understanding and support system covered under any health-care plan and hailed in by a new dialogue about HIV in often proved ineffective, costing upward Philadelphia — giving voice to those who of $7,000 a year. Suffice to say, contracting HIV — or Gay-Related Immune can only whisper, questing up from underDeficiency, as it was called — was a death dark into a new light. ■ sentence. Aaron Stella is editor-in-chief of Nowadays, new, effective medications Phillybroadcaster (www.phillybroadcaster. (offered free through many programs in com), an all-inclusive A&E city blog site Philadelphia) have paved the way for normalizing the virus and those infected. We in Philadelphia. Since graduating from in Philly are fortunate to have organizaTemple University with a bachelor’s in tions such as ACT-UP, Mazzoni Center, English, he has written for several publications in the city, and now devotes his life to BEBASHI, the William Way LGBT Community Center, UPenn and many other tackling the new challenges of HIV in the sedulous supporters combating all things 21st century.

Millennial Poz

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

24 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

FOODPGN & DRINK

Tres razones para amar Tres Jalapeños By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

1. They know how to crank out the homemade Mexican goodness. Whether you’re eating in or carrying out, the homemade fare at Tres Jalapeños, 901 S. Eighth St., is a cut above the competition in the city. It’s a very rare occasion when we are more enamored by salsa ($3.50) than we are guacamole ($5.75). And while Tres Jalapeños has some fine guacamole, the salsa blows it away. The enchiladas are impressive as well. The green ($8.25) and mole ($8.25) enchiladas with chicken benefited from some exceptional saucing. The green chile sauce was bright and tangy and the mole sauce was pleasantly rich. But the biggest hit was the red enchilada ($8.25). We didn’t care that it didn’t have any kind of meat in it; the cheese and the smoky, flavorful sauce was all it needed. Vegetarians should be all over this dish. Then there are the juices squeezed to order, ranging from orange and apple ($3.25) to pineapple ($4.25). 2. Two words: Taco Tuesdays! It sounds innocuous, right? But even without the weekly special, which lets

you put away all the tacos your stomach can handle for a reasonable price, we could eat them every day of the week due to the exceptional quality and variety. You can have soft ($6.50-$9), crispy ($5.50$6.25) or California-style tacos ($7 and our clear favorite), with a range of fillings from portobello mushrooms and carne asada to fish and shrimp. The carne asada, in particular, is perfectly cooked and seasoned. The pork tacos are amazing as well: The meat is marinated and tossed with pineapple for an excellent flavor. We hear the standing record for tacos eaten on Taco Tuedays is 21. We’re probably never going to even come close to that number, but we understand why someone would want to try. 3. The delicious desserts are intimidating in size. When the sopapillas ($3.50) came out, we were taken aback. Staring back at us were large fried pastries with equally large dollops of whipped cream topped with rainbow sprinkles parked next to them. Wait! There’s more. In the center of this sugary wonderland is a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream. We figured we could polish off one of the pastries and some of the ice cream before our blood sugar spiked and

we were whisked off to sugar rehab. But those pastries were far lighter and fluffier than they looked, and we almost finished the entire mountainous dish before we even knew what was happening. Then there was the tres leches cake ($3.50). “Leches” means milk, but in this case it might as well have translated into “sev-

If you go Tres Jalapeños 901 S. Eighth St. 267-239-2358 www.thejalapenos.com Open for lunch and dinner daily; brunch Saturday and Sunday Photo: Scott A. Drake

eral-feet-thick,” as this was an insanely huge slab of moist and addictive cake. Take some amigos with you to Tres Jalapeños. ■

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

• Cosmetic dentistry • Veneers • Crowns • Whitening • Implants

Craig T. Wakefield, DDS Proudly serving the LGBT community and PWA for over 20 years. Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 255 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19103 (215) 732-8080 Evening hours available.

FOODPGN & DRINK

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Food & Drink Happy Hour Mon- Fri 5:30-7:30pm The Westbury The Gayborhoods First Craft Beer Sports Pub

16 TAPS Happy Hour Mon. - Fri. 6 - 8 pm $3 well drinks $1 off Craft Taps and Bottles Phillies Game Special* $2.75 Bud taps & Bud light bottles *during all regular season games Enter to win: set of game tickets or Halloday/Lee Jersey

The Westbury 261 South 13th St. Philadelphia, Pa

215.546.5170

$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

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

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

BYOB

“Authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex” Margarita Mondays: Large Spacious dining room, perfect for parties! Free Margarita mix after 5 PM.

Dine-in,Take Out and Delivery

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Open 7 days a Week 10AM - 10PM

www.thejalapenos.com

“Delightful Thai Cuisine”

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

PGN

26 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 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

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3847 N. Dupont Hwy, Kent Plaza Suite #2, Dover, Del.; 302734-9350.

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.

Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services at 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020; www.mccphiladelphia.com.

Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St. (corner of Baltimore Avenue); 215-724-1702.

Old First Reformed Church Open and afﬁrming United Church worships at 11 a.m. Sundays September-June, and 10 a.m. June-August at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215-922-4566; www.oldﬁrstucc.org.

Central Baptist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-0664.

Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penn’s Park; 215-598-7601.

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services at 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, at 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321.

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and afﬁrming congregation holds Sunday services, with Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-3860234; www.philadelphiacathedral.org.

Church of the Cruciﬁxion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215-922-1128.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7260; cpmm@afsc.org.

Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the ﬁrst Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call 732-502-0305.

Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215-646-2597.

Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets every ﬁrst and third Sundays of the month at 4 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, N.J.; 973-509-0118. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass at 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com. Drexel Hill Baptist Church Non-judgmental Christian congregation afﬁliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at Childs Avenue and State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356; www. dhbaptist.com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-545-2673; www.emmanuelnb.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-

Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian group meets at 2 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-626-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterian. com.

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.

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that afﬁrms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 11 a.m. September-June and 10 a.m. July and August, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980; www. ﬁrstuu-philly.org.

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.

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.

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center.

Church of the Trinity Lutheran Reconciling in Christ Parish holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 2300 S 18th St.; 215-334-6656.

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.

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.

Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Afﬁrming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org.

BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Services at 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; 215-3430406.

Episcopal Church of St. Paul Welcoming and inclusive church holds services at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-688-1796; www.stpaullevittown.org.

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.

Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332; www.mluc.org.

The First United Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-afﬁrming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6001 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; 215-438-3677. Gay Christian Singles Philly Burbs Provides support and fellowship for GLBT singles through discussion groups and social events; 610-457-2081; gcsphillyburbs@aol.com. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy holds services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, except for ﬁfth Sundays, which hold services at 9:30 a.m., at 224 E. Gowen Ave., Mt. Airy; 215-248-2950. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St.; 215-567-3668; www.lc-hc.org/drupal. Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC.org. Interweave Organization of LGBT Unitarians and allies meets monthly at Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill, N.J., 401 N. Kings Highway; 856-667-3618; www.uucinch.org. LC/NA Delaware Valley chapter A group for Lutherans who are not out in their own congregations meets at 7 p.m. fourth Sunday of the month at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-387-2885. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist Synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org.

Silverside Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-478-5921. St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal Church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays, with a contemplative communion at 8 a.m. at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966; www. saintasaphs.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451; www. stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds liturgy at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays fall through winter and “Prayer Around the Cross” at 7 p.m. first Friday of the month at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass at 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-876-4067; www. inclusivecatholics.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church, with openly gay rector, celebrates Eucharist at 11 a.m. Sundays; adult forum is held at 9:30 a.m.; and evening prayer is at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www. stmarysatpenn.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100. Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Children’s program pre-8th, 10:30 a.m.; youth programming 6 p.m. Sunday; 610-566-4853; www.uucdc. org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays September-June and 10:30 a.m. July and August at 6511 Lincoln Drive (West Mt. Airy); 215-844-1157; www.usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services at 10:15 a.m. at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-667-3618. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, Mt. Airy Welcoming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays September-June at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561; www. uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township, N.J.; 609-965-9400; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St., Pottstown; 610-327-2662. United Christian Church Open, affirming and welcoming congregation holds services at 10:15 a.m. Sundays at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming GLBT congregation holds services at 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-222-3180. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 with discussion of religious alienation and struggles of faith; 215-387-2885.

PROFILE PGN

Professional Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Suzi Nash

Mary Catona: From waist to waste management Let’s do a little trash talking — and no, I don’t mean the kind where I talk about your mama. I mean a conversation with Mary Catona, president/CEO of Retriever Waste Management, a full-service waste and recycling management company that has been named one of the top women-owned businesses in the country. PGN: Are you a Jersey girl? MC: I was born Philadelphia, but I moved to Jersey 21 years ago ... farmland country. PGN: Where did you go to school? MC: I went to Upper Darby High School. PGN: Where did you go to college? MC: West Chester University, where I studied health and phys-ed. I wanted to be a gym teacher! PGN: So many people I interview don’t end up going into their field of study. MC: Yeah, teachers were a dime a dozen then and it was hard to find a job, so I took the phys-ed knowledge I had and started working in health clubs. Part of the responsibilities included selling memberships and I found that I was really good at sales. I also started doing physical therapy for a remarkable woman who’d had open-heart surgery and then started working with other people, mostly women with polio and other illnesses that needed therapy. PGN: How did you go from there to trash? MC: One of my friends sent in my résumé to a prominent hauling company. They called me in for an interview and, three hours later, they offered me the job. My second day on the job, I knew that this was my calling. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to own my own business, and I always thought I’d eventually open up a health club or a gym, but I was really intrigued by the intricacies of waste management. After a few years with one of the prominent players in the business, and then a smaller company in Jersey, I got laid off. That evening, I went to an event for Italian women professionals. My mother came with me and she’s like the social network, she was introducing me to everyone. One of the people I met was Camille Maglio, from Maglio Sausage and Cheese, and she asked me what I did. I told her that I’d just been laid off but that I’d like to someday own a business. She said, “I’ll tell you what, I have a company in Philadelphia, come see me tomorrow.” I went to see her and she offered me space on her second floor: She gave me a computer, telephone, everything I needed to get started. She said, “I’m not going to charge you anything, just get yourself established.” At the end of the year, my company was on firm ground and I went to her to say thank you and let her know I was ready to

get my own place. She said, “Oh no, no, you’re not leaving yet, you owe me.” And I thought, Oh my God, what is this, was this too good to be true, what do I owe her? But she looked at me and said, “Next time, if a woman comes across your path needing help, I want you to stop and provide her the same opportunity that I did you.” We shook hands and that was the deal. PGN: And what helped you make the transition from the health industry to waste management? MC: It was all about sales. Whether you’re selling a gym membership or industrial services, it’s about relating to the customer. PGN: What makes you a good salesperson? MC: Tenacity, first and foremost, and then developing relationships based on trust. I’m always straightforward with people, no hidden agendas. I believe strongly in what I do, so if you believe in me, you’ll never have a problem with me. I’ll always do a good job for you, more than a good job. I get excited about it: I like to exceed expectations. PGN: And you’ve grown from that secondfloor office to a pretty large company. MC: Not as large as I’d like to be! There were a few hiccups along the way. When I first started, I brought in a partner and that didn’t work out too well. I had to dissolve the company to end the partnership but, fortunately, my clients all stayed with me. PGN: And what does the company do? MC: We handle trash and recycling on a national basis, as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. We do it all. For instance, if I have a client with 500 locations throughout the states, we handle the waste — from supplying trash containers to collection. We make sure they are in compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations, and even though costs fluctuate because of landfill considerations, gas prices, inflation, etc., and there’s not much we can’t or won’t do for a client if they need it. PGN: Waste is such a huge global problem today. What are your thoughts? MC: Where do you start? We try to help by getting clients to participate in recycling and doing it the right way so that it actually gets back into the post-consumer stream. We have a newsletter, “10 Steps Toward Going Green,” that we use to help our clients become sustainable and forward-thinking. PGN: I worked for a big company that didn’t recycle and it used to drive me crazy. How come, as a resident, I can be fined for throwing out a soup can, but businesses can get away with not recycling? MC: They’re not supposed to. Many companies do handle trash the right way, but far

too many don’t make the effort and it’s a shame. If businesses don’t get on board taking care of the future, we’re going to have serious problems. Even small businesses need to get in sync. PGN: What are your hobbies? MC: I have a second-degree black belt in karate and have been working toward a third-degree belt. I love animals, especially dogs. Our logo for the company is a retriever. I always said that if I get the company big enough or hit the lottery, I want to build an animal sanctuary. I also enjoy horseback riding.

lies really need to step up to the plate and get involved. I don’t care if you’re straight, gay or otherwise, the family unit is most important. As a role model, I try to share with young women — and boys — that you can’t let anything or anyone get you down.

PGN: When did you come out? MC: I knew when I was a kid that I loved women [laughing] — my first crush was Ann-Margret! When I went to college, it was the first time I realized, Wow, there are other women like me! It was great. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was in my 30s. I thought being from a very family-oriented Italian background it would PGN: English or Western? be difficult and I was scared to tell them, MC: Western. I can’t do all that knees-in, but I guess I didn’t trust my family enough chin-up, hands-still English stuff! because they were terrific. There was no fuss about it at all, no ignorance about PGN: You won the National Association of the subject, just total acceptance. It was Female Executives, Woman of Excellence funny, the night I decided to tell them I had Outstanding Entrepreneur Award and were some friends there for support: two famnamed one of Pennsylvania’s 50 Best ily friends who were attorneys who had a gay son, and my cousin Rosemary. My mom was in the kitchen cooking, what else, surrounded by knives and forks. I didn’t know if that was the best time to do it, but I went ahead and I told her I had something to tell her. She looked at me and I said, “I’m a lesbian.” She didn’t say a word but put everything down in the sink and went upstairs. I followed her and she said, “I don’t understand?” I told her it’s nothing except that I preferred women over men. She looked up slowly and said, “But you still love me, right?” [Tears up.] I said, “Mom, of course I still love you!” And she said, “And I love you, my daughter,” and that was it. Now my father thought that it was some kind of party when everyone came over. I finally pulled him aside and with my heart racing, I said, “You know how we used to watch TV and you’d see a gay person Photo: Suzi Nash on TV and not understand Women in Business. How important do it? There’s nothing to underyou think it is to be a role model? stand, that’s just who they are and it’s who MC: I think it’s very important, especially to I am too.” He told me that it didn’t matter set a standard for young women growing up and that he loved me. Then he grabbed me today. It was harder for me to be a woman and hugged me for 10 minutes and wouldn’t in the business arena than it is for women let go. From then on, I never hesitated about being open. ■ today, but I think that young women today don’t have the confidence in themselves that they need. With all the bullying that goes on To suggest a community member for “Professional Portrait,” write to and the social networking that can be used portraits05@aol.com. to tear them down, it’s tough. I think fami-

28 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 04/08 Toad the Wet Sprocket The alt-rock band performs at 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. PIFA Fashion Nine top local designers and student designers showcase their work in a Parisinspired runway show, 8 p.m. at the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza, 260 S. Broad St.; 215893-1999. Ralphie May The comedian performs at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre,

291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Colleen Zenk The cabaret singer performs at 8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225. Club D’Elf with special guest John Medeski The Moroccan trance/dance artist performs at 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Sat. 04/09 Jesse Ventura The former Navy SEAL, profes-

sional wrestler, actor, TV personality and governor of Minnesota talks up his new book, “63 Documents the Government Doesn’t Want You to Read,” at 2 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215567-4341. John Lithgow The award-winning actor performs a musical children’s show at noon and 4 p.m. at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215898-3900. Aimee Mann The acclaimed singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. Sue Matsuki, Gretchen Reinhagen & Richard Skipper

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

The New York City-based cabaret singers perform at 8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225. Colin Hay The Men at Work frontman and solo artist performs at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Sun. 04/10 New Hope Parks and Recreation Benefit Lisa Sherman, Michael Traupman and Barbara Gurskey perform a variety show with Bob Egan at the piano at 2 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-862-5225.

LOCA-MOTION: Out Latin pop superstar Ricky Martin comes to the area in support of his new album, “Música + Alma + Sexo,” for what is sure to be a blistering performance at 8 p.m. April 15 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

Silent Movie Cornucopia Five classic comedy shorts featuring Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, with Wayne Zimmerman on the organ, are screened at 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Tea with Hagrid featuring Dinah Bucholz The author of “The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook: From Cauldron Cakes to Knickerbocker Glory” appears at 2 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. 40th Anniversary Tribute to Carol King’s Tapestry Birdie Busch, Brittany Ann, Vanessa Reddin and Natalie Acciani perform at 7:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; 215-928-0770. Chris Cornell The Soundgarden singer and solo artist performs at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650.

Mon. 04/11 First Person StorySlam Philadelphia-based

spoken-word artists perform at 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Tue. 04/12 David Uosikkinen’s In The Pocket: Essential Songs of Philadelphia An all-star Philly jam by the city’s finest rotating band hits the stage at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Wed. 04/13 Out in the Silence The documentary about local residents confronting homophobia in a conservative small Pennsylvania town is screened at 6 p.m. at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown; www. novabucks.org/ index.html. Girlyman The LGBT folkrock group performs at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Donnie The openly gay recording artist will perform at 8 p.m.,

1310 N. Broad St.; 267-902-5245.

790-5800.

Thu. 04/14

Fri. 04/15

Variety Showcase Night Eddie Bruce hosts a showcase at 8 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225.

Ricky Martin The out Latin superstar performs at 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Orchestre National de France France’s bestknown orchestra performs at 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-

Tower of Power and Average White Band The funk groups perform at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. ■

DEEP SEEING: AxD Gallery presents “Depth Perception,” a new exhibition by graphic designer and lettering artist John Langdon, April 8-May 14. Langdon is known for his pioneering work with ambigrams, words and letters artfully manipulated in ways to make them identically legible from more than one direction. Enjoy the visuals and try to attend the artists’ reception, 5-8 p.m. April 8, 265 S. 10th St. For more information, call 215-6276250.

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Opening BalletX Spring Series 2011: Proliferation of the Imagination BalletX and The Wilma Theater present a multi-disciplinary interpretation of surrealist theater pioneer Guillaume Apollinaire’s “Les mamelles de Tirésias (The Breasts of Tirésias),” April 12-24, 265 S. Broad St.; 215546-7824. Pulcinella Alive The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with Finnish native and Boston Ballet resident choreographer Jorma Elo, April 8-10 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Continuing Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps Walnut Street Theatre presents Alfred Hitchcock’s fast-paced spy mystery through May 1, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. Basil Twist’s Petrushka The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the story of a tragic love triangle brought to life by innovative puppetry, through April 16 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900 Depth Perception AxD Gallery presents an exhibition by graphic designer and lettering artist John Langdon, best known for his pioneering work with ambigrams, through May 14, 265 S. 10th St.; 215-627-6250.

Educating Rita Quince Productions presents a comedy abut a hairdresser who decides she wants to get educated, through April 23 at Walnut Street Theatre Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

BREAKING THE SILENCE: Bucks County Community College hosts a screening of the documentary “Out in the Silence,” which captures the chain of events that unfold when filmmaker Joe Wilson’s same-sex wedding announcement ignites a firestorm of controversy in his small Pennsylvania hometown. The screening is followed by a discussion with the filmmakers, 6 p.m. April 13, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown. For more information, visit www. novabucks.org/index.html.

Epherman Existence Gallery 339, through May 7, 339 S. 21st St.; 215-731-1530. Facing Out, Facing In: Figurative Works The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition exploring this temperamental and stylistic dichotomy in figurative art, and includes works by regional painters and photographers, through May 1, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-3409800. 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 this month, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Godspell The Biblical musical is performed through April 24 at Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media; 610-5654211. Joe Rogan The comedian seen on “Fear Factor” performs April 14-16 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Mary Poppins The adaptation of the beloved Disney musical is on stage through April 17 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-731-3333. The Men of Mah Jongg Society Hill Playhouse, through April 17 in the Red Room, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215923-0210. The Peacock Male: Exuberance and Extremes in Masculine Dress Philadelphia Museum of Art, through June, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Roberto Capucci: Art into Fashion Philadelphia Museum of Art, through June 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

QUEER AS FOLK: Fresh off a tour of the Southwest and collaborating with comedian Margaret Cho on her new musical CD, gender-bending folk-rock group Girlyman pulls into town for a performance, 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, call 215-222-1400 or visit www.girlyman.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

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.

Speaking In Tongues Walnut Street Theatre presents a mystery comprised of three interwoven stories, through April 17 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Chests Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the commemorative works of art, through July, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America The National Constitution Center, through May 30, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6600.

Tommy Media Theater presents the classic-rock opera through May 22, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear Philadelphia Museum of Art, through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. To Love, Honor and Obey? Stories of Italian Renaissance Marriage

Closing Ben Bailey The comedian seen on “Cash Cab” performs through April 9 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. ■

PGN

30 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Worth Watching FAMILY MATTERS: Things get complicated for Olivia (Isabella Rae Thomas) when her brother shows up and sets out to gain custody of her from her gay adoptive parents Kevin and Scotty on a new episode of “Brothers & Sisters,” while the Walkers struggle amongst themselves to determine what’s best for Olivia, 9 p.m. April 10 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Michael

WORLD WAR: Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning run from aliens invading earth in “War of the Worlds,” Steven Spielberg’s modern-day retelling of H.G. Wells’ sci-fi classic, 8 p.m. April 9 on ABC. Photo: DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures

Desmond

PLAY-SCHOOLED: Out character Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) is relishing his role as interim music director at Luke and Manny’s school, and he’s taking on the upcoming spring musical performance with a little too much zest and fervor, on a new episode of “Modern Family,” 9 p.m. April 13 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Peter Hopper

PRISON ‘BREAK’: Bisexual character Thirteen (Olivia Wilde) returns to the fold on “House” after being MIA for most of the season. Wilde dropped out of the show to do a few movies, but it turns out her character has spent some of her time away in jail and House has a road trip with her to figure out why, 8 p.m. April 11 on Fox.

“Either you count, or you don’t count.”

JeffHornstein:.

Theonly City Councilcandidate in theFirst District witha proven LGBT record.

Vote For

CHRISTOPHER MALLIOS Democrat for Judge - Court of Common Pleas

Experience in our community: • Chair of Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP)

• Wants Full Marriage Equality for the LGBT community.

• Hate Crimes Prosecutor – Received the Civil Rights in Law Enforcement Award from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

• Wants more anti-bullying programs in schools — and support for LGBTQ youth.

• District Attorney’s Liaison to the LGBT Community

• Won Domestic Partnership benefits in union contracts for thousands of Philadelphia workers. • Wants an immediate end to SEPTA gender stickers.

• Wants Mandatory Domestic Partnership Benefits in all city contracts — and fair access to city contracts for LGBT-owned and operated businesses. • On record for exhausting all legal avenues so the city can deny contracts, business, and city property to those who discriminate against the LGBT community.

JEFF

HORNSTEIN

Paid for by Citizens to Re-Elect Mike O'Brien jeffhornstein.org

• Member of the Police Commissioner’s LGBT Advisory Committee

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

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Q Puzzle Taxing Problems Across

1. Rainbow, to some 5. Oats for a stallion, e.g. 9. Sculptor Stebbins 13. City near Tahoe 14. Composer Edouard 15. Songwriter Holly 16. Chip off the old flock? 17. Ice house (var.) 18. Pastry with fruit, perhaps 19. With 22-Across, TV show with 49Across 22. See 19-Across 23. Where suits are pressed 25. Gets to second base, perhaps 28. Bombay believer 29. Cosmetics name 30. Shoshonean tongue 31. Puts a head on cappuccino

36. Old Spanish queen 37. Marcel Duchamp’s style 39. Poet Seward 40. Historic spans 41. TV show with 49Across 44. Hype incessantly 46. Bad bottom-line news 49. Guy in the news with taxing problems 54. Skimpy skirt 55. Steady guy 56. Some savings 58. It comes out of your head 59. Undoing 60. Kind of package 61. Bear hunter Boone, briefly 62. “Uh-oh!” to Shelley 63. Financial page heading

Down

1. Places for MDs 2. Event for George

Frenn 3. Passive in S&M, perhaps 4. Place for a shorthand job 5. Amelia Earhart, and others 6. Two under for Sheehan 7. First name in talk 8. Watches Philip Seymour Hoffman play a priest? 9. Holds out a carrot to 10. Lion, tiger, or bear 11. Nickname for a gay man 12. Gallery objects 20. So-so grade 21. Circumcision and more 23. Sound of getting banged? 24. Musical meter maid 26. Musical Horne 27. Sailors cruise on them

32. Billy Budd, for one 33. It may get licked (abbr.) 34. First name among bi singers 35. Dallas cager, for short 38. Withdrawn 40. Hot stuff 42. “I’m not eating that!” 43. Plug attachment 44. 2002 Salma Hayek film 45. Stuff in a closet 47. Haul ass 48. Homonym for Chaz’s mom 50. “Mamma Mia!” band 51. Honest-to-goodness 52. Comical Carvey 53. Pink and more 54. Start of a life crisis? 57. Sarah Jessica Parker’s “city” activity

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32 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

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. 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.

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Beds: 3 Baths: 1.5

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OPEN HOUSE Sunday, April 10th 2-4pm 159 Merion Ave, Narberth 3 bedrooms/1.5 baths • $379,000

A covered porch welcomes you to this warm, sunlit home. The gleaming hardwood ﬂoors and large open layout provides great space for relaxing with family and friends. The eat-in kitchen has a mud room off the back that leads to the powder room, laundry, and an outside entrance to the patio and “secret garden”. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms and a bath. The basement is Dry, clean, and has a walkup. Newly installed central AC, appliances, and 200 amp service are just a few of the upgrades in this ready to move in house. This won’t last long so hurry! www.159Merion.com

Prudential Fox & Roach-Bryn Mawr Ofﬁce: 610-527-0900 Cell: 610-520-2500

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For more info contact:

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

Open Houses Sunday April 10, 2011 NOON - 2:00 PM 2136 TRYON STREET - New listing in Rittenhouse Square area. Cute 2 bedroom, one bath with small garden and nice deck................. ............................................................................................. $299,000 NOON - 1:00 PM 2011 Cartharine St. Newly rehabbed large classic 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with 2 Car PARKING. There is a ﬁnished lower level, deluxe S/S and granite kitchen, spa like master bath and a huge bilevel deck with the best views in the city. .............................................. ..................................................................priced at only $499,900 927 SPRUCE STREET, 2R Junior 1BR/1BA Condo, parking available for $20,000. ..........................................................$199,000 1:30-2:30 PM 2155 MONTROSE STREET - new construction, tax abatement, 3BR/2.5BA ...........................................................................$425,000 255 S. HUTCHINSON STREET. 2BR/1.5BA cute home in great area ......................................................................................$250,000 1109 SPRUCE STREET 4 units available- 1 studio and 3 1BR/ 1BA,Condos ........................................................from just. $180,000

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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

PGN

34 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

REAL ESTATE

SALE

MEDIA

$329,000

Completely charming small European-style 2 BR, 1 BA home with fenced-in backyard, perennial garden plus garage. Wonderful private setting in premiere location in downtown Media. For more info: 610-565-7600 www.cbpref.com

ADOPTION ADOPT A caring Doctor & Professional yearn for 1st baby to LOVE, nurture & cherish forever! Expenses Paid! 1-877-246-9753. _______________________________35-14 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. _______________________________35-14 BIRTHMOTHER We’ll support your hopes for your baby. Longtime married couple will give unconditional love as adoptive parents. Expenses Paid. Legal. Debbie/ Mike: 1-877-496-4848 www. mikendebadopt.com _______________________________35-14 ADOPT Married couple wishes to adopt newborn to share our hearts/ home. Will provide lifetime of happiness, love, security. Expenses paid. Marcy/ Andrew 855-882-9477 http://sites. google.com/site/marcyandandy/home _______________________________35-1

LEGAL NOTICE

REAL ESTATE

RENT

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 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. _______________________________35-14 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 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215)735-8050. _______________________________35-31

SERVICES 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. _______________________________35-14 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment School. 3wk training program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. Start digging dirt Now! 866-362-6497. _______________________________35-1

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LEGAL NOTICE

HELP WANTED 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 _______________________________35-14 $1000 - $1250 - $1500 Sign On Bonuses. Hiring Over the Road Drivers. Van, Flatbed, Refrigerated Openings. Call Roehl 1-888-867-6345 AA/EOE. _______________________________35-14 Drivers - Tanker Owner Operator Average $1.23/mile (+fuel surcharge) Paid CDL Training Available & Benefits! Call Prime Inc. Today! 800-277-0212 www.primeinc.com _______________________________35-14 NEW STARTING PAY JUST ANNOUNCED For Van and Flatbed Division. Plus high miles, new equipment And excellent benefits. $500 Sign-On Bonus for Flatbed. We’ve got it all! CDL-A. 6mo.OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-14 Drivers: Teams or Solos Looking To Team. $2,000 sign-on bonus for OTR teams, pet program, 1,500+ Avg. Length of Haul, and much more! 866-232-7399 www.socaldrivers.com _______________________________35-14 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 _______________________________35-14 COMPANY DRIVERS Needed For Truckload Division. -Home Every Weekend. -Avg. $55K/Yr + Benefits -CDL-A w/Hazmat, Good MVR & 2 years Recent Experience Required. Call A. Duie Pyle: 888-301-5855. _______________________________35-14 REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS Certified w/minimum 5yrs experience & ACI knowledge to cover Eastern PA. Fax resume: 800-675-9392 Or Call: 800-477-5187. _______________________________35-14 15 CDL drivers needed to deliver trucks regionally. Availability to gross $60,000 and up. No force dispatch! Call 1-866-764-1601 or www. qualitydriveaway.com _______________________________35-14

PGN

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FRIENDS

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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

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- 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!!

36 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 8-14, 2011

PGN