PGn May 10 - 16, 2013 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Not watered down

Family Portrait: Greg Seaney-Ariano PAGE 25

Barney Frank talks about life post-Congress

PAGE 29

PAGE 7

May 10-16, 2013

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Vol. 37 No. 19

Delaware becomes 11th marriageequality state

Nondiscrimination bills reintroduced amid new public support

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

Almost two years to the day after Delaware adopted a civil-union law, the First State again made LGBT history. On May 7, just moments after the Delaware Senate passed a marriage-equality bill in a 12-9 vote, Gov. Jack Markell signed the legislation into law, making Delaware the 11th state to legalize samesex marriage. The action came about a week after Rhode Island did the same. “Today, we wrote a new chapter in our history and proved, once again, justice and equality continue to move forward in Delaware,” Markell said in a statement. “In my State of the State earlier this year, I spoke about a Delaware that protects the rights of all of its citizens, no matter whom they love. By signing House Bill 75 into law, we are another step closer towards achieving that goal.” The law, which will take effect July 1, was first approved in the House in a 23-18 vote on April 22. PAGE 20

Legislation to ban LGBT discrimination statewide was reintroduced into the House and Senate this week, and backers are optimistic that the long-stalled effort could see some progress this session. I n a p r e s s c o n f e rence Tuesday morning in Harrisburg, a coalition of lawmakers, activists and corporate partners unveiled HB and SB 300, introduced that day with unprecedented support. The House version is being led by Reps. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.) and Chris Ross (R-158th Dist.), while the Senate bill is spearheaded by Sens. Larry Farnese (D-First Dist.) and Pat Browne (R-16th Dist.). This marks the first time that the legislation is being taken up by bipartisan coprime sponsors. It is also the first time both pieces of legislation will carry the same bill number.

The House version was introduced with 77 cospons o r s , i n c l u d i n g s eve n Republicans. The Senate bill has 25 cosponsors, including two Republicans. Last session, the House bill had 65 cosponsors, while Browne’s version of

FROM CUBA WITH LOVE: Mariela Castro, director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education, wowed the crowd at Equality Forum’s SundayOUT! May 5 at the Piazza at Schmidt’s. Castro was in town to accept Equality Forum’s International Ally for LGBT Equality Award. During her stay, she toured Independence Hall and the gay pioneers’ historic marker, and participated in a panel discussion on LGBT rights in Cuba, Equality Forum’s featured nation. “She responded to all questions that were asked and made a hugely positive impression,” said Equality Forum executive director Malcolm Lazin. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Mayor signs landmark LGBT equality bill By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Philadelphia made history this week as Mayor Michael Nutter signed into law a landmark LGBT-rights bill. Among its provisions, Councilman Jim Kenney’s legislation will instate a tax credit to companies that launch domestic-partner benefits programs and that offer transgender-specific health-care coverage, both programs that are the first of their kind in the nation. The legislation also revamped the city’s health plan to prevent discrimination against transgender non-union city workers.

City buildings will also now be required to provide gender-neutral bathrooms, and all city forms will be gender-neutral. The city’s nondiscrimination ordinance will be amended to clarify that employment discrimination based on one’s gender presentation is illegal and to mandate that public accommodations must permit individuals to use a restroom in accordance with their gender identity. The legislation passed in a 14-3 victory April 25, and Nutter gave his final approval in a May 9 City Hall ceremony that was packed with LGBTs and allies. LGBT activist Kathy Padilla said she has PAGE 21 spent 10 years advocat-

the Senate measure had 13 cosponsors and Farnese’s had nine. Frankel said he anticipated the legislation could have a tough time in the House but Farnese was unequivocal about its chances in the PAGE 20 Senate:

CAPITOL EQUALITY: Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin (center) unveiled results of a new poll Tuesday in Harrisburg that shows more than 70 percent of Pennsylvanians support an LGBT nondiscrimination law. The poll numbers were released alongside the introduction of HB and SB 300, bipartisan bills that would add sexual orientation and gender identity as classes protected from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. The bills have more than 100 cosponsors combined and have a record level of Republican support. Photo: Anne Wakabayashi

PA lawmaker seeks to ban marriage equality By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The same day that dozens of pro-LGBT lawmakers gathered in Harrisburg to unveil nondiscrimination legislation, a virulently antigay state legislator submitted his own bill to ban marriage equality in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-12th Dist.) on Tuesday introduced a measure that would amend the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Pennsylvania has a similar statute on the

books, but the constitutional amendment would add an extra barrier to legalizing marriage equality. Metcalfe’s measure has 27 cosponsors, down from the 35 he introduced it with in 2011 — and the lowest number it’s ever been introduced with. Rep. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.), coprime sponsor of the LGBT nondiscrimination bill and co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, said the timing of the introduction of Metcalfe’s bill highlights the waning PAGE 16 support for such efforts.

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SUNNY SUNDAY: The crowds at the Piazza at Schmidt’s took in the sights and sounds of Equality Forum’s SundayOUT! May 5. Equality Forum executive director Malcolm Lazin said his agency estimated that about 8,000 people turned out throughout the day for the event, and 15,000 participated in the multi-day symposium. He noted, however, that the organization tracks the event’s success largely based on its ability to promote a pro-LGBT message to both the region and nation and, this year, the number of media stories written about the event doubled to 1,000 — largely in mainstream press — with 50-million medium impressions. “If the media’s any indication of it, it went extremely well,” Lazin said. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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Contents

What do you think about Philly Pride headliner choice Omarosa?

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

On Being Well

5 19 14 6

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

Out Law

Angela Giampolo

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

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

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LOCAL PGN

Scouts to leave building By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A local Boy Scouts of America council has settled its five-year legal fight to occupy a city-owned facility near the Ben Franklin Parkway, but it will receive $825,000 in city tax dollars to settle the litigation. Under terms of the settlement, which was announced May 3, the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council will leave the facility by June 30. A retail store that sells items associated with Scouting will vacate the premises by Oct. 31. In return, the city will give Cradle $825,000 for improvements to the building that Cradle reportedly made over the years. Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for the Nutter administration, said the money will come from the city’s general fund, which is supported by tax dollars. “I don’t have any idea when [Cradle] gets the money,” he said. He said the Nutter administration was pleased with the settlement. “We think this is the best course,” McDonald added. “It’s a good result.” R. Duane Perry, an LGBT advocate, expressed mixed feelings about the settlement. “The Scouts don’t get to discriminate on city property,” Perry noted. “That’s a good outcome. But the city is paying $825,000 for improvements that it was not obligated to pay for. So it’s a sweetheart deal. It’s not right for city taxpayers to give $825,000 to an organization that discriminates.” Perry also expressed hope that the city would sell the building through a publicbidding process. “Wouldn’t it be nice if the proceeds went to organizations that fight homophobia?” Perry posed. McDonald had no comment about the possibility of selling the building. “What happens to the property at 22nd and Winter streets is a subject for another day,” he said. McDonald said the settlement allows Cradle to remove some items associated with Scouting. “They do get to take a statue in front of the building and a couple of other little things that are adornments related to Scouting,” McDonald said. Cradle filed a federal suit against the city in 2008, claiming its civil rights were violated due to the city’s eviction effort. Two years later, a federal jury issued a mixed verdict: Jurors decided that the city’s overall eviction effort was reasonable, but that the city acted unreasonably when asking Cradle to repudiate BSA’s antigay policy in order to remain in the building rent-free. After the verdict was handed down, Cradle claimed the city owed it about $1 million in legal fees. But Perry said the city had a strong chance of prevailing on appeal, in which case it wouldn’t have to pay Cradle’s legal

fees. The matter was pending in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals when the settlement was announced. The Scouts have occupied the building since 1928, but they’ve been in conflict with the city’s antibias rules for decades because they refuse to allow lesbian, gay and atheist participants. Cradle issued this statement about the settlement: “The Cradle of Liberty Council is glad to bring this litigation to an end in Philadelphia. Ultimately, Scouting doesn’t happen in an office. Scouting happens in neighborhoods, community centers and church basements. With that in mind, we felt it was time to put an end to the litigation and turn our attention back to our core mission of serving Philadelphia’s youth.” Margaret A. Downey, president of the Freethought Society, expressed concern with the settlement. “It’s outrageous that Cradle is getting any of our tax dollars because they blatantly violate the law and discriminate against many groups, including nontheists,” Downey said. “But at least they’re getting out of the building, which they should have done a long time ago.” Downey added: “The Parkway building should become a community center that houses many different organizations that fight discrimination, including discrimination against nontheists.” Will Cradle return to the city? According to published reports, Cradle intends to relocate to an alternate site in the city. But some LGBT advocates have expressed concern about that possibility, noting that Cradle allegedly uses a job application form that forbids the hiring of gays, atheists and/ or agnostics. “I question whether Cradle should be permitted to do business in a private facility in the city, if doing business includes use of an employment application that explicitly discriminates against gays, atheists and agnostics,” said LGBT advocate Arthur Kaplan. Kaplan also questioned whether the Nutter administration enforces the city’s antibias rules in an equitable manner. “If another employer were using an employment application that said no Jews, no Catholics or no people of color — and they were doing business in Philadelphia — you can be sure the city would be on their backs,” Kaplan noted. Kera Armstrong, a Cradle spokesperson, declined to say whether Cradle would stop using the job application form if it returned to the city. Kaplan expressed strong displeasure with the Cradle settlement. “The mayor and city solicitor have forced the taxpayers of Philadelphia to pay a subsidy to an organization that openly discriminates,” Kaplan continued. “There’s no way of knowing what the city is going to do with that building. The PAGE 22

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

NEW HOPE CELEBRATES

Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary Join us for our 10th anniversary Pride celebration, a fun-filled week in New Hope, PA. & Lambertville, NJ. Sunday 12

Key West Rainbow Flag Unfurled “Mother’s Day” A Tribute & Retro-Scope @The Bucks County Playhouse Guest Bartender Event @ The Raven

Monday 13

It’s O

Lipstick Monday & Liz DuFour on piano @ The Raven

Tuesday 12 th

13 0 2

Thursday 16

Rave n Pres ent

thday

@ TH E RA VEN

20 do lla Featu r donatio ring: n at th DJ Hats , Horn Michea e door. Be l De s & Ca nifi ke! Do Cero, Da ts NHC Pri nc or Pri zes & ing Boys, de More!

ATES ELEBR OPE C NEW H

Ladie s 200 0 - PR ESEN TS -

Welth Managment for Domestic Partners @ The Perry Mansion All Male Review @ The Raven

IDE 2013 PR Five Eleven to th

MAY 18

Friday 17th Pumpkins Pride Show @ The Raven Mimi Gonzalez @ Havana Christine Havrilla @ Triumph

Satu rd

FACT Pride BINGO @ The Firehouse Pride Supper Club @ The Raven

& The

Celeb ay, May ra 18 th our 10 th ting of PR year IDE!

Pool Tournament @ The Raven

Wednesday 15

NHC

ur Bir

VIKI DEE At H avan a, Ne w

Lot layhouse ounty P Bucks C

LIVE

Hop e, PA

Saturday 18

Pride PARADE! on Main St. Block Party - Live entertainment, fun, dancing for all, Featuring: Shara Strand, Josey Greenwell, Trisha Dasch – “That Girl”, Dwayne Dunlevy, Laura Cheadle, DJ Ronnie B and many more. Vendor Fair, @The Bucks County Playhouse Lot NHC Birthday Benefit Dance Party @ The Raven

Sunday 19

Ladies 2000 - Viki Dee @ HAVANA NHC Benefit T-Dance @ The Raven

Download our Free App today. For Events, Maps,Local listings more. and much more

newhopecelebrates.com Visit us on-line or get the APP for event details and updates.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

REGIONAL PGN

New Hope celebrates 10 years of Pride By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com New Hope Celebrates is gearing up to kick off its 10-year anniversary with a week of events honoring both its history and future. The annual Pride festivities will start May 12 and will culminate in the parade and festival May 18. “It started out as a one-day event and it’s exploded into over a week of events,” said NHC founder and president Daniel Brooks. “While we initially conceived of just events for the LGBT community, we enlarged that to every capsule of the LGBT community. We have family events, art events, a gamut of activities that both the LGBT and straight population in New Hope attend.” Among NHC’s latest accomplishments is Retro-Scop.com, a new online archival system that allows supporters to upload ephemera about New Hope’s LGBT history. “People can share videos, blog and photos that they have been collecting for years,” Brooks said. “They have a place to send it now, like an online museum. While a lot of our events are during the day, the online archive will go on forever.” Brooks said the anniversary event, which is expected to bring in more than 10,000

visitors, will also be honored by the town’s bars, businesses and restaurants, who will decorate in tribute to the anniversary. Floats and marching bands will play music from the decade during the parade. Retro-Scope exhibitions will be on display at The Raven and New Hope Lodge through May 19. The week will kick off with an art exhibit from 6-9 p.m. May 11 at River Queen Artisans Gallery in Lambertville. The Raven will host a tea dance the following day, while Bucks County Playhouse will screen “I Remember Mother,” a film by the late Tim McMurtry about New Hope’s Josie Cavelluci, at 1 p.m. The ensuing week will feature parties, a pool tournament and BINGO competition and a series of live performances. On May 17, guests can take in a preview fireworks show of this summer’s Friday night fireworks displays, and the parade kicks off the following day at 11 a.m., followed by a vendor fair and block party. “It is unlike any Pride event,” Brooks said. “People bring their kids; it is an event that everybody in town participates in. It is the first Pride event [of the season], and it is a great time to come to New Hope.” For more information, visit www.newhopecelebrates.com. ■

School district refuses to change trans policy By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com After making headlines last month for refusing to allow a transgender male student to run for prom king, a Central Pennsylvania school district said last week it will not amend its policies to be friendlier to transgender students. In a May 3 letter to the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, attorneys for the Red Lion Area School District said the district will not permit senior Issak Wolfe’s chosen name to be read at graduation. Nor will the district change its policy that mandates students run for prom court according to their biological sex or adopt a trans-inclusive nondiscrimination policy. The issue arose last month after several administrators told Wolfe he could run for prom king, but the Red Lion High School principal instead placed his name on the prom queen ballot. Wolfe’s girlfriend started an online petition, and the principal threatened to ban her from the prom. After intervention by the ACLU, the district allowed Wolfe and his date to attend the event. The ACLU, however, requested that the district revise its prom-court policy and also allow Wolfe to wear the traditional black graduation gown assigned to male students and have his male name read. In its

response, the district said Wolfe can wear the black gown but will be identified by his female name unless he legally changes his name prior to next month’s ceremony. The agency had requested that the district expand its nondiscrimination policy to explicitly protect against gender-identity discrimination — it currently bans discrimination based on such factors as race, ethnicity, religion and sex — but the district said it was not required by law to do so. “We think that various laws do prohibit discrimination based on gender identity but, unfortunately, this is an area where there isn’t a lot of case law,” said ACLU staff attorney Molly Tack-Hooper. “There isn’t a clear legal mandate directing schools to adopt this kind of nondiscrimination policy, but there are certainly legal arguments to be made that it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender identity. But it’s a good policy decision to enact something to prohibit other transgender students the pain and humiliation that Issak had to deal with.” “I am really disappointed that the school district doesn’t want to do anything to protect transgender students,” added Wolfe, who plans to address the issues at the May 16 school board meeting. The letter also noted that the district will proceed with planned diversity training next year for staff and faculty. ■

NATIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Barney Frank and life post-Congress By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

a great deal of impact, and so the fact that people knew me and Jim was a good thing,” he said. During his tenure, Frank was instrumenFormer Congressman Barney Frank paid a visit to Philadelphia May 4 to receive tal in a number of pro-LGBT pieces of legthe International Role Model Award at islation. He recalled his efforts to oppose the the International Equality Dinner during immigration law that excluded people from Equality Forum. He sat down with PGN to talk about coming into the country based on their sexeverything from his Congressional high- ual orientation. “I remember reading when I was 13 or 14 lights to his hopes for future LGBT victo— when the New York Times was calling ries. Frank was the first-ever member of us perverts—that if you are gay or homoCongress to willingly come out, which he sexual, you can’t get a Social Security card, and that kept me in the closet. I thought, did in 1987. He retired last year, shortly after marry- ‘My God, my country can’t trust me,’” he said. “I remember learning when I was in ing partner Jim Ready. college, under the American immigration law until 1986, people who were ‘sexual deviants’ could not come to America. So I got on the Immigration committee and was determined to get rid of that. I wasn’t out yet, but I insisted on getting that language replaced and getting this repealed and, as it was negotiated, I came out. And in 1990 the bill was repealed.” Frank was the lead sponsor of the Employment JIM READY (LEFT) AND BARNEY FRANK Nondiscrimination Act and Photo: Scott A. Drake a strong proponent of such measures as the Domestic Settling into life post-public office has Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act been a challenge, he said, although a wel- and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” However, he gave an important piece come one. “It has been a big adjustment, but not of advice to out LGBT legislators: Don’t in the sense of not being there,” he said. solely focus on LGBT issues. “Don’t let them put you in the box say“I started with political work 45 years ago and I am very happy not to be there. ing that is all you’re going to do. There is a I haven’t fully unpacked from 30 years in group of people who are against us because of who we are; forget them. There is no Washington, D.C.” Frank voluntarily came out in 1987, at point in trying to win them over. The dana time when the LGBT community was ger you have is that people are uneasy and some people say that because you are gay, largely still shunned and feared. But his coming-out ultimately helped him that is all you are going to worry about. It to fulfill the obligations of public office, he is very important to show them that, while you are supportive of equality for us, you said. “I believe there were all advantages and are focused on other issues.” Frank also said the LGBT community at the major advantages were all personal. It is interesting in some ways when people large should take a stronger role in advocataccuse politicians of being inauthentic. ing for itself and its rights. “Stand up for yourself. If you’re a teen Well, I was the first member of Congress ever to volunteer that I was gay. I was not and in a homophobic situation, just stay inauthentic and it certainly was an advan- true to yourself; don’t push everybody tage dealing with LGBT issues,” he said. “I else around and don’t let people push you was in a position to talk to my colleagues on around,” he said. “We were at a point where a personal basis: Legislating is a very per- we would accept tolerance; however, we are at the point where we need to move forsonal business and that was a benefit.” When dealing with LGBT-equality issues, ward. Don’t tell me you love and care for such as same-sex marriage, his relationship me, but you are thinking of voting for somewith Ready was helpful in relating to his one who is going to make my life miserable and treat me unequally. People need to fellow lawmakers. “For LGBT-specific legislation, having a stop doing that. We should insist on being face on the issues we are dealing with had treated equally.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

LOCAL PGN

DVLF to honor HEROES By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund will host its seventh annual HEROES event from noon-3 p.m. May 19 — this year featuring a new location and after-party and a new award. Last year, the organization switched formats from a cocktail event to a brunch, which DVLF executive director Samantha Giusti said was a smart chice. The location, however, is different: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, 433 Chestnut St. Giusti said the organization was taken by the venue’s ambiance and wanted to capitalize on the new hotel. There will also be a new after-party at Fire & Ice, 312 Market St., where guests will be treated to a drag show. “We haven’t done an after-party because the format was different in the past years, so with making it a brunch, we wanted to have an after-party,” Giusti said. “Fire & Ice is less than half-a-block away, which is convenient for folks to make it over there.” The agency will also present a new award, the Lifetime Legacy, which Giusti said allows the agency to honor someone with a longtime LGBT commitment. “HEROES usually looks at a person’s contributions to the LGBT community pri-

marily within the last year and when we do that, we miss a lot of people,” she said. The inaugural award will go to John Cunningham. Other awardees include Franny Price, former Congressman Patrick Murphy, Chantel Wilson, The Philadelphia Foundation and Rossi Wellness Center. DVLF will also present its National HERO Award this year to an individual — out figure skater Johnny Weir. The award has in the past been given to a nonprofit organization doing national LGBT work. “Johnny Weir is from Coatesville, and we love it when the national awardee has roots to our community,” Giusti said. “He has been generous with his time by volunteering for different LGBT organizations, specifically those with LGBT youth connections. Weir’s contribution to the LGBT community and his focus on youth is really important to us as an organization that is focusing our grantmaking on youth this year.” Giusti said all of the HEROES have made impressive contributions to the community. “They bring a lot of heart, drive, integrity and selflessness,” she said. “DVLF wanted to identify a group of individuals who are selfless in intention to give back to the community and who are courageous and bold, and that’s what we have. They are heroic.” For more information on the event, visit www.dvlf.org/heroes2013. ■

Mazzoni pays tribute to women at Elixir By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Mazzoni Center will celebrate the “leading ladies” in the LGBT health community at next week’s annual Elixir fundraiser. Elixir, which will take place from 5:30-10 p.m. May 18 at Loews Hotel Philadelphia, 1200 Market St., will include awards for Dr. Marla Gold, outgoing dean of the Drexel University School of Public Health, Philly AIDS Thrift co-founder Christina KallasSaritsoglou and LGBT activist Jaci Adams. Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein said awardees were nominated through forms given out to the staff and board at the LGBT health agency. Shein, the Elixir co-chairs and the organization’s development director then made the selections from the nominees. Shein said the “Leading Ladies” theme was selected to observe the diverse work local women are doing for LGBT health. Shein said Gold, who is a lesbian, was a natural fit for the Peter Mazzoni Award. “Dr. Gold has been a physician involved with HIV/AIDS since the 1980s. She is now the dean of Public Health at Drexel and during her tenure, she started an LGBT-specific curriculum. She brings a lot to LGBT health and advanced our movement,” Shein said. Gold was humbled by the award. “I am excited and honored,” she said. “Regardless of how out we all are, in this day and age in health and wellness, Mazzoni Center fulfills a critical need. Being hon-

ored by them is both a personal and professional honor.” Shein said 2013 Ally awardee KallasSaritsoglou has been a pioneer in HIV/ AIDS work and has helped raise funds for a number of HIV/AIDS organizations. “If it weren’t for her work, many of our organizations during tight times would not have been able to make it,” Shein said. “She is truly an ally to the community.” Kallas-Saritsoglou said the award was unexpected, yet appreciated. “I love what I do so much, I can’t imagine getting an award,” she said. “I was so taken by receiving an award. It is an honor to receive it from an organization that I respect so much. The work that the Mazzoni Center does is incredible, so to be recognized for the things that I have done is flattering.” Adams’ advocacy work has been inspiring, Shein said. “She’s worked in the trenches for the last 20 years and has been an outspoken advocate. She so greatly deserves this award.” Adams, who was recently diagnosed with stage-four cancer, said the tribute’s timing is especially meaningful. “Dealing with everything I am dealing with, this is a big thank-you and it is overwhelming,” Adams said. “It means the work that I do — be it with homelessness, HIV, incarceration, trans — is validated, and my body of work is not in vain.” For more information on Elixir, visit www.mazzonicenter.org/events/elixir-curecommon-gala-saturday-may-18. ■

LOCAL PGN

DOMA attorney addresses marriage in Philly By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

leaves are the comments and questions that justices asked in oral arguments and it is hard to say, it is hard to make predictions,” James Esseks, director of the American he said. “I am optimistic that we are going Civil Liberties Union’s LGBT Rights to get a ruling striking down DOMA, which Project and co-counsel in the challenge would be fabulous. It would be transformato the Defense of Marriage Act currently tive.” In addition to the Supreme Court cases, before the U.S. Supreme Court, was in Philadelphia this past Tuesday to discuss Esseks noted it’s an exciting time for the movement in individual states. the future of marriage equality. “Rhode Island became the 10th state Esseks, who spoke at the Moore College of Art, has been with ACLU for 12 years and I think this week we are likely to see Delaware pass sameand said he had long sex marriage,” he said. hoped to get involved (Editor’s note: Delaware with the agency. legalized same-sex mar“I went to law school r i a g e o n Tu e s d a y. ) hoping to be a lawyer “There are serious efforts and advocate for LGBT in Illinois and Minnesota. rights and issues, and If we get those, we will ACLU was one of the be at 13 states plus main places that I wanted Washington D.C. But we to work,” he said. “They have a long way to go and have been doing this the road gets harder.” work since 1936 and have Esseks said public refbeen seriously involved erendums will be imporever since. I like the idea tant in seeing further of doing work for LGBT victories. equality through an orga“The way we will make nization that is focused progress is going back to on everybody’s rights.” the people and repealEsseks is serving as coing some of the marriage counsel in Windsor vs. amendments in constituU.S., the first challenge to the federal ban on sameJAMES ESSEKS tions. We have 30 states sex marriage to be taken Photo: Scott A. Drake that have constitutions that ban same-sex couples up by the Supreme Court. Esseks represents 83-year-old Edie from marrying,” he said. “We showed we Windsor, a Philadelphia native who was could win marriage by vote of the people forced to pay hundreds of thousands in in November, but that took a lot of money, time, effort and persuasion. Despite the fact inheritance tax after the death of her wife. “Edie is the dream, she is just fabulous,” that we went 4-0 last fall, we were 0-32 Esseks said. “She lived a classic fairy-tale before and lost again and again, so we have story of a love affair for over 44 years. a bunch of work ahead.” The ACLU is currently working on a I never met her spouse, and I wish I had because the stories I have heard and from Freedom to Marry lawsuit pending in films about their life together, it was really Illinois and a case in federal court in North quite a relationship. A piece of working with Carolina that will challenge the state’s ban on second-parent adoption. Edie is hearing about that relationship.” Despite the fact that Pennsylvania does Esseks said Windsor has lived through the many ups and downs of the LGBT commu- not allow same-sex marriage and does not nity’s development, which he said LGBTs have an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination law, Esseks said Pennsylvanians can help of all generations can relate to. “She is somebody who lived through a win equality by talking to fellow residents really broad arc of history in LGBT rights. about the struggles the community faces. “It is all about talking up the issue. I think Edie and Thea met in the early ’60s and for a big chunk of their relationship — as that we have seen a transformation in the committed as they were — they lived a pro- country on LGBT rights in general and in foundly closeted life. She has lived a jour- freedom to marry in terms of public opinney that all of us as a community have been ion in the last 10 years,” he said. “That on and it is inspiring to see how one per- includes a bunch of change in public opinson’s personal stories capture such a wide ion in Pennsylvania as well, which hasn’t range of experiences that we have all had.” changed in laws, but I am sure that that is in The Supreme Court is excpected to rule our future in Pennsylvania, as we continue on Windsor’s case, and on another chal- the education and work that we all do by being as out as we can in every part of our lenge to Proposition 8, by the end of June. Esseks said it is hard to predict the out- lives. Having those conversations in a norcome, but he is optimistic that the court will mal everyday way with people in your lives, that is how public opinion changes — just overturn DOMA. “At this point all we have in terms of tea raising the profile and changing minds.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Diocese of Columbus

Editorial

The Tuesday that was PGN heads to the printer each Wednesday, so Tuesdays are usually quite a hectic day for our editorial staff, as we’re scrambling to put final touches on stories, photos, captions and layouts. However, when big stories break, we have to put the brakes on, and this past Tuesday proved to be a big day for LGBT news. On Tuesday morning, more than two-dozen pro-LGBT Pennsylvania lawmakers — including the state’s two out legislators — gathered to unveil the new bills that will seek to ban LGBT discrimination statewide. HB and SB 300 were rolled out amid record bipartisan support, as well as new polling numbers that found that more than 70 percent of Pennsylvania residents support such efforts. During the nearly hour-long press conference, in which lawmakers talked about their motivations for backing the legislation, a victim of anti-LGBT discrimination told his story and corporate and private partners detailed their companies’ commitments to the LGBT community. It was a milestone moment for the state’s LGBT community. While that coalition of lawmakers was celebrating the push for equality, elsewhere in Harrisburg, notoriously antigay state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe continued on his long-unsuccessful bid to turn back the clocks on equality in the Keystone State. Metcalfe resubmitted his bill to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, with the lowest number of cosponsors the legislation has ever seen. Metcalfe seemingly doesn’t know when to throw in the towel on a losing battle, declaring that Pennsylvanians need to rally together to protect the God-given tradition of marriage. The fact that Metcalfe quietly introduced his measure on the same day that there was such a robust show of support for LGBT issues in Harrisburg illustrates how out of touch the representative is with the work of his fellow lawmakers, and the intentions of the state’s residents. If Metcalfe’s misguided action at all dampened the mood of the morning’s press conference, spirits were surely lifted by late afternoon, as the Delaware Senate approved a marriage-equality bill and the state’s governor summarily signed it into law. There are now 11 states that sanction marriage equality, with Rhode Island taking the number-10 spot just last week, just a few months after three states legalized marriage equality by public vote in November. While Delawareans deservedly celebrated into the night, neighbors in Pennsylvania may have felt a slight pang of jealousy. Every state to our northeast has now legalized marriage equality, while our southern neighbors Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C., are now in the fray. Save Ohio, West Virginia and New Jersey — which offers civil unions — Pennsylvania is literally locked into a sea of promarriage states. But, before the Keystone State can even begin to think about relationship recognition, it needs to adopt HB and SB 300 to provide basic legal protections to its LGBT citizens, which, again, nearly all of our neighboring states have succeeded in doing. Tuesday was a momentous day for LGBT rights, and it’s well past time for the victories to keep coming, this time in Pennsylvania. ■

Imagine that your mother has just died. This is, for most, a difficult, emotional time. Plus, there’s so much to take care of: funeral arrangements, notifying friends and relatives, taking care of the estate. Not to mention grieving. Now imagine that you’re a closeted lesbian at a Roman Catholic high school and there’s one more detail to take care of: putting an obituary in the paper. Do you mention your partner’s name in the obit? I mean, you’ve been a couple for 15 years. What could be the harm? Well, if you’re physical-education teacher Carla Hale, it turns out that the harm is pretty great. Not only had she just lost her mother, but also she was quickly fired from Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus, Ohio, after 19 years, for being a lesbo after a parent brought the obituary to the attention of the school. Which leads to the question: How big of an asshole do you have to be to run to the school with an obituary of a teacher’s mother in order to get her fired? Answer: not as big of an asshole as the administrators who actually fired her, but still, pretty big. A statement from the Diocese of Columbus claimed, “Personnel who choose to publicly espouse relationships or principles that are contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church cannot, ultimately, remain in the employ of the church.” Oh, I see. The problem isn’t that she has a female partner, but that it got published in the newspaper. Got it. The Catholic Church prefers secrecy, which is evident in their handling of the insanely huge and far-reaching child sexual-abuse scandal. Priests who rape kids can be shuffled from diocese to diocese so long as everybody stays quiet. But a gym teacher is found to be a lesbian and we’ve got to keep her away from kids — not because she’s been accused of any kind of abuse, but because her partner’s name is Julie and not John. Good one, Diocese of Columbus. Look, when you’ve got a record like the Catholic Church on issues related to sexual

impropriety and keeping kids safe, firing a lesbian teacher is not upholding morality, it’s sanctimonious bullshit. Mind you, Hale is not an idiot. She knew that putting her partner’s name in the obit was a risk. “[Julie] asked me if I really wanted to put her name in there,” Hale told The Columbus Dispatch, “[but] my mom really loved Julie and Julie loved my mom and as I sat there with my brother, you know, it was like ... his wife was mentioned, my niece’s husband was mentioned, so why not? Why not my person I love?” And we all know how that turned out. But the story isn’t over yet. After asking to be reinstated and being told “no homo,” Hale announced that she is filing a complaint with the Columbus Community Relations Commission. In Columbus, it is illegal for employers to fire someone just for being gay. There is also a Change.org petition (www.change.org/ petitions/diocese-of-columbus-reinstate-faculty-member-carla-hale) asking for her reinstatement that has over 103,000 signatures as I write this. For her part, Hale is trying to keep a positive attitude. “This is happening for a reason and I have to be supporting of all of those that are standing up on my behalf,” Hale said at a press conference. Referring to the outpouring of support she has received, Hale had a message for LGBTQ young people: “Hopefully, they’re seeing just the support and the love that’s out there, and it’s reassuring them that regardless of their sexual orientation, we all deserve the same equalities, and the world’s changing.” Not nearly fast enough, but here’s to Hale for finding the courage to fight the good fight and leave the closet behind. ■

Which leads to the question: How big of an asshole do you have to be to run to the school with an obituary of a teacher’s mother in order to get her fired?

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.

Correction An advertisement in the May 3-9 edition of PGN for Dawn Tancredi for Common Pleas Court Judge incorrectly omitted that the ad was paid for by Friends of Dawn Tancredi. PGN regrets this error.

OP-ED PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Op-Ed

Making the LGBT case for immigration reform A little more than 14 years ago, I met and fell in love with Roco. He was handsome, kind, caring and hardworking. He was a pastry chef, and every day he would bring me one of the pastries he had made that morning. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love, and soon we moved in together. Our relationship seemed like a fairytale, perfect in every way — except that Roco was undocumented. Because Roco was undocumented, he lived in two closets — hiding both his sexual orientation and his immigration status. I loved him so much that I joined him in the closet, and together, we kept our love a secret from everyone. For years, we had to keep our window shades always drawn, ever vigilant that no one discover our relationship. If the secret got out, we faced more than the all-toocommon threats of homophobia. Being discovered could have meant deportation for Roco, should someone decide to report him as undocumented. If Roco and I had been a straight couple, the solution would have been relatively simple. We were madly in love and would have gladly married — announcing our love to the world and securing documentation that would have allowed Roco to stay in the U.S. no matter what. But this option wasn’t possible for us, as the laws of our state and country didn’t recognize our commitment. I wish that the old saying “love conquers all” was always true, but our reality was different. After three years, living in secret became more than our love could handle. We ended our relationship, and I became determined to do whatever I could to prevent anyone else from suffering like we had. Today, more than 14 years later, little has changed. Immigration reform has been debated many times over in those years, but binational same-sex couples continue to struggle. Of the 11-million immigrants living in this country, millions are living in a double closet like Roco — hiding their sexual orientation and documentation status. That’s why Equality Pennsylvania, the commonwealth’s leading LGBT advocacy

organization, voted unanimously to add our voices to the broad movement seeking comprehensive immigration reform in accord with the principles adopted by the Fair Immigration Reform Movement. Since our decision, we’ve often been asked why we decided to get involved in immigration. Our reason is simple: It’s the right thing to do. As we seek justice and fairness for LGBT Pennsylvanians, we cannot leave behind LGBT immigrants. It is impossible to address issues like nondiscrimination, access to health care or marriage equality without also addressing our country’s current unjust immigration system. The simple truth is, until we win comprehensive immigration reform, many of our victories will remain only partially realized. Even in states where marriage has been extended to same-sex couples, binational couples are being torn apart because the federal government doesn’t recognize these marriages for immigration purposes. Transgender immigrants are denied health care and legal recognition of their identities because they must be documented in order to obtain insurance or legally change their name and gender. Undocumented people living with HIV/AIDS are unlikely to receive a diagnosis and even more unlikely to receive the medicines necessary for quality of life and survival. We cannot achieve full equality for LGBT people while millions of us who have lived, worked and loved in this country for years have no fair and swift path to citizenship. Likewise, unless immigration reform includes protections for undocumented LGBT people, it will not be comprehensive or acceptable. Equality Pennsylvania is proud to add our voices to the millions across this country demanding comprehensive immigration reform. Those of us in both the immigrant and LGBT communities have waited far too long for justice. It’s time to guarantee that our unjust immigration laws are never again able to tear apart a family. ■ Adanjesus Marin is the board chair of Equality Pennsylvania, a statewide organization advancing equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians.

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

Street Talk Are lesbians more accepted in society than gay men? “Yes. Straight men are still more reserved about homosexuality. I don’t know why. I’m a straight man. Austin Litteral I believe bartender everyone South Philadelphia should be free to do as they choose. But apparently, the majority of people don’t agree. Being macho is still very much admired in society.”

“No. Times are changing. People are more accepting of gay men. And the gay men I know are awesome. Maria DiMeo They’re server fabulous. Andorra They have a different perspective on things. I know more gay men than gay women. So I’ll say gay men are more accepted.”

“No. I think it’s even. Straight men tend to eroticize two ladies who are together. And straight women get along great Julia Keller with gay musician men. So it Bella Vista does even out, in the end.”

“Yes. It’s still a man’s world for most people. So it seems a little more scandalous for men to go against the grain. When Ashley Battle women do it, server they’re just Andorra looked at as silly. It’s a sad reflection on our society, which doesn’t take women seriously.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “Longtime activist runs for Traffic Court,” May 3-9: The fact is, Inja [Coates] is not an attorney, and just because you can,doesn’t mean you should. I don’t care how progressive she is or how she’s out, whenever someone needs to appear in court, even if it’s a minor offense or it’s a major offense at the preliminary stage, people want to trust that the person has been trained in the law, which means they have a law degree and they are in good standing with the Bar. Maybe if she was running for a non-judicial position, I may be able to consider her, but this requires a certain type of person, and I think Traffic Court needs to be jet-

tisoned. None of the other 66 counties have a separate Traffic Court, and Philadelphia could become the first county to have all judges be lawyers. — JordanGwendolynDavis In response to “The foundation for senior housing,” May 3-9: Mark [Segal’s] tireless work on the Anderson Project just makes me so proud to have called him my friend for over 40 years! Keep up the great work, Mark! — Theatro46

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

LOCAL PGN

Older women’s health focus of next LGBT elder talk By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The LGBT Elder Initiative’s Conversation series will next turn its attention to the health and wellness of older women. The organization will host LGBT Older Women’s Health from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 18 at South Philadelphia Older Adult Center, 1430 E. Passyunk Ave. The event will focus on the health challenges women over 50 face and will utilize an interactive format to allow participants to take an active role in exploring solutions to these obstacles. LGBTEI co-chair Terri Clark said the planning committee was comprised of women in the target community, who met with a researcher from the Public Health Management Corporation, which recently unveiled a wide-ranging research report on the needs of the LGBT older-adult population. “The committee talked about what they wanted to see in a Conversation program for their

community, and they looked over the PHMC data,” Clark said. “Out of that conversation they decided they wanted an event that focused on making friends, something interactive, something fun. They were looking for an opportunity to meet other adult women and to work together on eating better, learning nutrition. The Elder Initiative is really trying to be responsive to our community’s needs as we age, and this ties into that well.” Participants will get the chance to take part in a cooking demonstration that will teach them to make nutritional snacks, and can also try Tai Chi with a trained expert who is leading free classes at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Diane Menio, executive director of the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly, will also lead a discussion on the preventative screenings available under the Affordable Care Act. “The PHMC study found that many women aren’t getting the

preventive health care that they should be,” Menio said. “And preventative care is something that the Affordable Care Act does cover, so I think it’s really important for everyone to understand this, in particular people who aren’t as comfortable accessing the health-care system.” Clark added that LBT women often face stigma associated with their identities, have fewer ties to biological families than heterosexual women, and must grapple with legal inequalities such as being prevented from receiving a late partner’s Social Security or pension. This and other Conversation events, Clark said, seek to arm community members with the information and inspiration they need to overcome these challenges. “We’re giving people information about the resources that are out there and making referrals. This is a direct service that the Elder Initiative is able to make happen for our community,” she

Congratulations

said. “And it ties into the desire of the city to be seen as an agingfriendly city. If Philadelphia is truly going to be aging-friendly, it needs to be inclusive, responsive and supportive of our LGBT older adults.” Menio agreed that the program provides a vital service for both the community and city. “It brings information to people who may not access it elsewhere,” she said. “The whole thread of this is that we need to integrate and get people to understand that there are resources out there for them and that, hopefully, they can feel comfortable accessing them.” Last month’s Conversation on the aging mind drew about 85 people. Clark said organizers are anticipating a crowd of at least 50 but are eager to disseminate the information to and establish connections among crowds of any size. “It will be successful if it’s smaller or larger,” she said. “We really just want to give people the opportunity to network, make new

friends and learn some important information about their health and wellness.” Next week’s event comes in the midst of Older Americans Month. To mark the occasion, LGBTEI launched a new campaign to allow the local community to take an active role in the creation of the organization’s new website. The “Lend Us Your Face” campaign will allow LGBT singles, couples and groups to have their photos taken to be featured on the site and in new LGBTEI materials. Photographers will be on hand from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., for the first shoot. Appointments can be made, and walk-ins will also be accepted. Everyone who is photographed will be entered into a drawing for prizes. The site is expected to launch in the fall. For more information or to make an appointment, email info@lgbtei.org. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

LOCAL PGN

locations Homeless youth to shine on Philly stage �� in Pa. The highlight of the show is when the kids By Angela Thomas get to perform. They do a fantastic job.” angela@epgn.com Organ said about 20 percent of Covenant outside of Philadelphia Broadway stars and local homeless youth House’s clients are self-identified LGBT ��

Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • MCCLV, 930 N. Fourth St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethel • Adult World, 341 Midway Road • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 Lancaster Ave. • TLA Video, 761 Lancaster Ave. • Chester • Harrah’s Chester Casino, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Widener University, 1 University Place • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Devon • Devon Station, Devon State Road & Lancaster Pike • Doylestown • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. • Gibson • Hillside Campground, 1 Creek Road • Glen Mills • Imago Dei MCC, 1223 Middletown Road • Glenside • Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Harrisburg • 704 Strawberry Café, 704 N. Third St. • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • Liquid 891, 891 Eisenhower Blvd. • Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Kutztown • Kutztown University, 15200 Main St. • Lancaster • Downtown Books, 227 N. Prince St. • Sundown Lounge, 429 N. Mulberry St. • Tally Ho Tavern, 201 W. Orange St. • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • Lehighton • Woods Campground, 845 Vaughn Acres Road • Levittown • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Malvern • Malvern Station, King St. & Warren Ave. • Media • Unitarian Universalist Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road • The Media Theater, 104 E. State St. • LGBT Alliance Group, Delaware Co. Campus, Penn State Univ., 901 Media Line Road • Moosic • 12 Penny Saloon, 3501 Birney Ave. • Narberth • Narberth Station, Haverford & Narberth avenues • New Hope • Café Europa, 11 Market Place • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • Havana, 105 S. Main St. • John & Peters, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St. • Havana Bar & Grill, 105 S. Main St. • The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Sandbar, 90 S. Main St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wildﬂowers, 8 W. Mechanic St. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Plains Township • Twist Bar, Fox Ridge Plaza, Rte. 315 • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berls Aid Network, 429 Walnut St. • Reading Adult Center, 316 Penn St. • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Spring Grove • Atland’s Ranch, RR6, Box 6543 • Swarthmore • Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Parrish Hall • Temple • Naughty But Nice, 4502 N. Fifth St. • Upper Darby • Honor Box, 69th Street Station • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Warminster • Darkanyu, Bux Mont Unitarian Church, Street Road at Rt. 611 • Planned Parenthood of Bucks Co., 610 Louis Dr. • Wayne • Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave. • Stafford Station, Old Eagle School & Crestline roads • Wayne Station, N. Wayne & West Ave. • West Chester • Chester County Books, 975 Paoli Pike • Williamsport • Peachies, 144 E. Fourth St. • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads •

will come together next week to share stories of heartbreak and success. “Night of Broadway Stars” will be held 6:30 p.m. May 14 at the Kimmel Center, with proceeds benefiting Covenant House. The annual event is the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser, according to Covenant House associate executive director Hugh Organ. The show will feature performances by an array of Broadway performers, including out singer and actor John Treacy Egan, whose motivation to get involved came from a long history with Covenant House. “I had been fundraising for Covenant House myself when I was a teenager in the 1970s so I was invited to participate in this event,” he said. “I was thrilled because I used to put on shows and the money would go to Covenant House. It is amazing to see how they have grown. Homelessness never goes away; it is something you are going to solve case-by-case.” The show will feature 20 songs, including seven by performers ages 18-21 from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. “For them, it is their chance to show off their talents,” Organ said. “We have some very gifted kids, and the ability to be a part of this show is a great opportunity for them.

youth. “Being a teen is hard enough, but being LGBT is just one more extra struggle,” Egan added. “To have somebody on your side and give you a leg up and tell you they love you and that you are worth it is important. I think that is where we really need to be. Homelessness is this plague that keeps surfacing.” Organ said he hopes the show helps spread the word about Covenant House’s work. “For us to do the work we do, we can’t do that without the support of individuals who come to events. I hope this show helps them become lifelong supporters. It is a fabulous show but for me it is more about the kids — these are talented, gifted kids who have been thrown away by our society. They are really amazing and, given proper support, people get to see how amazing they are.” Egan said the event, and Covenant House’s ongoing work, enriches the lives of countless youth. “They are a support system in many ways and they help these kids stand on their own, find and keep work. It makes a huge difference in the lives of these kids.” For more information, visit www.covenanthouse.org. ■

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News Briefing Morris case to be discussed at PAC Issues relating to the Nizah Morris homicide are expected to be discussed at the next Police Advisory Commission meeting, set for later this month. Morris was a transgender woman found with a fatal head wound shortly after receiving a “courtesy ride” from Philadelphia police in 2002. Her homicide remains unsolved, and the PAC issued a report last month that recommended state and federal probes. The meeting is expected to provide PAC members with an opportunity to clarify their position on the release of additional investigative records relating to Morris’ homicide. The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 20 at 990 Spring Garden St., seventh floor.

Hearing rescheduled in Woody’s case A hearing on the complaint filed by Tyree Lawson against Woody’s bar has been postponed until the summer. Lawson contends that he was assaulted by a bouncer at the bar last July during a melee on the second floor. The bouncer is identified in the lawsuit as “John Doe.” According to court records, Lawson sustained a broken tooth and injuries to his face, leg and ankle due to the alleged assault. Lawson’s attorney, William E. Averona, said Lawson no longer patronizes the bar, at 202 S. 13th St. in Midtown Village. “What happened to my client is unconscionable,” Averona said. “This type of conduct has to stop, and I’m doing my part to put a stop to it.” Lawson is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, not to exceed $50,000. A hearing before a three-member arbitration panel was set for later this month, but it’s been rescheduled to 9:30 a.m. July 31 at the city’s Arbitration Center, 1880 JFK Blvd., fifth floor, according to court records. Members of the arbitration panel haven’t been named at presstime. Kevin L. Connors, an attorney for Woody’s, had no comment. ■ — Timothy Cwiek

HIV/AIDS PGN

All is full of love

“What’s your status?” he quietly asked, Just let yourself have it. and somehow I knew he preferred poz/ Many people in the world are more undetectable guys like myself, someone comfortable with sadness than joy, with who knew his status and took care of himpain than comfort. The same can be said self. Turning around, I whispered in his for entire nations of people, perhaps even ear, “Thank you ... thank you.” worlds, galaxies, universes, dimension The times are changing — not fast, but there and gone beyond the astral plane. slow, like a river current emptying into the And that’s OK. Did you know that that’s sea. The nation murmurs with conversaOK? Why bedevil pain and sorrow when tion, phasing in and out of a cacophonous they’re just as much teacher, enchanter and terrain, like topographies of storyteller as joy? It’s part of sound across an echoing globe; the same journey, you know. So hearts breaking and mending, let yourself be OK with feeling ages passing. What we have pain, and if you can, don’t disbetween us is love. What we guise it as anything else. have is full of love. Pain and joy breed happiness Every month, I battle out 750 all the same. We go through equal shares of both, if you let words of defiant prose in hopes yourself live seasonally; we can that I might make readers aware instigate self-global warming, that we, the world, are at peace. you know, where no matter our But how can that be? From war true season or weather, the sun to rape, trauma occurs every shines forth like a newborn babe day, devastating lives, communities, economies and countries; on the horizon of the soul, and attack them first before they the earth is baptized over and attack us. A good offensive is a over again in tears of denial, good defensive. But I’m going Aaron Stella despair and caged sorrow. Let to lower my guard. I’m going your chosen families give color to open up my heart. The trauto your autumn trees and snowmas won’t cease, I know, but peace will fall to your somber winters. be ours. Come. Come and share this peace In sadness, call yourself “love” and be with me. It has been here all along. a light in the lives of others. Forgo the The life of the embattled heart — if wish that you were someone else, or feelyou have such a life, eking out pleasuring some other way, and you won’t have able moments between seasons of strife, to believe with me anymore that we, the please, believe with me a moment that world, are at peace. You’ll believe it yourpeace is here; that no matter what happens self, and you’ll find a way to accept more — whoever injures or is injured, kills or than your HIV, but the world round — its is killed, defiles or is defiled — engrave history, the universe, the mystical body into your purpose today a viral peace, and of the Self infinitely recreated by one let it sweep across your body, mind and molecule exchanging places with another heart. For I, in love with all-of-us-every— that is the endless waltz of time. No matter who you are, or what you do, thing-working-together, say “I love you. or how you think, see, feel or change, I will I love you”; for I, in love with all-of-useverything-working-together, say, “no mat- always be with you. The world will always be with you. We, the world, my family, are ter what, you will always be beautiful and at peace. Now, go forth: Bask in the all-ofmeaningful”; for I, in love with all-of-usus-everything-working-together, for we all, everything-working-together, praise you all for being here, and making me and the my family, are truly full of love. world who we are. Nothing ever ends. Nothing ever ends. ■ So what is your HIV? A criminal charge? A deadly force? An indelible mark Aaron Stella is former editor-in-chief of Philly Broadcaster. He has written for on your forehead that tarnishes any who pass the welcome mat of your ass, or the several publications in the city, and now altar of your tongue or condemns covedevotes his life to tackling the challenges nants of “love you,” “love you,” “love you of HIV in the 21st century. Millennial forever!” as windswept promises forged by Poz, which recently won first place for the windy in their weakest of moments? excellence in opinion writing from the If you say so, HIV can make all those National Lesbian and Gay Journalists things true. And maybe that’s exactly what Association and best column writing from HIV will be for you right now, perhaps for the Local Media Association, appears in a long time. And that’s all right. Really. PGN monthly. Aaron can be reached at millennialpoz@gmail.com. That’s all right. Peace is yours, my family.

Millennial Poz

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

PGN

Obituary Kenny Kerr, iconic drag performer, 60 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Kenny Kerr was more than just a Las Vegas drag performer — he was a pioneer within the LGBT community, whose roots were grounded not far from Philadelphia. Kerr died April 28 at age 60. The cause of death has not been announced. Kerr was born in Blue Anchor, N.J., and began performing in Philadelphia when he was just 16. Franny Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents, remembers Kerr’s start at The Forrest Lounge in the early 1970s. “I knew Kenny because when I was 20 and started going to The Forrest Lounge, Kenny would

perform in a show called The Doll Factory,” she said. Price said Kerr later joined up with a troupe to perform “Viva La Boys” and traveled along the East Coat for various gigs. Price was the team’s light and sound person and said Kerr was known for his Barbra Streisand impersonation. Kerr later turned “Viva La Boys” into “Boy-Lesque” and eventually took the show to Vegas. He performed for more than a decade at the Silver Slipper and later went on to headline at such venues as the Plaza Hotel, the Sahara and the New Frontier, with shows that drew such stars as Dionne Warwick and Diana Ross. He toured promoting his own music and, after spending a number of years in Palm Springs, came back to Vegas a few years

ago, performing at such venues as the Onyx Theatre. Price said Kerr was a talented performer who set the stage for drag performers. “Back in the late 1960s and ’70s, drag shows were a big part of our identity and it was different then,” she said. “They were impersonators and he was a pioneer in a sense.” Price remembered Kerr for his uncanny sense of humor, especially on the road. “He would give me names and they became my nicknames. I had a car that was all denim inside and I dressed like a cowboy, so he called me John Wayne,” she said. “He would always kid around. If I would tell him that what I thought they were doing was wrong, Kenny would look at me and say I was being a

METCALFE from page 1

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WFWG, a Wonderful Flawless Woman Goddess. He was one of the best.” Price said Kerr and his fellow performers would often compete with each other, which made for a really exciting show. “Being the light and sound person, it was exciting to me because you got to enjoy the last 20 minutes of the show, where he would compete. I am so lucky to have been able to live through all of the changes and to have known Kenny,” she said. While Kerr was known for his on- and off-stage antics, Price said he had a pure heart. “I was shocked to hear about his death. They were the ones there when I hurt, when I was sad. They were the ones there for me and Kenny was one of those people.” ■

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“Those who continue to resist equal rights for our LGBT family members, friends and neighbors are clearly on the wrong side of history. The ‘marriage amendment’ is unneeded and unwanted, and more legislators are realizing this,” he said, noting that just 13 percent of the House cosponsored the bill. “On the same day, 77 members of the House and 25 senators — half the Senate — sponsored legislation to end anti-LGBT discrimination in the workplace, housing and public accommodations. The growing support for the nondiscrimination bills includes sponsorship by several Republican legislators.” Metcalfe, however, argued in a statement that the legislation is needed to protect “traditional” marriage. “Pennsylvania does not need to wait for the United States Supreme Court to rule on what natural law already declares as self-evident,” Metcalfe said in a statement this week. “Marriage is a sacred bond that can only be fulfilled by one man and one woman, as established by God. Final passage of my legislation will allow state lawmakers to exercise their rightful responsibility and obligation to uphold the rule of law and the will of the people.” Metcalfe’s measure would need to pass in identical forms in both chambers of the state legislature for two consecutive sessions and then be approved by a public referendum. ■

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Engagement Jen Colletta and Ashlee Turturro By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com PGN editor Jen Colletta has covered stories on marriage equality since her start at the paper more than five years ago. Now, she’ll have the chance to experience her stories firsthand. Colletta, 27, and Ashlee Turturro, 29, got engaged April 14, on their six-year anniversary. Colletta is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from La Salle University. She began at PGN as a staff writer in 2007 and became editor this past September. Turturro is a native of Bronx, N.Y., and grew up in Levittown before moving to Northeast Philadelphia in 2010. She earned her associate’s degree in allied health from the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and works as a certified medical assistant at Abington Memorial Hospital. The pair met in 2004 through mutual friends. “My first impression of her was an instant attraction,” Turturro said. “All I wanted was to find an excuse to talk to her and it took me several years to finally get that courage.” Colletta said she was equally intrigued by Turturro but it wasn’t until a friend’s party in 2007 that they hit it off, under some odd circumstances. “It was a decades-themed party and I was dressed as a hippie and

she as a Ninja Turtle. She made her own costume and it was really funny and creative and caught my eye,” Colletta said. “As soon as we started talking, I was immediately drawn to her humor and couldn’t wait to learn more about her. And we started dating three weeks later.” In the past six years, Turturro said, their relationship has worked so well because of their different personalities and approaches. “You know what they say: Opposites attract,” she said. “We complement each other perfectly. She is the voice of reason to my wild ideas, and I’m the one who will take her hundreds of miles just to see the world’s largest roller skate. We make each other laugh and that keeps our relationship feeling new and strong.” Colletta agreed, saying their seeming opposite natures have helped shape their relationship. “She can be very spontaneous and adventurous whereas I’m a lot more cautious, so she’s helped me not be too grounded all the time, and I think I’ve helped her be grounded when she needs to be,” she said, adding that the couple also works to put any problems into focus. “I think it’s important to keep the big picture in mind as much as you can. All couples have ups and downs but when you remind yourself that you love one another and are both committed to making it work, it makes things a lot less daunting.”

JEN COLLETTA (LEFT) AND ASHLEE TURTURRO

Turturro asked Colletta to marry her during a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park. To say she was nervous was an understatement. “The entire time during our hike, I was just rehearsing my proposal over and over. I have never been so nervous — I hadn’t slept in days. My mind raced with the what-ifs and the exciting planning ahead,” she said. “I had found the perfect ring and had changed my proposal idea over and over again, making sure everything would be perfect. Your engagement happens once, and I wanted hers to be unforgettable.” Colletta said she had a sus-

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picion that a proposal may be coming but was still taken aback when it happened. “She had been acting way stressed and cleaning a lot. It was our anniversary so I had convinced myself she was either going to propose or buy me a puppy,” she said. “But, we hiked to the top of this overlook and had lunch and that’s where she asked. She asked if I ever thought I’d marry her and I said, ‘Of course,’ and then she said, ‘How about today?’ and pulled out the ring. So even though I was suspicious, it was still a shock, a wonderful shock, to have it happen.” The couple has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of

well wishes since their engagement. “The amount of support we have from our friends and family is incredible, and I feel extremely lucky to have so much love in our life,” Turturro said. The two are waiting for the outcomes of the Proposition 8 and Defense of Marriage Act Supreme Court cases before deciding where to tie the knot. Although marriage wasn’t something she initially was focused on, Colletta said it felt more and more right for the couple to take that next step as each year passed. “We knew we want to spend our lives together, and we want to share that commitment to one another with our family and friends. Even though it won’t be legal in Pennsylvania, having that day to show everyone what we mean to one another and the future that we’re planning on having, as well as having a government in whichever jurisdiction we choose validate our relationship, means a lot to both of us.” “I’ve learned so much from our relationship,” Turturro added. “She’s made me who I am today and each day I wake up, I want to be better than the day before just for her. There is nothing more I want than to marry my best friend and the girl of my dreams. I’ve found my other half and the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, so it’s time to make it official.” ■

FINANCES PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Adding up your retirement-income options Q: When should I retire? How much income will I need? How much can I afford to spend from my investments each year in retirement? A: These are all terrific questions. Unfortunately, the answers aren’t always the same. Managing money in retirement involves decisions about withdrawal rates, asset allocation and a host of other factors that will impact your lifestyle and how long your assets will last. Following are some straightforward answers to commonly asked questions about planning for income needs in retirement.

your portfolio should be invested, when you can afford to retire and how much you will be able to withdraw annually for living expenses. If you anticipate retiring earlier than 62 or working later than 67, you may need to alter your plans accordingly.

How much annual income am I likely to need? While studies indicate that many people are likely to need between 60-80 percent of their final working year’s income to maintain their lifestyle after retiring, low-income and wealthy retirees may need closer to 90 percent. Because of the declining availability of Jeremy traditional pensions and increasAsked and answered: Key questions about retirement income Gussick ing financial stresses on Social Security, future retirees may planning have to rely more on income When should I begin thinking about tapping generated by personal investments than today’s retirees. Whether or not you own my retirement assets, and how should I go your home entering retirement will also about doing so? have an impact on these percentages. The answer to this question depends on when you expect to retire. Assuming you How much can I afford to withdraw from expect to retire between the ages of 62 and my assets for annual living expenses? 67, you may want to begin the planning As you age, your financial affairs won’t process in your mid- to late 50s. A series of remain static: Changes in inflation, investmeetings with a financial advisor may help you make important decisions, such as how ment returns, your desired lifestyle and

Out Money

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your life expectancy are important contributing factors. You may want to err on the side of caution and choose an annual withdrawal rate somewhat below 4-5 percent. Of course, this depends on how much you have in your overall portfolio and how much you will need on a regular basis. The best way to target a withdrawal rate is to meet one-on-one with a qualified financial advisor and review your personal situation. When planning portfolio withdrawals, is there a preferred strategy for which accounts to tap first? You may want to consider tapping taxable accounts first to maintain the tax benefits of your tax-deferred retirement accounts. If your expected dividends and interest payments from taxable accounts are not enough to meet your cash-flow needs, you may want to consider liquidating certain assets. Selling losing positions in taxable accounts may allow you to offset current or future gains for tax purposes. Also, to maintain your target asset allocation, consider whether you should liquidate a portion of an asset class that may have become overweighted (i.e., exceeded your intended allocation).1 Another potential strategy may be to consider withdrawing assets from tax-deferred accounts to which nondeductible contributions have been made, such as after-tax contributions to a 401(k) plan. In some cases however, tapping your tax-deferred accounts first may also make sense. If you maintain a traditional IRA, or a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan, in most cases you must begin required minimum distributions (RMDs) after age 70-1/2. The amount of the annual distribution is determined by your life expectancy and, potentially, the life expectancy of a beneficiary. RMDs don’t apply to Roth IRAs. By tapping these accounts sooner, you may lower your RMDs in the future, potentially providing for lower taxes in future retirement years. Are there other ways of getting income from investments besides liquidating assets? One such strategy that uses fixed-income investments is bond laddering.2 A bond ladder is a portfolio of bonds with maturity dates that are evenly staggered so that a constant proportion of the bonds can potentially be redeemed at par value each year. As a portfolio-management strategy, bond laddering potentially may help you maintain a relatively consistent stream of income while limiting your exposure to risk. When crafting a retirement portfolio, you need to make sure it generates enough growth to prevent running out of money during your later years. To facilitate this goal, you may want to maintain an investment mix that has the potential to earn returns that exceed the rate of inflation. Dividing your portfolio among stocks, bonds and cash investments may provide adequate exposure to some growth potential while also helping to protect against market

setbacks.3 As you can see, there is really no onesize-fits-all answer for retirement-income planning. That’s why you should meet with a qualified professional who can help evaluate your specific situation. What may make sense for your friends, neighbors and/or coworkers may not be the best strategy for you. And the sooner you begin your planning, the more comfortable and better prepared you will ultimately be. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2012 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network and the Independence Business Alliance. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/ SIPC. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996-2012, based on total revenues. **Award details can be found at www.fivestarprofessional.com. 1 Asset allocation does not assure a profit or protect against a loss. 2 Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and are subject to availability and change in price.

Investing in stocks involves risks, including loss of principal. 3

There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. This article was prepared with the assistance of S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor, or me, if you have any questions. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, spe-

cial or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content.

NATIONAL PGN

Melissa Gartner of Des Moines, who sued after the department listed only Heather as a parent of their daughter in 2009. The couple married after the Iowa Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2009.

Media Trail

GSA to be allowed at Court: Iowa must recog- Florida school nize both lesbian parents Southwest Iowa News reports the Iowa Supreme Court says the state health department must list the names of both spouses in a same-sex relationship on a child’s birth certificate. The court ruled May 3 that the department must include the name of the non-birthing spouse in a lesbian marriage as a legal parent to any child born during the union. In their ruling, the justices said that a state law that allowed only the “name of the husband” to appear on the birth certificate violates the equal-protection clause in the Iowa Constitution. The ruling is a victory for Heather and

The Miami Herald reports a Florida school board will allow the formation of a gay-straight alliance at a middle school a day after it was sued by the American Civil Liberties Union. Lake County Schools agreed May 2 to a consent order issued by a federal judge, allowing the club to be established at Carver Middle School. The school is located northwest of Orlando. The ACLU sued the school board May 1 on behalf of eighth-grader Bayli Silberstein, who had been trying since last November to get approval to form the club. The lawsuit said repeated delays by the school board in granting approval was tantamount to a

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

denial. The school board still plans to hold a workshop to discuss what type of clubs should be allowed at its schools.

story in the first place and was too slow to correct himself. He promised to rebuild trust with viewers and asked them to consider his full career as a media critic.

CNN’s Kurtz apologizes for errors in Collins story Hundreds attend Mobile gay Pride festival USA Today reports media critic Howard Kurtz is apologizing for several errors in a recent column he wrote about gay basketball player Jason Collins. Collins is the first out current player for one of the four major men’s sports leagues. Kurtz is the host of CNN’s “Reliable Sources.” He brought two other media critics onto his show May 5 to question them about the story written on The Daily Beast suggesting Collins had hidden a previous engagement to a woman when he came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated story. However, Collins had disclosed the engagement. Kurtz said he was not only wrong on the facts, but he also shouldn’t have written the

WKRG.com reports hundreds turned out in downtown Mobile, Ala., for a gay Pride festival and parade. Many at the annual event May 3 said they feel attitudes are slowly changing. Lisa Teggart said the Pride 365 festival used to draw protesters who shouted at participants, but that no longer happens. James Weaver and Darrel Foret of Mobile used the event to celebrate their first anniversary. They got married one year ago in New York. Weaver said that he would like to see same-sex marriage legalized in Alabama, but he doubts he will see it in his lifetime. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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DELAWARE from page 1

Lisa Goodman, president of Equality Delaware, said it was hard to put into words how far the state has come. “We’ve been walking down the road to equality for a really long time and to get to the point yesterday to have the roll-call vote go in our favor ... it is hard to describe what that felt like,” Goodman said. She added that 400 legislators and advocates were in attendance as Markell signed the bill, a moment she called “amazing.” American Civil Liberties Union Delaware executive director Kathleen McRae said Tuesday was a historic day “for Delawareans who have shown their support and commitment to fairness and equality. We are proud to have worked with so many dedicated partners to reach this moment.” Susan Sommer, director of constitutional litigation at Lambda Legal, applauded both legislators and groups like Equality Delaware for helping to win marriage equality in another state. “Just last week, Rhode Island became

PGN NEWS

the 10th state to grant marriage to same-sex couples and the momentum continues,” she said. “It feels that we’ve been in a period of long celebration for months now, but we must remember that these victories were long in the making.” Goodman said she hopes the state’s vote will create a domino effect. “I hope that people who are already working will be heartened by every state that they see moving towards marriage,” she said. “We doubled our efforts and I hope that legislators will look at what happened and say, ‘We want to be the kind of state where everyone is treated equally.’” Equality Delaware will continue to advocate for other LGBT issues, she added. “Our state still lacks protections for gender identity and expression in both our antidiscrimination and hate-crimes laws, and that is a hugely important focus for Equality Delaware.” Efforts are underway to make Minnesota and Illinois the next states to adopt marriage-equality laws. ■

HB300 from page 1

“We’re confident if this comes up for a vote, it will pass. To be clear, it will pass the Senate.” Frankel added that the broad, bipartisan cosponsorship marks a new phase for the legislation. “We’re standing together today in support of basic fairness, to say that someone cannot be fired from a job or denied a rental property just because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity,” Frankel said. “Today marks a significant step towards LGBT equality in Pennsylvania, and it’s my hope that the coalition of support here today will build genuine momentum for a breakthrough in the state legislature. The climate is still difficult; LGBT progress lags behind in Pennsylvania at an alarming rate. But I’m joined by colleagues, friends and advocates who believe that, with these bills, there is a chance to effect real change for LGBT people in Pennsylvania.” The legislation would amend the Human Relations Ordinance to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the classes protected from discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing. During the press conference, Farnese tore up a lease agreement to demonstrate that LGBTs in most parts of the state can be denied housing because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. “It is outrageous in 2013 that someone can be denied or lose a place to live or lose a career of their choosing simply because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” Farnese said. “This is wrong and we are here today to do something about it. This is common sense and long, long overdue. We have an opportunity to do the right thing — to cast a vote, not because of special interests knocking at our door or because of who we know but because, damnit, it’s the right thing to do.” More than two-dozen lawmakers were on hand for the press conference, which out Rep. Brian Sims (D-182nd Dist.) called the largest gathering of pro-LGBT state legislators in Pennsylvania’s history. “On days like today, the equality advocates, activists and warriors I am joined by show the American spirit. And American values demand that we as a commonwealth finally evolve,” Sims said. “Our neighbors in nearly every direction have moved beyond us and are surpassing us, and it is long past time to stand up and say, ‘Enough is enough.’ Pennsylvania citizens demand equality. Pennsylvania businesses demand equality Our constitution demands equality.” Equality Advocates executive director Ted Martin noted that all of the Fortune

500 companies based in Pennsylvania have enacted LGBT nondiscrimination protections. Martin also unveiled results of a new poll from the Susquehanna Polling and Research, conducted in March, that found that 72 percent of Pennsylvanians support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTs. Martin noted that support came from 85 percent of Independents, 73 percent of Democrats and 67 percent of Republicans. Ross noted that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should take note of the growing bipartisan support. “Defending against LGBT discrimination is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue, or a House issue or a Senate issue — it’s a human issue,” Ross said. “All Pennsylvanians deserved to be treated with human dignity, it’s really that simple. And the public at large gets that.” Browne added that the measures don’t, as some opponents have argued, seek special treatment for LGBT Pennsylvanians. “It’s not about special rights or preferential treatment,” he said. “It’s simply about every Pennsylvanian having the same protection from discrimination — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Here is where William Penn began his Great Experiment of tolerance, and we don’t stand as leaders right now.” Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C., have adopted similar legislation, and Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast without LGBT-specific nondiscrimination protections. Joining the lawmakers were a gay Erie man who was fired from his job after speaking out against antigay harassment he faced, representatives of the Service Employees International Union and the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, and a former Susquehanna Township commissioner who was integral in passing that township’s LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance. Candi Castleberry-Singleton, chief inclusion and diversity officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, one of the state’s largest employers, spoke about UPMC’s own diversity initiatives, including its nondiscrimination policy and domesticpartner benefits. “We have to support our words with actions and, as employers and leaders, we can choose to support inclusion through local ordinances and things like HB 300,” she said. “We can accomplish much more when we work together, so let’s do just that. Together we can inspire a culture of collaboration in the places we live and work, all based on the simple idea that inclusion matters to all of us every day.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News We love to get picked up!

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

EQUALITY BILL from page 1

ing for such legislation and began meeting with Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs, in 2008 to bring the bill forward. When the vote was called, Padilla said she was excited to see her hard work and that of others come to life. “I was overjoyed. Philadelphia is once again leading the country,” she said. Kenney said he was happy the bill passed with such a considerable margin, although he was hoping for it to have been unanimous. “I kind of hoped we would have a unanimous vote, but we didn’t and not many votes that are groundbreaking get that, so I understood,” he said. “But I was happy that we had a Republican vote. I was very pleased with the outcome.” Republican Dennis O’Brien voted for the measure, while Democrat Bill Green opposed, joining Republicans David Oh and Brian O’Neill. Casarez said the bill affirms many of the endeavors the city was already undertaking. “We were already updating forms in departments, creating single-use bathrooms when renovating older city buildings, etc,.” she said. “The meaning here is that it’s now codified. It’s law.” Padilla has been contacted by transgender-rights activists in other states about the legislation and said its adoption was a great demonstration of a city working towards transgender equality. She added that the legislation could put Philadelphia at the very top of the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index; last year the city missed points for transgender health coverage for city employees. “I think this will put us up top in the country and even earn us bonus points. This could create a domino effect,” she said. Casarez added that Philadelphia is now the largest city in the United States to offer transgender-inclusive health care to its employees, joining just a handful of other cities and 700 U.S. companies. Kenney said the bill not only highlights Philadelphia’s LGBTfriendly environment, but also demonstrates its leadership. “It shows Philly to be a vanguard of civil rights in the country’s birthplace of democracy,” he said. “We have gone through an evolution on civil rights and have the most inclusion that we possibly can. It is all about life, liberty and pursuit of happiness and that applies to everyone, regardless of how you identify.” ■

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LOCAL PGN SCOUTS from page 5

city could have gotten $2 million from Mel Heifetz for the building and won the lawsuit. Instead of the taxpayers being $2-million richer, the taxpayers are now $825,000 poorer.” Details of the entire settlement should be released to the public, Kaplan added. “Of course the LGBT community should see the settlement agreement because the devil is in the details.” David W. Adamany, former president of Temple University, said the city had a strong likelihood of prevailing if it pursued the appeal. “This settlement is a serious setback for equal rights in Philadelphia. and really is very contrary to Philadelphia’s long history of being a city concerned about equal rights,” Adamany said. “I think the Nutter administration has pulled an end-run around City Council, which previously declined to approve a subsidy for the Scouts. Now, with this settlement, the Scouts are getting a substantial amount of city tax dollars.” But Thomas W. Ude Jr., senior staff attorney at Lambda Legal, was more supportive of the settlement. “This is not a perfect settlement but it allows the city to make a clean break that ends a subsidy of discrimination,” Ude said. “As with many advances, this outcome is the product of long, hard work by many activists and city officials.” David M. Rosenblum, legal director at Mazzoni Center, echoed Ude’s sentiments. “Though their decision to vacate the premises may not be an ideal resolution for [Cradle], the agreement between the parties ensures that the city will not subsidize organizations that find it necessary to discriminate, in this day and age,” Rosenblum said. “We applaud the city for enforcing its strong Fair Practices Ordinance and ensuring that all are treated equally, regardless of their sexual orientation.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News Pride Issue On the street June 7 ��

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Liberty City Press MAY 5-12, 2013

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall City’s integrity chief lacks integrity

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OCF Coffee House, owned by developer Ori Felibush, is located in a historically-protected building at 21st and Fairmount streets. Dana Ricci/ photographer

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Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

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Area Schools...

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From Left: Miguel Ortiz, Maria Miranda and Gilberto Gonzalez, members of Salvernos La Milagrosa, or Committee to Save La Milagrosa, stand in front of the church at 19th and Spring Garden streets. Sarah J. Glover/photographer

A Matter of Faith Area’s Hispanic Catholics raise their voices to save historic chapel by Sheila Simmons

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M AY 5 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 3

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

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Liberty City Press \\\

Pulse

Dine Out, Fight AIDS Dining Out for Life has its 23rd annual fundraiser by HughE Dillon ��

1. From left: Celebrity chef, author and master sommelier and one of the Dining Out For Life’s spokespeople, Daisy Martinez; Michael Byrne, ActionAIDS’s development director; and Jim Donovan, CBS3 “On Your Side” consumer reporter. 2. From left: ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns and Donald Schwarz, who read a city proclamation from the mayor. 3. From left: Michael Marsico, deputy director of Philadelphia FIGHT; state representative Brian K. Sims; City Council president Darrell Clarke; Michael Williams, chairman at IT Forensic Auditing Practice at Picciotti & Schoenberg Attorneys at Law; councilman Mark Squilla; congressman Robert Brady; and councilman Bill Greenlee. 4. From left: former controller Jonathan Saidel, two guests, Clarke, James Kenney, Ken Smukler and Congressman Brady. 5. From left: Mark Seaman, director of development and communications for Philadelphia FIGHT; Marsico; and Renee Gilinger, director of East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District. 6. From left: Raphael Bostic, former assistant secretary for policy development and research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Estelle Richman, senior advisor to the secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Micah Mahjoubian, principal of Soapbox Solutions, a local political consulting ﬁrm; Jason Villemez, associate producer of local media development at Comcast; Mark Segal, publisher of the Philly Gay News; state representative Kevin Boyle, Democrat from Northeast Philly and candidate for Congress to replace Allyson Schwartz; Judge Dan Anders. HughE Dillon/photographer M AY 5 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 3

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

play

\\\ Liberty City Press

La Salle Wins Boys’ lacrosse team beats rival

A moment from the La Salle Col-

�� is bound to go viral. In the 11-9 win

over Haverford School on April 27,

defenseman Stefan Bergman scored

�� archrivals in a tournament game.

This type of goal is as rare as a NHL hockey goalie scoring a goal.

“The goal came late in the second

Left: Coach Dean Lent stands with members of the Swenson girls’ champion 4 x 100 team (from left): Tichina Rhodes, Imani Harris-Quillen and Jameela Muhammad. Right: Markeeta Thomas and Rhodes stand together on the track. Photos courtesty of Dean Lent

Area Schools Rule Relays Despite the large crowds and high pressure, Philly teams succeed in Penn Relays

game,” Bergman said. “I inbounded the ball on the end line, and Haver-

ford set up a 10-man ride where they locked off the rest of my teammates

and even their goalie came out to cover any possible passes. I saw the net open and knew my options; we had practiced this situation ear-

lier in the week—I was going to try and score. I took a few steps in and

by Jeremy Treatman

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quarter of what was then a two-goal

launched it. I thought the goalie, Ja-

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cob Landman, was going to pick it off but it stuck just under the crossbar.”

The La Salle-Haverford School rival-

ry is as intense as any nonleague one

�� goal, though not the game winner,

set up a type of celebration typically seen after a Super Bowl Win.

��

we have been looking forward to as

a team,” Bergman said. “We wanted to go out and get a win especially for

the seniors who have never beaten [Haverford School]. At the same time,

�� playoff shape and being ready to play into June. We know and play with a

lot of the Haverford guys on our top

�� a great time to really battle it out with another tough Philly team.” JT

Continued on page 2

M AY 5 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 3

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

BOR_23518_Entrmt_PGN_AD.indd 1

5/7/13 11:19 AM

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

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AC ul t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

PAGE 33

Barcrawlr Dining Out Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

28 33 29 38 34 27 35

Something in the watercolors

Artist features trans portraits in new exhibition By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Local artist Emily Smith Satis is using her talents as a painter to explore the transgender community in her exhibition “In Visible Skin: Portraits of Transgender Philadelphia,” May 10-June 28 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Satis said she was inspired to undertake the series of watercolor portraits when, in

2011, she became “unsettled” about her own lack of knowledge of the transgender community. “I approached it as a young gay woman that understood and is proud of our gay community here in Philly,” Satis said. “But I felt really ignorant that I didn’t feel connected to the trans community. I just didn’t know any trans people. I felt sort of ashamed and embarrassed a little bit because I didn’t understand the feelings

and the motivations of that community. I approached the project as teaching in an organic way by meeting people and starting conversations and saying, ‘Teach me, tell me what it’s like to be trans and use me as a platform to have a voice.’ I think that that name, ‘In Visible Skin,’ is a play of course, taking someone who feels invisible and saying, ‘Yes, you are visible.’ I was more in the background. I was much more allowing the presence of these amazing

individuals to shine. I was taking my opinion out of it and just saying this is what I’ve learned. I was saying, ‘I don’t know anything, teach me.’” Compared to previous paintings, Satis said “In Visible Skin” is less about her personal experiences and more about the world in which she lives. “This is a two-year project so it is a little bit bigger,” Satis said comparing this exhibition to previous PAGE 26

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

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ones. “My work previously was very self-involved. That makes it seem more negative, but it was more focused on my life and people around me and my own mental and physical relationship with the world. That’s why I started this project: because I wanted to turn the focus away from myself and look at those around me. It definitely worked in a way. I will go back to working that way. It wasn’t a bad thing. I just think my work previously was selfinvolved.” In the years it took to complete the exhibition, Satis educated herself by initiating discussions on gender variance with trans folks and, in the process, learned much more than she had anticipated. “I met really amazing people,” she said. “I became friends with all of these people and felt really inspired. You can understand it must be a difficult life to struggle with your gender identity. But there are so many different amazing things that I learned just about the day-to-day life of a transgender individual. I think I was more touched by each person’s individual personality. That is what affected me the most, this fearless spirit that just has to stand up constantly, every single day, to oppression and discrimination. That’s what floored me emotionally. I felt I could be more aloof in the process but I became so connected and feel like such a fierce ally now. Besides, there are little fact-based things. I understand testosterone and hormone therapy. Also, it made me connect with my own idea of gender and identity and why gender is important to society. I‘m questioning that a little bit more.” Watercolors may not seem like the most thought-provoking of the visual arts but, in Satis’ capable hands, the art form becomes more than the pedestrian images some might expect. “This is definitely my preferred form of painting,” she said. “I handle watercolors in a way that I think a lot of people aren’t accustomed to. I don’t paint grandma paintings. I paint some badass watercolors. I think it’s refreshing for people to see the medium used in a different way.” Satis said the exhibit is meant to be informative, giving insights into the lives of the subjects. But she added, it is in no way confrontational or preachy. “I hope the viewers will understand the subtlety of the show. I wasn’t trying to smack someone in the face with ‘We’re here! We’re trans!’” she said. “I was trying to point out the normalcy of being a trans person. The show is not supposed to be intensely confrontational. It’s supposed to start this conversation and invite people

ARTIST EMILY SMITH SATIS in and make it more comfortable to say, ‘This is a topic that I’ve always wanted to talk about’ or ‘I don’t understand pronouns.’ It’s putting an everyday face to the trans community, as opposed to having sex workers in the back of the City Paper. These people are everyday people. They need us to try to understand a little bit more. Especially with the gay community too, it’s about taking it from the perspective of a gay person and saying the stereotypes that we collectively as gay people still generate. It’s not just mainstream society. It’s also within our culture, which is supposed to be so open and welcoming. It’s also getting gay people to talk about gender and identity and why it’s important to us.” Now that she’s incorporated a community-oriented message into her work, Satis said she feels inspired to take a similar direction with future works, as well as incorporate her own interpretations. “I’d like to,“ said she about doing more work to draw attention to overlooked communities. “I have a couple of ideas. I’m moving to North Carolina, which of course just outlawed gay marriage. I’m wondering if I could do portraits of gay couples who feel married and have been together for an extended period of time. I’m also thinking of doing portraits of sex workers. I’d like to still work with communities, but I’d also like to go back and do my own personal paintings as well.” ■ “In Visible Skin: Portraits of Transgender Philadelphia” opens May 10, with a reception from 6-9 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The exhibition will be on view at the center through June 28. For more information, visit www.esmithsatis.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

NIGHTLIFE PGN

Dancing queens Summer is right around the corner and everybody’s dance cards are filling up faster than you can say “Fernando.” There’s something for everybody in the next few weeks — from comedy to drag, concerts to fundraisers, leather to bathhouses! The hardest part will be choosing which of these great events to attend. The White Diamond Ball Make a date with the outrageous Miss Maddy Milan and 17 other drag queens, 9 p.m. May 11 at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St. The one-night-only show benefits ActionAIDS. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $20 for general seating or $40 for VIP seating. Formal attire is suggested.

be drink specials and a reduced room rate of only $69 if you want to party all night. Cover charge for the show is only $7. Eurotastic Celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest as only the Dumpsta Players can at 10 p.m. May 15 at Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. What’s Eurovision, you ask? Take one part “American Idol,” two parts Liberace, throw it in a blender and cover it with an entire can of spray cheese. (Roughly translated: It’s fabulous!) Proceeds benefit the DP Arts Consortium.

ExtrABBAganza Speaking of Eurovision which gave the world one of most successful recordJim Kiley- the Queens of Comedy ing acts of all time when Zufelt “Waterloo” snatched the title If it’s laughter you’re after, then head south from 9 p.m.in 1974, join the Philadelphia midnight May 11 at the Ramada Inn, Gay Men’s Chorus as they celebrate 160 Chapman Road, Newark, Del., for ABBA from 8-10 p.m. May 16 at the A Night of Illusions with The Queens of Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. Comedy. If you can’t make opening night, don’t The show will feature Miss Heart of fret: There will be additional shows at 8 Delaware 2013 Whitley Nycole DeAire, p.m. May 17 and 18 and a 2 p.m. matinee May 18. Tickets are $30-$55 and can Miss Northeast Comedy Queen 2012 be purchased online or at the door. See Felicia O’Toole Anita ABBA ad_2.aiBuffington, 1 4/24/2013 10:15:47 AM Mann www.pgmc.org for more information. and a special surprise guest. There will

Barcrawlr

Club Philly Grand Opening Remember that fire at the bathhouse last summer? Well, they’re finally done with renovations, have rebranded the club and are ready to reopen. Be the first in line at 6 p.m. May 16 at the new Club Philly, 1220 Chancellor St., to check out the new ownership, management and what promises to be a whole new approach to one of the oldest traditions in the Philly gay community. The Return of the Post Get in your gear and return to the glory days of The Post with strippers, drink specials and surprises at 10 p.m. May 17 at Stir, 1705 Chancellor St. Before Stir opened, the building was known far and wide as one of Philadelphia’s famous levi/ leather bars, The Post. If you knew it and loved it then, hold onto your jockstrap, because it’s coming back for one special night of fun and debauchery! Elixir Celebrates Women Leaders Don’t miss Mazzoni Center’s biggest event of the year from 5:30-10 p.m. May 18 at Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St. There will be an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, buffet, live entertainment and DJ, silent auction and more. This year’s honorees include Dr. Marla Gold, Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou and Jaci Adams. VIP tickets are $250 and general-admission tickets are $125. For more information and

tickets, visit www.mazzonicenter.org. Sharon Needles Live in Concert! She’s got a voice, she’s got a hit album and she’s going to be singing for you live right here in Philly! See “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season-four champion Sharon Needles at 10 p.m. May 18 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. VIP meet and greet starts at 9 p.m. and generaladmission doors open at 10. Tickets are $15-$30 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/376553. HEROES 2013 Join the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund as they honor our community’s heroes from noon-3 p.m. May 19 at Hotel Monaco, 433 Chestnut St. VIP tickets are $150 and general admission is $75. If you can’t attend the main event, you can still show your support from 1-7 p.m. May 19 at Fire & Ice, 312 Market St., as the venue’s weekly drag brunch will benefit DVLF. Brunch is $35, or just the show is $10. They’ll have raffles, drinks specials and celebrity guest Johnny Weir. Brunch starts at 1 p.m., show starts at 2:30 p.m. and the dance will last until 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.dvlf.org. ■ Questions, comments, kumquats? Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and totally bitchin’ music videos!

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PROFILE PROFLIE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Suzi Nash

Greg Seaney-Ariano: From archeologist to ACT UP to amateur athlete Are you ready for some football?! Not the kind where big guys with names like Refrigerator crash into each other, but the kind where teams of people actually hit a ball with their feet, known here as soccer. Spring is almost here and the Philadelphia Falcons are looking for a few good men ... and women. No experience necessary. Just ask player Greg Seaney-Ariano. PGN: How long have the Falcons been around? GSA: The club was founded in 1989. At the time, if you were from Philly, you’d have to go to New York to play. Then someone realized that there were enough people commuting from Philly to form a team here. PGN: Is it a boys’ club? GSA: No, we are open to everyone and have a really strong women’s team. In fact, we need some more guys. PGN: So let’s talk about Greg. You have a lilt of an accent; where are you from? GSA: I’m from Florida — North, not South. PGN: Is there much of a distinction? GSA: Oh yes. North Florida is a real redneck culture. It’s basically an extension of Georgia. I spearheaded the first Lesbian and Gay Pride Week back in 1991. We were right near the southeast headquarters of the KKK, and they showed up at our first Pride event. Fortunately, I’d made sure the police were there. The police’s community liaison was related to Tom Petty and, when he found out the KKK would be there, he made an appearance. That was a great surprise! It has its problems but it’s also some of the most beautiful land you’ll find, with crystalclear water springs everywhere and amazing state parks.

remember swinging in them with members of my family. PGN: What were you like? GSA: I was a nerdy boy, but I also followed in my mother’s footsteps and was very community-minded. PGN: Who was your best friend in high school? GSA: Ann McKinley. A brilliant person, she introduced me to Abbie Hoffman, Emily Dickinson, Richard Brautigan, Anais Nin, the Grateful Dead, fabric-dying and many lifelong friends. She’s now a poet in Minneapolis and has been one of the most powerful influences of my life. PGN: And what about higher learning? GSA: I did some academic hopping. I started at the University of Florida and then, for financial reasons, dropped out. I later transferred to Florida State where I studied anthropology, then back to U of F, and I also studied abroad in France for a bit. I graduated with a BS in anthropology and a minor in women’s studies from the University of Central Florida. Something I’m really proud of is that, while I was president of the University of Central Florida’s LGBT student group and working as a library technician, I helped to infuse the Florida University System with LGBT materials, making it possible for students across Florida to find images of themselves in the library.

PGN: Siblings? GSA: I have two older sisters.

PGN: That’s a big deal! What were some other high points during that time? GSA: [Laughs.] There were a lot. I was arrested for civil disobedience at the University of Florida during an anti-apartheid demonstration. I became an archeologist and, in the process, helped to uncover Fort Mose (pronounced “Moh-say”), the first free black settlement legally sanctioned in what would become the United States. The Spanish treated their slaves differently and allowed them to earn their freedom, so a number of them established a small free colony on an island near St. Augustine. I also worked on a dig at the Fountain of Youth site. I did some construction work — it was better pay — and I lived in Jamaica with a friend until my money ran out, then I hitchhiked to a Radical Faerie community in Tennessee, moved to New York City for a summer, met Harry Hay and Larry Kramer and became involved with ACT UP. I returned to Florida and became a substitute teacher and pizza-delivery person at the same time.

PGN: A fun childhood memory? GSA: Being in Colombia. There was one of those rustic beaches with cow skulls dotting the sand and there was an abandoned house where people used to string up hammocks. I

PGN: That’s a riot! GSA: Yeah, students would answer the door and yell back to their parents that their teacher was at the door. They were always relieved and amused to find I was just deliv-

PGN: Gators? GSA: [Laughs.] Lots of gators! PGN: What was life like growing up? GSA: My mother is from Colombia, South America, and my dad was Scottish-Irish. My dad was a pharmacist, my mother was a stay-at-home mom and a very civic-minded person, an activist. To give you an idea of the culture there, when I was a kid, my mother was not accepted into the Women’s Society Club because she was Latina. But she fought her way in because she was a charter member of the organization in South Florida.

ering their pizza! PGN: How did you end up in Philly? GSA: Love and heartache. My ex-husband — an amazing guy — and I were together for 10-and-a-half years and during that time we moved to Chicago. While there, I worked in the Arts Administration Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I was also lucky enough to be on the City of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues. We facilitated discussions and held events, and built a coalition confronting racism in the LGBT communities of Chicago. We then moved to Philly and I went back to school and got a degree in multicultural diversity training from Temple and a second master’s in organizational dynamics at Penn. PGN: From construction worker to archeologist to librarian, you could have your own Village People group. What were some of your other or odd jobs? GSA: I was a house boy in Key West for a

GSA: He does everything until the owner gets his lazy butt out of bed late in the afternoon! PGN: How did you go from nerdy boy to jock? GSA: Oh, I wouldn’t say I’m a jock at all. I play recreational soccer in the pick-up games. When I was a kid, I did gymnastics and swimming. PGN: What position do you play? GSA: Anywhere I can get the ball! We’re very informal. PGN: I understand it’s a very diverse group. GSA: Yes, and you don’t need any experience. I’m proof of that! We have casual games and more competitive teams, we have LGBT and straight players and people from all walks of life. PGN: Is it more diverse because soccer is such an international sport? Did your Colombian background compel you to play? GSA: [Laughs.] It’s probably more my size, or lack thereof, that brought me to soccer as opposed to football or rugby! But yes, we do have a lot of international players. PGN: So you’re saying size doesn’t matter? GSA: Oh no! You said that, not me! PGN: You’re also involved with Philadelphia Family Pride. Do you have any kids? GSA: [Laughs.] Yes! I have joint custody of two cats with my ex-husband. Actually, I would like to start a family, so I joined PFP because I wanted to create a support network before a child enters my life.

time, I worked in a Cuban restaurant, I was a lifeguard. Not odd but I also worked for American Jewish Congress and I co-managed a ceramics studio. I’ve also served on the local National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Committee and I worked with ASIAC [AIDS Services in Asian Communities] connecting consumers with interpreters for medical appointments. PGN: [Laughs.] Wait, what does a house boy do?

PGN: Most people probably don’t know that they can get involved with Family Pride with or without a family. GSA: Yes, it’s important for us to have role models, guidance for parenting. I’m currently going through the foster-to-adopt process, so it’s nice to be able to talk to people who have been through the process or just have plain old parenting advice for a gay dad. Something exciting we have coming up is a picnic for single parents, prospective parents or those who want to meet someone with a child/children. PAGE 34

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

PGN

Food & Drink

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

(215) 625-8501

DINING PGN OUT

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Fire & Ice is kind of hot By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar, 312 Market St., is aptly named — as it is an exercise in different sides of the spectrum, usually with good results. The establishment is both a restaurant and a live-music venue/party space with a menu that features exotic modern Vietnamese/Thai cuisine, as well as American bar food. The décor is ultramodern and gives off a hip nightclub vibe. And, if you can stop drinking and dancing long enough to take a look at the menu, there are some pleasant surprises. With all the exotic dishes available, we really didn’t have any interest in bar food, so you’ll have to let us know if their wings, sliders and quesadillas are on point. But the Asian dishes for the most part were

SHAKY BEEF SALAD vibrant and exciting. The shaky beef salad ($12) had tender pieces of sirloin that were especially tasty when combined with the watercress, onion and garlic and black-pepper dressing. The Kal Bi lettuce wraps ($9) had a very bright and spicy flavor that demands repeat visits. Vegetarians can rejoice with dishes like the wilted watercress ($6) and the Shanghai tips ($5), which scratch that veggie itch well enough but aren’t as satisfying as the meat and fish dishes.

recently won three awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association:

WILTED WATERCRESS Seafood enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, such as the mung bean crepe ($12), which was overflowing with tasty shrimp, sprouts, mushrooms, carrots and daikon. The salted prawns ($15) were addictively tasty and crunchy. For all the bold Asian flavors and influences on the menu, Fire & Ice kind of blinked when it came to its rice and noodle dishes. While the Thai basil rice ($9) and the pad Thai shrimp ($12) were solid and slightly a cut above take-out, they could have been more adventurous in the spicing, ingredients and presentation, especially on the pad Thai, in which key elements like sauce, peanuts and veggies didn’t seem to be present in a decent-enough ratio, compared with the shrimp and noodles. That kind of streamlining of those dishes is understandable if they are trying to cater to the bar-food crowd, but it can be a slight shortcoming if someone is expecting something on par with the other Asian dishes on the menu. But overall, Fire & Ice has plenty of Vietnamese/Thai hotness to stand out among the many other restaurants on Market Street competing for your attention. ■

If you go Fire & Ice

312 Market St. 267-273-1003 www.fireandicephilly.com Wed.,Thu. and Sun.: 11 a.m.10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

FIRE & ICE MAIN DINING ROOM Photos: Scott A. Drake

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

FUN PGN & GAMES

Q Puzzle Weight a minute Across

1. Film exposing Treat Williams 5. Cock’s cry 9. Walks like you’re fagged out 14. Composer Thomas 15. System for a Johnny Mathis song 16. Get a bead on 17. Hayworth of Hollywood 18. “___ Rhythm” 19. Andean pack animal 20. Job of 55Across 23. Single-master 24. Advice from Richard Simmons 25. At no time, poetically 28. Fastens like some neckwear 33. Court records 36. Colette’s Parisian heroine 38. Luncheonette lure

39. TV show of 55Across 42. Specialized area 43. Prefix meaning “half” 44. Rabbit fur 45. As a bottom limit 47. Nautical pole 49. Bygone G.M. cars 51. Gaydar, e.g. 55. Wife of Heidi 61. It could be civil 62. Armed Forces VIP 63. Not just one of those things 64. Cathedral word in gay Paree 65. Sex drive, e.g. 66. Humorist Bombeck 67. Hit in the family jewels 68. Barely made, with “out” 69. Chop ___

Down

1. Some musicians pluck them 2. Moon of Uranus 3. Emcee’s task

PROFILE from page 29

PGN: What’s a recent accomplishment you’re proud of? GSA: Eight years ago I decided to serve my country and enlisted in the Navy as a reservist Yeoman. When I signed on, it was not legal to be openly gay in the services, so I had to go back in the closet. It was character-building, enlightening and stifling all at the same time. Gotta love it. Hooyah! In a way it was refreshing. Because gay activism had been such a huge part of my life, to put that away allowed me to be in the company of men where sexuality wasn’t a factor. There was a strong sense of brotherhood for its own sake. It was a great experience. I just finished eight years of service this Easter and decided not to reenlist. I need the time to prepare for a family. But it’s something I’m proud that I did and I wish other LGBT folks would step forward and serve as well. PGN: And what’s your day job now? GSA: I work for the City of Philadelphia in the Department of Public Health in the AIDS Activities Coordinating Office as a program-analysis supervisor. I have worked there for 10 years with some wonderful, dedicated people and would like to take this opportunity to say, Gentlemen, wake up! Please get tested, know your status, use condoms! And on a side note, wash your hands, sneeze into your elbow and stay home when you are sick. PGN: What surprises you about the stats that you see?

4. Not nuts 5. Stroke it 6. Latvia’s capital 7. Long ago 8. Lines from Margaret Cho 9. Like a queen’s place 10. Taylor of “I Shot Andy Warhol” 11. Gulf state 12. “There Is Nothing Like a ___” 13. “Sex and the City” creator Darren 21. Unlock, in verse 22. Beneficiary of nepotism: Abbr. 26. FabergÈ creation 27. How to make an entrance 29. Emulates breeders 30. “I’ve had better ...” 31. Dire sign 32. Quaint negative 33. Gillette razor product 34. Guitarist

Atkins 35. Dark greenish blue 37. Beginning to whiz 40. Saw in one’s head 41. Reward for an actor between parts? 46. Poseidon’s province 48. It hangs from your butt 50. Smile of the smug 52. Beatles’ jacket choice 53. Snail trail 54. “A Room of One’s Own,” e.g. 55. Male private parts, in slang 56. Part of, as a plot 57. Dietary, in ads 58. Anecdotal knowledge 59. “Bus Stop” playwright 60. Reproduced without sex, for short PAGE 39

GSA: That there’s not more funding and education about AIDS. But we have a great new health commissioner who understands the epidemic and is dedicated to fighting it. PGN: What do you do outside of work? GSA: Well, I’m currently doing some ceramics at the Clay Studio, but I’m not sure for how much longer. The vice president of the studio this past week refused to fire a piece I was making, a birthday present, and I find censorship in art heinous. Creativity should not be stifled. PGN: Too true. Well, let’s get to some random questions. Favorite book? GSA: “Patience and Sarah” by Isabel Miller. The most influential book of my life, a biography of Mahatma Gandhi. PGN: A food you wish was banished? GSA: Cheez Whiz. Well, I don’t know, I pretty much eat anything. PGN: When did you come out? GSA: I did the study-abroad because I wanted to get away from my friends because I believed that they had preconceived ideas of who I was. I wanted a fresh change but it was difficult in France because I had a roommate who was a complete womanizer and I didn’t feel comfortable coming out then. I did manage to sneak out to a few nightclubs. My first time in a gay bar was in Cannes. I saw a drag performer doing Tina Turner, singing “We Don’t Need Anther Hero,” and no one was speaking any English so it was surreal. At some point when I came back, I went to an LGBT event on immigration at FSU.

I was appalled at the amount of racism and lack of compassion. I’d assumed that because they were gay, they’d have some sense of sympathy for other oppressed people, but no. I began to hang out more with a left-wing, feminist, hippie crowd than the gay crowd. I also began introducing multi-racial educational programming in LGBT events. Part of my coming-out was when I decided to hitchhike to the Short Mountain Sanctuary, which was the headquarters for the Radical Fairies. I think that was right after I had to drop out of the university. PGN: And the family? GSA: My mother was upset, she cried. She thought it was something she did, but immediately said that she loved me no matter what. My dad wasn’t around. He killed himself when I was 21. He was a pharmacist who’d fallen into the professional hazard of addiction. PGN: Hmm, I’ve heard of doctors who get swept into the accessibility of drugs but I never even thought about it being a problem for pharmacists. GSA: Yes—so know your triggers, people, and avoid them. PGN: Did you have to deal with repercussions from his addiction? GSA: No, we were completely oblivious to it. He was highly functional. PGN: So have your anthropology and women’s-studies degrees come in handy? GSA: They definitely came in handy during boot camp! It was an unapologetically

masculine crowd, which was somewhat refreshing. Having been surrounded by hippies and feminists for so long, the juxtaposition was an interesting experience. PGN: What was the hardest part of boot camp? GSA: The sleep deprivation. It was interesting because there are actually some good things that come out of it. Sleep deprivation has been proven to remove your social barriers, much like alcohol, so as they try to program servicemen to create cohesiveness, it helps people bond better. The walls come down when you get loopy. PGN: What’s your newest endeavor? GSA: I’m currently on the entertainment committee for Hawthorne Park at 12th and Catharine. We’re going to be doing some fun things there — jazz nights, a flea market, movie nights, etc. In fact, that’s where we’re doing the Family Pride picnic. Sunday, May 19 at 11 a.m. Bring a picnic lunch and have fun! PGN: When does soccer season start? GSA: It’s started already! We play in Edgely Fields at Fairmount Park, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and we have a big tournament, the Liberty Bell Classic, coming up Memorial Day weekend. Lots of soccer, plus food, friends, parties and prizes. Come one, come all! ■ For more information on the Falcons or to register for the Liberty Bell Classic, visit www.falcons-soccer.org. For more information about Philadelphia Family Pride, visit www.phillyfamilypride.org.

TELEVISION PGN

Worth Watching

RISQUE BUSINESS: Ivy (Megan Hilty, center) is afraid of damaging her reputation when Tom asks her to perform a risqué number on a new episode of “Smash,” 9 p.m. May 11 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Will Hart

SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT: Contestants show off their moves at various auditions on the two-night premiere of “So You Think You Can Dance,” May 14-15 on Fox. Photo: Fox/ Jeff Neira

CRIME FAMILY: The Griffins move to the country to live on a farm, where Peter starts an illicit drug business, in an all-new “Family Guy,” 9 p.m. May 12 on Fox.

BALD AMBITION: Stage and screen legend Patrick Stewart lends his voice as he teaches Homer how to live with his newfound baldness (he loses his last two hairs and freaks out) in the all-new episode of “The Simpsons,” 8 p.m. on Fox.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

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

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 05/10 Chris Tucker The comedian and movie star performs 8 p.m. at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-352-2887. Spacehog The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Kung-Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St.; 215-291-4919. The Temptations and the Four Tops The classic R&B groups perform 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. Anthony Jeselnik The comedian performs 9 p.m.

at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Doug Stanhope The comedian performs 9 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888. Prom Night The slasher film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 05/11 Penn Jersey Roller Derby Open House Meet the skaters and learn about

New Year’s resolution ... vacation ...

the league, 1 p.m. at 1801 W. Indiana Ave.; recruitment @pennjerseyrollerderby.com. Joan Rivers The comedian performs 6 and 9 p.m. May 11 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Rush The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-449-5150. Storm Large The rock singer performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. ZZ Top The rock band performs 9

p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 855-348-0500.

COFFEE WITH CATIE: The out singer-songwriter Catie Curtis is on tour and in the area performing 8 p.m. May 17 at Bean and Burlap, 204 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square. For more information, call 484-427-4547.

Sun. 05/12 Big Queer Book Sale The William Way LGBT Community Center sells some of its library overflow noon-4 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. How Green Was My Valley The 1941 film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223. 10,000 Maniacs The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave.; 215-257-5808.

Work It Out

suimsuit season ...

Mon. 05/13 Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-862-2081.

Tue. 05/14

Nathaniel Philbrick The author of “Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5322.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The author of “Americanah” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215686-5322.

Showgirls The 1995 film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888.

Bo Burnham The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

Wed. 05/15 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Matt Alber and Tom Goss The singer-songwriters perform 7:30 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. The Darkness The rock band performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Eurostatic The Dumpsta

wedding There’s always a reason to be in shape

Thu. 05/16 Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

Fri. 05/17 Tim McGraw The country singer performs 7 p.m. at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-3651300. Catie Curtis The out singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. at Bean and Burlap, 204 S. Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square; 484-427-4547. Chevelle The rock band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

Read Work It Out every fourth week of the month. Only in

Players perform their latest spectacle 10 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

A ‘STORM’ IS COMING: Bi singer, solo artist and sometime Pink Martini member Storm Large performs, backed by her band, 8 p.m. May 11 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. For more information or tickets, call 215-572-7650.

The Blues Brothers The classic comedy caper film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Beethoven’s “Pastoral” The Philadelphia Orchestra performs May 16-19 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847. Dance Theatre of Harlem The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the acclaimed dance company, May 16-19 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. In Visible Skin: Portraits of Transgender Philadelphia The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition by artist Emily Smith Satis, through-June 28, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220.

Continuing All Dressed Up: Fashions for Children and Their Families Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of clothing from the late 18th- through mid-20th centuries, comparing and contrasting adults’ apparel with children’s smaller styles, through Dec. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. The Art of Golf Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of paintings celebrating the sport, through July 7, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Candy Coated Wonderland Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition by Philadelphia-based multimedia art-

NEW MOVES: The internationally acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem performs new works alongside classics when the company comes through town May 16-19 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215898-3900.

Mo Mandel The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs May 15-18 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001.

ist Candy Coated (formerly Candy Depew) reinterpreting children’s fancy dress costumes from the museum’s collection, through Nov. 17, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

PGMC Concert: “ExtrABBAganza” Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chrorus performs the music of ABBA, May 16-18 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; www.pgmc.org.

Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through May 19 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-9230210.

SOLUTION from page 34

Great and Mighty Things Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of outsider art from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection, through June 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Journeys to New Worlds Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Spanish and Portuguese colonial art from the Roberta and Richard Huber Collection, through May 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. MAME Media Theatre presents the classic Broadway musical about the titular eccentric bohemian, through May 19, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Closing Carnival of the Animals The Pennsylvania Ballet performs Christopher Wheeldon’s ballet, with music by Saint-Saëns, through May 12 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. I Am (Not) My Mother Society Hill Playhouse presents a celebration of mothers and motherhood, written by Suzanne Beal with music by Jessica Bowers, through May 11, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-9230210. Simon Rattle and Lang Lang The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with the acclaimed pianist through May 11 at Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Super POPS Broadway Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform Broadway scores, through May 12 at Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. ■

DOUBLE DATE: Gay singersongwriters Matt Alber and Tom Goss team up for a show 7:30 p.m. May 15 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. For more information, call 215-7322220.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

PGN

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

��

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale 

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Real Estate Rent BEAUTIFUL WEST MT. AIRY APT. One bedroom, living room, dining room, enclosed porch, large windows plenty of light. Classic features. $900 plus utilities. Near co-op, train, buses. Please call or email Nini Melvin 978 413 3141 ninimelvin@gmail.com ________________________________________37-20 WEST MT. AIRY Bright one bedroom apartment with den, large kitchen with small balcony. Hardwood ﬂoors, laundry facilities, storage, dog run. Half acre yard & patio. Close to shops and center city train. Off street parking available for additional charge. Rent includes all utilities, tenant pays electric for own A/C only. Call Linda 267-307-4804. ________________________________________37-19

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Services EXP RELIABLE HOUSECLEANER Let me free up your valuable time by cleaning your house or apt. Weekly biweekly monthly. I have 10+ years exp. FREE estimates. Call Wayne 215-422-2654. Ref’s upon request. ________________________________________37-19 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________37-19 Heavy Equipment Operator Career! 3 Weeks Hands On Training School. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. National Certifications. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________37-19

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

PGN

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. ________________________________________37-20 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________37-22 SEEKING Hispanic males: Mexican, Puerto Rican, South American, Asian, etc. Like reading, travel, TV, outdoors. Seeks someone for friendship & good times. Habla Espanol. 856-547-4163. ________________________________________37-19 WANTED Live-Out or Live-In Companion, maybe more. 215-6775610. ________________________________________37-25 Senior GWM ISO male, 40+, all races for platonic friendship. Phila. area only. PO Box 302, Merion Sta., PA 19066. ________________________________________37-20 Bi senior WM ISO WM that would like to receive oral pleasure. No recip required. New Jersey only. Call Walt at 856-761-7616. ________________________________________37-19

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B-7

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

SUMMER KICK OFF

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

NIGHT OF MAGNUM

Sat., May 18th, 2013 • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • MEN OF MAGNUM ENTERTAINMENT • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More..

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

SUNDAY FUNDAY!!!

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Sun., May 19th, 2013 • Time: 3-6pm

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

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

Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

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

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

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

PGN

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St., youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 5091 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite D, Dover, Del.; 302-734-9350. BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Services 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; 215-3430406. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-724-1702. Central Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m, at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-0664. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215-922-1128. Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call 732-502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets 4 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood; 973-509-0118. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com. Drexel Hill Baptist Church Nonjudgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 4400 State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356; www.dhbaptist.com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m., New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-545-2673; www.emmanuelnb.org. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-622-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterianchurch.com.

Jersey; mccctl.com; 732-823-2193. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020; www. mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215-922-4566; www. oldfirstucc.org. Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-598-7601. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234; www.philadelphiacathedral.org. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000; cpmm@afsc.org. Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215-646-2597. Silverside Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-478-5921; silversidechurch.org. St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal church holds services 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966; www.saintasaphs.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451; www. stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918; stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-566-1393; www. inclusivecatholics.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www. stmarysatpenn.org. St. Paul Episcopal Church Welcoming and inclusive church holds services 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-6881796; www.stpaullevittown.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100; tabunited.org.

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that afﬁrms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215563-3980; www.ﬁrstuu-philly.org.

Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. Sundays. First Sunday of the month, 7 p.m. Mosaic: jazz with poetry and prose; 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515; trinityphiladelphia.org.

The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-afﬁrming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays at 6001 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; 215-438-3077. www.fumcog.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 10:30 a.m., at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Interweave, a group for LGBT parishioners and allies, meets noon the ﬁrst Sunday of the month; 610-566-4853; www.uucdc.org.

Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950. www.grace-epi.org.

Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157; www.usguu.org.

Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sancturary; 215-567-3668; www.lc-hc.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services 10:15 a.m. Interweave, a group of LGBT Unitarians and their allies, also meets at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-667-3618; uucch.org.

Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561; www.uurestoration.us.

Living Water United Church of Christ An open and afﬁrming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays; 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267-388-6081; www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org. Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332; www.mluc.org. Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Afﬁrming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org. Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator Holds services 10:45 a.m. Sundays at the Pride Center of New

Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township; 609-9659400; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St.; 610-327-2662. www. uupottstown.org. United Christian Church Open, afﬁrming and welcoming congregation holds services 10:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215-946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, afﬁrming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30; 215387-2885; www.uniphila.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison: Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-686-

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

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

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

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

■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537

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

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

Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 10-16, 2013

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