A chat with Philadelphia Pride Festival headliner Aisha Tyler
Family Portrait: Peter Allen Prete
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Special Pride issue See pages 5, 55-58, 67-69 June 10-16, 2011
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Vol. 35 No. 23
Council considers inclusive sick-day bill By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A bill before City Council would mandate private businesses to provide a minimum number of earned sick days for employees, a measure that is LGBT-inclusive. The Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces measure, introduced by Councilman Darrell Clarke (D-5th Dist.) and Councilman-at-Large Bill Greenlee, could come up for a vote this month. According to the Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces, the leading agency lobbying for the bill, there are currently about 210,000 workers in Philadelphia who receive no paid sick days at their jobs. If enacted, the legislation would allow for employees to earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. At larger companies, employees could earn up to 56 hours of sick
SPEAKING OUT FOR THE SICK: William Way LGBT Community Center executive director Chris Bartlett took the podium Wednesday to lend support to the city’s proposed Earned Sick Days bill, which would mandate private companies to offer employees the opportunity to earn a minimum amount of sick time that can be used to care for other family members, including domestic partners. Also speaking out in favor of the measure were Philadelphia Family Pride community coordinator Stephanie Haynes (from left) with son Griffin, Sherri Cohen (not pictured), Action AIDS executive director Kevin Burns, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania project and development associate James Rosica, AIDS Fund executive director Robb Reichard and Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein. Photo: Scott A. Drake
time annually, or the equivalent of seven eight-hour work days, and up to four days for companies with 10 or fewer employees. The accrued sick time could be used for the employee or for the individual to care for an ill family member, which is defined as a biological, adopted or foster child, stepchild or a child to whom the employee stands in “loco parentis,” a spouse, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling or domestic partner, among other classifications. The Family and Medical Leave Act, which authorizes employees at larger private companies to take unpaid sick leave, does not extend to domestic partners. The bill has the support of more than 100 area businesses and organizations, although the Nutter administration has expressed resistance to the measure, and it is opposed by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Independence Business Alliance, Philadelphia’s LGBT chamber of commerce, has not yet taken a formal position on the issue. A group of LGBT and HIV/AIDS leaders came together at the William Way LGBT Community Center Wednesday to voice their support for the measure. Marianne Bellesorte, senior director of policy at PathWays PA and a founding member of the Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces, said the measure is vital to Philadelphia families. PAGE 52
BACK TO THE BALL: Hundreds of house/ballroom community members from around the region packed the Gershman Y June 4 for the return of the Legendary Crystal Ball. The event, staged by The Colours Organization and Philadelphia FIGHT, returned after a several-year hiatus with more than a dozen competition categories, including an award for the house whose members received the most HIV tests. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Pride to set new records in Philly By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
P R I D E I N T H E WAT E R : Te a m Philadelphia members hit the Schuylkill last weekend for the fifth-annual Dragon Boat Regatta. The team placed fourth in the C Division of the Mixed Division; an overall time from three heats placed them 22 out of 60 teams from all divisions. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Homelessness bill sees changes After backlash from advocates for the homeless, Councilman Frank DiCicco this week agreed to change his proposed measure that he said is meant to curtail aggressive panhandling on city streets. The City Council Streets and Services Committee approved the amended bill Tuesday; a full vote is expected June 16. The original bill sought to eliminate the stipulation that police officers contact a social-service agency before citing or arresting someone for panhandling or lying or sitting on or obstructing a sidewalk. The bill drew sharp criticism from some Philadelphians, who turned out in full force
at Tuesday’s hearing. After last-minute negotiations, DiCicco agreed to shelve the majority of his proposed measure and proceed only with a one-sentence amendment to the current Sidewalk Behavior legislation. The amendment clarifies that police need not wait for an outreach team from a social-service agency to take coercive action against an individual who is threatening or intimidating others or using obscene language. Project H.O.M.E., one of the main opponents of the original bill, has indicated it supports the measure in its current form. ■ — Jen Colletta
Thousands of rainbow-clad men and women will be packed onto Penn’s Landing Sunday for the Pride festival. The annual Pride parade will kick off at 13th and Locust streets at noon, while the Penn’s Landing festival will run from noon6 p.m. This year’s event is expected PAGE 5
Judge clears way for trans bias case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A federal judge has cleared the way for a Pennsylvania litigant with Gender Identity Disorder to pursue her disability-discrimination claim in federal court. On May 2, U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno ruled that GID in some cases can be disabling — or perceived to be disabling — and thus protected from bias. The judge denied a request from a firm being sued by transwoman Janis Stacy to categorically exclude GID from antibias protections in the state. Last year, Stacy filed a PAGE 49
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RAISING FOR RUGBY: About 80 players and supporters of the Philadelphia Gryphons gay rugby club turned out for a fundraising beef and beer June 5, including team members Tyler Vaughn (left) and Jeremiah Waters (right), along with Thom Cardwell (second from left) and Joe Soto. The event raised funds to support the team’s effort to participate in next year’s Bingham Cup in England, named in honor of Mark Bingham, the openly gay rugby player considered one of the heroes aboard United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001. Photo: Scott A. Drake EDITORIAL/OP-ED NEWS
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Philly Pride 2011 from page 1
to draw about 9,000 people, said executive director Franny Price. For the first time ever, Pride has sold out the vendor spots at Penn’s Landing, with 150 community organizations, merchants and businesses on the Great Plaza. “This is a huge, huge networking day for our community,” Price said. “Of the 150 vendors, most of them are community groups, so it’s really important for people to learn more about them.” The festival will also feature a pet zone with six agencies offering adoptable animals, a dance area and, for the first time, members of the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, who will regale the crowd with their trapeze and acrobatic acts. The entertainment on the main stage will also be impressive, Price said. Headliner and comic Aisha Tyler will be joined by performers Betty, Mr. and Miss Philly Gay Pride and Sandy Beach, among many others. Among the 50-some groups set to march in the parade — a figure up from last year’s 46 — is the popular flag-turning Flaggots of
New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey, celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. The parade will be led by grand marshals Carrie Jacobs, Jeff Sotland and PGN, along with youth grand marshals Kristen Thomas and Alex Lopez and Friend of Pride Rep. Bob Brady. The day before Pride, a different kind of march will take place in the Gayborhood. The annual Philadelphia Dyke March will set off at 4 p.m. from Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets, after a rally beginning at 3. Following the march, participants are welcome to enjoy refreshments in the park while the spoken-word artists, musicians and other entertainers take the stage. Although Sunday’s forecast calls for a slight chance of storms, Price said she’s not concerned about the skies. “It rained twice last year, but it’s always hot, so people actually enjoy it,” she said. “We’ve been through it all, but Pride happens no matter what, rain or shine.” Pride weekend will kick off on Friday with an opening party at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. For more information, visit www.phillypride.org. ■
Center to crown queen, king By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com T h e Wi l l i a m Wa y L G B T Community Center will launch a new Pride tradition this weekend to bring the local LGBT community “home” to its center. The center, 1315 Spruce St., will host “Homecoming 2011” from 8 p.m.-midnight June 11. In previous years, the center hosted a fundraising “Building Bash” in June that focused on generating revenue for physical renovations of the center. William Way development coordinator Paul Blore said the fundraiser had become somewhat “stale” over the years, and the board, led by member Eric Ashton, decide to rejuvenate it with a community-oriented event. “This is part-fundraiser and part friend-raiser,” Blore said. “This is a way for us to celebrate William Way as the center of our community.” The celebration will be modeled after a summertime barbeque, with burgers and hot dogs as well as vegetarian offerings, salads,
beer, wine and cocktails. Live entertainment includes gospel choir A Voice 4 All People, the Liberty City Kings and the ladies of Tabu’s Sinful Sundays, along with Rudy Flesher as emcee Notorious OMG. A new archive exhibit of the center’s history will be on display and guests will be encouraged to explore the expansive building. In keeping with the homecoming theme, the center will crown a king and queen. Blore explained that the planning committee compiled a list of community leaders and individuals who have been active at the center to comprise the homecoming court and vie for the titles. Blore said organizers elected to nominate the court itself this year, since it is the inaugural event, but in future years, organizers will likely accept nominations from the public. Tickets range from $20-$75, the latter of which includes entrance to a VIP reception starting at 7 p.m. For more information or tickets, visit www.waygay.org. ■
DECADE OF SUCCESS: Philadelphia TransHealth Conference founder Charlene Arcila (left) accepted an award from Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein during last weekend’s conference. The three-day event brought some 1,800 people to the city — including Chaz Bono — for workshops and activities and marked its 10th anniversary. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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KICKING OFF THE FIGHT: Damon Humes accepted his Kiyoshi Kuromiya Award from Philadelphia FIGHT board member Marné Castillo at the AIDS Education Month opening reception June 1 at the Independence Visitors Center. FIGHT also honored Gloria Casarez and Dr. Debra D’Aquilante with the award, named for one of FIGHT’s founders. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Pride weekend game plan Pride is upon Philadelphia once again; and there’s enough going on in the city this weekend to make anyone dizzy trying to keep track. If deciding what to take in seems like a daunting task, fear not. We’ve assembled a loosely chronological mishmash of events we’d like to see everyone attend if humanly possible. Friday, June 10 A number of performance artists, including Rae Drew, Miss Mary Wanna and Ashley Payne, will be on hand 7:30-9:30 p.m. for “Being Queer Saved My Life: An Evening of Solidarity and Pride,” a celebration and fundraiser hosted by the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Some of the latest batch of RuPaul-approved queens are set to descend upon Philadelphia for this year’s “Drag Race Tour,” 9 p.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. This season’s winner, Raja, performs with Carmen Carrera and Manila Luzon. When the clock strikes midnight, it’s time to rock out at the Trocadero for a screening of the gender-bent rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Saturday, June 11 We’re probably not going to be awake before mid-afternoon on Saturday, so we don’t expect you to be either. After a late brunch, take
in the Dyke March, 3-6 p.m. at Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets; www.facebook.com/ PhillyDykeMarch. If the Dyke March isn’t your thing, head indoors for some hair of the dog and light debauchery with the cabaret troupe “Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Philly,” performing at 3 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. AIDS Fund Philadelphia hosts “15 Minutes of Fame GayBingo,” closing out the fundraising event’s 15th year, 7 p.m. at Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St. For more information, visit www.aidswalkphilly.org/gaybingo. The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts “Homecoming 2011,” a night of live entertainment, food and drinks throughout the building, 7 p.m.-midnight. Once the sun sets, you can get in some laughs courtesy of out comedian Jess Carpenter and the First Annual F. Harold Comedy Festival, 9-10 p.m. at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. For more information, visit fharoldpresents.com/tickets/. Arouse is the place to be for the Philly Dyke March AfterParty with DJ Kash and DJ Jovi bombarding the dance floor with the hottest tracks from Madonna, Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and more, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Marathon Grill, 1818 Market St. Over at Tritone Bar, an assort-
ment of out and gay-friendly performers will rock the house, including Nicky Click, Sgt. Sass, Rainbow Destroyer and CJ & The Dolls beginning 10 p.m., 1508 South St.; 215-545-0475. Sunday, June 12 There’s almost too much going on this Sunday with the parade and all the entertainment going on, but make sure you catch comedian and headliner Aisha Tyler at the Philly Pride Festival which runs noon6 p.m. at Penn’s Landing. And try to get there early enough to catch performances by Betty, Dawn Robinson of En Vogue, drag artist Sandy Beach and local performer Tony Enos. For more information, visit www. phillypride.org. NightlifeGay.com presents Bruce Yelk’s Triumphant Pride from 3-8 p.m. at Mad River, 126 Chestnut St., but even if you ride out the Pride Festival until the end, you still have enough time to catch performances by Jade Starling, Oh My Josh and The Dragapalooza Divas if you hightail it over there. For more information, visit www.nightlifegay. com/p/triumphant-pride. Have fun. Stay hydrated or drink responsibly, whichever is easiest for you. Do not call us on Monday. ■ — Larry Nichols
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Santorum ‘ready to lead,’ announces run By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania known for his virulently antigay positions confirmed this week that he will make a run for the White House. Rick Santorum announced Monday that he will seek the 2012 Republican nomination for president. Santorum served as one of the state’s two U.S. senators from 1995-07, until his defeat by current Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. Santorum, whose name has been bandied about by pundits speculating on the 2012 race for years, made the official announcement on the steps of the Somerset County Courthouse in Central Pennsylvania. “I’m ready to lead,” Santorum said. “I’m ready to do what has to be done for the next generation, with the courage to fight for freedom, with the courage to fight for America.”
Santorum went on to sharply criticize the Obama administration, saying freedom would be at stake with another four years of the current president, surmising that “every single American will be hooked to the government with an IV.” The former senator has long been an opponent of LGBT rights and has said he doesn’t believe Americans have a constitutional right to privacy in the bedroom. Santorum once commented to a reporter, “In every society, the definition of marriage has not ever to my knowledge included homosexuality. That’s not to pick on homosexuality. It’s not man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be.” He went on to remark that sodomy is “antithetical to a healthy, stable, traditional family.” The LGBT community came out swinging in the effort to defeat him in the 2006 election. Philadelphians Against Santorum,
founded by openly gay activist Ray Murphy, drew about 2,000 volunteers who helped bring out many infrequent Democratic voters to support Casey’s campaign. The organization raised about $200,000 to defeat Santorum and staged get-out-the-vote initiatives like a visit by gay author and Santorum critic Dan Savage. Murphy said he doubts Santorum could make it to the White House, but his announcement was still troublesome. “I think Rick Santorum is a longshot for the 2012 Republican nomination,” he said. “However, his extreme views — especially on LGBT issues — are cause for concern. And if LGBT voters don’t get behind President Obama now, the door could be opened for a radical like Santorum to win the GOP nomination. As much fun as Philly Against Santorum was, I’d rather not have to restart it. The best way to do that is to nip his potential presidency in the bud and support Obama.”
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FORMER SEN. RICK SANTORUM AND FAMILY IN 2006 AP file photo
Other confirmed Republican presidential candidates include Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain, Tim Pawlenty, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and openly gay candidate Fred Karger. ■
Brady, pols question DOMA defense By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (DFirst Dist.) is among a contingent of legislators pressing Republican House leaders on their efforts to defend the federal ban on same-sex marriage. Brady, along with Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas) — the three Democratic members of the Committee on House Administration — last month sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, urging transparency in the Congressional backing of the Defense of Marriage Act. “As members of Congress, we have a sworn responsibility to protect the rights of all of our citizens,” Brady said in a statement to PGN this week. “Defending this discriminatory legislation not only flies in the face of that responsibility, but it does a grave disservice to the LGBT community, which is simply seeking access to the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all Americans. I will use every tool at my disposal to oppose this action and the use of taxpayer resources to perpetuate discrimination and hatred.” The Bi-Partisan House Legal Advisory Group, led by Boehner, voted earlier this year to intervene in several pending legal challenges that question the constitutionality of DOMA, after President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder decided the administration would discontinue its defense of the law. The contract for the cases was originally awarded to King & Spalding but the firm later withdrew, and the contract was given to Bancroft. According to Brady and his cosignatories, however, that contract may constitute a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act “by improperly committing taxpayer funds with-
out appropriate authorization.” The $500,000 contract includes a rate of $500 an hour for attorneys’ fees, along with a 25-percent discount for non-attorney time — an allowance Brady’s letter noted was not cleared by the Committee on Ethics by the House General Counsel. “The failure to consult the Committee on Ethics raises questions about how the blended rate was developed,” the letter stated. “We request you instruct the General Counsel to furnish the Committee a list of the hourly rate paid each employee of the Bancroft firm working on the litigation and an explanation on how the blended rate was calculated.” The letter, sent May 18, also questions why the Democratic members of the committee, which oversees the House’s daily operations, along with the Democratic members of the Bi-Partisan Legal Advisory Group, were not advised of the selection of Bancroft or given the opportunity to review the contract. Boehner’s office did not respond to a call for comment. The Democratic contingent also sent a letter to Boehner April 26 questioning the DOMA contract, in addition to letters to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) issued April 18 and 20, all of which went unanswered. The latest memo requested Boehner responded to the lawmakers’ concerns “without further delay.” “The American people deserve a fuller explanation about the circumstances surrounding the decision to spend $500,000, and most likely much more, of their tax dollars to defend this indefensible statute,” the lawmakers stated. As of presstime, the letter was not answered. ■
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IBA celebrates first luncheon, award By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The Independence Business Alliance hosted its first annual Business Luncheon this week, awarding a local gay business owner a grant to help grow his organization. More than 130 people turned out Monday for the event at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, where the firstever PNC Business Award was INDEPENDENCE INVESTMENT: Bill Gehrman (from given to Agio Brand Solutions. The $5,000 award is meant to left), director of client and community relations at encourage small-business growth. PNC Jean Canfield, award winner and president of Agio, headed by Michael Tolassi, Agio Brand Solutions Michael Tolassi, regional PNC is an advertising specialty agency Bank president Bill Mills and incoming IBA presifounded four years ago to meet the dent Evan Urbania participated in the awards lunch. Photo: Scott A. Drake needs of corporate, government ognized the two finalists, The Marketing and industrial customers. Tolassi plans to use the funding to regis- Audit and Tactile Design Group. Gehrman, who is leaving his post as prester with the federal government’s General Services Administration, a complex process ident this summer and will be succeeded by for which he plans to hire a consultant who newly elected Evan Urbania, said all of the entrants had innovative ideas. guarantees acceptance of his registration. “We really learned from the applicants “With his registration, he will have access to millions of spending through the fed- about all of the different possible uses for eral government,” said IBA president Bill the award,” he said. “We knew that $5,000 Gehrman. “We thought that was a really isn’t going to make or break a company, interesting way for an investment that could but it can provide a really great start. I’m open the door for Agio to this new market.” really happy with the process from our end, Agio was selected among nine applicants, as well as from the feedback we’ve gotten and at the luncheon Monday, IBA also rec- from the applicants and the committee.” ■
Media Trail Va. lawmaker blasts gay-rights flag The Washington Examiner reports Virginia’s most outspoken legislative adversary of gay rights is calling out the president of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond for flying a gay-rights flag outside its downtown tower. In a memo to Jeffrey Lacker, Republican Delegate Bob Marshall calls the decision to fly it “a serious deficiency of judgment.” Marshall asked Lacker what flying the flag, or any other similar display, has to do with Lacker’s central banking mission. Fed spokesperson Jim Strader says it is being flown through June at the request of an LGBT employees group called Prism.
Florida Family Assoc.: Beware of Disney Gay Day The Advocate.com reports the Florida Family Association spent $7,000 to fly a large banner “warning” Disney World
guests of the annual Gay Day celebration at the Magic Kingdom. “Thousands of homosexuals, lesbians and transgenders will converge on Central Florida the first week of June to celebrate their immoral lifestyles,” the group announced on its website in condemnation of Orlando Gay Days, which brings millions of tourist dollars to the area each year. The association also criticized DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando for its official sponsorship of Gay Days.
Conn. Senate passes gender-identity bill The Boston Globe reports the Connecticut Senate has passed legislation that would provide protections from gender-identity discrimination under the state’s antidiscrimination laws. The bill passed June 4 on a 20-16 vote. It has already passed the House of Representatives. Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said he will sign the bill into law. Proponents say the bill codifies a ruling by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities that made it illegal to discriminate against transgender people. They say legislation is needed to help a small group of people who’ve experienced discrimination with employment, housing and other matters. ■ — Larry Nichols
LOCAL PGN
News Briefing Bethlehem delays vote The Bethlehem City Council this week postponed a scheduled vote on an LGBT nondiscrimination measure to iron out language in the bill. The final vote is scheduled for June 21. The council and the city solicitor need to determine what role subpoenas could play in discrimination investigations. Dozens of residents spoke in favor of the ordinance at a council meeting Tuesday night, with just a handful of detractors. The council approved the bill on first reading last month. Bethlehem is currently the largest city in Pennsylvania that does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Flyers urged to make vid A petition is currently circulating on Change.org asking the Philadelphia Flyers to become the first professional hockey
team to make an “It Gets Better” video. The petition, started by Cherry Hill resident Jarrett Taylor, is part of a movement to urge professional sports teams to participate in the video project, started by out writer Dan Savage as a way to urge LGBT youth to have hope for the future. Earlier this month, the San Francisco Giants became the first professional sports team to participate in the effort, which motivated Taylor to launch the local petition. “I saw the Giants video and thought we needed something like this to give local kids hope,” he said. “I enjoy watching hockey and I know there are a lot of gay fans out there. And for the Flyers, who are role models to so many kids, to step up and talk about this, I think that could be really important.” To sign the petition, visit www.change. org/petitions/ask-the-philadelphia-flyersto-make-an-it-gets-better-video.
Equality rally in Abington
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Abington. Local politicians, LGBT leaders and performers, including Spiral Q Puppet Theater, are scheduled to attend. The Abington Township Commission in January rejected the ordinance, which would ban discrimination on a number of factors, including sexual orientation and gender identity, and create a Human Relations Commission to investigate complaints. The bill is now stalled in committee. For more information, search for Abington ADD on Facebook.
The films will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. at different locations throughout Lancaster, with a discussion following each. The first, “Fish Out of Water,” which looks at LGBT issues within Christianity, will be screened at the First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut St. For more information on the series, email EmbraceLanc@gmail.com or search for Embrace Lancaster on Facebook.
Lancaster film series
West Chester club The Note, 142 E. Market St., will host a GLBT Nite at 8 p.m. June 21, with proceeds going to benefit a local HIV/AIDS wellness agency. The event will support Siloam, which offers healing services for the mind, body and spirit of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.thenotewc.com. ■
Embrace Lancaster, an agency that explores the intersection of faith and sexuality, will host a film series over the next few months to discuss these issues. Starting June 12, the organization will screen one film per month that examines LGBT issues from the lens of different faith communities.
Fundraiser for AIDS group
Backers of an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance will gather in Abington next week to rally support for the bill. Abington Against Discrimination and Defamation will sponsor Kickoff to Equality at 11 a.m. June 18 at the Abington Township Building, 1176 Old York Road in
Gay journos head to Philly By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com LGBT journalists from around the country will be in the City of Brotherly Love this summer to discuss trends in media. Philadelphia was selected to host the 21st annual convention of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, held from Aug. 25-28. The conference is expected to draw some 400 professionals from all corners of the nation working in all areas of media. This year the convention will launch a bloggers’ track for Internet-based writers, in addition to tracks for those who work in print, wire, broadcast and public relations. “In the past, some of the conferences have focused only on traditional journalists and LGBT media,” said convention co-chair Kevin Barry. “But this time around we’re also targeting demographics like publicrelations professionals and trying to come at the issues from many different perspectives.” The event, which will be held at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, will feature about 25 panel discussions, as well as keynote speakers, receptions, a women’s networking dinner, a networking brunch and an LGBT media summit. Among the confirmed speakers are CNN’s out journalists Jane Velez-Mitchell and Don Lemon; Louis Wiley, former executive editor of “Frontline” on PBS; and Daniel
Baer, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of State. “We’re really excited to be hosting the convention this year,” said convention co-chair and PGN editor Sarah Blazucki. “We’ve been working very hard on the programs, which will run the gamut from conversations on politics and international issues to technical hands-on trainings. We’re aiming to have sessions that will appeal to journalists working in different media, communications professionals and students. And some fun events thrown in, too.” Panels will cover such topics as reporting on LGBT sports figures to a discussion on who represents the “voice” of the LGBT community in mainstream media. Barry noted that the convention comes at an interesting point in NLGJA’s evolution. Several years ago, the agency had to make deep cuts in its staff, and then brought on a new executive director — which mirrored changes in the media industry. “What we’re seeing with this is that we’re bringing new blood into the organization, both at the national and local level,” Barry said. “This is a really exciting time for us, and it’s really starting to revitalize the Philadelphia chapter, which is amazing. We’re very excited to bring the conference to Philadelphia.” For more information on the NLGJA Philadelphia chapter, visit www.nlgjaphiladelphia.blogspot.com. For convention information, visit www.nlgja.org. ■
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EDITORIAL PGN
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D’Anne Witkowski
American Family Association
Editorial
Pride and conquer For PGN, the week before Pride — specifically Monday through Wednesday — is the single busiest week of the year: That Wednesday is the most intense production day of the year. For this year’s issue, PGN covers a lot of ground. We have a piece looking back on the 30-year AIDS epidemic by Victoria A. Brownworth, who reported on HIV/AIDS for PGN in the early years. We have an installment of our recently started column, Millennial Poz, looking at HIV/AIDS from the perspective of a newly poz gay man in his 20s. We interviewed Chaz Bono, who was in town last week for the 10th annual Trans Health Conference. We spoke to Aisha Tyler, this year’s Pride headliner. We spoke to numerous folks in the arts and entertainment industry — musicians, singers, playwrights, photographers and drag queens. We talked to community members about LGBT representation in film. We cover summer events, the debut of a new gay theater company and allies working on behalf of LGBT issues. We mark the deaths of community members with obituaries. And cover pro- and antigay politicians, legislation and lawsuits. We cover fundraisers, conventions and parties. For PGN, this is our bread and butter. While the Pride issue allows us to include more articles, that’s a list what we cover, week after week. We may not cover each of our reader demographics in every issue, but we try to listen to readers who note an oversight in our coverage and to suggestions on new ideas and what we could do better. As a communications tool for the queer community — a medium — we try to think about what is important to the community at large, and to us personally. Sometimes they intersect, sometimes they don’t. We try to strike a balance between politics and entertainment, between what affects the community and its members and what we do in our leisure time. (Sometimes they intersect, sometimes they don’t.) During Gay Pride Month, it can feel like everybody flies the rainbow flag. While it sometimes feels like everybody is jumping on the Pride bandwagon, that’s not necessarily bad. The more folks come out, the more allies give support, the more companies who participate in Pride events, the more media outlets that cover LGBT issues and people, the greater the visibility of the community. And that’s what the LGBT community needs. Visibility, being open and out, is what gains us allies. When people know us for who and what we are — whatever that may be — they are more likely to support us. This Pride weekend, remember that we have only made progress by being out. Celebrate who you are and make it easier for the next generation. ■
Well, it’s June, which means it’s officially Gay Pride Month. And I do mean official. President Obama declared it himself, which I think is a pretty important endorsement. Not only is June time to come out of the closet, it’s time to haul out all of your rainbow paraphernalia. Hang that flag from your porch. Slap that colorful cowboy decal on your window. Bust out the “I’m not gay but my boyfriend is” T-shirt or the one that says “Chapstick lesbian.” Put that rainbow dog collar on your beagle and walk him on his rainbow leash. If you’re really serious, pin a pink triangle to your lapel. The goal is to make yourself as conspicuous as possible so that you can lure children and young adults over to the gay dark side. All under the guise of showing your pride. Needless to say, antigay groups like the American Family Association are none too pleased with June being Pride Month, and they’re especially pissed about Obama’s official declaration (though he’s not the first president to have done so). Because to the AFA, LGBT Americans are nothing more than orgy-seeking sex addicts and are therefore not deserving of any civil rights, let alone Obama’s Pride Proclamation. And no wonder they’re pissed. Just look at how the proclamation begins: “The story of America’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of making our country a more perfect Union.” My gosh, the way Obama talks about it, it’s as if he’d been talking about real people who actually contribute something to the country. Imagine that. Obama continues, “It is a story about the struggle to realize the great American promise that all people can live with dignity and fairness under the law. Each June, we commemorate the courageous individuals who have fought to achieve this promise for LGBT Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.” This, of course, is not something the AFA will let stand.
Enter the AFA’s Ed Vitagliano and Buster Wilson to set the record straight. Instead of “normalizing” homosexuality, something they claim Obama is doing, they believe it’s important to keep marginalizing it as much as possible. Keeps gay people self-hating and meek. Vitagliano explained what’s at stake in a world where gay people are treated like fellow citizens deserving of rights: “We’re talking about a return to pagan sexuality, a pagan view of sexuality that says that it doesn’t matter with whom you have sex and that God’s laws do not apply to us and there are no absolutes when it comes to sex.” Wow. Does this guy know every gay person here or what? With how sex-crazed they are, it was only a matter of time before someone figured out the Big Gay Pagans plan. Coming soon to a neighborhood near you. Wilson then mentions the 30th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic, which Obama also mentions in his proclamation, and says he doesn’t want to be criticized for saying that AIDS is a gay disease right before saying essentially that very thing. Vitagliano concurs and says that AIDS is a result of “the abuse of the body and the flouting of God’s laws about human sexuality.” They also piss on marriage equality and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and say that America’s decreasing discrimination against and oppression of homosexuals is evidence that the country is turning its back on God. But don’t get them wrong. “We don’t support discrimination against anyone. We don’t want anyone harmed or bullied,” Wilson says. “God loves everyone.” That’s right. The AFA, which calls itself “The Culture War Machine,” means gays no harm. They just think gays are AIDS-infected sex addicts out to destroy the military, marriage and God. And it’s not discrimination if God is telling them to do it. ■
To the AFA, LGBT Americans are nothing more than orgyseeking sex addicts and are therefore not deserving of any civil rights, let alone Obama’s Pride Proclamation.
D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.
OP-ED PGN
Silly queer, Pride is for those with gay pride Last week, I posted a question on my become global. In many countries, gayFacebook page: “A week from this Sunday pride celebrations are the only time gays try to assemble. Sometimes is Gay Pride in Philly. Are you ready?” they go to jail. In Poland and It was a simple question. I Hungary, it takes 2,000 police to had no idea of the reaction or protect the marchers from protesters. In Budapest, the police comments it would receive. erect an 8-foot chain fence the Some 50 comments later, I entire length of the parade to was left with mixed emotions, hence the title of this column. protect the marchers. And in A little LGBT history lesson Moscow, the mayor refuses to is in order to put this in pergive them a permit; when they dare march, there is no protecspective. The first Gay Pride tion and they are beaten and march was in New York City on jailed. For those marchers, it is June 28, 1970. We organized that march to commemorate not only a march of pride, it is a The Stonewall Riots, which march of defiance. took place the year before. That Many of us from the original represented to us that we could march might be unhappy with Mark Segal the way some of the marches fight back against oppression and that we were proud of our have lost their roots, but we still community and, to prove that, we marched understand the need for those marches. It’s across the city from Christopher Street to all about that one person feeling a sense Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. We had no of pride in his/herself for the first time and idea if anyone would show up. Thousands pride in their community. did. As for me and the others from those early years, we continue to communicate. At about 23rd Street, I climbed a pole and I still could see marchers coming out We have an email group that has taken on of Christopher Street — some 15 blocks the air of a Gay Liberation Front meetaway. The chills that went down my spine ing. Each time there’s one in my inbox, — I felt them again when we entered it brings a smile to my face. We’ll most Sheep Meadow and the people just kept likely debate almost any item in our community, but one thing we have given the coming — were my strongest-ever feeling of pride. world and have ourselves is pride. To all of Now, think of your first gay-pride march you, I wish you happy Gay Pride! ■ or parade. I bet you to had a similar experience — a feeling that you were not alone Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the and a sense of community. That is what nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at gay pride is all about. mark@epgn.com. That simple sense of pride has now
Mark My Words
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Street Talk Will a Philadelphia professional sports team make an "It Gets Better" video? “If any team would, it would be the Phillies. They seem very connected to their fan base. It would be a great way for the Shelby Feldman Phillies to give nanny back to their Fairmount fans, who’ve been so supportive of the team in the past.”
“Yes. Why not? It’s the right thing to do. Usually, groups of people do what’s right. Sports teams are David Krevitz role models. scrap dealer They’re role Washington Square models for West everyone. They can’t pick and choose who they want to be role models for.”
“Definitely not the Eagles. They’re not concerned about public opinion, as shown by their hiring of Michael Vick. I don’t see them as advocates for social issues.”
“There’s a better-than50-percent chance the Phillies will. And a 30percent chance the Flyers and Michael Reed Eagles will. law student The Phillies Fitler Square are more aware of their impact on the community. They’re more likely to get behind the movement and make a video.”
Alejandro Morales performer Fishtown
Letters and Feedback In response to “Homelessness bill draws opposition,” June 3-9: My thought on this bill: It stinks! It would force transwomen into men’s shelters and transmen into women’s shelters. Don’t think the Fair Practices Ordinance will help at all; between the simple fact that shelter discrimination often happens after hours, it’s a dire need in some situations, and police aren’t enlightened on gender issues, a homeless transperson cannot just magically conjure up the Philly Human Relations Commission when, late at night, that shelter says no! — JordanGwendolynDavis In response to “Go out and play,” June 3-9: What wonderful coverage of the many
ways to show off our community’s sporty side! Thanks for spotlighting the many fabulous teams, leagues and athletic organizations Philly has to offer — and for capturing some of those exciting, sporty moments in photos! — Sam Korn Agreed. It is refreshing to read a story that focuses on so many diverse people in our community instead of another read about some gay or lesbian somebody hitting town for some show or in some band. Thanks. — Will Turner Yay! What a great way to promote the gay sports scene in Philadelphia. Thanks for putting it all in one place for us. Very cool. Good job! — Mike Brunner
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Gay Community Night @ Phillies is Aug. 26, not July 26 as article states. — Phan [Editor’s note: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It has been corrected.] In response to “CLASSIC COLORS,” June 3-9: Hey, Robert! No matter what color you wear, you are still pretty in pink. Hope you have a fab weekend. As for myself, I will be assuming the position alongside the pool. — Rick Vitale
Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437. Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.
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Obituary
Stephen Gallagher, genetic analyst, 31 By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com University of Pennsylvania genetic analyst Stephen Gallagher, an active member of the local LGBT community, died May 27 of acute heart failure. He was 31. Gallagher worked as a senior programmer in the department of biostatistics and epidemiology in the Center for Genetics and Complex Traits at the Penn Medical Center. A native of Wilmington, Del., Gallagher grew up in Ephrata and moved to Philadelphia about 10 years ago. He worked at Penn since 2003 in a position that allowed him to utilize computer science to study the genetics of cancer. “He has always been fascinated with science and understanding and learning,” said his brother, Michael Gallagher. “When Steve was 13, he wrote a textbook called ‘Algebra Made Easy for Eighth-Graders.’ He was always drawn to the challenge of finding potential solutions for life’s problems, and he wanted to be a part of those solutions.” Michael noted that his brother didn’t graduate from college but taught himself the complex topics he studied in his career, publishing numerous scholarly works in top cancer journals. “When he was 16, he was teaching professors at Millersville University quantum and chaos theory that he taught himself,” he said. “He created opportunities for himself to apply his creativity and passion and intel-
lect to make a difference.” That intellect stayed with him outside of the working environment, as he could often be seen reading books on cancer therapies during leisure time at the park or at bars. “He was the type of person who could simultaneously read five books and keep up a conversation,” joked friend Rico Konrad. His sketchbook also frequently accompanied him on his nights out, as he would relax at a bar and put pencil to paper to capture his surroundings. Konrad said sketching was another of Gallagher’s many self-taught skills. “He never sketched before, and one of his friends said why don’t you start, so he just started and then didn’t stop until the cows came home,” he said. “At the end when he passed, he had hundreds of sketches.” Michael Gallagher said that when his brother was just 6 or 7, he taught himself how to fly-fish, a hobby he perfected over the years. He was a sports enthusiast, trying his hand at everything from bowling to swimming to golf, and was a member of the City of Brotherly Love Softball League. Gallagher’s friend Giovanni Buscetta said he was also talented at the billiards table, joking he was somewhat of a “poolshark.” Buscetta said Gallagher’s character strengths were just as vast as his interests. “He was a very sweet and endearing person and very honest. He was friendly and would talk to just about anyone. And he was a forgiving person and was very patient, a good teacher.”
Gallagher said the lessons his brother taught those in his life are invaluable. “He died from complications of an enlarged heart, and that’s really ironic because that’s how he lived. Everything was enlarged — he had an enlarged sense of love, an enlarged spirit, an enlarged heart that he shared with everyone.” Stephen Gallagher was in hospice care before his death, and Konrad said he maintained his positive attitude until the end. “The day he passed, he had some energy in the morning and sat up and we all expected this big speech and he just said, ‘Happy Thursday, everybody.’ And it was actually Friday and we told him, and he just said, ‘OK, that’s fine,’ and laid back down. He was so full of energy and just lived this different reality from the rest of us. If something didn’t fit into his framework, he just adjusted the framework. Nothing could stop him.” One of Gallagher’s favorite quotes that he shared on his Facebook page came from Mark Twain and exemplified how he sought to live: “Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that makes you smile.” Despite all of his attributes, Gallagher was known for his frequent encounters with
the Philadelphia Parking Authority; at his service last week, guests all received a copy of a parking ticket as a humorous tribute to his penchant for collecting PPA violations. His brother Michael noted that, even after his passing, his car has continued to acquire tickets. In addition to Michael, Gallagher is survived by parents Michael and Joann, sisters Theresa and Kelly, grandparents Guido and Freda, a large circle of friends and his dogs Frejya, Penelope and Hagl. Services were held June 3, and Gallagher was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ephrata. Memorial contributions can be made in Gallagher’s name to the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. ■
Are you a community leader? Mark Mitchell, board president, Delaware Valley Legacy Fund Amber Hikes, co-founder, Stimulus Drew Becher, president, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Alison Lin, co-founder, HotPot! Zane Booker, founder and artistic director, Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative Wayne Knaub, commissioner, Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League
These people made the grade and were covered in PGN’s “Professional Portraits” column by Suzi Nash. Every week, Suzi talks to people making a difference in Philadelphia. Has she talked to you yet?
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Obituary
Gary Dennis Mammucari, singer, 53 By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Gary Dennis Mammucari, a sales representative and talented singer, died May 31. He was 53. The cause of death is unknown, although Mammucari had struggled with diabetes and other conditions. Born in South Philadelphia, Mammucari moved to Sicklerville as a young child and lived there until his death. For the past 22 years, he worked as a sales representative for Pitney Bowes, a manufacturer of shipping products. He also owned his own forklift-safety training company. In the 1980s, Mammucari worked for a time as a police officer in Gibbsboro, N.J., and later owned his own pizza shop at Moore’s Inlet in Wildwood. His true passion, however, was in the performing arts. “He just loved being able to express himself through singing,” said Clifford Hritz,
M a m m u c a r i ’s b e s t friend. Mammucari, known on stage just as Gary Dennis, shared his musical talents throughout the region, specializing in ’40s hits by singers such as Frank Sinatra and Al Jolson. A member of the South Jersey String Band, Mammucari was a frequent entertainer on the Wildwood boardwalk alongside performers Cozy Morley and Mike Gallo. “He was really good and made a good buck out of it,” Hritz said. “He did a lot of shows in Atlantic City and throughout the shore areas.” Members of Mammucari’s former band came to his service last week, which Hritz
said was a fitting tribute to the lifelong musician. Outside the musical world, Hritz said, Mammucari was very devoted to his dogs, Baxter and Jack, in addition to his large family. “Those were really the things most important to him — his music, his dogs and his family, that’s what mattered,” Hritz said. Hritz noted that Mammucari’s diabetes took a toll on him, and several years ago he had to have part of his leg amputated and was fitted with a prosthetic. Despite his medical challenges, Hritz said, his friend never lost touch with his
Philadelphia Gay News
showmanship. “He was always telling a joke, always making you laugh. And he was always laughing,” he said. “In between his songs at his shows, he would do comedy. He always had a smile on his face.” Hritz spent Memorial Day with Mammucari in Atlantic City and said his friend was in good spirits on one of his last days. “It was very sudden,” he said. “During the day, he was great. The whole ride home we spent singing the songs he had on. We had a really good time.” Mammucari was preceded in death by his parents, Othello and Connie, and is survived by sisters Pat and her husband Peter Temean and Carol and husband Steven Magowan, along with his godchildren Wendy Sheetz and Joey Redden, his many friends and his pets. He was buried June 4. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Orphanage, 419 Cooper Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043. ■
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‘Transition’ brings Chaz Bono to Philly By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Pa r t i c i p a n t s a t t h e 1 0 t h a n n u a l Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference took a break from workshops last week to hear author and activist Chaz Bono detail the struggles and triumphs he faced in his verypublic transition. Bono was in town to read from and sign copies of his new book, “Transition,” last Friday, which flew from the table to the hands of the PTHC guests. In an interview with PGN, Bono said the warm reception he received in Philly mirrored the reaction he and his book have been receiving throughout the nation. “Transition” explores Bono’s journey of self-acceptance that led him to his public disclosure two years ago that he was transitioning to become a man. While writing the book was empowering, Bono said, it was also painful. “Going over it all again with a magnifying glass and dissecting it turned out to be much more difficult than I anticipated,” he said. “Once I was into my transition and after my top surgery, I started to feel really good, so it didn’t really strike me until I started writing how difficult my life had been up to that point. So to have to go back all the way to the beginning and look at everything was really a difficult process,
but I’m glad I did it.” The former Chastity Bono, child of famed gay icon Cher and the late entertainer-turned-politician Sonny Bono, came out as a lesbian in the 1990s. In 2008, Bono began the transition from female to male, a process that was made public a year later — a disclosure Bono said was more challenging to face than when he came out the previous decade. “It was a lot harder because this is something that took a lot more time to come to terms with personally,” he said. “Growing up, I was lucky that I had a lot of positive gay and lesbian role models in my life, and I knew what it means to gay and it didn’t scare me in the same way. But with this, it was really scary. I was afraid of rejection on every level if people found out and if this was made public. So it was almost a 10year process for me of overcoming those obstacles that I had put up for myself in order to really be me.” Since his transition became public, Bono has become a very visible face of the transgender community. Last month, the Oprah Winfrey Network debuted the documentary “Becoming Chaz,” following Bono’s transition through his day-to-day life. He said it was challenging to relinquish control of his story to the filmmakers and allow them to craft and edit the work, but
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added he was very impressed with the finished product. Since entering the spotlight as a transgender man, Bono said he’s learned that his fears of rejection were largely unfounded. “Everything I get is for the most part, about 99 percent, positive. I know I could probably go on a blog and find people saying horrible things about me, but that’s not what I care about,” he said. “What’s been rewarding is that I feel like I’m really helping people. CHAZ BONO AND LONGTIME GIRLFRIEND JEN ELIA Since the documentary aired “I don’t know why that bill has seemed to and with the press I’ve done for the book recently, I’ve had so many peo- be put on the back burner lately when it’s ple coming up to me and actually giving me the one bill that, if it becomes law, will help tangible experiences of how my story has every single person in our community. It’s helped to change their lives for the better, been very frustrating to see that happen.” The overarching issue of transphobia is and that means a lot.” While he said he’s eager to offer hope beginning to come into the realm of the to trans people with his story, he acknowl- American consciousness, Bono said, addedged that the transgender community still ing much more progress is needed. “I think it’s starting to happen, but it’s a has myriad challenges to grapple with, such as name-change laws, health-insurance slow process. That’s been the thing I feel exclusion and the stall of the Employment like I can try to contribute to the most, as far as being out there and being public and Non-Discrimination Act. “Getting ENDA passed with trans talking about the most basic issues of what included is the most important first step for it means to be transgender. And that’s what us and for the whole community,” he said. I’ve tried to do with all of my work.” ■
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Sun, surf, gays at Sand Blast 10th anniversary By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A decade ago, a handful of LGBT residents in Asbury Park, N.J., opened their homes to friends throughout the region for a weekend that sought to showcase the LGBT potential abounding in the shore town. This year, up to 5,000 gays and lesbians are expected to head to the event in a town now saturated in LGBT culture. Sand Blast Weekend, July 20-24, will feature parties, socials, entertainment and activities that will bring together guests from around the region to take in the sights and sounds of historic Asbury Park. When the weekend got its start 10 years ago, the town was just a shadow of what it used to be — and what it is today — said organizer Brad Hurtado. “Back then it was really a faded ghosttown, when it used to be this glamorous, fantastic beach community,” Hurtado said. “Up and down the Jersey shore, there are these adorable beach towns one after the other and then you got to Asbury Park and
ASBURY PARK’S SAND BLAST 2009 Photo: David Morgan
it was like, ‘What happened?’ But gays and lesbians usually aren’t afraid of going into a bad neighborhood and making it their own, and when we found this, we wanted to show other people what we imagined for Asbury Park and hopefully they’d be as turned on to it as we were.” The first Sand Blast, then dubbed “Road Trip,” focused on one event, a performance by Cyndi Lauper. There were no hotels or bed-and-breakfasts in the area at the time, so guests largely bunked in the spare bedrooms of the town’s LGBT homeowners. The following year, organizers incorporated real-estate tours, and as the tradition grew each year, activities extended to include trolley tours, comedy shows and beach parties. In the past decade, Hurtado said the town has seen an impressive influx of LGBTs purchasing and renovating Victorian cottages and mansions. “Realtors’ phones started ringing off the hook, and you could see the Range Rovers slowly driving down the street with a group of gay guys sticking their heads out to look
at the houses,” he said. “We knew we had something. We knew we had this jewel that needed some polishing and the gay community embraced that.” Hurtado estimated that Asbury Park is now home to about 500 LGBT households, and the town now has a gay mayor, gay city councilmembers and more than a dozen LGBT-owned businesses, in addition to numerous gay-focused and gay-friendly clubs and hotels. The development of the event mirrored the LGBT rejuvenation of Asbury Park — with the 2011 festivities, renamed Sand Blast this year after the weekend’s popular beach party, now featuring a dozen ticketed events and the largest crowd yet expected. The parties will stretch from one end of the weekend to the other — from the kickoff “Lost at Sea” party Friday night at Convention Hall, featuring three open-air balconies overlooking the beach, to the daylong beach party on Saturday to the closing pool party and tea dance on Sunday at the Berkley Hotel. Hurtado said organizers this year placed an increased emphasis on women’s activities, with a number of new female-focused offerings, like an opening karaoke party at Georgie’s Bar July 20, a women’s pool party July 23 at Hotel Tides with a performance by musician Christine Martucci and a women’s jazz brunch July 24. Between all the parties, there’s a wealth of other activities for guests, such as the Asbury Park Volleyball Beach Open July 22, the Asbury Park Art Crawl July 23 and ReVision Theater Company’s production of “Xanadu.” Hurtado said Sand Blast guests typically hail from throughout the region. The event originally drew a large contingent from New York but in the past several years has gained traction throughout the Garden State and the Philadelphia area, and this year organizers have also focused on Baltimore and Washington, D.C. With so many people converging on the small beach town, hotels typically sell out quickly, but guests can stay at the nearby Ocean Grove bed-and-breakfasts. No matter where guests stay, Hurtado said Sand Blast will provide ample opportunities for LGBTs to get to know community members from the region and revel in the success of their influence on Asbury Park. “This is a classic Jersey shore getaway — you can hang out on the beach, take swanboat rides on the lake, ride a tandem bike with your friends and hit the parties. We want people to grab their friends, make a beeline for the shore and come celebrate the gay community that’s taken this town and helped it rise from the ashes.” For more information on Sand Blast or to purchase tickets, visit www.sandblastweekend.com. ■
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GLBT Catholics, Our Friends and Allies
HAPPY PRIDE After the parade, visit our table at Penn’s Landing
Come to Mass Pride Night at 7:00 p.m.
at St. Luke & The Epiphany Church 330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine Streets, Philadelphia, PA Social after mass. Communion in the form of Consecrated bread, wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion available upon request.
www.dignityphila.org
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First Ba p t ist Ch u rch SERVICES: Wednesdays Noon time Sundays 11a.m.
Rev. Dr. Peter C. Wool 17TH & SANSOM STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 215.563.3853
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615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah @rodephshalom.org Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions
www.fbcphila1698.org CONGREGATION BETH atAHAVAH Rodeph Shalom
A GLBT synagogue welcoming people of all gender and sexual identities since 1975
JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM
Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services
Watch this space for our schedule of events and Shabbat services.
Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are affiliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 light, Mt. Vernon St. Beth Ahavah affiliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within Parking lot entrance the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at on left.
both synagogues.
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30 YEARS OF AIDS: The Story of Our Epidemic By Victoria A. Brownworth Special to PGN It began on June 5, 1981, with information released from the Centers for Disease Control about five patients in Los Angeles. On July 3, 1981, a small article by nowveteran New York Times medical reporter Lawrence Altman appeared about a littleknown fungus and equally unknown cancer impacting “homosexuals.” (The appearance of this article was made famous in the film “Longtime Companion,” which dramatized how the word spread throughout the gaymale community as men told each other about the news story.) The fungus was pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, the cancer was Kaposi’s sarcoma, the disease was gay-related immunodeficiency syndrome — GRIDS — and as Altman reported, only 41 men were involved in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Thirty years in, the numbers are staggering: According to the United Nations AIDS report for 2009 (the latest year with statistics), more than 60-million people have been infected worldwide, more than 25-million people have died and, in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, close to 15-million children have been orphaned by the epidemic.
THE BEGINNING In 1983, I began covering AIDS full-time for PGN. Later, I would write about AIDS for The Inquirer, The Village Voice and The Advocate, then become an AIDS columnist for SPIN and an editor at POZ. The expansion of my coverage of the disease corresponded with the breadth of the epidemic: One day it was a small story about a few dozen men; a few years later, it was impacting millions worldwide. But in the beginning, it was our epidemic and it was the queer community that brought attention to the disease, even as we were victimized by it. Without that activism, how many more would have died? In 1983, when I began covering AIDS, it was less than two years since the disease had been designated by the CDC. By then, the name had already been changed to AIDS, because gay men were not the only victims. While the disease was then most prevalent among gay men, it had also been found in intravenous-drug users, bisexual men and women, babies born to women with the disease, hemophiliacs and people from Haiti and Africa. By the end of 1983, 3,064 reportedly had the disease and of those, 1,292 had died. The big question for scientists was: How did people get the disease? What were the common threads that linked gay men to people in Haiti to hemophiliacs to babies? Was this
disease controllable, or was the U.S. and the world on the verge of a pandemic? Pandemic it became. As a reporter for PGN, I had broken the news about transmission among women. I also wrote the first article about pediatric AIDS, reporting from the cribs of babies born to HIV-infected mothers at the
Since the start of HIV/AIDS: • more than 60-million people have been infected worldwide • more than 25-million people have died Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, where those infants had been abandoned by fearful mothers and left in the care of the state to languish and, soon, die. AIDS was already taking its toll on empathy as well as logic. An epidemic had been born and no one was immune. The gay-male community was hardest hit and, as a consequence,
AIDS became the first public-health crisis to be treated as a lifestyle choice, rather than a brutal and (at the time) fatal disease that was killing young men in their prime. Throughout the 1980s, the majority of deaths from AIDS were men in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The CDC estimated that one in 200 men was infected with the disease by the end of the 1980s. Between 1983-84, the numbers had increased exponentially: More than 20,000 cases had been reported and, of those, more than a third had been fatal. But by 1984, scientific breakthroughs in both the U.S. and France discovered the cause of the disease — a retro virus named HIV by its discoverers, Dr. Robert Gallo of the National Institutes of Health and Dr. Luc Montaigner of the Pasteur Institute in France. With a cause, it was hoped, could come a treatment, a cure and, most importantly, prevention. In 1985, the ELISA (enzymelinked immunosorbant assay) test was developed, which meant that people could be tested who were in the now-established high-risk categories: gay and bisexual men, IV-drug users, prostitutes, hemophiliacs and people from Haiti. In the early to mid-1980s, America’s big cities became focal points for both the disease and a burgeoning activism to combat the concomitant AIDS-phobia and
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homophobia that raged as the disease spread outside the gay community. Politicians and even some scientists suggested the same kind of quarantines for those with AIDS as had been used for people with tuberculosis in the early 1900s. The CDC attempted to control the hysteria with clear-cut guidelines regarding transmission, because it was already apparent that, unlike TB, which could be spread by coughing and sneezing, HIV could only be spread by infection with bodily fluids, most notably blood and sexual secretions. But there hadn’t been a publichealth fear of this magnitude since the TB pandemic. And fear overrode sense. AIDS was tagged as a “lifestyle” disease early on, with babies, hemophiliacs and those who acquired the disease through transfusions considered “innocent” victims. Other people with AIDS — gay and bisexual men, prostitutes and IV-drug users — were all considered to have brought the disease on themselves. And regardless of transmission, AIDS was viewed by the general population as a gay disease, which just exacerbated homophobia. “Thirty years ago we were living in a different world,” said Nurit Shein, executive director of Mazzoni Center. “When it first appeared, this disease was terrifying, mysterious and mercilessly quick. Our predecessors at PCHA [as Mazzoni Center was known at the time] were not only battling a public-health crisis but were further handicapped by a society that, by and large, refused to recognize gay men, who at that time were the primary victims.” Men with visible signs of the disease, such as Kaposi’s lesions and wasting, were publicly reviled. Well-known people with the disease hid it even after their deaths. In Philadelphia, a City Councilman, a state legislator, an Inquirer reporter and a highfashion model all died of the disease, but their obituaries listed “pneumonia” as the cause of death. Otherwise healthy people in their 20s and 30s did not die of pneumonia. They died of AIDS. The gay community itself was not immune to this hysteria. The late gay journalist
Randy Shilts, author of the definitive chronicle of the AIDS epidemic, “And the Band Played On,” became famous as the reporter who closed the San Francisco bathhouses. AIDS activists asserted that Shilts, who died of AIDS himself in 1994, had placed the blame for the spread of the epidemic on unsafe-sex practices in the bathhouses and other venues. But Shilts maintained he was just naming the truth: Unsafe sex was killing gay men. The death of actor Rock Hudson opened the AIDS closet. When Hudson announced his diagnosis from a Paris hospital in February 1985, there was worldwide shock. Hudson hadn’t been the only personality with the disease, but he was the first to declare it. When Hudson died in October of that year, AIDS was officially out of the closet. Even then-President Ronald Reagan, a longtime friend of Hudson, was forced to actually say the word “AIDS,” which many AIDS activists had demanded he say outside the White House. While the emotional furor over AIDS was ravaging the country and children like young hemophiliac Ryan White were being banned from classrooms, public pools and sports, the scientific community was desperately trying to find a cure for the disease or, at the very least, a means for prevention. TURNING POINT Prevention was what everyone wanted — and still wants. But 30 years in, no AIDS vaccine exists. I was one of many reporters who traveled all over the country throughout the early years of the AIDS epidemic reporting on this or that “new” and “promising” vaccine. The most defining moment in the war against AIDS, however, came at a press conference in 1987, when Dr. Samuel Broder, director of the National Cancer Institute, announced a new drug had shown real possibilities in clinical trials — AZT. After the press conference, Broder explained how he thought it would revolutionize AIDS care — it was the only drug that had shown promise in treating HIV.
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Broder was right. Three decades and countless drug trials later, AZT remains the standard for treatment of HIV/AIDS worldwide. Prenatal treatment with AZT can stop transmission of HIV from mother to child in most cases and has, combined with other drugs, made HIV a disease most people can live with, as opposed to the death sentence it was in the 1980s. While AZT was not and is not a cure for HIV/AIDS, it does slow the progression of the disease in a majority of people with HIV, which has, in combination with immunomodulators developed after AZT, virtually eliminated the progression into full-blown AIDS that was common in the 1980s and ’90s and resulted in so many deaths. At the time, Broder noted that AZT had been developed as a cancer drug at NCI, and that NIH was one of the most vital parts of the U.S. government, specifically because it allowed scientists to address disease in a way that pharmaceutical companies could not and often would not. Broder noted then that NCI was “the only group at the NIH that actually had become a ‘pharmaceutical company’ working for the public in difficult
areas where the private sector either could not or would not make a commitment.” Broder explained that NCI was investigating AZT and other agents for treating AIDS when no one else was doing the same work. Broder also asserted, “AZT laid the foundation for almost every other product because the failure of AZT would have had very dramatic effects” on future drug research and, as a consequence, on the continuing escalation of the epidemic. From that first article to when the Food and Drug Administration approved AZT in October 1987, the number of deaths from AIDS had gone from dozens to thousands. Those deaths brought gay men out of the closets and into the streets in a fury of outrage, grief and fear. How could gay men save themselves and each other? How many would have to die before President Reagan would respond to the AIDS crisis? The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power — ACT UP — was formed in 1987 as a response to what some activists were beginning to consider a genocide of gay men. Gay playwright Larry Kramer formed ACT
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UP with one query at a meeting in New York City: “Do we want to start a new organization devoted to political action?” Several days later, a meeting of 200 gay men began the in-your-face activism that would target politicians, the FDA, scientists and public-health officials — as well as gay community leaders who Kramer and ACT UP felt weren’t doing enough to save lives, like Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York. The turbulence of the ’80s and early ’90s led, inevitably, to a certain complacency as the number of new cases began to level off as a consequence of both activism and the drug cocktails to combat the disease. By the mid-’90s, AIDS had been declared “over” by conservative gay journalist Andrew Sullivan in no less than The New York Times magazine and Larry Kramer posted his T-cell count in every issue of POZ magazine. AIDS had become a disease primarily of people of color in the U.S. and of heterosexuals in developing countries, most notably throughout sub-Saharan Africa and the former Soviet bloc. But as the century drew to a close, barebacking and “sharing the gift” became dangerous games among some gay men as people tired of safe sex and what some younger men considered the pontificating of those who survived the first wave of the epidemic, like Kramer. Many AIDS workers cite the prevalence of crystal meth parties as a gateway to new cases. NOW As Greg Herren of New Orleans’ NO/
AIDS agency, who does testing in the city’s gay hot spots and party circuit, told PGN, “Thirty years in, I am amazed at the misinformation that’s still out there, and equally stunned that no one’s come up with an effective way to counteract the power of the sex drive and the mentality of, ‘I don’t have a condom, but just this once won’t hurt.’” Thirty years in, AIDS could have been nothing but a bad memory. It isn’t. AIDS is pandemic throughout Africa and Asia for all the reasons it became pandemic within the gay community in the ’80s. Just last week, African AIDS activists accused the U.S. of dragging its feet in providing AIDS drugs for the poverty stricken worldwide, because AIDS is now more of a business in the West than anything else. The AIDS cocktail of drugs is expensive and, with so many people living with AIDS worldwide, provides regular revenue for pharmaceutical companies and stockholders. But the peril of AIDS as a lethal disease is not gone. According to the CDC, new cases of HIV are once again on the rise among gay and bisexual men and heterosexual women between ages 15-35. AIDS also remains the leading cause of death among African-American men between ages 15-40 and among all women 35 and under. More alarming still, for a generation of people who survived the first epidemic, new HIV infections are on the rise among people 50 and over — a storyline addressing just this reality had been playing out on ABC’s drama “Brothers & Sisters,” as a gay male member of the familial clan portrayed in the
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
show deals with discovering his HIV-positive status in his 60s. (The show is now cancelled.) Mazzoni Center’s Shein also noted the evolution of the epidemic, now a global pandemic. “While the history of HIV/AIDS is inexorably tied to our community, today it is viewed as a global health crisis, and the ongoing work of prevention and treatment has brought us into partnership with people from all areas and all walks of life,” she said. “So much more is known about the disease, how to prevent it, how to treat it, and how to live with it. Today the major battles are less about the disease itself and more about providing access to care and treatment.” Longtime AIDS activist and CEO of GMHC, Marjorie Hill said recently, “In my early days as a board member [at GMHC] and earlier, there was a great deal of concern, worry and angst about HIV that has settled into this kind of benign complacency.” STILL FIGHTING And yet, with AIDS still a leading killer in the U.S., how can we afford complacency? Journalists are supposed to keep themselves out of the story, but AIDS was my beat for years — at PGN, The Advocate, SPIN and POZ. And having watched the dying over decades, it’s impossible to remain impartial. Some memories are too vivid: the poor blacks in tiny Belle Glade, Fla., who were dealing with a monumental outbreak of AIDS that was killing them all off. The babies at Montefiore with their too-big eyes
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and their weak smiles and violent cries. The people with AIDS at a housing project in Philadelphia whose Kaposi’s lesions were aggravated by the bites of roaches and mice that had overrun their house. The homeless gay man living in the Broad Street subway who I interviewed every day for a week and fed every day for a month until he just disappeared — but whom I have never forgotten. Cleve Jones, who led me into a little back room in San Francisco where the first panels of the AIDS quilt were being made at the Names Project and I burst into tears, all objectivity gone, as I looked at them and saw all those lives with nothing left but a patch of cloth to mark their passing. Thirty years and the dying has seemed to have all but stopped here in America. But in Africa and Asia it rages on. In South Africa, men rape baby girls because they have been told it will cure their disease. In Bangkok and Mumbai, girls as young as 5 are sold in brothels as “AIDS-free.” In Zimbabwe the president insists AIDS doesn’t exist. AIDS is not over. And 30 years in, we risk catastrophe if we think we can afford nights without safe sex and days without clean needles and life without passing on the torches of education and activism. Those of us who were on the front lines know what happened. Some of us are fortunate enough to be alive to be the purveyors of a cautionary tale: Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. AIDS was our epidemic. We must do everything we can to be sure it never becomes our epidemic again. ■
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New gay theater co. launches By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The curtain will rise next week on a local gay-owned theater company’s inaugural production. WAG Theater Company will stage its first show, “All in the Timing,” starting June 16 at Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St. WAG is the brainchild of openly gay actor and director Brian Sell, who started the company earlier this year. A graduate of DeSales University with a degree in theater, Sell said he’s long had the aspiration to own a theater company and, after going through the paperwork needed to stage “All in the Timing” at Shubin, decided to take his efforts one step further and form his own organization. As it gets off the ground, WAG will likely stage two performances per year, along with a cabaret-style show, Sell said, and will tap into the city’s many theater venues. “Part of our mission and purpose is to utilize as many theaters as we can in the Philadelphia area,” he said. “Different shows are best in different spaces and each space has its own atmosphere, so we definitely want to branch out and work with many theaters, along with the Shubin.” Sell said that while his company, like many others in the city, will seek to offer opportunities and exposure to actors and
technicians throughout the region, it will do so through productions that have a decidedly different feel. “It seems like a lot of the theater companies around Philadelphia are either going very artsy or very commercial, and we’re not seeing much that’s in between,” he said. “There’s a lot of good work out there that isn’t completely off the wall or isn’t just what companies think audiences want or expect. So we’re going for something in between — shows that makes people think but that they can also enjoy at the same time.” “All in the Timing” is well-situated in that category, Sell said. The collection of six one-act comedies by David Ives examines the humorous role of communication in society. “I’ve always loved David Ives; his language and comic timing is just impeccable in his shows,” Sell said. “And it’s one of those shows that does get you thinking, but it also makes you laugh at the same time.” As WAG develops, Sell said he plans to pursue productions with LGBT themes, such as “Dog Sees God,” which explores teenage sexuality. For more information or to purchase tickets to “All in the Timing,” which range from $10-$20, visit www.theatrealliance.org. A reduced-price preview performance will be held at 8 p.m. June 11, with the show running June 16-18 and 23-25. ■
LGBTs to float down Delaware By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The Delaware River will turn rainbow Fourth of July weekend for the secondannual Gay Pride Flotilla. Last year’s inaugural event, created by Delaware River Tubing, drew about 300 guests who donned inner tubes and hit the river. The number of tubers is expected to grow for the second incarnation. Company president Greg Crance, also known as the “Hot Dog Man” for the lunchspot he operates in the water along the tubing route, said the idea was sparked after one of his sons came out to him. “After he told us, he was angry — not because he was gay, he was angry he couldn’t show affection in public like everyone else can,” Crance said. “So we wanted to do this to bring the issue up and show it’s completely normal and OK to be gay. We want gay people to know that they’re supported and accepted.” The scenic tubing route will take participants on a leisurely 6-mile stretch that originates in Frenchtown, N.J., and extends between New Hope and historic Lambertville, N.J. The water is typically between 2- and 4-feet deep. The trip lasts between three and four hours and includes a lunch stop at the Hot Dog Man stand, where guests can enjoy hot dogs, burgers and snacks, included in the
price of the trip, at picnic tables in the river. Other menu options are also available. When guests get to the island for lunch, they can participate in, or just enjoy as a spectator, a swimsuit contest. The competition is new to the Flotilla lineup this year, and Crance said volunteers from the community are welcome to lend a hand in organizing the event. “Number one, we want people to have fun,” he said. “And I think it’s good for people to feel part of a community, a group. They’ll be able to have a really relaxing, fun time floating down the river, taking in all the great scenery.” The tubing trip costs $32 per person, lunch included, but Crance said most guests choose to upgrade to the $40 package that allows for tubes that can be connected within a party. The company also offers kayaks, canoes and rafts. As the event becomes an area tradition, Crance said he would hope it could one day stretch even further along the river. “We want to turn this into a festival every year where we can really help to change some of the thinking going on right now about gay issues: This is a community of people just like anyone else,” he said. “Pretty much every family has someone who’s gay in it, and we want the gay community to see how much support and love they have.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.delawarerivertubing.com. ■
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LGBT-themed sweets made with heart By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A homegrown candy business in the area is celebrating Pride month with a new line of treats that honor the traditions of the LGBT community while raising money for its future. Angel Heart Sweets is the brainchild of Angela Cassetta, a self-taught confectionery chef from Langhorne who parlayed her love of sweets into a philanthropic venture last December. Cassetta and several friends who assist with the business take no salary from the company, instead donating the net profits from their sales to charities such as Autism Speaks, in honor of Cassetta’s son, who is autistic, as well as the Susan G. Komen Society, the Humane Society and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The organization’s newest venture is a collection of LGBTthemed products, proceeds from which will be donated to the Trevor Project, a national agency that seeks to stem the tide of LGBT youth suicide. Cassetta said the idea for the initiative was sparked after a longtime friend came out to her and she began to learn more about the struggles LGBT individuals face. “I started to see just how much gay men and women have to go through psychologically and just how hard and painful that process is,” she said. “And I wanted to do whatever I could to help people who are going through this, but I didn’t really know how to do that. So I figured, how about we work to raise money for people who are already doing this work.” Cassetta said the donation usually works out to be about 20 percent of each sale, with the rest of the money going toward the purchase of the ingredients and shipping. Angel Heart currently operates out of Cassetta’s kitchen, but she does have access to commercial kitchens. The business originally started as a hobby and was fueled by word of mouth, as Cassetta started making treats for parties and events. She makes all of her products without the help of machinery and after each individual order is placed. “I make everything by hand, and no two products are alike,” she said. “So I make mistakes all the time, but that’s fine. I don’t make anything perfect, but that’s what makes it unique. It all tastes good, and it makes people happy.” The company’s product line is diverse — with everything from chocolate-covered
organic trail mix to chocolate gummy bears to homemade peanut-butter cups wrapped in white chocolate — and Cassetta said she’s always open to trying her hand at new suggestions from customers. Angel Hearts specializes in “swirly chocolates,” a vibrant combination of colored chocolates crafted into bars and shapes and hand-decorated. The colored chocolates have been a good addition to the new Pride line, Cassetta said. Among the LGBT-themed offerings are such treats as a rainbow-flag chocolate bar, marshmallows dipped in chocolate
Photo: Jen Colletta
representing all the colors of the rainbow, biscotti frosted in rainbow chocolate, lambda chocolates and bride-bride or groom-groom favors. When researching the product line and searching for molds for possible LGBTthemed products, Cassetta said she was surprised that such treats were hard to find. “I saw nothing like this out there, and I really expected to,” she said. “And I don’t think that’s right. For kids with autism, there are a lot of products out there that you can get to show support, but for the gay community I couldn’t find anything, so we’re happy to try and fill that gap.” As the company develops, each charity to which money is donated will get its own page on the business’ website. Cassetta said that, while she’s looking forward to the growth of the company, the fundraising component is tantamount. “If one day we ever get large enough where we don’t have to work regular jobs and can just focus on this, that’d be great, but right now whatever money we make goes to help our causes. That’s more important than anything.” For more information, visit www.angelheartsweets.com. ■
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A NEW JUSTICE SYSTEM: Openly gay Court of Common Pleas Judge Dan Anders
(left) presided over two sessions of Night Court at 6th District headquarters June 3. The new initiative, launched with the collaboration of 6th District Officer Joe Ferrero (from right) and Capt. Brian Korn, brought those accused of misdemeanors in the preceding week before Anders, who is volunteering his time for the court. Defendants who plead guilty will be sentenced to community service that will be carried out directly in the district, which encompasses the Gayborhood. Organizers are still looking for LGBT community organizations to sign up as volunteer sites. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between May 23-29. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — At 7:45 a.m. May 24, complainant discovered that her unlocked 2011 Ford, parked in the 900 block of Clinton Street, had been entered and ransacked; nothing was taken. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, thus police were not dispatched. — At 6:20 p.m. May 27, a male grabbed an iPhone from a table outside Tria, 1137 Spruce St., and ran east on Spruce. Friends of the complainant chased the male and got the phone back, and the male continued to walk east on Manning Street. The offender was described as 5-foot-9, black and in his 20s, with a dark complexion and wearing a white T-shirt. — Between 5:45-6 p.m. May 28, complainant’s unsecured bicycle was stolen from outside 1221 Walnut St. — Between 7:30-8:30 p.m. May 28, complainant’s secured bicycle was stolen from outside 200 S. 12th St.
ARRESTS — At 6 p.m. May 24, 6th District officers arrested a male for a summary offense outside 205 S. 13th St. — At 5:15 p.m. May 25, 6th District Officer Kelly conducted an investigation of a male in the 1200 block of Locust Street, finding he was wanted for a probation violation. The 40-year-old offender with a South Philadelphia address was charged with contempt of court. — At 1:15 p.m. and between 8:45-9:15 p.m. May 25, 6th District plainclothes officers arrested two males and a female for prostitution at 252 S. 13th St and 231 S. 13th St. — At 7:45 p.m. May 26, 6th District officers arrested a male for a summary offense outside 1301 Pine St. — At 8:10 p.m. May 27, 6th District officers arrested a male for a summary offense outside 1200 Locust St. — At 4:30 p.m. May 28, 6th District officers arrested a male for a summary offense outside 1300 Chancellor St. — At 3:25 a.m. May 29, 6th District officers arrested a male for underage drinking in the 1300 block of Locust Street. — At 8:15 p.m. May 29, 6th District Officer Kelly conducted an investigation of a male in the 200 block of South 13th Street and found that he was a fugitive from justice from New Jersey. The 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody to await extradition. ■
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International Pride march held in Romania
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that he was only trying to prevent foreign film crews portraying Jamaica in a negative light. Sadly, such arbitrary action has only reinforced the perception of wanton extrajudicial behavior on the part of our police.”
Gay Ugandan faces U.K. deportation A Ugandan woman seeking asylum in the U.K. after attackers branded her with a hot iron because she is a lesbian is facing deportation. Betty Tibikawa, 22, is currently detained at a removal center in Bedfordshire and is awaiting deportation orders back to Uganda — despite public statements made recently
About 150 people held a gay Pride march last week in Romania, hours after a few dozen antigay activists held a rally condemning homosexuality. There were no clashes or incidents during the June 4 march, which was attended by U.S. Ambassador Mark Gitenstein, British Ambassador Martin Harris and Swedish Ambassador Anders Bengtcen. The participants displayed colorful banners calling for sexual diversity and acceptance. Romania decriminalized homosexuality in 2000 under pressure from the European Union and the U.S. But gays say they QUEENS IN THE HOUSE: Gay men dance in front of the are still discriminated Communist-era House of the People, now Romania’s Parliament building, during the June 4 Gay Pride Parade in against in Romania. Antigay activists say Bucharest, Romania. Before 1989, homosexuality was a they will continue to crime, and it is still not widely accepted in Romania; thus, organize rallies for “nor- many gays avoid disclosing their orientation to avoid discrimimality” for as long as nation. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda gay parades are held. by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg that asylum seekers would not be sent back to countries where they would likely face persecution as the result of their sexual orientation. “I can’t sleep and I’m having terrible A Swedish crew that recently visited Jamaica to make a film about the country’s nightmares about what will happen to me human-rights issues reportedly was attacked if I’m sent back to Uganda,” Tibikawa said. “My family has disowned me because I’m by locals and harassed by police. Jamaican LGBT-rights activist Maurice a lesbian and I’m convinced I’d be killed if Tomlinson said the crew “got a first-hand I’m sent home.” Tibikawa, whose attackers in Uganda had look at our notorious homophobia and branded marks on her inner thighs, said she police excesses.” On May 21, the crew traveled to an inner- was outed in February by a Ugandan magacity community in Kingston to interview zine called Red Pepper. two gay men. The vehicle in which the men and the crew were traveling was set upon by a mob wielding machetes and other weapons, demanding that the gays leave the area. No one was hurt, and the crew managed Reuven Rivlin, speaker for the Knesset to capture the faces of some of their attack- — the legislative branch of the Israeli govers on film. ernment — has angered ultra-conservative “When the crew tried to record some Jewish members of the body over his plans images in downtown Kingston on May to meet with leaders of the gay community 25, a policeman confiscated their equip- in Israel in honor of Gay Pride Month. ment on the grounds that they did not have One Knesset member, Nissim Ze’ev said: a permit,” Tomlinson said. “At the police “I am astonished over the Knesset Speaker’s station, colleagues convinced the confiscat- decision to host so-called gay families. I ing cop to return the crew’s camera equip- can’t understand his motive.” ment. The cop also apologized and advised Ze’ev said the event, which will be Israel’s
Swedish film crew attacked in Jamaica
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third in as many years, was “an insult to the Knesset’s honor, and an insult to Muslims and to traditional Jews who obey mitzvot [commandments].” He also said that giving time and consideration to the country’s LGBT community “encourages the destruction of the family unit” and “reveals the dark side of society.” United Torah Judaism reportedly strongly opposes both the event and Rivlin’s participation. Tel Aviv newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Deputy Education Minister Menahem Eliezer Moses said, “They aren’t people like everyone else.” He added, “In the Torah it says that this is an abomination ... and the Union for Traditional Judaism is a part of it ... giving it patronage and legitimization. It doesn’t make sense. The Knesset speaker represents us — we voted for him. We can’t allow him to participate in the event. I’m shocked.” Rivlin’s office issued a statement saying that the conference has taken place every year for the past three years, and “the Knesset speaker accepts every group and every opinion. Rivlin plans to say a few words to the group, and that is all.”
Lesbian couple dodges French gay-marriage ban Two French women successfully circumvented France’s same-sex marriage ban on June 3 owing to the fact that one half of the couple is still legally classed as a man. Stephanie Nicot, 59, married her 27-yearold partner Elise, in Nancy at the city’s town hall, in what is said to be a unique marriage in France. Stephanie — formerly Stephane — underwent sex-reassignment surgery to become a woman but has refused to submit the documents that French law requires to change her gender on the population register. Nicot said of her marriage: “It’s a symbol for millions of gays and lesbians who would like to have the same rights.” The newly married couple later joined around 2,000 members of the LGBT community for a march through the city. In January, the French constitutional court upheld the country’s gay-marriage ban, stating that it was in keeping with the constitution. The ruling came in response to a bid made by a lesbian couple that has four children. The couple wished to marry after a decade as civil partners. Among European Union countries, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands have all legalized gay marriage.
Thousands attend Athens Gay Pride Thousands of Greeks took to the streets of Athens on June 3 to protest antigay prejudice. Organizers said about 10,000 people took part in the city’s seventh-annual Athens Pride parade — twice as many participants
as last year. “As time passes, more and more people are liberated,” spokesperson Dimitris Tsampouris said, explaining the increase. “Kiss me everywhere,” was the slogan of this year’s colorful Pride parade. “We chose this slogan because the Greek National Council for Radio and Television (an independent supervising authority) repeatedly penalizes stations that show people of the same gender kissing,” Tsampouris said. “You have to fight for your right in a society that rejects it,” said Nikolas Kokkonis, a 19-year-old student chef.
S. African envoy found guilty of hate speech South Africa’s ambassador to Uganda, a country criticized for threatening the rights of gays, has been found guilty of hate speech for an antigay column he wrote before his appointment, the South African Human Rights Commission said May 30. Commission spokesperson Vincent Moaga said a judge ruled that the 2008 newspaper column headlined “Call me names, but gay is NOT OK” by veteran journalist Jon Qwelane promoted hatred. Qwelane was ordered to apologize and pay a fine of 100,000 rand (about $14,000) that the human-rights commission will donate to a gay-rights organization. Qwelane, who was in the Ugandan capital May 30, did not mount a defense in the case filed by the commission. Qwelane did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Moaga said the case sent an important message at a time when a series of rapes and other attacks on lesbians has raised concern about homophobic violence in South Africa. “We are hoping really that this finding will send a message to community members, a message that says gay and lesbian people have an equal right to the protection of their dignity and rights,” Moaga said. Moaga said his commission takes no position on whether Qwelane, appointed last year, should continue serving as ambassador, but that he expected the government to review the court ruling. Foreign affairs department spokesperson Clayson Monyela said his department respected the court’s ruling and the constitutional protections afforded gay South Africans. Monyela added that Qwelane made his comments in his personal capacity before the president appointed him. International human-rights groups have criticized Uganda since the 2009 proposal of a law that gays should face the death sentence in some cases. The Ugandan parliament has yet to vote on the bill. Same-sex marriage is legal in South Africa and the country has among the most liberal laws on sexual orientation on the continent. But the ideals expressed in the constitution at times clash with the reality.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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Nova Scotia marriage gets church blessing Legally partnered same-sex couples in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada, can now obtain a blessing from the country’s Anglican Church. A motion approving the blessings was passed at the 143rd Synod of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Halifax May 28. An overwhelming majority of over 300 participants voted in favor of the motion, but at least one participant left the event after a heated debate and the vote. The issue of blessings for same-sex couples has been controversial in Canada for some time. The Rev. David Fletcher of Lantz told the Novia Scotia Chronicle Herald, “It’s a contentious issue and it will continue to be.” Fletcher added that he would like to see the Anglican Church go further and offer blessings for members of the bisexual and transgender communities and people in longterm heterosexual relationships who are unmarried, such as elderly and widowed couples who live together. “They might prefer not to get legally married for a variety of reasons but would still like to have their longterm and committed relationship recognized by the church in the form of a sacramental blessing,” Fletcher said. Some Anglican priests have left the church because they say it has drifted too far from strict adherence to Scripture, and some said the decision to offer blessings in the diocese will lead to more defections.
U.K. Scouts: We want gay members The United Kingdom Scout Association is looking to increase its ranks of gay members and leaders as a way to fight a reputation of being homophobic. Critics are blasting the 500,000-member organization, saying it is a blatant move away from Christian values. The organization does have religious ties, as it does not permit agnostic or atheist members. “There was an assumption that being gay meant you couldn’t be part of the movement,” said spokesperson Simon Carter. “That was never the case and we are keen to make it clear that we accept people of any particular orientation. We have had youth members and adults attend Pride events and plan to do so again this year. It shows that we are not just talking about it but are demonstrating our support publicly.” Wayne Bulpitt, chief commissioner of the Scouts, condemned harassment and bullying in a video that was to be shared with all troops. Within the association, literature is being made available to help Scouts and leaders come out, and to also help troops accept gay members. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols
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federal civil-rights lawsuit, alleging that LSI Corp., an Allentown electronics firm, discriminated against her, partly due to her GID. GID is a formal diagnosis for people experiencing ongoing discomfort with their biological sex. In his ruling, Robreno said GID should be assessed on a case-by-case basis in Pennsylvania to determine whether it meets the definition of a disability under relevant antibias laws. Stacy, 53, worked at LSI and Agere Systems Inc. — which merged with LSI — for 10 years as an engineer before her 2008 termination, according to court records. Stacy’s lawsuit, which also names Agere as a defendant, alleges she suffered adverse employment actions dating back to 2005, when she started transitioning at work. Despite her GID, Stacy was fully capable of performing the duties of her job, according to her lawsuit. Defense attorneys wanted Robreno to disqualify GID as a disability protected under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the Allentown Human Relations Act. Those laws define a disability as a condi-
tion that substantially limits, or is percieved to substantially limit, a major life activity. Defense papers claimed the laws were modeled after two federal laws — the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act — that specifically exclude GID from antibias coverage. Thus, GID should be excluded from antibias coverage in Pennsylvania, defense papers stated. The defense noted judges in Pennsylvania have consistently rejected GID-based discrimination claims — though none have reached the state Supreme Court. Scott B. Goldshaw, an attorney for Stacy, said the prior judicial rulings don’t prevent Stacy from having an opportunity to prove her GID-based discrimination claim. “Just because the other cases didn’t have facts to establish a disabled status, that doesn’t mean my client doesn’t have the necessary facts,” Goldshaw told PGN. Goldshaw called Robreno’s ruling a victory for transgender rights. “It’s a significant victory for people who believe the transgender community should be afforded the same protections within the state’s antibias laws as anyone else,” Goldshaw said. Attorneys for the Pennsylvania Human
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Relations Commission filed a friend-ofthe-court brief urging Robreno to reject the defendants’ request, “how we believe the Pennsylvania Supreme Court would rule on a matter of Pennsylvania law,” said PHRC spokesperson Shannon Powers. Powers said there have been four GIDbased discrimination complaints filed with the PHRC since July 2007. Jennifer L. Levi, director of the Transgender Rights Project at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, based in Boston, praised Robreno’s ruling. “It’s a very significant decision, and it also means that other federal courts interpreting other state laws will be influenced by this court’s analysis,” she said. Levi said it’s wrong to arbitrarily exclude trans-related health conditions from antibias protections. “There is no principled reason for excluding transition-related health conditions from antibias laws as long as there’s no specific exclusion written into the law,” she said. Levi acknowledged that some members of the transgender community don’t want GID viewed as a disability due to the stigma associated with the term. “The way to deal with that stigma isn’t
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to abandon the legal protections that are in place,” she said. “Instead, you work to educate people about the fact that the underlying condition of being transgender is not a condition that diminishes a person’s ability to work — or otherwise contribute to society.” The Kunkletown resident also is claiming sex and gender-identity discrimination. Both categories are protected in Allentown, where Stacy contends she worked. But defense papers state that Stacy worked in nearby East Hanover Township, which doesn’t protect gender identity. Defense attorney Robert W. Cameron declined to comment on pending litigation. But he pointed to defense papers, which state that Stacy was laid off due to a workforce reduction, not because of discrimination on the basis of any protected category. “Defendants maintain strictly enforced policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation against employees on the basis of any protected status,” stated defense papers. Stacy’s lawsuit is in the fact-gathering stage, and a jury trial isn’t expected until December at the earliest. She’s suing for an undisclosed amount in damages, according to court records. ■
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Tips for maintaining a good credit rating Q: I’m a gay man in college, considering applying for my first credit card. Up to this point I haven’t needed one. But now I’m thinking I need to start building a credit history. Is this a good idea? A: Absolutely! Many of your future financial decisions may be impacted by your access to credit and your ability to responsibly manage your credit. Many people have gotten themselves and their families into trouble by not properly managing their credit. Here’s what you need to know to stay in the clear. For most Americans, debt is an essential financial tool for achieving a desired lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to establish and maintain a good credit rating if you intend to make substantial debt-financed purchases in the future.
pay off in a month or two. — DO NOT be fooled into paying just the low minimum payment amount listed on a bill. Credit-card issuers make money on interest; there is nothing they would like more than to have you stretch out payments. — DO consistently pay your bills by the due date. — DO use credit for larger, durable purchases you really need, rather than nondurables, such as restaurant meals that are better paid in cash.
Missing payments When you miss a payment, the information goes into your credit report and affects your credit rating. If you are judged a poor credit risk, you may be refused a home mortgage or rejected for Jeremy Gussick an apartment rental. In addition, a prospective employer looking for clues to your character may dismiss your job application if your credit report reflects an inability to manage your finances. In most Why credit is important It is important to establish credit if you plan states, an auto insurer may put you into its to buy a home or automobile some day. Credit high-risk group and charge you 50-100 percent more if your credit record has been sericards also provide a means of reserving a ously blemished within the last five years. hotel room or obtaining cash while traveling. Many property insurers also review credit If you are a college student, recent graduhistories before issuing policies. ate or nonworking partner, you can begin to establish credit by opening a savings or How credit reporting works checking account in your own name. You can Credit-reporting agencies gather detailed then apply for a department-store credit card. information about how consumers use credit. Having someone else cosign a loan for you Businesses that grant credit regularly supply will also get you started. credit information to credit agencies that then Creating a positive credit history for yourcompile this information into credit reports, self requires using your credit card intelliwhich are sold to banks, credit-card compagently. Following are some dos and don’ts to nies, retailers and others who grant credit. help you manage credit effectively: Your credit report helps others decide if — DO NOT charge more than you can easily
Out Money
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you are a good credit risk. This information should be supplied only to those parties who have a legitimate interest in your credit affairs, including prospective employers, landlords or insurance underwriters, as well as others who grant credit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, the federal statute that regulates credit agencies, requires anyone who acquires your credit report to use it in a confidential manner. The following information is likely to appear in your credit report: — Your name, address and Social Security number. Your employer’s name and address and an estimate of your income may also be included. — A list of parties who have requested your credit history in the last six months. — A list of the charge cards and mortgages you have, how long you have had them and their repayment terms. — The maximum you are allowed to charge on each account; what you currently owe and when you last paid; how much was paid by the due date; the latest you have ever paid; and how many times you have been delinquent. — Closed past accounts, paid in full. — Repossessions, charge-offs for bills never paid, liens, bankruptcies, foreclosures and court judgments against you for money owed. — Bill disputes.
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Be credit smart Like other areas of your life, your credit history requires maintenance. Even if you pay your debts on time, do not assume that your credit rating is flawless. Mistakes do occur. FCRA entitles you to review information in your credit file. If you have been denied credit, the company denying credit must let
you know and give you the name and address of the credit agency making the report. Once you have this information, you can send a letter to the agency and you will receive the information in your credit file, at no cost, within 30 days. Obtain a copy of your credit report periodically and check it for accuracy. Federal law entitles you to a free credit report from each of the three national credit-reporting companies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — once a year. To get yours, visit annualcreditreport.com. (Keep in mind that other websites claiming to offer “free” credit reports may charge you for another product or service if you accept a “free” report.) If you wish to dispute information in your file, write the agency and ask them to verify it. Under the law, they are required to do so within a “reasonable time,” usually 30 days. If the agency cannot verify the information, it must be deleted from your file. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s leading independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was named a 2010 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network and the Independence Business Alliance. If you have a question, email jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. This article was prepared with the assistance of McGraw-Hill Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy Gussick if you have any questions. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2010. **Details on the award can be found at www.fivestarprofessional.com.
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“What this would do is make sure all workers have access to earned sick days because they shouldn’t have to choose between the job they need and the family they love,” she said. “We’ve heard so many stories where people have to go to work sick because they can’t afford to take unpaid days and we’ve heard about people being retaliated against when they do have to take time, and it’s something people shouldn’t have to be faced with.” The bill includes a stipulation that would prohibit retaliation against employees who use their earned sick time. The measure is modeled after a law adopted in 2007 by San Francisco, the first of its kind in the nation. Bellesorte noted that numerous businesses in San Francisco originally opposed the measure, but a recent survey showed a majority of city employers now favor the policy since its adoption. Stephanie Haynes, Philadelphia Family Pride community coordinator and a coalition member, said the legislation’s LGBT relevance is key. “I think this would really help LGBT Philadelphians,” she said. “Domestic partners are specifically included, so even for people who may otherwise be in a workplace where they’re earning sick days but they’re not allowed to take them to care for their partners, this would allow them to do so. It would be a really big step forward.” Haynes said she knows parents who’ve had to give their kids Motrin and send them to school when they’re sick because they don’t have the time available to take off work. “It’s really sad that people should have to choose between their job and wanting to be a good parent,” she said. “And it’s also a matter of public health, when you have kids in school and people in work who are sick.” For more information on the coalition and the bill, visit www. earnedsickdaysphilly.com. ■
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
PGN
AC ul t ure rts
PGN FEATURE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Books Barcrawlr Bulletin Board CD Reviews Dining Family Portrait Film
64 69 80 70 74 59 57
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Out & About 78 Millennial Poz 71 Q Puzzle 77 Scene in Philly 61 Sporting Life 62 TV 72-73 Worth Watching 76
Multifaceted comedian to headline Philly Pride By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
Aisha Tyler is set to entertain the masses when she headlines Philly Pride June 12 at Penn’s Landing. The comedian, writer and actress is best known for hosting E! Network’s Emmy-winning “Talk Soup” and for her stints on TV shows “Friends,” “The Ghost Whisperer,” “CSI,” “Nip/Tuck” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Tyler has also made a splash on the big screen, appearing in films “Bedtime Stories,” “Death Sentence,” “Balls of Fury” and “The Santa Clause” 2 and 3. In addition, she performs voice work on animated shows “Archer” and “The Boondocks.” Tyler is also a successful author, having written 2004’s “ S w e r ve : R e c k l e s s Observations of a Postmodern Girl” and contributing articles to Glamour, Jane and O: The Oprah Magazine. On top of all that, Tyler is politically active, an avid videogamer and brews beer in her spare time. Frankly, we’re surprised she had the spare time to talk to us about her busy career and what will be her first Pride performance. PGN: Do you perform at Pride festivals often? AT: I’m from San Francisco so I’ve done quite a few gay events. But I’ve never performed at a Pride festival. So I’m really excited about it. PGN: Do you worry more about the gigs where you performing outside in the daylight? AT: Of course. There’s a million problems performing outside in the daylight. People haven’t been drinking. Acoustics are always a big concern. You’re kind of yelling and the sound is dissipating. You’re more susceptible to conversations and
distractions. But there’s also the festival feel of it. My act is very high-energy and intense. I don’t kind of stand behind the mic. So I’m not worried about captivating the audience. PGN: You do movies, television, magazines, talk shows, live performances, etc. Is there any one of those areas of performance that you prefer over the others? AT: Not really. No. I started out as a standup comedian. That’s how I got my beginning in the business. It’s my first love. I have a really deep and abiding affection for standup. It’s the freest and most personal form of all the things I do. It’s just you and your ideas and the expression of ideas. I love doing standup but I like it all. I like the challenge. They’re all my babies, quite honestly. PGN: You’re into video games, poker and you brew your own beer. You do realize that, on paper, you appear to be a straight man, right? AT: Yes, a straight man or some kind of very confused bitch tranny, I know. I was raised by a single dad so I am definitely a guy’s girl. I also think being a comedian — where you’re almost always the only woman on the lineup or, when you’re touring, it’s you and three other guys — it probably served me. I was a guy’s girl and it was easy for me to meld into the comedy world. I like being around guys. I was the best man at my best friend’s wedding and I arranged his bachelor party. And my show is very guy-friendly. It’s not a wimpy chicky act. It’s butch. It’s definitely dudefriendly.
PGN: Being really into video games, what are some of your favorite games or systems? AT: I have an Xbox and a PS3. I also have Kinnect. But I mainly only play shooters. I don’t drive tiny cars, play with little bears or dance. I save the Earth from alien invasions. That’s my job. My favorite franchise is the “Halo” franchise. That was my gateway drug back into console gaming after years of being an arcade gamer. I actually did a voice in the last Halo game. So one of my tiny nerd dreams came true. I also like “Gears of War,” “Fallout,” “Bullet Storm” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops,” all the assassination-driven games. PGN: I fell out of video gaming a long time ago after the Nintendo Entertainment System. Recently I tried to get into “Halo” and, after an hour of getting my head blown off every second, I gave up. Is it me or do I have to invest the time? AT: The best thing to do is not to jump straight into any game on multiplayer. It’s like trying to run a sprint in the Olympics when you just got over a knee injury. It’s not going to happen for you. The best way is to get the console yourself and play the game on campaign alone and kind of learn it. Even me, I love “Halo” and I have tournaments with my friends. And every time I go online and play multiplayer, a 9-year-old in Houston just stands there and shoots me in the face repeatedly until I cry. You have to walk before you can run. PGN: Having guest-starred
on “CSI: Miami,” is David Carruso aware of how unintentionally silly his character looks on that show? AT: I can’t speak to that under penalty of assassination or ostracism at social events. But I didn’t get to do anything with David Caruso so I can’t speak to his work. But, yes, a lot of sunglass acting. PGN: When it comes to acting, do you prefer comedies or dramas? AT: Comedy is second nature to me. It’s more innate. It becomes an instinctual thing for me. Drama is a lot easier. It’s a lot more straightforward. I’m not saying all comedians are great dramatic actors because that is not true. But some of the premiere dramatic actors of our time got their start in comedy. Tom Hanks is a perfect example of the Oscar-winning actor loaded with gravitas, but his first job was playing a very unattractive tranny in a really broad comedy, like the worst drag queen ever. I think because comedians are so good at digging deep and being exposed on stage and exposing our pain and personal angst for other people’s enjoyment, drama becomes very easy to understand. Comedy is the harder of the two, but for me, it’s more enjoyable. PGN: Having done a stint on Ebert and Roper as a film critic, does that make you more choosy about the film roles to take on? AT: I’ll let you in on
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a little secret. Unless you’re Tom Cruise or Will Smith, none of us are choosy. People go, “How do you pick your role?” I’m like, well, they offered me the job. There have been things I turned down. I prefer to try to be a little bit of a genre buster in the sense if I have an opportunity to take a role that feels different for me or is a challenge, I take it. Also, I try not to take any roles that are ethnically stereotypical. I’m not saying that people don’t do those roles well and they aren’t funny, but it’s a personal goal of mine to broaden people’s attitudes and opinions about people of color and women of color, specifically. So if I have the opportunity to take a role that is smarter or a little bit more outside the box, those are the roles I pursue a little bit more aggressively. I’ve always been a little bit of an outsider and a weird kid and I want to honor that. When I can, I try to take roles that are against the grain. PGN: Even with your high profile, when you take a stance like that, does it feel like you’re swimming upstream against Hollywood? AT: Absolutely. Always. There are always limited opportunities if you’re a little bit outside the mainstream and you’re trying to do something. That’s the deal you make with yourself as an artist with your choices. I’d rather wake up in the morning and be proud of what I do rather than feel like, “I’ve got to go in here and make doughnuts and I hate doughnuts and I hate oil and I hate people who eat food.” I love what I do and I’m motivated creatively by it. That keeps me focused on doing the best work that I can. I would rather be different. I was a weird kid from the time I was little. The great thing about adulthood is that you go from hating your weirdness to embracing it. That weirdness ends up making you who you are. PGN: As someone who is politically active, are you looking forward to the 2012 presidential race? AT: I am. I campaigned quite a bit during the last campaign. I went all over the Midwest in a van and spoke at colleges and other events. I had lobbied quite a bit in D.C. and I’m on the board of the Planned Parenthood Federation. I’m looking forward to it. I was feeling a lot of despair and anguish over the last couple of years because of the really disappointing political climate. But now I’m feeling much more optimistic because the Republican field is so poor and our president is a badass right now. I’ve regained my optimism. PGN: I saw you on YouTube debating the
issue of the Tea Party on CNN with, and while sitting next to, Ann Coulter. At any point did you want to haul off and punch her in the neck? AT: That’s the overwhelming emotional state while you’re there. How do I not reach over and clutch my fingers around her tiny windpipe and squeeze? We all have those fantasies about what we would say to Ann Coulter if we met her on the street or what we’d say to [conservative columnist] Michelle Malkin if we saw her in the supermarket. But graciousness always wins. I talked myself down out of my rage tree and said I’m going to be the better of the two people here. I’m going to be calm and I’m not going to let myself be baited or goaded. If you let someone bait you they win. And then she was disarmingly nice: “I just love your work. It’s so great.” It was total actor kryptonite. Someone says they’re a fan and you’re like, “Oh I’m melting! Damn you, Coulter!” It’s a state of total confusion where you are sitting next to your arch-nemesis and you don’t know whether to kick them and run away or pee in their coffee. PGN: Do you still have your own talk show in the works? Because someone has got to fill that void Oprah left. AT: I’m very lucky that I’ve been very busy the last couple of years. I have my series, “Archer,” which is on FX, and I have another action series, which I wrapped in Toronto. People are always talking to me about new projects, and it would be great to get into that world. But I don’t know if I want to do it if I can’t fully be myself and be as edgy and as interesting as I want to be. Oprah is awesome and irreplaceable. But I’m probably a little bit more PG-13 than she is. PGN: What would be your dream show to be on or person you’d like to work with? AT: It would be great to work with the guys that are part of this angry triumvirate that’s making the “Hangover” movies and “Knocked Up.” That would be killer to be in that world. They always have one black character that comes in for three minutes and delivers comedic relief. But it would be really great to have a big role in one of those movies and bring some interesting stuff that’s not being done in that world. J.J. Abrams is also amazing. That would be pretty rad. Him and Michael Mann. ■ Aisha Tyler headlines Philly Pride June 12. For more information, visit www.aishatyler. com or www.phillypride.org.
FILM PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Reflecting on LGBT reflections in cinema By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor
If viewers look to the silver screen as a mirror — you are what you watch — there are many characters/films today that provide positive queer images. But this was not always the case. As we celebrate Pride this month, various notable Philadelphians, as well as filmmakers and scholars, describe which out, loud and proud films, characters and people they find heroic. Chris Bartlett, executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center, says “The Times of Harvey Milk,” Rob Epstein’s documentary on the assassinated politician, was “life-changing” for him. He admires Milk for being “a representative of principles and not personalities in leadership. He stood for Gay Liberation — a gay politic larger than LGBT people alone — that has largely been lost under the stifling rubric of gay rights.” B a r t l e t t a l s o a c k n ow l e d g e s B i l l Sherwood’s “Parting Glances” as a personal favorite. “A young Steve Buscemi plays Nick, a courageous guy who is living with AIDS — and who brings humor and a wise-ass wisdom to how he lives. I love the community of queers that ‘Parting Glances’ demonstrates — it’s the community that I am still proud to be a part of: creative, revolutionary, multicultural and fun!”
CHRIS BARTLETT
RAY MURRAY
R a y M u r r a y, p r e s i d e n t o f T L A Entertainment Group and artistic director of QFest, cites “Parting Glances” as well. He appreciates a scene featuring Peter (Adam Nathan) talking with Buscemi’s Nick on a stairwell. “Peter simply and emphatically explained his gayness — ‘Your dick knows what it wants.’” recounts Murray. “For me, that explained it all.” Murray also respects Holly Woodlawn in Paul Morrissey’s “Trash.” He explains, “Holly is poor, with a fucked-up boyfriend, but she is also strong and has high self-worth.” Dashiell Sears, this year’s “Mr. Gay Philadelphia,” also looks up to a trans character as a hero, gushing, “I love Kitten [Cillian Murphy] in ‘Breakfast on Pluto.’ He doesn’t let circumstances keep him from
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finding his biological mother and being fabulous while on the road. The film is funny, gripping and heartbreaking — with IRA bombings, secret pasts and, yes, even sad moments, especially when an innocent childhood friend is killed by a car bomb.”
Scott A. Drake Photography
267-736-6743
scottdrakephotos@gmail.com DASHIELL SEARS
PIERRE ROBERT
Sad stories can be particularly inspiring to queer audiences who appreciate the struggles for acceptance. WMMR DJ Pierre Robert acknowledges, “In the straight world, there are hundreds and hundreds of great love stories that have been committed to the silver screen. However, in the gay world, there is really only a handful. At the top of that list stands ‘Brokeback Mountain.’ Between the basic story itself, the majestic cinematography and the vulnerability of the characters, I was hooked. That plus the fact that two major Hollywood actors had the courage to take on these sensitive yet deep roles when most still won’t really moved me. I’m still pissed that it didn’t win Best Picture that year!” While some folks may question if the gay lovers in “Brokeback Mountain” are role models, given what happens to them, Aymar Jean Christian, a writer and doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, says the queer community desperately needs role models. “Gay cinema is really bad at producing them. Most film heroes, queer and mainstream, are pitiable, depressive, suicidal, oversexed, closeted, violent or simply boring. For gay people of color, the options are fewer. As a writer, I identify with thinkers and artists (both real and imagined) — Reinaldo Arenas in ‘Before Night Falls,’ Hedwig or Kinsey.” Yet Christian says he finds the most admirable queer character to be Belize (Jeffrey Wright), in the TV-movie version of Tony Kushner’s p l a y “A n g e l s i n America.” “He is a sharptongued and fiercely intelligent gay man. He stole anti-retroviAYMAR JEAN rals from a closeted CHRISTIAN
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conservative yet treated him with respect. His final act of kindness, arranging the Kaddish for the deceased Roy Cohn, teaches us all something: Honor our sad queer forefathers, treat our villains as people and lovingly put both to rest.” Elicia Gonzales, a queer Latina and the executive director of GALAEI, explains that she also finds prideful images in “people who carve out their own paths and make no apologies for who they are, what they believe, how they live or who they fuck.” She responds to strong women, ranging from Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) in “Silence of the Lambs,” who displayed courage, intelligence and vulnerability, to Raimunda (Penelope Cruz) in gay filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar’s “Volver.” Admittedly obsessed with Cruz, Gonzales finds her “passion, honesty and survival skills” admirable. Another fiery Latina, Frida Kahlo (Selma Hayek), in the biopic “Frida,” is inspirational for her “optimism, risk-taking, acceptance of herself and others, her vivaciousness and her amazing, amazing beauty.”
cation at a local college, explained that she too was particularly inspired by the lesbian filmmakers including Dunye, whose work made waves in the mid-1980s through the late 1990s. “An independent-film movement was emerging, as coined by scholar B. Ruby Rich as the ‘New Queer Cinema.’ A robust cluster of directors, producers and actors — brave enough to take a queer role — was coming to fruition. The queer films that influenced and inspired me during this time were Patricia Rozema’s ‘I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing’ and ‘When
JOE’L LUDOVICH
KELLY BURKHARDT
Night is Falling,’ Donna Deitch’s ‘Desert Hearts,’ Cheryl Dunye’s ‘The Watermelon Woman,’ Lisa Cholodenko’s ‘High Art’ and Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner’s ‘Go Fish.’ How lucky was I to experience these groundbreaking independent queer artists, seeing them on the big screen, each one breaking ground in its own right.” ELICIA GONZALES
SHAYNA SHENESS ISRAEL
Shayna SheNess Israel, co-executive director of Elements Organization, host of the annual LGBTQ Womyn of Color Conference in Philadelphia, also finds empowerment in a strong minority female filmmaker. She recalls, “On a hunch back in college, searching for interesting films in the biography section, I found Cheryl Dunye, creator of the first African-American lesbian feature film, “The Watermelon Woman.” Her work explores issues of race, class, gender and sexual orientation. For many LGBTQ womyn of color this is refreshing, for it’s our opportunity to encounter media that doesn’t tokenize. We look for cinematic characters that speak to and celebrate the intersections of our lives. Dunye is unafraid to reveal the complexities and pleasures in being an African-American lesbian. It is with her, in terms of film, I first felt reflected.” Joe’l Ludovich, an independent filmmaker and assistant professor of communi-
Sometimes it is people who make the films that give viewers the most pride. Kelly Burkhardt, vice president of operations at TLA Releasing, respects the work of many queer filmmakers — John Cameron Mitchell, Gus Van Sant, Troche and Almodóvar — but, she says, “I really only have one hero, and that’s Christine Vachon.” An out and proud producer and architect of the New Queer Cinema movement, Vachon has helped the careers of queer filmmakers including Todd Haynes (“Poison” and “Safe”) and Tom Kalin (“Savage Grace”). Burkhardt effuses, “Vachon certainly has produced some of the most controversial and influential films ever, like ‘Boys Don’t Cry,’ ‘Swoon’ and ‘Kids.’ “It might seem ironic that I chose her — especially since most of the films she produced in the 1990s had tragic LGBT characters — but look at ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Milk.’ These films rocked the indie world but they both have tragedy looming. The bottom line is that Vachon produces stories. It doesn’t matter if they are uplifting or not, I appreciate the fact that they are all real.” ■
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Family Portrait
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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Suzi Nash
Peter Allen Prete: Ally for gay marriage When listening to the passion in Peter Allen Prete’s voice as he describes the injustices LGBT couples face, you would think he’d just been told that he and his beloved would never be able to hitch the knot. But should he find his perfect mate, Prete is more than able to marry his significant other—and he thinks that’s not fair. That’s because gay-rights advocate Prete is straight. PGN spoke to him about his fight for gay rights, his corporate background and his design for a gay-marriage flag. PGN: Where are you originally from? PAP: Born in Philadelphia and raised in Hi-Nella, N.J., in a town so small it only had seven streets! PGN: What was it like growing up in such a small town? PAP: I wouldn’t change it for anything. We were friendly with the kids in our town and the towns on either side of us. Because we were so close, you basically had auxiliary parents everywhere you went. You couldn’t get into trouble without your parents getting a phone call before you made it back home. PGN: Were you an only child? PAP: No, I have two older sisters, one six years and one two years older than me. My youngest sister was a tomboy so we used to play together a lot. [Laughs.] My older sister told me I was adopted, so it took us longer to get close. PGN: Favorite game? PAP: The firehouse was the center of town, so we used to play kick the can or spring it with a square in front of the firehouse as home base. PGN: What did you want to be when you grew up? PAP: That’s easy: My father was a volunteer firefighter. We used hear the siren go off and we’d run to the station to follow the trucks. At night when they went off, I’d listen as my father ran down the steps and lean out the window to watch him go. At age 13, I became a volunteer firefighter and I’m still one today. Now we carry pagers with us. PGN: What was the most dangerous situation you faced? And the funniest? PAP: The assistant chief and I went into an apartment complex that was on fire. We were inside and I could feel an intense heat on my neck. There was no fire but heavy smoke, and I realized that we were about to get caught in a backdraft. I was yelling for my friend to get out and the chief, who also realized the situation, was yelling as well. Fortunately, one of the companies was able to break the window and stop it.
If they hadn’t, I probably would have made it out but my friend wouldn’t have. On the other side, we once had to evacuate an old folks’ home. There was a woman who couldn’t get out of her chair [and] being lowest on the totem poll, my chief made me pick her up. As I lifted her, her skirt moved and my hand slipped between the cheeks of her derriere. I was mortified, but she seemed tickled by it. PGN: What got you involved in the gaymarriage movement? PAP: A few years ago I was living in Sweden with my girlfriend at the time. It’s much more relaxed there and we had a lot of gay friends. They happened to be having Europride in Stockholm so we went and it was an awesome sight to see all the pride flags everywhere. I tried to keep up with news when I was overseas and the stories from the U.S. at the time were all about Prop. 8 and states trying to legalize gay marriage and the forces fighting against it. As I watched the news from home, I was dismayed to see the millions of dollars people were spending just to stop people from having the same right as everyone else. It was outrageous. I’d worked for years making good money in corporate America and wanted to spend time doing something for others and this sort of clicked. I had a cousin, Kevin, who passed away from AIDS in 2002. At the time, he didn’t have health insurance and couldn’t afford his meds. He had a rough time of it, which I didn’t really find out until after he died. I wanted to do something to honor him. When I saw how virulently these people, who had nothing to do with the gay community, were fighting against gay rights, I decided that this would be something I could embrace. I could be a straight person fighting for gay rights. PGN: Between rescuing people and now gay rights, it sounds like you just enjoy doing good. PAP: Well, I get mad when I see injustice of any kind. I’m from a somewhat conservative family, but it makes me mad to see groups like NOM and others using religion to justify discrimination. I believe in equality, whether it’s gender, race, sexual orientation, whatever, I believe in people, period. In fact if someone asks my preference, I say “people.” PGN: And backtracking a little, what did you study at school? PAP: I went to Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, originally to study criminal law in order to become a police officer. After one semester I decided that it wasn’t for me. I switched to business science and marketing. When I got out of school, my father had lost his job and my
uncle offered him some printing equipment that he had in his basement. My father turned it down, so the next night I asked my uncle if I could have the equipment and for a while I ran a small printing company. PGN: And how did you get from there to AT&T and the corporate world? PAP: I’d come up with an idea for a graphic logo for firefighters. It was a firefighter walking through flames and the slogan was, “I fight what you fear.” We took out an ad in a firefighters magazine and it took off like wildfire. I formed a company called Off Duty Gear and started doing trade shows. People would come up to me and say, “Hey, you’re the OD Gear guy!” and they’d pull up their sleeves or roll up their pants and they’d have tattoos of our logo! I once saw a truck on the highway with the logo on the back and then I started getting calls from Spain and Japan asking if I could make the trademark international
30 years with them. PGN: Where did you come up with the marriage symbol? PAP: I love doing design and I wanted to do something that would have meaning and symbolize the gay community but be different from the traditional rainbow flag. It needed to be something that was easily recognizable yet powerful. Obviously the two rings connected represent a union, whether it be civil union or marriage — though I believe it should be marriage — with rainbow colors representing pride on a white background, which lets you experience all the colors and also represents a new beginning. The rings are purposely positioned forward on the flag to mean forward thinking and progress toward equality. It works nicely with the pride flags, but it’s distinctive and shows what we’re trying to accomplish. We had them flying at the Equality and Justice Day in New York and they looked beautiful in the news clips that I saw. Powerful.
PGN: Of all the gay issues that you could have embraced to honor your cousin, why gay marriage? PAP: Gay marriage is allowed in Sweden where homosexuality is not a big deal. Which is how it should be. When you look into the subject, you realize that it’s not just about the moral issue. It’s also a legal/practical issue. There are 1,300 rights and financial benefits that people are denied if they can’t be married. It’s just not right and all because a small group of ignorant people are trying to force their beliefs onto taxpaying Americans. I think the majority of people in this country are fair-minded and are mostly in favor of people being treated equally. We just need to get the word out and explain what’s at stake. Photo: Suzi Nash If two people want to be so that they could use it too. We then committed to each other, started doing police, fire and EMT designs. that’s not something that should be decided Long story short, when I took out that first by a government. People objecting on reliad, there was a typo and the phone number gious basis and influencing government was wrong. Being in printing, I should policy because of it, to me, are violating have known not to proofread my own ad, the separation of church and state. And but the mistake was made and I spent a lot in my opinion, civil unions are not good of time with AT&T trying to straighten it enough. Would I ask some woman, “Would out. I became friendly with one of the reps you civil union me?” No, it’s ridiculous. and when a position opened up in our area, PAGE 62 PGN: And who’s I interviewed for it, got the job and spent
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The Sporting Life
City of Brotherly Love Softball League scores from May 22:
STANDINGS
Men’s Competitive C
W L Men’s Competitive C
W L Women’s A Division
Outlaws TriplePlay WolvesC ICandy Maniaxxx Fury Bike Stop
Martinis 5 O’Clock Hangover Monkeys Saving2B
7 1 7 1 4 4 2 6 1 7
B Division GLU Dynasty HolySmoke Ninjas Tailgaters Sisters
7 5 5 5 3 1
1 3 3 3 5 7
C Division FoulPlay 369ers Uglies Institute BucketBuds
5 4 3 2 0
2 3 4 5 7
8 8 6 5 3 1 1
1 2 2 5 6 7 9
Coed Recreational D TOC 7 Wolves 7 Westbury 7 Sluggers 5 Homewreckers 4 Valanni 4 Storm 3 Shots 3 Uncles 1
2 2 2 4 5 5 6 7 8
BikeStop Fury ICandy WolvesC Maniaxxx Maniaxxx ICandy
8 17 19 9 8 8 9
WolvesC Bike Stop Fury TriplePlay TriplePlay Outlaws Outlaws
Women’s Division 20 16 4 10 10 30 11
Coed Recreational D Sluggers Westbury Valanni Shots Shots Uncles TOC TOC Sluggers
10 19 16 8 10 1 7 15 5
Westbury 22 Valanni 14 Wolves 13 Storm 15 Uncles 23 Storm 20 Wolves 22 Homewreckers 11 Homewreckers 26
Saving2B 0 Hangover 11 Hangover 6 Institute 3 369ers 4 BucketBuds 3 BucketBuds 3 Institute 9 5 O’Clock 9 5 O’Clock 12 Sisters 0 Martinis 9 Martinis 8 Monkeys 12 Monkeys 3
GLU Tailgaters Dynasty 369ers Uglies Uglies Foulplay Foulplay Sisters Ninjas Ninjas HolySmoke GLU Dynasty Tailgaters
7 12 14 8 5 12 16 10 2 3 10 6 1 11 4
Bar of the week for June 12: ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. from page 59
footing the bill for your crusade? PAP: It’s me. As I said, I’ve done OK in the private sector and felt it was time to give back. I was at the Equality and Justice Day in New York and I printed out cards to hand out with the logo and information on what rights you are denied by not being able to marry. In New York, it’s coming up for a vote quickly, so hopefully it’ll inspire people to talk to their family and friends about it, call their legislators and get involved. PGN: All right, some random questions ... What’s a historical event you wish you could have witnessed? PAP: I’m a World War II buff, and this may seem odd, but probably Pearl Harbor. Right after Sept. 11, the country pulled together for a moment, and to feel the nation rallying together at a time like that would be amazing. PGN: Ever play any sports? PAP: Yes, I played baseball, football and hockey when I was younger and basketball and tennis both in high school and college. I love the Flyers, though they disappointed me this year. PGN: A great moment in sports? PAP: I was playing football for the Stratford Falcons and we won the championship. I remember my father running down onto the field and picking me up, hugging me and swinging me around. PGN: Who would you like to contact at a séance? PAP: My grandfather. He passed away
when I was young and I’d like to ask him about his life. Outside of family, I’d contact Abraham Lincoln. The way he managed throughout one of the most difficult times in our country’s history was inspiring. I try to practice his teachings today — like writing things down before you respond so that you can put things in perspective. PGN: What makes someone a success? PAP: I used to ask my reps that all the time and the answer, for me, is that it’s not money. I tried recently to go back to the corporate world and walked out after 30 days. The money was outstanding, but I wasn’t doing anything but existing. We’re only here for a short time and I’d rather do something that makes me feel involved and makes others feel good. I’m not looking to starve, but I’d rather find a way to succeed that also benefits others. PGN: What’s a habit you’re trying to break? PAP: I crack my knuckles. PGN: People say I look like ... PAP: In college they used to say I looked like Clark Kent, and when I took my glasses off they’d call me Superman. [Laughs.] Now I get told I look like Bob Saget, which is not nearly as flattering as Christopher Reeves. PGN: Tell me about your trip to P-town. PAP: Before Kevin died, a bunch of us went to visit him — me, my sisters, an aunt and a cousin. I was the only guy and Kevin and his boyfriend weren’t sure
Photo: Brandi Fitzgerald
LIBERTY BELL CLASSIC FINAL RANKINGS Men’s Competitive Division 1st Place: Philly Outlaws 2nd Place: Philly Wolves 3rd Place: Carolina Thunder 4th Place: D.C. Capitol Punishment
Men’s Rec Division: 1st Place: Southern New England Hangovers 2nd Place: Philly Wolves 3rd Place: Philly Lucky Charms 4th Place: Philly Tavern on Camac
Men’s C Division 1st Place: Boston Diablos 2nd Place: NYC Wings 3rd Place: D.C. Venom 4th Place: D.C. Fury
Women’s Division: 1st Place: NY Silent Assassins 2nd Place: NJ Gems 3rd Place: Philly Sunday Hangover 4th Place: Extreme Impact
what to do with me ’cause they didn’t want me to be uncomfortable. I just said, “It’s Friday night, let’s do what you do in P-town.” So they took me to a club and the guys were dancing and taking their shirts off and having a great time. It was fun, and I really got to bond with my cousin and his friends and learn more about the gay community. And I was glad that I had a chance to have that memory of him before he died.
think you were gay? PAP: It was a decision I had to make. When I decided to put links to the gaymarriage site on my personal Facebook page or putting up tables at Pride events or having my name in the paper, how did I feel about it? Was I willing to put myself out there? And the answer was yes. I think it’s important that we stand up for everyone’s rights. I’m not worried about what people think.
PGN: And as a straight ally, what have you learned at Pride events? PAP: I love the energy. I’ve taken a lot of straight friends to show them what I’ve been working on and they always come away impressed. To see so many people, not just having a good time but out there standing up for what they believe in and such an amazing mix of people, gay people, transgender people, P-FLAG parents, straight allies, you name it. Most of my friends live in conservative areas and now they are taking the issue back to their friends and neighbors.
PGN: So what’s next? PAP: Just continuing to get the word out. I had a cocktail party in May with Denise Spaulding and we unveiled the flag in Camden. We also co-sponsored the VIP party at Elixir along with Monnette Sudler. We also launched the flag at a gay-marriage rally in New York and it was amazing to see the flag being carried at the state capitol. Hopefully we can start making this available to groups here and around the country so that people can use it for raising funds. Everything that we sell, 99 percent of the profits go back to some organization or initiative. We’re hoping to work with organizations like the Mazzoni Center here in Philadelphia very soon. I want to see the flags flying until we see the day where everyone is free to marry the person they love. I’ll be at the Pride Festival on Sunday, so I hope people will stop by and say hello! ■
PGN: You use the term “we” a lot. Do you have a business partner? PAP: No, but I try to get other people involved. For instance, I met two women who run a printing business at an Our Night Out event in Philadelphia. I’m hoping to use them for a lot of the printing that we do. We are using a local flag company as well. I’m trying to develop relationships with a lot of people in the community. [Laughs.] So it’s a collective “we.” PGN: Were you ever afraid people would
Learn more about the fight for gay marriage at www.gaymarriageflag.com. To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.
PGN
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BOOKS PGN
Iconic musician sheds a candid light on his life By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
Out musician, DJ and producer Bob Mould lets the world in on his life up until now with his new book “See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody.” “This is the story of the first 48 years of my life,” Mould said. “I think it’s incredibly personal — embarrassingly personal at times.” Mould isn’t kidding. He doesn’t pull any punches as he takes readers on a candid journey through his life, beginning with his upbringing in a somewhatdysfunctional family in a rural farming community in northern New York. He chronicles his struggles with addiction and recovery, his long and influential career as a musician in bands Hüsker Dü and Sugar and his struggle to find selfacceptance and happiness as a gay man. Mould, who admitted to not being a connoisseur of rock biographies himself, said that committing the many details of his professional and private life to print was a long and sometimes-difficult process. “There was a lot of digging,” he said. “I had to really look hard and go back and confirm and reconfirm things with work associates. But the story is pretty much a singular story. One of the things that I found in the almost-three years of working on the book is the more that I talk to people about other things, the more I recognized everyone’s excitement about telling their story as opposed to just verifying things for me. It’s great stuff. It’s a great life. But I’m not big on looking back. This process was pretty consuming.” Mould added that, despite those difficulties, he didn’t want to shy away from the aspects of the book that cast him in an unbecoming light. “I think all of us would prefer to gloss
BOB MOULD
over our failures when we’re throwing our life story out there,” he said. “But those are the things that are the connectors from one point to the next. One of the things about life is that we hopefully learn from our mistakes. Those are the things that get us to the next place. The more unflattering parts of my personality, my childhood and the more dynamic stories in the Hüsker Dü chapters — those are things I don’t particularly enjoy talking about, but it helps move the story forward. Given that I looked at this as an autobiography as opposed to a memoir, it’s not a series of anecdotes that are unconnected. This was a process to figure out who I am. So yeah, there are a lot of unflattering stories, but I think it’s an accurate representation of who I am.” At the end of the day, who Mould is
includes b e i n g a very driven individual when it comes to making music. He continues to produce other acts and performs as both a solo act and a DJ with Blowoff, a DJ and remix duo he formed
with dance music artist Richard Morel. Mould said he hopes “See a Little Light” will appeal to more than just his fans. “That would be the hope; that it would reach a broader audience,” he said. “Not just my life as a musician but my life as a gay person, and my life as a person who had an interesting childhood and how that affected my world view, I think there’s part of it that speaks directly to a recovery audience. I think there’s a lot of people out there who might enjoy the story and don’t necessarily need to know my history.” Mould added that younger readers might not relate to his childhood, knowing he was gay in a small farm town in upstate New York, where finding your favorite album or seeing a decent rock concert wasn’t just a keystroke away. Oftentimes it involved a trip across the Canadian border to the nearest major city, Montréal. He said that young people today have more resources at their disposal than he had growing up. “That’s the power of the Internet,” he said. “Everything has changed completely. This recent generation, there’s nothing that is not available to them if they want to find it. I mean, kids are coming out on Facebook when they’re 10 years old. For me, that would have been unimaginable that we would be living in a world like this — to be able to hear of a campaign called ‘It Gets Better’ and watch things on a computer. That’s a galaxy away from how I grew up. This book is so archaic in a sense. I’m 50 years old and I can only imagine if 17year-old LGBT kids read this. They’d be like, ‘What? There was a world like this?’” “See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody” hits bookshelves June 15. For more information on Mould, visit www.bobmould.com. ■
ART PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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Photographer addresses race, politics in new exhibit By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com If you don’t catch JD Dragan’s exhibition June 24-July 30 at AxD Gallery, you probably won’t get the opportunity to see it again unless you’re willing to travel outside the city. Dragan has been photographing nude men of color for over 30 years. The “Modern Slave” exhibition at AxD will span 10 years of some of Dragan’s more provocative work, reflecting his beliefs on the effects of the external and internal forces that stifle men of color in America. Dragan said that AxD is the only place in Philadelphia willing to exhibit his work. “I think Philadelphia is incredibly conservative when it comes to art,” he said. “I’ve tried other galleries in the past and I’ve gotten comments that my work was too edgy. I’ve often wondered what that meant. I was standing in a gallery talking to the curator and right behind her was this enormous naked butt of a man in a large picture. She told me my work was too edgy. I said I have a lot of different flavors and I don’t have to do anything overt. Then she comes back with the ‘edgy’ thing. I looked around the gallery and I finally said to her, ‘Oh, my work is too black.’ That’s really the perception I’ve gotten in Philadelphia. Outside of
Philadelphia, it’s a very different story. I’ve shown in New York without any problems. I had a show at the gay and lesbian center in Chelsea. They actually invited me back to lecture. Harrisburg, of all places, loves my work. They treat me like some kind of movie star there.” Dragan also said the fact that he’s a white photographer who only photographs black male nudes raises a few eyebrows — and even more questions — at his exhibitions. “I realized that fully when I first started showing in galleries and I’d be there,” he said. “Most people wouldn’t realize I was the photographer. I remember when I was identified as the photographer: If the person happened to be white, the question would be, ‘Why do you do this?’ If the person was black, the question would be, ‘Why do you do this?’ It was different emphasis but I got it. My response was, when I started photographing, I looked at the work of my contemporaries. And I noticed that when they show white guys, there was this whole range of expression in the photographs. Sometimes it was erotic. Sometimes it was subtle. Sometimes it would be shadowed. But there was this whole range. When they photographed black men, the photographs focus from navel to mid-thigh, front and back. I was very incensed by that. I thought this is an incredible disgrace and they were
obviously objectifying their subjects. I wanted to try to photograph the individual and do a better job of it.” Race, religion and politics are major themes running through Dragan’s photography, and each of his subjects are chosen after several lengthy interviews to evaluate their comfort with the subject matter. Dragan said it took a long time to find a model willing to be photographed in what is probably going to be the most controversial of the images displayed in the exhibit. We’ve seen it and we’re not going to give it away. See it for yourself. Dragan said that getting to know the models, their backgrounds and their personalities is essential to his work. “Most of the time, but not all the time, I kind of know going into a photo shoot what I want to get out of it,” he said. “There are times when I’m on a political train of thought and I have to make sure the model is OK doing what I want them to do. I really respect them when I photograph because without them I am nothing. If I have an idea, I tell them: This is what I would like for you to do. Do you object to this? Is this going to make you uncomfortable? If they say they don’t want to go there, we don’t go there. The interview allows me that kind of insight to know the man and what his personal life and the kind of individual he is.”
JD Dragan’s “Modern Slave” exhibition opens June 24 at AxD Gallery, 265 S. 10th St. The photographer will host an artist talk at the gallery at 3 p.m. July 16. For more information, visit www.jddragan.com or call 215-627-6250. ■
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PGN
Beauty ‘queen’ Richfield returns to Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
MISS RICHFIELD 1981
After charming the pants off a significant portion of the Delaware Valley this year at New Hope Celebrates and the Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, the force of nature known as Miss Richfield 1981 will be back in the area June 11 for a return performance at Society Hill Playhouse. This time around, the hilarious, outrageous and uniquely styled performer with a smile as bright and intense as a bug zapper graduates to Society Hill’s bigger main stage for her show “30 Years on the Throne.” Since it’s rare to see Miss Richfield outside of her home state of Minnesota, a Kmart or Provincetown, Mass. (where she can be found all summer), PGN caught up with Miss Richfield to ask her what it is about our humble metropolis that keeps bringing her back. PGN: You’ve recently performed in New Hope and Philadelphia. Do you enjoy returning to the area? MR1981: I love Philly! In fact, I’m now an official “ambassadoress” of the City of Philadelphia tourism! It’s so lovely how they roll out the red carpet and spare no expense. Again, they promised me a room at the popular Club Body Center on Chancellor. I adore that late-night clientele, and all those towels everywhere! In fact, a lot of Philly residents appear to be saving on laundry expenses by wearing just a single towel during their stay at the Chancellor. Unfortunately, some of those folks should consider also wearing a set of washcloths, if you know what I mean. PGN: What can you tell us about your new show, “30 Years on the Throne”? MR1981: It’s my anniversary spectacular! And I’d love to give a lot details, but I left my reading glasses on the bus again, so I can’t consult my notes. Suffice it to say, most of my shows have a message. And I hope this isn’t getting too close to home for you and your readers, but the homos have such a history of crazy life choices and questionable decision-making, so I think it’s a great time to bring them a show about a successful life — mine! PGN: Aside from your show in Philadelphia, will you be participating in any of Philadelphia’s Pride festivities that weekend? MR1981: This probably will surprise you, but I’m always a sucker for the bingo tent, along with a nice corn dog and a steaming hot cup of Sanka! In fact, I’m scheduling the entire day on Sunday to hang with the locals. It’s so fun just collecting free stuff, you know, a rainbow bag, a rainbow kerchief, a rainbow keychain, a rainbow yardstick or maybe a rainbow shoehorn if I get there early enough.
PGN: It looks like you’re spending most of your summer on the East Coast. Do you get to spend any of your summer in Minnesota? MR1981: Sad to say, no! I’m going to miss both weeks of summer, which usually happens in mid-July! I’m always on the road these days, since my church keeps providing my bus fare to new locations. In fact, I’m pretty sure I haven’t been home since late February of 1997. PGN: What do you like to do with your day when you’re not driving audiences wild on stage? MR1981: Probably trying to sell all that rainbow crap I get at the Pride celebration. I’ll need bus money for the trip back to Rehoboth Beach, Del. For the next couple of weeks I’m at the Blue Moon hosting “Cooking’s Not A Drag” every Tuesday with their chief cook, Lion, and “Rehoboth Beach Idol” every Wednesday night. It’s a blast, but the bus service isn’t nearly as reliable as those Chinese in NYC. Goodness, since they’ve branched out from laundry and nails into bus service, you can get across the country for five buck! PGN: Who were your idols or role models growing up? MR1981: As I mentioned the last time we chatted, my idols are Mother Theresa and that Christian gal on “The View.” But I really modeled most of my professional ministry by the life of Virginia Christine (God rest her soul), who played Mrs. Olson, the Folgers coffee lady. Although I am a strict Sanka drinker myself, because caffeine makes me run like a faucet, I remain a huge fan of any woman who’s still not too proud to make her man a pot of coffee — and good enough for a second cup, every time! PGN: Do aspiring beauty queens seek you out for advice? MR1981: I suspect that I get a lot of calls for advice, but I rarely get the messages because my phone’s been disconnected while I catch up on bills. This is getting a little personal. Can we wrap this up? PGN: What advice would you give to people you might inspire who want to get into show business? MR1981: First, I comfort them by letting them know that cat food is an acquired taste. Then I quote them a scripture passage where Jesus spoke to his disciples, saying, “It’s important to be nice, but it’s nicer to be important!” ■ Miss Richfield 1981 performs at 8 p.m. June 11 at 507 S. Eighth St. For more information or tickets, visit www.missrichfield.com or www.societyhillplayhouse. org, or call 215-923-0210.
PGN
Catch her, she’s falling for Pride By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
get into their head a little more and live it vicariously through them,” she said. “If I’m working with an artist that has an idea or After numerous performances in the great direction they want to go, it gives me more outdoors as part of Philly Pride celebrations of an idea of what kind of song they want to over the years, Jade Starling — of hit dance write. But for me, writing a song is just the group Pretty Poison — will perform indoors way I’m feeling.” Aside from music, Starling is especially as part of Triumphant Pride at Mad River. The singer and LGBT-rights activist said committed and heartfelt in her efforts as a she is looking forward to celebrating Philly gay activist, something she says she’s done since the start of her career. Pride in a more intimate venue. “As soon as I established any type of pro“This is a new party for me,” she said. “Although it’s a smaller venue and I usually file in the music world, it seemed like the gay, lesbian and transgender play with the band, this time people have always been more I’m bringing in my dancers and in touch with what [Pretty a phenomenal light show. It’ll Poison] were trying to do,” she definitely be more like a club said. “I’ve really believed that show.” my gay following has been Starling’s performance will more open to anything that feature her Pretty Poison hits was more artistic. I feel more and serve as a video shoot and acceptance there. I think that live debut for her new single, JADE STARLING it stems from my childhood “8 Daze.” Photo: Hott Shotz and feeling like an outcast and “It’s dark and tribal,” she said Photography bullied at the time. I feel like of the single. “It’s definitely I found my family and more going back to our club roots. It will definitely have a harder flavor to it, but acceptance in the gay world ... They have been most loyal to me over the years as it’ll be dramatic and fun as well.” Aside from Pretty Poison and her solo friends and fans.” Jade Starling performs at Bruce Yelk’s work, Starling also writes for other artists, such as Joss Stone. She said the process Triumphant Pride, which runs from 4-8 p.m. of writing for others isn’t too far removed June 12 at Mad River, 126 Chestnut St. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/ from how she writes for herself. “If I’m writing for another artist, I try to jadeshouse or www.nightlifegay.com. ■
‘Hungry’ sci-fi musical is full of funny By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
their weakness. Oh, and if they bite you, you become one. It’s got a zombie element as well ... I based it on ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Gloaming Productions and out play- and ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ all rolled wright and actor Sean Glass promise out- into one and put my own twist on it.” Personally, we’d like to see a play in rageous laughs in his long-gestating new production, “Hungry: The Musical,” which which, if a drag queen bites you, you runs June 16-24 at First Unitarian Church of become one. Wouldn’t that kick ass? Back to “Hungry.” Philadelphia. Drag-queen hero and Glass started writing the aliens are nice, but we need genre-hopping play in 2006 something more. but said it really picked up “I play a fledgling demon speed about a year ago. sent to earth by a drunken But you really don’t care God,” Glass said. “I play about that, do you? Neither opposite a character who’s do we. We just want to know a young angel. We were what is in this musical that CAST OF “HUNGRY: THE making too much racket might spark riots, protests, MUSICAL” and God sent us to Earth to jihad and other forms of shut us up. So my character social unrest. is the mischievous one who hits it off immeHow outrageous is the play? Well, it stars Nia Charles as the hero diately with the star, who’s a rabble-rouser Marsha, whom we’re told exists in an alter- herself.” OK, a drag-queen hero, aliens, horror, nate reality. “It’s actually based on a real-life person, a sacrilege and music? “The alien weakness is part of the comdrag-queen friend of mine from Pittsburgh, Marsha Mellow,” Glass said. “She’s just edy. It does stand out from the other works a larger-than-life character. She’s done that influenced me. I think it stands out because of the little twists.” Wigstock.” Catch the premiere of “Hungry: The Yes, Pittsburgh is an alternate reality. OK, Glass. We have a drag queen hero. Musical” 8 p.m. June 16-17 and 23-24 at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, What else have you got for us? “Aliens come to earth and the heroine, 2125 Chestnut St. For more information, go she saves us all,” he said. “She figures out to seanglassisamazing.com/tickets.html. ■
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
‘Drag Race’ winner to headline Philly tour stop By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Some of the more memorable contestants from the latest season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will be in town to start Pride weekend with a bang, performing June 10 at Voyeur. This season’s winner, Raja (aka makeup artist Sutan Amrull), who impressed the judges with her adventurous style, will be performing along with fellow contestants Carmen Carrera and Manila Luzon. PGN caught up with Raja, currently the featured performer on The Drag Race Tour, to talk about her newfound fame and recognition. PGN: Usually on “Drag Race” the queens with the edgier look go far but never win the season. Were you surprised that you won over more mainstream drag queens? R: I knew that I wanted to win. You have to go in there with a drive and ambition to win. I thought I was going to get kicked off about halfway. I thought maybe my ideas were too scary for people to absorb and understand. I just thought I might have been too progressive for television. I’m glad I made it to the end: I’m glad I won. PGN: From watching the show to being on the show, did you have any misconceptions about “Drag Race” going into it? R: I don’t think people realize how difficult the process is. People think it’s just a bunch of queens sitting around joking and laughing. Yes, there is that part, but there’s a huge amount of stress. The stress is what makes the show work. You don’t want to see people too comfortable because then it’s boring. There’s a lot of stress involved and a lot of deprivation. You can’t talk to your family or your friends. That’s a difficult part of it. It’s different being on the other side of the television screen. PGN: Now that you have won on the show and you’re representing the show on tour, does that put more pressure on you as a performer? R: I don’t think it’s pressure at all. For some reason, I’m easing into this quite easily. It feels natural. If you’ve always imagined having people adore you your entire life and you wished for a certain amount of stardom in your life and all of a sudden you’re getting a taste of it, it makes sense and it feels nice. I’m surrounded by love every night I’m out there. So I don’t really feel a lot of pressure. There’s still nerves and that’s a part of performance. Overall, it’s been great to meet people and have people really give all this attention and love. BOR_18220_MakeYourEscape_GN_AD_c1.indd 1
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RAJA
Photo: Mathu Andersen
PGN: What can people expect when they come out to see the show? R: They get to see us finally perform. You don’t get to see a lot of performance on the show. It’s a show that involves a lot of creating and showing off. People don’t get to see us moving and doing an actual show. I’ve always been very proud of my styles of performance. I’m not a big dancer but I do love to slink around, model and be beautiful. I just want people to see my brand of drag and what it is I do that I find to be special. PGN: Is the Drag Race Tour attracting people that normally wouldn’t go to a drag show? R: Absolutely. I’m getting a lot of straight people coming in. It’s a different audience this season. It’s not just a bunch of gay men watching it. It’s moms and grandmothers and kids. I get these tweets all the time saying, “I wish I was old enough but I’m only 13 years old, but I would like to see you. I admire you so much.” I think that it’s important. I think we reach all different levels and lifestyles. It’s a great moment for us as gay people and drag queens to be part of the mainstream. ■ The Drag Race Tour pulls into to town 9 p.m.-2 a.m. June 10 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. For more information or tickets, visit voyeurnightclub.com, www.artofraja.com or call 215-7355772.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Pride in the Name of Love Is it any coincidence that Pride month to go. is held as soon as the weather gets hot It was worth getting grounded (that enough to justify taking your shirt off in happened to me a lot back then). It was the city? I don’t think so. the first time I felt like I fit in instead of A lot of people I know are being an outcast. It was the completely over Pride. They first time I felt truly happy think it’s a relic of a time (not being gay. I remember looking so long ago) when we had around me and smiling and laughing and feeling amazed hardly any rights or visibility. Or worse, they think it’s a by absolutely everyone and freak show that emphasizes the everything I saw, whether I “fringe” elements of our comunderstood what I was seeing munity to the detriment of the or not. rest of our tribe. If there’s even the slightest chance that some kid will Still others think it’s gotten experience that same feeltoo confrontational now that ing of joy and acceptance for people with opposing viewpoints are given the opportuthe very first time at a Pride Jim Kiley- march, then I say it’s still relnity to spew vile hatred from their bullhorns outside our fesZufelt evant. tival. (I’m so sorry! I meant to So bring on the half-naked guys and the freaks and the type, “speak their views” ... My geeks and the conservative suburbanites fingers have a mind of their own sometimes.) and, yes, even the crazy right-wing proI don’t care what anyone else says, testers. I love it all! Pride will always mean a great deal to Logo’s ‘Drag Race’ Tour me. I’ll never forget the summer right If you read this column regularly, by after I graduated high school in 1985 now you probably know that I love me when I snuck up to New York City from some drag queens. If you do too, then Wilmington, Del., for my very first Pride I’ve got great news for you! This weekMarch. That part was easy. The hard part was trying to explain the sunburn the next end you have a chance to see three specday to my parents, who had forbidden me tacular performers in one amazing show.
Barcrawlr
And to top it off, they’re all Heathers! That’s right: Carmen Carrera, Manila Luzon and Season Three winner Raja will all be performing on Logo’s Drag Race Tour on June 10 when it hits Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Doors open at 9 p.m. so get there early to carve yourself out a good spot on the floor. The show will be hosted by Isis, who will be joined by gorgeous local divas Nevaya Shay, Satine Harlow and Omyra Lynn. For more information, see www.voyeurnightclub.com. Like everything even remotely connected with “Drag Race,” it’s all sponsored by Absolut Vodka. Don’t they know some queens like to drink whiskey? Miss Richfield 1981 As if that wasn’t enough for one weekend, Philadelphia is also being graced with the presence of the amazing Miss Richfield 1981 at 8 p.m. June 11 at the Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St. On tour with her “30 Years on the Throne” show, Miss Richfield 1981, who hails from Minnesota, has been described as a cross between Garrison Keillor and Mary Tyler Moore. I don’t know how she does it, but somehow she manages to get the perfect mix of down-home charm and outrageously inappropriate humor. She is truly one of a kind.
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Later, Miss Richfield 1981 will head to Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., for a special after-party in the Ascend Lounge. For more information, see www.missrichfield.com and www.tavernoncamac.com. Philadelphians MC Also on June 11, you can catch up with the men of Philadelphians MC at their annual Pre-Pride Social at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. They’ll be on the main floor serving up cold draft beer from 9 p.m.-midnight. For more information, see www.philadelphiansmc.org or www.thebikestop.com. Professional Soccer Players If Philadelphia Pride weekend doesn’t completely wear you out, then get ready for a chance to get up close and personal with some real live professional athletes. Don’t miss your chance to hang with the women of Independence, Philadelphia’s very own professional women’s soccer team. They’ll be at Stir, 1705 Chancellor St., on June 18 from 10 p.m. until closing for a social that will feature drink specials, prizes and DJs JD and Jivey. For more information, see www.stirphilly.com. ■ Questions, comments or news about upcoming events? Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
CD Reviews By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Deep Dark Robot 8 songs About a Girl Custard Out singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Linda Perry takes a break from writing pop hits for the likes of Christina Aguilera, Pink and Gwen Stefani to get her garage-rock catharsis on with the help of drummer Tony Tanay. It turns out that Perry, with a dash of heartbreak and the absence of A-list avatars for her songwriting, makes a potent and efficient collection of songs, especially since she seems to be worshiping at the feet of Concrete Blonde, Patti Smith and The White Stripes on fiery and brooding tracks like “It Fucking Hurts” and “Fuck You, Stupid Bitch.” Perry can break your heart into pieces even when the amps aren’t turned up to 11 on tracks like the sparse piano-driven “Speck.” If this is what a tumultuous relationship reaps, we should all hope Perry has girlfriends that are hell on wheels for a long time.
PGN
Juan Lords Your Love or My Love/In a Trance Jlord Records Local out singer Lords gets his techno on with his latest collection of singles and remixes. His often-textbook but still-enjoyable dance-floor concoctions work best when they’re in the hands of remix artists. The original track are adventurous enough from a techno songwriting standpoint, but the vocals on these tracks are rather plain and far enough in front of the mix to be distracting. All the remix tracks have fixed this problem, adding a respectable-enough amount of effects on the vocals to make them a more melodic part of the song. Lady Gaga Born This Way Interscope Hey there, Gaga. How’s it going? We’re going to forego the tradition album review here because, at this juncture, it’s a moot point. You’ve moved more than 1 million copies in a week. You’ve been on all the TV shows. You are the zeitgeist
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and you have truly arrived. By the way, we dig the album ... if you care. “Judas,” “Heavy Metal Lover,” “Government Hooker” and “Electric Chapel” are probably going to be entrenched in our iPod playlists for a while. We’d like to take this moment to give you mad props for following the Madonna playbook to the letter. Yeah, we know you mixed in some David Bowie and Grace Jones for good measure, but your pop trajectory screams Madonna. That’s why we know that’s next and why we want to warn you, for what it’s worth. If things stay on schedule, you’ll probably graduate to stadium concerts soon and the next album or two will be huge as well. You’re probably going to get your own record label if you want. Do all that stuff. Please do not start starring in movies. We cannot stress that enough. I know you see Beyoncé doing it successfully but you aren’t following her playbook. Do not get married ... unless it’s to a woman. Trust us on this. Otherwise, if you can resist overexposure and stay interesting and scandalous, we aren’t going to have any problems. Matthew Morrison Matthew Morrison Mercury Records
It’s hard to imagine anyone who likes “Glee” not liking this record. That said, Morrison’s selftitled disc is just the kind of pop record you would expect from someone who has a starring role on one of the most popular and bestbranded shows on television. For the most part, this collection of extremely marketable songs is as safe and wholesome as a loaf of Wonder Bread and has absolutely no edge. None. If you dig that kind of thing, listen and be happy. Others might find it hard not to puke from all the sugary, syrupy sweetness. And just to drive home the adult-pop point, Morrison snagged guest performances by safe adult-pop artists Sting, Elton John and Gwyneth Paltrow. And yes, those are John’s hits “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” and “Rocket Man” on which Morrison is trading vocal lines with John. Is that the best he could come up with when he had Elton-freakin’-John with him in the studio? Should someone who’s a big TV star take more artistic risks than someone who’s a contestant on “American Idol”? Pass the butter. ■
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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Barebacking: neither sacred nor sinful Barebacking. For most poz folk — become after you’re diagnosed as poz? I remember one gentleman brusquely myself included — it’s how we contracted instructing me to “bag it” from now on HIV. And concomitantly, barebacking is after he learned I was poz. (And me thinkthe one sexual act that, post-diagnosis, most violently transforms into a totem of ing, really? Is that what I’ll have to do painful memories and regret. from now on?) Because after Ever since HIV dawned in you’re diagnosed with HIV, you the ’80s, LGBT folk have been feel like a ticking time bomb of blood and cum, that wrapping flung into the contraceptive your genitals in a condom isn’t purgatory of condoms — both for fear of death and rejection. enough, that you might as well Back then, and still to this day, wear a condom tuxedo. however, many self-proclaimed To be sure, in the immediate post-diagnosis craze, you per“raw only” (aka sans condoms) ceive barebacking as a sacred folk carry out their sexual lives, sexual act that, for your sinful genitals in the buff, content or behavior, is one from which unaware of the consequences you shall forever be barred. that may befall them. This perspective is not only Notwithstanding the purely unhealthy but simply not true. raw folk, many gay men and until you can reconcile women continue to bounce Aaron Stella And back-and-forth between conthe act of barebacking in your dom and non-condom use, as mind, to accept the sound of per the motion of the ocean, if you catch that word “barebacking” as beautiful and my drift. And while I’ve met people who good and not deviant deeds done under claim to prefer — if not love — condoms dark, you’ll revile yourself with shame over barebacking, barring any condom and, from my experience, even increase fetishists out there, I feel pretty confident your chances of irresponsible sexual in stating every human would prefer skinbehavior in the future. to-skin intercourse over the sheepskin Nothing is objectively bad or exclusive chaperone. to one people in this world — barebacking So what does the barebacking option included. While it may have been the manner in which you contracted HIV, there is look like for HIV-poz folk? What does it
Millennial Poz
no point to blaming yourself; just take care of how you act after the fact. Meaning, you don’t go out barebacking all over creation to ease the pain of perspective on the act, but think and make choices responsibly. I for a time suffered from this deleterious mindset and, for it, sought to bareback with numerous HIV-poz folk, thinking that, for our sero-concordance, no harm would be done. Now, barring the potential of double infection or contracting a super-infection, the protracted harm I was inflicting on myself was that I was treating the very act I saw as sacred as deviant and cheap. I lingered in the shadows of my mind to hide from forces I believed would conjure greater torrents of pathos in my life, as if my fate was to live in perpetual sorrow, and barebacking indiscriminately would keep fate at bay. Really, it was my perspective on love and my low self-esteem that constituted the weightiness of my heart. That’s me personally, not every HIV-poz person. But believing that I was destined to be forever unloved and had fallen from the heights of heaven, happiness and romance sequestered me in the little vagrant-ward in my head, where I could do as I pleased — with other unloved vagrants — scot-free. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Yes. An HIV-poz person can take HIV meds, eventually knocking down his viral
load to undetectable levels, bringing transmission rates to their nadir, making barebacking a far less risky activity. Yes. HIV-poz folk can always, after assessing their strains and other pertinent information, bareback with each other and bypass the potential fear of infection extant in sero-discordant couples. But despite all those external variables, what will bring you piece of mind is understanding your relationship to barebacking. And frankly, there are too many debates surrounding barebacking that I can’t even pretend to accommodate all of them. But this isn’t all about barebacking: It’s about our self-esteem, how we perceive ourselves and the way we act, our intentions and goodwill, acting as one whole person to another. So my advice to you is to ask yourself, not just in regard to barebacking but to other aspects of your life: What is my intention? And let your intention guide your actions, not the other way around. We’re in this together, folks. Go out and talk about it. ■ Aaron Stella is editor-in-chief of Phillybroadcaster.com, an all-inclusive A&E blog. A Temple grad, he has written for several publications in the city and now devotes his life to tackling the challenges of HIV in the 21st century.
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TV PGN
Daytime actress talks soap, sexuality By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Daytime TV will lose a longtime soapopera legend later this year when “All My Children” goes off the air after 40 years. The show earned a reputation for confronting edgy storylines, like the 2000 coming-out of preeminent soap character Erica Kane’s daughter, Bianca Montgomery. Christina Bennett Lind, who took over the role of Bianca last year, had never portrayed a lesbian character but said she was eager for the new challenge. “It was kind of a dunk in the deep end,” she said. “It’s a prerequisite for actors to feel like they can fall in love with anybody and make those emotions authentic, so I had no apprehension about it. I was excited to portray a character who’s so exciting and current and courageous.” Once she assumed the role, she said she found the experience similar to other acting assignments. “I don’t quite know what I was expecting but I found it really wasn’t much different. It’s quite easy to invest in that romantic feeling with a woman because personally I’ve always believed, and still do, that love doesn’t discriminate between genders. So it’s been a really comfortable fit for me.” In February 2009, “All My Children,”
set in the fictional Philadelphia suburb of Pine Valley, made history with the first same-sex marriage on daytime television, between Bianca, at that time portrayed by Eden Riegel, and partner Reese Williams. Riegel exited the show early last year and, when the character returned last summer, she did so sans her wife. Bennett Lind has navigated the character, who has two daughters, through a messy divorce with Reese, a storyline she said has provided a rarely seen picture of the challenges faced by same-sex couples. “I feel like with the divorce storyline, I’ve appreciated how [the writers] have handled it, but I think I would have enjoyed diving into it even a little deeper to look at the climate in our country for people who are gay, married and then divorced. This isn’t something that’s talked about really at all. But I’ve really loved jumping into this and I wanted to do something romantic right away, but that’s been building slowly, up until very recently,” she said, referring to Bianca’s blossoming relationship with Marissa Chandler. Bennett Lind said the show’s fans are just as invested in Bianca’s romantic storylines as they are in the heterosexual couples on the show. “I haven’t seen any backlash whatsoever, people have been incredibly support-
ive. I’d love to talk to Eden one day about whether she got any of that back in 2000, but what I’m getting is fans wanting more attention paid to the fact that she’s gay. They’re saying, ‘We want more, we want more.’ I feel like people are incredibly protective of Bianca and have really embraced her story. I think that’s a real testament to the gradual changes in our country.” Bennett Lind noted that even when certain topics have been too taboo by other programs, show creator Agnes Nixon never shied away from addressing them. In the 1970s, “All My Children” featured the first legal abortion on American television, a decade later confronted the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic with an HIV-positive character and, several years ago, introduced daytime television’s first pre-operative transgender character. “I met Agnes Nixon at the Emmys last year and she’s just this beautiful tiny woman who’s just so polite and lovely, and I remember her sharing with me about how she has always wanted to introduce these social storylines and see what boundaries can be pushed within the context of the show,” Bennett Lind. But Nixon’s storylines will only be played out on the screen through September, when “All My Children” is scheduled for cancellation. The Nixon-created “One Life to Live,” also set in Pennsylvania, is slated
CHRISTINA BENNETT LIND PLAYS LESBIAN BIANCA MONTGOMERY ON “ALL MY CHILDREN.”
for the chopping block in January. Bennett Lind, who plans to remain in Los Angeles and fuse her passion for theater with television and film pursuits, said she doesn’t know much about what the next few months will hold for her character, but she’s eager for romance to be included. “Bianca is someone who loves fiercely, just like Erica and [sister] Kendall. I think all three deserve to find that love, and they’re all in a weird middle place right now. So I’m hopeful that there’s love at the end of this for all of them.” ■
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TV power couple mine their divorce for new sitcom By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Actress and author Fran Drescher and real-life ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson have made the best of what had to have been an awkward situation: The two are using their post-divorce relationship as the inspiration for their new sitcom. “Happily Divorced” stars Drescher as a Los Angeles florist whose 18-year marriage ends when her husband Peter announces he’s gay. Wait, there’s more.
JACOBSON AND DRESCHER
He can’t afford to move out, so they have to live under the same roof while she navigates being single and he navigates coming out. In real life, Drescher and Jacobson got married in 1978 and together they became successful, with Drescher acting and Jacobson acting, writing and producing. Both are best known for their work on the hit sitcom “The Nanny,” which starred Drescher and was created, written and produced by Jacobson. Around the same time “The Nanny” ended its successful run in 1999, the two divorced. Jacobson said that, unlike the way the breakup plays out on “Happily Divorced,” it took a while after the real-life divorce before the two of them reconnected. “In the real version, we didn’t speak for a year because I didn’t want it to end,” he said. “I was still not dealing with the fact I was gay. I thought the problems we had that broke us up could be dealt with. But they really were stemming from the fact that I was not being who I truly am. So my anger and control issues would come out in other ways because I was bury-
ing the fact of who I was. I didn’t want to get divorced but she knew that it was time for us to become individuals. We were together since we were 15 and never spent much time apart. I was very angry about that because of course I loved her and I was losing my family. I was an orphan. Moving to New York and having to start my life all over again, through that next year, I decided I should deal with my attractions to men. A year later she had gotten sick. She had cancer and someone called me to tell me. Immediately once I found that out, I just wanted to be there to help her. She was already seeing another guy at the time. Then we started to slowly rebuild our relationship.” Drescher and Jacobson eventually realized their professional chemistry was still strong and began collaborating on various projects, one of which would become “Happily Divorced.” “We were writing it as a movie,” Jacobson said. “She had a meeting with TV Land to develop some television shows and they said if you were doing a TV show, what would you want to do? She said, ‘My relationship with my ex-husband is an interesting relationship.’ That’s how it happened. We always found humor as the best way to deal with any situation when we can. So we were at a point in our relationship where it was very easy to do.” Despite the gay twist to the show, Jacobson said “Happily Divorced” is a family sitcom. “Our roots are in sitcoms,” he said. “That’s what we do. That’s our passion. When TV Land said let’s do a traditional family sitcom, we though this would be a nice way to reach people. Love is love and that is what the message of the series is. It’s a traditional family sitcom with a contemporary edge to it.” Starring alongside Drescher in the TV show is a stellar cast featuring Tichina Arnold (“Everybody Hates Chris,” “Martin”) as Fran’s best friend Judi, Rita Moreno and Robert Walden as her parents Dori and Glen and Valente Rodriguez as her flower-delivery employee Cesar. Jacobson said the goal for casting on the show was to get the best talent they could. “TV Land was really supportive of that,” he said. “They said we don’t care about big TV names, we just want the best actors. [Moreno] came in and knocked it out of the park. She’s a brilliant actress. Valente is a very trained talented stage actor. Tichina has been on Broadway. John Michael Higgins, who plays me, is one of the funniest men around. So, yes, we have a class ‘A’ cast, which makes the material sing. We have a really good show and I hope people will tune in and give it a chance.” “Happily Divorced” debuts 10:30 p.m. June 15 on TV Land. ■
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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PGN DINING
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Spreading the love of tacos far and wide By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com At first glance, Cantina Feliz, 424 S. Bethlehem Pike, and Guapos Tacos Truck don’t appear to have too much in common. One is a comfy restaurant tucked away in the suburban hamlet of Ft. Washington. The other is a taco truck that can usually be found in Love Park during the lunch rush on certain weekdays. But both are special because they are directly and indirectly products of the super-talented and successful Jose Garces: Cantina executive chef Tim Spinner was a Garces protégé for seven years, working at both Distrito and Amada; Guapos is a Garces project. And, more importantly, both know how to satiate our healthy lust for tacos. But we’ll get to that later ... Cantina Feliz has a definite wow factor that would make anyone glad they made the trek out to the burbs. Our highest
praise goes to the ceviche verde ($10.95), which was the perfect convergence of seafood, citrus, spice and the most unexpected and welcome addition of lime sorbet. Not far behind was the pulpo ala planxa ($11.95), a delectable dish of crispy, wellseasoned octopus and potatoes that can be given a considerable boost of fire with the jalapeños served alongside, depending on how much you want to put your tastes buds through the wringer. It’s easy to see why crab fundido ($11.95) is popular, with jumbo lump crab swimming in a sea of cream cheese and queso. But it paled in comparison to the two adventurous dishes that came before it, a leisurely raft trip down a calm river when just minute before we were swinging through the jungle on vines, outrunning the lava flow of an exploding volcano and getting chased by frenzied monkeys and vampire bats ... Choose your own adventure.
If you go Cantina Feliz 424 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington 215-646-1320 Open for lunch and dinner daily www.cantinafeliz. com
THE BAR AT CANTINA FELIZ Photo: Jason Varney K O S H E R
If you go Guapos Tacos Usually can be found weekdays at lunchtime at Love Park www.guapostacos.com twitter.com/guapostacos
GUAPOS TACOS TRUCK Photo: Michael Persico Did we mention Cantina Feliz has a wonderful selection of strong alcoholic beverages? We don’t know how anyone makes it to the big entrées, but they are high quality as well. The New York strip ($27.95) was top notch with a flavorful adobo and chimichurri making the grass-fed beef even tastier, and a nice chipotle bone-marrow cream working wonders on a side of spinach. Meanwhile, back in the city, Guapos Tacos has as strong an appetizer game as anyone can expect from a restaurant on four wheels. The guacamole ($6) is quality. The tostada verde ($7) is fresh and flavorful. But the superstars at both Cantina Feliz and Guapos are the tacos. Both places make a great fish taco (Guapos $7, Feliz $12.95). Both are flavorful and have some serious talent going on with the slaw, but Feliz has the edge when it comes to the wow factor. Its fish is crusted with plantain chips and has the added bonus of a
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flavorful array of condiments to choose from. Guapos has the edge on the vegetarian arena with mushroom tacos (Guapos $6, Feliz $11.95). Both places do a great job of bringing mushrooms into taco territory, but Guapos’ mushroom tacos rules in the texture and flavor department, making us forget that we’re essentially grazing with this taco. It’s almost too close to call with their carnitas tacos (Guapos $7, Feliz $10.95). Both are juicy and tender but, if you like a nice crunch on the outside of your pork, Feliz might win by a hair. But on the other hand, Guapos does a stellar job with the garnish on the pork taco, which includes the sweetness of finely chopped pineapple. It’s a tie. Guapos has a duck taco ($8) that comes really close to making us forget that there are fish tacos on the menu. Whether it’s dining in the suburbs or grabbing a quick bite in the heart of the city, Garces’ protégés are delivering the goods and doing their mentor proud. ■
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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PGN TV
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Worth Watching EX-FACTOR: While shopping for a Valentine’s Day cake, Mike (Billy Gardell) runs into Molly’s gay ex-boyfriend (out actor Robert Grant, left), who Mike doesn’t know is gay and gets insecure about their past, on a repeat of “Mike & Molly,” 9:30 p.m. June 13 on CBS.
AH, THE SCENT OF BOTOX, SILICONE AND PEROXIDE: Catfight alert! It’s raining kept trophy wives when out TV personality Andy Cohen hosts the reunion episode of the latest season of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” 10 p.m. June 12 on Bravo. Photo:
Photo: CBS/Monty Brinton
Bravo/Nicole Wilder
AND THE WINNER IS ... : Broadway’s brightest will be on hand when out actor Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) hosts the 65th Annual Tony Awards, live from the Beacon Theatre, 8 p.m. June 12 on CBS.
DINNER IS SERVED: Chef and author Rocco DiSpirito hosts a new cooking competition series, “Rocco’s Dinner Party,” in which he sizes up some of the country’s most promising aspiring chefs to see if they have the chops to impress at a private dinner party with his discriminating guests, premiering 11 p.m. June 15 on Bravo.
Photo: CBS/Cliff Lipson
Photo: Bravo/Adam Olszewski
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
Q Puzzle The Voice Across
1. “Horny” animal 4. CBS forensic drama 7. DeLuise who was in drag in “Haunted Honeymoon” 10. “Suzie Q” band, for short 13. Where they say “Ooh! Long!” 15. Behind, financially 17. Supported an org. for ending AIDS? 18. Kahlo and others 19. “The Voice” contestant 21. Liza’s mother 22. Reef buildup 23. “It’s Not the Size That Counts” star Sommer 25. Sitcom actress Meyers
26. With 33-Across, “The Voice” contestant 28. Matthew in “The Producers” 29. ___-wip topping 31. “Good grief!” 33. See 26-Across 39. Winkler role, with “the” 42. Triangle-shaped peninsula 43. A little, to Leonard Bernstein 47. The Crimson Tide’s st. 48. Broadway title woman of 1925 50. “In Cold Blood” writer, to pals 51. Teeny-weeny 53. Operetta composer Franz ___ 55. “The Voice” contestant 61. It was gauche, for Debussy 62. “The Voice” contestant
63. net 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70.
Nastase of the Romeo or Juliet Giving a line to Britten’s beers Gael’s language Forest females Disney, e.g.
Down
1. JFK info 2. Tongue-lashing 3. Tiny chirper 4. Ian McKellen’s “The Da Vinci ___ ” 5. Reporter’s need 6. Cho activity 7. Bounce from Hung Jury? 8. “The Iceman Cometh” writer Eugene 9. “Death in Venice” author Thomas 10. Toyota model 11. Sounded like the Tin Man, maybe 12. Hi-___ graphics
14. Bank (on) 16. Part of a vacuum cleaner that sucks 20. Vein contents 21. Canning container 24. Shooter in Bruce Weber’s field 26. Something to flick 27. Vote of support 30. Buffer area in a war, briefly 32. Total U.S. output, e.g. 34. Stonewall Jackson’s land (abbr.) 35. Memorial designer Maya ___ 36. WSW opposite 37. Caesar’s lang. 38. Eng. class about Wilde 39. “Terrif!” 40. Lover of Kaye, some say 41. Mead studied
them on Samoa 44. Moor green with jealousy 45. Less rational 46. Wilder’s “ ___ Town” 48. B’way locale 49. Giant ball-handler Manning 52. Public spectacle 54. Seminal computer 56. “Hedwig and the Angry ___ ” 57. Romantic island for gay weddings 58. Of the same sort 59. Fruit cover 60. Puts out, like Billy Bean 61. Road atlas abbr. 64. Gaydar, for example PAGE 79
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 06/10 Being Queer Saved My Life: An Evening of Solidarity and Pride Performance artists lend their talents to this fundraiser, 7:309:30 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Bright Eyes The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-546-7900. Miranda Lambert The country singer performs 8 p.m.
at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Phish The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300. Leslie Orofino The cabaret singer performs 8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225. Logo’s Drag Race Tour! Raja, Carmen Carrera and Manila Luzon
perform 9 p.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772. Sully Erna The Godsmack frontman performs solo 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Hedwig and the Angry Inch The gender-bending rock musical film is screened midnight at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-
Sat. 06/11 6888. Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Philly The cabaret troupe performs 3 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Cowboy Mouth The rock band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.
GETTING GRITTY: The remake of “True Grit” wasn’t the most uplifting film we saw last year, but the acting was top-notch. Catch the Oscar-nominated film when it is screened 8 p.m. June 13 at Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information, call 215-922-6888.
The Harvest: Spoken Soul 215 Open Mic The verses fly 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Judy Barnett’s “Jazz-A-Teria” The cabaret singer performs at 8 and 9:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-8625225.
Scarface The 1932 film (not the 1983 classic) is screened 4 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.
Sun. 06/12
True Grit The Oscar-nominated 2010 film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.
Nancy Weiss The singer performs 3 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-862-5225.
Mon. 06/13
First Person StorySlam Poets battle it out 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.
Tue. 06/14 Unlabeled: The Acoustic/ Electric Open Mic for Up and Comers Undiscovered singer-songwriters perform 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.
Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. Kathryn Calder The New Pornographers singer performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Martha Graham Cracker with West Philly Orchestra The drag performer performs a special show 8 p.m. at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215-5920656. The Smithereens The rock band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.
Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.
Fri. 06/17 Marc Silver and The Stonethrowers The out singersongwriter and his band performs a free show 5:30 p.m. at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Billy Gardell The comedian (“Mike & Molly”) performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre,
291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Daryl Hall & John Oates The hit-making duo performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Kenny Loggins The rock singer performs solo 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. ■
Thu. 06/16
Wed. 06/15
David McCullough The author of “The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris” hosts a signing 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.
Steve Volk The author of “Fringe-ology” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.
David Brenner The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theater 1984, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808.
The Decemberists The folk-rock band performs 8 p.m. at
Bob & Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at
FUNNY PHILADELPHIAN: Comedian, actor and South Philadelphia native David Brenner performs at 8 p.m. June 16 at Sellersville Theater 1984, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville. For more information, visit www. davidbrennersite.com or call 215257-5808.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Opening Hungry, The Musical The sci-fi comedy about man-eating plants from outer space runs June 16-24 at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980.
Continuing Beware the Lily Law Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a video installation on the experiences of trans prisoners, through November, 2027 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-5111. The Great American Trailer Park Musical 11th Hour Theatre Company presents a new musical about agoraphobia, adultery, ’80s nostalgia, spray cheese, road kill, hysterical pregnancy, a broken electric chair, kleptomania, strippers and disco, through June 19 at The Arden Theatre’s Arcadia Stage, 40 N. Second St.; 215922-8900. Health for Sale: Posters from the William H. Helfand Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of medical poster prints, through July 31, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.
Porcelain for the Emperor Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Chinese ceramics through Sept. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.
dramatic comedy about a sour middle-aged man who goes to his dying aunt’s beside, through June 12 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; lanterntheater.org or 215829-0395.
The Sound of Music The Centre Theater presents the musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein based on the memoir by Maria von Trappe, through June 28, 208 DeKalb St.; 610-2791013.
Unsettled: Photography and Politics in Contemporary Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by nine artists who used photography to address some of the most controversial political and social issues of the late 1970s through the early ’90s, including feminism, racism, the AIDS crisis and gay activism, through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.
Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition focusing on Philadelphia’s tailoring industry, featuring clothing designed by Francis Toscani (1915-73), through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. To Love, Honor and Obey? Stories of Italian Renaissance Marriage Chests Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the commemorative works of art, through July, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Vigil Lantern Theater Company presents the
Miss Saigon Walnut Street Theatre presents the popular musical epic love story, through July 17, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 hosts a salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, through June 26, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. The Peacock Male: Exuberance and Extremes in Masculine Dress Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition, drawn from the museum’s collection of Western fashion, examining 300 years of men’s sartorial display, through June, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Q PUZZLE, from page 77
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
PLATINUM COUNTRY: Award-winning country singer Miranda Lambert performs 8 p.m. June 10 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information, call 609317-1000.
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.
PAGE 79
Closing Antony & Cleopatra Puppet Uprising presents a production featuring sound artists, clowns, drag kings, opera singers and puppeteers, through June 12 at a secret location: meet at SEPTA’s Girard Street El stop at 8 p.m. wearing a red carnation. From there, you’ll be escorted to the Secret Theater; www.puppetuprising.org.
YOU CAN GO FOR THAT: After two area solo shows apart from each other, Daryl Hall and John Oates are back on stage together (hopefully playing the hits) 8 p.m. June 17 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information, call 609-317-1000.
Christian Finnegan The comedian seen on VH1’s “Best Week Ever” performs through June 11 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001.
Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
The Flea & The Professor The Arden Theatre Company presents the children’s story about a young professor who loses everything in the world but the flea who lives in his vest, through June 12 at Arden Theatre Company’s F. Otto Haas Stage, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122.
Phaedra The Opera Company of Philadelphia performs the classic Greek myth of Phaedra, wife of Theseus, the Athenian king who vanquished the dreaded minotaur, through June 12 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
La Fille Mal Gardée by Sir Frederick Ashton The Pennsylvania Ballet performs Ashton’s touching tale of two determined lovers and their quest to marry, through June 11 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S.
Ruined Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama set in the war-torn Congo, through June 12 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. ■
PGN
■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK
■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851
■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555
■ AIDS Treatment hot line: 215545-2212
■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378
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■ Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658
■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
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■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
������� ������ Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.
Health
AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822 or 866-2223871. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803.
HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw.org.
■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for informa-
tion about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.
■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; 856-8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.
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■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com
■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBTLAW; legalservices@mazzonicenter. org
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833
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■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633
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■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840
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■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221
■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513
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■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377
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■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies
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■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3-6 p.m. Tuesday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
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■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; 215-898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday
Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org
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Community centers
■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331
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Community Bulletin Board
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
PAGE 81
in Philadelphia CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA
• City Hall, NE Entrance • Philadelphia Family Planning Commission, 260 S. Broad St., 10th floor • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Scorpio Books, 202 S. Juniper St. • Sisters, 1320 S. Chancellor St. • Paolo Pizza, 1336 Pine St. • Dignity/St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 330 S. 13th St. • Parker Hotel lobby, 261 S. 13th St. • Westbury Bar, 261 S. 13th St. • William Way Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Q, 1234 Locust St. • Voyeur, 1220 St. James St. • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • 13th St. Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • XIII on 13, 211 S. 13th St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Woody’s Bar, 202 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore, 133 S. 13th St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St., basement • Robin’s Bookstore, 108 S. 13th St. • I. Goldberg, 1300 Chestnut St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Uncles Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Philadelphia Fight/AIDS Library, 1233 Locust St., fifth floor • Valanni Restaurant, 1229 Spruce St. • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • 12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Brew HaHa! Coffee Shop, 212 S. 12th St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • Reading Terminal Market, Central Court Rear, 12th & Filbert streets • Hampton Inn, 1301 Race St. • ASIAC, 1201 Chestnut St., fifth floor • ActionAIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Ettore Salon, 1201 Market St., in Marriott Hotel • Mazzoni Clinic, 21 S. 12th St. • Women’s Anonymous Test Site, 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 1200 • Safeguards, 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 610 • AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, 1211 Chestnut St., 12th floor • 1211 Chestnut St., lobby • Fusion Gym, 105 S. 12th St., second floor • AACO, 1101 Market St., ninth floor • Sante Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St. • 10th St. Pour House, 252 S. 10th St. • Foodery, 10th & Pine streets • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • HONOR BOXES Broad & Spruce streets • Broad & Walnut streets • Broad & Chestnut streets • Juniper & Market streets • 13th & Sansom streets • 13th & Walnut streets • 13th & Locust streets • 13th & Spruce streets • 13th & Pine streets • 12th & Spruce streets • 12th & Manning streets • 12th & Locust streets • 12th & Walnut streets • 12th & Filbert streets • 11th & Arch streets • 11th & Walnut streets • 11th & Pine streets • 10th & Spruce streets • 10th & Pine streets • Ninth & Pine streets • Eighth & Walnut streets • Eighth & Market streets • Ninth & Market streets
OTHER PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS
PHILADELPHIA, OLD CITY/SOCIETY HILL ZIP CODE 19106 • Independence Visitors Center, Sixth & Market streets • Free Library, Independence Branch, 18 S. Seventh St. •
Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Curtis Center, 170 W. Independence Mall • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Zeke’s Lunch, 318 S. Fifth St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Philly Paws, 100 N. Second St. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Old City Ironworks Gym, 141 N. Second St. • Chocolate Works Condo lobby, 321 N. Third St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • HONOR BOXES • Seventh & Pine streets • Fifth & Pine streets • Third & Spruce streets • Fifth & Spruce streets • Sixth & Chestnut streets • Fifth & Chestnut streets • Fourth & Chestnut streets • Third & Chestnut streets • Second & Chestnut streets • Second & Walnut streets • Walnut & Dock streets, by Ritz Movies • Fifth & Market streets • Third & Arch streets • Third & Race streets • Fourth Street bet. Arch & Market streets, by Holiday Inn
PHILADELPHIA: SOUTH ST./BELLA VISTA/PASSYUNK ZIP CODE 19147 • Whole Foods Market, 929 South St. • Big Green Earth Store, 934 South St. • Bean Café, 615 South St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • PGN offices, 505 S. Fourth St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge streets • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Paper Moon, 524 S. Fourth St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Office of Dr. Lynne Rosenthal, 530 S. Second St., second floor • Michael’s Café, 1623 E. Passyunk Ave. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Carmen’s Country Kitchen, 11th & Wharton streets • Free Library, Southwark Branch, 932 S. Seventh St. • Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Hideaway, Days Inn, 2015 Penrose Ave. • HONOR BOXES • 10th & South streets • Eighth & South streets • Sixth & South streets • 505 S. Fourth St. • Fourth & Bainbridge streets • Third & South streets • Passyunk Avenue & Mifflin Street • Passyunk Avenue & Tasker Street • Passyunk Avenue, 10th & Reed streets PHILADELPHIA WEST OF BROAD ZIP CODE 19102/19103 • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce streets • Touraine Building lobby, 1520 Spruce St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • TLA Video, 1520 Locust St. • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 1610 Chestnut St. • Café Cret, 1301 Race St. • Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, 17th & Race streets • Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • Titan Room, 22nd & Market streets • Manna, 12 S. 23rd St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • Phila. Daily News/Inquirer lobby, 400 N. Broad St. • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., third floor • Main Branch Phila. Free Library, 19th & Vine streets • HONOR BOXES • 17th & Pine streets • 20th & Pine streets • 15th & Spruce streets • 17th & Spruce streets • 18th & Spruce streets • 19th & Spruce streets • 23rd & Spruce streets • 25th & Spruce streets • 18th & Locust streets • 20th & Locust streets • 21st & Walnut streets • 22nd & Walnut streets • 20th & Sansom streets • Broad & Chestnut streets • 22nd & Chestnut streets • 16th & Market streets • 18th & Market streets • 22nd & Market streets • Design Center, 2400 Block Market St. • 16th Street & JFK Boulevard • 18th Street & JFK Boulevard • 20th & Vine streets PHILADELPHIA, FAIRMOUNT, ZIP CODE 19130 • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • CCP Lambda, Phila. Community College, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill streets • Free Library, Main Branch, 19th & Vine streets • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Beehive Hair Salon, 2319 Fairmount Ave. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Crooked Frame Café, 2545 Brown St. • HONOR BOX, 23rd Street & Fairmount Avenue
PHILADELPHIA, WEST PHILLY, ZIP CODE 19104 • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut streets • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 40th & Locust streets • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Osol Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • HONOR BOXES • 30th & Market streets, NW corner • 33rd & Market streets, SW corner • 38th & Chestnut streets • 38th & Walnut streets • 36th & Walnut streets • 34th & Walnut streets • 34th & Spruce streets • 37th & Spruce streets • 38th & Spruce streets • 38th & Walnut streets • 40th & Walnut streets • University City SEPTA Station
PHILADELPHIA, OTHER, BY ZIP CODE 19111 • Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Free Library, Welsh Road, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd. • Honor Box, Welsh Road & Roosevelt Boulevard • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • 19114 • Today’s Videos, 9255 Roosevelt Blvd. • 19116 • GWHS Beacon Center, 10175 Bustleton Ave. • Free Library Bustleton Branch, 10199 Bustleton Ave. • 19118 • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Coffee Junction, 7210 Cresheim Road • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Newsstand, 8600 Germantown Ave. • Border’s Books, 8701 Germantown Ave. • 19119 • TLA Video, 7630 Germantown Ave. • Honor Box, Wyndmoor SEPTA Station • 19120 • Free Library, Olney Branch, 5501 N. Fifth St. • 19122 • Rainbow Eye, 1449 N. Fifth St., second floor • Free Library, Rodriguez Branch, 600 W. Girard Ave. • Barnes & Noble, 1700 N. Broad St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • 19123 • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Shampoo, Seventh & Willow streets • Honor Box, Fifth & Spring Garden streets • 1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th Street & Girard Avenue • 19124 • Free Library Fishtown Branch, 1217 E. Montgomery Ave. • Free Library Frankford Branch, 4634 Frankford Ave. • Free Library Oak Lane Branch, 6614 N. 12th St. • 19126 • Free Library, Roxborough Branch, 6245 Ridge Ave. • 19127 • Free Library, Andorra Branch, 705 E. Cathedral Road • Honor Box, Main & Cotton streets • 19128 • Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • 19129 • Free Library Falls of Schuylkill, 3501 Midvale Ave. • 19131 • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Avenue & Monument Road • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Avenue & Monument Road • Free Library Wynnefield Branch, 5325 Overbrook Ave. • Honor Box City Avenue & 63rd Street • 19132 • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • 19133 • Congresso De Latinos, American Street & Lehigh Avenue • Free Library Lehigh Branch, 601 W. Lehigh Ave. • Prevention Point, 166 W. Lehigh Ave. • Free Library Richmond Branch, 2987 Almond St. • 19134 • Free Library McPherson Square Branch, 601 E. Indiana Ave. • Touch of Class Books, 3342 Kensington Ave. • 19136 • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • 19139 • Free Library West Phila. Branch, 125 S. 52nd St. • 19141 • Free Library Logan Branch, 1333 Wagner Ave. • Free Library Olney Branch, 6017 Ogontz Ave. • 19143 • Free Library Blanche A. Nixon Branch, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway • Free Library Kingsessing Branch, 1201 S. 51st St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • 19144 • Free Library Joseph E. Coleman Branch, 68 W. Chelten Ave. • Free Library Lovett Branch, 6945 Germantown Ave. • 19145 • Free Library South Phila. Branch, 1700 S. Broad St. • Free Library Passyunk Branch, 1935 Shunk St. • 19146 • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Honor Box, 22nd & South streets • L-2 Restaurant, 22nd & South streets • Honor Box, 19th & South streets • Honor Box, 17th & Lombard streets • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad Street & Washington Avenue • 19149 • Newsstand, Bustleton & Cottman avenues • Free Library, Northeast Regional Branch, 2228 Cottman Ave.
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COMMUNITY PGN
REALPGN ESTATE
Classifieds 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. All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
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PRIVATE, PARTY-READY RESIDENCE! of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
Active Adult Community (55 Plus) in Beautiful, Historic Smyrna, Delaware. New Single Home Development near beaches and bay areas. Purchase prices from $99,900. CALL 302-6595800. Visit www.bonayrehomes.com _______________________________35-23 NY’S LARGEST SELECTION Land & Camp Packages New 2 story cabin on River w/ 5 Acres ~ $79,995. Farmhouse and Barns w/ 5 Acres $69,995. New Cabin w/ 8 Acres ~ $32,995. Call 800-229-7843. Or Visit www.LandandCamps.com For Camp Pictures. _______________________________35-23 NYS BEST EVER LAND BARGAINS 4 acres rustic camp- $19,995. 7 acres trout stream WAS: $29,995 NOW: $22,995. 26 acres River Gorge WAS: $49,995 NOW: $39,995. 12 acres w/ barn WAS: $39,995 NOW: $25,995. 7 acres near Oneida Lake WAS: $27,995 NOW: $17,995. 5 acres forest bordering stateland $15,995. FREE CLOSING COSTS Call 800229-7843 or visit www.LandandCamps.com _______________________________35-23
12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________35-29 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215)735-8050. _______________________________35-31 ART MUSEUM AREA 2 BR Carriage House Apartment for rent, $1800 mo. 2 BR (with den), newly renv, roof deck. F/B, A/C, G/H, W/D avail. No Pets. Contact: ambron@altusagency.com _______________________________35-22 17XX E. PASSYUNK AVE. 2nd floor 3 BR apt. w/private entrance. W/D. $1350. Call 215-463-2028. _______________________________35-26
SALE
RENT
Very privately situated on 7+ park-like acres in New Hope-Solebury, this custombuilt residence looks out to an exceptional heated pool with waterfall and a wildflower meadow beyond.
PGN
YOU LOOK MAHVELOUS! BRIGHTEST HOUSE IN THE CITY Oversized Windows & High Ceilings 819 S. Warnock
$799,000 NEW CONSTRUCTION! 2 Car Parking 2 Zoned 3 Patio/Decks Hardwood Throughout 3 Bed/2.5 Bath Huge Den Fab Skyline Views 10yr Tax ABATED!
Perfect for entertaining, it features formal rooms with exceptional millwork as well as a chef’s kitchen that opens to a dramatic great room with stone fireplace. First-floor main bedroom suite. 5 BR / 5.2 baths, 3-car garage. A delightful property off one of the area’s most desirable roads! Listed at $1,690,000. Phone Beth Danese, 215-208-6549, or email beth@kurfiss.com. See a slideshow at www.kurfiss.com/5871619.
Suzanne E. Petruzel, GRI Sales Associate Cell 610-859-8030
Fox & Roach REALTORS®
At the Rittenhouse • 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq. Phila, PA 19103 Office 215-546-0550 • Dir. 215-790-5671 • Cell 610-659-8030 suzanne.petruzel@prufoxroach.com
Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty 6038 Lower York Road • New Hope, Pennsylvania 18938
Office: 215-794-3227
EWS
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PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-29
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VACATION
RENTAL OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com _______________________________35-23 NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ- FLORENTINE FAMILY MOTEL Beach/Boardwalk Block, Heated Pools, Efficiency/ Motel units refrigerator, elevator. Color Brochure/ Specials 609-522-4075 DEPT.104 www.florentinemotel.com _______________________________35-23
BUSINESS
OPORTUNITY
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BE YOUR OWN BOSS- START TODAY! OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY 1-800-518-3064 WWW. DRSS19.COM _______________________________35-23
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
SALE
SALE
Open Houses Sunday June 12, 2011 NOON - 1:00 PM 1812 Spruce St. “Snowden Residence Condo” Brand new condo conversion in the Heart of Rittenhouse Square. Unit #2R Grand Scale 1 bd. 1.5 bath w/ office area. Magnificent ceiling and molding details, Marble Bath, large walk-out Terrace. Gourmet Kitchen, parking available......$450,000 2011 Catharine St. Large classic style totally renovated home. 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with 2 Car PARKING. Finished lower level. Deluxe S/ S and granite kitchen, Spa-like master bath and a bi-level deck with the best views in the city. ............................................priced at only $499,000 540 Cypress St. Charming, totally restored historic colonial in Society Hill. 2 large bedrooms, 1.5 baths. 2 fireplaces, wood floors, a/c, exposed brick walls, etc...................................................................................$399,900 1:30-2:30 PM 1812 Spruce St. Unit #3R. Best value 2 bedroom, 1 bath in Rittenhouse Square. Fabulous new condo conversion 1 block off Rittenhouse Square. Marble bath, deluxe kitchen, huge walk-out terrace. A/C, low fees and taxes. ...................................................................................................$395,000 2155 MONTROSE STREET - new construction, large 3BR/2.5BA corner property with rear garden, large roof deck and tax abatement, Finished lower level. A must see. ...........................................reduced only $399,900 1812 Spruce St. Unit 2F. Very large condo. Great space, in Rittenhouse Square, 1 bed, 1 bath. High ceilings with architectural details. Deluxe kitchen. Deeded parking available. .........................................................$425,000
SERVICES EUGENE’S TAILOR SHOP Custom Design & Tailoring for Men & Women Alterations Eugene Naroditsky Natalie Naroditsky
(215) 923 - 8081 Monday - Friday 10 - 6 Saturday 10 - 5
242 South 17th Street Philadelphia PA 19103 www.eugenestailorshop.com eugenestailorshop@gmail.com
AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715. _______________________________35-23 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-220-3984. www. CenturaOnline.com _______________________________35-23
PGN WANTED
TO BUY CASH BUYER Pre-1980 Comic Books, Toys, Sports, ANYTHING. I travel to you and Buy EVERYTHING YOU have. Call Brian at 1-800-473-2407. _______________________________35-23
Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com Dan Tobey
The Curtis Center 1401 Walnut St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com
REAL ESTATE
SALE
FOR SALE - DREXEL PARK COLONIAL - $324,900 451 Fairfax Rd, Drexel Hill,PA 19026 • MLS# - 5846093 Old World Charm updated for today’s buyer! 6 bedroom, 3.5 bath Center Hall Colonial in the heart of Drexel Park! Rehabbed in the fall of 2010. New kitchen, 2 new full bathrooms and updated powder room, refinished hardwood floors and new windows. Call Joe for a showing
Joseph Dougherty Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
Office 215-887-0400 • Cell 215-806-1445 • Joseph.Dougherty@prufoxroach.com
PGN
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HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HAIR STYLIST Top rated Center City salon, located on Rittenhouse Square is looking to hire Senior Stylists. We offer a competitive salary, and a exceptional working environment. A following is a must. All interested, please contact Michael at Salon Royale Court at 215-893-3800. This is a great opportunity for the right individuals. _______________________________35-24 Over 18? A can’t miss limited opportunity to travel with a successful young business group. Paid training. Transportation/lodging provided. Unlimited income potential. Call 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________35-23 LIVE-WORK-PARTY-PLAY! Play in Vegas, Hang in LA, Jet to New York! Hiring 18-24 girls/guys. $400-$800 wkly. Paid expenses. Signing Bonus. Call 1-866574-7454. _______________________________35-23 DEDICATED DRIVERS WANTED! Multiple Lanes Available! Home Weekends! Excellent Benefits! New Equipment! HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www. heartlandexpress.com _______________________________35-23 Drivers- Pyle Transport needs Owner Operators! Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! No Endorsements Required. Average $1.70/Mile. Steady, YearRound Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Years Exp. 888-301-5855. www.DriveforPyle.com _______________________________35-23 Drivers: Refrigerated Freight is HOT! Drivers needed NOW! Local Orientation. Daily or Weekly Pay. Quarterly safety bonus. CDL-A w/6months OTR experience. 800-414-9569, Option 2. www.driveknight.com _______________________________35-23 Drivers choose from Weekly or Daily Pay. Regional, OTR or Express Lanes, Full or Part-time, CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com _______________________________35-23 Experienced OTR Drivers. Up to $3000 BONUS. Call for Details. Up to $.50 Per Mile. Regional Lanes/ Home Weekly 888-463-3962. NO EXPERIENCE? Call 866-753-6417. 6 mo. OTR exp. & current CDL www.usatruck.jobs eoe m/f/h/v _______________________________35-23 No Experience ~ No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Benefits. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to $.49 per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED 800-326-2778 www. JoinCRST.com _______________________________35-23
Reefer Solo Lessee: Average $1.12/mile (+ fuel surcharge) Paid CDL Training Available & Benefits! Call Prime Inc. Today! 800-277-0212 www.primeinc.com _______________________________35-23 Owner Operators & Fleet Owners: TIRED OF HIGH FUEL COSTS?! Average Fuel Network savings of $.43/gal. Earn over $2.00/mile! 877-277-8756 www.JoinMalone.com _______________________________35-23 Now’s The Perfect Time to Make a Change! Offering Top Miles, Brand New Equipment and 2-day orientation. $500 Sign-on for Flatbed. CDL-A, 6mo. OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-23 SHAFFER TRUCKING PAY INCREASE! .42-.45/mile Starting Driver Pay! Dedicated Opportunities, Home Weekly Fleets. Top CSA Scores. CALL 800-669-0322 Or Apply Online at www.ShafferJobs.com _______________________________35-23
nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 GWM, Italian, top orPGN bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at FRIENDS 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18
MEN
FRIENDS FRIENDS ���������������������������� MEN MEN ����� ���������������������� ����������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������������������
WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM.
_______________________________35-26
GWM, good body, 64, 5’10”, 190 seeks other
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men with good bodies. John, 570-624-8538.
_______________________________35-26
Ethel, why Online. Anytime. are you WWW.EPGN.COM wearing that strap-on!?
Need immediate access to PA Newspapers and their key personnel? The 2011 PNA Directory is available online: annual fee of $100 plus tax - or hard copy: $50 plus tax & shipping. Contact: KristinB@pa-news.org or call 717-703-3069. _______________________________35-22
UNIQUE ADOPTIONS Let us help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial assistance, housing relocation and more. Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us first! 1-888-637-8200 24-hours hotline. _______________________________35-23 ACTIVE, YOUNG AND SECURE Couple seeks bundle of joy to love unconditionally, cherish forever and complete our family. Expenses paid. Legal and confidential. Please call Dan and Randi. 1-800-979-3192. _______________________________35-23 PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? FFTA is here to help. We offer counseling, financial assistance, and many different families/ options to consider. Please call Joy: 1-866-922-3678. www.foreverfamiliesthroughadoption.org _______________________________35-23
Books
LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-29
LEGAL NOTICE
ADOPTIONS
Adult
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Lucy, it’s time to come out and celebrate at Philly Pride, June 12th!
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A MONTH FULL OF EVENTS TO CELEBRATE PRIDE & TO KICK OFF SUMMER...
PRIDE BASH
Saturday, June 11th, 2011 TIME: 11pm- 3:30am * DJ Dutch, Food Catered by Tommy D. HOT Shot boys & more...
BARRONS: URBAN WAREHOUSE PARTY (PRIVATE EVENT: For More Information & to be put onto guest list email: badboi215@gmail.com) Saturday, June 18th, 2011 TIME: 11pm- 6am
P.A.N.G. Party
(Philadelphia Area Naked Guys) Sunday, June 19th, 2011 TIME: 3pm- 6pm
EVOLUTION: SUMMER KICK OFF...
Saturday, June 25th, 2011 TIME: 11pm- 3:30am * DJ Dutch, Food Catered by Tommy D. HOT Shot Boys and more...
HOT NEW SPECIALS:
* $40.00 for 6 Month Membership with 1st Room Comped
SUNDAY RELIEF
HALF PRICE ROOMS (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members: $12.50 & Non- Members: $22.50 More Great Specials Through Out The Week... We Offer Lower Prices, Longer Hours and In & Out Privileges... Come visit us. We are under NEW MANAGEMENT!!
2020 Sansom Street• 267-330-0151 www.sansomstreetgym.com Don’t forget to visit the Adonis Cinema right next door!! 2026 Sansom Street/PH:215-557-9319
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 10-16, 2011
PGN