Bisexual men topic of new book
Speaking out about a silentfilm actress PAGE 25
Family Portrait: Jeff Balke is a comic painter
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Four-day sex forum coming PAGE 5 soon May 1-7, 2015
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former LGBT liaison Gloria Casarez to be honored with a mural this fall By Scott A. Drake scott@epgn.com The City of Philadelphia and the Mural Arts Program will honor the former LGBT Affairs director Gloria Casarez with a mural later this year. Several people in the LGBTQA community, including PCHR executive director Rue Landau, William Way LGBT Community Center executive director Chris Bartlett and Casarez’s personal friends Louis Ortiz and Beth Larin, are working out the details this spring. A site has not been selected yet, but a few locations in the Gayborhood and Bella Vista are under consideration. Mayor Nutter announced the mural plans April 22 during the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations’ PCHR Awards. The unscripted announcement was a surprise to friends and family members, most of whom had not known about the mural proposal. Landau told PGN that the idea has been in the works since the beginning of the year. “We had considered trying to dedicate the PAGE 19 mural in July, coincid-
The nation’s highest court takes on marriage equality By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Tricia Dressel (second from left) spoke about Gloria Casarez’s legacy as she accepted the Sadie T.M. Alexander Leadership Award on her behalf April 22 at the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations’ PCHR Awards, with Mayor Michael Nutter and PCHR executive director Rue Landau in the background. Photo: Scott A. Drake
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark marriage-equality case that is expected to settle the issue nationwide. “Today’s oral argument at the Supreme Court is a historic moment that caps a collective decades-long movement for the freedom to marry,” said Ted Martin, executive director of Equality PA. “The question at issue is whether all people, including samesex couples, are given the freedom to marry under the Constitution. We believe that all loving and committed couples should have the freedom to marry — and we are very hopeful that the court will agree.” The nine justices heard two-and-a-half hours of arguments by both sides that centered on two questions: First, can states ban same-sex marriage? And second, must a state recognize a lawful marriage performed in another state? PAGE 19
Workplace-bias trial begins By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Jeffrey S. Downs says he never set out to be an LGBT crusader, but his alleged encounters with anti-LGBT bias at two Center City law firms thrust him into that role. The openly gay attorney claims antiLGBT bias cost him a job at the Anapol Schwartz law firm and derailed a job offer from the Raynes McCarty law firm. He’s seeking in excess of $6 million in damages, and the first of two trials in his case began this week in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. A jury of seven women and five men must decide whether to hold Anapol officials liable for allegedly defaming Downs and interfering with his livelihood. Downs alleges that Anapol officials spoke about him in a defamatory manner to Raynes officials in March 2012, causing
Raynes to withdraw a lucrative job offer. The alleged wrongdoing resulted in a lengthy period of unemployment for Downs, and necessitated a refinancing of his home to make ends meet. During a break in the trial, Downs said he never aspired to the role of LGBT crusader, but he won’t shrink from it. He said his ordeal with the law firms has renewed his commitment to working for LGBT rights on the state and federal levels. “The only way that change is made is to speak out,” Downs told PGN. His attorney, Michael A. Bowman, told jurors that Downs isn’t the type to pick a fight. “But he’s no shrinking violet,” Bowman added. “Jeff will stand up for himself.” Downs maintains it was appropriate for him to speak out against the anti-LGBT bias that he encountered at Anapol because it was prevalent and unprofessional. PAGE 19 Examples of anti-
pROUD AND OUT: Philly Black Pride capped off five days of events with a cocktail party and dancing April 26 at the Kimmel Center with over 100 people enjoying food by Garges Group and music provided by award-winning artist Dawn Richard. The second-floor outdoor seating area was especially popular for the duration of the party. Philly Black Pride will return the last weekend of April 2016. Photo: Scott A. Drake.
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locations in Philadelphia CENTER CITY — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD
12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Charlie was a Sinner, 131 S. 13th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Optimal Gym, 1315 Walnut St. • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • PAT@Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • Phila. FIGHT/ Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 2nd floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Scorpio Books, 205 S. Juniper St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Square One, 249 S. 13th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •
CENTER CITY OTHER — EAST OF BROAD
Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Bodhi Coffee, 410 S. 2nd St. • Bridgeview Place, 315 New St. • Cedrone’s Flowers, 800 Lombard St. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Filter Coffee Co., 331 Race St. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, 6th & Market sts. • Modish Hair Salon, 640B South St. • PGN offices, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. • Two Independence Place, 233 S. 6th St. •Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. • Wireworks, 301 Race St. •
CENTER CITY OTHER — WEST OF BROAD
Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drucker & Scaccetti, 1600 Market St., Suite 3300 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • PA Law Project, 2122 Chestnut St., Suite 1600 • Phila. Daily News, 801 Market St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Stir, 1705 Chancellor St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Westminster Arch Apts., Vine St., 3rd floor •
PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER
Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Awbry Aboretum, 1 Awbry Rd. • Caribbean Pharmacy, 3825 N. 5th St. •Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infinity Jewelers, 3528 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. • Philly Pharmacy, 9475 Roosevelt Blvd. • 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 •
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News Briefing PA Supreme Court reinstates monsignor’s convictions The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reinstated its pivotal child-endangerment conviction of Msgr. William J. Lynn on Monday. Lynn was the first Catholic official found guilty for his supervisory role in the clergy sex-abuse scandal. In a 4-1 majority opinion, Justice Max Baer wrote that the Superior Court was in error when, on Jan. 2, 2014, it reversed Lynn’s conviction on the basis that the monsignor did not directly supervise children. An amendment in 2007 to the child-endangerment statue specifically included supervisory personnel as being susceptible to criminal culpability. The state Supreme Court decided that the amendment clarified — not expanded — the original amendment of 1995. Under this interpretation, Lynn’s convictions for acts that predate the 2007 amendment are constitutional. Lynn has 14 days to decide if he wants to ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling. He also could petition the United States Supreme Court for an appeal.
Community advocate to receive ‘6 over 60’ award A longtime Philadelphia LGBT community advocate is being honored at the Senior Law Center’s upcoming gala. David Fair will receive a “6 over 60” award at the May 14 event at the Crystal Tea Room along with five other honorees. Fair founded several community organizations, including the Philadelphia Gay Cultural Festival and the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force, in the 1970s and ’80s, as well as We The People Living with AIDS/HIV in the early ’90s. Fair also led the creation of a $100-million network of community-based youth services aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect, including more than 200 programs targeting after-school activities, truancy prevention, family support and parenting education. He is currently the deputy CEO of Turning Points for Children. For more information about “6 over 60” and the other honorees, visit www.seniorlawcenter.org/6over60.
Mr. Philly Drag King 2015 Get ready to strut your stuff and show off your package. The Mr. Philly Drag King competition returns next weekend for its 20th anniver-
sary. The annual fundraiser for the Philly Dyke March will take place 7-11 p.m. May 16 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Tickets are $10 in advance, $5-$15 at the door and $20 for VIP reserved seats. The event will feature performances by Liberty City Kings Drag & Burlesque, Mr. Philly Drag King 2014 Jimmy Two Fingas and more. First-time and amateur drag kings are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is May 2. Similar to other pageants, there will be four competition categories: Runway, Performance, Q&A and Formal/ Fantasy wear. The winner will receive the title; the crown and tool belt of Mr. Philadelphia Drag King 2015; a sponsor goodie bag; performance opportunities with LiCK; a performance at Dyke March, Pride and Outfest; the title of Mr. Philly Gay Pride; and a ride in the Pride Day parade. For more information, see www.facebook.com/events/595525417250835/. — Ryan Kasley
Settlement talks postpone cop trial Settlement talks have delayed the upcoming workplace-bias trial of N. Melville Jones, an openly gay Philadelphia police officer. Jones filed suit against the city in 2013, seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages. The officer maintains that a supervisor outed him throughout the police department, triggering pervasive harassment and discrimination against him. A jury trial was scheduled to begin 10 a.m. April 28 in Courtroom 243 of City Hall. But, due to settlement talks, the trial has been postponed until at least July, according to court records. Neither side had a comment for this update.
Scouts assemblies protested at board meeting Five members of the Freethought Society, a nontheist organization, attended an Octorara Area School District board meeting last week to protest Boy Scouts of America recruitment assemblies held in the district’s elementary school. The school district is based in Atglen, Chester County. FS members urged the school board to prohibit the assemblies, citing BSA membership policies that exclude LGBT adults and nontheist youths and adults. But school-board members indicated that the assemblies would continue. “We’re very disappointed that the school board will continue to allow a discriminatory organization to hold on-campus recruitment assemblies,” said FS director PAGE 14 Margaret Downey. “We
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Celebrating 35 years of Serving Philly’s LGBT Community 2015 ELIXIR HONOREES fRanny price - Executive Director of Philly Pride Presents will receive the Gloria Casarez Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her many contributions to the city's LGBT community. michael tambón aka Cherry pop - will receive the annual Peter Mazzoni Award for his activism, creative and successful fundraising efforts, and his work on raising HIV awareness among young adults.
A benefit to support mazzoni center Master of Ceremonies
Friday, May 15, 2015
13-time Emmy Award winner Jim Donovan of CBS Philly News
Tickets available @ mazzonicenter.org/elixir2015 live entertainment · delicious food · open bar · silent auction
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Weekly features
News&Opinion 2 — News Briefing 9 — Crime Watch 10 — Editorial Op-Ed 11 — Mark My Words Street Talk Transmissions 21 — International
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C o l u m n s
Scene in Philly Family Portrait Comic Out & About Q Puzzle
14 — Out Law: Equality backstep
Classifieds 36 — Real Estate 41 — Personals 43 — Bulletin Board
A new book will have conversations with bisexual men has people talking.
8 IN THE RAW: Kevyn Mines played the lead role of Jamal in the prodution “Raw/ Philly” April 25-26 at The Ethical Society. The Q-Spot and Gozi’s House Productions presented the two-night event to spur HIV-status conversations and awareness. Photo: Scott A. Drake
This week in pGN 6 — New book about bisexual men released 9 — Elixer celebration set for May 15
Play ball! The spring season of Stonewall Kickball kicked off April 26.
25 — Arts & Culture cover story: Breaking the silence about silent-film star 33 — Maria Bello to read at Giovanni’s Room
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“For others in the LGBT community, it is a resource to help people dismantle the myths that they may have and the prejudices they may have about what it means to be bisexual and male.” ~ H. Sharif Williams on “Recognize ... The Voices of Bisexual Men,” page 6
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LEADING THE JUSTICE CHARGE: GALAEI Queer Latin@ Social Justice held its sixth annual David Acosta Revolutionary Leader Awards, recognizing LGBTQ Latinos and Latinas who have provided inspiration to others. The party, held April 24 at the Crane Arts Building, included food, drink, dancing and a silent auction, in addition to the awards presentations. A tribute to Gloria Casarez was part of the ceremonies, as was recognition of the many candidates who ventured into North Philly to campaign at the event. GALAEI hoped to raise $10,000 over the course of the evening. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Forum dedicated to sexual interaction By Ray Simon PGN Contributor SEXx Interactive is a four-day celebration of sex-positive culture organized by members of Philadelphia’s queer community. The event, billed as a “Journey for the Mind, Heart and Body,” is modeled on the popular TED talks. More than 60 speakers will appear from May 7-10. The presentations and workshops will take place at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. In addition, related comedy, dance parties, performance art and more will be held at various venues in and around the Gayborhood. According to Elicia Gonzales, executive director of GALAEI, a queer Latin@ social justice organization and a principal sponsor, SEXx Interactive is unique. “It’s the first event of its kind — definitely in the region, but we feel bold and confident to say in the country — that really intersects the heart, mind and body dimensions of sexuality,” she said. SEXx Interactive differs from academic conferences devoted to human sexuality in two important respects, Gonzales explained. First, it is intended to be accessible and enjoyable, as well as informative. Second, it is open to everyone — not just experts — no matter what their gender identification or sexuality. The welcoming atmosphere and openminded approach are intentional. For the past few months, Gonzalez and a core group of local artists and activists have been working together to make SEXx Interactive a reality. The organizers include Susan DiPronio, Tara Lessard and Katelyn
Regan. What they’ve come up with is a smorgasbord of sex-positive offerings that attendees can sample in a safe and supportive environment. Among the many topics being covered are “Picking a Sex-Positive Therapist,” “Rope Bondage Basics” and “Demystifying Asexuality.” Gonzalez said she’s excited about the lineup and especially curious to check out Katie Starrantino’s talk, “Cancer and Sex.” That’s not a perspective we hear often; as Gonzalez noted, not everyone in society has “permission” to be sexual, and that includes sexual minorities, the elderly and those who are ill. “One of the things I’ve heard from people who are cancer survivors is that they just don’t feel sexy, because maybe their bodies are different, or because they actually are really sick, so they don’t necessarily feel sexy in that way. So I’m really excited about that one,” she said. SEXx Interactive evolved from a similar but much-smaller event held last May. Gonzalez was inspired to do a TEDstyle talk after hearing Chris Bartlett, executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center, speak at TEDx Philadelphia. She mentioned it to local author and sex educator Dr. Timaree Schmit, and the two quickly pulled together a three-hour event featuring 19 speakers. At the first event, which took place on a weeknight, they had a packed house. In fact, many attendees stood the entire time. That got both women to thinking. “We just realized that we were really on to something and that it would be wise to PAGE 14 do something even big-
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
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New book details the experience of bisexual men By Ray Simon PGN Contributor
COmCAST COATS: Around 60 Out@Comcast volunteers cleaned and painted several rooms to help beautify the Philadelphia FIGHT’s Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP) office and clinic on April 25. The event was part of Comcast Cares Day 2015, a nationwide day of volunteerism. Photo: Scott A. Drake
The understanding of bisexuality has recently been enriched, thanks to a new anthology called “Recognize: The Voices of Bisexual Men.” “Recognize” includes essays, photographs, poetry and short stories by more than 60 bisexual men. The book, which runs just over 300 pages, is divided into 10 sections addressing broad categories like identity, institutions and relationships. It was coedited by Robyn Ochs and H. Sharif Williams, two well-known bisexual activists. According to Williams, who is also known among bisexual activists and researchers as Dr. Herukhuti, “Recognize” is the first English-language anthology of writing and visual art by bisexual men. But the book’s importance goes far beyond its novelty. “For bisexual men, it is an affirmation of our diversity, across ethnicity, across age, across nationality, across class,” Williams said. “It is also a mirror. It’s a way of looking at ourselves and seeing what we share that is common among us.” Of course, “Recognize” wasn’t intended solely for bisexual men. The book’s coeditors hope that other members of the LGBT community also will find it informative and
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inspirational. “For others in the LGBT community, it is a resource to help people dismantle the myths that they may have and the prejudices they may have about what it means to be bisexual and male,” Williams said. “Recognize” challenges those long-held misunderstandings by presenting the experience of bisexual men in all its complexity. The contributors range in age from their 20s through their 70s, they come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds and they include both cisgender and transgender bisexual men. Some are currently involved in samesex relationships; others, in opposite-sex relationships. According to Williams, representing such a wide variety of perspectives on male bisexuality was an intentional editorial strategy. “One of the things that we know, as bisexual people, is that power and strength comes in diversity, and that one of the hallmarks of bisexual spaces is that that diversity and mixing of fluidities will exist, can exist, to help to promote the flourishing of community,” he said. In addition to presenting a broad spectrum of the male bisexual experience, “Recognize” is also notable for welcoming new voices to the discussion. Alongside
H. Sharif Williams (left) and Robyn Ochs
pieces by established activists and authors like William Burleson, Ibrahim Farajajé and Ron Suresha, readers will encounter many first-time authors. Getting that opportunity is a significant improvement over what bisexual men, and those who work with them, found in the past. In one of two contributions to “Recognize,” Dr. Brian Dodge, an associate professor in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, recounts some of the ignorance and misunderstanding he encountered when he tried to begin his career as a sexual-health researcher studying bisexual
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
men. Some progress has been made since then, he noted. “I hope that the next generation of bisexual health researchers will be able to answer those bigger questions without ever having to justify why bisexuality matters or to prove that bisexual men exist,” Dr. Dodge wrote via email. “Believe it or not, I have dealt with those kinds of comments from grant reviewers, colleagues, and people in positions of power and authority.” “Recognize” may help rectify that situation. Prior to the book’s publication, Williams explained, there were resources available in print for bisexual women, including “Bi Women Quarterly,” edited by his colleague, Robyn Ochs. At her numerous public lectures, Ochs was often asked if any corresponding resources existed specifically for bisexual men — a question she got so often that she considered running a special issue of “Bi Women Quarterly” for men. Williams reached out to Ochs in the early stages of that project and, working in collaboration, their plans for a resource devoted exclusively to bisexual men evolved far beyond what they had originally imagined. One of the reasons they were able to
expand the project into a book was the overwhelming response they got from bisexual men. Some community members submitted their writing and artwork; others volunteered to help with editing. “When we put out the call, we got a tremendous amount of response and feedback and people volunteering their time to proofread and copyedit,” Williams said. So far, reaction to the anthology has been overwhelmingly positive. “Recognize” has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award and is a finalist in three different categories for the upcoming Bisexual Book Awards. Those accolades are welcome, but even more pleasing to Ochs and Williams is the feedback they’re getting from ordinary bisexual men. “People are recognizing themselves in the pages and doing so for the first time, and using it as an opportunity to reach out and to engage and find others whom they recognize as their brothers, and I think that that’s a powerful, powerful experience,” Williams said. n For more information about “Recognize,” visit the website of its publisher, the Bisexual Resource Center: www.biresource.net.
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GETTING HER KICKS: Director of LGBT Affairs Nellie Fitzpatrick (second from left) throws the ceremonial first ball on opening day of the spring season April 26 for Stonewall Kickball at Marconi Plaza. Stonewall has raised over $33,000 for various nonprofits across the city, including Mazzoni Center, William Way LGBT Community Center, I’m From Driftwood and GALAEI. Representatives from some of the organizations and mayoral-primary Democratic candidate Jim Kenney were on hand to celebrate the day and thank the sports league. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between April 14-19. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS. INCIDENTS —At 10:15 p.m. April 16, a female stole a purse out of a handbag from another female in the basement of Fogo de Chão, 1337 Chestnut St. The suspect was described as white, age 35-40 with long, dark hair and wearing a white shirt and dark pants. —At 4:10 a.m. April 19, four males punched another male in the face outside 1220 Chancellor St. and stole his iPhone. The victim was intoxicated and unable to provide a description of the assailants or any further information.
SUMMARY ARRESTS —At 7:50 a.m. April 15, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1324 Walnut St. —At 12:30 a.m. April 17, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1316 Walnut St. —At 2:05 and 2:20 a.m. April 19, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses outside 1221 St. James St. and 1200 Chancellor St., respectively. n
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Mazzoni’s Elixir gala returns
NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS —At 11:30 a.m. April 14, Sixth District plainclothes officers Ferrero and Butler observed a male stealing an unattended bicycle at Juniper and Chancellor streets. The 52-year-old suspect with a homeless-shelter address was charged with theft. —At 10:45 p.m. April 14, Central Service Detail officers arrested a 28-year-old homeless man wanted for failure to appear in court outside 1100 Chestnut St. The man was charged with contempt of court.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com This year, Mazzoni Center’s annual gala will commemorate the community organization’s milestone 35th anniversary. Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala will take place 6-11 p.m. May 15 on the Mill House Deck of the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, 640 Waterworks Drive. Tickets are $125; VIP, $250. Sponsored by Walgreens, the event will feature live music, dancing, DJ entertainment, food, open bar, a silent auction and special live performances by Rainere Martin as Donna Summer and Philadelphia Voices of Pride. The 2015 Elixir master of ceremonies is 13-time Emmy Award-winning CBS 3 “Eyewitness News” consumer reporter Jim Donovan. “This event is a great opportunity to give back and celebrate the incredible progress that Mazzoni and the communities it serves have made over the years,” said Elixir co-chair Tom Runkle. Franny Price, executive director of Philly
Pride Presents and longtime community activist and advocate, will be honored with the Gloria Casarez Activist Award. Michael Tambón, aka “Cherry Pop,” also will be honored for his advocacy work for people living with HIV. His drag performances have helped raise awareness and reduce stigma around the disease. “Franny Price and Michael Tambón are remarkable and accomplished individuals,” said Mazzoni Center CEO Nurit Shein. “I believe they each embody Mazzoni Center’s spirit of dedicated service to Philadelphia’s LGBT community, and the promise of a bright future ahead.” Proceeds from the event will support Mazzoni’s wide range of health and wellness services, including primary health-care, mental and behavioral health services, LGBT legal services, HIV and STD testing, foodbank and housing subsidies for families and individuals affected by HIV, support groups, outreach and education. n For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mazzonicenter.org/elixir2015.
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EDITORIAL PGN
Op-Ed
Greg DeShields
The importance of diversity in hospitality and tourism
Editorial
Tipping point The U.S. Supreme Court this week took the next step towards national marriage equality. Oral arguments were held Tuesday before the Supreme Court justices, who are finally being asked to decide whether same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry. Most legal scholars agree that the top court will find such a right and mandate marriage equality across the nation but, no matter which way the court comes down, it is sure to be a historic decision — likened by many as the Brown v. Board of Education or Row v. Wade ruling for the LGBT community. The last big marriage-related decision out of SCOTUS came two years ago, when the court struck down a key portion of the federal ban on same-sex marriage. At that time, the court did not state whether it is unconstitutional to deny marriage benefits to same-sex couples, but rather that the federal government could not deny benefits to couples who were legally married by their respective states. Nearly immediately, the dominos began falling — federal agencies came in line with the ruling and lawsuits began spreading across the nation, followed by a landslide of states joining the list of those that sanction same-sex marriage. When the DOMA decision came down, nine states and Washington, D.C., allowed same-sex marriages; that number now stands at 37 plus D.C. If SCOTUS rules in favor of marriage equality, that landslide could mirror and surpass that of 2013. In Pennsylvania, when a federal judge overturned the state ban on same-sex marriage last spring, we all witnessed how quickly things changed. Within minutes, Philadelphia City Hall opened the doors of its marriage-license office to same-sex couples. Overnight, companies had to start thinking about revising policies and paperwork. Couples who had been wedlocked were able to file for divorce and others who were waiting to start building their families until they had the support of state law behind them were able to move forward. The landscape for same-sex couples changed dramatically with the stroke of a pen — and that’s what could await the entire nation should SCOTUS do what most pundits believe it will. That puts the community at an incredible tipping point; in just a few weeks, our nation’s LGBT community could see its greatest-yet victory. However, as we saw this spring with the onslaught of “religious-freedom” laws, legal victories certainly don’t eradicate homophobia; in some cases, the building acceptance of LGBT rights is mobilizing opposition. If SCOTUS issues a favorable ruling, that opposition is sure to rear its ugly head — and that will mark the next phase of the LGBT-rights movement. Our community’s battles and priorities have evolved for decades, and we could soon find ourselves in another changing tide. But, as long as we’re on the other side of a victory, the next fight will be that much easier to wage. n
One of the most important changes in how the world sees diversity is the recognition that our variety of thoughts, desires and perspectives demand more than “acceptance.” They are fundamental assets that must be embraced. At the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), our definition of diversity would not be complete without this essence of “inclusion.” Recognizing this early on, the PHLCVB became the first convention and visitors bureau to establish a Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC), founded by A. Bruce Crawley and State Rep. Dwight Evans, and known today as PHLDiversity. As a division of the PHLCVB, our bottom line is to increase the city’s share of the meetings and conventions industry and put heads in beds. PHLDiversity was created to ensure that, as these goals are met holistically, meeting and hotel bookings accurately reflect the shifting economic and cultural climate of our country. Diversity is, after all, an ever-evolving portrait and demands ever-evolving practices. While our organization began with a focus on only the African-American market, we soon expanded to include the Hispanic and Latino community. NativeAmerican and Asian-American followed not long after. As each growing population stepped up to claim their niche in the meeting and convention market, PHLDiversity was there to help cultivate the industry standard. As society evolves naturally, so too must we, to identify the emerging markets in need of recognition in all aspects of business. For PHLDiversity, this was addressed by designing a strategy grounded in extensive research. Twenty-five years after MAC’s inception in 1977, the division took on a new story as we sought to more accurately reflect the changing dynamics of our country. Partnering with Temple University’s Fox School of Business in 2013, we commissioned a 110-page study that showed a new way forward, marked by the inclusion of emerging markets — women, international visitors and LGBT audiences. Once these markets were identified, PHLDiversity commissioned a deeper dive in 2014, focusing on growth opportunities and a greater understanding of not just who to reach, but how to reach them. We’ve since adopted a much more methodical approach to analyzing the perception of Philadelphia as a destination and the needs of both meeting planners and attendees. Thirty years ago, the LGBT community’s economic impact may have been profound, but it was not yet clearly defined
or sought after. Up-and-coming LGBT groups meeting at kitchen tables have evolved into organizations like Out and Equal and the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, boasting major conventions and well-formed chapters at every level. Since then, the city has become a mecca for LGBT groups. In 2014, Philadelphia hosted the National Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League’s Gay Bowl XIV and is home to the annual Trans-Health Conference, hosted by Mazzoni Center, and the nationally known Equality Forum. This year, we also hosted the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association’s Sixth Annual LGBT Media Convening. Other major wins, including the 2015 World Meeting of Families and accompanying papal visit, as well as the 2016 Democratic National Convention, will provide opportunities to share Philadelphia’s inclusive ethos on an even greater international platform. It is, however, not just what you know, but who you know. PHLDiversity builds community relationships among visiting organizations and local groups that share a culture and ideals. We work in tandem to create connections for meeting planners, whether this is with the local media, LGBT-owned businesses or political officials. These relationships prove invaluable to groups looking for speakers, exhibitors and ad sponsors, among other suppliers. With a well-represented group of 45 local leaders, often the connections our organizations seek are seated right around our board table. As the PHLCVB, and thus PHLDiversity, continues to evolve, perhaps the most advantageous idea of all is that we do not “define” our markets. We allow them to define themselves, creating a more dynamic vehicle for individuals to express their needs and identities. A Latina lesbian, for example, is more complex than her gender, heritage or orientation, and PHLDiversity’s inclusive approach recognizes that our audiences are more than the sum of their parts. By leading the charge in hospitality-inclusion efforts, PHLDiversity aims to spur the advancement of meetings and conventions in the coming years. We envision an industry in which each interest group feels valued not despite, but because of, its unique perspective, as we work optimistically towards this goal. n Greg DeShields is executive director of the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (PHLDiversity). For more information, visit www.phldiversity.com.
Op-Ed PGN
Recognition in abundance As publisher, let me state my obvious Writing, second place: “Meshell pride in the PGN staff, since they write for Ndegeocello’s New Album Burns the most professionally produced newspaBright” per for the LGBT community in the nation. • Best Arts & Entertainment Writing, honHow can I state that? orable mention: “Runaways Singer to Simple: Our peers in journalism let us Perform in Philly” know it, and this year they’ve done so by • Photo Story, first place: Philly Pride 2014 giving us so many awards, we can’t even by Scott A. Drake list or promote them all. • Spot News Story, first place: While we’re proud of the “Pennsylvania Says ‘I Do’” by awards we get from LGBT Jen Colletta, Angela Thomas, organizations, we are most Scott A. Drake and Sean Dorn proud of those we get from • Editorial Writing, second non-LGBT journalism media place: Jen Colletta or press associations because • Spot News Story, second we’re up against every weekly, place: “City Mourns LGBT or in some cases every newspadirector Gloria Casarez” by Jen per, in the nation. And in that Colletta and Sarah Blazucki field, we can easily say we are • Commentary, third place: the most award-winning news“Mark My Words” by Mark paper for the LGBT community Segal in the nation, period. In addition to these 16 So why write this now? very-recent awards, I want to Because we just won 11 recognize a prestigious honor additional awards from the Mark Segal one of our own also received Local Media Association and last week: Art director Scott A. five from the Society of Professional Drake received the SPJ’s 2014 Sigma Delta Journalists. Among them: Chi Award for Sports Photography — a • Community Service Award, third place first for any LGBT publication in this cat• Best Special Section, second place:World egory. The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date AIDS Day Supplement back to 1932 and are among the premiere • Best Opinion Column, second place: prizes given for professional journalism. Mark My Words Please note that those awards represent • Best Breaking News Story, first place: almost all the departments here at PGN “Pennsylvania Says ‘I Do’” — and it’s why I am so proud of each and • Best Breaking News Story, honorable every one who works so hard each week to mention: “PA Treasurer Enters Marriage put out a product that not only we can take Fray” pride in, but is worthy of being published • Best Local Election Coverage, secin the nation’s most LGBT-friendly city. ond place: Philadelphia 2014 Primary Congrats to my family at PGN. n Election Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the • Best Front Page, second place nation’s most-award-winning commen• Best Non-Page One Layout, second tator in LGBT media. You can follow place: Arts & Culture Feature Story him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ • Best Coverage Life Under 30, first place: MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https:// LGBTQ Youth Supplement twitter.com/PhilaGayNews. • Best Arts & Entertainment Feature
Mark My Words
Transmissions
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
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Street Talk Will you boycott opposite-sex marriages if the Supreme Court rules against same-sex marriages? "Yes, I'd make that commitment. I wouldn't even work as a photographer at straight weddings. And I'd go to Maclyn Bean as many gay photographer weddings as West Philadelphia I could, until marriage equality becomes the law of the land."
"I'm a straight ally. I've been single for most of my adult life, so I don't see myself getting married any Brandon Bishop time soon. woodworker But if my Pittsburgh [straight] friend asked me to attend his wedding, I wouldn't disappoint him just to make a political statement. I wouldn't go to that extreme."
"No. I fully support LGBT rights but I like to go to weddings and celebrate people's unions. I have four weddings Meradith Hadley that I'm dance teacher planning to Baltimore, Md. attend in the next few months. It would be a major upheaval if I canceled those plans."
"I'm sympathetic to the [LGBT] cause but I'm getting married [to a man] in September. I'm not going to boycott my Jennifer own wedding! Witzleben My parents dance teacher would kill Baltimore, Md. me; so would his. The invitations haven't gone out yet, but a significant amount of planning has been finalized. We have the caterer, DJ and venue."
Gwendolyn Ann Smith
Jenner: Haven’t we been here before? This will come as no surprise to you, unless you happen to currently reside under a sizable chunk of stone: On ABC’s “20/20,” reporter Diane Sawyer sat down with former Olympian and current reality-TV show family patriarch Bruce Jenner for an exclusive interview. Following months — even years — of speculation, Jenner finally disclosed that he is in the midst of a gender transition. Jenner’s story is one that in many ways I’d rather not write about. In some ways, writing about it feels like I’m playing into the same sort of “media hype” I want to criticize. It feels hypocritical. At the same time, I feel that I cannot avoid writing about it. There’s more to it, though. I can’t
watch a transgender documentary or interview without it being, well, work. There’s remarkably little that will come up in such a context that is going to be that earth-shatteringly interesting to me. Part of this is because of my own life experience, and I’ll admit that I saw a lot of my own life in Jenner’s history. No, I never competed in the Olympics, let alone received the gold in the decathlon; the specifics are quite different. Nevertheless, I too know what it is like to try to fight one’s transgender yearnings by force-feeding masculinity to yourself. I know the feelings of isolation dealing with this in an era before Internet connectivity, when information was few and far between. I also remember all
too well the pain and hardship that goes hand in hand with the coming-out process. To Jenner’s credit, this was a better interview than many. He — and I should note that Jenner has asked via his publicist to use traditionally masculine pronouns and his birth name for the time being — carried himself well, and managed to control the interview with a fair amount of grace and humor. Sure, there were a few missteps. For example, a rather embarrassing foray to Jenner’s closer to procure a little black dress, and a reply to the question, “What do you look forward to,” when he focused on nail polish. I also have seen more than a few transfolks early in their
own transitions who have said and done similar, only to grit their teeth later on. I’m sure I’ve done the same too. I was especially glad to see him acknowledge some of the larger issues transgender people face, particularly around suicide and murder — while at the same time making it clear that he does not see himself as a transgender spokesperson. Yet, while Jenner did pretty well, Sawyer and the “20/20” production crew fell into so many of the usual traps that accompany the typical transgender interview. She fell into so many of the old, tired stereotypes. The production cuts away to family members to gauge their PAGE 20
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
PGN recently won five SPJ Keystone Spotlight Awards.
PGN
Proud recipient of these 2015 PA Newsmedia Association’s Keystone Press Awards
First Place Scott A. Drake Photo-Story – Philly Pride 2014
Scott A. Drake
Jen Colletta, Angela Thomas, Scott Drake and Sean Dorn Spot New Story – Pennsylvania says ‘I do’
Jen Colletta
Second place—Sports Photo: “Crash Landing”
Honorable mention—Series:
Second Place Jen Colletta Editorial Writing Jen Colletta and Sarah Blazucki Spot News Story – City mourns LGBT director Gloria Casarez
“After prison, one-half of ‘gay-porn twins’ speaks out”
Staff
Honorable mention—Special Project: LGBTQ Youth Supplement
Third Place Mark Segal Commentary – Mark My Words
PGN is the most award-winning LGBT newspaper in the country.
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LEGAL PGN
LGBT equality? Not so fast After coming off a couple years of not a government actor is involved. After strong LGBT-equality wins, the LGBT national outcry by the CEOs of Fortune community is dazed and confused with 100 companies, celebrities and neighborloss after loss at the polls and in state leging states, an amendment was passed that islatures. In the last two months, we’ve bars businesses and individuals from using witnessed a wave of anti-LGBT bills filed the law to refuse employment, housing by state legislators across the country or service to people based on their sexual aimed at enshrining LGBT discrimination orientation. There are currently 21 states under the guise of religious liberty. with RFRAs in place, but Arkansas and As of this week, more than Indiana’s are the first of many 100 anti-LGBT bills have been that will be including these filed in 29 state legislatures, extra clauses, embedding the effectively rolling back so much ability to discriminate into state of the progress we’ve made in laws. the last several years — and all Last week, the Florida House in the name of religion. of Representatives voted 75-38 What makes religious-freeto pass a bill (HB 7111) that dom laws difficult to fight would allow the state’s adopagainst is that they are intention agencies to engage in tionally vague. Critics say that, any kind of discrimination if in recent years, politicians have serving a particular family viochampioned RFRAs precisely lates its “religious or moral for their ambiguity, not in spite or policies.” The Angela convictions state contracts with several of it. RFRAs allow legislators Giampolo private agencies to manage to affect issues from a safe disits child-placement services, tance. The law instructs judges some of which are religiously affiliated. to take religious rights more seriously, Under the bill, the state could not revoke but doesn’t tell them how to rule. AntiLGBT advocates can hide behind a RFRA a license, nor refuse any funding to these agencies, based on their decision not to screaming at the top of their lungs that place children with certain families. they are not discriminating but just restorIn Springfield, MO, the state’s third-larging religion’s place in society. est city, voters repealed an LGBT-inclusive Let’s take a look at just a few of the non-discrimination ordinance. The vote in “non-discriminatory” laws that have been passed recently. Springfield drew passionate campaigners Obviously, we have to start with on both sides, pitting Christians— worried Arkansas and Indiana’s RFRA, which that their faith was being steamrolled— stole the show so far this year. Both states against supporters of LGBT rights, echoing sought to beef up their RFRA with extra recent political battles over religious-freeclauses including “companies” in the dom restoration laws in Indiana and definition of a “person” that is allowed Arkansas. It was a close vote but LGBT to refuse people service, and providing rights lost yet again: With more than 97 companies and people a defense against percent of the votes tallied, 51.4 percent of discrimination in a court of law whether or voters opted to repeal the ordinance, while
Out Law
NEWS BRIEFING from page 2
tried to appeal to board members’ sense of decency and fair play, to no avail. So now we’re considering other options. One thing is certain: We’re not going away.” School-district officials couldn’t be reached for comment.
HIV lawsuit settled A family of three that allegedly was denied services at a Pennsylvania healthcare facility due to HIV/AIDS discrimination has settled its federal lawsuit against the facility. In October 2013, an HIV-positive member of the family allegedly splattered blood in a restroom of Diamantoni & Associates Family Practice’s medical office in Quarryville. The family member denies splattering blood in the restroom, according to court records. But the medical practice denied further services to the family on the basis of safety. The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania
filed suit on behalf of the family last year. The case was settled April 20 for an undisclosed amount of money for the family, along with the development of antibias policies and staff training at the health-care facility. Ronda B. Goldfein, executive director of the law project, served as counsel for the plaintiffs. “Blood on an inanimate surface can’t cause HIV infection,” Goldfein said. “The take-home message is that bodily fluids on any surface should be cleaned. I think that’s self-explanatory. But they don’t present an HIV-infection risk.” Adrian M. Lowe served as co-counsel for the plaintiffs and added: “It’s important for health-care professionals, as well as the general public, to understand how HIV is transmitted, so they can respond based on science, not fear.” A spokesperson for the health-care facility couldn’t be reached for comment. n
— Timothy Cwiek
48.5 percent voted to retain the measure. Even Guam is getting in on the action. Two women in Guam who have been together for 28 years were denied a marriage license. Because Guamanian law restricts marriage to opposite-sex couples, many same-sex couples have flown to Hawaii and even to continental states on the West Coast rather than challenge the law on their home island. The women filed a lawsuit against the Department of Public Health and Social Services’ Office of Vital Statistics; their argument is, since the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over that court and has previously ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, they should be entitled to marry as well. Guam’s attorney general agrees and directed officials to immediately begin processing same-sex-marriage applications, putting the island on course to be the first U.S. territory to allow gay marriage. But Leo Casil, the acting director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services, said that government officials won’t accept applications “until further notice.” As his basis for not complying with the attorney general, Casil pointed to the fact that he simply received a letter, not a legal opinion. And then there’s Louisiana. I don’t know how they have managed to avoid the corporate and political backlash that Indiana and Arkansas suffered but, so far, they have. Governor Bobby Jindal (R), a possible 2016 presidential contender, following on the heels of contentious religious-freedom bills in Indiana and Arkansas, supports his state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. And whereas Indiana and Arkansas had versions of RFRA, which included broad language that critics have said could have unintended consequences, Louisiana is amid passing a “Marriage and FORUM from page 5
ger and better,” Gonzalez said. The organizers have succeeded in expanding the size and scope of SEXx Interactive — and without losing sight of what originally brought them together. The activists, academics and artists participating in SEXx want the event to act as a corrective to what they view as a generally sex-negative culture, said Gonzalez. “This is a space that really shines light on the need for having sex-positive conversations, sex-positive spaces and really helping folks not only learn through their mind but also experience it through their bodies and through their hearts, because sexuality is dynamic,” she added. SEXx Interactive is designed to engage attendees on many levels. One example is the way that presentations are identified as Body, Heart and Mind, three broad categories that represent primary ways in which sexuality affects everyone. Another way organizers are attempting to connect with attendees is by includ-
Conscience Act.” The act is more focused and deals specifically with religious beliefs in relation to same-sex marriage, making it more difficult for opponents to beat back. It explicitly and sweepingly excludes and stigmatizes same-sex couples. Under the act, employers could deny same-sex spouses marriage benefits; licensed professionals could refuse services to samesex couples; state contractors could refuse to hire gays and lesbians; and even state officials — such as judges — could refuse official recognition to same-sex marriages. To me, Louisiana’s bill is actually worse than other states’ versions because it explicitly allows discrimination based on an individual’s religious beliefs about marriage. Nobody gets to go into court for a balancing test; there’s no interpretation by a state judicial system. It flat-out gives individuals a right to discriminate. I worry that the LGBT community has become complacent after the slew of victories we’ve enjoyed. Even more, I’m concerned that the new generation of LGBT young people and their allies won’t have their guard up and won’t be as incensed as previous generations to keep fighting for our rights. Bigotry disguised as religious liberty is still bigotry, and the next few decades will be an unfortunate battle between people attempting to preserve their religious liberties and others attempting to gain equal rights under the Constitution. n Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law Group, maintains offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT law, business law, real-estate law and civil rights. Her website is www.giampololaw.com and she maintains two blogs, www.phillygaylawyer.com and www.lifeinhouse.com. Send Angela your legal questions at angela@giampololaw.com.
ing cool, sexy events in the schedule. They hope people will come for the talks and stick around for the fun. After a day of learning and networking, participants may want to get their groove on at Back 2 Basics, the Stimulus dance party at Tabu; others can explore darker desires at the Aviary, a kinky play party taking place at William Way, to name just two ancillary events. What unites the disparate elements of SEXx Interactive is the goal of sexual empowerment. As Gonzalez sees it, that concern extends from an individual’s personal sexual pleasure to matters of social justice affecting everyone. “Sexual empowerment also means giving people permission to have agency over our own bodies and to experience and express sexuality in a way that is appropriate for each of us,” Gonzalez said. n To register for SEXx Interactive or learn about volunteer opportunities and scholarships, visit www.sexxinteractive.com. n
PGN
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ing with the 50th-anniversary celebration,” she said, “but the time frame was just too short.” Plans now are for the mural to be completed in time to dedicate it in October, coinciding with LGBT History Month, National Coming Out Day the one-year anniversary of Casarez’s passing, and with the annual raising of the rainbow flag at City Hall, a celebration that was championed by Casarez. Casarez’s wife, Tricia Dressel, said the idea is “awesome” and that she looks forward to the start of the project this summer. “I am so grateful to Mayor Nutter, Everett Gillison and Jane Golden for making this project happen,” Dressel said. “It’s our hope that this mural will serve as a
place for friends and colleagues to celebrate Gloria’s life and legacy, and also a point of inspiration for community members and especially young people.” Dressel said the artist selected for the mural, Michelle Angela Ortiz, was one of Casarez’s favorites and that Gloria took photos of Ortiz’s mural on Sixth Street. only weeks before she died. That mural, “Aqui y Alla,” is located at 1515 S. Sixth St. Over $30,000 has been raised for the mural so far. How much is ultimately needed won’t be known until the site is determined. Landau said about the project: “This is exciting. This is a wonderful way to blend LGBT and civil rights in one place. It will be a great legacy.” n
the same–sex parents who want the dignity While same-sex marriage is legal in of being married. In response to the conservative justices’ 36 states, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee are fighting to uphold their bans. “who decides” question, Mary Bonauto, who Both the conservative and liberal justices represented the gay couples in the first part acted predictably in their questioning while of the arguments, reframed the question in they listened to the arguments. But their dif- her closing statement with stunning clarity. “The choice is not between the court ferences in opinion seemed to boil down to and the state,” said Bonauto, “but instead a few key ideological differences. whether the individThe conservative justices expressed “The choice is not between ual can decide who c o n c e r n a b o u t the court and the state, but to marry, or whether the government will trumping a state’s right to decide for instead whether the individ- decide for him.” Many expect the itself and redefin- ual can decide who to marry, vote to come down to ing the institution of marriage as it has or whether the government Justice Kennedy and perhaps Chief Justice been known for the will decide for him.” Roberts. better part of “a milLegal pundits lennia,” according to advise that people not read too much into Justice Kennedy. Yet Justice Ginsburg pointed out that the justices’ questions, though conventional recent changes in the institution of mar- wisdom would suggest that a ruling not in riage — namely its transformation into an favor of marriage equality would seriously egalitarian institution rather than “one dom- complicate the court’s previous ruling in the inated by the male partners who determined Windsor case, and undermine the message where and how the couple would live”— it sent when it refused to stay state bans as they fell across the country last year. made it appropriate for same-sex couples. A decision is expected at the end of June. The liberal justices also raised questions about the fundamental right to marry, and n
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
City of Philadelphia Public Hearing Notice
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at 10:00 AM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following items: 150375
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, the Director of Commerce, and other officials of the City to execute or approve various agreements and other matters by and among the City, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, and others relating to the redevelopment, operation, and maintenance of properties located on the north side of Market Street between 8th and 11th Streets in the City and commonly known as the Gallery Mall; all under certain terms and conditions.
150376
An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating certain sub-surface portions of Market Street east of Ninth Street, Tenth Street between Market Street and Filbert Street, and Eleventh Street between Market Street and Filbert Street, and by striking from said City Plan and vacating certain aerial portions of Ninth Street between Market Street and Filbert Street and Tenth Street between Market Street and Filbert Street; and authorizing the conveyance of such struck and vacated areas, together with certain areas previously struck and vacated; all under certain terms and conditions.
150377
An Ordinance authorizing the construction, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments into the right-of-way of Market Street, Filbert Street, 11th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street and 8th Street, and authorizing the assignment of certain rights with respect to an overhead pedestrian bridge above Filbert Street west of the house line of Ninth Street to be assigned, all under certain terms and conditions.
150378
An Ordinance approving the ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Market Street East Urban Renewal Area, including the second amendment to the urban renewal plan, which provides, inter alia, for the rehabilitation of the Gallery at Market East as a first class mixed use retail center.
150379
An Ordinance amending Section 14-502 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/CTR, Center City Overlay,” by adding a new subsection entitled “Market Street East Retail Area,” relating to accessory signs; amending Section 14-906, entitled “Market Street East Sign Regulations,” relating to accessory and non-accessory signs; and making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
150307
Resolution reappointing Peter C. Rothberg, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
150308
Resolution reappointing Sheryl Bar, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
150309
Resolution reappointing Harvey Spear, to the Board of Directors for the Old CitySpecial Services District.
150310
Resolution appointing Leo Addimando, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
150311
Resolution reappointing Chris Terlizzi, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
150312
Resolution reappointing Ernest Jones, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
150313
Resolution reappointing Harold Epps, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
150314
Resolution reappointing Larry Howard, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
150315
Resolution appointing Peter Soens, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
150316
Resolution appointing Julie Coker, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
150390
Resolution Approving (i) that certain Amended and Restated Lease and Redevelopment Agreement between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and PR Gallery I Limited Partnership for 833 Market street, 901 Market street and 905 Market street; (ii) that certain Amended and Restated Lease and Redevelopment Agreement between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and Keystone Philadelphia Properties, LP for 1001-1019 Market street; (iii) that certain Amended and Restated Lease and Redevelopment Agreement between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and Keystone Philadelphia Properties, LP for 1025 Market street, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Market Street East Urban Renewal Area, including certain air rights and other property included in the aforementioned Amended and Restated Lease and Redevelopment Agreements; authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute the aforementioned Amended and Restated Lease and Redevelopment Agreements with PR Gallery I Limited Partnership and Keystone Philadelphia Properties, LP, as applicable, and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the aforementioned Amended and Restated Lease and Redevelopment Agreements.
SUPREMES from page 1
TRIAL from page 1
LGBT bias at Anapol, according to Downs, included offensive stereotypical comments about gay men: a preoccupation with oral sex, a lack of stability and a propensity to drink alcohol and prey on children. Rather than putting an end to such workplace bias, Anapol officials allegedly besmirched Downs’ character and reputation to Raynes officials. But defense attorney Gaeton J. Alfano painted a very different portrait of Downs. Alfano told jurors that Downs made an unreasonable request of $80,000 from an Anapol official in March 2012, told the official to keep it a secret and also threatened to sue the firm for discrimination if he didn’t get the money. Alfano said Downs betrayed the trust of Anapol officials and that they acted responsibly by informing Raynes officials of his behavior. “Our case is about telling the truth,” Alfano told jurors. “The only thing my cli-
ents did — putting aside fancy terms like tortious interference — is that they told the truth.” The trial is expected to last about 10 days. In August, another trial is set to begin in federal court on the discrimination and retaliation components of Downs’ case. Downs, 45, said he’s eager to be vindicated at both trials, but that he sees himself more as a survivor and not a victim. He said the actions of Anapol and Raynes officials had a devastating effect on his career, but that he’s also looking to the future with optimism. “I’ve picked up the pieces as best I can, and I’m moving on,” Downs said. He’s currently employed at a law firm in Delaware County that he says is very supportive. But he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of working at Raynes someday, if he receives another job offer. “I’ve seen attitudes [about LGBT people] change over the years,” he said. n
Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 10:00 AM
Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee of the Whole, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed items. Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.
Michael Decker Chief Clerk
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
PGN TRANSMISSIONS from page 11
approval and disapproval, and to talk about Jenner’s father and what he might have said. They pulled out Deuteronomy 23:5 from the Bible and clips from Fox News. We are treated to B-roll images of women putting on makeup in mirrors. Meanwhile, a lot of Sawyer’s questions and discussion fell along traditional lines. It’s all about stereotypes: how masculine Jenner was, especially in the Olympics era, was a large part of her narrative. Meanwhile, she often tried to boil it down to makeup, or clothing, or surgery. At one point, Sawyer tells Jenner, incredulously, “I hate makeup. I hate getting dressed up. You’re looking forward to this?” I certainly hope she does not think that womanhood simply equates to makeup, clothing and other such superficial things. Yes, I also wear makeup, but not because I think foundation and eye shadow make me a woman. I see it as more of a means to an end, something that helps others see who I am. Yet this is what the media reduces us to, every single time a story like this airs. Now, do I think this was an important moment, this two-hour interview? Yes and no. That this episode was the highest-rated in years for “20/20,” and that every news outlet has yet to stop talking about it, says something. Rather than halting all the rabid speculation of the last few months, this seems to have further ignited the interest. What’s more, I think this may well change some lives. Some may understand transgender people better in the wake of this. Some will learn a thing or two. It may help some young transgender people to understand themselves better. So, yes, this may well help. Yet, this is a bit more of what I was alluding to above when I discussed this not being particularly earth-shattering. Jenner is nowhere near the first high-profile gender transition. This is part of a very long line of transgender people in the media spotlight. Christine Jorgensen in the 1950s, Jan Morris, Wendy Carlos, Renee Richards in the 1970s, Caroline “Tula” Cossey in the 1980s and many others predate Jenner by decades, while so many others have been in the spotlight in recent years. All of these people have gone through the same questions, and more, from the media. So here we go again. This leaves me wondering: Why do we still have to go through these interviews? What is it we’re not saying and what isn’t getting through to people when we share our stories? Perhaps that will be when I’ll truly be surprised: when a high-profile celebrity transitions and it doesn’t require an interview. n Gwen Smith hopes Jenner stays strong and enjoys the ride. You’ll find her on Twitter at @gwenners.
pGN
International Tokyo Pride celebrates LGBT rights An estimated 2,000 people marched through the LGBT-friendly Shibuya district of Tokyo on April 26. Shibuya became the first part of Japan to allow partnership registration for same-sex couples this year. It’s part of a slow growth of awareness of LGBT issues in the largely socially conservative country. Parade organizer Fumino Sugiyama said this shift in attitudes was noticeable in the public’s reaction to the parade. “The mood is definitely different this year. All the flyers or other goods we have prepared for visitors are disappearing like mad. Since sexuality is something invisible, the issue of LGBT people tends to be
regarded as nonexistent unless they make their voices heard. The purpose of this event is to make LGBT people visible, but do it in a cheerful, funny way.” Kazumi Nakamura married his Dutch husband in the Netherlands, and wants the people of his home country to be able to enjoy the same rights. “We’re not asking for the legalization of same-sex marriages in Japan so we can destroy something. Rather, we’re merely asking to create something new so we can be a part of society.” On April 24, Tim Johnson and Ryan Parkins became the first diplomats to have a same-sex wedding at the British embassy in Tokyo. The couple invited Japanese media to attend the ceremony in a bid to promote the British view of same-sex marriage. In a statement, the couple said: “Each country must develop its LGBT policies at their own pace. We’ve invited selected Japanese guests and media to our samesex wedding so that Japan can see the UK’s policy of diversity and inclusion. The wedding ceremony is just the beginning — we’re also excited about spending the rest of our lives together.” As well as exchanging rings, the couple
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
took part in the kagami biraki ceremony, traditionally performed at Japanese weddings, in which they broke open a cask of sake, with the help of British Ambassador Tim Hitchens. A Japanese lesbian couple held a symbolic wedding ceremony earlier this month. Politicians across Japan have made plans to look into LGBT rights in the run-up to the Tokyo Olympics. Last year, Japan’s First Lady made a surprise appearance at the parade.
Kenya: Court orders gov’t to register LGBT group A Kenyan court has ordered a government agency that regulates nongovernmental organizations to recognize and register a human-rights group seeking to protect the rights of gay people in the country. The three judges of the High Court said in their ruling April 27 that the Kenyan constitution recognizes and protects the rights of minorities. The NonGovernmental Organization Co-ordination Board had refused to register the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual Intersex QueerKenya rights group on religious and moral
grounds. The attorney general, the NGO Board and other parties had opposed the registration of the gay association, but the judges said the Kenyan Constitution does not allow limitation of rights on moral or religious grounds.
Russian court rules against fired gay teacher A St. Petersburg court has ruled against a homosexual music teacher who lost her job after being outed by an antigay activist. Ksenia Kirichenko, the lawyer for a gayrights organization that’s representing the teacher, said April 23 that the court refused the teacher’s demand to be reinstated. The teacher, who would agree to be identified only by her first name, Alevtina, is one of several gay teachers who lost jobs in St. Petersburg after being targeted by the activist. While most resigned quietly, Alevtina decided to fight her dismissal in court — an unusual step in Russia, where gays have faced increasing pressure in recent years. Kirichenko said the teacher planned to file an appeal. n
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Cartoon Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly
Page Page Page Page Page
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Than
Life
WiLna Hervey in “KatrinKa and tHe tea taBLe” and “KatrinKa tiPs tHe troLLey”
Giving voice to a silent-film star By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
along the Schuylkill River in what is now West Norriton Township and was one of the giants in the silent-film industry of the early Wilna Hervey’s story takes her from the 20th century. One of Betzwood’s own larger-than-life Bronx to Pennsylvania to Woodstock to California to Florida and many places in figures was Hervey, who stood at 6-foot-3 between — and, nearly all the time, Nan and weighed 300 pounds. In 1919, Hervey was cast as The Powerful Katrinka in the Mason was by her side. The women were a couple for nearly 60 “Toonerville Trolley” comedy series, which years, having met through Hervey’s work was based on a comic strip of the time. “I was watching the ‘Toonerville’ films and as a silent-film star and going on to become that’s where I discovered Wilna prominent, accepted leaders in arts Hervey. She has a way of standcircles during the first half of the ing out,” Eckhardt said. “But 20th century. she was so intriguing. Here’s One local professor and silentthis enormous woman, with a film aficionado is now looking to very innocent look. I started to raise the curtain on the couple’s look into it and ask, Who is this life and legacy. woman? Where did she come Joseph Eckhardt, 70, an emerfrom and what happened to her? itus professor of history at As quickly as she appears in the Montgomery County Community aUtHor JosePH movies, she seems to disappear.” College, has been researching the eCKHardt Eckhardt said it wasn’t history of the local silent-movie easy to find information on industry for more than 35 years and began studying Hervey about eight years Hervey. She didn’t use her family name and ago. Eckhardt recently published “Living the name she did use was often misspelled. He located a woman who lived in Large: Wilna Hervey and Nan Mason,” a dual biography that will serve as a companion Woodstock, N.Y., who remembered both piece to the annual Betzwood Film Festival Hervey and Mason, and he later hit the jackpot May 9 in Blue Bell, which this year will focus when he found the “Wilna and Nan Papers” at the Archives of American Art in Washington, on Hervey. Eckhardt, who is gay, is the founder of the D.C. “I hightailed it to D.C. to look through Betzwood Film Archives, a digital history of the Betzwood Film Studios. The company, the papers. It was a treasure trove,” Eckhardt founded by Siegmund Lubin, was located said. “Wilna was a packrat; she never threw
anything away, literally. There were horror stories of people who cleaned out their house after Nan died but, fortunately, they saved what Wilna saved and donated all of the letters and materials.” The archives contained thousands of letters between the women. “It was their story, in raw form,” Eckhardt said. Hervey was born to a music instructor and his wealthy wife, surrounded by material possessions as a child but few friends. Mason was the daughter of vaudeville actors who frequently moved throughout her upbringing. In 1920, Mason was working as a stenographer and engaged to a man when she moved to Pennsylvania to live with her father, a “Toonerville” actor, until her wedding. That’s when she met Hervey. “Both women had men in their lives when they first met and that fell by the wayside. It was conceivable that, without one another, Wilna would have continued her affair with a tempestuous Hungarian strong-man and Nan would have become the conventional, but unhappy, wife and mother,” Eckhardt said. “Their relationship transformed them. I think Nan was liberated by Wilna; she freed her to do things, try things. Conversely, Wilna’s mercurial nature was toned down by Nan. She kept her feet on the ground because Nan insisted on that. They had a wonderful relationship, which they each brought something different to.”
Hervey and nan Mason in 1924 When Betzwood folded in 1921, Wilna and the Masons headed to California for new film ventures and the women ultimately headed back east, where they moved in together in Woodstock and set to work pursuing their artistic interests. Through his research, Eckhardt said he found the couple was well-covered in the New York press from the 1930s-’50s. “They became a high-profile couple in every sense of the word early on,” he said, noting that the women didn’t think of their relationship as something to hide or flaunt. “They would be incredulous at the idea of being ‘in’ or ‘out.’ That’s the kind of people they were. I don’t think it occurred to them that people might raise an eyebrow about the fact that they were a couple.” That being said, however, Hervey and Mason had found the perfect place to live. “If they tried to live in Podunk, Kentucky, in the ’20s, their story would have been very different. But Woodstock was a laidback community, full of eccentrics, PaGe 26
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
PGN FEATURE
as a couple, how they evolved and the arc of as it is to this day. People didn’t bother anyone their story together.” about what anyone else did, as long as they This was not Eckhardt’s first book-writing didn’t hurt anybody. That was the atmosphere venture: In 1997, he wrote “The King of the they lived in. They became beloved members Movies: Film Pioneer Siegmund Lubin,” a profile of Betzwood’s founder, as well as the of their community.” They also spent time in California, and 2011 biography “So Bravely and So Well: were often shuttling back and forth between The Life and Art of William T. Trego.” He is the two arts communities, befriending such currently collaborating on a full-length docunoted film figures as Frank Capra and artists mentary film about Lubin. Four of Hervey’s silent like Eugene Speicher and Henry films will be shown at the May Lee McFee. 9 film festival at Montgomery “They lived in bubbles, I guess County Community College you could say,” Eckhardt said. in Blue Bell, with live musical “And I don’t think they were accompaniment, mirroring the doing that to seek out a comfilm-watching customs of the munity where they would be ’20s. Eckhardt will give a lecaccepted; it was just, as artists, ture before the screenings about these were the perfect places for Hervey and Mason and sign copthem to live.” Hervey and ies of his book afterward. Over the years, the women Mason in the Through all the work he respectively took on various arts 1960’s invested in the project over the last endeavors, from watercolors several years, Eckhardt noted, the to switch-plate enamels. In the 1960s, they purchased a home in Florida, most impactful takeaway was the depth and where they spent winters and worked prolifi- dynamic of his subjects’ relationship, a topic cally in their studio; from the mid-’60s on, not that he said could be interesting to a vast audia year passed without one of them winning an ence. “They had a wonderful relationship and award for their artwork. Following several years of declining health, were extremely devoted to one another. Had Hervey died in 1979 in Florida, leaving her they not met, their lives would have been very estate to Mason, whom she called her “friend different,” he said. “I think silent-film fans of years” in her will. Mason died three years would be intrigued by the story, as well as people interested in art, because both women later. Eckhardt said the most challenging aspect turned out some really unique pieces. Then of penning the dual biography — which con- there’s the inside view of Woodstock as a tains 180 vintage images depicting the wom- phenomenon and there’s obviously a draw for en’s lives together and their artwork — was the LGBT community, who can learn about condensing their nearly six decades into a this previously unknown couple who had a remarkably happy and peaceful life as a samedigestible recounting. “The hardest thing was finding a path sex couple.” n through it. The book could’ve been 10 times longer based on the material I had available,” The Betzwood Film Festival begins 8 p.m. May he said. “I like to think of writing this book as 9 at 340 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell. Guests taking a trip: You get on the road and you have can enter the parking lot off Morris Road and to stay on the road to get to a certain place by proceed to the Science Center Theater in the a certain time, and it’s tempting to take side Science Center Building. Tickets can be purroads and see wonderful things but, if you do, chased by phone at 215-641-6518 or at the you’ll never get where you’re going. I came to door. For more information, visit mc3betzwood. the conclusion I had to keep the focus on them wordpress.com/betzwood-film-festival/. HERVEY from page 25
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Family Portrait
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
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Suzi Nash
Jeff Balke: All the colors of the superhero rainbow I admit I don’t know much about comics outside of lusting after Betty and Veronica and Storm when I was a budding teenage lesbian. But I keep seeing articles about different comic characters coming out of the closet. Apparently Batwoman now has a fiancé, Maggie Sawyer; the Young Avengers feature several gay teens; Marvel’s leading gay hero, Northstar, celebrated the first same-sex superhero wedding in Marvel history; and there’s even a gay power couple, Apollo and Midnighter. If you want to find out who’s out or just want to get your geek on, Wizard World Comic Con is the place to be. This week we spoke to out artist and special convention guest Jeff Balke, who has colored interiors and covers for more than 150 comics with companies such as Zenescope, Image, After Hours Press and Antarctic Press. He won the 2011 Shel Dorf Award for “Coloring of the Year” and has been nominated a few times for the Eagle Award for “Favorite Colorist.” Balke and his husband, Brandon, have their own company and comic-book series called Urban Legends. He’s also come up with something called “Sketch Coloring” that has made him a hit at conventions across the country. PGn: So what do you do and what does it mean? JB: First and foremost I’m a colorist, which means that I’m the guy that puts the color into the comics. I bring out all the colors so that you know who is who. You know it’s Spiderman when you see the red and blue, that kind of stuff. That’s basically the guy that I am. To me, this is probably one of the best businesses in the world to get into because you work for yourself for the most part. You have editors, you have bosses, but they pretty much leave you alone. They just say, “OK, you’re working on so and so, make sure you use these colors for this costume.” You just make it look good and if not, it gets returned to you and they just don’t pay you. [Laughing] It’s that simple! So yeah, it’s an awesome industry. And I just fell into it … Oh my God, when the hell did I fall into it? Well, my first book came out in 2007 and it was an all-ages book and oh, we couldn’t get rid of that book, couldn’t even give it away. It was called “Foxwood Falcons” and it was the wrong time for that particular kind of book to come out. I think I still have a few copies and [laughs] … Oh my God, I’m in Wisconsin and it’s snowing out! What the hell is that all about? It’s April! I’m pissed! PGn: Oh my, Mother Nature is not happy. JB: I know! So, I started out on MySpace many years ago, when MySpace was very popular. I put up some black and
white pictures that I drew myself. People seemed to like them but they wanted to see more colored stuff. But I hated coloring, hated it with a passion! And I was like, Guys, I don’t want to do this blah, blah, blah, but I did one picture, Spiderman, because it was only two-three colors and everyone went crazy over it. They apparently loved the style I did, so I tried a couple more and then a few professionals who found me on MySpace liked my style and gave me some prints to work on. I quickly built up a portfolio and the ripple effect began. Two years later I started working with a company called Zenescope and was there for five years, actually up until this year. I’m about to hit the 200 mark for comic books that I’ve worked on. PGn: For a novice like me, I look at a comic book and don’t really notice a difference from one to another, but when I was with my nephew and former portrait Jacob Glickman and they started geeking out on me, one, I could barely tell what language they were speaking and, two, they were going on about the different artists and lettering and colorists, etc. By the way, Jacob was the one who suggested I speak to you; thanks, Jacob! But tell me what makes you stand out and makes people appreciate your work. JB: People tell me all the time that what I do is important because you really need a colorist make the book come to life. Some books are black and white but when a colorist is involved, it makes it even more special because you can see the depth; every single panel becomes something you could print off and be like, Wow, this could be a framed piece of art. Depending on the book of course. PGn: Ah, but what makes your particular work different? JB: At the last convention that I was at a week and a half ago, people said that I have an old-school feel with but with a 2014 or ’15 bright twist. Which means that I don’t like all that 3D kind of imaging, that painted style; I’m more nostalgic, I guess. I like the comic-book feel of a book: Comic books are supposed to be what they are, they’re supposed to take you out of reality. I don’t want to color a book or even paint a book that reminds you of everyday life. [Laughing] I go through life on a daily basis — I want to escape it! PGn: According to my trusted news source, “Law and Order: SVU,” the gaming world is supposed to be very misogynistic and homophobic, but it seems the comic world is a little more gay-friendly. JB: It’s gotten a lot better in recent years, it really has. There were a couple
of people in the business who came out three-four years ago who’d been around for years, though I can’t remember their names. And now that things are finally changing in the world at large, more and more people are coming out. As for me, I never really came out. If someone asked me if I was gay, I’d tell them straight up, “Yes, I am.” I’ve never been ashamed of it. And in fact, the person who is always with me at the shows is my husband. Our one-year wedding anniversary is tomorrow! And right after that we’re going to a big convention in Chicago. Last year at that show we’d just gotten married, and so many people came up to us to congratulate us. People bought us flowers and gifts; it was so cool. Things have changed so much and people are respecting the gay lifestyle. They’re recognizing that we’re not looking for something special, we just want equality. My straight friends tell me, “You should be able to get married and be just as miserable as us!” Ha! I’m not miserable, but OK!
got a ton of supportive messages from everyone. PGn: That’s great. So how did you get started with comic books? JB: I was born in Chicago and grew up in the suburbs. I was a pretty solitary kid, kind of a loner, and all of my friends were the same way. We’d play every so often but mostly we kept to ourselves after school was out. One time a couple of my friends were talking about different Marvel and DC characters — this was in sixth grade — and all I knew were Spiderman and Superman and the main characters. They were going on and on about this one with this super power and that one who could do that and I was like, “Oh my God, you guys are geeks!” But it actually sounded pretty cool, so I went to my very first comic store and bought my first comic book — The Fantastic Four #188 — and I was hooked. From that moment on, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and started doing artwork. All throughout high school, my work was published in magazines, businesses, banners, brochures, fliers and schools. PGn: Were you artistic at all before that? JB: Kind of; like most kids at a young age, I doodled with pretty much anything you put in my hand — crayons, markers, pens, pencils, chalk, rock on pavement. Nothing could have made me happier. And my dad was an artist, not professionally or anything but whenever I had to do a school project, he’d always help out with artwork; he and my mom were very creative. He worked as an elevator repairman and she worked as a secretary or legal assistant.
PGn: Did you face any homophobia when you started out? JB: There was one company, but they went away a long time ago. They were asking me about my wife or girlfriend and I told them that I didn’t have one. They responded that my MySpace page said that I was engaged and I said, “Yes, but it’s to a man.” And they immediately said, “Oh no, we can’t have that here, you can’t work with us.” I got so ticked that I put them on blast on MySpace and
PGn: When did you realize that you were gay? JB: I was very young, in the single digits. I didn’t know what it was, but I Photo: Suzi Nash always remember finding guys attractive. I probably officially came out about 1996, and I was with my husband for 13 years before we got married. PGn: Back to the comics: How do you do what you do? JB: It’s all on computers now. There are images drawn by hand and then they’re scanned in and sent over; I do all the coloring in PhotoShop PaGe 38
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
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Maria Bello: To Philly with love By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Norristown native Maria Bello may be known for her roles in films such as “A History of Violence” and “The Cooler,” but she garnered considerable attention for her essay, “Coming Out as a Modern Family,” when it appeared in the “Modern Love” column in the New York Times. In the essay, Bello explained how she told her son Jack about her relationship with Clare, her best friend. His response: “Whatever, Mom, love is love.” Bello uses this phrase as the title of her new book, a collection of essays that question labels and identity. In a recent phone interview, Bello spoke about her life, work and family. PGN: How did the success of your magazine story about being “whatever” change your life and visibility? MB: After the New York Times article, I had so many people saying, “I’m a whatever” or “I have a whatever family.” It was a duty or responsibility; I think people want to talk about labels to see if they empower us or disempower us. I am proud to be a part of the LGBTW community that fights to love whoever you love and marry who you want to marry. “Whatever” identifies as anything. There is a lack of restriction. I see that with a lot of traditional labels, which don’t fit a lot of people anymore, especially in terms of family and partnership. PGN: You write rather painfully, and quite candidly, about the struggles you have experienced over the course of your life. What coping skills have you found to be effective? Laughter seems to be the one you most advocate. MB: There are not many people who go throughout life without having trouble. I can’t answer questions, but I question for myself, and it’s what to do with that pain. I turn my pain into compassion, and to do that, I had to learn to accept what happened, that I am in the right place, doing the right thing. Take that pain and turn it into compassion. For myself, and my family, it was about acknowledging where my father’s pain came from and understanding mental illness, and addiction, and learning to forgive others and forgive ourselves.
PGN: What can you say about the characters you play? Your role in “Downloading Nancy” affected me deeply. Are the characters you play an extension of your life? MB: “Downloading Nancy” was one of my favorite films. I do believe all the parts I play are some other person. There are hundreds of crevices of pain and joy from my past. I draw on the pieces that character possesses. For Nancy, I’m sure I drew from my suicidal experiences and from my bipolar disorder. I didn’t create her, I was her at some point. PGN: You mention shame often in the book. How do you feel you have been able to transform your shame into pride? MB: Let’s go back to the old adage that the truth will set you free. Everyone is not going to like you. Including, perhaps, your own mother and father. But if you get to your true essence, you can change the people around us, and change policy. The opposite of shame
mother, who taught us about signs. Angels were looking out for us. If you look for signs, they will be there. Turn superstition into “super.” I talk about being “enough” in the book. I realize my only soul mate and partner is myself — and God, whoever you call God, even if you don’t believe in God. The universe is so much bigger than we are.
is pride, and by owning the labels that empower us and getting rid of the labels that disempower us, we create pride. The only thing I can say to folks is “to be your own self.” Everything positive comes from that. The basis is love. Whatever … love is love. I wanted to belong to a club based in love. PGN: You look for signs throughout the book. Why do you place such emphasis on fate, or is it faith? MB: That’s not something I learned from growing up Catholic. I learned it from my
PGN: I like your reflections on growing up in Philadelphia and working at the Jersey shore. What can you say about your connection to the city? MB: When people ask me where I’m from, I never say I’m Italian or Polish, I say I’m from Philly. We have such a particular culture, the love of our Eagles, and food. It’s a culture and heritage I relate to. My son is from Los Angeles but he’s from Philly, too. At the Jersey shore [my family] had a pizzeria; I fell in love for the first time there. In Sea Isle, there was Johnson’s Popcorn. When I go back, we have to make a trip to the Ocean City boardwalk. New Jersey fudge is the best! My family sends it out to me. You cannot get a great cheesesteak in L.A. You can’t get a proper hoagie here! n Maria Bello will read from “Whatever … Love Is Love” 7 p.m. May 1 at Driscoll Auditorium at Villanova University, 1 p.m. May 2 at the Barnes & Noble in Devon and 1 p.m. May 3 at PAT@Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
PGn
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
Neil Gaiman The fantasy/sci-fi writer and graphic novelist makes a live appearance 8 p.m. May 2 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215922-1011.
Theater & Arts And the Word Is … The Gershman Y hosts an exhibition exploring religious text in contemporary art through May 14, 401 S. Broad St.; 215-5454400.
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Beethoven’s First The Philadelphia Orchestra performs May 7-9 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Bernstein’s MASS The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through May 3 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Brownsville Song (B-Side For Tray) Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a story about a family dealing with the aftermath of a tragic loss from urban violence, May 1-31 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215985-0420. Footwerx: Tapping Through the Decades Philadelphia’s premiere tap company performs 7:30 p.m. May 2 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.
Repairs, Renovations and Remodeling Hello Dolly
(215) 467-3335 Pa. HIC #026545 Phila. Lic. #17895
“Our” Family Plumber for over 30 years
A Night of Readings by Queer Artists of Color Queer artists of color share their work, 7-10 p.m. May 2 at Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane; 215-844-1870.
Media Theater presents the popular musical through May 24, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. I Love A Piano Walnut Street Theatre presents a production fea-
LET’S GO CRAZY: With her latest club hit “Crazy” packing dance floors, dance/pop singer Erika Jayne comes to Philly to get her diva on when she performs her hits, midnight May 8 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. For more information, call 215-735-5772.
turing the music of Irving Berlin through June 28 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. Ink and Gold: Art of the Kano Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition highlighting the artistry of the esteemed Kano painters, through May 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Kate Breakey: Small Deaths An exhibition of hand-colored, oversized images of the birds, flowers and insects that photographer Kate Breakey has memorialized through her work, through July 12 at Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. Kinky Boots The Tony Awardwinning musical
about a shoe factory that finds a new lease on life making shoes for drag queens, through May 10 at Forrest Theatre, 1111 Walnut St.; 215923-1515. Mala Vita Amici Opera Company presents Umberto Giordano’s opera, staged for the first time in the USA, 3 p.m. May 2 at Redeemer UMC, 1128 Cottman Ave.; 215-224-0257. Maria Bello The out actress hosts a signing of her new book 1 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Michael Newman: Artist Cocktail Reception The artist hosts a reception during an exhibition of his paintings 6-8 p.m. May 2 at Architeqt Salon North, 1943 Callowhill St.; 215567-5054.
Peek-a-boo Revue: The Six Degrees of Tease The burlesque troupe performs 8 p.m. May 1 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Pilobolus Dance Theater Dance Affiliates and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts present the gymnastic, gravity-defying dance company, May 7-11 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Sarah Colonna The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs May 7-9 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Space Balls The Mel Brooks comedy film is screened 8 p.m. May 4 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Speech & Debate Azuka Theatre presents the story of a budding journalist who uncovers a sex scandal at his school, May 6-24 at Studio X, 1340 S. 13th St.; 215-2184022.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
A Tribute to Jerome Robbins The Pennsylvania Ballet performs May 7-10 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847.
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TRIXIE: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 7 queen Trixie Mattel comes to town to entertain with her outrageous sense of style, 10 p.m. May 7 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. For more information, call 215-735-5772.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
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Music Aiden James The out singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. May 1 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Quiet Riot The 1980s hardrock band performs 8 p.m. May 2 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808. Action Bronson The rapper performs 9 p.m. May 3 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011. Brian McKnight The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. May 8 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. Erika Jayne The dance/pop singer performs midnight May 8 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772.
Nightlife Happy Bear The bear-themed happy hour, 5-9 p.m. May 1 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675. PGMC Cabaret The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performs an evening of drag and dancing, 7-10 p.m. May 2 at William Way LGBT
Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; pgmc.org. Hey, We’re Cool The monthly comedy and variety show, 7:45 p.m. May 7 at L’Etage, 624 Bainbridge St.; 215-592-0626. Trixie Mattel The drag star from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performs 10 p.m. May 7 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772.
Outta Town Suede The blues/jazz singer performs 8 p.m. May 1 at the Rrazz Room in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-596-1027. Daughtry The rock band performs 9 p.m. May 1 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
Creepshow The horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. May 1 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. MST3K: Pod People The sci-fi B movie is screened 2 p.m. May 2 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Candlebox: Acoustic The rock band performs 8 p.m. May 2 at World Cafe Live, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Vickie Shaw The comedian performs 8 p.m. May 2 at the Rrazz Room in The Ramada New Hope, 6426
Lower York Road, New Hope; 888596-1027. Bolero The classic drama is screened 2 p.m. May 3 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223. Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience The rock tribute band performs 9 p.m. May 8 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Paramore The rock band performs 9 p.m. May 8 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. n
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.
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.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
Q Puzzle Coping at the Copa across
1. Dancer Taylor 5. Michelangelo’s Mary and son 10. Org. in a Jim Nabors program 14. Humerus neighbor 15. Brigham Young man, for one 16. Home st. of Maupin 17. Lions or Tigers or Bears 18. Lobbyist Hilary 19. Billy of “Titanic” 20. Singer who recently married his manager 23. #1 hit of 1974 by 20-Across 26. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, e.g. 27. Does Mr. Clean’s job
31. Maple fluid 32. “Argo” employer 33. Composer Erik 35. Like Oscar Madison 39. What a boy scout takes 41. Manager Kief who just married 20-Across 43. Sheltered spot 44. Actor Milo of “Oz” 46. ‘80s tennis star 48. King James word before verily 49. St. crosser 51. Edith Head, to costumes 53. Jane Spahr and others 57. With 58-Across, #1 hit of 1976 by 20-Across 58. See 57-Across 62. “Diary of ___ Housewife” 63. He waved his stick in Mudville
Portrait from page 31
and send them in. Now I also do something called Sketch coloring and that’s done by hand. PGn: I read about that. JB: Yeah, that got started in 2008 and it’s really taken off. It got started with a gentleman who was at one of the shows; he’d been a fan of mine and he came up to me and asked if I had any markers. I told him just for signing autographs. He showed me a black and white cover and asked if I could color it in for him. I didn’t have any markers but I liked the idea, so at the next show I brought some markers and prints and started coloring them for people on the spot. Holy cow! There was a huge line all weekend. I did 109 by hand at that show. It was incredible and I’ve been doing it ever since. PGn: And now you also have your own comic-book line. JB: Yeah, we have one called Urban Legends and it’s exactly what it sounds like: urban legends as we all know them, but with our own little twist. And they all take place in one town. One screwed-up little town.
64. Symbols of queens 68. Russian singing duo 69. “Krippendorf’s ___” 70. 12-incher 71. “Brady Bunch” prefix 72. Chat room request 73. Cunning
down
1. Had partners, with “out” 2. Soho pub drink 3. Acapulco article 4. Queer L 5. Sound of a pussy in your lap 6. “Believe ___ not!” 7. Cole Porter’s “You’d Be So ___ to Love” 8. Main melody in a musical 9. Meticulous
records by anal historians? 10. Ready for action 11. “Do Re Mi” subject 12. House of the lord 13. Bodies of sailors 21. Author Rand and others 22. Linguist Chomsky 23. Singer Marilyn 24. Reid to Tobias 25. Like a bottom 28. Jason Stuart chairs its LGBT committee 29. List ender 30. Successfully donated sperm 34. River of Wilde’s land 36. Larry Kramer’s “Just ___” 37. Having nice lines 38. Sentence units
40. Became aroused 42. Stat for Kopay 45. Swear to 47. Taylor of “Six Feet Under” 50. Becomes hard 52. Experienced the Big O 53. Subdivision maps 54. Target before shooting off 55. Imitate Dick Button 56. “Designing Women” co-star Jean 59. Area east of the Urals 60. Arrears 61. Herbert’s “Fortune and Men’s ___” 65. Kanga’s baby 66. Engage men in shorts 67. Swine cooler?
PGn: Yikes! Let me know where it is so I never visit. Even if it is only fictional! JB: You’re safe! And we have another series coming out, hopefully later this year. It’s going to be the complete opposite of our horror stuff: It’ll be pure fantasy.
PGn: How did you two meet? JB: Gay.com! We didn’t even have pictures up but we both thought the other’s profile looked interesting, we ended up on the phone for five-and-a-half hours straight and then met the next day and have been together ever since.
PGn: You and hubby do a lot of traveling to conventions; what’s a crazy travel moment? JB: One of our scariest moments was driving to a convention in Portland. Going through Idaho, it was snowing and they didn’t plow. So you had two guys from the Midwest who had never driven up a mountain, trying to do it in the snow and it was getting dark. To top it off, our GPS — I don’t know what happened to her, but she flipped out and sent us on a 103-mile detour! And then we got on a two-lane road with one gas station, they didn’t take credit cards and the guy was sitting out front with a shotgun on his lap. We were afraid to get out of the car, so we drove on and were almost out of gas and the next town was 75 miles away. We made it but, phew, it was close. It was a beautiful landscape to drive through when you weren’t worrying about being stranded.
PGn: If you were undead, would you be a vampire, zombie or ghost? JB: Hmm, no zombie, that’s for sure. I’d be a ghost. You wouldn’t have to worry about food or having to kill people and suck their blood. It might get lonely since no one can see you, but you can hang out and see different parts of the country. PGn: An era you’d like to go back to? JB: Artistically, we just watched the movie “Big Eyes” and I’d love to go back to that time period. Personally, it’s corny, but I would have been in SF back in the day when Harvey Milk was around and be part of that whole scene. Of course not when he died; I’d like to be part of the happier times. PGn: What? You just ruined the end of the movie! Spoiler alert!
New Hope Pride Issue - May 15
JB: Oh shit, no, he’s still alive. PGn: Just kidding of course. Who are your favorite comic-book characters? JB: My favorites are from Marvel Comics. Number one is Venom and I also like Dark Phoenix and Phoenix. And from DC comics I like Green Lantern. I loved the whole Blackest Night storyline. PGn: Someone nonfictional who is your superhero? JB: It’s going to sound dorky, but my mother. She was always supportive and she was the one who nudged me to go into this industry. She took me to my first comic shows when I was a kid and she still likes to go to shows with us to this day! n For more information about Comic Con, see http://www.wizardworld.com/ home-philadelphia.html. Find more on Jeff Balke at www.JBalkesart.com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY
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4521 Springfield Ave., Phila PA 19143
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
Classifieds 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 realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
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.
Real Estate Sale
For Sale
VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________39-19 Spectacular 3 to 22 acre lots with deepwater access – Located in an exclusive development on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Amenities include community pier, boat ramp, paved roads and private sandy beach. May remind you of the Jersey Shore from days long past. Great climate, boating, fishing, clamming and National Seashore beaches nearby. Absolute buy of a lifetime, recent FDIC bank failure makes these 25 lots available at a fraction of their original price. Priced at only $55,000 to $124,000. For info call (757)442-2171, e-mail: oceanlandtrust@yahoo.com, pictures on website: http://Wibiti.com/5KQN ________________________________________39-18
SAWMILLS From only $4,397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to ship! FREE info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com ________________________________________39-18
Vacation/Seasonal Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________39-18 ATLANTIC CITY LUXURY OCEANFRONT 1 BR. 1.5 BA. Pet friendly. Valet parking, concierge. Immaculate! Seasonal or annual. 610-331-0307 ____________________________________________39-18
Services IRLINE CAREERS begin here - Get FAA approved Aviation Technician training. Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-888-834-9715. ________________________________________39-18 MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/ GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888-424-9412. ________________________________________39-18
Wanted to Buy $$ WANTED $$ COMIC BOOKS Pre-1975: Original art & movie memorabilia, sports, nonsports cards, ESPECIALLY 1960’s. Collector/Investor, paying cash! Call Will: 800-242-6130 buying@getcashforcomics.com ________________________________________39-18
A C ul t ure rts
Beautiful, Newly Renovated Studio’s, One and Two Bedroom Apartments with Modern Updates at Reasonable Prices in Historic Brownstone Buildings Available in the Heart of Center City Philadelphia.
Contact us for more info! Centra Associates
www.RentPhila.com 215-733-0480 email@centraassociates.com
Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News Nightlife, Concerts, Art Exhibits, Readings, Cabaret, Film Reviews, Theater Reviews, Food Reviews, Book Reviews, Music Reviews, Sports and Travel
PGN
Legal Notices
Help Wanted
Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, April Term, 2015, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 13th, 2015, the petition of Alicia Grace Stanchak was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Nathan Michael Stanchak. The Court has fixed May 13, 2015 at 11:00 A.M., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________39-18
SERVERS & BARTENDERS flexible hours & shifts $12-$13 PER HOUR Working at another job? Going to school? Not a problem, All Star Staffing will work around your schedule. Our busy season has started and we need you! It’s a great way for you to earn some EXTRA CASH!!! AT LEAST 2 years of experience as a banquet server or fine dining server is a MUST (NO EXCEPTIONS)! References will be checked! Call 215-569-4448 for more details or come in today from 8AM-1PM! Please apply in person at: The Land and Title Building (Corner of Broad & Sansom Streets), 100 South Broad Street, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA 19110. ________________________________________39-20 Want an in-demand career as a HVAC Technician? Offering Accelerated “hands on” training to get EPA/OSHA Certified! Lifetime job placement. VA Benefits eligible! 1-877-963-9644. ________________________________________39-18 Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! Receive Hands On Training And National Certifications Operating Bulldozers, Backhoes & Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. Veteran Benefits Eligible! 1-866-757-9439. ________________________________________39-18 SALES Make your own schedule. Commission-based sales for print network ad program. Self-starter, motivated, experience in advertising sales a plus. Please send resume to jobs@pa-news.org ________________________________________39-18 Werner Enterprises is HIRING! Dedicated, Regional, & OTR opportunities! Need your CDL? 4 wk training avail! Don’t wait, call today to get started! 866-494-8633. ________________________________________39-18 EXPERIENCE AMERICA! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers. Enjoy discovering America by delivering School Buses and Semis. Since we have a variety of runs and don’t force dispatch, our drivers enjoy the freedom of a flexible schedule and seemingly endless possible destinations. Begin your journey today and call 1-866-764-1601 or visit www. QualityDriveAway.com ________________________________________39-18
Adoptions ADOPTION Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre-approved families. Call Joy toll free 1-866922-3678 or confidential email: Adopt@ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org ________________________________________39-18 ADOPT Loving family of three seeking baby/toddler to cherish forever. Mom/Dad are teachers. Close extended families. Contact Robin/Neil: 866-303-0668 Text: 646-467-0499 www.rnladopt.info robin.neal.lucy@gmail.com ________________________________________39-18
Help Wanted Event Production & Floral Experience Hourly Wage Part Time may lead to Full Time Weekend Availability Needed Location: Wilmington, DE Please email resume to: flowersbyyukie@netzero.com ________________________________________39-18 Drivers – No experience? Some or LOTS of experience? Let’s Talk! No matter what stage in your career, its time, call Central Refrigerated Home. 888-673-0801 www. CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com ________________________________________39-18
Historic & Spacious! A grand home in the heart of Washington Square West!
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
Conrad Kuhn
Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2011 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs
Office: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Cell: 609.221.1196 www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com Washington Township Office 5070 Route 42 Turnersville, NJ 08012
WANT TO REDUCE OR STOP YOUR DRINKING?
Move-in Ready! • One huge bedroom & private den/office • Newer Kitchen & Bath 13’ ceilings & 2 wood burning fireplaces
1016 Spruce 2F $299,000 Suzanne E. Petruzel Sales Associate Cell 619-659-8030
Fox & Roach REALTORS®
210 W. Rittenhouse Sq. Phila, PA 19103 Dir. 215-790-5671 Fax 215-546-3415 Office 215-546-0550 suzanne.petruzel@foxroach.com
Paid 13-week research study for European American alcohol drinkers who want to reduce or stop their drinking. Study includes brief counseling combined with a study medication (active drug or inactive placebo). Study procedures are at no cost to you. Call the University of Pennsylvania’s Treatment Research Center at 2I5-222-3200, ext. I93.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
ADONIS CINEMA
“THE ONLY ALL MALE ADULT THEATER IN THE CITY”
2026 Sansom St (located 3 doors up from Sansom St Gym)
215-557-9319 4 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday
7am-6am
(closed an hour for cleaning)
Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________39-20 A-B-C’s: would like to meet men from Argentina, Brazil and Colombia, and the Caribbean: Anguilla, Barbados and Costa Rica, also Puerto Rico and Mexico for friendship and more. 856-547-4163. Habla Espanol. ________________________________________39-17 Puerto Rican, 58 years old but look 40 looking for a relationship w/men who will do anything. No smokers. Sincere replies only. 215-888-5301. ________________________________________39-19 AGREEMENT U get: BM, over 5’, under 180 lbs., uncut, loves butt, cauc, PR. I get ? 609-717-1619 24 hr. Talk after 6 PM. ____________________________________________39-20 DESIRES 4 PETE Complete passives over 25. Text 609-346-5535. ____________________________________________39-20 Cute chubby chaser, 35 y.o. GWM, blond hair looking for chubby guys for good times and hopefully a relationship. Live in NJ. Greg, 908-235-2508 or 310-220-9581. ________________________________________39-18 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________39-22
Friday- Sunday:
PGN
Open 24hrs
Massage
ADMISSION: $12.00
David, 65, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________39-27 From the pages of GREEK mythology steps out this blue eyed hard body. Call JASON for ALL of your massage NEEDS. 267.733.5902. ________________________________________39-21
FIESTA
WEEKLY SPECIALS:
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Half Price Rooms & Lockers (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) ROOMS: Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 LOCKERS: Members: $9.00 and Non-Members: $19.00
Sunday, May 9th Time: 11pm- 3:30am • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More
P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group)
SUNDAY RELIEF
MONDAY thru FRIDAY: (8am to 4pm) Business Mans Locker Special 4 hour lockers Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00 TUESDAYS
Sunday, May17th Time: 3pm- 6pm
Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50
BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT WHAT TO EXPECT:
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE
• An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More
For More Information On Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/pang
$12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight)
SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00
Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....
www.sansomstreetgym.com
THE BIGGER, BETTER & CLEANER CLUB IN THE CITY...
PGN
Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco.dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www.gammaphilly. com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-277-6595, www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330.
Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021. PFLAG/Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833. PFLAG/Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-683-5155. PFLAG/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, info@ phillyfamilypride.org, www. phillyfamilypride.org.
Trans Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine
Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215563-0658. T-MAN People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:309:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215-632-3028, tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-8511822. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207. Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.
Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup.com/ mtairylesbiansocial/. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/queerconnections/. Sisters United A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming-Out Support Group Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www.pridecenter.org.
Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County
Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058. HAVEN LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org. Project Keeping it Safe LGBT youth drop-in center offers meetings, HIV and STD prevention and testing, counseling and other services on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-9632432, camden-ahec.org/. PRYSM Youth Center Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948. Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648. Young, Trans and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331, www.atticyouthcenter.org. You’re Not Alone Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776. Youth Making a Difference A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
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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 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330
■ 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 ■ 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: Nellie Fitzpatrick, 215-6862194; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555
■ 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)
■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
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 149 W. Susquehanna Ave.; 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.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 1-7, 2015
PGN
PERSONAL STORIES. ARTIFACTS. PIVOTAL COURT CASES.
JUNE 5 – SEPTEMBER 7 To honor the 50th anniversary of the first Annual Reminder demonstration, the National Constitution Center is proud to host Speaking Out for Equality: The Constitution, Gay Rights, and the Supreme Court, a new exhibition created in partnership with the William Way LGBT Community Center. The exhibition will chronicle the LGBT rights movement and the ongoing debate over how much the Constitution protects gay rights. Come learn about the issues, hear personal stories, and join the conversation about the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on the constitutional right to same sex marriage.