PGN July 8-14, 2011 edition

QFest takes Philly’s center stage

Family Portrait: Carol Coombes

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Mayor puts sick-leave bill to rest; Council considers options

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July 8-14, 2011

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Vol. 35 No. 26

LGBTs trained for community leadership

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Twenty emerging LGBT community members will graduate later this month from a new program that seeks to develop practical leadership skills among a new community of LGBT standouts.

The inaugural class of the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s Distinctive Officers program will complete their training with a ceremony July 20 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, during which they will present their plans for their future community involvement to local LGBT leaders.

By then, the group will have participated in four sessions on topics like developing soft leadership skills, effective advocacy and fundraising led by individuals like out Harrisburg City Controller Dan Miller, Victory Fund board member Alex Reber, Temple University faculty member Lee Carson, Attic Youth Center development director Alyssa Mutryn, PAGE 8

Youth housing program awarded another year

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A local program that offers housing education and assistance to LGBT youth recently got a funding boost.

Va l l ey Yo u t h H o u s e ’s H o m e l e s s Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program was awarded a $40,000 grant last month from the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Homeless Assistance Fund Inc. The project allows Valley Youth to connect homeless LGBT youth with rentals and cover first and last month’s rent, along with four months of rental assistance. The teens also participate in a housing workshop in which they are taught valuable skills on budgeting, tenants’ rights and practical housing-maintenance PAGE 21

Report: School bullying up, few resources in PA

A new GLSEN report found that 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s LGBT students faced verbal harassment and 45 percent were victims of physical harassment, although few students reported the incidents to school staff or their families.

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

ELEMENTS OF ART: Women of color and their supporters enjoyed a night of food, drinks and art at a fundraising art auction for this fall’s LGBTQ Womyn of Color Conference, staged by the Elements Organization. About 1,000 people came out to Vivant Art Collection during the July 1 First Friday celebration to peruse the work by featured artist Judelka Florival, including Vivant gallery assistant Shawnda Beattie (from left), Elements co-executive director Adrienne N. Williams, planning board member Michele J., executive board member Carrie Y.T. Kholi, co-executive director Shayna S. Israel and Vivant owner Florcy Morisset. The event raised about $500 for the conference, which will be held Oct. 7-9. Photo: Scott A. Drake

An analysis released this week by a national safe-schools agency found pervasive homophobic comments and behavior throughout Pennsylvania high schools.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network released statewide statistics from its 2009 National School Climate Survey, a biennial survey of more than 7,000 LGBT students nationwide, with a total of 332 Pennsylvania participants.

The report found that nearly all — 99 percent — of local survey respondents reported hearing the word “gay” used in a negative connotation in a classroom setting — compared to 88.9 percent nationwide.

Additionally, 92 percent of local students reported hearing other homophobic language, and 86 percent said students made negative remarks about an individual’s gender expression. Nationwide, GLSEN found 72.4 percent of students reported homophobic remarks and 62.6 percent heard negative comments about a student’s gender expression.

The language was not just limited to students, however, as about 25 percent of Pennsylvania students reported hearing school staff make homophobic comments.

The vast majority of PAGE 21

State College district to offer DP bens

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com As part of a settlement in a suit filed by a same-sex couple, the State College Area School District this week agreed to offer domestic-partner benefits to the same-sex partners of its employees.

The SCASD will now offer the same health-insurance benefits to same-sex partners that were previously available to heterosexual married spouses and non-married opposite-sex domestic partners.

The former policy explicitly stated that domestic partners “cannot be the same gender.”

The policy shift came after a federal discrimination suit filed by district employee Kerry Wiessmann, who sued the district in May after she was prevented from adding her partner of 25 years, Beth Resko, to her insurance plan.

The district school board voted to approve the consent decree that PAGE 21

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Mayor vetoes sick-leave bill

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Mayor Nutter exercised his veto power last week on a bill that would have mandated private companies provide their employees the opportunity to earn paid sick days.

Nutter vetoed the controversial Earned Sick Days bill June 28, after months of expressing opposition to the measure but stopping short of saying he’d kill the bill.

Supporters are hoping to rally enough Council votes to override the veto this fall, and Council could also consider a narrower proposal being drafted by Councilman Wilson Goode Jr. The bill the mayor vetoed would require all companies operating in the city with 11 or more employees to offer workers up to seven earned sick days a year, while businesses with 10 or fewer employees would offer four sick days. Businesses with five or fewer employees would be exempt.

The employee could use the time to take care of him or herself or another family member, including a same-sex domestic partner.

The Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces, the leading agency backing the bill, estimated that about 210,000 workers in the city are not afforded paid sick days.

Nutter, however, said during a Chamber of Commerce meeting last week that the measure would have a negative impact on

business, predicting it would “put thousands of jobs at risk and discourage businesses from coming to the city. I do not believe that this is the time or the place for this piece of legislation, and certainly during this recession.”

Nutter added that the issue may be best addressed at the state or federal level.

Councilman-at-Large Bill Greenlee, who introduced the bill with Councilman Darrell Clarke (D-5th Dist.), said fears about business backlash are unfounded.

Greenlee explained that San Francisco is the only municipality to approve such legislation and that measure, in place for several years now, has seen few negative repercussions.

“San Francisco is the only place where you can test this, and San Francisco hasn’t experienced these problems,” Greenlee said. “The word San Francisco gave us was that there was minimal impact on business.

Businesses didn’t flee, they didn’t see abuse by employees — everything the city of Philadelphia fears about this, San Francisco feared three or four years ago, but it just didn’t come to pass.”

Greenlee noted that San Francisco’s laws are actually stricter, in that they mandate companies provide health-care plans for their employees, offer more earned sick days and don’t exempt “mom and pop” shops.

Some critics have argued that San

Francisco’s business operates differently from that of Philadelphia, but Greenlee argued that the core issues are the same.

“San Francisco has businesses, San Francisco has workers and the workers in San Francisco get sick too. It’s not that different,” Greenlee said. “I think this is basically fear of the unknown. But there’s no evidence that the things people are saying would happen have actually happened.”

Council narrowly approved the bill 9-8 last month.

In order to override a veto, the bill would need to garner 12 votes, which couldn’t take place until Council returns to session this September.

“There could be that possibility,” Greenlee said of a veto override. “We’re going to work on it, and we’re going to be talking to the members throughout the summer.”

Goode’s measure would limit the number of companies to only those that must abide by minimum-wage standards, which include all city agencies, for-profit service contractors and subcontractors with an annual city income of more than $10,000 or annual gross revenue of more than $1 million, or public agencies that benefit from at least $10,000 in annual city funding.

Nonprofit contractors and subcontractors under certain conditions would also be required to participate.

Goode may introduce his bill as an amendment to the vetoed measure. ■

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 Portrait” 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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DANCING ON THE DELAWARE: Organizers of the second annual Gay Pride Flotilla prepared the rainbow-clad stage July 2 for the event’s inaugural swimsuit competition.

Run by Delaware River Tubing, the flotilla attracted LGBTs and allies from around the region for an afternoon of fun in the sun to celebrate the community. The approximately four-hour trek down the Delaware took tubers on the swift-moving river from Frenchtown, N.J., past hot spots like New Hope, with a stop at the Hot Dog Man lunch stand, where tubers bared it all in the swimsuit competition. Photo: Jen Colletta NEWS

Local Media Trail News Briefing Regional

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Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk

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Vacation or staycation this year?

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What is your favorite salon in the Gayborhood?

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Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspaper Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2011 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

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Philly celebrates Pride at White House

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The White House opened its doors to the LGBT community last week for a Pride celebration, at which the City of Brotherly Love was well represented.

Local LGBT leaders were among about 200 guests who headed to Washington, D.C. June 29 for the second-annual LGBT Pride Reception, which featured a meet-and-greet with President Obama and other top leaders.

“Words can’t even really express what the experience was like,” said Chris Alston, president of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride and one of a handful of Philly folks invited to the reception.

Alston got to chat with Vice President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden, as did Jason Landau Goodman, executive director of the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition.

Goodman, a student at University of Pennsylvania, said he talked with the Bidens about the school, which two of their children attended, and about the Second Lady’s Philadelphia-area roots.

Goodman was one of five young people across the country invited as college representatives.

Damon Humes and Lawrence Frazier

While the local guests attended as representatives of the House of Blahnik. said they were impressed “It definitely was an experiwith the chance to meet ence, a lifetime experience,” the country’s leaders, they Frazier said. “I don’t know were also excited for the that I’ll get that opportunity opportunity to network with other LGBT leaders. ever again.”

“It was a really wonBefore heading through derful time to meet local, the crowd to shake hands and statewide and national take pictures with community grassroots leaders involved members, Obama reviewed with the LGBT equalhis LGBT accomplishments ity movement,” Goodman since taking office. said. “And there was a While he shied away from great diversity of people endorsing marriage equality there who are working on when touching on the recent the ground throughout the marriage victory in New nation.”

York, the president did highlight the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Alston, who said he met Tell” repeal, which he said he leaders from places such as expected to be finalized in a California and Texas, said matter of weeks. all guests were given the “I’ve met my commitments PRESIDENTIAL PRIDE: Chris Alston (from left), Chris Bartlett, Amber same level of respect from to the LGBT community,” Hikes, Micah Mahjoubian, Ryan Bunch and Jeremy Taylor were among the their hosts.

“It was a great feeling Obama said. “I have delivered local contingent that participated in the June 29 LGBT Pride Reception on what I promised. Now, at the White House. The event brought together about 200 LGBT and and an honor to be invited, that doesn’t mean our work ally top government workers and grassroots activists from across the and we were really treated is done. There are going to be country for an evening, hosted by the Obamas and Bidens, to celebrate exceptionally well — just as guests should be treated,” times where you’re still frus- the closing of Pride month. Photo: Patsy Lynch trated at me. I know there are he said. “It was an unbelievgoing to be times where you’re still frus- that. I know I can count on you to let me able experience from the time we got there trated at the pace of change. I understand to the time we left.” ■ know.”

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

LGBTs to count in national health efforts

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last week took a large step forward in the effort to alleviate LGBT health disparities.

HHS unveiled its plan June 29 to incorporate questions on sexual orientation and gender identity into its National Health Interview Survey, marking the first time a federal agency will collect LGBT health data.

“This is a historic day for the field of LGBT health,” said Hutson Inniss, executive director of the National Coalition for LGBT Health, in a statement last week. “We know that LGBT individuals experience unique health disparities and tracking this data on the national level will be a remarkable step forward to documenting and identifying ways to reduce the disparities that LGBT people face.”

HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the agency will include questions on sexual orientation in the NHIS by 2013 and, in the meantime, will test such questions to ensure effectiveness.

“The first step is to make sure we are

asking the right questions,” Sebelius said.

“Sound data collection takes careful planning to ensure that accurate and actionable data is being recorded.”

Sebelius said the agency will also begin the process to collect information on gender identity, although that is not expected to be finalized by 2013.

The department will convene roundtables with national health and LGBT experts to guide the data-collection process on gender identity.

“Data collection, or the lack of data collection, is probably one of the most important things hampering the health of LGBT people and also the advancement of LGBT civil rights,” said Dr. Randall Sell, director of Drexel University’s Program for LGBT Health. “Data is power, and the government knows this. Politicians know this.

Policymakers know this. And so far we have been excluded from data collection and kept out of power.”

Sell said he has asked federal health officials to begin LGBT data collection at least once a year since 1988 and has been told in the past that such an effort was being made.

He said he is hesitant to accept the

announcement but, even so, he added the two-year projection for implementation is unnecessary.

“I am skeptical that it’ll happen,” he said.

“There does seem to be a bigger commitment this time than before. But the community can’t let this announcement just pass before us; we need to keep on them until the data is actually collected.”

Sell noted that the NHIS is the primary federal health survey and one that innumerable other surveys are modeled after — and often from which they cut and paste questions, underscoring the widespread impact that such a change could have.

When the survey does become LGBTinclusive, Sell said, the implications for the community will be vast.

“Any time we can get questions on sexual orientation, we find information that then has to be acted upon, which results in programs, policies and the need for funding,” he said.

“Data is a hard thing for people to understand and it’s hard to understand the importance of it. But if you work in politics or policy, you know that data is what drives so much. This is much bigger than same-sex marriage — this is huge.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

News Briefing Softball seeks strikes Supporters of the City of Brotherly Love Softball League can come together for a fundraising bowling match from 6-10 p.m. July 15 at St. Monica Lanes, 1601 W. Shunk St. in South Philadelphia.

Tickets are $25 to bowl or $10 for nonbowlers. All proceeds will benefit CBLSL. Tickets will include four hours of bowling, shoes, drink specials and food.

Spaces are limited.

For more information, e-mail join@cblsl. org.

Center celebrates holiday, art The William Way LGBT Community Center will host its annual Independence Day potluck July 13 at 1315 Spruce St. The event was moved this year to coincide with the annual QFest, the local LGBT film festival.

From 5:30-7 p.m., guests can enjoy a potluck meal while they peruse the movie offerings in the QFest guide and set off that

evening to catch a film.

Then, on July 15, the center will welcome the community for the opening reception of its Juried Art Exhibition.

Competition winners Stephen Bundrick, Kathy McLean and Tom Rooney will be on hand to discuss their work from 6-8 p.m.

Wine and cheese will be served. The reception is free.

For more information about either event, call 215-732-2220.

Reading to celebrate Pride LGBTs and allies are invited to show their community pride at the annual Reading Pride July 17 in Centre Park.

The entertainment lineup will be led by headliner Martha Wash, and the event will also feature performances by a marching band, theater and dance groups, drag performers and winner of the first annual Miss Reading Pride Pageant, Precious Caliente.

Reading Pride will this year see its largest number of vendors, who will offer artisan crafts, Pride-themed merchandise, food and information on regional LGBT organizations.

The celebration will run from noon-5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.readingpridecelebration.com. ■

Media Trail Lawrence King trial opening The Los Angeles Times reports that opening arguments for the trial of Brandon McInerney, charged with the 2008 murder of his classmate Lawrence King in Oxnard, Calif., began July 5.

McInerney, who was 14 at the time of the murder, is being tried as an adult for firstdegree murder and a hate crime. If convicted, he could face 53 years to life.

The defense hopes to reduce the charges to voluntary manslaughter, arguing that an immature McInerney was provoked by King’s alleged sexual attraction to him. A voluntary manslaughter conviction would preclude a life sentence, and make McInerney eligible for release before he is 40.

DOJ denounces DOMA

Advocate.com reports the Department of Justice filed a brief July 1 that argues — Jen Colletta strongly for the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. Since the Obama administration stopped defending DOMA, which only recognizes marriages between opposite-sex couples, Republicans in Congress have taken up the defense of the law, hiring a private attorney to do so. The Department of Justice’s 31-page brief was a response to a June 3 filing by that lawyer, Paul Clement. The standard response in such cases has been to send the letter issued by Attorney General Eric Holder in February, which states that the administration no longer will defend LEADERSHIP from page 1 Independent Business Alliance president Evan Urbania and DVLF co-founder John Cunningham.

“They’ve been learning what it is to be on a committee, to serve on the board of a nonprofit or just to be more involved in the community,” said DVLF executive director John Moeller. “And they’ve also been looking at what they’re personally interested in and taking that to the next level through their leadership.”

There are no costs associated with the program, and Moeller said the group members will get to put their new skills to good use in soliciting in-kind donations for the graduation ceremony.

In addition to the classroom-type instruction, participants were given a case study to work on, and each individual will be expected to announce at the graduation event their personal plans for community leadership, whether by joining a board of

DOMA. The brief urges an appeals court in San Francisco not to dismiss federal employee Karen Golinski’s suit against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management seeking benefits for her wife, Amy Cunninghis, and instead to find DOMA unconstitutional.

Two gay soldiers and friends assaulted TheDenverChannel.com reports that two gay soldiers serving at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., and their friends were assaulted at a fast-food restaurant July 2.

The soldiers, who need to remain anonymous to protect their careers, said their group, which included a go-go dancer still in his stage outfit, arrived at the restaurant after spending time at a nightclub. One of the soldiers said the assailants verbally harassed them because of the dancer’s costume, shouting racial and antigay slurs, and that the confrontation quickly escalated into physical violence.

If the assailants are arrested, they may face hate-crime charges.

NY couples apply for marriage CBS New York reports that pre-applications for New York state same-sex marriage licenses were available starting July 5.

The certificates will be issued on July 25, a day after the Marriage Equality Act takes effect, but most couples will have to observe the 24-hour waiting period after receiving their licenses to marry.

If there is enough demand, the City Clerk’s Office in New York City is prepared to extend its hours and make more judges available to perform civil ceremonies. ■ — compiled by Chandlee Taylor

directors or another leadership outlet.

DVLF networked with current community leaders to identify participants, and invites were sent out to 150 people.

Moeller said the participants are “young” in terms of their community leadership, not necessarily in age.

More than half of the invitees expressed interest in an upcoming session, Moeller said, and the next round of workshops will be held in the fall.

“Our board is very excited about this because it really fits with our mission,” he said. “We’re working on building legacies in the community, and that’s exactly what these leaders are doing.”

“It’s been great to see the class participating, spending a whole Sunday learning together. They’re very excited and engaged.”

For more information on the program, contact Moeller at 215-563-6417 ext. 117, or at jmoeller@dvlf.org. ■

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EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Vicky Hartzler

Editorial

Rhode Island: Rights do not equal equality Last weekend, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the state’s civil-union law, a compromise neither marriage-equality advocates nor opponents like.

The bill included an exemption for religious institutions — hospitals, cemeteries and schools — allowing them to refuse to recognize rights granted through the union. (Potentially, a Catholic hospital could refuse to allow a partner to make endof-life decisions.)

Earlier this year, the state’s openly gay Speaker of the House killed pending marriage legislation when he knew that there weren’t enough votes to pass it.

Despite the religious exemption, the law does afford same-sex couples many of the rights of marriage.

Chafee, an independent who supports marriage equality, acknowledged the legislation was flawed, but called the bill a “foundation” for achieving further rights.

In the Northeast, Rhode Island and Maine are the holdouts against gay marriage: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York allow them.

Elsewhere in the country, Iowa and the District of Columbia also offer marriage.

In contrast, several states offer civil unions or domestic partnerships similar to marriage, including New Jersey, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, California, Nevada, Washington and Oregon. A few other states offer partnerships that offer some of the rights of marriage, including Maryland, Colorado and Wisconsin.

For Rhode Island, this particular fight seems to have left a bitter taste for marriage proponents. The only out senator, Donna Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket), voted against civil unions, saying, “From a conscience point of view, I couldn’t press the green button and vote for that. We can’t confuse rights with equality.”

But she acknowledged that it’s a “huge step forward,” and said some will enter into unions because of the related rights: “Gay people can’t give up the rights of civil unions to spite their face.”

Nesselbush is right in both her conscientious objection and that same-sex couples should think hard about refusing to civil unionize on principle. Unfortunately, principle won’t help in a medical emergency or legal situation.

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, just 37 miles wide and 48 miles in length. It’s bordered by states that all have marriage equality. And, according to Freedom to Marry, it acknowledges marriages performed in other states.

For now, Rhode Islanders should get the civil union and, if they feel strongly about “marriage,” take a quick drive to a neighboring state to get formally hitched.

And they should keep pushing for marriage. They are certainly a lot closer to marriage equality than Pennsylvanians. ■

Gays are a bunch of crybabies. Yeah, I said it. And you know what that took?

Courage.

And you know who knows about courage? U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), that’s who.

No, she didn’t come right out and say that gays were crybabies, but she clearly thinks they need to quit whining and get over themselves.

On June 29, gay-rights advocates at a public forum who filmed the encounter confronted Hartzler.

“First of all, are you guys with the Democrats or the Republicans?” Hartzler asked them. “I just wondered, are you friendly or are you not?” Of course, when a politician asks if you’re “friendly,” she’s really asking, “Are you going to kiss my ass or challenge me?”

The activists asked Hartzler about comments she’d made during a recent address to the Eagle Forum Collegians 2011 Summit, a get-together of young conservatives. During the address, she’d made a slippery-slope argument, likening two consenting adults of the same sex marrying each other to polygamy and incest, and then said that gays didn’t deserve marriage equality any more than a 3-year-old had the right to drive a car.

During the summit address she said, “Pretty soon, if you don’t set parameters, you don’t have any parameters at all, the [marriage] license means nothing — the marriage means nothing. It’s their right to marry whoever they want, but we’re saying marriage is between a man and a woman. So, there’s a difference there.

But it’s not a right in the Constitution as far as that goes either. It’s not a right of anybody — of a 3-year-old to be able to drive a car. You know, the government has set some parameters that they think is correct.”

She’s right, of course, that 3-year-olds don’t have a right to drive. Unless, of course, that 3-year-old has successfully obtained his or her hardship license.

But I digress. Hartzler replied to the activist asking her about the aforementioned statement, “No, no, no. You misunderstood. That was a misunderstanding of the quote,” then added, “That was really taken out of context.”

It’s hard to imagine how such comments can be misconstrued or taken

out of context. Especially because it’s not like Hartzler hasn’t already made herself into one of the most outspoken foes of gay rights.

Hartzler was a big player in the 2004 antigay marriage ban enshrined in the Missouri constitution. When asked about the amendment she replied sarcastically, “I can’t believe you asked me that. I’m so surprised. I’m so, so surprised.”

An activist asked, “How do you think that makes young people like me feel about ourselves, to come up in a society that to us feels like doesn’t value us in the same way straight people are valued?”

Needless to say, Hartzler didn’t exactly answer the question. “We’re not the ones changing the policy. OK, so you shouldn’t feel bad at all,” she said.

“Why shouldn’t I feel bad if there’s an amendment, if you champion an amendment prohibiting me from [marrying]?” he asked.

“Right now it has been the law of the land for a long time. Marriage is between a man and a woman. All we did in 2004 is just put that in the constitution. So we’re not changing policy at all. And, anyway, so you shouldn’t feel bad,” she replied.

See? Quit crying, crybaby gays. You shouldn’t feel bad (read: cry) over some silly little amendment to the constitution that enshrines your second-class status. It was already illegal for gays to marry each other. Gosh.

Hartzler clearly gets it. Not only does she think gays are immoral and that gay rights are hogwash, but she understands that amending the constitution, even a state constitution, is no big deal. So quit yer cryin’. ■

Quit crying, crybaby gays. You shouldn’t feel bad over some silly little amendment to the constitution that enshrines your second-class status.

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

Census numbers = voting power The recently released census figures for overwhelming numbers. So that number same-sex couples in Philadelphia, pubof couples is approximately 12,700. Add to that single LGBT people who were not lished in last week’s PGN, make a major statement — and prove why Sherrie Cohen counted, closeted couples who would not fill out a government form as a couple and almost won a seat on City Council. It also those who did not get counted and the figmakes the point crystal clear that Cohen, ure at least doubles. A fair guess would with our united community behind her, will be elected in four years. be 25,400 votes. That is half the number needed to elect a Simply put, we have the nummember of our community to bers and we vote. Here’s a look at the numbers.

Council. The Democratic Party has been our ally in our struggle When asked by politicians what is the number of LGBT and Philadelphia is far ahead of most cities in the nation when voters in Philadelphia, I’ve it comes to LGBT rights and always answered about 20,000. inclusion. So we need to work That was always a guess on my part from my 40-some years of with them in the coming three years. working in the political landscape of our community. Now Our community in Philadelphia has had out reprethe census has given credence sentation on almost every level to that figure. of government except elected According to The Williams Institute analysis, there were City Council and mayor. We are Mark Segal or have been judges, ward lead6,371 same-sex couples in ers, committeemen and memPhiladelphia. Now if you bers of the mayor’s cabinet. If we include remember the soap opera that was the 2010 census, you might recall that in order those in the closet, there have even been to be counted as a same-sex couple, you state representatives and senators. had to practically speak Shakespearian There hasn’t been a strong push in Philadelphia for Council members because English, the form was so convoluted. That the LGBT community is so involved in city was because President George W. Bush’s administration had attempted not to count government and the political process that LGBT people in any manner, but when our community is well taken care of.

President Obama took office, he changed But that number sends a message. And, that order — but the process had already politely, we say our community deserves representation on Council by a proud open begun not to count us and the change was member who has fought the good fight and cumbersome. It was almost impossible will work in harmony with other Council to find a way to do it. So most same-sex members to create a better Philadelphia for couples did not do so. But let’s use that all its citizens. ■ 6,371 figure alone anyway. It still proves our point and may give us more than those Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the 20,000 votes. A lot more. nation’s most-award-winning commentaAs we know, an overwhelming number of LGBTs are registered Democrat, tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. and we do make it a point to vote, and in

Mark My Words

Letters and Feedback In response to “NY makes marriage history,” July 1-7: And New York still doesn’t have...

1. A law protecting people based on gender identity (that was thrown off SONDA in 2002, and signed off by Empire State Pride Agenda) 2. Medical assistance funding for hormones (see Casillas v.

Daines) 3. Continued funding for LGBT youth shelters (which Cuomo threw under the bus to get

Tell us what you think

political capital).

Sorry, but the marriage-equality fight sucked up all the civil-rights oxygen, and I could not support it.

— JordanGwendolynDavis In response to “Out S. Jersey politico seeks Democratic energy,” July 1-7: Good luck and congratulations, Josh. Though I would not consider myself “progressive” nor a Democrat, I’m happy to see

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Street Talk

Will marriage equality in New York impact Pennsylvania?

“Yes. It’s true that Pennsylvania is a lot more parochial and conservative than New York. But I tend to be an optimist at Blair Adler heart. I think attorney people in Wynnewood Pennsylvania will see the tourism dollars that will start flowing to New York because of same-sex marriage.

They’ll want that revenue stream for this state.”

“Yes. New York is a major gamechanger.

It’s a trendsetting state. I do believe that trend Chris Greene will reach canvasser Pennsylvania. West Chester Just when we’ll get gay marriage, I can’t tell you. But it’s inevitable definitely within my lifetime.”

“Yes. Common sense tells me it’s only a matter of time for it to come to Pennsylvania.

It’s been in Massachusetts for Donald Harrison years. Now special-needs it’s moved instructor down to New Rittenhouse Square York. We’re the next most-populated state in that southerly direction. I’ll give it three to five years. It will happen.”

“Yes. If the Republican Senate in New York can pass gay marriage, that bodes well for our state, David Hession which has a campaign director Republican Manayunk legislature.

Gay marriage isn’t around the corner in Pennsylvania, but there’s been a fundamental shift in perception here. That [shift] is fast-forwarding the time for when it will happen.”

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.

young people with new perspectives involved in the political process. It’s our country, we all live here, all of our voices need to be heard, and a consensus reached.

(America, right?). Best wishes to you, [from] your Godfather Tom. — TJ Zeff “If elected, Myers said he would pioneer the adoption of an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance in Riverton and would work to secure such measures in other South Jersey

towns.”

Um, does he not know that sexual orientation and gender identity are already protected at the state level? If this was Pennsylvania, where there are no LGBTIQ protections, then this would be a great opportunity, but he is wasting his time here.

— JordanGwendolynDavis Although there are state laws in effect in NJ, that shouldn’t mean local politicians should shrug their shoulders and defer to the

state. In Newark and Trenton, they have ordinances that extend rights to the LGBT community.

It might not be a legal breakthrough, but it’s a huge symbolic gesture that every community should work to push. So having an openly elected gay council member who pushes through more equality ordinances is hardly a waste of time.

— DC316

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

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Coverdell, custodial or 529? How to choose Q: My partner and I have recently adopted our first child and we’re starting to evaluate our options to save for her future education expenses. We know there are several options available to us, but we’re not sure which alternative is best. Can you please help?

A: First, congratulations on your adoption! As you may know, the cost of a college education has continued to increase at rates well above the general inflation rate in recent years. Your options for setting aside college money in tax-efficient investment accounts have increased as well. Let’s examine three of the most popular: 529 plans, custodial accounts and Coverdell accounts.

also be sponsored by qualified educational institutions.

College savings plans are a type of 529 plan. Many of these plans are national plans: No matter which state or school sponsors them, residents of any state can participate.

The potential advantages of 529 plans include: — Tax-free earnings: Earnings in a 529 plan accumulate free from taxes, and qualified withdrawals are federally tax-free. Withdrawals may be exempt from state taxes as well (tax rules vary from state to state). Nonqualified withJeremy drawals from a 529 plan may Gussick be subject to income taxes and a 10-percent additional federal tax.

— Gift tax benefits for contributors: A The lowdown on 529 plans Created in 1996 and named after the sec- contribution to a 529 plan is considered a gift for federal tax purposes. Tax rules curtion of the federal tax code that governs rently let you give up to $13,000 in 2011 them, 529 plans are generally sponsored by individual states, but in some cases may to as many individuals as you choose, free

Out Money

from federal gift taxes. Gifting schedules can also be accelerated through a lumpsum contribution of $65,000 to a 529 plan in the first year of a five-year period.

— Generous contribution rules: Lifetime contribution limits on 529 plans vary from state to state, but often exceed $200,000 per beneficiary, including earnings. In addition, there usually are no income restrictions on contributors to a 529 plan.

— Account control: The individual who creates a 529 plan account on behalf of a beneficiary generally maintains complete control over the account. This is not the case with Coverdell Education Savings Accounts or certain types of custodial accounts. Account owners may also change beneficiaries.

Finally, contributions to 529 plans may provide a state tax deduction for residents of the sponsoring state. As with all taxrelated decisions, consult your tax advisor. Withdrawals for expenses other than qualified education expenses are subject to income tax and an additional 10-percent penalty on earnings. You should con-

sider a 529 plan’s fees and expenses, such as administrative fees, enrollment fees, annual maintenance fees, sales charges and underlying fund expenses, which will fluctuate depending on the 529 plan invested in and the investments chosen within the plan. You should also consider the inherent risks associated with investing in 529 plans, such as investment return and principal fluctuation, which will also vary based on the investments made within the plan. More information is available in each plan’s official statement, which should be read carefully before investing.

UGMA/UTMA accounts: Awarding custody Of course, not all college savings strategies require the involvement of a college or a state government. For example, by following the guidelines established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) — each state uses one or the other — adults such as parents and grandparents can establish and contribute to a custodial account in a minor’s name without hav-

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ing to establish a trust or name a legal guardian.

Contributing to an UGMA/ UTMA account can accomplish two goals simultaneously: helping a future student prepare for college costs and reducing the value of a contributor’s taxable estate. UGMA/UTMA accounts also offer favorable tax treatment of investment earnings.

For example, the first $950 of earnings is tax-free each year.

If the minor is under 19, earnings in excess of $950 but not above $1,900 are taxed at the child’s rate. If earnings exceed $1,900 for children under 19, the income is taxed at either the parents’ rate or the child’s rate, whichever is higher. If the child is older than 19, all income is taxed at his or her rate. Note that the age limit increases to 24 for a full-time student if the child doesn’t have earned income in excess of half of his or her annual support.

Despite the obvious appeal of UGMA/UTMA accounts, it’s worth noting that the assets in the account belong to the child, not to the contributor. When the child reaches legal adulthood at age 18 or 21, depending on the state, he or she is free to spend the money with no restrictions.

In other words, contributors cannot force that individual to use the money for college costs.

Coverdell benefits Coverdells are qualified investment accounts that allow nondeductible contributions of up to $2,000 annually per beneficiary.

Earnings in the account are not taxed and, as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses, they are tax-free as well. Assets in a Coverdell must be used before the beneficiary’s 30th birthday. Keep in mind that the designated beneficiary of a Coverdell account is free to take withdrawals at any time, but any amount in excess of his or her qualified education expenses will be taxable as income. A 10-percent additional federal tax may also apply.

Coverdells also have a special feature unavailable with 529 plans: Qualified withdrawals may be used to pay for an elementary, secondary or college education. Withdrawals from 529 plans can only be used for

college expenses. Unlike 529 plans, Coverdells impose income eligibility limits on contributors. Single filers with modified adjusted gross incomes of more than $110,000 and joint filers with incomes of more than $220,000 cannot contribute.

The deadline to contribute to a Coverdell is generally April 15, the same deadline that applies to IRAs. Before making a decision about a Coverdell, evaluate the investment options, fees and services offered by competing financial institutions that provide the accounts. Also, bear in mind that rules governing the Coverdell Education Savings Account will revert to 2001 rules in 2013 unless Congress reenacts them.

Finally, when choosing a college investment vehicle, remember that it may not be a “one or the other” decision. It may make sense for you to contribute to more than one type of account simultaneously. Speak with a financial and tax advisor about your particular needs. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s leading independent broker-dealer.* He specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2010 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network, and the Independence Business Alliance. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, contact him at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com.

This article was prepared with the assistance of McGraw-Hill Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual.

Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy Gussick if you have any questions. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2010. **Details on the award can be found at www.fivestarprofessional.com

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HARASSMENT from page 1 respondents — 85 percent — reported being verbally harassed for their sexual orientation, but those incidents also escalated to physical harassment in 45 percent of the cases and physical assault in 21 percent.

Sixty-one percent of students faced verbal harassment because of their gender expression, while 31 percent and 15 percent, respectively, reported physical harassment and assault.

Nearly all of the Pennsylvania statistics for harassment and assault were slightly higher than the national averages.

Local respondents reported sexual orientation and gender identity were the top motivating factors in verbal and physical harassment when compared with other characteristics like race or religion.

The attacks also took on other forms,

such as being deliberately left out by peers (87 percent), having rumors spread about them (87 percent), sexual harassment (70 percent), cyberbullying (55 percent) and property damage (50 percent).

Fifty-two percent of students who were harassed or assaulted did not report the incidents to school staff and 48 percent never told family members; of those who did report to school officials, only 34 percent said they were satisfied by the school response.

In terms of resources, only 21 percent of students attended a school with an LGBTinclusive bullying or harassment policy and just 10 percent said their school had an inclusive curriculum. More than half of the students reported they could not access LGBT information on school Internet or in school libraries.

About 40 percent of students attended a school with a gay-straight alliance, and a wide majority — 93 percent — could identify a supportive staff member, although that number shrunk to 48 percent if asked to identify several supportive staffers.

To contend with the climate faced by Pennsylvania students, GLSEN laid out numerous recommendations, including the implementation of comprehensive LGBTinclusive anti-bullying policies, support for GSAs, LGBT-inclusive training for staff and increased access to LGBT-inclusive curriculum and resources.

“These actions can move us toward a future in which all students in Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to learn and succeed in school, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” the report stated. ■

YOUTH from page 1 lessons.

The HPRP launched in 2009 and about 40 young people participated in the program in its first year, according to Valley Youth Southeast Independent Living Regional Director Allison Moore, with 30 attaining rentals.

The program has received more than 130 referrals in its second year.

Valley Youth has worked closely with The Attic Youth Center and other LGBT agencies such as Mazzoni Center, Moore said, in seeking to provide comprehensive resources for the program participants.

The project’s start-up was funded through federal stimulus dollars but the program was set to expire later this year.

With the Homeless Assistance Fund grant, however, it will be able to operate for

another year, with part of the funding dedicated to maintaining a case manager for the program and the rest to be invested in rental opportunities for the youth.

Moore said program organizers wanted to go after continued funding after seeing the vital need for such a program for the city’s LGBT youth.

“I think it’s very innovative. There are very few programs here in Philadelphia that are specific to this population. And especially in terms of homelessness, there aren’t very many youth shelters in the city,” she said. “Covenant House is really the main one, but there’s often a waiting list there and youth, whether they’re LGBT or Q or not, often avoid places like adult shelters.

So we’ve been trying to make sure their needs are met and pay attention to how their needs change as they go throughout

our program.”

Moore said Valley Youth is eager to attain additional funding that will support the program beyond the next year.

“We would really love for it to continue,” she said. “And we want to be able to expand it in terms of the amount of assistance we provide to the youth. Right now, we provide about four-to-six months of rental assistance, and that’s really not all that long for someone who’s trying to get on their feet, go to school, work and really get stable. But right now, we’re able to sustain the program for another year, but we’re definitely looking for other funding opportunities.” ■

STATE COLLEGE from page 1 authorized the settlement, and a judge signed off on the agreement Tuesday.

“I am pleased that the board moved quickly to provide benefit equality to the district’s gay and lesbian workers,” said Wiessmann’s attorney Andrew Shubin, who was joined on the case by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania.

“I am proud of the plaintiffs for their courage in pursuing the important constitutional American principle of equality for all citizens — gay and straight,” Shubin added. “I look forward to working with the district to resolve the remaining issues in this case.”

The parties will continue to negotiate unresolved damages claims in the next 75 days.

The change to the benefits plan, which covers medical, dental and prescription, will go into effect immediately, and the settlement also requires that, by August, the district amend its nondiscrimination policy for staff and students to include both sexual

orientation and gender identity.

The complaint, filed with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, contended that the district violated the plaintiffs’ federal constitutional rights to equal protection and intimate association and the Pennsylvania Equal Rights Amendment on the basis of sex discrimination.

Wiessmann has worked as a district employee since 2003 and Resko, who previously worked as an independent contractor, in 2007 took on a full-time position to attain health coverage, which she previously purchased on her own at a “considerable cost.”

The SCASD encompasses 13 schools from elementary to high school and is home to approximately 7,200 students.

The district did not respond to a request for comment.

Other Pennsylvania school districts that offer domestic-partner benefits for samesex couples include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Lower Merion. ■

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tion for them is the worst social and cultural terrorism against Pakistan.”

Homosexual acts are illegal in Pakistan.

Homosexuality is not explicitly mentioned in Pakistan’s penal code, but “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment for a period of two years to life, according to the United Nations.

Also, under Sharia laws in Pakistan, homosexual acts are punishable by whipping, imprisonment or death, according to the U.N. Hoagland said during the meeting that the U.S. would support LGBT rights in Pakistan.

“I want to be clear: the U.S. Embassy is here to support you and stand by your side every step of the way,” Hoagland said in a statement released by the embassy.

Over 75 people attended the meeting, which was co-hosted by the Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies. The crowd included U.S. Embassy officials, military representatives, foreign diplomats and leaders of Pakistani LGBT advocacy groups.

The Islamic officials demanded the Pakistani government arrest the participants under the country’s laws and said the meeting was “tantamount to stabbing the Muslim world in the chest.”

International Pakistani Muslims condemn gay-rights meeting A group of conservative Islamic political and religious officials has condemned a meeting by the U.S. Embassy supporting gay rights in Pakistan as “cultural terrorism” against the country.

The group, which included the head of Pakistan’s largest Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, claimed the meeting, the first of its kind held by the embassy, was the second-most dangerous attack by the U.S. against Pakistan, following missiles fired from unmanned drones.

The meeting on June 26 was hosted by U.S. deputy ambassador Richard Hoagland, and was meant to support the rights of LGBT individuals in Pakistan, said the embassy.

“Such people are the curse of society and social garbage,’’ said the July 3 statement issued by the Islamic officials. “They don’t deserve to be Muslim or Pakistani, and the support and protection announced by the U.S. administra-

Opera dropped over gay character A community opera in the United Kingdom involving hundreds of children written by “Billy Elliot” playwright Lee Hall has collapsed after he refused a request to remove words spoken by a gay character.

Education officials said July 4 they had objected to offensive and derogatory language, but Hall accused the school of having dated and homophobic views.

The writer said he had refused to remove the lines “I am queer” and “I prefer a lad to a lass” from the opera “Beached,” which features music by composer Harvey Brough.

Hall said he had worked with the school to make other changes, including removing the use of “stupid” as an insult, but that the request about the gay character’s lines “seemed to come from an entirely different era.”

Mike Furbank, head of learning at the local authority, East Riding Council, said the school “did not have an issue with having a gay character,” but rather, “it was the language and tone of the scene that were problematic.”

He said the school had objected to phrases including “fat little queer.” Even after the language was toned down, “it was still deemed as unacceptable for 4- to 11-year-olds to be exposed to,”

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Furbank said.

The school withdrew the 300 pupils involved in the show.

Opera North, which commissioned the piece, confirmed that its July 15 premiere in Bridlington, northeast England, had been canceled.

Homosexuality a ‘western disease’ India’s health minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has caused uproar by referring to homosexuality as an unnatural “disease” from the west.

Azad was speaking at a conference on HIV and AIDS in Delhi July 4 when he said: “Unfortunately this disease has come to our country too ... where a man has sex with another man, which is completely unnatural and should not happen but does.”

His remarks came almost two years to the day since the Delhi High Court ruled that homosexuality should be decriminalized. Gay-rights advocates were furious at the health minister’s comments.

Anjali Gopalan, who heads the NAZ Foundation, which campaigns for HIV and gay rights, said: “These comments help no cause. It’s definitely not going to help in our fight against HIV.” An estimated 2.5-million people in India have HIV and experts say that tackling stigma around homosexuality is a vital part of cutting new infections.

Student support groups in Ont. The Ontario government will take steps to assure that support groups for LGBT students

are available in all schools in the Canadian province, both public and Catholic, beginning this fall.

Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty announced the initiative at the Pride Toronto international marshals’ reception July 1.

The news brought loud cheers at the Toronto Dyke March July 2, including from co-grand marshal Leanne Iskander, who is an activist for gay-straight alliances, and GSA members in the crowd.

Gay Taiwanese welcome Gaga Gay fans and others turned out in force July 3 for Lady Gaga’s first concert in Taiwan, a free promotional event held in the city of Taichung.

The pop star performed for an hour, singing nine songs — five more than scheduled. There were 6,000 fans in the Fulfillment Amphitheater for the event, while another 30,000 watched the concert via two large TV screens set up outside the venue.

The Taipei Times reported that an LGBT contingent planned to hold up signs during the concert expressing gratitude for Gaga’s support. Slogans included “Born This Way, Born This Gay” and “Gaga Loves Gays, Gays Love Gaga.”

One member of the group put together a costume that won a “creative outfit” contest organized by Mercedes-Benz in conjunction with the concert. The man, identified only as Chris, “covered himself with black feathers and a cage to symbolize the discrimination and repression that gay people suffer, but that rather than be cowed by such attitudes, gay people are determined to fight for their rights.” ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

PGN FEATURE

A C ul t ure � &

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

rts

Frame by frame, take two Highlights — and lowlights — of this week’s QFest offerings

By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor With QFest in full swing this week, here are films to queue up for, or to avoid putting in your queue.

“Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together” (7 p.m. July 16 and 4:30 p.m. July 17, Ritz East) is a smart, fresh and funny mumblecore musical. Set in Chicago, roommates Jamie (Jacqui Jackson) and Jessie (Jessica LondonShields) are intimate — but they are not a couple.

Everyone sees that Jessie is in love with Jamie. And seeing that her girl friend (not her girlfriend) is moving to Brooklyn in two weeks, Jessie has to decide if she should declare her love. This film, nimbly written and directed

by Wendy Jo Carlton, examines the nature of friendships.

It revels in the last chance to go skinnydipping in the lake, or the last time to give/get a foot rub. “Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together” also shows how professional

rivalries and personal jealousies affect close friends.

The film also contrasts Jamie’s erotic ease with Jessie’s series of bad dates — which only increases the sexual tension between the characters. While “Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together” frequently has its characters express themselves in song, don’t be put off — the catchy tunes work in conveying the characters’ emotions, sometimes quite poignantly. This romantic musical comedy is a delightful romp, buoyed by the strong performances by the two leads — London-Shields especially — and the engaging cast of multicultural characters.

“A Few Days of Respite” (4:45 p.m. July 10, Ritz East) is a slight but subtle and moving drama about two gay Iranians illegally making their way through France.

Moshed (writer/director Amor Hakkar) and Hassan (Samir Guesmi) are hoping to get to Paris when they end up in a small town to catch a connecting train. When Moshed helps Yolande (Mariane Vlady) with her bags, she invites him to do some work in her home. Agreeing

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT

A very sexy film about the perils and pleasures of reuniting with one’s ex, “August” (12:30 p.m. July 16 and 7:15 p.m. July 17, Ritz East) has Troy (Murray Bartlett) returning to L.A. from Spain. He reconnects with his ex, Jonathan (Daniel Dugan), at a café.

However, while Troy is looking to rekindle their part relationship, Jonathan has moved on. Not only has he quit smoking, Jonathan now has a smoking-hot boyfriend, Raul (Adrian Gonzalez). But that doesn’t stop Troy from trying to seduce Jonathan, or Jonathan to resist what he once had.

Writer/director Eldar Rapaport, expanded his 2005 short “Postmortem” (which also starred Bartlett and

Dugan) to create a stylish feature that astutely addresses issues of having sex with an ex. PGN caught up with Rapaport for a quick Q&A. GK: This topic of sex with an ex, was it based on your experiences?

ER: It wasn’t entirely my experience. I think everyone, gay or straight, can relate to this film. I’ve been on both sides of this fence, thinking about the “mythological ex” — the one person that you had a relationship with that had a tremendous effect on your life.

You put them on a pedestal, and every time you meet a [new] person you compare them to the mythological

ON A SCREEN NEAR YOU: “Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together” (from top), “A Few Days of Respite,” “Tomboy” and “Buffering”

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

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to take the job, the strangers become friendly.

Yolande, a lonely widow, acknowledges that Moshed is an illegal, but wants to help him; she even offers to marry him. However, unbeknownst to her, Moshed is hiding Hassan in her apartment. “A Few Days of Respite” provides only a brief glimpse into the lives of these characters, but they are all seen clearly.

The performances are uniformly strong — the actors convey their characters’ emotions, ranging from hope to heartbreak, with the most affecting expressions. What’s more, the political messages, about being queer in Iran or illegal in France, are presented fairly and without a heavy hand. This small, powerful film is well worth a look.

Another absorbing character study is “Tomboy” (7:15 p.m. July 13 and 2:30 p.m.

July 16, Bourse), which shrewdly assesses how gender identities are formed and developed.

Laure (Zoé Héran) is a young girl who passes herself off as a boy; moving to a new home, Laure reinvents herself as Michaël. “He” befriends Lisa (Jeanne Disson) as well as the neighborhood boys, impressing the guys by playing athletic games, but also allowing Lisa to put makeup on Michaël and kiss him. While Laure’s mother (Sophie Cattani) is pleased at her daughter’s female friendship — and wearing makeup — she is unaware of Laure’s deception. However, Laure’s sister Jeanne (Malonn Lévana) is in on the secret, playing along with her “brother” until an incident with one of the other kids threatens the situation.

“Tomboy” employs a natural, observational approach to the drama, which is refreshing; the filmmaker never judges the characters.

Laure/Michaël’s actions — even forming a phallus out of Play-Doh to go swimming — are credible, and Laure’s mother accepts her daughter’s masculine look/behavior — up to a point. “Tomboy” showcases a remarkable performance by Héran as the title character. This fine film should resonate with anyone who grew up wanting to be — or playing with friends of — the opposite gender.

“The Night Watch” (7:30 p.m. July 8 and 5 p.m. July 9, Ritz East) is the latest handsomely produced adaptation of Lambda Awardwinning author Sarah Waters’ novels. While this film is frequently intriguing, viewers may need a scorecard to follow the multiple interlocking storylines and characters.

Opening in 1947, two lesbians — Kay (Anna Maxwell Martin) and Helen (Claire Foy) — along with a gay man, Duncan (Harry Treadaway) and his straight sister Viv (Jodie Whittaker), all grapple with post-war life in London. Each is harboring a secret from his/her past, which is revealed as the film

“rewinds.” The narrative periodically jumps back in time to illuminate the characters’ pasts and reveal how it has influenced their present/future. It’s a daring narrative conceit, but not an entirely successful one, because it is difficult to identify with the haunted characters. Despite strong performances by Maxwell Martin and Treadaway in particular, the stories all seem obvious and underdeveloped. “The Night Watch” does feature excellent period detail — it is a BBC TV production, after all — but even with some nice, tender moments between various queer characters, the “GO GO CRAZY” result is curiously unsatisfying.

In “Buffering” (9:30 p.m. July 14 and 2:45 p.m. July 16, Ritz East), Seb (Alex Anthony) and Aaron (Conner McKenzy) are two cute, broke blokes who need to tighten their belts. Instead, they turn to taking their pants off to raise cash on a porn website. This good-looking but skin-deep sex comedy puts the emphasis on sex — and it’s more sugary than raunchy. As for the comedy, “Buffering” gropes the familiar tropes of bedroom fetishes — dildos, leather, spanking — as well as kindly sex-store

ex. And usually they are not good enough.

If I look back at the event that occurred to me — the [opening] café scene — I was Troy there, but years later I was Jonathan. I beefed up the role of Raul [Jonathan’s boyfriend] and how it all connected — that’s the fiction.

call, and guys turn into Jell-O, and do whatever they say/want. I wanted to show that no matter how many times you tell him, “He’s not good for you,” no one knows what’s going on between these two people.

That’s why we have all these intimate moments between Troy and Jonathan in bed — there’s a power that no one understands what’s behind that. The classic mind/heart struggle.

ER: That goes back to the idea of my mythological ex. When we broke up, he said, “It’s all about timing, synchronicity.” I said that was bullshit. If you love a person, you love a person. Over the years, I realized it does matter — where they are at, and what they want. It has to match. It doesn’t matter if you’re 26 dating a 45year-old.

GK: How did you develop Troy’s influence over Jonathan? Why do you think some guys have such power over others?

ER: I think you can’t always understand why people are attracted to a person, and they have this influence over them. They

GK: The film suggests that relationships are all in the timing. Have you found that to be true?

GK: What prompted you to tell the film with a prismatic approach — shifting time and points of view?

ER: I wanted to show that it’s a circle. The

workers and the eternal burning question: Is the super-hunky next-door neighbor gay? In other words, the undistinguished “Buffering” exists simply to provide an excuse to get the handsome cast in the buff.

And that’s not terrible considering the male cast members are attractive. However, a subplot about a gender-confused girl who pretends she’s a boy who likes boys to get a straight guy (get it?) is less appealing — as is directors Christian Martin and Darren Flaxstones’ insistence on trying to create an emotional conflict for Seb. “Buffering” is a passable time-filler at best, but anyone looking for a truly naughty sex film is better off surfing the Internet.

“Go Go Crazy” (9:30 p.m. July 15, Ritz East), about an amateur go-go boy contest, is strictly amateur hour. As cheaply made as a watered-down drink, this fictional documentary, set at Philly’s Voyeur nightclub, is neither sexy nor funny as a bunch of stereotypes shake their moneymakers and respond to “outrageous” comments by the trying-too-hard dragqueen emcee (Hedda Lettuce). The film lacks appeal on almost every level — there’s no drama, no nudity and no quality. A highschool talent contest has more verve and appeal. Even if that is the point, would-be viewers would be better served putting their dollars in the sweaty g-string of an actual go-go boy than wasting their money on this film. ■ characters are stuck and keep making the same mistakes. Troy is in a cycle. Jonathan is in one too, with different actions. The [storytelling] was another tool to emphasize that.

GK: Do you think exes can/do/will mess up a relationship?

ER: [Laughs.] I think it [helps] resolve things — you get to a certain conclusion.

Everyone has an epiphany. Some change has occurred. They have to move forward.

It will fuck things up before you get to any conclusion. ■

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A More Perfect Union After the historic vote in the state legSince we believe New Jersey’s civil islature that made gay marriage legal union or “CU” is an example of “separate but not equal,” we’ve been sticking to in New York, my husband Mike and I decided at the last minute to trek up to the our guns. We’ve been waiting for the day when either our Canadian marriage is recNYC Pride parade. ognized or, at the very least, we We met there in 1986 and could simply renew our vows we’ve gone back eight or nine and get a full-fledged marriage times over the years, but this license where we live, in New was our first time in almost a Jersey. decade. We thought the celebration would be over the But things have changed. top since it was less than 48 Two friends of ours, one an accountant and one an attorhours after the marriage vote, ney, have convinced us that we and we weren’t disappointed. should really stop being dicks Everything was bigger and about it and just get the CU. louder than we ever expected, and when the marchers hit They’ve pointed out that there the Village, the crowd greeted are about a thousand legal and them with a roar of unrefinancial rights and protections Jim that are foolish to miss out on. strained joy and happiness running a potentially serithat never stopped.

Kiley-Zufelt We’re ous risk by not covering ourIt felt like the World Series selves with those protections parade here in Philly a few years ago. right now, regardless of our feelings about marriage and the CU. Mike and I got married in Toronto in So we’re doing it. We’re getting union2003 because it was the first time it was ized. And as much as I’d love to say we’re possible in North America. We figured going to get our CU next Tuesday, it will our marriage would eventually be recognized in the States but, until that time, we actually be more like a month or so from weren’t going to run around the Northeast now. collecting marriages from here and civil If you live in New Jersey or Delaware unions from there and domestic partnerand are waiting for full same-sex marriage ships from somewhere else. rights like we were, you should recon-

Barcrawlr

sider. If something happens to you legally or financially that a CU could have protected you from, it will be worth getting unionized. In the meantime, don’t stop fighting for marriage equality.

And as for you, Pennsylvania, it’s time to catch up with your neighbors.

It’s like red but not quite Pride Month may be over but summer is just getting started in Philly. And that means the Pink Pub Crawl is back!

The summer edition of the Pink Pub Crawl starts 9 p.m. July 9 at Tavern on Camac, then move on to Valanni at 10:15.

After that, it’s off to Sisters at 11:30, then over to Voyeur Nightclub at 12:30 a.m. to wrap up the night.

Dress in pink and the crawl will only cost you $25. If you don’t, or if you just wear pink socks or undies that no one can see, it’ll cost you $35. But considering that gets you one drink each at Tavern, Valanni and Sisters, free dance-floor admission plus admission to Voyeur, it’s a bargain either way.

But dress in pink. You’ll save $10 and have way more fun! Plus, the person wearing the best pink costume will win two passes to Sand Blast Weekend July 20-24 in Asbury Park, N.J. For more information, check out www. nightlifegay.com.

I’m on a boat!

The Big Gay Boat Party returns from 6 p.m.-midnight July 17 at Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd. Cover charge is still only $10, and DJ DeeJay is returning to spin the perfect dance mix for a night on the river under the stars.

There’s only one more BGBP after this one before summer ends, so don’t miss your chance to make the most of this oneof-a-kind party. There’s nothing else like it in Philly!

Philly TNG Young and kinky and don’t know where to go? Then get your ass over to The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., for the Philly TNG Happy Hour from 7-10 p.m.

July 21.

Philly TNG is for anyone under 35 in the Philadelphia area who is interested in BDSM and other alternative lifestyles.

The group is open to all orientations, genders and experience levels, so whether you’re new and exploring or just looking for friends in the scene, check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, check out www. phillytng.org. ■ Questions, comments or news about upcoming events? Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com.

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Suzi Nash

Carol Coombes: Cinephile, gardener, Manchester United fan “Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic, no matter what the movie’s about.”

— Steven Spielberg If you too are bitten by the celluloid bug, then the next 10 days are going to be pure magic. The 17th annual Philadelphia QFest kicked off yesterday and already filmgoers are buzzing about the great slate of LGBT films coming to our town. This week, PGN spoke to Carol Coombes, a veteran of the queer-film scene, about how film has influenced her life and what we can look forward to at QFest.

PGN: Super-sleuth that I am, I suspect that you’re not originally from Philadelphia.

CC: [Laughs.] No, I’m originally from Manchester, England. I started off working with the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival and then came to the States to work with the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. I’ve been with QFest for three years, making it about 14 years working in queer cinema.

PGN: What is your job at QFest?

CC: I’m the managing director, which means that I do a bit of everything, especially in the new economic climate where we have to each do the jobs of four people. I do everything from programming — mostly the lesbian films — and I also manage the talent, which is really exciting this year because we have 90 filmmakers already confirmed to attend — the most ever. I also manage the print shipping and the theatrical load-in and load-outs and overall make sure that everything runs smoothly so that the audience has a great experience.

PGN: Philadelphia has a reputation for rowdy sports fans. What’s different about our film audiences?

CC: There’s a huge difference between here and Miami. Actually our audiences here are wonderful. They’re very polite and stay and watch the credits. When we do a Q&A, people will stay and ask questions and are very respectful and engaged. In Miami, I don’t know where they need to go, but the house empties out the minute the film is over, before the credits start to run. If we have a filmmaker there, we have to start the Q&A right as the movie ends or there will be no one there by the time they bring the lights up!

PGN: What was life like growing up in Manchester?

CC: Well, I’m one of five girls. The joke in the family was that my dad always wanted a boy — he tried so many times that he ended up with a netball team. I’m the eldest and the only one not still in Manchester.

PGN: What was the result of having six

women in the house?

CC: That to this day, my dad can’t cook or do housework because he was always taken care of by the matriarchs in the family: first my grandmother, then my mom, then us girls. Like Philadelphia, Manchester is a big sports city and my mother had an initiation rite that at the age of 8, each girl was taken to the hallowed grounds in Old Trafford and pushed to be a Manchester United football club fan. My poor father was the lone Manchester City fan against all us Uniteds!

PGN: What are some of the other city similarities?

CC: They’re both melting pots with a lot of working-class people: blue-collar cities where the ships and dock work were once big industries. We also have a lot of redbrick buildings like you do here, so I really feel at home here.

PGN: What was a favorite thing to do as a kid?

CC: When I was very young, my mother introduced me to art. She’d take me to Manchester City Art Gallery, which has the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelites in the world. I became obsessed with the women in those paintings with the long flowing hair and the nymphs coming out of the water. My dad was also a great film aficionado and they used to take us to matinee cinema, so that really developed my love of films early on.

PGN: What was a culture shock moving to the States?

CC: Moving to Florida and not having any seasons. The first Christmas I spent in 90-degree heat was really strange. I was used to a traditional cold English holiday, so it took a while to adjust to enjoying Christmas with parrots and iguanas all around. I also had no concept of hurricanes, and when hurricane season started, that was something to get used to. It rains a lot in England, but in Miami you’re at sea level, so there’s nowhere for the rain to go.

It stays at your feet, which is why it’s so acceptable to wear flip-flops everywhere.

And that was another thing to adjust to: the clothing or lack thereof, getting used to the amount of flesh displayed. There was so much of it!

PGN: What was a favorite celebrity encounter?

CC: In Miami, I had Bea Arthur come as the opening-night host. She was completely deaf but once she got an Absolut vodka on the rocks, which is what she drinks, her hearing miraculously returned and she did a fabulous job as MC. I think the one that impressed me most, though, was Sharon Gless. At QFest two years ago we screened the film “Hannah Free,” and she

was honored with the Idol Award. She came here straight from a cruise in Seattle and, somewhere along the way, she got food poisoning. She was really ill, but instead of going to the hotel or backing out, she came to the theater and did the intro. She was in the wings during the entire film really feeling quite awful, but stayed to come back on stage after the film and did a 15-minute Q&A with the audience. I know how wretched she was feeling and I was really impressed how professionally she acted and how much she did not to let us — or the audience — down. I really respect her as a person as well as for how much she does for the community.

PGN: Shorts, docs or features?

CC: I love all of them, but I think my favorite would be feature films.

PGN: What three films would you put in a time capsule?

CC: OK, my first would be “The Wizard

really rich and the production values were very high. And the third film ... I’m going to reserve for a film that hasn’t been made yet, because I have faith that there will be another brilliant film in the future that I will want to put in the capsule.

PGN: “Fire” is one of my favorite films.

One of the reasons I think the film festival is so important is that it shows you glimpses into other people’s lives and gives you a chance to say, “Wow, we really are everywhere,” or perhaps realize that we don’t have it so bad compared to others or perhaps to see people or places even more progressive and find something to aspire to.

CC: Yes, and so many of the multiplexes no longer show international films, so film festivals are one of the few places you can see films with foreign-language content or true independent films. You asked me my favorite genre of film and, though I said features, documentaries are so important. We had a film last year that won the Audience Award for best documentary called “Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement.” It’s about two women who have been together for over 40 years and have an amazing story that tells our history.

We are going to lose a lot of these people and if we don’t get those narratives on camera, they will be gone forever. And again in terms of global cinema, there are voices that we haven’t heard that may only be heard at an LGBT film festival. Even straight film festivals show films you can’t see otherwise. I am a big champion of festivals because they can take you to places you’ve never traveled to or even imagined in your mind’s eye.

PGN: Random question: What Olympic event would you want to compete in?

CC: Funny you should mention that; the Olympics are going to be in London next Photo: Suzi Nash of Oz.” It was one of the first films I year and it’s a really big deal for us. If I were to be in saw as a child. I just really identified the Olympics, rather than being a competiwith the film: It was so magical and so vibrant, with horses that changed colors and tor I’d want to be one of the runners carrying the torch. It’s so symbolic: I’ve always everything. That would have to be in for wanted to do that. sure. The second film would be the movie “Fire.” It was a lesbian film from India and PGN: Any tattoos? it really broke through barriers in terms of CC: No. When I first got to Philadelphia, stories being told with a global perspective someone asked me if I had any sleeves. In in queer cinema. It was so controversial my naiveté, I had no idea what they meant. from an area where we have such images of women being oppressed. The story was PAGE 34

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

PGN

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

33

New menu marks 10th anniversary for Cuba Libre

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Without a doubt, the experience of dining at Cuba Libre, 10 S. Second St., is breathtaking.

From the moment you walk in, you are transported to an irresistible pocket of Cuba in the heart of Philly, thanks in no small part to the impeccably detailed décor and traditional Cuban music (played by a DJ). When the weather is nice and the windows are open, the airy space lends itself to both casual post-work nightlife or a dinner fancy enough to impress. The latter became apparent as we were seated next to former Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell the night we dined there.

Cuba Libre’s concept chef, Guillermo Pernot, recently visited Cuba to get a feel for the cuisine and it shows. The new Cuban menu — debuted for the 10th anniversary — is every bit as impressive as the restaurant’s decor.

That said, make sure to remember the menu is Cuban. One member of our party got a slight but friendly case of the stinkeye from the waiter when asked if they served margaritas.

“That’s a Mexican beverage,” he pointed out.

Point taken. Please forgive us. We won’t insult your honor again.

We came to find out that one can live a happy life on mojitos, of which Cuba Libre serves many varieties and flavors.

We almost didn’t get to try an entrée because we were completely seduced by Cuba Libre’s small plates. The homemade bread was amazing too, served with a generous portion of mango butter. Seriously, we wanted to buy a tub of this stuff and take it home so we can try it on waffles and bagels at our leisure.

The ceviches are some of the best you can find in the city, especially the coctel de camarones ($10.50), a Cuban take on

a shrimp cocktail that is spicy and better than any shrimp cocktail has a right to be.

The carne de cangrejo ($12) isn’t too far behind, mixing luscious crab meat with cheddar cheese and a tomatillo and peanut salsa. It’s safe to say we’re going to make a point of ordering ceviches each and every time we go to Cuba Libre.

Another strong competitor for our tastebuds were the empanadas ($5.50 each).

They are not-to-be-missed prime examples of comfort food. The ground beef and raisin empanada was pleasantly spicy while the chicken empanada with corn, peppers and jack cheese gave us flashbacks of the best chicken pot pie we’ve ever eaten.

The sopa levanta muerta, or “raise the dead soup” ($6.50), was a warm and inviting convergence of seafood in a coconutmilk broth. And it is aptly named: We could easily envision ourselves chasing away a hangover with this flavorful soup.

Having gorged on small plates, we had little room left for an entrée, but we did manage to squeeze in the lechon asado ($22.50), slow-roasted pulled pork perched high atop a bed of smashed yucca and a black-bean broth. The result was flawless.

The pork was tender and spicy, mixing well with the heartiness of the yucca and black beans. It almost made us regret filling up on small plates.

Almost.

We nearly skipped dessert but were stopped dead in our tracks at the mention of torta mentirita ($9), a “rum and Coke” cake. It was even better than it sounded: a rum-soaked cake topped with lime sorbet and Coke sauce. The huge portion was intimidating to look at, but the cake was light and airy and the sorbet and sauce hit all the right spots in our alcoholic and sweet-tooth pleasure centers.

If Cuba Libre were an island, we’d gladly make a raft out of scrap plywood and swim there. Thankfully we don’t have to. ■

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34

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

from page 31

PGN: My hidden talent?

CC: Gardening. I love to garden. And it was very hard to learn how to grow plants in Zone 10, which is where Miami is. It’s a much different gardening culture than England or even Philadelphia.

At one point I took a lot of bulbs from Philadelphia to Miami, tulips and daffodils, etc., and of course they didn’t grow in the heat. But I learned the trick is to put them in the freezer to shock them into thinking it’s winter.

PGN: What three words would your friends use to describe you?

CC: Crazy red head!

PGN: What was the last song you sang to somebody?

CC: I had to do a presentation at the William Way Center recently for the Silver Foxes. One of them asked me how I got the name Carol and I told them that I was named after the Neil Sedaka song “Oh, Carol” and proceeded to sing the song to her.

PGN: Outside of the film industry, what was your most unusual job?

CC: Oh, you will laugh at this! When I was about 17, I was part of the club scene in Manchester. I held down two jobs because I wanted to have the means to go out. I actually got paid to call numbers in a bingo hall for old ladies with silver hair!

PROFILE PGN

PGN: You should be a guest caller at gay bingo! Least favorite thing?

CC: Dead animals. I don’t like farming practices that treat animals badly. I’m a vegetarian and have been for a long time.

My partner, Raquel, says that I came out as a vegetarian before coming out as a lesbian. I think coming out as a vegetarian was harder! Actually, my least favorite thing would be injustices. I get mad at things like pay inequality and all sorts of injustices, big and small.

PGN: When did you come out?

CC: When I was in my 20s. It seemed really easy to me, my family was fine with it and there was none of the drama that I know other people have gone through.

I feel very blessed that way. And it was odd: When I got to America, a lot of the women I met had been married and had kids before coming out, which was not my experience at all. One footnote: Before I got my green card, I had to get a work permit as an alien and in my passport it states that I work for a gay and lesbian film festival, so every time I went through immigration I outed myself! Some people were weird with it, asking me if that meant I was gay, and some people would start telling me about their son, niece or cousin who was gay or they’d out themselves to me!

PGN: Did you know you were gay before your 20s?

CC: No. I wasn’t out to myself. But what’s

funny is that my second sister was at university and her roommate was a lesbian and she told my sister that I was gay. I was like, “No, I am not” and my sister said, “Well, she thinks you are.” They called it before I did!

PGN: Do you remember your first kiss?

CC: Yes, I met a white witch, which is a good witch — back to my “Wizard of Oz” fascination. I always wanted to know what it would be like to kiss a good witch. So I did and it was my first kiss with a woman!

PGN: Any superstitious rituals?

CC: I was taught never to walk under a ladder, so I never ever do. We were talking about cultural differences. It’s interesting, in England, a black cat crossing your path is considered really, really good luck, while here everyone gets upset. It’s upside down.

PGN: Last of all, what can people look forward to at the festival?

CC: Well, we are doing a lot of great online social media in conjunction with the festival. Our executive director, Ray Murray, rated his top-10 films and is asking people to comment on them on Facebook. You can sign up for daily emails with festival updates, pictures and all sorts of fun things. For me, I really like the film “Wish Me Away.” It’s about the country singer Chely Wright and it’s really powerful. She had a painful time coming out and it’s all on video. “The

Night Watch” is another amazing film made through the BBC. I obviously didn’t live through WWII but, living in England, you can’t escape the shadows. This film really shows what it must have been like to live with rubble and ashes and craziness and searchlights in the sky — what it was like to be a woman and a lesbian in that time period. “Break My Fall” is also good, though it focuses on the darker side of lesbian relationships. It features two young women who are part of the drug and club culture and it shows the dysfunctional side of relationships. You never really see domestic violence portrayed in women’s film, so it’s intense, but well done. For the boys, I liked “eCupid” — it’s really clever — and “Gun Hill Road,” which I saw at Sundance and was well-acted about a macho father having trouble accepting his son’s transition. “Leave It on the Floor” is about a boy who is thrown out by his family, and he finds another family in the dance/drag community. It’s very touching. And I have an exciting late addition to the women’s films that’s not in the program! “Dirty Girl” will be given a general release in the theaters in August but we’re doing a sneak preview of it July 9! Juno Temple stars and it’s silly and fun with lots of eye candy. We have a little something for everyone including some great shorts programs and fabulous parties, so I hope Philadelphia comes out to support the QFest and see some great movies. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

35

Choices, condoms and consequences Last article, I addressed the oft-deleterious all means nothing when, suddenly, in the heat relationship poz folk develop with barebackof the moment, you’re overwhelmed with the ing post-diagnosis. While some HIV-poz urge to bareback (I don’t need to elaborate on folk said my thoughts helped give them why). perspective on barebacking, my Scaring people into condom critics questioned — amongst use doesn’t always work either. other things — why I never said, Actually, it can inadvertently glamorize barebacking simply “Use condoms. They’re the best because people demonize it: It’s preventative measure against the old, “You want what you contracting HIV.” In fact, many can’t have” scenario. people worried that I might have Nevertheless, if we can condoned unsafe sex unwittingly. encourage a greater dialogue My critics have a point, and about HIV (as is this column’s I’m grateful both that they said something and that, as per my intent), barebacking and condom intent, people are talking about use, we’ll be able to educate people while emphasizing the HIV. Therefore, I’m devoting this article to flesh out (ahem) the need to make their own choices. condom vs. barebacking war that Because frankly, it would be better that people learn how HIV is has waged ever since the first outbreak of HIV. Aaron Stella transmitted than default out of fear of condom use.

When condom use and HIV meet in writing (academic jourBut let’s get down and dirty nals, articles, columns, editorials, etc.), a about the whole condoms vs. barebacking tumultuous debate ensues. Whatever stance war. To start, consider this hypothetical: a pieces takes, it’s not uncommon for its staA couple. They just met. They both want tistical surfeit to distract readers from makto bareback. They don’t know their own HIV ing a choice. Statistical back-up or no, the status, and express this. They don’t know if readers must ultimately choose how they will they’re carrying any other STIs but, to their use condoms (if at all), and then take respon- knowledge, they’re not. And they’re both sibility for their actions. You can be the most completely aware of the consequences they may incur from barebacking. well-read person on HIV transmission, but it

Millennial Poz

At a glance, these people — strictly regarding sex between themselves — are making a consensual choice to bareback. But this begs the question: Is this a good or bad decision?

I can almost see the “Yes, you idiot! Of course it’s a bad decision!” boiling over in some of you. Now, I’m not advocating for either course of action. This hypothetical is based on principle, not risk factors.

Does the potential of contracting HIV objectively rule out barebacking, or does mutual consent justify it? Honestly, it’s difficult to qualify either choice for several reasons: What if one of these people happened to be HIV poz? What if they slept with other people, still with mutual consent, and end up spreading the virus? Even if HIV meds can afford a long, healthy life post-infection, was it still a bad decision to bareback?

Say that one of these people in the hypothetical was one of your friends. What would you say to them, knowing that they had chosen to bareback despite the known risks?

What would you do in their situation? While I think we can all agree that it’s good to get tested regularly and use condoms, again, how often does that happen?

In my travels, some of the people I encountered stated that they never used condoms: They freely bareback because they believe people should enjoy their sex life,

and condoms are medieval, boner-killing technology.

Even though these people engage in, by conventional standards, risky sexual behavior, surprisingly they all got tested regularly and were much more educated about how one can contract and transmit HIV. And because they only bareback, as well as knowing their risks, they’re very particular about their sexual/romantic partners. All in all, these people know the risks, know their status and have made their choice.

And, folks, that’s exactly what you have to do. The choices, as well as the consequences, are yours as to how you act sexually. I’m not going to advise you either way. It’s not my place, and I refuse to do it. What I will say is that you’ll feel a lot better and more informed about the decision you make if you make an effort to talk about it. Don’t worry about what people think. Be honest about how you feel and what you want to know.

We’re all in this together, folks. Now get out there and start talking. ■ Aaron Stella is editor-in-chief of Phillybroadcaster (www.phillybroadcaster. com), an all-inclusive A&E city blog site.

Since graduating from Temple University with a bachelor’s in English, 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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36

TELEVISION FEATURES PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

Worth Watching TALK AND ACTION: Since it’s summer and most of the quality TV shows are repeats, you might as well do some good and watch out journalist and TV personality Rachel Maddow make sense of politics on “The Rachel Maddow Show” weeknights at 9 p.m. on MSNBC.

TROJAN MAN: Brad Pitt stars as Achilles in the sword-and-sandal epic “Troy,” based on the events of the Trojan War, airing 8 p.m. July 8 on Bravo.

COMING TO A CLOSE: Kyra Sedgwick is back for one last go-round as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson on the final six episodes of “The Closer,” premiering 9 p.m. July 11 on TNT. Photo: Karen Neal

HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH: Catch Jada Pinkett Smith in a new episode of the medical drama “Hawthorne,” 10 p.m. July 12 on TNT. Photo: Darren Michaels

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Q Puzzle Come Rite to New York Across 1. Game with two queens 6. Porgy and bass 10. They’re good for tricks 14. “Brokeback Mountain” setting 15. “Diana” singer 16. Petty of “A League of Their Own” 17. “As You Like It” forest 18. Muscle Marys pump it 19. Cocksure 20. Rite that makes gay couples come right to New York 23. Speed limit letters 24. Hang around

25. “The Page Turner” writer David 27. Hail Mary path 30. Segments of “The Glass Menagerie” 32. “Doggone it!”

33. Come together 35. Madeline of “Blazing Saddles” 37. Diploma word 40. Downsize 41. What hibernating bears do 43. “Maude” producer Norman 44. Ready for bed 46. Hunks of history 47. Carpenter’s connector 48. Secure with lines 50. Designed for all grades 52. 7th notes in “Do-Re-Mi” 53. Painter O’Keeffe 56. Floor coverings 58. Turned tail

59. Governor who signed 20-Across into law 64. Just like you see it 66. Debussy’s dusk 67. Czech leader Vaslav 68. Put your eye to a small opening 69. Proof part 70. LuPone Broadway role 71. Poet Gidlow 72. James of “East of Eden” 73. Family car

Down

1. Rock outcropping 2. Ring dance 3. Swirl around three men in a tub 4. Looks 5. Liberace piece, perhaps 6. Hans Christian Andersen story, e.g.

7. Letters over

Mary’s son 8. Toast with Danish 9. Like the man on a tarot card 10. Capone and Capp 11. With 29-Down, rites replaced by 20Across 12. Shoot off some hot stuff 13. Tourist attraction 21. They hold balls in pool halls 22. Piercing places 26. Safe place 27. Part of Etheridge’s equipment 28. Sow’s opposite 29. See 11-Down 31. Hite of sexuality 34. Barbershop figure 36. “Hairspray” coproducer with Craig Zadan 38. Romantic island

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

37

for gay honeymoons 39. They’re performing, in “Fame” 42. “Come, come!”

45. Roman wraparound 49. Cleaned off a foamy head 51. Has a sevenyear problem with Marilyn Monroe?

53. Fruit that gets stomped 54. Stand next to Cassat 55. Get down on your knees in front of 57. Slick 60. Baltic port 61. “Ars Amatoria” poet 62. Physical opening?

63. Pearl Buck character 65. Cruising area PAGE 39

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 07/08 Sheryl Crow The rock singer performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Pawnshop Roses The rock band performs 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Phreak N Queer Benefit DJ evil v, Nile Livingston, Messapotamia Lefae, Screwsmart, Sammy Shuster and Corey Bacchelli, Julianne Fries, Miss Mary Wanna, Gabrielle

Revlock, Kiko, Erik Van Osten, Lance Pawling, Brendan Norton, Sean Green, Tweakerbell and DJ Triptonik perform 9 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888.

Sat. 07/09 Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Philly The cabaret troupe performs 3 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Peek-A-Boo Revue The neo-burlesque cabaret troupe performs 7 and 10:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live,

3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Rascal Flatts The country band performs 7:30 p.m. at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300.

Aaron Lewis The rock singer performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Beethoven’s Fifth The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs 8 p.m. at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-546-7900.

Karen Akers The cabaret singer performs

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225.

THEY’RE COMING BACK AROUND AGAIN: Rock superstars U2 finally make it back to town after having to postpone last summer’s Philly date because of Bono’s back surgery. Their massive two-year-long record-breaking stadium juggernaut known as “The 360 Tour” is set to dazzle the masses 7 p.m.

July 14 at Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Ave. For more information, visit www. u2.com or call 267-570-4000.

Jim Gaffigan The comedian performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Sun. 07/10 The Blob The classic sci-fi film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Johnny Mathis The singer performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Mon. 07/11

Wed. 07/13

Groove Night Local musicians joins forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.

Jennifer Weiner The author of “Then Came You” and “In Her Shoes” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215567-4341.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring The blockbuster fantasy film is screened 7:30 p.m. at Sellersville Theater 1984, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

Sucker Punch The stylized action film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

First Person StorySlam Spoken-word artists perform 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Tue. 07/12 Unlabeled: the Acoustic/ Electric Open Mic for Up and Comers Local musicians get a chance to perform 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.

Anne McCue The out singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. at The M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave.; 215-739-5577.

Happy Together Tour 2011 The Turtles and a number of acts from their rock era perform 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Bob & Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

Fri. 07/15 Johnny Lang The blues singerguitarist performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650.

Losers Lounge Presents: A Tribute to Prince

Local musicians perform the songs of Prince 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Ward Marston and Rosemary Benson The cabaret singers perform 8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225.

Interpol The rock band performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000.

U2 The rock band performs at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Ave.; 267-570-4000.

Thu. 07/14 Erica Jong The editor of “Sugar in my Bowl: Real Women Write About Real Sex” and contributors Julie Klam and Karen Abbott host a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215567-4341.

Soundgarden The alternativerock band performs

FEATHER WEIGHT: Funky rock/ soul singer Nikka Costa, whose first hit was “Like a Feather,” — is sure to bring the energy when she performs 8 p.m. July 13 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, call 215-222-1400.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Annie New Candelight Theatre presents the beloved musical July 9-Aug. 21, 2208 Millers Road, Ardentown, Del.; 302-4752313.

Blobfest The sci-fi/horror classic is celebrated with screenings of films starring the iconic movie monster July 8-10 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Tig Notaro The comedian seen on “The Sarah Silverman Show” performs July 13-16 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

QFest The 17th annual international LGBT film festival presents over 100 features and shorts through July 18, Ritz East Theater, 125 S. Second St.; www.qfest.com.

thereof, sometimes gender nonspecific, through Aug. 20, 723 Chestnut St., fourth floor; 215-923-1242.

Hatchetman People’s Light and Theatre Company presents a comedy set at the offices of a golf magazine scheduled for a corporate takeover, through July 17, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; 610-644-3500.

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.

Miss Saigon Walnut Street Theatre presents the popular musical epic love story through July 24, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Modern Slave AxD Gallery hosts an exhibition of photography featuring men of color by

READY TO LAND IN PHILLY AGAIN: After opening for Pat Benatar on a recent Philadelphia tour stop, out Aussie singer and rock/folk/blues guitarist Anne McCue returns to the area on her own tour 8 p.m. July 13 at The M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave. Check out her latest album, 2010’s “Broken Promise Land,” and her new DVD, 2011’s “Live in Nashville.”

For more information, visit www. annemccue.com or call 215-7395577. Photo: Johnny Buzzerio

Continuing

JD Dragan through July 30, 265 S. 10th St.; 215-627-6250.

No Regrets: A Piaf Affair The Bearded Ladies Cabaret through July 16, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-5467824.

Femme The James Oliver Gallery presents an exhibition of works exploring perceptions of femininity — or lack

Porcelain for the Emperor Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Chinese ceramics through Sept. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Robin Hood Media Theatre for the Performing Arts presents the classic tale through July 30, 104 E. State St.; Media; 610-891-0100.

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.

39

Romancing the West: Alfred Jacob Miller Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from one of the first American artists to paint the Far West, through Sept. 18, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America The National Constitution Center through Aug. 21, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6600.

Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Threaded Adornment: Four Centuries of English Embroidery Philadelphia Museum of Art presents nine examples of English embroidery from the 16th-19th century, through summer, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

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 this month, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

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; 215-763-8100.

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.

Q PUZZLE, from page 37

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

Closing Camp Rock Upper Darby Performing Arts Center presents the new musical based on the hit Disney Channel “Camp Rock” movie

AND IF THE ELEVATOR TRIES TO BRING YOU DOWN ... : The collective of local musicians known as the Losers Lounge performs a tribute to pop superstar Prince (pictured) 8 p.m. July 15 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Given the stellar library of pop songs Prince has recorded over his legendary career, we can’t imagine musicians that are fans of the purple icon dropping the ball on this show, so definitely check it out. For more information, call 215-222-1400.

series, through July 8, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; 610-622-1189.

Long Story Short Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the history of the world in 75 minutes, through July 10 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420.

Ralph Harris The comedian seen on “Dreamgirls” performs through July 10 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001. ■

40

COMMUNITY PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

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

Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m.

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

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

■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377

Key numbers

■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext.

221

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment hot line: 215545-2212 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com

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

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

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call 732-502-0305.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC.org.

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

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

Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist Synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org.

Silverside Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-478-5921.

St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal Church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays, with a contemplative communion at 8 a.m. at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966; www. saintasaphs.org.

St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m.

Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451; www. stjohnsambler.org.

St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds liturgy at 9 and 11 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township, N.J.; 609-965-9400; www.uucsjs.org.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St., Pottstown; 610-327-2662.

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

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

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

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

REALPGN ESTATE

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41

Featured property:

810 Locust Street Unit #201 $699,000 Spectacular bi-level 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bathroom loft space with one car deeded parking in Musical Fund Hall Building.

Soaring 28’ ceilings, towering windows, brilliant natural light. Handsome kitchen with maple cabinets, stone counter tops and terra cotta tiled floors. Spacious and striking living room with wood-burning fireplace. Romantic master bedroom suite with four large closets and loftspace for separate office. Perfect for urban living and entertaining.

All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

REAL ESTATE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

Realtor: Travis Rodgers

Office: (215) 790-5234

Company: Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors

Cell: (215) 901-2154

REAL ESTATE

SALE

YOU LOOK MAHVELOUS!

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY 7/10 BRIGHTEST HOUSE IN THE CITY Oversized Windows & High Ceilings 819 S. Warnock

$749,000 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!

Email: travisrodgers@aol.com

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

2009 SPRUCE STREET Tri-level condo with 3 bedrooms plus den, 2.5 baths. High ceilings, lots of gallery space, huge private deck, coveted block near Ritt Sq. 2844 sf $750,000. Allan Domb Real Estate 215-545-1500. _______________________________35-29 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 _______________________________35-27

North Carolina Lakefront lots. Never before offered, new gated waterfront community, 13 dockable lots with up to 300’ of shoreline.

Financing available. Call Now 1-800-7095253. _______________________________35-27 Lake Sale, NY: 6 Acres on Lake Morris $29,900.

11 Acres on Lake Pennock $39,900. 10 acres 2,300/ft Waterfront Penninsula $59,900. Land First. www.WaterfrontPropertyNY.com 1-888683-2626. _______________________________35-27 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 _______________________________35-27

New York Land for Sale 68 Acres- Foothills of the Adirondack’s. Minutes to canoe access on a major Adirondack river. Direct access to trail systems. Excellent hunting & fishing. All for $69,995. Call 800-229-7843 or visit www.

LandandCamps.com _______________________________35-27

SALE

SALE

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

REAL ESTATE

RENT

1109 Spruce St. Hearth Condo, only 2 left. Units 2R & 3R. Both 1 bedroom, 1 bath.

Super Washington Square location. Can be bought for less than rent. Low taxes and fees. .............................................................................................$180,000 & $215,000

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 MAYFAIR 2 BR, 1 BA, pvt. W/D, completely rehabbed, 2nd floor. John, 215-416-7016. _______________________________35-27 815 SOUTH 4TH STREET 2 BR, ultra modern w/hdwd flrs., W/D, C/A, red granite kitchen, SS appl. $1200. 215687-8461. _______________________________35-29

705 Carpenter Ln. Two-story 4 bedroom, 2.5 ba Dutch stone cottage nestled in Carpenter Woods. Perennial garden, open front porch, stone fireplace, chef’s kitchen .............................................................................................................................$349,900

ROOMMATES

Open Houses Sunday July 10, 2011 NOON - 1:00 PM 1812 Spruce St. Unit #2R “Snowden Residence Condo” Brand new condo conversion in the Heart of Rittenhouse Square. 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 bed, 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

1:30-2:30 PM 1812 Spruce St. Unit #3R. Great 2 bedroom, 1 bath Fabulous new condo conversion 1 block off Rittenhouse Square. Marble bath, deluxe kitchen, wood floors, huge walk-out terrace. A/C, low fees and taxes. Deeded Parking avail..............$395,000 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 1109 Spruce St. See abive......................................................$180,000 & $215,000

Suzanne E. Petruzel, GRI

SALE

2011 Catharine St. See above............................................priced at only $499,000 705 Carpenter Ln. See above .......................................................................$349,900

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

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 SOUTH PHILLY Furn. BR in private home. 1 block from Broad & pub. trans. Full house priv. Employed men only. $425/mo. incl all utils. 215-551-7611. _______________________________35-28

EWS

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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Stunning Contemporary on 3.4 gorgeous, secluded acres with pool and tennis court, 2 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, open floor plan, walls of windows, spacious Living Room with Mexican tile floor and fireplace, main floor Master Bedroom Suite with mirrored bath featuring stall shower/steam bath, Jacuzzi tub, private toilet and bidet. Country setting yet close to transportation, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and only 25 minutes from Center City Phila.

Please visit www.1371OldFord.com

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cell 215-327-8777 • email - judy.golden@prufoxroach.com website - www.judygoldenrealestate.com

VACATION

BUSINESS

RENTAL

OPPORTUNITY

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 _______________________________35-27

ATTN: COMPUTER WORK Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/mo Full Time. Training Provided. www.workservices25.com _______________________________35-27

JOBS WANTED ATTN: LANDLORDS Exp. maintenance/painter/cleaning person available to maintain your apartments. Either part time for apt. or full time for reasonable salary. Superior quality work, highest standards. Please respond to PO Box 36699, Phila., PA 19107. _______________________________35-28

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. _______________________________35-27 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 _______________________________35-27 WET BASEMENT? 800-511-6579. Free inspection/estimate.

Call today, don’t delay. No costly excavation, finished and unfinished, Lifetime transferable warranty. Financing available. PA Basement Waterproofing, Inc. PA001027 _______________________________35-27

PGN

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

A creative admin who can work in a fast-paced environment and multi- task. The person must be neat and an expert with all software programs. Excellent references needed and must have reported into an Executive.

Previous experience as an office manager, executive admin, office assistant, administrative assistant, secretary, or other administrative roles is preferred. The position is based in the suburbs. It is with a fast track financial services and retail firm. This role will require long hours and flexibility. This role may report into one or many functional Executives. The matter is time sensitive. Please apply online to the address below. Please place the word admin on the subject line. lynnradice@yahoo.com _______________________________35-29 CHECK THIS OUT!!!

Just completed high school and looking for your 1st phenomenal opportunity. Travel while earning big $$$$. No experience. Paid training.

1-877-646-5050. _______________________________35-27 JUST GRADUATE? 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. _______________________________35-27 DEDICATED DRIVERS WANTED! Multiple Lanes Available! Home Weekends!

Excellent Benefits! New Equipment! HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www. heartlandexpress.com _______________________________35-27

Driver- PAY UP TO 42cpm! 2012 tractors arriving daily! No forced disptach to NYC or Canada.

CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required.

800-414-9569. www.driveknight.com _______________________________35-27 Drivers- 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.

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Regional Lanes. Home Weekly. Up to $3000 BONUS. Up to $.50 Per Mile. 888-463-3962.

6mo. OTR exp. & CDL Req’d. www.usatruck. jobs _______________________________35-27 Get All You Need To Succeed! Van and Flatbed Divisions. Great Starting Pay! Plus Lots of Extras. $500 Sign-On for Flatbed. CDL-A, 6mo. OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-27 $2000 Sign-On Driver, 43.7 Per Mile. $7500 Sign-On Teams, 51.3 Per Mile. With Only 1 Year of OTR. CDL-A HazMat. 1-877-628-3748. _______________________________35-27

WANTED TO

BUY

BUYING COINS Gold, Silver & ALL Coins, Stamps, Paper Money, Entire Collections worth $5,000 or more. Travel to your home. CASH paid. Call Marc 1-800-488-4175 _______________________________35-27

ADOPTIONS 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. _______________________________35-27 ADOPT A stable, happily married couple longs to adopt your newborn. Bright, loving, secure future awaits your baby! Expenses Paid!

Michele and Bob, @1-877-328-8296. www. ourfuturefamily.com _______________________________35-27

“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.”

Millennial Poz Aaron Stella

PGN

After 30 years of HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is impacting the next generation: the Millennials. Written by Aaron Stella, Millennial Poz gives a new voice to people with HIV/AIDS.

AUTO

Online and in print every second Friday.

AAAA** Donation. Donate Your Car, Boat, or Real Eastate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free PikcUp/Tow. Any Model/Condition. Help Under Privileged Children Outreach Center. 1-800-5978311. _________________________________35-27

Only in

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 ADULT PGN PERSONALS GWM, Italian, top or 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

FRIENDS

o Electronic PGN: www.epgn. com

MEN

MEN

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape.

I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-29 I’m looking for a big torpedo top to explode in a nice white butt. 215-732-2108, 8-11 PM. _______________________________35-30

MEN

Books

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

43

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in Atlantic City, NJ will be OPENING JULY 2011

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Support the advertisers who support our community.

44

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 8-14, 2011

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