Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 34 No. 19
Honesty Integrity Professionalism
May 7 - 13, 2010
Guv withdraws Weiss nom from state commission
Scouts case to go to jury trial By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large A federal judge has cleared the way for a jury trial in the city’s Boy Scouts eviction case. In a one-page ruling issued April 23, U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter said there are at least 17 disputed facts in the case that require a trial to determine the truth. Buckwalter did not identify the facts in question. The city is seeking the immediate eviction of the Cradle of Liberty Council from a city-owned building at 231-251 N. 22nd St., because the council refuses to allow gay participants, nor will it pay fair-market rent. The city contends that the organization is in violation of the city’s antibias law, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in accommodations. The council, however, claims it’s being discriminated against simply for exercising its First Amendment right to exclude gays. The council wants to remain in the building permanently, without paying any rent or allowing gay participants. Both sides wanted Buckwalter to dispose of the matter by issuing a summary-judgment ruling in their favor, thus obviating the need for a jury trial. A jury trial will be requested instead of a bench trial, in which Buckwalter himself would decide the case, City Hall sources told PGN. A jury trial could last several weeks. Jurors would be pooled from nine counties in the region: Burks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia. In court filings, city attorneys said potential witnesses include Mayor Nutter, former Mayor John F. Street, City Councilmember Darrell L. Clarke and former Boy Scout Greg Lattera, who allegedly was ousted from the council for being gay. Maura Kennedy, a spokesperson for Nutter, had no comment at press time about the mayor being named as a potential witness. Other potential witnesses include Romulo Diaz, former city solicitor; Robert Nix III, former president of the Fairmount Park Commission; Pedro Ramos, former city managing director; Carrie Jacobs, executive director of The Attic Youth Center; Rebecca W. Rimel, president and CEO of Pew Charitable Trusts; Allison Buehler, education manager of Mazzoni Center; and Joyce Wilkerson, former chief of staff for Street. See SCOUTS, Page 15
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer
OUT AT THE PIAZZA: More than 10,000 guests strolled the Piazza at Schmidt’s on May 2 for Equality Forum’s annual SundayOut! festivities, the largest event ever held at the Piazza. This year marked the first time the event was not held in Center City, and Chip Alfred, Equality Forum communications director, said the move was a success. “We’ve gotten so many positive comments, and people really seemed to have had a good time,” he said. The day featured several hours of performances, including “Rent” star Anthony Rapp joining forces with the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. Photo: Brandi Fitzgerald
Michael Weiss, a local openly gay businessowner facing federal indictment for tax fraud, was recently denied reappointment to a state commission. G ov. R e n d e l l n o m i n a t e d Weiss for reappointment to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission April 12, but revoked that nomination four days later, according to Rendell press secretary Gary Tuma. “When the governor sent his nomination to the Senate, he was not aware of the indictment,” Tuma said. “I don’t know when he became aware of it, but soon after, he recalled the nomination.” Tuma said the governor may have learned of the indictment from news reports and said he remembered him hearing about the charges around the same time that the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced federal tax-fraud
charges against local car dealer Gary Barbera, which occurred April 14. The Pennsylvania Senate’s executive calendar dated April 19 lists Weiss on the docket of nominees who required Senate confirmation, but Tuma said the nomination had already been recalled at that point. He said that while he doesn’t believe there is a “formal policy” banning the appointment of those facing indictment to state commissions, the governor felt it was not a “desirable situation.” Weiss, co-owner of Woody’s and president of the board of Voyeur, was indicted by a grand jury in January on charges that he underreported earnings from the Palmer Social Club, a Spring Garden Street nightclub, by more than $1.6 million in the club’s tax filings. Weiss pleaded not guilty to the charges in February, and his trial — which was scheduled See WEISS, Page 15
PA House panel approves sex-ed bill By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A committee of the Pennsylvania House last week approved a bill that seeks to mandate uniform comprehensive sexual-education programs throughout Pennsylvania’s public schools. The Education Committee approved the Healthy Youth Act, sponsored by Rep. Chelsa Wagner (D-22nd Dist.), in a 14-11 vote April 28. Currently, Pennsylvania law does not require public schools to teach sexual education, except for basic information about HIV transmission. Many districts have developed their own sex-ed curricula, although they vary throughout the state. Wagner’s bill would require districts to provide information that is both medically accurate and age-appropriate on such topics as the benefits of abstinence, the impact alcohol and drug use can have on decision-making, contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy risks and social factors like peer pressure. “Teens are becoming sexually active at younger and younger See SEX-ED, Page 14
TABLE FOR TWO: Out celebrity chef Ted Allen and Julie Drizin, who helped co-found ActionAIDS fundraiser Dining Out for Life, accepted their Friends for Life awards at the 20th anniversary of the event at Butcher & Singer April 29. Dining Out for Life allows local restaurants to donate a portion of their proceeds to HIV/ AIDS causes, and ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns said the event garnered participation from more than 200 restaurants. The final numbers are not yet tallied, but Burns said individual donations made at the event are thus far above what they were at this time last year, and he believes total proceeds could top last year’s $190,000. Photo: Karen Cornell/Courtesy of 15 Minutes Inc.
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Mazzoni celebrates anniversary with AC concert By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Philadelphia is invited to celebrate a legendary LGBT health facility along with a legendary gay icon later this month at the Jersey Shore. Mazzoni Center will host a fundraising gala May 21-22 at Caesars Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. The weekend will include a concert by Diana Ross, who is performing at Caesars’ Circus Maximus Theater, as well as a private, post-performance engagement with the singer. The event will serve as the capstone for Mazzoni’s yearlong 30th-anniversary celebration. The facility launched in 1979 as a health-planning subcommittee at the Gay Community Center, the precursor to the current William Way LGBT Community Center. The agency underwent several name changes, calling itself the Lavender Health Project and later the Philadelphia Community Health Alternatives. In 1995, PCHA launched an HIV-testing center called the Mazzoni Clinic, named after early activist and
board member Dr. Peter Mazzoni, who died several years earlier, and the organization adopted its current moniker in 2003. Executive director Nurit Shein said the phases the agency has gone through in the past three decades represent its growth and evolving mission. “Lavender Health was a fledgling organization that essentially did education and STD screenings for gay men and lesbians, mostly in the bathhouses. And Philadelphia Community Health Alternatives came about when we were at the height of the AIDS epidemic, and it worked to respond to the epidemic. It was really the first organization in the commonwealth to respond by creating services like case management, food and housing programs and support groups, which were so needed at that time,” she said. Shein said the renaming of the organization as Mazzoni Center represents its “coming of age” and the fusion of its efforts to work with the LGBT and HIV/ AIDS communities. “As Mazzoni Center, we’ve
DIANA ROSS PGN file photo
incorporated and enhanced those two early stages of the organization, so that we can offer a full gamut of services for people with HIV, which is still rampant in the gay community,” she said. “We now provide a lot more services like medical care, mental-health care and legal services because we realize that in order to create a healthy community, we need to treat the individual in a holistic way.”
Shein said the Atlantic City event is a good opportunity for the LGBT community to honor Mazzoni’s three decades of service. “This is a way for the community to show their support and have fun at the same time. We want to show the entire region how strong the Philadelphia LGBT community is, and have that community come together to support an organization that day in and day out provides crucial services.” The concert will kick off at 9 p.m. May 21, and Ross will return to the stage after her performance to meet and great Mazzoni supporters and take part in a champagne toast. Also on hand will be Carl Capotorto, who portrayed Little Paulie on “The Sopranos” and who was a personal friend of Dr. Mazzoni. An after-party will begin at 10 p.m. in the Diamond Lounge, which will feature an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Perry Monastero, Mazzoni director of development and marketing, said Caesars, which is newer to the LGBT scene than other Atlantic City casinos,
is earning its “rainbow wings” through its support for events such as this. “They’ve been tremendously generous to Mazzoni during the event and have really supported the organization,” Monastero said. “That shows that they really do have a commitment and care about the community beyond just looking at it as a market segment. So if they’re looking to establish a longterm relationship with the community, they just need to continue to keep helping build up Atlantic City as a gay destination.” Free buses will take guests from Center City to Atlantic City and return that evening, but those who wish to stay for the night can enjoy a brunch the following morning with live entertainment provided by drag favorite Sandy Beach. Special hotel rates will be available for concertgoers. Tickets range from $100-$225 and can be purchased at www. mazzonicenter.org until May 14. ■
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
PHILADELPHIA NEWS PHILADELPHIA GAY GAY NEWS
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News Editorial 10 Gayborhood Crime 9 Watch 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk
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Differing tales of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
PGN’s coverage appeals to most readers who took our poll.
The waffling Pentagon position on one hand; the community’s expectations on the other.
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The world of DC Comics superheroes will include a lesbian Batwoman.
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The Pride Edition: June 11 Our biggest issue of the year!
Diversions
Sweet Honey in the Rock (left) brings a unique blend of blues, gospel, rap, hip-hop, reggae, African chants and jazz, while the art show “Luminous Encounters” brings its unique vision to life via projections on models. Pages 28-29
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Prop. 8 attorney looks to case resolution By Sarah Blazucki PGN Editor Last week, the judge in the Proposition 8 trial, “Perry vs. Schwarzenegger,” announced closing arguments would begin on June 16. In the case, two same-sex couples are suing to overturn the ballot initiative that amended the California state constitution to ban gay marriage after the legislature had granted it in 2008. The couples’ lawyers, Theodore Olson and David Boies, received the International Role Model Award from Equality Forum at the International Equality Dinner on May 1. While Boies was in town, PGN asked him about his expectations on the case. PGN: Do you have your closing arguments
planned? DB: We do. In fact, we had them almost planned for January because we didn’t know the judge was going to have the briefs filed before the closing arguments. So I think we’re well-prepared. We filed our last briefs at the end of February, and I think we’re now ready to conclude this.
PGN: On April 13, backers of the 2010 bal-
lot initiative to repeal the ban on same-sex marriage failed to get enough signatures. Do you think that effort was a good use of resources? DB: I don’t think that they really devoted the effort that would have been required, and I think that was partly [based on] a decision that 2012 is the right time to do it. It wasn’t that they just stopped. I don’t think they had the mobilization of resourc-
News Briefing School bans gay book A school board in New Jersey this week voted unanimously to ban a book that offers a collection of stories written by LGBT youth. The Rancocas Valley Board of Education decided at its May 4 meeting that “Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology” was too racy for teens at the regional high school it oversees in Mount Holly. “We felt, from an obscenity perspective, there were some things our children didn’t need to see,” school board member Jesse Adams told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We don’t allow our children to curse in school, and we don’t think this is something we should be promoting in the school.” The issue was initially raised in March, after a group that identi-
es you would’ve had if there was a real commitment to put it on the ballot. But this is going to be on the ballot in 2012.
real basis for striking testimony. This is a desperate attempt to distract attention from how disastrously the trial went for them.
PGN: Judge Vaughn
PGN: Judge Walker is Walker recently ruled gay. Do you think that that communication will have any bearing on between organizations how he is going to rule? didn’t need to be disDB: No. It’s no different closed. Can you tell me than a straight person a little bit about that and DAVID BOIES Photo: Sarah Blazucki ruling on this. If we had what your thoughts are a straight judge, and on that? DB: What had happened was that after most judges on the appellate court will the trial, the defendants had undertaken a be straight, I don’t think that fact would whole variety of arguments, I think frankly disqualify them or affect their judgment. I as much to delay things as anything else, in don’t think whether you’ve got a man or a terms of trying to get broader and broader woman on the bench that that determines discovery. They were given really broad how they’re going to rule in terms of gendiscovery, but at some point the judge quite der discrimination. I think anybody who knows Judge Walker knows that he is an properly called a halt to it. extraordinarily well-regarded judge, a very PGN: The opposition is trying to attempt to experienced judge and a very fair judge. strike testimony from the record. Can you And I may or may not agree with his ruling, depending on what it is, but I have no tell me your thoughts on that? DB: The testimony did not go well for doubt that he will reach it fairly. them. Even their own experts sort of PGN: So do you have any sense of how crashed and burned, at best, for them. In he’ll rule? fact, their experts actually ended up supDB: No. I don’t think any lawyer is wellporting us, so it’s not any surprise to me served by trying to predict how a judge that they would probably like to strike who has the case ready for decision is the entire record, including their own witnesses. But the witnesses who came to going to rule. I will say that the judge, soon testify were extraordinarily well-qualified after we filed our case, laid out the factual people for our side. They were the leadissues that he thought were important for ing experts in every relevant field from us to address, and we addressed every one around the world. The defendants have no of those factual issues in a conclusive way.
fied itself as the 9.12 Project — an initiative launched by conservative Glenn Beck — urged the board to ban “Revolutionary Voices,” as well as two other LGBT books. While the board voted to ban the first work, it elected to keep the other two. Superintendent Michael Moskalski told the Inquirer that the board’s lawyers advised him that they can ban books for obscenity, but not for political reasons.
Tennis season opens Local LGBT sport club Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association will host an openingday party from 2-6 p.m. May 8 at FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave., across from the sports stadiums in South Philadelphia. Guests don’t need to be members of the PLTA to attend, but only members will be eligible for the free giveaways that will be offered by the United State Tennis Association at the event. The party will feature free food
The evidence that we supplied on each one of those factual issues I think is determinative. And if he continues to believe that those are the right factual issues, and we may have an argument about that, but if he continues to believe that, we ought to win. PGN: There will be an appeal either way? DB: Either way, there’s going to be an
appeal.
PGN: So if this case is successful, what are
the next steps?
DB: Assuming we’re successful, we’ll then
be in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I think the court will hear this case promptly, and it may very well hear it en banc [the whole bench]. It could even hear it en banc before you had a three-judge panel. That’s very unusual, but it does happen sometimes with really important cases. PGN: And if you’re unsuccessful? DB: If we’re unsuccessful, we’ll appeal
very promptly. I think no matter who wins, you’re going to have a very prompt appeal. I think one of the things that Judge Walker is doing is he’s laying a record not only for his decision but for the appellate court’s decision. I think one of the reasons he’s been as open as he has to the defendants’ requests is that he wants to have given them every opportunity to make a record because he knows it’s going up on appeal. PGN: And how soon is he supposed to rule
in the case?
DB: You don’t know, but we’ll argue it on
June 16, and any time after that. ■
and the chance to meet and greet with current members and learn about joining the organization. For more information, visit www. plta.us.
Business scholarships available Applications for an new scholarship for LGBT business students will be accepted until June 11. The Business Scholarship Award is offered by LGBT grantmaking agency Sapphire Fund and LGBT chamber of commerce Independence Business Alliance. The $1,000 award is open to local LGBT or ally undergraduate students who are seeking a degree in a business-related discipline and who demonstrate leadership abilities. The student must attend an accredited college or university in Philadelphia. For more information or to apply, visit www.sapphirefund.org. ■ — Jen Colletta
BRITISH INVASION: As part of its international marketing initiatives, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the crew of gay British television network TV Polari, in town to film the city for its travel show, “Wish You Were Queer.” Television personality Gabbi, portrayed by Gary Stephens, tours the Gayborhood along with cameraman Darrel Eve. The crew also made stops at the William Way LGBT Community Center, Liberty Bell, Eastern State Penitentiary, Reading Terminal Market and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo: TV Polari/Lancelot Fougere
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MANNA to honor local, national leaders By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer About 500 people are expected to attend the first-annual Nourish Awards of the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance, which will honor the contributions of health leaders from around the country. The event, which will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. May 12 at the 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St., will feature a dinner party produced by Stephen STARR Events and Evantine Design, in addition to a silent auction and music by DJ John Gill. MANNA, which provides nutritional meals to those struggling with life-threatening illnesses, will present its inaugural Nourish Awards to M•A•C AIDS Fund and M•A•C Cosmestics, the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
and R. Duane Perry, founder of The Food Trust. MANNA CEO Richard Keaveney said the agency established the awards event during a restructuring of its slate of fundraisers. “Our strategy was to have fewer events because, like all nonprofits, we found that these events are pretty costly to produce,” he said. “So when we were designing our event platform, we were talking about how we wanted to make the focus not just about fundraising, but also on raising awareness of our commitment to the entire healthcare industry. So we decided to create an event that can celebrate institutions, companies and individuals who really make a difference in healthcare and nutrition.” Keaveney said the event is not going to be the run-of-the-mill
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awards dinner. “There’s not going to be a ballroom with a stage and podiums and long speeches; there will be a lot of alternative seating, with sofas, small tables, living-room settings, and the awards presentation will be just about 15 minutes and will include audio-visual. It’s going to be theatrical and very high-energy. And once the awards are presented, we’re not going to be interrupting the guests, but just let them enjoy the STARR food, the Evantine ambiance and the music by John Gill.” Though the awards presentation will be brief, Keaveney said all the recipients have a long commitment to promoting good health, which Perry’s Food Trust has undertaken as part of it mission. “Duane was selected because he’s been at the forefront — probably before anyone else in our area — on health food, nutrition and education, and especially in educating poor communities,” he said. “At MANNA, we only serve our clients during the acute portion of an illness, and when that person returns to good health, they need to be knowledgeable and educated on proper nutrition, so groups like Food Trust are very good allies and complement our work.” Perry founded the agency in 1992, while he was working at Reading Terminal Market.
“I became convinced that there were opportunities to take the special spirit and expertise of what happens at Reading Terminal Market around food retailing and expand that into other communities,” he said. The agency launched with just one-and-a-half employees at a small table in Reading Terminal and, in the past 18 years has grown to perform work throughout the nation and most recently has attracted attention from the First Lady. The agency works with schools, community organizations, housing developments and other venues to promote education about the need for nutrition and to connect people directly with healthy foods. “We’re dedicated to trying to increase access to affordable and nutritional foods, primarily in underserved communities, but it’s something that needs to be available to everyone. We try to get good food into neighborhoods where places like Reading Terminal Market or even just supermarkets are few and far between.” Perry said he’s been a longtime supporter of MANNA and envisions his agency working with the organization on future projects, as MANNA expands its mission to enhance educational opportunities for its clients.
“This is really a great honor, because MANNA is such an inspirational organization,” Perry said. “When you think of all the volunteers who helped create that organization and the countless hours and all the sweat that has gone into helping it fulfill its mission, it’s really amazing to be recognized by an organization like that.” The other two Nourish awardees have also made extensive strides in the area of HIV/AIDS service and health education. Keaveney noted that M•A•C was one of the first national companies to “put their money where their mouth was” and fund HIV/ AIDS projects, and its service reflects MANNA’s ongoing work in the HIV/AIDS field. In 2006, MANNA expanded its mission beyond nourishing those with HIV/AIDS to include all people struggling with a life-threatening illness and, since that time, has worked closely with the Abramson Cancer Center, which Keaveney said has been a dedicated partner. T h e N o u r i s h Awa r d s a r e expected to raise up to $200,000 for MANNA. For more information or to purchase tickets, which are $250, visit www.mannapa.org or call (215) 496-2662. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
National
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Media Trail
Pentagon, Obama urge inaction on ‘Don’t Ask’
Teens charged in murder of gay principal The Washington Examiner reports Maryland county police have charged three teenagers in the murder of gay Washington, D.C., middleschool principal Brian Betts last month. Montgomery County police claim Sharif Lau Lancaster, Dontra Q. Gray and Alante Saunders, all 18, got themselves invited to Betts’ Silver Spring home through Adam4Adam, a Web site catering to gay men. Betts’ body was found April 15 after he didn’t show up to work at the Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson. The 42-year-old had been shot in the back, but there was no sign of forced entry. Lancaster’s mother has been charged with using Betts’ stolen credit cards at a supermarket the day after his body was found. At a hearing May 4, all three teens were ordered held without bond.
Chicago Free Press folds PENTAGON HOLDING PATTERN: In this Feb. 1 file photo, Defense Secretary Robert Gates (left) and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen hold a briefing at the Pentagon. Last week, Gates and Mullen warned Congress not to tamper with the ban on gays serving openly in the military until they can come up with a plan for dealing with potential opposition in the ranks. AP File Photo: Kevin Wolf
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week urged members of Congress to halt any possible repeal of the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers until at least next year. In a letter sent to Rep. Ike Skelton (DMo.), chair of the House Armed Services Committee, Gates said he is “strongly opposed” to Congress lifting “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” until after the Pentagon review on the law is completed, which is expected in December. Gates said the repeal of the ban before then “would send a very damaging message to our men and women in uniform that in essence their views, concerns and perspectives do not matter on an issue with such a direct impact and consequence for them and their families.” The review, ordered by Gates earlier this year, is meant to evaluate the impact that lifting “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would have on the military and to examine the best method of implementing the repeal. In a statement issued April 30, White House spokesperson Shin Inouye said President Obama’s commitment to repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is “unequivocal,” but that the president supports holding off on lifting the ban until the Pentagon study is completed. “This is not a question of if, but how. That’s why we’ve said that the imple-
mentation of any Congressional repeal will be delayed until the [Department of Defense] study of how best to implement that repeal is completed. The president is committed to getting this done both soon and right.” Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, criticized Gates’ letter, saying Congress needs to give the Pentagon a “gentle reminder” that they’re responsible for dictating the legislative schedule. He also blasted Obama for what he saw as backpedaling. “We have the votes in the House and we’re close to having the votes in the Senate Armed Services Committee. The president, however, is not helping us get the votes we need,” Sarvis said. “Servicemembers around the world took the president at his word. We still do.” Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th Dist.), the lead sponsor of the repeal bill in the U.S. House, told PGN this week that he’s confident the latest action won’t derail the repeal effort. “These Washington parlor games don’t change the fact that our military heroes — pilots, medics, Arabic translators — have been kicked out while we’re engaged in two wars,” he said. “I think a lot of people in Washington are saying this is a signal that we should walk away because it’s too hard right now, but you have to fight for change. We’re on the right side of history, and I’m not giving up because this is in
the right interest of our national security and the American taxpayers, and it’s the right thing to do for these heroes who are serving our country.” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (DCalif.) said late last month she was planning for a vote on the repeal bill “this year” and, after Gates’ letter was issued, she urged the president to issue a moratorium on discharges under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” until the Pentagon report is completed and “Congress has acted.” The legislative effort to repeal the bill has been in the news in recent weeks, as Congress is expected to start considering a 2011 defense-authorization bill — a measure some suspected could be amended to include the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Murphy said he is “absolutely considering” introducing the repeal bill as an amendment to the defense measure, and is also looking into “several other avenues.” “It’s absolutely possible to get this done this year, and it’s my job to make sure we get it passed,” he said. “When Washington tells you to walk away, it’s a sign that you’re getting close. I’m going to keep working and keep fighting for this, and we need people to make sure they call their Congressmembers and their senators and tell them they need to support this.” ■
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.
Advocate.com reports the Chicago Free Press, one of the city’s two major LGBT newspapers, has ceased publication. The Free Press showed signs of trouble in December, when several staff members walked out because they had not been paid. However, publisher David Costanzo said managing editor Kerrie Kennedy and the remaining staff continued producing the publication. But Kennedy said May 3 that Costanzo was ill and no longer funding the paper. The April 29 issue was not published, and there will be no further issues, she added. The Free Press was started in 1999 by employees who had left Chicago’s Windy City Times.
Voice actor fired for insulting Tea Party The Huffington Post reports Lance Baxter, otherwise known as “D.C. Douglas” and best recognized for voiceover work on GEICO commercials, has been fired by the insurance company after leaving a voicemail for Tea Party group FreedomWorks. Baxter asked in his voicemail what “the percentage of people that are mentally retarded who are working for FreedomWorks and who are following it.” Baxter also questioned how FreedomWorks will “spin it when one of your members does actually kill somebody, wondering if you’ve got a PR spinning routine planned for that or are you just gonna take it when it happens.” Baxter has since acknowledged that such a move was “stupid,” but said he was impassioned by the “slurs the Tea Party crowd angrily yelled at Barney Frank” during the climax of health-care reform. ■ — Larry Nichols
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MAY 7 - 13, 2010
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MAY 7 - 13, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between April 17-24. 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. REPORT: Between 10 p.m. April 17 and 10 a.m. April 18 (reported April 19), a security camera mounted above complainant’s front door in the 1100 block of Locust Street was taken without permission. The camera was not working at the time so no images of the offender(s) were captured. REPORT: Between 7:30 a.m. April 15 and 10:30 a.m. April 25, complainant’s 2009 Toyota, parked in the 800 block of Pine Street, was taken without permission. REPORT: Between midnight12:20 a.m. April 19, out-of-town complainant’s 2008 Jeep, parked in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, had a window smashed and an iPod was taken. Sixth District Officer Haberle lifted fingerprints. ARREST: At 7:30 p.m. April 19, bicycle patrol Officers Nheb and Garcia observed a male in the unit block of South Broad Street in possession of a bag of pills that turned out to be Perocets. The male did not have a prescription MARCH - 27,and 2008was charged for the 1621pills with illegal possession of conthat the mayor of the Athens suburb trolled substances. of Kessariani has agreed to perform the ceremony. “I have no objection to celebrating this union so long as the law is respected,” Mayor Spyros Tzokas said. It is uncertain whether the government will recognize the marriage. The Greek government is preparing to introduce civilpartnership legislation later this year, granting legal rights to unmarried couples. But, it has not said if samesex couples would be included.
Gay men jailed in Morocco The Moroccan Association for Human Rights, along with Human Rights Watch, has launched a petition following the imprisonment of six men for homosexuality.
REPORT: At 3 a.m. April 20, outside the 7-11, 1201 Chestnut St., a male asked complainant for change. Instead, complainant bought the male coffee. The male threw the coffee on the complainant, reached into his pocket and took his money, then fled north on 12th Street. The offender was described as a black male in his 20s, 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, medium complexion wearing a light-colored shirt and jeans. REPORT: At 9:15 a.m. April 21, while making a delivery in the 1300 block of Market Street, a truck had the lock to the safe cut and cash taken. Central Detectives processed the scene for evidence. REPORT: Between 11 p.m. April 21 and 12:45 a.m. April 22, complainant’s 2005 Chevy, parked in the 1200 block of Chestnut Street, had a window smashed and a GPS, iPod and a bag of clothing taken. Sixth District Officer Romanczuk attempted to lift fingerprints. REPORT: Between 11:45 a.m.12:45 p.m. April 23, complainant left his apartment in the 900 block of Lombard Street. During this time, the air conditioning unit was removed from the side alley window and a laptop and cell phone were taken. Sixth District Officer Kelly lifted latent fingerprints. REPORT: At 9:45 p.m. April 23, complainant was sitting outside Philly Flavor, 343 S. 13th St., when a male ran by and snatched her cell phone from the table. The offender was described as a black male, 17-18 years old, 5-foot-8, Human Rights and Human Rights wearing a dark blue hoodie and Watch are petitioning the Moroccan jeans. government for a fair trial for the men and to protect their right to privacy. The groups are asking supporters to show their opposition to Moroccan authorities by sending an e-mail to petitionmaroc@hrw.org.
Cartoons draw Russian ire Protestant groups in Moscow are trying to shut down a cartoon channel because they claim it promotes homosexuality and religious intolerance. Channel 2x2 broadcasts Western cartoons like “South Park,” which some believe promotes “homosexual propaganda.” Vitaly Vlasenki, a spokesperson for The Consultative Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches
PAGE 9
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ARREST: At 2:25 a.m. April 24, Sixth District Officer Romanczuk conducted an investigation of a 1990 Buick in the 1100 block of Walnut Street. The vehicle was reported stolen on April 18 in the 39th District. The two male occupants, ages 27 and 23, were apprehended and charged with receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of vehicle. ARREST: At 10:45 a.m. April 24, Sixth District Officer Trautz, while on patrol, observed a male reaching through the bars of a metal security gate of a residence in the 1200 block of Lombard Street and attempting to pull a bicycle through the gap in the bars. The 42-year-old homeless suspect was PHILADELPHIA GAYtheft. NEWS ■ charged with attempted
PAGE 15
built a cult following in Russia despite gaining just 1.9 percent of the audience share in February. MTV in Russia also shows “South Park,” but has yet to receive any criticism from the Protestant group.
Trans meeting set for Berlin It was announced March 14 that the second meeting of the European Transgender Council will be held this year in Germany. The council, comprised of Transgender Europe, the Transgender Network Berlin and TransInterQueer Berlin, will meet May 2-4 in Berlin. Their last event was held in Vienna in 2005. Representatives from international activist groups and experts such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are expected to attend
Spring Cleaning
PAGE 10
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
Editorial One for the gays, atheists On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand — for now — a lower court ruling that the City of San Diego violated federal law when it leased city-owned parkland to the Boy Scouts because the Scouts are a religious organization. In the case, “Boy Scouts vs. Barnes-Wallace,” U.S. District Judge Napoleon Jones Jr. ruled in 2003 that San Diego improperly leased 18 acres of camp space to the Scouts, asserting that the nominal lease fell afoul of federal law that prohibits government promotion of religion. The Scouts appealed the ruling to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has asked the California State Supreme Court to rule on three issues: Do discounted leases amount to aid to religion? If yes, does that aid support a sectarian purpose? And do such leases violate state “no preference” ban on government favoring a religious group? Before the state Supreme Court could rule on the case, the Scouts asked the U.S. Supreme Court to determine if the plaintiffs had legal standing to bring a suit, as the two couples (with Scouting-age sons) had never attempted to use the facilities, were not actually denied access and, therefore, didn’t suffer actual “injury.” The appeals court stated the plaintiffs had experienced “emotional harm and the loss of recreational enjoyment” because they didn’t feel welcome to use the facilities due to the Scouts’ ban on gay and atheist participants. The high court’s refusal to hear the case means that it can proceed to the California state Supreme Court. The San Diego case is similar to the Philadelphia Scouts case in that it considers if the organization’s policy of prohibiting atheists and gays violates nondiscrimination law in accommodations, as both concern property leased at nominal/discounted rates ($1 per year in San Diego, free in Philadelphia). The San Diego case is different in that it argues that the Scouts, as a religious organization, should not receive preferential treatment. The decision by the Supreme Court not to hear the case is good for the gay community, as it means the outcome of this case will only affect California: With the current high court, a ruling against the Scouts is uncertain. Better to have no ruling than for the court to set a bad precedent, such as “Boy Scouts of America vs. Dale,” which allowed the Scouts to bar openly gay leaders. ■
Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: (215) 925-6437. Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.
Creep of the Week D’Anne Witkowski Peter LaBarbera “Are (or were) you a practicing homosexual?” That’s the question on the tip of Peter LaBarbera’s salivating tongue and he’s posing it to Elena Kagan, whose name has been mentioned as a possible Obama Supreme Court nominee; David Dreier and Patrick McHenry, both Republican representatives; and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. “We appeal to Kagan, McHenry, Dreier, Crist and all potential ‘hiding-in-the-closet’ politicians or appointees to answer the question: ‘Are (or were) you a practicing homosexual or do you consider yourself homosexual (gay)?’” said LaBarbera, founder of Republicans For Family Values. LaBarbera wants to know if these folks are on the down-low because “each (has been) the subject of wide speculation that they practice(d) homosexuality.” The big question I have is, what does it mean to “practice” homosexuality? You can practice the piano. You can be a practicing Catholic. You can practice your jump shot. But homosexuality isn’t like a musical instrument, a religion or a sport (no, not even figure skating or softball). And what does LaBarbera mean by “were” here? What past deeds,
exactly, does he want Kagan, Dreier, McHenry and Crist to confess to? Does he want to know about that one time at Girl Scout camp? Or the time a certain seventh-grader got a boner in the boys’ locker room? Is he looking for juicy slumber-party details? And how is LaBarbera’s question to be answered? Via text? Slam poetry? Through a bullhorn out the back of a police wagon? Or maybe before the House Committee on UnHeterosexual Activities? Is homosexuality America’s new communism? Hardly. Not for most folks, anyway. But LaBarbera is certainly trying to make it so. Whether or not the politicians LaBarbera’s named are gay, he’s sure as hell going to do his best to cement the idea in as many minds as possible, hoping the specter of homosexuality will be enough to bring these pols to ruin. Not only does LaBarbera think gay people are bad and icky, he also thinks they can’t be trusted. “Homosexuals’ privacy interests simply do not outweigh the public’s right to know about potential conflicts of interest in the lives of their representatives and judges,” he said. After all, gays always stand by each other, which is why the gay community and gay-rights move-
ment, unlike any other community or movement, is completely free of political infighting, personality clashes, petty bickering and differences of opinion. LaBarbera does make a good point, though. If you’re active in political life and in the closet, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. If you come out, assholes like LaBarbera can’t use your closet door against you. And you have the opportunity to come out with dignity instead of, say, by sending graphic instant messages to young teens or tap dancing in an airport terminal toilet. “In an era of ubiquitous pro-gay messages and pop culture celebration of homosexuality, it’s ridiculous that constituents should be left guessing as to whether a judicial nominee or politician has a special, personal interest in homosexuality,” LaBarbera said. Ah, yes, “a special, personal interest in homosexuality.” Well, Mr. LaBarbera, someone certainly does. D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 11
Mark My Words Mark Segal Street Talk any place in America An Obama DADT apologist? Is there where it’s advantageous When this columnist interviewed presidential candidate Barack Obama in September 2008, he promised to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the discriminatory military ban on openly gay and lesbian servicemembers in the U.S. Armed Forces. He never gave a timetable, but in later columns this writer stated that it must come in his first term, which is not even half over yet. So is the impatience in the LGBT community warranted? Sorry, the president cannot swivel his hips and say two snaps up and out with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Campaigning for office and actually governing are two very different entities. That is understood by longtime LGBT activists who have fought tirelessly for legislative change — for the most part without salaries or benefits. The current crop of what is being called Gay Lib. Inc., along with our younger voices, expect instant gratification to their near-idolization of candidate Obama. When candidate Obama became President Obama, he had many issues on his plate, and repealing the military ban was, unsurprisingly, not at the top. Regardless, let’s look at where we are and how we got here. Candidate Obama promised to end the military ban. He made that clear in his only live interview during the campaign. He said that he intends to do this in coordination with both the military and Congress. This is the Obama who likes to bring people together, and that is what you voted for. But now we’re saying screw what we voted for: Just do it. The president, in keeping with his consensusbuilding approach, attempted to win over the military. He did this during a time when he was negotiating with the armed forces regarding his plans for Iraq and Afghanistan. Once they were all on the same page of our two wars, the president’s team said, “Hey guys, I have this issue ... ” Yeah, it is like horse trading, and sorry for any of you who thought that politics was anything other than that, but what we want is our horse trader to get the best deal. It seemed like he did. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen went up to Capitol Hill and said, yes, it’s time to find a way to end the ban. Wow, it looked like the military was joining the president in his call. The process began to take shape. It looked like a one- or two-year process. Then, two things happened. One, that timetable wasn’t fast enough for some passionate members of our community who felt we had the votes in Congress to get it passed now — just in case the Democrats lose the majority in November’s election. This push was seen by members of the military as a breach of an unwritten agreement with the White House, which resulted in that letter from Gates saying let’s slow down this process. Add to that the now completely unstable political fortunes of Congressmembers up for reelection this November. It hit the fan last Friday with this. In a strongly worded letter obtained by The Associated Press,
Gates and Mullen told the House Armed Services Committee that forcing policy change on the military before it is ready would be a mistake. “Our military must be afforded the opportunity to inform us of their concerns, insights and suggestions if we are to carry out this change successfully,” Gates and Mullen wrote to the panel’s chairman, Missouri Democrat Ike Skelton. Gay-rights advocates want legislation this year that would freeze military firings of openly gay servicemembers, and some senior Democratic Senators have said they want to offer such a bill. But other lawmakers, including Skelton, have said they are uneasy about lifting the ban and don’t want to act before the force is ready. Note that Gates’ boss is President Obama, so what is The White House response to this surprise letter? “The President’s commitment to repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is unequivocal. This is not a question of if, but how. That’s why we’ve said that the implementation of any Congressional repeal will be delayed until the [Department of Defense] study of how best to implement that repeal is completed. The President is committed to getting this done both soon and right.” That statement is no different than his promise on the campaign trail. No timetable, and that’s what you voted for. Now, as written in this space before, here are the ways the ban can end: — Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” legislation: Add a repeal amendment to the military budget or other appropriations legislation. — A signing order or possibly an executive order, but that is open to legal questions and is not a permanent fix, since the next president could simply wipe it out with another executive order of his/her own. The hard reality is that nothing will be completed by this November — with one possible exception. Maybe, just maybe, some Congressional leaders will get together with the Joint Chiefs to do a little horse trading and agree to ask the president to create a commission of some sort that would be empowered to look at how the ban affects the military. Bottom line, commission formed, president (after November election) announces that until the commission’s report is released, he is putting a halt to any “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” dismissals in the military. Gays get their two snaps in the air, Congress gets its breather and the military gets a step up on their future horse trading with Congress, even if they are somewhat angered by the president. But hey, President Truman desegregated the military in one order and President Lincoln allowed free black men the right to be in the military with one step. As some say to the tea-party movement, there’s a way for them to have the voice they feel was taken away by this administration: Vote them out. Well, we have that same right, but the time for that is two years from now and it is my strong belief that, at that time, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be history. So the question is, is this pragmatic or Obama apologist? ■ Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.
to be an LGBT candidate?
Jeffrey Cesari creative director Graduate Hospital area
Nicholas Johnson guitar instructor Chestnut Hill
“Right here in Center City. Absolutely. The LGBT community is very active and politically aware, with a strong support system. People can identity with an openly LGBT candidate. It’s that personal connection that many voters would feel.”
“San Francisco. Judging from the comments of my friends who live there, I think it would be a benefit. I also have a gay uncle from San Francisco. He says it’s a completely different culture and mindset — [one that's] very open and accepting of the LGBT community.”
Heather Phillips photographer South Philadelphia
Abigail Seligsohn graphic designer Chinatown
“Northampton, Mass. I’ve been there many times. It’s a nice, earthy, small city with a vibrant LGBT community. In that town, I could envision it being an asset. But the rest of America is too closed off, including Center City, Philadelphia.”
“Yes. New York City; San Francisco; Center City, Philly; South Beach, Fla. Any metropolitan city with a sizeable gay community. That’s just common sense. Being open about one’s sexual orientation and gender identity shows inner strength, fortitude and self-knowledge.”
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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MAY 7 - 13, 2010
PGN survey reveals reader demographics, satisfaction levels By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Throughout the month of March, PGN conducted a readership survey in the interest of allowing the paper to meet the needs of its diverse readership. The survey ran for one month in print and was also posted online, generating participation from 298 readers, (201 online and 97 in print). PGN also conducted a content analysis of a quarter of the issues published in 2008 and 2009 to analyze the type of news coverage PGN actually provides. According to the survey, the majority of PGN’s readers live in Philadelphia — about 58.2 percent — with 20.5 percent from the suburbs, 10.8 percent from New Jersey, 1 percent from Delaware and 9.4 percent from other loca-
tions, including Washington, D.C. Most survey respondents were longterm readers, with 23 percent saying that they have been reading PGN for more than 20 years, and just about 9 percent reporting that they started reading in the past year. About 49 percent of readers read the print version of PGN, 19 percent read it online and about 33 percent said they read both. The survey respondents were predominantly male — 76.8 percent — while 17.8 percent were female, 3 percent transgender and 2.3 percent reported another gender identity, such as intersex. For the content analysis, the majority of the stories — about 40 percent — were relevant to people of all gender identities. For stories that focused on one specific identity, however, about 51 percent applied to males, 21 percent to females, 18 percent to both males and females
and 10 percent to transgender individuals. About 68.6 percent of participants were gay, while 11.1 percent identified as lesbian, 6.4 percent as bisexual, 5.7 percent identified as queer and an additional 8.1 percent responded as another orientation, such as heterosexual or questioning. For stories that had a relevance to just one orientation, 68.7 percent centered on gay individuals, 26.9 percent on lesbians and 4.4 percent on both gays and lesbians. No stories surveyed focused on bisexual people. The majority of the survey respondents were Caucasian — 75.7 percent — with 12.2 percent reporting as African American, 5.1 percent as Latino/a, 1 percent as Asian and 6.1 percent as another race, such as mixed races. In race-specific stories, 69.1 percent focused on Caucasians, 24.2 percent on African Americans and 6.6 percent on Latino/a people, with no stories on Asian individuals. There was a segment of stories that centered on another race, but the vast majority of those were included in PGN’s International News section. The majority of the survey respondents were 35 or older, with about 32.7 percent between 3549 and 29 percent between 50-65. Those between 26-34 comprised 16.2 percent of the respondents, and those between 18-25 made up 15.8 percent, with those who were 66-80 comprising 5.7 percent and individuals over 80 encompassing just .7 percent. Most of the stories in the analysis applied to all adults over the age of 18, but about 39.8 percent of age-specific stories focused on those between 4162, with 26.5 percent about those 25-40, 11.6 percent about young
adults, 10.5 percent about collegeaged individuals, 7.7 percent about those 63 and over and 3.9 percent about children.
Respondents’ most important news topics: • Employment discrimination • Hate crimes • HIV/AIDS issues • Relationship recognition • Aging/elderly issues
PGN most covered:
• Hate crimes • Same-sex marriage • Employment discrimination • HIV/AIDS issues • Youth issues The survey also looked at satisfaction levels among different demographics to evaluate how PGN is perceived by different facets of the LGBT community. The majority — 49.4 percent — said they strongly agreed with the frequency of the coverage of their sexual orientation, and between 35-40 percent of readers said they agreed with the coverage of their gender identity, race and age. Likewise, between 35-40 percent of readers agreed with the accuracy of the coverage of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race and age. About 45 percent of respondents said they agreed that PGN provides fair and balanced news coverage of the diverse Philadelphia-area LGBT community. However, the satisfaction levels diverged for particular demographic communities. For instance,
about 60 percent of AfricanAmerican readers said they were neutral, disagreed or strongly disagreed with both the frequency and accuracy of the coverage of their race, while about 75 percent of white readers either agreed or strongly agreed with the frequency and accuracy of coverage of their racial community. There were also differences among age groups. More than 60 percent of those over 50 responded neutral or lower in terms of their approval of PGN’s frequency and accuracy of coverage of their age group, while about 55 percent of those under 50 either agreed or strongly agreed with their representation in the paper. In addition to examining the demographics and satisfaction levels of the readers, the survey also looked at the news issues important to readers, compared to actual news coverage. Of the 12 news issues posed to survey respondents, the readers ranked the top-five most important as employment discrimination, hate crimes, HIV/AIDS issues, relationship recognition and aging/ elderly issues, respectively. PGN’s most frequently covered news stories were hate crimes, same-sex marriage, employment discrimination, HIV/AIDS issues and youth issues. The least important issues to readers were same-sex marriage, adoption rights and immigration discrimination, respectively, and the three most infrequently covered stories were immigration discrimination, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and aging/elderly issues. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
Survey breakdown by gender, race and residency Male Female Transgender Other
76.8% 17.8% 3.0% 2.3%
Caucasian 75.7% African American12.2% Latino/a 5.1% Asian 1.0% Mixed 6.1%
Philadelphia Suburbs New Jersey Delaware Other
58.2% 20.5% 10.8% 1.0% 9.4%
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 13
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Domestic partnerships, civil unions and gay marriage While the quest for marriage equality goes forth, many wonder (justifiably) what the differences are among domestic partnerships, civil unions and marriage. Throughout the years, dictionaries have struggled to define “marriage.” The 2010 American Heritage Dictionary defines marriage as “[t]he legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife and, in some jurisdictions, between two persons of the same sex, usually entailing legal obligations of each person to the other.” The 2005 online version of the American Heritage College Dictionary defines marriage as “[t]he legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife; a union between two persons having the customary but usually not the legal force of marriage: a same-sex marriage ... a close union.” The 1993 hardcopy edition that I found of the same dictionary fails to mention “same-sex marriage” all together. It defines marriage as “[t]he legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife.” There are many state and federal benefits that married couples, as opposed to nonmarried couples, enjoy. For example, a married couple can file joint tax returns; inherit a deceased spouse’s property without tax consequence; and use the homestead protection, in which the couple’s home is protected from creditors when one spouse dies. Partnerships vs. civil unions The difference between domestic partnerships and civil unions is unclear and sometimes nonexistent. A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage or civil union. Domestic partnerships tend to fall into two categories: 1) same-sex couples whose relationship is recognized by the state or local jurisdiction in which they live, or 2) same-sex couples who claim they
are in a committed relationship to obtain work-related benefits that are available to heterosexual married employees. It varies but, typically, to obtain status as domestic partners, same-sex couples register with the relevant state or local jurisdiction. Registration alone does not give couples additional rights or benefits, but it is a first step in recognizing their relationship publicly. Currently, Hawaii, Colorado, Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, California and Wisconsin all have some form of domestic-partnership laws. In addition, cities such as Philadelphia, New York City and San Francisco provide some combination of registration and domestic-partner benefits. New Jersey and Connecticut recognize civil unions. However, it is important to note that as of October 2010, Connecticut will only recognize marriage. Civil unions are state-sanctioned relationships that convey many of the benefits of marriage without calling it marriage. While civil unions are a start, they do not offer all the rights that marriage offers. Because of this, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that same-sex couples must be given the same rights under civil unions or marriage, even if the word “marriage” is not used. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont and, most recently, the District of Columbia allow gay marriage. However, due to other states and laws and the federal Defense of Marriage Act, these marriages may not be recognized as valid in other states and are not recognized by the federal government. DOMA prevents same-sex couples who are married, in a civil union or a domestic partnership from taking advantage of federal protections that are available to all married heterosexual couples. Some of these are the right to take family leave when one partner is ill, the acceptance of Social Security benefits of a deceased partner and joint tax-filing benefits. Last year, President Obama took a small yet important step toward undermining DOMA by signing a memorandum extending benefits such as visitation
and dependent-care rights to the same-sex partners of federal employees. Court decisions Some see domestic partnerships and civil unions as a step forward. However, others view it as government-sanctioned inequality, comparing the laws to “separate but equal” in our civil-rights history. So far, courts in Massachusetts, California and Connecticut have weighed in on the issue. These courts agreed that “names matter” and that nominal differences were unconstitutional. By labeling a group with a special designation, a state relegates it to second-class status. As the Connecticut court stated, “A mere difference on nomenclature” was a “form of separate but equal segregation” that only seeks to perpetuate and formalize discrimination against gays. Other courts have reached a different outcome. As mentioned above, in “Lewis v. Harris,” the New Jersey Supreme Court held it was unconstitutional to withhold the benefits and responsibilities from same-sex couples, but did find that the use of the word “marriage” was unnecessary. One major difference between marriage and either civil unions or domestic partnerships is that due to DOMA, the federal government only recognizes marriage, and so only legally married same-sex couples have legal standing to challenge DOMA. The terminology for same-sex unions is constantly evolving, and the rights and responsibilities conferred vary widely by jurisdiction. As the fight for equality rages on, leaders in the LGBT community may have a choice to make: Do they push for change, including domestic partnerships and civil unions, or solely push for same-sex marriage? These early judicial decisions show that the jury is still out on which legal strategy would ensure equality. ■ Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law Group, has offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT, business, real-estate and civil-rights law. Her website is www. giampololaw.com and she blogs at www. phillygaylawyer.com. Send her your legal questions to angela@giampololaw.com.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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MAY 7 - 13, 2010
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www.dignityphila.org Facebook – Dignity Philadelphia Join us at St. Luke & the Epiphany Church 330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine streets, Philadelphia, PA
Sunday Mass at 7:00 p.m.
Communion in the form of Consecrated bread, wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion available upon request.
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Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services
Winner of the 2009 Paddy and Barry Epstein Communicate! Award for innovative programming in a small congregation Sunday, May 9, 10:30 AM-11:30 AM. “The Arab-Israeli Conflict: History, Reality & Hope” (Part 2). Nurit Shein, a native Israeli who served as a colonel and education director in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), will help us explore the people, politics, and complexities of the Middle East with documents, video and discussion. Sunday, May 16, 12:00 PM. Brunch at Marathon Grill on the Square, 1829 Spruce Street, and 2:00 PM with “An Evening Without Woody Allen” at Plays and Players, 1714 Delancey Street. Come join us for a relaxing brunch with friends followed by a cool and classy afternoon with the work of Woody Allen, an American comedy master. Show tickets: $29. All payments due May 10. RSVP required (brunch cost not included.) Friday, May 28, 8:00 PM. BA Shabbat Services. Please join us for a service led by Rabbi Sue Levi-Elwell to welcome the Sabbath. An oneg (social hour) will follow services.
ages, and whether you agree with this bill or not, that’s just the reality,” Wagner said. “And frequently, teens are getting information from other students, from friends, from TV, and very often they’re getting inaccurate information. Public schools are the places that should be teaching this, but the students just aren’t getting the information, so it’s our responsibility to make sure that they do. They need to be able to make informed decisions about their own bodies and their own health.” The bill would prohibit districts from teaching abstinence-only sex- ed, but also allows for parents who are opposed to comprehensive sex-ed to opt out of the program. Wagner noted the bill would still require schools to emphasize that abstinence is the only way to prevent the transmission of STDs
Fi r st Ba p t i st C h u r c h SERVICES: Wednesdays Noon time Sundays 11a.m.
Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions
615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org
Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next light, Mt. Vernon St. Parking lot entrance on left.
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and pregnancy, but said a morecomprehensive approach would be more effective. “It arms students with information on contraceptives as approved by the FDA if they’re going to engage in sexual activity,” she said. “It has to be age-appropriate, so hypothetically a sixth-grade class might be learning about abstinence and understanding and respecting their own bodies, while it would be a little different for older students. It’s very fair, and it’s nothing outlandish or salacious.” That’s just how opponents have tried to characterize the bill, however, Wagner said, noting that some have asserted it promotes a “homosexual agenda.” The only reference to LGBT issues in the bill comes in the form of a nondiscrimination clause that materials used in sex-ed instruction cannot “promote bias” against students on a number of factors, including sexual orientation and
Rev. Dr. Peter C. Wool 17TH & SANSOM STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 www.fbcphila1698.org
215.563.3853
gender identity. “The districts would be selecting curriculum that does acknowledge that they have diverse student populations, including students who are members of the GLBT community,” Wagner said. Maggie Groff, vice president for external affairs at Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania — a strong proponent of Wagner’s bill — noted that while she did not know an exact number of districts that offer a nondiscrimination disclaimer in their sex-ed programs, she believed such a stipulation is rare. “We know that anecdotally, this is not the standard,” Groff said. She added that Wagner’s bill would provide structure to what she said is the current “patchwork” of sex-ed programs throughout the state. Wagner said she’s hopeful the full House will vote on the bill before the state legislature breaks for the summer. “I’ve worked very hard on both sides of the aisle to make this a bill that addresses the very serious concerns that we’re dealing with but that is also sensitive to the needs of the very, very different communities throughout the commonwealth,” she said. “Right now we’re working with our leadership to try to get a vote on this soon.” ■
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
WEISS From Page 1 to begin April 12 but was postponed following a request from the defense — is now set for July 6. Tuma said that following the filing of the indictment by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Weiss, whose five-year term on the commission expired in March, ceased participation with the agency, which grants and renews licenses to realestate brokers and salespeople, among other duties. “As I understand it, once the indictment occurred, he suspended activity and had not been participating in the board activities or attending meetings,” Tuma said. At the local level, Weiss is not among eight of the 12 members of the Police Advisory Commission
SCOUTS From Page 1 Members of the LGBT Working Group identified as potential witnesses include David Adamany, John Alchin, the Hon. Dan Anders, Charles Bennison, Allen Black, Jim Bryson, Andrew Chirls, David Cohen, Abbe Fletman, Sue Levi Elwell, Steve Getzow, Fred Haas, Arthur Kaplan, Malcolm Lazin, Daniel Meyer, Chris Paliani, R. Duane Perry, Keith Robinson, Stacy Sobel, Mary Strasser, John Taylor, Sandra Thompson and Melina Waldo. Jury selection will begin June 14. In a related matter, Buckwalter rejected a request from the Scouts to exclude key evidence from the case, including Perry’s account of the council’s “short-lived” nondiscrimination policy covering sexual orientation in 2003. But Buckwalter also said he may grant permission for the Scouts to take “additional discovery” on the evidence to be presented by Perry and other related witnesses before the trial begins. Perry recently signed an affidavit indicating that the local Scouts council adopted an antibias policy covering gays in 2003, then rescinded the policy after pressure from the national Scouting organization. The Scouts say they’re ready for a trial. “We are prepared to move forward with a trial and look forward to resolving this matter,” the Scouts said in a prepared statement. “However, we remain open to a settlement if the terms meet the Scouts’ imperatives. We accept
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
seeking another term. John Contino, executive director of the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission, said there is nothing in the state ethics code that expressly prohibits those facing indictment from serving on a state board or commission, as the code primarily addresses the use of public office for financial gain. Weiss’ original bail agreement stipulated that he could only travel in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of California, where he owns property, but the agreement was modified last month to allow him to travel to Delaware and the Central District of Pennsylvania. According to Dauphin County property records, Weiss currently owns a home in Harrisburg, which he purchased in 2005 with Michael Marsico, the current deputy director of the Pennsylvania Office of
Public Liaison, an agency that oversees appointment to state commissions. Weiss and Marsico purchased the 1,500-square-foot home in August 2005 for $122,500. They took out a mortgage on the house in September 2005 through Wachovia Bank for $110,200, and refinanced in January 2006 for $110,000. Tuma said he could not confirm the accuracy of the homeownership agreement, but said the governor was not aware of such a situation. Contino said a joint homeownership between an official of the Office of Public Liaison and a commission member could constitute an ethics violation only if the state employee was directly involved in influencing the member’s appointment and if that appointment amounted to finan-
Judge Buckwalter’s decision, and note also that while the court permitted the city to include certain evidentiary items that it had not previously disclosed, it nevertheless denied the city’s motion for summary judgment.” Thomas W. Ude, senior staff attorney with Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, expressed “cautious optimism” that the city will prevail at trial. “The issue is whether the Scouts can discriminate on the city’s dime,” Ude told PGN. “The Constitution doesn’t entitle any-
one to do that, and we hope and anticipate that, at trial, it will be clear that the city should prevail.” Amara S. Chaudhry, director of legal services for Mazzoni Center, said she was pleased the case is going to a jury. “I’m optimistic that a fair cross-section of the community will agree with the city’s position. My experience with juries is that they’re always more fair than they’re given credit for.” ■
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cial gain for the state employee, such as if the commission member received compensation for his or her service that allowed him or her to contribute more money to the mortgage payments. According to Tuma, the Office of Public Liaison “screens potential candidates and advises the governor on possible nominations for various vacancies on the boards or in other offices” and also “acts as a liaison between the governor’s office and the Senate during the confirmation process.” Tuma said members of the Real Estate Commission do not receive a salary but are given a $60 perdiem stipend to cover costs related to board work, such as travel expenses. Zack Stalberg, president and CEO of government watchdog group Committee of 70, said that while Weiss should be entitled to a
presumption of innocence, he said “it sounds like he was the wrong person to nominate, given the indictment, and I think it’s proper for the nomination to have been revoked.” Stalberg noted that there could be more than just monetary gain that a person can receive by being appointed to a state commission. “Depending on the person and the commission, there can be intangible benefits. There’s influence, because you have a status and position because you’re on a commission, so the fact that it’s not paid doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t value in the job for the individual.” Weiss, Marsico and members of the Real Estate Commission did not return calls for comment. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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r u o t De ary n i d r o the m o r f e rtur a p e d A
s e o g s c i m o C y a DC g Out r o f ’ t a b superhero ‘ o o t r e h r e to get her p u s own comic book By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer DC Comics, the company that brought you iconic superheroes such as Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman, recently announced that out superhero Batwoman will get her own series later this year. The move is groundbreaking for DC Comics, which hasn’t introduced nearly as many gay and lesbian superheroes as some of its major rival companies. But the new Batwoman series is believed to be the first release a y b
major American comic book with a lesbian character in the title role. This modern, openly gay Batwoman is a far cry from the version that debuted in “Detective Comics” — the series that introduced the world to Batman — in 1956. In the early 1950s, superhero and horror comic books were targeted by the conservative religious and family groups of the day as a source of juvenile delinquency. Ironically, Batwoman and alter ego Kathy Kane were brought in as a love interest for Batman to counter allegations that his character and Robin were gay, and to make the series more family-friendly. Needless to say, the original
Batwoman was a product of the times, a supporting character that had a “utility purse” and weapons disguised to look like cosmetics or jewelry. Batwoman was all but forgotten by the early 1960s, when DC Comics decided to take a darker direction to “Detective Comics” and introduced realistic and ultimately more popular characters like Batgirl. In 2006, DC Comics reintroduced the character of Batwoman in the DC universe as Kathy Kane, a wealthy, gay socialite who, like Batman, takes to crime fighting as a way to
work through her issues with childhood trauma. She was introduced in the series “52” before becoming the main focus of “Detective Comics” after the disappearance and presumed death of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Dan DiDio, former executive editor and current co-publisher of DC Comics, said the introduction of the new out Batwoman quickly drew praise from fans and critics and earned a GLAAD award this year for outstanding comic. “We had a very strong positive reaction,”
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DiDio said. “We introduced her about three years ago. But there was also a very vocal minority that had a problem with it. But one of the things we went through great lengths to do with the character is really establish her as a hero first, and to explore her role as a hero inside the DC universe. In my early role, I was involved in the pre-production and the direction of the series in conjunction with the creative teams. When we reintroduced her into her role as a feature in “‘Detective Comics,’” we had nothing but positive response, even to the point where the series has been nominated for an Eisner Award, which are awards within the comics industry. And actually the demand in the industry for those series prompted us to put her in her own book. Now my role is to make sure that we get the book out there in as many hands as possible.” The comic-book industry in general is driven by a predominantly young heterosexual male demographic. So who the hell was complaining about the presence of a lesbian superhero? “I think there was a perceived sense of exploitation or a sense that we were doing it for publicity reasons,” DiDio said. “But the reality is that when we do a world like Batman’s world — where we have so many characters whose sensibilities seem to be coming from the same place, as they are not super-powered — really, what we want to do is create a sense of difference between them by exploring who they are in their past. By creating Batwoman, we really wanted to show a character with a different point of view, with a different sensibility, but also with the same goal in mind of trying to correct the wrongs of Gotham City.” In giving Batwoman her own series instead of making her the focus of a series more associated with Batman, DiDio said the creative team, which currently does not feature any LGBT talent, will be able to explore and expand upon her character.
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Batman villains like the Joker or Two Face any time soon. “There’s always a chance to see that, but one of our goals is to develop her own villains and her own rogues’ gallery, because we feel that she’s a strong character in her own right and she should be determined not by the characters other people have fought before, but by the characters that challenge her,” he said. “We want to play the socialite aspect of who she is but, more importantly, there’s a lot that goes on because she has a military background as well and how that comes into play. How her family is used for and against her will be a key piece to the storyline.” So is having a high-profile lesbian superhero going to draw more LGBT readers to the series? “I don’t see her any different than the readership we see for other books,” DiDio said. “It’s got to be the people who enjoy the Batman series and it’s also people who enjoy the comic-book series. The good part about that is we have a widely diverse audience that follows our characters, and I believe that’s the audience that’s reaching out and hopefully will be finding and enjoying her new book.” And does Batwoman getting her own series mean that DC Comics might give a gay male character top billing someday? “We do gay male heroes right now,” DiDio said. “None as prominent as the Batwoman character. We have a character called Obsidian who’s a member of one of our team books, ‘Justice Society of America.’ But we also are looking to expand at every level. So there’s always a good chance we’ll be exploring more character diversity in the future as well.” The new Batwoman comic book debuts later this year. For more information, visit www.dccomics.com. ■ “In ‘Detective Comics,’ there was a particular arc and story that we were looking to tell. Now when you’re in an ongoing series, you can actually delve more into the past of the character and their backstory, along with setting up a supporting cast as well as a rogues’ gallery of villains she will be fighting. From day one, we always had hopes that this would be something we could break out. That’s one of the reasons why we introduced this character. The bat symbol carries a lot of weight and we have a lot of strong readership around Batman’s universe. We’re hoping to give her every opportunity to succeed. We put one of our top writers, Greg Rucka, on the book. He really took the character and shepherded her to this point. We put one of the greatest artists on the book, J.H. Williams. One of the reasons why it took a while for Batwoman to land in ‘Detective Comics’ wasn’t the fact that we were hesitant to put her out there. It’s just that J.H. is a meticulous
artist and we just wanted to have enough books that we could put out on a monthly basis.” In the DC Comics universe, Batman and alter-ego Wayne are heavy hitters as far as influence and the scope of their adventures. Bruce is one of the richest people on the planet and Batman is just as likely to save the world from terrorists as he is to stop a mugging. Most other characters in the Batman family play a lesser, somewhat subordinate role to the Dark Knight. But DiDio said that Batwoman/ Kathy Kane were envisioned as equal counterparts to Batman and Bruce. “She’s going to be integral to everything that has been going on in the DC universe and not just off in her own corner,” DiDio said about the scope of the Batwoman series. “She really is going to be an active member of the Superhero community.” He added that fans shouldn’t expect to see her going toe to toe with the big
Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
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MAY 7 - 13, 2010
Cabaret duo returns for New Hope Celebrates By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer
PGN: How does Harlans in New Hope compare to the clubs and venues you normally play in New York City? EL: We love Harlans! MEL: It’s classy, it’s well-decorated and it’s just as gay as anything in The Village.
MEL (LEFT) & EL TAKE OVER
El And we have never ever seen a roach or a rodent. So in that way, it’s probably nicer than most NYC clubs. M: And the drinks come in real glasses, not Dixie cups. E: And they put, like, six olives in the dirty martinis. M: And they have blue cheese mashed potatoes. Yum. E: Yeah, Harlans is better. We like it the best!
‘
Mel & El are more than happy to head back to Harlans Cabaret for New Hope Celebrates’ Pride festivities on May 15 — if, for nothing else, the menu offerings. Known offstage as Melanie Adelman and Ellie Dvorkin, the two real-life longtime best friends have accrued a cult following in New York City, performing in some of the city’s best comedy clubs and cabarets, as well as at events like “Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad,” “The Big Gay Variety Show,” “The Miss Fag Hag Pageant” and here! TV’s “Busted.” And if these two are as on at Harlans as they were when we talked to them, New Hope is in for one hell of a time.
decided to join forces there was no turning back. E: I think we always wanted to perform together, but we had to gain a certain amount of experience on our own in order to really appreciate the beautiful symbiosis that’s achieved when we work together. M: Did you really just say “symbiosis?” E: I did. As “the toast of New York nightlife,” I stand by my vocabulary choices.
PGN: After meeting at the age of 12, at what point did the two of you realize you we going to join forces to become the toast of New York nightlife? M: We didn’t realize it until a few years ago. We performed together as kids, but then we went our separate ways for college. We both did the move-to-New-York-andaudition thing and had separate careers for a while, but once we
PGN: Your show has been described as “Laverne & Shirley” meets “Sex and the The City,” but are there any musicians or performing artists that you draw inspiration from for your performances? E: We try to just be ourselves, but there are definitely performers that we love who have influenced us along the way. Funny bitches like Bette Midler and Tracey Ullman ... M: Carol Burnett and Jane Curtin and Gilda Radner ... E: And we love comedians who make music, like Sarah Silverman and Tenacious D and
Flight of the Conchords. M: But we’re female friends who get a little naughty, hence the Laverne & the City, Sex & the Shirley thing. E: That was clever! M: Thanks. PGN: You are both performers and writers outside of Mel & El. Do the two of you work/perform more as individuals or as a duo? E: We kinda can’t tolerate performing with anyone else anymore. M: El! That’s not a very politically correct thing to say. E: It’s true. I mostly hate everyone but you. M: Yeah. Me too. E: Well, maybe “hate” is a strong word. M: Other people require words to communicate with each other. We’ve gotten it down to a series of winks, nods and shrugs. It’s much more efficient. E: We’re like bushmen. You know ... with the clicking? M: Sshh ... no more. PGN: For the record, do either of you identify as gay?
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
E: Mel? Do you want to answer that? M: I identify as bisexual, but it has been quite a while since I ... flexed that muscle. E: I’ve never flexed that muscle, but I would if any females would ever hit on me! M: They don’t hit on you because they know you’re straight. E: Once this article hits the stands that’s all going to change, baby. PGN: Are you doing anything special for your performance at New Hope’s Pride celebration? M: Oh, yes. We’ve put together some very special surprises. E: Mel’s going to show everyone her penis! M: Just ignore her. PGN: Who is the most famous person you have ever seen attending one of your performances? E: Madonna loves our show. She often sneaks in the back wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and dances along to the “Vogue” tribute section in our song “Fagnet.” M: Actually, I think that’s a drag queen. E: Actually, I think it’s this girl I know. She’s stalking us. M: You should date her. E: Nah. She’s not a very good dancer. PGN: Your new CD is called “She’s My Bitch,” so ... which one of you is making that statement? M: We’re both making it. We’re each other’s bitch. E: It’s very complicated. Just
when I’m certain that Mel is my bitch, I realize that I’m hers. M: It’s symbiotic. E: Look what you did with the word usage! M: You’re welcome. PGN: Recently you did your “Gay Married” show in New Hope. What’s next, “Couples Therapy”? M: Actually, we just launched a brand-new regular monthly show in NYC called “Mel & El: Our Time of the Month.” But “Couples Therapy” is cute! E: Where were you when we were naming things? PGN: Languishing in poverty and obscurity in Philadelphia. But enough about me ... What’s the next step on your paths to superstardom? E: We’re working on pitching our TV show idea to some networks. It’s highly confidential at the moment, but keep your fingers crossed! M: Yeah. And if that doesn’t work out, we’re going to kill off Kathy Griffin and Tori Spelling and take over their careers. Because, you know, we kind of resemble them. E: So if you see ads for “Tori & Kathy: Couples Therapy” on Bravo, you’ll know it’s really us. M: But don’t tell anyone, OK? ■ Mel & El perform at 9 p.m. May 15 at Harlans Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information, visit www.harlanscabaret.com or call (215) 862-5225. Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
PGN Our biggest issue of the year is coming! The Pride Edition: June 11
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Bisexual writer spills it in book By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Out writer Liz Spikol is certainly no stranger to opening up her life to readers. A current program manager for a mental-health advocacy group, Spikol started writing about her experiences with mental illness in 1999, when she was a writer and editor at Philadelphia Weekly, and continues to blog about the subject semi-regularly. But she’ll be sharing a different kind of personal experience May 11 at the Arts Bank’s First Person Arts: writing about her sexuality. “I plan to talk about the problem of losing your voice and how you try and get it back,” Spikol said. “I’m also going to read an excerpt from the book, that is not a book yet, about bisexuality. It is a memoir, but it’s not a memoir of mental illness, which everybody is expecting from me. It’s what I wrote about for 10 years and I don’t want to be that person anymore. I’m writing about a different aspect of my experience.” Spikol will speak at a writers’ salong that also will include blogger Emily Gould and graphic artist Emily Steinberg. Get a taste of Spikol’s new book while you can, because she doesn’t know when it will be finished. “It really hasn’t [been easy] at all,” she said. “I guess writing is hard and writing about yourself is harder. I never really wrote about this before. I always kind of kept my sexuality hidden, which is pretty much the only thing I kept hidden. I’ve been writing about myself for 10 years. I’ve spilled everything else. But I wasn’t comfortable for some reason with this aspect.” Spikol made it clear that she was comfortable being out; it was writing about her bisexuality that gave her pause. “I’ve been out since college,” she said. “I had a really terrible radio show about bisexuality. I worked really hard to get the ‘B’ in our LGBU at my college. I guess I was always out, but there was something about it. I felt like it was my own thing. It was my own concern. I had cultivated that other voice and now I don’t know what this voice should
LIZ SPIKOL
be. The strange thing is if I had just been gay, I could have written about that. In my workplace, which was an alternative newsweekly, you could be straight: Most people were straight. You could be gay: That was cool. But somehow, being in the middle there just confused people and made them uncomfortable. They just didn’t know how to connect with you.” Spikol added that discomfort with bisexuality wasn’t just in the workplace: Some readers would bristle when she mentioned her sexuality in her column. “I think it has to do with the fact that culturally we’re so puritanical,” she said. “I did my outthere sexual columns and the response was never good. It was like, ‘Oh, that’s too much information. You can tell us all about hearing voices and being psychotic but if you mention that you have a crush on Jennifer Lopez ... ’ This is, by the way, before she was horrible. I just want to clarify that. I had a crush on her when she was in the biopic about Selena. I wrote about that in passing. In this video, she showed her stomach and she had this cute little muffin top. So I wrote a little thing about that and you would have though I had thrown my clothing off and ran down the street naked screaming.” Liz Spikol takes part in “Spilling Your Guts,” 7:30 p.m. May 11 at Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, visit www.firstpersonarts.org or blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/trouble. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
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Family Portraits Shane Michael Duncan has a movie-star name and a personality to match. I spoke to Mr. Fierce for a moment after SundayOUT!, where I found him cutting up a storm. PGN: Where are you originally from? SMD: I was born in Delaware County — Chester, Pa. — and lived there until I was about 3, when we moved to Chesilhurst, N.J. PGN: Any siblings? SMD: I have an older brother and a twin brother named Sean. PGN: Shane and Sean? That’s funny: My column last week was with a gay twin. Is Sean gay too? SMD: No, he’s straight. That’s the way we run in my family. My mother also has a twin brother — she’s straight, but her twin is gay. I guess it’s genetic. [Twins are] supposed to skip a generation, but I guess we didn’t get the memo. PGN: The twins I wrote about were both gay. SMD: Get out! I don’t think I could handle that. My brother and I were so busy trying to find our own identities separate from each other that to come out as gay and then have my twin come out would be a bit much. You’d spend your whole life sharing the same community. At this stage of the game, if my twin brother came out of the closet, I’d move to the other side of the country! Not that I don’t love him, but just to have my own space. PGN: Any odd twin things? SMD: Not really, our personalities are the same, but I always joke and tell people that we grew up culturally diverse. He’s very athletic and I was more the artsy type. Not that I’m not athletic, but he’s über-athletic. I was into music and theater and things like that, whereas he was into football and baseball and those sorts of things that I could care less about. I think if you put the two of us together, we would make one well-rounded person! We’re different but the same in a way and, when we’re together, we have fun. We’re both loud and boisterous and out of control. Like two kids with ADHD ... on chocolate. PGN: What’s your older brother
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
Suzi Nash like? SMD: Like me and my twin: We’re alike in personality, but drastically different in style. Greg’s into heavy-metal music, so much so that he plays in a heavy-metal band, Lisa for Sale. He’s got a plethora of children too: five girls and one boy. PGN: Geez, I guess that took pressure off you needing to have any kids. SMD: Oh darlin’, pets are welcome but no kids for me: I’m happy to be a doting uncle. He’s got his six and my twin has four kids. We’re all completely different entities, but when we are together, we’re really tight. When I was growing up, my twin brother was always my protector, actually both my brothers. If someone ever threatened me or gave me a hard time, they would show up the next day all beaten up. I don’t know why they did that — I could have held my own — but I was lucky to have them. PGN: I guess they knew you were [putting on a Southern accent] “sensitive.” SMD: [Laughs.] Yes, “Ah was special.” Even now, if I have any problems and I tell my brothers, it’s on! That person better watch out. PGN: What did your parents do? SMD: They’re both retired now. My mother was a stay-at-home mom, but you know I’m not really sure what my father did. That’s a shame, I should know these things — I mean he’s still married to my mother! I think he did something with Philadelphia Electric. PGN: What did you do after high school? SMD: My mother wanted me to experience life and do something cultural, so I joined a drum and bugle corps in Rosemont, Ill. It was fun and I learned a lot. After that, I came home and threw myself into the work world. PGN: Why bugle corps? SMD: When I was in high school, I was in the choir and played bells in marching band. I was also a first in many things. I was the first male cheerleader and I was the first male on the color guard team. It might sound odd, but it wasn’t really a big deal because I was always out to
everyone, and I think they almost expected it. The drum and bugle corps that I joined was called the Cavaliers and they were an all-male, all-gay corps. It was a great experience because it taught me that you didn’t necessarily need women to make a soft, pretty picture. It was neat to have a group of gay men who knew that you could be silly screaming queens on your own turf, but when it came time to perform, it was all business. There was an aura of strength and beauty and precision that we exuded on the field. We learned there was a time and place for everything. PGN: How old were you when you came out? SMD: I came out when I was 8. One of my neighbors was watching us for my mother and she asked me if I was hungry. I turned around and looked at her and said, “You know what, I’m not hungry, but I am gay.” It was one of those “pull the needle off the record” moments that stunned her. My mother had to tell me, “When people ask you if you’re hungry, you don’t answer by saying that you’re gay.” I said, “OK, Mom, but I am gay. I like boys.” So throughout school it was never a secret that I was gay and, when I wanted to join the cheerleading squad, it wasn’t like anyone was shocked. I remember during marching band, watching the color guard and thinking how beautiful it was. It’s almost a work of art, the way that they twirled the flags and created a picture. Like something out of a Busby Berkeley movie and I wanted to be a part of it. Since I was the only guy doing it, they had to make a special uniform for me, though I was perfectly willing to wear the little skirt. My mother always said, “If you’re going to do it, do it so well that they can’t say anything bad about you.” So not only was I the first male, I was the best color guard member that they had. PGN: Any hobbies now? SMD: I’m still into drum corps but mostly as a spectator sport when I can catch it on TV. [Laughs.] I love TV; the boob tube is my friend, especially reality TV. PGN: I’m a TV junkie myself: As soon as we finish talking I’m going to make some iced tea
SHANE MICHAEL DUNCAN Photo: Suzi Nash
and watch “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” on Logo. SMD: Oh my God, that’s so funny. That’s what I was doing when you called! I swear to God. I was watching the episode where Spike made the robot Buffy. I love Buffy, she’s my queen ...
highlights in the pieces that didn’t break! Odd, right?
PGN: Fun stuff. SMD: I was also a drag performer for a long time. That’s how I made a living, doing retail by day and impersonating Whitney Houston and Phyllis Hyman by night.
PGN: Do you collect anything? SMD: I collect pint glasses. I have a few commercial ones, like I have the Merlotte’s pint glasses from the HBO series “True Blood,” but mostly my friend and I collect them from bars we have visited.
PGN: Whitney before or after Bobby? SMD: Definitely before! Remember when we used to think she was classy? Those were the good old days ... PGN: What do you do now? SMD: I’m a hairdresser by trade at Verde Salon in Collingswood, N.J., and I also teach at PB Cosmetology Education Centre in Gloucester City. PGN: Worst hair incident? SMD: I’ve been pretty fortunate not to have any incidents or accidents. We did have a woman once who came in and insisted that we put highlights in her hair. It was fried and we told her it would fall out if we did anything to it, but she wanted to go ahead anyway. When we took the foil off, her hair broke off in clumps and I thought she would go ballistic, even though we’d warned her, but she was happy that we’d managed to get blond
PGN: Traits you inherited from your mother or father? SMD: Patience from my mother. [Laughs.] And impatience from my father.
PGN: What’s the farthest you’ve traveled? SMD: When I was 15, I traveled to Austria to perform with the Vienna Boys Choir. I went with bandleader Fred Waring’s group. You might remember him from his Christmas albums. PGN: Favorite toy as a kid? SMD: Jump rope. It was fun and it was free ... and I was good at it, especially double Dutch. The girls in my neighborhood would knock on the door and ask my mom if I would play it with them. PGN: Craziest weather incident? SMD: Oh, one time I was flying to Dallas. When I left Philadelphia, the weather was fine. For some reason we had to stop in Pittsburgh and I swear to you, it was so snowy, you couldn’t see out the window. The snowflakes were so big it looked like a blanket coming down, I
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
was surprised they let us land. I’ll never, ever go back to Pittsburgh again. PGN: Since you like reality TV, if you were doing “The Amazing Race,” who would you want as your partner? SMD: That’s an awesome question. My twin brother, because we’re so different we compliment each other, and we always cheer each other on. We never yell and we get along great. He would be the best partner. PGN: You should do it: I bet mirror twins would be a huge draw. Speaking of partners, are you with anyone? SMD: Yes, his name is Mark and we just celebrated our 10th anniversary; [sotto voce] Now he just needs to marry me. And you can print that! We met at the old Woody’s. I saw him and started a conversation and we’ve been inseparable ever since. He’s incredible, he lets me be me, which I can tell you is not always easy. PGN: Something wonderful about him? SMD: Well, take today: I’m the type who stops and says hello to everybody. Every two steps someone is calling my name. He would much rather just quietly walk around and look at things. He could have snapped, but he waits for me and says hello to the people I introduce him to and stands back and lets me do my thing. The wind beneath my wings ... PGN: Worst job? SMD: I worked at Raymour & Flanigan, and they were awful. It was a six-month stint, to the day. The final straw was when my aunt died. She was one of my favorite aunts and, when I told them that I couldn’t come to work because of a death in the family, they told me to come back to work when the funeral was over. I was like, “Really? You must not know what a black funeral is like, because there’s no going home after the service.” That’s when you go eat and mourn. I expected every day there to be my last, but that really was it because I had no problem expressing my disdain when they said that.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PGN: “Star Trek” or “Star Wars”? SMD: “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” PGN: If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? SMD: Hercules. He has a great deal of strength and he had to learn how to handle it and how to put others before himself. I think that’s a good role model. PGN: What farm chore would you not want to do? SMD: Oh child, I would not want to be the one who has to inseminate the cows! That’s disgusting! My arms are too short anyway ... and those long gloves don’t work with any outfit! PGN: Favorite family tradition? SMD: Every Christmas we go to my godmother’s house and do a Christmas brunch. We call it “Porkfest.” It’s a pork smorgasbord. PGN: Strange item from your childhood bedroom? SMD: I had a cedar chest that I hated. To a child, it looks like a big coffin at the foot of your bed. Smells funny too. PGN: Any paranormal experiences? SMD: No, but I think I’m very sensitive to that sort of thing. I’m really good at reading people’s energy and I know when someone tells me a lie; I can feel it right away. Or, if someone’s genuine, I can feel that too. PGN: Are you good at crafts? SMD: No, that’s not me at all. My partner does all that. PGN: Favorite cartoon? SMD: “Sleeping Beauty.” The witch in that, Maleficent, was awesome! She was a baby drag queen’s dream. PGN: Beauty secret? SMD: Make sure the hair products you use are sulfate free. PGN: What’s your favorite piece of clothing? SMD: I have a corset for when I do drag. It’s structured and holds everything in place. I don’t do drag much anymore, just on occasion for charity, but I was asked to be a contes-
tant on RuPaul’s “Drag Race.” I didn’t do it, though. I’m 39 now, so maybe I’ll do it next year. Show them that you can be 40 and fierce! PGN: Any celebrity encounters? SMD: I’ve met quite a lot of people, but the nicest one was Graham Norton. I met him in P-town and he was the sweetest guy I’d ever met. I just met him on the street and he talked to me like we’d known each other for years. And whenever he saw me out and about he would always speak to me. PGN: Any notable relatives? SMD: I have an uncle who was an opera singer, but it is rumored that my great grandmother was half-sisters with Ethel Waters. PGN: Cool! Can you hook me up with Crystal Waters? I saw her headline at Gay Games years ago and she was fierce! She must be a second cousin twice removed or something. SMD: Any time, honey! I know she lives nearby. PGN: Any tattoos or piercings? SMD: My ears are pierced, but neither my twin nor I have tattoos. My oldest brother makes up for it — he has over 20. But the three of us are planning on getting one together. It’s called the tri-tetra and it has three joined circles that will represent our unity. PGN: Your parents must have done something right to raise three boys who get along so well. SMD: Yes, they did. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to: Family Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.
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Q Puzzle The Sar torial Edge Across
1. Ferries, for example 6. Strip in the locker room 10. Second name in cross-dressing 15. “___ having fun yet?” 16. First man to say to a man, “You slay me!”? 17. Rimbaud’s turf 18. More like some straits? 19. “___ there, done that” 20. Doesn’t squeal, with “up” 21. Start of the advantage of being gay, per Seinfeld 24. “ ___ on a Hot Tin Roof” 25. Tickles pink 26. Carbon compound suffix 27. Grammy winner Puente 28. Count (on) 29. More of the advantage 33. “The Music Man” setting 34. Safe and sound 35. Shady retreat 39. More of the advantage 42. Goes down in defeat 43. Ballets Russes founder Diaghilev 45. Some lodge members 47. More of the advantage 50. “Sappho’s Leap” author Erica 54. Marine flyer 55. Roadside stop 56. Water cannon target 58. Fair y tale, so to speak 59. End of the advantage 62. Leave alone
64. One that plays with balls at the circus 65. Deuce follower, for Mauresmo 66. Susan of “Goldengirl” 67. Canadian oil company 68. “X-Men” actress Berry 69. Cooks, as fruit 70. Pronto, in the OR 71. Tatum of “The Bad News Bears”
Down
1. Wisconsin mascot 2. Diamond bird 3. Over one’s head 4. Score, nonsexually 5. Suit material 6. Perfume brand 7. Aid’s partner 8. Herman of kids’ television 9. Weather whipping boy 10. Emulate Paul Cadmus 11. Mar tin of the Daughters of Bilitis 12. Like Will’s roomie? 13. Generator part 14. Touches up 22. ___ buco 23. Jacks take them 27. Big name in model trains 30. Cries from an S/M bottom 31. Spring month for Debussy 32. Some have electric organs
33. Put out 35. “Not to mention ...” 36. Take new bearings 37. Madonna, originally 38. Stare at 40. Grandpa Walton 41. Wing for Julia Morgan 44. Prefix that means “queer” 46. Smith of “Dawson’s Creek” 48. Burdens of proof 49. Disturbance at Stonewall 50. Stateswoman Barbara 51. Peter who played Lawrence 52. Award for Ursula LeGuin 53. Fairy-tale daughter 57. “My Own Private ___ ” 59. Deep desires 60. Cary Grant’s “I ___ Male War Bride” 61. All the time 63. Bend over
SOLUTION
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MAY 7 - 13, 2010
Best-Sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960; www.giovannisroom.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales. DVDS Women’s Interest 1. “Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me,” starring Wanda Sykes (2009, 60 min., $19.95). Dominating everything from television sitcoms to feature films, this comedian extraordinaire has returned in her second solo comedy special. 2. “The Lovers & Friends Show, Season 1,” directed by Charmain Johnson (2008, 163 min., $19.95). 3. “I Can’t Think Straight,” directed by Shamin Sharif (2007, 94 min., $24.98). Two women fall in love on the eve of one
woman’s wedding. Although they come from different worlds, the attraction between Tala and Leyla is immediate and Tala must decide whether to stay true to her culture or to her heart. 4. “The Crash Pad,” directed by Shine Louise Houston (2006, 60 min., $34.95). “This is the key to the crash pad, and I want to give it to you. You’re guaranteed a panty-dropping good time ... ” Lesbian/feminist porn. 5. “Drool” (2009, 85 min., $27.95). Hilarious take on lovers and kids who bury bad daddy. 6. “Imagine Me and You,” directed by Ol Parker (2005, 93 min., $14.95). An innocent glance between Rachel and an unexpected wedding guest is all it takes to spark a “love at first sight” romance with a surprising twist.
Gay Men’s Interest 1. “The Lair, Season 3,” directed by Fred Olen Ray (2009, 351 min., $29.95). Welcome to The Lair, a private club run by vampires, used to attract young male victims. Thirteen episodes on two DVDs. 2. “Ciao,” directed by Yen Tan (2008, 87 min., $24.95). After his best friend Mark dies, Jeff decides to meet Andrea, an Italian man Mark has been Internet dating. The two strangers quickly bond and develop a meaningful friendship that changes their lives forever. 3. “Boycrazy” (2009, 98 min., $24.95). The most fabulous gay short of 2009 headlines this new gay shorts collection! 4. “The Big Gay Musical,” directed by Caspar Andreas and Fred M. Caruso (2009, 97 min., $24.95). Paul and Eddie have just begun previews for the new offBroadway musical “Adam and Steve Just the Way God Made ‘Em.” Their lives strangely mirror the characters they are playing. 5. “Greek Pete: A Year In The Life of a Rent Boy,” directed by George O’Donnell (2009, 94 min., $29.95). A glimpse into the world of Pete, a very popular escort who was voted “Best Escort” at the “World Escort Awards” in Los Angeles in 2008. 6. “Breakfast with Scot” (2007, 109 min., $24.95). The lives of
Eric, an ex-hockey player, and his partner Sam are thrown into turmoil when they take in Scot, a flamboyant 11-year-old. BOOKS Gay Men’s Interest 1. “Probation,” by Tom Mendicino (Kensington Press, 304 pp., $15 pb). In this timely and provocative novel from an authentic new voice in fiction, Mendicino explores how a closeted gay man’s decision to marry impacts his life and the people he loves, and what happens when the lies unravel. 2. “The Moonlit Earth,” by Christopher Rice (Scribners, 368 pp., $25 hb). Rice returns with his first female protagonist since “The Snow Garden.” In “The Moonlit Earth,” he delivers a compelling psychological thriller about a young woman who must act to save her brother’s reputation and life when he is accused of being involved in a terrorist event. 3. “Robin & Ruby,” by KM Soehnlein (Kensington Press, 352 pp., $24 hb). Soehnlein’s beloved and highly praised debut, “The World of Normal Boys,” introduced unforgettable teenager Robin MacKenzie. Now, Soehnlein introduces Robin’s sister, Ruby, in this story of love, loss and emotional upheaval.
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4. “Murder On Camac,” by Joseph DeMarco (Lethe, 396 pp., $18 pb). Gunned down in the street, author Helmut Brandt’s life ebbs away and puts a chain of events in motion that places P.I. Marco Fontana on a collision course with the church and local community. 5. “Workin’ It! RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style,” by RuPaul (It Books, 192 pp., $19.99 hb, less 10 percent in the store). More than just a style guide, this is a navigation system through the bumpy road of life. Let RuPaul teach you the tried, tested and found true techniques that will propel you from background player to shining star! Women’s Interest 1. “Lesbian Pulp Fiction: The Sexually Intrepid World of Lesbian Paperback Novels 19501965,” edited by Katherine V. Forrest (Cleis, 440 pp., $20 pb). Long before the rise of the modern gay movement, an unnoticed literary revolution was occurring between the covers of the cheaply produced lesbian pulp paperbacks. This collection documents the emergence of a lesbian subculture in postwar America. 2. “Long Shot,” by D. Jackson Lee (Bold Strokes, 231 pp., $16.95 pb). Equine veterinarian Tory Greyson has always played the safe bet. That is, until she runs into a very cute, opinionated, jobless journalist. 3. “Sapphistries: A Global History of Love Between Women,” by Leila J. Rupp (NYU, 303 pp., $29.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store). From the ancient poet Sappho to “tombois” in contemporary Indonesia, women throughout history and around the globe have desired, loved and had sex with other women. 4. “The Midnight Hunt,” by Radclyffe writing as L.L. Raand (Bold Strokes, 272 pp., $16.95 pb). Medic Ryon Drake has never been good at following protocol, so she doesn’t think twice about rendering emergency care when a young girl’s life is at stake — even if the girl is in the throes of Werefever and any sane mortali should know better. 5. “The Slow Fix,” by Ivan E. Coyote (Arsenal Pulp, 152 pp., $16.95 pb). Ivan returns to her short-story roots in a collection that is disarming, warm and funny, while at the same time it subverts our preconceived notions of gender roles. ■
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Bruce Yelk
The suburbs strike back with plenty of Pride Though some city-dwellers may disregard the suburbs as little more than strip malls, chain restaurants and McMansions, there is a wide range of LGBTfriendly social events, restaurants, bars and other attractions just outside of Philadelphia. There’s also beautiful scenery, numerous historic landmarks and a sense of relaxation that’s hard to find in the city’s concrete jungle. As many gay and lesbian residents who have transplanted from city to suburb will attest, both areas have wonderful, yet very distinct, attributes. With New Hope Celebrates — the annual New Hope Gay Pride celebration, May 10-16 — there’s no better time to review my recommendations for what to do when you get to the countryside. New Hope has long been recognized as one of the country’s most gay-friendly towns. Though many sizable gay populations are located in urban areas, New Hope is a small borough filled with quaint shops, exceptional restaurants and a variety of gay social establishments. I’m not certain of the percentage of LGBT residents and businesses in New Hope, but I can assure you we are everywhere. From civic leaders and public officials to entrepreneurs, a diverse group of LGBT individuals makes New Hope tick. Each May, New Hope kicks off the summer season with a week full of activities in honor of gay pride. New Hope Celebrates has far too many events to list here, but following are some of the highlights. For a complete schedule, ticket prices and all other details, visit
www.newhopecelebrates.com. — NHC Official Pride Kick-Off Party: 6-10 p.m. May 10, The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. — NHC Official Outdoor Movie Night: 8 p.m. May 11, outside at The Raven — NHC Sponsor’s Pride KickOff Night: Two stops, beginning with a reception from 6:30-9 p.m. May 13, at Tuscany on the Towpath, 18-20 W. Mechanic St., and dancing from 9 p.m.midnight at Havana Restaurant and Bar, 105 S. Main St. — Male Dance Revue: 9 p.m.1 a.m. May 13, The Raven. The piano bar will be open in advance and feature the music of Russell Eiffert. — NHC Official Girls Night Out: 9 p.m. May 14, Triumph Brewing Company, 400 Union Square, featuring a performance by out singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla — LGBTA Pride Comedy Show: 9 p.m. May 14, The Nevermore Hotel, 6426 Lower York Road, with performances by Scott Sutherland, Dwayne Dunlevy and Adrian Colon. DJ Michael DeCero will spin ’80s and ’90s dance hits following the show. — NHC Official Pride Parade: noon May 15. The parade route begins on West Ferry Street, heads to South Main Street and ends on Waterloo. This year’s theme is “It’s a Family Affair.” Special parade participants include the Big Apple Corps LGBT Marching Band, the Lambertville Drum and Bugle Corps, singer-songwriter Josh Zuckerman and “America’s Got Talent” finalists The Glamazons and the DC Cowboys. — NHC “Gagalicious” Dance Party: 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m. May 15, The Nevermore Hotel, featuring performances by the
DC Cowboys and DJ Michael DeCero. Lady Gaga-inspired attire is encouraged but not mandatory. — NHC Official Farewell TDance: 4 p.m.-1 a.m. May 16, The Raven. Hosted by Miss Victoria Lace with performances by the DC Cowboys, Josh Zuckerman and DJ Josh. — Ladies 2000 Pride Party: 39 p.m. May 16, The Nevermore Hotel. Though New Hope is the region’s most recognized gayfriendly destination, many other area attractions draw LGBT residents and visitors in droves. One of the most historically significant and awe-inspiring of these is Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Longwood, one of the most famous botanical gardens in the country, is the former
estate of Pierre S. du Pont, who purchased the property in 1906. Du Pont added many innovative features, including the immense pipe organ and a series of fountains. Following du Pont’s death, Longwood Gardens opened to the public. Currently, Longwood consists of 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens, heated conservatories for year-round use and some 11,000 types of trees and plants. Check out www.longwoodgardens.org for special events, exhibits and directions. On your way to or from Longwood Gardens, you must stop by Simon Pearce Restaurant, 1333 Lenape Road, West Chester. Located on the Brandywine River, Simon Pearce is one of the region’s most exceptional dining experiences. The restaurant also features dining and glassware made onsite at
the Simon Pearce glass-blowing facility. To make a reservation or view photos of the restaurant and glass-blowing studio, visit www. simonpearce.com. My final recommendation for this week is Iron Hill Brewery. With restaurants in Media, West Chester, Phoenixville, Lancaster and several other locales, Iron Hill hosts happy hours and other events for the suburban LGBT set. Whether there’s a special event on tap or not, Iron Hill is well worth a visit when you’re in the neighborhood. To check out the details for each location, go to www.ironhillbrewery.com. That’s it for this week’s edition. If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail Bruce@nightlifegay.com. ’Til next time, get offline and enjoy what our community has to offer! ■
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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TODAY: Fri. 5/7, 5:30 p.m.
SONIA SANCHEZ reads poetry from her “MORNING HAIKU” MON. - SAT. 11:30 - 7p.m. SUNDAY 1:00 - 7p.m. email: giovannis_room@verizon.net
“My Favorite Jeans” Phase I is coming ... Scott A. Drake Photography
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
Diversions Your guide to arts and entertainment
Theater
An Evening Without Woody Allen 1812 Productions presents the world-premiere comedy featuring short stories and essays by Woody Allen, through May 16 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; (215) 5929560.
presents an adaptation of Laura Joffe Numeroff’s bestselling children’s book about the chaos a demanding mouse can create, through June 13 on Arden’s Arcadia Stage, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 9221122.
PGN
Pick
Girls Night: The Musical Follow five friends as they relive their past, celebrate their present and look to the future on a hilarious karaoke night out, through May 23 at Kimmel’s Innovation Studio, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. I Am My Own Wife Amaryllis Theatre Company presents a oneman show portraying 40 characters exploring the will to live, May 11-23 at the Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 564-2431. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie Arden Theatre Company
The Musical of Musicals: The Musical Independence Studio on 3 presents a pastiche of elements from big-name musicals, through June 27, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. The Next Reunion Society Hill Playhouse presents the story of friends who crash a 10-year highschool reunion after their own turns out to be a bust, May 13-June 20, 508 S. Eighth St.; (215) 923-0210. Princess Katie and Racer Steve This family production blends live music and theater at 2 and 8 p.m. May 8 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Rent The blockbuster musical about artists struggling with love and HIV during the 1980s runs through June 6 at Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media; (610) 8910100. Respect: A Musical Journey of Women Society Hill Playhouse
Thien Vien Minh Dang Quang It’s Vietnamese music for Mother’s Day at 1 p.m. May 9 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Winding Around the ’60s and ’70s with Maureen McGovern Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform Broadway and Hollywood songs with the singer, 8 p.m. May 12 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Just Say Love ... The Play: Preview Party And Miss Reardon Quince Productions Drinks a Little presents a preview party Ocelot on a Leash Theater for its upcoming gay Company presents a dark romantic comedy, featuring comedy about how three a performance by Aimee sisters handle daily life Robidoux and a bachelor and the stress of loss in auction, 8-11 p.m. May 13 1965, May 13-16 at Shubin at Tabu’s Upstairs Lounge, Theater, 407 Bainbridge St.; 200 S. 12th St.; (215) 964(215) 592-0119. 9675. Falsettos City Theater Company presents the Tony Awardwinning musical comedy about a married man exploring what it means to be a modern family with the help of his gay lover, his wife, his shrink, his son and the lesbians next door, through May 22 at Opera Delaware Studios, 4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington, Del.; (302) 220-8285.
922-1011.
Sweet Honey in the Rock is back in town to make up the February date that got postponed because of Snowmageddon, 8 p.m. May 7 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. The Grammy Award-winning African-American female a-cappella ensemble blends blues, gospel, rap, hip-hop, reggae, African chants and jazz improvisation to bring the sacred story of the battle for justice to life. For more information, visit www.sweethoney.com or call (215) 790-5847.
presents an exuberant musical that recounts the journey of women in the 20th century with popular music, through May 23, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 923-0210. Rodgers and Hammerstein Are Dead Philadelphia Joke Initiative presents a fully improvised musical comedy, May 1329 at Latvian Society, 531 N. Seventh St.; (215) 8218754. The Swedish Match Red Square Theatre presents the worldpremiere stage adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s comedy murder mystery, through May 16 at The Mascher Dance Building, 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave.; redsquaretheatre.weebly. com.
When We Go Upon The Sea InterAct Theatre Company presents a world-premiere production written by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-nominated playwright Lee Blessing, imagining George W. Bush at a hotel in The Hague the night before going on trial for international war crimes, through May 9, the Mainstage of The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 568-8079.
Music
Angels and Airwaves The alt-rock band performs at 8 p.m. May 7 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (610) 7845400. Paul Jacobs The acclaimed organist performs at 3 p.m. May 8
at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” Live The TV show comes to life onstage at 8 p.m. May 8 at Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888. Love Songs & DooWop: A Mother’s Day Celebration Classic hits are performed by The Duprees, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, Arlene Smith’s Chantels, Eddie Holman and Bobby Lewis at 8 p.m. May 8 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650. Ratt The ’80s hard-rock band performs at 8 p.m. May 8 at TLA, 334 South St.; (215)
One Night of Queen The Queen tribute group performs at 8 p.m. May 13 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
Exhibits
Ancient Rome & America The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of rare artifacts from Italy and the United States including excavated remains from Pompeii and Roman busts of Julius Caesar and Cicero, through Aug. 1, 525 Arch St.; (215) 409-6600. Contemporary Folklore The James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition featuring the works of four regional artists, mining both collective and personal stories to create sculptures that retell new histories, through June 13, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. For Ruthie: Ruth Krauss, Maurice Sendak and Their Young Philosophers The Rosenbach Museum presents an exhibition exploring the working
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
relationship between the two authors, through June 21, 20082010 Delancey Place; (215) 7321600. Moore Adventures in Wonderland The Rosenbach Museum presents a Marianne Moore and “Alice in Wonderland”inspired installation, created by Rosenbach artist-in-residence Sue Johnson, through June 6, 2008-2010 Delancey Place; (215) 732-1600. Other Worlds AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of graphite-and-ink work by Greg Brellochs and sculpture and prints by Allen Linder, through May 8, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250. Slow Movements ArtStar Gallery presents an exhibition of works from Julie West, through June 13, 623 N. Second St.; (215) 238-1557. Small Favors V The Clay Studio presents an exhibition of small sculptural works, through May 30, 139 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
La Traviata The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents the Verdi opera sung in Italian with English translation, through May 16 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Dance
Pennsylvania Ballet A number of works by different choreographers are performed through May 9 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; (215) 893-1999.
Film
7:30 p.m. May 10 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 136 N. Main St., Sellersville; (215) 257-3000.
meets burlesque at 8 p.m. May 7 at Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.
Alien The classic sci-fi horror film is screened at 7:30 p.m. May 12 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-9700.
Cinco de Momma Drag Show Celebrate Mother’s Day with a drag show by Miss Estella Sweet at 5 p.m. May 8 at Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mount Nebo Road, East Stroudsburg; (570) 223-8484.
Books
Sonia Sanchez The poet and author of “Morning Haiku” is discussed at 5:30 p.m. May 7 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
House of 1000 Corpses The horror film is screened at 9:45 p.m. May 7 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223.
Holly Black The fantasy author of “The Spiderwick Chronicles” hosts a reading at 4 p.m. May 8 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
Dark Victory The 1939 film starring Bette Davis is screened at 2 p.m. May 9 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223.
The Frontreaders The book “A Single Man” is discussed at 7 p.m. May 12 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail The classic comedy is screened at
Cabaret
Lucha Vavoom Masked Mexican wrestling
Thomas Hucker & Thomas Huang Wexler Gallery presents an exhibition of works by the two furniture artists, through June 26, 201 N. Third St.; (215) 923-7030.
Opera
Barbiere di Siviglia Curtis Institute of Music presents “The Barber of Seville,” through May 9 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 8937902. La Bohème The Academy of Vocal Arts performs Puccini’s opera through May 13 at Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St.; (215) 735-1685.
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
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THE BODY ELECTRIC: Catch “Luminous Encounters,” an exhibition of works by multimedia artist R. Lane Clark, through May 8 at Bahdeebahdu, 1522 N. American St. Clark projects elemental images from nature, color or hand-drawn textures onto the bodies of models in an effort to evoke the spirit realm and human archetypes. For more information, visit bahdeebahdu.com or call (215) 627-5002.
Joey Josephs as Judy The cabaret singer performs as Judy Garland at 9 p.m. May 8 at Harlans Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225. Johnny Blazes presents ‘wo(n)man show’ This evening-length performance blends cabaret arts with theater, exploring notions of gender and embodiment, 8 p.m. at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.; (215) 573-3234.
Etc.
First annual Classic Bikes and Bluegrass Festival Two-wheel enthusiasts can enjoy live music, classic bikes and shopping, noon-5 p.m., Frenchtown, N.J.; artofthebike. com. Philadelphia University 2010 Fashion Show The biggest Philadelphia fashion event, 8 p.m. May 8 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. First Person StorySlam The monthly storytelling competition kicks off at 8:30 p.m. May 10 at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. New Hope Celebrates The weeklong string of events, performances and parties runs May 11-16 in New Hope; www. newhopecelebrates.com. ■
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations
Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 222-3871. Spanish/English. HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport; (570) 322-8448.
Key numbers
HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www. mazzonicenter.org. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.
Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555
Men
Boys Night Out A social gathering for gay men, meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Iron Hill Brewery, 30 E. State St., Media; BurbBoysNiteOut@aol.com. Delaware Valley 40-plus Club for Men Social group meets every other month; (215) 587-9933. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets at 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; (215) 483-1032. Men of All Colors Together Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Friday of the month September through June at the William Way Center; (610) 277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 211; ruberte_ j@camden_ahec.org. Philly DADS An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets at 7:30 p.m. fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 668-5239.
Parents/Families
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-8005. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Cape May, N.J. Meets at 2 p.m. third Sunday of the month in the Maruchi Room of Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, 2 Stone Harbor Blvd.; (609) 861-1848. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets at 7 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St., West Chester; (484) 354-2448. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Collingswood, N.J. Meets from 6-8:30 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at the Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.; (856)345-9112; pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Meets from 2-5 p.m. third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 572-1833. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; (609) 683-5155.
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377
■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221
■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658
■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 592-1513
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833
■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212
■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: (215) 686-4670
■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633
■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: (215) 772-2000
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 are held monthly; (215) 844-3360; www. phillyfamilypride.org.
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655
Gender Rights Advocacy Association of
■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330.
■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 600-0627; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com
■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW
■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288
■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378
■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537
■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria.
■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del. Meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; (302) 654-2995.
Trans
MAY 7 - 13, 2010 New Jersey A transgender civil-rights group meets first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; (215) 468-1352; queerconnect@yahoo. com.
Interweave New Jersey An organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian and their allies meets every third Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618.
Republican Lesbians Meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on first Monday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, non-judgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658. Renaissance Transgender Assoc. Meets at 8 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Into the Woods office complex in King of Prussia; (610) 975-9119 box 5; and 7:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; www.ren.org. T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, agressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 834-9063; tman215@aol.com. Transhealth Programming Committee Meetings are at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (267) 549-6497. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization meets at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. WeXist FTM support group meets from 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; first hour is open; second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; (267) 2501548; www.wexist.org. Young, Trans, and Unified! Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; (215) 545-4331 ext. 24.
Women
African Asian Latina Lesbians United Social-issues discussion group meets fourth Thursday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Bucks County Lesbian Alliance Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbianalliance.org. Expressions Women’s Space Lesbian singles, family and coming-out groups meet at 1538 Church St.; (215) 535-3600. Lesbians and BiWomen in Heterosexual Marriages A support group meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville, PA 19460; http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; (215) 542-2899. Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 1,000-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.LSNSJ.com. Lesbians with Breast Cancer A support group meets from 6:30-8:30 on second Wednesday of the month at Gilda Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 4413290.
South Jersey Lesbians of Color Meetings are the first and third Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Starting Point, 215 Highland Ave., Suite C, Westmont, N.J.; (856) 824-0881; email: SJLOC-owner@yahoogroups.com. Women’s Coffee House for Lesbians A group for lesbian and bisexual women meets on first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. The Womyn’s Village The first womyn-owned and operated thinktank targeting black African, Asian, Latina and Native American LBT and two-spirited womyn. Meets at 5 p.m. on third Thursday of the month at COLOURS Organization, 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 765-0121; the_womyns. village@yahoo.com.
Youth
40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330. Drop-in Group For gay, lesbian and bisexual youth; meets at 11 a.m. Saturdays at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-6776. HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets from 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 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; (609) 683-5155. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-1861; info@myaonline.org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 7721107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester office, 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester; (610) 692-1770 ext. 108 or thespot@ppccpa.org. Teen Support Group Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0658 ext. 319. Youth in Transition A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 13-24. Meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 205; gibbs_d@camden-ahec.org.
Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication. Complete Meeting Place listings of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans, Youth groups can be found online @ www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
worth watching: FRIDAY Anderson Cooper 360 The reporter’s news-magazine show. 10 p.m. on CNN. SATURDAY One Night Stand Up: Dragtastic The first-ever all-drag stand-up comedy special starring Miss Coco Peru, Jackie Beat and Varla Jean Merman and hosted by RuPaul’s “Drag Race” contestant Ongina. 11 p.m. on Logo. Saturday Night Live Betty White hosts and Jay-Z performs. 11:30 p.m. on NBC. SUNDAY The Amazing Race Gay competitor Dan and his brother Jordan race for the finish line and the grand prize in this finale. 8 p.m. on CBS. Celebrity Apprentice Cyndi Lauper competes to raise money for her charity, the True Colors Fund of Stonewall Community Foundation. 9 p.m. on NBC.
IT’S A WRAP!: Richard tries to show Barb (out comedian Wanda Sykes, left) and Matthew (Hamish Linklater) that he knows how to swaddle a baby on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 8 p.m. May 12 on CBS. Photo: Michael Ansell/Warner Bros.
Thirteen is this new episode. 8 p.m. on Fox. How I Met Your Mother Out actor Neil Patrick Harris stars as womanizer Barney. This week, the gang crashes a party of intellectuals. 8 p.m. on CBS. Nurse Jackie Look for gay character Thor in this dark comedy. 10 p.m. on Showtime.
Brothers & Sisters Look for gay characters Kevin and Scotty. 10 p.m. on ABC.
TUESDAY American Idol Out comedian and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres judges. 8 p.m. on Fox.
MONDAY Dancing With The Stars Look for gay dancer Louis Van Amstel dancing with Niecy Nash. 8 p.m. on ABC.
Glee Look for out actress Jane Lynch in this comedy. 9 p.m. on Fox.
House Look for bisexual character
Queer TV you can always see: The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show
Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.
The Big Gay Sketch Show Gay-themed sketch comedy. 10 p.m. on Logo.
WEDNESDAY America’s Next Top Model Tyra Banks with out fashion cohorts Jay Hernandez and Miss J. Alexander run this reality competition. 8 p.m. on CW. The New Adventures of Old Christine Out comedian Wanda Sykes co-stars. Tonight is the season finale. 8 p.m. on CBS. Modern Family Look for gay couple Mitchell and Cameron as the family goes on vacation to Hawaii. 9 p.m. on ABC. Law & Order: SVU Look for out actor B.D. Wong. 10 p.m. on NBC. THURSDAY Grey’s Anatomy Look for out characters Callie and Arizona. 9 p.m. on ABC.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Classifieds
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals
Homebuyers rush to take advantage of tax credits By Alan Zibel and Adrian Sainz The Associated Press
Real-estate agents worked seven days a week, builders were staying open late and homebuyers scrambled to get their offers in as they rushed to take advantage of tax credits that expired at midnight April 30. To qualify, buyers must have had a signed contract in hand by the deadline and must complete the deal by June 30. The tax incentives – offered to both first-time buyers and some current homeowners – fueled a strong spring selling season and helped home prices stabilize. Real-estate agents hope the burst in activity, along with the lifting of general economic gloom, will propel the housing market for the rest of the year. “It’s been a great thing for us,” said Andrew Dielmann, owner of Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty in St. Louis. “I would love
to be a first-time homebuyer right now.” In Houston, transit mechanic Stan Henderson, 51, is buying his first home, a three-bedroom, $104,995 house from builder KB Home that is still under construction. Affordable prices and low mortgage rates were part of the draw, he said, but the tax credit “was the straw that stirred the drink.” Congress included the temporary tax credit in the $787-billion stimulus package signed into law a month after President Obama took office last year. The idea was to bring the housing market back to life. Lawmakers, after intense lobbying from the real-estate industry, agreed last fall to extend it until April 30. Nearly 1.8-million households had used the credit as of midFebruary at a cost of $12.6 billion, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The government is offering buyers who haven’t owned a
home for three years a tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $8,000. Single buyers with incomes above $145,000 and couples who make more than $245,000 are not eligible. There is also a credit of 10 percent, up to a maximum of $6,500, for buyers who already own a home. To qualify, they have to have been homeowners for at least five years. The same income limits apply. The credit for first-time buyers is believed to be playing a bigger role in stimulating home sales this spring. Sales of new homes surged 27 percent last month from a record low a month earlier; it was the biggest monthly increase in 47 years. Sales of previously occupied homes, meanwhile, were up nearly 7 percent in March and are expected to keep climbing. After the tax credit is gone, though, the surge could be shortlived. Many analysts project sales will drop sharply in the second half of the year. Some expect
prices to plunge as well, especially if mortgage rates rise and a wave of foreclosed homes hits the market. Though the number of new foreclosures has come down a bit, it remains near record levels. Nearly 7.4-million borrowers, or 12 percent of all households with a mortgage, had missed payments or were in foreclosure as of March, according to Lender Processing Services Inc. Still, the housing market seems finally to be regaining its footing after the worst downturn since the Depression. Numerous government measures have helped. They include the tax credit, the Obama administration’s $75-billion foreclosure prevention plan, the Federal Reserve’s $1.25-trillion program to drive down mortgage rates and about $126 billion in taxpayer spending to stabilize mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Obama administration
touts its efforts to stabilize the market as a success. “For most Americans, their house is their most important financial asset,” Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told lawmakers last Thursday. “As the financial crisis wreaked havoc on household wealth, the administration moved to protect this critical component of stability.” Skeptics say these measures are an attempt to manipulate market forces and that they are leaving housing vulnerable to a dangerous double dip. And many economists say the main effect of the first-time-buyer tax credit was to bring would-be homeowners into the market sooner. “Most of the benefits went to people who would have bought a home anyway,” said Patrick Newport, an economist at IHS Global Insight. He estimates the tax credits will spark only 350,000 to 450,000 additional sales for 2009 and 2010 combined. ■
Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property
Beds: 4 Baths: 4.5 Cost: $500,000 Square footage: 3,096 Age of property: 20+ years Realtor: Laurel Witts Real-estate co.: Weichert Realtor Phone: (856) 983-2888 Direct: (856) 768-6330 Website: www.5Bramfield.com
Magnificent 4-bdrm 4-bath home, radiates serenity and blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Nestled on 1.53 acres. Sleek, sophisticated and stylish. The kitchen is a masterpiece with lavish use of quartz , high-end Bosch appliances and hardware that blends culinary functionality with sublime design purity. French doors open to the incredible multi-level deck with 6-person hot tub, in-ground heated pool and pool house with kitchen area and full bath. Open house May 9 1-4 p.m.
Check your ad
PLACING ADS Using voicemail? Please be sure to have the following information ready when you call: • Your ad copy • The type of style you want • Desired abbreviations • American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA information • Your name and mailing
5 Bramfield Ct., Medford, N.J.
address • Daytime telephone number Having all this information ready will speed your order and help to avoid errors. Phone calls can only be returned during business hours. For more information, see the coupon page in this section.
Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears. To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge. PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language. Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity. Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.
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Real Estate
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REAL ESTATE
SALE
MT. AIRY Cheerful 3 BR townhouse, everything new from roof to utilities, new floors, windows, gourmet kitchen. Large den, 2 full baths, open LR/DR/kit. combo. At 80’, one of the largest yards in E. Mt. Airy. 4 car driveway parking. Sale, $187,000. 6513 Belfield Ave. Call Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 215-247-3600. Helene Lazarus, 610-564-8077. _______________________________34-19 VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215-468-9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________34-20 LAND DEALS OF A LIFETIME Adirondack Raging River- 19 Acre Tract WAS $119,995 NOW: $59,995! 5 Acres w/ New Rustic Camp- $19,995. Call now to hear more! 800-229-7843 www.LandandCamps.com _______________________________34-19 5 ACRES w/ CAMP $19,995! “I Can’t Believe it!” “Something must be wrong with it!” See for yourself! It’s the best Investment in land in NYS! Christmas & Associates Call us at 800-229-7843 or visit www.LandandCamps. com Find us on Facebook! _______________________________34-19
ROOMMATES PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________34-20 Sh. 2 BR apt. Safe W/D, $350+. Upper Darby. 610-931-6633. _______________________________34-20
REAL ESTATE
RENT
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________34-19 NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ- FLORENTINE MOTEL Beach/Boardwalk Block, Heated Pools, Efficiency/ Motel units refrigerator, elevator. Color Brochure/ specials 609-522-4075 DEPT.104 www.florentinemotel.com _______________________________34-19
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________34-19 OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY CALL NOW 1-800-5183064 WWW.DRSS4.COM _______________________________34-19
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SALE
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Stunning and Dramatic Lower Gwynedd Estate Home Designed for Entertaining Yet Relaxed Living. Your Own Private
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Oasis. 5 Bedrooms, 6.2 Baths,
E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com $1,795,000. MLS #- 5542306.
��� Contact Rachel Rothbard at
215-901-1279 or Vanessa Klein at 215-582-9338 for a private showing ������������������������������ OPEN H O U����������� S E - M AY 9 , 1 - 4 p m ���������������������. Furness Flats. Large 2 bed, 1 bath. last unit left in this highly desirable building. Close to all Center City Hospitals. Low fees and taxes ................................������������� ������������������������ “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden level 1 bd, 1 ba. unit w/ private entrance.. Low fees & Tax Abatement. Lowest price 1 bd. in area ........................��������. ����������� ����������������������. New open style 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo with low taxes and condo fees. Great small pet friendly building. .........................................................................�������� ������������������� Old Swedes Court. New Listing Large 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath with Garage, roof deck and hardwood floors. Low association fees in Queen Village ....................�������� �������������. NEW LISTING. Large update 4 bd. 2 ba. with huge garden and wonderfully roof deck with city skyline views. .................................................................................�������� Magnificent 4 bdrm 4 bath home, radiates serenity and blends beautifully with its natural sur-
roundings. Nestled on 1.53 acres. Sleek, sophisticated and stylish.Subtle and rich upgrades combine for a soothing yet avant-garde living experience.The kitchen is a masterpiece with ����������������������������������������������������������������� lavish use of quartz , high-end Bosch appliances and hardware that blends culinary functionally with sublime design purity. French doors open to the incredible multi-level deck with 6-person ��������� ������������������ hot tub.,.inground heated pool and pool house with kitchen area and full bath. ������������������������������������� 5 Bramfield Ct, Medford, NJ ����������������������
08055
or call������������������������������������������� for an appt: Weichert Realtor: ask for Laurel: 856-983-2888
������������������������������������ ����������������� Laurel Witts Sales Assoc/Appraiser Where you always get the help you need!
Weichert Realtor
609-314-5670 Fax: 856-768-0052
REAL ESTATE
SALE
REAL ESTATE
SALE
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PGN
Gay is our middle name.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 34
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
SALE
SALE
Buy or Sell in the Poconos Corners of Routes 390 & 44 • Candensis, PA 18325 OFFICE: (570) 595-2110 • FAX: (570) 595-7207 CELL: (570) 994-5118
FRED W. BALDI
REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® fred_baldi@hotmail.com
www.PoconosHomesInfo.com
Conrad Kuhn
Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2009 Weichert Presidentʼs & Ambassadorʼs 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
The Shirley Booth Team of the Media Home Marketing Center of Prudential Fox Roach is pleased to announce that James R. Trainor has joined her team of Realtors. Jim, a native of Delaware County, recently sold his historic Barn House Victorian Home in Ridley Park after 20 years of residence. He now resides in Glen Mills. Jim attended Radnor High School and Villanova University. His daughter, sonin-law and grandson are also residents of Delaware County. Prior to Jim’s early retirement 5 years ago, he spent 25 years in Sales/Management. Jim’s dedication and hard work allowed him to climb the corporate ladder, acquiring the position of Marketing DirectorNorth America. Jim’s extensive experience in marketing and management will prove to be an asset to Shirley, her team and Prudential Fox Roach. The highly professional team of Realtors Jim has joined consists of Mary Beth Parker, Tracy O’Connell, Helen Sage, Jon Peri and Shirley Booth, who is the Founder of the team and has 25 years of Real Estate experience. The combined 67 years experience of Shirley’s team offers the level of knowledge required to assist Sellers and Buyers with their Real Estate needs. Jim will be servicing Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.
Prudential Fox Roach Realtors Media Home Marketing Center
601 East Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063 Office: (610) 566-3000 • Ask for Jim jim@shirleyboothteam.com
Recreational Activities IN THE
Meeting Place
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________34-20 MANAYUNK 1 BR, 1 BA. W/D in apt Located Main & Grape. Rent $800 Call Heather 610-647-1776. eadeh.com _______________________________34-22 OLD CITY 1BR, 1.5 BA., lg. priv. deck. 2nd between Race & Arch. Rent $900 Call Heather 610-647-1776. eadeh.com _______________________________34-22 OAKLYN Cute 1 BR apt -gay frdly bldg. $800+ele-heat/wat inc. No Pets, no smkg, app $35 Kelly 856-693-4938. _______________________________34-19 AMBLER 3 story guest house on “1702” estate. 2 BR, 2.5 BA, newly remodeled eat in country kitchen, den, W/D, D/W, C/A, hdwd flrs, overlooks formal gardens, use of swimming pool. $1800/mo. +. 215-542-5642. _______________________________34-24 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215) 735-8050. _______________________________34-31 IN HOUSE APARTMENT FOR RENT Newark, DE in-house furnished one-bedroom apartment suite for rent, utilities included. $650 per mo. 302-266-0610. _______________________________34-19 SOUTHAMPTON, BUCKS CO. 1 BR, 2 story cottage on pvt. wooded property. F/P, D/W, W/D, cable TV incl. $850 + utils. 215-355-2225. _______________________________34-20 WEST. MT. AIRY Sale or lease. Partially renovated warehouse. For retail off space or commercial use. 5000 sq. ft. 215-233-5303 for appointment. _______________________________34-19 MT. AIRY BUSINESS DIST. 3500 sq. ft. corner. 215-233-5303 for appointment. _______________________________34-19
WEST MT. AIRY Large, bright 1 bedroom, HW flrs, gas F/P, patio, dog run, laundry facil. $875/mo. incl. all utilities. Avail. immed. 215-233-5303 for appointment. _______________________________34-19
RENT
ADOPTION
RENT
HELP WANTED HOUSEKEEPER/DRIVER 2 gay partners with large 10,000 sq. ft. apt in Atlantic City NJ in need of a live in Housekeeper/Personal Assistant/Driver (need clean record). No cooking. Flexible hours. Small one bedroom, kitchen, full bath apt. included, plus salary. No benefits. Reply with resume info. at ghill@1616pr.com _______________________________34-20 AWESOME TRAVEL JOB! Hiring 18-24 girls/guys. $400-800 Weekly. PAID expenses. Are you Energetic, Fun & Looking for a Great Job, Call 1-800-245-1892. _______________________________34-19 REGIONAL DRIVERS NEEDED! MORE HOMETIME! TOP PAY! Up to $.43/mile company drivers! 12 months OTR required. HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com _______________________________34-19 COMPANY Experienced OTR drivers and Teams. Consistent Miles, Excellent Health Benefits. 6 mo. OTR exp. & current CDL 888-463-3962 www. usatruck.jobs EOE M/F/H/V. _______________________________34-19 CDL-A Drivers: Our Freight Needs You! Over The Road Flatbed & Dry Van. Professional Equipment. High Miles. Good Driving Record Required. We accept your long form and medical card. Western Express. Call Nancy: 888-801-5295. _______________________________34-19 REGIONAL COMPANY DRIVERS Home Weekly. Competitive Pay. Immediate Benefits. CDL-A with 1 year experience, 23 yoa. Call NFI Sunday or anytime: 877-8888476, www.nficareers.com _______________________________34-19
A loving couple wishes to adopt a newborn into a home filled with happiness, security and endless love. Expenses paid. Please call Brendan and Laura toll-free at 1-800-991-0782 or email us at adoptbaby2009@yahoo.com _______________________________34-19 Are you Pregnant? Considering adoption? A childless couple seeks to adopt. Financial security. Loving Home. Expenses paid. Barbara & Jacqueline. 1-800-691-5604. _______________________________34-19
FINANCIAL
SERVICES CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. _______________________________34-19
LEGAL NOTICE Pennsylvania’s Largest Lost and Found: Last year, the Pennsylvania Treasury returned over $100 Million Dollars of uncliamed property. Search www.patreasury.org or call 1-800-2222046 to see if we have money for you. Each year, Treasury receives millions of dollars in unclaimed property-things like: *abandoned bank accounts *forgotten stocks *uncashed checks *certificates of deposit *life insurance policies *safe deposit box contents *recovered stolen property. At Treasury, we work hard to find the rightful owners of this unclaimed property. But even if we can’t find you, you can find your property. If you see your name, visit www.patreasury.org to make a claim. We are only required to publish the names of owners of property worth more than $250 one time-so even if you don’t see your name here this year, you may have something. It’s worth a search of our website. Visit us NOW and claim what’s YOURS! _______________________________34-19
Placing Classifieds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days
Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:
YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS • DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION
PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
All classified advertising must be in our office by 3 p.m. Friday for the next Friday’s paper. Ads arriving after that time will be held for the next available issue. PGN reserves the right to edit or rewrite ads as needed, to refuse any ad for any reason and to determine the final classification. Ads determined to be in bad taste, directed to or from persons under the legal age of consent or containing racially or sexually discriminatory language will be refused. We need your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number on the insertion order form for you ad. This information is confidential and will not appear in the paper. Any ads received without full information will be destroyed. Sexually explicit language will be edited or refused at the discretion of the management.
PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT
Classified ads may placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%
CANCELLATION POLICY All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
PAGE 35
SERVICES DIRECTORY ����������������
Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!
PGN now offers FREE online classifieds. Go to www.philagaynews.com ������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� for the details. You can also place your print ad through the Web site - it’s fast and easy!
Classifieds Liner Insertion Order Select the TYPE STYLE you want from the examples below, and begin each line under the arrow to the left of the letter representing that style. Write to the end of the line (hyphenate words correctly. Do not stop at any other arrow, as each arrow represents a starting point. Allow one block for each letter, number, punctuation mark and space. Be sure to skip a space between words. PHONE NUMBER MUST INCLUDE AREA CODE. Be sure to circle one of the classifications and compute the cost of your ad. Liner advertising is on a PREPAY BASIS ONLY, and payment must accompany this form. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL. Type STYLE A Type STYLE B TYPE STYLE C
A
B
HEADLINE (24 SPACES PER LINE) FREE WHEN PLACED ONLINE 40 spaces Per Line 36 spaces Per Line 24 SPACES PER LINE
7 point 7 point 7 POINT
C
NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE
PLEASE PRINT STATE
ZIP
AMEX • MASTERCARD • VISA • DISCOVER CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION SIGNATURE NAME ON CARD # # #
“A” LINES @ $5.50 - $ “B” LINES @ $7.50 - $ “C” LINES @ $10.00 - $ BOX YOUR AD $5.00 SUBTOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS X SUBTOTAL % TERM DISCOUNT AD TOTAL TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED
Return form and payment to: Masco Communications 505 S. Fourth St., Phila., PA 19147 ���������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� or fax: 215-925-6437 or email: don@epgn.com
CLASSIFICATION (CIRCLE ONE) REAL ESTATE FOR SALE • REAL ESTATE FOR RENT • ROOMMATES • SEASONAL RENTALS • SERVICES • FINANCIAL SERVICES HELP WANTED • JOBS WANTED • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • FOR SALE • AUTOMOTIVE • AUCTIONS • TRAVEL RESORTS ADOPTION • PERSONALS • FRIENDS MEN • FRIENDS BISEXUAL • FRIENDS TV/TS • FRIENDS WOMEN
Reach Over Over 40,000 40,000 Readers Readers Weekly Weekly For For As As Little Little As As $25.00 $25.00 A A Week. Week. Reach
CRC, CVE
bility
PAGE PAGE36 110
APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS CLASSIFIEDS
7 - 1, 13,2008 2010 APRIL 25MAY - MAY
LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law
Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney
215-735-1006
1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com
James M. Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE Disability Consultant
Social Security Disability Claims Appeals
215-629-0585 Suite 202 Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030
this space: only $25 per week*
Your ad dollars go further when you target your audience *when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks
Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 37
Want to let SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY LEGALHEALTH && PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DIRECTORY mom, dad and all of your exs know you’re tying the knot? PAGE 106
Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A
Send us your wedding/civil union/ commitment ceremony announcement and we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love.
E-mail information to editor@epgn.com or fax us at Reach Over 40,000 Weekly AsLittle Little For As $25.00 A Week. 215-625-8501 Today! Toda Reach Over Readers 40,000 Readers Weekly As Little AsCall $25.00 A Week. Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly ForFor As As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 (215) 925-6437.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS ADULT PERSONALS
PAGE 38
MAY 7 - 13, 2010
Adult/Personals FRIENDS
MEN
FRIENDS
MEN
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. _______________________________34-20
Erotic Dungeon Master
6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________34-34 609-345-8203 oceanhouseatlanticcity.com _______________________________34-39 GWM, 35 ISO blk/Latino male or TS. 215416-4146. _______________________________34-24 Older GM sks friends. Dan, 610-931-6633. _______________________________34-23 You: hefty, stocky WM, 240 lbs. +, big full butt, to 55 y.o. Me: 6’1”, 210 WM, 59. 215-7322108, 8-11 PM. _______________________________34-21 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________34-21
7 Make waves. Write a letter.
PGN FRIENDS
BISEXUAL
PGN
Puerto Rican man, 5’7”, 180 lbs. med. build BR/BR, looking for M/F for friendship or relationship. No smoking/drugs. 267-581-9529. No calls after 7 PM. _______________________________34-22
Home Improvement h er
t
Directory
like e’s no place
e ho m
...
e ent Hom rovem Imp cor y Dire
nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 MAY 7 - 13, 2010 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out FRIENDS of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18
MEN
Adult
Strong Hands Massage & More
Books
ADULT PERSONALS PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
CERTIFIED
MODELS
MASSAGE ���������������������������� MASSAGE
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Electronic PGN: MODELS ESCORTS www.epgn.com
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Call 215-432-6030 FRIENDS
Gay is our middle name. MEN
FRIENDS
MEN
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• Full Body • Deep Tissue • Sensual
PLAYGIRL Centerfold is Back!
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G-02
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PAGE 39
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You Deserve It!
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PAGE 40
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
MAY 7 - 13, 2010