Philadelphia Gay News
LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976 | VOL. 43 NO. 23 | JUNE 7-13, 2019| Philadelphia Lights up for Pride
Family Portrait: Stephanie Love
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| HONESTY | INTEGRITY | PROFESSIONALISM |
Gay Newspapers and Gay Liberation
Road to Stonewall: Joe Beam
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Local orgs present at secondPride float honoring Stonewall annual LGBTQ State of the Union activists commemorates 50 years By Laura Smythe PGN Contributor
Day of Visibility. The office soon plans to announce a new police policy on interaction with Philadelphia’s second-annual LGBTQ transgender individuals, Hikes said, State of the Union drew hundreds of activ- describing it as “a complete overhaul.” ists, nonprofit leaders, community mem- “Philadelphia will have, without a bers and allies to the Kimmel Center this doubt, one of the most progressive police policies with trans individuals in the week. Representatives from 10 local LGBTQ entire country,” she added. The new policy is organizations prebeing created in the sented seven-minaftermath of more vioute lightning talks lence in the trans comMonday evening on munity. Last month, accomplishments Tameka Michelle from the last fiscal Washington became year and goals for the at least the sixth trannext. swoman of color Philadelphia is the to be murdered in only city in the counPhiladelphia in as many try that holds this years. type of event, said “It’s our duty together Amber Hikes, execas Philadelphians, as utive director of the queer folks, to forever Mayor’s Office of AMBER HIKES Photo: Kelly Burkhardt point the way toward LGBT Affairs. Throughout the year, Hikes’ office true inclusion to magnify the voices of those backed two bills modifying gendered who are still the most marginalized,” Hikes marital language in city tax codes, pro- said, “and to embrace tightly the power of vided testimony mandating sexual-ha- our diversity that makes Philadelphia such rassment training for city employees and an incredible place to live, to work and to supported a resolution recognizing Trans love.” PAGE 59
Photo: Laura Smyte
By Laura Smythe PGN Contributor
A 34-foot-long float outfitted in a rainbow of thousands of flowers and more than a million golden fabric eyelashes will carry five Stonewall-era LGBTQ activists through Philadelphia’s Pride parade June 9. The hand-painted “Philadelphia Pioneers
on the Road to Stonewall” float commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The featured activists will include Paul Kuntzler, John James, Randy Wicker and Mark Segal, who will ride alongside younger members of the LGBTQ community. Susan Silverman will likely appear as the fifth and, if unable, will be represented, PAGE 38 said Segal.
Suspect in slaying of transwoman and activist to stand trial By Laura Smythe PGN Contributor
The North Philadelphia man charged with murdering transwoman and activist Tameka Michelle Washington last month signed a statement saying he shot her during an altercation surrounding an alleged gun sale, Homicide Detective John Harkins testified at a preliminary hearing Wednesday. Troy Bailey, 28, gave police the statement in the evening of May 20 describing a dispute in which he met Washington — who he knew as “Michelle” — to sell her a gun for her boyfriend for $600. When Washington didn’t have the funds, she allegedly responded “suck my dick,” and
pulled out a black folding pocket knife, and Bailey shot her, Harkins said, reading from a written summary of Bailey’s video confession that was not played in court. Washington, 40, died May 19 at 5:33 a.m. at Temple University Hospital after sustaining three gunshot wounds — one to the head and two to the torso. No pocket knife was found at the crime scene on the 3400 block of North 11th Street, Harkins said. Around 6:10 a.m., Bailey showed up at the crime scene to retrieve his cell phone, which he left there. He identified himself as a witness to police and willingly followed them, along with his girlfriend Ayana Coulter, 29, to provide testimony, which he signed.
That evening, Coulter provided her own account and police noticed discrepancies in the two stories, Harkins said. This made Bailey become a suspect and prompted a search of his home on the 1100 block of West Venango Street. Detectives discovered a magazine and gun box for a Taurus 9mm handgun in Bailey’s bedroom, said Harkins, who led the search. Using serial numbers found on the gun box, police traced the gun back to Coulter. Police proceeded to search Coulter’s home, on the 4800 block of North Broad Street, where they found a gun of the same type on top of a kitchen cabinet with the serial numbers scratched off, Harkins said. Four fired casings from a 9mm were dis-
covered at the crime scene, the detective testified. Being confronted with the police’s discovery of the firearm prompted Bailey to confess to the shooting, Harkins said. The gun has been processed for fingerprints, swabbed for DNA and will undergo ballistic tests. Defense attorney Shawn Kendricks Page Sr. drew attention to how the serial number found on the gun box in Bailey’s bedroom was registered to Coulter, both Coulter and Bailey returned to the crime scene after Washington’s death and the gun was found in Coulter’s house. When asked if Coulter knew Washington, Harkins said Coulter “knows of” her. Judge Wendy Pew ruled PAGE 51
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
Resource listings Legal resources • ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215-592-1513; aclupa.org • AIDS Law Project of PA: 215-587-9377; aidslawpa.org • AIDS Law Project of South Jersey: 856-784-8532; aidslawsnj.org/ • Equality PA: equalitypa. org; 215-731-1447
• Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations — Rue Landau: 215-686-4670 • Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-7603686; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com • SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-920-9537
• Office of LGBT Affairs — Amber Hikes: 215-686-0330; amber.hikes@phila.gov
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. • LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania; 3907 Spruce
St.; 215-898-5044, center@dolphin.upenn.edu.
• Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center
Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.
• William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org.
Health and HIV testing • Action Wellness: 1216 Arch St.; 215981-0088, actionwellness.org • AIDS Healthcare Foundation: 1211 Chestnut St. #405 215971-2804; HIVcare.org • AIDS Library: 1233 Locust St.; aidslibrary.org/ • AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800-6626080 • Bebashi-Transition to Hope: 1235
Spring Garden St.; 215769-3561; bebashi.org • COLOURS: coloursorganization.org, 215832-0100 • Congreso de Latinos Unidos; 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-7638870 • GALAEI: 149 W. Susquehanna Ave.; 267-457-3912, galaei. org. Spanish/English • Health Center No. 2: 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1821
• Mazzoni Center: 1348 Bainbridge St.; 215-563-0652, mazzonicenter.org • Philadelphia FIGHT: 1233 Locust St.; 215-985-4448, fight.org • Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center: 1201 Locust St.; 215985-9206 • Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207
Other • Independence Branch Library Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection: 215-685-1633 • Independence Business Alliance; 215-557-0190, IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com
• LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK • PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 • Philly Pride Presents: 215-875-9288
Three trans women sue to obtain name changes By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Three transgender women filed suit last week in Commonwealth Court, challenging a provision of the state’s namechange law that prevents Pennsylvanians convicted of certain crimes from changing their names. The petitioners are Philadelphia resident Alonda Talley and Allegheny County residents Chauntey Mo’Nique Porter and Priscylla Renee Von Noaker. They are represented pro bono by the Reed Smith law firm, based in Pittsburgh, and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, based in New York. Filed on May 29, their 42-page lawsuit names as respondents the Pennsylvania Department of State and Secretary of State Kathleen Boockvar, who heads the department. The department is responsible for defending the constitutionality of existing state laws. According to a provision of Pennsylvania’s name-change law, residents convicted of serious felonies such as aggravated assault or rape cannot change their names. The provision was added by the state legislature in 1998 — based on a presumption that persons convicted of serious felonies would change their name for fraudulent purposes. Pennsylvanians convicted of less serious felonies such as perjury or drug possession are permitted to change their name after a two-year waiting period. According to the lawsuit, Porter, 39, was convicted of aggravated assault in 2008, and currently works at a holistic wellness clinic. Talley, 32, was convicted of aggravated assault in 2009, and currently volunteers as a receptionist at The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium. Von Noaker, a 68-year-old Native American Two Spirit, served ten years in prison after a rape conviction in 1987. The women seek a court order declaring unconstitutional the legal provision that prevents them from changing their name. “Petitioners want to change their names to reflect their female gender, but are barred from doing so simply because they were convicted of felonies years ago,” the lawsuit states. “When engaging in everyday transactions, including attempting to secure employment or medical treatment, they are hampered by the discrimination and confusion that results from being women who present identification that causes them to be incorrectly perceived as male.” The women also claim to be at risk for violence and harassment because they can’t change their name. “Transgender people who must present mismatched
identification are often verbally harassed, physically assaulted, denied service or benefits or asked to leave the premises,” the lawsuit states. In an affidavit, Talley stated that having her birth name on ID frequently causes difficulties while voting, paying bills over the phone, drinking in restaurants and buying cigarettes at the supermarket. Porter asserted that she was rendered ineligible to receive gender confirmation surgery after health care providers concluded her legal name indicates she’s not “living as a woman.” Von Noaker said she recently suffered two heart attacks, yet cannot use her preferred name when going to a hospital for treatment. The lawsuit stresses the right to personal autonomy. “When people are denied the right to change their names, they are forced to speak and write an undesired name in order to travel, vote, pay taxes, or simply conduct their daily lives. No legitimate government interest can justify this constitutional infringement,” the lawsuit states. The lawsuit also emphasizes a person’s right to privacy. “When transgender individuals are denied the right to obtain official documentation reflecting the gender-congruent name that they use in everyday life, they must broadcast an undesired name every time their name is required. This inherently requires them to publicize intimate medical information — the fact that they are transgender — against their will every time they seek to engage in everyday transactions such as paying with a debit card, visiting the dentist or applying for a job. This has caused petitioners to experience discrimination, ridicule, and contempt.” Luke Debevec, an attorney for the women, said he was optimistic of a favorable legal outcome. “Transgender people have a legitimate right to change their name,” Debevec told PGN. “This provision of the law is designed to stop fraud. And transgender people changing their name to match their identity is not fraudulent. It’s neither reasonable nor fair to prevent any opportunity for [the petitioners] to change their name.” Debevec said authorities still can weed out fraud if the ban is lifted. “The state will still have ample tools to detect and prevent fraud — including the state police database, public notice of the name change and a statement of reasons for changing one’s name,” he said. Wanda Murren, a Department of State spokesperson, declined to comment for this story. “As policy, we do not comment on active litigation,” Murren wrote in an email. n
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State reps host Fairness Act Forum By Laura Smythe laura@epgn.com Showing up to work late, regularly taking hour-long lunches or not completing your daily tasks could get you fired. So could posting a picture with your samesex partner — at least in much of the Keystone State. Pennsylvania is one of 29 states without a blanket law preventing discrimination against the LGBTQ community in employment, housing and public accommodation. The push for statewide protections prompted Pennsylvania’s two out state representatives to hold a community forum this week. State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Brian Sims hosted “LGBTQ Civil Rights: The Pursuit of the Fairness Act” Wednesday at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, a synagogue in North Philadelphia. About 50 people gathered amid thunderstorms to learn more about House Bill 1404: LGBTQ Civil Rights Protection. “In the spectrum of LGBT civil rights, from marriage equality to nondiscrimination laws, to hate-crimes laws, to antibullying laws, to comprehensive sex education, to access to medical care, there really are no laws in Pennsylvania that protect us or really even respect us,” Sims told the audience. The measure would amend the 1955 Pennsylvania Human Relations Act — which bans discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin and disability — to also include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Philadelphia is among at least 34 municipalities — including Pittsburg, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Erie and Scranton — that have passed separate ordinances preventing such discrimination. Yet Pennsylvania is the only northeastern state without a Fairness Act. Washington D.C. and 21 states, including New Jersey, Delaware and New York, have all-encompassing nondiscrimination protections. Only 33 percent of Pennsylvanians are protected from sexual orientation and gender-identity discrimination by municipal ordinances, according to data nonprofit Movement Advancement Project. Philadelphia is an “island” in Pennsylvania, Sims said, because it has the strongest laws for LGBTQ citizens of any municipality in the nation. “In my two-hour drive from the [state] capital, I drive in and out of protection zones four different times,” he noted. “Depending on where I get gas or where my car breaks down, I either have civil rights or I don’t as a gay man.” Members of pRiSm, Rodeph Shalom’s group dedicated to strengthening Jewish LGBTQ life and identity, led the event. “We, especially as Jewish people, have been oppressed,” said Heshie Zinman, chair of pRiSm. “We understand what it means. … We in the Jewish community have an obligation to think about those who do not have full rights.” In 2010, Zinman cofounded the LGBT Elder Initiative, a local organization dedicated
to protecting the rights of older members of the gay community. At Wednesday’s forum, he stressed the importance of a Fairness Act for elderly LGBTQ people. While it’s estimated that 80 percent of eldercare in the USA takes place within nuclear families, Zinman noted that many LGBTQ elders are on their own, having been cast out by relatives due to discrimination. “The fact that we don’t have nondiscrimination in Pennsylvania really just means that if an institution doesn’t want to admit me to the nursing home, doesn’t want to provide medical care to me because I happen to be gay and they don’t appreciate my lifestyle, they can turn me away,” he said. Forum participants also expressed concerns about gerrymandering impacting Pennsylvania elections; the bullying of LGBTQ students in the city’s schools; and the Fairness Act’s timeline. Sims said he believes the bill will pass in the next 18 months, and potentially as soon as this fall. Pennsylvania Democrats have tried for more than a decade to amend the Human Relations Act, Sims added. Three versions of the Fairness Act are being floated around the state, though the goal is to get one to the House floor for a vote. Kenyatta blamed Republican House Majority Leader Brian Cutler and Speaker Mike Turzai, who are responsible for calling bills to the floor, for refusing to acknowledge them. “We have to get 102 votes,” Kenyatta said. “But ultimately it has to come up for a vote and the reason it has not is because they don’t want it to. It is that simple.” In 2018, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission expanded the definition of “sex” in the state’s antidiscrimination laws. In some cases, this would apply to sexual orientation and gender identity, though critics argue LGBTQ individuals won’t be fully protected until explicit guidelines are established. South Philadelphia resident Rachel Weiner, 32, said she attended Wednesday’s forum to learn what actions are being taken to provide civil rights to the LGBTQ community. “I know that we are protected here in Philadelphia, but I wanted to get a broader understanding of the state,” Weiner said. “I came away hopeful. I am encouraged by some of the things that have taken place that could potentially appoint these bills into action.” Weiner’s partner, Michelle Ciancia, 28, of Delaware County, added she was encouraged by Sims’ optimism about the bill’s passage. South Philadelphian David Bungard, 51, attended the discussion with his daughter Laina, 14, who participates in the synagogue’s Gay-Straight Alliance. They have been members of Rodeph Shalom for years. “I would like to see everybody protected. It just makes sense,” Bungard said. “Discrimination against one is discrimination against everyone. It’s something so commonsense that it’s hard to believe it’s not done already.” n
News & Opinion “If you can’t tell me why she’s not here, there’s nothing else I really care about. She left behind a lot of people who cared.” ~ Crystal Davis, page 51
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63 — Feature: Out Comedians headline Pride 64 — Singing Pride’s Praises 64 — Q Puzzle 66 — Entertainment Listings 69 — Scene in Philly 75 — Family Portrait 80 — LGBTQ Superheroes 85 — Dining Out
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Celebrating the body at the intersection of education and therapy By Michele Zipkin PGN Contributor
has become virtual reality. And gender becomes a playground,” they added. The fourth dimension, Bornstein explained, is how gender identity and con A four-day event packed with diverse versations surrounding it change over time presentations and workshops, the 2019 and space, making gender a continuum. The conference of the American Association author noted that nothing in nature is strictly of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and binary, so it makes no sense that gender Therapists offers an impressive lineup. should be subject to a binary as well. The convocation, running June 13-16 at “I’m going to be talking about that: Why the Loews Hotel in Center City, includes do we attach these values and judgments to forums on the social-media habits of gay our bodies? And more importantly, why do men, sex-positive healthcare for women, we attach it to other people’s bodies and say the intersection of race and sexuality and a number of panel presentations on trans bod- that’s how they have to behave?” Philadelphia-based clinical social worker ies and sexual experiences, to name just a Sonalee Rashatwar is leading a sexualifew. ty-attitude reassessment, or SAR, called Organized by co-chairs Drs. Juan “Sexing the Fat Body.” Rashatwar identifies Camarena and Jane Fleishman, this year’s as queer and nonbinary, and treats clients conference is called “Let the Body Rejoice, who encounter issues of body image, sexual the Interplay of Sexuality Education, Sex trauma and racial identity. Counseling and Therapy.” It offers a unique In this two-part opportunity for preSAR, which is the first senters and participants of its kind, participants alike. will be exposed to many “Being sex therakinds of media containpists and educators, we ing things like fat porn don’t always do a lot and fantasies around of talking just about food pleasure, and then the body, how we feel reconvene to discuss about it and helping their phobias about the our clients and students fat body. the best they can to “The purpose of celebrate, own and take my SAR is understandcharge of their body,” ing how fatphobia really Camarena said. internalizes the structure Founded in 1967 by and the system that is sex educator and theroppressing us, and corapist Patricia Schiller, responds with spaces AASECT is a nonprofit organization comprised JUAN CAMARENA AND JAYLEEN like white supremacy and anti-blackness and of sexuality educators GALARZA ableism,” Rashatwar and therapists, social said. “And how we workers, marriage and internalize this oppressive system: We limit family counselors, nurses and many other the ability for our bodies to take up not just professionals whose work intersects with physical space, but also emotional space sexuality education and counseling. within relationships. And pleasure space, “Years ago we were talking about within being able to enjoy food pleasure or trans-competent care, and now we’re really sexual pleasure.” looking at how to help trans and nonbinary Rashatwar’s workshop at the last folks have really exciting, fulfilling sex AASECT conference played a role in formlives even with gender dysphoria present,” ing the idea for this year’s theme of celeCamarena said. brating the body. In “Trans, Just for the Fun of It: The “I’m really interested in learning more Compassionate Practice of Gender in Four Dimensions,” author, theorist and trans trail- about what other workshops are interrogating beauty standards, white supremacy, fatblazer Kate Bornstein, who uses they/them phobia, eating disorders and sexuality.” pronouns, will present their research about At “Stonewall at 50: Queering the Lens the existence of gender in four dimensions; on Aging and Sex,” sexuality educator they believe that gender identity does not Fleishman will present her research on the exist just on an X/Y axis. sexual satisfaction of people who grew up or “Nothing about the body says, ‘As soon came out around the time of the Stonewall as we assign your gender at birth, that’s it, riots. and that’s what you’re going to grow up “The Stonewall generation fought for the to be and you’ll never be anything else,’” right to love and the right to have sex with Bornstein said. whomever they chose,” she said. “Now “As soon as we admit that the mind has they’re aging and we need to protect them as much to do with gender as the body, all so they can continue to be themselves. of a sudden we’re now in three dimensions. Many of these people A circle has become a sphere, a blackboard PAGE 54
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HIV and Men of Color: “We could end HIV today.” By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor Dr. Marcus Sandling wants to save lives. As a young African-American physician with a specialty in infectious disease and working at Mazzoni Center, Sandling has a unique perspective on the health of minority men. Whether it’s helping older black men stop smoking and undergo a colonoscopy or young men get tested for HIV (and stop smoking), Sandling said establishing trust is essential. The specter of the Public Health Service’s 1932 Tuskeegee syphilis experiment — a sordid part of U.S. history involving black men being used as subjects of grisly experiments perpetrated by the government and by doctors — still lingers. As Sandling explained, establishing trust with patients is always the first step — and often the hardest. “I have patients who are 60 and have never seen an African-American doctor,” he said, adding, “When I am recommending things, I can hear that under-the-breath question: ‘They aren’t experimenting on me with this, are they?’” In an interview with PGN, Sandling
explained that educating the community — whether specifically black men who have sex with other men, minority men or gay and bisexual men in general — is the first step toward disease prevention, which in turn is the first step toward a cure. Sandling believes we could stop HIV if men followed just a few specific and relatively simple steps. According to the CDC, at the end of 2016, an estimated 1.1-million people aged 13 and older had HIV infection in the USA, including an estimated 162,500 (14 percent) whose infections had not been diagnosed. The numbers for minority men are alarming. African Americans account for 44 percent of all HIV diagnoses, even though they comprise only 12.1 percent of the U.S. population. More than half (58 percent) of those diagnosed with HIV were gay or bisexual men, and 39 percent of those were aged 25-34. Latinos represent 18 percent of the U.S. population, but account for about one-fifth (22 percent, or 254,600 people, in 2016) of the estimated 1.1-million people with diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV in the United States — and a quarter (25 percent) of all people with HIV diagnosed in 2016.
In Philadelphia, which is majority black and people of color, those statistics translate into one of the highest rates of new transmissions in the country: five times the national rate. In April, newly released CDC statistics linked part of that rise to the opioid crisis. Sandling noted that HIV rates are high in all urban areas and Philadelphia fits that profile. But he added that while we assume everyone knows about HIV/ AIDS in 2019, the facts say otherwise. Lack of education on the basic facts of HIV transmission is leading to more cases, which could ultimately mean more deaths and definitely leads to higher transmission rates. He explained that since people tend to choose their romantic and sexual partners from their own group, people are more likely to transmit HIV within those groups. “We have to teach people about sexual health,” Sandling said. “They don’t understand that they are at risk. People are getting HIV with their very first sexual experience because they just don’t know how not to.” Sandling added that the cultural and social norms with which people are raised can account for a resistance to accessing that education if it’s not readily available in schools and elsewhere in communities.
Of African-American men, he said: “Layer in all the issues: masculinity, stigma for sexual minorities and the kind of strains African-American social conservatism places on gay and bisexual men — these are all factors. What it means to be an African-American man, what it means to be an AfricanAmerican man who is gay — that is all part of what men have to deal with when they address their sexual health.” This is where Sandling thinks the right level of education can end HIV. “Roll back the layers of shame and stigma,” he said. “That’s why I try to have conversations on sexual health that are matter-of-fact and start with explaining what HIV is, what the risks are, how HIV is spread, what it does. There are large swathes of people who are doing risky behaviors, but don’t know that they are risky. That’s how you get high rates of unintended pregnancies, chlamydia, gonorrhea.” And HIV. “If we could get everyone on the planet to change their behavior, we could stop HIV transmission today. End it. Even in a small area of the country, we could theoretically stop HIV. “Young people especially are not wearing condoms,” Sandling added. His plan is for partPAGE 61
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Out lawyer gears up for Common Pleas judgeship By Laura Smythe laura@epgn.com In her 21-year legal career, Tiffany Palmer has dedicated herself to helping LGBTQ clients navigate assisted reproduction and maintain relationships with their children, biological or not. After winning in the primary May 21, Palmer will likely secure a Court of Common Pleas judgeship, as Philadelphia’s constituency is overwhelmingly Democrat. Her name will appear on the city’s Nov. 5 general municipal election ballot. She has represented same-sex couples from Singapore, China, France, Italy and other countries where they were unable to do surrogacy and elected to come to the United States to pursue it. “As someone who was just coming out and experiencing the discrimination in our society back in the mid-’90s, it felt like a calling that I wanted to do LGBT civil rights law as my career,” said Palmer, an out lesbian. The 1998 Rutgers Law School alumna is cofounder of LGBTQ-oriented law firm Jerner & Palmer, P.C. Palmer, 47, estimates 70 percent of her clients identify as LGBTQ. She juggles up to 100 cases at a time. Beginning around 8:30 a.m., her days are filled with meetings with clients, drafting contracts, writing letters, appearing in court and managing staff, among other duties. Some of Palmer’s cases have garnered public attention. In 2014-15, she represented screenwriter Lamar Sally in a surrogacy case involving his then wife, actress Sherri Shepherd, former co-host of “The View.” When their marriage hit turmoil, Shepherd tried to opt out of the surrogacy contract the couple had with surrogate Jessica Bartholomew, of suburban Philadelphia. The child was conceived using Sally’s sperm and a donor egg. Pennsylvania courts ultimately decided Shepherd had parental responsibilities, ruling surrogacy contracts as binding for the first time. “I knew that the end result would impact so many LGBT families that I felt the stakes were very high,” Palmer said. “If we got a decision that surrogacy was not legal in Pennsylvania, so many of my clients would be affected that I really felt we had to give it our all.” In 2018 before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Palmer represented a lesbian who claimed she was unfairly denied parental rights to a child she’d had with her former partner using assisted conception via an anonymous sperm donor. Palmer’s client wasn’t biologically related to the kid. Palmer pressed the court to expand the definition of “parent” to include people who had co-parented a child with a samesex partner, even when the two weren’t
married. The court ruled against Palmer and her client. “Sometimes they’re just going to attribute a delay like that to lack of interest without fully understanding the cultural complexities of LGBT families and the history of disenfranchisement from the legal system,” Palmer said, noting it was one of the most “painful” cases she’s worked on. While such cases have garnered widespread attention, Palmer said the standouts are the ones in which she helped someone maintain a relationship with a child they raised and loved, despite not being a legal parent. “When I get holiday cards from a client year after year and I see and know that because of our court case they’re able to still see that child and see that child grow up, that means the most to me,” she added.
Lawyer to judge As a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, the general trial court of Pennsylvania, Palmer’s job responsibilities would change. She’d be required to run trials, listen to both sides of a case without bias and apply the law to make rulings. Pennsylvania has 451 Court of Common Pleas judges, as the state’s 60 judicial districts each have up to 93, one president judge and a court administrator. The judges are responsible for appeals from minor courts and those not assigned to other courts and family-and-child matters. Up to the mandatory retirement age of 75, judges serve 10-year terms, then run for retention, which is essentially a yes-or-no public vote. Pennsylvania joins at least seven other states, including West Virginia, Texas and Louisiana, in using partisan elections to elect its judges, according to the American Judicature Society. Court of Common Pleas judge elects can be assigned to civil, criminal or family court divisions, Palmer said. Palmer, who has a 12-year-old daughter, aspires to join the family segment because most people who appear don’t have legal representation, she said. “In those proceedings, the judge has a really critically important role,” Palmer added. “The judge is the only person making sure their voices are heard and that justice is served and that they truly understand their legal rights.”
The importance of LGBTQ representation on the judge’s bench Since January 2017, Naiymah Sanchez has worked as the coordinator for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania’s Trans Justice Program, which focuses on educaPAGE 54
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
EDITORIAL PGN
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Trump Administration
Editorial
In community with Pride Year after year, Pride — as we know it — evolves and changes. Activists work for more inclusion; corporations cozy up to the LGBTQ community for a few days in June; alternative prides take root, providing safer spaces for QTPOC, trans, nonbinary and neurodivergent folks. Our flag evolves, finally. Previously reserved for large cities, smaller locales and rural areas hold their first or second annual Pride. Attendees are younger and younger and grandparents are more supportive. Protesters remain and counterprotesters organize flash mobs or hold signs to alleviate the presence of hate. Pride continues. Every year, discussions on the importance of Pride and debates surrounding its limitations are held. These discussions are emotional, personal, societal, heated and empathetic. This discourse best represents the LGBTQIA-plus community. We are politically engaged and passionate. We care about our future, and we also study (and should study more) our history. We disagree because we are invested, and our disagreements propel us. Pride certainly continues to represent our fight against larger society and the bigotry faced. But we’ve also reached a place in our history that allows us to be in conversation with one another. With many rights now accomplished and some protections in place, as we continue the fight for more, we also are
afforded the privilege to see who has the majority of those protections and who does not. And then we can better focus our future efforts. Not all in the LGBTQ community have equal rights — and equity is a word we ought to say more. Let’s look at resources and how they are distributed among us. At PGN, we have reported on a lack of resources for rural LGBTQ folks, the continuous murders of transwomen of color, bullying in schools that affects a vulnerable youth, the underrepresentation of queer people of color and the systemic and physical violence QTPOC face, LGBTQ homelessness and poverty, the silencing of those in our community living with disabilities, femme invisibility, transfemme safety or lack thereof, ageism, living poz and access to PrEP and HIV/AIDS healthcare, among others. We, as a community, know which groups are most marginalized. As Pride evolves and our rights evolve — as our ideas about gender evolve, so must our politic. We are not the first generations nor will we be the last to disagree. Passionate discourse created the progress we have already seen: those radicals who wanted to be out, not closeted, who wanted trans inclusion, not erasure; those who believed that we each had the right to self-identify. Likewise, it is discourse that will move us forward, into a world we can’t yet fathom — as long as we listen. n
The Trump Administration has declared war on transgender people. This isn’t a new revelation, but they have succeeded in dismantling every protection the Obama Administration had put in place for transgender people. You might not have even noticed the most recent rollback unless you follow this subject closely. After all, these past two years it has been all anti-trans all the time. Not to mention the daily barrage of news about Trump and the no good, horrible, very bad people he has working for him throwing norms in the trash and pissing on the rule of law. It’s dizzying. But it’s important that we all, trans or not, pay attention to the systematic dehumanization of transgender people under Trump. Because it’s truly horrifying. Transgender people are one of the most vulnerable populations in the U.S., so the relentlessness focus of this administration on harming them says a lot about what kind of people we currently have running this country. The protections afforded to transpeople by the Obama Administration sought to address remedy or at least address the glaring inequities in how trans folks are treated, but a few rule changes were never going to be enough to change societal attitudes about gender identity. The changes simply weren’t in place long enough to create a lasting shift, which is why the protections were so easy for Trump and his ilk to undo. In addition to banning transgender troops, banning anyone at the Center for Disease Control from using the word “transgender,” scraping civil rights protections for transgender students, turning transgender people away from homeless shelters, now the Health and Human Services Department is seeking to declare that “gender identity” is not protected under federal laws regarding discrimination in health care. This is another big step toward dehumanizing transgender people. Republicans already think that health care is a privilege, not a right. So, you can imagine how they feel about health care for a group of people they don’t even see as fully human. Actually, you don’t have to imagine. They’re telling you very openly how they feel. Charlotte Clymer, an Army veteran and transgender woman, doesn’t mince words on Twitter: “Trump and Pence don’t just want to erase us. They want to see us die. That is not hyperbole. They are trying to dehumanize us and normalize our deaths.” And what better way to do that than to slice away at the health care safety net so that transgender folks can just slip right through? It’s important to point out there is no good reason for making it harder for trans
folks to get care. The basis for this proposal is “little more than prejudice” according to Mara Keisling, Executive Director for the National Center for Transgender Equality. “This proposal will abandon 2 million Americans who already face significant barriers to accessing adequate and life-saving health care,” Keisling said in a statement. “This is not about free health care or special treatment. It’s about the right of every American to be treated with dignity when they walk into an emergency room, meet a new doctor or find the right insurance plan.” Of course, under Trump, Republicans have shown that they are all too willing to strip health care from Americans regardless of their gender identity. As a two-time cancer survivor myself, these past two years have felt like relentless psychological abuse, and I’m a cisgender woman. The strain on transgender people is much greater than what I have faced. We must fight back. What can you do? Well, for starters, you can vote for Democrats in every election, local state and federal. It really does matter whether or not the people in power see transgender people are human. Republicans do not deserve your vote. Not only are Democrats the only people who support transgender civil rights, but I also noticed today that Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Kirsten Gillibrand and Joe Biden all have transgender pride merch for sale on their campaign sites. We have a lot of great choices for 2020. Full disclosure: I’m with Warren all the way, but no matter who gets the presidential nomination, we must come together and vote blue. America might not survive four more years under Trump. And many transgender people definitely won’t. Also, the rule change is in the public comment period, so visit protecttranshealth.org and submit a comment to the Department of Health and Human Services expressing your opposition to scrapping protections for transgender Americans. Will your comment change their minds? No, probably not. But each comment in support of transgender people weakens the Trump Administration’s attempt to erase them. n D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow
OP-ED PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
History and mythology Last week’s tour took me to Pilgrim House researchers and Stonewall participants. It’s during Provincetown’s second annual Gay a factual and amusing piece about a milPride for a speaking engagelennial’s attempt to unearth the ment. The organizers wanted a Stonewall spirit. You can watch Stonewall participant to help sepShane O’Neil’s video at nytimes. arate the myths from the facts. com. But, more importantly, peoThe night before my talk, I was ple wanted to understand how almost euphoric because the facts our actions and accomplishwere actually out there. But then ments that night in 1969 could I remembered that reality doesn’t be applied to today’s climate of always topple mythology. My politics and activism. That’s an brothers, sisters and I from the audience I really appreciate. Gay Liberation Front wonder why Naturally, I was excited that is. and the timing was perfect, as It seems like we might as well The New York Times had just accept the common myths, since released a video for Gay Pride our attempts to correct the record Month that attempted to sort seem to go unnoticed. People myth from fact during that infato make us out to be more Mark Segal want mous night at Stonewall (and than we were. Each of us at those days and nights that folStonewall that night, for our own lowed). Featured in the video are historians, reasons, has an issue with that.
Mark My Words
Transmissions
To answer the question Shane raised in The NYT: No one threw that first brick (and Judy Garland had nothing to do with the riots). I won’t give away how Shane made that point. You’ll have to watch the video, but his piece was with me until the Provincetown Gay Pride Parade that followed my talk. Called a sashay to Tea Dance, it was led by an outrageously dressed drag queen carrying — you guessed it — a giant brick. That night, my husband Jason and I thought we’d take in one of Provincetown’s many drag shows. We picked Miss Richfield 1981. As she neared the end of an amusing show, she wished everyone in the audience a happy Gay Pride and said something like, “We should be grateful for what Judy Garland started.” Jason grabbed and squeezed my leg, smiling at me. He knew it was painful to hear — but sometimes you just have to smile. n
Gwendolyn Ann Smith
More than a monument In conjunction with Pride Month, New York City has announced a future monument dedicated to Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. The memorial will be placed about a block away from the Stonewall Inn — the flashpoint of the modern LGBTQ rights movement and the site where the duo gained notoriety for involvement in the Stonewall Rebellion. It should be unnecessary to describe who Johnson and Rivera are, but, just in case, I’ll explain. Marsha P. Johnson — the “P” is for, “Pay it no mind,” as she once said — was, in modern terminology, gender nonconforming. She identified as a drag queen, but I feel it worthwhile to note that the word “drag” was viewed differently in that time and place and was often used as an umbrella term — in the same
Op-Ed
way we use “transgender” today. What Johnson did in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 will likely never be known for sure. Many claim she threw the first brick at Stonewall, while others dispute the claim. Even she said that she arrived after the riot had already begun. Nevertheless, she became a key individual in the riot, alongside Sylvia Rivera. Rivera was in the same circles as Johnson, living on the streets and eking out a life — and while some do deny Rivera had any involvement with the Stonewall Rebellion, she was nevertheless key to many things that happened in the wake of that battle. After Stonewall, Johnson and Rivera founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) and fought for homeless LGBTQ people
in New York. They founded STAR House to care for and nurture young drag queens, transpeople and gender nonconforming youth. Both worked, for much of their lives, advocating for our community — though the community did not always reciprocate. In 1973, as the larger gay rights movement began to mature, the duo was barred from their local Pride event. The attitude at the time was that drag — as well as BDSM and other outward displays of sexuality — was giving the movement a bad name and hindering the advancement of LGBTQ rights. In 1992, shortly after that year’s Pride, Johnson’s body was found floating in the Hudson River. Police called it a suicide but evidence pointed elsewhere. PAGE 28
Patricia D. Wellenbach
If not now, when As a learning institution, Please Touch Museum often challenges the norm by creating opportunities for children and families to explore and discover contemporary social and cultural issues. Why, might you ask, would a children’s museum offer programs and experiences about Pride and other relevant issues? Today, more than ever, children’s museums are leading and facilitating opportunities for children and families to learn about challenging topics as a means bridge the gap to understanding. We know that exposure to learning about differences at the earliest ages, when children are just beginning to develop empathy, can foster stronger social-emotional development and may change the future for a child, a family, a community, and even our country. In 1969, Stonewall was a pivotal moment in raising the issue of equality in the
LGBTQ community, helping to shape the future of understanding, acceptance, inclusivity and self-pride. Seven years after Stonewall, in 1976, Please Touch Museum was founded. We know, based on over four decades of experience investing in early childhood learning, that there may be no place more suitable for young minds to embrace acceptance and diversity than Please Touch Museum. Empowering children to take pride in who they are, who they love and what makes them uniquely them, must start at the earliest ages. Please Touch Museum has not been shy in creating programs and experiences about diversity and inclusion. We continually challenge ourselves to develop innovative approaches to engage children and families in learning about people, communities, cultures and faiths that may be different from
their personal orientations. Whether a child and their family are finding their local place of worship on the map of Philadelphia mosques in our America to Zanzibar exhibit, sharing a meal with family under the Sukkoth tent, creating a Pride parade float with their two dads or engaging in a performance of Drag Queen Story Time, we know that opportunities to experience unique distinctions within all communities is a pathway to foster a world where prejudice, stereotypes and bias have no place. Providing a fun learning experience centered on the LGBTQ community and what it means to have pride, is one of the many ways we stand by our mission to change a child’s life as they discover learning through play. We work every day to deliver on our commitment to the importance of early learning and PAGE 25
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Street Talk What are you looking forward to for Pride this year? “This year, I’m really looking forward to the block party on Friday that I am planning on going to and the Pride parade in general. I have not gone to it since I moved Sheridan Allen to Philly two She/her years ago, but Gayborhood this year I’ve got big plans to be out and about — involved. I’m really looking forward to learning from the experiences of other people. I grew up in the Midwest so I’m still getting my sea legs of city life and I’m looking forward to learning from as many people as I can.”
“This year I’m looking forward to including some of my family. A lot of my sibilings have been really supportive of me and all of my friends, and I’m excited Bonnie Baldini to have them They/them come with Brewerytown me this year and see if I can make it more of a family thing and let allies be a part of Pride as much as all of us. I’m really looking forward to the parade. I’m getting brunch beforehand.”
““Honestly, I’m doing a lot of movie nights at my place, showing documentaries, using it to learn more and remember history — films like “How to Survive a Alex Allen Plague,” the They/them Marsha P. Squirrel Hill Johnson documentary, a couple on Harvey Milk, just whatever we can find.“
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
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Road to Stonewall: Joe Beam By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor Joseph “Joe” Beam was the editor of the 1986 collection “In the Life: a Black Gay Anthology” — the first compendia of black gay writing. Beam was a board member of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays and a founding editor of Black/ Out magazine. His work appeared in numerous local and national publications, including PGN, The Advocate, Au Courant and Windy City Times. Beam served on the Gay and Lesbian Task Force of the American Friends Service Committee. In 1984, the National Lesbian and Gay Press Association honored him with an award for outstanding achievement by a minority journalist. Beam also maintained ongoing correspondence with prisoners, which he later attributed to a “deep sense of my own imprisonment as a closeted Gay man and an oppressed Black man.” Prior to his death, Beam had been working on the book “Brother to Brother,” a sequel to “In the Life.” While he was unable to finish it, Philadelphia poet Essex Hemphill and Beam’s mother, Dorothy, completed the collection. Dorothy Beam died in December 2018 at the age of 94 — a driving force in her life was keeping her son’s legacy alive. Dorothy Beam invited Hemphill to move into her home in Overbrook so they could finish her son’s book together. Hemphill handled the editing and Dorothy worked as a project coordinator. The result, “Brother to Brother: New Writings by Black Gay Men,” was published in 1991. “My reason for finishing the book is that my son worked hard to finish it,” she told the Inquirer in 1992. “If there is a heaven, he’s there and he’s smiling.” For a long while, the life of Beam, a Philadelphia poet, essayist, editor, feminist ally, black and AIDS activist was overshadowed by his death. One of the shining lights of Philadelphia’s Black LGBTQ literary community, Beam was found dead by friends on the floor of his Center City apartment on Christmas Eve 1988. He had been dead for days. In those years, AIDS claimed many lives, but Joe Beam’s death shocked the community. It spoke directly to how the LGBTQ community fell short in looking after each other — something Beam had written about time and again. It was, in many respects, his life’s work: highlighting the voices that were suppressed and silenced, the lives that had been hidden from history, the work that had not been published because its authors were marginalized by straight, white, cis male
society. Joe Beam, for all his many literary accomplishments and activist credentials, was known for his charming, charismatic and caring persona. Beam made others feel heard. When he spoke, he connected, whether with an individual or an entire room. In the ’80s, during our interview, Beam said, “We must begin to speak of our love and concern for each other as vigorously as we argue party politics.” This was a mantra of his. The love and concern he evinced for so many in his community made the circumstances of his death that much more painful — all who knew him would have wanted to be with him. Joe Beam was a week shy of his 34th birthday at his death. At this year’s Stonewall 50, he would be 65. Three decades of his incendiary work are missing from the LGBTQ lexicon and canon. That was the toll AIDS took on the LGBTQ community. Beam’s voice was and is critical, crucial and revolutionary. As Yolo Akili Robinson wrote about founding the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), “I want to help create a world where what happened to Joseph [Beam] could never happen to anyone else. “ Beam’s close friend, poet and journalist Tommi Avicolli Mecca wrote a poem, “For Joe Beam,” which begins, “They found you dead on the floor of your bathroom / three days dead / found you alone / xmas eve dead.” Beam’s death propelled many in the Philadelphia LGBTQ literary community to ensure that Beam’s work be preserved and promoted. Robinson wrote of what Beam meant to black gay men. “His writings were the first time I had ever heard Black men speak about their feelings, their fears and struggles in such a vulnerable manner,” Robinson said. “His commitment to Black feminism, and challenging male privilege in both gay and heterosexual communities, became a central organizing force behind my own beliefs. The struggles he captured made it clear to me that mental and emotional wellness, were of an immediate need for our communities to be able to thrive.” Beam wanted his community of poets, of black gay men and black lesbians, of AIDS activists, to thrive and dedicated himself to that work as a writer, editor and activist. He felt nurtured by the work of other activists and writers and said that among the work of which he was most proud was amplifyPAGE 61 ing those voices. He inter-
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Community organization brings LGBTQ-plus business growth to Woodbury, NJ By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor
and marketing sectors. Technology today allows them to operate from anywhere — why not a small town where the cost of doing business is more A 25-minute drive south on Interstate 676 — traf- affordable? And let’s face it: a lot of small towns fic-permitting — sits Woodbury, New Jersey, a sub- need a boost to their local economy,” said Doran. urb of 10,000, possibly on the brink of an LGBTQ- To provide a monetary incentive for prospective plus business boom, at least, if community leader LGBTQ businesses, WCP opened the Economic Investment Development Fund. This month, WCP Tony Doran has anything to do with it. The State of New Jersey first set the stage for eco- granted its first endowment check to Tail of Two nomic growth in 2017 when they made Woodbury Creatives, a digital marketing company owned home to one of 75 designated Opportunity Zones, by married couple and Woodbury residents Shea low-income areas where private investors were Kucenski and Danielle Roberts. incentivized to develop. Revitalization was on the Roberts said the funds will go toward opening a brick-and-mortar shop within one of the city’s horizon. In October 2018, the city of Woodbury became recently-restored historic properties, repurposed as one of three in the state of New Jersey to score a co-creating space. a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s “We love that our [new] office is in a creative space. We’ll be Municipal Equality working alongside Index, an elusive many other creative ranking that reflects folks,” said Roberts. the level of inclusiv“It gives us the ity that Woodbury’s opportunity to elelaws, policies and vate our professionservices offer to alism by welcoming LGBTQ people in clients for meetworking and living ings, hosting workin the city. shops, etc.” The rating came Tail of Two after Doran began Creatives — the collaborating with name’s homothe city via his orgaphone a shout-out nization, Woodbury to the couple’s two Community Pride Australian Shepherd (WCP). rescues — is a pio A 4th-generation neer of Woodbury’s Woodbury native, LGBTQ business Doran first condevelopment. ceived WCP after “There aren’t coming back home. many of us here… Leaving 25 years of yet,” said Roberts. city living to return “We’re hoping that to the ‘burbs, Doran our visibility attracts realized his homemore.” town lacked the The couple, LGBTQ community fans of WCP’s misand legislative prosion, who offered tections he’d so valto design Doran’s ued in his urban life. website pro-bono, “In big cities like [Washington] D.C. TONY DORAN (CENTER) WITH SHEA KUCENSKI AND believes that the WCP’s actions will and Philadelphia DANIELLE ROBERTS continue to grow progressive policies are pretty much a given,” said Doran. “Coming Woodbury’s LGBTQ business inclusivity. home to Woodbury, it didn’t take long to real- “They [WCP] are being innovative in their ize nothing like that existed here. It was almost a approach to the next leg in the journey for full reminder of why I left. And I thought, why should LGBTQ-plus equality — economic equality,” said we be forced to move to be around our community? Roberts. “WCP recently launched their Welcoming We should be able to be who we are, where we are.” Business Program, where every business can take a pledge affirming their commitment to welcoming said Doran. With an MBA from Rutgers and professional LGBTQ-plus people as customers, guests, clients credits that include the chamber of congress of and employees.” Great Philadelphia, Doran felt he could create WCP has also worked with the City of Woodbury change through the private sector. In 2017, he to implement policies that increase the safety of its incorporated WCP, a volunteer organization com- LGBTQ residents. mitted to making Woodbury a welcoming home for “For example, there are now two LGBTQ-plus liaisons at Woodbury Police Department,” said LGBTQ small businesses. “A significant percentage of LGBTQ-plus busi- Roberts. “Actions speak louder than words when it nesses are in the professional services, consulting comes to equality — and Woodbury delivers.” n
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What can I do during Pride month? By Gary Day PGN Contributor Pride shhhOUT! Pride Kick-Off Block Party Friday, June 7, 4 p.m. Toasted Walnut is hosting a two-day Pride kick-off party, including a block party on Friday, which includes an all-night after party and a dance party on Saturday, complete with go-go girls. Toasted Walnut, 1316 Walnut St.; 215-5468888; toastedwalnut.com William Way Homecoming 2019 Friday, June 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $25-$75 Kick off Pride Weekend in style at the 2019 Annual Homecoming Cocktail Hour at the Center, celebrating love and leadership in the LGBT community. The event will feature live entertainment, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a fabulous silent auction. The dress code is casual/festive. William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; waygay.org Pride Shabbat Dinner Friday, June 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $35 Congregation Rodeph Shalom kicks off Pride Weekend with a celebratory dinner and Pridethemed dessert. Special guest is the Anna Crusis Women’s Choir. BYOB. Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad St.; 215-627-6747. Register in advance at rodephshalom.org. Philly Pride Run 5K Race and 1.5 Mile Fun Run Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m. Philly Pride Run is back for a third year of loud and proud running through the streets of Philadelphia. Lez Run Running Club, Out Philadelphia Athletic League and Philadelphia Front Runners, in collaboration with Philly Pride Presents and the William Way LGBT Community Center, will continue the tradition of starting off the Philly Pride Parade and festivities. The 5K will kick off the running festivities with a chip-timed loop down Locust Street and back up Spruce Street, finishing at the doors of William Way. The Fun Run participants will run a nontimed course and complete the first half of the 5K course, ending once more at the gates of the Great Plaza in Penn’s Landing. 12th and Locust streets; runtheday.com PrideDay LGBT Parade and Festival Sunday, June 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Celebrating and commemorating the 50th Stonewall anniversary, the parade begins in the Gayborhood and ends at Penn’s Landing, where celebrity guests and drag performers will entertain a proud crowd. 13th and Locust streets; phillygaypride.org
IBA at Philly Pride Sunday, June 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $14 for nonmembers Join the Independence Business Alliance for networking and community, light fare and drink specials. IBA promotes greater Philadelphia’s LGBT business and leadership communities and is the LGBT Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Philadelphia region. Cuba Libre, 10 S. Second St.; thinkiba.org Disability Pride Flag Raising Kick-Off Monday, June 10, 4:30 p.m. The ADAPT flag will be raised over Philadelphia City Hall to kick off a week of Disability Pride events, culminating with the Disability Pride Parade and Celebration on June 15. There will be live music, poetry readings, special guests and more. Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.; 267-788-5946; disabilitypridephiladelphia.com Say It Proud Tuesday, June 11, 4 p.m. The Philadelphia Free Library invites all teens to join them as they share favorite writings by LGBTQ authors. Teens can also share original work or poems or passages by their favorite LGBTQ author. Philadelphia City Institute Free Library, 1905 Locust St.; 215-685-6621; freelibrary.org/ branches The HIV Prevention & Education Summit 2019 Tuesday, June 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. HIV Prevention and Education Summit is a conference that welcomes all people interested in learning more about the wide range of issues that impact people living with HIV (PLWH/A) and the AIDS epidemic at large. The conference provides information on the latest treatment, research, prevention and outreach strategies and aims to bring forward, explicitly, the social determinants of health that place people at risk. Cosponsored by Philadelphia FIGHT, preregistration required. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 215-5250460; aidseducationmonth.org Drag Queen Story Time Wednesday, June 12, 10:30 a.m. A special story time for children of all ages, in honor of Pride, that encourages a safe place for inclusive dialogue. Everyone will enjoy children’s books about diversity and self-love. Andorra Branch of the Free Library, 705 E. Cathedral Road; 215-685-2552; freelibrary. org/branches MBH LGBTQ Veterans Pride Benefit Show Saturday, June 15, 3 p.m. My Brother’s House, a PAGE 61
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What else is happening during Pride? By Josh Middleton PGN Contributor Shades: A Celebration of Black, Queer Identities & Expression Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m.-midnight; $15$50 New Voices for Reproductive Justice hosts this two-part event in support of its mission to promote health and well-being among female-identifying members of the black queer community. The evening begins with a discussion panel on the intersectionality of gender and reproductive justice followed by an awards ceremony recognizing movers and shakers in the Black LGBTQ-plus community, such as Erin-Aja Grant (Abortion Care Network), Christian Lovehall (Philly Trans March) and Shani Akilah (Black & Brown Workers Cooperative). The lights go down at 8 p.m. for the main event, which features tunes by DJ Marceline and live performances from Black Rapp Madusa and Magui Fe. SOMO SoPhi, 3101 S. 13th St.; 267-3657120; newvoicespittsburgh.org Gender Blender Pride Kick-off Thursday, June 6, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $5 suggested donation Philly activists and performance artists Icon Ebony-Fierce and Sa’Mantha SayTen
are using Pride weekend to kick off their brand-new monthly dance party that provides transgender and nonbinary folx a safe place to boogie in the Gayborhood every first Thursday of the month. Guests can expect contests, a photo booth, DJs and a live performance from Beary Tyler Moore at the inaugural event. Organizers tell PGN that the $5 suggested donation goes toward “making sure all performers are paid a fair wage for the work they put into their performance.” Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar, 254 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675; tabuphilly.com “Expanding the Queer Perspective” Preview Party Friday, June 7, 6-9 p.m. Fishtown gallery and workshop for womxn and nonbinary artists The Common Room hosts a monthlong art exhibition that tackles what it means to view the world through a queer lens. The multimedia showcase spotlights local LGBTQ-plus artists, many of whom will be on hand at the June 7 preview party for an open discussion on queer culture and history during the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The Common Room, 1509 N. Front St.; 267-273-0086, thecommonroomphilly. com Gender Queery: A Trans and
Nonbinary Drag Show Friday, June 7, 8-11 p.m. This uber-welcoming monthly drag show returns to Stir Lounge during Pride weekend for a showstopper featuring a handful of local transgender and nonbinary queens, including Paula Deen White. The party touts a double message: to obliterate the notion that trans people shouldn’t do drag and provide a performance platform for oppressed and underrepresented minorities — especially queer and trans people of color. Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St.; 215732-2700; stirphilly.com Transcend: A Qunify Pride Party Friday, June 7, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $3-$15 Pay tribute to the unsung heroes of Stonewall at this bash that celebrates the black, brown and transgender rabble rousers who kickstarted the game-changing riots 50 years ago this month. Attendees can catch performances by musician Kareem Anthony, dancers Renaissance Noir and Amede Brenellie and pumped-up DJ setlists courtesy of Rana Ransom and DJ Love. Ulana’s, 205 Bainbridge St.; 215-9224152; qunify.org Philly Dyke March Saturday, June 8, 1-4 p.m.
The OG of alternative Pride events returns for its 21st year of marching through the streets of Philadelphia in the name of equality for dyke-identifying individuals in the LGBTQ community. As always, the march begins and ends in Kahn Park and is bookended by fiery oration from local leaders and performances by spoken-word poets, drag kings, musicians and more. Louis I. Kahn Park, 328 S. 11th St.; phillydykemarch.com JUICE Festival Saturday, June 8, 5-11 p.m. Millennial- and Gen Z-led artist collective MOVES transforms a West Philly community center into a unique Pride celebration that organizer Daiyon Kpou said aims to “affirm and expand opportunities for QTPOC” and “imagine what the experience of an arts- and community-centered Pride festival may look like.” The result is an art-forward affair featuring live performances by musicians Ivy Sole, BXI JXY and Kacy Carmen, a bazaar-inspired vendor’s space and a screening of Amaris Mitchell’s short film “An Uber Ride,” which catches up with three young people whose stories intersect while sharing an UberPool. One Art Community Center, 1431-39 N. 52nd St.; movesphilly.com PAGE 61
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Gay men, McCarthy and the Mattachine Society By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor In the years before Stonewall and Pride, LGBT activism was criminalized and subversive. In the 1950s, Sen. Joe McCarthy (R-WI), leader of the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, was looking for Communists. Though McCarthy’s assistant, 26 year old Roy Cohn, was a closeted gay man, McCarthy hoped to expose gay men and lesbians as subversives — like Communists — through the “Lavender Scare.” Former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson said that, “The so-called ‘Red Scare’ has been the main focus of most historians of that period of time. A lesser-known element ... and one that harmed far more people was the witch-hunt McCarthy and others conducted against homosexuals.” In 1950, a Senate subcommittee issued a report stating that homosexuals were a threat to national security. Homosexuality was viewed as both sick and criminal and McCarthy worked to weave the two ideas together. After World War II ended, the government dismissed about five homosexuals a month from civilian posts; by 1954, the number had grown 12-fold. Gay men and lesbians were unsure how to retaliate. There was no model for gay and lesbian civil rights activists to follow. As renowned activist Harry Hay would later be quoted in the New York Times, “We lived in terror almost every day of our lives.” Hay and others sought to fight that terror. Activist groups began to form, notably in Los Angeles and San Francisco, then on the East Coast in New York City and Philadelphia. One group that would make gay history in America — the Mattachine Society — was started by a handful of gay men, led by Hay in Los Angeles in 1950. The confluence of the end of the war propelled the beginning of the movement toward gay and lesbian civil rights. Men returning from combat were granted leeway to “sow their wild oats” and “play the field,” giving closeted gay men an easy excuse for not marrying. This allowed many gay men to remain “bachelors.” But the heteronormative confines of marriage and family were interwoven with the sense of imminent peril being proffered by politicians about Communism. U.S. involvement in the Korean War was driven by this fear, as Vietnam would be a decade later. In 1950, even the Communist Party had issued a warning about the threat of homosexuality. The U.S. State Department declared homosexuals security risks. Even the appearance of homosexuality — masculine women, effeminate men — became grounds for firing and even arrest. In 1950, it was not only a crime to be
a gay man or lesbian with myriad sodomy and lewdness laws on the books, but the criminalizing of gay men and lesbians was expanding. Arrests were common. No-touching rules for same-sex couples in bars and clubs were enforced regularly by impromptu police raids. It was against the law to cross dress. Women had to be wearing at least three articles of women’s clothing or face arrest. The obverse was true for men. Concomitant with the harassment and arrests were beatings, and forced sodomy and rape while in lock-up. Lawyers would charge exorbitant fees to get their clients out of jail, later blackmailing them with threats of exposure to families and jobs. Even noted civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, organizer of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous 1963 March on Washington, was arrested for “lewd acts and vagrancy” in 1953 after being arrested by police while with two other men in a car. At 35, Dale Jennings was a handsome war hero and a decorated veteran of World War II. In 1953, he gave a speech to the Mattachine Society at a banquet dinner about how McCarthyism had linked Communism and homosexuality and told the story — his story — of how those two things almost ruined his life. On November 11, 1950, Jennings accompanied Bob Hull, with whom he was having an affair, and Charles “Chuck” Rowland, with whom Hull lived, to meet with Harry Hay and Hay’s lover, designer Rudi Gernreich. Gernreich would later bankroll the Mattachine Society while Hay was its leader, albeit anonymously. Hay was determined to promote his ideas of a homosexual culture and concomitant activism to protect his “people.” Jennings had a different perspective — he didn’t see homosexuals as a group because he thought they were too disparate as individuals — but agreed with Hay that gay men needed protection from the onslaught of harassment and criminalization. That night would be the first official meeting of the Mattachine Society, the first successful gay rights organization in the U.S. Hay has been called “the founder of the modern gay movement.” Jennings was arrested in April 1952 for “lewd and dissolute” behavior. Jennings had allegedly solicited an undercover police officer in a public restroom in Westlake Park (now MacArthur Park) in Los Angeles. Undercover police entrapped gay men for years. The men involved — often married and with jobs to protect¬ — quietly pled guilty. Although Jennings had declined the offer of sex, the man had followed him home and convinced Jennings to invite him in. Then the undercover officer signaled his partner and soon Jennings was handcuffed and sitting in the back of PAGE 54
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Telling Our Stories: Gay Newspapers and Gay Liberation By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor In the decade before the Stonewall, queer underground newsletters and small ’zine-style publications began to proliferate across the country, especially in cities with large gay and lesbian populations like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Philadelphia. In 1953, Los Angeles’s ONE magazine, published by the Mattachine Society, became the first gay publication in the U.S. It was followed by the lesbian publication The Ladder, the magazine of the Daughters of Bilitis, published out of San Francisco in 1956 and New York in 1958. The Ladder published writers pseudonymously who were famous, like Valerie Taylor, Barbara Grier and Lorraine Hansberry. In Philadelphia, DRUM magazine came about in 1964 and published through 1969. It differed from ONE and The Ladder, which were both focused on breaking down the perceived social barriers between heterosexuals and homosexuals. ONE and The Ladder were seeking lesbian and gay assimilation and acceptance. DRUM, published by the Janus Society, was focused on “homophile” (the term that pre-dated gay) culture — the focus was sexual liberation, not assimilation.
The publication emphasized acceptance of gay sexuality and contained erotic as well as news content. In 1967, The Advocate, now the longest-publishing LGBTQ publication, began as a newsletter in Los Angeles and then a newspaper called The Los Angeles Advocate, which sold for 25 cents in bars and nightclubs. In 1969 the paper was renamed The Advocate and began national distribution thanks to the publishers, Richard Mitch and Bill Rau. A f t e r Stonewall, the gay press was born in earnest. Not only had Stonewall heralded a new era of out gay and lesbian activists, it also birthed the gay press. In addition to the underground movement of small publications, and the Advocate, which would become a national bi-weekly news and culture magazine in 1974, under the
new ownership of David Goldstein, other newspapers were becoming established on both coasts. In October 1969, the Gay Blade — now the Washington Blade — became the first gay newspaper in the country. Founded by D.C. Mattachine Society member Lilli Vincenz with Nancy Tucker, the paper began as a single-page broadsheet distributed in the bars. Editor Bart Wenger said at the paper’s 35thanniversary that the paper was founded to “engender a sense of community” and that it was “very important for gays to become acquainted with one another.” Published monthly, the newspaper evolved from its original single sheet to a multi-page edition in June 1972, for Pride month. The now-four-page paper expanded to eight pages and was printed on legal sized paper sheets, stapled in the
middle and folded in 1973. The Washington Blade would evolve into the most news-driven of the national gay newspapers, taking its cue from the politics of Washington itself. The publication’s writers were mostly professional journalists writing under pseudonyms. The Blade ceased publication for a period of time in 2009 after problems with the paper’s parent company. Gay activists Bob Ross and Paul Bentley were living in the heart of America’s gayest city, San Francisco, when they founded the Bay Area Reporter (known locally for years as B.A.R.) in April 1971. Now the nation’s oldest continuously publishing gay paper, the Bay Area Reporter found its initial distribution throughout the gay scene in the city, notably in the gay bars South of Market, the Castro District and Polk Gultch. Bay Area Reporter is the country’s oldest continually published LGBT paper. Ross died in 2003 but was inducted into the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame in 2013. Bay Area Reporter would become one of the most vital of America’s LGBT newspapers as gay men started to fall victim to AIDS in the 1980s. The paper published more than 10,000 obituaries during the first wave of the AIDS crisis. Where it had begun as a nexus for gay men and lesbians to read about each PAGE 51
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Philadelphia landmarks light up for Pride Colors of the rainbow commemorate LGBTQ Pride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots By Josh Middleton PGN Contributor The “Philly Lights Up Rainbow” display will happen after sundown on two nights throughout the month: Sunday, June 9, on the evening of the Philadelphia PrideDay Parade and Festival, and on June 30, when New York City hosts its WorldPride march. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Boathouse Row and PECO Crown Lights are among the most prominent landmarks to get the rainbow-light treatment. Other confirmed locations include the South Street Bridge, and the light poles that stretch for 2.5 miles along North Broad Street, between Hamilton Street and Glenwood Avenue. “Of course, there may be others that join in, but they haven’t confirmed their participation with us at this time,” said Lauren Cox, deputy communications director at the mayor’s office. This is the second year that sites like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Boathouse Row and the PECO building lit up for Pride month, but Cox said the 2019 display is more widespread, including brand new spots like the North Broad Street light poles. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge also showed support for the LGBTQ community in 2016, when it lit up for three nights in honor of the victims and families affected by the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. This year’s “Philly Lights Up Rainbow” was orchestrated by the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, which told PGN that it reached out to partners to participate in the attempt to “make Philadelphia’s support for and celebration of our LGBTQ+ community more visible than ever.” “For too long, the LGBTQ+ community has been pushed into the shadows and actively erased from moments in history. These fun, illuminated displays on some of
OP-ED from page 11
self-awareness through programming that promotes equality and encourages acceptance, positioning children (and maybe grown-ups too) to be responsible and culturally aware citizens. But it is the voice of our visitors, young and old alike that prompts us to ask the important question: If not here and now, then where and when? Our beloved mascot, Squiggles, is a nonbinary character that created an understanding when a parent talked with her child about a family member who came out as nonbinary. It made the whole conversation relatable and relevant, reinforcing the idea that through play, children can expand their connection to, and understanding of, the world around them.
Philadelphia’s most visible and recognizable landmarks are one small way the City was able to ensure our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors feel seen,” said a spokesperson from the office. Executive Director Amber Hikes reiterated that in a statement released on June 3 that said much of her office’s Pride-month event planning was inspired by a “commitment to lifting the voices of those who have been marginalized” in the hopes that it will “help elevate those voices and stories as well.” She specifically pointed out the eight-color “More Color More Pride” rainbow flag that will fly outside City Hall throughout the month of June. “Philly Lights Up Rainbow” will also incorporate the black and brown stripe that was added to the flag in 2017. Mayor Kenney released a statement in anticipation of the light show and other cityled activities happening during Pride month, suggesting that these widespread community events provide a glowing example of the city’s support for and commitment to its LGBTQ community — something he said is especially important today, when there’s a lot of negative rhetoric coming out of Washington. “It is … a time for allies to double-down on our support for our LGBTQ neighbors as they continue to face … the ongoing challenges of ignorance, hatred, and bias,” the statement read. “We must remain unified as one community as we work to ensure true equality for LGBTQ individuals in Philadelphia, across the country, and around the world.” Other city-hosted events happening throughout the month include a film festival at Lightbox Film Center called Queering the Lens, discussion panels that tackle topics like restorative justice and LGBTQ youth in foster care, and the Philadelphia Family Pride Picnic and Arts Festival, which happens outside Lovett Memorial Library on June 22. n
In the here and now, Please Touch Museum encourages children to be proud of who they are, where they come from and who their family is and by doing so, sets them on a future that is inclusive and embraces understanding and diversity. Here and now, I challenge you to keep the flame burning that pushed civil rights forward for the LGBTQ community and ignite the passion to embrace acceptance in all young people. Feel empowered to spark conversations, with children and grown-ups that otherwise may not happen, inspire those young — and young at heart — to continue the conversation about gender identity, inclusivity and embracing differences. I challenge you to see that by engaging here and now, we might just change the future for all of us. n
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
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Trans woman settles federal job-discrimination lawsuit By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A Northampton County trans woman of color who claimed she was wrongfully discharged from her nursing assistant job at an Alzheimer’s patient-care facility has settled her federal antibias case. News of the settlement was posted on the federal court docket last month. But terms of the settlement weren’t released and neither side would comment. “Jane Doe” filed suit Sept. 18 against The Gardens for Memory Care at Easton, seeking an unspecified amount in damages and remedial measures at the facility. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who approved the settlement on May 15. Easton, where the facility is located, is a city about 55 miles north of Philadelphia in Northampton County. According to her 50-page lawsuit, Doe worked at The Gardens as a nursing assistant from April 2017 to September 2017. Coworkers allegedly harassed and misgendered her on a frequent basis, thus creating a hostile work environment. A coworker allegedly expressed a belief that TRANSMISSIONS from page 11
In wasn’t until 2012 — 20 years later — that the NYPD reopened her case as a possible homicide. It remains open and unsolved. Rivera was living on the street in the late 1990s when the then blossoming transgender community quickly became politically active once again. She resurrected STAR — changing “transvestite” to “transgender” in the process — and resumed her fight for transgender and LGBTQ rights in New York. Her return was short lived, however, as liver cancer would claim her life in early 2002. For much of their lives, questions swirled around what roles Rivera and Johnson played in the actual events of Stonewall. I’m sure that the same will happen as this monument is constructed. I would argue that Stormé DeLarverie, a butch lesbian and drag performer who likely threw the first punch at the Stonewall Inn that morning, deserves a whole lot more credit than usually given. Nevertheless, Johnson and Rivera are key to the story of our movement. What they may have done or not done on that one day is only a small part of the story. The two of them gave everything to our community in the wake of that event and yet were still viewed by many as too queer for the very movement they helped usher in. Johnson and Rivera have become a symbol, a testament to our community of fierceness or determination and of activism above and beyond one’s self. Everyone who has marched in a Pride parade, who has stood up for their rights as an LGBTQ person or who has enjoyed gains made by the LGBTQ movement, owes a debt to this pair. We owe them far more than a chunk of stone
Doe would “go to hell,” if she didn’t ask God for forgiveness. Another co-worker allegedly expressed dismay that Doe “still had a dick,” according to the suit. A supervisor would routinely misgender Doe verbally and in writing, despite Doe’s protest, according to the suit. “[Doe] felt embarrassed and humiliated in front of the patients because [Doe’s] female appearance, use of female name, and female pronouns, did not correspond with [Doe’s] supervisor’s use of male name and male pronouns,” the suit alleged. In June 2017, Doe filed a formal grievance with the facility’s human-resources department citing anti-trans mistreatment, but it was unclear whether an investigation was undertaken, according to the suit. When Doe complained to senior officials in September 2017, she was terminated, without a clear reason for her termination given to her, according to the suit. Doe alleged discrimination on the basis of race, gender, gender identity and disability. Her disability is gender dysphoria, according to her lawsuit. She also claimed retaliation for complaining about alleged mistreatment at the facility. Prior to the settlement, a jury trial had been requested. n on a parcel in Greenwich Village. We need to learn from their example and their lives and move forward. STAR helped our queer youth, provided them a home and helped them grow. We need to continue to elevate those who have been forgotten and marginalized. LGBTQ youth are still cast out by their families and end up on our streets. It is up to us to reach out to them. Both Rivera and Johnson were out on those streets too and both suffered for it. We need to look at the rest of our community that could be trying to survive on the streets and create sustainable services that can help people at any stage of life. Rivera died of liver cancer, which is linked to hepatitis infection as well as exposure to alcohol. We need to continue to address alcohol use and abuse in our community, as well as illnesses like Hepatitis. Johnson, like so many others in our community, was murdered. We need to continue to fight because transwomen of color continue to be killed, and we need to find justice for their murders. More than this, we need to work to include our whole community, and not push away those with misguided notions of “respectability” in the face of a conservative movement for which we can never be too polished, too clean and too submissive. New York City will erect a monument to Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, but it is up to each of us to make a world worthy of such a thing — a place where the real monument is a legacy of good works done in their names. n Gwen Smith reminds you that the first pride was a riot. You’ll find her at www.gwensmith.com
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Second trans woman dies in ICE custody By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor A transwoman from El Salvador who was being held by U.S. immigration authorities died June 1 — the first day of Pride month, and four days after she was released from custody and taken to a hospital. After being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for seven weeks, Johana Medina Leon, 25, died at the Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. Medina Leon was seeking asylum in the U.S. Medina Leon had repeatedly pleaded for medical help and was held in poor conditions, advocates who had contact with her and others at the privately run New Mexico detention center told news media. Medina Leon arrived at U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Paso Del Norte port of entry in El Paso on April 11. She was told at that time that she was not female, that she was male, and was processed for “expedited removal” when she applied for admission to enter the U.S. That is a deportation process that allows an immigration official to deport an undocumented person without a hearing before a judge. On April 14, Medina Leon was transferred to Otero County Processing Center, a private detention facility for ICE detainees. On May 18, she received a positive credi-
ble fear finding — a crucial first step in the asylum process — and was given a notice to appear before an immigration judge on May 22. On May 28, ICE said it had reviewed her case and released her from its detention center on parole. Medina Leon had asked to be tested for HIV and received a positive result. The same day as her release, Medina Leon said she was experiencing chest pain and was taken to the hospital. “This is yet another unfortunate example of an alien who enters the United States with an untreated, unscreened medical condition,” said Corey Price, field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in El Paso. “Many of these aliens attempt to enter the United States with untreated or unknown diseases, which are not diagnosed until they are examined while in detention.” O.J. Pitaya, an advocate with Diversidad Sin Fronteras, an LGBT human-rights organization, said Medina Leon waited nearly three months in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, for the opportunity to request asylum from the U.S. at an official border crossing. When she presented herself to Border Patrol agents, Pitaya said, Medina Leon was told “she was not trans” and that “she was a man.” Medina Leon was a certified nurse in
El Salvador, but wasn’t able to practice because she was living openly as a transwoman, Pitaya said. “Her dream was to come to the U.S. to get certified and make a living healing people,” Pitaya wrote in a Facebook post. From April 11 to about May 23, however, her health had deteriorated, Pitaya said. On multiple occasions, she told staff at the Otero County Processing Center that “she needed a [IV] solution, that she could do it herself but she just needed the medication.” Allegra Love, executive director of the Sante Fe Dreamers Project, a nonprofit that provides free legal service to immigrants, told NBC News that Medina Leon did nothing “illegal” when she fled to the U.S. following Department of Homeland Security protocol. “She didn’t violate a single law coming to the U.S. to ask for political asylum,” Love said. “I give an interview a week about the medical conditions for transwomen,” which she described as “alarming and dangerous.” Medina Leon’s death comes mere days after the one-year anniversary of the death of Roxsana Hernández Rodriguez, a transwoman who traveled to the U.S. in a migrant caravan and died in ICE custody. A New Mexico medical investigator’s autopsy found that the 33-year-old died from complications of AIDS. In December 2018, Democratic sena-
tors demanded that immigration authorities release documents on Hernández’s case, arguing that officials had violated congressional reporting requirements by not making the documents public. Congress requires ICE to report the death of any migrant in its custody within 30 days and make public a final report within 60 days. Because Medina Leon was released from ICE custody the same day she was sent to the hospital, her death was not considered in-custody. There has been widespread concern from civil-rights groups over the status of LGBTQ people held in ICE custody. In a letter sent to ICE in March, the ACLU and others demanded a meeting to discuss launching an investigation into “rampant sexual harassment, medical neglect and retaliation against transgender women, lesbians and gay men” at the Otero County Processing Center, where Medina Leon was held. The letter said conditions for LGBTQ immigrants were “unconscionable” and “ICE’s practices at Otero have created an unsafe environment” for the LGBTQ detainees there. “When the women and men have submitted requests for medical care, including mental-health care, they report that Otero takes days, if not weeks, to respond to them,” the PAGE 54 ACLU of New Mexico,
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LGBTQ writers feted at The Lammy Awards By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor The 31st Annual Lambda Literary Awards, the world’s largest LGBTQ ceremony of its kind, was held June 3 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Lammys were awarded to 24 winners in categories that ranged from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and graphic novels. The Lambda Literary Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization advancing LGBTQ literature. According to organizers Sue Landers and Amy Scholder, 60 literary professionals served as judges this year, spending numerous hours on a record number of submissions. Finalists were chosen from at least 1,000 books submitted by more than 300 publishers. “Once again, the winners of this year’s Lambda Literary Awards demonstrate how LGBTQ writing is far from monolithic,” said Landers. “Across 24 categories, one finds the range of queer brilliance and a whole new set of books for your to-read list.” The Lammys were handed out at a ceremony hosted by Tony-nominated trans performer Mx Justin Vivian Bond, who is renowned for cabaret acts and has previously hosted the awards. Along with the 25 book-award winners, special honors were awarded to authors Alexander Chee, Masha Gessen and Barbara Smith. Alexander Chee received Lambda’s Trustee
Award for his “immeasurable contributions” as a novelist, essayist, activist and teacher. Anthony Rapp presented Chee with his award on stage. Masha Gessen, a Russia-American journalist and writer for the New Yorker, won the National Book Award for nonfiction in 2017 and, this year, received the Visionary Award for “their work advancing public awareness around the global threat of totalitarianism.” HuffPost editor-in-chief Lydia Polgreen presented the award. Iconic lesbian feminist publisher and essayist Barbara Smith received the Publishing Professional Award for “a lifetime of work that has profoundly shaped our collective understanding of the interconnections between race, class, and gender.” The poet, educator and activist Cheryl Clarke presented Smith’s award. Smith commented that queer women of color are finally getting mainstream book contracts and talked about how she had started the movement to publish women of color at her trailblazing Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press. Among the winners was Philadelphia poet Raquel Salas Rivera, whose pronouns are they/them. Salas Rivera is the 2018-19 Poet Laureate of Philadelphia and, now, also the inaugural recipient of the Ambroggio Prize and the Laureate Fellowship, both from the Academy of American Poets. Their book, lo terciario/the tertiary, was on the 2018 National
Book Award Longlist and won the Lammy for Transgender Poetry. Several awards were won by trans authors, which one writer explained was indicative that more trans authors are writing across more genres and being recognized for their work. “Given the sheer number of terrific LGBTQ books, it’s not at all uncommon for Lammy finalists to garner mainstream attention and accolades,” noted Landers. “But, yes, we have seen over the past few years, as trans visibility has increased and the general public’s understanding of trans lives has deepened, mainstream media has made some strides towards becoming more trans inclusive.” Landers previously highlighted the volume of trans writers as a positive step toward inclusivity, saying, “This is due in no small part to all the work small, unheralded and independent trans centered presses have done for a long time, work that changed how we can and should view the queer literary canon. Of course, much work remains to be done to bring even more of these books into the world and to shine a light on them.” There were some upsets. In the memoir/ biography category, Darnell Moore won for his book “No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America” over National Book Award winner Jeffrey Stewart’s biography of Philadelphian Alain Locke. Moore also won over Black Lives Matter activist Deray McKesson and his book “On the Other Side of
Freedom: The Case for Hope.” Imani Perry won in LGBTQ nonfiction category for her book, “Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry.” Perry’s book was criticized in The New York Times by black gay playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Jacobs-Jenkins said he wished Perry “had more confidence” when writing about Hansberry’s queerness. Roxane Gay won for her groundbreaking book in the LGBTQ anthology category with “Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture.” Kheryn Callender said of the attention their middle-grade novel, “Hurricane Child,” which won for LGBTQ Children’s/Young Adult, “I really never dreamed that it would receive the level of love and support its gotten, which I’m so incredibly grateful for.” Callender, who is from the U.S. Virgin Islands, said their book, about a queer girl of color in a Caribbean setting, is for “anyone who feels alone and isolated, and reads and feels empowered by Caroline Murphy and her journey to be herself — that she deserves to exist, and deserves to be happy, no matter what.” The gay male romance category created some controversy, as all finalists were female. The winner, S.C. Wayne, self-published her book, “Crashing Upwards.” The event raised $10,000 for Lambda. A full list of nominees and winners can be seen at LambdaLiterary.org. n
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FLOAT from page 1
The ambitious float stems from a partnership between LGBTQ philanthropy group Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund, tourism agency VISIT PHILADELPHIA and city officials. It is the only float funded by community, city and state contributors. “DmhFund wanted to inspire today’s LGBT youth to appreciate our community’s rich and radical history. Much of that history took place here in Philadelphia,” said Segal, dmhFund president and Philadelphia Gay News publisher. “We also wanted to set a new bar for Gay Pride and what it could mean in the future.” A seven-foot replica of the Liberty Bell, crafted via 3D printing, marks the front of the float. At the back stands a replica of the historic Stonewall Inn facade, complete with a marquis sign designed after the original namesake from the 1970s. A picture frame surrounds the building as a nod to its historical significance, said Todd Marcocci, the president of event company Under The Sun Productions, Inc. who oversaw the float’s design. A black-painted, plywood road runs down the float’s center, rising in five incremental levels. On either side of the road, the “Field of Honor,” made with thousands of artificial flowers spanning the colors of Philadelphia’s Pride flag, blossoms up to the base of the inn. Marcocci attached each “Field of Honor” flower individually to the float — using 30 pounds of hot glue in the process.
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“Every single [flower] is representing States. He attended the Annual Reminders someone who has been bullied, somebody LGBTQ pickets at Independence Hall in who has passed from AIDS, somebody 1965 and 1966. that has HIV, somebody that’s been beaten, Kuntzler said the Gertrude Stein somebody that’s been murdered, somebody Democratic Club, which represents the that is going through depression,” he said, gay community in Washington, D.C., was noting the feature is his favorite of the proj- founded in his living room in 1976. He also ect. helped form the Gay Activists Alliance of On June 8 from 12-3 p.m., people can Washington, D.C., today known as the nonstop by Cherry Street Pier to write mes- profit Gay and Lesbians Activists Alliance. sages on ribbons spanning the colors of the It is the nation’s oldest continuously rainbow. They active LGBTQ will be tied to the organization, “Field of Honor” according to the flowers to join Washington, D.C. the float on its Mayor’s Office journey through of Lesbian, Philadelphia Gay, Bisexual, Pride, the New Transgender York City and Questioning Pride March Affairs. on June 30 and The LGBTQ Philadelphia’s civil rights Salute to movement has A m e r i c a TODD MARCOCCI WORKS ON PRIDE HISa well-docuI n d e p e n d e n c e TORY FLOAT OR JUST TODD MARCOCCI. mented history in Day Parade on Photo: Laura Smythe Philadelphia. July 4. The nation’s The idea of “the power of five” informed first LGBTQ sit-in occurred at Dewey’s Marcocci’s design vision, he said. An activ- Diner, a now-defunct Center City eatery. ist will stand on each of the road’s five lev- Barbara Gittings, editor of the nation’s first els, symbolizing the progress they enacted lesbian magazine, called the city home and in each decade of the Stonewall era. helped organize the Annual Reminders, Paul Kuntzler, 77, was the 17th member which ran 1965-69. of the Mattachine Society, one of the earWhile there is always room for improveliest LGBTQ organizations in the United ment in LGBTQ rights, Kuntzler said he
hopes younger LGBTQ people who see the float will gain a deeper understanding of the movement’s history. “Looking back into the ’60s, we could never conceive of the astonishing progress that we made, that there would be laws to protect us against discrimination, that there would be openly gay officials in government,” Kuntzler said. “Most of all, we couldn’t conceive of the whole idea of marriage equality.” Marcocci similarly hopes the float will help Pride attendees realize how LGBTQ history has impacted their lives. “There are people who have made things happen throughout lifetimes prior to us that have then had an effect on our lifetimes,” he said. “In recognizing the individuals who will be riding on the float, I’m hoping people will be moved by their appearance on the float and then realize the impact that they personally can have in their [own] lifetime, just like the individuals riding it.” For Segal, the float is “history on wheels.” DmhFund has been working on getting the project off the ground for 18 months, he said. “I’m excited that a younger generation will get an opportunity to meet the person who was the first picketer for gay rights in 1965, another who demonstrated outside the White House in 1965, then those later who marched at Independence Hall,” Segal added. “And of course, Stonewall and Gay Liberation Front participants.” n
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The Philadelphia Gay News won eight Keystone Press Awards this year, an honor that recognizes professional excellence and journalism that “consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities.” The Keystone Press Awards are sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. PGN earned top honors in the categories of investigative reporting, news, ongoing news coverage, news beat reporting, series, news photo, photo story/essay, and diversity, for Division V — weekly publications that have a circulation over 10,000.
Second Place Timothy Cwiek Investigative Reporting: Coverage of the Nizah Morris case
Honorable Mention Scott Drake Photo Story/Essay: Pride 2018
Second Place Scott Drake News Photo: Dr. Martin Luther King Installation
Second Place Jen Colletta Series: Family Forward
Second Place Timothy Cwiek News Beat Reporting: PGN courts’ coverage
Honorable Mention Kristen Demillo General News: “Upscale Cancun resort rejects same-sex wedding.”
Honorable Mention Timothy Cwiek Ongoing News Coverage: Coverage of Foster Care Dispute
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How NOT to invest 101 Q: I’m new to investing in the stock market. I’m just starting out with a smaller amount of money. But can you offer me any beginner tips? A: Glad to see you’re taking interest in investing. For you and other beginners, if you want to help curb your loss potential, try to avoid these 10 common investment practices.
you. Had problems with your laptop lately? Maybe you should sell that company’s stock. When it comes to hunches, being irrational often rules. 9. React frequently to market volatility. Responding to the market’s daily ups and downs gives you the potential to lock in losses. Even professional traders sometimes miss on predicting the market’s bigger shifts, let alone daily fluctuations. 10. Set it and forget it. Ignoring your portfolio until you’re ready to cash it in gives it the opportunity to go out of balance, with past winners dominating. It may also make for a misalignment of original investing goals and shifting life-stage priorities. n
10 Investing Mistakes to Avoid 1. Go with the herd. If everyone else is buying it, it must be good, right? Not necessarily. Investors tend to do what everyone else is doing and are overly optimistic when the market goes up and overly pessimistic when the market goes down. For instance, 1Source: ICI; Standard & Poor’s. The in 2008, the largest monthly stock market is represented by the S&P outflow of U.S. domestic stock 500, an unmanaged index considered funds occurred after the marrepresentative of large-cap U.S. stocks. ket had fallen over 25% from These hypothetical examples are for its peak. And in 2011, the only illustrative purposes only, and are not time net inflows were recorded intended as investment advice. Jeremy R. Gussick is a CERTIFIED was before the market slid over FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional 10%.1 affiliated with LPL Financial, the nation’s 2. Put all of your bets on one largest independent broker-dealer.* high-flying stock. If you had Jeremy specializes in the financial planinvested your money in today’s ning and retirement income needs of the popular tech stocks fifteen years LGBT community and was recently named a 2018 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager as ago, your portfolio may be good mentioned in Philadelphia Magazine.** right now. But what if instead, is active with several LGBT organizayou had invested in Enron, Jeremy He tions in the Philadelphia region, including Conseco, CIT, WorldCom, (Delaware Valley Legacy Fund) and Gussick DVLF Washington Mutual or Lehman the Independence Business Alliance (IBA), Brothers? All were high flythe Philadelphia Region’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you ers at one point, yet all have since filed for have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via bankruptcy, making them perfect candidates email at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. for the downwardly mobile investor. Jeremy R. Gussick is a Registered Representative 3. Buy when the market is up. A basic with, and securities and advisory services are offered principle of investing is to buy low and sell through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. high, even though most investors do the This article was prepared with the assistance of opposite. Make sure to have a strategy when DST Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material investing and that you are not following the are for general information only and are not intended latest investment craze or fad. to provide specific advice or recommendations for 4. Sell when the market is down. The temp- any individual. This communication is not intended to tation to sell is always highest when the mar- be tax advice and should not be treated as such. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with ket drops the furthest. And it’s what many inexperienced investors tend to do, locking in a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions. To the extent you are receivlosses and precluding future recoveries. ing investment advice from a separately registered 5. Stay on the sidelines until markets calm independent investment advisor, please note that LPL Financial LLC is not an affiliate of and makes no repdown. Since markets almost never “calm resentation with respect to such entity. down,” this is the perfect rationale to never Because of the possibility of human or mechaniget in. In today’s world, that may mean runcal error by DST Systems Inc. or its sources, neither ning the risk of not keeping pace with inflaWealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources tion. guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or 6. Buy on tips from friends. Who needs availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained professional advice when your new buddy from the use of such information. In no event shall from the gym can give you some great tips? DST Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or If his stock suggestions are as good as his consequential damages in connection with subscribabs workout tips, you can’t go wrong. Think ers’ or others’ use of the content. again. © 2019 DST Systems, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited, except by permission. All rights 7. Rely on the pundits for advice. With all reserved. the experts out there crowding the airwaves with their recommendations, why not take *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June their advice? But which advice should you 1996-2018, based on total revenues. follow? And remember that what pundits sell **Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as crebest is typically themselves. dentials, experience, and assets under management 8. Go with your gut. Fundamental research among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a may be OK for the pros, but it’s much easier fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2018 to buy or sell based on what your gut tells Five Star Wealth Managers.
PAGE 41
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International Italy elects its first transgender mayor General allegiances may lie with Matteo Salvini’s right-wing League party, but voters in a small town south of Milan have voted against the right-wing League candidate to elect Italy’s first transgender mayor. Gianmarco Negri, a 40-year-old lawyer, was elected mayor of Tromello, a town of 3,700, with 37.5 percent of the vote May 26 for his left-wing civic list. He handily defeated the League’s candidate, who finished second in the four-way race with 26 percent. The victory is especially striking given that in the European Parliamentary vote at the same time, 53 percent of the votes went for Salvini’s League and just 16 percent to the center-left Democratic Party. Negri, an activist for transgender rights, ran under the slogan: “CambiaMenti per Tromello,” which has a double meaning of “Changes for Tromello,” and “Changing Minds for Tromello.”
Hong Kong court abolishes four offences that criminalize gay sex The High Court in Hong Kong has abolished four offences and changed the definition of three more that criminalize sex between men. The court ruled May 30 that the four offences were unconstitutional and repealed them immediately. The decision came about following a case taken by LGBT-plus activist Yeung Chu-wing challenging the laws. Under the laws, gay men could be prosecuted for engaging in sexual acts that are legal for heterosexual people and for some same-sex female couples. The crimes that have been overturned are: procuring others to commit homosexual buggery; gross indecency with or by a man under 16; gross indecency by a man with a man otherwise than in private; and procuring gross indecency by a man with a man. Justice Thomas Au Hing-cheung also ruled that three other offences will now apply to both men and women in order to
meet constitutional obligations. The offences that will apply to both men and women under the law are: homosexual buggery with or by a man under 16; gross indecency by a man with a male mentally incapacitated person; and permitting a young person to resort to or be on a premises or vessel for intercourse, prostitution, buggery or homosexual acts.
Lebanon telecom authorities order blocking of Grindr Lebanon’s Telecommunications Ministry has ordered the blocking of the popular dating application Grindr, used mainly by gay men and trans men, saying it facilitates meetings between bisexuals or people of the same sex. Amnesty International on May 29 called the decision “a deeply regressive step, and a blow” to the LGBT community in Lebanon. A decades-old law in Lebanon punishes sexual relations “contrary to nature” with up to one year in prison. But activists and legal groups have actively challenged the law. The ministry’s decision, obtained by The Associated Press, was issued May 24. It asked internet service providers to block the application and associated website, following a request from the public prosecutor. The application was still accessible on some providers on May 29.
Russians criticize heavily edited version of Elton John film Russian gay rights activists and cultural figures are criticizing the local distributor of a new movie about Elton John for cutting scenes depicting homosexual activity and drug use. The deletions became known recently after a Moscow screening of the film “Rocketman.” The Moscow movie theater Pioner, noted for its adventurous programming, says it will ask for an original cut of the movie with Russian subtitles. But the theater said June 1 it had not received a response from the distributor. Russian news agencies reported the distribution company said the scenes were cut to conform with Russian law but that the Ministry of Culture said it was not involved in the decision. The Russian LGBT Network said in a Facebook statement, “In this way, the Russian distributor indirectly supports homophobia.” n
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ADVERTORIAL
Same-Sex Couples and Adoption: What You Need to Know When a same-sex couple chooses to adopt a child, or chooses for one parent to have a biological child and have the second-parent adopt the child, there are many legal issues that must be carefully considered.
Which state you reside in at the time of your child’s birth, and the state in which you reside at the time a dispute is to be decided, could have an impact on how the dispute turns out. Additionally, depending on where you live or who you What exactly are these con- work for, there could be issiderations, and how should sues with your children reyou navigate them? Attor- ceiving your benefits. ney Stephen Asbel explains some of the more common Q: What can we do now to issues same-sex couples face make sure both of us have in the adoption arena. full legal protection? Q: I got pregnant via sperm from an anonymous donor. Both my wife and I are named on the birth certificate. Doesn’t that mean we both have parental rights? A: Some states, including Pennsylvania, do permit the wife of a woman who gives birth to be listed as a parent on the birth certificate. However, this listing alone may not provide full legal protection for both parents. For instance, if you move to another state that does not recognize parental rights from the birth certificate, or if you and your wife divorce and your wife who gave birth contests your parental rights, or if the biological mother dies and her family contests your parental rights, there could be an issue...or several.
has said that every state must recognize an adoption decree from any other state, and even if the couple separates or divorces, the legal parental relationship remains. Additionally, government or employment benefits that the adoptive parent has will benefit the children without having to worry about whether a state or local government fully implements recognition of same-sex marriage because there is a court order stating that both of you are the A: Until there is a uniform parents of your child. legal standard across the U.S. providing all necessary Q: How do two married legal protections, the gold men secure parental rights standard for protecting pa- for a biological child? rental rights in two-mother families is a second-parent A: When two men have a adoption. child, and one of them is the child’s biological father, Second-parent adoption a gestational carrier (surro(sometimes called “steppar- gate) and in vitro fertilizaent adoption” or “co-parent tion is commonly used. Beadoption”) is a long-estab- fore the medical procedure, lished legal procedure in a detailed contract must be which the spouse of a bi- prepared by a lawyer, and ological parent adopts the the gestational carrier must child as their own, while be represented by a sepathe biological parent retains rate lawyer. the same parental rights and responsibilities they The contract must contain had before. details about the rights and obligations of the inOnce the second-parent tended parents, as well as adoption is complete, both the gestational carrier, and parents have equal parental should also include derights confirmed by a court tails about compensation. order that is to be recognized by any state in the Q: How do we confirm leU.S. The Supreme Court gally that we are both parADVERTORIAL
ents to the baby that the gestational carrier will give birth to? A: The next legal step is for the intended parents, represented by their lawyer, to petition the court for a pre-birth order. The petition presents to the court all of the documentation concerning the contract with the gestational carrier, the pregnancy and the marriage of the intended parties. The default legal rule is that a woman who gives birth to a baby is deemed the mother of that baby. The prebirth order confirms that the gestational carrier is not genetically related to the baby at all, and orders that the intended parent couple shall legally be deemed to be the parents from birth. Q: Suppose we do not use a donated egg and we ask a close female friend to be our surrogate. Can we still get a pre-birth order? A: No. In Pennsylvania, a pre-birth order can only be obtained if an egg donated by a third-party is used or, if
one of the intended parents is a woman and her own egg is used for the in vitro fertilization. If the surrogate is the genetic mother of the baby (this is what is known as “traditional” surrogacy), she has full parental rights that cannot be taken away before birth. In this situation, a second-parent adoption is necessary, AND the birth mother must consent to the adoption. Additionally, in adoption proceedings where there is a known parent who is agreeing to give up parental rights, there must be a second petition filed: a petition to confirm consent. You must also be aware that someone who has consented to an adoption can revoke their consent at any time right up until a judge signs an order confirming the consent; and even after such an order is signed, there is a thirty (30) day period to file an appeal. Because of these added legal steps and risks, attorneys who handle surrogacy matters strongly caution against traditional surrogacy arrangements.
Stephen Asbel, Esq. has been working with same-sex couples for over 20 years, using the law to help them build their families. For information how Stephen can help you with second-parent adoptions, gestational carrier arrangements or other legal needs, contact us at 215.495.6523 or sasbel@regerlaw.com.
The above is intended to provide basic information about how same-sex couples can secure parental rights, but is not comprehensive. You should consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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Mombian Dana Rudolph
PGN NATIONAL
Media Trail R.I. bishop’s tweet outrages LGBTQ community
An estimated one-third of LGBTs in Philadelphia have children. Every month, Dana Rudolph dissects parenting from our perspective, from watching your children grow up to teaching them how to deal with bullies, to interviews with authors and filmmakers.
Only in
A weekend tweet by Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin warning his congregants not to support or attend LGBTQ Pride Month events prompted a national outcry and protests June 2 in this city with a deep, if divided, Catholic tradition. The controversy started June 1, when the bishop tweeted: “A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride Month’ events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.” The tweet sparked an immediate response on Twitter. By 3 p.m. June 2, it had elicited 69,000 replies and 16,000 “likes.” By Sunday afternoon, after statements of support for the LGBTQ community from the governor and mayor and rebukes from entertainment figures, and with plans underway for a protest in Providence, Tobin issued a statement. “I regret that my comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community. That certainly was not my intention, but I understand why a good number of individuals have taken offense. I also acknowledge and appreciate the widespread support I have received on this matter,” he said. “The Catholic Church has respect and love for members of the gay community, as do I. Individuals with samesex attraction are beloved children of God and our brothers and sisters.” Sunday evening, protesters gathered outside the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. As the bells called the faithful to Mass, Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out” played on a speaker amid waving rainbow flags at the rally. While about 150 people attended Mass inside the cathedral, nearly double the crowd was outside, carrying signs, waving rainbow flags, and chanting “Hey, hey, ho, ho, hate has got to go.”
Police: Motorist hits Delaware gay pride parade organizer
Police say they’ve charged Reuben Salters of Dover with third-degree vehicular assault. Officers say Salters disregarded barricades blocking off the parade route as he navigated his pickup truck near where a large crowd had gathered about 45 minutes before the event’s start. The parade route was through the downtown of the Delaware state capital. Salters got out of his vehicle to move cones blocking the street. Police say when the organizer told him he couldn’t pass, Salters got back into his pickup, accelerated and struck the man, then drove through the crowd before stopping.
Rainbow flags set on fire at Harlem gay bar The New York Post reports police are investigating a possible anti-gay bias crime after flags were set on fire at the entrance of a gay bar in Harlem. A police spokesman says the rainbow flags were burned just after midnight May 31 at the Alibi Lounge a day before the start of the city’s Pride Month celebrations. On its Instagram, the business bills itself as the only black-owned gay lounge in New York City, serving food and drinks. Photos of the scorched, multicolored flags were posted online. No one was injured, and rain extinguished the flames.
Judge: Oregon prison must give transgender inmate new cell The Oregonian/Oregon Live reports a transgender inmate being held at an Oregon prison for men has been granted new living arrangements. Brandy Hall transitioned to female while in prison after being convicted of sex crimes involving abusing girls in 2007. A complaint filed last year claimed her incarceration with male cellmates at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla violated her constitutional rights because officers weren’t addressing the physical and sexual harassment against her. A county circuit judge on May 29 said the state corrections department was deliberately indifferent about Hall’s safety and ordered officials to put her in a single cell or assign her to a cellmate who is transgender. But the judge also rejected Hall’s claim about her constitutional rights and refused her request to transfer to a women’s prison.
Public pressure prompts Ohio library to cancel LGBTQ event
pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
Online and in print every fourth Friday.
The Washington Times reports police say a 90-year-old Delaware man refused to detour around a gay pride parade and plowed into an organizer trying to wave him away. The Dover Police Department said the motorist’s pickup knocked down the 43-yearold man, who suffered leg injuries after the June 1 confrontation.
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
The Newark Advocate reports public opposition that included Ohio’s Republican House speaker has prompted a county library outside Columbus to cancel an LGBTQ program for teens. The June 7 event at the Licking County Library in Newark was scheduled ahead of
the city’s Pride festival following weekend. It was supposed to feature a tutorial on drag queen makeup, crafts, games and a safe sex program. It drew criticism on social media and a letter from Rep. Larry Householder, who vented about the makeup tips and called the event a “stunningly bizarre breach of the public trust.” The Newark Ohio Pride Coalition responded by saying the program was privately funded. The Delaware County Library, also in central Ohio, canceled a teen ``Drag 101’’ event the same week following hostile and threatening phone calls.
Maine governor OKs ban on gay conversion therapy for minors NBC News reports Maine Gov. Janet Mills has signed a bill banning gay conversion therapy for minors. With Mills’ action May 29, Maine joins 16 other states and the District of Columbia that have banned the practice. Conversion therapy aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The ban will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns next month. Mills said that the law sends ``an unequivocal message’’ to the LGBTQ community that “we stand with you, we support you and we will always defend your right to be who you are.” She called conversion therapy “a harmful, widely discredited practice that has no place in Maine.” Maine’s former Republican governor vetoed a similar measure last year, but the bill has gained momentum this year under a Democratic-led Legislature.
ACLU sues state over new gender reassignment surgery law The Sacramento Bee reports the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law that prohibits the use of Medicaid funding for gender reassignment surgery. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill on May 3 that included language amending the state’s Civil Rights Act so that government officials are not required to pay for gender reassignment surgery. The ACLU has sued in state court to block enforcement of the law on behalf of One Iowa, a group that advocates for transgender rights, and two transgender Iowans who qualify for Medicaid and whose doctors say they need the surgery. ACLU of Iowa Legal Director Rita Bettis Austen says the measure is discriminatory and “has no basis in medicine or science.” Conservative Republicans passed the measure after the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in March that the state cannot block Medicaid from paying for gender reassignment surgery for two transgender women. n
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PGN GAY PRESS from page 22
other’s lives, it was soon the focal point for San Francisco’s gay men to record the devastation of the epidemic. “We needed to write about ourselves — no one else was doing it,” said PGN publisher Mark Segal when he was inducted by the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) into the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame in 2013, joining Ross. Segal began publishing Philadelphia Gay News (PGN) in 1976. At 25, Segal was the youngest of all the gay and lesbian publishers and had been one of the original Stonewall Rebellion combatants. Segal was also known for his “zaps” as a Gay Raider, an activist group he founded in Philadelphia. Zaps were hit-an-run political actions infiltrating mainstream media —notably TV — and demanding attention for gay rights. Segal did the first of these in 1972, after being ejected from a dance competition for dancing with his male lover when he crashed the evening news broadcast of WPVI-TV in Philadelphia. Segal repeated such activism again and again during other television broadcasts, including, most famously, the national evening news with Walter Cronkite. On January 3, 1976, Segal published the first issue of the Philadelphia Gay News, which was also the first gay newspaper in the country to have honor boxes on street corners alongside other mainstream newspapers. The paper began as a monthly, then went bi-weekly, then weekly. PGN is the second longest continuously publishing LGBTQ newspaper in the country. Off Our Backs, a lesbian feminist newspaper began publishing on February 27, 1970, with a twelve-page tabloid-style issue. The paper, which published continuously through 2008, was run by a collective. Marilyn Salzman Webb, Heidi Steffens, Marlene Wicks, Colette Reid and Norma Lesser formed the original collective. Off Our Backs published news as well as culture pieces and focused on feminist liberation as much as lesbian liberation. Lesbian Connection began publishing in 1974 as a news forum “by, for and about lesbians.” The publication differed from the other LGB newspapers in that the content was written in part by subscribers. News and announcements of interest to the lesbian community included current
WASHINGTON from page 1
to hold Bailey for court. He is being charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and other offenses. The case will continue this month. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski declined to comment on motive in the case or the validity of Bailey’s account. But Washington’s younger sister Crystal
affairs, places to live, travel lesbian arts and culture stories and obituaries. Lesbian Connection was instrumental in the building of national spiritual, political and social networks for lesbians The importance of an emerging gay media post-Stonewall cannot be overstated. The publications pre-Stonewall were hidden and difficult to access. While each had private mailing lists and some had significant print runs, most weren’t sold on newsstands or drug stores — where newspapers and magazines were available in the 1950s and 1960s. Newspapers dedicated solely to issues and concerns about the LGBT community were an essential tool in spreading the gay liberation message and keeping the activism borne out of Stonewall in the forefront of the budding community’s consciousness. These papers were the place to explore issues related to the community, from problems with police to how to build social networks. BAR and PGN had large arts sections which highlighted the gay scene in their respective cities. In the days post-Stonewall, as the queer community was beginning to come out and shed the plain brown wrappers of the 1950s and 1960s, gay newspapers reached closeted gay men and lesbians nationwide who had no other access to gay community. Stories on gay issues focused attention on the breadth of the LGBT community as well as the deep need for connection between and among people who were living in a kind of hidden diaspora. In the early days, personal ads in these papers linked men and women with each other in a world where the closet was the norm. But more than anything, the rise of the gay and lesbian press heralded the existence of an LGBT community that was intent on becoming a political and social force. From the early days of ONE to now, the queer press has told LGBTQ stories and in the height of the AIDS epidemic, saved lives by driving the dialogue on the crisis. In recent years it has been the LGBTQ press that has drawn attention to critical issues for the community from epidemic of corrective rapes of lesbians and murders of transwomen of color, to the continuing threats of hate crimes and housing and employment discrimination. At Stonewall 50, the queer press is aging, but is still essential to building and connecting community and telling the stories of LGBTQ lives. n
Davis, 35, said she didn’t believe Bailey. Seeing him made the whole ordeal feel real, she added, noting she had been trying to phone Washington around the time of her death. “I only ever had one question...which is, ‘Why?’” Davis said. “Outside of that, she’s not here. If you can’t tell me why she’s not here, there’s nothing else I really care about. She left behind a lot of people who cared.” n
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If you live in south Philly or you’re hanging out on Passyunk Ave., you can find a copy of PGN at these convenient locations: Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • Tiffin Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Wedge Medical Center, 1939 S. Juniper St. •
Or from a news box at one of these convenient spots: 4th & Bainbridge sts. • 9th & Passyunk sts. • Broad & Ellsworth sts. • Broad & McKean sts. • Broad & Morris sts. • Broad & South sts. • Passyunk Ave & 10th & Reed sts. • epgn.com
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You can also find copies at the local library branches. If you live in west Philadelphia or you’re hanging out there, you can find a copy of PGN at these convenient locations: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Metropolitan Community Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Saturn Club, 3430 Sansom St. • Saxby’s Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •
Or from a news box at one of these convenient spots:
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30th & Market sts. • 34th & Spruce sts. • 34th & Walnut sts. • 36th & Walnut sts. • 37th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Chestnut sts. • 38th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Spruce sts. • University City SEPTA Station •
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AASECT from page 5
have been forced back into the closet, and it’s our job to prevent that from happening.” Fleishman looked at four main factors in groups of older adults: internalized homophobia, resilience, sexual communication and relationship satisfaction. She found that within that particular group, internalized homophobia was low and resilience was high, and that relationship satisfaction correlated with sexual satisfaction. Fleishman said she wants her colleagues to start incorporating her research findings into their teachings as sexuality professionals, “so they can perhaps give a little insight into what is happening for a part of the population that has been so disenfranchised from that generation,” she said. Megan Crofford-Hotz, a therapist at Mazzoni Center, will delve into her PALMER from page 8
tion, advocacy and leadership development to raise awareness of trans experiences with immigration, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, racial profiling and other issues. Judges’ decisions have a great personal effect on people’s lives, Sanchez said. Not having members of marginalized groups, like the LGBTQ community, on the bench can create problems in how these communiMATTACHINE from page 20
a police car with three officers discussing what would happen next. Jennings expected and feared a beating; police officers regularly drove gay men outside the city limits as they did with Jennings, and beat them to “help them get straight.” Yet as Jennings recounted the incident later, the officers discussed beating him and how they would do so but most wanted to know why he was “like this,” since he was a war hero. Hay saw Jennings’ arrest as pivotal for the Mattachine Society — a way to draw attention to the unjust treatment of homosexuals, particularly by police. Hay had been trying to start a homosexual action group for several years. Through Mattachine, Hay had already protested police brutality against Chicanos in Los Angeles. Now, one of their own, a founding member of Mattachine was at risk: Jennings refused to plead out, and his case was held over for trial. Jennings was the first man to fight such a ICE from page 31
Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and the Santa Fe Dreamers Project wrote in the letter. Kris Hayashi, executive director of the Transgender Law Center, said in a statement the group is “devastated and outraged, but not surprised” by the news of Medina Leon’s death. Referring to the deaths of both transwomen, Hayashi wrote, “These deaths are a direct result of U.S. government
PGN
She spoke with 15 female-identified people about how they stay connected with their identity and their community as individuals whose queerness doesn’t necessarily present in heterosexual relationships. She found that many women who did not experience intrapersonal conflict about their sexual identities nonetheless encountered conflict from others in that regard, which led them to resort to the term “queer” to find more acceptance in LGBTQIA-plus communities. “A lot of people discussed the challenges of identifying as bisexual in dating,” Crofford-Hotz said. “And needing to clarify their attraction template to include people who are gender-nonconforming and trans and all of that wonderful stuff.” Sexuality and health educator Angie-
Foster Lawson will aim to dissolve misconceptions about asexual people in her presentation, “What’s the ‘A’ Again? Asexual-Inclusive Sexuality Education and Therapy.” Foster-Lawson aspires to educate her colleagues about the range of asexual identities that exist within the broader scope. Asexual-identified people — or “ace people,” as they’re commonly referred to — exist on a spectrum just like any other sexual orientation, gender identity or way of being, she noted. “Within the range of asexual identities, there is a lot of gray area,” Foster-Lawson said. “Some asexual folks don’t want to have sex for themselves, but are fine with others having sex. Some are repulsed by sex in general. Some are actually willing to have sex with partners that they love because they have an allosexual partner and that’s important to them.”
The members of AASECT have worked for decades to provide proper sexuality resources and therapy to the public. However, sex education is still lacking in many states where LGBTQ-focused sex ed is not readily taught in schools, or in states that don’t require any sex ed beyond the abstinence-only philosophy. “I saw a social-media post from a colleague, and she was talking about how do we expect folks to legislate if we as sex educators aren’t in the legislature, if we aren’t actually doing sex ed with them?” Camarena posed. She said it’s important to show legislators that sex ed that is medically accurate and inclusive. “It’s not a big scary thing. It’s about bringing them into the fold of sex ed.” n
ties are perceived, she added. “We’ve seen a lack of cultural competency within the criminal justice system as a whole, where judges are just looking at the ‘criminal act’ or ‘criminal behavior’ as ‘this is the person,’” Sanchez said. “It highlights the person and not the systematic oppression that this person has faced.” Sanchez stressed the importance of LGBTQ people voting in elections, includ-
ing judicial races, and noted that many don’t vote because of misinformation regarding their suffrage rights. “I don’t think people are informed properly, but it is very important because if we don’t vote, we’re stuck with people who are not like us, who don’t understand anything about being marginalized and oppressed to make decisions for marginalized and oppressed people,” Sanchez said.
Palmer said she hopes to bring this LGBTQ representation to Philadelphia’s court chambers. She plans to make small changes, like making court form language gender neutral, and larger institutional reforms on how the gay community’s issues are heard. “The more diversity that we have on the bench that reflects the diversity of our city, the better off we are,” Palmer said. “I’m excited to be part of it.” n
charge. Jennings’ arrest put the issues of criminalization of homosexuality, as well as the myriad false arrests in a context activists related to easily. Desperate to have the charges dropped so damage wouldn’t be done to his budding career as a screenwriter, Jennings called Hay who bailed him out of jail. The day after his arrest, Jennings and Hay had breakfast together at the famous Brown Derby restaurant. By the end of the meal, the two men committed to fighting the charges against Jennings and clearing his name. According to the Mattachine Archives, Hay mobilized Mattachine to help Jennings. He established the Citizens’ Committee to Outlaw Entrapment and Long Beach attorney George Sibley, a labor attorney Hay knew, was hired to defend Jennings in the first-ever case of its kind. It was a surprisingly long trial, given the charges. Ten days of testimony revealed the corruption in the LAPD and how homosex-
uals had been specifically targeted by the LAPD because vice busts were easy, homosexuals were despised and most would do anything to avoid exposure. Both Jennings and Hay got what they wanted out of the trial. The jury deadlocked 11 to 1, for acquittal, and the judge acquitted Jennings of all charges. The judge and jury took the LAPD to task, stating unequivocally that the LAPD had acted with deliberate malice toward Jennings and the LGBT community in general. The judge called the entrapments and bar raids nothing short of “persecution.” For Hay, the rebuke by the court codified what he believed: homosexuals were a “people,” a group unto themselves. Word of Jennings’ acquittal spread and the Mattachine Society membership grew exponentially. The publication of ONE magazine by Mattachine (printed in Jennings’ brother-in-law’s basement) also helped disseminate information on the breadth of issues that needed to be addressed by gays,
notably continuing harassment by government and police. ONE magazine would bring yet another court battle in 1954 when the United States postmaster in Los Angeles confiscated it as “obscene, lewd, lascivious and filthy.” In 1958, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously reversed lower court rulings upholding the post office, finding in favor of ONE. While Mattachine eventually disbanded and the budding Gay Liberation Front took hold in the 1960s and 70s, Mattachine, Hay and Jennings ultimately altered history with their focus on decriminalizing homosexuality. Both would live to see sodomy laws overturned in the landmark 1993 U.S. Supreme Court case, Lawrence vs. Texas, which was predicated on the same police entrapment that had fueled their fight for justice. McCarthy died of alcoholism at the age of 48. Jennings died in 2000 at 82 and Hay at 90 in 2002. n
policy, and will continue unless we force dramatic change.” U.S. Reps. Deb Haaland (D-NM) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) expressed sorrow over Medina Leon’s death. Both emphasized the need for better treatment of migrants in U.S. custody, particularly those in vulnerable populations. “There is no reason for this to happen because it’s foreseeable,” Haaland told NBC News. “There have already been a lot of deaths.”
Haaland also said she’s concerned that ICE isn’t equipped to manage the healthcare and medical needs of detainees. Escobar said ICE’s statement about Medina Leon’s death was “outrageous,” and that ICE “tried in some respects to blame the victim for her own death” and “wash its hands” of responsibility for Medina Leon’s well-being. “There is a growing number of people arriving at our doorstep seeking asylum,
and the response by the U.S. government has not just been inadequate, but in many cases cruel,” Escobar said. “It feels like this administration is intent on using cruelty as a deterrence, and vulnerable populations, people like Johana and the children who have died in custody, are especially at risk.” The Transgender Law Center filed a lawsuit May 31 against the DHS and ICE “for illegally withholding information” about Hernández’s death. n
research project, “The Erasure is Real: Experiences of Bisexual Queer Women.”
For more information on the conference, visit aasect.org.
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PGN
PGN LGBTQ STATE OF THE UNION from page 1
William Way LGBT Community Center Chris Bartlett, executive director of William Way, said the center has focused much of the last year on community engagement via initiatives like art programs and Out and Faithful, which explores religion in the LGBTQ community. A trans resource center is coming to the center’s third floor, he noted, and the organization will continue “digitization days” to increase the group’s historical archives of women, trans and people-of-color experiencies. Those who want to contribute relevant materials or memorabilia can bring them to the center and have them transferred to a thumb drive or archived. “We continue to be a voice for transgender resistance and activism, including the international Transgender Day of Visibility and the Transgender Day of Remembrance — but every day is a day of transgender acknowledgment in the center,” Barlett said. William Way also will join forces with the LGBT Elder Initiative, tripling the center’s budget for education, advocacy and services for older generations. Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations The city agency, established in 1951, enforces civil-rights laws like the Fair Practices Ordinance, Philadelphia’s antidiscrimination law for housing, city services and public accommodation. The FPO has barred sexual-orientation discrimination since 1982 and gender-identity discrimination since 2002 — both of which stand out in a state with no overarching anti-LGBTQ discrimination law. The organization conducts skill-building workshops emphasizing bias awareness, conflict resolution and deescalation techniques. “We are a neutral agency,” said Rue Landau, PCHR executive director. “We are trying to seek and find the truth and resolves issues whenever we can.” PCHR has investigated about 213 cases since Jan. 1, accounting for about 18 percent of its workload, Landau noted. In 2018, the agency recorded 69 confirmed and 12 unconfirmed hate-related incidents — those where LGBTQ folks were targeted were the second most common. The incidents occurred most frequently in South Philadelphia, said Randy Duque, PCHR deputy director. The organization plans to advocate for statewide LGBTQ-inclusive laws; update the language in the FPO; add protections to the city’s Home Rule Charter, which defines Philadelphia’s structure and powers; and expand antiracism projects in Northeast and South Philadelphia.
Galaei The Latinx social-justice organization served more than 8,000 people last year, representing a 25-percent spike in outreach over the previous year said interim executive director Francisco Cortes. Galaei also launched Positively Queer, an online platform for HIV-positive people to tell their stories and find resources. The organization’s main programs, revolving around trans equity, youth and HIV testing, will expand this year, started with extending HIV testing hours into nights and weekends. Facilitators will create three cohorts of an afterschool arts program that previously only operated in December. The organization also is adding Guerreras, a support space for queer Latinx women that will meet monthly, Cortes said. “We wanted to make sure that we don’t forget about women and femme folks because a lot of times the work that we’re doing is centered around men,” he noted. The group will host its 24th-annual LGBTQ prom, a cost-free event, June 21 at William Way and revive its annual David Acosta Revolutionary Leadership Awards (DARLA) gala after a two-year hiatus. Through December, Galaei will gather community feedback on services to guide the organization’s future. Bebashi The social-services organization, serving about 20,000 people a year, was the first in the nation to provide HIV, AIDS and sexual-health services specifically to the African-American community, said executive director Gary Bell. “I don’t feel Bebashi has always been as sensitive and inclusive as we should have been to the LGBT community and we’ve worked very, very hard to change that,” he said. The group’s HYPE program ramps up HIV-prevention awareness among transpeople of color and MSM communities. Last year, 794 active members provided outreach and education, according to program coordinator Michael Melvin. He said he hopes to add monthly job-training workshops, a biweekly social-media talkshow and quarterly opportunities for community input. Meanwhile, Bebashi’s prevention-navigation program helped 57 transpeople with its new Trans Necessities closet, which provides clothing, prosthetics and wigs, in addition to health and other services. The staff hopes to enroll 100 new clients in the navigation program and increase PrEP distribution by 25 percent. Mazzoni Center In its 40th-anniversary year, Mazzoni’s interim administration acknowledged the
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
organization’s challenging few years with leadership, diversity and inclusion issues. “As an LGBTQ-focused organization, we have continued to foster and create an equitable and inclusive environment, but also recognize and resolve issues and allegations of inequity and exclusion within our recent past,” said Nu’Rodney Prad, president of Mazzoni’s board of directors. Since fiscal year 2016, the organization’s budget has grown 40 percent, from $12.8 million to $17.9 million, while staff size has increased 35 percent, from 126 to 170. Mazzoni’s HIV-suppression rate is one of the highest in Philadelphia, clocking in at 90 percent in the face of the 51 percent city average, said Nancy Brisbon, chief medical officer and interim leadership member. The stand-in management structure has agreed to a six-month extension as the organization seeks to fill the position of director of diversity and inclusion and to diversify its board, Prad said. Philadelphia Family Pride The city’s tiniest LGBTQ nonprofit, with just one part-time staff member and a 16-member board of directors, reflected on a mighty year of activism. The group connected with about 200 families, held more than 30 events from potlucks to hikes and cosponsored the Best Practices for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care speaker series, said Stephanie Haynes, the sole employee. The next event takes place June 20 at University of the Sciences. PFP defended LGBTQ-friendly foster care, partnering last spring with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania to successfully challenge a lawsuit that allowed discrimination against same-sex foster couples. Philadelphia Black Pride At this organization’s 20th-anniversary celebration in April, members recognized “insufficiencies of visibilty” for LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming people of color, said president Le Thomas. Community members submitted personal accounts to inform event inclusivity. PBP now intends to increase its partnerships. “As we’re celebrating Pride month, we’re celebrating the whole 30 days, but there are 335 [more] days that we’re proud all day long,” Thomas said. “So we need to make sure the resources are available to all people in the community.” Attic Youth Center As investigations into alleged employee discrimination and sexual assault continue at the LGBTQ youth nonprofit, acting executive director Shawnese Givens said she wanted “to speak explicitly about the ways in which [staff] are now examining
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how white supremacy, transphobia and adultism manifest in [the] organization.” “The majority of youth that we serve are of color and to live up to the full potential and expression of our mission, we must approach our work through an intersectional lens that begins at the highest level of the organization,” added Givens. “That means examining everything — policies and procedures, pay structure, how power is distributed and how we talk about power and privilege within the organization.” Over the last year, The Attic hosted about 300 youth with up to 60 yper day utilizing services with a $1.5-million budget. The Attic’s 25th-anniversary gala raised record funds. Givens said the nonprofit’s biggest goal is to further its commitment to social justice by addressing intersectional oppression. To that end, The Attic will partner with University of Pennsylvania graduate Brendan Taliaferro, who received a $100,000 grant to fund his project for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. Delaware Valley Legacy Fund Founded in 1993, DVLF allocates grants to local LGBTQ organizations every year. For 2018-19, the organization funded nine grantees, including Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, William Way and Galaei. The selections were informed by a new community-participation grant-making process that included more people of color and trans individuals, said executive director Juan Franco. The group will hold a townhall in July to further inform the community of its efforts, he added. “Our trans siblings still face the highest rates of discrimination and violence,” Franco said. “They face alarmingly high rates of poverty, homelessness, struggle with considerable health disparities and continue to confront systemic marginalization. This is why we believe philanthropy can and must do better to improve the wellbeing of the trans community.” Project H.O.M.E. Kate Gormley, senior program manager of Project H.O.M.E.’s young-adult program, said the initiative has grown from offering eight young-adult residences when it began in 2014 to 70 today. In April, Project HOME opened the Gloria Casarez Residence, the first LGBTQ young-adult housing complex in Pennsylvania. Its 30 units are filled but more than 300 people applied. “This just speaks to the need,” Gormley said. “We are seeing a lot of younger folks coming through homeless systems and we need to respond to that.” The organization aims to offer 1,000 affordable-housing units in Philadelphia in the next few years, she added. n
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viewed Audre Lorde and Samuel Delaney — two black gay literary heavyweights — for Black/Out. He culled the work of so many disparate black voices for both of the books he published. Working at Giovanni’s Room bookstore, he promoted books by black writers and ensured that the inventory included black voices. Beam wrote, “By mid-1983, I had grown weary of reading literature by white Gay men. More and more each day, as I looked around the well-stocked shelves of Giovanni’s Room ... I wondered where was the work of Black Gay men.” Thus began “In the Life.” He said his book spoke for “the brothers whose silence has cost them their sanity,” as well as the “2,500 brothers who have died of AIDS.” In “Making Ourselves From Scratch,” one of Beam’s essays in “Brother to Brother,” he wrote, “My desk and typing table anchor the northeast corner of my one-room apartment…. On the walls surrounding me are pictures of powerful people, mentors if you will. Among them are Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, John Edgar Wideman, Essex Hemphill, Lamont Steptoe, Judy Grahn, Tommi Avicolli….” In his editor’s note in the second issue of Black/Out, Fall 1986, Beam wrote about “Black pride and solidarity.” He said the journal was “part of a worldwide movement
that will enliven and reshape the discussions of race, sex, gender and class oppression. Our movement is one of liberation; our vision is one that is dignified and inclusive....The progressive movement of Black Gays and Lesbians is one into which we have been born; ours is a birthright to struggle. Our sole decision is what part each of us will play within this new movement.” Beam did recognize that for black lesbians and gay men even more than their white counterparts, being out was not an easy path, writing “Understandably, all of us cannot or will not carry placards proclaiming our sexuality in the workplace, at home or in the streets. But there are other tasks to be done; indeed, many ways to be an activist.” But Beam was out, and he was in the streets, and he was also inclusive. Philadelphia writer and trans activist Cei Bell wrote about Beam and LGBTQ racism for the 30th anniversary of “In the Life” in an essay for WHYY NewsWorks. Beam had published her groundbreaking work in Black/Out. She said, “Joe edited an article I wrote about the murders of transgender black women for Black/Out magazine. He wanted me to submit an essay for “In The Life,” but I thought it was inappropriate, as a transsexual woman, to write for a gay men’s anthology. I supported Joe by helping him proof the galleys. This is why I appear in the book’s acknowledgments.”
Racism was a persistent and essential theme in Beam’s work, and he spoke often of the micro- and macro-aggressions of being a black gay man in white America. In her essay, Bell recounted several of Beam’s experiences with racism that he had shared with her, among them being ignored by white coworkers when on the streets of Philadelphia or in the bars. “When I wrote about racism in Philadelphia restaurants in the ’80s,” Bell said, “Joe told me about his difficulty finding work as a waiter. It was easy for white college graduates in the arts to wait tables, but not for black college graduates in the arts.” From the pages of Black/Out, Beam called for his community to, “collect books for our sisters and brothers who are incarcerated,” to work to end homelessness and illiteracy among black lesbian and gay people. Charles Stephens and Steven G. Fullwood co-edited the 2014 anthology, “Black Gay Genius: Answering Joseph Beam’s Call.” In a conversation with Lambda Literary, Stephens said, “I lacked the language to describe what I was longing for, and perhaps in a sense Beam, and his stunning vision of community, provided that language for me. I absorbed his words, and found a home in them. “In the Life” became a compass for me, to first locate myself, and then others that shared my commitments.”
The Schomburg Center’s Fullwood talked about being a “teenager in Toledo in the 80s” and how a woman friend found “In the Life” at the library and Xeroxed pieces from the book for him. “My heart raced,” Fullwood said, “Writings by several self-identified black gay men. I read those pages with nuclear bombs going off in my head. Coming out stories. Sexual encounters. Homophobia. HIV/AIDS. Romance. Political activism. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. Something in me took root and wanted to flourish.” Beam was only 15 when Stonewall happened, but the work he did was of a similarly revolutionary character. Beam opened the door for black gay men to speak their truth, to reveal their feelings, to be their authentic selves without fear. He said, “I dare us to dream that we are worth wanting each other. Black men loving Black men is the revolutionary act of the eighties.” Joe Beam moved the LGBTQ community forward, made people acknowledge racism, black excellence and black gay love. He wrote, “Living a lie is one thing, but it is quite another to die within its confines.” Joe Beam lived as authentic a life as one could imagine. That authenticity, that truth, is his legacy. n
PRIDE EVENTS from page 16
567-4341; freelibrary.org
WHERE ELSE PRIDE from page 18
SANDLING from page 6
JOE BEAM from page 13
registered 501c(3) nonprofit providing housing and residential treatment for homeless U.S. military veterans and their families, presents their LGBTQ Veterans Pride Benefit Show at Havana in New Hope. Appearing will be Tym Moss, Ike Avelli, Marck Angel and more. Havana, 105 S. Main St., New Hope; 202379-5571; mbhouse.org Gender Identity: A Benefit Concert for Trans Equity Project Sunday, June 16, 4 p.m. The first of three concerts as part of a joint performance and discussion series with Art of the Heel and Philadelphia Ethical Society, the concert features some of the most innovative and social-justice-minded artists performing a piece that communicates their thoughts, ideas, perspectives and experiences on the topic of gender identity. Featuring performances by Eppchez, Messapotamia LaFae and Pax Ressler and hosted by Cookie Diorio. Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square The Stonewall Reader with Mark Segal and Karla Jay and Joel Hall Thursday, June 20, 7:30 p.m. On the night before the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, the event highlights the movement’s most iconic moments and figures in the years leading up to and following the riots. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-
Drag Queen Story Time Friday, June 21, 11 a.m. A special story time for children of all ages, in honor of Pride, that encourages a safe place for inclusive dialogue. Everyone will enjoy children’s books about diversity and self-love. Queen Memorial Library, 1201 S. 23rd St.; 215-685-1899; freelibrary.org/branches
GET Milked Sunday, June 9, noon-9 p.m., free Indie-rock bar and music venue MilkBoy and a slew of gender-bending performance artists come together for a free queer Pride festival and dance party that gives folx an alternative to the regular Pride festival at Penn’s Landing. Icon Ebony-Fierce hosts, welcoming a lineup of edgy drag and burlesque artists, such as Bugalú Boogie, La Deva Arazel and the oddest ball of them all, Pretty Girl. DC Brau Brewing Company will be on hand pouring up its 2019 Pride Pilsner. Sales of the beer benefit The Blade Foundation, which funds enterprise-journalism projects focused on the LGBTQ community and other underrepresented groups. MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut St.; 215-9256455; milkboyphilly.com
Quiet No More: A choral celebration of Stonewall Saturday, June 22, 7 p.m. “Quiet No More” tells the story of the Gay Rights Movement through song, poetry, pictures and videos. Set to be performed in multiple locations across the country throughout the month, it is the largest collaboration in the history of LGBTQ-plus choruses. More than just the story of the six days of Stonewall, it’s also a show created to change hearts and minds through an uplifting celebration of life. Sunday Tea: The Philly Pride Day International House Philadelphia, 3701 Party Chestnut St.; 215-731-9230; pgmc.org Sunday, June 9, 4-9 p.m., $5-$12 Back to Basics and SWAY Philly team up Science After Hours: Pride for a sexy Pride Day soiree that’s all-inTuesday, June 25, 7 p.m. clusive in nature but primarily focused on An evening dedicated to celebrating the rich QTPOC. DJs Deluxx and Sammi Blendz diversity among the science and arts commu- provide the soundtrack of hip-hop, dancenity, this special Pride Month celebration will hall and trap tunes while guests sip $5 be held during the June edition of Science drinks and enjoy go-go dancers who’ll be After Hours. shimmying from start to finish. The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.; 215- Chatayee Thai, 1227 Walnut St.; 215448-1200; fi.edu n 923-8208; chatayeethai.com n
ners to “go and get tested together in the beginning of the relationship. Then for the first six months to a year, wear a condom.” After that point, partners often know where the relationship stands and can make sexual-health decisions. Too many people think there is a cure for HIV/AIDS and that if they get it, they can cure it, Sandling said. “The perverse structure of the American healthcare system is that we push drugs versus education.” The doctor wants people to focus on prevention. “I would say the best thing that any patient can do is become more informed about the health issues that are out there. Lack of understanding of their risk, as well as behaviors that can lead to HIV, is what leads to these new transmissions.” Sandling said he also wants men to become more aware of their sexual health and become more comfortable with their sexuality. And he wants men to save their lives. n For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm https://www.cdc.gov/std/products/infographics.htm https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex https://www.teensource.org/std http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/
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FAMILY PORTRAIT: PAGE 75
PRIDE PERFORMERS: PAGE 64
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ELTON JOHN BIOPIC PAGE 90
DINING OUT: PAGE 85
ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS: PAGE 66
Out comedians bring humor to this year’s Philly Pride By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Comedians are no strangers to the main stage at Philly Pride, and this year is no exception as Ian Harvie and Fortune Feimster are among the headline acts. Actor and comedian Harvie, who has appeared on the TV show “Transparent” and toured the world as an opening act for Margaret Cho, is the first transman to perform at Philly Pride. “Wow! I didn’t know that I was,” he said. “That’s great. What took you so long? If I can be a visual aid for other trans folks out there and help others not feel alone in their identity, I’m honored and proud to be that.” An outdoor show in daylight isn’t exactly the ideal setting for standup comedy, but both Feimster and Harvie are looking forward to taking the stage at Philly Pride or any other Pride festival that might have them. “I’m with my people, my chosen family!” Harvie said about the appeal of performing at a Pride festival. “I love performing at Pride because it’s a celebration of our community,”
FORTUNE FEIMSTER
said Feimster. “It’s a time when we can all be together and be proud of who we are and how far we’ve come. The crowds are always so supportive and friendly, and they seem genuinely appreciative that we, as entertainers, are out there in the world representing them and our LGBTQ community.” Both comedians remembered what it was like to attend their first Pride celebrations. “My first Pride festival was in San Francisco, which is like the gay mecca of our country,” Feimster said. “I had just come out like six months before and it was so overwhelming because I didn’t expect to see so many balls, but it also made me so happy that I had finally found my people. For the first time, I was like, ‘Yes! I am gay and it’s fantastic.’” Harvie also described his first time: “It was in Portland, Maine, and there were about 200 people, and I was scared that people would be mean to us. But something came over me when I felt the power of those collective 200 people together, and I felt like we could do anything together and take on whatever may happen to us that day. I also remember being jealous of the dykes-on-bikes section, and I wanted
IAN HARVIE to be riding in it.” For Harvie, Philly Pride will be special because he’ll be sharing the stage with a comedian he holds in high regard. “When people ask me who I love for comics, I almost always include Fortune, who is a friend of mine, and I just love watching her perform,” he said. “She’s so gifted and inspiring. For actors, Amy Landecker is a huge inspiration and has given me so many nuggets of wisdom in the time that I’ve known her.” With the social climate in the USA being what it is, comedians more often than not seem to be walking a fine line between entertainment and politics — which Feimster said she tries to avoid. “We are certainly under a microscope, especially lately. We’re living in a very divided time. If you express a political opinion, one half of the population is going to disagree with you, so you have to be OK with blowback. I think it’s why I’ve chosen to shy away from politics. I will certainly speak up for what I believe in and for those without a voice, but I pick and choose my battles. As an entertainer, I’m much more interested in bridging gaps through laughter than I am in creating
more division.” Both comedians are crisscrossing the country this summer with live performances while also gearing up for big- and small-screen projects later this year. “This month I’m in D.C., Philly, Toronto, Lake Tahoe and San Francisco for clubs and shows,” Harvie said. Feimster said of her plans: “I have been touring like crazy the last year and a half, and I have an hour set that will be filmed as a special. I can’t give any details of that right now, but I’m very excited to share the set with everyone because it’s very autobiographical and personal to me. I filmed a number of guest-star roles on TV shows that will be popping up over the summer. I sold two movies to Steven Spielberg’s company, Amblin, which are currently in the rewrite phase. “There are several other things I’m very excited about that are coming, but it’s too early to announce anything, so stay tuned.” n Fortune Feimster and Ian Harvie perform June 9 at Philly Pride at Penn’s Landing. For more information, visit phillypride.org. For more on Harvie’s tour, visit ianharvie.com.
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Out music artists sing Pride’s praises Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Out singers who have made a splash on televised talent shows are among the headliners of this year’s Philly Pride. Brian Justin Crum (“America’s Got Talent”), David Hernandez (“American Idol”) and Philly native Vincint (“The Four”) are preparing to have Pride spectators dancing at the main stage throughout the day. All three singers are looking forward to entertaining the masses. “It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with my community and celebrate,” Crum said. “I love Pride season because I get to tour and meet all the amazing LGBTQ-plus people that support me year-round.” “It’s a time for our community to come together and celebrate who we are with each other and our allies,” Vincint said. “The perfect time and place to show our love for one another!” “As a member of the LGBTQ-plus community, I feel connected seeing my peers spread love and acceptance for one another during a tough political climate,” Hernandez said. “Despite all of the terrible things happening in the world to our community and beyond, we can still celebrate our lives
Q Puzzle A Sad Day in Hollywood Across
1 Streisand’s “Prince of ___ “ 6 Ventimiglia of “This Is Us” 10 Smurf patriarch 14 South Beach setting 15 Top Norse deity 16 Figure skater Rippon 17 “Calamity Jane” song that became an LGBT anthem 19 Jam holders 20 Web site concerned with HIV 21 Butler’s “___ for Strings” 23 F, in the orchestra pit 24 Bowling units 25 Caesar’s body 29 “ ___ mia!” 30 What S&M people are as smart as? 31 Setting for “The Lion King” 35 Boat bottom 36 Run over the edge 37 Regressive diva? 38 “Sound of Music” song 40 Word from Bruce Weber, perhaps 41 Get on the soapbox
42 Took it all off 43 Erections of smallhanded Trump 45 Fooling around 46 “___ touch!” 47 Tape-recorder adjunct 52 Culture Club’s “___ Miracle” 53 Frequent costar with Doris Day 55 Work your fingers to the bone 56 Helm location 57 Hersey’s “A Bell For ___ “ 58 Star journey for George Takei 59 You might wear them on your knees 60 Pluck ‘em
Down
1 Pleasure oneself, with “off” 2 Thespian rapper 3 South Beach building style 4 He shot off at O.K. Corral 5 Come from behind 6 Like old bread, perhaps 7 They come before kissing 8 Tyler of “Lord of the Rings” 9 Like a Las Vegas bandit 10 1957 Doris Day film, with “The” 11 “Lesbians ignite!”
e.g. 12 City Porter loved in song 13 Schoolyard retort 18 Neckwear 22 Rhett Butler’s final word 24 Amounts left on nightstands 25 Suffix with beef or fruit 26 Got a little behind 27 South Korea’s first president 28 1959 Doris Day film with 53-Across 29 Edwin of Reagan’s Cabinet 31 Narrow openings 32 Like McKellen’s Magneto 33 Q to a Scrabble player
34 Fingered 36 Seduction of a hairy gay guy? 39 Singer with wings 40 Homoerotic, e.g. 42 Word on a door 43 Aristotle, to Alexander the Great 44 Clark of fashion 45 Pretends to have an orgasm 46 Fly catcher 47 Reproduced nonheterosexually? 48 Swirl around three men in a tub 49 Russian ruler of yore 50 The sound of music 51 Mireille of “The Killing” 54 Plug extension 62 Trick’s tail?
VINCINT and differences. Every year the crowds get younger and younger, which shows that the message is becoming more and more clear for the masses: We are all human and all created equal. We should all have the same rights to love who we want to. Pride is the expression of that love.” There was a time when all three of these singers were milling about in the crowd at Pride festivals instead of performing on stage. “I have a couple memories about my first Pride. It was in New York,” Crum said. “I remember thinking how amazing it was to
see people dressed in full regalia having the best time. I also remember feeling an intense amount of ‘separation.’ I remember seeing and feeling the ‘clicks.’ It has stuck with me, and I always try to talk about and practice inclusion, even just within our community. We have to support and love one another more.” “I was raised by a mom who let me be whoever I wanted to be, so a Pride festival was my life,” Hernandez said. “Legit. The first time I attended a Pride festival, I remember seeing freedom of expression and the ability to be who you were without judgment on a wide scale. It was a beautiful thing to see and still gives me all the feels when I show up to one.” For Vincint, being a headliner at a Pride festival in his own town is a special experience. “It means a little bit more to me because it’s home and it’ll be my first show at home in about four years,” he said. “Being able to come back to where it all started and dance with my people is going to be amazing. My first pride was Boston Pride. I remember being so overwhelmed with emotion. It was one of the most beautiful, freeing things I had ever seen. Families, friends and lovers all together dancing and celebrating living freely.” All three singers are currently basking in the spotlight and the heightened profile that competing on shows like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent” has afforded them. They all say their appearances on these shows have changed their lives and careers. “It really jump-started everything,” Crum said. “It gave me an incredible platform to tell my story and share what growing up queer was like for me. The audience is widely more conservative middle Americans. I think it was the first time many of them ever connected with a gay person.” “Being on [‘The Four’] changed so much for me,” Vincint said. “It introduced me to a brand-new audience and helped me spread my music on a grander scale. I’m forever grateful for what it’s done for me — my entire life has changed.” Naturally, being singers with careers on the rise, all three performers have new releases ready for Pride audiences to consume. “I’m really excited to be debuting my newest single, ‘I & U,’ which is due out mid-June, for the Philly crowd,” Crum said. “I have a single out right now, released in April — ‘Please Don’t Fall In Love’ — and a new single out June 6 along with my EP,” Vincint said. “Check my website, DavidHernandezOfficial.com, for upcoming tour dates and links to brand new music,” Hernandez said. n Brian Justin Crum, David Hernandez and Vincint perform June 9 at Philly Pride. For more information, visit www.phillypride.org.
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“Claws” actor digs in for Season Three By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Delightfully dark, funny and campy, crime drama “Claws” is back for a third season this summer. It follows the exploits of a group of women in Palmetto, Fla., who work at a nail salon — a front for laundering money for a pain clinic that is illegally selling painkillers. Ringleader Desna, played by Niecy Nash, owns the salon where the women work. The women try to stay ahead of the law and the dangerous, eccentric criminals they often encounter, while also trying to climb the food chain of illegal enterprises. Usually resulting in unintended consequences and misadventures, the action tests the bonds of the women’s friendships.
about the characters.” She added that the writers always listen and are willing to work with her, and “they are very responsive to expanding the window into [Quiet Ann’s] experience.” While Reyes said she has a lot of fun, she also said, “It’s an incredible amount of work. It’s worth it; don’t get me wrong. We have such a blast.” Fans of the show reportedly are responding well to Quiet Ann’s story arc, and Reyes is confident they’ll enjoy where it goes in the new season. “They love Quiet Ann’s romance with the cop, and they share in her heartbreak and all the fights she’s had throughout the season,” she said. “They had such appreciation for the show last season where we go into Quiet Ann’s mind and she narrates the show, and we meet her parents and we find out her entire family is gay. [Viewers]
Photo: Courtesy of TNT
Judy Reyes plays one of the show’s more interesting characters, Quiet Ann, an out and proud lesbian who is the salon’s lookout and enforcer. Reyes, who’s been a series regular of TV shows like “Scrubs” and “Devious Maids,” said that while she was intrigued by Quiet Ann, she never thought she would land the role when she encountered the script. “It was an amazing script,” she said. “It was a really funny, quirky, hilarious script. The pilot was just undeniably excellent. The character of Quiet Ann, I was just absolutely completely intimidated by her, which is why I wanted to audition for her. I did tell my manager there was no way I was getting this job. I went in and, two seasons later, here I am.” Quiet Ann’s complicated love life and family life were explored in season two. Reyes said the cast has a creative rapport with the writers when it comes to developing character plot lines and backstories. “We make it a point to pay the writers a visit before the season starts and have conversations with them about what we think
just want to see a lot more of that.” Reyes said this season won’t be told through narration, but instead through each character’s point of view as they discover “what the hell is going on in this crime and pursuit into power and money, and how each of them feels about being involved.” “Claws” mixes camp, style and darkness in equal measure in a unique blend of noirish Southern gothic misadventures. Reyes said the formula works so well because life isn’t as straightforward as people like to think it is. “I don’t think that real life is straight drama,” she said about the show’s appeal. “Sometimes you take things too seriously and sometimes you don’t take things seriously enough. It’s hard to draw the line, especially in these lives and times. It’s like nobody’s world is completely white or completely male. Nobody’s world is entirely funny. It’s absurd to think life is that way.” n Season three of “Claws” starts 9 p.m. June 9 on TNT. For more information, visit https://www.tntdrama.com/shows/claws.
Theater & Arts Arte Povera: Homage to Amalfi ’68 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition recreating one artist’s reactionary exhibition against minimalism and pop art, through July, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Bill Maher The comedian and TV personality performs 8 p.m. June 8 at The Met, 858 N. Broad St.; info@ TheMetPhilly.com.
winner Paula Vogel’s critically acclaimed play with music, about the creation of the controversial Yiddish play “God of Vengeance,” through June 23, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122. Jimmy O. Yang The comedian seen in “Two Broke Girls” performs through June 8 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001. Legally Blonde: The Musical Walnut Street Theatre presents the musical adaptation of the hit comedy film about a SoCal sorority girl who becomes a law student, through July 14, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.
exploring 4,000 years of Chinese art, through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. The Second City: She the People Girlfriends’ Guide to Sisters Doing It for Themselves The acclaimed improve troupe presents a new show designed and performed by women, June 13-22 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Todd Glass The out comedian seen on “Last Comic Standing” performs June 13-15 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.
THE LULLABIES OF BROADWAY: Tony Award-winning stage and screen legend Patti LuPone, backed by Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, will perform classic show tunes in “Don’t Monkey with Broadway,” 3 p.m. June 9 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-893-1999. Photo: Axel Dupeux
The Book of Mormon Broadway Philadelphia presents the hit satirical musical by the creators of “South Park,” through June 9 at Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-8931999.
Mimi Imfurst Presents Drag Diva Brunch Mimi Imfurst and special guests perform 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 9 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555.
The Impressionist’s Eye Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition featuring the works of Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh and others of the genre through Aug. 18, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.
Minors Lantern Theater Company presents a new work of musical theater that gives voice to the families who fought back against the corrupt political machine that turned children into commodities, through June 30 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; 215-8290395.
Indecent Arden Theatre Company presents Pulitzer Prize
New Chinese Galleries Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition
We the People: American Prints from between the World Wars Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of prints depicting the good times, hard times and wartime experiences of everyday Americans in the 1930-40s, through July 24, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Weeding Out The Stoned The cannabis-infused comedy show requires the audience tries to figure out which of the performers isn’t stoned, 8:30 p.m. June 14 at Good Good Comedy Theater, 215 N. 11th St.; 215-399-1279.
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Whitman, Alabama Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition bringing Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself” to life through the voices of Alabama residents, through June 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Yoshitoshi: Spirit and Spectacle Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition featuring the brilliant colors and spirited lines of Yoshitoshi, the last great master of the traditional Japanese woodblock print, through Aug. 18, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.
The Specials The ska band performs 8 p.m. June 11 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.
Drag-a-Rama The drag show returns 9 p.m. June 10 at Tabu, 254 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.
Zapp The funk band performs 8 p.m. June 12 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.
Outta Town
Nightlife Comedy Show Gates The variety-comedy showcase is staged 7:30 p.m. June 7 at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215592-0696. Gender Queery: A Trans and Nonbinary Drag Show
The Celluloid Closet The documentary about the history of LGBT actors and actresses in Hollywood is screened June 7-8 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-9171228. The Warriors The cult-classic action film is screened 9:45 p.m. June 7 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228.
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Black and Brown burlesque troupe, Raspberry Royale: Electric empowerment By Alex Smith PGN Contributor While it’s true that Icon Ebony-Fierce — a 1990s-obsessed, wildly artistic mother figure in the LGBT community who identifies with they/them pronouns — has made a name for themselves as a member of the city’s ever-evolving drag and queer performance scene, the driving passion behind their work has been activism. They’ve performed a wide variety of shows with an even-wider palette of themes, from classic R&B/pop artists like Janet Jackson and Donna Summer to programming thematic wonderlands based around popular cartoons like “Steven Universe” or “The PowerPuff Girls” to radically queer PowerPoint presenta-
a powerful exploration into goth aesthetics: whips and chains, leather bustiers and corsets, cowrie shells capping long dreadlocks and Icon themself, standing 6-foot-4 and center-graveyard, sporting a campy devil’s-horn cap revealing their trickster nature. “We all come from a place of activism through artistic expression, kink culture, dark spirituality, general nerdiness, music, our cultural backgrounds, body and sex positivity,” said Icon when asked about the wide variety of their shows. “We all have different energies in the group, and we have different ideas of executing the ways to form them together. This helps us in the best way with our creative process with coming up with a theme, concept and an ‘era,’ if you will. We love to send our audience on a journey from promo to event.”
Photos: D1L0
WON’T YOU TAKE ME TO FUNKYTOWN: Philadelphia hip-hop legend Rennie Harris brings his new show, “Funkdified,” a 1970s-style multimedia dance event, June 7-8 to Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-893-1999.
Music New Found Glory The punk rockers perform 7 p.m. June 7 at Franklin Music Hall, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-627-1332. Brian McKnight The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. June 7 at Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets in Upper Darby; 610-352-2887. Coheed and Cambria & Mastodon The hard-rock bands performs, 6:30 p.m. June 8 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300.
Paula Deen White hosts the show with performances by Beary Tyler Moore, Icon Ebony Fierce, Samantha Sayten and Mercury, 8 p.m. June 7 at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St.; 215-732-2700. Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret The drag star and singer performs, 8 p.m. June 7 at Franky Bradley’s 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735. Skivvines The Pride underwear dance party, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. June 7 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; 215-627-1662. SWAY The LGBTQ dance party starts 8 p.m. June 8 at Tabu, 254 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.
Trial By Fire The Journey tribute band performs 8 p.m. June 8 at The Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 202730-3331. Pride The movie about LGBT activists raising money to support striking mine workers is screened June 14-15 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-1228. n
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.
tions where they break down systemic racism on stage. To Icon, it all fits under the same umbrella. As they say in one of their presentations, “Any bias should be looked down upon, I don’t care if it’s your best friend, I don’t care if it’s somebody that you really like — create a culture of welcoming. All we want to do is to do art and perform and express ourselves.” It’s this heartfelt, intense spirit that Icon brings to every endeavor, including their involvement in the queer BIPOC-empowered burlesque troupe Raspberry Royale. Members of this troupe present powerful expressions of feminine energy, often in LGBTQ spaces where there is some modicum of queer empowerment. But, just as often, Raspberry Royale fearlessly performs in dive bars, strip clubs, punk venues and other spaces where the artistic expressions of queer people of color are not the norm. The energy of the performances is electric: Members don elaborate costumes adorned with spiky crowns and chunky metal necklaces, exquisite velvet, lace dresses all tied together with ravaging stiletto boots. Each member — all black and brown, all different body types — own their looks, taking on various themes with expert precision. A video on their Facebook page shows
Formed by, as Icon put it, “the amazing badass femmes” Luzifer Priest, Jessa Jordan and Lilith Von, the crew now consists of members La Deva Arazel, Bugalu Boogie, Essa Terick, Bryan Green and Mia Secreto. The troupe works to be as inclusive as it can and caters to vast audiences, but the members are adamant about their need for representation to be intimately and innately black and brown. “We are strictly POC. Our events are welcome to all who want to support us artistically, but we center POC folks,” Icon explained. “We have black and latinx members and exclusively book QTPOC people as guests. It hasn’t been like that before, but we recently established ourselves. “I think with the lack of representation in shows and the growth of QTPOC cabaret artists, it’s important to have spaces where the weird POC, sexy kids can go see a show where people look like them, from body type to gender identify and beyond — not just have one or two black people in a show and audience and call it a night,” they added. “Also, with racism existing in queer spaces, we should not have to force ourselves to adjust to situations and places that make us feel uncomfortable when we just want to let it all hang out without fear of judgment.” n
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A NIGHT OUT AT SCENEPGN IN PHILLY
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TAVERN ON CAMAC 1
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An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Energy Conservation,” to establish a Solar Panel Incentive Program, under certain terms and conditions.
Michael A. Decker Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee the Environment, open to the ChiefonClerk public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed item. Copies of the foregoing item are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
National Praise For MARK SEGAL’s #1 Best Selling Memoir
AND THEN I DANCED TRAVELING THE ROAD TO LGBT EQUALITY
Now NLGJA BOOK OF THE YEAR
“Mark Segal’s work for LGBT equality is historic and significant. The fact that he is still connecting our community is a testament to the passion which he shares in this memoir.” --Billie Jean King
“I have read about Segal in other places but nothing is like reading about it as he tells it....Because of Segal and others we have openly LGBT people working in the White House and throughout corporate America. He has helped make it possible for an entire community of gay world citizens to finding the voice that they need to become visible.”
“Mark Segal is a beloved and respected activist for the LGBT movement, and he’s a pivotal voice to tell our story,”
--Reviews by Amos Lassen
--The Advocate
“Segal’s writing style is engrossing and never ponderous....And Then I Danced is highly recommended for all LGBT history collections and especially for readers with interest in Pennsylvania/Philadelphia politics.”
“Mark Segal made national news on December 11, 1973 when he interrupted a live broadcast of the CBS Evening News by yelling ‘Gays protest CBS prejudice!’ at none other than Walter Cronkite. He was wrestled to the floor on live national television, an incident often credited as the beginning of the end of LGBTQ invisibility. In his new memoir, Segal looks back on that defining moment in history, as well as the many battles that followed.”
--American Library Association’s GLBT Round Table “And Then I Danced is a fascinating page-turner that prompted my tears, laughter, envy, and astonishment--but most of all left me feeling very proud of what our community has accomplished and grateful to Mark for sharing his intimate memoir. While there are many who have witnessed the extraordinary history of the LGBT community, few have played as major a role in creating it as has Mark. It is no exaggeration to say that there is no person alive today who has been a more central participant in as much of the contemporary LGBT rights struggle than Mark Segal.”
--Queerty
--Sean Strub, author of Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS, and Survival
“If it happened in the gay rights movement, Mark Segal was probably there.”
“Mark Segal has for decades been a pathfinder for LGBT journalists of all stripes. We’re indebted to him for his years of radical activism, helping to foster a movement for change that has had a dramatic and positive impact for millions.”
--ABC-TV “Mark Segal is one of the major actors in the struggle for LGBT equality in the U.S....A life as eventful as Segal’s demands that a book be written about it.”
--Michelangelo Signorile, author of It’s Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality
--South Florida Gay News
“Real change never comes without real guts and real vision and real leaders. Mark Segal is the real deal.”
“Segal’s And Then I Danced harkens back to the glory days of the gay liberation era. Current activists could learn a lot of useful lessons from reading this memoir, and any American who reads it will learn about some interesting chapters in our nation’s ongoing struggle to form a more perfect union.”
--Robert Moore, cofounder of Dallas Voice “Mark Segal’s ideas run from the alpha to the omega. Sometimes I think there’s got to be more than one Mark Segal: he has done way too much for one lifetime. I highly recommend this book. If you can’t get to meet Mark in person, this is the next best thing!”
--David Carter, Author of Stonewall, The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution
--Michael Luongo, author of Gay Travels in the Muslim World
“And Then I Danced is more than a memoir; it’s a revelation……….and that’s a huge part of why this book is so vital. Equally important is how Segal shatters mistaken beliefs about queer history. Segal really puts the movement in context for the post-Stonewall generation.”
“Before there was Ellen, Will, Grace, Rosie, Andy, and Anderson, Mark Segal was the squeaky gay wheel of American television, pulling stunts that forced the medium to open its closet door. If Walter Cronkite were still alive, he’d say: Not HIM again! And that’s the way it is. And was. Read all about it.” --Bruce Vilanch, Six-Time Emmy Award Winner
--Lambda Literary Review “Read Mark Segal’s memoir and you’ll get the inside story of how and why he interrupted a live broadcast of The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. What happened afterward will surprise you. It’s one of many surprises in this must-read first-person account of LGBT history as it unfolded after Stonewall. Segal was a witness to that history, and he made some of it happen, changing our country and our lives for the better.”
“Mark Segal has taken the LGBT aging world by storm, and in the process has made a remarkable difference for our community’s courageous pioneers. We’ve all learned so much from him.” --Michael Adams, executive director, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders “With gentle humor and the slightest touch of sardonicism….Segal lets readers into his personal life: his loves, losses, and (spoiler alert!) a very happy ending. “Drama seems to follow me,” he writes, and readers will be glad for it.”
—Louis Wiley, Jr., executive editor, Frontline (PBS)
ORDER AT:
--Washington Blade
Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or Your Favorite Bookseller
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IN CELEBRATION OF PRIDE THE BOYS ARE COMING HOME
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Suzi Nash
Stephanie Love: It’s all in the name “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew
going no matter what. We build it around the community, not so much the corporations, which is kind of cool.
Happy birthday, Pride! You look good for 50. As you well know by the time you’ve reached this page, it’s Pride weekend here in Philadelphia. Our own Philly Pride Presents is hosting its 31st annual celebration in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Philadelphia was one of the first cities with a gay Pride parade, in 1972. This year, the event will be televised for the first time and include several talented and exciting headliners, along with a record number of vendors and organizations — and, of course, a dance party and a ton of food and fun. A lot of labor goes into this yearly spectacular, with more than 75 volunteers onboard this weekend. Among them is Stephanie Love, and she has the inside story.
PGN: Who or what are some of the more interesting groups you’ve seen participate? SL: The motorcycles are absolutely a biggie for me — biggie, biggie, biggie. In part because the top of the park is where registration is located. I don’t ever get to see the parade, but a lot of times I do get to see the motorcycles come in. They’re kind of hard to miss!
PGN: Tell me a little about Love — Stephanie Love. Do you live up to your last name? SL: I try to. I try to be kind to folks and show them love. It’s something I learned from my mother and father and extended family. Treat people with respect and kindness and care — that’s what we do. And hopefully it comes right back at you.
PGN: How early does you day start on Pride Day? SL: I get to the area about 7 a.m. and registration starts at 8 a.m. We go until about 8-8:30 p.m., depending on how long it takes to break stuff down.
PGN: How long have you been with Philly Pride? SL: I’ve been volunteering with them since 1997. PGN: Wow, you’ve put in some time! SL: Yeah, I started as a regular volunteer; then I became the volunteer coordinator for a quick minute and then became the registration coordinator, which I’ve been doing for about 12-13 years now. PGN: So you’ve seen the festival grow over the years. SL: Absolutely, absolutely! PGN: What has been surprising or exciting about the changes? SL: Well, even though we’re bigger, we’re still pretty grassroots. At the festival, we have nonprofit organizations more so than people selling wares, which has always been a biggie for Philly Pride. PGN: To me it seems like, back in the day, most corporations wouldn’t touch gay events and now they’re clamoring to be involved. SL: Yeah, but that’s what I mean about us being grassroots — we never really sustained ourselves on them from the beginning. That’s why we’ve been able to keep
PGN: What are some of your responsibilities? SL: Being the registration coordinator is a cool job because I get the opportunity to know pretty much everyone who is at the event, because they all have to go through me. I get to talk to everyone. It gives me an opportunity to meet people from different organizations from all over the area, because they’ve got to come through me. I love it.
aren’t you? SL: [Chuckles] Yeah. If it’s not broke … PGN: What do you love about your job? SL: Every day is a new experience. No two days are alike. Some days it’s small mom-and-pop stores; sometimes it’s big corporations like Acme or Walmart. That’s the same thing with volunteering with Philly Pride — no event is the same. You’re doing similar stuff but it’s not the same thing. PGN: What do you like to do when you’re not working? SL: Well, I like volunteering, so I spend some time with veterans’ organizations. PGN: What made you take up veteran causes? SL: I spent some time with Uncle Sam as an army nurse. PGN: From a nurse to the corporate world
PGN: Twenty years! You are dedicated,
PGN: What was one of the best aspects of being in the military, aside from the travel? SL: The people I got to meet along the way. You really become close to people in those situations. Most of them have become lifelong friends.
PGN: Ha! I meant as LGBT. SL: Oh! Well, I’ve always been out.
PGN: That’s a nice perk! Who’s come out with you? SL: Oh boy, my memory is bad. Aisha Tyler comes to mind. She was really cool.
PGN: That sounds amazing. What do you do for your day job? SL: I work for Exelon Corporation — PECO. I’ve been working for PECO for the last 20 years. I work with customers that are starting new businesses in the community. They have to come through me to complete the application process.
PGN: Did you have time to go off base and explore? SL: Absolutely. I spent four years in Hawaii, and it’s probably my favorite of the places where I’ve been — the sea and the sand.
PGN: When did you come out? SL: I got out of the military in ’95.
PGN: So that’s about a 13-hour day. SL: And we usually go out for dinner afterward. Sometimes we get lucky and one of the headliners comes with us.
PGN: Who was a favorite entertainer? SL: Phyllis Diller, without a doubt. She was amazing. Unfortunately, I’m usually too busy at the desk to see much of the show, which is a shame because it’s going to be a good one this year. We have everyone from comedians Fortune Feimster and Ian Harvie — who is a transman who was on the TV show “Transparent” — to Broadway star Frenchie Davis, and Dawn Robinson, who was with En Vogue. There’s a Cher impersonator and performers from “America’s Got Talent” and “American Idol.”
it was mainly for college. I was attending Cheyney University, so I was in the Reserves, and then after I graduated, I just stayed on when I was given an opportunity to be in the active military. It unfortunately also included a tour in Iraq — but when you sign up, you’re a soldier and you gotta go where you gotta go. But I got to see a lot of great places like Germany and Hawaii, Japan and Korea, Rwanda and Iraq.
… Were you just tired of blood? SL: Oh yeah, something like that. I worked with cancer patients and there’s only so much you can take of death and dying. You need a little break and mine turned into 20 years at PECO. PGN: When were you in the military and what was it like for you? SL: It was back in the ’80s, and back then women and men did basic training separately. It’s different now. I joined the military to help pay for college. I also wanted to travel and see the world, but
PGN: Even in the military? SL: That was a little different. I got into the military before the start of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era. So I was closeted, but it wasn’t a secret. I just kept it on the down-low because when I joined they were kicking folks out right and left. Then they started DADT, which actually made it worse. Before DADT no one really bothered me. I was an exceptional soldier so I think they just overlooked it, but under DADT, it allowed them to go after folks they weren’t bothering before. It prodded my decision to recognize that maybe it was time to get out — out, out, out. PGN: Tell me a little about your family. SL: My mother’s gone. She passed away around the time I got out of the Army. She was a registered dietician. She was a real people person. My father is retired. He spent 38 years working for the city and, before that, he was Army. There were 10 kids in his family, so I have a lot of extended family. I have PAGE 96
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Tales of a new series and what it’s like to take on an iconic role By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Return to 28 Barbary Lane with the addictive reboot and new limited series “Tales of the City. The series, starting June 7 on Netflix, features familiar and new characters from Armistead Maupin’s popular books. The pilot episode opens with Mary Ann Singleton (Laura Linney) returning to San Francisco to attend the 90th-birthday celebration for Anna Madrigal (Olympia Dukakis), the owner of the apartment building where she once lived. Mary Ann reunites with her best friend, Michael Tolliver, a.k.a. “Mouse” (Murray Bartlett, replacing Marcus D’Amico from the original 1993 series). She also reconnects with Brian Hawkins (Paul Gross) and their now-grown daughter, Shawna (Ellen Page). She meets Mouse’s boyfriend, Ben (Charlie Barnett), as well as transman Jake (nonbinary actor Garcia) and his lesbian girlfriend Margot (May Hong), among other characters. “Tales of the City” may open with a party, but things get soapy really fast. Anna is being blackmailed to sell Barbary Lane and the truth about Shawna’s parentage comes to a head for Mary Ann and Brian. Mouse, who is HIV-positive, is having anxiety in his relationship with Ben, which is compounded by his need to move and the return of his ex, Harrison (Matthew Risch). “I wanted to take Mouse directly off the page from Armistead,” Bartlett described in a recent phone interview. “I wanted Armistead to speak to me through the books.” He had first read the novels after he seeing the 1993 TV series (on VHS when he was in San Francisco visiting a guy, no less), and he
MURRAY BARTLETT (LEFT) AND LAURA LINNEY (RIGHT) IN “TALES OF THE CITY” Photos: Courtesy of Netflix
reread them after landing the part of Mouse. “I fell in love with the [books] all over again. Armistead is such an incredibly compassionate writer, and the books are funny and have different tones in them, but underneath very human and real and characters
MURRAY BARTLETT (LEFT) AND LAURA LINNEY (RIGHT) IN “TALES OF THE CITY”
that are universal. That these characters found a sense of family in Barbary Lane — I was lucky to have some of that in my life, and the possibility of that, of family and fleshed-out, three-dimensional, very-human characters was great,” said Bartlett. Mouse still has trouble adulting in “Tales of the City,” and Bartlett laughed in agreement. “I think we are all just kids still. We do mature, but here there’s a part of us being a kid dealing with the world. One thing I love about the character I play is that childlike curiosity — the essence of a character is who they were as a child. We all have remnants of it. Mouse has a big dose of that, and I find that incredibly endearing and lovely.” The actor contemplated where Mouse’s unfiltered quality comes from. “He’s been through a lot. In this iteration [of the series], he has been through the AIDS crisis and Mouse thought he’d die; he lost people he loved and faced his own mortality — that’s huge! He’s managed to keep this childlike quality through all of that, and it is counterbalanced with depth and wisdom, which I think is beautiful.” The HIV-positive storyline is an important plot point for Mouse’s relationship with Ben. While the couple also debates having a threesome — which generates more comedy than drama — Mouse has anxiety about hav-
ing unprotected sex with Ben. “I think it’s a fascinating thing to explore,” Bartlett acknowledged. “It’s a real thing, in this intergenerational relationship and the way different generations of gay men relate to each other. I’m a little younger than Mouse and there was a lot of fear around sex. That’s all changed in terms of this opening-up sexually, and gay men can be freer with PrEP, and the fact that the treatments are undetectable, all that wonderful stuff. It affords freedoms the older generation feels baggage dealing with. It’s the history of where we come from, what we’ve gone through, and what we carry with us.” As for the intimacy that does occur between Mouse and his lover, Ben, Bartlett said he and costar Charlie Barnett had a natural rapport. (One particular scene of them in bed is very touching.) “We were mindful of making the sex scenes not about sex, but about connection. They love each other; they are navigating the intergenerational stuff with love as a foundation. We wanted to have this wonderful tenderness and love between them.” That said, there are complications in the relationship when Mouse reunites with his ex, Harrison, in the series. Bartlett reconnected with Matthew Risch, with whom he worked on “Looking,” another queer TV series set in San Francisco. PAGE 99
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RS PROUD The Jewish and LGBTQ communities have long proud histories. Congregation Rodeph Shalom and pRiSm salute the resilience of our brothers and sisters who have fought so long for equality. We must all work together to end prejudice & discrimination on every front.
We share your pride.
615 No. Broad Street, Philadelphia
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LGBTQ superheroes on the small screen By Gary L. Day PGN Contributor With the release of the latest two films this year from Marvel Studios, “Captain Marvel” and “Avengers: Endgame” — both of which rapidly entered the rarified billion-dollar-plus box-office club — it’s clear that superheroes don’t go out of style. One of the factors driving the continuing success of the superhero genre has been a recent push by creators to expand diversity of representation onscreen. Warner Brothers’ recent “Wonder Woman” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” were the first
Where are we, then? On TV. LGBT superheroes have been proliferating on the small screen. Of the various TV networks that have included LGBT superheroes or other comics-based projects in their lineups, the most prominent is certainly the CW, with half of its prime-time schedule devoted to superhero and/or animated programming. This is entirely due to producer Greg Berlanti, himself openly gay, whose heroic shows, past and present, include “Smallville,” “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” “Supergirl,” “Black Lightning,” and the upcoming “Batwoman,” as well as “Riverdale,” inspired by the beloved — and gay-inclu-
WENTWORTH MILLER AS CAPTAIN COLD major woman-centric superhero films to be serious successes at the box office. Last year’s “Black Panther” was not only the first Marvel movie that featured a black hero, but it also featured a predominantly African-American cast and focused on Afro-centric cultures and issues. It was a box-office smash and, more prominently, it was the first superhero film to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Marvel is currently fast-tracking a film featuring its first Asian hero, Shang Chi. But what about LGBTQ representation in the superhero genre? Great strides are being made there too — but not on the big screen, which is still generally devoid of gay characters and openly LGBTQ actors and creators.
sive — Archie comics. Berlanti also created several LGBT firsts in the televised genre: same-sex kiss, same-sex marriage, gay superhero, gay superhero of color and lesbian lead. For his efforts to expand inclusion, Berlanti has won numerous GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards. He also is responsible for another milestone: regularly hiring openly LGBTQ actors for a variety of important roles. Perhaps the clearest harbinger of things to come was Berlanti’s “Legends of Tomorrow,” a spin-off of two previous hits: “Arrow” and “The Flash” — which, until recently, were the gayest of Berlanti’s superhero shows. The “Legends” team of time-traveling
heroes is led by a woman, the kick-ass fighter known as White Canary, who is openly — and actively — bisexual. The team also has included scientist Martin Stein who, while not gay, is played by veteran gay actor Victor Garber, perhaps best-known for playing Mayor Moscone in the film “Milk.” The “Legends” team also includes the reformed villain Captain Cold, played by Wentworth Miller. In this case, both character and actor are openly gay. In fact, the show’s storyline at one point revealed that Captain Cold is engaged to another hero, The Ray, who’s played by openly gay English actor Russell Tovey. In recent years, the most LGBTQinclusive mantle has been usurped by “Supergirl.” From the start, the show established its inclusivity by making Supergirl’s foster sister, Alex Danvers, with whom she shares adventures, a lesbian. Several storylines have focused on Alex’s private life. But the most dramatic recent development is the NAFEESA WILLIAMS AS THUNDER addition of a hero and Riddler was played by Robin Lord named Dreamer, Taylor and Cory Michael Smith. played by Nicole So, the future of LGBTQ representaMaines. In this tion looks bright on TV. But what about case, both hero and the big screen? Well, that door may be actor are openly cracking open. trans, representing In “Avengers: Endgame,” there is a a major step for brief but notable scene in which a gay mainstream net- man confesses his love-life problems work television. to Captain America. While the scene’s A n o t h e r brevity disappointed some gay fans, milestone was Marvel über-producer Kevin Feige has achieved in “Black announced a plan to feature a gay charLightning.” Not acter in a prominent role for the stuonly did it fea- dio’s next phase of blockbusters, “The ture the first black Eternals.” superhero lead on television, but also The directors of “Avengers: Endgame,” the main character’s eldest daughter, brothers Joe and Anthony Russo, also Thunder, is the first black lesbian super- hinted at more diversity when they hero on TV. recently appeared on “EW Morning Berlanti’s next major LGBT program- Live,” ming move is the upcoming “Batwoman,” “There is a gay character coming up which will feature the first lesbian hero in one of [Marvel’s] films,” Joe Russo as the central character in a superhero revealed. “I think Kevin [Feige] will TV series. In addition, the actor play- make that announcement. I’m sure pretty ing Batwoman, Ruby Rose, is openly soon.” queer-identified. The directors also suggested it’s a char Not to be overlooked is a non-Berlanti acter fans already know. So, there’s hope. project: “Gotham,” the Batman prequel Why does LGBTQ superhero representhat just concluded its final season on tation matter? Fox. While the show didn’t feature any Author/philosopher Joseph Campbell gay characters, several openly gay actors posits that the stories of myth help us had crucial roles. B.D. Wong played the make sense of the world and develop a villainous creepy doctor Hugo Strange, sense of place. Superheroes are akin to while the scene-stealing duo of Penguin modern mythology. n
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Raising the steaks in the Philadelphia Gayborhood By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The busy 13th Street corridor in the Gayborhood is known for hip food and visually interesting restaurants. But newbie Alpen Rose features the kind of menu usually found closer to Rittenhouse Square. This latest creation by celebrity chef and restaurateur Michael Schulson is a classic high-end steakhouse, complete with librarylike décor and a vibe that makes you feel as if you need a secret knock and code word to gain access. Among its bookshelves and chandeliers, the cozy space hosts decadent fare executed and presented with exacting detail. The tuna carpaccio ($16) is simple and effective, with lemon juice and capers giving the thinly sliced fish room to show off. The avocado salad ($13) is surprisingly complex, with the warm, roasted avocado providing a textural counterpoint to the cool, crisp frisee and spicy dressing that pulls everything together. The deeper you get into the menu, the more decadent the offerings. The prawns ($17) are massive and come with a shot of strong sherry for dunking. The bone-marrow toast ($16) is piled deep with red-wine-marinated shredded
beef cheeks, providing a tasty vessel for the steaming marrow straight off the bone. The hearty and comforting stuffed lobster ($39) — a hollowed-out shell filled with an alluring mix of lobster meat, shrimp, breadcrumbs and herbs — feels like Thanksgiving in Maine. Yet, at its heart, Alpen Rose is the quintessential steakhouse. The dry-aged porterhouse ($92), still sizzling, arrives tableside via a mobile carving station, where it’s sliced before it hits the table — effectively intimidating everyone who was starting to feel full five minutes earlier. On our visit, the steak proved impeccable, grilled to perfection with just enough seasoning. The a-la-carte sides of mashed potatoes ($9) — whipped to luxurious consistency — and the boldly flavorful creamed spinach ($9) are the ideal complements to the star of the plate. The dessert options complete the menu’s classic charm. The strawberry rhubarb pie ($9) nails Southern sweetness, served warm with a healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream. The banana cream pie ($9) is just sweet enough to allow the fresh fruit’s flavor to shine beyond the layers of cream and crust. Alpen Rose is sure to stand out in Midtown Village for its attention to detail and top-shelf offerings. Bring your most carnivorous appetite. n
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Stirring docu chronicles AIDS epidemic at San Fran hospital By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor The compassionate documentary “5B” is named for the first AIDS ward, which opened on July 25, 1983, at San Francisco General Hospital. This film, opening at area theaters June 14, recounts the experiences of various nurses, doctors and patients through candid, moving interviews about the fears, tragedies and occasional triumphs that took place in the ward during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Directors Paul Haggis and Dan Krauss also lay bare the hatred and homophobia of the time, when some doctors and nurses at the hospital fought against care and protection for AIDS patients, stirring media, politics and even labor issues. The film begins in the 1970s, when gay men and women in San Francisco were experiencing sexual freedom. Of course, everything changed in 1981 when the first AIDS cases were reported. Suddenly, hospitals like SF General were overwhelmed with patients suffering from a disease that was too new to understand and instilled fear in caregivers. To care for an AIDS patient in the early days was considered “dirty nursing,” according to one interviewee. Doctors and nurses would don “spacesuits” so as not to risk infection. Moreover, most patients with AIDS were
marginalized or ostracized and treated with disgust or disgrace. Many would not receive care until the last minute because no one knew how the disease could be spread, and risk of infection was too great a concern. However, a team of nurses, including Cliff Morrison, David Denmark, Mary Magee, Sasha Cuttler and Guy Vandenberg, led by Alison Moed Paolercio, along with Dr. Paul Volberding, started a “unique
RITA ROCKETT
Photo: RYOT FIlms
experiment in medical care” at SF General. They created a standard of care in an AIDS ward by caring for patients they could not cure. They touched the men and women who needed to feel human contact when no one would treat them. These doctors and nurses were allowed to, as one interviewee says, “share the intimate experience of their dying.” The staff in 5B did some radical things.
They let patients define who was family and even permitted animals to be brought — well, smuggled — into the ward on occasion. The emotions these moments generate are empowering and heartfelt, especially in light of the fact that the partners of patients were usually denied visitation rights. Moreover, parents of the patients often rejected their children for being gay or contracting AIDS. In one of the most poignant sections of the film, the estranged father of a patient is encouraged to tell his dying son how much he loves him to allow him to die with dignity. As positive as these efforts were, however, there was much fear-mongering as well as nasty infighting within the hospital. Nurses concerned about infection through needle sticks — one nurse, who famously became infected that way, is discussed in the film — did not want to treat people with AIDS. They took their case to the California Division of Labor Standards. Likewise, Dr. Lorraine Day, an orthopedic surgeon, campaigned for protections, insisting that AIDS patients be tested and/or divulge their condition before she operated on them. Dr. Day’s interviews are particularly infuriating because of the homophobia she spouts. Another villain in the film is President Ronald Reagan, whose lack of support for the LGBT community is his legacy. Under him, the national budget earmarked for
AIDS research was smaller than what the city of San Francisco itself allocated. But “5B” does feature some upbeat moments, such as scenes of Rita Rockett, who visited the ward as a volunteer to feed and entertain patients. Out gay local TV reporter Hank Plante has particularly interesting observations about covering the epidemic. He said he was inspired by the courage those living with AIDS displayed when going on air to tell their stories simply to help others cope. Haggis and Krauss also provide some remarkable footage of the caregivers and patients of the ward. Difficult scenes show medicine being administered or dead bodies wrapped up and carried out, but these powerful images are necessary — a reminder of the daily and weekly experiences in the ward. When one interviewee describes the epidemic surging to overwhelming proportions, the magnitude of their powerlessness is duly felt. The toll AIDS took, on both the gay community and on the hospital’s doctors and nurses, comes across clearly. When reports surface that protease inhibitors are able to treat the disease, and the film reveals some people with AIDS are surviving, “5B” is optimistic, but signals that the epidemic is not yet over. This documentary is ultimately life-affirming, showing the resilience of these unsung heroes committed to both a cause and a community — and their efforts to maintain dignity and care above all. n
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For teenager, a novel love By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Philippe Besson’s “Lie With Me: A Novel,” a bestseller in France, is a devastating read about first love. It’s entirely possible to read this short (150-page) book — translated to English by actor, author and polymath Molly Ringwald — in one sitting. And, given the propulsive narrative, that is perhaps best. The novel is so irresistible, it can’t be put down. The story opens in 2007, when the narrator (Philippe) sees a man he thinks is — but can’t be — Thomas Andrieu, a classmate he loved (and frequently made love to) as a teenager in 1984. This encounter prompts Philippe to thinks back wistfully, à la Proust, on his past and his clandestine relationship with Thomas. As teenagers, the young men were quite different. Philippe was bookish, a teacher’s son who was slightly alienated from his classmates in rural Barbezieux, for being so smart. Thomas is the shaggy-haired, darkeyed son of a farmer. (It’s easy to mentally cast Jérémie Elkaïm and Stéphane Rideau, from the seductive coming-of-age film “Come Undone,” as the characters, though in the novel, Besson likens Thomas to C. Thomas Howell’s Ponyboy Curtis in “The Outsiders.”) The young men stare at each other across
COVER ART FOR “LIE WITH ME” COURTESY OF SCRIBNER. the playground at high school, and while Philippe thinks it’s a one-way desire, he’s thrilled and surprised when Thomas invites him to lunch. They meet at an out-of-the-way bar on the outskirts of town so their rendezvous won’t be discovered. The teens soon sneak off to an area in the school gym, where they make love for the
first time. It’s a sexy tryst, and Besson captures the intimacy, longing, fear and desire of this unexpected relationship. Teenage Philippe overanalyzes the relationship, of course. But his crippling doubt about his first sexual liaison is pitched at a level that makes it heartfelt, not cloying. He develops palpable anxiety as he counts the days until Thomas’ next signal, and the chance to have another erotic encounter and create deeper intimacy. His memory of Thomas’ body — the moles on his back, the texture of his penis — conveys the lasting imprint this first love has left on him. The teens communicate through discretely passed notes, and everything is done according to Thomas’ instructions and desires. Philippe is so quickly and easily consumed by his “imbecilic burning love,” so enchanted and petrified, that he allows Thomas to control their relationship for fear of losing him. But Thomas is not cruel; he “sees the person Philippe will become,” which both confounds and empowers the author. Besson recounts the affair in a confessional tone that makes readers hang on every word. And as he describes their quick, rough and tender sex, it is impossible not to fall under the book’s spell. It may be an idealized memory — Philippe admits that he “lies” and “invents with authenticity” — but the details are striking and believable. Philippe is moved by Thomas’ shyness, and readers will be too. He drinks in the few tidbits Thomas tells him about religion and his family as he rests his head on his lover’s naked chest. He tries to imagine Thomas’ life, and cogitates on his classmate’s inability to express the fact that he “prefers boys.” Even Philippe’s imagination about Thomas is obsessive. Yet Thomas awakens something in Philippe that goes beyond their romantic intimacy. Philippe starts embracing gay culture, appreciating Patrice Chéreau’s film “L’Homme Blessé” (“The Wounded Man”) about a young man discovering his sexuality, and novels by the gay writer Hervé Guibert. The affair actualizes Philippe but not Thomas, who prefers to stay hidden. When Philippe spies on Thomas interacting with a girl at a party, he experiences painful jealousy and confronts the very real fear of losing his lover. Their relationship is short-lived, and their last moment together is absolutely heartbreaking. The last third of “Lie With Me” returns to 2007, when Philippe confronts the man who reminds him of Thomas. It is Thomas’ son, Lucas — and so begins an exchange that divulges the impact of the teenagers’ love decades later. It’s almost a spoiler to reveal that much, but the final two sections of the book, which take place nine years apart, are gripping. Besson builds tension inexorably as Lucas and Philippe chat and disclose facts about their lives and what happened to Thomas after the teens went their separate ways. It is devastating. “Lie With Me” is the must-read gay novel of the summer. n
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
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Heather Mae’s blues turn to gold
Out musician hits Folksong Society with new music for Pride. By A. D. Amorosi PGN Contributor
Heather Mae, a powerful singer-songwriter of husky-voiced contagious pop was featured June 8 at Ridge Avenue Philadelphia Folksong Society’s Singing Out Tour. To promote her last EP, “I Am Enough,” and introduce her upcoming album, “Glimmer,” due in September, Mae has dropped a couple songs. One of those,
“Feelin’ Crazy,” attempts to shatter stigmas surrounding mental health — personal to Mae who lives with bipolar. Another, “You Are My Favorite,” released ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, features video footage from her engagement, wedding and life with her wife. “Rah is such a positive creative force in my life and in my career,” said Mae of her wife. “Before her, I had only known partners that first said, ‘You can’t do that,’ and with her it’s always, ‘That sounds just weird enough to work.’ Watching her unleash her creativity on my music is the greatest honor of my life. And, for the music video for ‘You Are My Favorite,’ the lyrics are literally taken from my wedding vows.” Mae said her new album, “Glimmer,” didn’t come without struggle. “After a hard year of touring in 2017, to bigger and bigger crowds, I came home, and it’s just tough to go from applause every night to silence,” she said. “My therapist says I have a bipolar job and for someone with bipolar disorder, this takes a lot of management. When I came home from tour this time, I decided to sit with whatever I was feeling rather than push it away or medicate my way through it. I put my hands on my piano and I wrote through it,” Mae continued. It’s that sort-of frankness that makes Mae
a force. She didn’t only come out as queer in 2016, when she dropped her EP, “I Am Enough.” She also came out as someone who lives with bipolar disorder. “My song ‘Wanderer’ has a lyric that sings ‘in your eyes I see a woman that I could love.’ That was my announcement to the world that I am who I am, and I’m no longer hiding. Coming out as someone with bipolar disorder was a whole other thing. Mental illness is so stigmatized. No one wants to be the crazy one in the room because there is still this tired narrative in our country that anyone with mental illness can’t be trusted, can’t be a good friend, can’t be good at their job, which is all a bunch of bullshit. One in four Americans struggles with mental illness. I am one of them, and if I could help break the stigma, if I can help my fans stay alive, feel empowered, feel understood, then I had to come out as someone with bipolar disorder.” Mae doesn’t play piano in a gentle manner typical of the singer-songwriter genre, she hammers and grooves in a fashion reminiscent of vintage Elton John. “ T h a n k y o u ! ” s h e exclaimed, when given the compliment. “I love Elton John. I’m so honored. I am a very rhythmic player and writer. I have a tendency to write the drumbeat before anything else, so that is a huge influence on my piano playing, for sure.” Mae’s messages are as potent as her musical dynamics are complex and rich. With tunes such as “Warrior” and “You Are My Favorite,” she produces meaningful work. “I’m not going to put myself behind a song unless it’s something that I absolutely believe in,” she said. “I’m trying to leave behind a legacy of helping the world. At the end of my life, whenever that may be, I want to look back at every song, every album, every video and know that I did what I could to make this world a better place.” Even the stops on Mae’s tour are thoughtful, as she departs from the norm. Mae said, “I knew this EP was going to be changing the trajectory of my career, so I made a vow to not just tour to the easy cities like Nashville, NYC, and LA. I wanted to play these songs in marginalized communities and in towns where LGBTQ people maybe don’t normally have a space to gather. To be honest, the release of ‘Glimmer’ later this year will have me touring more than I’ve toured before.” The Singing Out Tour is a national tour, centering on LGBTQ Pride month celebrations. This year, Mae is playing 24 shows in 30 days across 15 states. Afterward, she said, “I’m definitely going to need some time on a beach with a book and a bikini, to decompress.” n
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WHERE LOVE WINS
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FILM PGN
Unlikely friendship offers salvation By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Out gay filmmaker John Butler’s poignant comedy-drama, “Papi Chulo,” centers on a lonely Los Angeles weatherman trying to recover from a relationship that has ended. Opening June 14 at Landmark Ritz at the Bourse, this modest film starring Matt Bomer as Sean is like any new relationship: It starts out promisingly with a few awkward moments but, as it develops, becomes heartfelt and affecting. The secret is that Butler, who previously helmed the amusing “Bachelor Weekend” (a.k.a. “Stag”) and the fantastic “Handsome Devil,” excels at making bromances that depict platonic relationships between men.
MATT BOMER IN “PAPI CHULO.” Photo: Blue Fox Entertainment
When Sean has a meltdown on air, he is asked to take some time off and is repeatedly encouraged to talk to someone. But Sean is no good at being alone. And he’s not great with other people. He hasn’t learned how to take care of himself or fill his time with things he loves. In fact, Sean doesn’t know what he loves — but he certainly doesn’t love himself. Bomer, who is on screen in almost every scene, delivers a remarkable performance. He captures Sean’s goofiness — accident-prone, desperate to please others and needy like a puppy. He comes across as rather childlike at times. Sean is uncomfortable with whom he is at this stage in his life and often denies being a TV personality when recognized in public. While he has a good heart and calls out people who behave insensitively, Sean is a broken man. Although his relationship with his ex, Carlos, ended six months ago, he still calls Carlos’ cell frequently and leaves messages for him. Sean lives alone in a nice house in the hills with a great view, but it feels sterile and empty. When two women pick up a tree on his deck, Sean finds an unpainted circle that represents the “hole” in the life he needs to fill. Butler isn’t subtle with his metaphors. There are several on-the-nose musical selections while a much-discussed drought begets the predictable, emotion-
ally cleansing rainstorm. At his local hardware store, Sean eyes a group of day laborers and hires Ernesto (Alejandro Patiño) to help him paint his deck. While Ernesto doesn’t speak much English and Sean knows only un poco español, the two are able to communicate well enough to get along. Sean sees this arrangement with Ernesto as a kind of rebound relationship. He may be paying the laborer for his time and work, but he is more interested in hanging out with Ernesto — in a boat on a lake or hiking up a mountain — than getting the deck finished. And it’s during these outings that Sean, who has been long unable to express his emotions, talks candidly about his real feelings. Sean calls Ernesto “a good listener,” but the Latino immigrant is, of course, blithely unaware of what the unhappy gringo is saying about his self-loathing, his failed relationships and his attitudes about his job. Butler includes some amusing scenes where Ernesto calls his wife, Linda (the marvelous, if underused, Elena Campbell-Martinez), to explain how he is spending his time with Sean, and her ability to size up each situation is delightful. While there are only a few scenes that feature Ernesto alone, they reveal his dignified character. Patiño underplays his role nicely, especially when Ernesto suffers micro-aggressions from white folks or is embarrassed by Sean’s behavior. “Papi Chulo” pivots on Sean’s efforts to find happiness. The film is truly charming when Sean and Ernesto sing along to Madonna’s “Borderline” in the back of a Lyft. Unfortunately, Sean wants more to their “friendship” than Ernesto does, and when the men are apart for a few days, Sean becomes unstable. There is an interesting scene where Sean tries to hook up with a hot guy only to sabotage it. But even when Sean embarrasses himself — he is twice seen drunk and bleeding from the face — he is sympathetic (if also pathetic). Bomer makes Sean’s pain palpable, which adds to the film’s gracefulness. “Papi Chulo” may be sentimental, but its appeal is in its simplicity. The film succeeds because the characters are honest and uncomplicated. Also refreshing is the lack of issue regarding the characters’ sexuality. “Papi Chulo” judiciously captures the desperation of an adult gay man being unable to connect in a community where people are often judged by their appearance. It’s not radical that Sean wants an older, stable, average guy as a partner. That his needs are not sexual — he craves an emotional attachment — will resonate with many viewers. Butler has created a feel-good film about the power of friendship to help someone cope with sadness. n
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Elton John biopic is mostly a blast and absolutely magical By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor In a particularly memorable scene of “Rocketman,” Elton John (Taron Edgerton) and lyricist Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell) are trying to find their first hit song. John has played strains of “Daniel” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” for record executive Dick James (Stephen Graham), but James wants something upbeat. Then, absolute magic: Elton John performs, “Your Song.” The soulful rendition of the heartfelt ballad conveys exactly what connects John and his music with his legions of fans — and the stirring scene is goosebump-producing; even tear-inducing. Indeed, Dexter Fletcher’s jukebox-musical biopic of the superstar crooner is engineered to razzle-dazzle, which it mostly does — even as it follows the conventional style of chronicling the subject’s childhood, initial
But as a means to stage lavish musical numbers featuring fabulous costumes, and of course to showcase John’s greatest hits, “Rocketman” soars. It’s terrific fun to see the child Reggie Dwight (Matthew Illesley) perform “The Bitch Is Back,” or the teenage Reggie (Kit Connor) belt out an infectious version of “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” in a pub and the streets. These numbers are buoyed by Fletcher’s sure-handed direction: As he moves the camera to follow John, viewers go along for the ride. He uses this same technique effectively throughout the film, most notably when John enjoys success (a shopping montage) to the tune of “Honky Cat,” or during an endless, whirling, 360-degree pan of John performing Pete Townsend’s “Pinball Wizard” at concert after concert — another nifty set-piece. The story is designed to show how John craved love. His father (played by Steven Mackintosh) withholds affection
Artists queer hip-hop and country genres, show true colors By A. D. Amorosi PGN Contributor Slowly, potently and with the power of pride and inclusivity, hip-hop artists and country singers, at the top echelons of their respective charts, are showing their true colors. Rapper and producer, Tyler, the Creator, saw his new album “IGOR” rise to number one on the Billboard Pop and Hip-Hop charts released last week.
ery roar in songs like “NEW MAGIC WAND” and “EARFQUAKE.” Tyler seems to be moving through being gay/ queer and into a frank discussion of his emotions and passions in a way he hadn’t historically. Out rapper and producer Kevin Abstract, a founding member of the hip-hop ensemble, Brockhampton, has a solo career — where his lyrics go deeply into personal experience and sexuality. “Arizona Baby,” his newest album, speaks of his religious upbringing in
KEVIN ABSTRACT
TARON EGERTON AS ELTON JOHN IN “ROCKETMAN” success, setback(s) and comeback. Fletcher, working from Lee Hall’s script, frames John’s story through the lens of the performer in rehab, looking back on his life. But the narrative device is a little hoary and almost unnecessary, given that the film devotes dramatic scenes to John’s recovery.
Photo: Paramount Pictures
and snipes at his son for being “soft” when he shows interest in music and his mother’s dresses. His mother (portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard) is only slightly warmer. It’s his grandmother (played by Gemma Jones) who sees the young Reginald’s talent and takes PAGE 97
Tyler has always been an oddball who toyed with any-and-all notions of sexuality. On his 2011 album, “Goblin,” Tyler used the word fag or faggot 10 times. He once told the UK music newspaper, NME, “I’m not homophobic. I just think faggot hits and hurts people. It hits. And ‘gay’ just means you’re stupid….But I don’t hate gay people.” Tyler was hardly the only artist to use this language, but when he came out in 2017’s Flower Boy, it was a surprise. He said in 2015, “I tried to come out the damn closet like four days ago and no one cared.” Still, at first, it was hard to know if Tyler was speaking his truth or simply trolling, but lyrics like, “I been kissing white boys since 2004” on the track “I Ain’t Got Time!” speak volumes. While it’s hard to know if the LGBTQ community will forgive Tyler for his past lyrics, it is clear he is moving forward, especially when listening to “IGOR” where an emotional resonance is paramount. Topics of loss and discov-
Photo: Ashlan Grey
a Mormon family (who learned that Abstract was gay from the video for his 2016 single, “Empty”). The album also takes a humorous look at his queerness. “I’m still tryna fuck every Mormon,” he rap-sings on his new album’s gospel-tinged “Use Me,” while, on the aggressive opening song “Big Wheels,” he yells, “I’m a power bottom like a Freemason / Y’all stuck playin’, that’s complacent, I’m cum-chasin’.” Chamber-folk cellist/violinist and soul-hop’s Kelsey Lu’s debut album “Blood,” features collaborations with Skrillex and Jamie xx. Released through Sony, the album comes across like a classicist’s take on Solange’s brand of Expressionist empowerment and sonic atmospheres. Like Abstract, the out player was raised on hardcore religion — as a Jehovah’s Witness in Charlotte, North Carolina. Unlike Abstract, her lyrics don’t explicitly speak to her sexual orientation. What exists in her music is a vibe of serenity and composition, even when she’s PAGE 98
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FILM PGN
Queer films all Pride Month long at Lightbox Film Center By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Throughout June, Lightbox Film Center is screening important films by LGBTQ filmmakers that address issues of pride, representation and community. “Queer Genius” (7 p.m. June 13) is director Chet Catherine Pancake’s galvanizing documentary that profiles five queer female artists. Of local interest is the section on Rasheedah Phillips and Camae Ayewa (aka. Moor Mother), who run a Black Quantum Futurism collective in North Philadelphia. Phillips is also an advocate for housing; she is seen testifying at City Hall regarding homelessness and discusses redevelopment efforts in North Philadelphia’s Sharswood neighborhood. The collaborators pair soundscapes with spoken word to engage with queer voices and science fiction. (One performance is filmed at Union Transfer.) They also talk about their lives, experiences and theories in engaging interviews. Pancake’s film opens with a segment on the late Barbara Hammer, who discusses her life, archive, legacy and career as a visual artist, addressing her use of filters in her films. Several scenes observe Hammer putting a gallery exhibit together or performing her work, “Breath.” She is also seen being interviewed at Temple University in 2018. (Coincidentally, Hammer’s film “Nitrate Kisses” will also screen at
TONGUES UNTIES: MARLON RIGGS
Lightbox.) “Queer Genius” also includes an interview with Jibz Cameron, aka Dynasty Handbag, who is seen in her closets describing her favorite outfits, as well as performing on stage. Rounding out the documentary is a portrait of lesbian poetess Eileen
voices and images. A penetrating look into AfricanAmerican gay male (in)visibility, it contains poetry by Essex Hemphill and anecdotes that recount experiences of marginalization and the justifiable anger and sadness of gay men of color. “Tongues Untied” is rife with sto-
QUEER GENIUS: JIBZ CAMERON AKA DYNASTY HANDBAG PERFORMING ON STAGE Myles, who has achieved considerable fame in her career. She is seen reading her work and talking about her life, her sobriety and her political attitudes. What emerges is an inspiring portrait of provocative and legendary artists-activists. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Marlon Riggs’ landmark film, “Tongues Untied” (7 p.m. June 20), a brilliant fugue of black gay male
ual difference. They discuss tomboy phases, crushes and gender-identity issues (e.g., asking women if they ever wanted to be boys). The filmmaker also provides a (fictional) story of Lou (Chels Holland), a young teen who comes to appreciate her same-sex desires as she interacts with various girls from school. The mix of personal stories, photographs and film clips, as well as Lou’s interspersed narrative, creates a prismatic approach to the way queer girls and women experience shame and acceptance. Her film underscores the importance of gender and sexuality in society and the power of embracing one’s lesbian and/or queer identity. In a recent phone interview, Friedrich explained her intent in making the film. “I wanted to make a film about lesbians when they were children — so let me talk with people. I sat down and thought of 20 questions, which ranged from: What were your school experiences and with friends? How aware/unaware were you [that you were lesbian]? What part did religion play? And what were your first experiences? I wanted people to reflect on their experiences. I did 20 interviews and I really wanted to do a narrative alongside it. It was like the interviews were research, but then I thought, that might be what the film is made of. “There were things from the interviews that I used in the fiction, like a woman recounting the stroking of a girl’s arm,” Friedrich added. “I had an interest in narrative, so I wanted to
ries of abuse, negative perceptions and condescension. Riggs also calls out the lack of gay black male images in American culture. A sequence set in San Francisco’s Castro district — where black men are immersed in vanilla and don’t lock eyes on the street — is particularly telling. “Tongues Untied” rallies for acceptance, appreciation and excellence as it provides a cornucopia of inspiring photos and songs, in addition to film clips of black men loving black men — deemed “a revolutionary act” — to show positivity. Also shown is the impact of AIDS and lessons from snap divas. Men participate in the ballroom scene and a gay Pride parade, showing the visibility and reclamation of identity. Riggs’ film is a clarion call — one that is both dense and forceful. “Tongues Untied” is accompanied HIDE AND SEEK: LOU (CHELS by Riggs’ video, “Anthem.” Using HOLLAND, LEFT), WITH A symbols of the American flag and the CLASSMATE IN HER BEDROOM pink triangle, images of black gay men kissing and embracing and texts that read “pervert the language,” this short recreate this world [of baby dykes]. I encourages radicalism. It illustrates didn’t know what form it would take Riggs’ skills as a filmmaker as he cre- until I did the editing. When I shot the ates potent messages about representa- narrative, I didn’t know how the intertion and speaking truth to power. views would interact with the narrative Su Friedrich’s documentary/narra- or the archival material, but the intertive hybrid, “Hide and Seek” (7 p.m. views are so great I wanted to include June 27) investigates how young girls them.” discover and acknowledge their lesbi- Friedrich will attend a post-screenanism and queerness. ing discussion of “Hide and Seek.” n Friedrich interviews various queer women about their experiences grow- Films will be screened at Lightbox Film ing up and their exposure to and under- Center, 3701 Chestnut St. For more standing of their sexuality and sex- information, visit lightboxfilmcenter.org.
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Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month
- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.
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PAGE 95
Abundantly talented dragapella group’s ultimate show Last performance of Kinsey Sick’s ‘Things you Shouldn’t Say’ July 20 in Rehobeth By Fay Jacobs PGN Contributor The 25-year-young Dragapella group The Kinsey Sicks will perform one of its critically acclaimed shows once more before group member Ben Schatz retires. “Things You Shouldn’t Say” takes the stage July 20 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center in Delaware. The show, which was a smash Off-Broadway hit, presents the true story of four friends from San Francisco who had a life-changing epiphany at a Bette Midler concert that led them to form, of course, The Kinsey Sicks. It was an effort to find joy during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis. “Now that the era of Trumpism is upon us, we’re sharing this hilarious, inspiring and at times heartbreaking tale, and showing that hatred and deceit can be fought with humor and heart,” the members stated. The Rehoboth performance will be the last hurrah for Schatz before he becomes an
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emeritus Kinsey. He has a storied background. While Schatz was an undergraduate at Harvard College, he was torn between pursuing a career as a gay activist or in theater. Eventually he decided that activism was more important and that he didn’t have the talent to be a performer. Schatz went on to attend Harvard Law School and, upon graduation, started the first national AIDS legal program. He later served as executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and was appointed to President Clinton’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. His story continued when he realized that “activism and theater are not mutually exclusive and making people laugh is much more fun than suing them, and no less effective in making them think.” As chief writer for The Kinsey Sicks, Schatz is largely irresponsible for the lyrics that, according to him, “have made tens of thousands cringe.” Another member of the accomplished cast is Nathan Marken, a lyric baritone who studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has performed numerous roles in musical theater. Jeff Manabat, who joined the group in 2004, writes many of the vocal arrangements while being responsible for the entire group’s “hot couture.” He also has per-
formed professionally in numerous musicals, won awards for his stage credits and has previous a-cappella experience with the UC Men’s Octet from the University of California at Berkeley, which won first place at the National Competition of Collegiate A Cappella held at Carnegie Hall. Spencer Brown, a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, joined The Kinsey Sicks in
2008. His alter ego, Daisy Buckët, has won various honors, including the 2008 Best Cabaret Show in Kansas City. Spencer has raised more than $100,000 for local HIV/AIDS organizations with his annual AIDS Walk group, Team Buckët. ■ For tickets to The Kinsey Sicks’ final performance of “Things You Shouldn’t Say,” visit camprehoboth.com.
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PGN PORTRAIT from page 75
two brothers — one of them is also Army — and I have an uncle who was in the Army too. That’s what made me think of it in the first place. I have a son who’s 30 and a grandson who just turned 1. We all still live in the same area — my dad, my cousins and brothers. I talk to or see some family member every day, and once a week we meet for Sunday dinner. PGN: What’s the dish you bring to dinner? SL: Nothing. I’m not even going to pretend. The question is just what’s my go-to spot to get takeout for my contribution. The only thing I will do on rare occasion is make my mother’s coconut cake, and then people beg for it, but that’s it. PGN: An interesting fact about a family member? SL: My dad was a boxer in the Army, and he had all these cool pictures of him in the ring that I loved to look at when I was a kid. PGN: Did your son follow in your military footsteps? SL: No, he’s a computer geek. PGN: Any pets? SL: We had a dog Champ when I was little, but he passed away. Oh, and my mother had a cat that I inherited. I remember it was a kitten when she got it and we were like, “Mom, what are you going to name the cat?” and she was like, “I don’t know, let’s just call him The Cat.” We ended up shortening that to TC and when people asked what it stood for, we’d just say, “The Cat.” PGN: An award you’ve received that made you proud? SL: When I was in the military they had an award called “Trainee out of Cycle.” I won that once, and that was pretty exciting. PGN: What’s your favorite quote? SL: It’s from Zora Neal Hurston: “Your silence will not protect you.” PGN: What was the first job you ever had? SL: I worked for a company called SPIN, Special People in the Northeast. I was the overnight occupational therapist. It was a great job; they were good to me. PGN: Favorite lesbian film? SL: “A Luv Tale.” It was directed by Sidra Smith and starred my all-time crush, Gina Ravera. PGN: What are you looking forward to this year at the festival? SL: It’s going to be wild this year. For the first time that I can remember, there is no vendor space left. And regulars, who tend to send in their applications late, are going to be upset. But this is a biggie! The 50th anniversary of Stonewall. Everyone is coming out! n
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ELTON JOHN from page 90
him to the Royal Academy of Music, where he proves he can play what he hears. He eventually performs a paid gig for a soul act. The experience is transformative: John gets his first kiss (from a guy) and the advice to write some songs. Enter Taupin, the lyricist who bonds with John over music and more, yielding a remarkable, inseparable friendship and collaboration. Music, the film suggests, is John’s escape from his drab life. With his flamboyant costumes and energetic antics on stage, he becomes colorful — and, more importantly, somebody people love. John’s performance of “Crocodile Rock” at the Troubadour in Los Angeles wins over the assembled crowd. He also captures the eye of John Reid (Richard Madden), who becomes his lover and, later, his manager. Their relationship, which begins with the guys unable to keep their eyes and hands off each other, is affectionate but becomes disaffecting once Reid insists John come out to his parents — two equally awkward scenes — and then betrays him. These events drive the singer to heavy drug and alcohol abuse. It’s in the downbeat third act that “Rocketman” stops being fun, and songs like the title track — performed underwater at first, along with “Benny and the Jets” — carry the addiction narrative. Much of the film is dedicated to John’s self-destructiveness, which includes a suicide attempt. (Alas, the iconic “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” is noticeably absent.) This drama may generate sympathy for its subject, but it causes the film to sag. Nevertheless, Fletcher’s film is mostly entertaining. The director overdid some of the visual effects, as when John actually blasts off while performing the title track. But he also staged some impressive fantasy scenes, including at the Troubadour, where John and the crowd literally rise off the floor in ecstasy. Edgerton, who sings all the songs, gives an ingratiating performance. He exudes charisma, even when an empty, broken John looks at himself in the mirror snorting coke and taking another drink, numbing himself before a show. He is ably supported by Bell, who sings “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” during one of the film’s poignant moments. “Rocketman” features high-energy musical numbers and some bleak moments — which one expects from a story of Elton John’s life. But, even with all the fantasy elements in this look at the larger-than-life performer, the pure, emotional scenes stand out. n
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PGN QUEERING MUSIC from page 90
heading for the disco like in “Poor Fake” and “Foreign Car” — songs that, with the use of eerie classical strings, are reminiscent of another out musician, the late Arthur Russell. On the country side of the ledger, several LGBTQ performers manage to make statements on their sexuality. Milwaukee drag queen Trixie Mattel may be best known as the winner of the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. But, her musical talents, leaning toward hokey country and western, are formidable, and her songwriting is shockingly earnest and ridiculously melodic. For that reason, her sec-
TYLER THE CREATOR
Photo: Sam Rock
ond album, “One Stone,” released in 2018, is worth savoring. Orville Peck, the out, masked Roy Orbison-esque crooner with an outlaw country lilt to all his proceedings, is also a stitch. There’s a tang to his twang that is catty as it is cool. Yet, all that doesn’t stop his newly released album, “Pony,” from being thoroughly engaging in the very best of country’s traditionalism. One nonbinary artist — from Philadelphia, no less — whose new album may ride both waves, country and hip-hop, is Shamir. Carrying on the tradition started by Lavender Country, Shamir’s new album (his first was the electro-pop “Ratchet”), “Be the Yee, Here Comes the Haw,” holds the same level of lo-fi theatricality and yearning emotionalism all his best works do. 2019 is shaping up to be a fine year for risky LGBTQ music outside and inside the mainstream. n
PGN OUT GAY ACTOR from page 77
“We keep revisiting each other!” Bartlett laughed. “Being of a similar generation, Harrison and Mouse had a common language and history, and a familiarity. They can have conversations about things that Ben doesn’t understand. He really highlights the intergenerational difference.” But let’s save the drama for the series. In “Tales of the City,” Mouse works at a nursery, hates trivia and loves “Murder, She Wrote.” To complete the interview, Bartlett agreed to answer a lightning round of questions about how he overlaps with Mouse in real life. Let’s go! PGN: Mouse works at Plant Parenthood. Do you have a green thumb? MB: I like to think I have, but I live in New York, so I don’t have a yard. I hope to put it to use. PGN: Mouse needs to manage his anger at times. Do you forgive easily or hold a grudge? MB: [Laughs] I do forgive easily but part of me holds grudges longer than I would like to.
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PGN: Mouse wants to impress his friends at Trivia night. Are you good at Trivia? MB: No. [Laughs] I have a deep connection with Mouse on that. PGN: Mouse went through a leather phase. Are you into leather? MB: I like leather, but it’s not something I have a thing for. PGN: There’s a scene of Mouse in a dress. Do you have a good going-out-indrag story? MB: I don’t. I wish I did. I met with Jacob Tobia (author of “Sissy”) and they are an amazing person. As a younger person, I used to dress up in the princess costume, and that was left behind. I was talking to them, and they assured me they would dress me up whenever I’m ready. PGN: Mouse is a huge fan of “Murder, She Wrote.” Are you? MB: [Laughs] Not as much as Mouse but I appreciated it, and I’m a huge fan of Angela Lansbury. It’s a guilty pleasure.
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PGN: Mouse says some rather naughty things in Italian. Can you speak Italian? MB: I cannot, but I did work with an Italian friend who knows naughty Italian phrases, so he helped me refine that. PGN: Anna’s comment to Mouse (and others) is to be seen. How do you feel you are seen? MB: I like to be seen in person. I’m still into human contact as much as possible. n
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PGN LITERATURE
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PAGE 101
Out Pennsylvania author debuts LGBTQ-centered children’s book By A.D. Amorosi PGN Contributor After local author Mera Malik went through a breakup with her longtime companion, she got to work on what became her just-released children’s book, “Om The Enchanted: Big World, Little Om.” Malik’s debut book discusses the responsibilities and feelings that come with living in nontraditional households, such as LGBTQ families. Malik wrote that the world she wants to live in and raise children in “doesn’t discriminate when it comes to love or family; a world where everyone’s story has power and importance, where hearts and character are more important than skin color and gender.”
and how he might react to learning about our relationship — and ultimately her concern about what people would say. The book, in essence, was borne out of that split and is a direct reaction to the breakup of our relationship. It was meant to be a tool for our child but, perhaps more importantly, a resource for adults to
MM: As a parent, your number-one priority is your children. How they react to, adjust to and are affected by their environment is of paramount importance. I thought a book like this could help our young child and provide a resource for other parents in similar situations. Children are naturally loving, and
PGN: Writing about living in nontraditional households as you do, you’ve created something fantastical — Walter Mitty-ish, but pragmatic — where your main character, an 11-year-old, uses his vivid imagination to cope with, instead of run from, life’s challenges. How did you create this? MM: I wanted to empower children — to provide them with tools and information to become compassionate adults. “Big World, Little Om” is a project dedicated to showing how wonderful, but sometimes challenging, the lives are for unique families. It can be a child who has a disability, a refugee family or how children cope in families going through a divorce. I’m not excluding anyone. I want these kids to see themselves in media in a positive, uplifting way.
PGN: You and your partner were together nine years, but that ended due to discrimination she faced in her community. Can you talk about what happened? MM: My partner comes from a broken family and is close to her mother. Her mom is very old-fashioned and never understood our relationship. She also had friends who were against it. Toward the end, her mother gave her an ultimatum to pick between her or me. Obviously, she picked her. We were happy. Then one day, we weren’t. The woman I loved, once sure and calm, became plagued by societal pressures on who she was supposed to be. The woman society expected her to become — straight, real, “normal” — eroded the hopes we had for a future together. Whereas I could look at a situation and vow to change it from within, she could only vow to change herself to fit the mold. She experienced such anxiety that she could not healthily function within our relationship, and after agonizing months of self-denial, she left me to be with a man. PGN: You have children. Has any discrimination been leveled at your children? MM: My kids did not face any discrimination because of my sexual orientation. They want me to be happy and wouldn’t care about what people say. PGN: How did the end of your last relationship coincide with this book? MM: My partner and I were toward the end of our relationship when I envisioned this book and its projects. Her reasons for leaving included her concern for our child,
getting bullied for their family dynamic, being teased or stereotyped by the way they dress, picked on just for the way they look. This idea that kids must shrink to the size they are made to feel is a disservice to the children. Children are brave, smart and creative when we give them the tools. What I want to create is a tool for parents to show kids that families and lifestyles, colors and shapes, these things aren’t onesize-fits-all, and friends come in all different packages. When met with love and kindness, all barriers can be broken.
PGN: I know you are working on a Big World app. What else do you have in the works? MM: Along with a school workbook and the Big World app that will help children learn to recognize, label and regulate their emotions through game play, I am working on a social-media app that uses a different social hierarchy to promote cooperation over competition and compassion over cruelty, and an animated cartoon series.
teach their young children about the importance of love. I want to represent real life, with all its challenges and possibilities. Even if my story reaches one person, one family or one child, it will be a success in my eyes. PGN: Why a children’s book?
if they’re taught that love comes in different forms, then we’re likely to address the horrors and disappointment of gay adult interactions in a constructive, positive way. PGN: Because even though it is “better,” it is still a struggle … MM: There are still kids every day
PGN: Tell me about how you take an LGBTQ story and make it intersectional. MM: Whether you’re discriminated against because of your race, gender, sexuality, physical or mental disability or religion, discrimination is a terrible thing to experience and feel. Even if you aren’t gay, you can relate to the experience of gay people because you yourself have experienced it and know what it feels like. As such, I think this book has the capacity to transcend the boundaries we’ve created through these labels. n
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All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
Real Estate Rent 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.
Virginia Seaside Lots – Build the home of your dreams! South of Ocean City near state line, spectacular lots in exclusive development near NASA facing Chincoteague Island. New development with paved roads, utilities, pool and dock. Great climate, low taxes and Assateague National Seashore beaches nearby. Priced $29,900 to $79,900 with financing. Call (757)824-6289 or website: oldemillpointe.com ________________________________________43-23
For Sale Dental Insurance: Call Physicians Mutual Insurance company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 855-890-4914 or http://www.dental50plus. com/Penn Ad# 6118. ________________________________________43-23
Friends Men
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Services AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students – Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-207-0345. ________________________________________43-23 A PLACE FOR MOM The nation’s Largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-855-400-1032. ________________________________________43-23 TIRES-TIRES-TIRES No matter what you drive we have the tires you need! Passenger-Commercial- OTR Competitive pricing! Auto Service and Repairs too! CALL..TIRE CORRAL 856-858-2400 www.tirecorral.net _____________________________________________43-34 Donate a Boat: Free Two Night Vacation when you donate
WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call
your old boat, car, truck, RV or jet ski. Help Boat Angel
215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM.
help others. 800-700-2628.
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SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY Advertise your business in our directories for only $25 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.
John Wissinger Inc.
HARDWOOD FLOORS Old Floors, Sanded & Finished Floors Stained New Floors Laid Steps Scraped (215) 335-4472 (215) 887-2899 Cell: (215) 816-4472 Free Estimates
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 7-13, 2019
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