pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
Vol. 41 No. 19 May 12-18, 2017
Family Portrait: Ram Krishnan writes his own life story PAGE 47
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Visit Bucks County
• Day in the Life of ... a New Hope resort manager • LGBT candidate gears up for race
• New Hope Pride celebrates history • Changes abound at Rrazz Room • Out & About at New Hope Pride
PAGES 20-29
City issues ‘Action Guide’ on LGBT issues PAGE 2
Council moves to strengthen antibias law By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com
ALL IN FOR YOUTH: The Crystal Tea Room transported locals to Las Vegas May 3 for Valley Youth House’s Always Bet on Youth Casino Night. Guests enjoyed roulette, poker and other table games while fundraising for the agency. Valley Youth provides support for youth experiencing homelessness, including through its Pride Program, which offers LGBT youth housing education, case management and rental assistance. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Employment of gay school administrator at issue By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The continued employment of a gay high-school administrator remained in question this week, after a video of his controversial interactions with anti-abortion demonstrators went viral. Zachary Ruff, assistant principal at S.T.E.M. Academy in Downingtown, was placed on paid leave April 27 — six days after he confronted demonstrators Conner and Lauren Haines. The Haines siblings, 16 and 19, respectively, were protesting abortion outside the academy when Ruff confronted them. The school specializes in math, science, engineering and technology. During an 18-minute video of the incident, Conner Haines said Ruff supported “the murder of innocent babies.” The young man told Ruff: “Sir, you need to turn to Jesus Christ. He can set you free
from your sins.” Ruff, 40, replied: “Listen here, son. Alright. I’m as gay as the day is long and twice as sunny. I don’t give a fuck what you think Jesus tells me and what I should and should not be doing.” Ruff also referred to the Bible as “a book of fiction.” “Just because you choose to believe a book of fiction doesn’t mean I have to,” Ruff said. “You and Trump can go to hell.” Ruff advised the siblings to “meet a Jewish person,” learn more about the death penalty, study American’s involvement in Syria and “get a friggin’ life.” Ruff also indicated that he wanted to protect students from graphic images being brandished by the siblings. “Shut your mouth and do not talk to my children,” Ruff said. “You are harassing public-school children and I will call the police if you don’t shut PAGE 16
City Council last week unanimously voted on a bill to strengthen penalties for local businesses that discriminate. Councilman Derek Green introduced the bill in November to amend the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Fair Practices Ordinance, giving PCHR authority to issue cease-and-desist orders to businesses found to have violated the nondiscrimination ordinance. Green was not immediately available for comment but told PGN last month he introduced the bill based on attending an Oct. 25 PCHR hearing in which community members discussed instances of racism and discrimination they experienced in the Gayborhood. Additionally, the councilman cited news
accounts and conversations with friends and contacts in the LGBT community. In an email, mayoral spokesperson Ajeenah Amir said Mayor Jim Kenney plans to sign the bill, the last step needed before it can go into effect. PCHR Executive Director Rue Landau told PGN investigations would be conducted on a case-by-case basis to determine when PCHR would file cease-and-desist orders, and the length of time a business would have to cease operations. “Under extreme circumstances, the commission can utilize this power, whether it’s employment, housing or places of public accommodations,” Landau said. Frank Iannuzzi, the legislative director for Green, said the bill would work to not only prevent discrimination but also to urge businesses to PAGE 16
Exclusive: ‘Will & Grace’ star to headline Philly Pride By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Before the stars of “Will & Grace” return to our television screens this fall for the hotly anticipated reunion season, locals will have the chance to see one of them live. Megan Mullally, who played the acerbic Karen Walker on the hit NBC show, will headline Philadelphia Pride next month, event organizers exclusively announced to PGN this week. Mullally will perform a mash-up of music and comedy along with fellow entertainer Stephanie Hunt, who together perform as duo Nancy and Beth. Philly Pride Presents Executive Director Franny Price said she saw the pair’s recent show at World Cafe Live. “From the minute the band introduced them, all we did was laugh,” Price said. “Megan does a lot of speaking in between the songs, and Stephanie’s timing is so uncanny with her. Plus, they both have beautiful voices.” Comedy makes its way into many of the pair’s songs, Price noted.
“They sing a lot of naughty songs … really naughty songs,” she laughed. The two have been making their own unique brand of music since 2012 and have also toured with Mullally’s husband, comedian Nick Offerman. While she is a musician and has performed in film and on Broadway, Mullally, 58, is best known for her role on “Will & Grace,” which ran from 19982006. The sitcom centered on gay lawyer Will and his straight best friend, Grace; Mullally played Grace’s assistant. “Will & Grace” was one of the first prime-time television shows to feature out characters in primary roles. NBC recently confirmed that it is taping a 12-episode revival season, which will air this fall. n