pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
Vol. 40 No. 31 July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
Michael Flynn takes us for a spin in the country-dancing PAGE 27 world
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
• Philly fundraiser generates $106K for Orlando victims
More than 1,000 counter-protestors meet hate with love outside Mazzoni Center
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LGBT issues take center stage at DNC By Jen Colletta and Paige Cooperstein jen@epgn.com, paige@epgn.com
Diversity and inclusion, especially for LGBT people, got top billing during the first half of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Hillary Clinton’s LGBT record — and Donald Trump’s anti-LGBT stances — were a frequent topic of on-stage conversation at Wells Fargo Center Monday and Tuesday nights. PGN goes to press
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay senator, read the tally of Wisconsin’s votes. North Carolina’s speakers said the state’s Democrats were committed to efforts to repeal HB2, the state law that was rammed through the legislature in March to prohibit nondiscrimination laws that protect LGBT people. New York touted its progressive values that passed marriage equality early in the movement. Massachusetts cheered while announcing it was the first state to make
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA DELIVERED A POWERFUL ENDORSEMENT OF HILLARY CLINTON MONDAY AT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION Photos: Scott A. Drake
Dem party unity urged in Philly By Jen Colletta and Paige Cooperstein jen@epgn.com, paige@epgn.com
“We’re stronger together,” Hillary Clinton’s campaign tagline, was a common theme from speakers during the first two nights of the Democratic National Wednesdays and will have full coverage of the second half of the convention online at pgnblogs.wordpress.com. Five states referenced LGBT milestones in the roll-call vote Tuesday that officially nominated Clinton as the first female to run for president for a major party. “This is the first time the DNC has been that inclusive and not hidden us in a pocket,” said Jude-Laure Denis, an LGBT delegate from Lehigh Valley. “In that way, I feel encouraged by the progressive direction of the party.”
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marriage equality legal in 2004. Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court case that affirmed marriage equality, read the votes from his home state. “This Ohio boy helped love win last summer,” he said. “Know this: Love trumps hate.” Later that night, former President Bill Clinton took the stage and, toward the end of his 40-minute speech, highlighted his wife Hillary’s famous quote, “Women’s rights are human rights and human rights PAGE 16 are women’s rights.”
Philly gets two LGBT historic markers Pages 7-9 LGBT delegates celebrate, look ahead Page 13 Political partying in Philly Pages 14-17 Convention coverage
Convention, which was punctured by dissension from some stalwart Bernie Sanders supporters. When the convention opened Monday, boos could occasionally be heard throughout the stadium when Clinton’s name was mentioned, which paled in comparison to the raucous protest outside the SEPTA AT&T Station by anti-Clinton demonstrators. Comedian Sarah Silverman, a Sanders backer, delivered perhaps the most frank, and seemingly ad-libbed, address to Sanders supporters who refused to back Clinton. “Can I just say to the Bernie or Bust people, you’re being ridiculous,” she said, which drew standing ovations from Clinton supporters and continued boos from some Sanders backers. PAGE 14
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
LOCAL PGN
D.A. appeals Morris ruling in Commonwealth Court By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office last week appealed a lower-court ruling upholding a state-agency order for the D.A. to produce certified records in the Nizah Morris case. On June 20, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Linda A. Carpenter affirmed an order by the state Office of Open Records, directing the D.A.’s Office to produce a certified copy of its computer-aided dispatch records for a traffic stop in the Morris case. But on July 19, the D.A.’s Office filed a notice of appeal of Carpenter’s ruling in Commonwealth Court. Officer Elizabeth Skala gave Morris a “courtesy ride” during the early morning hours of Dec. 22, 2002. Shortly after the ride, Morris was found by passers-by with a fatal head wound. The trans woman’s homicide remains
News Briefing Musician to plead ‘no contest’ in sex case Charles L. Cohen, a Center City musician charged with multiple sex offenses, is scheduled to plead “no contest” in a Montgomery County courtroom in August. Cohen was arrested Sept. 28 after traveling to a shopping complex in Upper Providence Twp., where he allegedly intended to meet a 14-year-old boy for oral sex. Upon his arrival, Cohen was arrested by law-enforcement authorities engaged in a sting operation. Cohen, 70, is charged with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal attempt of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, and criminal use of a communication facility. He posted $100,000 cash bail on Oct. 28, and he’s been free since then. According to court records, Cohen is scheduled to appear before Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Gail A. Weilheimer at 3 p.m. Aug. 12 to plead “no contest” in Courtroom 3 of the Montgomery County Court House in Norristown. Neither side had a comment for this update.
One antigay hate crime reported in Philly this year According to the Pennsylvania State
unsolved. Inexplicably, Skala initiated a traffic stop at 13th and Market streets, though she was still assigned to Morris, who was critically injured and fighting for her life at 16th and Walnut streets. In February 2015, the D.A.’s Office stated in a sworn affidavit that its only computer-aided dispatch records for Skala’s traffic stop are partial and were provided by PGN in 2013. The D.A.’s Office submitted that affidavit to a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge in April 2015. In her June 20 ruling, Carpenter said the affidavit certified the D.A.’s dispatch records for Skala’s traffic stop. However, no document is attached to the affidavit, even though the affidavit states that a partial record is attached. PGN’s position is that until the D.A.’s Office produces the partial record, the agency hasn’t certified that it’s not withholding additional records for
Skala’s traffic stop. Babette Josephs, a member of the Justice for Nizah Committee, said D.A. Seth Williams should comply with Carpenter’s ruling. “We should all be concerned that taxpayer dollars are being used for this type of litigation,” Josephs told PGN. “Seth Williams should do as ordered by the Office of Open Records and [as] affirmed by Judge Carpenter. And I’d like to see the release of all Morris records at the D.A.’s Office currently withheld from the public. If Mr. Williams wants to improve relations with the LGBTQ community, I can’t think of a better way to do that.” Melissa B. Melewsky, medialaw counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, was disappointed with the D.A.’s notice of appeal. “It’s disappointing that this case has been pending for so long,” Melewsky
said in an email. “The Right-to-Know Law is intended to provide access and accountability quickly. And the Morris RTKL issue has been pending for years. The law requires the D.A. to provide public access to public records and allows discretion to release non-public records when it serves the public interest. The delays and denials in this case have not allowed the public to understand what happened to Ms. Morris or the criminal justice system’s response to her death. The public is entitled to know basic details about this case, and the constant delays and denials erode the public’s faith in elected officials tasked with keeping the community safe. The D.A. needs to provide accountability. That doesn’t mean access to every record in the ongoing Morris investigation. But it does require access to basic records like those PGN has been seeking for several years.” n
Police website, one antigay-male hate crime was reported by Philadelphia police so far this year. The hate crime was reported in January. No anti-transgender or anti-lesbian hate crimes have been reported by Philadelphia police so far this year. Last year, Philadelphia police reported one anti-trans hate crime and two antigay-male hate crimes. No anti-lesbian hate crimes were reported by Philadelphia police in 2015. The state-police website continues to segregate anti-trans hate crimes into “female-portrayal” or “male-portrayal” categories. A state-police spokesperson couldn’t be reached for comment. “We’ve reached out to authorities on numerous occasions to try to fix this [portrayal] problem, thus far to no avail,” said Julie Chovanes, a Philadelphiabased LGBT attorney. “We’re hoping that proper language will encourage more people to come forward who’ve been victimized by hate crimes.”
dence. Then Sargent allegedly dismembered Williams’ body with an ax and deposited her body parts in a nearby vacant lot. Sargent has filed several motions seeking his release. But according to court records, Sargent remains incarcerated at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia. The next proceeding for Sargent is slated for 10 a.m. Oct. 7 in Courtroom 807 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1315 Filbert St.
arts and culture. Since GiveOUT Day launched in 2013, it has raised $2.4 million for 500 organizations across the country, according to the event’s website.
Judge orders mental-health eval for accused killer On July 15, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Diana L. Anhalt ordered a mental-health evaluation for Charles N. Sargent, who’s accused of murdering trans woman Diamond Williams. According to court records, Sargent hasn’t cooperated with prior court-ordered mental-health evaluations. If Sargent doesn’t cooperate with Anhalt’s order, he still must stand trial for Williams’ homicide by attending a February 2017 trial. Sargent allegedly stabbed Williams to death in July 2013, after a sexual encounter in Sargent’s Strawberry Mansion resi-
— Timothy Cwiek
LGBT night set in Reading Fightins The fourth-annual LGBT night at the Reading Fightin Phils takes place Aug. 1 at FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave., Reading. The gates open at 5 p.m., seating begins at 6 and the game starts at 7:05. The Fightins will play the Bowie Baysox from Maryland. Tickets are free, but must be obtained in advance. For tickets, contact Philadelphia Gay News at editor@epgn.com.
Philanthropy day rescheduled A day of philanthropy aimed at promoting LGBT nonprofits has been rescheduled for Aug. 2. GiveOUT Day had been postponed since May. The event is a 24-hour online fundraiser. LGBT organizations can register to participate at www.giveoutday.org. Donors can visit the website and search organizations based on issues they care about, like health and human services or
— Paige Cooperstein
Center offers youth drag camp A free three-day drag camp is launching next month for local youth. Fierce: A Youth Drag Camp Extravaganza is for ages 8-16. The youth will partake in activities such as makeup, costuming and choreography in preparation for the culminating performance on the third day. The camp will begin at noon Aug. 12 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. There will be a fee of $5 to attend the final performance. For more information, contact phillyyouthdragcamp@outlook.com or see William Way’s Facebook page.
Lesbian tech event returns An organization for lesbians who work with technology will hold a happy hour next month. Lesbians Who Tech works to increase visibility of women in the industry, both to the public and in their own community. This group also strives to get more women and lesbians involved in technology. Lesbians Who Tech will hold a happy hour from 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St. For more information, go to http://lesbianswhotech.org/. n — Eliana Berson
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News & Opinion
2 — News Briefing 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Street Talk Transmissions
Arts & Culture
23 — Feature: Trans film showcased at fest 26 — Comics 25 — Scene in Philly 27 — Family Portrait 28 — Out & About 30 — Q Puzzle PHILLY ON THE MOVE: LGBT supporters marched from Wilma Theater to the Gayborhood for Philly4Pulse July 21. The large-scale fundraiser incorporated events at 14 local bars, as well as sober programming at William Way LGBT Community Center and a Queer Riot!!! at Wilma, which brought together artists and activists for performances, food and resource tables. The night’s events benefitted Equality Florida’s work on behalf of victims of the Orlando shooting. For more information, see page 21. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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There are a record number of LGBT delegates at this year’s convention. We picked the brains of a few about what the event means for equality.
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~ Democratic National Convention Committee director of public engagement Brian Bond, page 16
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They like to party ... they like, they like to party. See some of the parties Dems have been checking out while in Philly.
Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com
“If you look at what the president said in his first Pride event, he said, ‘Don’t judge me today, judge me at where we end up at the end of this administration.’ I could not be prouder of Barack Obama and Joe Biden and the entire staff of the Obama administration for moving the ball forward.”
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From the speeches to the songs, we bring you all of the DNC stage highlights from the Wells Fargo Center.
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Philadelphia turned out in full force last week to show support for Orlando victims.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
‘Wall of Love’ greets protesters
Jen Colletta, Scott A. Drake, Sean Dorn have been awarded the COUNTER-PROTESTORS LINED LOCUST STREET TUESDAY AFTERNOON IN RESPONSE TO A PICKET BY ANTIGAY GROUP WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH Photo: Scott A. Drake
By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com More than 1,000 counter-protestors are estimated to have assembled outside Mazzoni Center Tuesday to block hateful messages from antigay group Westboro Baptist Church. Rainbow-clad counter-protestors lined five deep outside the LGBT health facility’s Locust Street location, with many spilling into and across the street. Four members of the Kansas-based group gathered at the corner of Eighth and Locust streets, seemingly unbeknownst to many of the counter-protesters. WBC announced its intention to picket Mazzoni Center earlier this month, largely focusing on its trans-affirming programs; the picket group is known for picketing funerals and progressive events and organizations to proclaim anti-LGBT messages. After holding signs, surrounded by heavy police presence, for just a few minutes, the WBC protestors dispersed to chants of “Go home” from the crowd. Organizers passed out bottles of water, accepted gratefully by many as the mercury reached the high 90s. The crowd sang a number of peace-promoting songs, such as “Let It Be,” “Seasons of Love” and “Stand By Me.” Many held signs proclaiming humorous descriptions of things “God hates” — a riff on the protestors’ infamous “God hates fags” signs — which included well-done steaks, ketchup on hot dogs, warm beer and the Schuylkill Expressway. “A chance to protest against the Westboro Baptist Church? That’s any gay protestor’s pinnacle of protesting,” said Emily Kesselman, who was draped in a rainbow flag and wearing a rainbow hat. Andrew Bona of Philadelphia carried a poster stating, “God hates lame signs.” He said he wanted to counter the hateful message of WBC with humor.
“It’s just a silly situation so I wanted to counter-protest with silliness,” said Bona, an LGBT ally. Kesselman, a 31-year-old queer South Philadelphia resident, said the diversity in the crowd was impressive. “There are so many different kinds of people here — gender-queer, gay, cisgender, allies, old, young, black, white — and that shows that Philadelphia is a welcoming community,” she said. “Not only are we welcoming, but people are feeling comfortable staying here, in particular trans people. That trans people feel comfortable in Philadelphia is heartening to see since they’re facing so much.” Trans active Deja Lynn Alvarez was one of the organizers of the counter-protest. “This represents the community in all its different facets,” Alvarez said about the turnout. “There’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, non-binary — a little bit of everybody. And it shows the community is finally coming together when it comes to trans issues.” “We witnessed an extremely powerful demonstration of love and support for the trans and gender-variant communities,” Mazzoni Center said in a statement Tuesday. “Let us carry this positive energy forward, and continue to stand up for those within our communities who are most vulnerable to discrimination, violence and other forms of oppression or inequality.” That the successful counter-protest happened when the spotlight of the Democratic National Convention was on Philadelphia was not lost on many at the event. “Philly has already been sending the message that we are progressive,” Alvarez said, “and the community coming together like this proves all of that hard work. Philly has become a safe haven for the LGBTQIA community. Now we just need to spread that outside of Philadelphia to the rest of the nation.” n
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New historic markers unveiled
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The role of pioneer Barbara Gittings in the development of the LGBT-rights movement was formally recognized Tuesday. About 100 people attended an unveiling LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976 HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM ceremony for a state historical marker at the former home of Gittings and partner Kay Lahusen, located at Locust Commons at 21st With marriage equality and Locust streets. The couple lived in a thirdthe law of the land, our floor walkup in the building during the mid1960s, when Gittings served as a key organizer of the Reminder Day marchers, considered among the earliest LGBT-rights protests in the will celebrate local couples country, held at Independence Hall. Gittings passed away in 2007. Lahusen was and help you plan your own big day. unable to attend, but the ceremony was videotaped for her. For advertising info, The marker installation was organized by email greg@epgn.com Equality Forum. Executive director Malcolm Lazin called or call 215-625-8501 ext. 201 Gittings a “great blessing” to the community and said her commitment to being out should
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be considered in the context of the 1960s. “It made her unemployable, socially undesirable,” Lazin said. “But she was determined, and we are the beneficiaries.” Other speakers included out Preservation Alliance executive director Paul Steinke and City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker said she was just 2 when Gittings helped found rights organization Daughters of Bilitis, calling her a “goddess” for “baby activists” like herself. Parker called herself a feminist, to wide cheers, and said it’s important to cement the stories of women activists like Gittings. “When we preserve Barbara Gittings’ history, we preserve women’s history, which is important because women tend to get written out of history,” Parker said. Equality Forum also hosted a ceremony Wednesday at 11 a.m. to dedicate a marker at 320 Arch St., outside the site of a planning meeting for the 1979 March on Washington for Gay & Lesbian Rights. n
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PRIDE AND PROGRESS: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin spoke to more than 500 LGBTs and allies at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Tuesday afternoon. The LGBT Caucus meeting brought together the several-hundred out Democratic National Convention delegates, 28 of whom are transgender, a record for the DNC. Baldwin spoke about the LGBT victories the country has seen since the 2012 DNC and the work that still is ahead. Photo: Scott A. Drake
By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Several-hundred people packed Room 118 of the Pennsylvania Convention Center to hear from lawmakers and LGBT advocates about the state of LGBT America Tuesday. Among the speakers at the LGBT Caucus meeting were Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the first out legislator in the Senate, and former Congressman Barney Frank, the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out. Many of the speakers heralded the progress the LGBT community has made since the last convention, yet acknowledged the work that still needs to be done. Baldwin, who received a standing ovation from the standing-room-only crowd, applauded developments like national marriage equality, which merited another standing ovation. She said that, moving forward, LGBT advocates and lawmakers should turn their attention to the Equality Act, which would ban LGBT discrimination nationally, but also other issues like the blood ban by men who have sex with men and the ongoing lack of health research about LGBT populations. Electing Hillary Clinton, Baldwin said, is the best way to achieve those aims. “She has our back, she’s been by our side and together we’re going to make history,” Baldwin said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s address was briefly interrupted at its start by a protester carrying a pink pro-Palestine poster, who was quickly escorted out of the room. Cuomo referenced his state’s LGBT-
affirming reputation, especially in light of both Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump hailing from New York. “This other side talks about building walls, we talk about building bridges,” he said, noting Clinton’s support for nondiscrimination, gun-control legislation and HIV/AIDS causes. He added that he believes Clinton could make strides toward ending the AIDS epidemic. The tone of the speeches got more personal with Congressman Mike Honda of California, who spoke at length about his transgender granddaughter, Melissa. He said she began to recognize her gender identity before she was even 2 years old and that his family has gone on to adjust to new pronouns, learn about the trans community and ultimately become strong allies. He thanked the LGBT advocates, especially the trans community members in the room, for their work in paving the road for his granddaughter. All of the trans delegates present were invited up to the stage — there were 28 openly transgender delegates at this year’s DNC — for the presentation of an award to Honda for his work on behalf of the community. Frank, 76, talked about the evolution the country has undergone on LGBT issues in his lifetime, and encouraged LGBT advocates to align with other rights movements, such as those fighting for racial justice. Jason Collins, the NBA’s first out player, and his twin brother, Jarron, also spoke to the crowd. The pair spoke Monday night at the DNC at Wells Fargo. n
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LGBT delegates promote unity at Gayborhood kickoff By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com A Bernie supporter and a Hillary supporter walked into a gay bar in Philadelphia the night before the kickoff of the Democratic National Convention. The two members of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee went to Woody’s at 13th and Walnut streets for the LGBT DNC Happy Hour, organized by the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club, Equality Pennsylvania and Liberty PA. Several hundred delegates, politicians and supporters attended. There are over 600 LGBT delegates, including over 20 transgender delegates, said Alex Reber, a delegate for Hillary Clinton from Dauphin County. “I was at a rules committee meeting earlier and I witnessed firsthand how the Hillary supporters treated the Bernie supporters with the utmost respect,” said Dwayne J. Heisler, a Columbia County delegate who’s pledged to Sen. Bernie Sanders. After a heated primary contest, Sanders suspended his campaign and earlier this month endorsed Clinton. “We can show America how we’re going to win and work together,” Heisler said. He said he most looked forward to talking with politicians about the need for the Equality Act, which would add LGBT nondiscrimination protections in housing, employment and public accommodations to the Civil Rights Act
of 1964. Reber had said he was interested in hearing Sarah McBride speak Thursday night. A Delaware native, McBride is a transgender woman who helped lead the successful effort to add gender identity and expression to her state’s nondiscrimination and hate-crimes laws in 2013. She has also worked on LGBT issues with the Center for American Progress. “She’s the first trans speaker ever at a convention,” Reber said. “It’s great to see her highlighted the same night as Hillary will accept her nomination. For speakers, the later in the week you are, the more important.” Other delegates from across the country rubbed elbows at the LGBT DNC Happy Hour. They came from places like New York, Texas and Hawaii. Eileen McKee, a Clinton delegate from Maui, called the event “political heaven.” “For me to be here with all the people who care about moving the cause forward is great,” she said. As an activist with GetEQUAL a few years ago, McKee was instrumental in fighting for marriage equality in Hawaii, which became legal in 2013. This is her first time at a convention. She’d like to talk with other Democrats about how best to defeat religious-freedom laws that do not protect the LGBT community from discrimination. She is one of two LGBT delegates from Hawaii. McKee brought her wife, Deborah Cohn,
LGBT AND ALLY DELEGATES FROM AROUND THE NATION PACKED WOODY’S JULY 24 FOR THE #LGBTDNC KICKOFF PARTY, HOSTED BY LIBERTY CITY LGBT DEMOCRATIC CLUB, EQUALITY PENNSYLVANIA AND EQUALITY FORUM. Photo: Scott A. Drake
with her to Philadelphia. McKee called Cohn “the woman behind the woman” for all her support. The couple has been together 24 years. A New York City delegate shared with two others he met at the LGBT DNC Happy Hour that he just married his husband this year, something he didn’t think he’d be able to do when he was growing up.
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“We’ve had a sea change in American politics,” said David Parish, who’s pledged to Clinton. He thought it was an important step for the Democratic platform to include a plank on LGBT rights for the first time this year. Going forward, Parish also said he wants to see movement on the Equality Act. n
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Delegate Spotlights Bruce Kraus By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Pittsburgh City Council President Bruce Kraus thought he was being recruited as a delegate for Hillary Clinton to add to the LGBT delegate count. “I said, ‘Before I accept the invitation, are you looking to bolster the LGBTQ representation on the delegation? And [the delegate recruiter] said, ‘Oh no, Councilman. We’re actually looking to bolster our senior delegation,” Kraus recalled with a laugh. “I said, ‘Oh, kick me.’” The 62-year-old Pittsburgh native has served on council since 2008, when he became the city’s first openly LGBT elected official. He and state Rep. Brian Sims of Philadelphia are the only two out elected officials serving as delegates to the DNC from Pennsylvania. Kraus said the expected 600 delegates from around the country are key to shaping conversations on LGBT issues during the convention. “I think it’s just paramount to have likeminded, experienced people representing the community,” Kraus said. “I don’t know if someone who has not had the life experiences of an LGBTQIA person understands the importance of the issues the community faces on a daily basis.” The benefit of being part of the senior delegation, Kraus added, is that he’s witnessed the many social evolutions the country has undergone in recent decades — which he
Joanne Carroll said gives him a strong appreciation for the momentousness of this year’s DNC. “I remember Stonewall. I remember the assassination of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone and the idea that we as a nation had perhaps lost our minds because that was the same week as thousands died at the Jonestown massacre. I was 9 when John F. Kennedy was assassinated and I watched live on broadcast when Lee Harvey Oswald was shot. I saw Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy be assassinated, Vietnam. I remember the civil-rights movement vividly and the integration of schools,” Kraus said. “So my experiences clearly shaped my politics, and in my lifetime never would I have thought that I would see the things coming to be that are while I am still of an age to thoroughly enjoy them. And now, on the heels of the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality becoming the law of the land, I am about to go to Philadelphia as a delegate to cast a vote in this unbelievably historic nomination of, for the very first time, a woman nominee for president. I’m living the dream.” That dream surely proved to be a busy one. Kraus is a first-time delegate who said he’s heard from previous delegates about the frenzied nature of the week’s events. “Those I’ve spoken with said it’s a whirlwind,” he said the day before the convention got underway. “You just have to put your shoes on and go.” Kraus said he was confident the DNC will have a decidedly different tone than the recent Republican National Convention. “On the heels of this trainwreck that was the RNC, with its picture of doom and gloom and chaos and rioting that only the narcissism of a candidate like Donald Trump can possibly fix, I’m looking forward to a very positive and can-do convention. The platform of the RNC is the most reversive, subversive, anti-LGBTQIA platform that’s ever been put forward. In light of the critical nature of this election, at least as far as LGBTQIA people matter, this is a crossroads, a defining moment, for our country.” n
By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com For 75-year-old Joanne Carroll, serving as a delegate for the 2016 Democratic National Convention is the culmination of years of work — and a passion for politics. “I was a political-science major and I’m a real political junkie, so this is like filling a bucket-list item for me,” Carroll said. Carroll has lived in Pennsylvania for about 15 years; she moved here shortly after she transitioned, in 2001. “I basically suffered in silence for 59 years,” she said about being in the closet as a transgender woman. “I thought it was going to kill me if I didn’t do something so I came out in 2000 and transitioned the next year.” Carroll spent 20 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a master sergeant and earning a number of military accolades. After retiring in 1980, she worked in the hospitality industry for 18 years, working her way up to a general manager. She now runs a small web-design company and is president of the Transgender Education Association of Central Pennsylvania. The organization, known as TransCentralPA, focuses on advocacy and education about trans issues, as well as provides resources for trans people and
their families. As president, Carroll handles most of the organization’s operations — a feat that entailed her driving 18,000 miles across the state last year from her home near Lancaster. “We provide caring support to trans individuals and their families, friends and allies and also provide education to businesses, schools, anybody we can inform as to what the trans experience is about,” Carroll explained. When state Rep. Brian Sims contacted her and suggested she pursue becoming a delegate for Hillary Clinton, she said she jumped at the opportunity. There are expected to be a record number of LGBT delegates this year, about 10 percent of whom are transgender, Carroll noted. “Having visibility is an important thing,” Carroll said. “There are so many cases with the extreme-right rhetoric where they make it seem like we have horns and tails. Really, we’re just trying to get by and live our lives in the most peaceful way we can. So visibility helps, and so does sharing our stories.” Carroll said she has a packed week of caucus meetings, social events and convention activities. But she does have one goal that would help round our her bucket list. “If I can get a selfie with Hillary Clinton, that’d be really wonderful,” she laughed. n
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
EDITORIAL PGN
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Mike Pence
Editorial
Whirlwind week As of this writing, we’re midway through the Democratic National Convention. It’s been a whirlwind of a week, full of parties and protests, hunger and heat (who thought it was a good idea to have a convention in late July?), short deadlines and celeb spotting. As eager as we all are to say TGIF, it’s also been an incredibly inspiring week, which we’re trying not to lose sight of amid our growing political hangover. For the first time, a major political party in our country has nominated a woman president. The power of that statement was communicated most effectively through a video shown at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday depicting every single American president — all 44 men — followed by a photo of Hillary Clinton. Despite the ongoing rifts with diehard supporters of Bernie Sanders, it would be hard for any Democrat to not applaud what this shift means for future generations of women. Especially in light of Republican nominee Donald Trump’s abhorrent statements about women (and anyone else who’s not a straight, white cisgender man), that a woman is within reaching distance of the White House sets the bar for countless young girls to fulfill their potential. LGBT issues have also been integrated seamlessly into the fabric of the Democratic Party. Where four years
ago, there were still divisions on civil unions versus full marriage equality among some party leaders, the party is now lock, stock and barrel behind LGBT-rights issues. Countless speakers have referenced marriage equality, trans rights, hate crimes and more from the convention stage, giving these issues equal weight as immigration rights, racial justice and other movements. The moniker “LGBT” rolled off so many speakers’ tongues with ease, and elicited a cheer from the crowd at every turn. In the past few days, we have seen very visible LGBT support — from subway riders in rainbow shirts to delegates adorned with rainbow armbands and pins on the convention floor to equality posters being waved throughout the stadium. It’s been eye-opening to see so many LGBT and ally out-oftowners and hear their stories; living in such a progressive and affirming town as Philadelphia, we may tend to become isolated in a sense from the rest of the country’s LGBT community, and this convention has shown us both the depth and breadth of our community’s reach. The momentum is here now but, once the balloons fall, traffic eases up and the fences come down, that’s when the real work begins of keeping alive the inspiring energy that has permeated Philadelphia this week. n
Was anyone really surprised that Oh, and Donald Trump picked Indiana Gov. Mike speaking of Pence as his co-captain for the most terri- the unconfying boat ride since the Titanic? trollable Pence may be best known for signing sexual perIndiana’s “just say no to gays” law, the versions of intention of which was to give antigay gays, Pence bigots free reign to discriminate against thought that LGBT people so long as their discrimimoney for nation stemmed from a deeply held reliHIV/AIDS gious belief. In other words, if a baker would be doesn’t want to make a cake for some much better kind of homo wedding, he just needs to spent on antipoint out that “God hates fags” and he’s gay conversion therapy. Because if you stop in the clear. As God intended. all those gays from being gay, it’ll stop this This law gave antigay bigots major gay disease. Oh, he also was against neeboners, which they presumably showed dle-exchange programs. Because he clearly off during the secret signing session was an HIV/AIDS expert. Pence held for them. Remember when After the business community freaked Donald Trump claimed that the gays loved out, Pence signed a little him? That he was actufix to the bill to make it In 2006 as a senator, ally a better champion of less antigay, but it was gay rights than Hillary Pence supported basically window dressClinton? Wasn’t true then, amending the U.S. ing. and even less true now. Ah, but Pence’s anti “Donald Trump just Constitution to ban gay record is much doubled down on his marriage equality. He agenda of hate and dislonger than just some silly little discrimination said letting same-sex crimination by choosing law that brought scorn the notoriously anticouples marry would LGBTQ Mike Pence for heaped upon his state and resulted in a loss of bring “social collapse.” his ticket,” Chad Griffin, millions of dollars. president of the Human Clearly he was fore In 2006 as a senaRights Campaign, said in tor, Pence supported a statement. shadowing a Trumpamending the U.S. But hey, douConstitution to ban mar- Pence presidential bling down on bad deciriage equality. He said sions is right in Trump’s run. letting same-sex couwheelhouse, whether in ples marry would bring business or politics. “societal collapse.” Clearly he was fore The Republican platform this year is one shadowing a Trump-Pence presidential of the most antigay in history. Clearly they run. are hoping that when voters go to the polls, He was also against the Employment they will hate gays more than they hate Nondiscrimination Act, claiming in 2007, Trump. Hey, it worked in the past. And the “By extending the reach of federal law to past — where women can’t get abortions, cover sexual orientation, employment-diswhere brown people can’t vote, where gays crimination protections, in effect, can wage can’t marry — is what the Republicans love war on the free exercise of religion in the best. n workplace.” Because, you know, protecting LGBTs from discrimination is totally com- D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe parable to the horrors of war. it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the And speaking of war, Pence didn’t want world, she reviews rock and roll shows in Detroit any homos in the military because they with her twin sister and teaches writing at the would try to touch other privates’ privates. University of Michigan.
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OP-ED PGN
Hot July politics It’s a hot summer here on the East Coast, The best example — which he changed and usually a newspaper columnist expects his position on five times in only 48 hours that would be a period where people are — was regarding whether a woman should tuning out the news cycle and thinking be punished for having an abortion. It went of vacation. But this summer is an elecfrom yes to “the doctor should be puntion year so people are paying attention ished” to “both parties have to be responsito the news, yet my friends in ble,” then to “a woman needs to mainstream media seem to not be clear on what she is doing” to understand the English lanfinally the campaign stating they guage. would no longer field any ques Stop calling Donald Trump tions on this subject. a political outsider. In his own While asking for Clinton’s words, he has “paid off politiemails, why has no media outlet cians in the hundreds of thouasked to view Trump’s emails sands of dollars.” That is the dealing with his government ultimate political insider. contract? He boasts about win Some say Hillary Clinton ning the D.C. Post Office conis untrustworthy. Grow up: tract so let’s see his personal All politicians shade the truth emails regarding that contract. or, as is now popular now, As he has bragged, he gave “evolve.” Ronald Reagan (arms political contributions to win for hostages), Richard Nixon contracts, which brings us to … (Watergate), and I can name at Mark Segal Pay to play. This is a term that literally translates to giving least one item for each presipolitical contributions to win government dent. Trump lies. contracts or approvals. Trump has stated Examples: Mike Pence was his first he has done so, but has any media asked choice for vice president, Trump was the how many or which of his many governfirst to speak out against war with Iraq, he ment contracts were pay for play? And that supports LGBT rights (but then accepts brings us to … support from those who ushered in the “kill Stick to a point until Donald Trump gives you an answer. Stop allowing him to the gays” legislation in Uganda — how’s direct your interview. That’s called journalthat for foreign affairs?). Both candidates are viewed unfavorably ism. n by most Americans, but most of that flack Mark Segal is the nation’s most-award-winning toward Clinton is based on her “change commentator in LGBT media. His recently pubon issues” to better her political chances lished memoir, “And Then I Danced,” is availof winning. This is pure sexism since no able on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or at your one can deny that Trump is the king of flip favorite bookseller. flopping.
Mark My Words
Transmissions
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
Street Talk What's your opinion of Kathryn Knott's release from jail? "She should have spent more time in jail. Hate crimes should be taken more seriously. It's wrong to assault Nicholas Borsello anyone, but student singling out South Philadelphia someone because of prejudice makes the crime even worse."
"Her sentence was a slap in the face to the LGBT community. Her victims must feel awful. All of society Christopher should be Collinsgru outraged. She carpenter/electrician should have Kensington spent several years in state prison. There's no way to stop her kind of hatred. She belongs behind bars."
"Her sentence didn't reflect the severity of her crime. I think it was too light. She got special privileges because she's Deborah Drubin the daughter dog walker of a police Queen Village chief. I hope she learned her lesson, but I don't know that she did."
"Five months in jail is nothing. Some people get five months for stealing from a store. She should have spent two Daniel Ortiz years in state landscaper prison. One Queen Village year for the hate crime and one year for the actual assault. What she got was way too lenient."
Gwendolyn Ann Smith
As someone who has voted in every election since I first registered, I find myself more than ever having to wade in while holding my nose, voting for a candidate that I find passionless. If I have to fight so hard to feel up to this election, then I assume that many others may opt to stay home on Nov. 8. If enough people do, and the Republican presidential candidate wins, it could spell disaster for the transgender community. Let’s take a brief look at what the current resident of the White House and his administration have done for trans rights. The Department of Health and Human Services ruled that health-care providers who receive federal dollars can’t deny trans care. The Pentagon has opened up the military for trans soldiers. The State Department — then under Hilary Clinton — made it easier for transgender people to gain passports. Housing and Urban Development pushed for trans-housing protections. The Department of Justice fought hard to secure transgender rights,
including weighing in very strongly against North Carolina’s House Bill 2. The DOJ also joined the Department of Education on protections for transgender students nationwide. There’s plenty more, but these are some of the big ones. Most of these could be very quickly dismantled by a trans-hostile administration. It is impossible to pin down Donald Trump’s exact feelings towards transgender people. Heck, it is a Herculean task to figure out his stance on any issue, and you are more likely to find two or three options. It’s just as likely none of the above will be quite right. While appearing on NBC’s “Today” show in April of this year, Trump claimed transgender people should be allowed to use whatever bathroom they feel most comfortable with, and spoke in opposition of HB2, which — among other things — relegated trans people to the restroom on their birth certificates. It was a surprisingly liberal position in a time when GOP governors were pushing
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anti-transgender bills and Target was turning into a lightning rod for conservative ire. By the middle of May, his position had evolved. Well, sort of. He indicated it should be up to the states to decide the issue, while also contradictorily stating that transgender people should be protected under the law. He also tried to push that allowing trans people appropriate facilities would simply be too expensive. We do know, however, what the party feels about these issues. It was already endorsing bills like HB2 as far back as February, and included the same in their final platform before the Republican National Convention. Their platform claims that the administration’s guidance on transgender students under Title IX is “illegal and dangerous.” The platform, which may well be the most anti-LGBT in some time, includes provisions to protect businesses that refuse to provide services to gay and lesbian couples, and even supports long-since discredited “gay-conversion therapies.” The latter
presumably includes anti-transgender versions under the same umbrella. Speaking of which, Trump vice-presidential pick Mike Pence is a supporter of conversion therapy, suggesting during his first Congressional campaign in 2000 that money provided to care for people with HIV/AIDS should instead be given to such quackery. He’s long fought against LGBT rights, including marriage, employment protections and seemingly anything he could come up with at the time. Oh, and he also opposes the Obama administration’s policies on transgender students and, like his running mate, considers it a state’s rights issue. Indeed, this election could — for those of us who are trans — legislate away our very existence. You should be ready to fight against those who would rather see you forced out of our rights. Don’t sit this election out. Register now, and vote on Nov. 8. n Gwen Smith should have run for president this year. You’ll find her at www.gwensmith.com
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Drag performers welcome DNC to Philly By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com Before getting on stage Monday at a block party for the Democratic National Convention, Philly Drag Mafia performers chatted about a Melania Trump impression featured on Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” last week. thought Laura They Benanti, a Tony-award winning actress, nailed her parody of Melania’s cribbed speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. At one point, Benanti as Melania says she was born and raised in West Philadelphia, nodding both to the host city of the Democratic convention and the famous theme song to the television show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Ian Morrison, founder of Philly Drag Mafia, said he told the block-party performers that they didn’t have to do anything political. But, Morrison did his own Melania send-up when he performed as Brittany Lynn July 28 at Tabu. Meanwhile, he kicked off the midafternoon show at Philly Feast in Old City by singing a rendition of “Fever.” “I had to sing about the heat,” Morrison said. It was 97 degrees when he took the stage in a flame-red wig and striped dress. Soon after the show began, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney stopped by. Morrison called him over to the stage where they embraced and posed for a quick photo, while he continued singing. Other performances from Philly Drag Mafia included Thom Sirkot singing Elton
John and Navaya Shay doing a routine to Britney Spears music. “Philly is the most progressive city,” Morrison said. “We’re very lucky to be in Philadelphia. The city helped us get our rainbow street signs and rainbow crosswalks. Because of my Mummers affiliation, [the city] usually comes to me to get the Drag Mafia involved in events.” Morrison is a Democrat who plans to vote for Hillary Clinton in November. “I’m doing my part for Hillary on the lowest level possible,” he joked of the block-party performance. n
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
PGN DNC DNC from page 1
A visibly emotional Sanders on Tuesday officially released his delegates during the roll-call vote, making a motion to suspend the rules and nominate Clinton by acclimation. “I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee,” he said. Though the crowd erupted, some 200 Sanders delegates later assembled in a lot outside Wells Fargo to protest against the Clinton nomination. Sanders received a lengthy standing ovation when he took the stage Monday night, delivering a speech in which he acknowledged the disappointment from his camp that Clinton will earn the Democratic nomination. He went on to encourage supporters to take heart in the fact that the delegates earlier in the night approved the most progressive platform in Democratic history, which he said was a collaborative effort among his and Clinton’s supporters. He said the best way to implement that platform is by electing a Democratic Congress and Senate, and a Democratic president. “Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here tonight,” Sanders said. Pennsylvania LGBT Caucus co-chair and Sanders delegate Adrian Shanker told PGN he hoped the speech would help “unify Bernie Sanders’ supporters behind the party, to make sure people know the difference between electing a Hillary Clinton and electing a Donald Trump.” Jude-Laure Denis, an LGBT delegate from Lehigh Valley, was a Sanders delegate. “For me, the whole process has been disappointing in many ways because there have been no consequences in terms of cheating in the election,” she said, referring to leaked emails written by former Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and others, that illustrated favoritism for Clinton. “Last night brought me closer to voting for Hillary,” Denis added about Monday’s convention speeches. “But I’m still not there yet.” Monday’s program also included remarks by LGBT- and immigration-rights activists, as well as a rousing speech by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who led the crowd in chants of “We will rise.” First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a strong endorsement of Clinton in one of the night’s capstone moments. Obama highlighted the transformation the country has undergone that has enabled a black president to be elected and a woman to receive the Democratic Party nomination for president. She teared up when talking about her family having lived in a house that was built by slaves. “I watch my daughters, two beautiful, intelligent, black young women, playing with their dogs on the White House lawn,” she said. Obama talked about the values she and the president have sought to raise their
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daughters with, despite the “hateful language” and “cruel” bullying they’ve often faced in the public and political spheres, seemingly alluding to Trump’s rhetoric. “When they go low, we go high,” she said. “This election and every election is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives.” That transformation, Obama said, reflects the falsehood in Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. “Don’t let anyone tell you our country isn’t great,” Obama said. “This right now is the greatest country on earth.” She urged Democratic voters to spend the next few months actively campaigning for Clinton. “We need to knock on every door, we need to get out every vote, we need to pour every last ounce of our passion and our strength and our love for this country into electing Hillary Clinton as president of the United States of America,” the First Lady said. On Tuesday, the focus shifted to incorporate Clinton’s personal side in a keynote speech by former President Bill Clinton. He weaved his narrative of romance and raising a family over his wife’s resume. In a move that appeared calculated to quash Republican attacks that Clinton will be a weak president because of her weak marriage to a philandering husband, Bill spent the first 15 minutes on vignettes of each time he asked Clinton to marry him. The first time, he had taken her on a trip to London, her first time abroad. But she said no because she wanted to focus on her career. She was busy with social-justice work the next time he proposed. The third time, Bill decided to get a bit wonky, talking to her about the young Democrats in the 1970s. “They mean well and they speak well, but none of them are actually good at doing things to change people’s lives,” he recalled telling her. Clinton switched to the Democratic Party in college because she opposed the Vietnam War and supported civil rights. Over their years together, the former president said he’s seen his wife become “the best darn change-maker I ever met in my entire life.” He said someone could “rope her into any trouble spot, come back in a month and somehow she’ll make it better.” He detailed her work advocating for prekindergarten and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The theme of the night was “A Lifetime of Fighting for Children and Families.” Bill also touted Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State, saying she put climate change at the center of her foreign policy and negotiated the first agreement in which China and India agreed to commit to reducing carbon emissions. Clinton closed his speech on a note of inclusion, telling immigrants and Muslims, people Trump routinely disparages, that they are valuable Americans. n
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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HISTORY IN THE MAKING: About 50,000 people are estimated to have made their way to Philadelphia this past week for the Democratic National Convention. The convention opened Monday with speeches from a series of LGBT-, immigration- and disability-rights advocates, while Tuesday’s program incorporated gun-control activists. Big-name polticians and celebrities took the stage both nights, including First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders, singers Demi Lovato and Paul Simon and actors Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Lena Dunham and Meryl Streep. The thrust of both nights was promoting unity throughout the Democratic Party, a task that was punctured by an ongoing rift among Hillary Clinton supporters and some Sanders backers, some of whom walked out of the hall in protest after Clinton officially became the nominee Tuesday. President Barack Obama and Vice President were expected to address the crowd Wednesday, and Clinton was slated to accept the nomination Thursday. LGBT issues and LGBT speakers were front and center throughout the convention, as were LGBT delegates; there were more than 500 this year, comprising more than 11 percent of the total delegate count and setting a record for LGBT inclusion in the DNC. Photos: Scott A. Drake
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Out Clinton campaign manager talks inclusion Robby Mook Openly gay campaign manager for Hillary Clinton PGN: Eight years ago, the highest-level out campaign official was Steve Hildebrand; you are now at the pinnacle of political management in this country. When Hillary said to you, “OK, I’d like you to be my campaign manager,” did you discuss how your sexuality might be brought up? RM: She never mentioned it. One of the privileges of working on this campaign is how welcoming and accepting Hillary Clinton has been, her family has been and her entire campaign team has been. It was just not even a factor and we’re proud to have what I believe is the most diverse campaign in history, both in terms of members of the LGBTQ community but also people from all over the country, different backgrounds, different races and different religions. I’m really proud of that.
PGN: Are you surprised or is it part of the campaign strategy for Hillary Clinton to mention LGBT rights every time she does a speech? RM: I think that our country and voters believe in equality. They want all of our LGBT neighbors, brothers, sisters, parents, kids to be welcomed accepted in workplaces and in the community. It’s an important reflection of the secretary’s values that she talks about that. The message of our campaign is that we’re stronger together, and an important part of being stronger together is welcoming the LGBT community. PGN: Now that you’re taking this mantle, you’re going to be a role model for young LGBT people. What would you tell them about having a political life? RM: They need to value themselves, do what’s right every day and fight for their people. — Mark Segal
PGN: How much of a fight was it to get what is now the most progressive platform on LGBT issues through the platform committee? RM: It was one of the areas where there just wasn’t any disagreement between us and Sen. Sanders’ campaign. We both felt it was the right thing to do. We made important changes to the rules [Saturday] to make it more welcoming to the LGBTQ community. It wasn’t disputed, it wasn’t debate, it was done because we both believe it’s the right thing. from page 1
FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE MADELINE ALBRIGHT (TOP) SPOKE AT TUESDAY NIGHT’S CONVENTION, CALLING CLINTON THE “BEST” FOR THE JOB. SEVERAL-HUNDRED BERNIE SANDERS DELEGATES (ABOVE) WALKED OUT OF WELLS FARGO CENTER TUESDAY AFTER THE ROLL-CALL VOTE THAT SEALED CLINTON’S PARTY NOMINATION. SANDERS DEMONSTRATIONS HAVE BEEN HELD THROUGHOUT THE WEEK. Photos: Scott A. Drake
“She makes the same declaration on behalf of the LGBT community,” Clinton said. A series of LGBT speakers kicked off the convention Monday, including state lawmakers like Pat Spearman of Nevada and Tina Kotek of Oregon; labor leaders like Service Employees International United president Mary Kay Henry; and celebrities such as Jason Collins, the NBA’s first out player. Collins described how he came out to the Clintons, whom he said he has known for 20 years, before coming out publicly. “I knew [the Clinton family] would accept me for who I was and pave the path for others to do the same,” Collins said, going on to note Clinton’s LGBT work as Secretary of State and support for legislation like the Equality Act. “She knew my sexual orientation makes no difference in my ability to play basketball, just as someone’s gender makes no difference in one’s ability to lead our nation. “The choice for continued progress is clear,” Collins concluded, urging support
for Clinton. A video interlude also carried testimonials about Clinton’s LGBT record. A number of allies also referenced LGBT inclusion, and the Republican Party’s refusal of LGBT equality. “People should be able to love who they love and marry who they want to marry in the United States of America,” said Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez. “When Democrats say ‘We the people,’ we mean all the people … regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” convention CEO Leah Daughtry said to cheers. “No matter what you believe or who you love, we’re always stronger together.” LGBT speakers were scheduled for the duration of the convention, including out filmmaker and Philadelphia native Lee Daniels and openly gay and HIV-positive Georgia man Daniel Driffin. Driffin’s speech marked the first time since 2004 that the Democratic convention featured an HIV-positive speaker. Driffin was nominated for the role by a coalition of HIV/AIDS advocates, which included representatives of ACT UP Philadelphia. n
PGN DNC
Gay DNCC exec, former White House official, on future of LGBT equality Brian Bond Director of public engagement, Democratic National Convention Committee PGN: Tell me about what your journey has been like, going from a grassroots activist in Missouri to helping create the Victory to the White House, the DNC and now as an executive of the Democratic National Convention. BB: Probably the most inspiring moment I’ve had in a while was literally watching the platform process in Orlando a couple weeks ago. The appreciation and inclusion of the LGBT — and I emphasize transgender — support that was within the standing-committee delegation was amazing. You know as well as I do the long journey that has been going on for a very long time to get to the point where it’s not just whether LGBT issues are included in the platform, but how much to include or tweaking certain words. It was just amazing to see how embraced the community is, especially in this last platform process. PGN: When you look at this convention and the overwhelming number of LGBT delegates, the largest trans delegation we’ve ever had, can you say, “Job done”? BB: I can never say, “Job done.” I remember working with Rick Stafford in ’92 to try to get us over the 200 mark in delegates, standing committeemembers and alternates. We did that. That education process, while a little nerdy, of working with state delegations is a crucial part of integrating LGBTQ individuals into the party structure in larger policy discussions. Having people like Rick Stafford, Raymond Buckley and others work with supportive state chairs, who have lots of priorities to make sure we’re included in the process during delegate selection, brings new leaders into the party. PGN: You have been the go-to out gay man in the White House during probably the most pivotal administration for the LGBT community, the Obama administration. What was one of the hardest issues for you to deal with?
BB: I think the hardest issue to deal with was people’s expectation of how fast things could move or not move. The president couldn’t just wave a magic wand. I think the president used exactly the right strategy to ensure [the repeal of] “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was not only enacted as law but also to ensure that the armed forces were in a space to embrace and move forward. People want change quickly, and sometimes it doesn’t happen quickly. But if you look at what the president said in his first Pride event, he said, “Don’t judge me today, judge me at where we end up at the end of this administration.” I could not be prouder of Barack Obama and Joe Biden and the entire staff of the Obama administration for moving the ball forward. I would add electing Secretary Clinton as the next president is crucial to keep progress moving forward, especially involving some of the executive orders. PGN: If you’re talking to a young LGBT delegate this week who’s charged up to fight for Hillary, what do you tell that person they should be doing after November? BB: The first priority is to elect a president who cares about us and will fight and continue the progress we’ve made. And then I’d tell them to take that energy and continue to mobilize and use the relationships they built in this campaign to continue the discussion and build out a stronger program. Let me be clear: Many states have amazing programs, we just need more activists, more people, helping to get the issues across the finish line and educating legislators or changing legislators, if we’re going to bring about real progress. PGN: From 1976 to now, we have gone from almost 0 to almost 100 regarding LGBT political visibility. How do you explain that success to people? BB: I think at the end of the day we all want to be treated equally and we want to be judged on our merits. I think we are not 100-percent there yet but when you have people like Robby [Mook, Clinton campaign manager] in the role he has and many others around country, the number of LGBT elected officials, those barriers are coming down. They’re not done but they’re coming down. At the end of the day, we should be judged on our merits. That’s our ultimate goal of where we’re headed. n — Mark Segal
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So far this year, PGN has won 18 journalism awards! PA News Media Association Keystone Press Awards Second place, Editorial Second place, General News “Coverage of SCOTUS marriage decision” First place, Ongoing News Coverage “Coverage of Philadelphia gay-bashing case” Honorable mention, Niche Publication Second place, News Feature Story “Sisterhood and brotherhood in Gay Officer Action League” Honorable mention, Graphic/Photo Illustration “1965-2015 Timeline”
Society of Professional Journalists Keystone Pro Chapter Spotlight Contest First place, Best Overall Newspaper First place, Broadsheet Page Design First place, Commentary First place, Editorial Writing First place, News Photography “The marriage equality decision is announced.” First place, Online Breaking News “Marriage equality comes to America.” First place, Sports Photography “Squeezed Out” First place, Spot News Story “Kathryn Knott convicted in gay bashing” Second place for Spot News Story “Kathryn Knott takes case to court” Third place, Photo Story Annual Reminder Days Celebration Third place, Spot News Story “Marriage equality comes to America”
Society of Professional Journalists 2015 Sigma Delta Chi Award for Deadline Reporting (NON-DAILY PUBLICATION) “Marriage equality comes to America”
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locations in Philadelphia CENTER CITY — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD
12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Charlie was a Sinner, 131 S. 13th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Optimal Gym, 1315 Walnut St. • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • PAT@Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • Phila. FIGHT/ Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 2nd floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Scorpio Books, 205 S. Juniper St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Square One, 249 S. 13th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •
CENTER CITY OTHER — EAST OF BROAD
Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Bodhi Coffee, 410 S. 2nd St. • Bridgeview Place, 315 New St. • Cedrone’s Flowers, 800 Lombard St. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Filter Coffee Co., 331 Race St. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, 6th & Market sts. • Modish Hair Salon, 640B South St. • PGN offices, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. • Two Independence Place, 233 S. 6th St. •Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. • Wireworks, 301 Race St. •
CENTER CITY OTHER — WEST OF BROAD
Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drucker & Scaccetti, 1600 Market St., Suite 3300 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • PA Law Project, 2122 Chestnut St., Suite 1600 • Phila. Daily News, 801 Market St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Stir, 1705 Chancellor St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Westminster Arch Apts., Vine St., 3rd floor •
PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER
Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Awbry Aboretum, 1 Awbry Rd. • Caribbean Pharmacy, 3825 N. 5th St. •Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infinity Jewelers, 3528 Cottman+ Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Philly Pharmacy, 9475 Roosevelt Blvd. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •
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State finalizes new transfriendly Medicaid rules By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The state Department of Health and Human Services is finalizing new regulations to ensure trans Medicaid recipients are provided medically necessary transition services. The new regulations are the outcome of a federal antibias suit filed by “John Doe,” a trans Medicaid recipient denied a medically necessary hysterectomy. The lawsuit, filed in February, officially ended July 15 by order of U.S. District Judge J. Curtis Joyner. Services covered by the state include gender-confirmation surgery, hysterectomy, hormonal therapy, breast reconstruction, penectomy, vaginoplasty, mastectomy, vaginal dilation and release of labial adhesions. The state began covering such services in May, when the Doe case was tentatively settled, said Julie Chovanes, Doe’s attorney. Last week, Doe had a hysterectomy and he’s doing well, Chovanes said, adding he “is pleased and excited that his lawsuit brought justice to so many trans people across the commonwealth.” Gov. Wolf issued this statement about the new coverage: “I applaud the Department of Human Services for their commitment to ensuring all people are receiving the medical care they need. While this is a step forward for Pennsylvania, we still have work to do.
Pennsylvania is the only state in the northeast United States that does not have legislation to prohibit LGBT discrimination. This fundamental right is essential, and enjoys broad, bipartisan support.” Kathaleen Gillis, a DHS spokesperson, said the new coverage is consistent with federal antibias regulations. “[DHS] is committed to providing all Pennsylvanians with access to high-quality services, and we prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health-care programs,” Gillis said in an email. “DHS has worked with advocates, stakeholders and consumers to develop the framework for which prior authorization review for gender-confirmation services will be delivered in accordance with federal regulations.” She said the new state regulations are expected to be published in October. “Regulations have not been published at this time. DHS anticipates publication in October 2016,” Gillis said. “They will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the Commonwealth’s official gazette.” The regulations will be submitted to the state Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the state Attorney General’s Office for review, Gillis added, noting this “regulation package will merely strike the existing language, which currently prohibits payment for gender-transition services in Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Program.” n
Lesbian judge found liable for ethics violations By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Municipal Court Judge Dawn A. Segal, an open lesbian, has been found liable for seven ethics violations stemming from improper conversations with a corrupt judge. Segal stands accused of attempting to curry favor with then-Municipal Court Judge Josephs C. Waters by doing his bidding on three cases pending before her. Segal isn’t charged with any criminal wrongdoing. But in a 38-page opinion issued July 21, the state Court of Judicial Discipline found Segal liable for seven ethics violations, including bringing disrepute to the judiciary. The court can impose discipline on Segal ranging from a reprimand to permanent removal from the judiciary. A sanctions hearing is expected to be held within the next several weeks to determine Segal’s fate. She’s been suspended without pay since February, though she continues to receive health-care benefits. According to court records, Segal had multiple conversations with Waters in 2011-12 that violated the state’s judicial-ethics code. The FBI intercepted at least seven of the phone conversations, during which Segal indicated she’d rule consistent with Water’s wishes on three cases — and later informed him that she did so.
In one case, Segal granted a continuance. In another, she granted a petition for reconsideration. In a third, she prematurely downgraded a gun offense from a felony to a misdemeanor. The Court of Judicial Discipline said Segal should have contacted authorities immediately after Waters requested favorable treatment for a friend. By not doing so, Segal indicated to Waters that he could keep asking for favors. For her part, Segal maintained none of her rulings was influenced by Waters, though she acknowledged leading Waters to believe that he was influencing her. She also acknowledged the conversations were inappropriate, but noted that she cooperated with federal authorities investigating Waters for criminal wrongdoing. Waters, 63, is currently incarcerated in a federal prison due to a fraud conviction. His scheduled release date is Nov. 27, 2016. Prior to her suspension, Segal, 56, had been on limited duty. In January, a three-judge panel of the Court of Judicial Discipline held a daylong hearing on the matter. Segal wishes to return to the bench, but she’s not seeking to be compensated for her withheld wages, according to court records. She has until July 31 to file a response to the Court of Judicial Discipline’s findings, if she chooses. Her attorney, Stuart L. Haimowitz, couldn’t be reached for comment. n
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Philly4Pulse event raised more than $106K for victims By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com It took three minutes to read the names of the 49 victims, many of whom had Puerto-Rican roots, of this summer’s mass shooting at Pulse, an LGBT nightclub in Orlando. Wearing purple “Soy Queer Latin@” shirts, Fran Zavala Cortes and Elicia Gonzales commemorated the victims’ lives midway through a dance party July 21 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. The ballroom entrance was decked with glitter and a sign that read, “From rain comes rainbows.” More than 100 young people waved rainbow glow sticks inside. “I wanted to ensure that we remember why we’re here tonight,” Gonzales said, addressing systemic racism against black and brown queer people. “More than anything, I want to bring forward the idea that we have the opportunity to do better.” The party was part of Philly4Pulse, a Gayborhood-wide celebration to raise money for the shooting victims and their families. Fourteen bars participated in addition to William Way and The Wilma Theatre, which hosted the Bearded Ladies Cabaret and other performers. Mayor Jim Kenney, Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin and other notables served as celebrity bartenders to collect tips for the cause. Barwin earned a full rendition of “Fly, Eagles, Fly!” and some chanting. Though initial estimates put the fundraising at $70,000, donations poured in after the event, putting the final tally at $106,752.25. Philly4Pulse organizers originally sought to raise $10,000. Jeffrey Sotland, co-owner of Tabu who planned the fundraiser with the other bar owners, and William Way LGBT Community Center executive director
Chris Bartlett presented the final check to Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith July 27 at the center. Equality Florida has partnered with a national agency to ensure transparency and efficiency in disbursing the donations. The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and the OneOrlando Fund, administered by the city of Orlando, have also pooled resources with Equality Florida. Several Gayborhood roads were closed to cars during Philly4Pulse — including Locust Street from Broad to 12th streets and 13th Street from Spruce to Walnut streets — to allow people to move freely between the bars. A few-thousand people congregated at the various establishments. Woody’s opened its front windows and set up tall tables and a DJ booth outside. Valanni brought its signature white couches into the street so people could watch a lineup of lounge singers. On a number of corners, members of Stonewall Sports sold shirts that said #OrlandoStrong underneath the Liberty Bell. The group had 800 shirts made, and they were expected to sell out. “Philly is united in our support for the victims in Orlando,” said Adam Beck, a Stonewall Sports board member. “This is something that not only symbolically affects our community, but one of our former players was shot.” Angel Santiago, who now lives in Florida, is recovering from his wounds, Beck said. At Tabu, Gayborhood resident Mike Wass shouted, “Mark, could you pour me a beer? That would be awesome!” City Councilman Mark Squilla, who represents the First District, including the Gayborhood, served as a celebrity bartender.
Scott A. Drake Photography scottdrakephotos@gmail.com
WILLIAM WAY LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHRIS BARTLETT (FROM LEFT) AND TABU OWNER JEFFREY SOTLAND PRESENTED A CHECK TO EQUALITY FLORIDA CEO NADINE SMITH FOR $106,752.25 WEDNESDAY MORNING AT THE CENTER. THE FUNDS WERE GENERATED THROUGH A LARGE-SCALE GAYBORHOOD FUNDRAISER LAST WEEK TO HELP VICTIMS OF LAST MONTH’S MASS SHOOTING AT AN ORLANDO NIGHTCLUB. Photo: Scott A. Drake
“I thought it was a great opportunity to show our support for the LGBT community,” Squilla said. City Councilwomen Helen Gym and Blondell Reynolds Brown also volunteered at Philly4Pulse, along with Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the city Office of LGBT Affairs, and Rue Landau, executive director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. “In a society where it seems proper to hate,” Squilla added, “this really is the City of Brotherly Love where everyone can come together.” He said it set the right tone for welcom-
ing the Democratic National Convention to Philadelphia. Many of the people who came out to Philly4Pulse said they had been counting down the days until the fundraiser. They were excited to contribute. Friends Kenneth Glenn, 29, of Washington Square West, and Michael Mazzarella, 39, of Bella Vista, admired how many venues joined forces for the event. “We’re here to support the community,” Glenn said. “It’s awesome that the Gayborhood of Philadelphia has come together.” n
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Philly port increasing business with LGBT companies, city poised to follow By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com
A state and a local agency in Philadelphia have both made moves in the last six months to add LGBT-owned business to their lists of diverse companies from which to contract work. The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority will look to work with more LGBT compaProudly serving the LGBT community and PWA for over 25 years. nies, it announced at an event this month after the board approved a new diversity and inclusion plan in November. Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 Meanwhile, Philadelphia City Council held hearings in May to add “Lesbian, Gay, 255 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19103 Bisexual and Transgender Persons” as a (215) 732-8080 new category in the registry maintained by the Office of Economic Opportunity, Evening hours available. something officials said would require data analysis to complete. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce pegs this momentum to the arrival in the city of the Democratic National Convention. In a first for political conventions, Democratic organizers partnered with the LGBT chamber to help source companies. The convention committed to spending 35 percent of its budget with diverse businesses. LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976 HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM “That’s a big impetus to get Philadelphia moving on this,” said Jonathan Lovitz, vice president of external communications for NGLCC. “There are so many terrific LGBT-owned businesses in Philadelphia.” The local movement for business inclusion mirrors a national trend, Lovitz added. Over the last year, NGLCC has worked to certify LGBT businesses to bid on contracts with Massachusetts; King County, which includes Seattle; and the California Public Utilities Commission. “This is moving really, really fast around the country,” Lovitz said, noting the LGBT chamber is also working with the Philadelphia port and city council. An important difference exists between the two entities as they pursue LGBT inclusion. It has to do with how the programs get off the ground.
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Port Authority plan The Port Authority plan is now in effect. Kate Bailey, director of procurement, said her agency consults with the Independence Business Alliance, Philadelphia’s LGBT chamber of commerce, to build a database of LGBT businesses. “At the end of this pilot year, I’d like to say we saw a strong amount” of LGBT companies join the database to be considered for contracts, Bailey said. The port’s new policy seeks to add diversity to its major contractors by making them aware of subcontractors that are LGBTowned. The plan also added veteran-owned businesses as a new group of underutilized businesses. The port already recognized women-owned and minority-owned businesses in its previous diversity plan.
The new policy stipulates that an underutilized business must participate in at least 20 percent of the contract value awarded to a prime bidder. “We’re going from aspirational goals to contractual obligations,” Bailey said. City plan The earliest LGBT businesses could be included on the Office of Economic Opportunity’s registry is July 2017 with the publication of its Annual Participation Goals report for fiscal year 2018. Angela Dowd-Burton, the office’s deputy commerce director, said the goals would be generated in part through the completion of the Annual Disparity Study. Dowd-Burton offered this hypothetical example: If the disparity study found 10 percent of the region’s market was based on LGBT businesses, that would inform the goals the city sets for contracts to LGBTowned businesses. “A lot of this work is governed by very nitty-gritty legislation,” said Sylvie Gallier Howard, chief of staff at the Department of Commerce, which houses the Office of Economic Opportunity. “We’re very committed. We’re just working out how we technically make that all happen with all our requirements.” In May, Dowd-Burton offered testimony to a City Council committee to continue exploring ways to grow the registry of diverse businesses. Some LGBT advocates had concerns about the disparity study’s methods. “When you’re asking people to self-identify, it’s almost like asking someone to opt-in to potential discrimination,” said Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs. Nondiscrimination laws do not include sexual orientation or gender identity at the state or federal levels. National response Lovitz of the NGLCC said his organization prefers diversity programs to get started before data analysis is conducted. He said the chamber has proof LGBT businesses can take time to come out: In one year, the California Public Utilities Commission saw a 203-percent increase in the number of LGBT-owned businesses that joined the state-contracting database. Lovitz emphasized that there has never been a national codified study to understand the number and make-up of LGBT Americans. He said even the chamber’s own estimate, which notes 1.4-million LGBT business owners, is low. “Put a seat at the table first with no goals or benchmarks,” Lovitz said. “Once people know it’s safe to be counted and included in the procurement process, more people will feel comfortable coming to Philadelphia and doing business there. “If you build it, we know they will come.” n
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BLACK FILMS MATTER
Trans activist’s story featured at BlackStar Film Fest By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Next week’s BlackStar Film Festival, a showcase of and platform for independent black films from around the world, is focusing on the reality for transgender people of color, the prison complex and the intersection of race and gender identity through a number of films. One of the films featured this year, and garnering a lot of attention, is “Free CeCe,” the story of activist Chrishaun Reed “CeCe” McDonald, a transgender woman who was physically attacked by a group shouting racist and transphobic slurs. While fend-
ing off the attack with a pair of scissors, McDonald stabbed one of her attackers in the chest and he died from the wound. She was arrested for the stabbing and after a coercive interrogation was incarcerated in a men’s prison in Minnesota, charged with second-degree murder. Rather than risk decades in prison, McDonald accepted a plea deal that reduced her charges to second-degree manslaughter, receiving a 41-month sentence. McDonald survived her incarceration and emerged from it as an activist and a leader. Her story drew international attention and a Free CeCe campaign garnered significant support from media and public fig-
ures, including actress and activist Laverne Cox. Documentarian and director Jacqueline Gares said Cox’s efforts to bring McDonald’s story to light inspired her to make the film. “I saw Laverne speaking at the GLADD Media Awards in L.A. and she was talking about CeCe McDonald and the importance of her story and it just hit me,” Gares said. “I thought to myself, Why hasn’t anybody been doing anything on this story? Then I said, Why haven’t you pursued this? So I just went for it.” Gares contacted Cox and asked her to get involved in the effort.
“Her voice was incredibly essential for the shaping of the movie and the perspective, as well as CeCe’s of course,” Gares said, the latter of which they were able to get in person after the Department of Corrections in Minnesota OK’d their visit with McDonald. “We went up there and quickly realized after spending half the day with her that we had to come back and cover when she was being released from prison. The film started writing itself. As soon as CeCe was released, it was clear to me the commonality of CeCe’s story with a lot of other people, particularly women across the country and across the world. There was a lot of support PAGE 24
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FREE CECE from page 23
and an international movement that I was aware of but it was still resonating with a lot of folks even as we were doing production. We just kept filming and the result is ‘Free CeCe.’” BlackStar organizer and producing artistic director Maori Holmes said McDonald’s story was a natural fit for the festival, which runs Aug. 4-7. “This film is important to make sure the CeCe’s voice continues to be heard and the fact that she survived her attack is really important as well so that we’re not always talking about tragic trans lives,” Holmes said. “It’s a really well-done film. Also for us, because we focus on black folks, sometimes we have to show documentaries that are directed by non-black folks and this is one in which it really feels like a collaboration. We want to make sure that when we talk about Black Lives Matter that we’re talking about all kinds of black lives and people like CeCe are included in that narrative.” While the festival has always screened films covering LGBT themes and subjects, the types of film vary. “By and large, the work changes as the people change. We definitely don’t have a
PGN FEATURE
going to be at genre focus,” the BlackStar H o l m e s Film Festival, said. “We’re it was just always trya matter ing to show of having a balance it all come between together. But documentaas soon as ries and narthey asked, rative work. I jumped at This year we the chance have more to be on narratives the festival that we have because it’s had in the a younger, past. Often CECE MCDONALD (LEFT) AND LAVERNE COX vibrant queer with independent festivals, because documentaries black audience. That was the audience that I cost a little less, it’s easier to have more very much wanted to show this film to.” quality documentary work but we actually Gares said she hopes McDonald’s story have more narrative works this year. But impacts the audience in the same way it impacted her. that’s not on purpose.” Gares said she, along with the film’s In particular, she said, it highlights that backers and supporters, are excited about the treatment of trans women of color often receive from law enforcement and the prison its inclusion in the festival. “The Leeway Foundation, who is present- industrial complex is far from fair. ing this, really wanted us to come and show “It really got me to understand the levels the film to communities,” Gares said. “So of systematic oppression and how someone the whole community surrounding the festi- like CeCe really lives in the margins and val felt like family to us. We knew we were is very penalized by the system on a daily
basis,” Gares said. “Unfortunately, CeCe’s case isn’t unique in that aspect. There are many CeCes in prisons and jails across the country. It’s a smaller demographic of the population but of that demographic it’s unfortunate that incarceration happens to black trans women, as well as violence. It’s really another form of violence that this particular group of people are susceptible to, so that wasn’t unique. What was unique about CeCe is that she had a support committee. It really important for us to show the support she had in her community in Minnesota and across the world, and how this group of people were able to get the media message out about who she was, how she was attacked and that she was defending herself. That story needs to be told because the system wasn’t allowing CeCe’s story to come through. The support really made the difference in public opinion.” n The BlackStar Film Festival runs Aug. 4-7 at multiple locations near the University of Pennsylvania, 3420 Walnut St. For more information about the festival, visit blackstarfest.org or facebook. com/BlackStarFest. For more information on “Free CeCe,” visit www.freececedocumentary.net.
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The
Guide to the Gayborhood
The Philadelphia Gayborhood is roughly centered at 12th and Camac streets. Look for the rainbow street signs at intersections and remember to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. 1330 Walnut St. facebook.com/ boxersphl Sports bar with multiple plasma tvs, pool table, brick oven, more!
m
<—
Tabu
Woody’s
1302 Walnut St. 215.336.1335 rosewood-bar.com Elegantlyappointed cozy bar with high-end cocktails
200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com Sports bar / drag shows and bar food
202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com American-style bar food and large dance floor
m m
Chancellor St.
Four-level leather bar; basement enforces a dress code; pool tables pn two floors and big-screen sports action
m
m
St. James St.
m Locust St.
m Manning St.
m
Quince St.
Latimer St.
12th St.
Camac St.
13th St.
m
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The Bike Stop
Walnut St.
Juniper St.
m
Rosewood
11th St.
Boxers
r r Spruce St.
William Way LGBT Community Center
pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org
A resource for all things LGBT
Voyeur
1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub.com After-hours private club; membership required
U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660
Relaxing corner bar, easy-going crowd, popular for happy hour and window watching
Tavern on Camac West of Broad Street Stir Lounge
1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com Fun two-bar lounge, DJ in the back, regular poker games and specials
255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Piano lounge with upstairs dance floor; Tavern restaurant below is open late.
Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com Fine-dining restaurant and bar, outdoor seating (weather permitting), piano in back room
ICandy
254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com Three floors with a total of six bars; dance floor, lounge and rootop deck.
The Attic Youth Center
255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org Safe space and programs for LGBTs age 16-23 weekday afternoons and evenings
Pa. bars close at 2 a.m. unless they have a private-club license. Please drink responsibly.
PROFILE PGN
Family Portrait
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Suzi Nash
Michael Flynn: Country dancing, city living “If every time you take one step forward you take two steps backwards, don’t be discouraged: You just learned how to country line dance.”
loved it and started teaching. Originally we were at Raffles, which is where Tavern on Camac is now, and we’ve been at Woody’s now for over 20 years.
Nightclubs can be a little intimidating for some: the pressure to dance, shouting over the music to be heard, dreading rejection if you dare ask a stranger to join you on the floor and the fear of looking like Eileen on “Seinfeld” if you do get a yes. Fortunately, there is a night out that’s fun, free and footloose — a night where people of different ages and backgrounds have been gathering to get their boot-scooting boogie on for more than 20 years: the Friday night hoedown at Woody’s. Country Line Dancing and TwoStepping’ night at Woody’s starts at 7 p.m. and kicks its heels until 10 p.m. There’s never a cover and if you’re a little rusty or unfamiliar with the pretzel or the dip (hint: they aren’t food terms), from 7-8 p.m. you can get free dance instructions from one of the in-house instructors. We spoke to one of the talented teachers, Michael Flynn, to find out how the city boy turned into a country king.
PGN: That sounds like fun. MF: It is, we have a great crowd. It’s been amazing to watch it grow over the years into a wonderfully diversified group of people. We have black, white, old, young, straight, gay. It’s a nice alternative to the normal, usually very-loud, usually veryyoung club scene.
PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. MF: I was born and raised here in Philadelphia. I’m the second child out of six from a nice Irish-German Catholic family. PGN: With a name like Flynn, any St. Patrick’s Day traditions? MF: [Laughs] As a matter of fact, I don’t! I used to celebrate it with my family but now this Irishman stays home. I let the amateur drinkers have their day. PGN: What did the parents do? MF: My mom, like many women back in the day, was a homemaker, taking care of the six kids. My dad worked in a ball-bearing factory. We lived in a nice little rowhouse and we all went to Catholic school. PGN: When people think nice IrishCatholic boy from Philadelphia, they don’t generally think country music and line dancing. How did you get started? MF: It’s the strangest thing. I was working for Dignity, which is an LGBT Catholic organization I’ve been working with for years. I was at a Dignity event in Los Angeles in the late ’80s and country and line dancing was really big out there. Like most people from my generation — I recently turned 65 — I’d been big on disco. For years, I’d hit the club to go dancing to Donna Summers and Gloria Gaynor, etc. But this was the first time I’d seen touch dancing between two men, the first time I saw gay guys doing lead, follow, two-step. I really enjoyed it and not long after, about 1990, it came to Philly. I
PGN: I understand you just got back from the Poconos. MF: Just this morning. There’s an LGBT camping ground just north of Allentown called The Woods and it’s a great place. It’s a private campground and they have themed weekends: Leather Week, Bear Weekend, Latin Island Weekend, Frat Weekend and three times a year they have Country Weekend, so that’s what we were doing up there.
James. PGN: I seem to recall that some of the dances had fun names. Which one makes you giggle every time you say it? MF: There’s the Honky Tonk Stomp and the Caribbean Cadence but I’d probably say the Tush Push; it’s a classic! PGN: Going back, as a good Catholic boy was there a lot of inner conflict about being gay? MF: Absolutely. But I’m sure it was the same conflict felt by a lot of Baby Boomers. We didn’t have the Internet to learn about being gay and that we weren’t alone. About the best we could do was to look up homosexuality in the dictionary, which would give you a very dry, clinical definition. One of the things that I did when I first came out was to volunteer for the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard. We called it a switchboard but I think we had one telephone! It was at the Penguin Place, which was the forerunner of the William
PGN: You’re right. Wow, I haven’t heard Rita’s name in a while. MF: I know Dignity gave her a couple of awards. Back then, there were a handful of guys and one woman who did interpreting. Rita had my personal phone number and if she called me I always said yes. [Laughs] You’re bringing up memories!
PGN: What does it mean when you say you’re an instructor? Are you the one who calls, “Now swing your partner ’round and ’round?” MF: OK, that is square dancing. A lot of people get that mixed up but it’s a whole different kind of dancing. No, every Friday from 7-8 p.m. if you show up at Woody’s we have what are called line dances. You don’t need a partner for it, and we also have two-stepping where all you need is a lead and a follow. It’s totally different from square dancing, where you have to have four couples (eight people) dancing in sync. I’ve tried it and it was fun but I prefer two-stepping and line dancing, I find there’s a lot more freedom and less structure. PGN: So for someone not familiar with it, it seems like line dancing is the country equivalent of something like the Electric Slide. MF: Absolutely, positively. At every wedding, you’ve seen some kind of line dancing, whether it’s the Cha Cha Slide or the Cupid Shuffle. PGN: And two-stepping is somewhere in between? MF: Two-stepping is regular couples-style dancing, a little of a quick, slow, slow shuffle. We do some waltzes as well. There’s a lead and a follow with old-fashioned touch dancing. PGN: What are some of the dances you teach? MF: There’s the Texas Cha-Cha. There’s a new dance called the Chill Factor that’s really good. There’s a popular dance from the song “Boys in the Summer” by Jessie
gay bar, Rosco’s, I never looked back. I met a lot of people right away. One of the things I did was to take up sign language, ASL, and started doing interpreting. I don’t know if you remember Rita Addessa — she was the chair of the Philadelphian Gay & Lesbian Task Force — and I’d interpret for her. It was great because it gave me a chance to meet all the movers and shakers in the community. I wasn’t one of them but I got to witness LGBT history up close as a result. The very first AIDS march didn’t have an interpreter so they asked me. I went to the ERA March in Washington back when half the people didn’t even know what the ERA [Equal Rights Amendment] was! I was right in the thick of everything and got to see a lot of our most influential people just as they were starting to take leadership roles. It was pretty incredible. I’m so grateful for those memories. I hope people remember some of those like Rita who paved the way for the rest of us. We can’t and shouldn’t forget them. We just can’t.
Way Center. PGN: How did you get to Woody’s? MF: I came out and moved into Center City in 1976 with a friend of mine. It was the beginning of the disco era and people were just starting to talk openly about gay stuff. You had Studio 54 and the Village People and it was a very exciting time. I mean, I grew up on a nice street with a loving family but once I moved downtown and got the courage to walk into a
PGN: Good! And you’re giving me ideas; I should do a pioneers series [Rita, if you’re reading this, call me!]. But back to you, what was the most memorable or silliest moment doing sign language? MF: Well, the silliest was when I’d just started doing sign language. We were doing an event at City Hall and there was a guy, Irish, I forget his name, on City Council and he was very homophobic. Thank God, we had Jim Kenney and others to balance him because he was just ridiculous. We had an LGBT rally outside City Hall. There was a very strong deaf community and they’d asked for an LGBT interpreter but they ended up using a woman who was very good but not part of the community. She had the correct sign for lesbian but when she tried to sign gay, which normally is just simply spelled out G-A-Y, she inadvertently kept using a sign that was the derogatory term PAGE 30
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Honor boxes and free library locations 2nd & Chestnut sts. • 2nd & Fairmount sts. • 2nd & Market sts. • 2nd & Poplar sts. • 2nd & South sts. • 2nd & Walnut sts. • • 2nd & Wildey sts. • 3rd & Arch sts. • 3rd & Race sts. • 3rd & Chestnut sts. • 3rd & Market sts. • 3rd & South sts. • 3rd & Spruce sts. • 4th & Bainbridge sts. • 4th & Chestnut sts. • 4th St. bet. Arch & Market sts., by Holiday Inn • 5th & Chestnut sts. • 5th & Spring Garden sts. • 5th & Spruce sts. • 6th & South sts. • 7th & Pine sts. • 8th & Market sts. • 8th & South sts. • 8th & Walnut sts. • 9th & Market sts. • 9th & Pine sts. • 10th & Market sts. • 10th & Pine sts. • 10th & South sts. • 10th & Spruce sts.• 10th & Reed sts. • 11th & Arch sts. • 11th & Locust sts. • 11th & Pine sts. • 11th & Walnut sts. • 12th & Filbert sts. • 12th & Locust sts. • 12th & Manning sts. •12th & Spruce sts. • 12th & Walnut sts. • 13th & Arch sts. • 13th & Chestnut sts. • 13th & Locust sts. • 13th & Pine sts. • 13th & Sansom sts. • 13th & Spruce sts. • 13th & Walnut sts. •15th & Spruce sts. • 16th & Chestnut sts. • 16th St. & JFK Boulevard • 16th & Market sts. • 17th & Lombard sts. • 17th & Pine sts. • 17th & Spruce sts. • 18th St. & JFK Boulevard • 18th & Locust sts. • 18th & Market sts. • 19th & South sts. • 20th & Fitzwater sts. • 20th & Locust sts. • 20th & Pine sts. • 20th & Sansom sts. • 20th & Vine sts. • 21st & Walnut sts. • 22nd & Chestnut sts. • 22nd & Market sts. • 22nd & South sts. • 22nd & Walnut sts. • 23rd St. & Fairmount Avenue • 27th & Poplar sts. • 28th & Girard sts.• 29th & Girard sts. • 30th & Market sts. • 34th & Spruce sts. • 34th & Walnut sts. • 36th & Walnut sts. • 37th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Chestnut sts. • 38th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Spruce sts. • 63rd St. & City Ave. • 69th St. SEPTA station • 505 S. Fourth St. • Broad & Chestnut sts. • Broad & Ellsworth sts. • Broad & Race sts. • Broad & Spruce sts. • Broad & Walnut sts. • Front & Girard sts. • Germantown & Girard sts. • Juniper & Market sts. • Main & Cotton sts. • Main & Levering sts. • Passyunk Ave & 10th & Reed sts. • Passyunk & Mifflin sts. • South & Delhi sts. (front door of Whole Foods) • University City SEPTA Station • Walnut & Dock sts., by Ritz Movies • Welsh Road & Roosevelt Boulevard • Wyndmoor SEPTA Station •
Theater & Arts Aparna Nancherla The comedian performs July 30 at Punch Line Philly, 1004 Canal St.; 215-309-0150. Brian Posehn The comedian seen on “Comedian of Comedy” performs through July 30 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. The Calamari Sisters’ Clam Bake Delphine and Carmela return for more laughs through July 31 at Bristol Riverside Theater, 120 Radcliffe St.; 215785-0100. Creative Africa Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photography, fashion, sculpture and architecture by artists from Africa through Sept. 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.
Andorra Branch, 705 E. Cathedral Road • Blanch A. Nixon Branch, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway • Bustleton Branch, 10199 Bustleton Ave. • Falls of Schuylkill Branch, 3501 Midvale Ave. • Fishtown Branch, 1217 E. Montgomery Ave. • Frankford Branch, 4634 Frankford Ave. • Independence Branch, 18 S. Seventh St. • Joseph E. Coleman Branch, 68 W. Chelten Ave. • Kingsessing Branch, 1201 S. 51st St. • Lehigh Branch, 601 W. Lehigh Ave. • Logan Branch, 1333 Wagner Ave. • Lovett Branch, 6945 Germantown Ave. • Main Branch, 1901 Vine St. • McPherson Square Branch, 601 E. Indiana Ave. • Northeast Regional, 2228 Cottman Ave. • Oak Lane Branch, 6614 N. 12th St. • Ogontz Branch, 6017 Ogontz Ave. • Olney Branch, 5501 N. Fifth St. • Thomas F. Donatucci Branch, 1935 Shunk St. • Richmond Branch, 2987 Almond St. • Rodriguez Branch, 600 W. Girard Ave. • Roxborough Branch, 6245 Ridge Ave. • Southwark Branch, 932 S. Seventh St. • Welsh Road Branch, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd. • West Phila. Branch, 125 S. 52nd St. • Wynnefield Branch, 5325 Overbrook Ave.
Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art features some of the most prominent European and American artists of the past 50 years through Sept. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.
All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at
Godfrey The comedian seen on “30 Rock” and “Louie” performs Aug. 4-6 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.
http://www.epgn.com/pages/where_to_find Would you like to be on our distribution list? Contact: don@epgn.com or 215-451-6182 ext. 200 for delivery of complimentary copies.
Inside Out Philadelphia
THE ‘FAME’ MONSTERS: Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers team up for a concert when Heart, Joan Jett and Cheap Trick rock the house with an evening of legendary hits 7:30 p.m. July 31 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-365-1300.
Museum of Art presents an exhibition of largescale, high-quality replicas of favorite works from the museum’s collection to local neighborhoods through Nov. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Lloyd Ney: Local Color The Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of works by the American painter, sculptor, writer and artistic innovator known for pushing boundaries, embracing Modernism and stirring up controversy through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. Mia Siegert The author of young-adult thriller “Jerkbait” hosts a reading and signing 6:308 p.m. July 30 at Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960.
Plays of/for a Respirateur Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an installation by Joseph Kosuth that includes a selection of his work along with a group of seminal works by Marcel Duchamp through the fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. SOL The Trestle Inn hosts Latin soul, salsa and boogaloo music July 29-30, 339 N. 11th St.; 267-239-0290. Tête-à-Tête: Conversations in Photography The Michener Art Museum celebrates more than 25 years of regional photographic programming through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. 13: The Musical Media Theatre presents the Broadway musical about growing up and learning to fit
in through July 31, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100.
Music Digable Planets The hip-hop group performs 8:30 p.m. July 29 at Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Ave.; 215-896-6420. Garbage and Kristin Kontrol The alt-rock group performs 9 p.m. July 30 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1100 Canal St.; 215-6253681. Heart, Joan Jett and Cheap Trick The Hall of Fameinducted rock bands perform 7:30 p.m. July 31 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609365-1300. Josh Groban The singer performs 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-3651300.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Thin Lips, a young band in the Philly punk scene, shares its voice By Bobby Brier PGN Contributor Chrissy Tashjian began playing the guitar in fifth grade. “I grew up on The Beatles. My dad was in a cover band, so I loved Alice Cooper and all sort of stuff like that,” Tashjian said. Now the lead singer of the Philadelphiabased punk-rock band Thin Lips, Tashjian plays guitar alongside bassist Kyle Pulley and lead guitarist Chris Diehm, who also sings back-up vocals. Chrissy’s brother, Michael Tashjian, plays the drums. The band came out with their first EP, “Divorce Year,” in May 2015. Their first full-length LP, entitled “Riff Hard,” debuted A TRASHY GOOD TIME: Stylish alt-rockers Garbage land in Philly in support this past May. of their new album “Strange Little Birds,” bringing synth-pop singer and During their tour this former Dum Dum Girls member Kristin Kontrol 9 p.m. July 30 at The Fillmore summer opening for bands Philadelphia, 1100 Canal St. For more information or tickets, call 215-625Joyce Manor and Modern 3681. Baseball, Thin Lips helped to sell out two back-toswimsuit summer Jay Brannan Spill the Tea Space” and back shows in late June pool party, 5-9 The out singerRevue “Alien” at New York City’s Irving p.m. Aug. 5 at songwriter Drag performers A double-feature Plaza. It was at this venue Tabu, 200 S. 12th performs 8 p.m. Bridgett Jones, of sci-fi/horror in a small room with St.; 215-964Aug. 3 at World Astala Vista, Aloe thrillers are creaky hardwood floors Cafe Live, 3025 Vera, Elly Delight screened 2 p.m. located above the stage Outta Walnut St.; 215and Lilith L’Rah July 31 at the that Tashjian spoke to 222-1400. get the show going Colonial Theatre, PGN about how her life Town 11 p.m.-2 a.m. 227 Bridge St., experiences have shaped 9675. Erykah Badu July 29 at Tabu, Phoenixville; the band’s music. Tony Bennett The neo-soul 200 S. 12th St.; 610-917-1228. “Well, I’m queer, and The singer singer performs 215-964-9675. it’s definitely heavily influenced the way performs 8 p.m. 8 p.m. Aug. 4 at Josh Groban I make music and where I play music and July 29 at the Tower Theater, S. Splash Zone The acclaimed what I want to write about,” she said. “Also, Borgata Hotel, 69th St.; Upper Ariel Versace singer performs I’m a very anxious person, so I’ve kind of Casino & Spa Darby; 215-922hosts an evening 8 p.m. Aug. 5 worked through a lot of it by playing, and Event Center, 1011. of performances at the Borgata also touring has helped a lot.” 1 Borgata Way, by Phaedra Hotel, Casino & Beyond her own experiences, Tashjian disAtlantic City, N.J.; Spa Event Center, cussed navigating self-identity in the wake of Snoop Dogg and Phaded, Maria 609-317-1000. Wiz Khalifa Topcatt, Abowla 1 Borgata Way, the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla. The rappers Dix, Jolina Atlantic City, “Well I think that the thing that’s importBaby Jane perform 7 p.m. Jasmine, Ryan N.J.; 609-317ant to remember, especially about Orlando, Dexter Aug. 5 at BB&T Wyrofsky, Anna 1000. is that was a safe space for people, especially Pavilion, 1 Harbour Rexia, Chastity St. The singer queer, trans, gender-fabulous, mostly people performs 7:30 Blvd., Camden, Vampires Cartier and Anita of color. Which is a margin of people [that] p.m. July 30 at the The pulp action– N.J.; 609-365Manhattan 10 already deals with so much fear because of Rrazz Room, 385 horror film is 1300. p.m.-2 a.m. July the institution of racism, and police violence West Bridge St., screened 9:45 30 at Tabu, 200 S. and brutality. Turning that safe space into a p.m. Aug. 5 at the not-safe space for people that already don’t 12th St.; 215-964- New Hope; 888Nightlife 596-1027. Colonial Theatre, feel safe feels really fucked up.” 9675. 227 Bridge St., Tashjian said she’s shared her persective “It! The Terror Slay Ball Phoenixville; 610- on the Orlando massacre with audiences. Evoute Magic from Beyond Featuring Big 917-1228. n and Burlesque “I’m also a white person and I deal with Freedia Burlesque far less oppression. However, I will say that The TV personality performers and I’ve been talking every night about Orlando hosts an evening special guests, 7 and being a woman and being a queer to featuring DJ Dior p.m. July 31 at these huge rooms of young people and I’ve Send notices at least one week in Cartel, DJ Carl L’Etage, 624 S. connected with a lot of people who were advance to: Michaels and The Sixth St.; 215really shook up by Orlando and who are Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Philly Drag Mafia 592-0656. very grateful that this already-safe space Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 9 p.m. July 29 at that Modern Baseball is trying to create fax: 215-925-6437; Philly 2300 Arena, Bears of also involves queer people. And, you know, or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. 2300 S. Swanson Summer Modern Baseball are amazing. They have St.; 267-273-0945. Happy Bear’s Notices cannot be taken over the phone. gender-neutral bathrooms every night when
Notices
they can. They have a hotline if you don’t feel safe. They do so much. But, yeah, I’ve connected with so many kids who are so excited to meet an older queer person, so excited to hear people not just sweep it under the rug.” The conversation shifted from the persistent problems of our nation to the congeniality of the band members. “We know each other really well. I think we’re really supportive of each other. We get along; we’re able to talk out our differences,” Pulley said. “As crazy as we all are, I think we’re all similar people. We’re all sensitive and thoughtful and introspective.” Tashjian added that the queer acceptance from her bandmates has been motivational. “Being such a weirdo, freako queer where at home I mostly hang out with my queer friends, gender weirdos … being in a band with Mikey, who is the first person I came out to and therefore my first ally, and Kyle and Chris, they’re some of the best allies I could possibly ever have,” Tashjian said. “I love that I get to laugh with them and create a lot of music.” Despite the transitory nature of touring, Tashjian pointed to specific places and nutritional choices that remedy the wearied feelings associated with constant travel. “I take a lot of B-12. We’ve been trying to go to Whole Foods every day. I’ll get two salads so that I’ll have breakfast and lunch so that I’m not eating garbage. I feel a lot better doing that.” She added that the West Coast leg of their tour has so far been her favorite. “It’s like being in a wonderland. It’s like every city we went to is like a different level in Mario [Cart] or something.” With all the joys and difficulties of being on the road, Philadelphia is still home for the band, Tashjian said. “I don’t think I could relocate if I still wanted to be a musician. All of my friends own studios and all of my friends are in great bands who I get to play music with. It’s so inspiring to be around so many people that I admire so much all the time. Philly rips.” n To learn more about Thin Lips and to listen to their music, check out the following social-media platforms: Bandcamp: https://xxthinlipsxx.bandcamp. com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ XThinLipsX/ Instagram: @thinlips Twitter: @xthinlipsx
30
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
PORTRAIT from page 27
— the equivalent of “faggot” or “queer,” before we took the word back. We were like, “Oh my God!” and she kept doing it! Most deaf LGBT people were afraid to go correct her because it’s such a close-knit world; they were afraid she might know their parents. We corrected her right after because she really didn’t know and meant no harm, but oh my. PGN: You’ve mentioned Dignity a few times. Is your faith important to you? MF: Yes, it’s very important to me. I’m very happy that Pope Francis is all about change, but sad that our archbishop in Philadelphia has been showing himself as the face of homophobia. But I’m still a part of Dignity and still go to Mass; it’s just a part of me. PGN: What other things are you involved with? MF: That’s pretty much it. I’ve been working as a bookkeeper for a law firm for a few years and hope to retire next year. I’m really blessed to have met a lot of good people through Dignity and through country dancing. Oh, and I love to travel. I’m a cruise-aholic! My next trip is a cruise to Alaska. Geography is my first and most fervent love. My dad bought me the National Geographic when I was 10 and since then I’ve been to 35 states and I’ve been to Europe nine times. PGN: Why is travel so important? MF: I think it’s vital to your own growth to see and meet other people and learn about other cultures and places. Grow where you’re planted but get out there and see the world! Please! Get out of your comfort zone and experience different ways of living. PGN: It should be mandatory. What’s the farthest you’ve traveled? MF: St. Petersburg in Russia about 10 years ago, it was very beautiful. Of course Russia is so homophobic these days I don’t see myself going back. Though the farthest might be Iceland. If you want to go somewhere that’s not like anyplace else you’ve been, go to Iceland. PGN: Some random questions: GI Joes or Barbie dolls? MF: Neither, but I loved doll-house furniture. PGN: Something that you would really like to learn how to do? MF: I speak English and ASL. I’d love to learn how to speak French so I can be called a polyglot.
PGN: What sites would we find on your favorites bar? MF: iTunes, National Geographic and the History Channel. I’m a history fanatic. PGN: What era would you go back to? MF: World War II era. As I said, I’m a history buff and I’d love to see how people lived in the ’40s and how the war affected them. PGN: You just celebrated a birthday. What did you wish for when you blew out the candles? MF: The same thing I wish for every time: a happy and healthy year ahead. So far it’s worked! I got to ride the bus for free for the first time so that was exciting! PGN: A funny or memorable country-dancing moment? MF: One of the last times I manned the switchboard back in the day, a woman called up. She was just coming out and wanted to know what to do. I rattled off a number of places to go like Giovanni’s Room and I happened to mention country-dancing night. She perked up at that, so I gave her a little spiel about it. That Friday I was out dancing — one of the nice things about country night is that everybody dances with each other — so I was dancing with this woman and explaining that I was the instructor and I asked her how she found out about it. And of course it was the same woman! We weren’t supposed to reveal ourselves to callers, but I couldn’t help telling her that I was the one who recommended it. It was really cute. One of the nicest parts are the things that I’ve heard from people who are sometimes marginalized in the community, maybe someone who wasn’t the best looking or the best dancer, maybe a woman in a men’s club or a person of color and they all say that country night is a night where they felt totally accepted. It was true 20 years ago and I still hear it now. I’m not putting down disco dancing — I do that too and love it — but this night is something special that we built, something different from the drugs, the loud music or the social status of the normal club scene. Something that we started when everyone else said, “Oh no, no one is going to want to hear country music! People want to dance to Donna Summer and Diana Ross.” Like so many of the things in the community, we got together and created it, and it’s still going strong. I’m very proud of that. n To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.
pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Q Puzzle Is Being Gay in Your Genes? Across
1. Straight, to mixologists 5. Lindsay of “Liz & Dick” 10. Cut 14. Composer Thomas 15. Commandment word about coveting thy neighbor’s ass 16. Whom Lincoln showed malice toward, in a speech 17. Enterprise helmsman 19. Cho, who plays 17-Across as a gay character 20. Screw-up 21. Really sucked 23. Invitation to a top? 26. Cake parts 27. Portrayer of 17-Across on TV and in movies 32. Melissa Etheridge’s “___ It Heavy” 33. Complexion affliction 34. Paul of _Hollywood Squares_
39. Fruits did this in the orchard 40. What the smithy did to a stallion 42. On the calm side 43. Greek fabulist 45. Cinder suffix 46. News columnist Lisa 47. Gene, who created the character of 17-Across 50. Bewitch 54. Cole Porter’s “Let’s ___” 55. 3-D Disney movie of 2000 58. Cicely of “Fried Green Tomatoes” 62. With 63-Across, movie with 17-Across as a gay character 63. See 62-Across 66. Toledo’s lake 67. James Baldwin work 68. Movie dog 69. “L,” in box scores 70. Debussy contemporary Erik 71. Someone
who’s kind of queer
Down
1. Slangy refusals 2. “Dancing With the Stars” cohost Andrews 3. “Diana” singer 4. “No, No, Nanette” song 5. SEC powerhouse 6. Understanding comments 7. Dwelling, to the von Trapps 8. Weight loss product 9. Set with an unknown number of members 10. “Have a ball!” 11. Lorna of literature 12. “___ Shoes” (Toni Collette movie) 13. Sees to 18. Made a “clang, clang, clang” sound 22. Word with Mary 24. Angry in., for example 25. Emulated Paul Cadmus 27. “Do What
U Want” Lady 28. Land of Emma Donoghue 29. They’re straight on the Kinsey Scale 30. “I’m ___ Cowhand” 31. Passed out, with “over” 35. “Happy Talk,” perhaps 36. Glenn Burke, formerly 37. Bambi, e.g. 38. Start of a counting rhyme 41. Paul of “Little Miss Sunshine” 44. Sheryl Swoopes and Michael Sam 48. Uses a gifted tongue 49. Word before “my shorts”
50. Ford lemon that was not fruitful 51. Big bang cause, briefly 52. Lover of Henry and June 53. Social customs 56. Bear that may be a minor 57. Silence for Saint-Saens 59. “I’ve had better...” 60. “I’m ___ your tricks!” 61. Minn. neighbor 64. Word after “Cobra” in “The Karate Kid” 65. Tournament exemption for Mauresmo
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Activism/Politics
ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) meets 6-9 p.m. Mondays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-386-1981, www.actupphilly.org. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; www.dvau.org. Equality Pennsylvania holds a volunteer night 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; 215-731-1447, www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia holds general meetings 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month, except August and December; 215-243-7103, www.gpop.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club meets seasonally; www.libertycity.org.
Arts
Library Book Club meets to discuss a new book 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at William Way. Men On Tap, an LGBT group that performs with choirs, organizations and at the Fringe Festival, rehearses 8 p.m. Mondays at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; dale@ magicalfantasies.com. Philadelphia Freedom Band, an audition-free LGBT band that does concerts and parades, rehearses 7-9:30 p.m. Mondays; philadelphiafreedomband.com. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 215-731-9230, auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia’s first mixed LGBT chorus, rehearses 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at William Way; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective workshop and discussion group meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at William Way. Reading Queerly, open to all women and genderqueer/ trans people, meets 6:45 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.
Recreation
Gay Bridge Club non-beginners group meets Monday 2-5 p.m. at William Way; reservations required. Call 215732-2220. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club meets 5:30-10:30 p.m. at Abner’s Steaks, 38th and Chester streets; 215-382-0789. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists meets 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at William Way; 215-985-1456, www.humboldtsociety.org. Independence Squares LGBT square-dance club, modern Western square dancing hosts an open house and Tuesday classes in the fall at Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; philadances@gmail.com, www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape; 267-2306750. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social activities for senior gay men are held 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at William Way. PhilaVentures, Philadelphia’s LGBT outdoor group, meets for hikes in Wissahickon Valley and Valley Forge Park; philaventures.org.
Sports
Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club meets for practice at p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Greenfield Park, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area with games on Sundays, beginning in April, at the Dairy and Edgeley Fields in Fairmount Park; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners running club meets 9:30 a.m. Saturdays for a run and brunch at Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www.philadelphiafrontrunners.org. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club, open to LGBT and allies, practices 8-10 p.m. Mondays and 2-4 p.m. Saturdays; www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team, open to male and female swimmers, meets 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Friends Select School and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; www.philadelphia-fins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League meets 8 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at South Bowl, 19 E. Oregon Ave.; 856-889-1434, philagaybowling@yahoo.com. Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League plays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at FDR Park; www.phillyflagfootball.com
Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club, open to players of all skill levels, meets 7:45 p.m. Thursdays at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; 215-913-7531, philadelphiagryphons.org, becomeagryphon@gmail.com. Philadelphia Liberty Belles women’s semi-pro full-tackle football league holds fall tryouts; phillybelles.com. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association plays yearround, all skill levels welcome; philadelphialibertytennis. com. Philadelphia Firebirds women’s football team seeks players; www.philadelphiafirebirds.com. Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League seeks players, all skill levels and ages. Practice is 7 p.m. Thursdays at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater streets, with games at 2:30 p.m. Sundays; 215-991-5995 (day), 301-919-1194 (evening), phillywomensbaseball. com. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; 917-656-1936, phury@gayhockey.org. Philly QCycle LGBT bicycling club promotes organized recreational riding for all levels in the Greater Philadelphia region; contact the organization via Facebook. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley motorcycle club meets regularly; 215-836-0440, www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Boulevard Lanes in Northeast Philadelphia; rainbowrollers.com. Spartan Wrestling Club gay wrestling team meets 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-732-4545, www.phillyspartans.com.
Etc.
AIDS Law Project provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing at 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600; 215587-9377, www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity, Philadelphia-area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends; http://biunity. org. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols, for LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for self-defense, meets 1 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at The Gun Range, 542 N. Percy St.; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistolsdelval.org. Delaware Pride holds planning meetings 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 Main St., Newark; 302-265-3020, delawarepride.org. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance holds open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays during the school year in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; 610-896-4938. Men and Women for Human Excellence support group meets from noon-2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month at 26th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue; 267-2733513, cmoore8300@yahoo.com. Long Yang Club Philadelphia, social organization for gay Asians and their friends, holds monthly socials; www. longyangclub.org/philadelphia. Our Night Out, a casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, friends and colleagues, meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, email OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; more information on Facebook. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice offered 5-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month; 215-238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; primetimersofphiladelphia@yahoo.com. Philadelphians MC Club, for leather men and women, meets 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; philadelphiansmc.org. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL-affiliated, weekly HF nets, quarterly newsletter; www.rara.org. Silver Foxes, a social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older, meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month at William Way; 215-732-2220. SNJ Queers meets monthly for queer/queer-friendly folks in South Jersey to mix and mingle; 856-375-3708, wmf69@comast.net.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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Community Bulletin Board Community centers
■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088
■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.
■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Key numbers
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377
■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378
■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330
■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ 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)
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
Health
Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-
108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, 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, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 29-Aug. 4, 2016
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