PGN April 10 - 16, 2009 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News April 10 - 16, 2009

Vol. 33 No. 15

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Iowa and Vermont make it official

On the down low The Hawkeye State strikes down same-sex marriage ban as unconstitutional doesn’t mean By Jen Colletta principles of equal greater HIV PGN Staff Writer protection embodied in our constitution.” Last week Iowa became the third state in Joe Solmonese, risk, study says

the country, and the first in the Midwest, where same-sex marriage is legal. In a unanimous ruling issued April 3, the Iowa Supreme Court struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage as unconstitutional. Same-sex couples will be able to obtain marriage licenses beginning April 27. The ruling stemmed from a 2005 lawsuit filed by national LGBT group Lambda Legal on behalf of six same-sex couples who applied for, but were denied, marriage licenses. Iowa adopted a law in 1998 that limited marriage to between one man and one woman. Polk County Judge Robert Hanson ruled in August 2007 that the law was unconstitutional, but stayed his ruling later that day, pending the state’s appeal to the Supreme Court. The court based last week’s decision on its belief that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage is a violation of the equal-protection guarantees in Iowa’s constitution. “The legislature has excluded a historically disfavored class of persons from a supremely important civil institution without a constitutionally sufficient

executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, hailed the court’s decision as a step forward for the national LGBT community. “The Iowa Supreme Court did its job by recognizing that gay and lesbian couples who form committed relationships EQUALITY IN THE HEARTLAND: College students loving families celebrate on the campus of the University of Iowa and deserve the same level following the Iowa Supreme Court’s unanimous decision of respect afforded to April 3 to overturn the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. heterosexual couples,” Photo: Liz Martin/AP he said. “The unanimous justiﬁcation,” stated the court’s opinion, court made forcefully written by Justice Mark Cady. “There is no clear that the state constitution guarantees material fact, genuinely in dispute, that can the same rights and protections for all affect this determination.” Iowans. This decision strengthens Iowa The ruling strikes the “one man-one families and makes a strong statement for woman” language from Iowa law and equality all across the nation.” “further directs that the remaining statutory The court further rejected the argument language be interpreted and applied in a of assistant Polk County attorney Roger manner allowing gay and lesbian people full Kuhle, who spearheaded the state’s appeal, access to the institution of civil marriage.” that gay and lesbian couples don’t deserve The seven justices also found that equal protection because they are not civil unions would not be an adequate “similarly situated” as heterosexual couples compromise, as they are “equally suspect and difﬁcult to square with the fundamental See IOWA, Page 13

The Green Mountain State overrides veto to legalize same-sex marriage By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Vermont, which in 2000 became the ﬁrst state in the country to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples, achieved another LGBT milestone this week when it became the ﬁrst state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislative means. On April 7, both the state’s Senate and House voted to override a veto from Gov. Jim Douglas, making Vermont the fourth state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Under Vermont law, two-thirds of each chamber is required to vote for override and, while the Senate overwhelmingly achieved that majority — 23-5 — the House scraped by with just one vote — 100-49. Same-sex couples can begin obtaining marriage licenses in the state on Sept. 1. Supporters and opponents of marriage equality, still unsure at the time if there were enough votes in the House to

override the veto, packed the Statehouse on Tuesday, capping off several weeks of intense lobbying from both sides. The Senate initially approved the bill late last month, and the House also voted in favor of it, 96-54, last week. Before the House vote, however, Douglas announced he would veto the bill if and when it reached his desk. The bill went back to the Senate for ﬁnal approval of amendments April 6 and the governor issued his veto just minutes after the Senate sent the bill to his desk. Douglas included a memo to the legislature with his veto that stated he recognized “this is an issue that is intensely personal, with strongly held beliefs and convictions on both sides. But I am charged by our constitution to act on this legislation and by its return, I have fulﬁlled that responsibility.” The governor said Tuesday that he anticipated the legislature’s override. “The outcome was not unexpected.

I prepared myself for this outcome and predicted it.” Three Democrats — Reps. Bob South, Jeff Young and Debbie Evans — who initially voted against the bill switched their vote during the veto override, and House Speaker Shap Smith, a strong proponent of the bill but whose position typically doesn’t permit him to vote for legislation, backed the override. Young, a freshman Democrat, said he initially voted with his “gut” against samesex marriage but changed his vote as a strategic move. “This wasn’t the easiest decision, but I realized that as a freshman, I don’t have a lot of chips on the table,” he said. “I want to have an impact for my district. This is politics, and maybe this was time to step to the plate.” Evans said she supported the override because she felt the governor’s veto See VERMONT, Page 13

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Researchers from the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation recently completed a study that found that men who identify as “down low” do not pose any higher risk of spreading HIV to female partners than openly bisexual men. The study, published in this month’s issue of the American Journal of Public Health, was created to assess the sexual practices of African-American men who identify with the down low — commonly thought of as those who engage in sex with other men without their female partners’ knowledge — and if this practice affects the high rates of HIV in the black community. “Scientiﬁcally speaking, there’s very little known about the down low,” said Dr. Lisa Bond, PHMC senior researcher. “Almost everything we know has come from personal accounts of a handful of individuals and the stories we’ve heard on TV and read about in the mainstream news. The impetus of this was to learn more about what it means to be on the DL and, in particular, whether or not being on the DL is associated with engaging in a greater risk for HIV transmission.” The study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control, included interviews with more than 1,100 gay, bisexual and heterosexualidentiﬁed men of color who have sex with men — 361 of whom identify as DL — in the Philadelphia and New York City areas. Bond said researchers recruited participants through respondent-driving sampling, in which each interviewee was asked to refer several other men for the study. See STUDY, Page 6

Black men who identify themselves as down low and have sex with other men categorize themselves as follows: 55.6% bisexual 28.1% homosexual/ gay 11.1% heterosexual/ straight 5.3% other

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News Editorial 10 International News 16 Letters/Feedback 11 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 10 Other Views 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

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Komen awards grant money

Face to Facebook: A PGN ﬁrst

Publisher

Mark Segal (ext. 204)

BEBASHI, MANNA and the Mazzoni Center will each receive $40,000 due to their grassroots efforts that epitomize Komen’s goals.

Publisher Mark Segal asked readers on Facebook what was on their minds this week and got plenty of feedback.

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Detour Comics Diversions Meeting Place Portraits Q Puzzle Scene In Philly Worth Watching

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Art Director Christopher Potter design@epgn.com

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

Family Portraits:

Rabbi Linda Holtzman

Three gay plays at the Shubin Theatre showcase one director’s efforts across decades of material. Page 30

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Columns

Classifieds Directories

Editor Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206) sarah@epgn.com

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

After “Doubt” comes “Deﬁance,” the second play of a trilogy by John Patrick Shanley and starring openly gay actor Clayton Dean Smith (left). Page 19

Best Sellers Books/DVDs Food Reviews Offline Out Online

mark@epgn.com

Photographer/Graphic Artist Scott A. Drake (ext. 216) scott@epgn.com Advertising Manager Nick Forte (ext. 209) nick@epgn.com Assistant Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Morgan Levine (ext. 212) morgan@epgn.com

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Kelly Root (ext. 207) kelly@epgn.com

Offline

Out Online

Books/DVDs

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Personal, professional

iPhone goes iGay

Read your “e-male” or get in on “The Secrets” with these new offerings

Bobby Cannavale is the new love god

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Go to www.philagaynews.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

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“Deﬂowered: My Life in the Pansy Division” author Jon Ginoli will be at Giovanni’s Room

Blackﬁsh is the Conshohocken seafood destination Page 33

Which state would you go to for your legal gay wedding?

National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Office Manager/Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant Credit/Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press National Gay Newspaper Guild Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2009 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

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News Briefing

Regional

Local AIDS family center closes

PLEDGING THEIR ALLEGIANCE: AIDS Fund volunteers Eric (from left), Leah and Trish Houck and John Cella, director of the Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office, recite the GayBINGO Pledge during the organization’s 10th annual Black-Tie GayBINGO event April 3. AIDS Fund honored the Houck family with its Ferrara Family Volunteers of the Year Award for their years of service at various AIDS Fund events, such as the monthly GayBINGO and the annual AIDS Walk, and Cella with its Favorite Straight Person of the Year Award for his continual support of and advocacy for the local HIV/AIDS community. The event, which drew about 200 guests, raised $25,000 for local HIV/AIDS service organizations. Photo: Scott A. Drake

PA men jailed in child-molestation cases By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Police in Northeastern Pennsylvania arrested an 85-year-old school crossing guard April 6 and charged him with sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy. Joseph Gyuriska, a crossing guard in the Dunmore School District in Scranton for more than 10 years, faces numerous charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful contact with a minor. He is being held in Lackawanna State Prison on $200,000 bail. Scranton police allege that the teen is a runaway who was staying with 28-yearold Joseph Burns, a resident of Throop, just outside of Scranton. Police say Burns invited Gyuriska to his apartment and videotaped the teen performing oral sex on Gyuriska. In exchange for the sex act, Gyuriska allegedly bought the teen sneakers and clothing, and the boy also told police that Gyuriska gave Burns $50. Burns was arrested last week on nine charges, including making and possessing child pornography and corruption of minors.

Police began to investigate the relationship between Burns and the teen after he accompanied the boy to a court appearance in Lackawanna County and allegedly lied to police about his age. Police seized a computer from Burns’ apartment and found the video footage. It was unclear why the teen was staying with Burns. Gyuriska will be arraigned April 15. Also this week, a judge in Bucks County upped the sentence for a prosecutor convicted of having a sexual relationship with an underage boy. Last month, Judge C. Theodore Fritsch sentenced Anthony Cappuccio to three23 months of house arrest, but on April 6 toughened that sentence to six-23 months in prison. Police in Richland Township found Cappuccio, 32, then a chief deputy district attorney in Bucks County, and a 17-year-old boy partially clothed in a parked car near Quakertown. The police investigation found that Cappuccio, a youth leader at a church in Perkasie, provided alcohol and marijuana to several of the teens and had a three-month

sexual relationship with the one boy. Cappuccio was charged in late October with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of criminal use of a communication facility, both felonies, and misdemeanor charges of corruption of minors and furnishing minors with alcohol. Cappuccio pleaded guilty to all charges. The judge’s original ruling was within state guidelines but caused outrage among the boys’ families. Fritsch said his granting of the tougher sentence was not the result of the public outcry, but rather was based on “calm reﬂection.” The judge said he also took into consideration that Cappuccio had not been wearing his electronic monitoring cuff and was, according to Fritsch, underestimating the gravity of the county’s house-arrest program, which allowed Cappuccio to be free for 50-60 hours a week, working at a restaurant, attending therapy sessions and working on his own divorce case. ■

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

St. Mary’s Family Respite Center, an organization that provided services to Philadelphia-area families affected by HIV/AIDS, closed down March 31. The agency, at 3115 Spring Garden St., was forced to shut down after losing a signiﬁcant amount of government funding. Sandra Thompson, St. Mary’s executive director, said the organization lost its Title I Ryan White funding, federal money given to HIV/AIDS service organizations, in mid-2007 and was not able to locate other funding sources to make up for the more-than 25-percent loss in its budget. St. Mary’s provided free childcare, educational support and recreation for children of families affected by HIV/ AIDS, services that Thompson noted are not available elsewhere in the Philadelphia area. “We had the only service like this in the city. There is no alternative for care for these children,” she said. “Some may be old enough for the Head Start program or some parents may be able to ﬁnd subsidized childcare, but without those, these children are left with no services.” The organization worked with more than 450 families in its nearly 15 years in operation.

Airline launches LGBT Philly site Southwest Airlines launched a new Web site last week that seeks to attract LGBT visitors to Philadelphia. This marks the ﬁrst time Southwest has launched a companion LGBT travel site to promote a speciﬁc city. The site, www.southwest.com/ gayphilly, allows users to book a stay at nearly a dozen gay-friendly hotels in the city as well as purchase airline tickets. Jeff Guaracino, vice president of communications for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, said the site will be supported by a strategic ad campaign focused on such destinations as Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale and Columbus, OH.

Obama appoints gay man to faith committee President Barack Obama announced nine new members of a White House advisory council April 6, one of whom See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 17

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Researchers found that using the DL label did not affect the rate at which men engaged in risky sexual behavior with female partners: Although more DL than other men in the study reported having sex with a woman in the three months prior to the interview, some 60 percent of both groups of men who had engaged in sexual contact with a female did so without protection. “The overall rate of unsafe sex between bisexual men and females was the same whether or not the men were on the DL,” Bond said. About 43.7 percent of DL men in the study tested positive for HIV, while 56.3 of non-DLidentified men were infected. Bond noted the research also revealed that the term DL may not have a universal meaning. Nearly 56 percent of DL men identified themselves as bisexual and 28 percent reported they were homosexual. Approximately 11 percent said they were heterosexual and 5 percent reported another identity. About 46 percent of men who identified as DL reported that they had not had sex with a woman in the previous three months, while about 23 percent of openly bisexual men had engaged in sex with a female. The majority of men who identified with the DL fell between ages 40-49 and had a gross annual income of less than $5,000. When asked what DL means, approximately 49 percent of DL men responded that it describes men who have wives or girlfriends, while 24 percent associated the term with very masculine men and 22.7 percent reported that it reflects men who are always the top partner or who have fewer male partners than gay men. About 46 percent of DL men reported that keeping their sexual relations with men secret was very important; 40 percent responded that it was somewhat

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

important; and 14 percent said it was not at all important. Only about 24 percent of men who did not identify with the DL, however, said that keeping their sexual practices with men secret was very important, while 41 percent called it somewhat important and about 38 percent reported it was not at all important. Bond noted that popular media outlets — such as exposés on “Oprah” or in the New York Times Magazine — have presented the DL as a term that applies only to heterosexual men in committed relationships with women, but that the research shows this is not an accurate deﬁnition.

“I think the study really speaks to the importance of moving beyond the DL issue and stopping the finger-pointing and wasting time, when nearly one out of every two men in this population in America’s biggest cities is living with HIV.” DR. LISA BOND, PHMC

“I think that maybe where some of the misunderstanding of what DL means started, but what we found, is that’s not how the larger community of black men who have sex with men deﬁne it for themselves,” she said. “Being on the DL doesn’t always mean that you’re a heterosexual man who has a wife or a girlfriend or is sneaking around. For many gay and bisexual men, DL could just mean the desire for privacy or discretion about their sexual life

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and sexual relations.” PHMC research associate Lee Carson noted that when former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevy was revealed to be having an affair with a man several years ago, he came out as a “gay man,” and the term DL never surfaced on news reports. Carson said the term has come to apply only to the AfricanAmerican community and has gained momentum as the demographics of the HIV/AIDS community have changed. “When it comes to the black community, the DL terminology is almost ingrained,” Carson said. “The term has been part of urban vernacular for a long time. I think it became so sensationalized because people were grasping for an explanation about why there was a rise in HIV infections among African-American women.” Although African-American women have been contracting HIV at increasingly higher rates in recent years, Bond noted that about 50 percent of men who have sex with men in urban areas also have HIV. She said she hopes the research illustrates that HIV-prevention efforts need to be targeted toward unsafe sexual practices, no matter how the individuals identify, and that speculating about which population has fueled the HIV/ AIDS crisis is inconsequential. “The ﬁndings of our research underscore the importance of focusing on behavior and not subjective labels like ‘down low,’” she said. “I think the study really speaks to the importance of moving beyond the DL issue and stopping the ﬁnger-pointing and wasting time, when nearly one out of every two men in this population in America’s biggest cities is living with HIV. Rather than crucifying black gay and bisexual men, it’d be more productive if we spent our time demanding further action to address this crisis.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

National

Media Trail

White House launches HIV/AIDS campaign By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

Officials from the White House, Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control announced a new domestic HIV/AIDSprevention campaign this week, marking the first time the federal government has funded a media promotion focused on national HIV/AIDS issues in nearly 20 years. The Act Against AIDS campaign, launched April 7, will use various communication channels, including video, audio and print, to target specific at-risk communities, such as African Americans, Latinos and gay and bisexual men. The five-year campaign will cost about $45 million, officials said. The first leg of the campaign, “9 1⁄2 Minutes,” will highlight the statistic that one person is infected with HIV every nineand-a-half minutes in the United States, with the goal of driving home the need for HIV risk awareness, said Jeffrey Crowley,

openly gay director of the White House Ofﬁce of National AIDS Policy. “In the United States, every nine-and-ahalf minutes someone’s brother, sister, best friend, father or mother becomes infected with HIV. Yet research shows that many of those becoming infected do not recognize their risk,” he said. “This is a major concern because lack of knowledge contributes to increased risk behaviors.” The “9 1⁄2 Minutes” campaign will reach Americans through online banner ads and videos, transit ads and radio spots. More information about this ﬁrst phase can be found at www.NineAndAHalfMinutes.org. The next campaign will promote HIV testing among African-American gay and bisexual men. Pilot testing for this program will begin later this spring, with the campaign expected to launch nationwide early next year. CDC representatives also announced the agency would partner with health-policy and communications organization Kaiser Family Foundation to unite entertainment

and media organizations in spreading the campaign’s messages. Act Against AIDS also will encompass a ﬁve-year, $10-million educational effort targeted to African-American communities. The campaign’s Leadership Initiative will provide funding to 14 leading AfricanAmerican national organizations to support their efforts to disseminate the message. Melody Barnes, assistant to the president and director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, said the campaign aims to redirect the country’s attention to the stillpervasive diseases. “Act Against AIDS seeks to put the HIV crisis back on the national radar screen,” Barnes said. “Our goal is to remind Americans that HIV/AIDS continues to pose a serious health threat in the United States and encourage them to get the facts they need to take action for themselves and their communities.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

House to reconsider hate-crimes bill By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Legislation that would extend the federal hate-crimes law to include the LGBT community was introduced in the House last week. U.S. Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, also known as the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, on April 2 with 42 cosponsors. None of the 19 representatives from Pennsylvania is cosponsoring the bill. The legislation was sent to the Judiciary Committee, which Conyers chairs. The bill would expand the 1969 federal hate-crimes law to allow the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute crimes motivated by a victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. The current law offers protections based on race, color, religion or national origin. The bill also would amend the current law to remove the existing requirement that the victim must be engaging in a federally protected activity during the offense — such as attending school at a public institution or serving jury duty on a state court — and provide resources and funding for local agencies to combat hate crimes. Conyers and Kirk introduced the same legislation in March 2007, along with 137 cosponsors. Sen. Edward Kennedy (DMass.) spearheaded the companion bill in the Senate.

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The bill, which both houses of Congress approved, was added as an amendment to a defense-spending bill but ultimately removed after a threatened veto from thenPresident George W. Bush. Kennedy is expected to introduce a companion bill again this session, but his ofﬁce could not be reached for comment. President Barack Obama has said that if the bill passes, he will sign it. There is currently no federal law mandating state and local police agencies to report hate crimes, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation tracked nearly 7,700 such incidents in 2007, 16.6 percent of which were motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said the bill is a necessary step to protect all Americans. “Each year, thousands of Americans are violently attacked just because of who they are,” Solmonese said. “These crimes not only harm individuals, they terrorize entire communities. After more than a decade of delay, it’s time to provide local police and sheriffs’ departments with the full resources of the Justice Department to address vicious hate crimes.” Openly gay U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), a cosponsor of the bill, said in a statement last week that it’s integral that Congress take a leadership position on the issue and “enunciate clearly that hate-based violence targeting any American will no longer be tolerated.” “The passage of the [bill] will not make all hate crimes go away. But this legislation

gives state, local and federal law-enforcement authorities the necessary resources and tools to combat violent crimes based on prejudice and intended to terrorize a group of people or an entire community,” Baldwin said. “Such hate crimes are in desperate need of a federal response. I will work hard to move this legislation through Congress this year and look forward to seeing President Obama sign it into law.” Organizations such as the National Sheriffs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National District Attorneys Association and 26 state attorneys general all endorsed the legislation. Earlier this week, HRC launched FightHateNow.org, a comprehensive site that provides the public with statistics and information, as well as ﬁrst-hand testimonials, about LGBT hate crimes. Solmonese noted the site’s creation was motivated in part from distortions that the bill’s opponents have circulated in previous years, such as claims by numerous religious leaders that pastors could face prison time if they deliver anti-gay sermons. The site also offers outlets for visitors to contact their lawmakers and advocate for the bill. Some form of the Matthew Shepard Act has been introduced every session since 1999, although the previous session was the ﬁrst time that gender identity was included in the bill. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Shelters adapt to help trans homeless The San Francisco Chronicle reports that help is harder to ﬁnd for the transgender homeless, whose nontraditional gender status raises questions about sleeping arrangements and shower facilities. Shelters in Atlanta and Austin are revamping acceptance policies and weighing the creation of trans-friendly spaces. The Atlanta Union Mission is considering expanding one or more of its six shelters to accommodate transgender people. A poll last year conducted by San Francisco’s Transgender Law Center found that 20 percent of trans people reported having been homeless, a third of whom were denied access to a shelter.

Scout leader accused of sex abuse The Pittsburgh Channel reports The Boy Scouts of America revoked Dr. David Allen Evanko’s membership April 1 after learning that state police charged him with statutory rape and corruption of minors. “He’s shocked. His feelings are hurt deeply. He feels betrayed,” said Evanko’s attorney, David DeFazio. Evanko, 55, of Butler, performs some contract work for the county’s Children and Youth Services Department. Police allege Evanko was sexually involved with two males ages 13-16 at various times from 1989-95. Both boys were members of the Butler County Boy Scouts when they became acquainted with Evanko, state police said. “I believe completely my client is innocent. I ﬁnd it unfortunate the law may permit a charge like this to come out of the woodwork after 20 years,” DeFazio said.

Gay ex-Playboy employee sues 365gay.com reports that Playboy magazine’s former fashion director claims he was ﬁred because of his sexual orientation and his age. Joseph DeAcetis, 45, ﬁled a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court alleging the magazine’s editorial director “made fun” of him because he is gay and his hair is gray, and that the director referred to homosexuals as “girls.” Playboy spokeswoman Elizabeth Austin says the company “takes these allegations very seriously” and has been investigating internally. ■ — Larry Nichols

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Komen grants funding to LGBT and HIV/AIDS groups By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

Three organizations that serve the local LGBT and HIV/AIDS communities are among the recipients of a grant from the Philadelphia afﬁliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which works to raise awareness of and funding for breast-cancer prevention and treatment. The local Komen afﬁliate last week announced its 2009-10 grant recipients — 38 in all, including LGBT health clinic the Mazzoni Center, HIV/AIDS service organization BEBASHI and the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance, which provides meals to area residents coping with life-threatening illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. Each organization will receive

$40,000. The Philadelphia Komen affiliate is dispersing a total of about $2.1 million in grants to organizations and programs throughout the tri-state area. The funded agencies are expected to provide outreach and services to nearly 60,000 women. Komen, which has affiliates around the globe, has allocated more than $1 billion in funding initiatives since its 1982 inception. Komen’s sister founded the organization in her honor two years after she lost her battle with breast cancer. Elaine I. Grobman, executive director of the Philadelphia Komen affiliate, said the three LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations reflect the foundation upon which the agency was built. “Mazzoni Center, BEBASHI

and MANNA epitomize the grassroots efforts that make Susan G. Komen for the Cure a leader in the international breast-cancer movement,” she said. Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein said the grant will allow the facility to continue its efforts to promote breast health in the local lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual communities. Mazzoni has received the grant for the past four years. “This allows us to do clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography for women who don’t have insurance,” Shein said, adding the funding also will assist the center in producing its Lesbian Health Resource Guide. Shein said Mazzoni recently redoubled its efforts to attract more lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual female clients and, as a result, has seen an increase in these populations utilizing the center’s services in the past few months. BEBASHI, which has received the Komen grant since 2007, will use this year’s allocation to fund its “Our Bodies” initiative, a program begun several years ago to provide breast-health services to local African-American women. “We’re trying to raise awareness about the impact and risk of breast cancer with medically underinsured African-American

women; we educate them, provide outreach and refer them for clinical breast examinations and/ or mammograms,” said Gary Bell, executive director of BEBASHI. He said that while the organization primarily provides HIV/AIDS and sexual-health services, the staff also felt it crucial to address breasthealth issues. “There are many health disparities, particularly in the African-American community, and in our communication with medically underserved women, it became apparent that one of the Ronald Harper, vice president of the areas that didn’t seem to Komen Philadelphia affiliate board of be enough of a priority directors, congratulates Mazzoni Center for them was ensuring executive director Nurit Shein. Mazzoni breast health,” said Bell. is one of three LGBT organizations, and “It just seemed a natural 38 programs overall, that is receiving a type of program for us Komen grant this year. since we’re working with the same population, trying to MANNA’s director of institutional educate them about sexual health. giving, said the program began in It was just a natural offshoot of 2006 and, in the past ﬁscal year, delivered a full week’s worth of what we’re doing.” MANNA plans to use the Komen meals every week to about 85 area grant, which it also received in residents who are battling breast 2007, to continue home-delivery cancer. “This initially started when we meal services for people with expanded our mission in 2006. We breast cancer. started with a pilot program with Ann Hoskins-Brown, Abramson Cancer Center [at the University of Pennsylvania] for people with cancer and noted that an awful lot of the cancer clients were people with breast cancer,” she said. “That’s part of what sparked our interest in Komen.” Grobman noted that Komen selected Mazzoni, BEBASHI and MANNA, in addition to the 35 other diverse organizations, to follow through on the agency’s commitment to encourage proper breast health among all women in all communities. “Because breast cancer is everywhere, we must be everywhere too. We simply cannot allow any community, regardless of lifestyle choices, ethnicity, religion [or] socio-economic status, to escape our reach,” she said. “These three grantees are doing extraordinary work to help assure that lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals are empowered against breast cancer for today and future generations.” ■

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Philadelphia Zoo opens gates to LGBT community By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer In its 150 years of operation, the Philadelphia Zoo has seen countless firsts. Next weekend, it will experience yet another as it hosts its first-ever Gay Community Day. The event, which will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 18, will provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT and ally individuals to experience the multitude of offerings at the nation’s oldest zoo. Deb Francesco, a board member at the William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center who also serves on a committee at the zoo, said she had suggested the idea to zoo officials before, but that it gained momentum a couple years ago after current zoo president and CEO Vik Dewan took over. “In 2007, Vik met individually with each of the members of the committee,” Francesco said. “I’d brought up the idea of the event to

PGN

the previous president and he said it was a good idea, but it was just kind of put underneath the rug and nothing happened. So I told Vik, ‘I’d really love to see us do a Gay Day at the zoo,’ and he immediately said, ‘Let’s do it.’” ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg, William Way executive director, said Dewan met with center officials last year to further discuss plans for expanded LGBT inclusion at the zoo. “Vik came to us and said, ‘I want to find a way to get the LGBT community more involved in the zoo,’” relayed Goldenburg. “We talked about different things to do and decided to coordinate this community-wide celebration. The zoo’s been phenomenally responsive, flexible and attentive.” Guests, who are encouraged to wear blue shirts, will be welcomed by signage designating “Gay Community Day” at the zoo’s front gate and can meet and greet other attendees in the Peacock Pavilion. Goldenburg said zoo staff and volunteers will be on hand to

help direct visitors throughout the facility and make everyone “feel welcomed and comfortable.” Tickets, which can be purchased through the center’s Web site (www.waygay.org) or a number of participating local LGBT organizations, are just $10; adult tickets are normally $18 and children’s tickets are $15. Goldenburg noted that the discount is just one of the many factors that have already motivated more than 100 individuals to purchase tickets to the event. “They’re only charging us $10, so if a family of four or ﬁve wants to go to the zoo, this suddenly is a much more affordable day,” he said. “But this also gives folks the opportunity to show their pride in a nontraditional, safe environment. It’s also a huge year for the zoo; they’re celebrating their 150th birthday and they’ve done a lot of cosmetic and structural renovations, so it looks different and really great. And springtime is a great time to go to the zoo: The plants are all in bloom and

the animals are all coming out of hibernation, just as we all are.” Goldenburg said organizers are looking to sell 200-250 tickets for the event, but that he wouldn’t be surprised if they exceed that goal. Ticket sales thus far have “represented an incredible crosssection of the community,” with singles, couples and families of all ages and backgrounds getting onboard, he added. Francesco noted that while Gay Community Day is open to all LGBT and ally individuals, it might have an especially valuable

impact on children of LGBT couples. “I think this event is most important for children with gay and lesbian parents so that they can see themselves represented,” she said. “There will be kids with two daddies or two mommies everywhere, and they don’t see that on a daily basis. Until there’s more visibility for gay families, we need events like this to take place.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PAGE 10

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Editorial

Four down, 46 to go In the past week, gay and lesbians have gained the right to marry in the states of Vermont and Iowa. That’s right, Vermont and Iowa! They have joined the ranks of Connecticut and Massachusetts, where gay marriage is legal. Vermont’s legislature overrode Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto of a marriage bill on April 7, marking the first time a state’s legislature has legalized gay marriage. Marriage equality in the other states — which briefly included California, until Proposition 8 — was the result of court action. The victory in Vermont really wasn’t all that surprising. A state with that many bed-and-breakfasts can’t ignore gay marriage for too long. (And it was the first state to recognize civil unions.) But some people are still pinching themselves over Iowa. Iowa is an overwhelmingly white, Protestant and agricultural state. If you asked a thousand people to name a progressive state, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who would pick Iowa. But that didn’t stop the state’s Supreme Court from striking down Iowa’s gay-marriage ban on April 3. There is a long list of states that should have been ahead of Iowa on this issue — and with Iowa in the win column, how much longer can supposedly forward-thinking states like New Jersey, New York or even Pennsylvania justify not legalizing gay marriage? Is Pennsylvania really more culturally backward than a state full of cornfields? Some activists are warning against reading too much into these recent victories and that other states like Florida — which felt the need to define marriage as between one man and one woman in its Constitution back in November — could just as likely go the other way on gay marriage instead of falling into line. But a light at the end of the tunnel is a light, no matter how faint. Gay-marriage bills also are being considered in Maine and New Hampshire. It’s time to crank up the effort and take some states that can really send a message that this issue isn’t going to stop any time soon. That’s right: Texas should be next. Now is the time to show all the right-wing and religious groups that don’t want gay marriage that every time they take away our rights in one state, we’re just going to legalize it in two more states. ■

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: (215) 925-6437. Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Other Views

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Les Robinson

Florida flush These days, when I think of Florida, I don’t think of Walt Disney World or spring training or the Everglades. I think of bathrooms. That’s because some Floridians seem to think of nothing else. They’re not potty mouths, they’re potty heads. Consider events in the city of Gainesville, home to the University of Florida. Last year, the city commission added gender identity to Gainesville’s antidiscrimination ordinance, which already included sexual orientation. The city’s transgender citizens were protected from discrimination in housing and employment, plus they could use the public restroom of their choice. And so began the War of the Loo. Irate bathroom defenders got a charter amendment on the ballot to sweep away the city’s protection for trans folk and gays and lesbians. A new broom sweeps mean. A group called Citizens for Good Public Policy led the forces of bathroom segregation. The name Citizens for Good Public Plumbing would’ve been more to the point. The group took its campaign to the airwaves. In one ad, a young girl leaves a playground and heads into a women’s restroom. Lurking outside, a grungy-looking man follows her in. Words on the screen read, “Your City Commission Made This Legal.” How easily, in a political campaign, truth swirls right down the drain.

A spokesperson for Citizens for Good Public Policy noted his side’s message stayed consistent during the campaign: “Keep men out of women’s restrooms!” He declared, “That’s our motive, plain and simple.” In the end, this all-bathroom, allthe-time approach didn’t work; on March 24, Gainesville voters rejected repealing LGBT civil rights. Three cheers and a 21-toilet-brush salute to the people of Gainesville! A week before the Gainesville vote, the city of Ft. Lauderdale enthroned a new mayor, ending the 18-year reign of Jim Naugle, a man known in and beyond Florida for his fixation with facilities. Term limits prevented Naugle, a conservative Democrat, from running again. Thank the porcelain god, for presumably this means he won’t touch off another firestorm like he did in the summer of 2007, when he told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that public restrooms in the beach town were plagued by “homosexual activity.” He wanted to install a robotic toilet near the gay beach as a deterrent. Robo-john as robo-cop. Naugle also said he doesn’t use the word “gay,” since most homosexuals “aren’t gay. They’re unhappy.” I don’t have to tell you that a certain substance hit the fan. The local gay community launched a “Flush Naugle” campaign. At the height of the flap, Naugle invited the media to

come hear an apology. He proceeded to offer one — to families, for not being aware how bad the problem of gay sex in public restrooms actually was. Ft. Lauderdale police called bathroom sex “a nonexistent problem.” But Naugle’s mind was bogged down in the bog. Naugle had supporters. A man in Fort Worth, Texas, e-mailed the mayor to say, “It’s time us straight people started taking our country back from these sick people and make them either get help for their disease or go to jail.” Ideas suitable for flushing. Probably the people taking the most comfort from Naugle’s loss of station are local tourism officials. They had toiled to make Ft. Lauderdale gayfriendly, and the city collected lots of money from gay visitors. After Naugle roiled the waters with his comments, he was removed from the Tourism Development Council. Yes, he was no longer privy to what went on. Tourism officials said the mayor’s remarks kept gays away and also kept away families who feared the city was a sewer. As far as the officials are concerned, Naugle’s mouth worked but his mind was indisposed. ■ Leslie Robinson isn’t given to toilet humor. E-mail her at LesRobinsn@aol.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Mark My Words Mark Segal Face to Facebook I wanted to know what was on your mind, so I posted a request for column ideas on Facebook. What follows is a sampling of the ample feedback I received, and my responses. Natalie Hope McDonald: How could gay marriage impact the economy? MS: Just think of all those caterers, dress and tux rentals, honeymoons, new apartment and home decorating and the ever-popular bachelor or bachelorette parties. It would move mucho money around a starved economy. Robert Casey: How about an impassioned appeal to all gay people to become more politically active and run for ofﬁce, so that we don’t need to pander to straight politicians to promote our agenda and achieve full human rights? MS: One of my favorite subjects. Running for ofﬁce accomplishes so much. First, it puts a face on our community and shows the non-gay world who we are and that we share the same dreams and aspirations. Then, if victorious, we get to show that we work well with others. Is anybody in our community not proud of Judges Dan Anders and Ann Butchart? Duwayne V. Terry: Homophobia in the black community. MS: A tough issue, but one we addressed after the vote on gay marriage in California. Maybe our community didn’t do its homework to this point. We can correct this, but we must work with the LGBT black community to achieve this. Victor Havens: I am sure Iowa is going to be a part of it. MS: A funny story I haven’t told before: When there was no gay-rights organization in Iowa — I’m not going to tell you what year — I was asked to speak at the University of Iowa. I inspired a guy so much that he moved to San Francisco and was one of the founders of a group called “The Sisters of the Perpetual xxxxx.”

Street Talk

Tommy Atz: With pride session quickly upon us, I’d love to hear from your perspective about what Philly was like for the LGBT community years ago, when you first got involved as an activist. MS: It was a lonely place that only came to life on weekends, and mostly in bars and clubs. Then, in the early ’70s, a true community to raise. Organizations, community centers, true gay coffee houses, even an activist bar called Rosco’s, which was run by Bill Wood. The change is absolutely 360 and a joy to behold. Ray Murphy: Liberty City’s endorsement meeting is Thursday — always a fun way to kick off pride season and get politically active. MS: Couldn’t agree more ... We love Liberty City! Steve McCann: A peanut is neither a pea nor a nut. Discuss! MS: I’ve never discussed nuts in my column before. Larry Felzer: The future of print media, specifically gay newspapers, in light of so many general-circulation newspapers folding, downsizing, filing for bankruptcy, etc.? MS: A great question. Like all newspapers, the

LGBT media has been hit by the recession and new media. One particular group, Window Media, which publishes the Blade newspapers and is somehow intertwined with HX, is in serious trouble. But their problems were caused before either of the current situations occurred.

Most LGBT publications will come through this even stronger. We’ve been through three recessions in the past and, for niche publications, that’s an opportunity. We can afford to give advertisers a more afﬂuent audience at a better rate than larger papers when they need to save funds. We also deliver information and news that no other media has, on or off the Web, that’s created by a seasoned, professional staff. By the way, PGN is the only publication in Philadelphia that has not laid off any personnel. That’s a tribute to our staff and the advertisers that support us and thereby the community. ■

Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

Letters and Feedback In response to the Pink Penny Awards 2009, April 3-9 I found the rating of Knock Restaurant, 225 S. 12th St., as the “Best Place to Find a Sugar Daddy” distasteful and unacceptable. The language and tone of this article, while in jest, does a disservice to this wonderful establishment. The management of Knock Restaurant has

PAGE 11

worked tirelessly to lift the quality and caliber of the Philadelphia gay bar and restaurant scene. To classify Knock Restaurant as a place to “class it up a bit to get your student loans paid off” is an insult to both the dedicated staff and loyal patrons. It is disheartening to learn the Philadelphia Gay News can be so reckless in its publication. — Evan Garrett

Would you ever use the Internet to find a date?

Marco Bravo music engineer Manhattan

Greg Laucella student South Philadelphia

“Yes. That’s how I found my boyfriend. We’ve been together a year. The Internet can be helpful. But it’s also ruined a lot of relationships. I blame Manhunt [www. manhunt.net] for destroying so many relationships. It’s too easy to find somebody to hook up with. The club scene has suffered too.”

“No. I’m not going out of my way to find a partner. I just go about my daily routine, and if I meet someone, fine. I wouldn’t put myself out there on the Internet. It’s just not my thing.”

Kyle McCarthy student Washington Square West

Samantha Taglienti student South Philadelphia

“Only if I met somebody first at a club, but didn’t get all their information. Then I’d go to Facebook to connect. But otherwise, I’d feel too weird about using the Internet to date. It’s not my way of meeting people. I go to clubs, where I can meet someone face to face.”

“It has no appeal to me. I’m old-fashioned when it comes to dating. Friendship has to happen before I get involved with someone romantically. And I don’t find my friends on the Internet. But I’m not being judgmental. To each his own.”

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

IOWA From Page 1 — the quoted phrase a requirement for an equal-protection violation claim. The justices wrote that “no two people or groups of people are the same in every way,” and that the equal-protection clause would be inconsequential if it was predicated on the idea that individuals or groups are or should be identical. In the opinion, the justices also postured that same-sex marriage will not harm children, the institution of heterosexual marriage or religious freedoms, countering some of the common claims of marriage-equality opponents. Lambda Legal supervising senior staff attorney Ken Upton commended the court’s rationale. “The court’s decision is exhaustive, well-thought-out and supported by the Iowa Constitution,” Upton said. “The ruling is legally compelling and consistent with the most basic of Iowa values: fairness, strong communities and protection for

VERMONT From Page 1 “wasn’t appropriate, given the overwhelming support in the legislature.” This week’s vote marks the ﬁrst time since 1990 that the Vermont legislature has voted to override a gubernatorial veto. “All of us together have made our voices heard. We’ve shown that truth and fairness and justice and love are more powerful than one man’s veto pen,” said Beth Robinson, board chair of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force. Openly gay Rep. Bill Lippert, a prime sponsor of the bill, said he was impressed by the number of fellow legislators and their constituents who rallied behind the legislation and the LGBT community. “This will have a profound effect on gay and lesbian Vermonters and our family and friends,” he said. “But this is really a triumph of people who care about our wellbeing.” Also on April 7, the Washington, D.C., Council unanimously approved a bill that would enable the district to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. The ﬁnal vote on the measure will be issued early next month. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty has pledged to sign the bill, but it must also

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

families.” Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council, said the Supreme Court ruling was a necessity for the state’s same-sex couples, especially those raising children. According to a study released in April 2008 by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, some 5,800 same-sex couples reside in Iowa, about 20 percent of whom are raising children. “These children deserve the same recognition and respect that children of other married parents get,” Chrisler said. The White House even weighed in on the decision, with a spokesperson for President Obama stating the president “respects the decision of the Iowa Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage.” Marriage-equality opponents, however, have already begun calling on the state legislature to overturn the court’s decision. Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth about

Homosexuality, released a statement on the day of the decision, encouraging LGBTrights opponents to respond to the court ruling with “righteous anger coupled with effective action.” “Whenever you see homosexual activists celebrating outside a courtroom, as they were in Des Moines, Iowa, this morning, you know it’s a bad day for America,” he said. “The liberal judges in their unchecked arrogance have now imposed counterfeit samesex marriage on the heartland.” Iowa Senate majority leader Mike Gronstal told reporters before the opinion was released that it was “exceedingly unlikely” that the legislature could consider any proposed constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage in the state this session, no matter the court’s decision, as only a few weeks remain in the legislative session. Same-sex marriage is also legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut and, as of April 7, Vermont. ■

undergo Congressional review. Last Friday, the Iowa Supreme Court struck down that state’s ban on same-sex marriage, making it the third state, after Massachusetts and Connecticut, to legalize samesex marriage through judicial means. California brieﬂy permitted same-sex marriage, until ballot initiative Proposition 8 made it illegal again last November. The California Supreme Court is currently considering whether to uphold the initiative. Meanwhile, marriage-equality bills are currently before the

legislatures of New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire and Maine. “We know in our hearts it is only a matter of time for America to turn its back on this history of discrimination against same-sex couples,” said Molly McKay, media director of Marriage Equality USA. “To witness within a week the Iowa Supreme Court’s unanimous decision followed by Vermont’s legislative stand, both in support of marriage equality, gives us hope that we may be able to live our happily-ever-after sooner than we think.” ■

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PAGE 13

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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International News Russians charged for promoting homosexuality Two Russian gay activists were convicted on April 6 of promoting homosexuality in Ryazan, southeast of Moscow. The Ryazan region is the only area in Russia with a law barring discussion of homosexuality to minors. The law is used to bar schools from any discussion of gay issues. Nikolai Baev and Irina Fet, both associated with Moscow Pride, were charged with “propaganda of homosexuality to minors” for carrying a banner advocating gay rights close to a school and a library. The banner declared,

Larry Nichols

“Homosexuality is normal” and “I am proud of my homosexuality.” Baev and Fet said they wanted to show that the law is unconstitutional. The court fined the pair 1,500 rubles, or approximately $50, each. “We will now file a complaint with the Russian Constitutional Court,” said Russian gay-rights leader Nikolai Alekseev, who attended the protest but was not charged. Last month, Alekseev and other gay leaders called on contestants of the Eurovision Song Contest to speak out from the stage for LGBT rights in Russia. The contest, which will be broadcast throughout Europe, is being held this year in Moscow. The finals will be broadcast on May 16, the day Moscow Pride

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will hold its pride festival. The city already has barred the group from having a gay pride parade. Laws against homosexuality were repealed at the end of the Communist era, but Moscow city ofﬁcials have refused to allow gays to hold a pride march for years. Moscow Pride has seven cases already pending before the European Court of Human Rights.

Gay Iraqi murder on the rise Six gay men were murdered in Iraq within the past two weeks, allegedly because of their sexual orientation. The killings took place in two separate incidents in Sadr City,

Karam Monnzer, M.D., Medical Director Angela Kapalko, MHS, PA-C Joseph Onderein, PA-C

the Shiite-dominated slum district of Baghdad. Two men were killed on April 2 after a prominent cleric issued anti-gay remarks. The killings are believed to be the work of relatives who were shamed. Police said they suspected the killings were at the hands of family members because no one has claimed the bodies or called for an investigation. Homosexuality is punishable by up to seven years in prison in Iraq. In another incident, the bodies of four men were found buried on March 26 with the words “pervert” and “puppies” written on their chests. “Puppies” is a derogatory local word for gay people. Sadr City is home to the Mahdi Army, a militia of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. An anonymous ofﬁcial denied that

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the militia is behind the killings of gay men, although he said the Mahdi Army is urging people to stop practicing homosexuality. “Such people have brought shame on Sadr City people,” the ofﬁcial said. “The blame falls on the security forces who do little to combat this phenomenon or to stop the ﬂow of pornography materials into Iraq.”

U.N. accused of spreading homosexuality Ugandan ethics minister James Nsaba Buturo has accused United Nations member countries of being involved in a covert mission to “impose homosexuality” on other nations. Speaking at a press conference April 3, Buturo also said that Uganda will not bow to international pressure to adopt gay rights. “At the United Nations, there are attempts by some nations to impose homosexuality on the rest of us,” he said. “We have learned that they want to smuggle in provisions on homosexuality. Yesterday I spoke to [Uganda U.N.] Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda and reminded him of Uganda’s position, which opposes legalization of homosexuality. It is the duty of Ugandans to be vigilant, because agents of immorality are busy using all lies and deceptions to hurt our society.” The minister claimed people were being recruited to “become gay,” saying: “Many lies are being peddled. Such lies include foolish claims that some people are born as homosexuals. They are busy enticing Ugandans to join them. This is causing great concern among Ugandans.” Ugandan LGBT groups have hit back at claims that they are “recruiting” school children into homosexuality. “We know that sexual orientation is not changeable,” they said in a statement. “We are homosexuals and cannot change. In the same way, we cannot change heterosexuals into homosexuals. We cannot recruit. We cannot, do not, have never and never will ‘recruit.’ We can only deduce that those leveling these claims aim to inﬂame the public against us, a minority group.” A number of speakers have

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

appeared at events in recent weeks claiming to have “quit” homosexuality and confessing to previous bribery of children to “turn gay.” At a recent press conference, Victor Mukasa, coordinator of the Uganda Minority Sexual Rights group, attacked Stephen Langa of Family Life Network for spreading allegations of gay recruitment. He claimed the “former”

homosexuals presented by Christian groups have been paid to fuel hate against gays. Activists say Uganda, with a population of 31 million, has some 500,000 gays and lesbians.

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which will focus on how LGBT travel trends have the ability to impact area businesses. The event also will feature complimentary food and drink specials and a surprise announcement. To RSVP, contact Bruce Yelk at bruce@gptmc.com or (215) 599-7431. To become a member of PGTC, visit www. philadelphiagaytourism.com.

From Page 5 is an openly gay employee of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT organization. Harry Knox, director of the HRC’s religion and faith program, is one of the 25 members of the White House Ofﬁce of FaithBased and Neighborhood Partnerships, which is charged with formulating strategies for economic recovery, reducing the number of abortions, encouraging responsible fatherhood and improving interfaith relations, as well as funding faith initiatives. “I hope this council will draw upon the richness of our unique perspectives to advise the president on policies that will improve the lives of all the people we have been called to serve,” Knox said in a statement this week. “The LGBT community is eager to help the administration achieve its goals and, of course, we will support the president in living up to his promise that government has no place in funding bigotry against any group of people.” The committee also includes Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and a strong proponent for LGBT rights. Last week, Obama extended an invitation to former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy to join the committee but Dungy declined, citing scheduling conﬂicts. LGBTrights groups spoke out against the invitation, as Dungy was a strong supporter of a same-sex marriage ban in Indiana.

PGTC night at Tavern The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus will stage its Annual Event from 6-8 p.m. April 16 at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. Tom Roth, a travel expert from LGBT marketing association Community Marketing, will provide the keynote address,

Sweden legalizes gay marriage On April 1, Sweden became the

Pride group hosts breakfast Organizers of this summer’s Pride Festival of Central PA

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voted against it. “This is a great victory,” said Soren Juvas, president of the Swedish Federation for LGBT Rights. A parliamentary committee studying civil partnerships in 2007 called them “outdated” and recommended Parliament allow same-sex marriage. The new law does not require churches to conduct same-sex

are inviting LGBT and ally individuals to learn more about the upcoming event at the annual Pride Breakfast, 9-11 a.m. April 18 at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. in Harrisburg. Festival board and committee members will answer community questions about the event, which will take place July 24-26, and guests can stock up on the assortment of Pride merchandise that will be available at the breakfast, such as rainbow ﬂags, magnets, key chains and T-shirts. Applications for vendors and exhibitors will be available at the breakfast and are also accessible

14 in Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK at www.harrisburgpride.org. This year’s festival will include Blvd. The fair, sponsored by the city, performances by ’80s teen icon Located Near Rittenhouse Square the&Building Association, Tiffany, as well as vocalist Charles General AestheticIndustry Dentistry the Greater Lee and singer-songwriter Janice Now Accepting New PatientsPhiladelphia Robinson. Association of Realtors Early Morning Appointments Availableand Organizers of the breakfast are NeighborhoodsNow, meant 248 South 21st St., Phila, PA is 19103 asking for a monetary donation to to promote homeownership as a 215.732.3350 cover the cost of the food. means of creating neighborhood www.yourphillydentist.com stability. The free event will bring together developers, Realtors, city City to market agencies, mortgage companies Anthony Petchalonis, D.M.D and One nonproﬁt organizations Featuring Hour Teeth Whitening to home ownership discuss home-buying possibilities with residents. Mayor Michael Nutter will be For more information, visit on hand to meet with potential www.phila.gov/obcd or call 311.■ homebuyers at the Philadelphia — Jen Colletta Housing Fair, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April

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weddings, but the Church of Sweden — a Lutheran church and the largest denomination in the country — will consider a motion this fall to allow pastors to perform gay weddings. The Swedish Lutheran Church has offered blessing services for couples in civil unions since 2007, but has balked at allowing pastors to perform weddings for gay couples. ■

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seventh country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Following a ﬁve-hour debate in Parliament, the legislation was overwhelmingly passed on a 26122 vote, with 16 abstentions. The new law will go into effect May 1, replacing a 1995 law that allowed civil partnerships. Six of the country’s seven political parties backed the bill. Only the Christian Democrats

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PAGE 19

A departure from the ordinary

Detour

After ‘Doubt,’ ‘Defiance’

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 20

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Out actor stars in Philly premiere of ‘Defiance’ By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer When Clayton Dean Smith says he’s interested in the complexities of human beings, he really means it. To his credit, the openly gay stage and screen actor has an impressive range of roles on his résumé. That’s a feat for someone who has only been acting for eight years. “I came to New York when I was 27,” the 35-year-old said. “I was a social worker in San Francisco before that. So I had a big life shift. Secretly all along this is all I ever wanted to do.” And today, that’s pretty much all he’s doing. Smith stays busier than your average actor and is just as likely to be seen in supporting

roles on comedies like “Flight of the Conchords” as he is on serious dramas like “The Sopranos” or any of the “Law & Order” shows, or soap operas like “One Life to Live” or “Guiding Light.” Smith recently ﬁlmed an upcoming episode of “30 Rock” and a pilot episode of a new Comedy Central show, “Michael and Michael Have Issues.” “Normally it is either broad comedic stuff or, in theater, I’ve done a lot of tortured souls,” Smith said. “I love it. That’s my dream. The ‘30 Rock’ episode I shot the day before I started rehearsals for ‘Deﬁance.’ If you had to do them the same day, that might be kind of hard. That’s the kind of actor that I am. I really like to slip into whatever character I’ve been trusted to take on and do my best.

That just spices it up for me.” Most of Smith’s spicier performances happen on stage. He is currently starring in the Philadelphia-area premiere of John Patrick Shanley’s “Deﬁance,” through Sunday at Bristol Riverside Theatre. His character, Chaplain White, is a departure from the roles he normally takes.

CLAYTON DEAN SMITH (also on cover)

“I get to really chew on a whole Smith added that he’s a fan of different type of guy,” Smith said. Shanley’s works, which include “It’s a new challenge because the Academy Award-winning the whole thing about ‘Defiance’ screenplay for “Moonstruck,” is who’s really the good guy and even though the playwright’s who’s really the bad guy. It doesn’t recent works are worlds away paint the picture or do the work from what he wrote 20 years ago. “Going in to see ‘Doubt,’ I was for you. I’ve enjoyed that kind of moral ambivalence.” a huge fan of his work,” Smith Shanley’s works are undoubtedly said, “but it almost seemed like getting a boost these days with the a different playwright to me. The Academy Award-nominated big- first play he did, ‘Danny and the screen adaptation of “Doubt” still Deep Blue Sea,’ is about this fresh in people’s minds. Smith said abusive, conflicted guy. His use the acclaimed film has generated of language in his early plays is a surge of interest in Shanley’s expulsive. His characters talk works. and talk and talk. ‘Doubt’ and “That’s the great thing about ‘Defiance’ are so economical. movies,” the actor said. “They People say what they mean. reach such a mass audience There’s not a stray word. He’s that it leads people to become really evolved and developed as a familiar with the playwright and playwright.” Audiences should catch Smith they’re curious what else he does. People are comparing ‘Doubt’ to in his dramatic turn now, as he ‘Defiance’ even if they haven’t promises his next high-profile seen the play of ‘Doubt’ because performances will be significantly of the movie, and it makes a lot of more madcap. The actor is sense to compare them. ‘Defiance’ especially excited about his part deals with a lot of issues of truth. in “Michael and Michael Have How do you know what’s true? Issues,” a hybrid series from What do you choose to believe in? Is it intentional? Is it something that you have a blind loyalty to because you grew up with it or something?” “Defiance” is the second part of a loosely associated trilogy of plays written by Shanley exploring hierarchies in America. “Doubt,” which won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a KEITH BAKER AND BARBARA Tony Award for Best MCCOLLOUGH AS THE LITTLEFIELDS IN “DEFIANCE” Photos: Chris McMullen Play in 2005, was the first. The third play has yet to be written. comedians Michael Ian Black and “Defiance” examines the ethics Michael Showalter. of power in the military, race “They were totally awesome,” relations, honor and morality as he said of the two. “Everyone on two Marines — a white colonel that set was hilarious. It was kind and an African-American captain of like a party. It’s about those two — clash over issues of authority, guys. Michael and Michael go way discrimination, infidelity and back. It’s totally autobiographical loyalty in North Carolina circa and self-deprecating about their 1971. career and stuff. It’s about them “One of the early reviewers being comedians and trying to get called it ‘a lean fist of a play,’” a show up off the ground, which Smith said about what attracted allows the show to film them him to “Defiance.” “It’s exactly doing their routines in front of a what it is. The first time I read live studio audience. It also, á la it, I was amazed at how densely ‘Flight of the Conchords,’ goes and efficiently it tells its story into their heads and shows the and raises incredibly provocative twisted, funny mind trips they questions. It stuck with me. I go on. It combines a sketch show couldn’t stop thinking about it.” with some kind of reality show.

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

It’ll be interesting to see what shape it takes because that was just the pilot.” As for his own artistic preferences, Smith said it’s hard to choose which he likes better — stage or screen performance — because each has its unique qualities and challenges. “The stage is more physically demanding, but ﬁlm ... neither one of them is easy. But the thing about ﬁlm is you have to do so little. It’s demanding in a very different way. You have to be utterly and completely human, down to the

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

to whatever the writing offers up.” Smith added that he hopes to bring some of his emotional honesty to the creative side of the filmmaking process in the future. “I’m working on a film project that we’re doing collaboratively. I’m not setting pen to paper at all, but once something is down on paper, we’re developing the script from that. I’m learning a lot more about writing as my career goes on.” The actor also has a SMITH AND MCCOLLOUGH growing interest in the nuances, because the camera technical side of film catches every flip of your eyelid. and TV. On stage, it needs to be kind of “Every time I work on a set, punched up and highlighted so I’m really interested in what that it reads across the distance. the camera guy is doing,” he It’s a whole different kind of math said. “I’m interested in working to do that. They’re two different literally behind the camera not planets.” as a director, just operating the Oddball comedy and riveting camera. My interests are all over drama also appear to be two the place.” different planets, yet Smith finds As for his characters’ sexuality, similarities in those diverse roles. Smith said he’s pretty sure some “It like two sides of the same were meant to be gay, even though thing,” he said. “It’s like a they might not have been written different language and terms. My that way. job is to bring emotional honesty “The funny thing is, I’ve played

PAGE 21

a lot of characters where it’s not stated in the script. If you have a character in a story where it’s not speciﬁcally stated that the person is gay but it’s also not stated that the person has a heterosexual partner, then what I bring to it is my humanity. Oftentimes, gay characters are pointed out as being gay in order to move the story forward or as kind of a tantalizing plot point. I ﬁnd that sometimes

characters are made gay only to make the story livelier or to have a funny, ﬂamboyant character.” “Deﬁance” runs through April 12 at the Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol. For more information, visit www.brtstage. org or www.claytondeansmith. com, or call (215) 785-0100. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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PAGE 22

News for your lifestyle.

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Best Sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960; www. giovannisroom.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales. DVDs GAY 1. “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom,” directed by Patrick Ian Polik (2008, 101 min., $24.95 DVD). Noah’s Arc is back, and you’re invited to the big wedding! But can Noah and Wade really pull it off? Will Ricky’s sexcapades get the better of him? Can Chance and Eddie stay together? And can Alex stay sane? Get set for a wild wedding weekend of love, laughs, sex and some serious drama. 2. “Milk,” directed by Gus van Sant (2008, 129 min., $29.98 DVD). Based on the politically

resonant and thoroughly timely screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, van Sant follows the arc of Milk’s political awakening, from closeted Brooklyn insurance executive to doyen of San Francisco’s Castro district’s burgeoning gay mecca in the 1970s. 3. “The Lair: Season 2,” directed by Fred Olen Ray (2007, 229 min., $29.95 DVD). A supernatural thriller with an eye for the erotic, season two boldly goes where few shows of its type have ever dared. 4. “On the Other Hand Death,” directed by Ron Oliver (2008, 85 min., $24.95 DVD). The newest suspenseful installment of gay private investigator Donald Strachey, based on the longrunning series of mystery books by Richard Stevenson. 5. “Dieux du Stade 2009,” directed by Dieux du Stade (2009, 113 min., $26.95 DVD). This ﬁlm shows the making of the 2009 Dieux du Stade calendar. 6. “The DL Chronicles,” directed by Quincey Lenear and Deondray Gossett (2007, 132 min., $24.95 DVD). Tells the stories of men of color who, by necessity and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret lifestyles. 7. “Rick & Steve: Season 2,” various directors (2008, 176 min., $19.95 DVD). Season 2 begins with pregnant lesbian Dana still in labor with Rick’s (or is it Steve’s?) baby, Dixie. During the eight hilarious and hectic episodes of Rick and Steve’s second season, you’ll see inside Steve’s Trick Box, tag along on a gay re-imagining of “Wicked” (is that redundant?), discover San Francisco’s secret Straight Underground and come face-toface with the terror of Lesbian Bed Death. LESBIAN 1. “Watermelon Woman,” directed by Cheryl Dunye (1997, 90 min., $19.95 DVD). Cheryl, a young black woman, is making a documentary about an obscure black actress from the 1930s. Just as she discovers that the actress had a white lesbian lover, Cheryl meets the girl of her own dreams. 2. “If These Walls Could Talk 2,” various directors (2000, 96 min., $9.95 DVD). A trio of stories about lesbian couples in three different decades. 3. “When Night is Falling,” directed by Patricia Rozema (1995, 94 min., $19.95 DVD).

Camille looked forward to marrying her adoring, minister boyfriend and settling down; a chance encounter with a beautiful, irresistibly sensuous young female circus performer named Petra is about to transform Camille’s predictable life into an electrifyingly erotic adventure. 4. “She Likes Girls 3,” various directors (2008, 92 min., $24.95). The girls who like the girls are back in this jam-packed installment of the most popular lesbian shorts DVD series of all time. 5. “Four Minutes,” directed by Chris Klaus (2007, 112 min., $24.95). Jenny, a musical prodigy, ﬁnds herself behind bars for murder, but one person wants to help her out — Traude, the 80year-old piano instructor who has taught at the prison for years. 6. “This Kiss,” directed by Kylie Eddy (2007, 73 min., $24.95 DVD). Follow what happens when two best friends from childhood reconnect after a decade, only to discover how different their lives have become. 7. “Spider Lilies,” directed by Zero Chou (2006, 98 min., $24.95 DVD). From Taiwan’s hottest female director, this youthful melodrama is a cinematic exploration of love and memory featuring an awesome soundtrack and a great cast. Books LESBIAN 1. “Consequences” by Skyy (King’s Crossing, 304 pp., $15.95 pb). School’s back in session and there’s a lot of unﬁnished business to handle. This fast-paced sequel to “Choices” will leave you on an emotional roller coaster you won’t want to get off. 2. “Borderlands/La Frontera,” by Gloria Anzaldua (Aunt Lute, 288 pp., $16.95 pb). Rooted in Anzaldua’s experience as a Chicana, a lesbian, an activist and a writer, the groundbreaking essays and poems in this volume profoundly challenged how we think about identity. 3. “Transgender History,” by Susan Stryker (Seal Press, 190 pp., $12.95 pb). Covering American transgender history from the mid-20th century to today, “Transgender History” takes a chronological approach to the subject of transgender history, with each chapter covering major See BESTSELLERS, Page 28

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Offline

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Bruce Yelk

From the personal to the professional Many of us have professional and personal lives that intertwine on occasion. It makes sense: Our personal relationships can help create professional opportunities, and the colleagues with whom we have the most in common often become friends. While it’s critical to maintain some balance, many of the most successful business and community leaders are those who can move seamlessly between

their personal and professional lives, identifying opportunities and building relationships across these boundaries. Each event featured below provides a unique example of the professionalpersonal dichotomy. While LGBT community members are generally supportive of one another, I’m particularly impressed by the ways in which lesbian women collaborate. For a little playtime with some of the city’s most exquisite women, check out the Cirque du Soleil Lesbian Party Upstairs at Risqué (1700 S. Columbus Blvd.) tonight. Organized by Gentlewomen and

featuring exotic entertainers with a wild, retro, escapist theme, this party is certain to be a feast for all your senses. Excitement for the event has been building for weeks, so stop by when the doors open at 10:30 p.m. to see what all the buzz is about. The cover is $15 if you RSVP early, or $20 at the door. Visit Gentlewomen at www.myspace. com/gentlewomenclub for more information. As a full-time marketing and promotions professional who has organized countless special events for the LGBT community over the last 15 years, my personal and professional lives

are constantly enmeshed. On the promotional side, I’m incredibly excited about my next big event. On April 18, nightlifegay.com will host the 3rd Annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia contest at PURE Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. On the heels of the 2008 event that crowned John Caputo as Philadelphia’s Mr. Gay, I’m thrilled to invite all community members and supporters to a spectacular evening of heated competition and extravagant entertainment. The silent auction, which beneﬁts Action AIDS, is back for a second year and features some great trips to bid on. Frank DeCaro

of Sirius Satellite Radio and local drag persona Brittany Lynn will host this star-studded event. Advanced tickets are $15-$40 and can be purchased at nightlifegay.com. If you think you have what it takes to win the main event, contact me at Bruce@nightlifegay.com. As any entrepreneur will attest, the line between life and work begins to disappear when you start your own company, and it’s completely gone if you’re fortunate enough to be successful. One of our community’s entrepreneurial success stories is Matthew Izzo, who recently relocated his store from 11th and Walnut to 151 N. Third St. in Old City. Mark your calendar for his Jewelry Trunk Show on April 18 and the Wrath Arcane Fashion Show on May 1. As always, visit www. matthewizzo.com to check out all his new products (including hot new underwear styles for the boys), as well as information on upcoming events. While Izzo has been an excellent representative for our community as a private entrepreneur, no person has done more for us in recent years than Judge Dan Anders. As Philadelphia’s only openly gay elected official, Judge Anders is an incredibly articulate, intelligent and accomplished attorney with an encyclopedic understanding of the law and its application to complex cases. Our city’s young LGBT professionals will have a chance to meet and support Judge Anders during his campaign fundraiser at Bump Lounge, 13th and Locust streets, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. With a long list of candidates on the ballot, Judge Anders needs support from our entire community to help retain his seat on the bench. Visit www.judgedananders.com for his background and a variety of ways to get involved with the campaign. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer! ■ If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail bruce@nightlifegay.com and reference “Offline.”

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Out Online

PAGE 25

Jason Villemez

iGay for your iPhone, and many other apps Ever since its long-overdue debut two years ago, the iPhone has continually surprised users all around. The functionality and ease of use stay true to Apple products, known for being less complicated than Microsoft, while the revolutionary aspects — and there are many — have allowed it to succeed in the oversaturated cell-phone market. It isn’t just a pocket-sized computer, but a library, gaming system, GPS and translator as well. The features are so plentiful, we forget it’s a phone too. What really distinguishes the iPhone from the competition, however, is its expansive list of applications. You’ve probably seen a commercial or two featuring some sort of game or other interesting program. One of the most memorable was an ad for the Shazam! application, which answers the age-old question, “What is this song called again?” After several usages in a crowded bar, I can give Shazam a conﬁdent thumbsup. But the most popular programs are the mere tip of the iceberg when it comes to the myriad things one can pick up in the App Store (www.apple. com/iphone/appstore). As the commercials state, you truly can get an application for just

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about anything. And despite the apparent frivolousness of some of them, there have been several times I’ve been glad to have the entire volume of Shakespeare or landmark Supreme Court cases readily accessible. Some applications are fun. There are games galore in every genre imaginable. You can access and update Twitter or Facebook with one click. Instant messaging with friends is simple. Zooming in on your friends with Google Earth is scary. And you can even dip your ﬁngers in a real live ﬁshpond and experience some of the most realistic sounds and visuals of any program.

Even applications designed to be educational are fun. The last time a friend ordered from McDonald’s, I looked up the exact number of calories in his meal, much to his chagrin. I can access any Bible passage; very functional for refuting religious fanatics who only know one line of Leviticus. And if it’s teenagers you want to calm down, just play the pitch that only they (and dogs) can hear. They’ll settle down in no time. Of course there are plenty of LGBT applications as well, most of which fall into three categories: travel, personals and entertainment.

Anybody who has traveled has used a guidebook at some point. Unfortunately, most come with so much information, they often weigh down the fun of sightseeing, literally. Fitting an entire guide onto the iPhone is a great perk. Along with regular travel guides, applications like GayCities help you locate the hottest spots once the sun goes down. Finding a travel buddy is even easier than ﬁnding where to go. There are many different personals applications designed for the iPhone. Most use the same picture and proﬁle format as normal Web sites. The Dating

DNA application adds a little extra profile matching, similar to eHarmony but gay-friendly. Simply insert your preferences and let the program do the rest. Lastly, there are a few fun applications like horoscopes, pride flags and the Guy Wall — which, if so inclined, you can check out for yourself. I’m sure you can figure out what it is. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, the App Store is a fascinating place for anybody with an iPhone or iPod Touch. Enjoy! ■ Contact Jason with feedback at outonline@gmail.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Family Portraits Shalom! As many are celebrating Passover this week, I took a moment to speak to a new friend, Rabbi Linda Holtzman. PGN: Tell me about yourself. LH: I grew up in Philadelphia in East Mount Airy. I’m now 56 years old and I live in West Mount Airy! Actually, I’ve moved around a bit between the two. I went to Girls’ High. I was very active in the Jewish community. I went to Temple University and Gratz College simultaneously; Gratz is a Hebrew college. Then I went to the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College for grad school. PGN: What did your parents do? LH: My mother was a housewife. That’s what you did in those days, but later she did data entry. She was a keypunch operator for the Federal Reserve Bank in the pre-computer age. My father’s 90 now and obviously retired, but he was a butcher back in the days when butcher shops had to break down enormous sides of beef. As a kid, I was always proud of this big, strong guy who could swing sides of beef. [Laughs.] I no longer eat red meat, but that’s a different story. PGN: What did you do in the summers? LH: When I was very young, we’d go down to the shore, but when I was older I went to overnight camp and I loved it. PGN: What’s a favorite memory from camp? LH: You’re asking me entirely different questions than I’ve ever been asked before. It’s great! I

Suzi Nash loved horseback riding. If you wanted to ride at camp, you had to get up really, really early in the morning and help clean the stable. I remember getting up at 5 a.m. to shovel horse poop. We’d ride along the side of a farm and try to keep the horses from trampling the crops. It was just beautiful. I also remember trying to avoid anything involving sports! I was not a jock. PGN: Do you collect anything? LH: Pigs; I’m really fond of pigs. I have pig mugs and pig statues and dolls, all sorts of things. [Laughs.] Even though they’re not kosher! But they’re very smart and interesting animals. I’m a big animal person. I have a Bernese Mountain dog named Toby who is very sweet. He’s as big as I am but very lovable. PGN: How was coming out? LH: I was a really good girl growing up and pretty much did what good girls are expected to do. Because nice Jewish girls grow up and marry doctors, I graduated from college and married a medical student. But when I was in rabbinical school, I started to realize that I wasn’t satisfied in my marriage. It wasn’t him personally — he was a lovely man — but there was something missing. I went away for a year to Israel and met a woman who was a lesbian and we became friends. Then I had my first experience and realized what was missing. It woke me up to the fact that there was a whole possibility I hadn’t even considered in my life. I got a divorce and met Betsy, who has been my partner now for 27 years.

PGN: How did you meet? LH: She was housing a woman who was in Philadelphia doing fundraising for a battered women’s shelter in Israel. I was asked to help take the woman around for the day. When I picked her up at Betsy’s house, I started playing with her dog. She had a rescue beagle who had a number of challenges that kind of turned most people off. Her name was Puddles, which should give you a hint. I really took to the dog and I guess she thought, “If she can connect to my dog this well, I want to know her better.” PGN: How is the situation for LGBT people in Israel? I know we can serve openly in the military there. LH: Israel is progressive that way and in many other areas as well, but it can also be frustrating. As much as I love it, I would never make my life there. I’m often angry with Israel. In many ways, it’s more open than the United States in terms of adoption and the army and working with LGBT people, but then you have things like World Pride, which was supposed to be in Israel a few years ago but the right-wing conservative segment put the kibosh on most of the events. PGN: How did your family handle it? LH: My mother was very harsh: She found it hard to accept and I think she was angry about it for the rest of her life. They were not necessarily progressive to start with and gay issues were completely foreign to them. She never accepted or understood my happiness and my commitment

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to my partner. I never even told them about my wedding. I was very openly gay and anything I did that was public infuriated her. I figured the wedding might do them in! I remember she once said, “I feel as if you are laying on a train track and a train is coming and you’re not tied down, you’re perfectly free to get up and move and you’re not doing it.” I tried to explain that I had a great job and a loving partner and I was happy, but she found it hard to fathom. Looking back, I think it was a mistake not to have them at our wedding. I’ve worked with a lot of couples since then who have had difficult families. What I’ve learned is that in many cases, people can handle more than you might think, and I try to encourage them to push the issue a bit more. PGN: What gave you the courage to be open? LH: There were three things. First was the fact that I believed that being open really made a difference in the world and I was in a position to do it. I was teaching at the rabbinical college and they were very open. I figured if someone like me doesn’t do it, who’s going to? Secondly, my partner was out, so it would

have been ridiculous for me not to be out. And lastly, we were planning on having children, and I couldn’t imagine not being honest with my own children. I didn’t want a child raised with the message that there was something wrong with their parents. We were proud of who we were and our love for each other. Our boys are now 20 and 23 years old. It was the one thing that turned my parents around a little bit. One of the things they were upset about was the fact that I was an only child, so they thought that they would never get to be grandparents, but Betsy had our first child and I had the second baby and they reveled in having two beautiful grandsons. PGN: Was their objection based in religion? LH: No, they weren’t particularly observant, although they knew that I was very involved in the community and they couldn’t imagine that I would ever be accepted, which hurt them. PGN: How did you become a rabbi? LH: After I graduated from rabbinical school in 1979, I worked for six years in a conservative synagogue in Coatesville, where

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

I was not out. Coatesville was not exactly the hotbed of radical feminism. It was a very warm, very friendly place and I enjoyed it tremendously, but I was in the process of sorting out who I was at the time. I lived two lives and they were both good. I had my work life in Coatesville and my personal life in Philadelphia. But after a while, it was one too many lives to juggle. I was with Betsy and we’d had our commitment ceremony and were starting a family, so I needed to focus on that. I’m not an academic, and the kind of work I wanted to do was more humanitarian rather than text-based. I wanted to be a reconstructionist rabbi so I could lead with inspiring services and help implement lifecycle events that had meaning for people. The rabbinical college wanted to expand a department called the Department of Practical Rabbinics and I was able to join them. I had a great time teaching, counseling and learning how to take on challenging political and social issues. While I was there, I made a lot of connections with people at Mishkan Shalom in Roxborough. Our family became members and I ran the religious school for a while. When their first rabbi left, I was the interim rabbi until they hired someone else. I loved it and, when he left, I applied to take his place. One of the things I like about this synagogue is that the basis for it is social justice. The idea is that the Jewish ritual has no point unless it leads to a more just world. What it has led to is a strong feminist community here that is open to LGBT people and our issues and concerns, as well as a number of difficult challenges that we’ve decided to tackle, from immigration to environmental sustainability and public education. PGN: Did you face much discrimination as a Jewish person growing up? LH: Not really, because I was raised in an area that was overwhelmingly Jewish. I was very lucky in that I didn’t really experience any anti-Semitism as a kid. When I was older, I remember sitting on the steps after a Jewish youth dance and a bunch of kids went by and yelled some words that I had only heard about. It was scary more than anything, but that was about it. I think my biggest racial challenges were around

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Q Puzzle

members of the Jewish community and how they dealt with African Americans. At 11 years old, I learned that Jews were both at the forefront of the civil- Good Shepherds rights movement and also part of the problem. When I got to Across Girls’ High, it was the first time 1. Italian wine region I got to mingle with people of 5. Photographer Ritts different cultures, which to me 9. Kahlo in drag? was eye-opening and great fun. 14. Penn of “Milk” 15. Protected, to seamen PGN: I seem to remember a 16. “Thereby hangs ___” lesbian rabbi receiving some 17. Matthew Shepherd, e.g. objections to leading the con20. Drag queen’s shoe feagregation. Was that here? ture LH: No, never. I’ve never had a 21. Night spot? problem with that. Now I have 22. Gardner of “Show Boat” had some controversies, but 23. Historic Stonewall disturmore because of our stance on bances Israel. One of the bases of this 24. Like church mice synagogue is that we talk very 26. “Brothers & Sisters” proopenly about our feelings about ducer Ken the state of Israel. There are 27. “Much ___ About some who are strong Zionists Nothing” and are not critical of what’s 28. Kind of traffic going on at all, and we have 30. Pampered some who are deeply critical 32. Melissa Etheridge’s “___ and don’t even know if there Am” should be a state, and some who 34. Scout’s promise to be love it but think that it’s done “morally straight” some pretty horrible things, 36. Jury members especially when it comes to 37. Shepherd of the the Palestinians. Metropolitan flock 40. Stephen King’s “ ___ PGN: On to some lighter things Macabre” ... Singer you’re embarrassed to 43. “Gone,” at an auction admit you like? 44. Parts of a min. LH: Frank Sinatra ... love 48. Audre Lorde, to Hunter Frank! College 50. Navratilova, for one PGN: Something wonderful 52. “Breakfast on Pluto” your partner’s done for you? actor Stephen LH: Last year, when I officially 53. Stable female became the senior rabbi of the 54. Capable of performing congregation, we had a celebra- 56. “The Seven-Year Itch” tion and ceremony. I wanted it costar with Monroe to be fun, not just speeches, so 58. “Guys and Dolls” co-crewe had a cabaret. Betsy has the ator Burrows worst voice in the world, bar 59. JFK’s predecessor none. But she and a few male 60. Ancient Greek seer friends all dressed as nuns and 61. Cybill Shepherd, e.g. did the Whoopie Goldberg song 65. Manicurist’s file from “Sister Act” in front of the 66. What either bride may entire congregation. She sang wear See PORTRAITS, Page 28

67. Alternative to “Go straight” 68. Sarandon’s partner in “Thelma & Louise” 69. Drag role for John Travolta 70. Canadian gas brand. Down 1. Place to park your butt 2. Coastal region 3. Skin decorations 4. Not potent 5. Plucked instrument 6. Cotton gin inventor Whitney 7. Band fronted by Michael Stipe 8. Bannon’s Brinker 9. Mentioned before 10. “Yadda, yadda, yadda,” briefly 11. Barney who romanced Romaine 12. Lover of Kaye, some say 13. Sends back 18. Playbill list 19. “Make” or “break”

24. Says a “Hail Mary,” e.g. 25. Message to an openly gay newsgroup? 26. Heeds a master 29. “Yoo-__!” 31. Lending letters 33. “C’est Moi,” to Lancelot 35. Nametag word 38. Kevin Bacon in “Footloose” 39. Dietary abbr. 40. Like some returned goods 41. Jim Nabors home state 42. Rudolf of ballet 45. Homo chaser? 46. Places for fruity drinks 47. Port of southern Italy 49. Autobahn car 51. “___ interesting!” 55. Bone to pick 57. Fritter away 59. They don’t hang out in gay bars 60. Earthen pot 62. Wk. ender, for most 63. Composer Rorem 64. Noisy clamor

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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BESTSELLERS From Page 22 movements, writings and events. 4. “Best Lesbian Romance 2009,” edited by Radclyffe (Cleis Press, 230 pp., $14.95 pb). Who says romance is dead? Certainly not the authors of these powerful stories of lesbians in love — and sometimes in lust. 5. “Best Lesbian Erotica 2009,” edited by Tristan Taormino (Cleis Press, 286 pp., $15.95 pb). “Best Lesbian Erotica 2009” journeys into the world of hot women-on-women action with edgy, unusual stories that push lesbian lust and desire to new heights. 6. “Side Order of Love,” by Tracey Richardson (Bella, 251 pp., $14.95 pb). From the author of the runaway bestseller “The Candidate” comes the story of two women trying to ﬁnd the right recipe for love.

7. “Choices,” by Skyy (Kings Crossing, 255 pp., $14.95 pb). With lots of lesbian drama, this sexy tale weaves together the lives of three out lesbians and their new friend, who never questioned her sexuality — until now. GAY 1. “The Torturer’s Wife,” by Thomas Glave (City Lights, 261 pp., $15.95 pb). Glave, known for his stylistic brio, expands and deepens his lyrical experimentation in stories that focus — explicitly and allegorically — on the horrors of despotic dictatorships, terror, antigay violence, the weight of memory, secret fetishes, erotic longing, desire and intimacy. 2. “Blind Fall,” by Christopher Rice (Pocket Books, 302 pp., $15 pb). A story of honor and integrity, of turning failure into victory, “Blind Fall” is the story of two men, one a Marine, one

gay, who must unite to avenge the death of the man they both loved — one as a brother-in-arms, one as a lover — and to survive. 3. “Fool for Love: New Gay Fiction,” edited by Timothy Lambert (Cleis Press, 268 pp., $14.95 pb). For all those who think love’s gone the way of the eight-track comes a collection of new gay ﬁction designed to reignite their belief in love and romance. 4. “Uncommon Reader,” by Alan Bennett (Picador, 120 pp., $12 pb). From one of England’s most celebrated writers, the author of the award-winning “The History Boys,” comes a mischievous novella about the Queen of England and the subversive power of reading. 5. “Basketball Jones,” by E. Lynn Harris (Doubleday, 256 pp., $22.95 hb). Harris returns to explore the down-low culture that made his ﬁrst novel “Invisible

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Life” a groundbreaking phenomenon in his latest riproaring tale of sex, secrets and betrayal. 6. “Mayor of Castro Street,” by Randy Shilts (St. Martin’s Griffin, 388 pp., $16.95 pb). Known as “The Mayor of Castro Street” even before he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Harvey Milk’s personal life, public career and assassination reflect the dramatic emergence of the gay community as a political power in America. 7. “Out of the Pocket,” by Bill Konigsberg (Dutton, 256 pp., $16.99 hb). Star quarterback Bobby Framingham knows he’s different from his teammates. They’re like brothers, but they don’t know that Bobby is gay. After he’s outed by a student reporter, Bobby must find a way to earn back his teammates’ trust. ■

PORTRAITS From Page 27 lead and it was hysterical. PGN: Ever have any paranormal experiences? LH: I’m a skeptic. But I’ll tell you, one of the things I’ve done is work with a group that prepares bodies for funerals. There’s a traditional Jewish way to do it where you wash the body and dress the body and do a ritual. And I never quite believed that we have a spirit that leaves the body and goes to wherever, but I have had the experience more than once now of feeling an energy in the body that dissipates while we are preparing the body and then is gone. So now I do believe that there is something there — an energy, a life force — something that goes into the universe. PGN: Favorite Halloween costume? LH: I like being anything large and fuzzy. I especially like dressing up for Purim, which is a Jewish holiday. It celebrates the story of Esther, so this year I was the “Esther Bunny” and gave out eggs. When the kids were little, I’d dress up and go with them for Halloween. My son always wanted to be something horrible and scary, like death walking, so we’d be mother-and-son death out trick-or-treating. PGN: Something you learned from your parents? LH: My mother taught me that details matter. I’m more of a bigpicture person, but I’ve learned that it’s not just that the devil is in the details, but that God is in the details too. My father taught me to be friendly to people. PGN: What are your hopes for the future? LH: We want to build a world that is more just and universal with the sense that all people are created in the image of God. I believe we can get there. Paradigms do shift. If you look at how far we’ve come as gay people, it’s amazing. When I started out in 1979, there were no places where I could have been out, none. And now, 30 years later, I’m the senior rabbi of a congregation! ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to: Family Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Characters’ romantic hungers provide satisfying fare By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Romance is the theme for this month’s book and DVD selections. The novel “e-male,” by the authors known as scott & scott (aka the “romentics”), is an agreeable beach read. Meanwhile, on video, both “The Secrets,” a lesbian drama set in the Orthodox Jewish community, and the Brazilian film “Alice’s House,” directed by the openly gay filmmaker Chico Teixeira, feature characters filled with romantic longing.

The romentics have penned a fun, ﬂuffy read about Kory, a diner waiter who secretly runs an Internet dating service called “e-male,” hence the book’s title. When he believes Zac, the owner of Djorvzac Travel, wants to buy his company, Kory — a master of the perfect match — goes to make a smart business deal. However, Zac has no intention to merge companies. Kory is infuriated but intrigued by Zac, and they spontaneously act on their mutual dislike by having a “hate fuck” right there in Zac’s ofﬁce. However, Zac and Kory soon agree to collaborate on a vacation in Baytown Beach, where Beach Ball, an annual circuit party, takes place. The trip, of course, allows the pair to get to know one another, and they share secrets in secluded locations. These two characters may hide behind the fantasies of others, but this quality actually makes their intimate moments rather endearing. The hate-fuckers soon come to feel something that readers — if not the characters — recognize as love. Enter Trevor, a professional club boy who was an intimate of Zac.

He challenges Zac to a Zinn), Edhino (Ricardo winner-takes-all boxVilaca) and Junior (Felipe Massuia). dancing competition There are that could give considerable tensions Trevor possession of in the household, and both Zac and Kory’s they unfold to form this companies. Needless largely plotless drama. to say, Zac and Kory Alice is a woman who, bond with the hope after years of taking of beating Trevor, care of others, wants and Zac teaches Kory to find someone to take how to dance using care of her. When she methods straight out meets Nilson (Luciano of “Dirty Dancing.” Quirino), the husband Yet Kory soon has his of a client at the beauty doubts about Zac and shop where she works, his plan to beat Trevor. Alice recognizes him Feeling manipulated, Kory soon starts MICHEL (MICHAL SHTAMLER, LEFT) AND NAOMI as a man from her past. manipulating Zac (ANIA BUKSTEIN) IN “THE SECRETS” She begins an affair with Nilson in part to right back, using his escape her domestic dating Web site. “The Secrets,” co-written and “E-male” follows its own directed by Avi Nesher, is clumsily angst. If “Alice’s House” plays like crazy plot logic on the way to plotted and directed, but the politics an unsurprising but pleasing — sexual and otherwise — of this conclusion. Readers will breeze very-watchable film recommend it. through this undemanding novel, Although her father, a rabbi, warns though they might stop and laugh Naomi not to let her emotional at purple-prosed descriptions such state dictate her life, she does just as disco balls looking “like glitter- that, following her heart despite encrusted testicles.” all the unhappiness it might cause. The subplot involving Anouk “The Secrets” is an ambitious, if cleansing herself by admitting the over-plotted, Israeli drama about truth of her past provides a good Naomi (Ania Bukstein), a beautiful counterbalance to Naomi’s story of young Orthodox woman engaged secret desire. to be married. However, Naomi Unfortunately, the mostly broad wants to postpone the wedding so performances (Ardent is especially she can go to seminary. hammy here) teeter on campiness. Michel (Michal Shtamler) is a Much of “The Secrets” feels stagy beautiful young Orthodox woman and fake, even when it is being who smokes and causes trouble. sincere. An awkward dinner-table She does not want to be at the scene during which Michel’s date seminary, but reluctantly enters gets the tablecloth caught in his with the hope of finding a match. fly is especially clunky. It’s hard to Of course, Naomi and Michel hate take the film seriously when it gets each other at first, but they soon silly. Nevertheless, the messages bond when they are asked to care about love and faith ring true, even for Anouk (Fanny Ardant), a dying if the overall execution is less than French woman. graceful. Anouk, they discover, has served 15 years in prison for murder, and As the title character in “Alice’s she now seeks help from Naomi House,” Carla Ribas gives a superb, and Michel to atone for her sins. award-winning performance; she’s Soon the two students start taking reason enough to seek out this Anouk on secret kabbalistic rituals, simple yet transfixing Brazilian such as cleansing her in a hot bath family drama. It is almost and vigorously praying for her impossible to watch this film and health and reparation. be unaffected by her outstanding While the students help Anouk portrait of a desperate workingreveal her hidden truths, Naomi class housewife. and Michel discover some secrets Written and directed by openly of their own. Sharing a night in gay Chico Teixeira, the film is bed together, a request for a back presented in near-documentary scratch turns into something more style, opening with images of erotic, and Naomi acknowledges Alice’s claustrophobic apartment, her same-sex desires. Michel, in which she shares with her mother response, becomes frightened by Jacira (Berta Zemel), her husband them, and tension mounts between Lindomar (Zecarlos Machado) the two women. Is what they are and their three hunky (and often doing against God? shirtless) sons, Lucas (Vinicius

a melodrama — or a gussiedup Brazilian telenovela — that’s because it is. There are clichés involving Jacira finding evidence of Lindomar’s sexual conquests in his wallet while she does the laundry, and a pair of birds in a cage that are potent symbols for Alice and her mother, who are trapped in their domestic positions as Brazilian women are. However, this film rises above these conventions to become something considerably profound. Teixeira wants to show not just why his characters are anguished, but also how they cope with it. The film’s grittiness is as palpable as Alice’s despair, and watching it is fascinating. The rhythms of her routine are hypnotic, and audiences will get caught up in this compelling family drama even as they long for some relief to all the suffering. ■

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APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Two gay plays take the stage at Shubin By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Springtime is going to be quite busy for Rich Rubin. The out director has taken on two gay-themed plays, “Passing By” and “Show/Tell,” presented by Quince Productions and running almost back-to-back from next week until early May at Shubin Theatre. “It’s incredibly challenging,” Rubin said. “Because ‘Show/Tell’ is actually two short plays, I’m directing three at once. Given that the atmosphere of the two plays is so different from the light comedy of ‘Passing By,’ it really required an adjustment of mindset, sometime almost instantaneously, between rehearsals for the two different plays.” Rubin said that although he didn’t set out to direct two plays at once, he decided it was worth the extra effort. “It just happened,” he said. “I decided to do ‘Passing By.’ Then I thought, I’ve got this theater; why not see if I can put another project in there? I had directed the world premiere of ‘Show’ as part of a series of short gay plays that I did in New York, and I still love that play every bit as much as when I ﬁrst directed. I knew it had this companion piece, ‘Tell,’ and

NICOLE MESIANO (FROM LEFT), PETER DANZIG AND VICTOR BUMBALO IN “TELL” Photos: John Donges

thought this would be the perfect opportunity to showcase these plays that I think are so wonderful and powerful.” “Passing By,” written by Martin Sherman, is set in the 1970s and tells the story of two men who meet in a movie theater and end up spending not just the night, but

also an unexpected amount of time, together. Rubin said the time period is especially important to the story. “Some of the events either would have not happened or have a very signiﬁcant difference in the postAIDS era,” he said. “So when I looked at ‘Passing By,’ which was

written back then, there was nothing we could do with it except play it as it was in the 1970s. The larger issues of love and relationships haven’t changed. Anybody my age who experienced the ’70s will have an immediate resonance with it, and anybody who was too young to have experienced the ’70s will get

a history lesson.” “Show/Tell” is a darker piece, set in the 1990s and the modern day, with one story about a priest with AIDS struggling with questions of faith, and the other tale about a hospital visitor who describes/ reenacts his ﬁrst sexual encounter for his sick friend. “They’re two completely different, self-contained plays with different cast and different settings,” described Rubin. “They’re both concerned with how, in the age of AIDS, can we bring ourselves to life.” On most nights during the run, both plays will be performed back to back. But Rubin said he doesn’t expect most audiences to try and catch both in a sitting. “That’s really up to them. To some degree the audience will be the same for both shows, and to some degree it’ll be a little different. It’s an awful lot of emotion for an audience to go through to see this whole evening in one night. ‘Passing By’ is a love story/light comedy, but it’s not without its emotional moments. If [audiences] are prepared, it’s a hell of a ride to see the whole thing in one evening. There’s 45 minutes between the end of ‘Passing By’ and the beginning of ‘Show/Tell.’ So they have time to go get a drink and fortify themselves.”

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

In keeping with Quince Productions’ tradition, all three Sunday-evening performances of “Passing By” will benefit community groups. The April 19 show will benefit the Philadelphia chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, April 26 will benefit Represented Theatre Company and May 3 will benefit AIDS Fund Philadelphia. The benefit for the NLGJA is especially important for Rubin, as he is a member of the organization. “The chapter is just starting to push itself into an active phase again, and you can’t do anything these days without money,” he said. “I’m hoping that by helping in my small way to put a little more money in their coffers, an organization that is very important can start to become a little more active than they have been recently. We need all the help we can get. Gay journalists, as well as other journalists, are fighting for page space to cover the things that they consider important or fighting for airtime in other media. I wouldn’t say it had a direct effect, but I think the current economic climate makes things more difficult for all nonprofit groups.” “Passing By” will run Wednesdays through Sundays, April 17-May 3, and “Show/Tell” will be performed Fridays and Saturdays, April 18-May 2, at Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St. For more information or tickets, visit www.quinceproductions.com or call (215) 627-1088. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

SOLUTION From Page 27

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Sat., 4/11, 5:30 pm

Jon Ginoli author of

Deﬂowered: My Life in Pansy Division MON. - SAT. 11:30 - 7p.m. SUNDAY 1:00 - 7p.m. email: giovannis_room@verizon.net

JOHN JARBOE (LEFT) AND MATT TAYLOR IN “PASSING BY”

Like the man but don’t want to work for him? Try teaching yoga. Get paid to soothe your soul, not to sell it. Yoga Sutra, Philadelphia’s premier yoga studio, is now accepting applications for teacher training. Check out our website at www.yogasutraphilly.com or contact Lisa Bridge at yogasutralisa@gmail.com.

Don’t want to teach? Try starting a yoga practice. Your FIRST CLASS is FREE.

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PGN

PAGE 31

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Q on the tube: A star is born

By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor

Rachel Maddow was born on April Fool’s Day, but she’s nobody’s fool. Although she’s only 36, she’s the smartest anchor on a TV news show on any network. She was the first out lesbian to have a news show on radio (Air America) and on TV (MSNBC); the first out American queer to be a Rhodes scholar (her doctoral thesis was also queer-focused: “HIV/AIDS and Health Care Reform in British and American Prisons”); and the first out lesbian talk-show host to mix 19thcentury cocktails on a late-night talk show, tell the host he wasn’t drinking a manly drink and note that she’d finally bought a TV for her Manhattan apartment but hadn’t turned it on yet. (Check out her guest appearance with Jimmy Fallon on March 24). Maddow is used to breaking new ground. She became a cult favorite on “Air America,” but it was her guest-host spots on “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” that brought her national attention and a much wider audience. Although Maddow continually asserts she is not pro-Obama and has never been an Obama supporter, during the primary she was nearly as harsh on Hillary Clinton as Olbermann, which many Clinton supporters and women found unsettling. But Maddow moved into her own political sphere when her show debuted in October 2008. It was clear from the first night that she was in no way Olbermann’s clone, puppet or even sidekick. Her hard-line approach with politicians has made her a force to be reckoned with. She has not given the Obama administration any more leeway than she gave the Bush administration. Maddow is unique to TV punditry. She says she doesn’t ascribe to any specific political perspective, but she has a decidedly progressive tone, particularly when grilling members of the right. She also doesn’t look like any other female talk-show host ever, with her Elvis Costello glasses and severe suits. (She “dresses down” on guest appearances in cowboy shirts. But black pants and cowboy boots are de rigueur for Maddow.) The Olbermann stint may have been what got the self-described “national security liberal” and “policy wonk” her own show on MSNBC. But Maddow’s show outstripped Olbermann’s ratings in its first week, and has continued to be the biggest ratings-grabber among news shows on MSNBC. While the show’s ratings might have initially been the result of curiosity — as well as the crushes of millions of American lesbians and bi women — the consistency clearly has to do with Maddow’s aptitude for all things political. That acumen is often overwhelming, even to her peers. In a guest appearance on David Letterman last month, Letterman asked Maddow to explain the current economic crisis. Her smooth delivery and casual brilliance wowed the veteran talkshow host, who regularly downplays his own intellect but has been known to take his political guests to the mat, as he did with Bill O’Reilly yet again on March 31. And Maddow has continued to address LGBT issues on her program with the same fervor she attaches to other news of national import. When then-President-elect Obama chose Pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration, Maddow’s response was scathing. She called the Warren pick “Obama’s first big mistake.” (Check out her comments on YouTube.) For an LGBT audience, Maddow’s success represents visibility of the best and most commanding sort. She is a TV anomaly: a self-possessed, self-confident lesbian with a doctorate from Oxford who isn’t afraid to look, talk and act like a dyke on TV because that’s who she is — but it’s not the only thing that defines her. She’s here, she’s queer and she’s smart as hell. ■

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

worth watching:

Queer TV you can always see:

FRIDAY Dollhouse A Dollhouse traitor is targeted by Echo and Sierra as the actives become less controlled. 9 p.m. on FOX.

All My Children

The ABC rumor mill has Tamara Braun (Reese) not renewing her contract with the soap. Eden Reigel (Bianca) tells “Digital Spy” to expect a “semi-happy reunion” for the couple before both exit for Paris in the coming weeks. MondayFriday, 1 p.m. on ABC.

SATURDAY The Ten Commandments Charlton Heston takes the Jews through the desert to the Promised Land in this over-thetop Cecil B. DeMille Hollywood blockbuster that is perfect for both the Passover and Easter holidays. 8 p.m. on ABC. Groomer Has It The new gayest show on TV has 12 doggy stylists (yes, doggy stylists) competing in season two. Jai Rodriguez hosts. 9 p.m. on Animal Planet. SUNDAY The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Philadelphia’s own Jill Scott stars in this adaptation of the best-selling mystery series set in Africa. Tonight, Precious goes undercover. 8 p.m. on HBO. In Treatment Gabriel Byrne stars in the second season of the hit series in which clients have many and varied issues — including LGBT concerns. 9 p.m. on HBO. The Tudors The spectacle returns with the second season. Tonight, Henry deals with an uprising. Starring the incredibly sexy Jonathan Rhys Meyers. 9 p.m. on Showtime. Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union Season premiere of the alwaysLGBT-friendly Ullman’s sexladen show. Tonight, Ullman does a turn on Helen Mirren that would make even the bawdy Mirren blush. 10 p.m. on Showtime. MONDAY The Unusuals This quirky cop show has everything — including LGBT issues. Starring Amber Tamblyn and produced by Denis Leary. 10 p.m. on ABC.

As the World Turns

GREAT, ANOTHER MATCHMAKER WITH A GOD COMPLEX: “Will & Grace” alum Bobby Cannavale stars as Trevor Pierce, a largerthan-life character who insists he is the Roman god of love, and that he has been sent to New York City by Zeus to bring 100 romantically challenged couples together before being allowed to return to Mt. Olympus, on “Cupid,” at 10 p.m. April 14 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Eric Liebowitz

TUESDAY American Idol. 8 p.m. on FOX. Rescue Me Fifth season of the dramedy. With the always-fabulous Denis Leary. 10 p.m. on FX. WEDNESDAY New Adventures of Old Christine Lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes. 8 p.m. on CBS. Better Off Ted Portia de Rossi, Ellen DeGeneres’ wife, stars in this hilarious new black comedy. 8:30 p.m. on ABC. American Idol Countdown to the ﬁnals begins. 9 p.m. on FOX. THURSDAY In the Motherhood “Will & Grace” alum Megan Mullally stars with “Curb Your Enthusiasm’s” Cheryl Hines in this new sitcom that takes a darkly comic look at American motherhood. 8 p.m. on ABC.

When Damian collapses at Noah’s feet, is it a ploy to ingratiate himself with his son’s partner or is someone — Luke, Holden and Lily are all suspects — trying to take Damian down, permanently? Luke’s efforts to battle homophobia now include PSAs on WOAK and not everyone is happy about the focus on housing discrimination. Luke and Noah have a new plan — but will Damian or someone else foil it and put the couple at risk? Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS. Guiding Light

Springfield’s baddest and sluttiest girl, Olivia, wants Natalia. But can she get the girl that Frank is engaged to marry? Olivia threw the couple an engagement party, but then Natalia had to come looking for her — in her bedroom — because Olivia was drinking too much to try and dull the pain. How much comfort is Natalia willing to give Olivia? Did Natalia say “yes” to Frank because Olivia can’t offer her marriage? Since “GL” has been canceled by CBS after 72 years (on radio, then TV), the show has until September to give these two their happily-ever-after. MondayFriday, 10 a.m. on CBS. Ellen

Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show

Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Crisp Blackfish serves inspired seafood By Suzi Nash PGN Contributor There is something rich and soothing about Blackfish, 119 Fayette St. in Conshohocken. Maybe the abundance of painted white wood, crisp linen and minimalist but comforting décor brings back memories of vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard when I was a kid. Award-winning chef/owner Charles “Chip” Roman describes the fare at Blackfish as seafoodcentered, progressive-American cuisine with French influences. Roman has been cooking since he was 3 — and hasn’t grown weary of it yet. In addition to a thriving catering business, Roman also teaches culinary-arts courses at Drexel University, where he earned his business degree while attending the culinary program on a scholarship from Le Bec-Fin, where he worked for five years. Next month, Roman and his business partner, John Sprandio, will open Blackfish Stone Harbor, the seaside sibling to Blackfish Conshohocken. It’s an order-at-will menu at Blackfish, divided into three sections: two for appetizers and the third for entrées. We started our meal with the mussel cauliflower soup ($9). One of the things our server stressed was that Roman takes pride in creating dishes you won’t find elsewhere. Well, I’ve had cauliflower soup in other places, but it didn’t compare to this. The soup was poured tableside out of lovely silver teapots, silky and smooth with a subtle, smoky undercurrent of mussel. But the best part was getting to the saffron-pickled mussels at the bottom of the bowl. Blackfish is a BYOB, so luckily I had a bottle of Ruffino Reserva stashed in my car. To help get us back on track, the chef sent out an amusebouche, which translates to “amuses the mouth.” A small bite before the meal, this was a

BLACKFISH mini portion of carrot, honey and tangerine soup — a lip-smacking, tangy little palate pleaser. After our server uncorked the bottle, we ordered the Parmesan “panna cotta” ($12) with roasted local beets. Panna cotta is an Italian dessert, but Roman takes out the sweetness and adds a savory touch with Parmesan cheese, red beets, balsamic oil and pistachios. Our next appetizer was the yellow-tail kingfish ($16), served sashimi-style with a lemon-curry sauce made with yuzo kosho, a zesty Japanese spice; and sansho, a kind of pepper from the pod of the prickly ash; all accompanied by pickled radish and kiwi. This combination created an interesting flavor. The last appetizer was the house-smoked loch duart salmon ($14). The loch duart is a highquality salmon from the Scottish Highlands, a region that practices sustainable and environmentally responsible fishing. The salmon was wrapped around a deep-fried egg with sour cream and topped with a potato crisp. Layered atop the crisp was a nest of micro greens from Blue Moon Acres, and underneath was a dabble of crème fraîche — a stirring juxtaposition of tastes and

textures. For our entrée, my dinner companion ordered the bouillabaisse ($32), Blackfish’s signature dish: a large bowl chock full of mussels, shrimp, mahi-mahi, scallops and skate in a saffronbased broth. A long, toasted baguette slathered with saffronpotato mayonnaise rested across the top of the dish. I ordered the slow-cooked chicken ($28), which was freerange and served with pearl onions, bacon and sour cherries. Roman didn’t disappoint with this unique approach to your average poultry. The chicken was tender yet robust, with a palate-pleasing contrast of tangy cherries and salty jus. For dessert, my dining companion ordered the warm chocolate cake ($8), rich with a crunchy exterior and filled with what our server Ed called “molten chocolate love,” and paired with a scoop of homemade chocolate ice cream. The ice cream was served on a mound of malt (as in Whoppers malted milk balls) and the cake was served atop a layer of chocolate sauce and sprinkled with powdered sugar. A single raspberry completed the ensemble. I ordered the beignets ($9), which are basically fancy doughnuts but without so much grease. The beignets at Blackfish were a sight to behold: a small tower of delicious orbs piled high and sprinkled with powdered sugar. They were light and fluffy, yes, but what put them over the top were the sides: two small bowls of chocolate sauce and crème anglaise made for dunking. ■

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Fresh and Healthy Food Grand Opening!

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2028 Chestnut St.,

between 20th and 21st sts.

215-568-7058

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Diversions Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

At Home at the Zoo The ﬁrst play by out playwright Edward Albee is staged through April 19 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 985-0420. Born Yesterday The Walnut Street Theatre presents one of America’s original screwball comedies about a business tycoon who goes to Washington, D.C., to try to break into the “specialinterest” business with an ethically challenged senator, through April 26, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The musical family favorite about a magical ﬂying car runs through April 12 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. Criminal Hearts The Walnut Street Theatre’s Innovation Studio on 3 presents a screwball comedy about a burglar and a jilted wife hatching a plot for revenge, through April 19, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. Defiance Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the Philadelphiaarea premiere of the second play in Pulitzer Prize-winner John Patrick Shanley’s trilogy, which began with “Doubt,” through April 12, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; (215) 785-0100. Flatterers of Dionysis Pneuma Breath of Life Productions presents the story of an esteemed

scholar who now lives homeless on a park bench following a crisis of conscience, through April 12 at Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 563-4330. Fresh Fish Festival B. Someday Productions presents the second year of its short-play festival, through April 19 at The Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; www.walkingﬁshtheatre. com. Hot ’n Throbbing Luna Theater presents this noir detective drama for mature audiences, through May 2 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. The Old Neighborhood The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater’s Second Stage presents three one-act comedies from David Mamet, through April 18, 614 Fairview Ave., Swarthmore; (866) 8114111. A Year with Frog and Toad Arden Theatre Company presents the revival of the smash-hit musical based on the Newberyand Caldecott-honored children’s books by Arnold Lobel, through April 19 at 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.

Music classical

Musical Pictures The Kimmel Center presents a unique program that brings to life Rachmaninoff’s “Etudes Tableaux,” Debussy’s “Preludes” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” at 7:30

p.m. April 13 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

PGN

Pick

Quatuor Mosaïques The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents the periodinstrument ensemble from Austria at 8 p.m. April 15 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Music other

Indigo Girls The out acoustic duo performs at 8 p.m. April 10 at the Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; (610) 352-2887. MSTRKRFT The electronic music group performs at 8 p.m. April 10 at TLA, 334 South St.; (215) 922-1011. Shawn Mullins The folk/rock singer/ songwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. April 11 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; (215) 928-0770.

Catch Nervous But Excited at 10:30 p.m. April 10 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St. The Michigan-based “pleasantly aggressive folk duo,” comprised of Kate Peterson and Sarah Cleaver, are not afraid to sing loud and sing hard and are a favorite in living rooms, coffee houses, womyn’s fests and LGBT festivals across the country. For more information, visit www.nervousbutexcited.com or call (215) 928-0770. Photo: Andi Roberts

Exhibits

Black Label Society with Sevendust and Dopes The hard-rock groups perform at 8 p.m. April 11 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (215) 6271332.

Assembled Abstractions AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of original paintings by Barbara Klein and Michael Smith, through April 25, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250.

Seal The international pop star performs at 8 p.m. April 11 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa’s Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000.

Collective Aphrodite Gallery, Philadelphia’s showcase for erotic ﬁne arts, presents a staff art show through May 24 at Passional Toys, 620 S. Fifth St.; (215) 829-4986.

The Faint and Ladytron The new wave/punk and electro/dance bands, respectively, perform at 8 p.m. April 13 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483.

Cristo Redentor Proximity Gallery presents an exhibition by Philadelphia native and cityscape artist Anthony A. Ferrara, through April

26, 2434 E. Dauphin St.; (267) 825-2949. Impressions of an Age: Ukiyo-e Prints from the Berman Collection The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College presents an exhibition of woodblock print (ukiyo-e) art made popular during Japan’s Edo Period, through April 17, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 409-3500. Ion Zupcu: Works on Paper Gallery 339 presents an exhibition of still-life photography through May 16, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530.

L’arte d’alluminar Haverford College Library Special Collections presents an exhibition of illustrations of Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” through April 22, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford; (610) 896-1161. Making Arrangements Wexler Gallery presents a solo exhibition of new sculptural works by the Vancouver-based ceramic artist Dirk Staschke, through April 25, 201 N. Third St.; (215) 923-7030. The Many Faces of Stereotypes Verdadism Art Gallery hosts an exhibition of New York-born artist Soraida’s new series of drawings, through

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn. com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

and Library hosts an exhibition exploring the work of gay artist/ author Maurice Sendak, through May 3 at 200810 Delancey Place; (215) 732-1600. Victory for Tyler 2009: Sculpture Ice Box Project Space presents the second in a series of biennial exhibitions to beneﬁt the Tyler School of Art’s Exhibitions and Public Programs department, through April 26, 1400 N. American St.; (215) 9236552.

Yuichi Hibi: Neco Gallery 339 presents April 30, 220 S. Berlin Road, Lindenwold, N.J.; Hibi’s photographic exhibition that evokes (856) 346-3131. the menace, beauty and mystery of urban Pulp Function landscapes at night, Fred Beans Gallery at through May 16, 339 S. Michener Art Museum presents a wide variety of 21st St.; (215) 731-1530. artistic expressions using handmade paper pulp, recycled paper, paper Ballet X Spring cuts, cardboard, papiermâché and folded paper, Series ’09 The contemporary through June 28, 138 S. ballet company presents Pine St., Doylestown; a diverse program (215) 340-9800. featuring a new dance piece by Matthew Sendak on Sendak The Rosenbach Museum Neenan, Christine Cox

Dance

and Edwaard Liang, April 10-11 at the Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.; (215) 546-7824. Cinderella The Russian National Ballet performs the children’s classic at 2 p.m. April 11 at The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-5577. Jeanne Ruddy Dance Ninth Season Featuring Martha Clarke The guest choreographer brings her avant-garde works to Philadelphia April 15-26 at The Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine St.; (215) 569-4060. Van Gogh The Prince Music Theater presents the contemporary ballet revealing the turmoil and tragic life of the great painter, 8 p.m. April 1516, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-9700.

Film

Repo: The Genetic Opera

QUEER PUNK TELL-ALL: You can get the inside story when Jon Ginoli, a founding member of queer-core punk-rock band Pansy Division, hosts a book event celebrating his memoir “Deflowered: My Life in Pansy Division,” at 5:30 p.m. April 11 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. Set against the changing decades of music, the book follows the band from its inception in San Francisco to the search for a music label and a permanent drummer to its current indie-rockicon bic fans and striving for acceptance and success in the world of rock), and the requisite tales of sex, drugs, groupies, band fights and label battles. For more information, call (215) 923-2960.

The futuristic sciﬁ/horror movie is screened at 9:45 p.m. April 10 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

PAGE 35

costume when she hosts a book discussion at 6 p.m. April 15 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Gerald Kolpan The Emmy AwardIndiana Jones winning television Marathon reporter and author of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” “Etta,” based on a former and “Temple of Doom” Philadelphia socialiteare screened at noon and turned-outlaw, hosts 2:15 p.m., respectively, a book event at 7:30 April 11 at The Colonial p.m. April 15 at Central Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Library, 1901 Vine St.; Phoenixville; (610) 917- (215) 686-5322. 0223. The Masculinity Project The Scribe Video Center presents a new-media project that tells an intergenerational story of black maleness intended to broaden the very deﬁnition of the word “masculinity,” 7 p.m. April 14 at International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut St.; (215) 3875125..

Books

Cordelia Frances Biddle The author of “Deception’s Daughter” will appear in period

Cabaret

Dumpsta Players in PromTrash UnderThe-Sea The 13th annual drag, stag, come-as-you-wantto-be event brings out the trash from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 15 at Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; (215) 545-4511.

Etc.

Cirque Du Soleil Lesbian Party The Gentlewomen’s Club presents ﬂexible exotic dancers and Philly’s own DJ Dy-verse for the festivities from 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m. April 10 at

Upstairs at Risqué, 1700 S. Columbus Blvd.; (215) 279-1651. Alan Marx The comedian performs at 8 p.m. April 11 at The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-5577. Vinyl DJs spin actual records at Philly’s newest LGBT party, 9 p.m.-3:30 a.m. April 11 at Pure, 1221 St. James St.; (215) 7355772. LGBT Business Brown Bag Monthly forums for LGBT business owners and professionals to meet and discuss ideas, challenges, solutions and topics of common interest, 12:30-2 p.m. April 16 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220. Tommy Davidson The comic and actor from “In Living Color” performs April 16-18 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001. ■

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 36

Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations

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, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies 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. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Health 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. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 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 testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport;

Key numbers ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851

(570) 322-8448. 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, conﬁdential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (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. Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555 ■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org ■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: (215) 772-2000

■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330. ■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW ■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities:

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. at Broad and Arch streets; (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.; (302) 734-9350. BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Hold services at 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; (215) 343-0406. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue; (215) 724-1702. Central Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-0664. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services at 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an artsbased Sunday school for children, at 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; (215) 242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sundays at Eighth and Bainbridge streets; (215) 922-1128. Church of the Trinity Lutheran Reconciling in Christ parish holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 18th and Wolf streets; (215) 334-6656. Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call (732) 502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets at 4 p.m. Sundays at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, N.J.; (973) 857-4040. 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. adhbaptist.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. Episcopal Church of St. Paul Welcoming and inclusive church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; (215) 945-2886; www.saint-pauls-levittown.org. 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) 6220800; www.lansdownepresbyterian.org. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m. at 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-3980; www. firstuu-philly.org. The First United Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; (215) 438-3677.

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009 First United Methodist Church of Philadelphia Inclusive, welcoming and progressive congregation worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave. Lunch follows; childcare is provided; (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. Global Heart Spiritual Center Holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 1812 HaddonfieldBerlin Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (609) 868-2372. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy, holds services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, at 224 E. Gowen Ave., Mt. Airy; (215) 248-2950; www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-1840; www. centercitylutheran.org. Hope Ministry Family Fellowship Affirming Christ-centered church meets at 11 a.m. Sundays in Allentown; (610) 791-0716; hmff2001@aol.com. 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.; (215) 764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org. 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. 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. Metropolitan Community Church Holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays preceded by a 9:30 a.m. Bible study at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 735-MCC3; www.mccphiladelphia.com. New Thought Spiritual Community Nondenominational service is offered at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Cradle of Liberty Council, 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne; (610) 962-9923. Old First Reformed Church Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m. Sundays September through June, and 10 a.m. June through August at 151 N. Fourth St.; (215) 922-4566; www.oldfirstucc.org. Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-7601. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets at 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; (215) 2417260; cpmm@afsc.org. Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; (215) 646-2597. 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) 566-1393; 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 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive (West Mt. Airy); (215) 844-1158; 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 through June at 6900 Stenton Ave.; (215) 836-1812; www.uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township, N.J.; (609) 926-8890; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services at 10 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St., Pottstown; (610) 327-2662. United Christian Church Open, affirming and welcoming congregation holds servies at 11 a.m. Sundays at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; (215) 946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming GLBT congregation holds services at 2 p.m. Sundays at Broad and Arch streets; (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 discussing religious alienation and struggles of faith; (215) 387-2885.

Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 Meeting Place is a public service and rotates listings on a four week schedule. Submissions must include a phone number for publication. Complete Meeting Place listings of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans and Youth groups can be found online at www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

PAGE 37

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Pending home sales up in sign of life for housing By Alan Zibel The Associated Press Tentative signs of life are appearing in the long-battered U.S. housing market. Thanks to historically low mortgage rates and deeply discounted prices, homes in much of the country are now the most affordable in decades. First-time homebuyers are able to take advantage of a new $8,000 tax credit that runs until Dec. 1. Still, any recovery for the spring selling season is likely to be modest. And it could evaporate if the economy, already mired in a severe recession, deteriorates much more. If buyers return, it would be a great relief to stressed homeowners like Jennifer

Folkerson, 42, who lives outside Salt Lake City. She and her family moved to a new home last fall but have had no luck selling the old one. Saddled with two mortgages, she now has both houses up for sale. “There have been tons of lookers,” she said, but “not one single person who can get approved for a loan right now.” Because of falling home prices and mortgage rates of around 5 percent or lower, homeownership is more affordable than it has been since at least 1970, the National Association of Realtors said last week. Prices, however, are expected to keep falling in some parts of the country, and some analysts don’t see a national bottom in home prices until the second half of 2010. “We do expect

the pace of decline to start to moderate over the next several months,” Barclays Capital analyst Michelle Meyer wrote this week. Tens of thousands of homes are tied up in foreclosure and will be coming on the market. Plus, as the recession deepens and job losses mount, many buyers are likely to stay on the sidelines. But there were indications last Wednesday that a few more homebuyers are ready to take the plunge. The National Association of Realtors said its index of signed sales contracts for previously occupied homes rose 2.1 percent to 82.1 in February from January’s record low of 80.4. Typically there is a one- to twomonth lag between a contract

and a done deal, so the index is a barometer for future home sales. However, some economists say the index has been an unreliable predictor in recent months. Existing home sales rose 5.1 percent in February, the largest increase in nearly six years. Sales of new homes, meanwhile, rose 4.7 percent that month from January’s record low. And March sales of new homes were up for Lennar Corp., its chief executive said last Tuesday. “While there are, to be sure, some indicators that suggest that the market is beginning to stabilize, they do not feel like they are deﬁning a trend yet,” said CEO Stuart Miller. Trying to unload its huge inventory of unsold homes, Lennar this week began

advertising a 3.6-percent fixedrate mortgage on its alreadybuilt homes. Mortgage rates across the board fell dramatically over the winter, and fell further last month after the Federal Reserve said it would buy $1.2 trillion in mortgage-backed securities and $300 billion in long-term government debt. Most of the benefit from low rates has gone to buyers seeking to refinance their existing home loans rather than to new buyers. The Mortgage Bankers Association said last week its weekly application index climbed 3 percent last week and was at the highest level since midJanuary. Nearly 80 percent of applications came from borrowers seeking to refinance home loans at lower rates. ■

Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property

1521 Christian, Graduate Hospital

Beds: 4 Baths: 2.5 Square Footage: 3,195 Cost: $699,900 Realtor: Mike McCann Real Estate Co: Prudential Fox Roach Phone: 215-627-6005 Direct: 215-440-8345 Web Site: www.mcmcannteam.com

Check your ad

PLACING ADS Using voicemail? Please be sure to have the following information ready when you call: • Your ad copy • The type of style you want • Desired abbreviations • American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA information • Your name and mailing

This is magnificent townhome was completely renovated just 4 years ago, with 2-car parking, beautiful hardwood floors, gas fireplace, all new kitchen with granite counters and stainless-steel appliances, tremendous master suite, rooftop deck with skyline views, dual-zoned heat and 3-zone central air, security system with camera and intercom and 6 years left on the tax abatement

address • Daytime telephone number Having all this information ready will speed your order and help to avoid errors. Phone calls can only be returned during business hours. For more information, see the coupon page in this section.

Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears. To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge. PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language. Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity. Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 38

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days

Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:

YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS • DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com GENERAL INFORMATION

All classified advertising must be in our office by 3 p.m. Friday for the next Friday’s paper. Ads arriving after that time will be held for the next available issue. PGN reserves the right to edit or rewrite ads as needed, to refuse any ad for any reason and to determine the final classification. Ads determined to be in bad taste, directed to or from persons under the legal age of consent or containing racially or sexually discriminatory language will be refused. We need your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number on the insertion order form for you ad. This information is confidential and will not appear in the paper. Any ads received without full information will be destroyed. Sexually explicit language will be edited or refused at the discretion of the management.

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

Classified ads may placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

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Classiﬁeds Liner Insertion Order

Select the TYPE STYLE you want from the examples below, and begin each line under the arrow to the left of the letter representing that style. Write to the end of the line (hyphenate words correctly. Do not stop at any other arrow, as each arrow represents a starting point. Allow one block for each letter, number, punctuation mark and space. Be sure to skip a space between words. PHONE NUMBER MUST INCLUDE AREA CODE. Be sure to circle one of the classiﬁcations and compute the cost of your ad. Liner advertising is on a PREPAY BASIS ONLY, and payment must accompany this form. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL. Type STYLE A Type STYLE B TYPE STYLE C

HEADLINE (24 SPACES PER LINE) FREE WHEN PLACED ONLINE 40 spaces Per Line 36 spaces Per Line 24 SPACES PER LINE

7 point 7 point 7 POINT

NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE

PLEASE PRINT STATE

ZIP

AMEX • MASTERCARD • VISA • DISCOVER CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION SIGNATURE NAME ON CARD # # #

“A” LINES @ $5.50 - $ “B” LINES @ $7.50 - $ “C” LINES @ $10.00 - $ BOX YOUR AD $5.00 SUBTOTAL

NUMBER OF WEEKS X SUBTOTAL % TERM DISCOUNT AD TOTAL CLASSIFICATION (CIRCLE ONE) REAL ESTATE FOR SALE • REAL ESTATE FOR RENT • ROOMMATES • SEASONAL RENTALS • SERVICES • FINANCIAL SERVICES HELP WANTED • JOBS WANTED • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • FOR SALE • AUTOMOTIVE • AUCTIONS • TRAVEL RESORTS ADOPTION • PERSONALS • FRIENDS MEN • FRIENDS BISEXUAL • FRIENDS TV/TS • FRIENDS WOMEN

PGN now offers

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TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED

Return form and payment to: Masco Communications 505 S. Fourth St., Phila., PA 19147 or fax: 215-925-6437 or email: don@epgn.com

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Real Estate

REAL ESTATE

MEDIA, $450,000 Fabulous arts and craft home located on a quiet street just a short walk to downtown Media. Home combines the best of old world charm with modern amenities. Minutes to Phila/Willmington by train/car. Offered for sale by Coldwell Banker Preferred Media. 610-566-1100. _______________________________33-15 HOME FOR SALE Horticultural Hideaway – 4 BR/2 1⁄2 BA Colonial. 2 Acres, Stream & pond, perimeter trees Internal trees & garden beds. Bucks County, minutes from Doylestown. RE/MAX Action Realty 215-358-1100. Contact Carl Hedner, Realtor 215-358-1144. www.carlhedner.com _______________________________33-16 ART MUSEUM HOUSE 2BR house w/parking, deck Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. Bambrey, 19130) 800 N. Bambrey--Corner house on quiet street, close to public transportation. Newly renovated, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood ﬂoors, AC, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to www. kratzworks.com for rental app and pix. _______________________________33-17

NEW Single-Family homes in active adult (55 plus) community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, near Beach and Bays. From $99,900. 302-6595800 or see www.bonayrehomes.com _______________________________33-15

Potter County - 2 acres only short walk to State Forest Land! Perc approved, electric, perfect for home, cabin, or camper. $19,900 Owner Financing. 800-668-8679. _______________________________33-15

SALE

PAGE 39

CLASSIFIEDS

SALE

Buy or Sell in the Poconos Close to Mt. Airy Casino & Camel Back.

Corners of Routes 390 & 44 • Candensis, PA 18325 OFFICE: (570) 595-2110 • FAX: (570) 595-7207 CELL: (570) 994-5118

REAL ESTATE

SALE

PREFERRED • FREE Listings by Email...DAILY! • Negotiable Commissions!

Andy Mariano

Direct Line 610-789-0982 Office 610-325-4100 E-Mail: sold.andy@verizon.net

FRED W. BALDI

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® fred_baldi@hotmail.com

www.PoconosHomesInfo.com

Open House - April 12, 12-1 pm

1129 Spruce

Gay is our middle name.

Luxury Condos - All New!

All have hardwood ﬂoors, ﬁreplaces, granite, stainless, top-of-the-line everything.

Open House - April 17th, 12-4 pm

Unit 1 - 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 levels, 3000 sq. ft.. Impressive Contemporary Home $929,000 Unit 2 - One bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, bi-level upgraded cutie - best ﬁnishes $319,000 Unit 3 - 2 bedroom, 2 bath with deck, bi-level Bright and roomy! $529,000

Also NEW!! 1230 S. Iseminger St. (12th and Wharton) - Wonderful 2 BR in desirable location. All new rehab hardwood ﬂoors, a/c, huge new bathroom. Move right in! $239,000 1424 Lombard - huge 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath classic brownstone with large sep dining room 1860’s vintage - new kitchen - 3000 sq. ft. of historic charm. Excellent condition $749,000 1014 Spruce 8-1 - Value! 2 bedroom, 1 bath. North & South views! Hardwood and stainless - only $339,000

Suzanne E. Petruzel, GRI Sales Associate Cell 610-859-8030

Fox & Roach REALTORS®

At the Rittenhouse 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq. Phila, PA 19103 Dir. 215-790-5671 Fax 215-546-3415 Ofﬁce 215-546-0550 suzanne.petruzel@prufoxroach.com

PGN

PAGE 40

REAL ESTATE

SALE

)

pool). 5 hen, Dinm. Living 2nd r-2 n room, & ng room, oom, and 66 after 6

___32-17

ov. 3 BR, ,900. Call -2797. ___32-16

w/ beautiliving and outtted cabinets, s. Second oms and wer, extra y growing entury 21

___32-17

___32-16 bedroom ons! Pay& Informa-

___32-16 adult (55 Delaware, 302-659om ___32-16 $45,000! down, 20 4-8363. ___32-16

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

SALE

215 551 5100 • 3320 South 20th St

CHRIS RISS makes it happen in Direct: 302-226-6655 REHOBOTH! Lingo: Lingo: 302-227-3883 302-227-3883

ChrisRiss@JackLingo.com

www.RehobothBeachHouses.com

Rates have D R O P P E D

Mike McKeown

reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 +

Share 2 BR apt. 69th St. U. Darby . CC bus at door. $350 + 1/2 util. W/D. 610-352-1188. _______________________________33-15 ROOMMATE WANTED, LANGHORNE Room available langhorne. $550 inc, heat/ H2o, internet, shared kit/bath, W/D. close to train (R3), RT95, US1, shopping malls. free parking. quiet setting. pool pass extra. htoad42000@yahoo.com _______________________________33-15 SPRINGFIELD, DEL. CO. Share home w/male w/male. 2 BR avail. Smaller rm $575/mo. Larger rm. $675/mo. Rent incl. all utils. Near trans. No smoking/pets. In ground pool, quiet neighborhood. Please call 610-328-2255. _______________________________33-15

1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

AVENUE OF THE ARTS 1326 SPRUCE ST #2903 (Center City One)-2br, 2 bth, 29th fl views $435,000 Tom Gangemi GRADUATE HOSPITAL 923 S. 17th-Attn Investors!! Triplex renovation started $175,000 Janis Dubin RITTENHOUSE 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ -2 br/den. 2 bth, newly renovated, with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi 1613 LOMBARD ST- Brand new everything, 3 br, 2 bth and working fire place $499,900 Kera Ritter 401 S. 17th St: Quaint space, great location, new kitchen, commercial on 1st floor. $499,900. Kera Ritter

The COOLEST homes in Philadelphia’s HOTTEST neighborhoods.

Services Directory

g l de enin o M Op nd ra www.philarealtyexchange.com

ROOMMATES

Time to reﬁnance, PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISconsolidate TINCTIONS debt, IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK or buy NOW!YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. Ask about___________________________________ our GREATER NE PHILA. your own bedroom in a beautiful split no closing Have cost level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 option for buying full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 a home. min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least

Mike McKeown 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. Email: mike.mckeown@mindspring.com 1-888-533-9890 _______________________________33-15 Licesensed by Dept. of Banking/Insurance in NJ, PA, DE and NY

PGN

There are easier ways to get noticed...

SALE

Let CHRIS CHRIS RISS RISSuse his Experience, Enthusiasm, and Contacts to sell your place or ﬁnd your new beach home. Most Transactions Award

Packer Park

(267) 341-1066 Direct Phone 6737 Harbison Avenue (267) 341-1067 Direct Fax Philadelphia, bc@CapozziRealEstate.com PA 19149 Toll Free (800) 559-2514 x1066 (215) 333-5200 Main www.CapozziRealEstate.com Email: mjenofsky@fpms.com (215) 333-6012 Main Fax

REAL ESTATE

SALE

HOMES FROM $10,000! MONTANA LAND BARGAINS Foreclosures for sale! 1-4 bedrooms available! 20AC with Utilities & Country Road was These homes must sell! For Listings Call 800- $99,900 Now $69,900 BLM access. Deer & 706-1762 ext. 6888. elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. _______________________________32-16 WesternSkiesLand.com ATTENTION OUTDOORMEN _______________________________32-16 NYS Old Scout Camp 15 Ac on Lake- $39,900 GOLF SIDE SC HOME NEW CABINS- $19,900 Fishing & Hunting off Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. limits until now! A sportsman’s dream. Limited Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave time offer- call now! Christmas & Associates 602-758-9062. 800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line HERKIMER, NY Several Style Homesites Available from theMostly low wooded, 300’s some near Shinglehouse. 94.4 Acre dairy farm. 4 bedroom house, 85 open area, includes old hunting cabin, stall cow barn, 4100’ paved road frontage. in the Community of Packer Park Philadelphia Great views, open elds. $236,000. www. electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. Very safe, clean, convenient Community 800-668-8679. helderbergrealty.us 518-861-6541. _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16

Minutes from Whitman Bridge, I - 95, Sports Complex, International Airport, FDR Park (350 acres of open Greenspace with golf, tennis, Mike Jenofsky skateboarding, walking & biking trails) Loan Ofﬁcer We have several luxurious home sites available, many with ten yr tax abatements & Developer Incentives, From the low 300’s - most with GARAGES for your safety and convenience.

PAGE 91

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RENTAL

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/ Half Season / Full Season. � 3 Bedroom homes reservations www.holidayoc.com with garages OLD CITY _______________________________33-16 _______________________________33-15 244-48 N. 3rd, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking (up to 3,400 sq. ft.) from the mid $500’s included $225,000 Kera Ritter � Deck or balcony with each home SPRING GARDEN 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded � 10 year tax abatement Schoolhouse & Ridge Avenue unit, elevator and secure $179,900Lane Janis Dubin SOUTH PHILADELPHIA East Falls � Free Center City Shuttle 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home 215.844.8888 in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perno Adorable seashore UNIVERSITY CITY homeThe in Villas the &heart of The Arbours at Eagle Pointe Brewerytown Square Regency 209 Saint Marks Sq- 6br,2.5bth porch front w/huge at Packer Park the Crest. 3 bedrooms, S O M E R TO N R E Wﬂoors E R Y TO N backyard, c/a, w/d,Bwood andWhigh ceilings. $599,000 Janis Dubin SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 215.765-2800 215.698.4540

Brand New 2-3 Bedroom Townhomes with Garages FOR RENT 711 S. 18th ST-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parking spaces, great $2,000 sq. mo Kera Upspace to 1,700 ft. Ritter 3512 BARING ST – Studio, utilities included in rent starting at $900 mo Kera Ritterthe Mid $200’s From 4030 W. GIRARD AVE-Huge Storefront retail space, $1000 mo Kera Ritter ourmo Decorated 1613 LOMBARD ST Brand new everything, 3 br, 2 bth and workingTour fp $2000 Kera Ritter Models 2314 REED St- 2 bedrooms- 2 Units-wood ﬂoors, new kit, exposed brick $895City mo Janis Dubin Freestarting Center Shuttle

PGN

226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ-2br,den, recently renovated, balcony, view of park $3500 mo Tom Gangemi 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $1000 mo Janis Dubin 2015 WALNUT ST-Commercial Storefront in Rittenhouse Sq. $2,000 mo Kera Ritter

Vacation Rental Wildwood Crest, NJ

2 full baths, EIK, living 215.389.9881 A Lifestyle Community for room, family room, Adults 55 & Better Spacious New One Floor Living & outdoor shower and Distinctive Townhomes with Garages From the Mid $300’s only 2Up1/2 blocks to 1,686 sq. ft.to the beach! Great front From the Mid $300’s porch and back Tour our Decorateddeck Models forThe relaxing. Oﬀ street Villas are 85% Sold Out! parking. Well behaved pets allowed. Contact Lisa at 973-492-1532 or iluvpits@msn.com

ePersonals westrum.com Various 1 and 2 bedroom residential listings-For More Information Please Call The Ofﬁce

CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE

WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR NEW SALES ASSOCIATE, MAURICE CORNELIUS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

REAL ESTATE

RENT

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAYBORHOOD Available Immediately. One bedroom apartment with central air conditioning, ample closet space and wall to wall carpet. Great Center City Location for only $900 per month. Please call Tom at Solo Realty Co. to see this space. 215564-7656 ext. 22 or tom@solorealty.com _______________________________33-15 $1400/MONTH 2 bedrooms, kitch, W/D, living room, hardwood ﬂr, ultra modern steel refrig and dishwasher. Central air. New apt. of year in Queen Village. All tile bathroom and kitchen ﬂoor. Sexy! Must see! 215-687-8461, home 215-336-4629. _______________________________33-18

FOR SALE Metal Rooﬁng and Siding Buy Direct, We manufacture and cut to your length, also a large supplier of Pole Building material 1-800373-3703 www.abmartin.net _______________________________33-15 ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities. PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 meds $25 Coupon. Mention Offer: #21A31. 1-888531-6744. tri-pharmacy.info _______________________________33-15 ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! ALL BRAND NEW POWER WHEELCHAIRS, HOSPITAL BEDS AND SCOOTERS. IMMEDIATE DELIVERY. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-9984111 TO QUAILIFY. _______________________________33-15 SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $2,990.00 Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www. norwoodsawmills.com/300n Free information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________33-15 HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools looking for Demo Homesites to display new maintenance free Kayak Pools. Save thousands of $$. Unique opportunity! 100% ﬁnancing available. 1-800-499-POOL. _______________________________33-15

SERVICES Responsible and reliable girl looking for more houses to clean. Cleaning done by girl from Europe. If you want your home cleaned and in spotless condition, call 215-427-0989. _______________________________33-15 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-15 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)349-5387. _______________________________33-15

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES 100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________33-15 Insurance Agency for Sale: Major National Insurance Company has local agencies for sale. Great Opportunity to run your own business. Please reply: Fax#866-296-7535 or agencyforsalepa@aol.com _______________________________33-15 VANGUARD CLEANING SYSTEMS FRANCHISE Commercial Ofﬁce Cleaning. Operate a Business that YOU own! Since 1984, as low as $1500 down, Equipment, Support, Customers. Phone: 717-260-3678. _______________________________33-15

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

AUTOS

HELP WANTED

Considering Adoption? A beautiful home, loving attorney and nurturing full-time mom awaits your baby. Expenses paid. Call Anne & Phyllis (ask for michelle/adam). 1-800-790-5260. _______________________________33-15

NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-15 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-15 Drive the Big Trucks! Earn Big Bucks! 25 Driver Trainees needed. $700-$800/week No CDL, no problem. No credit, no problem. Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-15 DRIVERS: WANT GREAT MILES AND STILL BE HOME EVERY WEEKEND? Martini is Hiring Co. Drivers & O/O’s with CDL-A & 1 yr. OTR EXP 866-460-8464 www. gomartini.com _______________________________33-15 Over 18? Between High School and College? Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful Business Group. No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________33-15

ADOPTION DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted 1-866-912-GIVE. _______________________________33-15

HELP WANTED Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies Furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131. _______________________________33-15 CURRENTLY HIRING Experienced Teams and Solos with HazMat. Dry Van & Temp Control available. O/Os welcome. Call Covenant (866)-684-2519. EOE. _______________________________33-15

PAGE 41

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Adver tising Sales Representative PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Gay and Lesbian publications, is looking for a special candidate to fill this position in our advertising sales department. Applicants should have previous advertising sales experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written and verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market. Most important, you should aspire to become an integral part of our successful sales team. We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, as well as Health Insurance. Applicants should call Nick Forte at 215-6258501, ext. 209. Email resume to nick@epgn.com or send resume to: PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Attn.: Nick Forte EOE

��

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PAGE PAGE 108 42

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

�� PAGE 106

Is it time to look for a new doctor? CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

Want to let mom, dad and all of your exs know you’re tying the knot?

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

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Social Security Disability Claims Appeals PAGE 110 PAGE PAGE 110 APRIL 10 215-629-0585 - 16, 2009 PAGE110 110 PAGE 110

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APRIL -- MAY 1, 2008 2008 APRIL2525 25- MAY MAY 2008 PAGE 43 APRIL 1,1,2008

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS

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�

Bar Association Serving Southeastern PA., South Jersey; and Delaware. Organized to promote civil and human rights. GALLOP Referral Service provides free referrals to attorneys sensitive to the needs of the community For info or a referral, call 215-627-9090 P.O. Box 58279, Penn Center Station, Phila., PA 19102 www.galloplaw.org

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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

William A. Torchia, Esquire James M. Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 44

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CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

��

PAGE 106

��

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

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

PAGE 45

ARE YOU HOT!

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THE PLAYGROUND

PAGE 46

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009

Adult/Personals FRIENDS

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PAGE 48

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 10 - 16, 2009