PGN May 24-30. 2013 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

“Bootycandy” is dandy

Family Portrait: Brad Richards PAGE 27

Request for Nizah Morris records sent to city law department

PAGE 29

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May 24-30, 2013

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Vol. 37 No. 21

Arrest made in NYC gay bashing of former Philly man

Philly’s out candidates miss out in primary By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The May 21 primary brought out just 7 percent of Philadelphia voters in an election that saw losses for a number of LGBT candidates, but victories for some allies. Out Harrisburg city controller Dan Miller lost his bid for the Democratic nomination for mayor to Eric Papenfuse. Papenfuse led Miller by fewer than 400 votes. Miller would have been the state’s first openly LGBT mayor. Openly gay attorney Leon A. King 2d was unsuccessful in his bid for the Democratic nomination for one of the six open seats for judge of the Court of Common Pleas. King came in 11th of twodozen candidates, receiving 12,845 votes, or 4.43 percent overall. The six candidates who received the Democratic nomination for Common Pleas include: Anne Marie Coyle, Timika Lane, Sierra Thomas Street, Joe Fernandes, Daniel D. McCaffery and Giovanni Campbell. Two LGBT candidates were among the more-than two dozen who ran for Traffic Court judge. Inja Coates received 5 percent of the vote and Robert Tuerk garnered 2.14 percent, putting them out of reach of the top three spots. Alan Butkovitz won the Democratic primary for city controller with 61.25 percent of votes, with challenger Brett Mandel taking 30.79 percent. Butkovitz will square off with Republican challenger PAGE 21 Terrence J.

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

DONNING THEIR CAPES: Delaware Valley Legacy Fund honored the best of the best at its annual HEROES celebration May 19. Among the honorees were Rossi Wellness Center owner John DelRossi (from left), Meredith Swinney accepting on behalf of the Philadelphia Foundation, Former Congressman Patrick Murphy, Franny Price, Johnny Weir, Chantel Wilson and John Cunningham, who posed with DVLF executive director Samantha Giusti after receiving their awards. About 175 people attended the event, which was held at Hotel Monaco for the first time and also included a first-ever after-party drag brunch at Fire & Ice. “DVLF was honored to recognize the work of such courageous leaders,” Giusti said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better event. We were thrilled with the beautiful new venue and the addition of the fabulous drag show after-party.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

A gay former Philadelphia party promoter was attacked Monday night in New York City, and the suspect has been charged with a hate crime. Dan Contarino was attacked and beaten unconscious Monday in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan by a man he had shared drinks with, police said. The suspect allegedly used antigay slurs during the attack. On Wednesday morning, police arrested 39-year-old Roman Gornell and charged him with assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment as a hate crime. Contarino, who spearheaded Shampoo Nightclub’s Shaft Friday

parties and moved from Philly about nine months ago, told PGN Gornell was an acquaintance he’d met through mutual friends. He said the two had gone to a bar and were walking home around 8:30 p.m. near Avenue D and East Fourth Street when Gornell, who he said was very intoxicated, began mumbling and then turned violent. “Honestly, the only way I can explain it is that he just snapped. Whether it was the alcohol or what, his personality just flipped,” Contarino said. “He started PAGE 21

Senior center to be ‘topped off’ next month By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Plans for the LGBT-friendly senior apartment facility are forging ahead on schedule. Mayor Michael Nutter will officiate a “topping-off” ceremony, as the final major piece of the structure is installed by crane, at 1 p.m. June 5 at the site, 249-257 S. 13th St. The John C. Anderson Apartments have been spearheaded by the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund and Pennrose Properties. The apartment complex will be one of the nation’s largest publicly funded LGBT facilities and one of just a handful of senior-living facilities designed for LGBT residents. Construction began on the $19.5-million property, which is supported by city, state and federal funding, in November. DmhFund president and PGN publisher Mark Segal said the project is on track. “We’re on schedule and on budget,” he said. “If things continue as we expect, we will finish completion and have our occupancy by Dec. 31 of this year.”

Segal said residents are expected to start moving there in January. The building will be home to 56 one-bedroom apartments for residents 62 and over. Each apartment will be 650 square feet, and all will be outfitted with modern conveniences such as dishwashers. Six of the units are handicap-accessible, and a portion of the apartments will be designated for low-income residents. A rental office will open at the William Way

LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., in late August. Segal said organizers will announce a series of information sessions to explain the application process closer to the opening of the rental office. Backers of the project will have a table at the June 9 Pride festivities where interested parties can sign up to receive information about the rental office and the learning sessions. The application process is expected to start in September. In addition to the residences, the facility will also have 1,700 square feet of commercial space. A tenant has not yet been obtained. Organizers are also in the process of identifying a building manager. “The position is for someone who has experience in building management, who knows how to work with seniors and who knows the LGBT community,” Segal said. The building, which Segal noted is environmentally green, will also boast one of the largest private courtyards in the city, a roof deck and a community room for use by area organizations. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

LOCAL PGN

PAC refers request for Morris records to city law department By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com At their May 20 public meeting, members of the city’s Police Advisory Commission referred requests for access to their Nizah Morris investigative file to the city law department. Five LGBT advocates attended the meeting and urged transparency in the Morris case. Morris was a transwoman who was found with a fatal head wound in 2002, shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. Her homicide remains unsolved. Citing an inefficient local investigation, the PAC issued a report last month that recommended state and federal probes of Morris’ homicide. But LGBT advocates in attendance said the PAC could help secure the probes by ensuring full transparency on the local level. So far, the PAC has declined to release its Morris records obtained from the District Attorney’s office, citing a state law that protects open homicide investigations.

In 2008, Common Pleas Judge Jane Cutler Greenspan signed an order granting public access to Morris investigative records in the possession of all city agencies, including the PAC. PAC secretary Chuck Volz said compliance with that order would be a matter for the city law department to handle. Volz said he personally supports transparency in the Morris case, but he also noted that the PAC is bound by state laws. Releasing the D.A.’s Morris records could affect the PAC’s ability to obtain additional investigative records from the D.A. in future cases, Volz added. LGBT advocate Rich Wilson said the D.A.’s office appears to be hiding facts in the Morris case, rather than properly investigating it. “I think there’s been minimal transparency in this case,” Wilson told PAC members. “Since 2002, the police and D.A.’s office have been covering up a murder that any other person would not have gotten away with.” Trans activist Kathleen R. Padilla also spoke in favor of transparency. “This case smells of cover-up,” Padilla

said. “We don’t know exactly what is being covered up, but something is definitely being covered up.” She pointed to missing 911 transmissions, altered police records, a lost homicide file and the refusal of local authorities to answer any questions about the case. “The statute of limitations is over for those improprieties, so there cannot be an open investigation for any criminal acts associated with them,” Padilla said. Trans activist Sheila Colson-Pope said transparency in the Morris case could help improve relations between the police and transgender community. “The cops see us as faggots in wigs — nothing more, nothing less,” Colson-Pope said. “I know that there are some good cops who really do their jobs. However, there are bad ones also. Get hurt, and see how fast one responds.” After the meeting, PAC executive director Kelvyn Anderson said he expects the PAC would grant public access to all of its Morris records, if instructed to do so by the city law department. “I don’t think it would be in our interest to argue against transparency in this case,”

Anderson said. In a related matter, Anderson said he’ll send a letter to Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey shortly, reminding him of his duty to respond to the PAC’s Morris report. So far, Ramsey hasn’t responded to the report, which also calls for enhanced LGBT training for police cadets and clear policies on “courtesy rides,” the use of cell phones by police personnel and the handling of “hospital cases.” But, Anderson noted that Ramsey’s legal advisor, Lt. Francis Healy, has been out of state participating in a training program this month. Padilla thanked PAC members for their efforts. “I appreciate the PAC’s commitment to completing this case of many, many years, especially given their very limited responsibilities,” Padilla said. “They don’t do criminal investigations. And I’m encouraged that they’re willing to try and work to achieve transparency for the public in this case. We look forward to hearing from [state] Attorney General Kathleen Kane on the status of the investigation.” ■

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — NORTH OF C.C.

1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beehive Hair Salon, 2319 Fairmount Ave. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Crooked Frame Café, 2545 Brown St. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Filter Coffee House, 331 Race St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st ﬂoor • Shampoo, Seventh & Willow sts. • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •

PHILADELPHIA — SOUTH OF C.C.

Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Carmen’s Country Kitchen, 11th & Wharton sts. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Equal, 1516 Snyder Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Expressive Hand, 622 S. Ninth St. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Hideaway, Days Inn, 2015 Penrose Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Kris Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • South Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — UNIVERSITY CITY

Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER

Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Coffee Junction, 7210 Cresheim Road • Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • GWHS Beacon Center, 10175 Bustleton Ave. • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Prevention Point, 166 W. Lehigh Ave. • Today’s Videos, 9255 Roosevelt Blvd. • Touch of Class Books, 3342 Kensington Ave. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

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BEST OF THE BUSINESSES: Mayor Michael Nutter (from right) shared a laugh with US Airways senior vice president Suzanne Boda and Metro Men’s owner Tom Longo at the Independence Business Alliance’s 2013 PNC Bank LGBT Business Awards May 20 at Sofitel Hotel. Metro Mens was awarded $5,000, presented by PNC Bank regional president Bill Mills, while Boda provided the keynote address to the approximately 150 guests. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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What special challenges does the LGBT community face when it comes to the law? Whether it’s adoption, co-habitation agreements or a will, Angela Giampolo shares legal advice for our community each month.

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REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Homeless hitchhiker arrested in Philly for murder By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Caleb “Kai” McGillvary had his 15 minutes of fame on YouTube in February after saving a man’s life with a hatchet. But now, McGillvary is back in the news for allegedly ending a man’s life, in an incident that some outlets are speculating started as a gay hookup. McGillvary, 24, has been charged with the brutal murder of 73-year-old New Jersey attorney Joseph Galfy. He was arrested at the Greyhound Bus terminal on Filbert Street in Philadelphia last Thursday. Authorities say McGillvary and Galfy met in Times Square in New York City May 11 and then headed to Galfy’s home in Clark, N.J., where McGillvary spent two nights. McGillvary, who is homeless, had been reported to be on a cross-country trek staying with “fans” who followed his viral video, in which he described how he stopped an attack on a utility worker by fending off the assailant with a hatchet he was carrying. On May 13, Galfy was found beaten to death in his home wearing only socks and underwear. On his Facebook page May 14, McGillvary asked followers what they would do if they “woke up with a groggy head, metallic taste in your mouth in a stranger’s house” and had been raped

by a man. One poster suggested McGillvary hit the assailant with a hatchet, to which McGillvary replied, “I like your idea.” Both Union County police and the prosecutor’s office declined comment to PGN on whether the victim and suspect had a sexual encounter. McGillvary was arraigned in Philadelphia last Friday and will be transferred to the Union County Jail in Elizabeth, N.J., where bail will be set at $3 million. Sharon Stapel, executive director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project, which coordinates the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, said the incident “looks very much like the hook-up violence we are seeing in our work.” “We know there is a need for LGBTQ-specific and mainstream community-based organizations to develop programs and campaigns to increase public awareness of hook-up violence and intimate-partner violence affecting our communities,” she added. “We also want all LGBTQ people to have the information they need to stay safe.” Garden State Equality has been in touch with NYCAVP, although communications director TJ Helmstetter noted that such cases are not the organization’s focus. “We’ve been in close communication with the AVP and obviously these kinds of acts are deeply troubling and we are staying on top of the facts as we learn them,” Helmstetter said. ■

PLAYING FOR HOPE: HIV/AIDS advocates from around the region gathered at the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia May 17 for the annual Celebration of Hope event in honor of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. Sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania HIV Prevention Community Advisory Board, the event included a series of live performances, including from John Lyons (left) and Quincy Greene, and was emceed by Fox29 anchor Thomas Drayton. For more information on Penn’s HIV vaccine efforts, visit www.phillyvax. org. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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LOCAL PGN

LEADING THE LADIES: About 160 people turned out to honor the “leading ladies” in the LGBT health community at Mazzoni Center’s annual Elixir fundraiser May 18 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The LGBT health facility paid tribute to three women who have made strides for LGBT health: Dr. Marla Gold, outgoing dean of the Drexel University School of Public Health (from left), Philadelphia AIDS Thrift co-owner Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou and longtime LGBT community advocate and activist Jaci Adams. Mazzoni Center development director Perry Monastero said the organization is still in the process of collecting donations but so far the event already brought in more than $90,000. The funding will support the expansion of women’s health services at Mazzoni’s Family and Community Medicine, including the purchase of specialized equipment and the hiring of new medical staff. Photo: Scott A. Drake

CBLSL to host tournament with Boston beneficiary By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Memorial Day weekend is here and that means the City of Brotherly Love Softball League is gearing up for its annual Liberty Bell Classic. The fifth annual tournament, May 2426, will feature a wealth of competitions as well as parties that will, in part, celebrate the league’s 30th anniversary. The event is expected to bring 450 players and supporters from 44 teams from New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, North and South Carolina, Southern New England, Virginia and the Philadelphia region. Instead of using all tournament proceeds to support CBLSL, the league will donate a portion of the money raised to One Fund Boston, which is helping relief efforts in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing, as well as all proceeds from T-shirts sales. “We have teams that come from Boston and we have good relationships with Boston leagues and so, after the Boston Marathon tragedy, we unanimously decided this would be a good idea to show support for Boston and the teams that support the Liberty Bell Classic,” said CBLSL publicity committee member Caitlin Smith. CBLSL commissioner Bob Lenahan agreed that it was important to support both Boston and its sports community. “We have always had a very close relationship with the teams in Boston. They are

always so supportive of Liberty Bell Classic and we enjoy going to their tournaments as well,” he said. “Donating proceeds of the tournament to One Fund Boston was just one way for us to give back and show our support after this terrible tragedy.” Smith has been playing for the league for six years, but has long been a spectator and a cheerleader for her mom, who played for the league since Smith was 10. She said throughout her years involved, she has enjoyed watching friendships evolve, which is evident at the annual tournament. “It’s great. What I like about the Liberty Bell Classic is that the teams that come to Philly are really only ones you see when you go to tournaments,” she said. “Different teams come down, like New York, and they have friendships on our team that have developed from going to tournaments. It is interesting to see the dynamic.” Games will be held at Edgley and Dairy Fields, as well as at a field in New Jersey. There will also be plenty of social events for players and supporters, starting with an opening party from 7-10 p.m. May 24 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. A Gayborhood block party will kick off at 7 p.m. May 25 on Camac Street, and the tournament will wrap up with a closing party at 6 p.m. May 26 at Fox & Hound, 1501 Spruce St. For more information on the classic, visit www.libertybellclassic.org or www.cblsl. org. ■

REGIONAL PGN

News Briefing Sentence imposed in prison assault Justin O’Brien was sentenced last week to 74 months in prison for the assault of openly gay inmate Kenneth J. Houck Jr. and three unrelated bank robberies. U.S. District Judge Jan E. DuBois imposed the sentenced during a May 14 court proceeding. On Nov. 10, 2011, O’Brien and Kevin V. Hannig assaulted Houck at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. Houck’s leg was broken during the assault. He continues to recover from his injuries at a Federal Medical Center in Devens, Mass. O’Brien also must serve three years of supervised released after his prison sentence is completed, according to court records. Hannig also pleaded guilty to Houck’s assault, and his sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. July 18 in Courtroom 14B of the U.S. Court House before U.S. District Judge William H. Yohn Jr. At the time of his assault, Hauck was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. His projected release date is March 3, 2018, if he doesn’t commit any infractions while in custody. O’Brien and Hannig remain incarcerated at the detention center.

Judge mulls Laird’s request for a new trial Richard R. Laird’s request for a new trial in the grisly slashing death of gay artist Anthony Milano remains pending before Bucks County Common Pleas Judge Rea B. Boylan. Laird and Frank R. Chester were convicted of murdering Milano in December 1987, after escorting him out of a Tullytown tavern. Both men were convicted of first-degree murder in 1988 and sentenced to death. Laird was granted a retrial in 2007, and another Bucks County jury convicted him of first-degree murder and sentenced him to death. In court papers, Laird contends he received ineffective assistance of counsel during the retrial, noting that evidence supporting alleged abuse from his father wasn’t brought to the attention of jurors. Billy H. Nolas, an attorney for Laird, had no comment for this story. Stephen B. Harris, chief of appeals for the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, said Laird received a proper retrial in 2007.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

“It’s the commonwealth’s position that Mr. Laird had very good legal representation, and that he had a fair trial,” Harris told PGN. “Mr. Laird was properly convicted and re-sentenced to death.” Laird, 49, remains on death row at a state prison in Greene County. Chester’s appeal for a new trial remains pending in federal court. Chester, 44, remains on death row at the state prison in Graterford.

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Request for attorney’s incarceration withdrawn Attorneys for a man who says Officer Michael A. Paige sexually assaulted him while the officer was on duty have withdrawn their request for the incarceration of Paige’s attorney. Brian F. Humble, an attorney for James Harris, filed a legal pleading in March that requested the incarceration of Paige and his attorney, Brian M. Puricelli. The pleading contended that both men violated a court order requiring them to inform the court of Paige’s expected return to Pennsylvania after Paige completes military duty in Missouri. But last month, Humble filed a motion that withdraws the request for Puricelli’s incarceration, noting that Puricelli recently advised the court of Paige’s expected return to the city in May. Humble and Puricelli had no comment for this story. In March 2007, Paige allegedly forced Harris to perform oral sex on him in a secluded area of Fairmount Park, while Paige was on duty. The following year, Paige was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. But in June 2012, a federal jury awarded Harris $165,000 in damages due to the alleged assault. Harris is seeking payment of about $3,100 in legal fees from Paige, but a hearing on that request hadn’t been scheduled at press time. — Timothy Cwiek

Anna Crusis honors local individuals The Anna Crusis Women’s Choir will celebrate local heroes during the oganization’s “Good Happens: Honoring Our Ordinary Heroes” at 7:30 p.m. June 1 and 2 p.m. June 2 at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. The women’s choir is asking that the community submit names and stories of individuals who have inspired them and who they consider to be heroes for possible inclusion in the event. Tickets for the concert are a suggested $20 donation on a $15-$50 sliding scale. To purchase tickets or nominate someone as a hero, visit www.annacrusis.com. ■ — Angela Thomas

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LOCAL PGN

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between May 6-12. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS

TOWEL, PLEASE!: Club Philly employees Zach Christie (left) and Mitch Holmes take a few minutes to act up in the venue’s shower/dance stage, one of the new features of the completely renovated bathhouse. The platform will play host to porn stars like opening-weekend guests Nick Moretti and Damon Dogg. The business, formerly Club Body Center, reopened May 17 after about a six-month renovation due to a laundry-room fire. Chris Smicek, who plans to buy the business, said all memberships would be extended to cover the time the establishment was closed. Photo: Scott A. Drake

— At 2:10 a.m. May 5, a man was walking in the 200 block of South Camac Street when a man with a handgun pushed him against a wall and stole his wallet. The suspect was described as a white male in his 30s, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, with blonde hair, wearing a black wind breaker and jeans. — Between 4:15-4:30 a.m. May 6, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1200 Market St. — At 1 p.m. May 11, a male attempted to steal the tip jar from Capogiro, 119 S. 13th St., but an employee thwarted him. The suspect fled and was described as a white male, about 30, 6 feet, with short brown hair, wearing a red shirt and jeans. — At 9 p.m. May 11, a resident was awakened by a noise in the rear of an apartment in the 300 block of South Juniper Street

and found a rear window open and a laptop missing. — At 7:15 p.m. May 12, someone stole an iPhone from a charger inside the Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. The male suspect was known to the victim. Central Detective Division is investigating. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 1:20 p.m. May 9, a woman was on a westbound Market-Frankford train when a man snatched her iPhone and fled at 13th Street. The victim chased him, and a witness held the suspect until SEPTA Police arrived. The 15-year-old suspect was charged with theft. — At 2 p.m. May 9, a man returned a rental car to Hertz at 1201 Market St. and returned later after realizing he left his iPad in the car. The manager had the employee who cleaned the car escort the man to retrieve the iPad but it was missing. The employee said he didn’t see the device but the man activated the “Find My iPad” app and located it at an Upper Darby store. The store manager showed him video of the male who sold it and it was the same employee who escorted the complainant to the car. The victim returned to Hertz the following day and showed the manager the video, who also identified the employee. Police were called and the 21-year-old male was arrested and

charged with theft from a motor vehicle. — On May 9, 6th District plainclothes officers made two arrests for prostitution at 9:30 p.m. outside 261 S. 13th St. and at 11 p.m. outside 300 S. 12th St. — At 8:05 p.m. May 10, SEPTA police arrested a 22-year-old suspect on the subway platform at Eighth and Market streets, and was charged him with possession of marijuana. — At 11:15 p.m. May 11, 6th District Officers Seifert and Wenger arrested a male outside 200 S. 12th St. who was wanted for probation violations. The 51-year-old homeless suspect was charged with escape. — On May 11, a domestic sexual assault was reported inside the Parker-Spruce Hotel, 261 S. 13th St. Later that night, 6th District Officer Cella arrested the known suspect at 315 S. Broad St., and he was charged with sexual assault and related offenses. — At 1:40 a.m. May 12, a bartender at Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St., told a male patron he was intoxicated and would not be served any more drinks. The male stole $60 from the bar that belonged to another patron and left. Sixth District Sgt. Galonsky and Officer White responded to the 911 call and stopped the suspect a short distance away. The money was recovered and the suspect, with a Phoenix, AZ, adress was charged with theft. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

RAINBOWS DESPITE RAIN: Although the weather was less than stellar, hundreds of LGBTs and allies turned out for the 10th anniversary of New Hope Celebrates Pride, May 18 in the Bucks County town. The annual parade headed down Main Street while dozens of vendors sold their wares at a vendor festival at the lot of the Bucks County Playhouse. This marked the first time that the playhouse lot was incorporated into the event. The spot later in the day hosted a post-parade block party that featured performers such as Shara Strand, Pussycat Dolls member Jessica Sutta and comic Mimi Gonzales (top left). Venues throughout the town opened their doors for Pride-themed parties, including a New Hope Celebrates 10th birthday bash at The Raven, with proceeds going to the organization. Photos: Scott A. Drake

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Noson Leiter

Editorial

Fighting back on all fronts The recent wave of antigay violence in New York City touched Philadelphia this week with an attack on a former resident. While all of the recent incidents appear isolated, each instance of violence is one too many. And stemming what could be a growing wave of antigay violence needs to be a collaborative effort involving proactive efforts from LGBTs, allies and all citizens concerned about the scourge of violence on our cities. First, individuals need to take steps to protect themselves. Anyone can be a victim, so regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, standard safety guides can be helpful for anyone — not walking by yourself at night, remaining aware of your surroundings, keeping cell phones and other belongings out of sight. But, as we have seen in recent weeks, those simple rules may not serve to protect from an assailant bent on bringing harm to someone because of his or her suspected orientation or identity. While tremendous strides have been made for LGBT equality, that doesn’t mean the community can become complacent. LGBT people shouldn’t be afraid to hold their partners’ hands or attend a Pride event, but they also need to be ever-aware of their surroundings and cognizant of whom they’re associating with. Bystanders can also play an active role in fending off crime. In the Monday evening incident in New York City, more than 20 people witnessed the attack, and many rushed to the aid of the victim, and sought to stop the assailant. Just as antibullying advocates laud the role that students can play in speaking up for bullied classmates, passersby can also be key players. Whether the intervention comes from the friends of a victim, strangers on the street or even companions of an aggressor, it is important that all parties who have the opportunity to safely attempt to diffuse a potentially violent situation capitalize on that chance. Cooperation is also imperative from law enforcement. When a person becomes a victim, the last thing he or she needs or deserves is further victimization from the authorities investigating the crime. In the recent New York incidents, every indication is that police were respectful of the victims and committed to seeking justice, but law-enforcement agencies across the country should be proactive in ensuring that their officers and investigators are well-trained to provide equal levels of service to all victims. Finally, antigay violent crimes need to be viewed by law as equal to crimes motivated by the victim’s race, religion, national origin or other classes often protected in hate-crimes laws. Pennsylvania does not currently include sexual orientation and gender identity on the same level as these protected classes, although a federal law does. The state, and the many others that have not yet enhanced their hate-crimes laws, need to move forward, and quickly, to communicate the message that violence against LGBTs is not accepted. Fighting back against anti-LGBT violence needs to be a cooperative effort with genuine commitment on all fronts. ■

The Christian-dominated religious right in America is not exactly known for being BFFs with Jews. I mean, there’s that whole “your people killed Jesus” thing that some people take issue with. And, of course, every religion thinks they have the right answer and everybody else is just kidding themselves, and that’s certainly at play when it comes to Christian/Jewish playdates. However, if there’s one thing radical Christians love, it’s someone who speaks their language of antigay ideology. And Noson Leiter of Torah Jews for Decency fits that bill just fine, thank you. After all, last year he blamed Hurricane Sandy on gays and lesbians. On May 9, Leiter spoke during a Tea Party Unity conference call about how scary homos are and how there is no difference between homosexuality and pedophilia while he outlined a giant gay conspiracy against the rest of the country, which will be news to anyone who is actually gay. “The end game is that we are the target,” Leiter said. “It’s not that they are stepping on all of our rights and basically advancing the cause of child molestation in order to get to some other goal, that is part of their goal.” In other words, gays may say they want things like marriage rights and protection from things like hate crimes and employment discrimination, but all gays really want is to snatch up the children of heterosexuals. “The nature of radical pederasty basically involves the victimization of kids,” Leiter said. He then tripped all over himself trying to bring up the North American Man Boy Love Association. “The acceptance of NAMBLA — National Association of Man Boy Love, uh, the National Man, uh, I think it’s North American Association, the Man Boy Love Association, something like that — which has been traditionally accepted by mainstream homosexual activists in their marches historically, that reflects more than just the radical fringe, that reflects the unstated agenda, ultimately that’s what these people are after: They are after our kids.” First of all, NAMBLA is hardly a mainstream organization, though it is, in fact,

real. However, saying that NAMBLA represents all homosexuals is like saying that the Westboro Baptist Church represents all Christians. Or like saying Noson Leiter speaks for all Jews. But NAMBLA fits the antigay narrative that folks like Leiter want so badly to believe is true, and so they love to bring it up as if it is definitive proof. It isn’t. Seriously, if NAMBLA was really a leader in the LGBT-rights movement, they’d have a more professional-looking logo and website. But it’s not just children that gays are after. “They are after the Bibles and guns that Americans cling to,” Leiter claims. I, personally, did not get this memo from Homo Headquarters. I’ve been trying to figure out when I’m going to have time this week to mow my lawn and do some laundry, and now I’ve got to go from house to house rounding up Bibles and guns? I don’t have time for this shit and neither does any other LGBT person I know. OR DO WE? (Cue evil laughter.) Seriously, though. Leiter is totally serious. He claims that “homosexual activists ... will not rest until all of their opposition is totally eliminated, and coopted and converted to their side.” Leiter goes on later to rant about “homosexualist terrorism.” Uh, whoa. Who is this guy talking about? You know that Dove “Real Beauty” commercial where the sketch artist draws women how they describe themselves and then draws them how another person describes them? I would like to see that commercial redone using actual gays and lesbians describing themselves compared to Leiter and his ilk describing gays and lesbians. Because those pictures are going to be very different. I’m talking horns and fangs different. Then again, I can joke all I want about how disconnected Leiter is from the real world. He, and people who think like him, are a scary reality. ■

In other words, gays may say they want things like marriage rights and protection from things like hate crimes and employment discrimination, but all gays really want is to snatch up the children of heterosexuals.

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.

PGN

OP-ED PGN

Is this the beginning of an LGBT backlash? There’s a word you need to know: We need to be prepared for such actions, Backlash. and like most issues preparation can come Recently, we have seen an uptick in by looking at your history. And this coming month is a perfect example of our hisantigay hate crimes, but you might notice tory. a pattern. They seem to be coming from places where there is success in nondisThe first gay Pride march in 1970 in crimination and marriage equalNew York City was called the Christopher Street Day ity — namely this week in New Liberation March. In 1970, we York City, with what looks like didn’t know how many would three occurrences. The first show up or how we would be was just blocks away from the treated as we marched out of the iconic Stonewall Inn, another village all the way to Central in the East Village and then another in the Bronx. Park. In order to safeguard our This could be a pattern, could community, those of us who be just a series of copycat inciwere marshals were to take martial arts and self-defense courses dents, isolated but similar, or at Alternate U. they can be the start of a backlash. That first march changed the For the most part, the strugworld. It gave us gay Pride and gle for LGBT equality has been we who were marshals were the a peaceful one. There are, of most surprised, since we never Mark Segal expected that thousands would course, the images of Matthew Shepard and Harvey Milk, and show up to march with us. And although we were prepared, there were one cannot underestimate the suffering no violent issues. Haters just stood on the of our endangered youth who have been sidelines thinking, These people will get bullied, in some cases to death. But all of nowhere. them were isolated to their region. Well, we have, and it’s time to take a cue A backlash happens when those who from our history and begin to safeguard most oppose your rights begin to realize our community with basic self defense. that you’ve won, and then strike back with Creating community means providanger. That anger is usually in the form of ing what the community needs, and that violence. New York had a highly competitive fight for marriage equality and, follow- includes safeguarding ourselves. ■ ing its victory, came many more around the country. Those haters, who cannot come to Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT terms with this sea change, sometimes act media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. out.

Mark My Words

Letters and Feedback

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Street Talk Will Philadelphia ever become the most LGBT-friendly city in the country? “Yes. This is a large metropolitan area. The gay community is very organized. With that being said, I can Quinton Briggs easily see student it becoming Pennsauken, N.J. the most LGBT-friendly city in the United States. Philly’s LGBT community will probably branch out a lot and win that position someday.”

“No. I’ve lived in many different cities. Philadelphia doesn’t measure up, in terms of acceptance and inclusive- Kevin Fortney flight attendant ness. It seems Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. to be more conservative than other cities. And the LGBT community is very segregated. Philadelphia is not as progressive as one would like to see.”

“No. I’m from New York. I have tons of LGBT friends there. Philadelphia can’t hold a candle to cities like New York Audelio Nieves and Atlanta. barber It is getting Bella Vista more friendly but there’s way too much competition for Philadelphia to ever hold the number-one spot.”

“Yes, but not for at least another 50 years. Philadelphia has a lot of potential. I’ve seen many advances for the LGBT Janelle Smith animator community. South Philadelphia But it’s a very divided community. Once it becomes more united, there’s more of a chance. I also hear a lot of anti-LGBT slurs in this city. That needs to be cleaned up.”

Standing up to violence To the editor: There has been a cluster of gay bashings recently. This morning, I was sent a picture of a young man I know who was attacked. It was not a good way to wake up. It seems like I hear about these things more often than not. I wonder what these men go through when faced with these awful situations. Recently, a couple was walking through Midtown Manhattan near Madison Square Garden when a group of eight young men who just left a Knicks game assaulted the two men. The news report said that witnesses recorded the assault with cell phones. No one intervened. Police are still looking for the eight suspects. Less than a week later, two men were attacked near a Midtown PATH station. Port Authority Police apprehended two of the suspects. Both victims were rushed to

the hospital, where one of the men underwent eye surgery. Another man was shot in the head and killed near Stonewall Inn, where in 1969 a violent crack down and police intimidation gave birth to what we know as the gayrights movement. There has been a recent spike of gay bashings being reported in the news — in France, while French legislators were voting on same-sex marriage; in the U.K.; and here in the U.S., it seems like the reports just keep coming in. Just this morning, I got a message from a friend telling me that a former Philly local was attacked in the East Village. His attack was the same night as a rally of LGBTs and allies in response to the recent spike in antigay violence in New York City. It feels reminiscent of the cluster of LGBT-related suicides in 2010. It is remi-

niscent because when we hear about these cases, people feel helpless. Personally, I feel mad. However, I understand why others feel fear. They are worried about the safety and well being of themselves, their friends and their families. I just feel angry. Aside from the many questions that are raised with this recent spike in violence towards the LGBT community, I have other questions — questions that are rarely asked. Questions like: Have we as LGBT people been lulled into a false sense of safety because of all the same-sex-marriage talk? Do we think that the movement is over because President Obama supports LGBT equality? What can we as individuals do to protect ourselves? Something similar to a town watch? Community self-defense classes? Why in these cases do we not fight back? Since I was younger, I’ve always car-

ried a knife on me when I go out, especially when I go out by myself. I lived in Camden, N.J., and Philadelphia. I understand very clearly what kind of danger is present. Ongoing. I am always aware of my surroundings. I am quite observant and take mental stock of every situation I am in. The vicious beating and death of Matthew Shepard changed me. It changed my life. Very quietly I watched the news reports in 1998. I was in high school. I was still in the closet. He died on my birthday that year. His unnecessary death has stayed with me all these years. It gave me motivation. I said to myself that I would not be a victim. That I would fight back. That even if it was only me, that I would push back against all the violence, all the hatred and all the bigotry. A couple of years ago, I went to a book signing with Matthew PAGE 16

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

NEWS PGN

Obituaries

Shawn O’Shea, artistic director, 42

Eddie Coogan, former New Hope bartender, 55 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Eddie Coogan, a former bartender at a number of venues in New Hope, died May 11. The cause of death was unknown by presstime. Coogan was born Feb. 6, 1958, in Valley Forge. He grew up in Virginia and eventually settled in New Hope, where he lived for the past 30 years. Coogan, 55, was self-employed as an inhome dog groomer, and ran his own business for the past 25 years. Coogan was a volunteer for New Hope Celebrates and also served on the board of directors for FACT Bucks County. Cora Berke, a friend of Coogan, knew him for six years. Berke served on the board for FACT Bucks County with Coogan, but the two met when she brought her dog to Coogan’s business. “We became the best friends on this earth,” she said. Berke remembered Coogan for his loyalty and his compassion for others. “Eddie had a passion for life. He was exuberant and he wore his heart on his sleeve,

which was what attracted me to him,” she said. “He would do anything for anyone. His level of compassion was amazing.” Berke said Coogan was a well-known entity in New Hope. “Everyone loved Eddie. It was his care and his concern for the whole community that made him special,” she said. “His smile lit up the whole room. He was the goto guy and our whole town is grieving.” Coogan previously worked as a bartender at number of New Hope venues. Berke said Coogan will be especially missed by his wide circle of friends. “He was passionate about his friends,” Berke said. “If Eddie loved you, he would be loyal to you — loyalty was his thing. He was always there for his friends.” A memorial service and burial ceremony were held May 17 at St. Phillip’s Church in New Hope. Coogan was buried in Holy Cross Burial Park in South Brunswick, N.J. Friends of Coogan are planning a memorial service at The Raven in New Hope. Coogan is survived by his partner, Raymond Shaffer; mother Elsie Smith Coogan Frizzel; sister Constance Tribo and brother-in-law Thomas Tribo Jr.; brother William Coogan and sister-in-law Ruth; brother Arthur Coogan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his two dogs, Wilma and Jasper. ■

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

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Shawn O’Shea, producing artistic director and founder of Writing Man Production, died May 9 after a long battle with HIV/AIDS. He was 42. O’Shea, an Upper Darby native, lived in both San Francisco and Philadelphia for most of his life, but relocated back to California recently. O’Shea dedicated his life to the arts and started his career in theater after working as a sales representative for the Wilma Theater’s fundraising and subscription campaign. “He helped raise vital funds to continue the Wilma mission,” said friend Mark Dahl. Dahl remembered O’Shea as an all-around positive employee and said it was at Wilma where O’Shea realized his passion for playwriting, a field he entered after working as a journalist for 25 years. “He was great, always upbeat and laughing and great to be around,” Dahl said. “Being around all that theater and after he did journalism for 25 years, he said, ‘I think I want to write a play.’” O’Shea founded Writing Man Productions in 2007 and wrote and produced his first

play shortly after, called “Starlight Supply,” which premiered at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Dahl said he admired O’Shea’s playwriting talent. “He was a great artist and playwright, and he was able to do what a lot of people can’t do — write and pull a scene together and produce it, direct it and present it on the stage. He had all those capabilities.” Michael Stimson worked as the production manager for a show O’Shea directed and said he had a great work ethic. “We worked on a show called ‘Ships’ for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival three years ago. He was an awesome director,” Stimson said. “I never hung out with him outside of working, but he was a fantastic director. He made everything a collaborative effort. He was a pretty cool guy.” O’Shea wrote a blog for Salon.com titled “Life in Recovery from Crystal Meth, Booze & AIDS.” Dahl added that O’Shea was an honest person who was open about his AIDS diagnosis. “I liked his honesty,” he said. “He was an easygoing guy, he didn’t get upset easily and he was patient and brutally honest about living with AIDS and his struggles. It was rare to find someone that honest.” To read O’Shea’s blog, visit www.open. salon.com/blog/shawn_oshea/2012/03/29/ living_with_hivaids. ■

June H Weiss, PFLAG mom and LGBT advocate, 83 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com June H. Weiss, a longtime member of the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, died May 3 of cancer. She was 83. Weiss was born July 17, 1929 in Fleetwood and resided in the Reading area for most of her life. She graduated from Reading High School in 1947 and continued her education in Chicago at Zenker School of Cake Decorating. Weiss worked as a cake decorator for her family’s business, Heck’s Bakery, until 1972, when she bought the company. She retired in 1992. Weiss became a member of PFLAG in the late 1990s, shortly after her daughter, Nadine Smet-Weiss, came out. “When I first came out, my mom didn’t bat an eye and didn’t miss a beat,” SmetWiess said. “She didn’t seem the least bit surprised. My mom was opening and welcoming and included my partner as if she was a part of the family. There was never any kind of differentiation between my partner and I and my brother and his wife.” Smet-Weiss said she admired her mother’s decision to join PFLAG. “I was pleased that she joined. I was a little surprised,” she said. “She accepted

me but she made a public statement that she accepted me. She was saying to people that this is OK, this is acceptable and there is no reason to discriminate.” Weiss won the chapter’s first-ever Best PFLAG Mom of the Year award in 2006. “They valued her presence there,” SmetWeiss said. “She was very faithful. When my mom committed to something, she was always there.” Weiss also volunteered for the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and other charities. Smet-Weiss said her mother found strength in her faith. “No matter what kinds of challenges life brought her, her faith was always important and helped her to keep going. She never really complained about anything that she was dealt in life, she just accepted and made the best of it.” Weiss was predeceased by her husband, Lester, and is survived by Smet-Weiss and partner, Judith; son Brian and wife Denise; grandchildren Joshua and Ashley; and greatgrandson Brayden. Memorial donations can be made to Reading Pride, P.O. Box 15242, Reading, PA 19612 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 10, P.O. Box 14625, Reading, PA 19612. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

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FAMILY PGN

Happy parenting season sounds too clinical for a holiday. I always think of this time of year as Another solution would be to follow “parenting season.” The month between Rutgers University law professor and gay Mother’s Day and Father’s Day (or dad Carlos Ball’s suggestion and focus (not Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, if you’re just for the holidays) “on what it means to celebrating in the plural) always bubbles mother and to father a child,” instead of on over with media coverage about moms, the gender of the parent who is doing the dads and families. For a few weeks, at mothering or fathering, as he says in his least, our efforts to raise children and balance family, work and personal needs are book “The Right to Be Parents.” lauded and appreciated. In the U.K., Mother’s Day is indeed It can be a stressful time for us LGBT called “Mothering Sunday,” although parents and our children, howits origins have to do with ever, when our celebration is returning to one’s “mother” often tempered with constant (home) church, rather than the reminders that our families act of being a mother. Still, don’t fit the traditional mold. there’s no reason we couldn’t use “Mothering Day” and We must discuss with partners “Fathering Day” in Ball’s sense and children how they wish to of the words, celebrating the observe the holidays, and how actions of parents rather than donors, surrogates, birthparents and parents’ gender identities their genders. and expressions figure into the Of course, we must then mix. We must sometimes try expand the traditional definition to convey this to our children’s of “to father a child” beyond teachers and other caregivers just a procreative act, and better Dana Rudolph acknowledge the childraising (with greater or lesser degrees of success). role of most fathers today. Once But judging from Mother’s Day, lesbian we do that, though, how can we speak of moms, at least, are having a pretty good what it means to “mother” and to “father” run. The holiday has helped raise awarea child in ways that don’t fall prey to traditional notions of gender? Do the terms ness of our families even as it underscores themselves trap us in a gender binary from our differences. The New Yorker showed which many of us are trying to escape? a pair of moms on its Mother’s Day cover, reading a card while their brood of kids One can “mother” with strength and with peeked out from the staircase. And numergentleness; one can “father” with a sense ous mainstream channels, including the of nurturing or of discipline. One can be Chicago Tribune, the New York Times and a parent of any gender and do all of the Slate have covered lesbian and transgender above — and then we’re back to a situation moms as part of their reporting on the holi- where each parent still doesn’t get a day to her or himself. day. I am not sure I have any universal soluWe also have the new drama “The tion. As with all holidays, therefore, I say, Fosters” to look forward to on June 3. The find an observance that works for you and ABC Family show, from executive producer Jennifer Lopez, features a biracial your family. Make your own traditions, and lesbian couple and their mix of adopted, celebrate with abandon. biological and foster children. It promises As part of your celebrations, I hope you a different look at an LGBT family than we will consider joining me for the eighth usually see in mainstream media, which annual Blogging for LGBT Families has tended to focus on white, upper-midDay on June 3. I hold the event between dle-class couples just starting their families Mother’s Day and Father’s Day each year together. in order to honor both equally, but also to Given this wave of recognition that not recognize that not all families fit into those all families fit the mother-father mold (and neat categories. I invite all bloggers — an expectation that this year’s Father’s LGBT, our families and allies — to write Day will be similarly inclusive), one might in support of LGBT families that day. Just rightly ask if there remains a need for two post on your own blog and submit the link separate parenting holidays. at mombian.com to be included in the masThe fact is, our country does have an ter list. (If you don’t have a blog, simply official “Parent’s Day,” since President leave a comment on my master post that Bill Clinton signed it into law in 1994. It day.) Even if you don’t contribute a post, I hasn’t caught on as a popular observance, hope you’ll help spread the word about the however. I’m guessing this is because of event, and come by to read about some of how ingrained the other two holidays are in the many families and allies in our commuAmerican culture, and also because — let’s nity. The best wishes of the season to you and face it — in couples, each parent often your families. ■ likes to have a day of his or her own to relax and be pampered. Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher Might we do what more and more fairminded organizations are doing with paper of Mombian (mombian.com), an awardforms, and use “Parent 1 Day” and “Parent winning blog and resource directory for 2 Day”? No — what is proper on a form LGBT parents.

Mombian

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

FITNESS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

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Benefits of massage therapy Not only does a massage feel really good, but it has been proven that even just a quick 10-minute massage can reduce muscle inflammation and alleviate stress. However, the benefits of touch extend way beyond soothing aches and pains. Touch is essential for human survival. With the hustle and bustle of the American lifestyle, it can be easy to lose track of things, especially when it comes to you and your own body. Here are just several of many health benefits that massage therapy can have on you. David Sooth anxiety and depression. Massage has been shown to reduce levels of Cortisol. This stress-inducing hormone increases blood sugar, suppresses the immune system and promotes storage of fat. So any chance our body can get to fight off the stress-related hormone is a wonderful thing. Promote healthy sleep. Massage can promote healthier sleep. If you have ever snoozed on the massage table, then you don’t need to be convinced any further. Massage can have a positive effect on brain waves that are connected to deeper, healthier sleep. Better functioning of the immune system. Massage has

been linked to slightly increasing a person’s white blood cells, which help to fight off and prevent disease, as well as reducing stress. Increase of blood flow. Flushing out harmful bodily toxins, plumping up of loose skin and increasing energy levels are just a few of the ways that an increase of blood flow can positively affect your body. Even just a quick 10-minute rub-down can increase blood flow. These are just a few of many ways massage can positively affect your mind and Bianca body. Many people are starting to realize that not only is massage becoming an essential part of their lives, but it is starting to be seen as a necessity more so than a luxury. You don’t have to only pamper yourself with a massage during a vacation. Make it a point to have a bi-weekly, monthly or even trimonthly massage. The money spent is well worth it — consider it an investment in yourself and your body! ■

Work It Out

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LETTERS from page 11

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Davide Bianca is a licensed massage therapist and nutritionist and owner of Davide Health & Wellness, located in the Camac Center at 12th Street Gym. Davide is also a registered personal trainer at 12th Street Gym. For more information about Davide and his services, please visit davidewellness.com.

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Shepard’s mother, Judy Shepard, who penned the book, “The Meaning of Matthew,” where she wrote about Matthew’s life and the circumstances of his death. It was a truly inspiring experience to meet her, to tell her that her strength gave me strength. I told her that her son’s death would not be in vain. I told her that I would not be a victim and that I would fight back both for myself and for Matthew. That his tragedy gave birth to my gift and passion as an activist. I won’t be a victim. I will not live my life in fear. I would do everything in my power to protect those I love and care for. Even if that meant the loss of my life, I would rather die with my dignity intact trying to protect my partner Matt and/or any one of my dear friends.

We cannot sit idly by while our LGBT brothers and sisters are victimized. Take a self-defense class. Carry a knife. Start a town watch in your local LGBT community. Have a conversation with your friends; tell them to always be aware of their surroundings. Tell them not to walk home late at night by themselves. Most importantly, if you see something happening or something that just doesn’t seem right, call your local law enforcement. Just don’t do nothing! Do something, anything! Get involved! Mahatma Gandhi once said: “It is better to be violent if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.” — Paul Joseph Cheeseman Clifton Heights, N.J.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

recently won six awards in the SPJ Keystone Pro Chapter 2013 Spotlight Contest, competing with both daily and weekly newspapers from around the region. PGN is the most awardwinning LGBT newspaper in the country.

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PGN HEALTH

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Out in the h Gayborhoud g

Putting the focus on women’s health

Market St. Loews Hotel

Prince Music Theater

11th St. 4

3 4

12th St. 3

CITY HALL

13th St. 4

s St. 4 Chestnut tnes

e Fi Unit

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3. 2. A a •2 m don e e n v i 15. i St. C m & E rt S s Cin Sansom St. 3 Spo ansom’s Ada l 13. ansom ema a Plea tim 14. S anny St. G p O sure • • 7. D y 2. Che m • 1 st H. Inn Walnut St. 3 Express Forrest 19. Stir Theatre Lou ks o y l o l i nge ’s B b Ph ody The rpio . Wo • 6. Clu •5. e Stop Sco . 8 6 2 u • ym Bik •1 Tab Chancellor St. 20. th St. G r • s u r 2 e e t .1 oy . Sis •1 5. V • 17 •2 St. James St. el Hot ck ent 4. A d Kno n . r e 1 a p TTIC 1 B Locust St. 4 • de YOUT 2. U 0. In HC •2 •1 Academy ENT c ER Latimer St. of Music ama . Video on C n r e St e pruc y BT . Tav S G 1 L 8 2 Merriam d • AY •1 . ICan R MW NTE Theater •9 ILLIA ITY CE W Manning St. . 27 OMMUN Inn y r Wilma u r C tu e stb n n e e Theater V er In 4. 6. W and •2 •2 x e l .A Kimmel Spruce St. 3 •3 Quince St.

Camac St.

Broad St.

Juniper St. 3

Center

1. 12th Street Gym 204 S. 12th St. 215.985.4092 12thstreetgym.com 2. Adonis Cinema 2026 Sansom St. 215.557.9319

dult s • A yms club rs t h g G g • odgin s, Ni ente •L Tavern unity C ars, Comm •B • 9. ICandy 254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com

3. Alexander Inn 301 S. 12th St. 215.923.3535 alexanderinn.com

10. Independent Hotel 1234 Locust St. 215.923.3535 theindependenthotel. com

4. Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org

11. Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com

5. The Bike Stop 206 S. Quince St. 215.627.1662 thebikestop.com

12. Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut St. (entr. on Juniper St.) 215.735.1114 optimalsporthealthclubs.com

6. Club Philly 1220 Chancellor St. 215.735.7671

13. Pleasure Chest 2039 Walnut St. 7. Danny’s Adam & Eve 215.561.7480 133 S. 13th St. 14. Sansom Street 215.925.5041 Cinema 8. Giovanni’s Room 120 S. 13th St. 1145 Pine St. 215.545.9254 215.923.2960 15. Sansom Street giovannisroom.com Gym Oldest LGBT 2020 Sansom St. bookstore in the country 267.330.0151

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16. Scorpio Books 205 S. Juniper St. 215.525.2181

oom i’s R n n iova 8. G Pine St. 4

23. Unite Fitness 105 S. 12th St. 215.733.0633 17. Sisters 1320 Chancellor St. uniteﬁtnessstudios. com 215.735.0735 sistersnightclub.com 24. Venture Inn 18. Spruce Street 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Video 252 S. 12th St. 25. Voyeur 215.546.6843 1221 St. James St. 19. Stir Lounge 215.735.5772 1705 Chancellor St. voyeurnightclub. com 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com 26. Westbury 261 S. 13th St. 20. Tabu 215.546.5170 200 S. 12th St. thewestburybar.net 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com 27. William Way LGBT CC 21. Tavern on 1315 Spruce St. Camac 215.732.2220 243 S. Camac St. waygay.org 215.545.0900 tavernoncamac.com 28. Woody’s 22. U Bar 202 S. 13th St. 1220 Locust St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com 215.546.6660

Last weekend, Mazzoni Center marked lesbians are less likely to access prevenour third annual Elixir celebration and tive care compared to other women, and fundraiser — an opportunity to join with both lesbians and bisexual women are less friends of the organization to mark our likely to be insured. This is attributable to accomplishments and raise money for the various factors: Many employers no longer goals we have set for ourselves in the com- provide comprehensive insurance plans, ing year. This year, we had a very specific and many more do not offer coverage for goal, and we wanted to communicate that the same-sex partners of employees. Also, through our choice of honorees. We chose many lesbian and bisexual women, and to honor three extraordinary women: Marla trans-identified men and women, have had Gold, M.D., dean of the Drexel University unpleasant experiences with health profesSchool of Public Health; Christina sionals, making them less likely to pursue Kallas-Saritsoglou, Philly AIDS Thrift regular preventive care, which is important to maintaining optimal health. co-founder; and Jaci Adams, a Lower rates of regular screenlongtime LGBT activist and educator. ing put lesbian and bisexual Most importantly, we chose women at greater risk of late to dedicate the funds from this diagnosis, when cervical cancer is less treatable. event to the expansion of women’s health services at Mazzoni When a woman or transCenter Family and Community identified man receives an Medicine, 809 Locust St., and to abnormal result on a Pap bring on new medical staff. smear, the next step is generally to receive a “colposcopy” Our goal with the women’s to determine the cause. Up health initiative is to increase until now at our primary-care access to and affordability of key health screenings and services practice, we would have to for women, particularly for uninrefer women and transgensured and/or underinsured LBT der men who have not had Nurit Shien their cervix removed to see a women. specialist for this procedure. Many people who are familiar This presents a barrier for many — either with Mazzoni Center’s work in the field because of lack of insurance and/or trans of HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and care phobia. services may perceive us as only serving That’s why we plan to acquire a colpomen. They may not realize the diversity scope — the machine used to perform a of the patients and clients we serve every follow-up screening — for our primaryday. Currently our primary-health practice, MCFCM, has an active patient roster care practice. Having a colposcope on site of more than 7,000 individuals, of which will allow our providers to perform a follow-up screening directly in our offices, 1,954 (29.8 percent) are women and 1,118 without having to refer patients to outside (17.0 percent) are transgender individuals. providers. We are also adding two partThis year, we felt we had an opportunity time providers to our staff, both of whom to generate more awareness of and expand upon the services we provide women so we have a special focus on women’s health care. So whether the concern is a cervical can reach more — particularly the undercancer screening, a mammogram or simand uninsured LBT ones — with the preventive care they need and the compassion ply a well-woman visit, women and transidentified individuals in our communities and understanding they deserve. will find a welcoming and knowledgeable One of the cornerstones of our plan relates to cervical cancer screenings. In the staff to address the questions they have in past 40 years, the number of cases of cervi- an atmosphere where their unique health cal cancer and the number of deaths from needs are respected and understood. All of these are important steps to ensure that our cervical cancer have decreased significantly. The CDC credits the decline largely patients can access the health information and the specific care they need, regardless to women getting regular Pap tests, which of their insurance status or income level. can find cervical pre-cancer before it turns We’ve done some calculating and deterinto cancer. While this is great news, we mined that through the funds raised at know that under-/non-insured women are Elixir on Saturday night, Mazzoni Center less likely to have access to, or the ability will be able to provide pre-cancer screento afford, regular pre-cancer testing. This ings to 1,000 women in the Philadelphia impacts women in the lesbian and bisexual communities disproportionately. It is area. That’s a strong start. But there’s much also relevant for trans-identified men who more work to be done to ensure that all have not had their cervix removed; they women in our communities have access to are advised to follow the same screening affordable, quality health care, and we’re guidelines as cisgender females. excited to take these steps in 2013. We The Fenway Institute in Boston last look forward to sharing more about this month released a study showing that lesproject as it evolves and grows. ■ bians and bisexual women are as likely Nurit Shein is executive director of as heterosexual women to get cervical Mazzoni Center. For more information, cancer, but are up to 10 times less likely visit www.mazzonicenter.org. to be regularly screened for it. We know

On Being Well

NATIONAL PGN

Media Trail Police call fatal NYC shooting a hate crime According to USA Today, police say the man charged with killing a gay man on a Manhattan street in an apparent hate crime has a previous arrest for attempted murder. New York City police say 33-year-old Elliot Morales used antigay slurs before fatally shooting 32-year-old Marc Carson May 18 in Greenwich Village. Investigators say Morales was carrying forged identification but was identified after his photo was submitted to the department’s Facial Recognition Unit. Details on his previous arrest weren’t immediately available. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly says the suspect shot Carson in the face after apparently asking him if he wanted to die. He says Carson and a companion were walking along Sixth Avenue when they were confronted. Kelly says the suspect flashed a gun and threatened a bartender just minutes earlier.

Omaha gay-rights group seeks return of donations According to the Omaha World-Herald, an Omaha gay-rights group is seeking the return of some $1,800 donated to a Lincoln woman convicted of lying about being attacked in her home by masked men who carved antigay slurs into her skin. Beth Rigatuso, president of Heartland Pride, said the money was given to Charlie Rogers by donors at a candlelight vigil held on Rogers’ behalf last July. Rogers, a former Nebraska basketball player, had told police that three masked men broke into her Lincoln house and assaulted her. But police say Rogers faked the attack. Rogers was ordered to repay more than $10,000 given to her. A probation officer distributed the money to donors and a Lincoln police charity. But the Omaha group says it didn’t get its share.

Benefits for gay-vets bill moves to Conn. governor The Boston Globe reports a Connecticut bill that would restore state benefits to gay and lesbian veterans discharged under the U.S. military’s former “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is moving to the governor’s

desk. On May 16, the state House of Representatives voted 134-0 in favor of legislation making veterans eligible for state benefits if they have been denied federal benefits solely because of their sexual orientation. The veterans’ federal benefits must have also been reinstated. The bill was passed by the Senate last month in a 34-0 vote. From Dec. 21, 1993, until Sept. 20, 2011, openly gay and lesbian members of the military were prohibited from serving in the armed forces under the policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Those who violated the policy were discharged.

Wash. florist sues state in gay-wedding case According to the Tri-City Herald, a florist targeted by two lawsuits for refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding has filed her own lawsuit against Washington state, claiming the state is violating her religious beliefs. The lawsuits stem from an incident in March when Barronelle Stutzman of Arlene’s Flowers refused to provide flowers for a longtime client because she said same-sex marriage was against her personal beliefs. Attorneys for Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal ministry, filed suit on behalf of Stutzman May 16 in Benton County Superior Court. “Everyone knows that plenty of florists are willing to assist in same-sex ceremonies, so the state has no reason to force Barronelle to violate her deeply held beliefs,” senior legal counsel Dale Schowengerdt said in a statement. Last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington filed suit against Stutzman, 68, on behalf of the Kennewick gay couple denied service. Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed were longtime patrons of the flower shop. That lawsuit seeks a court order barring her from discriminating against customers on the basis of sexual orientation and damages for violation of the couple’s rights, as well as unspecified damages. Under state law, it’s illegal for businesses to refuse to sell goods, merchandise and services to any person because of their sexual orientation. Washington state attorney general Bob Ferguson also has filed a consumer-protection lawsuit. Washington voters legalized gay marriage in November. However, protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation were codified in 2006 in one of the first pushes to expand civil rights to the gay community. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

PGN

PGNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pride Issue

June 7

Advertising deadline 5/31

NEWS PGN CONTARINO from page 1

mumbling and saying things like, ‘Why are you gay?’ and using slurs and that’s the last I remember. Thankfully, I have no memory of being beaten and kicked.” Contarino said Gornell and he had talked about his being gay earlier in the night, but that it was not a topic Gornell dwelled on. “He knew I was gay and told me his cousin’s gay,” he said. “So it wasn’t like it was some announcement or anything. And it’s not like I tried to hit on him; he’s not my

type. He just snapped.” Contarino said a crowd of up to 20 witnesses gathered and tried to pull Gornell off him, and that Gornell then fled. Contarino was transported to Bellevue Hospital and treated for two cracked ribs and facial injuries. He said doctors told him the injuries to his eyes will take up to a month to heal. The attack comes in the wake of a spate of antigay attacks in New York City and just hours after a rally calling for an end to anti-

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told PGN. Contarino concurred that his attack was not linked to the others, but speculated that they all could be a byproduct of the rapid acceptance of the LGBT community in recent years. “With everything happening so fast in society, with gay marriage and everything, I think some people may have a lot of repressed anger,” Contarino said. “Some people have problems and, maybe it comes out when they’re drinking, but things are moving so

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Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney

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quickly for the community that maybe it’s causing people to snap. These were all isolated incidents, but overall these may be coming from people suppressing things.” Contarino said he’s grateful to the group of witnesses who intervened. “I’m very lucky and very humbled because this could have been much worse,” he said. “This happened early in the evening so there were 20 people on the street. If it happened three hours later, I could be dead.” ■

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PRIMARIES from page 1

Tracy Jr., who ran unopposed, in November. If he wins, Butkovitz will serve his third term as controller. Statewide, elections for LGBT candidates saw both victories and losses. Out Democratic candidate for Hatboro Council Andrea Myers will head to the general election in the fall, as will Chris Dietz, an openly gay Democratic candidate for Millersburg Borough Council, and Ben Allatt for Harrisburg City Council. Also successful were incumbents Lori Schreiber for reelection to the Abington Tow n s h i p C o m m i s s i o n a n d Robert Langley to Meadville City Council. Out Republican Bryan Tate, however, was unsuccessful in his bid to represent the 95th District in the Pennsylvania House, losing to Democratic candidate Kevin Schreiber in the special election for the vacant seat. ■

gay violence. Two other gay men were recently attacked in SoHo, while another man was shot and killed last weekend in the West Village, allegedly for being gay. An arrest was made in that case, and the suspect was charged with second-degree murder as a hate crime. Sgt. Lee Jones of the New York City Public Information Office said the cases do not appear to be related. “At this time, we are investigating each incident separately,” he

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

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Liberty City Press MAY 19-26, 2013

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point

Dumb and Dumber Metcalfe and Saccone hit new low in SEPTA emails

tate representatives Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) and Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny/Washington) don’t think much of Philadelphia and they’re not shy about saying so. Earlier this month the online news service Capitolwire reported an exchange of emails between these two Western Pennsylvania lawmakers and their counterpart from Delaware County, Rep. Tom Killion (R-Delaware). The exchange concerned state funding for public transportation—SEPTA, in particular—and went like this: Metcalfe: “Your buses don’t do a thing for my constituents. How about we pay for your state roads and bridges, and you pay for your own buses? It is only fair since we only receive funding for our roads and bridges too.” Saccone: “My constituents are fed up with, as they most often say, �� corruption.’ If these investments are necessary then the private sec�� last two weeks, and people are disgusted with mass transit funding.” C’mon, boys, don’t be shy. Tell us how you really feel. We’ll hold off for the time being on stating the merits of the state funding public transportation (we wouldn’t want to spoil the ending). �� cy, patronage and corruption.” Metcalfe comes from Butler County. �� calfe’s house district is home to one of the most notorious scandals in Pennsylvania history: the judicial cash-for-kids scandal that had two judges getting kickbacks from two detention centers for imposing harsh sentences on juveniles, thereby increasing the number of inmates at these facilities. One of the detention centers was Western PA Child Care built in Rep. Metcalfe’s backyard. Now, if we told Metcalfe and Saccone that Philadelphians are sick and tired of corruption in the form of judges getting kickbacks from a ��

How would Metcalfe and Saccone react if we said that Philadelphians no longer want the state to fund Butler County’s detention facilities because Butler County is a black hole of corruption? While we couldn’t help going down this road to show the sheer stupidity of Metcalfe and his Philly-bashing cronies in Harrisburg, we congratulate Killion for taking the high road. Capitolwire reports that Killion cited “a new report by the Pennsylvania Economy League show[ing] 27 percent of the state’s transportation funding went to southeastern Pennsylvania counties, while that region had 32 percent of the state population and 40 percent of the state’s economic activity.” Referring to that study, Killion had this to say to Metcalfe, Capitolwire reported: “As always, I appreciate your input. If you help me pass legislation to keep all of the revenue the Southeast generates in the Southeast, we will be good to go and will never ask for anything else from the Commonwealth.”

Daryl Metcalfe (left) anf Rick Saccone both currently serve on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. ��

We expect that, as the debate on transportation funding in Harrisburg heats up, so too will the attacks on Philadelphia and SEPTA. To give our readers the �� attacks, we are reprinting the �� Economy League report: �� southeastern Pennsylvania generate approximately 40 percent of statewide economic activity and represent 32 percent of statewide population, while occupying 5 percent of its total land. Second: SEPTA has demonstrated its ability to invest an �� fectively, including Pennsylvania Act 44 of 2007 and the

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Third: While SEPTA’s capital funding is at a 15-year low, ridership is at a 23-year high Fourth: On an annual basis, SEPTA contributes $3.21 billion in economic output across the Commonwealth; supports nearly 26,000 jobs across the commonwealth; supports $1.45 billion in worker earnings—$56,389 per job supported; and generates $62.5 million in tax revenues for the commonwealth. Fifth: Southeastern Pennsylvania would lose close to 25,000 jobs, $96 million in tax revenue, and more than $8 Continued on page 2

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People

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Dumb and Dumber Continued from page 1

billion in property value, and the commonwealth would lose nearly $100 million in income and sales tax

The Right Crew

Continued from page 12 Drexel accomplished. “Winning gold at the Dad Vail Regatta has been a goal of mine since I began rowing in the fall of my freshman year,” she said. “I am so greatly thankful for being able to walk on to such an outstanding team last year and extremely thankful to the coaches for teaching me how to row. I was very hesitant in the beginning of my freshman year. I was nervous, especially being around all of these fantastic elite rowers, but they were very welcoming and supported me in learning to row. I listened and implemented every piece of advice and tips that my coaches and teammates gave me.” The third-seeded men’s second varsity eight won a silver medal with a time of 5:59.140 behind Michigan, who won by two seconds. Victoria Kenion, Marko Durica, Milos Rujevic, Ian Luetzow, Christian Ladd, James Byrne, Ryan Mallgrave, Grigorios Papadourakis, and Brian McCabe made up the medal-winning boat. The Dragons last won silver in this event in 2000. Perhaps the greatest achievement came from the women’s varsity four who won a bronze �� earned a medal in school history. The boat featured cox-

revenues from a gridlocked and less economically productive region. We’re pretty sure Metcalfe and Saccone won’t read this report. Frankly, we don’t think they’d understand it if they did.

swain Sarah Messenger, stroke Amanda Dargay, Elise Panacek, Kathie Cheng and bow Alyssa �� rower with no prior experience before last year. The other four women are all walk-ons. “Good athletes can be successful rowers in college—we even have a Drexel alum that walked on and just represented the United States in the 2012 Olympics,” Savell said. Savell gave a stirring pre-row speech to his rowers that obviously worked. “The goal of the team title was simple and obvious, every single place of every single Drexel boat counted,” he said. “The entire team was counting on each person—that’s pretty powerful motivation they gave themselves.” Paulin said that rowing on �� team an advantage and the team wanted to “protect the Schuylkill.” “I was very impressed with how our rowers came through,” she said. “For our guys heavyweight eight to win after being seeded �� The Dad Vail is considered one of the great races in college history. Hundreds of colleges compete from all over the country, travelling in vans with shells tied on top. For rowers, it’s a day to meet and compete with people who share their interest. “It’s just a great day for our sport,” said Paulin.

Gary Bell is the executive director of BEBASHI. He’s standing in their food pantry, which is nearly empty. Sarah J. Glover/photographer

Food for All

BEBASHI focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness and hunger by Sheila Simmons

’m not used to hearing executives from Blacks Educating Blacks About Sexual Health Issues (BEBASHI) appeal to the public for help with a food pantry. Lectures about safe sex? Sure. Support for people with HIV �� But stocking a food pantry? I had never associated that work with one of Philadelphia’s best�� And yet executive director Gary Bell says hunger is one of the most common problems for which its HIV-positive clients seek assistance. So the group sought food-related grants which required it to feed the general public. It did so comfortably for about 10 years. Then the recession hit, and visitors to BE-

�� pantry skyrocketed. In 2009, it went from serving 50 to 60 people a month to serving 300 to 400 people a month. “Many of us who have the ��ed,” says Bell. “But when we say there’s nothing in the refrigerator to eat, we mean there’s nothing in there that we want to eat. But we literally have people who don’t have anything in their refrigerator, if they have a refrigerator at all.” Bell admits the food-pantry work has “in one way consumed more time for the development staff. But the fact that we now have more food available for HIV clients is a good thing.” It gets support from SHARE Food Program, from a group of local farmers with Ample Harvest, and from Fresh Grocer,

which has agreed to provide one food item for every Facebook like BEBASHI can bring to a food drive (visit facebook.com/TFGBFoodDrive2013 for information). “We don’t want to leave any food on the table, no pun intended,” Bell says. The food pantry, at BEBASHI’s headquarters on Spring Garden near 12th Street, has expanded the organization’s pool of donors, volunteers and even clients. “For many people [talking about HIV] is a turn-off,” Bell says. “But when they hear we’re doing other things—things with hunger, with health disparities, with breast health, they are more interested in supporting us.” Of course, BEBASHI would respond to this crisis as if it were an opportunity. It was founded in 1985, when no one wanted to touch the AIDS issue, especially the issue of African-Americans diagnosed with the disease. But BEBASHI reached out “to active substance abusers on the street and in shooting galleries, to sex trade workers (on the street during their working hours), to youth in arcades, parks and playgrounds, and to gay and bisexual men,” according to the organization’s website. �� year grant from the Centers for Disease Control’s National Minority Education Program to work with African-American and Latino community organizations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is not as big an organization as it was in those days. But BEBASHI continues to provide case management and education around sexual health and, to those who need it, food.

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Liberty City Press \\\

Pulse

Hip to Be Square Local celebs come out for the re-launch of Square 1682 by HughE Dillon Square 1682, the recently renovated Palomar Hotel restaurant located at 17th and Sansom Streets in Philadelphia, had a re-launch party. The revamped menu features seafood �� intersections in Center City. Big names from TV, radio, public relations, print, and the Internet were spotted at this red-carpet event.

1. From left: Chef Caitlin Mateo with Stu and Laurie Goldenberg. 2. From left: Brad Hemler of Comcast; Matthew Ray, co-founder of Chatter Blast Media; and former Daily News columnist Dan Gross. 3. From left: Gary DeVito and Stacey Kracher from Law Firm Zarwin Baum, art alliance member Randyl Case, and state senator Larry Farnese. 4. From left: Caroline Russock from City Paper and Marisa Magnatta from WMMR. 5. From left: Nicole Brewer, reporter at CBS 3; Charles Kincaid; and Erika von Tiehl, anchor at CBS 3. 6. Good Day Philadelphia host Mike Jerrick and contributor Jennifer Caudle. HughE Dillon/photographer

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Lehigh University men’s freshman eight (foreground) compete in a heat at the Dad Vail Regatta. Sarah J. Glover/photographer

The Right Crew Drexel rowers dazzle on the Schuylkill by Jeremy Treatman

non-traditional power stole the show at perhaps this country’s greatest competition on the water. Drexel University won the overall point total at the 75th Dad Vail Regatta on May 10 and 11 for the �� besting Grand Valley State, Bucknell and Michigan. Drexel also won the men’s title, scoring �� ping Michigan and Virginia. “We were very hopeful an outcome like this could be obtained,” said Paul Savell, the men’s and women’s coach at Drexel. “The team championship is something we really

wanted to go right after, from ��tember. We fell two points shy, to Purdue, and that is all they needed to be motivated.” Drexel clinched the overall combined men’s and women’s team championships when the men’s varsity heavyweight eight, despite �� the last race on May 11 to cap off an amazing day. One by one, the winners of that race jumped into the Schuylkill River to celebrate. The men’s title had been secured one race earlier, when stroke Timothy Drake and bow Cameron �� at 7:03.697 in the men’s varsity pair for the Bob Negaard Cup.

Drexel’s Julia Grace boat crossed �� ter, Rollins, Seattle, Clarkson and Iona in a thrilling race. The men’s varsity eight signature win was the program’s �� of the day. The anticipation for the fastest race of the weekend is always high. But this time, with thousands cheering for the home team, Drexel came back from an �� win gold. The winning time of 5:42.605 was secured by the leadership of coxswain Marc Smith, with stroke Kurt Linton, Vanja Busic, Aleksandar Radovic, Lorenzo Albala, Sebastian Ryan, John Pieper, Michael Faust, and bow Casimir Czworkowski all

contributing to the win over Michigan State, Florida Institute of Technology and Grand Valley and earning Drexel the prestigious Richard W. O’Brien Trophy. “They were very focused and fearless right from the starting line,” Savell said. “They made an early charge in the race �� Albala was one of many men who got wet after the big win. “The victory of the varsity eight was mainly due to hunger,” he said. “After one particular race this season, the boat wanted to turn right back around from the awards dock and do another loop for practice before going in. Never before have I been in a boat that has willed speed and �� The key to our success was the effort, on behalf of coaches and rowers, to make time for practice and put enough extra work on the water that there was no way we could let a gold medal slip away. Sitting at the starting line, the only thing I knew with absolute certainty was we must win.” So how did tiny Drexel, a school with little success in rowing, win the biggest rowing meet of the college season? Alexandra Paulin, a star on last year’s women’s team who served as the �� broadcast of the race on 6ABC, offered this: “Coach Savell came in six years ago and just changed the program instantly,” she said. “I’m not sure I ever imagined a day like this for Drexel, but it was amazing. Drexel has just been getting better and better over the past few years. I think Coach Savell has made a real commitment to recruiting, and the school made a

commitment to the program with facilities, recruiting and money. Over the last few years a lot of top high school athletes in the area, especially from South Jersey, have seen what Drexel is doing and they wanted to come here.” Said Savell: “We have a great group of leaders in our seniors this year. They have done the right thing all year long. We also have an outstanding and caring coaching staff in Denise Julian, Jolene Williams, Dave Florio and Bridget Yannes. They have done an amazing job this year.” In addition to the men’s varsity pair and heavyweight wins, the Dragons won the men’s novice eight. The shell proved its top seed was legitimate by tak�� 1997 with a top time of 5:54.723. The boat featuring Christopher Henderson, stroke Daniel Dollin, Mikulas Sum, Nicholas Capaldi, Michael DiLucca, Dave Hanrahan, Daniel Palombo, Daniel Pyle, and bow Lawrence Lindawan ��feated and was actually Drexel’s top-performing shell of the year. The women were no slouches ei�� among the women’s teams but performed well enough to help the men’s and women’s combined �� The women’s second varsity �� straight year. Catherine Hamilton guided the boat along with stroke Elizabeth Campanalla, Emily Gartland, Olivia Babiec, Sierra Baca, Amanda Kleuser, Elizabeth Daugherty, Tori King, and bow Elise Levito, earning a time of 6:50.013. Levito, for one, is having trouble realizing what Continued on page 2

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

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

30 36 29 38 34 31 35

PHILLIP JAMES BRANNON (ABOVE FROM LEFT), ROSS BESCHLER AND LANCE COADIE WILLIAMS; BRANNON (INSET), WILLIAMS, BENJA KAY THOMAS AND JOCELYN BIOH

Out playwright’s new comedy makes Philly debut By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

The Wilma Theater closes its current season in hilarious fashion with the Philadelphia premier of “Bootycandy,” through June 16. The play consists of a series of Vaudevillian vignettes written and directed by out playwright and scribe Robert O’Hara. The vignettes deal with issues about love, soul and race filtered through the experience of a gay character, as well as through O’Hara’s witty references to icons like Michael Jackson, Jackie Collins and RuPaul. O’Hara has been honored in recent years with an Obie Award, a Helen Hayes Award and the NAACP Best Director Award for his plays, which usually involve and combine historical narratives with social commentary, fantasy and bits of science fiction. “I like history and what was left out of history,” O’Hara said about his works. “Being black and gay, I’m usually left out. I like alternative versions of history and ‘what-ifs’

and how they change how we think about who we are now. I usually play upon what we think we know about ourselves and back track. I feel that the theater is there to play with things and do playful things, and it’s a way to see real life.” On its surface, “Bootycandy” seems like a departure from O’Hara’s previous awardwinning works like “Antebellum” and “Insurrection: Holding History,” both of which dealt with alternate histories. “Bootycandy” is a more modern-day story that portrays what it’s like growing up gay and African-American and explores how people talk about human desire and racial stereotypes at home, in church and on the corner. “It has a variety-show feel to it,” O’Hara said about “Bootycandy.” “It’s a different audacity to it. Tone-wise, I’m always mixing the profane and the enlightened with each other. I don’t know if it’s completely different from my previous works because my ideas tend to be explicit and extreme at times.” O’Hara said “Bootycandy” started out as a

production of loosely related short stories that he had written over the course of his career. “It’s a nonlinear story,” he said. “It started out as 10 short pieces that I had written over 10 years. I had gotten them together several years ago. I did a night of short pieces and I called it ‘That Holy Bootycandy.’ Then I was asked if I wanted to take a couple of those pieces and make them more streamlined with some of the characters. So I threw out 70 percent of the plays and I created a whole storyline for ‘Bootycandy.’ I took a few characters in one play from the original ‘Bootycandy.’ So it’s a wholly new beast now. You follow a character through his nonlinear interactions in his life, and you see sort of how ugly those real-life events are.” The issues bandied about in “Bootycandy” seem timely, considering the ongoing evolution of issues like gays in professional sports, the African-American community and the church. But to O’Hara, the times are lagging considerably behind his visions.

“I wrote ‘Bootycandy’ several years ago,” he said. “I think the times are just catching up. For other people, the time may be right but this time has been here for some time in my books. Now people have a context when they see the show. It changes and makes some of the show not as outlandish as it would have been before.” He added that African-American churches aren’t alone in their hang-ups about gays. “I don’t think it’s necessarily an AfricanAmerican issue,” he said. “I don’t know any church that welcomes everybody and anybody, certainly not homosexuals — the Jewish church, the Catholic Church. I don’t know of any church that welcomes gays with open arms. It’s a universal issue. I definitely deal with a lot of issues, and there just happens to be a lot of black people on the stage. There a lot of people who don’t look like me and yet the issues that they are dealing with I can relate to.” “Bootycandy” has a lot of Vaudevillian traditions in its presentation, PAGE 28

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

CANDY from page 27

which sounds like a throwback to the ghosts of theaters past. But, O’Hara said pop culture is more accustomed to Vaudeville than many think. “There are a lot of different places you can see that,” he said. “You can see it on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ I saw it on ‘In Living Color.’ Now you have ‘America’s Got Talent’ and ‘The Voice.’ This is all a variety of acts coming out and showing their wares. I think the theater is a unique place and you can add stories and a different type of context to it. But I think the traditions of Vaudeville are pretty much alive.” O’Hara’s stories have not only caught the attention of theater audiences, but also players in Hollywood as well, as he has written films for high-profile directors like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee. It sounds cool but the reality of it, O’Hara said, is sometimes less than glamorous. “I worked with them and neither one of them have been actually made into films. The film industry is a very different beast. I can

ROBERT O’HARA write a play and three months later it is up and being done and being seen by audiences. Film takes years and directors have several projects. When I wrote for Spike Lee and Scorsese, it was one of several projects that they were considering and working on. My projects have never been actually made into film. But I’m not surprised that they are inter-

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ested in my work. They look for talent and unique voices because they both have it. It’s surprising that I was sitting in the rooms with those directors, but not that they were looking for a unique voice.” With all the influences and messages in O’Hara’s works, he says he isn’t concerned about his stories being diluted by the Hollywood machine—on the off chance one of his works makes it to the screen. “Film is about people paying you a lot of money to get lost,” he said. “It’s a director’s medium. When you write something, you do not own it. You’re probably not there when they are filming it and you are definitely not there when they are editing it. So the things that you write for film go through so many different processes that if you think that is what is going to end up on screen, you are either crazy or naïve and crazy. I understand the mechanics of filmmaking: You write one film, they film another film, they edit another film and then they market another film. There are all these filters that your film has to go through. So I don’t have that problem with the

ego because there’s a lot of money involved and there should be egos.” For now, O’Hara is focusing on writing new plays. “There are some icons that I would like to write plays about,” he said. “I’m writing a play about Dick Gregory. I’m working on something that has a Whitney Houston biography imbedded in it. It’s not a direct biography of her. I like the larger-than-life individuals. ‘Bootycandy’ has a lot to do with my relationship to Michael Jackson as an icon and his music and what they meant to me in my life. There are various ways I attach myself to iconic individuals. I have several ideas at one time so I just let them stew around. I don’t really know what I want to write next because I am writing it. I’m writing whatever I want to write. I’m lucky enough to be able to go ahead and do it.” ■ The Wilma Theater presents “Bootycandy” through June 16, 265 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-546-7824 or visit www.wilmatheater.org.

PROFILE PROFLIE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Suzi Nash

Brad Richards: Painting the arts scene from behind the scenes “In my own philanthropy and business endeavors, I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities ... The arts have a crucial impact on our economy and are an important catalyst for learning, discovery and achievement in our country.” — Paul G. Allen, co-founder, Microsoft When I host karaoke, I always try to thank those who never set a foot on stage but enthusiastically cheer on those who get up and croon. Without an audience to cheer, performing on stage can get pretty dull. And with fine art, it’s helpful to have patrons and cheerleaders like Brad Richards — who has been a collector and supporter of the arts for 15 years. There’s no question about how important art is in our lives. Over the years, I have noticed in a number of interviews that when I ask subjects what helped them through adolescence, art class is a frequent answer. It seems that art has given a lot of us a place to express and vent our teenage angst and secret longings. But it’s not just the act of creating art that affects us; art is part of every aspect of our world, to which Richards can attest. As newly appointed honorary chair of local arts nonprofit InLiquid, Richards has used his fundraising and event experience, as well as his social know-how, to plan the must-see Friday-evening preview party of the organization’s annual Art for the Cash Poor Weekend, June 7-9. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. BR: I was born and raised right outside of Philadelphia, out on the Main Line. PGN: Oh, me too! Which city? BR: Bryn Mawr. And then we moved to North Wayne Avenue when I was in high school, right by Valley Forge Military Academy. PGN: I grew up in Wayne, walking distance from the Academy. Are you a fellow Radnor Raider? BR: No, my brother and I went to Shipley, my dad went to Haverford, my mom went to Baldwin Academy. We were all in that Main Line private-school ... situation. PGN: And what did the folks do? BR: My mom went to Moore College of Art, and she’s a painter. That was her first career before putting it on hold to raise us and then once we were off to college, she went to seminary and became an Episcopalian priest. PGN: Wow. She sounds like quite a character! BR: Yeah! Completely. She just reinvents herself. My family owns a chemical com-

pany, so my dad ran that for 40 years. I went to undergrad at Penn and after school worked for the family business. He was my boss for 15 years of my life. They’re both great! PGN: My father worked for Colonial Penn, so I got a job there during high school, but he stuck me in the mail room! BR: Well, I started out doing menial grunt work in the laboratory, but during those 15 years I managed to work my way up and during my last five years, I started and ran our subsidiary in Australia. So I started out humbly and then my responsibilities grew. It was great; my dad is the perfect mix of dad and boss and colleague and buddy. He’s my best friend. PGN: Awww. Is your brother older or younger? BR: Older. He lives in Newtown Square. Married with three kids. PGN: What was a fun family memory? BR: My family had a house in Cape Cod, in Nantucket, that we went to every summer. It was great being a kid and living on the beach and sailing and playing tennis all day. It was a very idyllic life. So many beautiful memories, but one that stands out was when my brother and I were fishing in front of our house. We would just sort of throw the lures out and hope for the best, but this one time the blue fish were swimming by and for an hour or two, we caught fish after fish. It was like magic! When you’re a kid, it just made you so excited to experience something like that. It never happened like that before or again, it was just that one perfect day when you couldn’t help catching something. I also really loved sailing, so the other memory that stands out was the first time I ever skippered a beach boat in a race. It was for the yacht-club race and I navigated my own course, and being out on the water under sail and the excitement of the race was euphoric. PGN: Any hobbies now? BR: I’m pretty involved in the LGBT community: I’m on the board of William Way and MANNA. I was the co-chair of the Penn GALA, which is the university’s LGBT alumni association. I’ve done a lot of community involvement with that. I’ve been involved with the community for 20 years but that’s really kept me plugged in. And, of course, I’m really passionate about the arts scene in Philadelphia. I’ve been collecting art for about 15 years. We have such great schools here like PAFA, Tyler and Moore, where my mom went; great galleries and some really talented Philly artists. Whether it’s First Friday or a student exhibition or one of the many arts festivals, we have a vibrant scene here in Philly.

PGN: So, back to your schooling. I see you were in glee club before glee club was cool. BR: Yes! And I was the president of an a-cappella group at Penn called Counterparts. PGN: Favorite performance? BR: We used to hold jamborees in the fall and spring, and the year I was president it was the 10th anniversary, so we had an incredible show at the Penn Museum. It was amazing and I got to feel like a rock star for a minute. PGN: Worst performance mistake? BR: Oh, there were a lot! I guess the biggest was during a performance for the trustees at Penn. We’d rehearsed a lot, and I had really gone over all the parts and timing with everyone to make sure everything was perfect—and then when we got to the performance, I was the one who screwed up. I came in an entire measure early!

because it had a lot of philosophy and literary theory but also a lot of great poetry. It was one of those experiences where the lightbulb just went on in my head about how rich and deep that time period was. It really made me love and appreciate studying English. The teacher was Arkady Plotnitsky; he was Russian and had a really philosophical bent. The worst was freshman calculus. Three-hundred students in a room and the professor so far away you could barely see him. He barely spoke English so you couldn’t understand him either. He just scribbled on the board and you tried to figure it out. It caused a lot of anxiety. PGN: And now you work at Penn. What are some of your responsibilities as associate director of alumni affairs at Wharton? BR: I manage a portfolio of engagement strategies like our Power dinners, where we get an amazing alum to come have dinner with 12 students so they can share their stories and experience. It’s fun for the alum, and the students make connections they wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. It really leverages the power of the Wharton network. Then we have major events like reunion weekends. Recently we had over 2,000 alums back on campus. They participate in social events, but we also have life-long learning master classes with people like Jeremy Siegel, who’s the foremost authority on the capital markets. PGN: So you’re never quite finished with Wharton? BR: No, you’re an alum for life and you have opportunities for the rest of your life. We have programs for leadership skills, negotiations, how to transition from one stage to the next, all sorts of things.

PGN: Oh, you can’t cover that up! That’s like a swimmer jumping off the block early. BR: Exactly! It was embarrassing. But, oh well, that’s one of the elements of doing live music. PGN: Favorite and least favorite course? BR: Undergrad or MBA? Let’s go with undergrad. I was an English major and I took a course in romantic poetry — Byron and Shelley, etc. It just blew my mind

PGN: So was your mother the inspiration behind your love of art? BR: Absolutely. I grew up in a household where she talked about art, there was art on the walls, she taught me the vocabulary for aesthetics and an appreciation for art and artists and about what artists do. What I like about the art scene in Philly is that it’s approachable. There’s not a perception that art is for rich people only, or that you’re supposed to be confused by it. We’re not pretentious here. You can go to the Art Museum or a fine gallery or you can buy some great art on the PAGE 34

NIGHTLIFE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Photography • Fine Art • Portrait/Nude • Advertising • Events Scott A. Drake 267.736.6743 Haute Mexican? Haute Mexican! After ten successful years in northeast Philadelphia, Paloma is serving to-die-for French-Mexican cuisine in Bella Vista. ��

a semifinalist for the 2011 James Beard Foundation awards 763 South 8th Street (corner of 8th & Fulton) www.palomafinedining.com www.facebook.com/palomarestaurant 215.928.9500

It takes two Whether you enjoy playing ball or just like to watch, Philly has you covered. There are two sports tournaments in town this weekend! It’s not double vision, but you are seeing twice as many sexy men and women athletes. Don’t be confused when you see that both tournaments have the same name. Just use my handy guide for telling the athletes apart: If they have great arms, they play softball; if they have great legs, they play soccer; and if they have a great butt, who cares? Just buy them a drink!

and wondered what it would be like if all the hot sexy girls were actually big, hot, hairy men? Me too! Find out what happens when bears meet burlesque at 9 p.m. May 25 at Tabu Sports Bar and Lounge, 200 S. 12th St., with your host Connor Michalchak. Cover charge is only $10, which includes one drink ticket. Gay singles mixer Get out from behind that computer, mute your phone and get your ass to the newest mixer in town for gay singles, 7-9 p.m. June 1 at Continental Midtown, 1801 Chestnut St. You can expect casual fun in a cool venue at this first in a series of events planned for the summer.

Liberty Bell Classic: Softball The City of Brotherly Love Softball League hosts the 2013 Liberty Bell Classic May 2426. Games will be at Edgely and Dairy Fields in Fairmount Anna Crusis Women’s Choir Spring Concert Park and Stauffer Fields in Founded in 1975, the Anna Woodbury, N.J. Crusis Women’s Choir is a preBe sure to check out all the parties, such as the opening mier Philadelphia performing party from 7-10 p.m. May 24 arts group, as well as an agent of social change. at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St.; a block party at 7 p.m. May 25 on Don’t miss their spring Jim Kiley- concert celebrating ordinary Camac Street between Locust and Spruce; and a closing party at 7:30 p.m. June 1 at Zufelt heroes the First Unitarian Church of at 6 p.m. May 26 at the Fox and Hound, 1501 Spruce St. Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut Five percent of tournament proceeds St. If you miss the first show, catch the and 100 percent of T-shirt sales benefit matinee at 2 p.m. June 2. Tickets are $20 OneFundBoston to help victims of the suggested donation (sliding scale from Boston Marathon bombing. For informa$15-$50) and are available online at www. annacrusis.com. tion, see www.libertybellclassic.org.

Barcrawlr

Liberty Bell Classic: Soccer Also May 24-26, the Philadelphia Falcons host their sixth annual Liberty Bell Classic soccer tournament, with games at Pennypack Park on the Delaware in Northeast Philly. Coed squads of six or seven players will be paired up differently in each match to form teams of 12-14 players. Games will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 25 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 26. If you’re looking for the parties, the registration party will be from 7-9 p.m. May 24 at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St. There will be a dinner party from 5:30-8 p.m. May 25 at More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St., and a closing party and barbecue on May 26. For more information, see www.falcons-soccer.org. Bring it to the floor Celebrate the timeless art of vogue from 8 p.m.-3 a.m. May 25 at Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., in a runway competition featuring 10 categories of the fiercest voguing seen since Paris was burning. Cover is $10, but Attic youth get in free. You must be 21 or over to drink. Proceeds benefit The Attic Youth Center. Contact PhillyVogue@gmail.com to enter the competition. Bearlesque Have you ever gone to a burlesque show

Big Gay Boat Party The return of summer means the return of the Big Gay Boat Party, which is bigger and gayer and ... boatier than ever! Don’t miss your chance to rock the boat from 6 p.m.-midnight June 2 at Moshulu on Penn’s Landing, 401 S. Columbus Blvd. There will be hot boys, hot girls, hot music by DJ DeeJay and great drink specials. Cover charge is only $5 before 7 p.m. and $10 after. The deck is covered so this party is on, come rain or shine! Sugarcoated celebrities Brittany Lynn continues her steady, stilettoed march towards total world domination at 6 p.m. June 6 at SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Ave. Brittany and her fierce-some Drag Mafia will perform as Barbra, P!nk, Gaga, Britney and Beyonce. Cover is $10, half of which will go to MANNA. You’ll also get appetizers, a free cocktail and, if you stick around after the show, you can watch Brittany join Eddie Bruce and his band on stage for a live set starting at 9 p.m. Seriously — is there nothing this lady can’t do? ■ Questions, comments, cool ideas for those hot summer nights? Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and totally bitchin’ music videos!

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

TRAVEL PGN

Luxury, amenities abound at El San Juan resort By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com If the newly warm weather has you itching for a beach getaway, a trip to Puerto Rico’s capital city may be just the ticket. San Juan is just a four-hour trip from Philadelphia but its expansive beaches, crystal-blue water and perfect fusion of old- and new-world charm will make you feel worlds away. Among the gems of San Juan is El San Juan Resort & Casino, a sprawling complex in the Carolina section that offers a vacation steeped in luxury and relaxation, with enough amenities and activities to suit travelers of all backgrounds and interests. The 15-acre beachfront property offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the white sands of the Isla Verde Beach — largely considered the most pic-

turesque beach in Puerto Rico — where guests can lounge in resort chairs or rented cabanas to soak up rays or sip cocktails. Steps from the beach is the resort’s expansive pool area, featuring three distinctive pools, including one with a swimup bar. Cabanas, a sundeck and lush gardens border the pools, and visitors can take a respite from the tropical heat in hammocks strung from palm trees. After a dip in the pool or a day on the beach, El San Juan’s stylish and wellappointed rooms are a welcomed place to cool off or chill out. The resort is home to 386 guest rooms, as well as 22 suites. Rooms in the resort’s tower each come equipped with a flat-screen TV, an iHome, free WiFi and sensor-activated air conditioning, among other amenities — all presented in accommodations that are open, airy and make exquisite use of white and

bright colors for a chic beach feel. If you want to spend a bit extra for even more luxury, El San Juan offers a number of separately housed rooms in the Garden Lanais, with about 450 square feet of modern accommodations, including a private balcony overlooking the gardens and pools. The Oceanfront Lanais span up to 650 square feet and feature glass-enclosed showers, Jacuzzi baths and separate sitting areas, as well as balconies that open onto stunning ocean views. If you can pull yourself away from ONE OF EL SAN JUAN RESORT’S OCEANFRONT POOLS AND the pools and AN OCEAN LANAI ROOM Photos: Jen Colletta guestrooms, After a night of partying, guests can El San Juan has myriad other offerings to treat themselves to a morning at the spa, keep you busy. The resort houses nine restaurants, com- which offers the full gamut of body and skin treatments. And, once rejuvenated, prising tastes from Italian to Caribbean to they can set off to enjoy all the area has to Pan-Asian, and which range from casual offer. poolside eateries to upscale fine dining. The adventurous traveler can partake in El San Juan features 15 bars, clubs and lounges throughout the complex, including an array of water sports or hike through El Yunque Rainforest, about an hour’s drive bars designated for specific drinks, such from the resort. as a rum-focused area. Evenings bring For a dose of history, travelers can make throngs of vacationers from the resort and the 7-mile trek to Old San Juan, a 16thelsewhere in San Juan to the lobby for century town rife with close cobblestoned live music, cocktails and conversation. Or, streets, impressive architecture and forts guests can take in the sights and sounds at that have overlooked the ocean for centuBrother Jimmy’s BBQ, an 8,000-squareries. Amid the archaic buildings, however, foot indoor and outdoor sports bar and is a sea of modern restaurants, boutiques, grill, located high atop the tower, overgalleries and museums. looking the ocean. San Juan has a flourishing LGBT scene, Or, if retail therapy is more your speed, and El San Juan is among the venues the resort is also home to the Shops at La Galeria, a maze of boutiques that include a opening its doors to the community. The venue can serve as a perfect getbeauty salon and designer clothes and jewaway for couples looking for a romantic elry stores. respite, especially for a honeymoon, or for Before guests visit the shops to stock groups in search of a fun atmosphere with up on souvenirs for their loved ones (or a diverse set of opportunities. themselves), they can try to line their walRegardless of your vacation interests, El lets with winnings from the resort’s casino. San Juan can offer a top-notch, unforgetLocated adjacent to the lobby, the casino table experience. features state-of-the-art slots, as well as For more information, visit www.elsangames from blackjack to baccarat and juanresort.com. ■ everything in between.

FILM PGN FILM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Filmmaking pair puts modern parenting spin on James’ novel By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor

— and her emotional responses — in bold relief. That Maisie feels more comfortable in either Margo or Lincoln’s presence than with her real mom or dad is something the filmmakers underscore at every opportunity. The directors were fortunate to find the young Aprile, who gives an incredible performance in the title role. “We had this extraordinary child ... her face functioned so perfectly, conveying a sense of where she was emotionally in her life and story and the tenor of the movie

Siegel acknowledged that this strategy was not planned during shooting but developed during editing. “Some of it comes through sound design — dynamic modulations, big and small, and keeping others out of the frame as much as we did, and keeping the camera on the child. We also had sharp separations between the ellipses.” While the filmmakers have crafted an impressive film about a disintegrating family, they admit when they parent a

film, they do not fight with each other or on the set, or in front of their crew. Siegel observed, “The lesson we learned early was never to fight in front of the children and never disagree in public.” McGehee concurred, and rejected any notion of ending their creative partnership. “We met as friends and have been lucky to have kept this up for so long. I don’t think either one of us would be doing this on our own.” ■

Scott McGehee and David Siegel, the gay-straight (respectively) pair, have been filmmaking partners for more than two decades. Their latest collaboration, “What Maisie Knew,” is a superb adaptation of Henry James’ novel and opens May 24 at the Ritz East. Set in present-day New York, this absorbing domestic drama depicts a fierce custody battle between Susanna (Julianne Moore) and Beale (Steve Coogan), but it is told shrewdly (and mainly) from their child Maisie’s (Onata Aprile) point of view. In a recent phone interview, the filmmakers discussed how they came to this project. McGehee said: “Our entry point was the screenplay, not the novel. When we first encountered the story, neither of us had read the novel. We thought the story worked really JULIANNE MOORE AND ONATA APRILE (LEFT) AND APRILE AND ALEXANDER SKARSGAARD Photos: Courtesy of Millennium Entertainment well, and we had some at each moment,” praised Siegel. ideas on what to do with it — make it He continued to gush about his leadcontemporary, bring it downtown, focus on the characters’ relationships — and the ing little lady, “She was what we looked for — someone who could communicate screenplay was a model for what the film a story just with her face — and get into became. her interior life. She doesn’t speak much, “Then we went back to read the James but we needed a kid still enough and pennovel as background.” sive enough to act as that kind of mirror. While there are characters in the novel She does function as a tabula rasa. Tilda compressed for the film, the directors [Swinton] did that in [our film] ‘The Deep were adamant about building their story End,’ but she was a 40-year-old woman around Maisie. with acting experience. This was a 6-yearMcGehee explained, “The foreground old kid! It was strange to look at this little story is this little girl’s experience while girl performing. Watching the subtlety of all this [adult stuff] is happening in the background. We had to separate those two her eye flips, we’d be like, ‘This is fucking unbelievable!’” [story]lines and figure out the proper balViewers will share the director’s ance to keep focus on the foreground.” enthusiasm for Aprile’s performance. Siegel indicated that “What Maisie Audiences may also appreciate Coogan’s Knew” was built mostly in the editturn as Beale, as the comedian was cast ing room, where the story of the adults as Maisie’s father “to give the film some — which takes place mostly off-screen lightness,” Siegel said. — was used to create ellipses in Maisie’s “He’s cast against type to do dramatic life. Time jumps are used to depict stuff,” added McGehee. “We knew Steve Beale’s courtship of his daughter’s could act, and not just in comedic stuff. nanny, Margo (Joanna Vanderham), and He proved us right. He relishes the idea of Susanna’s quickie marriage to affable bartender Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgård). playing dicks.” “We’re sure he’s a lovely father in real These events further expose the divorced life,” Siegel added. couple as bad lovers as well as bad par“What Maisie Knew” establishes its ents; neither treats their new partner better than their former spouse, often forcing dramatic tension from the anxiety the directors create that something horthem into the role of default babysitter. rific is going to happen to Maisie at any As a result, “What Maisie Knew” cregiven moment. Most of the film is shot at ates a strong sense of the abandonment TH ANSOM TREETS Maisie’s eye level, or framed by doorways and isolation the young girl feels over HILADELPHIA or windows to magnify what is being said time as she is shuttled between parents because the young girl is often eavesdropand then jettisoned to her parents’ new ping. lovers. This narrative arc puts Maisie

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FUN PGN & GAMES

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Q Puzzle Gaily Gay Lee Across

1. Foam at the mouth 5. Business degs. 9. Philip Johnson contemporary 14. Linen fiber 15. Wine region of Michelangelo’s land 16. Burn with water 17. With 23-Across, soap with Lee 19. In a queer way 20. Fight with fists 21. Shakespearean sister 23. See 17-Across 28. Rod attachment 29. Lending letters 30. Gladiator area 32. Sausage unit 34. Log Cabin member (abbr.) 35. Part of a cathedral name in gay Paree 39. Like some kings or pirates 41. Formed bubbles

43. Start something with Mauresmo 44. Hearst’s kidnappers, for short 45. Garr of “Tootsie” 46. New member 50. Except 51. Healthy ___ ox 54. Portrayer of Lee’s husband 56. Stonewall Inn feature 58. Running game 59. Oral performances 60. Lee’s husband 66. Younger daughter of Michelle 67. Drawing card 68. “Myra Breckinridge” author Vidal 69. Hostile state 70. Boy who shoots off arrows 71. Very top

Down

1. Gomer’s mail service 2. Heady stuff

3. It has a hot nozzel 4. Montreal team of old 5. Mardi Gras mo., often 6. “Morally straight” org. 7. Person with a J.D. 8. Greeks’ operation against the Trojans, et al. 9. “Help ___ the way!” 10. Lee, in a soap 11. Kahlo’s father 12. Porn director Francis 13. Pastoral poem 18. Business boss 22. Fruit sugar ending 23. Circles over Mary and Peter 24. Put in two cents worth 25. Tested, to Marc Jacobs 26. “Glen or Glenda: ___ Two Lives” 27. BMOC, e.g.

31. Game with “Reverse” cards 33. Portrayer of Lee 36. Bottom’s lover at the circus? 37. “The Golden Girls” episode 38. Cuts 40. Kobe currency 41. Defect of precious stones 42. Tat opener 44. “___ semper tyrannis” 47. Lance at court 48. Roll in the hay 49. Rebuke from Caesar 51. Demean 52. That’s a wrap 53. Leave the sack 55. Roo’s mom 57. Key opening 61. Wilder’s “___ Town” 62. Bart, to Maggie 63. Cocks and bulls 64. Early preposition 65. Title for Oedipus PAGE 39

PROFILE from page 29

sidewalk at First Friday or at a student exhibition at Moore or Tyler. You can actually get to know the artists here.

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PGN

PGN: And another place to buy great affordable art is at your event Art for the Cash Poor. BR: Yes, yes. That’s going to be great. It’s a fundraiser for InLiquid, which is an emerging artists’ collective. It was established to create opportunities and exposure for visual artists and serves as a free, online public hub for arts information. Art for the Cash Poor is going to be a three-day event from June 7-9: a preview party on Friday and then the actual art sale and party on Saturday and Sunday. The cool thing is that all the art — from paintings, prints, photography, fiber arts, glass and ceramic ware, jewelry and fashion — will all be priced under $200! There will also be music and food and family fun. The preview party is being done in conjunction with the AIDS Fund and the proceeds will be split between AF and InLiquid. It’s a great way to meet the artists, start your own art collection and support a good cause. PGN: Do you paint or do any art? BR: [Laughs.] No! Sadly, I didn’t inherit any of my mother’s talent. I’m the worst artist around. I can’t even do stick figures. You don’t want me as your Pictionary partner. PGN: But I hear you have some sartorial artistry.

BR: [Laughs.] Yes! I just started wearing suits and bowties and somehow it became my trademark look! I’ve been taking my friends out bowtie shopping and teaching them how to tie them properly. PGN: Favorite celebrity encounter? BR: About 10 years ago, I was set up on a blind date with Neil Patrick Harris. This was before he met his husband. My best friend from Penn who sang with me went on to Julliard and they were in a play together so she set it up. It was fun! PGN: Are you with a partner now or single? BR: I’m single. You can put that in caps — and make it bold. SINGLE. PGN: Any phobias? BR: I’m really scared of heights. Even though I did go sky-diving in Las Vegas with my best friend from my MBA program at Temple. It was his 30th birthday and I couldn’t let him die by himself on his big day, so I sucked it up and jumped out of a plane. I truly faced my fear of heights head on. PGN: I read an article featuring you about gays taking over the Union League. Who would you want to take to 1862 for a glass of scotch? BR: I would really love to have a drink with Frank Sinatra. I think he had such a colorful life during such an amazing time period. He’d probably have some great stories to tell.

PGN: People often confuse me for? BR: Brad Richards the hockey player! I didn’t know who he was, but apparently he’s pretty famous. If you Google my name you’ll mostly find stuff about him, which is actually a good Internet cover. It makes it hard for people to find out anything about me! PGN: What’s a conversation piece in your house? BR: Well, in my art collection I have a few pieces from my mother that stand out. I have a lot of local artists too and I love when it gets conversations started, as people try to figure out what something means or hearing what people like or don’t like. There’s one painting that’s a 5-foot square from Pete Vebley called “Elevate in Madness.” Some people see it as a crazy person, some think it looks like someone on a motorcycle. It’s so big you can’t miss it, so everyone wants to figure out what it means. PGN: It sounds like your own private Rorschach test! BR: It is! It’s a good barometer for someone’s state of mind. PGN: [Laughs.] Ever have to ask someone to leave after they’ve given their interpretation? Like, “I see a person slaughtering baby lambs ... ” BR: No! Not yet. Hopefully never! ■ The preview party for Art for the Cash Poor will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. June 7 at The Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American St. The event will continue at Crane from noon6 p.m. June 8 and 9. For more information, visit www.inliquid.org.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Worth Watching

’Hood Happenings

Last-minute May opportunities

TAKING A BOW: Kiss the recently canceled Broadway drama “Smash” goodbye with its last two new episodes revolving around the Tony Awards and featuring guest stars Rosie O’Donnell, Cheyenne Jackson, Ron Rifkin and Bernadette Peters, 9 and 10 p.m. May 26 on NBC. Photo: Will Hart/NBC

GOOD HAIR DAY: We’ll always prefer John Waters’ original camp classic “Hairspray” over any of the musical theatrical remakes. Watch it 7 p.m. May 27 on Logo.

INDOCHINO Photo: Scott A. Drake • Green Eggs Café owner Steve Slaughter has been holding onto hope that the work being done to resolve the rat problem at the establishment, at 212 S. 13th St., will be completed and the café can reopen by this weekend. The recent rat video has gone viral, at least locally, and many fans of the eatery still say they will return after the restaurant fixes pipe problems and seals spaces in the basement foundation. • Casual Italian eatery Little Nonna’s will be the latest inhabitant at the revolving door that is 13th and Locust streets. The venue, by lesbian couple Marcie Turney and Valarie Safran, who run a number of eateries in the area, is expected to open by the end of the year at 1234 Locust St. The spot was most recently home to Fish. A new tenant for the adjacent and now-defunct Rhino Bar has yet to be named. • It’s across Broad Street from the ’hood, so look both ways before crossing when you go check out another popup store. Indochino is a high-end men’s store that bills itself as a traveling tailor. Get fitted on the spot for a suit, tux or shirt and get it delivered free in three to four weeks. Check them out at their 1518 Walnut St. location through May 27. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Be prepared when you check out for a bank refusal of your

card if you used it previously in the day; — Indochino is based in Vancouver. • Indeblue, the modern and traditional Indian restaurant in Collingswood, N.J. has an offspring in the ’hood now. The new option for dining before drinking and dancing is just a few steps from 13th Street Gourmet Pizza in the former Pastoral location. Opens June 1. • Now you want dessert? You’re in luck. Scoop DeVille’s new location at 1315 Walnut St. is ready to open over Memorial Day weekend. You loved it when it was over by DiBruno’s; you’ll love it even more when you decide to stop in for some exotic ice cream late at night. Open until 11 p.m. during the week and midnight Fridays and Saturdays. • Parking alert! Our favorite ’hood mural, “Philadelphia Muses” at 13th and Locust streets, is undergoing sprucing-up and preservation work. This means the parking lot there will be constrictive until completed. Adding to the angst is the city Streets Department, which is tearing up many of the ’hood corners to put in new handicapped ramps. Parking isn’t fun anyway, so plan accordingly. ■ ’Hood Happenings is a new feature that tells the LGBT community what’s new, changed, special or gone in the Gayborhood. Send your information to scott@epgn.com for inclusion in future columns.

CRIMES OF FASHION: Joan Rivers brings her notorious and noholds-barred celebrity fashion and pop culture commentary to a new episode of “Fashion Police” with cohorts Kelly Osbourne, Giuliana Rancic and celebrity stylist George Kotsiopoulos, 10 p.m. May 24 on the E! Network. Photo: Timothy White/E!

FLY GIRLS: VH1 debuts it new dramatic series “Hit The Floor,” which follows the lives and loves of the Los Angeles Devil Girls, the premier dance team in all of professional basketball, 9 p.m. May 27 on VH1. Photo: VH1.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

PGNOUT DINING

So far, SoWe, so good By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com SoWe Bar and Kitchen, the new gay-owned eatery at 918 S. 22nd St., is on a mission to specialize in refined comfort food. So far, it’s successful on many fronts. For the most part, everything we tried at SoWe was good or great. We found that the dishes that made a vigorous stab at our more primal culinary urges weren’t as satisfying as the dishes that took a more subtle, elegant route. The loaded bacon tots ($9) screamed for attention. And oh, they got it. Tater tots stuffed with bacon would have been enough to pull our attention, but the smothering of said tots in lack cheese,

and jalapenos gave the dish a nice kick and we couldn’t deny the charm, even though it felt like overkill. The SoWe burger ($12) was good as well, but also tried a bit too hard. Subtract one or two of the toppings (fried peppers, onions, cheddar, bacon and horseradish mayo) and you’re closer to perfection. The grilled seafood Caesar salad ($17) brought the welcome addition of crabmeat and shrimp to the CHICKPEA FRITTERS familiar dish and was beautifully presented. chili and pickled jalapenos really Some might find the made the dish drop its pants and grilling of the lettuce a bit excesdemand an audience. The chili sive, but the dish is tasty and

Food & Drink

unique for those who appreciate its distinct roasted flavor. The best dishes at SoWe are a bit more coy, but addictive. The chickpea fritters ($7) were crispy on the outside, moist on the inside and bursting with great herby flavor. The vegan Reuben ($10) was a pleasant detour for both fans and newbies to the traditional sandwich. By subbing seitan, beet and carrot slaw and vegan Russian dressing for the regular ingredients, the flavors and the textures come together so well that even

TACO TARTARE

the staunchest meat eater won’t miss the corned beef and sauerkraut.

DINING PGNOUT

Back on the meat front, the special of the day, pulled pork tacos with melon salsa and pickled okra, hit the right spots, tasting familiar and exotic at the same time. The taco tartare ($11) was a delightful surprise. The tuna, avocado and crème fraiche on tortilla chips did a wonderful job of approximating the silky texture of nachos, while at the same time delivering lighter and brighter flavors that make you easily forget about the meats and cheeses of the traditional dish. Dessert was equally understated and pleasant, as the berry tartlet ($6) was velvety-smooth and bright, topped with seasonal berries. SoWe Bar and Kitchen definitely has the right ideas when it comes to creative twists on comfort food. It will be interesting to see what their imaginations come up with each season. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

If you go SoWe 918 S. 22nd St. 215-545-5790 www.sowephilly.com Mon.-Thurs.: 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Fri.: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Sat.: 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Sun.: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.

SOWE OUTDOOR DINING AREA Photos: Scott A. Drake

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 05/24 Pariah The film about a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents and is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian is screened 7 p.m. at Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut St., third floor; 215222-4201. Chicago The band performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Gil Shaham Plays Brahms The Philadelphia

Orchestra performs through May 25 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847. 2 Live Crew The raunchy rap group performs 8:30 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Girls, Girls, Girls The all-female Motley Crüe tribute band performs 9 p.m. at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.

Sat. 05/25 In Cold Blood The film based on the book by

Truman Capote is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

p.m.-2 a.m. at Tabu Lounge, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

Show Me Your Soul Festival The inaugural festival features 17 soul artists, 3 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Capote The biopic about Truman Capote is screened 4 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Motley Crüe The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-4495150. Bearlesque A bear-themed burlesque show, 9

Gloria Gaynor The disco icon performs 9 p.m. at Resorts Atlantic City Superstar Theater, 1133 Boardwalk; 800722-9000. Bravissimo Burlesque presents The Grand Finale! Notorious OMG, Lil’ Steph, Miss Rose and Giovanni perform, 10 p.m. at WineO, 447 Poplar St.; www.lilsteph. com. Gorilla Music

Sun. 05/26 Presents: The Philadelphia Battle of the Bands Finals Philadelphia bands compete 4 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Get out of town. No, really, we mean it. Find deals both near and far, along with travel tips from Philly’s own Jeff Guaracino.

Outward Bound Jeff Guaracino

Online and in print every third Friday of the month. Only in

Mon. 05/27 Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Tue. 05/28 The Big Lebowski The comedy film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Wed. 05/29 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Kings of Summer & Stand By Me The two comingof-age buddy films are screened starting 7:30 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Alice Walker The author of “The Color Purple” hosts a reading 8:15 p.m. at Central Library,

CAST OUT: “Pariah,” the acclaimed 2011 film about a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents and is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian, is screened 7 p.m. May 24 at Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut St., third floor. For more information, call 215-222-4201.

1901 Vine St.; 215686-5322 Phreak N’ Queer Balcony Bar Buffet The fundraiser for the LGBT arts and music festival features performances by Sebastian, Miss Mary Wanna, Ruby LL Voyager, Golden Delicious, Ben Storey, Xanadu Xanax, Julianne Fries, Messapotamia Lefae and more, 9 p.m. at the Balcony above Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Fri. 05/31 Portrait of Jason Shirley Clarke’s feature-length portrait of Jason Holiday recounting charming anecdotes from his past and opening up about the harsh realities of being black and gay in 1960s

America, 7 p.m. at Ibrahim Theater at International House, 3701 Chestnut St.; 215387-5125. Kelly Rowland & The Dream The hit-making R&B singers perform 9 p.m. at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-9221011.

Thu. 05/30 Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.

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

SURVIVOR: Disco icon Gloria Gaynor gets booties shaking with her dance hits when she performs 9 p.m. May 25 at Resorts Atlantic City Superstar Theater, 1133 Boardwalk. For more information or tickets, call 800-722-9000.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Design for the Modern Child Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition featuring some of the latest furniture, toys, tableware, wallpaper and textiles designed internationally in Australia, Asia, Europe, Great Britain and the United States, along with classics from the museum’s design collection, May 25-Oct. 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Kevin Pollack The comedian seen on “The Usual Suspects” performs May 30-June 1 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Mary J. Blige The R&B singer performs May 25-26 at Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave.; 609-242-2535. Pitbull & Kesha The pop artists perform May 25-26 at The Showroom, Brigantine Boulevard and Huron Avenue, Atlantic City; 609441-2000.

duction consisting of sketches that interconnect to portray growing up gay and African-American, through June 16, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824. Candy Coated Wonderland Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition by Philadelphia-based multimedia artist Candy Coated (formerly Candy Depew) reinterpreting children’s fancy dress costumes from the museum’s collection, through Nov. 17, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. DINO! An Evening with Dean Martin at the Latin Casino Walnut Street Theatre presents a recreation of a legendary Dean Martin concert, through June 30 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550. Grease Walnut Street Theatre presents the classic musical through July 14, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Great and Mighty Things Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of outsider art from the PICTURES OF THE PAST: In the 1967 documentary “Portrait of Jason,” ﬁlmmaker Shirley Clarke interviews cabaret performer Jason Holiday, who recounts charming anecdotes from his past and opens up about the harsh realities of being black and gay in 1960s America, 7 p.m. May 31 at Ibrahim Theater at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-387-5125.

Russell Peters The comedian performs May 25-26 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000.

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

St. Stephen’s Theater, 10th and Ludlow streets; 215-829-0395. Inherit the Wind Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the courtroom drama about creationism vs. evolution, through June 9, 120 Radcliffe St.; 215-785-0100. In Visible Skin: Portraits of Transgender Philadelphia The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition by artist Emily Smith Satis, through June 28, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. MAME Bucks County Playhouse presents Andrea McArdle and Lea DeLaria in the popular musical, through June 9, 70 S. Main St.; 215-862-2121. Pinocchio The classic children’s tale comes to life on stage through June 23 at Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122.

Closing Failure: A Love Story Azuka Theatre presents a story of music and magic set in thriving 1928 Chicago, through May 26 at Off-Broad Street Theater, 1636 Sansom St.; 215-5631100.

THE TRUMAN SHOWS: Truman Capote fans can get a double dose of the gay writer on celluloid with the screening of Capote-inspired “In Cold Blood” and the biopic “Capote” (pictured) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, May 25 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. For more information or tickets, call 610-917-0223.

Pete Holmes The comedian seen on Comedy Central performs through May 25 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001. ■

We’re all getting older. For LGBT seniors, being out in the golden years can pose a whole new set of challenges. Each month, Gettin’ On brings you insights on aging, from legal issues to sexual health.

Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection, through June 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Heroes Lantern Theatre Company presents the Philadelphia premiere of the comedy about vets plotting to escape from a retired soldier’s home, May 17-June 9, from page 34

Gettin’ On Read On Gettin’ On third Friday of the month Only in

REALPGN ESTATE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

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



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   

    

Tom Sasaki

Haines & Haines Realtors 230 High S., Burlington NJ 08016 • andrea@hainesrealtors.com Ofﬁce: 609-386-1636 Ext 19 • Fax: 609-387-3081

A VICTORIAN GEM . . .

built about 1868 awaiting restoration just 15 minutes from center city Philadelphia. Located in Merchantville, NJ, this home has fantastic stained glass and great woodwork, 2 staircases, 2 ﬁreplaces, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 1/2 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry, family room, chapel room (unheated), 3 room attic, unﬁnished bsmt. and 1 car attached garage. It has been rewired (200 amp service), main roof is only 6 years old, insulated.

Must be seen to be appreciated at $299,900.00. Call Bobbi Stagliano at (856) 952-1236 for appointment.

Bobbi Stagliano, Realtor

Peze & Carroll Realtors

Cell: (856) 952-1236 • Home ofﬁce: (856) 662-2672 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.

UP STATE NY COUNTRYSIDE SPRING LAND SALE $5,000 Off Each Lot. 6 AC w / Trout Stream: $29,995. 3 AC / So. Tier: $15,995. 5.7 AC On the River: $39,995. Beautiful & All Guaranteed Buildable. Financing Available ... Offers End 5/15/13... Call Now: 1-800-229-7843 www. landandcamps.com ________________________________________37-22 Waterfront Lots-Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Was $300k, Now From $55k. Large Lots, Community Pool, Pier and Recreational Center. Great for boating, ﬁshing & kayaking. www.oldemillpointe.com 757-824-0808. ________________________________________37-22 LAKE SALE, NY 5 acres Bass Lake $29,900. 7 acres 400’ waterfront $29,900. 6 lake properties. Were $39,900 now $29,900. www.LandFirstNY.com Ends May 31st. Call 1-888-683-2626. ________________________________________37-22 15 MINUTES FROM PHILA.-VICTORIAN GEM AWAITING RESTORATION Stained glass windows, great woodwork, 2 ﬁreplaces, 4 bdrm., 3 full baths, 2 1/2 baths, living rm., dining rm., kitchen, butler’s pantry, family room, chapel, & more. $299,900.00 call Bobbi Stagliano (856) 952-1236 for appointment. ________________________________________37-22

Real Estate Rent BEAUTIFUL WEST MT. AIRY APT. One bedroom, living room, dining room, enclosed porch, large windows plenty of light. Classic features. $900 plus utilities. Near co-op, train, buses. Please call or email Nini Melvin 978 413 3141 ninimelvin@gmail.com ________________________________________37-22

Roommates FAIRLESS HILLS, BUCKS COUNTY house to share. $600.00 a month plus 1/2 utilities contact jim at 215-768-8976. ________________________________________37-22 BRIGANTINE SHARED SUMMER COTTAGE Share a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, back deck, cottage within walking distance to the beach and the center of town. $2000.00 per person per month. Call 215-512-4978. ________________________________________37-22

Business Opportunity OFFICE SPACE IN NEW JERSEY Large & small offices available. Inexpens. rent incl. Elec, Water, Heat, A/C, Taxes, & Snow Removal. No Sec. Depos. Also have large, completely outfitted medical & legal space. Ample parking, uncongested area. Adjacent 1,500+ homes provide huge client base. 10 mins from Coll’wood, Haddfld, AC Exprswy, BHP, 295, & Philly. John (609)413-5832. ________________________________________37-25

Wanted to Buy NATIONAL BUYER IN PHILADELPHIA Paying cash for your PRE-1975 Collectibles. We want your old sports cards, toys, and comic books. CASH PAID!! Call TODAY: 716-472-6450. ________________________________________37-22

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

PGN

Travel & Resorts

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Services

MICAHEL DEJESUS

Owner yankeefan6533@yahoo.com 215-341-0940

PARAMOUMT MOVING SERVICES We are the Careful Movers

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________37-22 609-345-8203. oceanhouseatlanticcity.com ________________________________________37-45

Help Wanted Marketing person needed. Experienced in website and SEO. Great pay and benefits. Email resumes to anna@guesswho.com ________________________________________37-24 GORDON TRUCKING, INC. CDL-A Drivers Needed! Up to $3,000 SIGN ON BONUS. Refrigerated Fleet with Great Miles. Up to .46 cpm w/10 years experience. Full Benefits, 401k, EOE. No N.E. Runs! Call 7 days/wk! TeamGTI.com 866-554-7856. ________________________________________37-22 AVERITT OFFERS CDL-A Drivers a Strong, Stable, Profitable Career. Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads- Excellent Benefits, Weekly Hometime, Paid Training. 888-362-8608 AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________37-22

3120 Aramingo Ave. Philadelphia PA 19134

Help Wanted $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS For exp’d solo OTR drivers & O/O’s. Tuition reimbursement also available! New Student Pay & Lease Program. USA TRUCK 877-521-5775 www.GoUSATruck.com ________________________________________37-22 Driver - Two raises in ﬁrst year. Qualify for any portion of $.03/mile quarterly bonus: $.01 Safety, $.01 Production, $.01 MPG. 3 months OTR experience. 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com ________________________________________3722Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________37-22 CRST offers the Best Lease Purchase Program! SIGN ON BONUS. No Down Payment or Credit Check. Great Pay. Class-A CDL required. Owner Operators Welcome! Call:866-403-7044. ________________________________________37-22 CDL-A Drivers: Hiring experienced company drivers and owner operators. Solo and teams. Competitive pay package. Sign-on incentives. Call 888-705-3217 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com ________________________________________37-22

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1800-578-1363 Ext.300N. ________________________________________37-22

Pets 2 AKC Registered Tea Cup Yorkies Puppies male and female free to a new good home, They have current shots and play along with children and other animals. Contact (davidburns769@yahoo.com) for more information. ________________________________________37-2

EXP RELIABLE HOUSECLEANER Let me free up your valuable time by cleaning your house or apt. Weekly biweekly monthly. I have 10+ years exp. FREE estimates. Call Wayne 215-422-2654. Ref’s upon request. ________________________________________37-23 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualiﬁed-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________37-22 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME 6-8 weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a Diploma. Get a Job! No Computer Needed. FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330. Benjamin Franklin HS www.diplomafromhome.com ________________________________________37-22

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days

Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:

YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS • DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com GENERAL INFORMATION

All classified advertising must be in our office by 3 p.m. Friday for the next Friday’s paper. Ads arriving after that time will be held for the next available issue. PGN reserves the right to edit or rewrite ads as needed, to refuse any ad for any reason and to determine the final classification. Ads determined to be in bad taste, directed to or from persons under the legal age of consent or containing racially or sexually discriminatory language will be refused. We need your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number on the insertion order form for you ad. This information is confidential and will not appear in the paper. Any ads received without full information will be destroyed. Sexually explicit language will be edited or refused at the discretion of the management.

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

Classified ads may placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%

CANCELLATION POLICY All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

PGN

Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________37-25 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________37-22 WANTED Live-Out or Live-In Companion, maybe more. 215-6775610. ________________________________________37-25 Senior GWM ISO male, 40+, all races for platonic relationship. Phila. area only. PO Box 302, Merion Sta., PA 19066. ________________________________________37-22 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________37-23 CUTE ITALIAN, 36 Cute Italian, 36 looking for beefy or guys with hard bodies for good times. I live near Philly in NJ. Call Gregg at 412-596-9050, cell. ____________________________________________37-23 64 yo, hot, in shape 5,7, seeks hunky, top only masc guys 4 fun. Asian, PR great. Leave message 215-264-1058. ____________________________________________37-25

Handsome Certified Therapist

Massage

6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________37-32

B-7

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

LATE NIGHT FOOLING AROUND

Sat., June 15th, 2013 • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More..

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group)

Sun., June 16th, 2013 • Time: 3-6pm BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT JOIN PANG FOR: • An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • Complimentary Food & Beverages and Much More... For More Information On Group:www.phillynakedguys.com/

NIGHT OF MAGNUM

Sat., June 22nd, 2013 • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • MEN OF MAGNUM ENTERTAINMENT • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More..

SIP-N-TWIRL SUNDAY(1st Summer Tea Dance Party) Sat., June 23rd, 2013 • Time: 3pm- 6pm

WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More.. - CHECK IN EARLY IF YOU WANT A ROOM... ROOMS GO QUICKLY!!! -

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people come-

SUNDAY RELIEF Half Price Rooms (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

MONDAY thru FRIDAY: Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

TUESDAYS Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight)

Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE $12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight) Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events.... Also, RENOVATIONS are being done, So swing by & Check Out The Transformation!

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

PGN

Activism/Politics

ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) meets 6-9 p.m. every Monday at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-386-1981; www.actupphilly.org. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; www.dvau.org. Equality Pennsylvania holds a volunteer night the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; 215-731-1447; www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia holds general meetings the fourth Thursday of the month except August and December, 7 p.m.; 215-243-7103; www.gpop.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club meets seasonally; www.libertycity.org.

Arts

Library Book Club meets to discuss a new book 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center. Philadelphia Freedom Band, an audition-free LGBT band that does concerts and parades, rehearses Mondays 7-9:30 p.m.; philadelphiafreedomband.com. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 215-731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club meets to share and listen to recordings 6:30 p.m. the last Saturday of the month; 215-732-7898. Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia’s first mixed GLBT chorus, rehearses 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center. Reading Queerly, open to all women and genderqueer/trans people, meets 6:45 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.

Recreation

Gay Bridge Club non-beginners group meets Monday 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; reservations required. Call 215-732-2220. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club meets 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; 215-382-0789. Gay Opera Guys of Philly, a new group for opera appreciation, meets the last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/Andorra area; 215-483-1032. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; 215-985-1456; www.humboldtsociety. org. Independence Squares LGBT square-dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; philadances@gmail.com; www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape. Call 267230-6750 for more information. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social activities for senior gay men are held every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. PhilaVentures, Philadelphia’s LGBT outdoor group, meets for hikes in Wissahickon Valley and Valley Forge Park; philaventures.org.

Sports

Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club meets for Tuesday and Thursday practice at 8 p.m. Greenfield Park, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, in Fairmount Park; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners running club meets 9:30 a.m. Saturdays for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www. philadelphiafrontrunners.org. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club LGBT and allies; plays 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays at Edgely Fields in Fairmount Park; www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team, male and female swimmers, meets 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Friends Select School and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park; www.philadelphia-fins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; 856-889-1434; www.philagaybowling.com. Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League games played Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; phillyflagfootball.com. Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club seeks players, all skill levels welcome; meets 7:45 p.m. Thursdays at

Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; 215-913-7531; philadelphiagryphons.org; becomeagryphon@gmail.com. Philadelphia Liberty Belles women’s semi-pro full-tackle football league holds fall tryouts; phillybelles.com. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association plays year-round, all skill levels welcome; philadelphialibertytennis.com. Philadelphia Firebirds women’s football team seeks players; www.philadelphiafirebirds.com. Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League seeks players, all skill levels and ages welcome. Practice is Thursdays, 7 p.m. at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater streets, with games on Sundays 2:30 p.m.; phillywomensbaseball.com; contact Narda Quigley, (day) 215-9915995 or (evening) 301-919-1194. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; 917-656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org. Philly QCycle LGBT bicycling club promotes organized recreational riding for all levels in the Greater Philadelphia region. Contact the organization via Facebook. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley motorcycle club meets regularly; 215-836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Boulevard Lanes in Northeast Philadelphia; rainbowrollers.com. Spartan Wrestling Club, the gay wresting team, meets 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays (no August practice) at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-732-4545; www. phillyspartans.com. Suburban Gay Bowling League bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays from August-April at Facenda-Whitaker Lanes, 2912 Swede Road, Norristown; sgblbowl@gmail.com. Team Philadelphia, the umbrella group for gay and lesbian sports teams, and individual athletes in the Delaware Valley come together to provide a healthy outlet for all members of the community; teamphiladelphia.org.

Etc.

AIDS Law Project provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600; 215-5879377; www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity, Philadelphia-area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets the second Friday of every other month at the William Way Center; www.biunity.org. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols for LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for selfdefense; meets 2 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southampton; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistols.org. Delaware Pride holds planning meetings 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 Main St., Newark; 302-265-3020; delawarepride.org. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance holds open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays during the school year in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; 610-896-4938. Men and Women for Human Excellence support group meets from noon-2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month at 26th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue; 267-2733513; cmoore8300@yahoo.com. Long Yang Club Philadelphia social organization for gay Asians and their friends holds monthly socials; www.longyangclub.org/philadelphia. Our Night Out, a casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, friends and colleagues, meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, email OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; more information on Facebook. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice offered 5-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month; 215-238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; primetimer sofphiladelphia@yahoo.com. Philadelphians MC Club for leather men and women meets 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; philadelphiansmc.org. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL-affiliated, weekly HF nets, quarterly newsletter; www.rara.org. Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar Party for gay and lesbian rockers with host Psydde Delicious starts 10 p.m. every first Sunday at Fluid, 613 S. Fourth St.; www.RocknRollQueerBar.com. Silver Foxes, a social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older, meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month at the William Way Center. SNJ Queers meets monthly for queer/queer-friendly folks in South Jersey to mix and mingle. Search for SNJ Queers on Facebook; contact Wendy at 856-375-3708 or wmf69@comast.net.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537

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

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

Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com May 24-30, 2013

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