PGN July 20-26, 2012 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

What’s cookin’ in Las Vegas?

Attic art at William Way

Family Portrait: Terri Cotto

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July 20-26, 2012

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Vol. 36 No. 29

Locals mobilize to D.C. for AIDS conference By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com After more than a two-decade absence, the International AIDS Conference will return to the United States next week. Up to 25,000 people from around the globe will converge on Washington, D.C., July 22-27 to discuss the latest developments in all fronts in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The conference was last held in the United States, in San Francisco, in 1990 but, three years later, the federal government enacted legislation to prevent travel into the country by HIV-positive individuals, making the U.S. an infeasible host. In 2010, however, that restriction was lifted by the Obama administration, paving PAGE 14

Scouts: Gay ban to stay in place By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The Boy Scouts of America this week reaffirmed their commitment to banning openly gay members. After a two-year review of its controversial policy, an internal BSA committee unanimously agreed that the regulation should remain in place. The 11-member committee of BSA volunteers and “professional leaders” was convened in 2010 at the behest of the agency’s president and Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. The organization will not release the names of the committeemembers or details of its report. The agency said the panel was comprised of people with a “diversity of perspectives and opinions” and came to its conclusion after “forthright and candid conversation and extensive research and evaluations, both from within scouting and from outside the organization.” On account of the committee recommendation, the BSA has PAGE 20

DNC Chair: Marriage equality expected to be on platform By Sarah Blazucki PGN Editor Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives, told PGN this week that she expects marriage equality to be a plank of the party’s platform, which will be finalized at the Democratic National Convention Sept. 3-6 in Charlotte, N.C. PGN interviewed Wasserman Schultz, particularly about what LGBTs can expect from Democrats in the short and long term. PGN: President Obama has led his administration to undertake reforms that improve civil rights for LGBTs, including repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and not defending the Defense of Marriage Act. Can you tell me the specific efforts the DNC is embarking on to improve LGBT rights? DWS: Sure. I’m very proud to represent this president and talk about his commitment to making sure that there is equal opportunity and recognition under the law for all Americans. This is another chapter in our civil-rights history. And the quest that we should all be making a priority and that president Obama has: of ensuring that we have equal treatment under the law for all Americans. So whether it’s ensuring hospital visitation rights for LGBT Americans and their partners or repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or refusing to continue to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court or ensur-

DNC CHAIR DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (RIGHT) WITH PGN EDITOR SARAH BLAZUCKI JULY 16 AT SHERATON CENTER CITY Photo: Scott A. Drake

ing the way we treat people’s foreign LGBT partners under immigration law is revised, that we make progress there. And all the way up to publicly declaring his support for marriage equality. President Obama has been committed throughout his presidency to try to make sure that no matter who you are, that the law is applied equally and that Americans are treated equally. PAGE 16

Man found murdered in former PGN building By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

PUB PARTY: The Gayborhood went from rainbow to pink last Saturday night with the Pink Pub Crawl. The outing, hosted twice a year by NightlifeGay. com, took pink-clad revelers throughout Gayborhood nightspots for drink specials and dancing at Stir, Tabu, Sisters and Voyeur. At the Sisters stop, partiers included Dan Villagrana (from left), Victoria Ayres, Megan Rok, Ruben Velazquez, Nellie Fitzpatrick and Trace Palmer. Photo: Scott A. Drake

There was a gruesome discovery in the Gayborhood this week. A landlord on Monday found the badly decomposing body of a man in a secondfloor apartment at 233 S. 13th St. The victim had been shot multiple times and appeared to have suffered blunt-force trauma to the head. The 30-year-old black male, who lived on Pine Street, has not yet been identified. It was originally reported that police were searching for a woman who rents the apartment, but police spokesperson Lt. Ray Evers said she is not the prime suspect. However, police are close to an arrest.

“Right now it’s not a who-done-it so much as we’re just putting the final pieces together to finish this up and make an arrest,” Evers said. “We have very, very good direction on this, and I expect an arrest any day.” Evers said the victim knew his attacker. “This was not someone who was a stranger to him,” he said. “For people who live in the neighborhood, there’s not someone who is going around killing people. The decedent definitely knew who killed him.” Evers did not provide details about the motive for the murder. He said there was no indication whether or not the victim was gay. Shell casings were found at the scene, as was a bloodied fire extinguisher that police believe was used to strike PAGE 20

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“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.”

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

ELLIOT LOVES QFEST: “Elliot Loves” director Terracino (center) and cast members took questions after the opening-night showing of the film. Philadelphia QFest 2012 unofficially ends July 22 with a screening of “Bear City 2: The Proposal” and the closing party at Sugar House Casino, but six festival favorites will be shown July 23. Visit www.qfest.com for more information. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

General Gayety Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk

Whom are you vacationing with this year?

Are you taking care of yourself? How’s your health and well-being?

On Being Well

15 5 18 12 8

Dining Out

Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2012 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

LOCAL PGN

Johnson removed as director of PAC By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com William M. Johnson has been ousted as executive director of the city’s Police Advisory Commission, effective July 12. “He was relieved of his duties on,” said Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for Mayor Nutter. Johnson, 55, couldn’t be reached for comment. He served as executive director of the PAC since June 2004, supervising a staff of four and overseeing a $300,000 annual budget. Kelvyn Anderson, the PAC’s deputy director, will serve as interim director while a search ensues for a permanent director. “I’m pleased that Kelvyn is now at the helm of the PAC,” said Ronda B. Goldfein, the PAC’s chair. “I believe he’s the right person to help us build important relationships with the community and the police.” At recent public meetings, several PAC members expressed concern with Johnson’s work performance. They said Johnson wasn’t following their instructions and they questioned his ability to adequately oversee PAC investigations. The commissioners recommended to Nutter that Johnson be reassigned. But no alternate position could be found, thus Johnson is no longer employed by the city. The April PAC meeting became particularly stormy when Johnson publicly disagreed with the commissioners’ decision to close about 100 PAC cases. The commissioners said the cases were languishing, with little or no chance of any progress being made. But Johnson insisted that some of the cases should remain open until definite conclusions could be reached. The PAC was formed 14 years ago in response to concerns from LGBTs and others that city officials weren’t properly addressing alleged police misconduct. Though it has no enforcement powers, the PAC investigates individual complaints of police misconduct and, when appropriate, makes recommendations for corrective action to the police commissioner. The PAC’s highest-profile LGBT case involves Nizah Morris, a transgender woman who was discovered with a fatal head wound shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police in 2002. Johnson was criticized by some PAC members for accepting redacted Morris evidence from the police and/or District Attorney’s office without getting any explanations for the redactions. Last year, a new set of commissioners reopened the Morris case, and they’re expected to issue a revised report within the next several months. Johnson’s brother, Stephen Johnson,

heads the Police Internal Affairs Division, which the PAC sometimes depends on to assist with investigations. According to published reports, the Johnson brothers met occasionally to discuss PAC-related business. But some PAC members were uncomfortable with the sibling arrangement, saying they weren’t notified of the meetings, let alone approved of them. The commissioners also clashed with Johnson over his supervision. Johnson said he reported to Everett A. Gillison, the city’s public-safety director. Gillison works in the managing director’s office, which funded Johnson’s $74,984 annual salary. But the commissioners maintained they supervised Johnson. The disagreement over Johnson’s supervision impeded the PAC’s ability to get work done, commissioners said. In a prepared statement, Gillison expressed agreement with Johnson’s dismissal. “Mr. Johnson always kept Philadelphians first in his mind and worked hard to improve police-community relations,” Gillison said. “But the time for change had arrived. And the commission strongly believed it was time for new leadership. The [Nutter] administration fully concurred in that assessment.” Goldfein said the PAC currently has 11 commissioners, all representing diverse segments of the city. There are eight vacancies on the commission, including positions for four alternate members, she said. “We’re looking forward to adding new members in the near future,” Goldfein said. “Of the remaining 11 commissioners, nine have been completely involved in — and supportive of — the change in personnel.” She said the PAC will focus its efforts during the remainder of the summer on assessing the status of pending PAC complaints, along with reviewing complaint and investigation procedures and community outreach. “We’re excited by Kelvyn’s ideas on addressing both the backlog of cases and on shaping the PAC’s future,” Goldfein said. “In addition, Kelvyn will assess the workload and make an assessment about staffing needs.” Goldfein said the outcome of those efforts will be announced at a public meeting in September at the PAC’s office, 990 Spring Garden St., seventh floor. She said the exact date for the meeting hasn’t been determined. “We’re confident that the PAC can be revitalized, and that it will reach its full potential as a civilian oversight agency that Philadelphia can rely upon,” Goldfein concluded. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

LOCAL PGN

Attic art comes to the William Way By Kara Hopkins PGN Intern

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Though LGBT youth might often feel voiceless in society, gay youth are speaking out through art in a group exhibition, “Crawl Space: The Attic Experience,” at the William Way LGBT Community Center, through Aug. 24. The showcase features works created by Attic art groups in the last year. While past Attic exhibits at the William Way have focused on a solo artist, Attic facilitator Beth Pulcinella said this year she opted for a group show to allow youth from various groups at the center to participate. There are six pieces on display by art groups including Stitch and Bitch, a quilting group; Attic Graffix, which designs posters and T-shirts; Xclusive Models Production Company, a fashion and modeling group; Art and Mythology, which focuses on art and spirituality; and Pride Props, which conceives and creates props for June’s Gay Pride Parade. Pulcinella, who worked with the Attic Graffix, Pride Props and Art and Mythology groups, said her goal was to support Attic youth in pursuing creative careers. As noted by both the participating artists and Pulcinella, the exhibition provides a chance to connect with the art community and an outlet for healthy expression. “The huge theme of ‘Crawl Space’ is just being raw, honest and true and letting your own style come through,” said Maro Beauchamp, a member of the Myth and Mythology and Pride Props groups. Zach Podietz, a member of the Pride Props group, said, “Crawl space to me means I’m crawling through the space looking at people’s natural given talent throughout life.” Donald Jackson, a member of Stitch and Bitch, said, “I find something to relate to my feelings” when he’s making art. Malcolm Pettiford, a member of Attic Graffix, said the exhibit “gives the youth another way to express themselves in an artistic way. It lets the LGBTQ youth know

they can resort to something other than unhealthy means.” The works on display represent an array of media and concepts, including a gay spirit shield focusing on spirituality, a body map focusing on identity and gay-themed animals for Pride Props. Also on display are pictures of the modeling group and Tshirts made for comfort and style. Several of the artists discussed the creative processes behind their work. Beauchamp said, “I think the first thing I do is get a summary of what the project is, sitting and letting it roll in my head for a while. Then I do a lot of rough sketches, mind maps and purging the brain of ideas.” Podietz, who worked on the gay-themed animals for Pride, said, “For me, mentally I think what’s going to represent me. From there, once I get drawing, I have to find out the color choice, and for color choice I look in my heart and feel what color should be in that spot.” ■ “Crawl Space: The Attic Experience” is on display through Aug. 24 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. A closing reception for the event will feature drag performances and a dance party on Aug 24. For more information, visit www.waygay.org or www.atticyouthcenter.org.

LOCAL PGN

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REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

Report: PSU officials covered up abuse By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The results of an internal investigation at Penn State University released last week offered a scathing look at seeming widespread collusion to cover up the Jerry Sandusky sex-abuse scandal. After a nearly eight-month investigation, a team of officials led by the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that a vast collection of Penn State officials, including famed former football coach Joe Paterno, turned a blind eye to Sandusky’s wrongdoing. Sandusky was convicted last month of dozens of counts of sexual abuse after 10 men came forward to report that they had been abused as boys by the former PSU football official.

Shortly after the admissions were made last fall, the university fired a number of officials who were believed to have had knowledge of the allegations, including Paterno, who died in January. The nearly 300-page report, based on more than 400 interviews and compiled by Louis Freeh, details that Penn State officials were aware of Sandusky’s discretions for the past 14 years. The report stated that Paterno and former president Graham Spanier, as well as former vice president Gary Schultz and athletic director Tim Curley — who are facing perjury charges from the scandal — were aware that Sandusky was being investigated in 1998 by a number of law-enforcement agencies that were looking into allegations of his inappropriate behavior with young boys. When an allegation of abuse arose in

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2001, however, the four elected not to notify police. “Four of the most powerful people at the Pennsylvania State University failed to protect against a child sexual predator harming children for over a decade,” the report said. “These men concealed Sandusky’s activities from the Board of Trustees, the university community and authorities. They exhibited a striking lack of empathy for Sandusky’s victims.” The findings include a string of emails among the four in which they determined it would be “more humane” for university officials to handle the allegation — in which an assistant coach witnessed Sandusky sexually assaulting a child — internally, rather than reporting it to police. None of the four targets of the report were interviewed by Freeh or his associates.

The renown of the university’s football program could be related to the lack of action, the report speculated, as the pervasive culture among the Penn State community was one that would have discouraged negative publicity for the team. One janitor interviewed for the report told investigators he saw Sandusky performing oral sex on a boy in a university shower but declined to report the incident for fear of reprisal. The university’s handling of the scandal is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The PSU Board of Trustees met last week to review the report, which it commissioned, and its spokesperson said the university “accepts full responsibility” for its missteps. ■

MD to decide marriage in Nov. By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Voters in Maryland this fall will go to the polls to determine the future of marriage equality in the state. State officials last week certified the signatures on a petition calling for a ballot question regarding same-sex marriage. Maryland Marriage Alliance submitted more than 160,000 signatures and the state Board of Elections last Tuesday announced that it was discontinuing the review process after successfully certifying 109,000 signatures, nearly double the required allotment. The wording for the ballot question has not yet been determined. The state legalized same-sex marriage earlier this year but the law was immediately stayed in anticipation of a likely voter referendum. If a majority of voters come out against marriage equality, the law will be nullified. A number of agencies and activists are ramping up efforts to ensure that doesn’t happen. Last week, Marylanders for Marriage Equality — which is coordinating the work of groups such as Equality Maryland, the local American Civil Liberties Union affiliate and Human Rights Campaign — launched a new website to encourage mainstream voters to back marriage equality. The site includes a new ad targeted to African-American voters, with remarks by an array of African-American Marylanders, most of whom are allies. The video has drawn the praise of such figures as National Association for the Advancement of Colored People chair Dr. Julian Bond, who said it “shows us what the same-sex marriage debate is really about: our gay and lesbian family members, neighbors, friends, coworkers and those who support them. It’s this human side we cannot forget about as the campaign gets under-

way.” About a quarter of Maryland voters are African-American, and Marylanders for Marriage Equality plans to target other demographics throughout the campaign. According to a May poll by Public Policy Polling, 55 percent of African-American Marylanders said they will vote for marriage equality. That survey found that 57 percent of all respondents planned to support marriage equality. In the coming weeks, the agency, which has opened up offices in Baltimore and Silver Spring and plans to launch several others before the fall, will focus on grassroots efforts — going door-to-door, phonebanking and tabling at events and festivals throughout the state. Marylanders for Marriage Equality spokesperson Kevin Nix said Philadelphians can be of assistance in the effort. “Folks in Philly who may know supporters in Maryland should pick up the phone and encourage them to help out, and everyone can go to MarylandersforMarriageEquality.org to get involved,” he said. “Just like in previous states where marriage equality is now the law, a win in Maryland will continue to push the ball down the field and help in other states, especially in the region.” Maryland voters will not be the only ones weighing in on marriage equality in November. In Washington, marriage-equality opponents in June submitted enough signatures to get the question to the ballot. The state legalized same-sex marriage in February and the petition was submitted days before the law was set to go into effect. Activists in Maine are also mobilizing for marriage. Three years ago, the state’s voters rejected an initiative to allow same-sex marriage but supporters got the measure back on the ballot this year, marking the only marriage-equality referendum spearheaded by LGBT supporters. ■

REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

LGBTs blast into Asbury Park for weekend fun By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The beach town of Asbury Park, N.J., will have its gay population upped by several thousand this weekend. Sand Blast is expected to bring up to 5,000 LGBTs and allies to the North Jersey locale through July 22 for fun in the sun. The weekend, now in its 11th year, will feature a host of parties, including several new additions, as well as games, cultural events and other excursions. While the parties are a primary thrust of the weekend, organizer Brad Hurtado explained that Sand Blast has a higher purpose. “The weekend has ultimately always been about promoting Asbury Park to the gay community,” he said. “We don’t just want people to come for this one weekend per year, but to see what Asbury Park is all about and keep coming back.” The event was originally founded under the name Road Trip as a way to showcase the burgeoning LGBT destination to the community. About five years ago, organizers added a Saturday dance party on the beach known as Sand Blast, and the moniker eventually was transferred to the whole weekend. The main event will be held from noon-7

p.m. July 21 on the beach near Convention Hall, with drinks, a dance floor and music by Brett Henrichsen. For the first time, there will also be an official Sand Blast dance party on Saturday night, staged by DJ and producer Alyson Calagna. DEEP BLUE will be held from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. at the Berkley Oceanfront Hotel, the host hotel for the event. The weekend will also include a new women’s party. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22, the Surfer Girl Beach Party will feature DJ Whitney Day and members of the New Jersey Women’s Flag Football Team. “Each year we’re looking for new events to make Sand Blast complete and part of that was adding more women’s events, which we’ve been doing each year,” Hurtado said. “The big beach party Saturday is mostly male-oriented but the dance floor was staying up on Sunday empty, so we thought, let’s give that day to the ladies. So there’ll be the private bar and the sound system and the dance floor all for the women Sunday.” In addition to the other pool parties and bar events, there will be ample opportunity for guests to explore Asbury Park. Offerings include yoga sessions on the beach, a downtown brunch, an art crawl and, new this year, a women’s jazz brunch, beginner surf lessons and a bike ride. The last outing will be led by members of

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New York City’s OutCycling, who will take guests on a two-hour tour of the Victorian homes, historic shopping areas and picturesque beaches of Asbury Park and neighboring Ocean Grove. “We want people to really explore the area,” Hurtado said. “We don’t want them to just come and stay just at the hotel and party, but really fall in love with all that Asbury Park has to offer. It’s an easy getaway, it’s so gay-friendly and, even on a

rainy day, there are so many things to do for people with all different types of interests.” Prices for Sand Blast events vary, and packages are available. Rooms at the Berkley are going for $299 per night. Guests just staying for the day can use the 24-hour bag check and changing rooms at the hotel for $10. For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sandblastweekend.com. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

General Gayety

Leslie Robinson

Auf Wiedersehen Little Hero

Editorial

Moving on marriage For the first time in American politics, it looks as though one of the two major parties will include marriage equality on its national platform. This week, Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz told PGN in an interview that she expects marriage equality to be a part of the national platform. While she noted that the platform and its development is a “people-powered process” and therefore not a sure thing, she also noted that President Obama has voiced his support for same-sex marriage, paving the way for the party to follow suit. In 2008, the Democratic platform included the LGBT community, supporting the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” opposing the Defense of Marriage Act and supporting the “full inclusion of all families, including same-sex couples, in the life of our nation, and support equal responsibility, benefits and protections.” The platform also committed to enacting a “comprehensive bipartisan employment non-discrimination act.” Though not comprehensive by any measure, the 2008 platform was a marked improvement from the 2004 platform. By 2008, the Democrats were comfortable including the words “same-sex couples,” even if the platform doesn’t specify what “equal responsibility, benefits and protections” might entail. That platform also committed to fighting to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the latter of which is particularly notable given the defeated efforts to pass a trans-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the House in 2007, in favor of a non-trans-inclusive ENDA bill (which has never passed the Senate). In 2004, the Democratic platform committed to enacting “bipartisan legislation to ban workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation” — with no mention of gender identity. That year, the DNC platform also opposed President Bush’s efforts to pass a Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman in the Constitution. It also said marriage should be defined at the state level, which, given that is no longer a topic of debate, shows how much progress on marriage equality has been made. It’s interesting to note how slow progress has been at the major parties. As far back as 2000, the Green Party supported marriage equality for same-sex couples — four years before Massachusetts became the first state to legalize gay marriage. And while movement on marriage is certainly welcome to same-sex couples — and those who might want to marry someday — it’s arguably more important to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which will provide necessary workplace protections to more people. ■

I’m appalled that I’d never heard of Gad Beck. Not only was he an important figure in LGBT history, he was a hoot. Until his recent death just shy of his 89th birthday, Beck was the last known gay Jewish survivor of the Holocaust. Also a resistance fighter, Beck’s experiences during World War II were such that he quipped, “Only Steven Spielberg can film my life — forgive me, forgive me.” He’s forgiven. Because he’s right. Consider his attempt to rescue his Jewish boyfriend. According to Wikipedia, Beck donned a Hitler Youth uniform and entered a deportation center to free Manfred Lewin. Thereby setting a ridiculously high bar for standing by your man. Beck asked the commanding officer to release Lewin for use in a construction project, and he must’ve been convincing, because the officer agreed. When they got outside, though, Lewin said, “Gad, I can’t go with you. My family needs me. If I abandon them now, I could never be free.” The two parted, not saying goodbye. “In those seconds, watching him go, I grew up,” recalled Beck. If you’re weepy already, don’t read the next sentence. Lewin and his whole family perished at Auschwitz. I warned you. Beck’s father was Jewish, and his mother converted to Judaism. Under the Nazi racial laws, Beck was a half-breed, and he and his father landed in a holding compound on the Rosenstrasse in Berlin. He was released after the non-Jewish wives of inmates protested in the street. They set a pretty high bar, too. Beck learned from those women. He said, reported The Jerusalem Post, “The Rosenstrasse event made one thing absolutely clear to me: I won’t wait until we get deported.” He joined a resistance youth group, and helped Jews in Berlin survive. Beck noted that, “as a homosexual, I was able to turn

to my trusted non-Jewish, homosexual acquaintances to help supply food and hiding places.” It helps to have friends in homo places. A Jewish spy working for the Gestapo betrayed Beck shortly before the war ended, and he was held at a Jewish transit camp. After the war, he assisted Jews emigrating to Palestine, and he himself lived in Israel from 1947-79, when he returned to Germany. I don’t know why he returned. But at his death he was survived by Julius Laufer, his partner of 35 years, which means the two men got together in 1977, two years before Beck went back to Europe. It would be gratifying to think he returned to Germany for love, considering he left it for the opposite reason. But if he returned just because he missed the beer, that’s OK, too. As the director of the Jewish Adult Education Center in Berlin, Beck organized gatherings of gay singles at the center. “He was open, sweet and would speak with everybody,” said the editor of Berlin’s Jewish magazine, who also recalled Beck’s fondness for waving the Israeli flag at Berlin’s annual Pride parade. He sounds like the kind of guy you’d want to have at a party. If he could keep the flag-waving to a minimum. Beck’s heart-centeredness combined with a notable wit. On a German talk show, he said, “The Americans in New York called me a great hero. I said no ... I’m really a little hero.” Of his life as a homosexual Jew, Beck averred, “God doesn’t punish for a life of love.” He wasn’t the first to say that, and he won’t be the last, but it’s tough to imagine the line suiting anyone better. ■ Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. Email her at lesarobinson@gmail.com and indulge in her blog at www.generalgayety.com.

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OP-ED PGN

Leaving the gay ghetto behind A national network news show did a show off their community and support the segment on LGBT voters in this presidenLGBT delegates, of which I was one. They tial-election year last week. The piece was did something very unusual for that city, centralized in San Francisco. Although it specifically mentioning attire in the flyers. was accurate, it was only accurate for San At the march, I only saw one stereotyped Francisco. Why is it that when a broadcast figure: a guy dressed as a fairy on roller media want to point out a genskates. That image was the one erality of our community, they used that evening on the ABC turn to San Francisco? evening news. One stereotype among thousands of people and May I remind the media that they used that one. we LGBT people live in every Unfortunately a great city, other corner of America. (Hey, San Francisco, has become that don’t take my word for it: Take image to most Americans who the U.S. Census’ word.) either have never been to that So what’s wrong with using delightful city or don’t know San Francisco as the pivotal many LGBT people. center of the gay world in the That report, which was meant vision of news directors? to show LGBT political power, First and foremost, San Francisco — as San could have been shot or dupliFranciscans will tell you — is cated in almost any other major not a typical city. It is among American city. In fact, the report the most left-leaning cities in Mark Segal meant to show how the LGBT the nation. In my book, that’s community has gained political a plus, but not for a majority of the nation. knowledge would have been better exemplified from another city where LGBT And the political base, gay or otherwise, people are in proportion to the population, does not represent most other people’s not a larger segment as in San Francisco. political views around the nation. If that were not enough, the right wing has conTo win the hearts and minds we need sistently linked our community with San to gain equality, all we have to do is Francisco ... and if, like me, you note the allow the public to know us for who we tricks of media and political manipulation, really are. In a sense, San Francisco is our you noted the way it was done. They used national gay ghetto. Would other groups every stereotype video they could find: allow themselves to be portrayed by their ghettos? ■ men in underwear, drag queens, loving same-sex couples kissing each other. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the This is nothing new. In 1984, when the nation’s most-award-winning commentaDemocrats had their convention in San tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at Francisco, the city’s LGBT community mark@epgn.com. decided a march would be a great way to

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

ACT UP Philly

ACT UP, fight back, end AIDS Twenty-two years ago. That is the last time that the International AIDS Conference, the single largest conference on HIV/AIDS, was held in the U.S. The reason it has been so long since the last conference was held here is quite simple and shameful: The U.S. imposed a travel ban on all HIV-positive people coming to this country. President Obama lifted the travel ban in 2009, and now the IAC is coming back to the U.S. and will be held July 22-27 in Washington, D.C. ACT UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power) Philadelphia will be there with other activists to welcome the IAC back to the U.S., in dramatic ACT UP fashion, of course. ACT UP Philly and dozens of other organizations are convening a historic and massive protest on July 24, entitled “We Can End AIDS Mobilization for Economic Justice and Human Rights.” The mobilization was developed to draw attention to new studies, including HIV cure research,

that have revealed that with only modest increases in funding, the world could truly see the end of the AIDS pandemic within 30 years. The mobilization consists of five different marches, each with a distinct focus on what is needed to end AIDS: No. 1) Fight pharmaceutical greed, ensure HIV treatment for all; No. 2) Create a Robin Hood tax on Wall Street to fund the end of AIDS; No. 3) Stop the war on women; No. 4) Promote and fully fund sound policies built on science, not ideology; and No. 5) Protect human rights and support harm reduction. ACT UP Philly will bring 500 people to participate in the human rights and harm reduction march. This march will highlight the unity among people of color, LGBTQ people, drug users, sex workers and immigrants who bear the biggest impact of HIV and HIV-related stigma. The march will focus on demanding an end to the humanrights abuses that fuel HIV at home and abroad, including criminalization of people

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

Street Talk What will be the impact of a lesbian Super PAC? “It will be a perfect way to help ensure gender equality. My guess is that they’ll challenge the ultrasound Samantha Coran legislation graduate student cropping up Manayunk around the country. If I were a lesbian, I’d want to challenge those laws. They violate a women’s right to control her body.”

“The organizers will probably be more productive than the average person because David Jackson they’re laborer fighting for Burlington, N.J. something personal to themselves. I hope they’ll support same-sex marriage. If two people love each other, I’m all for their right to get married. Why not?”

“I think it will be very effective. Women are more organized than men. They aren’t so competitive. Mark Ludwig They don’t musician undercut each Washington Square West other. I’m a big supporter of women’s rights, especially health care and reproductive freedom. I’d expect [the Super PAC] to make inroads in those areas.”

“It’s a great thing to happen, especially since lesbians historically have been so neglected. I’d like to Sandra Skinner see them student give some South Philadelphia financial support to President Obama’s re-election. It would be an appropriate gesture of respect, because he’s been very good to the LGBT community. I’m pretty confident they’ll do that.”

with and at risk for HIV; the war on drugs, mass imprisonment and privatization of prisons; and economic, political and social marginalization of people with and at risk for HIV, including the corrosive influence of corporate money since Citizens United [a landmark Supreme Court decision that allowed unlimited political spending by corporations]. Human-rights themes are incorporated in all of the five marches. Ending AIDS will take more than just increased funding: It will require attacking the underlying racial, economic and social injustices that fuel HIV. On human rights there is still much work to be done. Lifting of the travel ban was a great thing, but there are still many current/ former sex workers and drug users who will be refused visas to travel here. Here in Philly, we need to move forward with plans to open the first “housing first” program for people with HIV, but we desperately need even more HIV/AIDS housing. And we

need to promote education, not incarceration. Evidence clearly shows that housing and decarceration are crucial to HIV prevention and treatment. In the 22 years since the last International AIDS Conference was held in the U.S., we have learned a lot about HIV: how to treat it, how to prevent it and even — in one case — how to cure it. This IAC will mark a turning point in the history of HIV/AIDS. Will we move forward to end AIDS in our lifetime? Or will we choose austerity and scapegoat measures that reverse our hope of ending AIDS? The choice is up to our elected officials, but it is our lives that depend on it. ■ John Barbieri, Antonio Davis and Che Gossett of ACT UP Philly authored this op-ed. To join ACT UP Philly in D.C., go to http://bit.ly/actup2dc or email wceaphilly@gmail.com. For more information about We Can End AIDS, go to www. wecanendaids.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

News Briefing Restraining order denied in Paige case A federal judge last week declined to issue a restraining order that would have frozen the financial assets of a Philadelphia police officer who allegedly assaulted another man while on duty five years ago. James Harris contends that Officer Michael Paige forced him to repeatedly perform oral sex on him inside Paige’s cruiser at a secluded area of Fairmount Park on March 16, 2007. Paige denies the allegations, and he was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in 2008. But a federal jury last month awarded Harris $165,000 in civil damages. Harris wants to collect on that judgment, and his attorneys are concerned that Paige may transfer or conceal his assets if they’re not frozen. But at a July 13 court proceeding, U.S. District Judge Robert F. Kelly said there’s no immediate threat of “irreparable harm” to Harris if Paige’s assets remain fluid. Thus, Kelly declined to issue the temporary restraining order. In a related matter, Paige has requested a new trial or, in the alternative, a dismissal of the jury verdict. In a recent court motion, Paige claimed that Kelly improperly withheld from the jury information about Paige’s exoneration in criminal court. Kelly didn’t address the request for a new trial at the July 13 proceeding.

LOCAL PGN

Outside the courtroom, Brian F. Humble, an attorney for Harris, said he was certain the jury verdict will withstand any appeals by Paige. Humble also expressed hope that city attorneys will agree to indemnify Paige, so that the $165,000 judgment awarded to his client will be paid promptly. But Humble also acknowledged that his legal fees and costs total about $500,000, which the city may have to pay if it agrees to indemnify Paige. Brian M. Puricelli, an attorney for Paige, had no comment for this story.

Siloam sells church Siloam, a local AIDS-services agency embroiled in a legal battle over plans to demolish the old Church of the Assumption, has sold the church and other buildings on its property, according to a letter sent by the agency to its supporters. Siloam continues to operate out of an old Catholic rectory on the property while it searches for a new location, according to the letter. “The overwhelming feeling is one of relief and excitement to look to the future,” wrote Sr. Catherine T. Maguire, interim director of Siloam, in the letter. Additional information about the sale was unavailable at press time. Andrew R. Palewski, an architectural preservationist who nominated the old Church of the Assumption for placement on the city’s Register of Historic Places, was encouraged by the sale. “This is a positive turn of events,” Palewski said. “We don’t know what the new owners have planned for the property. So it’s too early to reach any conclusions. But it’s the most encouraging news that has emerged since the building was designated [historic] three years ago.” Palewski also expressed hope that measures will be taken to repair the church’s

roof, since water infiltration has plagued the building for years. “Some basic roof stabilization would be very good to see,” he said. “It wouldn’t take more than three days [of work] to weatherproof the structure.” The church was built at 1133 Spring Garden St. in 1848-49 by noted architect Patrick Charles Keely. It was placed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in May 2009, in part because it was consecrated by former Bishop John Neumann and was the church where Katharine Drexel was baptized. Neumann and Drexel later became saints. Siloam applied for a financial-hardship waiver in order to demolish the church, and the Philadelphia Historical Commission granted the waiver in September 2010, clearing the way for demolition. The Callowhill NeighborhoodAssociation appealed to the city’s Board of License and Inspection Review. In May 2011, the board overturned the commission’s ruling, effectively blocking the demolition. Siloam appealed the board’s decision in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, where the appeal is still pending. — Timothy Cwiek

Film, discussion focus on Dignity leader Among the film selections at ongoing LGBT film festival QFest is a work that profiles the inspiration of gay Catholic group Dignity USA, which will be followed by a talkback with local Dignity leaders. “Taking a Chance on God,” which looks at the life of storied activist John McNeill, will be screened at noon July 21 at Ritz East, 125 S. Second St. A former prisoner of war in Nazi

Germany, McNeill was expelled from the Jesuit priesthood for his writings about homosexuality. He is the author of works such as “The Church and the Homosexual,” a book that is credited with inspiring the creation of Dignity USA. McNeill founded the New York chapter of the group. He co-founded The Upper Room AIDS Ministry in New York City alongside Father Mychal Judge, the gay New York Fire Department chaplain killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Producer Ilene Culter said the film’s message is “one of love, compassion, respect and simple human dignity. If one life is affected by this work, then it has been worthwhile. John’s message of love and respect can literally save lives.” Immediately after the film, director Brendan Fray; the Hon. Ann Butchart, the city’s first out judge; and AIDS Alive Philadelphia founder Martie Gillen will participate in a discussion on McNeill’s legacy.

Speak out on Ryan White Care Act The federal Department of Health and Human Services is accepting public comments that could be used to shape the future of the Ryan White Care Act, which funds HIV/AIDS services. The program supports HIV care and treatment throughout the country, primarily for the un- and underinsured. The legislation is up for reauthorization by Congress next year. Members of the public, especially Ryan White grantees, AIDS service organizations and others impacted by the program, can submit their comments through July 31. Comments can be submitted at hab.hrsa. gov/reauthorization/. ■ — Jen Colletta

Are you a community leader? Bia Vieira, longtime activist and vice president for community impact, Philadelphia Foundation Quincy Greene, founder, Educational Justice Coalition David Acosta, writer, poet, longtime HIV/ health activist, prevention coordinator for HIV programs at AIIDS Activities Coordinating Ofﬁce

These people made the grade and were covered in PGN’s “Portrait” column by Suzi Nash. Every week, Suzi talks to people making a difference in Philadelphia. Has she talked to you yet?

AGING PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

Does marriage matter to seniors? There are changes almost daily in marriage law: a court decision here, a referendum there, some allowing marriage, some banning it. The scorecard keeps changing and LGBT seniors have much to gain — or lose — depending on the final outcome. Some say that marriage gives security, stability and safety to couples, families and society. Today’s mix of marriage laws does none of that for same-sex couples: Simply crossing state borders can literally change their relationship. According to David Rosenblum, legal director at the Mazzoni Center, “Many of the issues that are tied into marriage are focused on Social Security, pension and other retirement Ed benefits. As we age, there are many more benefits that kick in, so that there are going to be more complications that come about because of the confusing patchwork of marriage laws.” Marriage can serve as an affirmation of a couple’s love and caring commitment to each other. Government views marriage in terms of rights and privileges that are extended to some citizens, but are withheld from others. For LGBT elders, the withholding of those rights and privileges can carry a big price tag, not only in dollars and cents, but in terms of emotional sup-

port and stability. Opposite-sex married couples can share Social Security, health care, pension, veterans and other benefits. Same-sex couples must pay more for the same set of benefits — or may not have access to those benefits at all — solely because of the word “marriage.” As a result, LGBT seniors have less access to the care and services that are available to their heterosexual, supposedly equal, counterparts. Because LGBT elders do not have equal access to care and services, they face higher rates of chronic and acute illnesses, depression and isolation. Not only do same-sex couples have unequal access to services, they have fewer finanBomba cial resources to pay for care and services. Married couples automatically share in critical pension and retirement benefits that help secure their financial well-being. Not so for same-sex retired couples. When one partner falls ill, the other may literally have to carry legal documents in the ambulance or to the ER so that they can stay with their partner and, when necessary, make health-care decisions on his or her behalf. An unmarried partner of 30 or 40 years may have to show legal paperwork to make sure that a partner’s wishes

Gettin’ On

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are carried out at the end of his or her life. Not so for opposite-sex married couples. Despite working, planning and saving for decades to build lives together, samesex couples’ lifetimes of planning can be destroyed because they have to pay inheritance tax on what they have built together. In Pennsylvania, for example, when one partner passes away, the surviving partner must pay an inheritance tax of 15 percent on the value of what they inherit from their partner, even on jointly held homes and other assets. Not so for opposite-sex married couples. Marriage often means the physical and emotional sharing of a home, a safe and stable place in which to live and age well. It is a place where loved ones care for each other throughout their lives. It is a place to share companionship and avoid the perils of isolation. The law automatically gives opposite-sex married couples the benefit of assuming that they mean to leave their home and other assets to their spouses. Not so for same-sex couples. When the same life events happen to LGBT people, “We are strangers under the law,” according to attorney Amy Steerman. Steerman, who specializes in estate planning, recommends that couples “plan ahead in order to make sure that your partner is secure and that your wishes are carried out, no matter what your marital status.”

In order to make sure that your partner or loved one(s) is taken care of and that your wishes are carried out if you pass away, you should: — Execute valid wills, powers of attorney, advanced directives and other documentation spelling out your wishes. — Review and re-sign this paperwork every few years. — Designate your partner or loved one(s) as your beneficiary of retirement, pension and life-insurance policies. — Plan ahead for inheritance taxes. Take out a life-insurance policy or set up a financial plan so that you do not lose your home just as you are grieving the loss of your partner. Just because the marriage patchwork keeps changing, it doesn’t mean you should not control as much of your future as possible. ■ Ed Bomba is communications chair of the LGBT Elder Initiative. The LGBTEI, headquartered in Philadelphia, fosters and advocates for services and resources that are competent, culturally sensitive, inclusive and responsive to the needs of LGBT elders in the Delaware Valley and beyond. To comment on this column, suggest future topics or for more information, visit www. lgbtei.org or call 267-546-3448, and watch for “Gettin’ On” each month in PGN.

locations in Pa. outside of Philadelphia

Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • MCCLV, 930 N. Fourth St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethel • Adult World, 341 Midway Road • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 Lancaster Ave. • TLA Video, 761 Lancaster Ave. • Chalfont • Dr. Annette Lee, 700 Horizon Circle, Suite 202 • Chester • Harrah’s Chester Casino, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Widener University, 1 University Place • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Devon • Devon Station, Devon State Road & Lancaster Pike • Doylestown • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. • Gibson • Hillside Campground, 1 Creek Road • Glen Mills • Imago Dei MCC, 1223 Middletown Road • Glenside • Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Harrisburg • 704 Strawberry Café, 704 N. Third St. • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • Liquid 891, 891 Eisenhower Blvd. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Kutztown • Kutztown University, 15200 Main St. • Lancaster • Downtown Books, 227 N. Prince St. • Rainbow Pet Creations, 305 N. Queen St. • Sundown Lounge, 429 N. Mulberry St. • Tally Ho Tavern, 201 W. Orange St. • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • Lehighton • Woods Campground, 845 Vaughn Acres Road • Levittown • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Malvern • Malvern Station, King St. & Warren Ave. • Media • Unitarian Universalist Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road • The Media Theater, 104 E. State St. • LGBT Alliance Group, Delaware Co. Campus, Penn State Univ., 901 Media Line Road • Narberth • Narberth Station, Haverford & Narberth avenues • New Hope • Café Europa, 11 Market Place • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • Havana, 105 S. Main St. • John & Peters, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St. • Havana Bar & Grill, 105 S. Main St. • The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Sandbar, 90 S. Main St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wildﬂowers, 8 W. Mechanic St. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road• Old Forge • Twelve Penny Saloon, 535 Hickory St. • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Plains Township • Twist Bar, Fox Ridge Plaza, Rte. 315 • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berls Aid Network, 429 Walnut St. • Reading Adult Center, 316 Penn St. • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Spring Grove • Atland’s Ranch, RR6, Box 6543 • Swarthmore • Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Parrish Hall • Temple • Naughty But Nice, 4502 N. Fifth St. • Upper Darby • Honor Box, 69th Street Station • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Warminster • Planned Parenthood of Bucks Co., 610 Louis Dr. • Wayne • Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave. • Stafford Station, Old Eagle School & Crestline roads • Wayne Station, N. Wayne & West Ave. • West Chester • Chester County Books, 975 Paoli Pike • Williamsport • Peachies, 144 E. Fourth St. • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads • York • Club XS, 36 W. 11th St. • Cupid’s Connextion, 244 N. George St. •

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ON THIS LIST? Contact Don at don@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 200 to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

PGN NEWS AIDS CONFERENCE from page 1

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the way for the upcoming event. Guests will hail from about 200 countries and are expected to range from activists to researchers to government officials to everyday people affected by the disease. The conference, staged by the International AIDS Society, based in Geneva, aims to address trends in science and community activism, foster new leaders to advocate for those with HIV/AIDS and promote the idea of accountability for policymakers. While participation in the sessions is feebased, the conference’s Global Village area will present an array of events and discussions that are free and open to the public. Local HIV/AIDS advocate Waheedah Shabazz-El will be among the Philadelphia attendees. Shabazz-El was a plenary speaker at the 2010 conference, held in Vienna. She said that event impressed upon her the necessity of funding for HIV/ AIDS research. “Science is at a place right now that if we can just get the political and financial support, we’re going to be closer to leveling out AIDS than we ever have been. And once we level the numbers, we can start to lower them,” she said. “With the combination of science and prevention justice — with treatment as prevention — we’re so close, but we need the people with the pocketbooks to support this fight. It’s in our grasp.” Shabazz-El said she anticipates a hearty representation by Philadelphians at the conference. ACT UP Philadelphia and AIDS Fund are among the local organizations mobilizing people to head to the conference July 24 for a large-scale demonstration and march. AC T U P m e m b e r J o s e DeMarco said he expects about 500 locals to turn out for the event. The “We Can End AIDS” initiative will include five separate marches, each calling for a distinct action — an end to pharmaceutical greed, a tax on the nation’s richest to offset cuts in HIV funding, the ceasing of the war on women, the creation of full HIV funding and sound public policies and the protection of human rights and support of harm-reduction efforts. All five marches, which are expected to draw thousands, will converge at the White House. The local ACT UP chapter,

along with groups including HIV Prevention Justice Alliance and Drug Policy Alliance, is leading the final march. Demonstrators in this action will press for the decriminalization of populations such as those with HIV, LGBTs, sex workers, drug users and immigrants; speak out against mass imprisonment and privatization of prisons; and oppose exclusionary tactics employed by policymakers and politicians. “We’re looking to build power and visibility for the folks who are most marginalized,” DeMarco said. “We’re working for the people who may be forgotten in the movement and who may not be able to access the services that are out there because of the economic situation right now — folks who are homeless, who need needle exchange, black [men who have sex with men], African-American women, queer people in general. We want to be the voice for all those who are most marginalized.” Advocating for unrepresented populations will also be a primary goal of Shabazz-El. An advisor for Positive Women’s Network, she said she’s eager to see an increased focus on populations such as women in efforts like the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, released two years ago this month. “We need to pressure our government to make sure that those people who are most impacted are part of every aspect of the strategy,” she said. “We need a commitment from the government to implement the plan in a way that is more inclusive of populations that weren’t focused on enough in the original document, particularly women. This epidemic is not going to end unless we count all people in, including women — trans women, all women everywhere — and look at the social, political, economic violence against women that causes us to be more vulnerable to HIV infection in the first place.” A group of local agencies is planning a mid-September event where conference attendees can review and disseminate the information discussed at the conference with locals. Free buses will depart Philadelphia for the July 24 demonstration at 7 a.m. from Broad and Walnut. Lunch will be provided. The buses are expected back in Philadelphia by 8 p.m. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/actup2dc, email WCEAPhilly@gmail.com or call 267-265-9062. ■

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between July 2-8. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 11:15-11:23 a.m. July 3, five cases of shrimp were taken from a delivery truck left open while in the 1300 block of Sansom Street. — Between 4-7 p.m. July 5, a secured bicycle was stolen from outside 1201 Market St. — At 2:30 p.m. July 6, a woman was exiting the bank at 11th and Chestnut streets and a male snatched money from her hand, then ran west on Chestnut. The suspect was described as a black male, 20-30 years old, wearing jean shorts and a white shirt. — Between 11 a.m.-5:15 p.m. July 6, someone forced open the front door of an apartment in the 300 block of South 10th Street and stole jewelry. Sixth District Officer Maiorano attempted to lift fingerprints. — Between 7 a.m.-5 p.m. July 6, two iron urns were taken without permission from outside a residence in the 200 block of South Warnock Street. — At 7:05 p.m. July 7, a male reached into a woman’s handbag and took her wallet while she was inside Yogorino, 1205 Walnut St. The suspect was described as a black male, 5-foot-10, with a thin build and wearing a white and blue shirt.

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NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — On July 5, 6th District plainclothes officers arrested a male at 8:45 p.m. outside 1300 Locust St. and two males at 11:30 p.m. outside 1220 Locust St. for prostitution. — At 12:45 p.m. July 6, a Center City District bike officer observed a male selling pills to another male outside 1 N. 10th St. The officers apprehended the suspected seller and detained him until back-up officers arrived; the buyer was able to walk away. Recovered from the suspect were 66 prescription narcotic pills and cash. The 28-year-old suspect with an East Philadelphia address was charged with illegal narcotic sales. — On July 6, 6th District plainclothes officers arrested a male at 9:40 p.m. outside 1200 Pine St., a male at 10:05 p.m. outside 1300 Irving St., another male outside 10:15 p.m. 261 S. 13th St. and a male at 10:20 p.m. outside 1220 Locust St. All four suspects were charged with prostitution. — At 10:35 p.m. July 6, the victim was walking in the 300 block of South 10th Street when four teenage males approached. One of the males pulled a handgun and demanded the victim to walk to an alley. Instead, the victim threw some cash on the ground and fled. Plainclothes officers responding to the victim’s 911 call saw a group of males walking north on 12th Street near Chestnut and went to stop them, but they ran. Police apprehended three of the males in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street and recovered an air pellet gun. The suspects, ages 13, 14 and 17, all with North Philadelphia addresses, were charged with robbery and related offenses. SUMMARY-OFFENSE ARRESTS — On July 3, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 1:10 a.m. outside 403 S. 13th St. and at 4:45 p.m. outside 1222 Walnut St. — On July 5, 6th District officers issued two citations for summary offenses at 9:50 p.m. outside 1200 St. James St. — On July 8, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense at 12:40 a.m. outside 400 S. 12th St. ■

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NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

DNC from page 1

�� AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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

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1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

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PGN: On the DNC website, it calls for “ensuring civil unions and equal federal rights for LGBT couples.” What does it mean to “ensure civil unions” and what is the DNC doing specifically around that? DWS: The DNC is a national political party that reflects the values and the principles of not just of the president of the United States but of democratic activists. So we’re committed, and have been committed for many years, to the same principles that I just described. Making sure that there’s equal protection under the law. So we reach out to the LGBT community and continue to promote those values. PGN: It’s a month and a half from the convention — can you talk to me about what way the party is leaning on the marriage issue? I know there has been talk that some folks want it to be an actual plank. DWS: I expect marriage equality to be a plank in the national party platform. President Obama has declared his support for it ... Now, our platform committee process is a people-powered process. We have a platform committee and the platform is developed by our Democratic activists and the platform committee members, so they’ll go through a process. I hope that marriage equality, and expect that marriage equality, will be part of our platform. PGN: What is the DNC doing to pass the Employment NonDiscrimination Act? It’s probably too late before the election. Is there any hope that there can be any movement on this between November and January? DWS: No, because of the Republican-led Congress who has absolutely no interest in making sure that we have either a gender-inclusive ENDA or a non-gender-inclusive ENDA. Just like what we went through with the hate-crimes law, in order to make sure that we could pass an inclusive hatecrimes law — we had to go through the community — we had to go through an education process. There had to be more outreach. That’s what has been so incredible about the progress that we’ve made with LGBT rights is that, throughout my lifetime, I’ve seen an evolution of American thought and the way people think about LGBT Americans. Years ago, you would have looked at a proposal like the hate-crimes law or ENDA and have most people — I hate to use the word — recoil, but that’s the way it was not so long ago. But because we have been able to demonstrate that everybody deserves an opportunity to be treated humanely, that everybody deserves an opportunity to live where they want to, and be working where they’re qualified to work and have equal opportunity to acheive those goals and that your sexual orientation, or your race, or your gender, or whatever category you fall into as an American doesn’t and shouldn’t matter, certainly as the law applies. As more Americans have become educated about that, we’ve been able to pass a hate-crimes law that was inclusive. So we’ve been going through the same process with ENDA. I think really the last barrier to achieving ENDA is making sure that we have a Democratic majority in Congress so that we can send it to President Barack Obama for his signature. We have a Republican Congress that is so extreme. And Mitt Romney as a presidential candidate who has embraced that extremism and can’t run to the right far or fast enough. So sadly there isn’t any hope under [Speaker of the House] John Boehner and the Tea Party extremists in the House that any kind of ENDA would get through. PGN: Pennsylvania passed a voter-ID law that could disenfranchise nearly a million voters, mostly elderly and lowincome, and a Republican state representative specifically said the law would help defeat Barack Obama in November. What is the DNC doing to overturn this law and ensure voter access? Anything nationwide or specifically in Pennsylvania? DWS: Our efforts in the face of the really horrific voter-suppression effort that’s gone on in at least 31 states at the DNC has been quite aggressive. In court, there are lawsuits that are trying to block those voter-suppression laws. At the DNC, we

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PGN: What is the DNC doing, if anything, to educate the Blue Dog Democrats on equality issues? DWS: We do a lot. We really try to educate and talk to our mem-

bers as well as our voters about the importance of making equality of opportunity and equal protection under the law a priority. But also just making sure that, like I said with the hate-crimes law, that we spend time helping the vast philosophical spectrum of our party understand that equality is important no matter what category you fall into. Our party continues to educate supporters across the spectrum about that. But you know what? I’m so proud of the LGBT community leadership for continuing, for really making that a priority. Because you know the Republicans and the extremists have done their best to make the LGBT issues, which are really the same issues that are important to every American, seem fringe and seem extreme. They want to make the LGBT community seem like an outlier, like an anomaly, like they deserve to be treated differently, and the Democrats, under President Obama’s leadership, have been able to make enough progress to where we are defeating those extremist views. We are able to put policies in place that cast aside those old injustices. I think LGBT civil rights is one of the civil-rights issues of our generation. It makes me very proud to be one of the party’s leaders helping to advance those goals.

PGN: DNC often targets races they want to focus on and fund. Will [openly lesbian U.S. Rep.] Tammy Baldwin’s Senate race be one of those? DWS: Those are questions for the Democratic Senatorial campaign committee — those are the arms of the DNC — they focus on the Democratic races. But yes, Tammy Baldwin’s race, obviously. Tammy Baldwin is going to be the next U.S. senator from Wisconsin. There’s a knock-down drag-out primary on the other side and we’ll see what the results of that is, but I’ve worked with Tammy in the House of Representatives. I’m very proud of her as a woman and I’m proud that she’d be the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate. I look forward to campaigning with her — I have already campaigned with her. I had her down in my district and was able to headline a fundraising event for her and look forward to campaigning with her the rest of the way. PGN: And the state fights for marriage equality, e.g., Maryland, Maine, Washington — any specific focus on those? DWS: We are publicly opposed to all of those that are trying to roll back LGBT rights and we will continue to oppose them. The president has publicly come out against those that would roll those back. ■

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are full-steam ahead to make sure that we can enfranchise more people, that we can try to remove those obstacles and show voters how in spite of those obstacles being thrown in their way by Republicans, which transparently that state representative showed is so they can defeat Barack Obama and prevent our voters, who are most likely to go to the polls and vote for him and Democratic candidates, from getting to the polls, that we try to remove those obstacles and educate voters on how they can cast their ballot. For example, so many African-Americans don’t have a photo ID — 25 percent of African-Americans don’t have a photo ID. We’re working hard through our Voting Rights Institute at helping folks get IDs or helping to make sure that they can get registered under whatever the current law is in their state. We have a website that people can go to so that they can get their questions answered to what is going on in their state with voting rights. It’s called protectingthevote. org. And we’ve also deployed lawyers in battleground states like Pennsylvania who are working full-time so that we are not scurrying around at the last minute to solve their votingrights problems. We have lawyers deployed now including in Pennsylvania to make sure that we can get people the assistance they need and put plans in place to get as many people to the polls as possible.

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Media Trail Lesbian demands ceremony at state museum CBS News reports a Mississippi lesbian who sued her school district in 2010 after she was left out of the high-school yearbook for wearing a tuxedo is now calling for a state museum to allow a commitment ceremony for her and her partner. The Southern Poverty Law Center sent a letter on her behalf to the museum July 12 threatening to sue if the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum doesn’t permit Ceara Sturgis and her partner to hold the ceremony there. The state-owned museum in Jackson refused to permit a similar ceremony for two men earlier this year. The museum said commitment ceremonies represent a union and cited a 2009 opinion by Attorney General Jim Hood that said it could decline such ceremonies because of the state’s same-sex marriage ban.

3 sentenced in videotaped beating of gay man USA Today reports three men have been sentenced to five years in prison for the videotaped beating of a gay man on an Atlanta street that was captured in a widely viewed video. Dorian Moragne, Darael Demare Williams and Christopher Cain were also given five years of probation July 13 stemming from the Feb. 4 beating of Brandon White. A fourth suspect, Javaris Bradford, is still at large.

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Attorney Jay Abt says probation will include intensive community service and sensitivity education. The video showed three men who punched and kicked White as he walked out of a grocery store in a neighborhood south of downtown. Gay slurs were heard on the video.

Gay studies under fire Nola.com reports the head of a prominent conservative Christian group in Louisiana has decried the University of Louisiana-Lafayette for offering a minor in LGBT studies. The area of study was first offered in the spring. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills said the coursework does not reflect Louisiana values. And U.S. Rep. Jeff Landry, a New Iberia Republican, said it doesn’t provide an academic benefit to students. ULL president Joseph Savoie said the coursework is an accepted area of study that has been offered at roughly 200 universities nationwide for decades.

Gay-history law intact San Jose’s Mercury News reports opponents of a law that requires California public schools to cover the contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have again failed to qualify a ballot measure that would have overturned the requirement. Pacific Justice Institute lawyer Kevin Snider said the Stop SB48 campaign did not gather enough signatures by the July 16 deadline to put an initiative on the 2014 ballot that would exclude sexual minorities from the list of groups whose roles in history and social science schools must teach. Snider estimates that the all-volunteer petition-circulating effort, which focused largely on churches, collected about 446,000 signatures out of the 504,760 required. The law took effect in January, but most school districts have yet to implement it. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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declined to take action on a resolution recently submitted calling for the lifting of the ban. “The vast majority of the parents of youth we serve value their right to address issues of samesex orientation within their family, with spiritual advisers and at the appropriate time and in the right setting,” Mazzuca said in a statement. “While a majority of our membership agrees with our policy, we fully understand that no single policy will accommodate the many diverse views among our membership or society.” In the past few months, the policy has taken increasing heat from both outside of and within its ranks. Earlier on Tuesday, BSA executive board member Randall Stephenson, CEO of AT&T, came out in favor of the repeal of the policy. Stephenson joins fellow board member and Ernst & Young CEO James Turley, who last month voiced his opposition to the measure. Jennifer Tyrrell, a lesbian den mother who was ousted from her MURDER from page 1

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the victim in the head. An autopsy completed this week determined the man died from the gunshot wounds. Neighbors had complained of a foul odor coming from the residence for a number of days, prompting the visit from the landlord. Police believe the murder took place up to a week prior to Monday’s discovery. The building housed PGN’s first office, from 1977 through the early ’80s. The location, as well as most other residences on the block, is now home to low-income apartments. Police Capt. Brian Korn of the 6th District said that street is known to police for its drug activity. “We’ve had some issues with that block,” he said. “There have been some open-corner sales and we’ve had the indication that some people in those apartments might be involved with drugs. We’ve made quite a few arrests over the course of the years for open-corner sales.” Evers was not aware if drugs

position because of her orientation, began a Change.org petition in the spring calling for the end of the ban. The petition has since garnered more than 300,000 signatures. “A secret committee of 11 people can’t ignore the hundreds of thousands of people around the country — including thousands of Eagle Scouts, scout families and former scouts — that want the ban on gay scouts and scout leaders removed,” Tyrrell said in a statement this week. “This campaign doesn’t stop, and we will continue to show the Boy Scouts that discrimination and intolerance have no place in scouting.” Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin said the internal review was a “missed opportunity of colossal proportions.” “With the country moving toward inclusion, the leaders of the Boy Scouts of America have instead sent a message to young people that only some of them are valued. These adults could have taught the next generation of leaders the value of respect, yet they’ve chosen to teach division and intolerance.” ■ were found at the scene of the crime, or if the incident was related to drug activity. Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee chair Franny Price said the difference between that block and the surrounding area is striking. “There are a lot of undesirables that live and hang out on that street and in front of those houses, and then right across the street you have high-society people taking their kids to an upscale childcare center,” she said. “That whole little row has always been a sore spot. It’s a nuisance at night as well as during the day; it doesn’t matter the time.” While that row of houses is notorious, Korn said the murder is out of the ordinary for the district. “Violence in this area is really not an issue,” Korn said. “As far as bodily crime, the area’s pretty safe. Our biggest issue is property crime.” That block is also the site of the slated LGBT-friendly senior residence, planned for 249-257 S. 13th St. ■

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CLEAVING LAS VEGAS

ART SMITH (LEFT) AND JAMES OSELAND Photo: Bravo/Isabella Vosmikova

Out food experts return to ‘Top Chef Masters’ By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” is firing up for a fourth season with a dozen award-winning chefs, who will compete in Las Vegas for $100,000 for their charity of choice — and, of course, the glory that comes with outshining their distinguished peers in the art of cooking. The show has always featured gay and lesbian talent and this season is no exception, with returning judge, food writer and editor James Oseland and competing chefs Art Smith, Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier. Smith, executive chef and co-owner of five restaurants, including LYFE Kitchen and Southern Art Restaurants, is making his second attempt to win “Top Chef Masters” after competing on the show’s first season. But there won’t be as much of him to see this season: After watching himself on season one and receiving a diabetes diagnosis, Smith dropped 100 pounds. He now watches what he eats and runs marathons. Smith said he’s back for another round of

the show because the first time was “just too much fun.” “I had to do it a second time,” he said. “‘Top Chef Masters,’ season one, was a coming-out party. Well, I’m out and I’m pretty loud this time around. You’ll see a more svelte and lean chef Art Smith than before.” With five restaurants to run and gigs as a contributing editor to O, the Oprah Magazine, and writing award-winning cookbooks, Smith has to put a lot on hold to do “Top Chef Masters,” but he said it’s worth it. “You do [have to put a lot of your life on hold], but all the people that are in my life, they love that I do it and it is so good for business,” Smith said. “So they work extra hard for me when I’m not around.” It helps that he’s competing for a good cause: Common Threads, a charity he helped launch. “My partner and I founded a nonprofit called Common Threads here in the Kenwood Hyde Park area [in Chicago]. It’s a beautiful old neighborhood. We started with 15 kids and the premise of the program is teaching kids how to

cook. We teach 7,000 kids in four states.” It’s also worth mentioning that Smith was once the day-to-day chef to Oprah Winfrey, a job that might seem challenging but he said it was a breeze compared to running a restaurant. “Oprah is easy,” Smith said. “She’s wonderful. We spent 10 years together. She’s a lovely boss. How many bosses can you cry your heart out with about the breakup with your boyfriend or celebrate your new boyfriend? When Jesus and I met, she said, ‘You found Jesus.’ So it was really an amazing experience. Running a restaurant is a huge challenge that requires a huge amount of effort. Being a chef in a personal situation, it’s just you. That’s easy. But when you have to command a fleet of people to do the thing that you need them to do, it’s tougher.” Oseland, meanwhile is the only judge on “Top Chef Masters” who has appeared all four seasons — and he said there’s a good reason he keeps returning. “This is going to sound like hooey but it’s not: I love doing it. It’s an incredibly inter-

esting and fabulous thing to participate in and judge. It’s funny: I’ve thought about this over the duration of the last four seasons. As a judge, I really just am a step or two removed away from being a viewer. From the moment the thing starts to the moment the thing finishes, which is usually three-four weeks, I am on the edge of my seat. I don’t know who’s going to win an episode or who is going to be the ultimate winner. I don’t know who is going to be eliminated on any particular show. It’s a very thrilling thing to be a part of. It’s entertaining. It’s invigorating. From the moment the thing starts, I want to know. Hopefully that level of enthusiasm gets translated to the viewer.” Oseland said he watches the original “Top Chef,” which focuses more on talented new chefs than the world-class purveyors on “Masters.” He said the vibe and competition on “Masters” are far friendlier than on “Top Chef.” “This is very top-flight,” Oseland said. “These are genuine masters. In the context of the show, but also in PAGE 22

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TOP CHEF MASTERS: Debbie Gold (from left), Clark Frasier, Sue Torres, Missy Robbins, Thierry Rautureau, Mark Gaier, Art Smith, Lorena Garcia, Kerry Heffernan, Takashi Yagihashi, Patricia Yeo and Chris Cosentino Photo: Bravo/Isabella Vosmikova CHEFS from page 21

life, I’ve observed that the higher-level professionals tend not to indulge in the backbiting and all the emotional dramatic shenanigans. You’re talking about people that, by and large, have been doing this for decades. To get by in the professional kitchen with its rigorous demands and being responsible for very beautiful food, you can’t be into the drama. You’d burn out after a couple of years. “I don’t know what these folk were like early in their careers but, by the time they are at the level on ‘Top Chef Masters,’ these are not people who are going to be dicking around with each other. These are dyed-in-the-wool genuine professionals. They’re people who in many respects are real and genuine artists in their craft. To be in the presence of that level of excellence and that concerted focus, it’s a wonderful and stimulating thing. After all four seasons of doing it, I’ve walked away from each of them incredibly thrilled in what I’ve participated in, not to mention the amazingly delicious food that I’ve eaten during the series.” When asked if it is difficult to sit in judgment of the works of chefs who are so revered and awe-inspiring, Oseland immediately replied, No.” “I don’t know if that has something to do with my particular hardwiring but this is something that I do in my life as well as my participation on the show,” he said. “I tend to not be a great sugar-coater. I’m not viciously honest, on the other hand. The reason I’m there participating in the show is to give my opinion and not be a wilting flower about it. On the other hand, there are ways of crafting a sentence where it can eviscerate somebody’s ego. Or

there’s a way in which you can say something like ‘I’m sorry, but with all due respect, this dish you made sucks.’ I guess I probably made a pact with myself from the first series where I’m not going to mince my words. I’m going to say what I think. A lot of people, so I hear, tend to think that I’m a picky and persnickety judge, which I suppose is probably true. One thing that is maybe not so obvious to people is that I am probably more hard on myself, including in what I cook, than I could ever be on anybody else. I’m just a picky person by nature.” Smith is also a fan of the original “Top Chef” and, while he agrees the tone of “Masters” is friendlier, he appreciates the bold and assertive talent on “Top.” “I’m 51 years old. I leave all that stuff for all the young kids to do,” Smith said of the more cutthroat nature of “Top Chef.” “I do love watching the kids. I’m freer than I have ever been but these kids, they are born that way. They have no fear whatsoever. That’s why ‘Top Chef’ is still popular, because the kids are so real. I think that when you get older you get wiser. You realize you’d better not burn any bridges because you’re going to see that person again. The master-chef world is small, so I think people understand the importance of how they are going to have to behave or it’s going to haunt them. I was told a long time ago to always look pretty in public, especially by Oprah Winfrey. I try very hard to stay pretty. I keep it together. It’s fun.” ■ The new season of “Top Chef Masters” premieres 10 p.m. July 25 on Bravo. For more information, visit www.bravotv.com/top-chefmasters.

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Suzi Nash

Terri Cotto: Puerto Rico to Panama to Philly with love The lovely Terri Cotto is a woman who wears many hats. (Not literally, though I’m sure she could throw down with a good fedora if she wanted.) Cotto has been in the public spotlight as an educator, coach, host, director, entrepreneur and DJ for over 20 years in both New Jersey and Philadelphia. PGN spoke with the multi-tasker about her many jobs, from gym teacher to radio host.

PGN: Favorite game? TC: I just loved playing softball. My father was the coach and I was always the smallest one, so he’d put me way out in right field. One day the girl that played first base couldn’t be there, so they put me on for the heck of it. I caught everything that came my way and I haven’t left the infield since then.

PGN: Starting with ... TC: I was born in San Juan, P.R. My father was in the Army so we did a lot of traveling. He was stationed in Hawaii, Georgia, you name it ... We even lived in Panama for seven years. I’d guess you’d say I was an Army brat. My mother was a seamstress for many years. They’re both mostly retired now but my father does work as a translator in Trenton.

PGN: Any other sports? TC: Yes, I played basketball, I played field hockey and volleyball in college, powder puff football ... I was always a jock.

PGN: Trenton? TC: He’d been stationed in Ft. Dix and my parents decided to stay here. We’ve been in this area since ’78. I just moved into the city about a year ago. I’ve always loved Philadelphia. You know, I used to work at Shampoo on Friday nights, so I’m over the drive back and forth to Jersey. I was lucky enough to buy a condo in the Fairmount section of the city. I love being in Philly — love it, love it. PGN: Other than here, what was a favorite place to live? TC: Probably Panama. I remember going to the beach, singing in the choir at church, playing softball and doing a lot of family things. It was a very quiet way of life. It’s funny: I was at a party just yesterday and there were a lot of Panamanians there and they were telling me how much it’s changed. I’d love to go back and see it as an adult. PGN: Something fun you liked to do with your family? TC: I come from a very musical family. My father played the guitar and my mother could sing, so we enjoyed singing for fun. I played a little guitar too. PGN: Sibling rivalries? TC: Well, I’m the middle child of three sisters. With three girls, as you might expect, we’d argue a lot but we loved each other. PGN: What was the worst thing you did to each other? TC: [Laughs.] Oh, let me see... The first thing that comes to mind was when I was 7 or 8 and I was sitting on the railing at the top of the stairs with my feet dangling. I put myself in that predicament because I would always pretend to be Superman. I’d tie a towel around my neck and pretend to fly, so I was standing at the top of the railing and my sister grabbed me and held me over it until my mom came.

PGN: Where did you go to college? TC: I got an associate’s degree in travel and tourism from Harcum College. When it came time to do my practicum, I wasn’t happy because the practicum time was running into my softball time. A friend of mine said, “You like sports so much, why don’t you become a phys-ed teacher?” So I got my travel degree and then went to Glassboro State, now called Rowan University, and got a bachelor’s in health and physical education. I’ll be starting my 23rd year of teaching in September. In 2003, I got a master’s in education at Wilmington University.

PGN: You must be a good mentor to your kids. Tell me about one who was special. TC: Yeah, it’s kind of cute, some of them really get attached. In high school, I had a student for four years who used to follow me everywhere — a young black girl — and she was very shy. I coached her in volleyball and basketball and softball and took her under my wing a little. She was really introverted but smart and I wanted her to come out of her shell. She ended up being the valedictorian and went on to become a marine biologist. She’s sent me emails and told me about the effect I had on her, so that was really nice. [Smiles.] If I’ve helped one person, it’s a job well done!

PGN: How did the blog and radio show come about? TC: I was just at home surfing the net and didn’t really find anything addressing the lesbian community that I liked. So I started “A Les Forum.” I wanted a place where women could come and read articles and leave messages about experiences they’ve had or places they’ve been. There are so many things out there that we didn’t have growing up. So when I go on a trip and stay at a hotel that’s gay-friendly, I’ll write about it. When friends of mine got married and had a beautiful ceremony, I wrote about the fact that it was so neat to be able to go to something like that. I would not have imagined it when I was growing up.

PGN: Other than sports, what do you like to do? TC: Oh gosh, a lot of things. I recently bought a motorcycle, a cruiser, and I love it. I have a DJ business on the side and I do private parties, weddings, sweet 16s and things like that. I have my own skis

PGN: You have a lot in there, from coming-out stories to book reviews to events that might not get much mention on mainstream media. I noticed a “Ladies Mix” at Pro Bar on the 29th that features Latin music that looks like fun. Is the forum geared for Latino women? TC: No, it’s for lesbian women from all ethnic backgrounds and cultures — from professional women to blue-collar workers, teachers to truck drivers. Now my radio program, “The Terri Cotto Show,” is geared toward lesbian Latina women — mainly because there’s nothing out there specifically for us in the Philadelphia area, nothing. We don’t even have a bar where can enjoy our culture and our music! We do have Raices Latino Pride Philadelphia, but it’s only about a year old. I should mention that Raices is having a big family day festival at Liberty Lands Park on Third Street in Northern Liberties [Aug. 4]. It’s in conjunction with the Phreak N Queer Festival 2012 and we’re going to have lots of music, live entertainment, food and other types of vendors; face painting for the kids and a domino tournaPhoto: Suzi Nash ment for the adults. In our culture playing dominos is huge. I love doing the radio show, I love to talk and what better than to talk about things important to our community and to play the music we love.

PGN: What age do you teach? TC: I taught at Camden High School for 18 years and now I teach in an elementary school and I love it! The little ones are so much fun. They want to play, they want to learn, it’s great. I enjoy going to work every day. PGN: Do you participate in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign? TC: We have our own curriculum that we use. We just started a healthy-snack program. We got a grant from the state and they’re sending us all sorts of fruits and vegetables twice a week. We are getting the kids to eat mangos, peaches, asparagus, star fruit — things they would normally not be exposed to. It’s going very well. PGN: We hear the statistics about childhood obesity: Does it ring true to you? TC: Oh yes, it’s horrible! Definitely, it’s so sad. I work with kids that come from impoverished homes and so many families are really uneducated about food. There’s no exercising, the kids sit around all day and the food comes from McDonald’s or Checkers or it’s all fried. It’s a shame. I had my high-school kids watch the film “Super Size Me” and, after it was over, they were like, “That’s bad, but then what are we supposed to eat?” They didn’t even know what food options were out there. And even if they are aware, the cost of healthy options are prohibitive for a lot of people.

and love to ski in the Poconos in the winter. I love playing football on the beach in the summer. We have a group of us who play at Asbury Park. I have a radio talk show and enjoy hosting events. [Laughs.] I guess that runs in the family because I have an uncle who had a radio show back in the, ’60s that was very popular in Puerto Rico. What else? I love beer and beer-tasting events! I dance salsa, oh my God, I love salsa and all the Latino dances.

PGN: What do you say to people who ask why do we need to separate ourselves even more when we’re already a minority just being gay? TC: Being Puerto PAGE 30

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

MUSIC PGN

Out indie artist’s tour to hit Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Out independent singer-songwriter and actor Jay Brannan is hitting the road to promote his second full-length album, “Rob Me Blind,” coming July 20 to World Cafe Live. “Blind” finds Brannan upping the ante sonically and incorporating more instrumentation into his sound than on his previous album and EPs, which were more-stripped down affairs. “I did want to go for a little bit more,” Brannan said about his expanded sound on the new songs. “I wanted to make something that was very me in my taste, style and aesthetic. I didn’t want to make the same thing over and over again. I wanted the chance to experiment with some more instruments and texture, which I haven’t really done, especially with things like drums and percussion. Those things have scared the shit out of me in the past. That was the goal, and I found a really good person to help me do it in a way that I could be really excited about.” Still, when he hits the road for his U.S. tour, as well as the international dates that are sure to follow, Brannan will peform in his usual intensely personal solo-acoustic fashion.

“The core of what I do is getting up on stage and playing songs I wrote on acoustic guitar,” he said. “I think people really respond to that. The record is different from the live show, but people seem to be able to appreciate both. It’s important to keep it affordable. I don’t want to go in the hole bringing a whole band on tour with me. Someday it might be fun but not yet.” Besides taking a band on the road, another thing you won’t be seeing Brannan do is performing on any events or festivals aimed specifically at LGBT audiences. He maintains he wants his career as a musician to stand on its own merits. “It’s not that I avoid them,” he said about gay-themed events. “It’s just I like to do my own thing and a lot of times I feel sort of forced into a certain identity, the way that a lot of gay people feel identity is forced on them by straight people. I

feel that from both sides. As a gay person, I’m expected to be or act or think or feel a certain way about certain things or certain people and, I don’t know ... I just feel like I’m an individual and I want to be recognized as an individual. I want gay people

JAY BRANNAN

Congratulations

to be seen as more than just gay people. At least in my country, I feel like we’re in a time period where that can happen. I have certainly been involved in things involving equality and civil rights. Those things are important to me. But when it comes to the commercialism of sexual orientation, I’m not avoiding it but it’s not something I feel impassioned about. I’d rather do my thing.” And you probably won’t be seeing Brannan act, like he did in the independent film “Short Bus,” any time soon either. But it’s not because he doesn’t want to. The demands of being an independent artist make acting impractical for him at the moment. “I’ve put most of my time and energy into music right now,” Brannan said. “It’s a little easier for me to run my own business and create my own work in that industry. Acting is a more-collaborative thing where you have to get hired by a whole lot of people. It’s not my style to wait around for opportunities so I keep forging my own path. [But] I would love to do more acting at some point.” ■ Jay Brannan performs 8 p.m. July 20 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, call 215-222-1400 or visit www.jaybrannan.com.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

FUN & PGN GAMES

Q Puzzle Anchor’s Aweigh Across

1. Act up, with “on” 6. Used a forked tongue 10. Sitcom radio station 14. Threesome member for Dumas 15. 160 rods 16. Strong as ___ 17. It may slip over one’s head 18. Can of worms, maybe 19. Salty bodies 20. CNN anchor in the news 23. “Look at Me, I’m Sandra ___” 24. Poet Rimbaud 25. Ewe’s milieu 27. Give out 30. Medical treatment

32. Like something in the state of Denmark 36. Persian Gulf land 37. Website that published a statement by 20-Across 41. Evita’s husband 42. Cowboy’s job in “The Boys in the Band” 43. Put the collar on 46. Uses a gifted tongue 50. Neither Rep. nor Dem. 51. Man who doesn’t date women 55. St. that follows “My Own Private ...” 56. Statement by 20-Across 60. Nannies’ cries 61. Oompa Loompa creator

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62. Judges 63. Seizures for Caesar 64. Do a nocturnal activity 65. Shrek and others 66. On top of that 67. Parts of a min. 68. Gay rodeo accessory

Down

1. Where PrideVision originated 2. Makes up 3. Where a Colossus straddled all who entered the harbor 4. Deep pink 5. North Sea feeder 6. What a surrogate mom goes into 7. Impotence confession

8. John of “Gay Sex Quotes” 9. Alternate route 10. Ethnic acronym 11. Oral sex providers, perhaps 12. Really enjoyed, as a Margaret Cho routine 13. GI suppliers 21. Vixen’s master 22. Vein contents 26. Objectivist Rand 28. Cara of “Fame” 29. Alanis Morissette role, in “Dogma” 31. Sporty Mazda 33. Reason for extra innings 34. Above-ground trains 35. MSG container? 37. Shake your moneymaker? 38. Condoms, to a Brit?

39. “ ___ of Leather, Slippers of Gold” 40. Make a blunder 41. ___ alai 44. Letters from South Beach 45. Sports deals 47. Pussies with sharp teeth 48. Mingo’s portrayer in “Daniel Boone” 49. Affirms orally 52. Start of Caesar’s boast 53. Set of principles 54. River deposits 57. Canadian oil company 58. Clay Aiken was almost one 59. Huge opening? 60. Writer’s deg. PAGE 29

PGN & TV NIGHTLIFE

Girls on Film If you’re not at Bear Week in Provincetown or Sand Blast Weekend in Asbury Park, then you must be in Philly enjoying all the glamour and excitement of QFest! Philly’s premiere gay and lesbian film festival keeps getting bigger and better. This year’s schedule is jam-packed with amazing events, special guests and sizzling after-parties. Are you ready for your close-up, Ms. Desmond?

Don’t let the new location scare you: It’s still a great chance to put your own personal Big Bang Theory to the test. Libertine is the annual summer fetish ball produced by Passional Boutique and Sexploratorium that raises money for local charities. This year’s theme is Intergalactic Asylum, so if you’re into hot fan boys and fan girls done up like replicants and cylons from “Blade Runner” and “Battlestar Galactica,” then this is your kind of party. But the ball is only part of the fun. They have a whole weekend of events planned for you, including a meet-n-greet, a pool party (rubber gear encouraged!), a shopping excursion, a brunch and of course the ball itself, which will feature performances, charity auctions, games, play spaces and demonstrations. Tickets are available at the door. If you know anyone who’s going, make sure they know about the change in venue.

July Stimulus The party people at Stimulus are taking the plunge! Join them from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. July 20 as they head back to the North Shore Beach Club at the Piazza at Schmidt’s, 1031 Germantown Ave. in Northern Liberties. In addition to the hot go-go dancers, shot girls and DJs you’ve come to know and love, Stimulus is doing double duty tonight as the QFest “Black and Blues and Other Hues” Jim Kiley- W h e n t h e B e a r s C o m e after-party. Cover charge is only In $10 before 11 p.m. or $15 after. Zufelt Marching After you catch “Bear City How often do you get a chance to hang by the pool and meet amazing film 2: The Proposal” at QFest, cool off and directors in freakin’ Philadelphia? What is hang out with the bears from 11 p.m.-2 a.m. at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., this, Hollywood? which is sure to be hopping long after the official closing-night party winds down at Project Go-Go Boy Don’t miss the premiere QFest men’s the Sugar House Casino earlier in the eveevent from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. on July 21 at ning. The party will be hosted by Thom ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Dan Contarino is bringing The Cocky Boys’ “Project Go-Go Caggiano and the Liberty Bears, and will Boy” with him! Jake Bass and Max Ryder feature none other than DJ Barney, so you will be live and in person with some very know it’s going to be hot. You can even special surprise guests in tow. How often do check your clothes if you’re a bear who you get a chance to hang by the bar and meet dares to go bare! amazing porn stars in freakin’ Philadelphia? Diamond Divas What is this, West Hollywood? Bask in the eleganza of divas from yesterday and today from 6:30-9 p.m. July 29 Celebrity Women’s All Star Gala Don’t forget about the ladies of QFest! at the South Philly Diamond Club, 2026 S. Join them from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. on July 21 at Hutchinson St. Yes I’m talking about Judy, Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. It’s the after- Barbra, Cher and Liza, but I’m also talking party for “A Perfect Ending” and you’ll get about Rihanna and Nicki, children! Your a chance to mix and mingle and maybe even host, Lisa Lisa from Bob & Barbara’s, meet the film’s director, producers and lead will have the Herculean task of keeping actor. Free cover with your QFest badges or Brittany Lynn, Joey Josephs and Serena ticket stubs! How often do you get a chance Starr in line as they perform all your favor... all right, all right, I beat that one to death ites. Tickets are only $15, which includes already, I know. two drink tickets or unlimited non-alcoholic beverages for us non-drinkers. And Libertine Ball — red alert! We interrupt this column for an important it’s for a great cause — to raise money announcement! No, seriously, there’s been for the Marie Poochie Storti Scholarship a big change to Libertine Ball. Fund, which helps local high-school The Ball will not be at Shampoo Nightclub seniors afford college. ■ as planned. The event has been moved to the Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. Ninth St., just Questions? Comments? Contact Jim at two short blocks from the original location, barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow him on but the time and date are the same, from 9 Facebook for links to back articles and p.m.-midnight July 21. bitchin’ old pop-music videos!

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Gay is our middle name.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

Worth Watching TEEN SCENE: Justin Bieber and No Doubt (pictured) are just two of the musical acts performing on “Teen Choice 2012,” the annual gala celebrating entertainment, sports and fashion, 8 p.m. July 22 on Fox.

POLITICAL DRAMA: Sebastian Stan (left) stars as TJ Wolk, the rebellious openly gay son of a politically ambitious family, in “Political Animals,” 10 p.m. July 22 on USA. Photo: USA Network/David Geisbrecht

WEIRD SCIENCE: If you were suddenly granted superpowers, would you save the world or just get laid? Find the answers when Logo imports the UK sci-fi series “The Misfits,” which follows an unconventional group of anti-heroes, 10 p.m. July 26 on Logo. Photo: Clerkenwell Films/ Mark Johnson

BIG SISTER: Root for out rock musician Jenn Arroyo, who is competing on the new season of “Big Brother” 8 p.m. July 22 on CBS. Photo: CBS/Sonja Flemming

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 07/20 Holler The open-mic night starts 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215923-2960. Jay Brannan The out singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Jill Sobule The singer songwriter performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Santana The rock guitarist performs 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata

Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Sleigh Bells The rock group performs 8 p.m. at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Spring Garden Street and North Columbus Boulevard.; 215928-1234. Kenny Loggins The singer performs 9 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Dazed and Confused The cult comedy is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 07/21 Aerosmith and Cheap Trick The rock bands perform 8 p.m. July 21 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-3899543. Four Bitchin’ Babes The comical music group performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858.

The laughter starts 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Howie Mandel The comedian and TV personality performs 9 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Libertine Ball 2012: Intergalactic Asylum The annual fetish ball makes its earth landing 9 p.m. at Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. Ninth St.; 215-922-7500.

Santana The rock guitarist again performs 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Comedy Cabaret Series with Pierre Edwards, Melanie Camacho and Jamal Doman

This Is How We Do It The 1990s dance party kicks off 10 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

Sun. 07/22 Adalie The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Larry XL Comedian Larry XL aka PGN writer Larry Nichols will crack wise on stage 9 p.m. at the Borgata Comedy Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Mon. 07/23 Groove Night Local musicians join 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.; 302-994-1400.

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

BREAKING OUT: Newly out R&B sensation Frank Ocean is coming through town on what is sure to be a hot ticket, 9 p.m. July 25 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. For more information or tickets, call 215-2322100

Outward Bound Jeff Guaracino

Online and in print every third Friday of the month.

Raiders of the Lost Ark The action-adventure film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Tue. 07/24

Only in

Hedwig and the Angry Inch The campy rock

musical is screened 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Wed. 07/25 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Rufus Wainwright The out singer performs 8 p.m. at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Spring Garden Street and North Columbus Boulevard.; 215928-1234.

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

Fri. 07/27 The Unity Tour 311 and Slightly Stoopid perform 6:30 p.m. at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Spring Garden Street and North Columbus Boulelvard; 215928-1234. The Summerland Tour The package tour

features Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit and Marcy Playground, 7 p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 855-3480500. Dick Dale The surf-rock icon performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Meatloaf The rock singer performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

Frank Ocean The out R&B singer performs 9 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. For more information or tickets call 215-232-2100.

Thu. 07/26 ReShonda Tate Billingsley The author of “The Secret She Kept with Pat Tucker” and “Party Girl” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. The Offspring The rock band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3434000.

FILMMAKER’S RETROSPECTIVE: QFest presents a special tribute to out filmmaker Rose Troche as the recipient of the QFest 2012 Artistic Achievement Award for Directing, 4:45 p.m. July 21 at Ritz East, 125 S. Second St. Troche is an awardwinning writer-director-producer whose first feature, “Go Fish,” premiered to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994. The award ceremony will be followed by a special 90-minute on-stage interview with film journalist and PGN contributor Gary Kramer and select clips to highlight Troche’s body of film and television work. For more information or tickets, visit www. qfest.com or call 215-925-7900.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Bret Ernst The comedian seen on “Weeds” performs July 25-28 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

Continuing The Art of German Stoneware Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of stoneware ceramics from German-speaking centers in modern-day Germany and the Low Countries, through Aug. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215409-6895. The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center’s third annual Photography Competition and Exhibition Photographs of all subject matter, photographic techniques and processes are

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

Rockwell Kent — Voyager: An Artist’s Journey in Prints, Drawings and Illustrated Books Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by the famous printmaker and illustrator through July 29, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Secret Garden Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition uniting works in fiber by Ted Hallman, Sheila Hicks and Jim Hodges, through Aug. 26, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. VOX VIII Vox Populi presents its eighth annual juried exhibition of emerging artists, through July 29, 319 N. 11th St., third floor; 215-238-1236.

Closing Blue Man Group The abstract musical trio performs through July 20 at Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-348-4411. SUMMERTIME (RHYTHM &) BLUES: International R&B singers Seal (left) and Macy Gray take the stage 9 p.m. July 20 at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 855-3480500 or visit www.revelresorts.com.

Collab: Four Decades of Giving Modern and Contemporary Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition that includes some of the finest examples of European, American and Japanese design, through fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Crawl Space: The Attic Experience The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition of works from Philadelphia’s LGBT youth center, through Aug. 31, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition looking at The Boss’ entire career, with numerous items never before seen by the public, through Sept. 3, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-4096895.

Gilbert Gottfried The comedian and former Aflac spokesperson performs through July 21 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. ■

PARTY LIKE IT”S 1997: Move out the way, 1980s nostalgia tour, it’s time for the 1990s post-grunge alt-rock bands to join forces on “The Summerland Tour,” a package featuring Everclear (pictured), Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit and Marcy Playground, 7 p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 855-3480500 or visit www.revelresorts.com.

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.

on display through Sept. 9, 1400 N. American St.; 215-232-5678. Prom Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photographs by Mary Ellen Mark through Oct. 28, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Ralph Eugene Meatyard: Dolls and Masks Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by the photographer and artist who explores concepts in visual perception, through Aug. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. QPUZZLE from page 26

Influx The James Oliver Gallery presents an exhibition by artist Joe Meiser through Aug. 4, 723 Chestnut St., fourth floor; 215-923-1242. Interlude Twenty-Two Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Melissa M. Bryant through Sept. 9, 236 S. 22nd St.; 215-7721911.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

PORTRAIT from page 23

Rican and living in the States, I am part of both cultures and have heritage from both. Take Christmas for example: I have the Christian traditional celebrations that I enjoy, but I also have Latin customs that are exclusive to the Latin community. One of my favorites is Parranda. It’s kind of like Christmas caroling, but we take our instruments, guitars, maracas, bongos and the guiro, which is an instrument like a handheld washboard — I’ve seen you playing it at Sisters so you know what it is. Anyway, we go out about 2 a.m. to someone’s house with a trulla, which is a kind of caravan. Sometimes we warn the occupants that we’ll be showing up, sometimes not! And we sing Puerto Rican Christmas songs in front of the house. The people open their doors and let us in and give us food and drinks and we sing for an hour. Then we move on to the next house and it goes on until the sun comes up! It’s sooooo much fun. Especially on the island where

you don’t have to have a coat on since it’s so warm. [Laughs.] We do it here, but it’s not quite the same all bundled up. Plus the guitars go out of tune in the cold! But we try. So back to your question, if we don’t recognize our culture, we’re denying who we are. I think having Latino organizations and events in the community doesn’t divide us, it celebrates us. And we don’t do that enough. PGN: Sometimes, I think ethnic groups feel pressure to assimilate. TC: True, Suzi. You know, growing up in Panama I went to an American school with other Army kids. Everybody’s names were Smith or Johnson or Williams. My full name is Lourdes Teresa Cotto Rivera and the kids would laugh at me. I remember begging my mother to change my name to Terri Wilson so I could fit in. PGN: Changing topics, when did you come out?

TC: Well, I’ve been gay for as long as I can remember. I always had crushes on my teachers and my girl classmates. I just wanted to hold their hands. Like a lot of us, I knew I was different. Around high school, a friend of mine told me that he was gay when he was heading off to college. I finally confessed that I was too, and he took me out to some clubs and introduced me to people. I met a girl that I started dating and one day after school, my mother told me that she thought something was going on between us. She said they were going to take care of me and take me somewhere to get me some help. I said, “What are you talking about? You’re right, I am gay, but this is just the way I am, I don’t need help.” We both cried about it and she slowly accepted it and, in fact, it made us even closer. The whole family was fine about it. My sisters were like, “Oh my God, we knew before you did!”

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Anyone I’ve dated has been welcomed into the family. I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. PGN: Favorite class in high school? TC: Gym, of course! [Laughs.] That was my time to shine. PGN: Craziest DJ moment? TC: I DJed at a nightclub and the women were taking their shirts off and flashing me their tetas ... boobs. PGN: Favorite cartoon? TC: I loved Topo Gigio. He was a puppet but they also had a Topo Gigio cartoon. My mother even bought me a Topo Gigio doll. I wonder where he is? I’m going to call my mom right now and see if she still has him! ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

PGN

Outward Bound

Jeff Guaracino

Gay while traveling? Las Vegas thinks so! With same-sex marriages and civil unions legal in several states and cities, the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and an increasing public acceptance of our community, some have questioned if gay travel really still exists. At the Global Gay and Lesbian Think Tank, held during the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Ft. Lauderdale conference, influential leaders in gay tourism from around the world concluded that, yes, gay travel will always exist. And they coined the term, “Gay while traveling.” The group conceded that not all travel by the LGBT community could definitively be termed as “gay” travel. Is a business trip gay travel? How about a trip to attend a friend or family member’s wedding? What makes your trip today a gay trip? What exactly is “Gay while traveling”? It’s when the traveler’s primary purpose is to buy a gay travel product: for example, a Pride hotel package or an LGBT event, such as Gay Days Orlando, or a group travel experience, like an Atlantis or Olivia cruise. Bottom line: When making a travel purchase because you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, that’s “Gay while traveling.” In spending the last three months working in Atlantic City as the chief strategy officer for the Atlantic City Alliance, I’ve wondered, What makes a destination like A.C. a great travel getaway for the gay and lesbian traveler? Would the LGBT traveler make a trip here specifically because of the city’s LGBT offerings? There is certainly a lot of LGBT in A.C. There is Pro Bar at Resorts, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean (www. resorts-ac.com). Pro Bar is the world’s first permanent LGBT bar in a casino. There are LGBT events, including the grand dame of events, “Miss’d America,” the annual drag competition that takes place on the very same runway in the same building as the famed mainsream pageant. Year-round there are entertainers with huge gay followings, including Madonna, Kathy Griffin and others. However, according to surveys by Community Marketing Inc., the No. 1 gay and lesbian travel destination is Sin City — Las Vegas. Through a thoughtful and concentrated marketing effort, Las Vegas has become a LGBT travel destination. It didn’t start out that way. Vegas is Vegas. It had gaming, dining, entertainment and pools. You might have gone to Vegas for a convention, a straight friend’s bachelor party or a quick getaway. You didn’t necessarily go to Vegas to be

out. You went to Vegas because everyone else was going too. In 2006, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and a few hotels, including the Paris Las Vegas, owned by Harrah’s, decided to court the gay and lesbian traveler with a series of clever ads. Several hotels, including Wynn and others, soon followed suit. To see a history of the Las Vegas ads, visit www.commercialcloset. org. Today, Las Vegas has developed a series of events, special offers and activities tailored to the LGBT traveler. Since this column is about travel, here are two not-tomiss events in Vegas that, if you go, would definitely make you “Gay while traveling.” This year, for the first time, the iconic Gay Days Orlando makes a Las Vegas debut, Sept. 4-10. The host hotel is the Tropicana Las Vegas. There will be pool parties, entertainment including the “Divas” show starring Frank Marino, an expo and more. For all the travel information, visit www.gaydays.com. For the ladies, there is Shedonism® Las Vegas, Sept. 6-10, a long weekend of women’s events to coincide with Pride. As the organizer says, un-lady-like behavior is encouraged. The weekend includes appearances by the cast of “The Real L Word,” DJs, live performances, dance parties, pool parties and the Vegas Dyke March. The host hotel is Rumor, a boutique resort. For more information, visit shedonismvegas.com. ■ Jeff Guaracino is vice chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.”

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 20-26, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 20-26, 2012

Community Bulletin Board

12-step programs and support groups

Community centers

Al-Anon

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-8 p.m. MondayFriday; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-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.

and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981; 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: 12-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 12-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; 126 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

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

■ 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 Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ 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

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. www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 or 866-222-3871. www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays 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

■ 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 email notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com ■ 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)

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 chronic-disease 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 except for noon-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., and 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

■ Acceptance meets 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at

Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets.

■ Meets daily 8:30-9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m-

midnight and 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center. ■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206. ■ Ties That Bind Us, a 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community, meets 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call 800-581-7883.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■ Meets 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday,

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center.

■ Pink and Blues, a free peer-run mental-health

available by appointment at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-5869077.

Professional groups

Pennsylvania Al-Anon Alateen Family Groups: Events, meeting times and locations at pa-al-anon.org.

Emotional Support

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

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

■ 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) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org.

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

■

students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladelphia.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, 856857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

support group for LGBT people, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-627-0424. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; 215-545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County, meets 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; 215-545-2242; phillysos.tripod.com.

HIV/AIDS

■ Strength In Numbers

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6-8 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215-769-3561. bebashi.org. ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIVpositive Latino men who have sex with men, meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-3872885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women,

meets 11 a.m. every ﬁrst and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; 215851-1898. Wednesdays: ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group meets 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, meets at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St.; ﬁght.org. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets 5-7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432. Thursdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; 215-769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; call Zak, 215-848-4380; azaklad@craftech.com. Saturdays: ■ AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets during the school year. Call 800-810-6776 for meeting location and time.

Debtors Anonymous

■ Meets 7-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the

William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

■ Open meeting, Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m., and

7 p.m. Fridays, at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St.; call Troy for ﬂoor/ room number, 215-514-3065; www.oa.org. ■ Meets 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center.

S.A.R.A.

■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and

evening hours; 215-563-0663 ext. 282.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

■ Meets 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at All Saints

Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 302-542-3279.

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance

abuse problems at the William Way Center.

Health

Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717-233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth.org. Anonymous, free HIV testing with Spanish/ English counselors, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1803. 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.; 610586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448; www. fight.org.

REALPGN ESTATE

Classifieds

Home of the Week

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 20-26, 2012

Featured property:

331 S. Hicks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Rarely offered 4 bedroom home on picturesque Hicks Street in Rittenhouse Square. Beautiful new kitchen and 2 new bathrooms with custom tile-work. Private back yard with garden, formal dining room, ﬁreplace, new central air & newer windows. Plenty of storage throughout. Conveniently located just off of 15th & Spruce.

Beds: 4 Baths: 2.5 Price: $559,900

Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Company: Prudential Fox & Roach, Society Hill Realtor: James Labonski

E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com Open Houses - Sunday July 22, 2012 Noon-2:30PM

The Lenox Condominiums 250 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Condos from $165,000 Rentals from $1,800/mo

Noon-1:00PM

1542 Christian St, Unit B, Philadelphia, PA 19146 2BR/2BA townhouse-style condo $299,900

1:30-2:30PM

2115 Carpenter St A, Philadelphia, PA 19146 2BR/2BA Townhouse-style condo $325,000 Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com The Curtis Center • 1 401 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

Phone: 215-521-1552 E-mail: RealtorJamesPA@Gmail.com Website: www.RealtorJames.com

Real Estate Sale

For Sale

SOUTH PHILA. 3 BR, newer windows, HW flrs, new paint, hi ceilings, new C/A, 200 amp svc., newer roof, designer EIK w/granite counters, SS appl, D/W. Nice quiet st. 1 blk. to subway, Methodist Hosp., permit parking. Asking $187,000, will negot. w/qualified buyer. Reply to fei71@comcast.net ________________________________________36-31 Cameron County, PA - 4 wooded acres borders state forest and has frontage along two streams! Perc approved, electric, road frontage. $49,900. Owner financing. 800-668-8679. ________________________________________36-29 SOUTH PHILADELPHIA All new T/H, 3 BR + BA, A/C, $450/mo. $2500 required. Call 215-292-2176. ________________________________________36-29

24/7 Emergency Response $1/day. Living alone? You could fall! Deaths from falls can be avoided. Help is a button push away. Lifewatch 1-800-207-4048. ________________________________________36-29

Real Estate Rent

Dan Tobey

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Tow12TH & 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. ________________________________________36-35 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215) 7358050 ________________________________________36-30 HADDON TWP, NJ Safe, sunny 2 BR apt. 2nd ﬂ owner occ. duplex. 1000 sq.. ft., A/C, D/W, W/D, new carpet & paint. Pvt. ent. Close to speedline, bus, walk, bike to shops, parks, lakes, library. $900/mo. Call Brian, 12 PM-7 PM, 856-858-8620. ________________________________________36-31

Roommates 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. ________________________________________36-32 15th & Chestnut modern condo, A/C, W/D Male preferred. $850 incl. utils. 215-485-7034, John. ________________________________________36-29

Vacation Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________36-29

Travel & Resorts Rooms for men. oceanhouseatlanticcity.com ________________________________________36-36

Services EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________36-29 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________36-29 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME 6-8 weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a Diploma. Get a Job! FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330 Benjamin Franklin High School www.diplomafromhome.com ________________________________________36-29 WERE YOU IMPLANTED WITH A ST. JUDE RIATA DEFIBRILLATOR LEAD WIRE Between June 2001 and December 2010? Have you had this lead replaced, capped, or did you receive shocks from the lead? You may be entitled to compensation. Contact Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. ________________________________________36-29

Adoption Are you pregnant? A loving married couple seek to adopt. Financial security. Let’s help each other. Expenses paid. Holly & Max. Ask for Adam 1-800-790-5260. ________________________________________36-29 A childless couple seeks to adopt. Loving, happy home with tenderness, warmth & love. Flexible schedules. Financial security. Expenses paid. Regis & David (888)986-1520. ________________________________________36-29

Legal Notice Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, July Term, 2012, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 28, 2012, the petition of Dana Elizabeth Pryor was ﬁled, praying for a decree to change his name to Ryan E. Pryor. The Court has ﬁxed July 25, 2012 at 11:30 a.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________36-29

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 20-26, 2012

THE SWIRL Are You Down With The Swirl? Saturday, July 21st, 2012, TIME: 11pm-3:30am - A NEW URBAN EVENT that will bring in the Sexy Black, Latin, and Asian Men For The Night of All Shapes & Sizes-

WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More...

HEATWAVE Saturday, August 11th 2012, TIME: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More... -Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis. SoCheck In Early if you want a room...-

SUMMER WEEKEND SPECIALS - The Weather is HOT! Our Weekend Specials Are HOTTER! -

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT: After Bar Special 6hr Rooms (2am to 8am) Members: $15.00 and Non-Members: $25.00 (Special Not Eﬀective During Party Nights)

SATURDAY: AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 hour Lockers (8am – 4pm) Members: $5.00 & Non-Members: $15.00

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events...

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

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED

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

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

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

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

CANCELLATION POLICY

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

PGN currently has an advertising sales position available for an energetic, self-motivated individual with outstanding communication skills. Our ideal candidate must have polished sales skills with experience in lead generation and cold calling, combined with a track record of closing the sale. QUALIFICATIONS: • • • • • •

Two years of successful sales experience, preferably in print and/or online sales Strong verbal and writing skills Excellent at relationship building Ability to work independently and part of a team Knowledge of local media market and/or LGBT community a plus Computer literacy a must

Salary/Benefits: Salary plus commission. Our benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, vacation and a casual work environment. Qualified individuals interested in applying are encouraged to send their resume to dan@epgn.com.

PGN

Certified Massage

Friends Men

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 20-26, 2012

PGN

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

Handsome Certified Therapist 6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030 Services

B-7

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. ________________________________________36-29 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________36-29 I’m looking for a very well endowed top who is looking for a very nice white butt. 215-732-2108 8-11 PM. ________________________________________36-32 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________36-31

Personals Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1-800-914-8742. ________________________________________36-29

Listings for everything you need. Click on the resource button on the home page to start shopping today!

only on epgn.com

Help Wanted LIVE-WORK-PARTY-PLAY! Play in Vegas, Hang in LA, Jet to New York! Hiring 18-24 girls/guys. $400-$800 wkly. Paid expenses. Signing Bonus. 1-866-251-0768. ________________________________________36-29 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment School. 3wk Training Program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Excavators. Local Job Placement Asst. VA Benefits Approved. 2 National Certifications. 866-362-6497. ________________________________________36-29 CDL-A EXPERIENCED DRIVERS 6 Months OTR experience starts at $.32/mile Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! New student pay and lease program! 877-521-5775 www.USATruck.jobs ________________________________________36-29 PROFESSIONAL CLASS A DRIVERS OTR tractor trailer, good pay, great home time, health insurance, 401K, paid vacation, bonus package, and top equipment all in a small company atmosphere, backed up with large company benefits. Call Victoria 877-833-9307 or visit www.pamdrivers.com ________________________________________36-29 Drivers: CRST offers the best Lease Purchase Program *SIGN ON BONUS *No down payment or credit check *Great Pay *Class A CDL required *Owner Operators Welcome Call: 866-403-7044. ________________________________________36-29 CLASS A DRIVERS Regional Up to 42 CPM. Wkly Pay, Benefits, Home Time, Sign ON BONUS, Paid Orientation. 2 Years T/T EXP. 800524-5051 www.gomcilvaine.com ________________________________________36-29 Drivers - Choose your hometime from Weekly, 7/ON-7/OFF, 14/ON-7/OFF, Full or Part-time. Daily Pay! Top Equipment! Requires 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com ________________________________________36-29 CDL-A TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED! *MILES *EQUIPMENT *BENEFITS Hazmat Teams Start at $.50/mile. Solo Drivers Also Needed! 800-942-2104 Ext. 7308 or 7307 www.Drive4Total.com ________________________________________36-29 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________36-29 ATTENTION CDL-A DRIVERS! Averitt is Hiring in Your Area. Great Benefits & Hometime. 4-Months T/T Experience Required- Apply Now! 888362-8608 Visit AVERITTcareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________36-29 We’re a Driver’s Company that’s focused on drivers. Solos .437 & Teams .513 1 yr OTR Exp CDL-A-HazMat. Solos $2000, Teams $7500 Sign-On. 877-628-3748. ________________________________________36-29 Drivers- A. Duie Pyle Needs Owner Operators & Company Drivers. Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Miles. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________36-29

E-mail us: pgn@ epgn.com

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 20-26, 2012

Performing

Wyclef Jean

Host

Margaret Cho

march & rally

july 22 2pm washington monument Speakers Dr. Cornel West Archbishop Desmond Tutu (via satellite) Reverend Al Sharpton Ambassador Andrew Young Michael Weinstein Tavis Smiley Global Advocates