PGN May 13-19, 2011

Dr. Ruth: Pweetend da penis is an ice-cream cone

Family Portrait: Monnette Sudler

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Q&A with the candidates for mayor

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May 13-19, 2011

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Vol. 35 No. 19

Executions held in gay murder case

Endorsements Mayor Democrat Michael Nutter Republican John Featherman City Council at-Large (vote for five) Democrat Sherrie Cohen (#180) Bill Green (#184) William K. Greenlee (#176) James F. Kenney (#186) Blondell Reynolds Brown (#179) Republican Joseph H. McColgan (#24) David H. Oh (#25) Dennis H. O’Brien (#26) Frank Rizzo (#28) Al Taubenberger (#27)

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Federal and state judges have halted the executions of two men convicted of the 1987 murder of a gay Bucks County artist.

In April, federal and state judges stayed the execution of Richard R. Laird, the twiceconvicted murderer of Anthony Milano.

In February, a federal judge vacated the death sentence of Laird’s accomplice, Frank R. Chester, and ordered an evidentiary hearing.

Laird and Chester killed Milano in December 1987, after luring Milano from a Bristol Township tavern into a secluded wooded area.

A few hours later, police found Milano’s body, his throat hacked out with a boxcutter.

Laird and Chester were arrested, each blaming the other for the murder.

Prosecutors called it an antigay hate crime, partly because both men indicated animus to the LGBT community while inside the tavern.

In May 1988, a jury found both men guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced them to death.

I n M a r c h , G o v.

Corbett signed Laird’s death warrant and set his death by lethal injection for May 12.

But on April 18, Bucks County Common Pleas Court Judge Rea B. Boylan granted a stay of the execution while Laird LAIRD (TOP) pursues post-convicAND CHESTER tion appeals.

The following day, U.S. District Judge Jan E. DuBois also granted an indefinite stay in federal court.

In court papers, attorneys for Laird said it was necessary for state and federal judges to issue stays, to clear the way for appeals in state and federal courts.

“There is no impediPAGE 34

HERO WORSHIP: About 150 community members gathered to raise a glass to the honorees at Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s HEROES event May 6. The event, usually held in the fall, also got a new venue — PNC Center — and executive director John Moeller said the newly formatted festivity went off without a hitch and surpassed its fundraising goal, grossing $13,500 for the LGBT grantmaking agency. This year’s honorees were Terri Clark, Michael Pastore, the National Adoption Center, Media Copy and the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network.

“Everything went really well, and hearing the honorees speak was really inspiring and moving,” Moeller said. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Breakfast Club murder case goes forward

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A judge last week ordered two women implicated in a murder at a popular LGBT party last fall to stand trial.

Sharonda Cheeves and Jesslyn Williams faced a preliminary hearing Wednesday for their role in a melee outside the Breakfast Club in North Philadelphia Sept. 4, which left one woman dead.

A trial date has not been set.

According to testimony at the hearing, Cheeves and Williams were asked to leave the club after attempting to enter with an open container of alcohol. The pair left but returned a few minutes later in a Chevy Monte Carlo, which they allegedly drove into a crowd gathered outside the club at 2315 N. Eighth St. The women allegedly circled the block numerous times, changing drivers at least once, and repeatedly driving into the crowd.

Investigators say Cheeves, 24, was at the wheel when the car struck club patron

Alisha Moore, 27, pinning her underneath the car.

Cheeves will face charges of driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, murder, vehicular homicide and related charges. Williams, 23, will also face DUI and endangerment charges, as well as a slew of assault charges, as investigators say she was driving the vehicle when it struck and injured at least five people.

Municipal Court Judge Jimmie Moore dropped assault charges against Cheeves during the hearing. Cheeves remains in prison, while Williams is free on bail.

Kadella Davis, also known as Mother Breakfast, runs the LGBT parties, which are popular with the ballroom community, and was among the injured.

Davis, 61, testified during the hearing that she asked the women up to five times to leave the premises.

Davis spent more than three weeks in the hospital for injuries she sustained in the incident, which included a broken pelvis; arm, vertebrae and facial fractures; and the loss of most of her teeth. ■

Council Districts 2nd: Kenyatta Johnson (#194) 5th: Darrell L. Clarke (#190) 6th: Bob Henon (#190) 7th: Maria Quiñones Sánchez (#191) 8th: Cindy M. Bass (#191) 9th: Marian Tasco (#190) 10th: Bill Rubin (#190) City Commissioner (vote for two) Democrat Anthony Clark (#170) Margaret Tartaglione (#171) Sheriff Democrat Jewell Williams (#175) Commonwealth Court Democrat Kathryn Boockvar (#102) Court of Common Pleas (vote for 10) Democrat Giovanni Campbell (#130) Angelo J. Foglietta (#108) Sean Kennedy (#104) Leon A. King II (#131) Christopher Mallios Jr. (#111) Barbara A. McDermott (#112) Maria McLaughlin (#115) J. Scott O’Keefe (#122) Joseph J. O’Neill (#116) Kenneth J. Powell Jr. (#132) Traffic Court Democrat Robert Tuerk (#154) See additional coverage: pages 9, 10, 20

2 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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MEETING THE QOTA: Drinks and conversation were flowing Tuesday night at the outdoor patio at Le Virtù for the monthly Queers on the Avenue. About 200 community members and allies turned out for the LGBT monthly social in South Philadelphia. This month’s event also had a philanthropic component, as it doubled as a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS service organization Philadelphia FIGHT. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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58% Yes, it’s part of the process 15% Yes, I support a candidate 15% I only vote in general elections 8% I didn’t know there was a primary 4% I’m not registered Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

What event are you attending May 21?

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EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Letters/Feedback Op-Ed Street Talk

Poll results from our online survey as of May 11:

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND �

Contents

Are you voting in the May 17 primary?

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Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@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 Newspaper Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2011 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

LOCAL PGN

QUEEN OF THE PRIDE: Charlene Summer Moore (center, with microphone) was crowned Miss Philadelphia Gay Pride May 6 at Tabu. The competition, hosted by Isis, featured talent, eveningwear and sportswear categories, as well as an appearance by last year’s Miss Philadelphia Gay Pride, Alexis Cartier. In addition to holding the title, Moore will also get to ride a float in the upcoming June 12 Pride Parade. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Judge weighs gay-panic defense

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A Court of Common Pleas judge will rule later this month on whether a man accused of murder can rely on the controversial “gay-panic” defense.

In a pre-trial hearing Monday, Judge Gwendolyn Bright heard testimony in favor and opposed to accused murderer Raymond Armstrong’s plan to argue he killed his friend after the latter made unwanted sexual advances.

Armstrong, 34, is charged with the 2008 strangling death of Anthony Williams inside Williams’ Grays Ferry home.

Investigators say Armstrong arrived at Williams’ house Sept. 27 agitated and high on marijuana and caused a scene out front, attempting to vandalize several cars before Williams brought him inside.

Witnesses said Armstrong came back outside, naked, minutes later and announced, “I am God,” before laying in the street.

Investigators say that while he was inside, Armstrong beat and strangled his longtime friend.

During this week’s hearing, Armstrong’s defense attorney, Joseph Canuso, told the judge that his client suffered a panic attack after Williams made sexual advances. The Philadelphia Daily News reported Canuso as saying the attack left Armstrong “incapable of forming the specific intent to kill,” creating the framework for the so-called gay-panic defense.

Assistant District Attorney Leon Goodman argued against the use of such a defense, saying it could call for a “referendum” on the gay lifestyle.

Bright issued a gag order in the case and will deliver her ruling May 26. ■

Liberty City elects new leaders

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Liberty City Democratic Club elected two new executive board members last week.

At its May 5 meeting, the board selected Lee Carson as its new male co-chair and Stephanie Haynes as secretary.

Carson will replace Micah Mahjoubian, co-chair for the past year, who will remain as a board member.

Carson, a health researcher at Public Health Management Corporation, has served on the board for two years and said he was eager to “build upon the years of work that have already been done to make it a strong and viable organization.”

Carson will work alongside female cochair Adah Bush, who, he said, “demon-

strated great leadership over the past year.”

Bush noted that Carson has nearly seven years of community-organizing experience and “has built strong connections to various segments of the LGBT community, which he will use to help grow the organization.”

Haynes, who also serves as community coordinator for Philadelphia Family Pride, has been an active member of Liberty City for four years.

Re-elected to the board were treasurer Eric Cheung, Sarah Jacobson, Mahjoubian and Su Ming Yeh, while Bush and Howard Moseley were not up for re-election yet.

Haynes was newly elected alongside at-large member Dwayne Bensing, a second-year law student at the University of Pennsylvania, where he serves as president of the Lambda Law group. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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Out MontCo attorney courts change

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

He said his own courtroom experience, coupled with the bipartisan support he’s received in his professional life, encouraged After 27 years’ practicing law, Daniel him to return to his passion for politics with Clifford is looking to take on a new role in a judgeship run.

“I’ve practiced in 13 counties, and I’ve the courtroom.

The openly gay attorney is one of sev- observed all the procedures and seen what eral candidates vying for two open judge- works and what doesn’t work,” he said. “As ships with the Montgomery County Court chair of the Family Law Section, I made recommendations that were adopted to of Common Pleas.

Clifford attained his law degree from the make the system more user-friendly. Right University of Baltimore in 1984 and has now, cases have been languishing for years — people think divorces can be done in a since focused his practice on family law.

Clifford, a Republican, said he was “bit matter of months, but in reality it’s three or by the political bug” in his youth and was four years unless everyone cooperates 100 very active in the Teenage and College percent, which rarely happens — so I want Republicans; however, after sound advice to keep working to make the system more from then-gubernatorial candidate Dick user-friendly. And that’s something that’s Thornburgh, he decided to attend law easier to work on from within the system as school before attempting to enter the politi- opposed to outside.”

Two years ago, Clifford made a run for cal realm.

“I always wanted to go into politics but Common Pleas Court but missed the county [Thornburgh] said that one of the things Republican Committee endorsement by a handful of votes, which he earned this year, along with the “Highly Recommended” rating by the Judiciary Committee of the Montgomery County Bar Association.

C l i ff o r d s a i d h e has not seen any overt homophobia throughout his campaign, although “it did come up in a quiet way a few times,” but the Republican backing solidified his confidence that his oriDANIEL CLIFFORD (CENTER) WITH PARTNER JONATHAN entation would not be WEINHOLD AND SON MATTHEW an issue with county voters.

He has, however, struggled to reach you need to keep in mind is that you may not always win your next election, so you LGBT residents.

“One of my frustrations has been identineed to have practical skills that will translate into a business,” he said, noting he also fying the gay community in Montgomery had to face a reality that he may not have County because, unlike in Philadelphia, been well-received as an openly gay politi- there aren’t many groups here or publicacal candidate. “I decided to just set politics tions. I know that there are of course many aside for a long time because there was the gay residents here in Montgomery County, realization that I could probably not success- but they’re harder to identify, so that’s something I’m really going to be working fully run for office — until more recently.”

Throughout his career, Clifford has spear- on doing.”

No matter the orientation of voters, headed numerous child-custody and divorce cases, as well as several international paren- Clifford said his message should be widely welcomed. tal-kidnapping situations.

“I mentioned to the Judiciary Committee He has also served as the chair of the Montgomery County Zoning Board for 14 when they interviewed me that if they were years, and was last reappointed by a 6-1 looking for somebody to do the same thing that’s been done for the past 30-40 years, bipartisan vote from the board.

Clifford, who has an adopted son with his then I’m not the guy for the job. I want to go partner, was also appointed by a unanimous in there with a sense of really being able to bipartisan vote to the advisory board of the improve the system for Montgomery County Montgomery County Office of Children and residents and bring some real change.”

For more information on Clifford, visit Youth, and previously served as the chair of the Montgomery County Bar Association’s www.danielclifford.com. ■ Family Law Section.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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Primary mayoral interviews

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com PGN conducted phone interviews with the Democratic and Republican candidates for mayor, although Karen Brown could not be reached.

Mayor Michael Nutter (D)

NUTTER

Milton Street (D)

STREET

FEATHERMAN

John Featherman (R)

What’s the best resolution to the ongoing Boy Scouts litigation: the current settlement; appeal of the verdict; evict the Scouts and put the building up for sale; or another option? Please explain your position.

I think the best solution is to not have the city in a position where we continue to have a relationship with the Boy Scouts.We have a settlement that we’re trying to move forward that would get the city out of that relationship. And then, over time, they would be able to purchase the building and, during the interim period, would not be able to engage in discriminatory behavior. We would sell the building based on the appraisal for fair-market value, which has been estimated to be about $1.1 million.

I would hope that there’s a better option. I’m not completely familiar with what the settlement was, but what I’d like to do is sit down with both sides and come to a resolution that is acceptable to both sides. I would have to look and see where it is and see if we can have the city solicitor rethink this and bring both sides together.

I think the current settlement. That doesn’t mean there is not more that can be done in the future. It’s not Cradle of Liberty that Philadelphia has problems with, it’s the discriminatory policy of the national Boy Scouts. I don’t see the sense of hurting the local branch more. It seems like this is a done deal legally and anything further could cost too much.

Do you support Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s bill to require that certain city contractors provide domestic-partner benefits to employees?

I have not seen the bill but, I was the person who wrote and got passed the legislation that required the city to provide domesticpartner benefits to its employees. Again, I don’t know the particulars of the Council bill, but I certainly support the concept of companies, especially those who do business with the city of Philadelphia, providing those benefits to their employees.

Well, I haven’t read it, but I always agree with domestic-partner I have not seen the bill so I can’t comment but, in general, I believe benefits. I don’t know exactly how she has it set aside in her bill, people who do business with the city shouldn’t be discriminated but I do believe domestic partners should have the same benefits against in any way. as others.

What would you do to curb bullying in public schools? Do you think there needs to be additional actions to contend with anti-LGBT bullying?

There are a number of things we’re doing, and I’m sure there is more we can do. First of all, I would encourage people to use the bully hotline, which is 215-400-SAFE or 7233. Second, the school district adopted a bullying policy in September 2010, which is considered unique and strong. It lays out the process for complaints, investigations and consequences for bullying. And it’s a zero-tolerance policy by the district. We need to make sure people are reporting complaints so that they can be followed up on. But I think clearly there is more that we can do. We want to support and will continue to support the ongoing education that all young people should have with regard to LGBT history and violence prevention. We should deal with supportive curriculum-development and enhancement in that regard, and my Office of LGBT Affairs partners with a variety of LGBT youth organizations, like The Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center, GALAEI and Y-HEP.

I think what needs is to happen is the administration should create a situation — even if they need to create new jobs — that puts parents as the custodians of children to monitor the halls and be in the schools constantly to have an influence on these young people.

As soon as they see bullying, they need to go up to the students and talk to them. We need more parental guidance on these situations.

We pay $30,000 a year to keep people in prison, and that’s not the way we deal with violence — it’s not cost-effective. So I think we need to transfer some of that money from the prison system to work for safety in schools and hire people who have children in the school system to serve as monitors and address this, not just in the hallways but also in playgrounds and in front of schools.

This is an area where I have some degree of expertise. I published a newsletter on privacy rights in the 1990s, and I still do some commentary on TV and writing about privacy rights. This issue certainly affects the LGBT community, but it’s beyond that; this affects people who are not good-looking or who are overweight or people who have handicaps. The answer is that there is so much more we can do, and not just in schools. While bullying exists in schools, it’s often now being done on the Internet, with the ability for someone to maintain an anonymous cloak, and that’s the worst kind of coward out there. While mayoral candidates and City Council candidates can address the issue from the bully pulpit, it really has to be addressed statewide and nationally. I definitely believe there need to be hardcore penalties — and not just dollar amounts but jail time — for people who harass others.

Do you support city funding for housing opportunities for people with HIV/AIDS? What would you do to ensure proper funding?

I support funding for housing for individuals with HIV and AIDS, but the challenge is where does the funding come from in an environment where our resources are shrinking? We’d be in a better position to support the issue if we got a little more help from the federal government. It’s very, very challenging for a city alone to address this particular issue, but clearly we need to secure funding at all levels of government, from federal, state and local governments, to take this on.

Without question. I support housing for everybody. I would go in and set up an office for this situation, and if people didn’t like it, they could take me to court and try to stop it. The mayor has certain administrative authority. We need to go in and get housing laid aside for specific purposes, have the zoning board zone for it and let the people who don’t like it challenge us. In terms of AIDS or any other reason, people need homes, and the city can provide that for them.

I support fair housing for people who qualify for it. I want to see the government less involved in public housing and more involved in creating jobs so people can afford housing. I think it needs to be based mostly on income. If there’s someone who has HIV or AIDS and is low-income, then they should be treated the same as someone else who has low income.

What can be done to stem the tide of anti-LGBT violent crimes?

We obviously need to get the word out that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated here in the city. We have the LGBT Police Liaison Group staffed by the city and Gloria Casarez and Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson, who are actively involved in those activities. We need to better publicize when we find people who have committed a crime primarily because of someone’s LGBT status and show that they pay a dear price for it. This is not a joke or something people can think won’t happen to them. So just like any crime, the city will not tolerate crimes based on this discriminatory behavior.

Increased surveillance reduces crime. It could be from whatever community, people paid by the administration to patrol just like they do at the University of Pennsylvania where they have people from the community working as a security team riding around on bikes and on the corners with walkie-talkies. When they see a burglary, homicide, abuse, robbery or a hate crime, then that structure allows them to report it right to the police department and the mayor’s office, and we’re on top of it right away.

We need a sensitive police force, and I think we’re going in that direction. From what I understand, there were recently new requirements passed that raise the age required to become an officer, and they also now need to have at least an associate’s degree. So we’re going to have a more qualified and educated police force so when issues about the LGBT community come up, they will be better able to deal with them.

Do you support the LGBT-friendly Senior Housing Project planned at the William Way LGBT Community Center?

Yes, I do. The city is putting $2 million into the project and working with Pennrose and others to support the application for tax credits. I think it’s a great project and a unique one that could really be the first of its kind.

I have to review it, but if it’s about housing, chances are I would because my whole political career I’ve worked for housing for the disadvantaged. If a family needs a house, no matter if they’re LGBT or not, we need to be sensitive to their needs and do everything we can to provide housing.

Yes, absolutely. I think it’s great that this is being done. If I’m elected mayor, I promise to attend one of the fundraising events and even give some of my own money toward it. I think it’s very important that as gay people get older that they have a place dedicated to them so that they feel comfortable and not discriminated against. In general, I’m not in favor of public funds being used for housing. But I am in favor of the private sector and corporate partners making a commitment to this.

10 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

EDITORIAL PGN

Editorial

Primary endorsements The May 17 primary election is a complex mess of issues and personalities. The field is full of pitfalls and speaks to the future. Endorsements in PGN are based first and foremost on a candidate’s position and/or actions to advance LGBT civil rights. For other issues, feel free to see other publications. While we do not support the Deferred Retirement Option Program for elected officials, that issue can be better-scrutinized by other publications. Our main issue is gay rights. Our first endorsement is a perfect example of the complexity of this year’s primary.

Op-Ed

Teri Henning

Defending public notices

Public notices are printed in newspapers and posted on newspaper websites to let you know what government agencies are planning to do. They include meeting notices from school districts, notices about tax increases, school closings, gas drilling activity and more. Some school districts and local governments want to take public notices out of newspapers, saying that they will save money and reach more people by putting the notices on government websites only. Neither of these claims is true.

It will cost government significantly more money to take over the public-notice process, including millions of dollars in technology and personnel costs each year.

Government agencies can’t keep up with their current websites, due to costs associated with maintaining them. There are reports that several open government websites may be shut down, due to a lack of funding. The Pennsylvania Department of State recently explained that, due to state budget cutbacks, fewer campaign-finance reports were being posted on the department’s website. Its website reminded the public that paper copies of the reports were available at its office in Harrisburg. Public notices can’t work this way, and the 4,000 plus state and local agencies would have to spend a lot of money — that Pennsylvania doesn’t have — to develop, implement and maintain secure, searchable, archivable websites for public notices.

Newspapers have been providing this service for more than a hundred years.

Today, newspapers print public notices, put them on their websites and upload them to a statewide, searchable database, www. mypublicnotices.com, at no additional charge to government or taxpayers. In other words, an online, searchable system is already in place.

The proposals would also allow govern-

ment to control the entire public-notice process, including the specifics of where and how a particular notice is posted.

Notices could be spread among more than 4,000 local government websites, making it difficult for an interested citizen or business owner to know where to find them.

A recent article in the Press-Enterprise (Bloomsburg) provides an example of why Internet-only solutions do not work for government, businesses or taxpayers. Last year, Berwick School District received a waiver from the state Department of Education allowing it to advertise bids on the district website alone. Prior to receiving the waiver, the district spent about $3,000-$7,000 a year on public-notice advertising. Since switching to onlineonly bidding, the district reported that the number of bidders has plunged. A recent bid advertisement for a new track brought seven out-of-state bidders, at a cost of $1.4 million, along with complaints from a local contractor that there was no local notice of the bid. School officials defended the project costs, but expressed concern that some other recent bids seemed high. They had difficulty gauging the value of those bids, though, because there were so few bidders.

Yes, the newspaper industry is changing, along with every other industry affected by technology and our changing world.

Pennsylvania’s newspapers, though, are a vital part of the communities that they serve. They remain the most-read, most reliable way for members of a community to know what government is planning — whether it’s a tax increase, a school closing, or a property reassessment — before it happens. Public notices still belong in newspapers. ■ Teri Henning is president of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

Mayor We endorse Democrat Michael Nutter in the mayoral primary. Like Liberty City, we do so with reservations due to his stance on the Boy Scouts issue, but we do so with respect to his many years of strong support for this community. With regard to the Scouts, Nutter’s administration is seeking to finally end the dispute over discrimination in a city-owned building, which has gone on for over a decade.

But in doing so, it appears the administration values expediency over its commitment to equality.

In the Republican primary, we endorse the colorful and independent John Featherman, who supports gays issues and is, in somewhat of a humorous twist, also supported by the Tea Party.

Council-at-large A host of at-Large council members have fought the good fight for LGBT rights. Four of the five Democratic incumbents have gone the extra step and introduced legislation to further our rights. For our fifth spot, there are two exceptional candidates: Sherrie Cohen who would be the city’s first out councilmember; and Andy Toy, who would be the first AsianAmerican councilmember. While Toy is a progressive and great on LGBT issues, Cohen has been an active member of our community for 30 years. PGN endorses the following: Cohen, Bill Green, William K. Greenlee, James F. Kenney and Blondell Reynolds Brown. (You can vote for five.)

On the Republican side, it’s a little more difficult. And in all honesty, the bar is a little lower. Our endorsements go to those who oppose the discrimination by the Boy Scouts and support the LGBT-friendly senior housing project. (We cannot endorse Malcolm Lazin due to numerous questions regarding Equality Forum’s finances, which have resulted in previous board resignations, and the FBI investigation into his loan for the Millennium March on Washington, D.C., in 2000 and the subsequent settlement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to repay $207,000 of

that loan.) We strongly endorse the following: Joseph H. McColgan, David H. Oh, Dennis H. O’Brien, Frank Rizzo and Al Taubenberger. (You can vote for five.)

Council districts The 1st District race is the most watched race in the city. This district covers the William Way LGBT Community Center, including the proposed LGBTfriendly affordable senior living facility. Because of publisher Mark Segal’s ties to the project, we will not endorse in this race. The facility would be the largest LGBT brick-and-mortar project in the history of the city, and whoever wins will be a pivotal partner in its success. To their credit, all four candidates — Vern Anastasio, Jeff Hornstein, Joe Grace and Mark Squilla — have voiced support for the project and each has similar views on other issues of importance to our community, including the SEPTA transpass and Boy Scouts.

We endorse the following in the remaining districts: 2nd, Kenyatta Johnson; 5th, Darrell L. Clarke; 6th, Bob Henon; 7th, Maria Quiñones Sánchez; 8th, Cindy M. Bass; 9th, Marian Tasco; and 10th, Bill Rubin.

City Commissioner This office will play a key role in the 2012 election, an election that will include Bob Casey, Patrick Murphy and Barack Obama. PGN endorses Democrats Anthony Clark and Margaret Tartaglione.

(You can vote for two.)

Sheriff While there has been much discussion about dismantling the Sheriff’s Office and giving these powers to the mayor, Philadelphia has one of the strongest and most powerful mayoral offices in the nation. We believe that making the Sheriff’s Office more professional is a better way to go. Jewel Williams will bring that to this office and has been a strong ally in the state House.

Judges In this election, there are several out judicial candidates, and voters have their first opportunity to elect an out LGBT judge for Traffic Court.

Commonwealth Court: Kathryn Boockvar Court of Common Pleas (vote for 10): Giovanni Campbell, Angelo J. Foglietta, Sean Kennedy, Leon A. King II, Christopher Mallios Jr., Barbara A. McDermott, Maria McLaughlin, J. Scott O’Keefe, Joseph J. O’Neill, Kenneth J. Powell Jr. Traffic Court: Robert Tuerk ■

OP-ED PGN

Creep of the Week

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

D’Anne Witkowski

Dave Agema If you go to Michigan state Rep. Dave Agema’s website, you see quotes related to Michigan’s economy. It’s pretty boilerplate Republican speak: “We need to bring more jobs to our area.

It is imperative that Michigan is the place business comes and stays!”

Fair enough. That’s something a lot of people would like to see. There is, however, lots of concern about proposed education funding cuts in the state. I mean, an educated workforce certainly seems like a business-attracting asset and the deep slashes in school funding would no doubt have a negative impact in producing said workforce.

This doesn’t seem to be a problem for Agema, who supports the funding cuts, which range from 15-22 percent depending on whether you’re looking at the House or the Senate version of the bill. Oh, and there’s also a stipulation that schools will be hurt even further if they raise tuition to make up the money.

And apparently the bill wasn’t antigay enough for Agema, so he added an amendment that would slap colleges that offer domestic-partner benefits with an additional 5-percent cut.

“Public universities are thumbing their noses at the rule of law because of their special constitutional privilege dictating that we can’t tell them how to spend the money we appropriate to them,” Agema said in a press release. “We can, however, not give them that money in the first place if they disregard the law.”

The law that Agema is referring to is, of course, the antigay marriage amendment passed by Michigan voters in 2004. The amendment stated “the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose.” And while supporters of the amendment swore up and down that it had nothing to do with DP benefits, the Michigan Supreme Court interpreted the language of the amendment to mean that public employers were barred

from offering DP benefits.

Many colleges and universities in Michigan were offering DP benefits, as were many schools nationwide. After all, if you want to attract top talent, you need to have a competitive compensation package. Not wanting to be at a disadvantage, schools such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State found a way to keep offering benefits while still following the letter of the law by allowing employees to name an additional qualified adult.

It was a good business decision, frankly, although Agema, someone who claims to be so pro-business, doesn’t see it that way.

“Public universities have disregarded that and placed themselves above the law and above the will of the people on this issue, and I think it’s true justice that now there is a penalty for that,” Agema said.

Agema even tries to sell the DP benefits penalty as a gift to public-school retirees. “[The amendment] uses the money from the universities that refused to change their policy and places it into the K-12 public schools retirement coffers to help eliminate the shortfall there,” he crowed.

“This could be worth up to $60 million to schools.”

Oooh. It’s like winning the antigay lottery.

There are, of course, other ways to raise the millions of dollars schools need. Do I need to mention that any kind of tax increase is off the table and corporate taxes are going to be slashed?

But hey, that’s business-friendly and Agema loves himself some business. “We need less onerous laws and less excessive taxation,” he claims on his website. Unless those laws have to do with punishing gay employees or slapping colleges with a “gay-friendly” tax for offering a competitive compensation package.

“We must make Michigan a place where our children and grandchildren can expect to find good jobs,” he adds.

Unless those children are gay and want to work in, say, higher education or go to a school that values all of its employees. In that case, fuck ’em. ■

The education bill wasn’t antigay enough for Agema, so he added an amendment that would slap colleges that offer domestic-partner benefits with an additional 5percent cut.

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.

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Street Talk Is this area ready for an LGBT federal judge?

“No, I think there’s a very real possibility that the entrenched powers would prevent it.

And the laws prohibiting Emma Ditnes discrimination student in the region Mt. Airy are quite sketchy. I find that disgusting.

But I’m not totally demoralized, because I think my generation will take up the slack. I’m optimistic about the future.”

“Probably not, because people would think the judge would be biased. Unfortunately, it would Evan Foster be a factor student for the older Washington Square generation West to consider.

They’d be skeptical about the judge’s rulings. But I fully support an LGBT federal judge for this area.”

“Yes, but I say that with a lot of hope and with my fingers crossed.

There are many barriers and difficulties Nobu Hiroi in the judicial law student system. It Art Museum area was created by — and for — white heterosexual men. But times are changing, so I’ll say yes.”

“Yes, there’s always a chance.

This area is conservative, for the most part.

But if the person had Jovan Smith outstanding fashion designer qualifications, Northeast I think they’d Philadelphia be capable of overcoming the obstacles. But the nominee would have to be above average.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “Bethlehem advances rights bill,” May 6-13: OK, Allentown, now Bethlehem, and Easton next!

— Lehigh Valley Pride To Lehigh Valley Pride — Easton (and Allentown, as you noted) already have this law in place. Once Bethlehem passes this into law, all three Lehigh Valley cities will have these protections, but still none of the surrounding municipalities will. Plenty of work still to be done!

— Adrian Shanker In response to “Sandy Beach out for 2012 Miss’d

America,” April 29-May 5: I respect Robert “Sandy Beach” and his legacy. I know he has a following in A.C. And that following is great. The Miss’d America Pageant and Sandy Beach is like Bert Park was to the pageant we lost so many moons ago. Sandy Beach brought in money for less fortunate ... Bert Parks for the city of A.C. or himself.

— Walter White In response to “HIV in the new millennium,” April 814: Aaron, First of all, congratulations are in order for writing

this beautiful and insightful article.

I have a friend who is HIV-poz for almost 30 years, when they knew nothing about the disease. He let his own intuition tell a doctor that he wanted the meds way before they were willing to give it to him. His determination to stay alive and his continued effort to be part of a real community makes him super.

I look forward to your intelligent messages of hope, dispelling myths with knowledge and conquering sadness with love.

For now, “be human,” and let’s all bask in the new light!

— Pumpkin Dan

12 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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For the 3rd time, Otto’s BMW of West Chester has been awarded the BMW Center of Excellence Award. This award focuses on customer satisfaction, outstanding brand representation and operational excellence.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

Managing cash flow in retirement: Careful budgeting is still the key Q: I’m considering retirement in the next year or so and trying to make sure I’ll be able to cover all of my expenses. How can I make sure I won’t run out of money someday?

A: When retirement planning goes into reverse, shifting from accumulating assets to living off investment and other income, cash flow becomes critical. This will help you get started with your planning.

The ultimate goal for most retirees is making sure their assets last as long as they live.

And because of increasing longevity, managing cash flow is more critical than ever. A typical American electing to retire in his or her mid-60s may expect to live 20 or more years after retirement.

While many variables come into play depending on your income level, lifestyle and health considerations, there are a number of planning moves that can help retirees live within their means and make appropriate adjustments in response to changes in income and expenses.

able to free up cash by reducing debt or eliminating nonessential expenses.

Regular monitoring Plans and projections are always subject to change. Even with reasonable assumptions about investment returns, inflation and living costs in retirement, it is likely you will encounter numerous changes to your cash flow over time. Frequent monitoring of your income and expenses will detect changes that you can address in a timely fashion to prevent significant problems down the road.

Experts often recommend a monthly review of your budget, as well as a comprehensive annual review of your financial situation and goals. While you keep track of your situation Jeremy can with paper and pen, specialized Gussick software may make the task easier.

Out Money

Tools for the task If you are retired or about to retire, you will need to gather and organize key information before you can tackle the ongoing tasks of monitoring and managing your cash flow in retirement. The purpose is to give you a clear and complete picture of your current financial situation, as well as any significant changes you expect. Two sources will provide this information: — An up-to-date net-worth statement, which provides a snapshot of your assets, debt and cash reserves.

— A monthly or annual budget, with itemized breakdowns of your income and expenses.

If you haven’t retired yet, it’s a good idea to prepare a projected budget of your retirement income and expenses. Be sure to account for all expenses, including those that occur infrequently, such as insurance bills, college tuition and membership fees.

They should be reflected in your monthly budget on a prorated basis. If you need assistance creating your net-worth statement and budget, you may want to consult a financial advisor, a book on the subject or resources that are available online.

Analyzing this information will reveal any major problems that you need to address, such as insufficient cash reserves for an emergency or an income shortfall compared with current or projected expenses. It may also point out areas for improvement. For example, you may be

What to look for What should you look for as you monitor your finances? Following are potential developments that could affect your cash flow and require adjustments to your plan.

— Interest rate trends and market moves may result in an increase or decrease in income from your savings and investments.

For example, if interest rates decline, you may have to reduce your expenses if you are periodically withdrawing a fixed percentage from your investment assets.

Or, you might consider adjusting your investment mix to pursue other sources of income aside from traditional fixed-income investments — such as dividend-paying stocks, for instance.

— Changes in federal, state and local tax rates and regulations. This factor may come into play if you relocate after retiring. The state you move to may impose higher income or property taxes, for example.

— Inflation and health-care costs are two “unknown” variables that can have a dramatic impact on living costs and, hence, your retirement planning assumptions.

— Life events — such as marriage or civil union, the death of a spouse or partner, or the addition or loss of a dependent — may also affect your cash flow.

Other factors that could have a bearing on your retirement cash flow include changes in Social Security and Medicare benefits or eligibility, as well as rules affecting employer-provided retiree benefits and private insurance coverage.

Cash flow is also a matter of personal preferences and decisions, and here you will be in control of the many small and

not-so-small choices likely to be made over the course of your retirement. How much you spend on travel, entertainment, recreation and whether you live in a lowor high-cost locale are examples of factors that can have a significant effect on cash flow — and how long your retirement assets are likely to last.

These are many of the reasons why it is worth paying close attention to cash flow, making sure you budget carefully, monitor income and expenses frequently and take action whenever you see significant changes in income and expenses. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s leading independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2010 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, email him at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com.

This article was prepared with the assistance of McGraw-Hill Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy Gussick if you have any questions.

LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2010.**Details on the award can be found at www.fivestarprofessional.com.

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News Briefing Plea in Clementi case One of the two former Rutgers University students implicated in a webcam scandal that may have led to gay student Tyler Clementi’s suicide accepted a plea deal.

In an agreement with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Molly Wei will enter a pretrial intervention program, including 300 community-service hours and counseling. As part of last week’s agreement, Wei will testify against Dharun Ravi, Clementi’s roommate, indicted last month on invasion of privacy and hatecrimes charges. If she completes the program, she’ll avoid jail time and charges will be dropped.

Investigators say Ravi remotely activated his webcam from Wei’s computer to spy on and broadcast video of Clementi in a sexual encounter with another man. Days after learning of the video, Clementi jumped from the George Washington Bridge.

ers this weekend for the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative.

From 5-7 p.m. May 13, Pleasure Rush will debut the first of a series of short films on safe sex, “What If, Encounter 1,” at GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. on the fifth floor. All proceeds from the $15 cover will benefit GALAEI. Guests must be 18 or older and 21 to drink.

From 9-11 p.m. the next day, Pleasure Rush will present a women’s sex-toy party at Marathon Grill, 200 S. 40th St., which includes a class on masturbation and sex toys by GALAEI and Sexploratorium.

The event is free, and guests must be 21.

Ten percent of proceeds from purchases made will benefit GALAEI. Visit www.galaei.org for information.

ASIAC opens doors ASIAC will host an open house from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 19 at the agency, 340 N. 12th St., Suite 305, in recognition of National American and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The organization will offer free HIV- and STD-testing throughout the day.

Food and drinks will be available.

For more information, call 215-629-2300 ext. 123.

Cut for a cause

Pleasing fundraisers Pleasure Rush will stage two fundrais-

Salon Vanity by Edmondo Blando, 1701 Walnut St., will fuse philanthropy with

VOTE FOR

SHERRIE COHEN Democrat • MAY 17

Push Button 180

Endorsed by: Liberty City Democratic Club, The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and Equality PA

Our Out Lesbian Candidate for City Council At Large Activist for LGBTQ rights since the 1970’s Sherrie will: Fight to stop the sweetheart sale of public property to the Boy Scouts Stand up to SEPTA and demand removal of gender stickers from transpasses Work to end bullying against LGBTQ students in our schools Take our fight to Harrisburg to lobby for pretection from discrimination statewide

Volunteer Today! Spread the Word!

215-320-7555

1221 Locust Street, Suite 205 Cohen4council@gmail.com • www.cohen4council.com

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

style during a daylong fundraiser May 15 for HIV/AIDS causes.

All haircuts at the Rittenhouse Square salon will be $60, with proceeds and donations benefitting Hairdressers Against AIDS, an international agency that raises funds for and awareness about the disease.

Call 215-925-2211 to make an appointment.

Dancing for MANNA The Pennsylvania Ballet will present its annual “Shut Up and Dance” fundraiser for the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance at 8 p.m. May 21 at the Forrest Theater, 1114 Walnut St. MANNA provides meals for those with life-threatening illnesses, such as AIDS. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at www.mannapa.org.

Looking to adopt?

Representatives of the Finding Shelter Animal Rescue will be on hand from 1-4 p.m. May 15 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., along with dogs and cats looking for good homes.

The Pet Adoption Open House will allow prospective pet owners to meet adoptable animals and will also feature vendors selling pet-related goods for current owners.

For more information, call 215-7322220.

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Dr. Ruth at Mazzoni LGBT health agency Mazzoni Center will host its annual “Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala” from 7-10 p.m. May 20 at the Loews Hotel, 1200 Market St. The gala will include cocktails, a buffet and a silent auction. Awards will be presented to special guest Dr. Ruth Westheimer, state Sen. Vincent Hughes and his wife Sheryl Lee Ralph and The Trevor Project.

A VIP reception will be held from 6-7 p.m., at which guests can meet Dr. Ruth, and VIP guests will be entered into a raffle for a trip to the Grenadines or Antigua.

General admission is $125, with VIP tickets for $250. Tickets can be purchased at www.mazzonicenter.org.

Sapphire rolls the dice LGBT grantmaking agency Sapphire Fund will host its annual casino-themed fundraiser from 2-5 p.m. May 22 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. “Brunch at the Casino Royale” will feature food, drinks and gaming.

The annual event will raise money for the organization’s 2011 beneficiaries — The Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center and William Way LGBT Community Center.

Tickets are $45 in advance, $60 at the door.

To purchase tickets, visit www.sapphirefund.org. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Timing Is Everything!

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Candidates: Where they stand on LGBT issues

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com In the first week of April, PGN emailed questionnaires on an array of LGBT issues to the Democratic and Republican candidates for City Council and City Commissioner.

Of the approximately 60 candidates contacted, 31 submitted completed questionnaires, from which the following candidate profiles were prepared.

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1st District Vern Anastasio Attorney Anastasio, a former staffer of the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission, has worked on cases involving anti-LGBT bias crimes and bullying and helped conduct LGBT sensitivity training for police officers and first responders.

He coordinated the first-ever domesticpartner ceremony held in City Hall and said he would “aggressively pursue” the passage of a measure to extend domestic-partner benefits to employees of some city contractors.

Anastasio, who supports marriage equality, would vote against the proposed Boy Scouts settlement, as he said it amounts to “little more than sanctioned discrimination.”

Anastasio has pledged to sell city-owned vacant and untaxed properties, which he predicted would net $400 million, revenue he said could fuel housing opportunities for people with HIV/AIDS, an initiative for which he’d also seek state funding.

To support HIV/AIDS services in the city, Anastasio said he would pursue corporate gifts from for-profit medical companies and payments in lieu of taxes from nonprofit entities.

Anastasio said he would hire a director of LGBT outreach for his office, who would work to meet the needs of 1st District LGBT constituents.

He added he would institute brown-bag lunch meetings for LGBT community members and police representatives that would “result in a better understanding of the issues the LGBT community faces and lower the rates of antiLGBT violent crimes.”

Joe Grace Grace, a former director of a gun-violence prevention agency and a past communications director for the city, said he would bring his

“passionate, lifelong commitment to equality” to the 1st District.

He called the proposed Boy Scouts settlement a “sweetheart deal” and said he doesn’t believe the city should sell the building to an agency that discriminates.

“I strongly believe an agreement can be reached by all parties, but all parties need to be at the negotiating table — that includes the LGBT community,” he said.

Grace, whose campaign manager is gay, called SEPTA’s gender-marker system “defacto discrimination” that must be stopped, and pledged to advocate for the extension of domestic-partner benefits to employees of some city contractors.

Grace said the state anti-bullying law is “weak and ineffective” and that he would work to ensure each school has a gaystraight alliance.

He said he would make funding for HIV/ AIDS housing a priority if elected and would also work to back the completion of the proposed LGBT-friendly William Way Senior Residences.

Grace spent several years as chair of the board of Prevention Point Philadelphia and said he’d work with this agency and others on HIV/AIDS issues, as well as pursue new revenue options to fund public-health causes.

Grace supports marriage equality and said he would work with “fellow progressives to find creative ways to advocate for this important civil-rights issue,” tapping into his experience at passing local-level gun laws when the state refused to do so.

Jeff Hornstein Labor organizer Hornstein, whose finance director is openly gay, said diversity will be a priority in his own hiring, and he would advertise jobs openings in PGN and work with agencies like The Attic Youth Center on internships.

He called the current Boy Scouts settlement an “absurd backroom deal” that must be revisited with input from the LGBT community.

Hornstein said he would partner with Riders Against Gender Exclusion to press for the removal of the SEPTA gender markers and would urge public hearings.

He said he would advocate for a bill to require certain city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits, and that housing opportunities for the HIV/AIDS community must be a city priority, for which he would advocate for city funding as well as work to secure private funding.

Hornstein said efforts to curb bullying have thus far been “inadequate,” and said he would work with the school district’s LGBT advisory committee and LGBT

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youth groups to confront the issue. He said he would also press for each city school to offer a gay-straight alliance.

He noted the 1st District Councilmember needs to be city government’s “champion for preventing crime in the LGBT community” and, in that vein, he would work with the Police Liaison Committee and press for increased sensitivity training for police, with special attention given to transgender issues.

He supports same-sex marriage, calling it the defining civil-rights issue of our time.

If elected, Hornstein said he would partner with out at-Large candidate Sherrie Cohen “to create the most outspoken and reliable advocacy force for the LGBT community in Council history.”

Mark Squilla Squilla, a systems analyst with the state A u d i t o r G e n e r a l ’s o ffi c e , i s a S o u t h Philadelphia native who said he is proud of his “long history of working with all people, no matter their race, gender or sexual orientation.”

He said he is “disappointed” in the city’s proposal to sell the building to the Boy Scouts, adding it “could have been sold to others who did not discriminate like the Boy Scouts.”

Squilla said he would work with colleagues at the state level to ensure SEPTA receives adequate funding to support the proposed Smartcard fare system and, in the meantime, would press the agency to eliminate the gender markers.

He would consider supporting the measure to extend domestic-partner benefits to employees of some city contractors but would need to review the legislation.

He is in favor of strengthening anti-bullying legislation and supports marriage equality.

He said he would support increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs and would work to better educate the general public about LGBT health concerns.

Squilla said he would press for a unit within the police department to specifically handle LGBT issues.

2nd District Barbara Capozzi Attorney and realestate developer Capozzi is seeking to represent her native South Philadelphia.

Capozzi does not support the sale of the Boy Scouts property to the organization for any price and said an eventual buyer should pay full-market value and comply with the city’s nondiscrimination law.

She called the SEPTA gender markers “totally inappropriate” and said she would hold public hearings with SEPTA officials and the LGBT community on the issues.

She is in favor of enhanced education of the public and law enforcement on antiLGBT hate crimes, and increased LGBTspecific antibullying training in the school district, and would work to include LGBT businesses in the city’s minority-owned business certification.

Capozzi said she would lobby Harrisburg for state recognition for unions like domestic partnerships until full marriage equality is achieved, which she supports.

Kenyatta Johnson State Rep. Johnson is looking to bring his state legislative experience to the municipal level as 2nd District Councilperson.

Johnson, a marriageequality supporter, supports efforts to require some city contractors to offer domesticpartner benefits. He said he would work with Council and SEPTA to institute a gender-neutral system and would lobby against transferring ownership of the Boy Scouts headquarters to the organization.

He recently testified at an antibullying hearing in City Hall and said he will continue to press for the district to “aggressively pursue all reports from students and parents. Schools should implement programs to prevent and address anti-LGBT bullying.”

He said he’d make housing for those with HIV/AIDS a budget priority and would oppose cuts to HIV/AIDS programming.

Johnson said he would press for mandatory sensitivity training among city workers and the police force, and work with domestic-violence groups to ensure they are equipped to work with LGBT victims.

5th District Suzanne Carn Fifth District Council candidate Carn, legal secretary and former state legislative chief of staff, is eager to bring her diverse experiences to her native North Philadelphia.

Carn, who supports civil unions, would back the funding of housing opportunities for people with HIV/AIDS and would advocate for funding for HIV/AIDS services.

She is a former HIV counselor and board member at Calcutta House, served as the project director for state Rep. Jewell Williams’ HIV/AIDS initiative and founded an HIV/AIDS referral and counseling website.

She would support efforts to remove the gender markers from SEPTA transpasses and is in favor of a bill that extends domestic-partner benefits to the employees of some city contractors.

Carn said she needs to review the proposed Boy Scouts settlement before issuing a position.

She said she would work to ensure all

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businesses receive fair and equal opportunities and would engage the LGBT community on solutions to anti-LGBT crimes.

Darrell Clarke Incumbent 5th District Councilman Clarke spearheaded the legislative effort to evict the Boy Scouts from their local headquarters on account of their antigay policy.

Most recently, Clarke introduced a settlement agreement following last summer’s court ruling on the issue.

“This legislation ensures the use of the property for organizations that address issues of diversity and tolerance,” he said.

Clarke has also supported legislation to eliminate the property-transfer tax for same-sex couples and said he would support the current effort to require certain city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits to their employees.

He said he would work with SEPTA board members, as well as agencies such as Equality Pennsylvania and the city’s Human Relations Commission, to eliminate the transpass gender markers.

He said he supports preventative projects targeting anti-LGBT violence and would press for better training across the school district and stronger enforcement of antibullying policies.

He urged the community to back him

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at the polls because of his commitment to “represent individuals and communities equally, regardless of differences in gender, sexual orientation, economic status, race, etc.”

7th District Maria Quiñones Sánchez As a Latina woman, Councilwoman Quiñones Sánchez said she has a unique and personal commitment to fighting discrimination.

Quiñones Sánchez employs several out staffers and said she’ll continue to search for the most qualified and diverse employees.

She is cosponsoring a bill to extend domestic-partner benefits to the employees of some city contractors and is in favor of marriage equality.

Quiñones Sánchez said she has a close relationship with the AIDS Activities Coordinating Office and the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative and has worked to heighten awareness about HIV/AIDS, especially among Latino populations, as well as fought to maintain funding for Prevention Point.

She said she is eager for public discussions on the immediate removal of the SETPA gender markers and, in regard to the Boy Scouts settlement, is “very concerned about the liability to the city govern-

ment and feel we rushed to a settlement that did not hold the Boy Scouts accountable for their discrimination policy.”

8th District Cindy Bass Bass, a policy advisor to Congressman Chaka Fattah, said she is on the side of the LGBT community on all of its significant issues — from marriage equality to nondiscrimination and the funding of health and LGBT cultural initiatives.

She is opposed to the proposed Boy Scouts settlement, saying it is “subsidizing discrimination by allowing the Boy Scouts to buy property for under market-rate and continue its discriminatory policy” and pledged to lobby the mayor to allow the building to be sold at fair-market value.

A former housing counselor in Mt. Airy, Bass said she understands the housing challenges faced by some in the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities and would work to find funding sources for such initiatives.

She said SEPTA’s gender markers reflect an “obsolete, discriminatory system” she would work to change.

Bass would press the state legislature to enact legislation requiring all schools to adopt LGBT-inclusive antibullying policies.

Bill Durham Durham, La Salle University’s community-relations liaison, is looking to represent his native Germantown.

Durham supports marriage equality and said he would back efforts to afford local same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.

In regard to the Boy Scouts dispute, Durham called it “beyond inappropriate to use resources that belong to the public to subsidize discrimination” and said he supported the current settlement. “It will save the city money, while ensuring that our taxpayers are no longer supporting discriminatory activities.”

Durham said both school bullying and anti-LGBT violent crimes can best be curbed through gradual culture change.

“Philadelphia was founded as the most tolerant, diverse and welcoming city in the 13 colonies, and our future strength lies in continuing that tradition,” he said. “This isn’t going to be an overnight transformation, and no set of laws we could pass will change that. But I do think government can lead by example.”

He supports funding for HIV/AIDS housing opportunities and suggested sensitivity training for the Philadelphia Housing Authority to ensure employees provide the best service to this population.

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Greg Paulmier Paulmier is looking to bring creative, progressive change to the 8th District, including several initiatives to expand and protect LGBT rights.

Paulmier said he would vote against SEPTA appropriations until the transit agency removed its gender markers. He said he would participate in protests against the agency and would be prepared to sue in order to force the change on civil-rights grounds.

To contend with bullying, he recommended an LGBT point person for each city school.

“Every school has a basketball coach, and we think this is a given in the school budget and culture. It is never questioned,” he said. “We must have an LGBT ‘coach’ and club in every school, someone LGBT students can turn to as needed, daily if necessary. Fifty years ago, when few ‘came out,’ this was not seen as needed. Today, it is needed.”

He is opposed to the current Boy Scouts settlement and would urge the city to appeal the recent court ruling.

Paulmier supports full marriage equality and would support the current effort to require certain city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits.

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Howard Treatman Eighth District candidate Treatman is entering the political fray after a 25-year career in real-estate development.

Treatman said he would support the Boy Scouts settlement as long as it will allow the city to get full-market value for the property.

He said if SEPTA cannot quickly implement its new fare-card system, he would push for the gender markers to be removed in the meantime.

Treatman, who is in favor of marriage equality, also would favor including LGBTs as certified minority-owned businesses.

While he noted the issue of domesticpartner benefits is important, he doesn’t support a current bill that would mandate certain city contractors offer such benefits, as he said the city should not be involved in the policies of private companies.

“Where we have power to appropriately set policy is in choosing the companies the city contracts with. The city should not agree to work with a private company that does not adhere to our shared principles.”

He noted that during his tenure as president of the Germantown Jewish Centre, the congregation joined the YES! Coalition, a group of LGBT-affirming congregations, and said he is eager to promote the city as a

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“I believe in fair and equitable treatment of all Philadelphians regardless of race, religion or sexual preference. I will fight for the rights of all citizens so there will be no persecution of any.”

10th District Bill Rubin Rubin is running unopposed in the primary to challenge longtime incumbent Republican Brian O’Neill in the fall to represent the 10th District in the Northeast.

A pension consultant and the former vice chair of the Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement, he employs openly LGBT people and would search for the most qualified and energetic staff if elected.

He supports the city pursuing the best fair-market deal of the Boy Scouts property, in light of the city’s financial situation.

Rubin supports removing gender markers from SEPTA transpasses and said he would advocate for low-interest collateralized loans for housing opportunities for all Philadelphians with specialized needs, such as those with HIV/AIDS. He said he would meet with LGBT leaders to determine the best way to expend the city’s resources in regards to HIV funding, and would support City Council hearings and legislative efforts to address bullying

At-Large (Democrats) Ralph Blakney Blakney retired earlier this year from his post as an older-adult center director after more than two decades as a city employee, and is looking to continue his city service as an atLarge Councilmember.

He pledged to introduce a bill to press for the removal of gender markers from SEPTA’s transpasses and also said he would advocate for efforts to secure funding for HIV/AIDS housing opportunities.

He said his religious beliefs prevent him from backing full marriage equality, but he does favor extending equal rights though a system like civil unions.

Blakney said that while he supports the Boy Scouts, he believes the city’s nondiscrimination law must be enforced and opposed the current settlement, saying the agency should be required to comply with the Fair Practices Ordinance to remain in the building.

He said he would support a bill to require

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certain city contractors to provide domestic-partner benefits, provided it did not deter the startup of small businesses.

To confront bullying, Blakney would introduce interactive workshops on the issue in city schools.

Sherrie Cohen Attorney and community activist Cohen is striving to become the city’s first openly LGBT councilmember.

Cohen does not support the current Boy Scouts settlement, and would spearhead a Council resolution opposing the sale of the building to the Scouts if the agency continues to discriminate. She said she would press the city to commence the unconditional termination of the Scouts’ use of the city property, which was an option under last year’s jury decision.

She would press for the city to terminate subsidizing SEPTA until it removes its gender markers and engage labor unions and progressive groups in fueling the change.

She supports extending domestic-partner benefits to the employees of some city contractors and would work to ensure LGBT businesses are included in the city’s diversity-contracting program.

She said the underlying assumption of those who would cut funding for HIV/

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AIDS services is “fundamentally flawed,” and that she’d fight to protect and prioritize funding for these issues.

“If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu,” she said. “It’s long past time that Philadelphia had a publicly out member of the LGBTQ community on City Council. I believe that my knowledge of the issues facing our community and my commitment to ensuring our equality through every available venue surpasses all other candidates.”

Bill Green In his first term, Councilman-at-Large Green supported several pro-LGBT initiatives, such as the expansion of the city’s nondiscrimination law.

He has supported increased fundi n g f o r t h e c i t y ’s Human Relations Commission and Law Department, which enforce the nondiscrimination law, and said the “onus is on us as a government to do the requisite education and enforcement” to ensure the law is being upheld.

Green said he is a longstanding and vocal supporter of marriage equality and, in 2008, introduced a resolution urging the state General Assembly to oppose a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex unions.

He said he opposed a “backroom deal”

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without LGBT input to resolve the Boy Scouts dispute.

“If the Nutter administration has decided that the best way to resolve this matter is to sell the property, I think we should engage in an open and transparent request-for-proposal process and allow the property to be sold to the highest bidder — who, at this point, might well be Mel Heifetz,” he said.

Green called SEPTA’s reasoning for the gender markers “nonsensical” and said he has pressed for years for an electronic-fare card system.

“I ask for your support to continue these efforts and to demonstrate the LGBT community’s support for a city with its people fully employed, well-schooled, not overtaxed and believing in and getting value from their government.”

Green was endorsed by the Liberty City Democratic Club.

Bill Greenlee City Councilmanat-Large Greenlee led the effort this year to overhaul the Fair Practices Ordinance and strengthen the city’s nondiscrimination law, considered to be especially relevant to the LGBT community.

“I have always been a strong advocate for the community,” he said. “I believe in

equality and equal opportunity for all citizens of Philadelphia regardless of sexual orientation. I believe my legislative record speaks volumes.”

A marriage-equality advocate, Greenlee said he would press for state recognition of same-sex unions. He is currently cosponsoring a bill that would require certain city contractors to provide domestic-partner benefits, and his Fair Practices measure relaxed requirements for domestic-partner registration.

Greenlee has pressed SEPTA to remove its gender markers on its transpasses and said the “unnecessary” practice places an “undue burden on the transgender community.”

He participated in a Council Education Committee hearing on bullying, and said his effort to update the nondiscrimination law empowered the city’s Human Relations Commission to better address school bullying.

Greenlee said the proposed Boy Scouts settlement is not in the city’s best interest, and he would oppose any bill that would give the Scouts the building as part of a settlement.

“I firmly believe that the city should appeal the decision because I believe the case is winnable on appeal,” he said.

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W. Wilson Goode Jr. At-Large Councilman Goode said he would continue to advocate for the LGBT community if re-elected.

Goode is a marriage-equality supporter and employs an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination policy in his own office.

He opposes the proposed Boy Scouts settlement and believes the “property should be put out to bid, and all bidders must be in compliance with the Philadelphia Code.”

Goode supports the effort to extend domestic-partner benefits to employees of some city contractors and is in favor of SEPTA removing its gender markers.

Goode said he “strongly supported” the recent expansion and strengthening of the Fair Practices Ordinance, which he said must be strictly enforced in city contracting, law enforcement and schools to contend with anti-LGBT bias.

Goode said he would vote to amend a city budget if funding was not allocated for housing opportunities for those with HIV/ AIDS or other HIV/AIDS services.

Jim Kenney At-Large Councilman Kenney said he’s demonstrated his commitment to LGBT advocacy throughout his nearly two decades of public service.

Kenney, a marriageequality supporter, spearheaded the bill

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to grant domestic-partner benefits to city employees in the 1990s and is cosponsoring the current effort to require certain city contractors to offer such benefits.

He said he would not vote for any “legislation that empowers the Boy Scouts to continue discrimination” and would prefer to see the city appeal the recent court ruling, as opposed to proceed with the proposed settlement.

He said he will work with The Attic Youth Center and Mazzoni Center on antibullying efforts and is currently pressing to have the film “The Bully Project” shown in all city schools, as well as in charter and parochial schools.

He supports funding for housing opportunities for those with HIV/AIDS and opposes SEPTA’s gender markers.

“As an elected official for the past 19 years, I have been an unwavering supporter and advocate for LGBT issues,” he said. “I and my office have always been open to LGBT issues and concerns and have worked with LGBT organizations on numerous occasions. As a Councilman-at-Large, I will continue this support and advocacy.”

Janis Manson Psychotherapist Manson said she lives by the mantra “all people are created equal” and will bring that tenet to work if she’s elected as an at-Large City Councilmember.

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Manson said she would work with LGBT business owners on developing their “infrastructure, capacity, feasibility, strategic planning” and other business components to ensure they can rise above any potential biases in the industry. She supports the efforts to mandate certain city contractors to grant domestic-partner benefits to their employees.

She would advocate for funding for HIV/ AIDS causes and lend her support to grantwriting and other efforts to secure funding for initiatives like HIV/AIDS housing.

With regard to school bullying, Manson said she has “zero tolerance for this type of behavior on any level and to any group of people. I would advocate for any human being’s safety.”

Blondell Reynolds Brown A m o n g h e r p r oLGBT advocacy during her decade in Council, incumbent Councilwoman-atLarge Reynolds Brown is spearheading the measure that would mandate certain city contractors provide domestic-partner benefits to the same-sex partners of their employees.

Reynolds Brown is opposed to the Boy Scouts proposed settlement, saying Mel Heifitz’s offer to purchase the building is “the right thing to do, not only ethically but financially as well. It is also worth pursu-

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ing the course recently presented in PGN in regards to Bill 1048, and [I] will push the city to abide by this law.”

Reynolds Brown, a marriage-equality supporter, said she would work with leaders in the LGBT community, including members of Riders Against Gender Exclusion, to secure the removal of SEPTA’s gender markers.

Her office runs a series of small-business roundtables, and she said she wants to work with the Independence Business Alliance to garner participation from a greater number of LGBT-owned businesses.

Reynolds Brown filmed a video for the “It Gets Better” antibullying campaign and is working with Councilman Jim Kenney to bring the film “The Bully Project” to city schools.

“Whenever I have been asked to support a measure, legislative or otherwise, by members of the LGBT community on issues that have an effect on the community, I have been there,” she said.

Andy Toy “As a person of color in America, I am very much aware of what it means to be discriminated against,” said Toy, who could become the city’s first Asian-American councilmember.

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Brazil approves unions for gay couples Brazil’s Supreme Court has voted overwhelmingly to give gay couples the right to civil unions.

The panel backed the measure 10-0, with one abstention.

The ruling does not grant gay couples the right to marry, but it will allow “stable” couples the right to benefits enjoyed by straight married people, including health benefits, inheritance and tax.

Same-sex couples will be permitted to register their relationships with solicitors or public bodies. Religious and public ceremonies will not be allowed.

Justice Carlos Ayres Britto, who wrote the ruling, declared: “The freedom to pursue one’s own sexuality is part of an individual’s freedom of expression.”

Opponents had argued that Brazil’s constitution states a “family entity” is “a stable union between a man and a woman.” But the Attorney General’s office called this a definition, not a restriction.

Gay groups called the ruling historic and Claudio Nascimento, head of Rio de Janeiro state’s Gay, Lesbian and Transsexuals Committee, said: “The degree of civilization of a country can be measured by the way people in a nation treat their homosexual community.”

Another gay-rights group, Grupo Gay da Bahia, said the ruling could help cut down hate crimes against LGBT people. It claimed in January that 250 LGBT people were killed in hate crimes in 2010.

Elsewhere in Latin America, Argentina and Mexico City allow gay couples to marry.

Antigay pastor rejects death penalty for gays Antigay pastor Martin Ssempa has told a Ugandan parliamentary committee that he does not agree with the death penalty for gays and lesbians.

The preacher told the committee that he supports controversial legislation for punishing homosexuality because it is “killing” society. But he reportedly stopped short of praising the bill’s harshest clause — the death sentence for “aggravated” homosexuality.

The bill’s author, MP David Bahati, originally included the clause to state that the death penalty could be used in cases involving repeat offenders, minors, HIV-positive or disabled people.

But he said this “was something we have moved away from.”

However, the bill still contains language to lengthen prison sentences for gay people and also calls for punishment for anyone who does not report homosexuality to police. This would include doctors, landlords, teachers and even friends and family members.

Ssempa reportedly told the committee: “The parliament should be given the opportunity to discuss and pass the bill, because homosexuality is killing our society.”

During the hearing, Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo said the bill would not stop homosexuality and would lead to more cases of HIV. “How can we expect doctors to treat everyone when this bill will require them to report on their patients who are LGBT?” he posed.

Toronto students get safe space A Toronto high school has designated a room as a safe gathering place for LGBT students, something that every public school in the city will soon offer.

Students at Lawrence Park Collegiate have chosen the 12th-grade student lounge as a “positive space” where LGBT students can seek support. Toronto school district officials say all 106 high schools and 480 elementary and middle schools in the city will have such a space by the end of 2012, with each staffed by a volunteer teacher who can help students deal with homophobia, sexism and other issues.

“We guess everything is positive and safe in schools, but we know that’s not necessarily the case,” said Ken Jeffers, the Toronto district’s coordinator for gender-based violence prevention. “Many students suffer in silence.”

The “positive space” is meant to be a safe haven for all students but particularly for those confronting issues regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. The idea grew out of a study that highlighted the need for a place for students to go when they feel unsafe. The study, called the Faulkner Report, was commissioned after a 15-yearold LGBT student was shot at his school in 2007.

Australian churches can discriminate against gays Religious groups in Australia are allowed to discriminate against people who are gay or transgender, prompting criticism from gay-rights activists who find it galling that religious social-service programs receive millions of dollars in government funding.

Such exemptions to antidiscrimination laws exist elsewhere, but other countries including Britain and the United States have narrowed their scope in recent years, limiting them to issues such as the appointment of church leaders.

In Australia, gays can be denied social services and employment from religious groups, including teaching jobs in their

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schools. Anglicare, a branch of the Anglican Church, won’t allow gay parents to use its adoption services.

Anglicare Sydney received more than $55 million Australian ($50 million U.S.) in government funding in 2010.

“States are providing large amounts of funding to services along with essentially a license to discriminate with the provision of those services, and it just seems very out of date and inappropriate,” said Alan Brotherton, a policy director for ACON, an organization promoting health issues for the gay community.

Some religious groups say they would scale back their social-service programs if they were subject to the same rules as others operating in the public sphere.

“One of the freedoms we need to have is the freedom not to be forced to act against your conscience,” said Robert Forsyth, the Anglican Bishop in Sydney.

The exemptions vary from state to state in Australia and are not uniformly applied by religious bodies, creating confusion and fear among gay and transgender people, activists said.

Ugandan honored for human-rights work Ugandan lesbian activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera has been honored with an international award for her bravery in speaking out for human rights.

Nabagesera, the founder of Freedom and Roam Uganda, is receiving the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders.

Award organizers commended her “rare courage” in a country that punishes homosexuality severely.

Nabagesera has appeared on national television and radio to call for LGBT rights and an end to homophobia.

She has been physically attacked and has to move regularly to escape harassment and threats to her life.

Last year, her name and photo were published by the Ugandan tabloid “Rolling Stone,” which campaigned for gay people to be hung.

The Martin Ennals Award is named after the British human-rights activist who died in 1991. He was the Secretary General of Amnesty International from 1968-80.

A jury from 10 human-rights organizations, including Amnesty and Human Rights Watch, selected Nabagesera for the award. The honor is designed to publicize recipients’ work and help protect them from the dangers they face.

The chair of the award’s jury, Hans Thoolen, said Nabagesera was “an exceptional woman of a rare courage, fighting under death threat for human dignity and the rights of homosexuals and marginalized people in Africa.”

Dipika Nath, an LGBT researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: “This is a fitting tribute to the courage of one woman, Kasha Nabagesera, and to all activists working under conditions of extreme threat.”

S. African girl latest victim of ‘corrective rape’ A 13-year-old girl in South Africa has reportedly become the latest victim of the “corrective rape” epidemic.

The girl, who was attacked on May 5 in Pretoria, was said to be open about being a lesbian and it is believed she was targeted for this reason.

The phenomenon of corrective rape involves the targeting of lesbians in order to “cure” them. There have been highprofile cases in the country, including the recent rape and murder of gay-rights activist Noxolo Nogwaza.

Government spokesperson Tlali Tlali promised a police investigation and assistance for the girl and her family.

“The government condemns this senseless and cowardly act of criminality,” he said. “Gay and lesbian rights are human and constitutional rights, which must be protected and respected at all times.”

Dipika Nath, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, said: “If the police and other state officials do not act swiftly, it will only be a matter of time before they have to account for their failure to the family and friends of the next lesbian who is beaten and killed.”

Recently, the government announced the formation of a task force to tackle antigay hate crimes.

A government spokesperson said the task force would be comprised of police, the social development department, six judges and six LGBT activists.

The team will be charged with developing a legislative intervention plan, a public awareness strategy and LGBTI-sensitive shelters, he said.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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Aussie soldier charged for antigay Facebook page Police in Sydney have arrested a former soldier they claimed created a gay-bashing Facebook page to harass and threaten four members of Australia’s Defense Force.

Police say the soldier, using the name “Steve Austin,” created the page and used it to expose and intimidate Maj. Paul Morgan, two members of Sydney’s commando regiment 2RAR and another soldier. The page allegedly had links to extremely violent and pornographic videos on YouTube showing executions of homosexuals superimposed over images of Anzac Cove in Gallipoli and flag-draped coffins of dead Australian soldiers.

The page has since been taken down.

Morgan also received a graphic email that stated, “I will cut your homosexual carcass into 100 pieces to feed you to the marine life in Botany Bay.” The former soldier was charged with one count of using a carriage service — the Internet — to threaten as well as using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offense. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Friday, April 29, 8:00 PM. Equality Forum Shabbat Services. Please join us for a special Shabbat with Sharon Singer, Director of Public Affairs and Social Media at the Consulate General of Israel in Philadelphia.

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34 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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ment under facts or law which prevent the Court from granting the stay and permitting [Laird] to litigate his post-conviction case,” according to appellate papers filed on behalf of Laird.

But prosecutors filed documents opposing the stays. “[Laird] is engaging in gamesmanship in an attempt to delay his execution date,” stated court documents filed by Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney Michelle A. Henry.

In 2001, DuBois voided the death sentence for Laird, citing numerous technical errors in how his 1988 trial was conducted.

Laird was retried in 2007, and a second jury convicted him of first-degree murder and sentenced him to death.

It is this second conviction Laird is appealing, although the exact reasons for his appeal haven’t yet been specified in court papers.

In February, U.S. District Court Judge C. Darnell Jones vacated Chester’s death sentence. Chester contends that his attorney, Thomas Edwards Jr., had a conflict of interest while representing him in 1988, a pending driving-under-the-influence charge.

Chester contends that Edwards served him ineffectively to gain favor with the trial judge and prosecutor to receive a lenient DUI sentence, according to appellate papers.

Edwards couldn’t be reached for comment.

Jones said the allegation merits an evidentiary hearing, which hadn’t been scheduled at press time.

Henry, the Bucks County prosecutor, is handling the state’s case against both Laird and Chester. She said their executions shouldn’t be delayed.

“Twenty-three years is a long time to wait for justice,” she told PGN. “We’re committing to seeing this through, no matter how long it takes.”

Henry noted that both men were convicted of first-degree murder. Because they also committed aggravated crimes of kidnapping and torture, it was appropriate for jurors to sentence them to death, she said.

“I didn’t write the law,” Henry added.

“The legislature delineated the appropriate penalties. What [Laird and Chester] did to Anthony Milano is indescribable.”

But Tommi Avicolli Mecca, an LGBT activist who covered the 1988 trial for PGN, said he opposes the death penalty, including in the Milano case.

“For us to think the death penalty is going to somehow wipe out antigay violence is bullshit,” he said. “The queer community needs to be talking about ways of dealing with all this violence that doesn’t involve the death penalty.”

Janet Kelley, a spokesperson for Gov. Corbett, said Corbett would not comment on cases still in litigation.

Pennsylvania hasn’t executed anyone since 1999.

Laird, 47, remains incarcerated on death row at Greene State Prison, and Chester, 42, remains incarcerated on death row at Graterford State Prison. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

On Tuesday, May 17th, vote to keep our Mayor.

Vote Michael Nutter.

Michael Nutter is fighting for us by: • Committing the city to increase the high school graduation rate by 33 percent in the next five years to seven years • Creating “Way to Work Philadelphia” that has provided thousands of youth and adults with summer jobs • Launching a new mortgage foreclosure program that has saved more than two thousand homes from foreclosure and protected our families.

• Keeping his promise to reduce crime. Violent and serious crime is decreasing, with a 22% drop in the homicide rate and continuing declines in violent crime.

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35

PGN

36 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between April 25-30. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice. com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477).

REPORT: At 1:45 a.m. April 25, complainant was in the PATCO concourse, 1300 Locust St., when a male and a female tackled him and took his wallet. The suspects fled east through the concourse and were described as a black male, 5foot-8 with a thin build and wear-

ing a gray hoodie, and a bald black female with a dark complexion.

ARREST: At 4:20 p.m. April 25, 6th District Officer Kelly arrested a male at 1222 Locust St. on a bench warrant for failing to appear for court. He was charged with contempt of court.

REPORT: At 10 p.m. April 25, complainant was waiting next to his motorcycle, parked at 255 S. 13th St., when a male asked him for some money. When the complainant declined, the male snatched the keys from the motorcycle ignition and fled west on Spruce Street. The suspect was described as a black male, 35 years old, 5-foot-10, 160 pounds and wearing jeans and a

dark T-shirt.

REPORT: At 4:45 p.m. April 26, a man was seated outside at Cosi, 1128 Walnut St., with his iPhone on the table. A male approached and asked him for directions while another male grabbed the phone.

Both offenders fled, one north, the other west, and were both described as black males, early 20s. One was about 5-foot-8, the other 5-foot-7.

Both had a medium build and beard and were wearing white T-shirts.

REPORT: At 9:20 a.m. April 28, while exiting the subway, 135 S. Broad St., a male put his hand up the dress of a female complainant and grabbed her buttocks. The offender fled west on Sansom Street, and

was described as a black male in his mid-20s, 5-foot-5, with a stocky build and short hair, and wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans.

REPORT: Between 3 p.m. April 22 and 10:20 a.m. April 28, someone smashed the window of complainant’s 2009 Honda, parked in the 1300 block of Pine Street, though nothing was taken. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, thus police were not dispatched.

REPORT: At 2 a.m. April 29, complainant was outside 1228 Spruce St., where two males were fighting. One of the combatants grabbed complainant’s cell phone and smashed it against a wall, then snatched a chain from her neck.

Central Detective Division is investigating and an arrest warrant is pending.

ARREST: At 1:30 a.m. April 30, 6th District Officers Macchione and Cifelli arrested a male at 1311 Irving St. on a bench warrant for failing to appear for court. He was charged with contempt of court.

REPORT: At 2:30 a.m. April 30, complainant had an argument with another male inside Voyeur Night Club, 1221 St. James St. The dispute continued outside when one male struck the other in the head with a glass vase, causing a laceration. Central Detective Division is investigating and an arrest warrant is pending. ■

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PGN from page 25

opment specialist to assist the growth of LGBT businesses, including creating an LGBT minority-owned business certification and registration.

Toy is a marriage-equality advocate and supports the current effort to mandate certain city contractors to provide domesticpartner benefits.

A member of the school district’s Racial Harmony Task Force, Toy has been at the forefront of the discussions on antibullying and said he would advocate for mandatory diversity courses.

Toy said the city should leverage its relationship with SEPTA to urge the removal of the system’s gender markers, adding he would join a lawsuit to force such a change.

He supports charging the Boy Scouts fair-market value for the property the group occupies due to its antigay policy.

“I support all laws that prohibit discrimination of individuals in employment, housing and public accommodation based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” he continued.

At-Large (Republicans) Malcolm Lazin Equality Forum founder and executive director Lazin is looking to become the city’s first openly gay councilmember.

“I have a demonstrated history of walking the walk for the community,” he said.

Lazin supports the effort to require certain city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits and favors the removal of SEPTA’s gender markers.

Lazin said he has spoken out against subsidized discrimination and opposes the current proposed Boy Scouts settlement.

“The case should be appealed,” he said.

“On appeal, there is a high likelihood that the city would win.”

He said HIV/AIDS advocates need to lobby state and federal government sources for funding for housing programs, and that LGBT-health causes should receive “funding proportionate to our population and needs.”

In regard to school safety, Lazin noted that five Philadelphia high schools included in a March Auditor General report did not have antibullying policies posted in classrooms.

“We need to restore the safe-school advocate eliminated by Superintendent Ackerman and correct the school police training deficiencies noted in the Auditor General’s report,” he said.

Lazin supports marriage equality.

Joe McColgan McColgan, a financial-management exec-

utive, is a Northeast Philadelphia native vying to join City Council as a Republican at-Large member.

McColgan supports civil unions and, while he favors a private company’s right to offer domestic-partner benefits, he doesn’t support mandating some city contractors do such, which he said could “thwart job creation and growth of our great city.”

On the proposed Boy Scouts settlement, McColgan noted that “if the building is to be sold, it should be sold at market value and not one penny less.”

He is opposed to the SEPTA gender markers.

McColgan said antibullying efforts need the support of communities and neighborhoods, and he would endorse the creation of working groups to tackle the issue.

David Oh After a narrow loss in the last election, attorney and Republican at-Large Council candidate Oh is returning to the race, focusing on job creation, education, prevention of crime, enhancement of quality of life and honest government.

Oh said he supports the city’s efforts to enforce its nondiscrimination law in the Boy Scouts case, but that he would need to learn more about the proposed settlement before issuing an opinion. He did say the case appears to be a “no win” for all parties and settlement may be the best option.

While he doesn’t support the city’s efforts to mandate certain city contractors offer domestic-partner benefits, he said he favors Council setting criteria to give advantages to businesses with certain benefits policies, and that he would support or introduce legislation to include domestic-partner benefits as one of those priorities.

Oh said he would support efforts to secure public and private funding for HIV/ AIDS housing opportunities. He said school administrators, teachers and staff need to be held to a higher standard in regard to enforcement of antibullying policies, and he said enhanced education about LGBTspecific bullying is needed.

Oh supports civil unions and said he shares with the LGBT community a “desire to see Philadelphia become a better city.”

Frank Rizzo Incumbent City Councilman-at-Large Rizzo is seeking his fifth term and pledged to work for LGBT inclusion if reelected.

Rizzo supports the effort to require certain city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits and noted he was in favor of the original legislation to provide such benefits to city employees.

He has supported the city’s efforts to

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

evict the Boy Scouts, and said he opposes the current settlement on the table.

“If the property is to be sold, it should have been sold competitively to the highest bidder,” he said.

He supports funding for housing for people with HIV/AIDS and is in favor of the removal of SEPTA gender markers.

“Gender is not SEPTA’s business,” he said.

Rizzo said he believes education is the primary solution to bullying, and that strict penalties need to be enforced for school harassment of any kind.

Al Taubenberger Republican ward leader and former mayoral candidate Taubenberger is seeking an at-Large seat this time.

Taubenberger, who is in favor of civil unions, is opposed to SEPTA’s gender markers.

He said he is opposed to the proposed settlement between the city and the Boy Scouts. While he does support the Boy Scouts, he said “discrimination cannot be tolerated.”

“When elected to City Council, I do hope to be part of a dialogue with the Boy Scouts that would end any semblance of discrimination based on sexual orientation,” he said.

He does not support the current effort to mandate some city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits because of a possible negative impact on commerce and competition.

He said the school district needs to undertake an educational campaign to raise diversity awareness, and make a concerted effort to enforce disciplinary policies.

Taubenberger said that, if the budget allows, he would support city funding for HIV/AIDS housing opportunities.

CITY COMMISSIONERS (Democrats) Michael Bell Bell, former director of the city agency that oversees minority-owned business contracts, is seeking to bring reform to the city’s election process.

Bell said he would work to counter low vo t e r t u r n o u t s b y focusing on outreach and education, especially of marginalized populations with initiatives like mobilevoting teams for disabled and senior voters, a partnership with the Center for Literacy to reach those with learning disabilities and other efforts to reach immigrants and those with financial challenges.

Bell said he’d tap into new technology to fuel efforts like real-time election results and explore the possibility of online absentee and alternative ballots, and would also work to ensure those without access to

37

technology are educated about the issues.

He said he would press for proper training for all poll watchers on voter intimidation and would work with the District Attorney’s office to ensure punishment for violators from all parties.

Warren Bloom B l o o m i s l o o king to fuse technology with transparency if elected as a City Commissioner.

Bloom promised to introduce a voting system that would allow city residents to vote by phone, computer or hand-held devices.

He also would propose that the votecounting process be done in the public eye.

“By proposing that all future elections be counted live — via mass media, TV, Internet, audio, radio, etc. — we will make history by setting a standard for all to follow,” he said.

To cut down on voter intimidation, Bloom said he would create public-service announcements to remind city residents that such actions can be classified as felony offenses. Bloom said he would also utilize PSAs to inform prospective voters about the specifics of upcoming elections and encourage full participation.

He said he would reach out to the LGBT community through regular town meetings to “enhance voter activity.”

Stephanie Singer Eighth Ward leader Singer pledged to b r i n g fa r- r e a c h i n g and transparent redevelopment to the City Commissioners’ Office.

A trained computer scientist, Singer estimated the office is 20 years behind in technology, and she would work to put all records online, from budget to election results.

She said she would undertake a comprehensive audit and review of the current office’s practices and make that information public.

“The City Commissioners’ Office has failed to let the city auditor, let alone the public, review their financial records for the last two decades,” she said.

With money saved by cleaning up the office, Singer said she would create education programs for students, adults and seniors about the importance of voting, and will reach out to grassroots and civic agencies to help promote voter participation.

She believes voter apathy stems from inefficiency within the current office.

“They are not focused on building a voting base, they are focused on building a voting base that benefits their special interests.

I am pledging to keep politics out of the business of running elections and registering voters,” she said. ■

38 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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PAGE 55

Bulletin Board Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page

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with Dr. Ruth

Mazzoni Center honors iconic sex therapist

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Sex therapist, TV and radio personality Dr. Ruth Westheimer is coming to town to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mazzoni Center during its fundraiser Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala, May 20.

Westheimer will be recognized for her career in educating and advising the masses about sexuality, which, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 30 years, you know she’s world-famous for.

Westheimer’s life was colorful — even before she set foot in the U.S. in 1956. She was born in Germany in 1928 and sent to a children’s home in Switzerland at age 10, which became an orphanage for German Jewish youth who’d been sent there to escape the Holocaust. By age 17, she was living in Israel, fighting for the country’s independence as a member of the Haganah, the Jewish freedom fighters.

She later moved to Paris, where she taught kindergarten.

Westheimer then immigrated to the United States, where she obtained a master’s degree in sociology and a doctorate in the interdisciplinary study of the family. She worked for Planned Parenthood for a time and decided to further her education in human sexuality.

Westheimer became “Dr. Ruth,” the radio and TV personality, when she began dispensing advice on sexual matters on her radio program “Sexually Speaking,” which debuted in 1980 on WYNY-FM (NBC) in New York City.

It quickly went from a 15-minute pre-recorded show to a live, one-hour broadcast during which Westheimer answered call-

in questions from listeners. It wasn’t long before she was all over radio and cable-television programs on talk shows bearing her name.

Westheimer said her radio show attracted LGBT listeners and callers from the very beginning.

“When I did radio from 1981-91, called ‘Sexually Speaking,’ I had many, many gay people call,” she said.

“They right away knew that I’m not judgmental and that I give good advice. For example, a young man called from in the middle of the country. He said that he was gay, and if he told his parents he was gay it would be a catastrophe.

This was in the early 1980s and he was very distraught. And I said keep your mouth shut, don’t say anything, finish high school, then go to a large university that has a group for gays and lesbians and then go to a big city because there will always be groups where it will be easy for you. I met him again many years later in New York City and he said I saved his life. So I have, instead of saying you have to conform or you have to come out, I said, in those years, make sure that you finish high school and you go to a large university.

Today, it’s a different story. That’s one of the stories I smile when I think about.”

By the mid-’80s, Westheimer had become well-known as a sex therapist and pop-culture icon, and remains so to this day.

“I went and saw ‘The Normal Heart’ again and I’m [mentioned] in it,” Westheimer said of her fame. “An actor says, ‘Let’s call Dr. Ruth.’”

We imagine being the public face of sex therapy in the past 30 years would at times be rather tiresome, especially if strangers want sex advice from you when they see you on an elevator. But Dr. Ruth doesn’t seem to have any problems with it.

“I love it!” she said of her global fame, rather forcefully.

“On June 4, I’m going to be 83. And I love walking in New York City and having even younger people knowing me. I’m very fortunate because I kept up my academic career. Up until this year, I taught for the past six years Mondays at Yale and Thursdays at Princeton. I’m very happy to be Dr. Ruth because I get house seats to see ‘The Normal Heart’ and, more important, I got to go backstage, meet the actors and congratulate them.”

Dr. Ruth’s enduring fame is even more impressive considering people today have access to a wide range of sexual information (thanks, Internet!). But Westheimer said she has kept up with the times.

“I do have a Twitter, but when I did the radio in the 1980s,

42 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

there were very few places I could send people for counseling,” she said. “Thank God that has changed. Today, if anyone asks me, there are many more places [to recommend].”

Westheimer added that people ask a lot of the same questions about sex now as when she started.

“The questions have not changed. They still fall into two categories: relationship questions and specific sexual questions.

What has changed is the vocabulary. No one says anymore about a pregnant woman that she’s ‘with child.’ They say pregnant.

What has changed is that I get more questions about oral and anal sex than I did many years ago. The openness about the questions certainly has changed. But there are still plenty of questions about premature ejaculation, inability to have an orgasm and difficulty with erections. So there’s still a lot of work to do.”

Seeing how conservatives get all bent out of shape about discussions of sexuality these days, we wondered how Dr. Ruth navigated the Reagan era with her frank discussions on TV. But Westheimer said the way she presented herself negated much of the potential backlash she might have experienced.

“I was very fortunate because I was already 50 years old when I started on television and radio,” she said. “I never sat on television with a short skirt. Also because I right away stated that I’m old-fashioned and a square, I really had no difficulties. Once there was a politician who always wanted to be on

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television, they warned me about him ahead said. “When I did the program on PBS for of time. He wanted to do a citizen’s arrest children with the puppets, teaching puppets because I talked about homosexuality on how to read, I myself think that that’s state property at a state fantastic. Here I can university. All I wanted show that having been to know was if he was a kindergarten teacher armed since I was in the is still being valued. underground in Israel. I I’ve had no problems have tremendous respect with that.” for armed people. I Westheimer is made my talk so riveting also an accomplished that he forgot to ask the author who’s written question. He was sitting more than 35 books and there with his mouth a syndicated column. open. Afterward he It’s no surprise that of came up on stage and all her books, the one wanted to do a citizen’s she recommends most arrest. I came out of to people is the most Nazi Germany, so that straightforward. part I did not like. But TALKING WITH HER HANDS: Dr. “‘Sex For right away they escorted Ruth making one of her endearingly Dummies’ because him out. All in all, I ambiguous hand gestures in the it has paragraphs was fortunate somehow. 1980s. and people don’t People realized that I’m read whole books very serious. I can use humor, but deep anymore,” she replied. “They’re used to down I’m very serious. I wanted to make small bites.” sure that the message of respect gets served Westheimer added when she was and the message [gets across] about being originally approached to write the book, she prudent, being careful and using condoms.” didn’t want to do it.

We were surprised to learn Dr. Ruth “Thirteen years ago I said no. I don’t talk to had also done children’s programming dummies,” she said. “They called 10 times. parodying her therapist status on the PBS Finally I went to Barnes & Noble’s and show “Between the Lions,” in which she looked at ‘Windows for Dummies’ because helped anxious readers overcome their fear in those years they only had computer books. of long words.

I immediately said yes, I’ll do it. I called the We can’t blame her for branching out. publisher and said yes, I’ll do it, and I’m “I used to be a kindergarten teacher,” she expensive. That opened the doors to all the

other ‘Dummies’ books because in those years, they only had computer books. Now they have tennis and skiing and cooking and “Oprah for Dummies.” ‘Sex for Dummies’ is out in 28 languages and just came out in the third edition in English. I think this is the one that right now is the most popular.”

When the subject of her Lifetime Achievement Award came up, Westheimer spoke highly of Mazzoni Center’s work.

“I’m very happy to do the gala and I’m very pleased that they’re placing an emphasis on talking about sexually transmitted diseases,” she said. “In New York City, there are sex clubs springing up with indiscriminant sexual activity, heterosexual and homosexual. I’m very worried. I don’t want to see a new rise in AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. So I say you have to be careful. I’m also old-fashioned and a square: I say the best thing is to have a relationship. I would like [gay] marriage to be legal, no question, for all the reasons of inheritance and family life. I know many gay people who have children. If a gay couple walks into my office, I treat them with the same respect that I would treat anybody else. Respect is not debatable.”

Dr. Ruth Westheimer is being honored at Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala along with Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Hughes, his wife Sheryl Lee Ralph and The Trevor Project, 6-10 p.m. May 20 at Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Millennium Hall, 1201 Market St. For more information, visit mazzonicenter.org/events/elixir or drruth. org. ■

Family Portrait

PROFILE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

43

Suzi Nash

Monnette Sudler: Jazz in the city of Sisterly Affection Philadelphia is well-documented as having a major influence on the world of music. The rich operatic voices of Marian Anderson and Mario Lanza, the rock ’n’ roll beats of Chubby Checker and Frankie Avalon, the swagger of Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff, the strut of Mummers string bands and of course the soulful sounds of Philadelphia International are all part of our vast catalog of music. Philadelphia also boasts an impressive jazz heritage, starting with Chester native Ethel Waters (you club kids probably know her granddaughter, dance diva Crystal Waters), Philly transplants like John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie and including more recent artists like Grover Washington Jr., Stanley Clarke and Jamaaladeen Tacuma.

This week, we spoke with one of Philadelphia’s ladies of jazz. With four decades of music under her belt, Philadelphia-born artist Monnette Sudler is a multifaceted creative force: guitarist, vocalist, arranger, composer, drummer and poet.

Sudler was nominated as best new jazz artist by the Philadelphia Music Foundation Annual Awards and, over the years, has received numerous awards and grants. She has performed throughout Europe, Asia and the United States including appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival, Kool Jazz Festival, the Presidential Jazz Weekend, the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, the Mellon Jazz Festival, the Berlin Jazz Festival and the Veine Jazz Festival in France to name a few.

In over four decades on the jazz scene, Sudler has played with many all-time jazz greats, such as Hugh Masekela, Philly Joe Jones, the aforementioned Washington Jr., Byard Lancaster, Freddie Hubbard, Tyrone Brown and Kenny Baron, as well as hot new artists like bassist Gerald Veasely. She even opened up for Ike and Tina Turner!

PGN: So Philly gal, tell me a little about the family.

MS: I grew up in the Tioga section of Philadelphia, though we later moved to Germantown. My parents both worked at Frankford Arsenal. My mother was a secretary. But they divorced when I was in my preteens. I have three younger brothers.

PGN: What kind of big sister were you?

MS: I was a bit of a mother figure. I think they thought I was mean. I had to be the disciplinarian from time to time.

PGN: What were you like as a kid?

MS: I was a pretty good kid. Tomboyish but kind of quiet. My mother tells the story that when I was about 5 she bought me a doll. I was into playing cowboys, so apparently I gave the doll to my younger brother. I told him, “You can play with my

dolls, but don’t touch my guns!”

PGN: When did you first get interested in music?

MS: I started taking piano lessons when I was 8. I always enjoyed music. I was one of those kids who would stand in the mirror with a hairbrush singing songs, making up lyrics and stuff.

PGN: Mine was the vacuum cleaner pipe: I’d pretend it was a mic stand.

MS: [Laughs.] Yes. Then when I was a teenager, I started taking guitar lessons and got into writing music, doing the singersongwriter thing, mostly folk music. Then, later on, I started playing jazz guitar and started hanging out with other musicians and jamming with them.

PGN: Were you in the school band?

MS: No, everything I did musically was outside of school.

cians performed. I was so excited I had a stomachache all day. I met Ike backstage, but not Tina. It was a great concert, people really enjoyed our part and Ike and Tina.

do something ... But everything would be closed because it was the middle of the night! The sun was at its height at midnight on my birthday. It was wild.

PGN: Any hobbies outside of music?

MS: I’ve always done poetry. And I do some furniture refinishing when I get a chance. I’ve done a little caning but I prefer rushing, you can really prolong it and it’s really secure. Caning can be a little temperamental.

PGN: When is your birthday?

MS: June 5. I’m a Gemini. One of my albums, which features Grover Washington Jr., is called “Other Side of the Gemini.”

PGN: Any athletics?

MS: No, I’m not really a sporty person.

PGN: Pets?

MS: I have two terriers.

PGN: You’ve traveled all over the world.

What’s an interesting experience you’ve had?

MS: I had my birthday in Narvic, Norway, inside the Arctic Circle. It is one of the

PGN: Do you remember the first song that you composed?

MS: I do. It was called “Sweet Life.” It was about nature, just enjoying the trees and flowers. I think I was 15.

PGN: What types of music do you like?

MS: Of course jazz, but I also like folk music. And I also enjoy both classical music and hip-hop.

PGN: That’s pretty cool. What was it like performing with Ike and Tina Turner?

MS: We opened up for them. They were performing at Villanova University and Khan Jamal and I and a few other musi-

PGN: What was a favorite performance?

MS: I really enjoyed some of the gigs I did with Hugh Masekela. I grew up listening to him, and remember checking him out and getting into his music when I was young. I even got to go to some of his concerts, so being able to perform with him was amazing. He just had this incredible presence on stage. He would tell stories and I got to play guitar onstage while he was doing his thing. It felt good.

PGN: You were on stage in the ’70s, the time of outrageous fashion. What was your favorite piece of clothing?

MS: I had a pair of hot pants; I think they call them something different now.

PGN: Did you always have a musicality about you?

MS: I suppose so. Even as a kid I always wanted to listen to jazz on the radio.

PGN: You were with a group back in the ’70s called Sounds of Liberation. Were you very political?

MS: Back then everyone was, with the Black Power movement and changes happening in the political front. The group was started by Khan Jamal and was kind of a jam group. We were coming in off the tail end of the modal era of jazz. We were at the start of a new niche using saxophone, vibes, congas, guitar, etc. — it was a lot of fun. We’d practice eight hours a day just jamming. They actually just remastered and reissued the first recording that we did. I kept getting emails from people offering me a lot of money to get a copy of the original recordings, and now it will be available to anyone. It kind of makes you stop and say, “Wow.” Who knew back then that all these years later, people would still be interested in hearing what we’d done.

PGN: Tell me a little bit about coming out.

What was an early sign?

MS: I don’t know, I was a bit older when I came out. I told my family, which was a big step, but I don’t make a fuss about it.

PGN: Short-shorts.

MS: Yeah, and I wore them with rope sandals.

PGN: If you weren’t a musician, what job — outside of the arts — would you want to pursue?

MS: Well, I always wanted to be a lawyer or a social worker [laughs] or a psychiatrist! I think in some ways, I do a little bit of all of those jobs, I just don’t have degrees in them.

most northerly towns in the world and it was daylight there the entire time we were there, even at night. Which of course made it difficult to sleep.

PGN: Did it give you a lot of energy to have sunlight 24/7?

MS: No, it was just weird. We’d finish a concert and come out of the venue at 2 a.m. and it would still be light outside and you’d be thinking, OK, well the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day, let’s

PGN: Your degree is in music, right?

MS: Yes, I studied at Berklee School of Music in Boston in the ’70s and also got a degree from Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music back in 2003. I studied composition, music therapy and performance.

PGN: And now you teach.

MS: Yes, I conduct guitar workshops and workshops on creative development and composition as well as private instruction.

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44 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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46 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

from page 43

PGN: Do you use the music therapy?

MS: I do, I work with children quite often. I’ve worked with poet Trapeta Mayson on a program called “Sisters in music and poetry” that is for all ages, but mostly geared toward youth. We do workshops to help to raise self-esteem, and to address cultural and social issues that confront our youth today. I also recently got a grant from the American Composers Forum Community Partners for a project called “Mend the Mind, Free the Soul” with the Community Council for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Inc. It’s a series of workshops with kids in the school system and, based on the workshops, I composed a suite of music, which I performed with other invited musicians on the 15th of April.

PGN: Can you give me an example of one of the things you did?

MS: I brought in Harold Smith, who

PROFILE PGN

plays the didgeridoo, to do meditation workshops with the students.

PGN: I did one of his workshops, and when he starts doing the circular breathing and playing that base didgeridoo, the vibrations from it are amazing to feel.

The kids must have loved him; he’s such a gentle giant.

MS: Yeah, they do love him and he brought gongs and other things so the kids could learn about instruments from other countries. We also had a percussionist come and the vibraphonist, Randy Sutton.

It’s nice because the kids don’t usually get a chance to be up close and personal with musicians and instruments like that. It was important for them to see the final concert too, to see how something can grow from an idea in your head to the concert stage.

It’s a lesson that they can take for life.

PGN: It seems like so many politicians are cutting music and things they deem

“extra-curricular” from public schools.

What do you think of that type of budget slashing?

MS: It’s insane, not everyone is cut from the same cloth and not everyone has the same talents. Some people learn differently and music can teach alternative ways of learning. Everything, no matter what it is, starts with a creative process and a person who can think creatively, who can step out of the box. Kids need that type of intellectual exercise. If you cut that off, you damage the educational process for a lot of people. We need to embrace all students and teach more than the basic methods of learning.

PGN: Speaking of learning, I understand you’re performing for an educator next week: sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

MS: Yes, I’m playing guitar at the Elixir event. It’s a fundraiser for the Mazzoni Center. Dr. Ruth is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Pennsylvania

state Sen. Vincent J. Hughes and his wife Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive a Walter Lear Award. He’s been member of the Senate since 1994, and has been recognized for his work on HIV/AIDS and she is also an honored AIDS activist and the founding director of the DIVA Foundation. She is an actress [Deena in the original “Dreamgirls”] and created the organization in memory of the many friends she has lost to HIV/AIDS. It’s going to be a nice event. I hope everyone can make it. ■ Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala will take place at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., from 7-10 p.m.

May 20, with a special VIP reception at 6. Tickets and more information can be found at www.mazzonicenter.org. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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Steal my sunshine May is a great time of year in Philly.

The weather finally breaks and warm, sunny days start becoming the norm rather than the occasional tease. There’s nothing better than camping out in Rittenhouse Square with a tub of selfserve fro-yo for an afternoon of boyand/or girl-watching!

But if you’re like me and cursed with too much pale, northern European skin, then you can’t handle the sun for very long. Yes, I’ve already had my first sunburn of the year (damn you, ozone layer!). So here are some events where you can flirt to your heart’s content without having to worry about sunscreen.

it this time. Get your tickets now for the next performance from 9-11:30 p.m.

May 21 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Doors open at 8 and tickets are $30 for general admission or $60 for VIP (unreserved seating). For more information, see www.nightlifegay.com.

Big Gay Boat Party Frustrated by how few outdoor decks there are at Philly’s gay bars? Then the Big Gay Boat Party is for you!

Sisters and PhillyGayCalendar are sponsoring a tea dance from 5-10:30 p.m.

May 22 on the Moshulu at 401 Columbus Blvd. You can’t miss the Moshulu — it’s that big four-masted sailing ship that was converted into a bar Jim Kiley- and restaurant, docked on the Spectrum Philly Happy Hour River just south of Zufelt Delaware Spectrum Philly is a group Penn’s Landing. for young queer Jews and DJ Deejay, famous for their friends. They sponsor parties, his MMP parties (Madonna, Michael, Shabbat dinners, trips to cultural events Prince), will be spinning the tunes on and educational discussions. They’re the top deck so you can enjoy the warm hosting a spring happy-hour from 6:30weather and watch the sunset while you 8:30 p.m. on May 18 at Q Kitchen and dance. It’s as close as you can get to tea Lounge, 1234 Locust St. If the weather dance at the Boatslip in Provincetown is nice, look for them outside on the without leaving the tri-state area. patio.

Spectrum Philly is sponsored by The Mimi Imfurst: Second to None!

Collaborative, the Jewish Graduate If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s “Drag Student Network and Congregation Beth Race” like me, then Mimi Imfurst needs Ahavah. The group is open to people of no introduction. If not, then let me give all genders and orientations. you the “T” (that’s “truth” in ShangelaMention to the organizers that it’s your speak). She’s the girl who dressed as the first Spectrum event and they’ll comp Madonna in week one (that’s Immaculate your first drink! For more information, Conception Madonna, not Immaculate see www.spectrumphilly.org.

Collection Madonna), then a few episodes later was throwing another girl Dragapalooza returns! over her shoulder during what was arguDid you happen to read my column ably one of the best “Lipsync for Your in March? Do you remember what I Life” showdowns ever. said to do if you heard they were doing Mimi didn’t do very well on “Drag Dragapalooza again? Yes, people, this is Race,” which is a crime. I think it was a quiz, dammit. just the wrong platform for her unique I said, “Run, bitches, run and get your blend of crazy talents. She’s fierce funny, tickets!” OK, maybe I didn’t use those and she works her ass off to put on one exact words, but that was the general hell of a great show. And you can see her idea. My friends and I had a great time every week right here in Philly! at Dragapalooza in March and I’m so Mimi Imfurst hosts and stars in the happy to see they’re bringing it back for Dollhouse Revue 11 p.m.-1 a.m. every an encore performance.

Wednesday at Voyeur Nightclub. The Britanny Lynn will host the show, revue also features the amazing Omyra which will feature an amazing collection Lynn, Navaya Shay, Cherry Pop, Dame of divas, including Joey Josephs, Brenda Daja and Goddess Isis, plus special Dharling, Alexis Cartier, Jason Cozmo, guests and adorably hot dancing boys.

Navaya Shay, Isis, Mrs. Periwinkle, Doors open at 10 p.m. and there’s a $5 Omyra Lynn and Diana Dharling, who cover charge. pulls double duty as the show’s choreogAt the end of the show when she rapher. They’ll perform a collection of asks for requests be sure to yell, old and new Broadway hits with fabu“FREEBIRD!” Then she’ll know I sent lous costumes and amazing choreograyou. ■ phy.

If you missed “Dragapalooza: Questions, comments or news about Broadway Divas” when it sold out in upcoming events? Contact Jim at March, don’t miss your chance to catch barcrawlr@gmail.com.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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49

‘M’ is for masterful in Washington Square

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Sometimes a restaurant will oversell items on its menu, leaving diners disappointed that the blockbuster adventure their palette was promised didn’t live up to the hype on the menu.

Fortunately, that is not the case with M Restaurant at the Morris House Hotel, 231 S. Eighth St. The intimate Washington Square restaurant knows it’s working some serious magic in the kitchen so it keeps the descriptions simple and to the point: the name of the dish and its ingredients. And diners can rest assured they are in good hands with whatever they order.

M also insists on a certain level of protocol: It’s just this side fancy while being laidback and tranquil enough to impress just about anyone, especially if you dine in the outdoor garden. The

dress code is casual. You can wear jeans and the service will be every bit as friendly, but you may feel a bit underdressed.

Considering the décor, it’s no surprise that the meals tend to follow an ordered structure: the first course, a second course, a dessert and a cheese course that can either be the second course or the final course.

The first course dazzled. The sashimi of tartar and hamachi ($13) had bold, Asian-inspired and wonderful textures. The rillettes and pate ($11) was pleasantly rich and inventive, thanks in no small part to the “yolk” made of apricots that topped it.

Don’t skip on the cheese course. We’ve been through enough cheese plates at this point that it’s hard to impress us.

M’s cheese selection (four selections for $17, six for $24) is a wonderful array from farms all over the world. If you let the opportunity to sample these fine dairy products pass you by, you will regret it.

M’s culinary mojo really kicks in on the main course. The

If you go M Restaurant at the Morris House Hotel 231 S. Eighth St. 215-625-6666 www.mrestaurantatthemorrishousehotel.com Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday Open for brunch and a teadance cocktail social on Sunday

lobster and octopus ($32) was the picture of Asian-inspired elegance with the expertly cooked seafood awash in the flavors of dashi, soy cream and daikon. Even better was the cavatelli and fiori pasta ($23) The combination of sofrito and tomato petals, black trumpet and saffron and chamomile sabayon was so damn perfect we felt like we ought to sacrifice purveyors of boring pasta out of respect for what M has done for the art of pasta dishes.

M Restaurant at the Morris House Hotel definitely has the menu to back up its picturesque location. ■

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50 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

PGN

Worth Watching HIDE THE RUM!: Before the new “Pirates” film opens this month, bone up on Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and his adventures with “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” which wrapped up the action of the original trilogy, 8 p.m. May 14 on ABC. Photo: Disney Enterprises Inc./ Stephan Vaughan

PARTNERS IN CRIME: Robin (Cobie Smulders) and Barney (out actor Neil Patrick Harris) bond when they intervene in Ted’s relationship on a new episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” 8 p.m. May 16 on CBS. Photo: CBS/Ron P. Jaffe

“GOOD” GRIEF: On the season finale, Alicia (Julianna Margulies) and her gay brother Owen (Dallas Roberts) sort out the state of her complicated life after the fallout from finding out her husband had an affair with her bisexual coworker Kalinda back in the day, on “The Good Wife,” 10 p.m. May 17 on CBS. Photo: CBS/Jeffrey Neira

“FAMILY” FRICTION: During a family gathering, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) is upset about Mitchell’s (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) habit of laughing at his expense on a new episode of “Modern Family,” 9 p.m. May 18 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Eric McCandless

PGN PROFILE PGN

Q Puzzle Korean Creed Across 1. NG: Take the essentials of 8. Discrimination lawsuit reward 15. “South Pacific” setting, broadly 16. NG: Subject for civic improvement 17. Start of a quote about the deity 18. More of the quote 19. Guy under Hoover 20. They have foamy heads 22. NG: Least bit 23. Streisand’s cross-dressing movie 25. NG: Louis XIV,

par exemple 26. Flamboyant Flynn 27. NG: Allowing for future revision 30. End of the quote 36. Mychal Judge, e.g.

37. Took off one’s togs 39. NG: Stew veggie 40. Love-making sounds 44. NG: Sheltered on the sea 45. NG: Orchestral conductor Zubin 47. R. Mapplethorpe supporter 48. NG: Wipe away 49. NG: Palm Pilot, e.g.

50. Bianchi’s tools 53. Food and wine expert Allen 54. Source of the

quote 57. Vidal’s “Season of ___ “ 59. Moon of Uranus 62. NG: Be in charge of 63. NG: Toy racer 64. Having been dumped, e.g.

65. Coarse clothing from Barrie’s land

Down 1. Intercourse style 2. “___ to bury Caesar ... ” 3. Hardtop 4. Perineum, in slang 5. Senatorial seat holders, e.g.

6. Life partner 7. NG: Like lasagna 8. Take off your shorts?

9. First mate’s pair 10. NG: Month in Madrid 11. No longer lying with one’s partner 12. Be attracted to 13. Muse for Millay 14. George of “It’s My Party” 21. NG: Years on end 24. Woody pile 26. NG: Slight advantage 28. Honey holders 29. Breaks for Heather’s mommies 30. NG: Hot under the collar 31. Tool on a hose that blows 32. NG: Nitty-gritty 33. Enjoy phone sex 34. NG: Out of the blue

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

51

35. They go down south for the winter 36. NG: Splendid display 38. NG: Title document 41. Man in the can 42. Will of “The Waltons” 43. NG: Ladies’ rooms?

46. Straddling 48. NG: Third-party holding 51. Go together 52. Not erect 55. Bushy do 56. Ill will, or lack of grace 57. NG: End of many a web address 58. NG: Ab ___ (from the beginning) 60. Sonny, to Chaz 61. Caesar’s arts

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52 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

PGN

‘Injectionist’ goes (skin) deep on new series

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Rand Rusher, R.N., is used to seeing the fruits of his labor in movies, on television and in magazines.

But now it’s his turn to be on the business end of a camera.

On the reality series “Pretty Hurts,” cameras follow the openly gay, self-proclaimed “injector of the stars,” as Los Angeles residents and celebrities seek him out for the kind of aesthetic improvements that can only be found in a syringe full of fluids with really intimidating names.

“Pretty” is indeed painful and pricey, judging from what we’ve seen on the show so far (bleeding, drooling, swelling, numerous injections in the same face, etc.) but, according to Rusher, he has no shortage of clients eager to play the pincushion for his beautification services.

“This is a Mecca of this kind of stuff,” he said of Los Angeles. “A lot of people out here rely on their looks to get parts or job in modeling in acting. I think it’s safe to say on either coast, Miami, New York, L.A., these things are extremely popular and I think they’re becoming popular everywhere. This is kind of the non-extreme makeover. It’s what people can do for $300 or $3,000, not $30,000, on a facelift. It’s something you can do and look great in a few days or a

face. But any kind of dermal filler, I can do. The only thing I don’t really do is fat or silicone.”

Not so long ago, most people wouldn’t be so candid about any work they had done to improve or maintain their looks. But Rusher said these days the average person on the street (who can afford these treatments), as well as celebrities, are more open about the subject.

“When you see someone else who is close to your age RAND RUSHER ON “PRETTY HURTS” and they look great, you want to know why,” Rusher said. week or even later that day.”

For the record, we can barely afford “People are starting to finally realize that Noxema, but the rest of you can go on there are things that they can do. You’d fix ahead with your bad selves if your wallets you eyes or teeth if they were bad. If you don’t like that frown line, you can now get can swing it.

Like the “injectables” Rusher uses in his rid of that without too much of anything: 20 profession, there are some side effects he units of Botox and a couple hundred dolhas had to contend with in putting his busi- lars, and in about a week it’s gone. I think I’m taking the stigma out of this. It’s someness on television.

“What we’ve had to say on the show thing that lot of people make fun of. And is ‘freezer’ and ‘filler’ because the FDA like anything else, what can be done can wouldn’t allow us to say Botox or Juvederm be overdone. We’re not going to be overor Restylane,” Rusher explained. “So we doing people. If anything, I show a woman had to be generic, which made me crazy that has had too much stuff put in and I’ve because I sound like an idiot in my mind removed it.”

Rusher added that while there are people when I say I’m going to put freezer in your

who come to him with either impossibly high expectations of what he can do or have had too much work done already, those cases aren’t as common as they used to be.

“I explain things a lot better after doing this for 14 years,” he said. “Also people are not wanting as much or they are concerned about that look of ‘being done.’ But I still get one every once in a while who is trying to get a facelift out of it or has something that only surgery is going to fix. A lot of people will go find people that will promise them anything. There’s an old saying: If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. That’s why you see these people with so much stuff shoved into their face.”

Rusher also warns about trying to get the kind of work he does outside of a medical facility or with less than fully trained professionals.

“A lot of it has to do with monetary issues; someone is doing it cheap,” Rusher commented on the increasing cases of people getting bargain treatments. “Even some of my celebrity clients were going to someone who was doing silicone in the kitchen of some other movie star’s home. That ended up being a bad deal because they weren’t using human-grade silicone. People do need to be careful where they’re going.”

Pretty Hurts is on at 8 p.m. Saturdays on Logo. For more information, visit www. randrusher.com or www.logoonline.com. ■

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Talk about it: The best HIV prevention and treatment I took the rapid HIV test 15-some times Now, while this model seems optimal, in Philadelphia before I tested positive. not everyone is as keen on disclosing their The test takes about 20 minutes from when status outright, nor has the easiest time the nurse punctures your finger (with negeating healthy or exercising regularly or, ligible pain) to when you get your results. more importantly, using condoms. This Each of those 20 minutes were the longest model also assumes that the poz person of my life, not because I was aware of what in question has a supportive family and/or my medical life would entail if I tested group of friends, or that they even have the positive, but because I was too gumption for disclosure. occupied envisioning the comI’m lucky that I’ve already plete and utter collapse of my developed healthy exercissocial and love life. ing and eating habits (save the When I did test positive, occasional cheesesteak — when however, I was jolted by the in Rome, right?), my friends information overload I received and family are loving and edufrom the doctors and social cated on HIV and I have a natuworkers. The most terrifying rally healthy immune system. element of it all was what one However, while I always disyoung social worker said to me: close my status (which is never “While we want to help you live easy), I don’t typically use cona healthy, happy life, the choice doms when having intercourse is yours as to whether or not with other HIV-poz men, and you come back and see us. You have had my foray into various can walk right out that door and drug use (methamphetamines Aaron Stella included) that has facilitated never come back again, if you choose.” unsafe behavior — at times, “How many people never return?” I when HIV negative men were involved, asked. knowing others were poz and unconcerned And she said, “More than you think.” with the consequences after the fact.

When you discover you’re positive — or Such activity obviously not only puts poz — the initial shock can last anywhere HIV-neg people at risk, but myself as well. from two weeks to a year, according to var- Just because you’re poz doesn’t mean you ious testimonies. During that time, seeking can’t contract another strain of the virus, help, both emotionally and medically, is or — even worse — a super-infection, a paramount to managing the virus and mak- highly resistant strain of the virus immune ing good choices: The temptation to ignore to most available medications. your new sero-status is more attractive than HIV’s DNA is sloppy: It reacts differyou would think. ently to each person, as well as to various Let’s be honest: Every doctor, social forms of medication and one’s susceptibilworker and therapist will have different, ity for transmission. HIV treatment, then, if not vastly contrasting: perspectives on doesn’t solely concern HIV-poz folk, but post-poz care; meaning, that all the options the uninfected as well. for medication, therapy, matters of public So, what can you do, despite the extant and private disclosure and sexual activity temptations to ignore your sero-status, henceforth is ultimately up to you. to ensure a life led in sound mental and For the sake of discussion, I’ll outline bodily health? My answer: Talk about it. an HIV treatment regimen that most docA lot. Talk with doctors. Talk with social tors would agree is the safest and healthiest workers. Talk with your family and friends. option available: And if disclosure is an issue for you, attend Doctor visits every three months for support groups at any of the HIV-care blood tests and check-ups; taking medicafacilities available in Philadelphia. There’s tion; no smoking; eating healthy and exeralso a great website called thebody.com, cising regularly; attending regular therapy which offers a bounty of information consessions; disclosing one’s status to family cerning HIV, in addition to articles by HIV and friends and before any type of sexual columnists, like myself, who write about activity; and always using condoms (even the subject prolifically. during oral sex).

There are no debating schools of thought With this model, you would receive con- about dialoguing about HIV. It’s the best stant audits of your viral load (the partiprevention and treatment plan around and cles-per-million of the virus present in your should therefore be applied liberally. ■ blood), your T-cell count (white blood cells Aaron Stella is editor-in-chief of that play an essential role in bodily immuPhillybroadcaster (www.phillybroadcaster. nity), eventually becoming undetectable (aka possessing an infinitesimal viral load), com), an all-inclusive A&E city blog site in Philadelphia. Since graduating from Temple staying in good health, having a group of people aware of your status, getting imme- University with a bachelor’s in English, he diate reactions from potential sexual and/or has written for several publications in the romantic partners, as well as reducing the city, and now devotes his life to tackling the risk of transmission to its nadir. new challenges of HIV in the 21st century.

Millennial Poz

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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54 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 05/13 Guys Night Out: Eastern State Penitentiary Season Eastern State Penitentiary and the William Way LGBT Community Center host a changing series of artist installations and historic exhibits, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Guests will meet at the center, 1315 Spruce St., and take public transportation to the penitentiary.

RSVP is requested to cthompson @waygay.org or 215-732-2220.

Other Worlds?

The Philadelphia Orchestra, hosted by creative director Gerard McBurney

and conducted by Charles Dutoit, performs at 7 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Adele The United Kingdom singersongwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

Blackmore’s Night The renaissance/ folk-rock band performs at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.

Kathryn Stockett The author of “The

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Help” hosts a book signing at 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.

Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company’s Third Annual Benefit Cabaret The dance company performs a benefit show at 7:30 p.m. at Underground Arts at The Wolf Building, 1200 Callowhill St.; www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/166705.

Doug Stanhope The comedian performs at 9 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Lewis Black The comedian performs at 8 p.m. at the Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-652-5577.

Crosby & Nash The classic rock/ folk musicians perform at 9 p.m. at the Borgata

Sat. 05/14 House Party Flashback Hip-hop artists Chubb Rock, Nice N Smooth, Tuff Crew and Schooly D perform at 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

Maceo Parker Funk Night The Kimmel Center presents the legendary jazz/ R&B musician at 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

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AMERICANA: Andy Kahn, the Philadelphia jazz pianist, composer and producer behind the Karen Young hit “Hot Shot,” performs a series of shows featuring standards from The Great American Songbook through May 22 at Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media. For more information, visit www.maxroxx.com or call 610-565-4211.

Sugarland The country duo performs at 8 p.m. at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856365-1300.

Whose Live Anyway Cast members of the hit TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway” present a night of comedy and song, 8 p.m. at the Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-652-5577.

Paraguayan Bicentennial Gala Festival The Paraguayan Bicentennial Committee and the Paraguayan Embassy in Washington, D.C., celebrate the 200year anniversary of the independence of Paraguay with Paraguayan artists playing harps, guitars, piano, bass, singing and dancing, 8:30 p.m. at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800.

Larry King The talk-show host appears at 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Sun. 05/15 This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHSN266200600023T.

The Best Years of Our Lives The 1946 drama

film is screened at 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223.

These Amazing Shadows The documentary about The National Film Registry is screened at 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Crash Test Dummies The alt-rock band performs at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Mon. 05/16 Robert Randolph & the Family Band The rock group performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.

898-7595.

Conjunto Philadelphia The Philadelphia group specializing in the music of prerevolutionary Cuba performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Wed. 05/18 Avi Wisnia The out bassa-nova singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Thu. 05/19 Diane Ackerman The author of “One Hundred Names for Love: A Stroke, A Marriage and the Language of Healing” hosts a book event at 7:30

p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.

Paulie Shore The comedian performs at 9 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Fri. 05/20 The Losers Lounge Presents: A Tribute To Queen!

The cover band pays homage to Queen at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Weird Al Yankovic The comedy singer performs at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. ■

Wet Hot American Summer The comedy film is screened at 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Tue. 05/17 Caitlin Kelly: Reflections on a Career in Retail The former journalist hosts a discussion of her debut memoir, “Malled: My Unintentional Career in Retail,” 6 p.m. at Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St.; 215-

SUPERHERO SWING: Actress, singer and activist Lynda Carter, best known for playing Wonder Woman on TV, hosts a signing of her new jazz CD, “Crazy Little Things,” 7 p.m. May 17 at Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut St. Carter, a strong supporter of LGBT and civil-rights issues, resumed her career as a singer six years ago after taking a 20-year hiatus from the entertainment industry to raise her family in Washington, D.C. For more information, call 215-665-0716.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Big Numbers Peter Nero and the Philly Pops play their most requested songs, May 15-21 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Beethoven Symphony No. 9 The Philadelphia Orchestra performs the symphonic classic, May 19-24 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800.

Loving Him is Killing Me Angie Stone, NeNe Leakes and Tyson Beckford star in this dramatic production, May 19-22 at Kimmel’s Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Continuing Beware the Lily Law Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a video installation on the experiences of trans prisoners, through November, 2027 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-5111.

The Bridge Club Society Hill Playhouse presents a play set on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge as two characters contemplate ending their lives, through May 29, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0211.

Depth Perception AxD Gallery, through May 14, 265 S. 10th St.; 215-627-6250.

Dividing the Estate People’s Light & Theatre Company presents this drama set in Texas in the late 1980s during the oil recession, through June 5, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; 610-644-3500.

The Great American Songbook Jazz pianist Andy Kahn performs standards and jazz songs through May 22 at Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media; 610565-4211.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

Little Women Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the Broadway musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, through May 22, 120 Radcliffe St.; 215-785-0100.

exhibition focusing on Philadelphia’s tailoring industry, featuring clothing designed by Francis Toscani (1915-73), through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 hosts a salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, through June 26, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

To Love, Honor and Obey? Stories of Italian Renaissance Marriage Chests Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the commemorative works of art, through July, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

The Peacock Male: Exuberance and Extremes in Masculine Dress Philadelphia Museum of Art, through June, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

Roberto Capucci: Art into Fashion Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by Italian fashion designer and artist Roberto Capucci, through June 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

The Shadow Box Center City Theatre Works presents the drama about three terminally ill characters — one of whom is gay — being interviewed about death and dying, through May 21 at Upstairs at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; www.centercitytheatreworks.org or 215-546-6718.

Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America The National Constitution Center, through May 30, 525 Arch St.; 215-4096600.

String of Pearls Allens Lane Theater and Art Center presents story about a family’s search for a string of pearls handed down from generation to generation, through May 21, 601 W. Allens Lane; 215-248-0546.

Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an

BRAZILIAN TRACKS: Out bossa nova/folk singer-songwriter Avi Wisnia teams up with friend and fellow singer Denise Reis for a performance 8 p.m. May 18 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, visit www. aviwisnia.com or call 215-222-1400.

Tommy Media Theater presents the classic-rock opera through May 22, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Unsettled: Photography and Politics in Contemporary Art Philadelphia Museum of Art, through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Closing Hell EgoPo Theater, through May 15 at The German Society, 611 Spring Garden St.; www.egopo.org.

Holst The Planets The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with violinist Gil Shaham through May 17 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Judah Friedlander The comedian seen on “30 Rock” performs through May 14 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001.

New Hope Celebrates New Hope hosts its eighth annual Pride Week and Parade with a weeklong celebration of LGBT arts and culture, through May 15; www.newhopecelebrates.com. ■

MAKING A ‘KILLING’ ON STAGE: Playwright Theo London brings his dramatic comedy “Loving Him is Killing Me” to Philadelphia, starring R&B singer Angie Stone, NeNe Leakes from “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and model Tyson Beckford, May 1922 at Kimmel’s Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. The story involves a mother and a teenage daughter who both have eyes for the same man.

Just be glad this isn’t a Tyler Perry production. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5800.

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: diversions@epgn.com.

Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

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56 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

COMMUNITY PGN

Community Bulletin Board

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-568-6250.

Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; 215-898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday

Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org.

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: 3-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3-6 p.m. Tuesday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies

■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext.

221

■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment hot line: 215545-2212 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000

Key numbers

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBTLAW; legalservices@mazzonicenter. org ■ Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m.

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-536-2424.

Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822 or 866-2223871. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803.

■ 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.

HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077.

■ 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 informa-

Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services at 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020; www.mccphiladelphia.com.

Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St. (corner of Baltimore Avenue); 215-724-1702.

Old First Reformed Church Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m. Sundays September-June, and 10 a.m. June-August at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215-922-4566; www.oldfirstucc.org.

Central Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:45 a.m.

Sundays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-0664.

Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10 a.m.

Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penn’s Park; 215-598-7601.

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services at 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, at 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321.

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds Sunday services, with Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-3860234; www.philadelphiacathedral.org.

Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215-922-1128.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships at 11 a.m.

Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7260; cpmm@afsc.org.

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.

Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215-646-2597.

Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets every first and third Sundays of the month at 4 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, N.J.; 973-509-0118.

Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass at 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com.

Drexel Hill Baptist Church Non-judgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at Childs Avenue and State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356; www. dhbaptist.com.

■ 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.

■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; 856-8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal Church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays, with a contemplative communion at 8 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 at 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 liturgy at 9 and 11 a.m.

Sundays fall through winter and “Prayer Around the Cross” at 7 p.m. first Friday of the month at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918.

Episcopal Church of St. Paul Welcoming and inclusive church holds services at 9:30 a.m.

Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-688-1796; www.stpaullevittown.org.

St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass at 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-876-4067; www. inclusivecatholics.org.

Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian group meets at 2 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month; 215-860-7445.

First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853.

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 11 a.m. September-June and 10 a.m. July and August, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980; www. firstuu-philly.org.

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

Silverside Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-4785921.

Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-545-2673; www.emmanuelnb.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.

tion about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center.

Church of the Trinity Lutheran Reconciling in Christ Parish holds services at 10 a.m.

Sundays at 2300 S 18th St.; 215-334-6656.

First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-626-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterian. com.

Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Affirming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org.

BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Services at 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; 215-3430406.

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.

Professional groups

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3847 N. Dupont Hwy, Kent Plaza Suite #2, Dover, Del.; 302734-9350.

Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332; www.mluc.org.

St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church, with openly gay rector, celebrates Eucharist at 11 a.m. Sundays; adult forum is held at 9:30 a.m.; and evening prayer is at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www. stmarysatpenn.org.

Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m.

Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Children’s program pre-8th, 10:30 a.m.; youth programming 6 p.m. Sunday; 610-566-4853; www. uucdc.org.

The First United Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 11 a.m.

Sundays at 6001 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; 215-438-3677.

Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays September-June and 10:30 a.m. July and August at 6511 Lincoln Drive (West Mt. Airy); 215-844-1157; www.usguu.org.

Gay Christian Singles Philly Burbs Provides support and fellowship for GLBT singles through discussion groups and social events; 610-457-2081; gcsphillyburbs@aol.com.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services at 10:15 a.m. at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-667-3618.

Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy holds services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, except for fifth Sundays, which hold services at 9:30 a.m., at 224 E. Gowen Ave., Mt. Airy; 215-248-2950.

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

Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St.; 215-567-3668; www.lc-hc.org/drupal.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township, N.J.; 609-965-9400; www.uucsjs.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 Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St., Pottstown; 610-327-2662.

Interweave Organization of LGBT Unitarians and allies meets monthly at Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill, N.J., 401 N. Kings Highway; 856-667-3618; www.uucinch.org.

United Christian Church Open, affirming and welcoming congregation holds services at 10:15 a.m. Sundays at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215946-6800.

LC/NA Delaware Valley chapter A group for Lutherans who are not out in their own congregations meets at 7 p.m. fourth Sunday of the month at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-387-2885.

Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming GLBT congregation holds services at 2 p.m.

Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-222-3180.

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.

University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 with discussion of religious alienation and struggles of faith; 215-387-2885.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

REAL PGN ESTATE

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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.

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58 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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60 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 13-19, 2011

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