PGN April 19, 2012 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Everyone’s favorite crazy aunt is showing up in Media

Family Portrait: Alyesha Wise

PAGE 27

Philadelphia Black Gay Pride is ready to go with a few firsts

PAGE 31

PAGE 7

April 19-25, 2013

��

Vol. 37 No. 16

Sims to introduce first-ever partnership amendment

Pleas for transparency in Morris case renewed at PAC meeting

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

State Rep. Brian Sims (D-182nd Dist.) plans to introduce an amendment that would allow those in domestic partnerships to apply for a rebate program after the death of a partner. Sims plans to submit Amendment 00701 to House Bill 468, also known as the Taxpayer Relief Act. The amendment would add domestic partners, both same- and oppositesex, to the list of family members qualified to apply for property tax and rent rebates on behalf of a deceased family member. Sims planned to submit the amendment earlier this month, but the legislation was dropped from consideration twice. He said he will offer it the next time it is on the table. “The bill won’t become law until the next time it is voted on and this could be days or weeks,” Sims explained. “If my amendment passes, then in the third consideration, it will hopefully be a part of the bill.” Sims said the amendment could affect countless Pennsylvanians. “This will create a pretty expansive definition of family members. This could lesson the burden on LGBT people and of all our heterosexual neighbors.” But, same-sex partners — currently excluded from the inheritance-tax exemption and other laws — are especially impacted. “Whether you recognize the sanctity of LGBT relationships or not, recognize they do exist,” Sims said. “Nowhere in Pennsylvania law do we define domestic partners. What we will have done for the first time in Pennsylvania history is include a definition of domestic partnership.” The current rebate program is designed for residents 65 and older, widows and widowers over 50 and people with disabilities over 18. It provides a rebate for homeowners and renters of between $500-$650. The income limit for homeowners is $35,000 and $15,000 for renters. ■

Pleas for transparency in the Nizah Morris case were renewed Monday at a Police Advisory Commission meeting at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Morris was a transgender woman who was found with a fatal head wound in December 2002, shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. The PAC issued an opinion earlier this month that recommends state and federal probes into her homicide, citing an inefficient local investigation. But efforts to secure the probes may be hindered, as the PAC is withholding numerous Morris investigative records from the public, citing a state

POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEMBERS AT THE APRIL 15 MEETING ON THE NIZAH MORRIS REPORT Photo: Gloria Casarez

law that protects the confidentiality of open homicide cases. Advocates for Morris say the records should be released to help underscore the need for state and federal probes. “I think it’s both ironic and

tragic that a supposed matter of law that should protect an investigation is indeed inhibiting a more just and thorough investigation,” trans activist Ben Singer told PGN. After the meeting, PAC mem-

ber Chuck Volz said the commission’s Morris records would be released if a judge orders the agency to do so. “I’m all for transparency,” Volz told PGN. “If we get presented with a court order to divulge our Morris records, of course we’ll do it. I don’t see the big deal.” In May 2008, Common Pleas Judge Jane Cutler Greenspan signed an order requiring all city agencies to release their Morris investigative records to the public. The PAC has already released numerous Morris records due to the order, but it is unclear if it will release additional records. Volz recently penned an essay about the Morris case entitled “No More Sinning by Silence,” that will appear in 10,000 Pride PAGE 20 Guides.

Committee passes landmark LGBT-equality bill By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A committee of the Philadelphia City Council last Thursday unanimously approved a sweeping LGBT-reform bill that would include a number of firsts for both the city and the nation. After a public hearing, the Committee on Labor & Civil Service Committee backed Bill 130224, submitted last month by Councilman Jim Kenney, chair of the committee. The legislation is scheduled for a vote April 25 before the full council. It also was backed by Committeemembers Maria Quiñones-Sanchez, Mark Squilla, Bobby Henon, Cindy Bass and Brian O’Neill. The bill would implement a number of transgender-specific provisions — including the revamping of the city’s health-care plan to remove discrimination against nonunion transgender city employees. It would

the city’s nondiscrimination law would be amended to ban employment discrimination based on one’s gender presentation and mandate that public accommodations permit individuals to use a restroom in accordance with his or her gender identity. It would also require all city forms to be gender-neutral. The measure would also offer a tax-credit incentive that would urge businesses to offer an employee health plan that would treat life partners COUNCILMAN JIM KENNEY (CENTER) DURING THE and their children equal to COMMITTEE HEARING Photo: Scott A. Drake heterosexual families. This would also be the first time also instate a Transgender Health Tax Credit, which would allow companies that such a tax-credit program is offered in the offer transgender-specific health coverage a country. The bill would also clarify that life parttwo-year tax credit, the first such program in the nation. City buildings would be required ners have authority equal to heterosexual to provide gender-neutral bathrooms, and spouses in matters conPAGE 24

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PGN

PRESENTED BY ACTIONAIDS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

ART MU SEU M/FAIRMOU NT

CHESTNUT HILL/MOUNT AIRY

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA

Alla Spina Jack’s Firehouse London Grill* McCrossen’s Tavern Rembrandt’s Rose Tattoo Café* Route 6 Trio

Avenida* (267) 385-6857 Bacio (215) 248-2740 Cafette (215) 242-4220 Geechee Girl Rice Cafe (215) 843-8113 Tavern On the Hill (215) 247-9948 Trolley Car Cafe (267) 385-6703

Las Margaritas

MANAYUNK

CHESTER COUNTY

(215) 600-0017 (215) 232-9000 (215) 978-4545 (215) 854-0923 (215) 763-2228 (215) 569-8939 (215) 391-4600 (215) 232-8746

CENTER CITY EAST

T H U R S D AY A P R I L 2 5

Dine at a participating restaurant or food truck on April 25, and 33% of your food bill will benefit local services in the fight against AIDS.

EVENT BENEFITS HIV/AIDS PROGRAMS AT ActionAIDS • AIDS Delaware Family & Community Service of Delaware County Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania * Make an additional donation of $25 or more on April 25 and you will receive a 20% Off Tuesdays card with your thank you letter. This card entitles you to 20% off of your table’s food bill on Tuesday evenings** throughout the year at participating 20% Off Tuesdays Restaurants. Listings with an asterisk* are 20% off Tuesdays participants. **Excluding holidays. Not to be combined with other offers.

RED RIBBON PARTNER

RAFFLE PARTNERS

Amis (215) 732-2647 Barbuzzo (215) 546-9300 Caribou Café* (215) 625-9535 Chifa (215) 925-5555 El Vez (215) 928-9800 Garces Trading Company (215) 574-1099 Giorgio on the Pine* (215) 545-6265 Jamonera (215) 922-6061 Jones (215) 223-5663 Knock* (215) 925-1166 Lolita (215) 546-7100 Mercato* (215) 985-2962 More Than Just Ice Cream (215) 574-0586 Morimoto (215) 413-9070 M Restaurant at The Morris House* (215) 625-6666 New Harmony Vegetarian (215) 627-4520 Opa (215) 545-0170 Pennsylvania 6 (267) 639-5606 Perch Pub* (215) 546-4090 Percy Street Barbecue (215) 625-8510 Sampan (215) 732-3501 Singapore Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant (215) 922-3288 Tabu (215) 964-9675 Talula’s Garden (215) 592-7787 Tashan* (267) 687-2170 terra* (215) 545-1102 Time (215) 985-4800 Tria Wash West (215) 629-9200 Valanni* (215) 790-9494 Varalli* (215) 546-6800 Varga Bar (215) 627-5200 Vedge (215) 320-7500 Venture Inn* (215) 545-8731 Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro (215) 922-3095 Westbury Bar* (215) 546-5170 Woody’s (215) 545-1893 Zinc Bistro a Vins* (215) 351-9901

CENTER CITY WEST 10 Arts by Eric Ripert Alma de Cuba Audrey Claire Barclay Prime Bellini Grill Bistro St. Tropez Butcher and Singer Continental Midtown Dandelion, The Day by Day El Rey Friday, Saturday, Sunday Good Dog Il Pittore Matyson Meritage My Thai* Nineteen Oyster House Parc Prime Rib, The Seafood Unlimited Square 1682 Tinto Tria Rittenhouse Twenty Manning Village Whiskey

(215) 523-8273 (215) 988-1799 (215) 731-1222 (215) 732-7560 (215) 545-1191 (215) 569-9269 (215) 732-4444 (215) 567-1800 (215) 558-2500 (215) 564-5540 (215) 563-3330 (215) 546-4232 (215) 985-9600 (215) 391-4900 (215) 564-2925 (215) 985-1922 (215) 985-1878 (215) 790-1919 (215) 567-7683 (215) 545-2262 (215) 772-1701 (215) 732-3663 (215) 563-5008 (215) 665-9150 (215) 972-8742 (215) 731-0900 (215) 665-1088

MEDIA PARTNERS

Adobe Cafe Manayunk(215) 483-3947

NORTHERN LIBERTIES/ FISHTOWN Barcade Fette Sau Frankford Hall Johnny Brenda’s North 3rd Restaurant* Silk City Diner*

OLD CITY

BUCKS COUNTY Bowman’s Tavern* Poco’s Restaurant Rick’s Restaurant* The Raven

(215) 862-2972 (215) 348-3424 (609) 397-0051 (215) 862-2081

MAINLINE Cedar Hollow Inn

(610) 296-9006

DOWNINGTOWN PJ Welihans Pub Downingtown

(610) 873-1311

WEST CHESTER Doc Magrogan’s High Street Caffe Side Bar & Restaurant Three Little Pigs

(610) 429-4046 (610) 696-7435 (610) 429-8297 (610) 918-1272

Amada (215) 625-2450 Buddakan (215) 574-9440 Continental Restaurant(215) 923-6069 DiNardo’s Famous Seafood (215) 925-5115 Fork (215) 625-9425 Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti (215) 238-0499 Race Street Cafe (215) 627-6181 Red Owl Tavern (215) 923-2267 Ristorante Panorama (215) 922-7800 Spasso (215) 592-7661 Zahav (215) 625-8800

DELAWARE COUNTY

SOCIETY HILL/SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

NEW FOR 2013 Gourmet Food Truck - Lunchtime 11AM - 3PM Round-Up parking lot at East Passyunk, 12th Street, & Tasker August (215) 468-5926 Beau Monde (215) 592-0656 Bistro Romano* (215) 925-8880 Bistrot La Minette (215) 925-8000 Blue Belly BBQ (215) 238-0615 Cafe Nola (215) 574-1687 Cochon* (215) 923-7675 Copabanana (215) 923-6180 Izumi (215) 271-1222 Las Bugambilias (215) 922-3190 Le Virtu (215) 271-5626 Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine (215) 928-9500 Paradiso (215) 271-2066 Pizzeria Stella (215) 320-8000 Redwood Restaurant (215) 238-1512 South Philly Tap Room (215) 271-7787 Southwark (215) 238-1888 The Industry (215) 271-9500 Ulivo (215) 351-1550 Villa Di Roma (215) 592-1295

UNIVERSITY CITY/WEST PHILADELPHIA Dahlak Restaurant* (215) 726-6464 Distrito (215) 222-1657 The Gold Standard Cafe* (215) 727-8247 JG Domestic (215) 222-2363 Lemon Grass Thai (215) 222-8042 Pod (215) 387-1803 The Restaurant School @ Walnut Hill College (215) 222-4200 x3005/3024

E-PARTNERS

centercitydistrict.com mainlinetoday.com opentable.com phillygaycalendar.com

b e ne f i t s g r o u p

(215) 634-4400 (215) 391-4888 (215) 634-3338 (215) 739-9684 (215) 413-3666 (215) 592-8838

(215) 969-6600

phillymag.com thetowndish.com visitphilly.com

2312 Garrett Bar (610) 626-9900 La Belle Epoque (610) 566-6808 Lotus Farm to Table (610) 565-5554 Nais Cuisine (610) 789-5983 Picasso Restaurant and Bar (610) 891-9600 Pinocchio’s Restaurant (610) 566-4895 Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen (610) 688-8808 The Original Clam Tavern (610) 623-9537

Justin’s Carriage House Roberto’s Trattoria Spring Mill Cafe Trax Restaurant & Cafe White Elephant Restaurant*

(610) 584-5005 (215) 233-9955 (610) 828-2550 (215) 591-9777 (215) 663-1495

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY Barnsboro Inn Keg and Kitchen Marlene Mangia bene Tre Famiglia

(856) 468-3557 (856) 833-9800 (856) 848-8488 (856) 429-1447

DELAWARE GREENVILLE/CENTREVILLE BBC Tavern and Grill (302) 655-3785 NEWARK Soffritto Italian Grill Timothy’s of Newark

(302) 455-1101 (302) 738-9915

NEW CASTLE Trader’s Cove at Penn Place*

(302) 322-6334

WILMINGTON Bellefonte Cafe Blue Parrot Cromwell’s Tavern & Restaurant Domaine Hudson* Extreme Pizza* The Melting Pot Santa Fe Mexican Grill and Bar* Stoney’s British Pub Tutto Fresco Ulysses American Gastropub Union City Grille

(302) 761-9175 (302) 655-8990 (302) 571-0561 (302) 655-9463 (302) 384-8012 (302) 652-6358 (302) 425-5200 (302) 477-9740 (302) 762-9094 (302) 691-3456 (302) 654-9780

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Are you taking care of yourself? How’s your health and well-being?

Only in

On Being Well

Read On Being Well every fourth week of the month

What special challenges does the LGBT community face when it comes to the law? Whether it’s adoption, co-habitation agreements or a will, Angela Giampolo shares legal advice for our community each month.

STARS IN STILETTOS: Woody’s upstairs was flooded with drag performers and their fans April 13 for the Philly Beauty Ball. The event started as a private, informal drag party in 2009 and this marked the first year it was brought out into the community. The party, which drew about 65 people, sought to support William Way LGBT Community Center and raised $850 from attendees, as well as an anonymous matching donation, which brought total fundraising to $1,700. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Only in

NEWS

Online and in print every ﬁrst Friday.

Out Law

Angela Giampolo

Crime Watch Local Media Trail News Briefing Obituary

19 5 20 9 17

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11 11

Are you an active volunteer in the community? Poll results from our online survey as of April 17:

“Giving voice to those who can only whisper, questing up from under-dark into a new light.”

33% 30% 18% 18%

Only in

Millennial Poz

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

After 30 years of HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is impacting the next generation: the Millennials. Written by Aaron Stella, Millennial Poz gives a new voice to people with HIV/AIDS.

Aaron Stella

Online and in print every second Friday.

An estimated one-third of LGBTs in Philadelphia have children. Every month, Dana Rudolph dissects parenting from our perspective, from watching your children grow up to teaching them how to deal with bullies, to interviews with authors and ﬁlmmakers.

Would you beneﬁt from Rep. Sims’ partnership amendment? 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

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

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

Advertising Director Dan Calhoun (ext. 218) dan@epgn.com

Publisher

Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com Editor

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com

Only in Online and in print every fourth Friday.

Yes, regularly Not at all Yes, occasionally Only when asked

Mombian Dana Rudolph

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Brooke Lutz brooke@epgn.com Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com

Staff Writers Angela Thomas (ext. 215) angela@epgn.com

National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863

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

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

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

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2013 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

LOCAL PGN

Bathhouse to reopen with new look, feel and name By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

the lockers will be equipped with a USBcharging station for cell phones. Srnicek said the lockers seek to cut down A longtime Gayborhood bathhouse is on the thefts that had plagued the business. A new dungeon and new washrooms set to reopen next month, and backers are were installed in the basement, as well as promising major changes. The former Club Body Center, 1220 a private shower and heated floors. There is Chancellor St., will open its doors as Club a new performance stage where the former laundry room was located that Srnicek said Philadelphia May 17. CBC has been closed since a fire in can be used by models and porn stars for performances. August. The entire property was also freshly The men’s bathhouse had been in operation since 1975 and moved from 13th Street painted. The business is currently owned by three to Chancellor in 1995. The building previously served as Back Street Baths from men: Jack Campbell owns 50 percent, but, 1981-86 and then the Chancellor Athletic diagnosed with dementia, he lives in San Francisco with his sister, and his brotherClub before CBC took over. Chris Srnicek, who plans to buy the busi- in-law, a retired accounting professor, has ness, said the club was originally called power of attorney over his affairs. The other half is split equally between Chuck Hart Club Philadelphia. “It was called Club Philadelphia back in and the estate of Jim Lewandowski. Srnicek expected to buy the company last the day and it was changed to Club Body Center, but that doesn’t really mean any- fall but said the deal was delayed by the thing,” he said. “It doesn’t have a city name, fire. “I talked to the owners and said, ‘Let me like Club Dallas or Club Houston. So I get this open and, if the levels are similar wanted to bring that back.” The physical upgrades to the building to what they were before, I can see myself owning it before August.’ So the deal’s on cost about $250,000, Srnicek said. He said he put in about $100,000 of his ice right now but the people selling it have own money as he awaits the final insurance been very understanding.” Some staff members have been retained but Srnicek also plans to bring on a number of new employees, all of whom, he said, will be trained in customer service. “You will be greeted with a ‘hello’ and a smile and no one will be treated poorly,” Srnicek said, noting that he aims for the new club to have a completely different feel than CBC had. “We’d love to see A ROOM IN THE NEW CLUB PHILADELPHIA Photo: Scott A. Drake the regulars come back, but there were also a lot of people who stopped coming to settlement. The property got a new roof, new plumb- Club Body Center because it had a bad reputation — for theft, drugs, poor service. We ing and electrical wiring. “A lot of it was stuff clients won’t see want to welcome people back to take a look nor could they care less about it because it and give this a fresh start. We don’t want people to think Club Body Center has been won’t affect their visit,” Srnicek said. There were, however, changes that visi- renovated. Club Body Center is done. This is the new Club Philly. It’s not Club Body tors will notice. Each room was outfitted with new vinyl Center with fresh paint: It’s a whole new mattresses and private lockers. Clients can club with new owners and a new attitude.” bring their own locks to store valuables and ■

Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Sunday April 21, 2013 * Emerald City Pageant - The Ethical Society - 7pm 1906 Rittenhouse Square Phila. PA 19103

Monday April 22, 2013 * Youth Roundup - Youth Health Empowerment Project - 7pm - 11pm - 1417 Locust St. 3rd Phila. Pa. 19103

Thursday April 25, 2013 One Night Stand - Open Mic Poetry Slam The Arts Garage - 7pm - 1533 Ridge Ave. Phila. PA 19130

Friday April 26, 2013 Society Light’s - Tabu Sports Lounge - 5pm - 7pm 200 S 12th St. Phila. PA 19107 * Guest by invitation only * Family Reunion - Opening Reception The Ethical Society - 6pm - 1906 Rittenhouse Square Phila. PA 19103 Girlz Gone Pride - Cocktail Reception - 8pm Event 10pm - The Ethical Society - 1906 Rittenhouse Square Phila. PA 19103

Saturday April 27, 2013 * Workshops - William Way Center -12pm - 4pm 1315 Spruce St. Phila. PA 19107 * Speed Dating,The Remix - Ladder 15 5pm - 7pm - 1528 Sansom St. Phila. PA 19102

Sunday April 28, 2013 Worship Service - with the “God Environment” The William Way Center - 2pm - 1315 Spruce St. Phila. PA 19107 / DAY IN THE PARK - Fairmont Park For more Information, go to www.phillyblackpride.org *FREE HIV Testing will be provided

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

LOCAL PGN

Drexel group fights blood-donation ban By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX: Spectators at the new SEXO exhibit perused the interactive offerings at the opening reception April 12 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. The effort, spearheaded by Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative, resurrects a movement first started more than two decades ago to encourage positive portrayals of sex to fuel HIV prevention. GALAEI executive director Elicia Gonzales and William Way executive director Chris Bartlett provided remarks on the value of the multimedia project, which drew such guests as GALAEI founder David Acosta (third from left). The exhibit will be on display through June 15. Photo: Scott A. Drake

A local student group is taking on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ban on blood and bone-marrow donations from men who have sex with men one signature at a time. Viren Doshi is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Health Care Law Committee and is vice president of the Health Law Society at Drexel Law School. Earlier this month, he started a petition calling on the FDA to revise its ban on gay donors, an issue that has arisen at Drexel and countless other entities that host blood drives. The ban started in 1985 when the FDA issued a regulation prohibiting blood donation from men who have had sex with another man since 1977, the year the agency deemed to be the start of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. A number of students raised the issue to HLS, spurring the petition, which Doshi and three other students are working to distribute. In the petition, B:10.125” HLS states, “the policy goal was to screen T:10.125” out potential donors who had the S:10.125”

highest risk of being HIV-positive. While the rule may have successfully prevented a few donations from HIV-positive individuals, more important and devastating is that it has blocked needed donations from many healthy individuals as well.” Backers have so far gathered 200 signatures. “It is in its first stages,” Doshi said. “We have passed the petition around Drexel Law, but we are hoping to pass it around to other law schools. We just got it out to the School of Public Health and to the undergraduate schools.” Organizers also hope to generate interest from local LGBT groups and then take it nationwide. “The plan is not only to circulate the petition around Drexel and Philadelphia, but schools all across the country,” he said. The petition will circulate for four or five months before it is sent to the FDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Doshi said both students and faculty at Drexel have expressed outrage over the decades-old ban. “We are very upset about it. The faculty is upset about it as well and pretty much everyone I have

talked to about it is angry,” he said. “It is now 2013; it’s crazy that this ban is still in place. Everything is so highly tested nowadays, there is just really no excuse for having this ban.” The petition reiterates this message, saying it is discriminatory to ban a segment of the U.S. population from blood drives and bonemarrow registrations. “In our world of modern science in which labs can screen for HIV within days of infection, it is medically unfounded for the FDA policy to specifically target a discriminated-against population from donating much-needed blood solely because of their sexual orientation and the coinciding stereotype,” the petition states. Doshi said he hopes efforts such as HLS’ petition will provide fuel for the Federal Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability — which voted in 2010 9-6 against lifting the ban — to reverse course. “If we get past that stage, that would be amazing.” For more information on the petition, email Doshi at Viren128@gmail.com or call 785893-6744. ■

We all come in different sizes, shapes and colors.

www.peco.com

T:5.6”

B:5.6”

To learn how, visit peco.com/SmartIdeas or call 888-5-PECO-SAVE.

S:5.6”

At PECO, we’re proud to celebrate the differences that make us all unique. And while we’re all different, one thing we have in common is a desire to save energy and money. In fact, our customers have already saved more than $170 million in energy costs with PECO Smart Ideas. PECO. We put our energy into helping you save energy and money.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Black Pride celebrates ‘new beginnings’ By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Philadelphia Black Gay Pride will return under the direction of a new leader and with new events this year. PBGP will run April 21-28 with a plethora of educational, networking and social events throughout the week. This year’s festival, themed “New Beginnings,” celebrates its 14th anniversary. Jeremy Taylor, PBGP president, said two new events will be on the lineup this year. “Gurlz Gone Pride” will take place from 10 p .m.-2 a.m. April 26 at the Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse S q u a r e . Ta y l o r s a i d t h e eve n t , which will feature music and dance, was designed to celebrate the lesbian community in Philadelphia. “It has been brought to my PBGP PRESIDENT attention that we JEREMY TAYLOR tend to fall short in our efforts at reaching this segment, so in an attempt to offset that, we started dialogue, with the end result being this event,” Taylor said. “It’s all of our hope that this event becomes annual, in addition to starting a shift in our focus when we think about this very-important part of our community.” PBGP will also present “Society Lights,” from 5-7 p.m. April 26 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. The event will highlight various young leaders within the community. “The idea is to get these ‘Lights’ into the same space and recognize them for their accomplishments, as well as foster information-sharing so that each can improve upon the great work they are already doing,” Taylor said. These two events are not the only new features for PBGP: This will be the first year Taylor will lead the event. Taylor, who started his new position in July after the resignation of longtime president Chris Alston, began volunteering for the organization in 2009 and joined the board a year later. Taylor said it has been challenging to bring the organization into its next phase, but that he’s confident the transition will be successful. “One of my ongoing struggles is having to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors and convince our longtime partners that change can be good,” he said. “But, amazingly, most of our stakeholders have

received the information well and are fully committed to helping us celebrate our ‘New Beginnings.’” Taylor said the organization has worked hard to keep expenses low this year. “It’s no secret, from an economical standpoint, it’s been rough and borderline backbreaking, but through actions like paring down of the event schedule and tightening our belt where we can, we will continue to do find a way to make Pride happen. There’s simply no alternative.” Taylor said PBGP is also committed to continuing its youth initiative, which includes a scholarship started in 2011 designed to support an LGBT youth of color. “In the past, most of our programming and initiatives have been focused on HIV/ AIDS education and seldom did we have an opportunity to expand our interaction beyond that dialogue,” Taylor said. “So building upon my vision of inclusion, we’ve decided to not only continue with the youth scholarship, but to make it a mainstay for many years to come.” The week will begin with the crowning of Mr. and Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, 7 p.m. April 21 at the Ethical Society Building. A two-hour reception will precede the competition. The opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the same location, and will include performances by Mr. and Miss PBGP, as well as the winner of the poetry slam that will be held the previous night, 7-11 p.m. at The Arts Garage, 1533 Ridge Ave. The following day will feature workshops from noon-4 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., that will cover such topics as estate-planning, relationship issues, health and wellness and issues impacting lesbians. Taylor said besides the educational panels and programs, he thinks one of the biggest draws of the week will be the parties — including Simply Christopher’s bash at Devotion, 417 N. Eighth St., from 5-7 p.m. April 27, which will feature an appearance by reality-TV star NeNe Leakes. “It’s one-on-ones like this that add to the already-high energy level of our Pride festival.” Taylor said he hopes the event showcases all aspects of the LGBT-of-color community and of Philadelphia. “My hope is that all of our attendees, both local and out-of-town, leave Philly Black Gay Pride knowing that our vision is to become visibly more inclusive of all segments of the LGBTQI community and to walk away knowing that America’s first city is an awesome place to visit, conduct business and, of course, party.” For more information on PBGP, visit www.phillyblackpride.org. ■

Craig T. Wakefield, DDS is happy to welcome

ISAAC BAR, D.M.D. to the dental practice!

• Cosmetic dentistry • Veneers • Crowns • Whitening • Implants

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

Dr Bar is a participating provider with most insurances including United Concordia, Delta Dental, Aetna, Metlife, and Guardian.

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

LOCAL PGN

CBLSL begins 30th season honoring history By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The City of Brotherly Love Softball League will open its season this weekend amid the usual fanfare and festivities — except, this year, it will pay special tribute to the league’s 30-year history of fostering LGBT softballers. CBLSL will celebrate Opening Day April 21 in Fairmount Park with games in the morning followed by the opening ceremonies at 1:15 p.m. on Field One. City Councilman Jim Kenney will throw out the first pitch and a barbeque will follow the opening ceremonies, as well as an Old Timers game that will reunite longtime and former CBLSL players. The day before the games, CBLSL and supporters will gather in the Gayborhood for a block party from 27 p.m. in front of Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. The league’s anniversary season will look quite different than its first official season in play in 1984. The league, formerly known as the Masterbatters, started with five teams.

had founding members remain as players in the league. Presently, there’s still one who’s a founder member and who still plays,” he said. “And there have been many people who have taken on leadership roles in the league who have really understood what the league means and helped to get that message out.” Lenahan, commissioner since 2010 and also a member of Tabu Triple Play, said the relationships that have formed among the players have also contributed to the league’s vitality. “I think a lot of people look to the league, even if they’ve never played softball, as a great outlet for people to meet each other outside of the bars. They look for that alternative connection,” he said. “And once they start playing, people find camaraderie and really build strong relationships. The people in the league become like a second family. I’ve been playing for 10 years now and some of my best friends I met in the league. We really do have a family atmosphere, and that’s why we’ve grown so much.” When the league opened up membership to straight players, Sotland said, there were

WOODY’S TEAM AT THE 1987 NORTH AMERICAN GAY AMATEUR ATHLETIC ALLIANCE WORLD SERIES IN SAN FRANCISCO (LEFT) AND THE KEY WEST TEAM AFTER A GAME

This year, it will have 35 teams who play in three divisions — competitive, recreational and women’s. The last division, said CBLSL commissioner Bob Lenahan, has seen remarkable growth in recent years. “We hosted the women’s [Amateur Sports Alliance of North America] world series in 2011 and had almost 60 teams from across the country here, and that really helped promote our women’s division,” he said. “It’s almost doubled within the last five years.” The league is challenged to recruit men to play in the competitive division, he added, a trend that many LGBT leagues across the country are also struggling with. Former CBLSL commissioner Jeff Sotland helmed the league from 2005-10, during which he said the organization saw a 40- to 50-percent increase in membership. Also in his tenure, the league entered a first-ever longterm field-improvement agreement with the city that requires the city to make capital improvements to the fields the organization uses. The longterm investment of members has also helped the league thrive, said Sotland, a CBLSL member since 2000 who plays on Tabu Triple Play in the C segment of the competitive division. “For such a long period of time, we’ve

fears that it could be a death knell for the organization. But, those concerns were unfounded, he said. “There was the expectation that, if the league opened up to more straight players, it’d eliminate the camaraderie that is the intent of the league, but we found just the opposite,” he said. “In a time when everything’s becoming more mainstream and gays and lesbians are spending more time in nonLGBT bars, we’re finding that everyone’s just as happy to be involved in our league, as they are in others in South Philly or the suburbs or New Jersey. It didn’t diminish the need for or importance of our league. We are one of the premiere leagues in Philadelphia and have maintained ourselves for 30 years as that.” Lenahan said the league is limited in its growth, as it can only house so many teams based on its field space. But, he said, organizers hope to add a few more teams in the coming year and are always eager to gain new players from all backgrounds. “We’re open to everybody. If you’ve never played before or if you’ve been playing for years — there’s a spot for everybody.” For more information, visit www.cblsl. org or www.facebook.com/CBLSL?fref=ts. ■

LOCAL PGN

News Briefing Change of plea hearing scheduled in detentioncenter assault Kevin V. Hannig, an accused assailant of openly gay inmate Kenneth J. Houck Jr., is expected to plead guilty during a court proceeding this week. Hannig initially pleaded not guilty to causing serious bodily harm to Houck but has decided to change his plea. A hearing was scheduled for yesterday. Hannig and fellow inmate Justin O’Brien allegedly assaulted Houck at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia in November 2011. Houck was reading a gay novel inside his cell when the defendants pulled Houck from his bunk and stomped on him, breaking his leg, according to court records. Earlier this month, O’Brien pleaded guilty to assaulting Houck, and his sen-

tencing is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. May 14 before U.S. District Judge Jan E. DuBois. At the time of Houck’s assault, O’Brien was in the detention center after robbing three banks in Northeast Philadelphia. Hannig was in the detention center for an offense stemming from an unrelated bank robbery. Houck was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. Houck continues to recover from his injuries at the Federal Detention Center in Butner, N.C. His projected release date is March 3, 2018, if he doesn’t commit any infractions while in custody. O’Brien and Hannig remain incarcerated at the detention center, pending sentencing.

Philadelphia’s only Catholic LGBT organization, Dignity Philadelphia, will celebrate its 40th anniversary later this month. Dignity president David Kalinowski said that, in the 16 years he has been a member of the organization, it has been a consistent source of support for the community. “I think we’ve been there for people who have the desire to have a faith in God, but don’t feel comfortable going to regular Catholic churches,” he said. “And I think we have provided that safe space for people, not only LGBT people, but with friends and allies as well.” Dignity has also offered women leadership roles in the church that they often cannot find in mainstream Catholic environments. In 2010, the group brought on a Catholic female priest to say Mass. “That was a big accomplishment: opening the doors to women having a role in the church,” Kalinowski said. Dignity Philadelphia has been a visible and active member of the local LGBT community. Among its community activities, the group has sponsored GayBINGO events and held panel discussions on topics such as the bar scene in Philadelphia, LGBT history of Philadelphia and the history of Dignity Philadelphia, with remarks from former presidents. “We try to have a mix of interests that

William Way is gearing up to implement a women’s steering committee and is looking to create initiatives that will engage women in the center’s activities. Center executive director Chris Bartlett said he hopes the reception will encourage more women in Northwest Philadelphia and the suburbs to be involved at William Way. Tickets are $25 and include a buffet-style brunch, open wine and beer bar and live music. For more information, visit www. waygay.org.

BEBASHI launches hunger campaign

HIV/AIDS agency BEBASHI is set to launch its “Feed Philly!” campaign. During the month of May, supporters can contribute monetary or food donations to the agency’s emergency food cupboard at five different The Fresh Grocer locations: 5301 Chew Ave., 4001 Walnut St., 5406 Chester Ave., 1501 N. Broad St. and 5601 Chestnut St. And for every “like” the initiative gets on Facebook, The Fresh Grocer will donate one nonperishable food item to the program. For more information, see www.facebook.com/BFGFoodDrive or email chandah@bebashi.org. ■ — Angela Thomas

— Timothy Cwiek

William Way hosts women’s reception The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund and the William Way LGBT Community Center will host a reception for LBTI-identified women and allies from 1-4 p.m. April 21. The reception will be at The Albatross, 254 W. Walnut Lane in Mount Airy.

LGBT Catholic group celebrates 40 years By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

would appeal to people not only at Dignity, but the Philadelphia LGBT community,” Kalinowski said. Pursuing recognition for the LGBT community from the church, he added, has been an ongoing struggle. “I think it is a challenge trying to have the acceptance of the church itself, so that struggle continues. We’re always hopeful that there will be acceptance,” he said. “I think the importance is that we continue to have a dialogue with the church. We provide a welcome and open space for GLBT people, friends and allies, so they have a place to go to feel safe and comfortable and worship God.” Kalinowski said Dignity, which holds Mass at 7 p.m. Sundays at The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, offers Catholics an opportunity to reconcile their faith and their identities. “They can come to our liturgies and feel comfortable and it is something they are familiar with and they feel accepted for who they are,” he said. “They can worship God and at the same time feel welcome.” Dignity Philadelphia will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a dinner and dance from 711 p.m. April 27 at the Mummers Museum. A Mass will follow at 7 p.m. the next day at St. Luke’s, 330 S. 13th St. “It will be a great time with great friends,” Kalinowski said. For more information, visit www.dignityphila.org. ■

Est. 1979

WE BUY and SELL gold and SILVER COINS and bullion CASH IN TODAY or INVEST FOR TOMORROW

Foreign CURRENCY EXCHANGE

all major currencies

Jewelers’ Row Philadelphia • 721 Sansom St. • 215-629-8898 • sansomcoin.com

CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH

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

JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Friday, April 19, 8:00 PM. - Beth Ahavah Shabbat Services. Please join us for our monthly BA Shabbat Service followed by a sumptuous oneg (social hour). Dinner at a local restaurant at 6:00 PM precedes services. Please call or email for restaurant location and to RSVP Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org

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

HIV + and Ready to Start Meds for the First Time? The University of Pennsylvania’s Clinical Trials Unit offers studies that will help you start your HIV meds. All medications and lab work are provided by the study. Contact (215)

349-8091 and ask for a study nurse.

University of Pennsylvania HIV Clinical Trials Unit

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Louie Gohmert

Editorial

On getting gay-married As the editor and a former staff writer at PGN, I have been writing about marriage equality for five-and-a-half years. From the nationwide rallying in the streets after the passage of Proposition 8 to President Obama’s evolution on the issue to the sweeping marriage victories in November, I have been able to look at the issue from a sea of angles. But the true meaning of marriage equality didn’t really sink in until last weekend. On April 14, I got engaged. The inadequacy of the phrase “gay marriage” had never been clearer — nor had the appropriateness of the phrase “marriage equality.” Our engagement was no different than that of many heterosexual couples. She popped the question on our six-year anniversary, as we took a break from hiking atop an overlook in Fairmount Park. She had sought the perfect ring, the perfect location and had barely slept for days in advance, out of nerves. Nothing gay about that. As soon as she asked, all I could do was say, “Oh my God” (and eventually “yes”). We both cried, gushed and she filled me in on the planning the proposal took and who of my friends and family knew. Nothing gay about that. I immediately started thinking about who I would tell first. I called my sister and my best friend, who had both known for weeks. I wondered how best to tell my mom, she called her mom to make plans to show her the ring and we both heard her dad’s well wishes, even without the speaker phone. I regretted that my dad and her cousin, who both passed, weren’t able to share the news with us. Nothing gay about that.

When we got home, two of our best friends had set up our apartment with candles, flowers and wine to celebrate. We toasted and continued our phone calls. Neither of us one for fancy restaurants, we got Olive Garden dinner to go. Then, we made the engagement “Facebook official” and watched in joy as message after message rolled in with congratulations. Nothing gay about that. We pledged to wait to start making wedding plans. But we couldn’t resist talking about who will be in our bridal parties. And if we wanted an indoor or outdoor venue. And where we would have the reception. And how many people we would invite — followed by each of us creating a draft of the invite list that we quickly were overwhelmed by and pushed off to another day. Nothing gay about that. We had a whirlwind of a day that I image most newly engaged couples experience. While we have the added decision of where to hold our wedding — depending on how the marriage landscape may change in the coming two years — the planning process will likely mirror that of most couples: I expect lists, stress, lists and more stress, with a bit of family drama thrown in. But we’re both looking forward to every decision that awaits us and to sharing the experience with our family and friends. At the end of the day, I got engaged to the person I love and with whom I want to spend my life. I didn’t get gayengaged. And it feels awesome. Not gay awesome. Just plain old awesome. ■

There are few topics that raise the collective temperatures of Americans on all sides as much as gun control and gay marriage. At first blush, it seems like the two debates are separate, without much to connect them. I mean, shooting people and marrying people are pretty different things. So it would take a real master of rhetoric to combine the two in one astounding argument. Ladies and gentlemen, meet U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-Texas, duh), member of the newly minted Tea Party Unity organization. While discussing gun control in a recent conference call, a questioner addressed the idea that the number of rounds in a magazine should be limited to, say, 10, because, fun fact, you can kill and maim an awful lot of people in a very short amount of time when you don’t have to stop and reload. Gohmert responded, “Well, once you make it 10, then why would you draw the line at 10? What’s wrong with nine? Or 11? And the problem is once you draw that limit. It’s kind of like marriage when you say it’s not a man and a woman any more, then why not have three men and one woman, or four women and one man or why not somebody who has a love for an animal?” Yes, indeed it is “kind of like marriage” if you equate vowing to spend the rest of your life with someone and being legally recognized as a family with a large capacity magazine being

emptied out into the bodies of people in order to kill them. And if Gohmert doesn’t see the difference between those two things, then I think he and his wife should really get some counseling, quick. Of course, Gohmert isn’t content to just make a comparison between gun control and marriage control, he’s got to bring polygamy and bestiality into it, too, to show off his command of the slippery-slope argumentative fallacy, a favorite among antigay conservatives. Because if two women can get married, then why not

Of course, Gohmert isn’t content to just make a comparison between gun control and marriage control, he’s got to bring polygamy and bestiality into it. three men and four wives and six goats and a partridge in a pear tree? You can’t argue with — or follow, for that matter — logic like that. Gohmert continued, “There is no clear place to draw the line once you eliminate the traditional marriage and it’s the same once you start putting limits on what guns can be used. Then it’s just really easy to have laws that make them all illegal.” Got that? Lines are hard and confusing! And in

Gohmert’s world are apparently all drawn in chalk in the middle of a rainstorm. He seems to be forgetting that humans draw lines all of the time and, for the most part, all hell does not break loose. Take speed limits, for example. States set the limits, we follow them and if we don’t, we can get pulled over and given a ticket. Speed limits also have changed over time, which is why Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55,” a cutting-edge lament in 1984, is but a rock-and-roll relic today. So, you see? “Lines” (also known as laws) such as these are drawn and redrawn over time and the process does not involve humans having sex with animals of any kind. Unless, of course, they do things differently in Gohmert’s district in Texas. ■

D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

We want to know! If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

OP-ED PGN

LGBT media, and its best I was going to recount last week’s sched- end the investigation, Tim discovers fresh, ule and try to express the many steps it new information. Tim should also be rectakes to get a project completed, and illusognized for his work on the Boy Scouts; trate patience, but during my three meetit was he who made the media around the ings in three different cities in one day, I nation realize how invasive the discriminareceived an email that changed the course tory nature of that organization is. Again, of this week’s column. another story that he has worked PGN was informed that we on for more than 10 years. Tim are journalistically one of the is an impressive journalist, and top-10 weekly newspapers in we are proud of his work. the nation. Not one of the topBut it’s not just one person 10 LGBT weeklies, but top 10 or issue; it’s the entire group of any kind of weekly. No other and the daily gathering of new publication serving the LGBT information and new issues that community has ever reached PGN brings to the community. this level of professional Victoria Brownworth actually achievement. You already know spent days and nights sleepyou’re reading the nation’s ing in city parks with LGBT most award-winning publicahomeless to give our readers tion serving the LGBT commuan example of their day-to-day nity, which is consistent every living. She also was the first to year. showcase pumping parties and, So this column is dedicated forget, lesbian nuns. Mark Segal let’s notThis to PGN’s staff. But I’d like to all takes resources, focus on one story that explains and PGN has a staff of 15 peothe excellence of the PGN editorial staff: ple who all are offered benefits. It’s up to the mysterious death of Nizah Morris. our advertising department to make it posThis story, which has been picked up sible for editorial to have those resources, nationally, has its roots in this office, and and there again, this publication has been it continues to be this paper that fights for served well. Our advertising staff takes Nizah’s family to find the truth and peace. pride in bringing the resources to this pubWe’ve covered her story for more than 10 lication, and pride in what they bring to the years and continue to do so, to this day. To community. us, Nizah has become a close friend. What Early in the HIV/AIDS saga, a $900 you most likely don’t know is how diffiphone bill arrived on my desk. That bill cult that piece of journalism is, and who is — an inordinate amount of money at that responsible. time — resulted in the first story in any Tim Cwiek is a unique kind of reporter. media on discrimination against gay men He is demure, almost shy, but when he is by insurance companies worried about on the trail of a story, he’s like the proinsuring AIDS patients. verbial dog with a bone. Over the years, Like all news media, there’s an editor my editors have received more calls about overseeing the work of our reporters. As Tim’s work than any other reporters. I publisher, I’ve been blessed with editors always ask two questions at the root of who understand the cannons of journalism journalism: Did he misquote, or are there and who allow reporters like Tim to exerany facts in the article that are wrong? The cise the skills he has learned for almost 38 answer has always been the same: The years. quotes are correct, and so are the facts. Last Saturday, I was at Rutgers On the Nizah story, this publication has University in beautiful New Brunswick literally been to several courts, filed rightspeaking on a panel of LGBT media at the to-know requests, asked various justice Society of Professional Journalists conferoffices why they were not investigating, ence. As I spoke about LGBT media and demanded to see files in numerous offices, PGN, the audience was witnessing a man and searched and discovered where files who has pride in his work, but more so in were hidden, misplaced or shuffled around. his staff. ■ And we’ve done that for 10 years. No other LGBT media outlet in this nation has spent Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT the time or resources on one story. What media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. makes it even more impressive is that each time officials try to cover up or attempt to

Mark My Words

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.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Street Talk Could someone who opposes marriage equality be elected president? “I’m an optimist by nature. I’ll take a leap of faith and say no. I truly hope that, by 2016, there will be a Ashley Lozada groundswell cashier of support Norristown for marriage equality. It will be strong enough to prevent a marriageequality opponent from being elected. There will always be anti-LGBT people in the world. But I’m hoping they’ll be outnumbered by LGBT supporters in 2016.”

“Yes, they’d have every opportunity to be elected. So many people are closedminded. They shun gay people Jenna Robey and don’t cashier want them to Norristown be married. They’re still in the majority. I’d estimate that 60-70 percent of the public opposes marriage equality. A [presidential] candidate who opposes marriage equality could gain support from conservatives by taking that position.”

“Yes. Unfortunately, there’s still quite a lot of unacceptance there. Even in 2016, I think the unJoseph Lutz acceptance server will be South Philadelphia formidable enough that an anti-LGBT bigot could be elected. I fully support LGBT rights. I would hope such a person would never be elected president. But I’m not sure the country is there yet.”

“Definitely. I can’t rule out that possibility. There’s too much hate out there. I don’t see it dissipating Will Rodriguez in a long jeweler time. I have Rittenhouse Square an openly gay relative. He goes through an awful lot. Even many governors are against samesex marriage.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “Committee passes landmark LGBT-equality bill,” April 12-18: The bill has tremendous momentum. With a unanimous bipartisan vote out of committee and an endorsement of the Life Partner/Transgender Healthcare Tax Credits from the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the outlook is good. With a final vote planned for Thursday, April 25, we need supporters to contact their members of Council to get them to pledge to vote “yes” on Councilman Kenney’s LGBT Equality Reform Bill. Please contact Councilman Kenney’s office this week to find out how you can get involved! 215-686-3450.

— Chris Goy, legislative aide to Councilman Jim Kenney In response to “Sick-leave bill fails,” April 12-18: Nutter just lost my vote! — PhillyDVoters Unfortunately, Nutter won’t be running again for mayor (term limited), but he may be running for higher office ... Who knows? — JonWilson

REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

DOFL gears up for annual event with new dining options By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Dining Out For Life will celebrate its 23rd anniversary on April 25 with a number of new elements. The annual event, which donates proceeds to benefit individuals living with HIV/AIDS, is an all-day opportunity to contribute to the fight against the disease by dining at participating restaurants, which donate a third of the cost of every meal ordered. ActionAIDS, AIDS Delaware, Family & Community Service of Delaware County and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania will be the beneficiaries of DOFL. This year’s event not only includes new restaurants, but will also be the first time food trucks will participate in DOFL. ActionAIDS director of development Michael Byrne said the food-truck option will allow the

benefit to extend throughout the day and enable those looking for a midday meal to lend their support. “We have a couple restaurants that participate during lunchtime, like Day By Day at 21st and Sansom streets, but a lot of restaurants are for dinner, so when the food-truck folks got in touch with us and wanted to participate, it was a great opportunity to have a lunch event,” Byrne said. Nine food trucks will be located at 12th Street and Passyunk Avenue from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Participating trucks include Vernalicious, The Cow and the Curd, Spot Burgers, Delicias, Gigis & Big R, The Farm Truck, Cupcake Carnivale, Mac Mart and The Sunflower Truck. “We are really excited about the addition of the Gourmet Food Truck Round-Up in 2013,” said ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns. “Having all of those great trucks, all in the same

place, all making a difference in the lives of our clients, is inspiring. Not to mention, really fun and delicious.” Byrne said DOFL has more than 160 participating restaurants in the Delaware Valley, with 140 located in Philadelphia. Additional venues are located throughout Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties, Southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware. This marks a new high for participation, which hit a record 136 last year. The host restaurant this year will be Parc, a Stephen Starr establishment located in Rittenhouse Square, 227 S. 18th St. Byrne said ActionAIDS makes a conscious effort to not overload the event with restaurants in order to keep each place as busy as possible. “We want everyone to be busy because the restaurants that participate want to make these dona-

tions and a difference in their community,” he said. “We have a loyal group of restaurants that always participate and have been for 23 years, so we are grateful to those, but we also have some new restaurants who are very loyal to the event as well.” Byrne said organizers are aiming to raise more than the $250,000 the event nearly reached last year. Mondo Guerra, an HIV-positive contestant on season eight of “Project Runway” is the new spokesperson for Dining Out For Life International and designed a T-shirt for the event. “It is great to have Mondo on board,” Byrne said. Celebrity chef Daisy Martinez will be in Philly to help the city mark DOFL. Byrne said DOFL allows longtime Philadelphia restaurants to remember staff they lost to the epidemic while working to curb the disease in the future.

“I think so many of our restaurants who have been in business for a long time — back in the late 1980s and early’90s — lost staff. Their waiters died, they lost members of their professional family,” Byrne said. “They are doing it to remember folks, as well as to make it clear to everyone that they are not in business just for business but for the community.” The event is also a good chance for individuals to enjoy a meal with a good cause attached to the bill. “I remember the first DOFL 23 years ago, before I started working at ActionAIDS, and I thought it was the greatest event,” Byrne said. “It is a great opportunity for folks who enjoy food to go out for a great meal, but to make a difference as well.” For more information on the event or to view participating restaurants, visit www.diningoutforlife.com/philadelphia. ■

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — NORTH OF C.C.

1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beehive Hair Salon, 2319 Fairmount Ave. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Crooked Frame Café, 2545 Brown St. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Filter Coffee House, 331 Race St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st ﬂoor • Shampoo, Seventh & Willow sts. • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •

PHILADELPHIA — SOUTH OF C.C.

Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Carmen’s Country Kitchen, 11th & Wharton sts. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Equal, 1516 Snyder Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Expressive Hand, 622 S. Ninth St. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Hideaway, Days Inn, 2015 Penrose Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Kris Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • South Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — UNIVERSITY CITY

Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER

Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Coffee Junction, 7210 Cresheim Road • Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • GWHS Beacon Center, 10175 Bustleton Ave. • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Prevention Point, 166 W. Lehigh Ave. • Today’s Videos, 9255 Roosevelt Blvd. • Touch of Class Books, 3342 Kensington Ave. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ON THIS LIST? Contact Don at don@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 200 to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

FP AC ALLIANCE COLOR YOU’LL TO-DO LIST

THE ACTUALLY WANT TO DO. CR

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

LOCAL PGN

Out candidate runs for Traffic Court By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

recently won three awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association:

��

An out Philadelphia attorney plans to pave the road for fairness and equality in his campaign for a Traffic Court judgeship. Robert Tuerk, who ran in 2011 for the one open spot in Traffic Court, will next month be one of 25 candidates vying for one of the three spots open on the bench. Tuerk, a Philadelphia native, said he was motivated to run after he saw that there were more vacancies on the court this time around. “I saw this more as an even playing field for those not elected by people who might have been involved with the prior system that has been going on in Traffic Court,” he said. Tuerk’s love of law started when he was young, and led him to his more-than 17 years in practice. “I always had an interest in righting wrongs and making sure injustices were corrected,” he said. He has a wide array of experience in different sectors of law and has served as general counsel for companies in Florida and Pennsylvania. Tuerk served on the LGBT committee at the Philadelphia Bar Association and is a current member of Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia. Tuerk also has performed pro-bono legal services for Hurricane Katrina victims and represented children in custody disputes. He has lived in Center City for 20 years and said his experience in Philadelphia has helped him learn what the local community needs. The Temple University School of Law graduate said he was motivated to run because

of his knowledge of Traffic Court law and his passion to serve his city. “I want to bring competence, fairness and equal justice for everyone,” he said. “I have 12 years of Traffic Court law experience and many clients and attorneys know I am familiar with this area of law. I am a fair-minded person, therefore no one would be discriminated against in my courtroom.” Tuerk said since the last election, he has learned even more about the process of putting together a campaign and all the work that goes into it. “I learned it requires a tremendous amount of energy and perseverance to be involved in a campaign and I plan to continue it into this election,” he said. Tuerk said he feels it is important to have LGBT candidates in all sectors of government, including in the judicial branch, to provide examples to the community on what LGBT individuals can bring to the world. “With every openly gay official who is put in any level of government, it adds to the legitimacy of the LGBT community, which is not a singular community, but a diverse community,” he said. “Society sees different types of people and LGBT people in government positions and they begin to understand that they are just as diversified as the straight community.” Tuerk said he is not running for the bench because he is gay, but because he has experience. “I don’t want to be pigeon-holed as an out gay candidate, I just happen to be the most qualified candidate who happens to be gay.” ■

��

PGN is the most award-winning LGBT newspaper in the country. Pennsylvania News Media Association is the ofﬁcial trade organization for all Pennsylvania newspapers.

Scott A. Drake Photography 267-736-6743

HEALTH PGN

Older women: Prevention and wellness Within 10 years, more than one billion had to hide their sexual orientation or people in the world will be over the age gender identity from their care provider, of 65; that is one person in every five. The 17 percent responded positively. Having United Nations and public-health orgaan honest relationship with your care pronizations have taken notice. As aging of vider is essential to gaining access to the the global population gains visibility, it best care and treatment for yourself in is essential that the conversation includes old age — or at any age, for that matter. the experiences of all individuals, but Hiding your identity out of fear or shame especially LGBT women. By looking at from your own provider is a very real, aging in the context of gender, sexual ori- but potentially dangerous, circumstance entation and gender identity, that many LGBT older women we are better able to underexperience. Having a candid stand the complexities of aging discussion about your sexuality for some of the most vulnerand sexual practices can be difable groups. ficult, but it is critically imporMen and women alike expetant. rience discrimination in old The PHMC survey found age. However, men and women that, despite nearly half of will experience aging in differrespondents being sexually ent ways. Lack of resources, active, a very high percentboth economic and social, are age reported that they do not magnified in old age. Women, believe they need screenings throughout their lives, will for sexually transmitted infechave worked fewer hours, tions. HIV, hepatitis C and earned a smaller salary and STI screenings are funRebecca other accumulated less savings and damental to the prevention of fewer assets than men. Women Richman sexually transmitted viruses also tend to have longer lifesand infections. pans than men. Older women While only 13 percent will, therefore, experience the challenges reported that they do not feel they need a of aging over a longer period of time. PAP smear and/or pelvic exam, that numWhen considering the unique experiber is still significant. These screenings ences of LGBT older women, we must are especially important when considerlook at the many types of discrimination ing that the risk of uterine, cervical and they have experienced. This discriminaovarian cancer diagnoses increases with tion can be costly to their overall health age. Some reasons for these statistics and well being. Social isolation and inadcould be the stigma attached to certain equate health education and care for older screenings, lack of sexual-health educaLGBT women are widespread and under- tion geared toward LGBT older women discussed. Many, having faced lifetimes and also lack of awareness by health proof stigma and discrimination, are more viders about the specific health needs of likely to live alone and have fewer social LGBT older women. supports than older women in the general On May 18, the LGBT Elder Initiative population. will host an LGBTEI Conversation, “The Aging and Health Report,” “LGBT Older Women’s Health.” The a 2012 study from the University of Conversation will focus on access to Washington’s School of Social Work, care, wellness, advocacy and other health cited that some of the most needed serissues facing LGBT women over 50. It is vices for the LGBT community are supa public forum for individuals looking to port groups and social events. Feelings gain access to information, share stories, of loneliness can lead to higher rates of ask questions and make connections. For depression, anxiety, heart disease and dia- details, email the LGBTEI at info@lgbtei. betes. Loneliness makes doing day-to-day org or call 267-546-3448. tasks seem close to impossible. Things Knowledge and information are power. like going to the mailbox to mail a letter Empower yourself with the information or carrying groceries to one’s doorstep and resources you need to age successcan become unmanageable when a friend fully. ■ or partner simply does not exist to help. Rebecca Richman is a member of the LGBT While certain health concerns of Elder Inititiative and is a paralegal wth the LGBT older women can be linked to AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania. The social isolation, additional health matLGBTEI fosters and advocates for services ters are also prevalent. A recent study and resources that are competent, culturally by the Public Health Management sensitive, inclusive and responsive to the Corporation surveyed LGBT older needs of LGBT older adults. To comment on women in Philadelphia on a wide variety of potential health concerns: preventathis article, suggest topics for future articles tive screenings, depression, anxiety, stress or for more information, visit www.lgbtei. and doctor-patient relationships. When org or call 267-546-3448 and watch for participants were asked if they felt they “Gettin’ On” each month in PGN.

Gettin’ On

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

BUY TICK ETS NOW

F R I DAY, M AY 1 0 | L I N CO L N F I N A N C I A L F I E L D PRESENTED BY

Every Wednesday night 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. you can get a free conﬁdential HIV test at

Philadelphia FIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF FUSCO & JOSH PELTA-HELLER

FEATURING MORE THAN 600 FINE WINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

PHILLYMAG.COM/ WINEANDFOODFEST 215.940.4605 | LIMITED TICKET AVAILABILITY - BUY NOW! SPONSORS

M E D I A PA R T N E R

BENEFITING

and receive free admission to Woody’s dance ﬂoor, a free slice of pizza from 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, and a chance to win great prizes.

Philadelphia FIGHT 1233 Locust St., 3rd ﬂoor

www.ﬁght.org 215.985.4448

LOCAL PGN

Obituary Mary Louise Cervone, CFO and Dignity leader, 54 By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Former Philadelphia FIGHT chief financial officer and longtime Dignity Philadelphia member Mary Louise Cervone died Feb. 5 of cancer. She was 54. Cervone, an accomplished musician, previously served as president of the national and local Dignity groups, which work for LGBT inclusion in the Catholic Church. Cervone, a native of Philadelphia who most recently lived in Ardmore, graduated from Immaculata University in 1980 with a degree in music. She went on to become a certified public accountant and was most recently working on a master’s degree from Immaculata in organizational leadership. She served in a financial-leadership role at Gaudenzia before becoming the chief financial officer at HIV/AIDS organization Philadelphia FIGHT, a position she held from 2000-08. In 2010, she became CFO at the Children’s C r i s i s Tr e a t m e n t Center, which she held until her passing. Cervone had been involved with Dignity Philadelphia for nearly 25 years. She first joined in 1989 and served as president from 1992-94. She would often play her 12-string guitars at the group’s weekly Masses. “She’d always been involved in music ministry — at Immaculata, at Catholic churches before she came to Dignity,” said Dignity Philadelphia music coordinator and past president Michael Rox. “Once she came here, she fell in love with the music ministry at Dignity as well.” Rox added that Cervone led the local agency through the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “She was president at a time when we were losing many of our members to AIDS,” he said. “A lot of the work she did at the local level was in support of caring for people with AIDS. And we did a lot of memorial services for Catholic men who died of AIDS because their parishes didn’t want to be bothered. Dignity did an awful lot of work at that time, and she was involved in all of it.” Dignity Philadelphia president David Kalinowski said Cervone was an inspiration to her fellow Dignity members. “She was a very strong leader who was very dedicated to her beliefs,” he said. Her leadership abilities quickly took her to the national DignityUSA. She served as treasurer from 1995-97, vice president the next two years and president the next three. She was only the second woman to be elected to lead the national organization. DignityUSA executive director Marianne

Duddy-Burke said she made a trip in 2001 to Vatican City with Cervone, who organized a sit-in prayer vigil calling for LGBT acceptance beneath the window where the Pope gives his blessings. She also rallied at a national bishops’ conference in Texas demanding accountability for clergy sexabuse and later organized a nearby service for survivors and their families. “She led Dignity through the time when the sex-abuse crisis was starting to hit the Catholic Church and the hierarchy was trying to make it about gay priests,” DuddyBurke said. “She was really clear that we needed to be standing with the victims and pointing out the difference between homosexuality and pedophilia. She took that fight right to the bishops meeting in Dallas,

and when they wouldn’t meet with the victims, she said we needed to make a place for them. She was really strong, and very caring. And she taught us how to be public and get visibility for the things we believed in and how to never be afraid to make our point.” Cervone is survived by her wife, Mary Bradley; son, Danny; siblings, Frank, Colette, Paul and Diana; in-laws; longtime friend Kathleen Burke; and many nieces and nephews. Duddy-Burke added that, while Cervone will be largely remembered for her work at Dignity, she was primarily a family woman. “A lot of the most important things for Mary Louise happened in her private life. Her role as a mom and a partner and having this extended family for Danny, that’s what was important to her,” Duddy-Burke said. “When she stopped being president, our conversations were about T-ball and little league and camping trips. Her heart was with her family, and that’s just as important as what she did as a Dignity leader.” Dignity Philadelphia will celebrate Cervone’s life at its weekly liturgy, 7 p.m. April 21 at The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St. Church pastor Father Rodger Broadley will celebrate the Mass, and Father Tom Orians of Dignity USA will give the homily. Memorial donations can be made to the Support Center for Child Advocates, 1900 Cherry St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103 or at www.advokid.org. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PGN

Do You Have a Plan? Planning ahead for your long term care needs is important. It is especially important for the LGBT community because many laws, programs and services do not provide equal protection and support. Learn More Here’s your chance to learn more about protecting your independence with long term care insurance. Contact me today for your free conﬁdential consultation. Bruce Ditnes bditnes@genworthltc.com

610 574.2027 genworth.com/bruceditnes

This is a solicitation of insurance for policy form series 7052. Policy form number may be followed by the state’s two letter abbreviation, for example, 7052DE, 7052GA, 7052ID, 7052NC, 7052OK, 7052OR, 7052SC, 7052TN, 7052WA, 7052WY. In PA, 7042PA Rev, 7044PA Rev or 7052PA. In VT, 7042VT Rev 2010 and 7044VT Rev 2010. Not all policies are available in all states. Details about the costs, beneﬁts, limitations and exclusions will be provided to you by a licensed insurance agent/producer. By responding, an insurance agent/producer will contact you.

Underwritten by Genworth Life Insurance Company, Richmond, VA 120404p 09/01/11

Like us.

Win tickets, passes and other great stuff!

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between April 1-7. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 9:25 p.m. April 2 and 12:30 a.m. April 3, someone smashed the window of a 2009 Ford that was parked in the 800 block of Spruce Street and stole a GPS. Sixth District Officer Colon attempted to lift fingerprints. — Between 1-4 p.m. April 5, someone stole a package that had been left by USPS on the front steps of a residence in

the 1200 block of Locust Street. — Between 11:45 p.m. April 5 and 3:30 a.m. April 6, someone stole two laptops and three dufflebags from an unlocked 2001 Nissan that was parked in the 1300 block of Spruce Street. Police recovered one laptop and the bags in the 300 block of South 13th Street. Sixth District Officer Haberle lifted fingerprints. — Between 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. April 6, someone stole a bicycle from outside 1301 Chestnut St. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 11:35 p.m. April 1, an employee of Time, a bar at 1315 Sansom St., denied entry to a male who then verbally threatened the employee, lifting his shirt to display a handgun in his waist. The male walked away and the employee called 911. Sixth District Officers Macchione

and Cifelli stopped a male who fit the suspect’s description a short distance away, and a brief struggle ensued. The male was taken into custody, and police recovered a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. The 27-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with aggravated assault, weapons violations and related offenses. — At 5 p.m. April 3, 6th District Officers DeLuca and Keenan arrested a male inside a hotel in the 200 block of South 13th Street after they received a report of a domestic assault. The 59-year-old suspect with a homeless-shelter address was charged with domestic assault and related offenses. — At 7:30 p.m. April 3, 6th District Officers Ferrero and Hill arrested a female in the 1200 block of Chestnut Street who was wanted on a warrant for a theft that occurred Jan. 31 at 1628 Chestnut St.

The 49-year-old suspect with a Midtown Village address was charged with theft and related offenses. SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 3:55 p.m. April 2, Center City District officers issued three citations for summary offenses inside 1000 Market St. — At 8:20 p.m. April 3, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 200 S. 12th St. — At 12:55 a.m. April 4, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1300 Chancellor St. — On April 5, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 10:25 p.m. outside 1316 Walnut St. and at 11:15 p.m. outside 200 S. 12th St. ■

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

NEWS PGN PAC from page 1

“Nizah Morris is deserving of the respect and dignity that she didn’t get,” Volz said. “She died after being in police ‘custody.’ Something is wrong.” About 65 people attended the April 15 meeting, including two relatives of Morris. Bradly Brown, Morris’ sister and a former police officer, said she’s convinced the police caused Morris’ head injury. “When I went to the morgue and saw the wound on Nizah’s head, it was a wound I’d seen many times,” Brown told the crowd. “Clearly, she was hit by the butt of a gun.” Officers Elizabeth Skala, Thomas Berry and Kenneth Novak responded to Morris in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 22, 2002. The PAC’s 2007 opinion cleared the officers of any involvement in her death, but the new PAC opinion stops short of doing that. Transgender activist Leah Basarab expressed the need for more information about the city medics’ response to Morris. According to an eyewitness at the scene, medics Teresa Height and Steve McCarthy had a lengthy discussion with Berry before Berry placed Morris’ jacket over her face. When Height and McCarthy transported Morris to Jefferson University Hospital, they didn’t give any information about her to staff, according to hospital records. The resulting confusion helped paved the way for Novak, Berry and Skala to respond at Jefferson and focus their paperwork on Morris as a “hospital case” rather than as a courtesy-ride recipient and crime victim. PAC members said their review didn’t encompass the role played by medics. Phil Cochetti, who’s followed the Morris case for 10 years, applauded PAC for recommending state and federal probes. “This is not to diminish what happened to Nizah, but the danger is more than [to] an individual person,” Cochetti told PGN. “If evidence in a homicide where police are implicated can be ‘lost,’ then we’re all at risk. What safety and what faith can we have in the police?” Cochetti called for a follow-up community meeting to raise awareness about the case by organizing petition, email and letter-writing campaigns. PAC also recommends police cadets undergo more diversity training, but Singer expressed concern about that suggestion. “In the very section where the PAC used the most insensitive language in the report, saying police did not understand the ‘proper handling of a transgender’ — this was the very section they make a recommendation about sensitivity training,” Singer told PGN. “The fact they are not themselves trained on matters pertaining to transgender-affirming language use speaks to the issue of the PAC needing training. They are right about the training part, but very off-the-mark in terms of how this training should occur and using what training tools. Their proposal will not help trans and gender-nonconforming people, if the police even take up this recommendation, given the PAC itself does not understand how to use language in genderaffirming ways and is citing an outmodedby-20 years police-training program that only focuses on sexual orientation.” ■

NATIONAL PGN

The illness could be spread by sex and kissing but not by casual contact. Symptoms typically develop within days of exposure and can include stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and an altered mental state.

Media Trail

W.Va. House scraps bid to bar excluding gay jurors

Southern Calif. man stricken with meningitis dies The Fresno Bee reports a gay West Hollywood man hospitalized with bacterial meningitis has died. Brian Shaad said his brother Brett Shaad was removed from life support April 13. He had been treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Shaad’s case prompted officials in West Hollywood to warn sexually active gay men to beware of the potentially deadly health threat. Tests were being done to determine if the strain of illness is similar to one that circulated among gay men in New York City and infected 22 people, resulting in seven fatalities since 2010.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports a bid to prevent gays and lesbians from being excluded from West Virginia juries has failed at the Legislature. The House of Delegates voted 38-59 April 12 to defeat a Judiciary Committee amendment on the subject. The provision would have included sexual orientation among the factors that courts cannot use to exclude jurors. Currently, courts cannot ban jurors based on race, color, religion, sex, nation of origin, economic status or disability. Delegate Stephen Skinner proposed the amendment. The Jefferson County Democrat earlier unsuccessfully sought to bar housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. During a lengthy floor debate, critics

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

questioned the need for the measure. One cited how only two other states have such a provision in their laws.

Senate panel passes gay-marriage bill

Hospital removes man from partner’s room

A Nevada Senate committee has taken a big step to not only repeal the state’s heterosexual definition of marriage but to recognize all marriages “regardless of gender,” according to the Las Vegas Sun. The Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections last week approved SJR13 on a 3-2 party-line vote. It now goes to the Senate floor. The original language sought only to repeal language in the state constitution that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. But a late amendment adopted by the committee adds that the state “shall recognize marriages and issue marriage licenses, regardless of gender.” Republican Sen. James Settelmeyer of Minden said he would have voted for the original bill, but he withdrew his support because he doesn’t believe marriage should be in the constitution. ■

According to Connected Mid Missouri, a gay man who was arrested after he refused to leave his partner’s side at a Kansas City hospital says it was discrimination, but the hospital says he was causing a disturbance. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is looking into the allegations from Roger Gorley, who was arrested April 9 at Research Medical Center. Gorley said he and his partner are in a civil union and have been together for five years, but when he got into an argument with his partner’s brother, the hospital deferred to the brother regarding his partner’s care. Hospital spokeswoman Denise Charpentier said everyone in the hospital room was asked to leave, and Gorley was removed because he was “belligerent.” She said the hospital has a longstanding policy of allowing domestic-partner visitation.

— compiled by Larry Nichols

�� AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney

215-735-1006

1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

recently won nine awards in the Local Media Associations’ 2012 Editorial Contest, ranking sixth in the nation among all weekly newspapers. PGN continues to be the most award-winning LGBT newspaper in the country.

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

NEWS PGN BILL from page 1

��

�� Palm, Tarot and Psychic Readings as well

��

Life, Love & Career ��

��

(856) 701-6593

��

cerning medical decision-making and treatment in hospitals. It would also add LGBT-inclusive definitions throughout city law. During the hearing, Kenney talked of his own experiences fighting for equality in the city. “In the mid-’90s, we were dealing with the domestic partnerships, which I thought were pretty simply fair. I am so happy to see, after a long time, in a relatively short period of time, we have gone forward,” he said. “From 1995 until today, it is such a pleasure to deal with an issue like this.” The hearing included testimony from four different panels of witnesses, who discussed the various sections of the bill. All testimony was in favor of the legislation. Equality Pennsylvania president Adrian Shanker said the bill would be one for the history books. “Philadelphia has a history, in fact a tradition, of leading the way when it comes to guaranteeing civil rights for LGBT people,” he said. “Philadelphia is already the most equal city in Pennsylvania, and this bill continues that tradition with cutting-edge policies designed to make Philadelphia the most equal city in America for LGBT people.” Shanker added that transgender Philadelphians deserve the chance to live freely, citing the bill’s stipulation that would ease processes regarding name and gender changes. “ T h e p r o p o s e d r e q u i r ement allowing transgender Philadelphians to more easily update their name and gender on city documents will ease the difficulty many transgender people face when they lack access to documents that reflect their gender identity,” he said. Transgender-inclusive health care was also a major topic. Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein said the center sees more than 80,000 patients annually, about 1,200 of whom identify as transgender. Shein said transgender people are often less likely to have health insurance than LGB and heterosexual people, and some may not seek care because they cannot afford insurance. Oftentimes, she said, these individuals are forced to pay out of pocket for services. Shein also said the life-partner tax credit is significant. “Currently, no employer is mandated to provide health-insurance benefits to same-sex couples. This will give encouragement to employers and will offer them tax PAGE 26 incentives to

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

CHA-CHING!

With Parx Casino so close, you can be in the money in no time. #1 CASINO IN PENNSYLVANIA

At Parx, nonstop excitement is just around the corner. Enjoy everything from our top-rated casino and poker room to live thoroughbred action, ﬁne dining and America’s #1 sports bar. It’s all here, just minutes from home.

Street Road Exit off I-95 or PA Turnpike www.parxcasino.com

Must be 21. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

BILL from page 24

��

treat same-sex couples the way they would treat heterosexual couples. It is the right thing to do,” she said. “If an organization like Mazzoni Center can offer and pay half of our employees’ spouses’ health insurance, then surely the City of Philadelphia can do the same.” Sellers Dorsey CEO Harvey Hurdle added that domestic-partner benefits offer a number of advantages for employers. “As a CEO, I know the value of offering domestic-partnership benefits to recruiting and retaining talent,” he said. “The tax credit will encourage more businesses to provide these benefits, making Philadelphia more competitive in attracting and keeping a talented and diverse workforce.” Bass said she would be more likely to support a business that had pro-LGBT policies. “This is progress,” she said. “I propose that we recognize businesses that are supportive because those are businesses that I would support.” Kenney told PGN he was confident the bill would keep moving forward. “I think that we will pass it and set Philadelphia up as the friendliest LGBT city in the country,” he told PGN. “The time, I believe, is correct. Everything is cool now. Countries are recognizing samesex marriage, odd states like Iowa — places you would have never expected — are recognizing same-sex marriage. It is an opportune time.” ■

��

PGN

��

� � � � � � ��

��

Gay is our middle name.

AC ul t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PAGE 30

Family Portrait Get Out and Play Out & About Outward Bound Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

31 35 36 33 38 29 34

LEA DELARIA (LEFT) WITH ANDREA MCARDLE

Out comedian whoops it up in classic musical By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Out comedian, singer and actor Lea DeLaria is staring alongside Tony-nominated Broadway actor Andrea McArdle in the classic musical “Mame,” through May 19 at Media Theatre. Starting in the roaring 1920s, “Mame” follows the eccentric and unconventional life of its titular character when she is entrusted with the care of her recently orphaned nephew. The story proceeds through her ups and downs through the Great Depression and World War II. Amid the comedy and music, the story deals with that era’s issues of class warfare, economic crisis and bigotry. Oh, how will modern audiences relate?

“It’s interesting that it was written so long ago and still every issue that they talk about is prevalent today,” DeLaria said. DeLaria plays Vera Charles, the alcoholfortified friend and frequent party guest of Auntie Mame. “I think every gay man will be able to sing every line that she utters in the show,” she said. “It’s one of the great comedy roles in musical theater, and I’m really excited to portray her.” She added that she and McArdle have known each other for years and are excited to be working together on such a classic piece of musical theater. “Andrea and I have been friends for years,” she said. “We first met in ‘Broadway Leading Ladies’ at Carnegie Hall back in 1998. We’ve done many different benefits

like that. It was really exciting when the idea occurred to us that I should play Vera. We made a couple phone calls and made it happen. So it’s great working with Andrea, I just adore her. We’re sort of the bad girls of Broadway as it is, so we’re really having a good time.” The roles of Vera and Mame have been portrayed on stage and screen by many iconic actors, including Bea Arthur, Lucille Ball and Angela Lansbury. Still, DeLaria said she has no reservations about stepping into Vera’s shoes. “What’s difficult is trying not to try to be an imitation of that person who is just world-renowned in this role, which is Bea Arthur of course. I’m known for putting my own stamp on whatever musical-theater character I do. I always try to bring

my own thing to it and make the role my own. I did a lot of research on it. I’m trying to look very ’20s and sound very east-side Manhattan in the way that I talk. It’s coming along really well. It’s more about not imitating them and being your own person. It’s an interesting challenge for me.” But DeLaria is always up for a challenge. Besides being a successful stage and television actor, she also maintains a thrivingcareer as both a jazz singer and comedian. Aside from her role in “Mame,” she has a few new projects on the horizon. “I have a new show that I’m working on very strongly called ‘The Last Butch Standing: Chronicles of an Old-School Butch in a Post-Ellen Modern Queer World. So I’m doing a lot of work standup-wise. Because of the kind of per- PAGE 28

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

MAME from page 27

BOTOX/DYSPORT

1GET1 50

% OFF

BUY

ALL FILLERS

BUY

150

% OFF

SYRINGE GET

PLUS COMPLIMENTARY

MICRODERM

PEEL

��

215.238.0220 HUGHESCENTER.NET

former I am, I have to do a lot of things and I have to do them very well or I’m not going to make my bills. I love doing all of it and I have to say right now, knock on wood, I’m sought after. I’m doing well. I’m in a television series that will make its premiere in June. It’s a Netflix original series that takes place in a women’s prison called ’Orange is the New Black.’ And I’m doing ‘Mame.’ What I find is, I love being downstage center, belting a big song. The pure joy of having the real audience there clapping and laughing really drives me as a performer.” When asked about “Orange is the New Black,” DeLaria assured us the TV will have people talking. “Let me put it this way, we have a fisting scene in the pilot,” she said. OK, we’re listening ... “Everyone talks about ‘L Word,’ ‘L Word,’ Schmel Word — we have a fisting scene in the showers in the pilot. That’s how we roll,” she said. “It’s sort of a comedic ‘Oz.’ It’s got fantastic writers. It’s got A-list stars: Jason Biggs, Laura Prepon and Kate Mulgrew are in the show. It’s gritty. It’s real. It’s honest. It’s hilariously funny. They’ve gone out of their way to get the best character actors in New York City, and we are having a ball. I play Big Boo; she’s so called because she’s got a lot of girlfriends. Any insane thing they want to do, they gave to my character. I had the best seven months doing it.” DeLaria added that Netflix is poised to be the new frontier for cutting-edge television. “This is the wave of the future of television. Everyone in this industry knows that. They know what they are doing. This is where television is going.” She said that knowing who you are as a performer and how the industry works, for better or worse, is the key to being successful. “I’ve been a comedian for 30 years. When I started, there was maybe four openly gay comics. Now there’s a lot more. What made it hard for me was the sort of gay comic

DELARIA I was. I’m not Suzanne Westenhoefer. I’m not Ellen [DeGeneres]. I’m something else entirely, and that was kind of what got in my way, but it’s also the thing that made me stand out. It is also the reason why producers will pick me. If you spend a lot of time trying to appease the powers-that-be by not being who you are ... I did that a little bit in the 1990s after I was the first openly gay comic on television. I tried to become what they wanted. I wore lipstick. I kept it up for about a year-and-a-half, and I was still only getting the roles of PE teachers and police lieutenants. I thought, Why the fuck am I doing this if they keep treat me like a butch dyke? I’m going to be who I am. The minute I went back to being who I was, I got millions of roles. That’s when I got [the role as Hildy the cab driver in] ‘On the Town,’ and that changed everything for me.” ■ For more information on Lea DeLaria, visit www.delariadammit.com. The Media Theatre presents “Mame” through May 19, 104 E. State St., Media. For more information or tickets, call 610891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

MOZ A R T

THE

MAG I C FLU TE T H E PAT H T O W I S D O M HAS NEVER BEEN SO WHIMSICAL

ACADEMY OF MUSIC A P R I L 19 – 2 8

TICKETS ON SALE NOW OPERAPHILA.ORG | 215.893.1018

P E R F O R M E D I N G E R M A N W I T H E N G L I S H S U P E RT I T L E S Production originally created for the Canadian Opera Company

STAGE PGN

New play transforms ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales’ By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The classic “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” gets a modern makeover when “Grimm Women” opens the story book April 22-May 5 at Adrienne Theater. Written by Brandon Monokian, “Grimm Women” examines the classic tales and their characters through a gritty lens. “Grimm Women” cast member and reality TV star Briella Calafiore (“Jerseylicious,” “Glam Fairy”) said Monokian a great job of updating the classic tales for a modern audience and exploring what happened after happily ever after. “Brandon incorporated something so fairy-tale-like and so Renaissance-y and so far away into the modern world,” she said. “It’s very nostalgic because it makes people think about their childhood. It transitions into nowadays and there’s cursing involved and we’re funny and outrageous. It’s nostalgia mixed into our cool adulthood at the

ANDREW PACE AS REX

same time.” Characters in the play include Rapunzel, Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel. Calafiore portrays an updated version of Little Red Riding Hood. “She smokes a lot of pot and she loves Bob Marley,” she explained. “She likes

BRIELLA CALAFIORE AS RED

being high out in nature. She gets into a fight with this guy in the woods who likes to dress up in a wolf costume because he’s one of those furries that you hear about. She’s on a reality show. She becomes famous. Then she goes into celebrity rehab because she smokes too much pot. She’s a train wreck.” “Grimm Women” also includes a gay fairy-tale character, Rex, played by Andrew Pace. “Rex is just the cutest thing in the whole world,” Calafiore said. “He got made fun of when he was younger. It was really hard for him to deal with the ridicule. He talks about that. Everyone when he was younger just tortured him. What’s really beautiful about the way he talks about his childhood is he’s talking about it like he’s over it, but you know it must have been very tough for him. He’s over all the crap that he went through but he’s not at the same time. He brings the reality of growing up gay, but at the same time makes you laugh. He plays the modern-day version of the Frog Prince. He talks about how he kisses frogs. He kisses a blue frog and it turns out to be a poison-dart frog. He’s got this crazy life but at the same time he’s got such a great perspective on life.” ■ Adrienne Theatre presents “Grimm Women” April 22-May 5, 2030 Sansom St. For more information, visit www.grimmwomen.com or call 215-567-2848.

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Suzi Nash

Alyesha ‘Ms.’ Wise: Spreading love, ending hate through wise words “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” — Robert Frost If you didn’t know it, April is National Poetry Month, and Philadelphia is a hotbed of spoken word and poetry. On any given night, you can find wordsmiths practicing the art at open mics, slams and in workshops. We have a number of great poets here in our community, like World Poetry Slam Champion Denice “Ms. Misconception” Frohman, J. Mase III, C.A. Conrad and today’s profile, Alyesha Wise, aka Ms. Wise. Co-host of one of Philly’s longestrunning open mics, Jus’ Words, Ms. Wise is also a two-time Women of the World Poetry Slam finalist and last year was awarded the first-ever Queens Inspire Kings award, presented by Kings Rule Together, for her community and youth involvement. Born in Camden, N.J., Ms. Wise describes herself as a teacher, fighter and love revolutionist. PGN: We hear so many bad things about Camden. Tell me something good. AW: Well, I moved to Philly in 2006, but Camden is always going to be home. I love, love, love it. It teaches you so much, good and bad. It’s very community-oriented. I guess a lot of people don’t see it that way, but it’s not your average big city; we don’t have a lot of high-rise complexes and skyscrapers. It’s comprised of a lot of neighborhoods so people know each other. I remember growing up and playing kickball and hide-and-seek with my friends. It didn’t feel like being in the city. PGN: What’s a favorite memory? AW: I think of being in East Camden because that’s when I was actually acting like a kid, before I was trying to see what the world was all about, in all the worst ways. We played games and got to know each other and it was an innocent time. It felt so good. I got up in the morning and went skating by myself, I’d stay up late doing corny stuff with my friends. Later on when I was trying to be grown, I would never do something like that. PGN: Who was your best friend? AW: Let’s see, I’ve had three throughout my life. In East Camden, her name was Shika, short for Yashika, and she was awesome. Our mothers were friends, so we spent a lot of time together. When we moved, I got another best friend. That was during my transition period, and now I have another best friend. PGN: Any siblings? AW: Yes, there are five of us. I’m the second and the oldest girl. I love my siblings so, so much. Even though I’m not the oldest, I feel it’s my responsibility to make sure they go down the positive path

and don’t get caught up in some of the negative things Camden can suck you into. The streets can be very persuasive. It can pull you in crazy directions, and it almost pulled me down the wrong path. I see how it tries to do that with my siblings so I try to be there as a mentor, even to my older brother. PGN: Tell me about your parents. AW: My mother always made sure there was food on the table and a roof over our heads and that we got to school clean and ready to learn. She provided for us financially but she could be a little emotionally withdrawn. There were a lot of times that I would have questions that a young girl would have and I didn’t feel I could go to my mother. She wasn’t good at listening or communicating and she could get kind of snappy with us. Even to this day, she can be really short with people, but I know she has a huge heart and that’s where I get a lot of my heart from. I wish she could express it more. It inspired me to be a more open person, though, so if I have kids, I won’t be closed off to my emotions like she was.

they put in as much effort as they could have. I’ve taught at charter schools where they have more freedom and the teachers really push the students to excel. I didn’t have that from my teachers or my parents, but oh well. God bless ’em. PGN: Where did you go to college? AW: Rowan College in Glassboro, N.J. I majored in psychology. PGN: Not writing or English? AW: No. [Laughs.] I felt like I didn’t need to be taught something I already knew how to do, and I knew I was going to be a writer for the rest of my life. So I decided to use my major to learn something new. Looking back, I kind of wish I hadn’t been so hardheaded, but I don’t regret psychology. It comes in real handy working with students. Plus, it looks good on a resume. PGN: How did you know you were gay? AW: OK, so, I was with my friends one day and just realized that I was looking at

PGN: She was very guarded? AW: Yes, yes. I think she was afraid a lot ... of being a parent. I still think she is. My youngest sibling is 15 and the oldest is 31, and from conversations we’ve had, I realize it’s not that she doesn’t love us, she’s just scared of a lot and that comes across as unfeeling. She loves us deeply and now spends a lot of time apologizing for mistakes she’s made. My dad is awesome. My parents divorced when I was 5 so he wasn’t around a lot when I was a kid, but he’s always been in my life. [Laughs.] Even when I didn’t want it, like when he’d take me to baseball games, which would bore me to death, or to a movie that had things that were too scary or sexy for a kid my age. I’d pretend I was asleep so I could close my eyes whenever anything bad came on. I have a lot of awkward memories with my father! He’s the one I’d go to if I needed to talk, even to this day. He’s a good communicator. Sometimes with the fewest words, he can make the most sense. PGN: Favorite book as a young person? AW: “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. I read it in high school and it changed my perspective on a lot of things. I was never really encouraged to read as a kid, not by my parents or even by teachers outside of curriculum reading. I came to books late and now I can’t get enough. I have two books in my bag right now. PGN: It shows you the importance of introducing kids to things at a young age. AW: True, I wish I’d started reading books earlier. And I went to a decent school, Medical Arts High, but still I don’t think

women differently. It wasn’t scary—I’d had thoughts about women when I was young—but we’re taught that’s not what you’re supposed to do or how we’re supposed to be, so I just shut it out. But this time, I started flirting with this woman, acting like I’d been out forever, and it worked. We ended up going out for three years! PGN: Smooth. AW: Yes, yes, and I identified as lesbian for eight years and have been written up

as a lesbian poet, but recently something weird happened that surprised even me: I have a boyfriend, and it’s such a scary thing, I wrote a poem about it and I haven’t put it out there yet. It’s a crazy transition. People are like, “What’s up? She’s the lesbian poet, she fights for gay rights but, oh, she has a boyfriend?” I feel sometimes like I’ve been booted out, but I’ve discovered that love is love. PGN: Well, you’re not alone. There are a number of lesbian icons who have fallen in love with men. Holly Near ... AW: Yeah, I get all the questions like, “Do you still like women? So you’re not gay anymore? What happened?” I love women, I still do and my boyfriend knows that, and I understand that it’s confusing for people. We’re still learning every day. PGN: Do you remember the first poem you wrote? AW: [Laughs.] Yes! I was 11 and watching the movie “Poetic Justice” with Janet Jackson. She was so beautiful reading her poetry that I wanted to do it. I thought they were actually her poems, I didn’t realize they’d been written by Maya Angelou! So I wrote a poem called “Black History.” I still have it somewhere. I keep a big binder held together by a scarf with all my poems inside. PGN: What makes someone a professional poet? AW: Oh goodness, I think we all have different definitions. For me, it’s somewhat based off of how many states have you performed in, have you expanded your voice or your message outside of your personal sphere, have you been published, how many venues have you played, what else do you do other than perform, do you teach, are you part of the national scene, the underground scene — I Photo: Suzi Nash think all poetry is underground. Everyone has a different perspective. PGN: Top-three poets? AW: Jeffrey McDaniel (www.poemhunter. com/jeffrey-mcdaniel)—I just learned about him last year and, oh my goodness, his writing is amazing. For performance, I like Queen GodIs (www.queengodis.com) out of New York. My third right now would be Alice Walker. PAGE 38

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

STAGE PGN

1812 brings its new ‘Party’ to the theater

April 18 - 28, 2013 By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Over 25 Science Cafés in restaurants and bars across the city!

1812 Productions will present its most ambitious production to date with the world-premiere comedy “It’s My Party: The Women and Comedy Project,” April 25-May 19. Created and directed by artistic director Jennifer Childs, the show features a diverse ensemble of female Philadelphia actors exploring gender stereotypes, how women use comedy and how that usage changes as they age. To accomplish this, the production uses several artistic styles, going from a scripted play to standup comedy to cabaret. Lance Kniskern, the out set designer for the show, was tasked with transforming the backdrops for the ever-changing environments on stage, which get more complex as the show progresses and range from a schoolroom to a temple to a discotheque. “We start out in a very small room and we push into the large space that is not very specific,” Kniskern said. “A lot of inspiration came from Greek temples. We talked about spaces where conversations happen so we looked at kitchens and kitchen décor. I took all of that and created spaces and looks for everything. We gave it to Jen and took it from there.” The show’s three acts take the audience through dissection of the academic, intellectual and historical parameters that have

defined the “funny woman.” It continues with real stories (drawn from more than 100 interviews with women from the East Coast) of lives lived and closes with a cabaret of self-expression. As part of the two-year interview and workshop process for the show, Childs opened the creative process to individuals with storytelling and improvisational gatherings, everywhere from 1812’s artist studio to halfway houses for women getting out of prison and victims of domestic violence. “There’s a lot of wonderful moments and a lot of laughs,” Kniskern said. “There’s a thoughtful side to it as well, taking a look at how women change throughout their lives and how women use humor to get through something difficult.” Kniskern added that, while the show focuses on women, it will resonate with everyone. “It is women-specific but, seeing the show develop, I never felt like I was outside that realm,” he said. “Anyone that laughs and uses humor to get through a difficult situation would understand it and appreciate the message of the show.” ■ 1812 Productions presents “It’s My Party: The Women and Comedy Project,” April 25-May 19 at Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St. For more information or tickets, call 215-592-9560 or visit www.1812productions.org.

11 days of science in places you least expect to stimulate your senses, tantalize your taste buds, and rattle your brain. Repairs, Renovations and Remodeling

(215) 467-3335

www.philasciencefestival.org Presenting Sponsor:

Created by Philadelphia’s science, cultural and educational institutions and organized by The Franklin Institute.

Pa. HIC #026545 Phila. Lic. #17895

“Our” Family Plumber for over 30 years

TRAVEL PGN

Outward Bound

Jeff Guaracino

Can your hotel be your quick- escape getaway? Do you need to get away quick? Do room service and a maid sound just fabulous? Travel doesn’t always have to be far away from home (just far enough!). Could it be as easy as checking into a local luxury hotel that is part-treat and part-escape? When you travel as much as I do, sometimes a hotel can be just another hotel. There are two nearby hotels that surprised me with their incredible views, luxurious but affordable prices and staff who make everyone feel VIP. And guess what? They are both in two cities that are worth spending more time in — Baltimore and Philadelphia. Four Seasons Baltimore It’s time to take a fresh look at Baltimore, just a couple hours from Philadelphia by Amtrak or by car. The city best known for the Inner Harbor, the Baltimore Ravens, John Waters and Devine has an upscale, sleek and sexy new vibe that is definitely worth a weekend getaway. This modern and unstuffy hotel has commanding views of the Inner Harbor. The hotel is located in the neighborhood of Harbor East, a refined mixed-use section of Baltimore with shopping, dining, residential and harbor activities. Harbor East defies what you think you knew about Baltimore. While not inexpensive, the Four Seasons Baltimore is a great value, especially compared to the über-luxury brands in the close-by cities of Manhattan and Washington, D.C. You get all the service and amenities at a more-affordable rate. OK, you might not run into celebrities or political powerhouses, but this hotel is clearly for the young, professional and hip. Need a break? Try the 10,000 squarefoot spa, which stands out with the views, the privacy and the luxury. Each treatment room is well-appointed, and there are private men’s and women’s relaxation rooms. Spa treatments range from the deep tissue to hot stone and instant anti-aging active-peel facials. Check out the “Ignite the Spark” spa hotel package that includes overnight accommodations, spa treatment for two, parking and other fun amenities. Unlike other downtown hotel pools, the Four Seasons’ outdoor infinity-type pool just calls for summer relaxation with a cocktail. Be sure to hit the expansive,

modern gym before you take in the rays. To book or for more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/baltimore. Baltimore is known for crab. Don’t miss the crab cake at Wit & Wisdom by Michael Mina, which offers American comfort food. Wit & Wisdom is impressive and stylish with a menu that entices you to try new foods with ease. This is a foodie-must in Baltimore. For LGBT nightlife, check out Club Hippo (www.clubhippo.com) and Grand Central (www.centralstationpub.com).

FOUR SEASONS BALTIMORE

Hotel Monaco, A Kimpton Hotel Six months ago, Philadelphia welcomed Kimpton’s second property. This property is cool, hip, fun and offers the LGBT traveler one thing no other hotel can offer: a view of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, as well as the Pennsylvania historic marker acknowledging the Annual Reminders, July 4 demonstrations in the 1960s that petitioned for equality for all in our community. Maybe it was because the Supreme Court was hearing arguments for (and against) our community’s civil rights during my recent stay that made my visit to this grand hotel, in the Lafayette Building at Fifth and Chestnut streets, even more important than the view of the Eiffel Tower from a boutique Parisian hotel. San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels is well-known for its commitment to our community. But that is not the only reason you should stay at this fabulous hotel. You stay for the sexy showers with a view of history, the roof-top bar and, of course, the complimentary Wi-Fi, if you are a Kimpton loyalty card member. ■ Jeff Guaracino is vice-chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and the author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.”

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Haute Mexican? Haute Mexican! After ten successful years in northeast Philadelphia, Paloma is serving to-die-for French-Mexican cuisine in Bella Vista. ��

a semifinalist for the 2011 James Beard Foundation awards 763 South 8th Street (corner of 8th & Fulton) www.palomafinedining.com www.facebook.com/palomarestaurant 215.928.9500

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PGN TELEVISION

Worth Watching GRAND OPENING! GRAND CLOSING?: “Smash” might not be long for this world, as NBC has moved the drama to weekend nights (pretty much a death knell for most shows that get relocated there), so enjoy it while you still can. The show within a show, “Bombshell,” has its opening night on a new episode, 9 p.m. April 20 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Will Hart

THE QUEEN POLICE: We like it better when Joan Rivers does it but ... two of Atlanta’s style elite, celebrity hairstylists Derek J and Miss Lawrence, and New York’s fashion maven and media socialite Bevy Smith, dish on anything and everything related to the world of fashion, from haute couture to celebrity style to unusual outfits from around the globe, on “Fashion Queens,” 11:30 p.m. April 20 on Bravo.

SHAKE YOUR BON JON: Catch a rock show — New Jerseystyle — with “Bon Jovi: Inside Out,” offering the band’s best moments from its recent tour stops in London and New York City, 10 p.m. April 20 on VH1.

Photo: Bravo/Charles Sykes

NEW NUPTIALS: The new docu-series “I’m Married To A ...” shows that love and relationships truly go beyond labels, with two couples each week who share their stories of finding true love and acceptance while living outside the mainstream. Subjects of the show include a quadriplegic, cougar, big beautiful woman, twins, transgender couple, gay Mormon, closet lesbian, an alien abductee, a polyamorous couple, dominatrix, daredevil, crossdresser, sexologist, phone-sex operator and more. Catch the premiere, 10 p.m. April 21 on VH1.

Come see what’s new at your local, non-corporate, gluten-free historic queer bookshop! Browse, chat, and support the oldest continuously operating LGBT book store in the USA!

10% most hardcovers, over 5 million books and 3 million eBooks available at queerbooks.com email: giovannis_room@verizon.net 345 S. 12th St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107 215-923-2960 Mon-Sat 11:30 - 7, Sun 1 - 7

PGN

Gay is our middle name.

SPORTS PGN

Get Out and Play

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Scott A. Drake

Commemorating anniversaries City of Brotherly Love Softball League is trotting out the dogs and ponies for the first day of summer league play, which this year also salutes players and the league alike as CBLSL begins its 30th season. The opening-day festivities are always fun-filled with music, ceremonial pitches and food and beverages, but this year the event planners have cranked it up a notch with a reunion game, awards presentations and special acknowledgements. Starting at 1:15 p.m. April 21 on Field One at Dairy Fields in Fairmount Park (look for the tent), the celebration offers welcomes, introductions and award presentations. The ceremony will include a moment of silence for passed GETTING OUT TO PLAY: Falcons soccer players warmed up with some friendly kicks at Edgely members, acknowledgement Field in Fairmount Park April 15, the group’s first outdoor practice of the year after wintering of 10-, 20- and 30-year memindoors in South Philly. Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15 p.m. until dark and bers, music via the Philadelphia Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. You can check them out and take part in a few practices before comFreedom Band and other spemitting to join; falcons-soccer.org Photo: Scott A. Drake cial moments. After all of that, major surprises under wraps, but he did presenting sponsor in the event’s 31Councilman Jim Kenney, who give me permission to reveal that director year history. This milestone means the recently introduced an LGBT-reform bill, of LGBT affairs Gloria Casarez is comgames officially will be named the 2014 will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. ing by towards the end of the banquet, and Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Immediately following the ceremonies that usually means something special from Foundation, bringing visibility to the will be an Old Timers game. the city or the mayor. games. The new partnership between the There are a few games scheduled Players often hit a pub for drinking and Cleveland Foundation and Gay Games 9 the morning of April 21 before the fessinging after games, and Cochetti said will also establish an LGBT field-of-intertivities and there is also a regatta on the there would likely be a drinking compeest fund that will launch at the conclusion Schuylkill River that day, which means tition between old and new players and, of the games, which will run Aug. 9-16, traffic and parking will be at a premium. after the dinner, many will go on a pub 2014, in Cleveland. Arrive early rather than trying to get there crawl. So if you see a bunch of these rowAlso April 10, Ernst & Young LLP as it starts. For more information, go to dies out and about, join in. For more rugby became the first national sponsor of cblsl.org. info, visit philadelphiagryphons.org. the games. The firm’s $100,000 donation makes it a platinum sponsor of Gay The Gryphons Rugby Football Club will Gay Games 9 gets some green Games 9. celebrate its 10th anniversary with a banTwo great announcements came out of Gay Games 9 president Thomas Nobbe quet April 27 at Square Peg, 929 Walnut Cleveland recently regarding grant donasaid he was happy with the show of supSt. The three-hour affair will include a tions and sponsorships for next year’s port and commitment to diversity by these social hour, dinner, stories and photos Gay Games. On April 10, Gay Games 9 two organizations. When asked if there from the first 10 years of play. officials announced that the Cleveland was any other specific sponsorship in the Gryphons RFC president Phil Cochetti Foundation would make a $250,000 works, Nobbe replied, “Stay tuned. This is let me in on a couple of secrets during a donation to the event, making it the first just the start.” recent conversation. I agreed to keep the

Short stops • The Gryphons have a round-robin tournament April 20 in New York City with the New York Gothic Knights and the Boston Ironsides. Our thoughts go out to those athletes, spectators and responders in Boston during this tragic time. • Part of the CBLSL opening weekend is the annual street party, this year from 2-7 p.m. April 20 on Camac Street between Locust and Spruce streets. Food, fun, 5050 raffles, music and modest mayhem are all on tap. It’s a fun afternoon of discount drinks and softball fundraising. • The Philly Rollergirls are back on the flat track at 6 p.m. May 11 and again at 11:30 a.m. May 12 at the Class of 1923 Arena, 31st and Walnut streets; phillyrollergirls. com. ■ Countdown to Gay Games 9: 476 days. For all your fun and games, indoors or out, email scott@epgn.com.

Triangle Medical

Tired of eating at the same old dives? Thinking about hitting a new hot spot? We’ll tell you what we liked — and didn’t.

General Practice Progressive HIV Care

Only in Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

First out, first sponsored Last year, Nike made it clear that diversity was more than a talking point when the company hosted the first LGBT Sports Summit in Portland, Ore., and unveiled three Pride-themed sneakers. Since then, Nike has made it no secret that it is in total support of LGBT athletes around the world. (I would not be surprised to hear Nike announcing support of Gay Games 9 in the future.) Now, Nike has announced it wants to sponsor the first recognizable pro-sports athlete who comes out while still actively playing. What exactly Nike officials mean by “recognizable” is up in the air. Is the person to be recognizable to the general public, the sports-wise or the LGBT community specifically? But, this is another amazing step in the right direction by Nike to bring homophobia out of the locker room. What else is there to say? Go lace up your sneakers and get out and play. Just do it.

Dining Out

MARK T. WATKINS, DO REBECCA CALDER PA-C

(215) 829-0170

253 S. 10th St., 1st Floor Philadelphia

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 04/19 Mr. Philly Drag King Competition The William Way LGBT Community Center presents the annual event produced by Philly’s multi-award-winning queer troupe Liberty City Kings Drag & Burlesque, 7:30-11 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220.

at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. April Stimulus: Mr. Philly Drag King Afterparty Four DJs keep the party going as a fundraiser for Philly Dyke March, 10 p.m.3:30 a.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-7355772.

Suicidal Tendencies The hard-rock band performs 8:30 p.m. at Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

Half-Baked The comedy film is screened 11 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch

The Five Fingers of Death The classic 1972 martial-arts film is screened 9:45 p.m.

St.; 215-922-6888. A Penny for Your Thoughts A guided discussion on all issues

Sat. 04/20

that impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women, 4-7 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Archives, Affects & Activism: Preserving Queer and Trans Histories Come learn how Philly bookstores, libraries, ’zine fests, archives and media artists are creating and preserving Philly queer and transgender histories, 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Kathy Griffin The comedian performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Paul Reiser The actor and comedian performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Sun. 04/21 Notorious The 1946 Alfred Hitchcock film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Killing Joke The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215232-2100. Rufus Wainwright The out singer performs 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Tired of eating at the same old dives? Thinking about hitting a new hot spot? We’ll tell you what we liked — and didn’t

Dining Out Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

Only in

STRUMMER BREEZE: Out folk singersongwriter Janis Ian comes to the area 7:30 p.m. April 25 at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del. For more information or tickets, call 302-9941400.

Mon. 04/22 Lisa Henderson The author of “Love and Money: Queers, Class and Cultural Production” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215923-2960. Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Philly Rising Showcase Local artists perform 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Django Unchained The action film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215862-2081.

Tue. 04/23 GoGo Morrow The background singer and dancer for Lady GaGa’s Monster’s Ball Tour performs 8 p.m. at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.

Wed. 04/24 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Aimee Mann The singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Thu. 04/25 Vali Nasr The author of “The Dispensable Nation: American Foreign Policy in Retreat” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5322.

Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.

Christine Havrilla The out singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Fri. 04/26 HOLLER! The open mic starts 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960.

Rihanna The pop singer performs 8 p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 855-348-0500.

Michael Pollan The author of “Cooked: Finding Ourselves in the Kitchen” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215686-5322.

Tower of Power and Average White Band The funk bands perform 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

Ian Harvie The out comedian performs 8 p.m. at Tabu Lounge, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-9649675. Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes screen their new animated film, 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650. K’s Choice The alt-rock group performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

LAUGHS AT TABU: Transgender comedian Ian Harvie dons his comic cape for “Superhero,” 8-10 p.m. April 25 at Tabu Lounge, 200 S. 12th St. For more information, call 215-964-9675.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Biss Plays Mozart The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with pianist Jonathan Biss April 2527 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Bond and Beyond Peter Nero and The Philly Pops perform music from the James Bond films April 26-28 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847. Grimm Women Adrienne Theatre presents a modern, gritty riff on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales April 22-May 5, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-567-2848. The Magic Flute Opera Philadelphia performs the classic April 19-28 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847.

May 4 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550. Good People Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of people in a Boston community trying to find success, through April 28, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550. Great and Mighty Things Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of outsider art from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection, through June 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Journeys to New Worlds Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Spanish and Portuguese colonial art from the Roberta and Richard Huber Collection, through May 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

BLOOMING JUDY: Out singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright gets into the time-travel spirit of Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts when he recreates excerpts from Judy Garland’s famous 1961 Carnegie Hall program, 8 p.m. April 21 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-7905847.

Continuing The Art of Golf Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of painting celebrating the sport, through July 7, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through May 19 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210. Eastern Standard Quince Productions presents a romantic comedy set in the 1980s, through

Mame Media Theatre presents the classic Broadway musical about the titular eccentric bohemian, through May 19, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100.

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

The Mind’s Eye: 50 Years of Photography by Jerry Uelsmann The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of iconic works from the famed photographer, through April 28, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. The Pirates of Penzance Bristol Riverside Theater presents the popular comic operetta, through April 28, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; 215-785-6664.

Closing Bach and his Brandenburgs The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through April 20 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. (in)voluntary commitment Quince Productions presents a storytelling show about love, leaps of faith and growing up, through April 24 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. PHILADANCO! The dance company performs through April 21 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. ■

THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND: She may not have a talk show on Bravo anymore, but comedian Kathy Grifﬁn probably hasn’t run out of things to talk about. Catch her when she comes through the area 8 p.m. April 20 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PORTRAIT from page 31

PGN: You do a lot of teaching. What do you find frustrating? AW: I wish more people would pay attention to their writing. I go to venues all the time and people get the crowd riled up by saying something loudly or broadly but it doesn’t have any artistic value. People hoot and holler because they’re being entertained or because the person might say something funny, but it’s not art. It makes me cringe. People forget the substance. Like when Richard Blanco read his poem “One Today” at President Obama’s inauguration. People criticized him because they didn’t like the way he read it. It was dry as a performance but if you really listened to the poem or go back and read it, it was very, very well-written. As poets, we really need to go back and give respect to the craft. Most of the world doesn’t appreciate poetry as much as they do other art forms, so we need to learn to cheer the right things and that’s good writing. [Laughs.] Of course, that’s subjective, but we can start with, Did the person put in any effort, did they even try to use any kind of format, does it even make sense? PGN: How is poetry valuable to the students you work with? AW: When I first talk to them, I say, “I’m not necessarily trying to make you a poet, but I want you to learn that your voice is important and the words you use are important.” If they end up being poets, awesome, but if they learn to communicate what they’re feeling or what they need, that’s what’s really important. I tell them, “I hear you at the bus stop, or in the halls, talk, talk, talking. Sometimes people are intimidated by y’all in the subways but you can use that voice for so much more. You can change the world just by learning how to use your voice constructively.” PGN: Anyone in particular that the message got through to? AW: I was doing work at one of the schools and at the beginning I said, “I understand why a lot of you come in here with attitudes, and why you do what you do, but when you come in here silent, with an attitude, people will make assumptions about you that might not be true. You need to learn how to express yourselves. Maybe you need to tell your teachers, ‘I’m going through a rough time right now,’ because they can’t help if you don’t verbalize what’s going on.” Soon after that, one of the students broke down and said her father had passed away and she was really hurting. After that day, when she opened up, she was a new person: She participated in class and the whole class worked a lot smoother after going through that together. They were fifth-graders so it was a lot to process, but it was great. The first time I realized my poem had an effect was when I was about 17. I was on stage reading a poem and there was a woman in the front row crying. She was a lot older than me and I felt bad, but the lady in charge of the venue came up to me afterwards and said, “You did that. You touched someone.”

FUN PGN & GAMES

Right then, I realized that my voice was able to do something, that my story could help someone else release their feelings, and that was the moment I realized that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

Q Puzzle

PGN: Do you remember what the poem was about? AW: Yes, it was about growing up in Camden and wanting to change who I was becoming. I was good as a kid, did good in school, and then I spent some time trying to fit in by getting into trouble. PGN: My religion is ... AW: Love. I don’t think any particular religion describes how I feel about the world, God and people. I’m afraid of belonging to one particular religion—it might bind me to certain things—so I study a lot of different religions and like to take from them all. PGN: My go-to karaoke song is ... AW: Anything by Prince ... “I Would Die for You” especially. PGN: What’s a book you’d like to live in? AW: Oh, I like this. It would be the book I’m reading now, “Zen: The Diamond Thunderbolt” by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who also goes by Osho. It’s inspiring my heart and I could just dive into it. PGN: Would you go skydiving? AW: I would. I’d be terrified but I’d do it. PGN: Historical moment that affected you? AW: When Michael Jackson died. He just had such a big heart and spread so much love all over the world. After he died, I really started to embrace the idea of universal love and started a movement, “Love, Us.” I call myself a love revolutionary and I wanted to create something that would deter people from their allure with hate. At the time MJ died, there were a lot of negative things in the news, school bullying, suicides, etc. I had a lot of emotion bundled up and nowhere to put it, so I decided to produce an event to promote love versus hate. I called up the woman who owns the Rotunda and said that I wanted to put on an event. She didn’t even ask me what it was, she just jumped on board and offered us a date. Then I got scared because I booked a venue and I had no idea what I was going to do, so I started calling people and, before I knew it, I had poets and musicians and artists. The theme of the show was beautiful, yet simple — “Spread Love, End Hate” — and we had a sold-out house with people coming from all over, from New York to D.C. It’s now become a movement and we support not just poets, but any artwork that works to elevate and makes people feel better about themselves. ■ Find out about upcoming poetry events at www.mswisedecision.com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.

The Big C, as in ... Across

1. Bianchi and Hulce 5. Part of a breath mint pack 9. Give some lip to 13. Continental coin 14. “The African Queen” author 15. Protected from the wind 16. Pink Triangle Press publication 17. Light licks 18. Marsh, marsh, marsh 19. Role of 34Across 22. Chow down 23. Lucie’s pop 24. Perineum, in slang 25. Muslim faith 27. No. 6 to P-town 29. Saint, in Rio 30. Deity to Debussy 31. Have a thing for 34. “The Big C” actress with C as an initial 38. Prickly 39. Lesbian character in “No Exit” 41. Some sex-toy batteries 44. Cyclops’s singleton

45. Places for commercial intercourse 46. Military muff 48. Where pirates moor 51. ‘70s abductors 52. TV series with 34-Across 55. Welcome response after a tumble 56. Serengeti sound 57. “___ lay me ...” 59. Trig function 60. Blows it 61. Rep in the ’hood 62. Pravda provider 63. Sailing the Pacific 64. David ___ Pierce

Down

1. Cowboy moniker 2. Network for gay songwriters 3. Highsmith character played by Damon 4. Head for the heavens 5. “Flesh” in an Almodovar title 6. “Holy crow!” 7. He whips out his tool on the job 8. New Age musician John 9. Brazilian dance 10. “I was at my mother’s” and others

11. Samantha’s witchy cousin 12. Looks after 20. Abbr. after “rear,” in the navy 21. Funny Cheri 22. Caesar, for one 26. Em, e.g. 28. Elton John’s “___ Dancer” 31. “Hi, sailor!” 32. Adam Shankman and Gus Van Sant 33. Come out 35. Country club? 36. Like the shortest buildings 37 One bride or the other

40. Half of a Hollywood name 41. Lend a hand 42. No zip 43. Early invaders of England 45. Agcy. that sued Martha Stewart 47. Pretends to have an orgasm 49. Terminal in Chicago 50. The end of vice? 53. De Matteo of “Desperate Housewives” 54. Move a little at a time 58. Chemical ending

PGN

Food & Drink

CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS DIRECTORY:

(215) 625-8501

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

FOR SALE - LOWEST PRICE CONDO UNIT IN

Real Estate Sale

Roommates

Lake Sale, NY: 5 acres Salmon River Lake $29,900. 7 acres 100’on bass lake $39,900. 8 acres Waterfront Home $99,900. Local Financing Available. www.LandFirstNY. com 1-888-683-2626. ________________________________________37-15 NEW YORK STATE LAND SALE Former Scout Camp Was: $69,900 NOW: $39,900. 7 Acres on River Was: $49,900 NOW: $39,900. Adirondacks - 8 Acres Was $21,900 NOW: $17,900. Direct Financing w/ Low Payments. Call: 1-800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com ________________________________________37-16 Clearﬁeld County: 150 acres near Mahaffey. Part open, mostly wooded, great view, perfect for hunting cabin, recreation, near State Game Lands. $175,000. 814-4352570. ________________________________________37-16

FAIRLESS HILLS, BUCKS COUNTY house to share. $600.00 a month plus 1/2 utilities contact jim at 215-768-8976. ________________________________________37-16

Travel & Resorts

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1800-578-1363 Ext.300N. ________________________________________37-16 HOME CONTENTS SALE Antiques, DR set, Lenox to electronics. Lots of knickknacks. 215-850-4671, John. All proceeds go to HIV research. _____________________________________________37-16

REHOBOTH BEACH DELAWARE 58 Maryland Ave. 2 Blocks from the Ocean, Steps away From Shopping and Dining

$340,000 Call Evan Thomas DIRECT 302-279-5634

RE/MAX™ By The Sea 302-541-500

300 Ocean View Parkway, Bethany Beach DE, 19930

Open Houses - Sunday April 21, 2013

1:30-3:00 PM 2017 Carpenter St, Philadelphia, PA 19146 NEWLY reconstructed classic townhouse located on one of the loveliest streets in the Graduate area. Bi-level terrace. 3BR/3.5BA House $524,900 Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.phillyrealestateagents.com Dan Tobey

1401 Walnut St. • 8th Floor • Philadelphia, PA 19102

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.558.1063 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com

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

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________37-16

Financial Services Protect your IRA and 401(k) from inﬂation by owning physical gold or silver! Tax-free, hassle-free rollovers. FREE “Gold Guide” AMERICAN BULLION, 800-527-5679. ________________________________________37-15

Adoption ADOPT Happily married couple wishes to adopt a baby! We promise love, learning, laughter, security, extended family. Expenses paid. www.DonaldAndEsther.com 1-800-965-5617 (Se habla espanol). ________________________________________37-16

Wanted to Buy CA$H PAID Up to $27/box for sealed, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Top $, FREE shipping, 24hr payments! Call 1-877-396-6143 anytime or visit www.TestStripsBuyer. com now. ________________________________________37-15

Services EXP RELIABLE HOUSECLEANER Let me free up your valuable time by cleaning your house or apt. Weekly biweekly monthly. I have 10+ years exp. FREE estimates. Call Wayne 215-422-2654. Ref’s upon request. ________________________________________37-15 EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________37-16 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________37-16 Heavy Equipment Operator Career! 3 Weeks Hands On Training School. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. National Certifications. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________37-16 MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you Job ready ASAP. HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888926-7882. ________________________________________37-16

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

PGN

Real Estate Sale

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Help Wanted

LGBT FIELD ORGANIZER ACLU OF PENNSYLVANIA Temporary (6 month) full-time organizing position with strong possibility of extension. Organizer will oversee the ACLUPA’s marriage equality education campaign. Includes statewide travel, public speaking, and coalition building. Organizing/campaign experience required. Send resume and ltr to ACLU-PA at search@aclupa.org. Full job description at www.aclupa.org/jobs. EOE/Affirmative Action. ________________________________________37-16 FOREMEN To lead utility field crews. Outdoor physical work, many positions, paid training, $17/hr. plus weekly performance bonuses after promotion, living allowance when traveling, company truck and benefits. Must have strong leadership skills, good driving history, and be able to travel in Pennsylvania and nearby States. Email resume to Recruiter4@osmose.com or apply online at www.OsmoseUtilities.com EOE M/F/D/V ________________________________________37-16 Driver- One Cent Raise after 6 and 12 months. $0.03 Enhanced Quarterly Bonus. Daily or Weekly Pay, Hometime Options. CDL-A, 3 months OTR exp. 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com ________________________________________37-16 CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED! Solos up to $.38/mile. $.50/mile for Hazmat Teams. New Trucks Arriving Daily! 800-942-2104 Ext. 7308 or 7307 www.TotalMS.com ________________________________________37-16 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________37-16

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL At Camden Waterfront. Cirquadors needed. Experienced box office, ushers, merchandisers, food & beverage servers, host/hostess, chef, dishwasher. Apply www.Adeccousa. com or call 215-441-8500. ________________________________________37-16 GORDON TRUCKING, INC. CDL-A Drivers Needed! Up to $3,000 SIGN ON BONUS. Refrigerated Fleet with Great Miles. Up to .46 cpm w/10 years experience. Full Benefits, 401k, EOE. No N.E. Runs! TeamGTI.com 866-554-7856. ________________________________________37-16 AREA CLAIMS WRITER/ PROPERTY INSPECTOR CONSULTANT PT/FT. WILL TRAIN. www.metroteamallentown.com or Email: tv3evp@gmail.com Call Now: (215)469-2306. ________________________________________37-16 Pyle Transportation Needs: Owner Operators and Company Drivers to run Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND!!! OWNER OPERATORS AVE. $1.85/Mile. REQUIRES 2-YRS EXP. CALL DAN @ 888-301-5855 OR APPLY @ www.driveforpyle.com ________________________________________37-16 AVERITT OFFERS CDL-A DRIVERS A STRONG, STABLE, PROFITABLE CAREER Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads- Excellent Benefits, Weekly Hometime. Paid Training. 888-362-8608 AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________37-16 DRIVERS- OWNER OPERATORS $1500 Sign On Bonus. Local/Regional Freight. Average $150,000/year. No Touch Freight. No Forced Dispatch. Min 2 yr T/T experience. Call BTT: 800-858-5717. ________________________________________37-16

For Sale

Restaurant Lounge Business Fully equipped, with liquor license

$150,000

Downtown Scranton, PA

Call 908-884-6642

PGN now offers

FREE online classifieds. Go to www.philagaynews.com for the details. You can also place your print ad through the Web site it’s fast and easy!

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads

Real Estate Sale

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.

TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%

CANCELLATION POLICY

All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Handsome Certified Therapist 6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

B-7

Friends Men

Massage

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________37-20 Gay male, 65 seeks same. John, 570-624-8538. ________________________________________37-18 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________37-18 Attractive GWM, 37, friendly, sweet, caring, funny, naughtyboy, brutally attacked in prison. Every guy I ever loved has abandoned me. I’m so very lonely. ISO guys to write to me. I will reply to all. Kenneth Houck #06743-015, Federal Medical Center, PO Box 1600, Butner NC 27509. ________________________________________37-19 SEEKING Hispanic males: Mexican, Puerto Rican, South American, Asian, etc. Like reading, travel, TV, outdoors. Seeks someone for friendship & good times. Habla Espanol. 856-547-4163. ________________________________________37-19 All male DVD enthusiast. Trade titles for $5. U buy. YoungSenior. Single/Duo/Groups. 1-609-332-5808 or text. ________________________________________37-16 WANTED Live-Out or Live-In Companion, maybe more. 215-6775610. ________________________________________37-25 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________37-18 Senior GWM ISO male, 40+, all races for platonic friendship. Phila. area only. PO Box 302, Merion Sta., PA 19066. ________________________________________37-18 BM over 40 with extensive toy collection interested in opening you. Any age varying in height or weight. No oral. Prefer your place. 1-609-332-5808 or text. No private number. ________________________________________37-16 Bi senior WM ISO WM that would like to receive oral pleasure. No recip required. New Jersey only. Call Walt at 856-761-7616. ________________________________________37-19

David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________37-32

Services

STAY WARM WITH US!!! DRY SUANA & STEAM ROOM ARE AVAILBLE...

GYM, DRY SAUNA, and STEAM ROOM ARE AVAILABLE...

NIGHT OF MAGNUM

Sat., April 20th, 2013 • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More..

ROOMS: Members: $25.00 & Non-Members: $35.00 LOCKERS: Members: $18.00 & Non-Members: $28.00 Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. So Check In Early if you want a room…

SUNDAY FUNDAY!!!

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Sun., April 21st, 2013 • Time: 3-6pm

BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT JOIN PANG FOR: • An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • Complimentary Food & Beverages and Much More... For More Information On Group:www.phillynakedguys.com/

BUSY TIMES FOR US: These our are most popular days when people comeMONDAY thru FRIDAY: Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm)

Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY CRUISE $12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight)

Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events.... Also, RENOVATIONS are being done, So swing by & Check Out The Transformation!

Don’t forget to visit the Adonis Cinema right next door!! 2026 Sansom St/ PH: 215-557-9319

PGN

12-step programs and support groups Al-Anon

■

Pennsylvania Al-Anon Alateen Family Groups: Events, meeting times and locations at pa-alanon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

■ Acceptance meets 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at

Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets.

■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy

Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian, but all are welcome. ■ Early Night Out meets 5:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St., second ﬂoor; 215-985-9206. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living Sober meets 8:30 p.m. Saturdays at the William Way Center. ■ No Other Way Out meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. daily at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Sober and Gay meets 8:30 p.m. Sunday-Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Young People’s meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mark’s Church, 1625 Locust St.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■ Meets 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

Friday and Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the William Way Center.

Emotional Support

■ Pink and Blues, a free peer-run mental-health

support group for LGBT people, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-627-0424. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; 215-545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County, meets 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; 215-545-2242; phillysos.tripod.com.

HIV/AIDS

■ Strength In Numbers

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215-769-3561; bebashi.org. ■ “Pozitive Light HIV/AIDS Support Ministry,” presented by Unity Fellowship of Christ Church Philadelphia HIV/AIDS Ministry and Girard Avenue Pharmacy, meets 5-7 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., first-floor group room; 267-4815085; blaclikme@comcast.net. ■ Encuentros, a group for HIV-negative Latino men who have sex with men, meets 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1201 Locust St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Mazzoni

Center; 215-563-0652 ext. 235.

■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community

Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets 11 a.m. ﬁrst and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; 215-851-1898.

Wednesdays: ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group meets 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, meets at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St.; ﬁght.org. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets 5-7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432. Thursdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; 215-769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; call Zak, 215-848-4380; azaklad@craftech.com. Saturdays: ■ AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets during the school year. Call 800-810-6776 for location and time.

Debtors Anonymous

■ Meets 7-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the

William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

■ Open meeting, Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Fridays, at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St.; call Troy for ﬂoor/room number, 215-514-3065; www.oa.org. ■ Meets 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center.

S.A.R.A.

■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and

evening hours; 215-563-0663 ext. 282.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

■ Meets 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at All Saints

Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 302-542-3279.

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance abuse

problems at the William Way Center.

Health

Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717-233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth.org. Anonymous, free HIV testing with Spanish/ English counselors, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-6851803. HIV health insurance help: Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448; www.fight.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331; atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ 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 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison: Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-686-

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers 9980, helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378 ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670 ■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658

■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537

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

■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Health

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088; www.actionaids.org. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 1711 S. Broad St.; 215-629-2300; www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871; www.galaei. org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appoint-

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw. org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a website where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and

ment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-noon Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups events; www.gppn.org; 215-9223377.

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

■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for information about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www. philadelphiagaytourism.com; 215-840-2039.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 19-25, 2013

PGN

UNITE & CONQUER BREAST CANCER ON OUR HOME FRONT! SUSAN G. KOMEN PHILADELPHIA RACE FOR THE CURE®

MOTHER’S DAY I MAY 12