PGN July 31 - Aug. 6, 2015 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Family Portrait: Braxton McCloud: All the world’s a stage

Bethlehem film fest gains new support

PAGE 35

Memorial and fundraiser announced for Donna Mae

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July 31 - Aug. 6, 2015

Since 1976

PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Vol. 39 No. 31

LGBT victim-advocate position created By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com

WE ARE THE CHAMpIONS: Members of the red “Got the Runs” and yellow “Come On My Base” teams congratulate one another after the championship of the Stonewall Kickball Sunday League July 26 at Marconi Plaza. The red team took home the crown in an 8-1 victory, after which players from throughout the league congregated at North Shore Beach Club for an after-party. Registration closed this past weekend for the kickball league’s fall season, which starts Aug. 27. Photo: Scott A. Drake

The Center City Crime Victim Services of Philadelphia has created a new LGBT victim-advocate position, following the receipt of a state grant. CCCVS, which is responsible for servicing the Gayborhood and Chinatown, is now accepting applications for the fulltime position. The primary responsibility of the job is to foster a sense of safety and support among victims in the LGBT community in the hopes of increasing crime reporting and participation in the criminal-justice process. Additionally, the advocate will work to raise awareness and education about victims’ rights throughout the city and state. CCCVS executive director Sherry Hunter said she had wanted to create the position for several years now, but it was not possible until the agency received grant funding. “I’ve been wanting to do this for years,

but we just haven’t had the funding until now,” Hunter said. “When a grant opportunity came up through Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, we applied.” Hunter said the agency learned it received the grant earlier this month, and she hopes to fill the position by Sept. 1. The impetus to create the new position arose from a number of LGBT people who have been victimized in the Gayborhood contacting CCCVS. “We have a lot of contact with people that have been assaulted there,” Hunter said. “It’s obvious to us that there is a need in that community.” Several years ago, CCCVS hired a Mandarin-speaking advocate to address constituents in the Chinatown area. According to Hunter, that move was a big success, and she is optimistic the LGBT advocate will have similar results. “More people started speaking out because there was someone who is familPAGE 17 iar with their culture,”

Local support varies for Equality Act By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com More than 200 federal lawmakers have signed on to the first-ever federal Equality Act — which would prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination in a number of sectors — including a number of local legislators. The 165 cosponsors include

Congressmen Brendan Boyle (D-13th Dist.), Matt Cartwright (D-17th Dist.), Chaka Fattah (Second Dist.), Michael Doyle (14th Dist.) and Robert Brady (First Dist.) from Pennsylvania. However, neither Sens. Bob Casey (D) nor Patrick Toomey (R) cosponsored the Senate version. A member of Casey’s staff told PGN the senator “has not yet

decided whether or not he’s going to support it since it was just introduced,” but that he will release a statement on the legislation in the coming weeks. The legislation would amend a number of federal laws to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accomPAGE 17 modations,

Scouts lift ban on gay adults By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The Boy Scouts of America’s national executive board voted this week to allow gay adult employees and volunteers into the organization, but local units will be permitted to exclude them due to a religious exemption.

Scouting units include Boy Scout troops, Cub Scout packs, crews, teams and groups. About 70 board members attended a July 27 meeting and teleconference in Irving, Texas, when the new policy was approved. About 79 percentof the board approved the policy, which goes into effect immediately.

Two years ago, the organization lifted its ban on gay youth. But LGBT advocates say that local units banning gay adults also create a hostile environment for gay youth. There are about 100,000 BSA units throughout the country, and the majority are religiously PAGE 17

SUMMER SIZZLER: Stogie Joe’s was packed Tuesday night for Queers on the Avenue, a monthly traveling happy hour for LGBTs and allies in the East Passyunk Avenue area. This month’s event was staged in collaboration with Independence Business Alliance, the local LGBT chamber of commerce. More than 100 guests enjoyed food and drink specials, networking and the opportunity to learn about both groups. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

PGN REGIONAL

D.A.’s office reiterates its refusal locations in Philadelphia to provide Morris records NORTH OF Center City

1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Barnes & Noble, 1700 N. Broad St. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st floor • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Vice Coffee, 1031 Spring GardenSty. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •

SOuth of Center city

Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • Wedge Medical Center, 1939 S. Juniper St. •

UNIVERSITY CITY

Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 30 S. 33rd St., Rom. 113 • Christian Association, 3627 Chestnut St. • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Metropolitan Community Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

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 •

FREE LIBRARY BRANCHES

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.

All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at

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.

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office last week reiterated its refusal to provide certified records pertaining to the Nizah Morris incident. PGN is seeking certified copies of dispatch records for a traffic stop initiated by Officer Elizabeth Skala in 2002, around the same time she gave a “courtesy ride” to Morris. Shortly after the ride, the trans woman was found with a fatal head wound. Her homicide remains unsolved. PGN contends the D.A.’s Office has at least one dispatch record for the traffic stop, which was given to the office by PGN in 2013. The state Office of Open Records ordered the D.A.’s Office to give a copy of the record to PGN last year, after the agency indicated it’s a complete record for the traffic stop. The D.A.’s Office complied with OOR’s order, and sent a copy via the U.S. Postal Service in October. At the time, the paper was requesting complete records for the traffic stop, not a copy of the record it gave to the D.A.’s office, which is missing the incident’s priority level. But now, PGN is seeking a certified copy of the record, along with all other dispatch records for the traffic stop in the D.A.’s possession. Certification verifies that an agency recognizes the identity of a record that it’s giving to a requester. In a July 22 submission to the OOR, the D.A.’s Office said it merely returned a record to PGN last year, and doesn’t have to certify it. The office also said multiple affidavits of non-existence have verified that it doesn’t

have other records for the traffic stop. Additionally, the office termed PGN’s certification request “harassing” and “redundant” in nature. For its part, PGN argues that the D.A.’s affidavits haven’t been based on “actual knowledge,” otherwise the office wouldn’t have sent PGN any record. Affidavits of non-existence are required under law to be based on “actual knowledge,” the paper notes. PGN has requested a public hearing in the dispute, which the D.A.’s Office opposes. But the office hasn’t directly responded to PGN’s alternate offer of participating in mediation. Babette Josephs, a member of the Justice for Nizah Committee, expressed hope that the D.A.’s Office will be forthcoming about the Morris records in its possession. “If they don’t have the records, let them deny it in accordance with the law, and we’ll go away,” Josephs said. “But if they’re not going to produce the records and they’re not going to deny they have them as they’re required to do by law, then we need a public hearing. We’re not being unreasonable. If they don’t have the records for whatever reason, poor record-keeping, I don’t know — we’ll accept that fact. We have to. But let them say so, clearly, according to law.” Charles P. Goodwin, an attorney for PGN, noted the irony of the situation. “It’s ironic that now that PGN actually seeks a copy of a record it received from the D.A. due to an OOR order, it’s having difficulty getting it,” Goodwin said. “This is just another strange aspect of the Nizah Morris case.” By presstime, the OOR hadn’t ruled on PGN’s certification request, nor its request for a public hearing. n

N.J. school board member under fire By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com A member of the Franklin Township Board of Education in New Jersey is facing backlash after he applauded the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality at the Franklin Township High School graduation ceremony. Ed Potosnak, an openly gay man, talked about how the Supreme Court’s decision would help end sexual orientation-based discrimination, according to a statement released by LGBT-advocacy organization Garden State Equality. But Pat Stanley, another board member, is calling for his resignation because of the speech. According to GSE, Potosnak’s speech was met with “cheers and applause,” but that did not stop Stanley from writing a

letter to the board calling for Potosnak’s resignation. “Commencement speeches are meant to teach students about the world they’re entering. Ed Potosnak sent a positive message about love, acceptance and the historical importance of the moment, which is absolutely appropriate and necessary,” said Aaron Potenza, GSE’s Bullying Resource Center organizer. “Our students need positive messages that show the importance of respecting identities, including LGBT identities. Ed Potosnak has done the work of a great educator.” GSE members turned out to demonstrate support for Potosnak at the most recent Board of Education meeting, July 23 at Franklin Township High School in Somerset. As of presstime, GSE could not be reached to comment about the meeting. n

pGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

pGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Weekly features

This week in pGN

News&Opinion 7 — News Briefing 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Letters/Feedback Street Talk Transmissions 15 — Crime Watch International

A group of Joseph Beam fans gathered at the William Way LGBT Community Center to snap up a copy of a new book about him.

33 34 34 35 38

— — — — —

C o l u m n s

Scene in Philly Comics Q Puzzle Family Portrait Out & About

37 — Get Out and Play: A very special new award and championship photos

Classifieds 43 — Real Estate 45 — Personals 47 — Bulletin Board

Our third Youth Supplement this year has a page for just about every young adult. Check out our special section in the middle of the paper. Page 1 — Youth art show, Delaware Teen Idol wraps up Page 2 — College GSAs, local community centers Page 3 — A struggle with self-hatred Page 4 — On Cait Jenner, International Trans Day of Visibility at Camden-Rutgers Page 5 — Saying ‘no’ to discrimination, ‘yes’ to getting out and about this summer and fall Page 6 — Poetry, HIV testing sites Page 7 — Recaps on Youth Pride and Philly Dyke March

Musician Ximena Violante focuses on queer immigrants.

“It was like every time you went to something, the first question was, ‘Will Donna Mae be there?’ and the second was, ‘What will she be wearing?’” ~Philly AIDS Thrift co-founder Tom Brennan, page 8

Two weeks Summerperfe Wedding Issue

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Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 1976-2015 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 Copyright © 1976 - 2015 Copyright(s) in all materials in these pages are either owned or licensed by Masco Communications Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliate companies (Philadelphia Gay News, PGN, and it’s WWW sites.) All other reproduction, distribution, retransmission, modification, public display, and public performance of our materials is prohibited without the prior written consent of Masco Communications. To obtain such consent, email pgn@epgn.com

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Memorial Service In Remembrance Of

Donna Mae Stemmer, 82 (1933-2105)

Saturday, 8/8/15 at 1pm St. Luke and the Epiphany Church 330 S. 13th St., Phila, PA

Reception at Knock Restaurant To Follow Services Family & Friends Are Invited To Attend WOMYN WARRIORS: QSpot Philly honored womyn and trans leaders at its monthly gathering July 25 at 3535 Market St. The event included a panel discussion on issues impacting womyn and trans individuals, as well as presentation of awards to a number of locals creating change in their communities, including Sharron Cooks (with award, from left), DeAnn Cox, Christian Axavier Lovehall and Andrea Harrington. QSpot’s next event, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 22, will focus on religion and sexuality. Photo courtesy of QSpot

Bethlehem film fest returns with new support By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com The fourth-annual LGBT Film Series at SteelStacks returns to Bethlehem in August with a lineup that includes several award-winning films. The festival runs Aug. 27-Oct. 4 at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Lineup highlights include “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine,” “The David Dance,” “Liz in September” and more. The event kicks off with the Golden Globe-nominated “Kinky Boots.” Tickets are $10, $8 for students and seniors and $7.50 for members. The event, made possible by TD Bank, the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Pride of the Lehigh Valley and ArtsQuest, is designed to raise awareness about LGBT issues. “The festival is both entertaining and informative for people of all ages,” said Mark Demko, senior director of commu-

nications at ArtsQuest. “We wanted the lineup to highlight and celebrate LGBT themes through documentaries as well as ‘regular’ movies.” New this year is the addition of two backto-back short films. Both are 20-30 minutes each. “We’ve never taken a chance of showing two titles in one night,” said Ryan Hill, ArtsQuest programming director of cinema and comedy. “But we think audiences will love both films.” Also, thanks to TD Bank, a pre-festival reception will be held on the opening night. “We have never had the corporate support before like this,” said Hill. “TD Bank has been a big supporter of other ArtsQuest initiatives, but they are really promoting equality and wanted to help spread awareness for LGBT issues. They’re an incredible partner.” Hill said the festival has continued to grow over the past few years, and he is expecting 500-750 people to attend this year. Part of the festival’s success can be attributed to a fresh lineup every year. “We like to kick things off with a classic like ‘Kinky Boots’ and make people aware of what else we have to offer,” said Lauren McAloon, ArtsQuest performing-arts coordinator. “We look at a lot of other film series around the world to keep things as new and interesting as possible. For this film series we like to have a balance between documentaries and regular films.” For a complete screening schedule and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.steelstacks.org/event/1582/lgbt-film-series-presented-by-td-bank/#daystimes. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

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DOJ urges judge to postpone ruling on trans exclusion in ADA By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

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The U.S. Department of Justice last week urged a federal judge to postpone ruling on a challenge to the American With Disabilities Act’s exclusion of gender-identity disorder as a protected disability. Kate Lynn Blatt, a Pottsville trans woman, is challenging the constitutionality of the exclusion as part of her lawsuit against Cabela’s Retail Inc. Cabela’s is located in Hamburg and specializes in outdoor sports items. Blatt worked there as a seasonal stocker between September 2006 and March 2007. Blatt claims Cabela’s discriminated against her on the basis of her disability — gender dysphoria — by denying her access to a female restroom and a female name tag. Blatt contends that Congress acted illegally 25 years ago when excluding GID as a protected disability under the ADA. The matter is pending before U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. The ADA protects those with disabilities from discrimination in private employment, public accommodations and governmental services. Blatt is seeking lost wages and benefits, front pay, punitive damages, compensatory damages,

interest and attorneys’ fees. In a four-page filing, the DOJ noted that Blatt can obtain those remedies through her sex-discrimination claim against Cabela’s. Thus, the court doesn’t have to rule on Blatt’s GID-exclusion challenge. But Jennifer L. Levi, director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders’ Transgender Rights Project, said the GID exclusion should be declared unconstitutional. “I’m surprised the Obama administration isn’t ready to speak out against the GID exclusion, because it’s so rooted in bias, animus and moral objections to transgender people having workplace protections,” Levi told PGN. “If the court does take up the question, I hope the Justice Department will weigh in against the exclusion. Having ADA coverage is so important because it would allow workers to get an accommodation in the workplace for a medical condition.” Levi said Blatt was denied reasonable accommodations when working at Cabela’s. “In this case, the medical condition was gender dysphoria,” she said. “Kate Lynn Blatt needed access to the women’s restroom and a female name tag, and Cabela’s refused to accommodate her.” Attorneys for Blatt and Cabela’s declined to comment. n

Book event commemorates late gay author’s work By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com Friends and colleagues of the late black gay author Joseph Beam gathered last Saturday to commemorate the writer and activist’s legacy with a special book signing of a new anthology that celebrates his life and work. “Black Gay Genius: Answering Joseph Beam’s Call,” by Charles Stephens and Steven G. Fullwood, contains personal narratives, critical essays, poetry, interviews and other writings of Beam, who died in 1988. Beam was a regular contributor to PGN. His 1980 book, “In The Life: A Black Gay Anthology,” was one of the first collections of stories that contained gay black characters. “‘In the Life’ was a groundbreaking anthology because it provided a venue for black gay writers to express our ideas and share our stories in a way that had never happened before,” said Guy Weston, who worked with Beam and was in attendance at the book signing. “At that time, we didn’t have TV shows with black gay characters and there weren’t many stories, or prominent black gay people in politics or religion.”

Photo: Reggie Covington

Beam also worked at Giovanni’s Room and was a fixture in the LGBT community at the time, said Weston. About 50 people attended the event, which provided an opportunity for old friends to reconnect and discuss issues related to Beam’s work. “The event went very well. It was a reunion of various gay people from the ’80s and ’90s. Some of us hadn’t seen each other in years. Personally, it was very powerful in that regard,” Weston said. “It gave us the

opportunity to have a discussion about issues related to black gay activism and the gay and gayblack communities.” Weston said recent events like the church shooting in South Carolina were contrasted against victories like marriage equality. “Multiple communities intersect and we appreciate all of the issues. We have to find a way to work together to advance all of them,” Weston said. “Black Gay Genius: Answering Joseph Beam’s Call” is available at veepress.com. n

LOCAL pGN

No arrest in Danny’s shooting By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Police are still searching for the man who, after making antigay remarks, opened fire on an employee of an adult bookstore in the Gayborhood. The incident happened around 3:45 a.m. July 18 at Danny’s Midnight Confessions, 133 S. 13th St. According to investigators, a man entered the store, made a derogatory comment about its LGBT merchandise and returned a moment later, asking about heterosexual material. When the staffer, 31-year-old Kevyn Mines, began directing him to that section, the shooter pulled out a silver revolver, prompting a struggle, and shot Mines in the back. Officer Leeloni Palmiero said the police report notes that the suspect did not steal,

News Briefing Lesbians who Tech gear up for convention The new Philadelphia chapter of Lesbians who Tech announced its next happy hour, which will be held in advance of a national conference this fall. The social will be held 5-7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St. The group is geared toward women who work in the tech field or who have a passion for technology, with happy hours like next month’s meant to encourage networking among members of the lesbian tech community. Event guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the Lesbians who Tech Summit, planned for October in New York City. For more information, visit lesbianswhotech.org/events/city/philadelphia/.

Stonewall to fundraise for Mazzoni Stonewall Sports is staging a posh party next month to benefit LGBT health facility

or attempt to steal, anything from the store. Store owner Danny Liss characterized the shooting as a hate crime. Philadelphia adopted an LGBT-inclusive hate-crimes law last fall that adds fines and up to 90 days in jail for offenses. Philadelphia police LGBT liaison Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel did not respond to requests for comment. Investigators have not named a suspect but describe the man as black, in his mid-20s, between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-9, with a thin build, beard and a dark complexion. He was wearing silver-rimmed glasses, a dark hoodie with U.S.A. on the front and white sneakers at the time of the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-TIPS. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

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Mazzoni Center. The Catalina Wine Mixer — a spoof of the party made famous in Will Ferrell film “Step Brothers” — will take place at 10 p.m. Aug. 15 at Tabu Lounge, 200 S. 12th St. Floppy hats and blazers will abound at the nautical-themed event, with specials from Canyon Road Wineries. The cover is $10, with all proceeds going to Mazzoni. — Jen Colletta

Trial date set in cop case An October trial has been scheduled in the anti-bias case of N. Melville Jones, an openly gay Philadelphia police officer. Jones filed suit against the city in 2013, seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages. The officer claims that a supervisor outed him throughout the police department, triggering pervasive harassment and discrimination against him. Jury selection is scheduled to begin 10 a.m. Oct. 26 in Courtroom 243 of City Hall, with Common Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox presiding. “We are still in settlement negotiations,” said Barak A. Kassutto, an attorney for Jones. “We got a formal order from the court for a specific trial date in case the settlement negotiations are not successful.” Attorneys for the city had no comment for this update. n — Timothy Cwiek

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

LOCAL PGN

Donna Mae memorial announced; PAT to offer special collection By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A memorial service will be held next month for longtime community member Donna Mae Stemmer, who will also be remembered in special displays at Philadelphia AIDS Thrift. Stemmer, 82, was a retired Army Lt. Colonel, lawyer and longtime member of the City of Brotherly Love Softball League. She died of a heart attack last month. Family and friends are invited to remember Stemmer at 1 p.m. Aug. 8 at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St. A reception at Knock will follow. Philly AIDS Thrift co-founder Tom Brennan said Stemmer was a ubiquitous presence in the LGBT community. “It was like every time you went to something, the first question was, ‘Will Donna Mae be there?’ and

the second was, ‘What will she be wearing?’” he said. “I’ve been in Philly since 1982 and I think she was at every gay event I ever went to here. And many, many since.” Brennan said the store worked with Stemmer’s friends and brother to sort through the “overwhelming” amount of items in her Pennsauken home earlier this month. Over three days, staff

collected clothing, periodicals, dolls, tchotchkes and more to populate its flagship store on Fifth Street and its Gayborhood outpost, PAT @ Giovanni’s Room, both of which donate proceeds to HIV/AIDS causes. “We knew from the start that we wanted to do special Donna Mae sections at both our stores,” he said. “The vast bulk of it is Donna’s amazing collection of fash-

ions from over the years. We’ll post a bio of Donna explaining the significance of all the dresses, gowns and costumes that are for sale in the section.” Dozens of Stemmer’s photos will be on display, including those of her wearing some of the items for sale. Brennan said the store will also work with the staff at William Way LGBT Community Center to offer materials for the center’s archives. Stemmer, a Korean War veteran, served in the military for 30 years, receiving 11 decorations. She earned her undergraduate degree from University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Temple University. She was an active member of the LGBT community, once serving as grand marshal of Philadelphia Pride and recently receiving the Steve Lehman Community Service Award from CBLSL. Stemmer is survived by her brother, nephew and niece. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Steve King

Editorial

Time to step up for equality Historic legislation was introduced last week to advance LGBT rights. The Equality Act would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in a number of sectors — employment, federal funding, public accommodations, jury service. While many pundits have forecasted that the legislation will not be moving forward any time soon, the measure does, at the least, provide a framework for the direction of the LGBT-rights movement in post-marriage-equality America. Additionally, it sheds light on the reality that, while same-sex couples can marry now in all 50 states, in most they can easily be turned away from jobs, rentals, public programs and countless other opportunities. The broad scope of the legislation has been deemed by some opponents to be too far-reaching, but that protections are still lacking in so many areas is evidence of their very need. The legislation has more than 160 cosponsors in the House and about 40 in the Senate. However, not one Republican has signed on in support. LGBT discrimination is an issue that the vast majority of Americans — across barriers of political parties, religious beliefs, age — agree should be eradicated from our country. It’s not a topic that was as divisive as marriage equality was, and even still is in some realms. Yet, not one Republican lawmaker took the opportunity to lead on this issue. Locally, all five Democratic Congressmen from Pennsylvania added their name to the bill; however, the 13 Republican Congressmen shouldn’t be given a pass. While some represent more conservative areas of the state, others come from districts that include Philly neighbors Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. LGBT discrimination is not strictly a cause for Democrats to care about; it’s time for Republicans to start stepping up to the plate and in line with their constituents. Additionally, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey was not among the 40 cosponsors in the Senate. As an LGBT ally and lead sponsor on an LGBT-inclusive anti-bullying initiative, Casey’s support for this legislation is expected. Even though this legislation isn’t expected to be approved any time soon, constituents deserve to know where their lawmakers stand on issues of basic LGBT equality. n

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437.

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) doesn’t really know anything about gays and lesbians except for one thing: He doesn’t like them. Not one bit. So you can imagine this whole pro-marriage equality Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges is really messing with his head right now. He is very unhappy. Thus, he has introduced legislation that would “reaffirm traditional marriage,” which is the equivalent of throwing a legislative hissy fit. “The traditional definition of marriage is a union between one man and one woman,” King said in a statement. “In a blatant act of judicial activism, the Supreme Court perverted the word ‘marriage’ to create an unconstitutional right to same-sex marriage.” It’s pretty easy to imagine King crossing his arms, stomping his foot and pouting as he says this. The right wing is always hollering about “judicial activism” whenever a court rules in a way they don’t like. It’s a nice touch that King uses the word “perverted” in order to underscore the fact that he thinks homos are a bunch of depraved sinners. This was the guy who last year said of gays, “What was a sin 2,000 years ago is a sin today, and people that were condemned to hell 2,000 years ago, I don’t expect to meet them should I make it to heaven.” Sounds like a nice guy. King is appalled that SCOTUS would dare rule in a way he doesn’t personally approve of. “Five unelected judges imposed their personal will on the states and the American people by overturning at least 30 states whose constitutions define marriage as a union between one man and one woman,” he said. And he’s not going to take it any more! So he wants to impose his personal will on America. That’ll show ‘em. “It is time for Congress to speak out against this constitutionally baseless decision,” his statement continued. “That is why I have introduced a resolution of disapproval to ensure the American people know that the House of Representatives strongly opposes the majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges.”

I suspect the American people already know this. Or at least the ones who pay any attention to the number of rightwing blowhards in the House of Representatives, a body of government dominated by Republicans that has managed to get jack shit done while Obama has been in office, aside from trying to take health insurance away from poor people. King’s resolution would let America know that he and his House friends accept no other definition of marriage besides “a union between one man and one woman” and that “the majority opinion unconstitutionally and indefensibly perverts the definition of marriage.” He also asserts that states can just ignore the ruling, essentially telling the Supreme Court to fuck off. In King’s America, states “are not required to license same-sex marriage or recognize samesex marriages performed in other states.” Is it against the law? Sure. But this guy’s last name is King, so I guess he thinks he’s the boss of the land. Also, no surprise, there’s a religious-liberty net in his resolution so that “individuals, businesses, churches, religious groups and other faith-based organizations are encouraged, empowered and protected to exercise their faith without fear of legal or government interference.” In other words, this resolution encourages, empowers and protects people who are hateful and stupid, which pretty much sums up King’s voter base. n

King’s resolution would let America know that he and his House friends accept no other definition of marriage besides “a union between one man and one woman” and that “the majority opinion unconstitutionally and indefensibly perverts the definition of marriage.”

D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan.

Op-Ed PGN

Transmissions

Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Street Talk Will you watch "I Am Cait"?

This is not justice Meagan Taylor is a 22-year-old hairstylist from Illinois. She is also a trans woman of color. Taylor was on a recent trip to Des Moines, Iowa, with another transgender friend of hers. While in the city, the duo got a room at the Drury Inn in Des Moines. Taylor noticed the staff “acting really funny.” A short time after they checked in, West Des Moines Police were at their door. The hotel staff had called the police, saying that “two males dressed as females” had checked in, and they had concerns there was “possible prostitution activity” going on. The police found no evidence of sex work, which is what one might suspect when someone is not actually involved in same. This did not stop the police from finding other things to charge Taylor with. They found she had a probation violation stemming from a credit-card fraud case she was involved with as a teenager. While she served time for that charge, she had not yet completed paying off related fines. She also had spironolactone — a testosterone blocker common in transgender-related hormone regimens — but did not possess a current prescription for it. She also used a pseudonym when signing into the hotel that, I should note, is not a crime. She was charged for the possession of the spironolactone and the probation violation, as well as a charge for “malicious prosecution.” That’s a misdemeanor that is reserved for “a person who causes or attempts to cause another to be indicted or prosecuted for any public offense.” It’s really not very clear exactly what Taylor did to be charged with such. While in police custody, Taylor received two pat-downs: A female officer managed her upper body, while a male checked over her lower body. The police are now housing her at the Polk County Jail in an isolation cell. The prison has no policy on the detaining of transgender inmates. So we have a black trans woman held in isolation, essentially for the crime of being a black trans woman. The staff of the Drury Inn clearly only assumed there may have been prostitution involved based on Taylor’s transgender status. I can’t help but feel that her race was also part of their assumptions. The West Des Moines Police added to this, clearly fishing for something to charge Taylor with. It’s not to say that she did not have a parole violation and some drugs that may not have been prescribed to her, but I don’t think anyone can look at the charges and her treatment and feel that justice is truly being served. To me, this is a nightmare scenario. Taylor spent nearly two weeks in prison, as she did not have the money on her to post bail in excess of $2,000. A fundraiser quickly got underway, and she is now being represented by the Transgender Law Center.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

In recent months, the media has been intensely focused on Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out. It’s a big and compelling story, and I don’t fault anyone for having at least some interest. Jenner is a national hero after her victory in the 1976 Olympics, and her family has been under intense media scrutiny for the last few years, thanks to reality television. She has also done a remarkable job of managing the public side of her transition. Jenner’s transition is also taking place in a time when transgender issues are gaining an incredible level of visibility. Many other trans folks have become celebrities, and many others are successfully making a name for themselves. It is almost like a renaissance for transgender people: We’ve gone past the tipping point and into new territory of acceptance. Yet even with all the success, all the media hype, all the visibility, there are still cases like this. I cannot help but think of the case of Ky Peterson, a 23-year-old black trans man who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for killing his rapist. Peterson discovered a bag of roughly 100 pills — an anti-seizure medication known as Tegretol — placed with his belongings. Peterson attempted suicide using the Tegretol. By the same token, I can’t help but think of the recent death of Sandra Bland. Bland was a cisgender black woman from Chicago starting a new job in Texas. Police there pulled her over for a broken turn signal. She was then arrested for assault on a public servant and jailed. She was later found dead in her cell, with local police claiming her death a suicide. All for a broken light. As we enjoy what is an incredible time of visibility and growth for the transgender community — and LGBT rights in general — we need to be mindful of the experiences of people like Meagan Taylor. When you can have the police called on you for little more than being a black transgender woman — because the hotel fears you might be prostituting yourself on their premises — that’s a problem. When the police act on those fears by jailing you on charges that don’t seem to fit the reality of the situation, and hold you in isolation for days on end based purely on the nature of your body, that’s a travesty. Transgender people have been harassed by police, assumed to be sex workers by officers eager for an arrest. People of color, particularly blacks, are also familiar with being targeted by police and others. This needs to change. We can celebrate our victories, but while people like Meagan Taylor are in prison, we can never truly be free and equal. n Gwen Smith just wants justice. You can find her on Twitter at @gwenners.

"Yes. I find Caitlyn Jenner's transition very interesting. I'd like to see how she's coping with it, and how Aracely Alicea her family retail manager is coping Northeast Philadelphia with it. But I hope the Kardashian clan doesn't dominate the show. It should be about Caitlyn and her transition."

"I'm all for the cause [of LGBT rights]. But I'm a bit skeptical of Caitlyn's motives, because she's so plugged into Ellen Goldberg the whole teacher Kardashian Queen Village hype. I don't like her urge for celebrity. So I won't watch the show. I just feel it sullies the cause."

"No. I fully support LGBT rights and I absolutely support everything Caitlyn Jenner is doing. But I'm just not Michele Livingston into reality artist TV. I'm Fairmount more into 'Democracy Now' with Amy Goodman. But I might make an exception, if curiosity gets the best of me."

"Yes. I have cable so I'll watch it. I've never seen a reality show with a transgender theme. The subject is usually more Deanna Postlewait personal. I'd sales representative like to see South Philadelphia how [Jenner] is living as a transgender woman, on a daily basis. The fact that she's a celebrity makes it interesting too."

Letters and Feedback In response to “Norma Beard: Do-si-do-ing, from the farm to the dance floor,” July 24-30: I am happy the interview got the real you, Norma. Great article! — Cyndi In response to “Acts of Defiance: Trans history on display in new exhibit,” July 24-30: Congratulations to the committee and contributors for a wonderful and inspiring exhibit. We at William Way are so grateful for the hard work and inspiring outcome. — harveymilk

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

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International Obama pushes African nations on LGBT equality President Barack Obama nudged African nations July 25 to treat gays and lesbians equally under the law, a position that remains unpopular through much of the continent. Obama’s Kenyan counterpart responded by calling the matter a “non-issue” for his country. Obama tackled the sensitive issue on his first full day in Kenya, the country of his father’s birth. He drew on his own background as an African-American in the United States, saying he is “painfully aware of the history when people are treated differently under the law.’’ “That’s the path whereby freedoms begin to erode and bad things happen,” Obama added during a joint news conference with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. “When a government gets in the habit of treating people differently, those habits can spread.” Kenyatta was unmoved, saying gay rights are “not really an issue on the foremost mind of Kenyans. And that is a fact.” A number of Kenyan politicians and religious leaders had warned Obama in outspoken terms that any overtures on gay rights would not be welcomed in Kenya, where gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Obama’s visit to Kenya, the first by a sitting U.S. president, has long been sought by this East African nation where he is widely considered a local son. Acknowledging that some Kenyans have been frustrated that it took him until the seventh year of his presidency to visit, Obama joked that he didn’t want the rest of Africa to think he was “playing favorites.” Still, he noted the United States had concerns about violence that erupted in Kenya after its 2007 election. Kenyatta faced charges related to that violence in the International Criminal Court, though those charges were later dropped.

Human-rights groups criticize Olympic bids Watchdog groups criticized the humanrights records of China and Kazakhstan on July 23, just over a week before the

International Olympic Committee decides whether to award the 2022 Winter Olympics to Beijing or Almaty. Human Rights Watch said in a statement that the IOC, which will vote in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 31, should ensure that the host city “fully respect” human-rights commitments in preparing for and hosting the Winter Games. “Whether China or Kazakhstan wins the honor, the IOC will face an extreme test of its new commitment to improve humanrights protections,” said Minky Worden, Human Rights Watch director. “The IOC should insist that the host country rigorously comply with the Olympic Charter and basic human-rights rules, or risk losing the right to host the games.’’ Four groups opposing a bid by Beijing, which is attempting to become the first city to host both a Summer and Winter Olympics, wrote an open letter to the IOC. Tibet says it is an independent nation, but the Chinese government insists it is part of China. Beijing staged a crackdown on Tibetan protests ahead of the 2008 Summer Games. Pro-Tibetan and other human-rights groups have argued that the communist government’s restrictions on civil and political liberties make Beijing an unfit candidate to host the games. Meanwhile, another statement from Human Rights Watch singled out the Almaty bid and, in a 31-page report, criticized the Central Asian nation’s hostility toward LGBT people. It said LGBT people in Kazakhstan live in “the climate of fear,” facing violence and discrimination. It called on the government there to take immediate steps to improve the situation. Human Rights Watch in the past has also criticized Kazakhstan’s restrictions on media, assembly and association freedoms, as well as the detention of government critics. Last year, Russia was criticized over its law against gay “propaganda” ahead of its hosting of the Winter Olympics in Sochi. The IOC commission that evaluated the 2022 bids said it sought and received assurances from both countries that they would uphold new clauses in the Olympic Charter and host city contract dealing with nondiscrimination, workers’ rights and sexual orientation. At the same time, the IOC said it would “respect the laws of a sovereign state.” The report said the panel received “written assurances’’ from China on human rights, including the right to demonstrate and media freedom to report on the games without restrictions on the Internet. n

epgn.com

— compiled by Larry Nichols

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between July 13-19. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS. INCIDENTS — At 1:10 a.m. July 13, two males entered Tria Cafe, 1137 Spruce St., after it closed, and put a hard object to an employee’s head. The culprits stole cash and fled. They were described as black males, the first about 25, 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, with a light complexion and short hair, wearing a black jacket, while the second was 5-foot-5 and 160 pounds wearing a red and black windbreaker. — Between 1:30-7 p.m. July 15, someone forced open the door of an apartment in the 1200 block of Spruce Street and stole a laptop, iPad and phone charger. Sixth District Officer Romanczuk attempted to lift fingerprints. — Between June 28-July 16, someone entered a residence in the 800 block of Addison Street through a window and stole jewelry. Central Detectives responded to process the scene for evidence and fingerprints. — At 3:15 a.m. July 17, someone snatched a woman’s purse from her hand outside 300 S. Quince St. The suspect was described as a black male in his mid-20s, 5-foot-9, thin, clean-shaven and wearing jeans. — At 12:15 p.m. July 17, someone stole a patron’s iPhone from a table outside Cosi, 1128 Walnut St. The suspect was described as a black male, 5-foot-7, 140 pounds, wearing a blue shirt and jeans, who fled east on Walnut Street. — At 6 p.m. July 17, while inside the parking garage at 12th and Sansom streets, a woman said that an unknown male reached under her dress and indecently assaulted her. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his early 20s, 5-foot5, wearing a white T-shirt and white hat and carrying a small backpack.

— There was one theft of a bicycle reported July 13-19: outside 1031 Spruce St. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 12:20 a.m. July 15, Sixth District plainclothes officers observed an illegal narcotics transaction outside Juniper and Locust streets. The alleged seller fled into the PATCO station, and the alleged buyer fled south on Juniper Street and was apprehended. Officers recovered crack cocaine and charged the 43-year-old suspect with possession of a controlled substance. — At 6:45 p.m. July 15, a male handed a teller inside the TD Bank, 111 S. 11th St., a demand note and fled with cash. The suspect was described as white, 25-30, 5-foot-9, with brown hair and a beard, wearing a black Flyers cap and a black button-down shirt. Central Detectives and the FBI responded to the scene. On July 17, a task force arrested the 30-year-old suspect in Camden, N.J., and he was charged with two counts of bank robbery. — At 8 a.m. July 16, someone stole a doctor’s prescription pad from 125 S. Ninth St. At 9:30 a.m., Sixth District Officer Cary responded to a call at a pharmacy at Sixth Street and Washington Square, where he apprehended a male attempting to use the stolen scripts. The 37-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address was charged with theft, forgery and related offenses. — At 12:05 a.m. July 17, Sixth District plainclothes officers made an arrest for prostitution outside 400 S. 13th St. — On July 18, a Sixth District Narcotics Enforcement Team set up surveillance in the area of 10th and Market streets and, at 11 a.m., observed a male illegally selling pills outside the McDonald’s at 942 Market St. Upon seeing the officers, the male attempted to walk away but was quickly apprehended and a quantity of narcotics pills was confiscated. The 65-yearold suspect with a Southwest Philadelphia address was charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 11:40 p.m. July 15, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1300 Locust St.

— Between 10:30 p.m. July 18 and 3 a.m. July 19, someone stole a 2015 Mercedes that was parked outside 1309 Sansom St.

— On July 16, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 12:30 a.m. outside 1319 Locust St., 1 a.m. outside 300 S. Camac St. and 11:55 a.m. outside 1128 Walnut St.

— There were three thefts from parked vehicles reported July 13-19: outside 1029 Spruce St., 407 S. 11th St. and 1309 Sansom St.

— On July 17, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 1:25 a.m. outside 100 S. 12th St. and 8:25 p.m. outside 1200 Market St. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

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based. It’s expected that LGBT advocates will continue litigation to ensure that volunteers in religiously based units aren’t excluded on the basis of sexual orientation. The BSA Cradle of Liberty Council adopted a new membership and employment policy in June, pledging to “vigorously” oppose discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation “from whatever source.” Cradle serves youth in Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Cradle’s new policy doesn’t contain a religious exemption, and it remains unclear if Cradle will allow any of its 500 units to exclude gay adults. Greg Lattera, 30, was ejected from Cradle in 2003, after coming out as a gay Life Scout. This week, he expressed mixed feelings about the new BSA policy. ADVOCATE from page 1

Hunter said. “It’s been fantastic. I hope the new LGBT advocate will similarly make people in the LGBT community feel comfortable enough to speak about their situation.” Hunter said the LGBT advocate will also be able to go to court with victims, help them navigate the criminal-justice EQUALITY from page 1

public education, employment, housing, federal funding, jury service, legal protections and credit. It is a significant expansion of the long-stalled Employment Nondiscrimination Act, which would ban workplace discrimination. The Senate version is led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Booker is joined by cosponsor

“Technically, it’s not totally inclusive,” Lattera said. “But I’m OK with it, because certain troops can only stay afloat if they remain affiliated with a religious organization. It’s a big step forward. But eventually, I hope all BSA units will be able to be inclusive.” But Geoffrey C. McGrath, an outspoken advocate for equality in Scouting, blasted the new BSA policy. McGrath was ejected from Scouting in 2014, after coming out as a gay Scoutmaster in Seattle. “The new policy continues to leave youth and families at risk of being mistreated in the name of religion within their scouting units,” he said. “There is not one word on the part of BSA acknowledging their plight, nor giving comfort to their condition. Rather, the policy enjoins their members from saying anything about it at all.” n system and train and educate police officers. The application deadline for the position is Aug. 10. In addition to the advocate, CCCVS is also recruiting, training and certifying LGBT victim-advocate volunteers. For more information, visit www. cccvs.org. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Media Trail Texas court sidelines Houston ordinance The Fort Worth Star telegram reports the Texas Supreme Court has ordered the city of Houston to repeal a newly adopted equal-rights ordinance or let voters decide if they want to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The all-Republican court ruled July 24 that “legislative powers” were not being preserved for residents in the nation’s fourth-largest city. Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who is gay, backed the proposal when it was passed by City Council last year. Conservative activists have challenged the ordinance ever since. They organized a petition last year to force a voter referendum but the City Council determined that too many signatures were invalid, despite the city secretary saying there were enough. The court didn’t rule on the ordinance’s merits but instead said the certified petition should have held up.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D) from New Jersey. The House version is led by out Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.). New Jersey cosponsors include Congressmembers Donald Norcross, Frank Pallone Jr., Bill Pascrell Jr., Albio Sires, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Donald Payne Jr., all According to the Augusta Chronicle, Democrats. There are no Republican cosponsors vandals have spray-painted a Bible passage that purportedly condemns gay sex on a on either bill. n church whose pastor and his partner were among the first gay couples to receive a marriage license in Richmond County. Pastor Rick Sosbe says “Burn Leviticus 18:22 Lies” was painted across the front doors of the Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer on July 21. On the front steps was another passage with the words “You’ll Burn.’’ Almost three weeks ago, a rainbow flag was stolen from the front of the Augusta church.

Vandals spray-paint doors of pro-LGBT church in Georgia

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Sosbe and his partner, Michael Rehn, were married June 30, four days after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in all states. An incident report from the county’s sheriff’s office estimates damages at $2,500.

Utah LGBT leader says more help needed for transgender Salt Lake City News reports the new leader of one of Utah’s most important LGBT organizations marvels at the rapid progress made on gay and lesbian issues, but says the transgender community still faces harsh discrimination. Marian Edmonds-Allen, recently named the new executive director of the Utah Pride Center, said that fostering understanding and acceptance for transgender people is one of the key areas she’ll tackle. Edmonds-Allen is a pastor and native of Maine. She has been working on LGBT issues in Utah for several years. She was the director of a youth center in Ogden and more recently worked for a national organization based in San Francisco called the Family Acceptance Project. She takes over an organization that has not had a permanent director since Valerie Larabee left in 2013.

Slayed trans woman remembered as loving, confident According to Star News Online, friends and family of a transgender woman found dead at a Tampa Bay area park gathered to remember her as a loving, confident and happy person. Mourners of 25-year-old India Clarke gathered July 22 at University Area Community Park. Her body was discovered the day before near the park’s basketball courts. She appeared to have suffered from blunt-force trauma to the upper body. Detectives didn’t immediately have a motive for the fatal attack, and no arrests have been made. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

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PGN LGBTQ Youth Supplement by our youth, for our youth, for our future

Youth help ‘show face’ of LGBT community with new art project By Katy Santa Maria Age: 21 In June, Philadelphia raised its already-sky-high support for the LgBTQ community: The City of Philadelphia Mural arts Program unveiled its latest project, “Showing Face,” a series of photograph portraits to appear on billboards across the region and on citywide bus shelters, showcasing the product of a yearlong collaboration among Philadelphia LgBTQ youth and seniors. a partner of the Mural arts Program in creating this cross-generational alliance was the John C. anderson apartments, the city’s first housing facility dedicated to providing welcoming, affordable housing for LgBTQ seniors. The residents from these apartments and the young millennials from fellow partner The attic Youth Center served as the photographs’ subjects, as their interactions brought to light the huge generational gap in the LgBTQ community. Contemporary queer experience is much more visible, and therefore more accessible, to today’s young folks than it was decades ago, when today’s seniors, as young adults, had to blindly navigate their identities in an intensely oppressive environment. Highlighting this past reality to attic students was important for their own sense of self, which is where visual artist Brandon Dean came in. Focused

Delaware Teen Idol showcases youth creativity By Matty Bennett Age: 24

MEMBERS OF THE ATTIC YOUTH CENTER AND THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY PONDER AND PERUSE THE PANELS DURING THE ART OPEINING EARLIER THIS MONTH AT WILLIAM WAY LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER. Photo: Scott A. Drake

on fostering a long-lasting relationship between the seniors and youth, Dean led a series of gatherings meant to churn up conversations among the old and the young. Through storytelling and personal history lessons, Dean knew there was an opportunity for the younger generation to further reflect upon their critical moment in history while they listened to and learned from the experiences of their elders. He recorded the thoughtful dialogues between them and created a book that chronicles the project — with contributions from the participants themselves,

What’s inside

too — and was available in a limited number alongside the billboards’ unveiling. another artist, ashley Kolodner, who specializes in still photography, captured the immaculate portraits of the seniors and youth for the billboard project. Kolodner, who is also an activist, taught attic students how to visualize identity in a series of workshops before they each created their own wallpaper design to be used as the backdrop for their individual portraits. Similarly, the residents from JCaa stood in front of varied PAGE 2

College GSAs: page 2

Saying ‘no’ to discrimination: page 5 Out & About: page 5

A struggle with self-hatred: page 3

Poetry, HIV testing sites: page 6

On Cait Jenner, International Trans Day of Visibility: page 4

Reflections on the first Youth Pride and the Philly Dyke March : page 7

On July 31, aIDS Delaware will present its 11th-annual Delaware Teen Idol competition at the Playhouse Theatre on Rodney Square in Wilmington. The slogan for this year’s program is “Be in the spotlight for the right reasons,” and it seeks to shift the sometimes-negative portrayal of our younger generation as violent or careless. Since Delaware Teen Idol started back in 2005, the program has taken on a life of its own. While the event started out in the auditorium at Howard High

School, it quickly moved to the historic Dupont Theatre, now known as the Playhouse Theatre. Frank Hawkins, director of education and outreach at aIDS Delaware, is a founder of the Delaware Teen Idol program. aIDS Delaware wasn’t operating a summer youth program at the time, so Hawkins thought of “american Idol,” since it was getting big, and came up with Delaware Teen Idol to keep kids engaged and out of trouble. The competition showcases youth talent in the form of singing, rapping and poetry. Their performances focus on particular PAGE 2 topics such as

PGN LGBTQ Youth SUPPLEMENT

Page 2 ART from page 1

wallpaper designs they found fit for their own identities. Ultimately, Kolodner produced two portraits for each person: one with their eyes closed, to show vulnerability, and another with their eyes open, to show strength and individuality. Mark Segal, founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and longstanding LGBTQ activist, commended this teaming of ages, saying, “This project brings together two truly inspirational groups from opposite ends of the LGBTQ spectrum and unites them in order to form a driving force in the fight for LGBTQ equality and acceptance. Through storytelling, history lessons and art making, stronger relationships have been built … [and] I look forward to witnessing what this kind of LGBTQ unity brings to the city of Philadelphia and society.” The billboards, which are part of a partnership with Clear Channel, can be seen in various locations throughout the Philadelphia area, including (but not limited to) Frankford Avenue, Germantown Avenue, Grays Ferry Avenue and Delaware Avenue. There, where exquisite, vibrant and telling portraits tower above or stand beside the populace, Philadelphia invites you to see its diverIDOL from page 1

HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance abuse and teen pregnancy. All of the youth performers use their own original lyrics. Hawkins believes that Delaware Teen Idol has become a well-known, effective program throughout Delaware. “When we look at the notoriety of the program, people know Delaware Teen Idol is a worthwhile program that allows youth to disseminate messages applied to issues that are actually going on

sity, treasured and passed down, generation to generation. You can find more of Kolodner’s and Dean’s photography at www.akolodnerphotography.com and www.brandon-dean.com. “Showing Face” was funded by the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Partners include The Attic Youth Center, John C. Anderson Apartments, William Way LGBT Community Center, Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund and Clear Channel. For more information, call 215-6850750 or visit www.muralarts.org. For further information, call 215-685-0750 or visit www.muralarts.org and follow along on social media: @muralarts on Twitter and Instagram, phillymuralarts on YouTube and MuralArtsPhiladelphia on Facebook. N This article also appeared in the online issue of Curve magazine. Katy Santa Maria is a senior at a small liberal-arts college in rural Ohio, where she is also co-president of the school’s SHANE MILLER WITH ONE OF THE PHOTO Queer Women’s Collective. She is an ediPANELS AT THE UNVEILING OF “SHOWING torial intern for Curve, North America’s FACE” AT JOHN C. ANDERSON APARTMENTS best-selling lesbian magazine. Photo: Scott A. Drake

in their lives and in our society,” he said. Hawkins said the program has not only grown in name recognition — it has also expanded its ability to keeps kids engaged after the competition is over. “We have another program called Life After Idol. After Delaware Teen Idol, we didn’t have a way to keep in touch with the teens and keep them engaged, so we came up with this creative idea,” he said. “The youth that participate in Delaware Teen

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331; attic-youthcenter.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. See the Youth section for more events.

Community centers

■ 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. Monday through Thursday; 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.

Idol, whether they are winners or not, we engage them with other organizations that are looking for performers, and they go out and perform their pieces at different events and functions.” Hawkins said there are about 15-20 youth actively involved in the Life After Idol program, and that it allows them to continue to stay out of trouble and be successful. “Personally, I get very excited about Teen Idol because I really enjoy seeing the creativity that

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-7322220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New orientation: first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

these youth have, and we all have a good time that night. I enjoy seeing these young people be in the spotlight for the right reasons and watching them shine.” Tickets for the event are $5. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. at the Playhouse on Rodney Square, 1007 N. Market St. in Wilmington. For more information, visit www. aidsdelaware.org. N Matty Bennett is a graduate student at Virginia Tech.

PGN will run the LGBTQ Youth Supplement again in October. Email editor@epgn.com to get involved. No writing experience is necessary. Email your interest by Sept. 11.

SUMMER 2015

College GSAs Bucks County Community College — Gay/Straight Alliance: Provides a safe haven for LGBTQA campus community members and works to combat stigma on campus; fratrikc@bucks.edu or altemose@bucks.edu. Cabrini College — Sanctuary: Offers affinity groups, peer support and educational activities to promote a greater understanding of the LGBT community. Chestnut Hill College —

H.E.R.O.: Promotes awareness of and appreciation for the LGBTQQIA community and works to instill a sense of unity between the community and allies; kociszewskim@chc.edu.

Community College of Philadelphia — Gay/Straight

Alliance: Advocates for LGBT inclusion and acceptance on campus with programming and events, and offers resources for LGBT and ally campus communities; scooks1@ccp.edu.

Drexel University —

LGBTQA Student Center: Supports the development, growth and education of Drexel students with a safe and inclusive campus location for the community and allies on campus,; Creese Student Center, Room 48-C.

Holy Family University

— The Alliance for Student Equality: Works to recognize the respect and dignity of the whole person in support of promoting the development of personal identity and social equality on campus; drafter@ holyfamily.edu or mmbobholz@ holyfamily.edu.

La Salle University — The Alliance: Pledges to provide a safe place and support for the LGBT members of the community; http://studentaffairs.lasalle. edu/umas/service-opportunities/ advocacy-groups/the-alliance/; alliance.lasalle@gmail.com.

PGN LGBTQ Youth SUPPLEMENT

SUMMER 2015

Philadelphia University

— Gay/Straight Alliance: Connects LGBT campus community with resources throughout the university and region; caulford4949@mail.philau.edu or horowitzh@philau.edu.

Saint Joseph’s University

— The Alliance: Fosters open and honest discussion about diversity and LGBT issues and works to affect an environment where homophobia and hatred are replaced by mutual understanding and respect; www. sju.edu/int/resources/alliance/ about.html; gsa@sju.edu.

Temple University — Queer

Student Union: Strives to provide a safe social space for LGBTQIA students while exploring issues relevant to the larger community; https://twitter.com/TempleQSU; nurodney. prad@temple.edu.

University of the Arts — OUT@UArts: Through discussion, cultural events and outreach through art, seeks to make a difference for LGBTQ individuals at UArts and beyond; www.uarts.edu/ students/outuarts; cfreeman@ uarts.edu. University of Pennsylvania — LGBT Center: More than 20 undergraduate and graduate LGBT student groups abound at Penn, with meetings and community events held at the Center, 3907 Spruce St.; www.vpul.upenn. edu/lgbtc/; center@dolphin. upenn.edu; 215-898-5044. University of the Sciences — Alliance: Increases awareness of LGBT issues on campus and provides support for LGBT students, faculty, administration and staff; http://orgs.usciences.edu/alliance/; alliance@mail.usciences.edu. West Chester University — LGBTQQA Services: Provides information, resources, support and programming for the campus community and is home to the LGBTQA Student Organization; LGBTQA@wcupa.edu; www. wcupa.edu/_services/stu.lgb/. N

Page 3

The struggle of self-hatred By William E. Shelton II Age: 27 As I sit here listening to Kendrick Lamar’s “i,” I remember a time when I didn’t love myself. Loving myself was a foreign object. The song is about self-expression and self-love inspired by Lamar experiencing self-hatred in his community in Compton, Calif. It took me a long time to love myself. Matter of fact, it took me even longer to figure out how to love myself. In the Western world, we are taught that we must look a certain way. Don’t be too thick, too dark, too femme if you’re male or too masculine if you’re female. If you fall into any of these qualities, I bet you have experienced some form of discrimination. In our society, we must have a particular set of experiences and education to qualify for the “American Dream.” But what happens when you do not fit these Eurocentric heteronormative qualifications? Or if you accomplish everything you were supposed to do, but still struggle to find your self-identity or path? On Dec. 18, 2010, I received my bachelor’s degree in English/creative writing from Bloomsburg University. I was excited to be out of college and join the workforce. Ever since high school, teachers always told me that a college degree was the key to a high-quality job. If that was true, why was I laying on the floor of my younger brother’s bedroom listening to his hamster dance around his cage? Why did I feel the cold breeze entering through the cracks of the room as I searched for a job? The economic experts would tell you the reason for my unemployment was that the United States was in the worst economic state since the Great Depression. But it goes deeper than that. I was set up to fail from the start. Being raised by working-class parents in West Philly, there was never a day that went by when I didn’t question why the conditions I was living in were so unfair. My dad went to college and my mom had a good-paying job but it wasn’t enough. I went to one of the best public high schools in Philly but still I struggled in college to catch up to my suburban peers. I had professors that didn’t care about teaching but did care enough to receive a check. I had academic and administrative staff discriminate against me and make me feel less than human because I didn’t conform to their picture of an ideal student. The struggle was always there. I thought by going to college, the struggle was going to end for me. Unfortunately, I

was naive and foolish to believe that a piece of paper could make me invincible to the systemic racism, classism and homophobia I persistently had to face. I felt the full force of oppression of being an openly gay, black, low-income man in America in the spring of 2011. I had no money. I had no health insurance. I didn’t get accepted into the only two graduate schools to which I applied. (I only applied to two due to the high cost of taking the GRE and admission fees.) I had no home. I had no love life. Then, the final blow was when my last living grandma had a stroke. It became my duty to nurse

Being raised by working-class parents in West Philly, there was never a day that went by when I didn’t question why the conditions I was living in were so unfair. My dad went to college and my mom had a good-paying job but it wasn’t enough. I went to one of the best public high schools in Philly but still I struggled in college to catch up to my suburban peers. her back to health while trying to maintain her finances on a fixed income and take on the paternal role of helping raise my teenage cousin of whom she had guardianship. I became weary and disheartened by the struggles and pressures placed in front of me. It felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel for me. As I struggled, my friends struggled. I refused to let them know the true me because I didn’t want to burden them even more. So I created a wall, a wall that grew out of self-hatred. How could I end up like this? I did everything I was supposed to do. I hated myself. No, I hated what I became. One day, I was invited by a friend to go to the Breakfast Club. I was apathetic about going to the BC because of the negative history that surrounded it. While at the BC, I heard that an organization was giving out Rite Aid gift cards. I decided to get tested so

I could get one. I walked into the long, white mobile-testing unit and my heart began to race. The fear of being HIV-positive hit me out of nowhere. An average-height, dark-skinned man motioned for me to come into the small, bright room. I sat in the room and answered the uncomfortable questions that every gay man has to answer when being tested. He told me his name was Quincy Greene and then asked how I was feeling. This simple question took away the fear as we began to engage in casual conversation. We began having dialogue about post-graduation struggles. Our conversation led to talking about systemic racism and other hot-button issues. By the time we got done talking, I had spent nearly 15 minutes in there. He read my test results and it came back negative. Before I left the mobile-testing unit, he invited me to attend a training program about HIV in black and Latino communities who live in poverty. I enthusiastically accepted his offer. For the next six Wednesdays after that day, my eyes were opened to the true disparity of HIV in black and brown communities. After the six-week training, I began to spend more time with Quincy. He quickly became my first mentor in the LGBT community. He helped me realize that the hardships I encountered weren’t my fault and I wasn’t the only one going through the struggle created by capitalism and the many systems of oppression that minorities face daily. As I witnessed Quincy transform every person he encountered, a fire was lit in me. I wanted to do something transformative in my community. This led me to City Year to mentor youth in Philadelphia who had gone through the same struggles as I had. I knew this was my opportunity not only to empower the youth, but to inspire and challenge a system of racism and classism that had continued to oppress black and brown people for hundreds of years. When I first walked into Overbrook High School, I could see pain in the eyes of the youth sitting in the nearly 100-year-old classroom. Their pain echoed throughout the hallways. I knew this was the moment to step up and use all of the skills and experiences I gained to change the destiny of so many youth who have lose faith in themselves. In the words of Kendrick Lamar, I lifted my head up, kept moving and smiled as I reclaimed the love for myself. N William E. Shelton II graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a master of arts in writing studies.

PGN The last Youth Supplement of 2015 will publish Oct. 30.

PGN LGBTQ Youth SUPPLEMENT

Page 4

Unapologetically different at Rutgers University-Camden for the International Transgender Day of Visibility By Tiara DeGuzman and Jaade Henderson Ages: 21, 23 “Unapologetic” is the word that activist CeCe McDonald used over and over again in her speech at Rutgers University-Camden for the International Transgender Day of Visibility. McDonald arrived to the event, unapologetically wearing a black cap, a leather jacket and a high pair of black heels, and spoke about her upbringing in Chicago, her history with activism and the violent experience that she faced as a black trans woman. “I thought I was going to die,” she admitted, scanning the crowd. On June 5, 2011, McDonald and her friends were walking to the grocery store at night. When they passed a bar where a group of white people were smoking cigarettes, they were threatened and insulted about their race and orientation. A fight broke out when McDonald and her friends tried to walk away, and the fight ended when McDonald, in defense, stabbed one of the perpetrators, who later died from the wound. McDonald recounts that she thought that the police were “there to help her” but instead she was put into the back of the police car, while bleeding, interrogated and eventually charged with murder. McDonald spent 27 months in a men’s prison and was released in January 2014.

Since her release, McDonald has spoken at various colleges, was interviewed by Rolling Stone and is now working with Laverne Cox, the transgender actor who plays Sophia Burset on “Orange is the New Black,” to create a documentary about her life entitled “Free CeCe.” This documentary will focus on McDonald’s experiences and will also create a much-needed conversation about “the issue of trans misogyny and the epidemic of violence surrounding trans women of color.” During the speech at Rutgers, McDonald made it clear that these three words (“trans,” “woman” and “colored”) are not exclusive. These characteristics work together to create an experience that causes abuse and violence, and even self-loathing. McDonald said that throughout her life, she “had to overcome violence, depression and suicide” and this is what LGBTQ teens have to face every day. The message that Rutgers UniversityCamden is trying to get across is that this is not OK and that this is something that is unacceptable in our classes, in our residence halls and in our community. Prior to McDonald speaking, an “It Gets Better” production video was shown, which was created by Rutgers-Camden students in Ellen Malenas Ledoux’s “Gender and Sexuality in Literature” class and Dawn Walsh’s “New Queer Cinema” classes. Video consultants were Sarah Punderson and

Dave Tavani. The video is entitled “It Gets Better When …” and is an 8-minute clip that shows vignettes about how life gets better when we learn to accept each other for who and what we are. Scenes depicted everything from a doctor who does not take into consideration that his patient may not be heterosexual to a situation in which a trans woman wonders which bathroom she should use. Despite these shaky feelings and public discomfort, the message is that it gets better when we all come together and address these issues. The message behind the event was that it is important to be your own activist. Standing up for LGBTQ rights is quite easy to go unnoticed; instead, you need to make a difference and make your voice heard when you fight for your rights. McDonald is a walking inspiration and provides us with hope and motivation. During her struggles, McDonald told us that she often felt like dying, but the fact that she retained her dignity gives us an important message. Restating the video, it gets better when we don’t assume the sexual orientation of others, it gets better when we speak up as allies, it gets better when we listen and support each other and, most importantly, it gets better when you can love yourself even if you live in a world where no one else does. It is important to be accepting to all and to deny no one. After all, your smile and open heart can and will save a life. N Tiara DeGuzman and Jaade Henderson are incoming seniors at Rutgers University.

Key numbers ■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800-662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215685-1633

n The COLOURS Organization, Inc.: 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-7323378 ■ GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization: 215-851-1822 ■ LGBT Elder Initiative: 267546-3448; info@LGBTEI.org ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Nellie Fitzpatrick, 215-6862194; Nellie.Fitzpatrick@phila.gov

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-5630652; Legal Services: 215-5630657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-5630658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215686-4670 ■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-PRIDE2000 ■ Police Department liaison Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-686-3318

■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@ gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

SUMMER 2015

Caitlyn Jenner and the elephant in the closet By Sean Morris Age: 17 The Caitlyn Jenner story has been making headlines everywhere, to put it mildly. Everyone from celebrities to media outlets to everyone in between have praised, rightfully so, Jenner’s message of acceptance, which is still a message that needs to be conveyed. However, one thing that has been rarely talked about is Jenner’s politics, which contradict what many would assume to be the politics of a transgender person. Jenner is a self-described “conservative Republican.” Most who carry that title have acted against transgender and other LGBT goals. While some Republicans thought Jenner’s coming out could be a step forward towards more acceptance within the Republican Party, others like Rush Limbaugh (no surprise there) were less than accepting. So, this brings in the question of why? Well, let us not forget that before Jenner fully transitioned, she was a straight, white, rich, athletic assigned-atbirth man — and now she is a rich, white woman. The likelihood for the support is more financial than social, which isn’t an entirely surprising trend, considering many pro-rich stances Republicans tend to take. An excellent article from the Huffington Post on the subject pointed out two wealthy Jewish gay men, Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass, were accused of supporting and contributing to the campaign of conservative Republican (and now presidential candidate) Ted Cruz. As people support and praise Jenner for her transition, there still is the question of if her attention will be able to gather more movement for transgender rights. Jenner is a very lucky person with millions of dollars on hand to be able to go through the transition as smoothly as possible. But what about all the other transgender men and women who don’t have that money to transition that smoothly, who have been banned from the mili-

tary, who can receive gross penalties for not using the bathrooms of their “birth gender” — all of which Republicans typically have supported? So a glaring question is, why do we support someone who has such paradoxical allegiances that don’t benefit members of her community? Well, I will say Jenner has undoubtedly brought attention to the transgender-rights movement; the Vanity Fair cover will go down in history due to its instantly iconic status. Many people have obviously been inspired and will continue to be inspired by her, whether it’s transgender men and women who could see that image and feel better about themselves or anyone else who has gone through self-loathing and could be inspired by the confidence that Jenner has shown. Also, despite some resistance, she is arguably the face of progressivism in the Republican

Party. For these things I applaud her, although I hope she can use her fame, as well as the publicity from her new TV show “I am Cait” (although in my opinion it should have been called “Transjenner”), to showcase and champion the transgender movement for all members — from rich to poor, to various ethnicities and more. While I can’t say I support her politics nor her apparent reasons for those very politics, I will continue to support her if she is able to help bring the change this country needs not only to the transgender community, but to our country’s politics as well. N Sean Morris is an incoming senior at Science Leadership Academy.

PGN LGBTQ Youth SUPPLEMENT

SUMMER 2015

Out & About Q Spot 4-8 p.m. Aug. 22 3535 Market St. The monthly safe space for LGBT youth features its fifth-annual religion and sexuality series, in addition to its regular food, music and resources. 4-8 p.m. Sept. 26 3535 Market St. The monthly safe space for LGBT youth features a focus on social justice, exploring the #BlackLivesMatter movement, in addition to its regular food, music and resources. GALAEI Open House 5:30-9 p.m. Aug. 25 149 W. Susquehanna Ave. The LGBT Latino social-justice organization invites supporters to tour its new location in North Philadelphia. Light refreshments will be served. Showing Face On display through Aug. 28 William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Check out the photography exhibit featuring local LGBT youth from The Attic Youth Center and seniors from John C. Anderson Apartments, who worked side by side for a year on the multigenerational art project seen on city bus shelters and billboards. Fairgrounds Out at Night at Six Flags 8 p.m. Sept. 5 Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, N.J. The annual LGBT night at the theme park kicks off with a pre-party from 8-10 p.m., followed by the main dance-party event from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets are good for entrance to the park all day. For more information, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/fairgrounds-at-six-flagstickets-16183492261.

South Jersey Gay Pride Noon-6 p.m. Sept. 13 Cooper River Park, 1301 North Park Drive, Pennsauken The seventh-annual Pride festival features a drag show, a DJ battle, dance performances, food, vendors and more. The event is free; SNJGayPride.org. Defiant Archives: Trans Histories of Existence, Resistance and Brilliance On display through Sept. 20 William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The collection traces the history of the local transgender community through the center’s archives and submissions from community members. OutFest Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 11 Gayborhood The annual street festival celebrating National Coming Out Day features entertainment, vendors, games and more. Philly Family Pride Annual Family Matters Conference 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 17 Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard The annual conference, this year themed “Mind, body and soul: Caring for ourselves and our families,” brings together LGBT parents and their kids for education and engagement. Speaking Out On display through Jan. 3 National Constitution Center 525 Arch St. The comprehensive LGBThistory exhibit traces the roots of the LGBT-rights movement, including its beginnings in Philadelphia. N

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I am not a second-rate citizen By Sean Morris Age: 17 The Supreme Court last month made its historic ruling allowing gay marriage in all 50 states. Before the ruling, a group of antigay-marriage advocates, one of thousands, protested against the expected ruling, mostly citing religion and an erosion of family values. Here’s the thing: I don’t care what your religion says, but you do not get to decide my rights based on it. And I am tired of people using religion as an excuse. First of all, this country is based upon religious freedom and secular government. I mean, I could believe in the great wookie monster if I damn well please, but should I get to write laws based off what he says? No. That’s because not everyone will believe as the lawmakers do, so they can’t write laws based off of their personal beliefs. Ergo they should not push down gay rights because of it, especially as there’s even evidence to show that marriage came before Christianity. I remember when current Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio said: “Today we’ve reached the point in our society where if you do not support same-sex marriage, you are labeled a homophobe and a hater.” Well what else do you call it, Marco? You don’t think I’m entitled to the same rights as everyone else? You’re getting defensive about being called a “hater,” but you are one. Some people might like to have civil unions instead, which I pretty much consider the equivalent to the “colored” water fountains — a separate-but-“equal” policy. And another wanna be president, Rick Santorum, has said that he will actively fight the Supreme Court ruling. And they aren’t the only ones; I think every GOP candidate for the presidency thus far, and any newcomers, will be against gay marriage, and probably gay rights overall. These people all have a chance to become the leader of the free world and they don’t even respect the freedom of people. These candidates are a part

of the larger war against the LGBT community by usage of religion, and I am damn tired of it. Religion does not take precedence over the rights of human beings. If you took a child and raised him in different households of different religions, he’ll likely practice what he’s taught, but if he is gay, then he’ll never stop being gay. People are born gay, but they aren’t born with a religious identity. However, using their religious identity, people have killed others — sometimes even their own children — and used the excuse of religion. Now some people might say that these people don’t represent the current group of Christians as a whole. However, that argument quickly becomes the “not all men” or “not all cops” defense, which just does not hold up. When a group of people have messed up a system and perverted it this much, the only way it will

get better is with a massive system change. Therefore, a person’s identity that exists at birth and cannot change needs to be protected over belief systems that can change. Human rights are important enough to do so. The protection of discrimination due to religious beliefs needs to come to an end. It’s been used to keep the status quo of racism, slavery, women as second-class citizens and so much more. When we allow a single religion to influence the law, then how are we different than many of the governments we are fighting in other parts of the world? All people, with all their unique and individual loves, emotions and stories, deserve protection and rights by their government. N Sean Morris is an incoming senior at Science Leadership Academy.

FOUR OF THE HUNDREDS OF LGBTQ YOUTH AT THE JUNE 26 RALLY OUTSIDE THE U.S. SUPREME COURT Photo: Scott A. Drake

PGN LGBTQ Youth SUPPLEMENT

Page 6

Future possibilities

SOCIETY TODAY

By Timothy Wayne Moore Age: 28

By Naisha Soto Age: 17

We’re managing the politics disagreements and silly antics Yet totally missing the experience of living Just surviving some struggling more Having little access or no door So few ways to rise from the bottom of the barrel Of an economic system so impersonal Instead of loving the soul Society is run by money and gold If we’re given a new day Then there is a possibility of a new way To make choices that will later create our future, What we will experience is yet to be written We the pen must leave our imprint in our decisions

Let Go of Fear The fruit of awareness has broken through A seed now budded the mind discovered That the same patterns used to survive Can stop us from ascending, being paralyzed A familiar yet comfortable rut, like soft quick sand one gets stuck Tired of running the same tracks Weary of the battles that follow As one may live in the past Instead of preparing for tomorrow A breaking away of self-inflicted decay A slow pain that numbs what remains It’s time to awake and take control To let fear go and be bold

Weathering the storm When negative feelings become the focus Honor the moment and embrace the emotion Swim through it and under to find answers Then when it is over, cut it away like a cancer Say no to reliving pass due decay That is considered bravery, Not running from the pain Rather creating boundaries with the suffering Choosing at some point to say goodbye to a rainstorm that has now passed by N Timothy Wayne Moore is pursuing a master’s of leadership from Rosemont College.

A life was lost today, A mother and father won’t go to work today, They became broken today, People are being born today, People are going six feet underground today, Another girl is crying for help today, A girl is going to school with bruises today, Another black man got killed today, Racist police are on the streets today, Shots are being fired today, Another innocent person dead today, Why are killer cops still free today? Why are people homophobic today, Another one of my gay friends killed themselves today, Weed, crack, wet are being sold today, Kids dropping out of school today, Still no cure for cancer today, Troops going back to base today, A boy not graduating today, His mother is holding his hand in the hospital today, Another young girl pregnant today, There’s another overdose today, She sold herself today, Sad thoughts run through their head today, More guns being bought today, More daddies getting drunk today, Their daddies getting drunk today, Their daughters became their punching bag today, Then they say sorry today. N Naisha Soto is a junior at Community Academy of Philadelphia.

IMPRESSION, HOMONORMATIVITY By Matty Bennett Age: 24 At night you exist as a wave rocking me into submission: every few seconds a single drop of your cold sweat falls onto my skin until I say stop: I need a moment to put this in a frame. I can feel it: imminent danger of our molecules morphing surging until we can only think for each other. That’s when: you take me to an art gallery where all the paintings are red, to a junkyard, to a restaurant with mediocre reviews, to all the places with parakeets. I take the photographs. Eventually you’ll notice them, black and white, hanging in my apartment. Please: don’t ask why each one is of the ground. N Matty Bennett is a graduate student at Virginia Tech.

SUMMER 2015

Philadelphia HIV testing sites Center City ActionAIDS 1026 Arch St. 267-940-5515 Mon. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tues. 10 a.m.-noon Wed. 1-4 p.m. Thur. noon-2 p.m. ActionAIDS North Office 2641 N. Sixth St. 215-291-9700 Third Tuesdays 1-4 p.m. The Attic Youth Center 55 S. 16th St. 215-545-4331 Mazzoni Center and GALAEI’s Washington West Project 1201 Locust St. Mon.-Thur. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. 1-5 p.m. 215-985-9206 Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Office 1211 Chestnut St. Suite 405 215-496-9696 Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thur. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Planned Parenthood Locust Office 1144 Locust St. 215-351-5560 Mon. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St. 215-732-2220 Mon. 4-7 p.m. Youth Health Empowerment Project 1417 Locust St., third floor 215-564-6388

PGN LGBTQ Youth SUPPLEMENT

SUMMER 2015

Philadelphia HIV testing sites South/West Philadelphia CHOP 3550 Market St., fourth floor 215-590-3537 Health Center #3 555 S. 43rd St. 215-685-7504 Health Center #4 4400 Haverford Ave. 215-685-7601/7654 Urban Solutions 1408 S. Broad St., first floor 215-755-0700

North Philadelphia Congreso 216 W. Somerset St. 215-763-8870 Walk-in hours Wednesdays and Thursdays Covenant House Health Services 251 E. Bringhurst St. 215-844-1020 GALAEI 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor 215-851-1822 Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Maria de los Santos Health Center 425 W. Allegheny Ave. 215-291-2500 PHMC Health Connection 1035 W. Berks St. 215-765-6690 Planned Parenthood Far Northeast 2751 Comly Road 215-464-2225 Mon. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues. and Thur. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed. and Fri. noon-3 p.m. Sat. noon-2 p.m. St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children 3601 A St. 215-427-5000

Page 7

Youth Pride: A festival for the young that celebrated our history By Sean Morris Age: 17 Over the past year, I had the esteemed pleasure of working with Andrew Robbles and many other young LGBT community members in organizing Philadelphia’s first-ever Youth Pride, which took place July 5 as part of the city’s massive celebration of the 50 years since LGBT activists first championed equality here in the city. The decision behind a youth-focused Pride event came from the fact that most Prides feature older, and often drunk, LGBT people. Instead, this was a zone for the youth to be able to celebrate being out with people their own age. I was one of the performers at the festival, in which many gave awesome and fierce performances with lip synching and singing. There were interesting and educational workshops, food, drinks and more! These are the remarks I was fortunate enough to deliver: “Hello everybody and happy Pride day! Thank you for joining me on this historic Pride day, as well as the first-ever Youth Pride in Philadelphia. Today we celebrate the 50 years since the first LGBT activists here in Philadelphia championed for rights. I was actually at an exhibit at the National Constitution Center and saw how LGBT people have moved forward in history. Back in the 1950s and ’60s,

when activists first started campaigning, we were considered mentally disabled to the point of which they would have thrown us in a mental asylum and lobotomized us — people like me, like you and you and you. But we do not live in that time any more. We live in a time in which just last month the United States Supreme Court decided that gay marriage can be legal in every single state! That’s the time we live in now, and there’s a reason why we have progressed so much in the span of 50 years — which is, in all respects, a blink of an eye in human existence. And do you know why that is? It’s the same exact force that made Shah Jahan build the beautiful Taj Mahal for his departed wife. It’s the same force that made Dante peril though all nine levels of hell for his Beatrice. It’s the same thing that has given birth to poetry, songs, art, everything that we’ve come to associate with beauty on earth. And that’s love. Pure, raw, beautiful love — the thing that everyone knows but nobody can explain what it is. And that amazing, beautiful, powerful force is what has guided us here today and will continue to guide us. But there’s still a lot to go. Our trans brothers and sisters are still being murdered in the streets. We still do not have equality in the workplace; gay people can be fired by their employers. But I dare say that we can still

go forward and I have no doubt that we can not only move forward but strive in doing so. And eventually, all those who doubted us and thought we were immoral and sinful, they are the ones who will be villainized in the history books. And also to anyone here today who has ever been teased or bullied like myself — maybe you were called a dyke, a faggot, flaming or some other hateful thing — let me say this: You are flaming. You are a fire! You are a beautiful, eternal, uncontrollable fire and you shall burn throughout all of history. It is the fire of your love, your passion and yourself that shall be burned throughout eternity and shall reign forever. So enjoy the day everybody, and enjoy being yourself. There are seven billion people on this planet and not one of them has the same face. Never doubt yourself, never deny being yourself and always be yourself.” I feel honored to be able to have given these words, I thank all those who helped plan this event, including participants and the attendees. I am already looking forward to planning and seeing all the awesome performers for next year’s Youth Pride! N Sean Morris is an incoming senior at Science Leadership Academy.

Reflections on returning to the Philly Dyke March By Rachel Levin Age: 16 The Philadelphia Dyke March exists as one of the most esteemed gatherings of LGBTQ members and allies in the state of Pennsylvania. This event morphs the city’s expression of being one of “brotherly love” into the opposite gender. Despite the event’s warm invitation to any and all queers and supporters, it exists primarily to give the lesbians of Philadelphia a voice. Now, I am not a Dyke March virgin. This year has acted as round two of my initiation into the Philadelphia Dyke March community. Being a Dyke March veteran, it’s more than safe to say I felt welcomed to return with open arms. After being rallied into Kahn Park on 11th Street, entertained by lesbian musicians, exotic dancers and lovely lady MCs all while chowing down on free water ice, I began to realize the beautiful atmosphere I had inserted myself into. Looking over the sea of boi haircuts, I had never felt more safe and secure in my personal identity. Acceptance resembled clouds on a sunny day in this moment: It hung in the

air without much call for attention until you look up. Then you begin to notice the rays of light shining through and illuminating a part of you that laid dormant, right under your nose. It was a beautiful moment. Even more beautiful was the initiation of the march. Event workers and staff joined together on stage. With solemn yet nostalgic expressions on their faces, they began to mourn the loss of their beloved friend and co-creator of the Philadelphia Dyke March, Gloria Casarez. They discussed Gloria’s role in society as well as her role in creating the Philadelphia Dyke March. Most importantly, they discussed her role as friend of the community. They played audio clips in commemoration of Gloria and proceeded to observe a moment of silence in her honor. This brief but meaningful silence was abruptly ended, however, with the commencement of the march. Everyone was told by the ushers to pick up a drum, a sign or just themselves and take to the streets. We began to chant collectively powerful cheers such as “The dykes united will never be divided!” And “Two, four, six,

eight, how do you know your kid is straight?” As we marched, the faces of gawking bystanders smiled and cheered us. Eventually, we stormed past City Hall, all the while being cheered on. Upon returning to Kahn Park after a long hike through the marvelous city of Philadelphia, a feeling of fulfillment had washed over me. As I stood there with my closest cronies, sweat pouring down my back and adrenaline rushing through my veins, I was content.

I was glad that this event gave me, among many other dykes, the opportunity to showcase homosexuality in a safe and successful way. Having been blessed with this opportunity, I can safely say that there is no doubt that I will be returning to the annual Philadelphia Dyke March for many years to come. N Rachel Levin is a Philadelphia native and a junior at Abington High School.

PERFORMERS AT KAHN PARK PRIOR TO THE DYKE MARCH Photo: Scott A. Drake

PGN LGBTQ YouTh SuPPLEMENT

Page 8

SUMMeR 2015

National Newspaper Association’s 2015 Newspaper and Education Contest Third Place, Traditional Newspaper in Education Stories and Curriculum for LGBTQ Youth Supplement PGN is one of only 10 newspapers in the country who won awards in the contest

PGN LGBTQ Youth Supplement by our youth, for our youth, for our future

By Jen Gregory, 22

Choosing the right college is difficult. How far away? How much? What majors do they offer? What’s the surrounding neighborhood like? How is the athletics program? The list is virtually endless. In the LGBT community, aspiring college freshmen have to add another important question to their college search: Is it LGBTfriendly? Unfortunately, “LGBT-friendly” is not a term that many colleges advertise on their marketing brochures and websites. This can make it difficult or nearly impossible for LGBT high-school seniors to make the most informed decision. More often than not, the choice of college comes down to the almighty dollar — not the comfort level in the school itself. But Campus Pride, a national nonprofit organization, is seeking to provide the answers to these questions. Originating as an online clearinghouse for college students to seek out LGBT information and resources, Campus Pride now has eight national programs that seek to provide support to college campuses that do not have many LGBT resources locally available to them, as well as an ongoing list

of LGBT-friendly colleges. Executive director and founder Shane Windmeyer is passionate about helping the voices of young LGBT people be heard. “Campus Pride is effective because we actually have relationships with young people,” he said. “We see our movement as a social-justice movement that is led by young people.” In 2007, Campus Pride began to recognize the efforts of LGBT youth leaders through its annual Voice & Action Awards. Student leaders across the country submitted their applications, highlighting the strong points of their socialjustice work for the LGBT community. “Currently in the community there is not a way to recognize young adult leaders,” Windmeyer said. “We spend too much time focusing on donors or organizations. If we are going to really have an impact on the future, we need to focus on today’s youngadult leaders.” Starting in 2010, Campus Pride opted to highlight a few of its Voice & Action applicants with the Leaders in Action Award as a way to honor the commitment these student leaders have to LGBT and PAGE 8 social-justice

PA youth unite around PASS Act

STUDENTS CAROLYN PANDOLFO (FROM LEFT), NICOLE MAHONEY, FAITH ELMES, JAKE TOLAN AND ASHISH KALANI ADVOCATING FOR THE PASS ACT IN HARRISBURG Photo: Jason Landau Goodman

By Victoria Martin, 20 Pennsylvania’s anti-bullying law is shockingly weak and inadequate. Thousands of students throughout the commonwealth are faced with dangerous verbal, physical and cyber harassment on a daily basis. With the help of a clear policy on preventing and resolving school violence, safer schools can become a reality. In 2011, a collective of youth activists met to discuss Pennsylvania’s weak bullying

laws, and what could be done to better protect students. They then began to draft the Pennsylvania Safe Schools (PASS) Act, a comprehensive anti-bullying law to reduce school violence and empower teachers and school staff to mediate incidents of bullying. The PASS Act is now in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, being driven by the historic work of students in favor of strong safe-schools policies. The PASS Act establishes a

New program shows youth potential of science careers By Karim Sariahmed, 22 Creating new programming to serve marginalized communities is a slow and delicate process. I’ve been at work with wonderful people whose LGBTQ advocacy predates my own political consciousness, but their expertise and knowledge of the Philadelphia LGBTQ community has raised more questions for me than it has answered. Chief among these questions is this: How can the nonprofit sector’s scarce resources be used to fiercely promote social justice? Working on the Out4STEM program at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, with the help of Penn Med’s LGBTPM+ and the Educational Justice Coalition, has given me some hope. Out4STEM is a pilot program for connecting LGBTQ youth in

LOCAL STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS FIELDS AT THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIAN’S LAUNCH EVENT FOR OUT4STEM AT THE MÜTTER MUSEUM Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philadelphia to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)

education resources and mentorship in a safe space. Reflecting on

the Out4STEM launch this past month reassures me that there is valuable, intersectional work to be done in the LGBTQ community. A critical perspective on the accessibility of STEM will be necessary to effectively enlist the wealth of resources available to serve Philadelphia’s LGBTQ youth, many of whom are marginalized in other ways as well. At the launch earlier this month, a facilitated discussion with LGBTQ youth, community members and STEM professionals turned into a discussion about being queer in a conservative STEM environment. The young people in the room listened with rapt attention to the adults’ stories. One gay man described being avoided by a closeted colleague and feeling generally “pushed PAGE 8 aside” by man-

reporting mechanism for incidents of bullying; creates a strong definition of bullying; enumerates protection for students against bullying based on actual or perceived characteristics including race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or presentation as well as other protected classes; and provides training for educators to identify and resolve cases of bullying and harassment. The bill currently has a recordbreaking 99 cosponsors, making it the most supported safe-schools bill in Pennsylvania history, as well as the most co-sponsored bill that includes LGBT protections. There are now 50 Republican and 49 Democratic co-sponsors. The PASS Act is additionally supported by nearly 50 Pennsylvania mayors who have signed a Mayors for Safe Schools statement, and numerous clergy members from faith communities across the state who have signed a Clergy for Safe Schools letter. The success of the PASS Act is due to a groundbreaking studentled advocacy effort, in which a collective of youth activists design and execute strategies to support the bill. These activists work in association with organizations in the PASS Partnership, a coalition of educational and social-service PAGE 6 organizations

What’s inside Rutgers offers LGBT History class: page 2 — Q&A with the ‘Youth Action’ co-chairs: page 3 — LGBTQ V-Day dance coming,“Stick Fly”: page 4 — “We Will Rock You” and “RuPaul’s Battle of the Seasons”: page 5 — Bullying hits home, For the love of butches: page 6 — “Straight Answers”: page 7

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PAGE 39

“Killer” Gay Theater

KILLING IT: (clockwise from top left) Frank Schierloh and Connor Feimster in “From White Plains”; Emily Schuman, Jennifer MacMillan, Amber Orion, Sarah Rachel Schol, Katherine Perry in “The Secretaries” (Photos: John Donges); David Leeper in “At the Flash” (Photo Sean Lambert Photography)

Heart, humor take the stage at GayFest! By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Quince Productions’ annual LGBT theater festival returns for its fifth year of productions, readings and performances that embrace the diversity of the LGBT community, Aug. 7-22. This year’s edition of GayFest! features performances by openly gay singer/songwriter Zach Ryan, as well as singer-songwriter Ben Deane, whose “Gay Man in Training: A British Boy in Gay America” takes audiences through the journey of leaving home to grow up as a gay man. But it’s the theater pieces that this year have the community really talking. One of the more outrageous offerings is “The Secretaries,” the story of a group of murderous lesbian secretaries working at a lumber mill where lumberjacks start mysteriously disappearing. Director Jack Tamburri said he wasn’t sure

about “The Secretaries” when Quince’s artistic director, Rich Rubin, first showed him the script, but it eventually grew on him. “I believe it’s been on his mind as a piece for GayFest! for a while,” Tamburri said. “I came to Philly two years ago and I had seen some GayFest! shows and Rich and I became friends. When I saw the script the first time I thought, What the hell is this? But it really stuck with me. The humor and creepiness just really got under my skin. I read it again and thought, This is awesome! It’s right up my alley in terms of this amazing mixture of tones and the combination of deeply unsettling creepiness and really wild, campy comedy. That’s in my wheel house and my area of interest. I’ve done material like that before so that is what really got me on board.” Amber Orion, who plays one of the secretaries in the dark comedy, said that while the play may appear outlandish on its surface, it communicates a realistic message. “It’s really a satire on society’s expectations

of women and how we’re expected to look and treat each other,” she said. “It’s an absurd world and if we’re going to have these absurd expectations of the way we’re supposed to act, we’re going to lash out secretly. It’s ridiculous but it’s a very scathing commentary. Orion plays Patty, the “office lesbian.” “She’s really a letch,” Orion said. “She has no boundaries and spends a lot of time going after the new girls. I also play Buzz the lumberjack. Other actors play other characters voiced offstage but I’m the only actor on stage as two characters.” Orion said she doesn’t wholly agree with Tamburri’s description of the play as campy. “I don’t think it’s campy,” she said. “It doesn’t really need to wink at the audience because it’s completely making fun of what’s being said by virtue of it being said.” Tamburri appreciates that the actors in the play have different perspectives on the content and humor of the story. “The sort of gymnastic that actors have to

do is they have to perform some pretty wild behavior, but they have to ground it in a really intense emotional reality,” he said. “That’s what makes it not just sketch comedy and not just what you would think of camp as. It reaches the high of camp outrageousness but it maintains a profound and quite troubling emotional depth.” Both Tamburri and Orion agreed that, while the actions of the main characters are extreme, the audience somehow ends up on their side. “There is a mix of being completely appalled at what they are doing but it’s in such a way where it’s almost endearing,” Orion said. “They are definitely terrible people but it’s so funny that I don’t think you are rooting against them.” “I think that the goal of the production of this play is to get the audience on board with how far they are willing to go,” Tamburri said. “When the play ends, you blink as if you are just waking up and realize, Oh, I was just rooting for some pretty extreme PAGE 32

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and maybe reprehensible stuff to go down on behalf of these women. I think that’s a really powerful experience and really fun.” Another show sure to get audiences cheering is “At The Flash,” the story of the titular gay bar preparing for reopening. Characters from the five decades of the bar’s history tell their stories: a married man, a drag queen, a club kid, a lesbian activist and AMBER ORION AND SARAH RACHEL SCHOL IN the bar’s current owner. All of these “THE SECRETARIES” characters are played by actor David girl, but she’s usually the heart of the show. Leeper. She’s the hardest to find, as far as her physical “It’s very fast, upbeat and energetic,” movements and voice.” Leeper said. “It’s serious about being maudWhile “The Flash” is a fictional gay bar lin. It’s funny in parts. It’s a hard piece to and not based on any particular establishment, describe because it’s not a narrative to the Leeper said that doesn’t keep people from audience; there’s no direct discussion with thinking The Flash is really their favorite gay the audience like most one-person shows. It’s bar. really a play that is comedic and heartwarm“We don’t set anything specific with the ing.” show,” Leeper said. “The audience fills in Leeper said the each character represents a what bar it is for them. Even within the five different era of the bar’s history. characters, they could very well be different “They are really decade-specific. Derek is bars, although it’s connected to each other. such an ’80s club kid. In writing about the Everyone kind of fills in what it is in every 1980s, we wanted to address the AIDS crisis city that we’ve done it in. People have said without doing a story that has already been ‘Oh, this is The Abbey is West Hollywood.’ told. So everything in the show is about a In talkbacks, everybody has their own Flash small moment in their life that shows a big- bar.” ger piece of the puzzle. With Derek, it’s that Leeper added that the show illustrates that, fear of waiting for the test to come back and as times changes and the gay community you just don’t know what your future is going evolves, there is always going to be a need for to be. Mona is in the 1990s and that politi- places like The Flash. cal movement where it was a struggle to get “The whole show is framed around the curanybody involved. Ms. Sparkles was in the rent day. “The character Rod has purchased post-Stonewall era of ‘We fought for this and the bar and is trying to bring it back to life we’re trying to make sure everybody knows after a few decades of it slowing down, makhow hard it was to get here.’ So everyone is ing it a new place for the gay community. very specific to their decade.” There’s always going to be that role in the Leeper said that certain characters were community to have a bar or a place to gather more challenging for him to portray. to share in our progress.” n “Probably Mona,” he said when asked who was the most difficult character to bring to Quince Productions presents GayFest Aug. life. “She’s a lesbian activist in the 1990s. 7-22 at various venues in Philadelphia. For a She’s very spunky and girly and the total detailed list of shows, performances and locaopposite of me. It’s a hard role because you tions, visit http://www.quinceproductions.com/ don’t want to offend anybody by playing a gayfest.html.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

FUN & PGN GAMES

Q Puzzle Across

AC ul t ure rts

Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News Nightlife, Concerts, Art Exhibits, Readings, Cabaret, Film Reviews, Theater Reviews, Food Reviews, Book Reviews, Music Reviews, Sports and Travel

1. Sitcom with a cross-dressing corporal 5. Wonder Woman weapon 10. Moved one’s ass 14. Food on the floor, maybe 15. Waters of the sound? 16. Where pirates moor 17. Web info source 18. Friend of Ricky Martin 19. Fleecy females 20. Where do you find a gay man who is an ___ ... 23. Wilde country 24. Go-getter 25. Philip Johnson contemporary 27. Doubtfire’s title 30. Do-___ (desperate) 33. Chicken hawk and falcon 34. Old nuclear power org. 35. Alpine Austrian region 36. “The Name of the Rose” writer 37. “___ Ghost” (Mailer novel) 40. It changes a se�or’s gender 41. Kaplan of Kotter fame 43. “Candle in the Wind” subject 44. David Bowie genre 45. ... who wants to seduce desperate ___? 48. Yokohama yes 49. Mail order abbr. 50. Answer to the riddle

59. Fashion designer Jacobs 60. “In your dreams!” 61. Shared coin 62. On an Olivia cruise 63. Like Baldwin in Paris 64. Amsterdam transport 65. Two-master 66. Penetrate 67. It may get pussy

Down

1. Rita’s second name 2. ___ mater 3. Alien’s anal insert? 4. Bound, at a gay rodeo 5. Hit the road 6. Melissa Etheridge’s “Don’t Look ___” 7. Place for your first mate 8. Nintendo rival 9. Mild oath 10. Thespians may chew it 11. Penetrating tool 12. Green beginner? 13. ___ Moines, Iowa

21. Like Emma Donoghue 22. Traffic noise 25. Self-description from one’s knees? 26. Book after Jonah 27. Racer Andretti 28. Hang loose 29. Triangular treat 31. Vowels of Sappho 32. Jack of old oaters 38. That’s Rich! 39. John Q. Public 42. Morally upright 44. Inspector’s gizmos in a Rupert Everett flick 46. Copland capability 47. AP rival 50. Noncommittal words 51. Gemini org. 52. Barrymore of “Boys on the Side” 53. Shakespeare’s “anon” updated 54. Boob, to a Brit 55. Way to have one’s meat 56. William of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” 57. Carhop’s carrier 58. “___ Like it Hot”

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Suzi Nash

Braxton McCloud: Embracing his artistic fabulousness I was people watching at the pre-Pride block party. As I watched a group of young people dancing and cutting up, one glittery young man caught my attention. He was working a pair of heels in ways I could only dream about. When I saw him at Penn’s Landing at Pride, once again looking fabulous, I arranged to find out a little more about him. PGN: What’s your sign? BM: Cancer, I just turned 21 a few days ago! PGN: Cancer … Are you a very homey/ family-oriented person? BM: Yes and no. I like home but I like to get out too. I have a twin sister who’s the opposite. I actually have six siblings. All our names start with the letter “N.” It gets confusing at times. PGN: Are you the exception? BM: [Laughs] No, Braxton is actually my middle name; my first name is Niealle. PGN: Where do you and your twin fall in the line-up? BM: We’re the oldest, and I’m the oldest of the seven. PGN: Wow, that’s a lot of kids around. BM: Well, we’re all about a year apart, so they’re not really kids; they’re 20, 19, 18, etc. Most of us are or will be out of the house for college soon anyway. PGN: As the firstborn, did a lot of the responsibilities fall on you? BM: It was between my twin and me. She went off to college but I stayed here in Philly. One of my sisters is in Central Penn and two are at Rosemont College. I was at the Art Institute but I’m taking the year off to decide where I want to go creatively. PGN: What are some of the things you’re choosing between? BM: Well, I sing and I dance. I’ve done some modeling for people but mostly I do design. I started a clothing company. I’ve been working on ideas for nine years and now I’m organizing all my sketches and work together. I still haven’t come up with a name for the company yet, but I’m working on a business plan. PGN: How did you start? BM: People would ask me if I would design prom dresses for them. They would take the sketches to someone else to sew. Now I’m starting to create pieces for myself and friends. I have a team of people to sew but I’m hoping to apprentice under an established designer this year and get work done through them.

PGN: One of the things about you that caught my eye at the Pride block party was your sense of style. BM: Ha! Well, I have a variety of styles. I can go from looking “every day” to vintage/retro to school-boy preppie to edgy to full out-of-the-box, over-the-top fashion. It’s eclectic. I try to do a little of everything, but when I go full-blown, like at a Pride event, it’s usually something you won’t see every day, something out of the norm. [Laughs] Well, not out of the norm for me, but you know what I’m talking about! PGN: Where do you get your ideas? BM: From everywhere. I’m always looking at Pinterest and other sites trying to find some inspiration. I’m like, “Oooh, maybe I’ll wear this today … and that … and that … with that!” Sometimes my sisters look at me like, “What are you wearing?” PGN: Where do you get your materials or clothes? BM: A combination of retail and vintage stores. I like to buy clothes from consignment shops and I also consign clothes when I’m finished with them. I think it’s a healthy choice. We throw too much away. That reminds me, I have a leather Christian Dior trench coat I need to take over; it’s great but it’s too long for me and I don’t want to cut it because … well, it’s vintage Dior and that would be a crime. I’d rather consign it and let someone else have it. I love Greene Street Consignment.

get critics, people who feel it necessary to say, “What the hell are you wearing?” I just take it like it is. I soak it up, like, “Hmmm, what am I going to test tomorrow?” PGN: Are you ever fearful? I don’t think your gaydar would have to be especially strong to assume you might be gay. Is safety a concern? BM: I think back in middle school and high school the answer was yeah! I was more concerned then but not so much anymore. I think I’m bolder and more fearless now, so it’s accepted more. I am what I am. People get jumped or hurt every day because of their sexual orientation, but I’m not afraid of human beings. PGN: That’s powerful. What was the worst bullying you faced in school? BM: In middle school, I had a stalker who had a picture of me — I don’t know who it was — but they kept sending me letters. Then I was getting death threats on social media, then a group of kids that had been

PGN: I was just there yesterday with a box of summer clothes but they wouldn’t take them because they’re already starting to stock fall and winter clothes … it’s July! BM: I know, I know. In the design world they’re always so far ahead. They make collections for the next two seasons, so they already know what’s going to be on trend in 2016 and ’17. By the time the stuff trickles down to the public, they’re already on to the next thing. PGN: So what’s the trend for this fall? BM: I’m seeing a lot of dark colors coming back: burgundys and siennas, warm caramels … a lot of leather this fall. I’m hoping to make it to one of the fashion shows in New York this year. PGN: When I said I’d meet you at a coffee shop, I was wondering if I’d recognize you, but just a quick glance in the window and there was no doubt which person was you. Do you ever have problems walking around Philly being so “over the top?” BM: Well, I’ve been bullied since I was little, so I’ve grown a pretty tough skin. I tend to get more compliments, people saying, “I would have never thought of wearing that together but it works on you!” Sometimes I

my friends decided to jump me at the same time that a group of kids from a nearby school decided to attack me. One day I was on Oregon Avenue walking to the bus stop with my sister and there was a big group of kids waiting in front of this store. They started to walk really close to us and I was like, “What is going on here?” My sister picked up on it and said, “You’re not going to touch him, you’ll have to get through me first.” Luckily the store owner knew us because we’d go to his store every

morning and he came out and yelled, “Y’all are being inconsiderate! He doesn’t do nothing to you, so just leave him alone!” I’m glad he was there because that would have been my first fight and I’m definitely a lover, not a fighter! I’ve taken self-defense classes, but I never wanted to put my hands on somebody. That’s not me. PGN: Who were you, as a kid? BM: It changed kind of quick. I was a rough-and-tumble kid until second grade and then I started getting more artistic. I’d take a lot of time with what I wore and how I presented myself. I was very organized. I got involved in music, choirs and stuff. PGN: What was your favorite outfit as a kid? BM: I had a pair of white jean overalls with a plaid shirt that I wore with a bowtie. And a little pair of Oxbridge shoes. Everyone said I looked like Urkel! PGN: Tell me a little about the family. BM: Well, my birth mother had seven kids. Me and three of my sisters were put in foster care at birth. We were later adopted by our foster mother when I was about 5. She already had 10 kids of her own so I have a lot of siblings! She was retired from working with the school district; she’s 80 now. My adopted dad (rest his soul) did construction. He died seven days before his 92nd birthday. They were pretty much stay-athome parents when they took us in. He used to do a lot of gardening. PGN: What’s a fun family memory? BM: Every Friday was game night and every summer we’d take a trip to the shore. That was fun because we had our own money to spend. But I guess the most fun was celebrating me and my twin’s birthday. They always made a huge Photo: Suzi Nash fuss over it and we’d have big celebrations. Each year they’d try to do something flashier than the last! PGN: How old is the youngest sibling? BM: She’s 10. PGN: So you’re still in communication with your birth mother? BM: Yup, still in contact with my birth mother and my other siblings. PAGE 42

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

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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

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 with outdoor seating (weather permitting)

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Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Bar and restaurant with frequent entertainment

Pa. bars close at 2 a.m. unless they have a private-club license. Please drink responsibly.

PGN SPORTS

Get Out and Play

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Scott A. Drake

That’s the spirit City of Brotherly Love Softball League has announced that a new award honoring the memory of Donna Mae Stemmer will be presented at its annual banquet, starting this fall on Oct. 28. The award will be called The Donna Mae Stemmer Spirit Award pre-

sented by Miller Lite and will be awarded to one team in each division that exemplifies the spirit of CBLSL. The awards will be determined by the commissioner. Stemmer was a longtime fan, cheerleader and friend in the softball community as well as

other efforts like Gay BINGO! and the AIDS Walk. Stemmer passed away of a heart attack last month. She was 82. A memorial open to the public will be held 1 p.m. Aug. 8 at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St., followed by a reception at Knock.

SQUEEZED OUT: Yunio Martinez (right) misses scoring a run as Pete VanPelt watches during the championship game of the Stonewall Kickball Sunday League. Martinez was just inches away from the plate after he tried jumping over a throw to put him out at home. The red “Got the Runs” team topped the maize-yellow “Come On My Base” 8-1 in the final. Photo: Scott A. Drake

WINNING HANGOVERS: The PGN Sunday’s Hangovers took top honors during the regular-season championships. CBLSL Fall Ball registration is in progress. No worries on pope weekend, as there’s no play that Sunday. Go to cblsls.org to sign up and get out and play!

HUNGRY LIKE A WOLF: C division Wolves took the City of Brotherly Love Softball League division championship this summer, partly, according to manager Eric Holliday, because the team made it a priority to win the regular season and championship for longtime team members Donna Mae Stemmer and Paul Myers, who both passed away this year.

Short stops • Interested in rugby or rugby players? The Gryphons are holding Rugby 101, teaching the skills of passing, tackling and laws of the game Aug. 8. No prior rugby experience or knowledge is expected. More info at philadelphiagryphons. org.

• Reading Fightin’ Phils Gay Night is approaching. Watch Sandy Beach throw out the first ball before the game Aug. 17. Tickets and info at milb.com/ index.jsp?sid=t522. n Fall approaches! What is your sport about to do? What are you about to do? Email scott@epgn.com.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Queer artist gives voice to immigrant communities By AD Amorosi PGN Contributor

me out. I want all of me available. I want to build community for all of these people — through music and activism — while I’m Ximena Violante is ferocious when it performing and speaking.” comes to serving the Mexican community, Though Violante acknowledges how “white” Swarthmore was during her time to which she belongs. A 2014 Swarthmore College grad and there, it was during her time at the college activist, Violante, 23, is focused on pro- that she came out and began working as an viding documented and undocumented activist and an artist for queer and Latin Mexican families in Philadelphia authentic causes in the Delaware Valley. A large part cultural experiences through her Leeway of her energy at present is through Juntos’ Grant-ed Son Revoltura (“Sound Mix”) new LGBTQ Latino-Immigrants project project, which she created with fellow for- — UndocuQueer — and its exploration of local undocumented Mexicans’ visual artmer Swarthmore student Yared Portillo. With the aid of PHILATINOS, the dig- work that “represents their own lived realital radio station broadcasting from South ities, not often seen in mainstream movePhiladelphia’s Ninth Street, and Juntos, a ments.” She works closely with Juntos’ Philadelphia Latino immigrant-rights orga- Miguel Andrade as well as with Erika nization, the pair operates Son Jarocho Guadalupe Nunez, the program director at talleres (workshops) throughout the Italian Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas Inc. Market. They take their songs and protests Violante believes she must serve the to area prisons where undocumented pris- needs and political actions of all her communities and organizations, such as Juntos, GALAEI and Familia Trans Queer Liberation Movement (Familia: TQLM), geared toward the liberation of the trans-immigrant community. These are her activist homes away from home. As an artist, she uses music as a tool to express who she is as Mexican and as a young, queer, gender-noncomforming woman. The music isn’t separate from her everyday political and social worlds, even though not Photo: Reese Amorosi everything she performs through Interminable — a new trio of trombone, drums and guitar/ oners reside and families visit. “We find our focus in this community vocals formed a month ago, with her first as many of its people didn’t have the priv- gig being at the Trocadero — is about her ileges I did,” said Violante, whose father or her experiences. came to America from Mexico City as a There are a lot of uphill struggles to much of what Violante does as an artist, as disaster recovery-services expert. It is, however, her work as an artist (a there is such a rich tradition of machismo singer and instrumentalist in Interminable) in the culture, she said. and as a driving force of North Philly’s “That’s like so many of the Mexican GALAEI, a queer Latin social-justice traditions; this is ingrained, these gender organization representing “the mosaic of norms,” she said. “We have to honor the sexual and gender identities” within local traditions because there is so much beauty Latino communities, that makes her of to be found, but there are also many things interest in these pages. As a Mexican that we must re-think. It is probably not woman who identifies as queer, Violante traditional to get trans people up on the knows that so many gay, trans and queer tarima [a wooden box with a percussive spaces and causes wind “up white or cis husk] to dance the flamenco, but that is normative,” with many Mexican spaces part of the new reality. So we have to adapt the traditions — with respect and honor, “ending up being heteronormative.” Violante’s goal is to create and fuel but we have to adapt it.” spaces that stay focused on Mexican and Violante’s next musical works will take LGBTQ populaces, as well as those with place in August through Girls Rock Philly (workshops can be found at www.girlsrockmultiple minority identities. “When I sing and when I speak, I per- philly.org/events/event-calendar) as well as form and talk from all of me, as all of me,” with Interminibles (Aug. 8 at A Seed and A she said. “I don’t want to shut any parts of Diamond Gallery, 124 Diamond St.). n

Theater & Arts Adventures in Photography Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition featuring diverse works by figures such as Peter Henry Emerson and George Seeley through Aug. 20, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Dance: Movement, Rhythm, Spectacle Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of prints, drawings and photographs that celebrate the world of dance through Aug. 2, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Defiant Archives The William Way LGBT Community Center presents a collection of archival and personal items with a focus on the history of transgender activism in Philadelphia, curated and collected by local trans community members, through Sept. 20, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. GayFest! Quince Productions presents its annual festival of LGBTthemed theater performances Aug. 7-22 at various locations; www.quinceproductions. Genghis Khan: Bring the Legend to Life The Franklin Institute presents the story of one of the world’s greatest leaders through Jan. 3, 20th Street and the Parkway; www. fi.edu.

Heathers: The Musical Vulcan Lyric presents the stage adaptation of the cinematic dark comedy about a venomous high-school clique through Aug. 16 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215238-1555. Herman Leonard: Jazz Portraits An exhibition of photographs from the master portrait photographer featuring jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and many more from 194060 through Oct. 11 at Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. Into Dust: Traces of the Fragile in Contemporary Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition about the distinctions between the corporeal and transcendental, emergence and decay, belonging and displacement, life and death through Oct. 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Legendary: Inside the House Ballroom Scene The African American Museum in Philadelphia presents the premiere of the Philadelphia-based work of photographer Gerard Gaskin focusing on the culture of house balls of the AfricanAmerican and Latino gay, transgender and queer community, through Aug. 16, 701 Arch St.; www.aampmuseum.org.

CALLING ALL ANACONDAS: Hip-hop’s reigning queen, Nicki Minaj, brings her Pinkprint Tour to the area 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-3651300.

Northern Lights: Scandinavian Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition surveying Scandinavian design from its triumphant showing at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris to the present day through Oct. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. No Sex Please, We’re British The Hedgerow Theatre presents a comic farce about a happy couple whose lives are turned upside-down when mail-order pornography is mistakenly delivered to their home and place of business, through Aug. 23, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media; 610-5654211. Rage of Achilles Commonwealth Classic Theater Company presents a comic tragedy involving Greek and Trojan spies Aug. 6-22 at URBN Center Annex at Drexel University, 3401 Filbert St.; 215-895-2000.

Music J. Cole and Big Sean The hip-hop artists perform 6:30 p.m. July 31 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300. Weird Al Yankovic The comedy-parody singer performs 7:30 p.m. July 31 at Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-5467900. Faith No More and Refused The rock bands perform 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-5467900. Super Freestyle Explosion Taylor Dayne, Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Nu Shooz, Expose, Shannon and J.J. Fad perform 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-336-3600.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Filmmaker ‘experiments’ in prison film By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor “The Stanford Prison Experiment,” opening July 31 at Ritz Theaters, is gay filmmaker Kyle Patrick Alvarez’s take on Dr. Philip Zimbardo’s project conducted at the titular university in 1971. The study was designed to observe the effects of prison on human behavior. Twenty-four male students were divided into prisoner and guard roles in a mock jail. There were basic rules established to prevent physical abuse, but the guards were instructed to keep control over the prisoners. The experiment becomes overwhelming for the prisoners, who struggled and rebelled. THE BOYS (AND GEORGE) ARE BACK IN TOWN: Culture Club, the classic new The story has been told before as “Das wave pop band fronted by gay icon Boy George, is back in action and on the road, Experiment,” a 2001 German film, and “The performing 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at The Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For Experiment,” an American remake in 2010. more information or tickets, call 609-449-1000. However, those previous versions were done in prison facilities. Alvarez sets his intense, tightly wound film in the hallways and 8:30 p.m. Aug. 5 James St.; www. 610-917-1228. #FlavaInYaEar: offices of the Stanford psychology buildat Union Transfer, TheDivinePlay.com. A Soulidified 1026 Spring Garden Queer Queens of ing, to increase the emotional and physical Tribute to the claustrophobia. The decision is effective St.; 215-232-2100. Like a Bear: Comedy Bad Boy Era as the director uses his camera to unflinchA Madonna Out comedians The R&B band perLyfe Jennings Tribute Show by Poppy Champlin and ingly record the characters’ breakdowns and forms hip-hop and The R&B singer Bearlesque Jennie McNulty per- breakthroughs. R&B classics from Alvarez spoke with PGN to discuss “The performs 7 p.m. Bear performers are form 5 p.m. Aug. 2 Bad Boy Records’ Stanford Prison Experiment.” Aug. 6 at Dell burning up to get at the Rrazz Room, classic era 9 p.m. Music Center, 2500 into the groove and in The Ramada New Aug. 1 at World PGN: What prompted you to tell this story, Strawberry Mansion vogue like virgins in Hope, 6426 Lower Cafe Live, 3025 which has been told before both in books a ray of light from York Road, New Walnut St.; 215-222- Drive; 215-685and films? 9560. a lucky star, 9 p.m. Hope; 888-5961400. KPA: I asked myself that a lot, actually. Aug. 7 at Tabu, 200 1027. This script was well-written and taut. I went S. 12th St.; 215-964Smashing 9675. The People Under back and read the Wiki page on the story, Pumpkins and Nightlife and it wasn’t embellished. The [film’s] diaThe Stairs Marilyn Manson logue was created from transcripts and the The 1991 horror The alt-rock bands Outta film by Wes Craven staging was taken from the event. I was perform 7 p.m. Aug. familiar with “Das Experiment,” but I didn’t The Tongue in is screened 9:45 2 at Susquehanna Town want the other films in my head. They took Cheek Cabaret p.m. Aug. 7 at The Bank Center, 1 it too far — people were dying, and they Miss Edna Cheeky Colonial Theatre, Harbour Blvd., never showed the other side of the story. I hosts an evening Roque Wilson’s 227 Bridge St., Camden, N.J.; 609felt the story was so important and compelof drag queens, Comedy Phoenixville; 610365-1300. ling. We rebuilt the basement of Stanford burlesque artists, Showcase 917-1228. down to the square inch. We presented the singers and cabaret Comedians perform KMFDM historical version, and that was gripping, performers 9 p.m. 8 p.m. July 31 at the “It Was A Very The industrial-rock so it deserves this take on it. Hopefully, it’s July 31 at Tabu, 200 Rrazz Room, in The Good Year”: A band performs 7:30 more relevant. Musical Tribute p.m. Aug. 2 at Union S. 12th St.; 215-964- Ramada New Hope, 9675. 6426 Lower York to Frank Sinatra Transfer, 1026 PGN: You are drawn to films that portray Road, New Hope; Tony Sands perSpring Garden St.; the complex male ego. “The Stanford Prison Divine/ 888-596-1027. forms music made 215-232-2100. Experiment” also deals with that and the Intervention famous by the Rat use and abuse of power. Can you comment The world premiere James Taylor Pack superstar 8 Thurston Moore on this theme that runs through your work? of the play about The singer performs p.m. Aug. 7 at the Band John Waters film star 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Rrazz Room, in The KPA: I’ve made three films exclusively The rock band Divine runs through the Borgata Hotel, Ramada New Hope, about men. It’s not my M.O.; I keep fallfronted by the foring into them. It’s easy to hear the Stanford Aug. 1 at Voyeur Casino & Spa Event 6426 Lower York mer Sonic Youth story and think they got drunk with power. I Nighclub, 1221 St. Center, 1 Borgata Road, New Hope; guitarist performs thought there is some truth to that, but there Way, Atlantic City, 888-596-1027. is a way to blur those lines a bit, and the N.J.; 609-317-1000. final interviews are recreated nearly verbaJerry Seinfeld tim. They can look back and see themselves It Happened One The comedian perSend notices at least one week in being abusive. The experiment is not about Night forms 8 p.m. Aug. advance to: turning evil, but it is tied to the human conThe 1934 film star7 at the Borgata Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. dition, which is a lot frailer. Becoming these ring Clark Gable is Hotel, Casino & Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 roles and role-playing is powerful, and we screened 2 p.m. Aug. Spa Event Center, fax: 215-925-6437; can get lost in that. It can happen to any of 2 at The Colonial 1 Borgata Way, or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. us. I tried to approach the story as a charTheatre, 227 Bridge Atlantic City, N.J.; Notices cannot be taken over the phone. acter drama. These kids were college-age, St., Phoenixville; 609-317-1000. n

Notices

not adults. This film needs to be told this way to tap into the grayer areas and what institutions serve us, and how do we punish people. PGN: Let me ask you a question that Zimbardo’s team asks the students: Have you ever given into an aggressive urge or impulse? KPA: [Laughs] I don’t think I have. I’ve never thrown or taken a punch. I tend toward passivity at times. Maybe I shouldn’t. It’s easy to say I wouldn’t act like those guards. Making movies become potboilers in themselves, and pressures and anxieties boil up. Making this film, it was hard to keep the morale up. PGN: The film is about the power of strip-

MICHAEL ANGARANO (FROM LEFT), KI HONG LEE, BRETT DAVERN, TYE SHERIDAN, JOHNNY SIMMONS, EZRA MILLER AND CHRIS SHEFFIELD IN KYLE PATRICK ALVAREZ’S “THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT” Photo: Courtesy of Steve Dietl

ping away the individuality of the men, “feminize them” as one character says, to show how institutions affect individuals’ behavior. I see a parallel here to how gay men are sometimes treated. As a gay man, how did you approach this film? KPA: In some ways, my other films were about homosexuality. Sexuality exists in gendered ways here — the woman saves the day. There was a heightened awareness about the role of homoeroticism at play in the experiment. What I thought was relevant was the sexual humiliation in the last night. When you take away everything from someone, sexual humiliation is all that’s left. It’s worse than physical humiliation. That’s what’s so upsetting. For me, it’s realizing that sexual humiliation is a subhuman state. My gay sensibility — being bullied as a kid — might have given me a heightened sensitivity. This film wasn’t as intensely personal as the other films I’ve made, though. PGN: Yet, there is a clinical, detached approach you take to telling the story. KPA: Yes. Even aesthetically, I thought, How are we going to shoot people watching the experiment? There are no close-ups until a character has a bag pulled off his head. There are no handheld shots until a character flips out, so there are no subjective shots. And that’s how I wanted to feel about the film. I didn’t want it to be didactic: You’re supposed to feel this. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

PGN

Food and Drink Directory

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Food and Drink Directory

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

PORTRAIT from page 35

PGN: What was your favorite toy? BM: The Rubik’s Cube. In school, everyone picked on me because I was always the teacher’s pet! They’d get mad at me because I never got anything below an A-plus. My siblings were like, “But how?” But math and science were always my strong subjects and the Rubik’s Cube was good for developing eye and hand coordination, which helped me in art. I could sit there and play with it all day. PGN: When I met you, you were hanging out with a group of young people. At that time, you were underage. Where do kids hang out? BM: We go downtown, we shop or pick a place to hang out like Penn’s Landing or South Street. Sometimes we go to a club with an underage night but mostly we hang out at The Attic. There are all sorts of activities and workshops there, everything from memoir-writing to screen-printing. We stick together like a family. My Attic family, we keep it tight and look after each other. PGN: It sounds like your family has been supportive. BM: Uh, it’s about half and half between being supportive and tolerant. I didn’t really come out to my family; they just knew. But when I’m home, I’m a totally different person, I’m much more subdued. But sometimes it just comes out. PGN: And when you say “it,” I’m guessing you mean your … shall we say, fabulousness? BM: [Laughs] Yes! Especially lately, it’s been starting to mesh with my home life! I’ll have certain mannerisms that I usually keep for my friends that I find myself doing at home. [Gives me a few snaps up] You know? PGN: [Laughs] Yeah, some things you just can’t suppress. Are you in a relationship? BM: Yes, I just got engaged. PGN: What! Does the family know about that? BM: My sisters do! Not the rest of the family. PGN: You’re leading a double life! BM: I know, I know! Hey, I’m an adult now, I don’t need to tell them everything. OK, I’ll tell them soon. Pretty soon. PGN: As your self-appointed big sister (as of this minute), it’s time to start sharing. That’s kind of an important thing. What is he like? BM: He’s a sweetheart. He’s very protective of me. If anyone starts to mess with me he gets very angry. To the point that sometimes I have to just say, “Chill, I can handle myself.” But I get it, my sisters are very protective of me too. [Laughs] Apparently people get very worried about me. I’m always trying to say, “I’m fine, I can walk down the street by myself,” but I appreciate the concern. It’s nice to know they have my

back. He’s a lieutenant with federal securities. We’ve known each other for a long time and just reconnected. He proposed to me at the second Pride block party. We were dancing and suddenly he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him! It was a big surprise. I said yes. PGN: Congratulations! So any other hobbies? BM: I play tennis. I tried hockey but I don’t do it much anymore. I’m only 120 pounds so when I get bumped on skates, I fly halfway across the rink! In school I did play a little basketball and soccer, but I don’t like to get kicked, and I was a cheerleader. PGN: What was the best part of cheerleading? BM: I was told I have a lot of energy. I’m used to performing. I’ve done some acting; in fact, my best friend is writing a musical that I’m going to be in, so when I’m in front of people, I go all out. The other cheerleaders would tell me that if they were feeling low or tired, they’d look to me to get fired up. PGN: What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever lied about? BM: Oh boy, being gay! PGN: Ha! I was thinking that but I wasn’t going to say anything. BM: I know it’s like, hold up, why are you lying about it? It’s so silly, ’cause everyone’s like, “I already knew about you, you ain’t have to lie about it!” PGN: Tell me something about a grandparent. BM: My biological grandparents are very artistic. My grandmother paints, which I didn’t know until a few years ago when I saw some of her work. My mom, her sisters, my uncles are all artistic. So apparently that’s where I got it from. PGN: People are always telling me I need to stop … BM: Drinking coffee. I’ve been drinking it since I was young and at one point I was up to five cups a day. A hot cup to start, then an iced latte, then a shot of espresso then another iced coffee followed by a macchiato. I already have too much natural energy so when I add coffee I’m like, “Ching!” PGN: What comes to mind when you hear LGBT community in Philadelphia? BM: It’s a community inside of a community. It’s very supportive of the young people … and of adults trying to find themselves. It’s very open-minded and caring to people still trying to find their way. The community does a lot to educate about health and to help young people. I think of equality. When they announced the recent Supreme Court marriage ruling, I was with a bunch of people and everyone went nuts. All in all, I think we’re awesome. n To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.

PGN

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

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

Real Estate Sale

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________39-39 CHARLESTON, SC Edisto Island geodesic dome home, 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA with separate office or studio apt. on 5.5 private wooded acres (2 1/2 fenced and landscaped). Close to beach, boating and nature preserves. $350,000 Call “Naturally Charleston” at 843-869-3014. ________________________________________39-39 NY STATE LAND SALE 5 Acres w/ New Camp: $29,995. 9.3 Acres on Little Salmon River: $29,995. 42.8 Acres w/ Pond, Borders State Land: $59,995. 82.6 Acres w/ Big Bucks, Existing Driveway, Adirondacks Tons of State Land Nearby: $59,900. Over 100 Properties. Financing Available. Christmas & Associates 800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com ________________________________________39-31

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________39-31 NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ Southern Comfort Apartments located on 18th Ave. 1 blk. from the beach. Large 2 & 3 BR apts. Pet friendly. Weekly & seasonal. Web site: southerncomfortapartments.net. Call Cheryl Crowe at 609-846-1254 for more information. ________________________________________39-32

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $4,397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to ship! FREE info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com ________________________________________39-31 PA DRIVERS Auto-Insurance-Help-Line. Helping you find a Car Insurance Payment You can afford. Toll Free 1-800-231-3603 www. Auto-Insurance-Helpline.ORG ________________________________________39-31

Help Wanted Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes, and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________39-31 Werner Enterprises is HIRING! Dedicated, Regional, & OTR opportunities! Need your CDL? 4 wk training avail! Don’t wait, call today to get started! 866-494-8633. ________________________________________39-31 Drivers – No experience? Some or LOTS of experience? Let’s Talk! We support every driver, every day, every mile! Call Central Refrigerated Home (888) 673-0801 www. CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com ________________________________________39-31

Real Estate Rent SOUTHAMPTON/FEASTERVILLE, BUCKS CO. PA 1 Bedroom 2 story cottage for rent. Pet friendly with pvt fenced yard, fireplace, washer/dryer, dishwasher, A/C, lg 21 ‘x 9’ storage rm., HD satellite TV and WIFI included. $ 900.00 per month plus electric. 215-355-2225. ________________________________________39-31

Services HOUSECLEANING SERVICE By Dina. References available upon request Call 267-441-4402 _____________________________________________39-33 A FUN TIME FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT ! Enjoy creative comedy when your audience becomes. part of the show! www.nickpawlow.com ________________________________________39-31 JAMISON ROOFING Beat any estimate. Licenced and insured. Affordable work, quality price. Call 267-770-6722. _____________________________________________39-37 MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/ GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888-424-9412. ________________________________________39-31 AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Get hands on training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 888-834-9715. ________________________________________39-31

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

PGN

One of a Kind Townhome in Society Hill. This stylish and modern interior is flooded with natural light, created by a large skylight and dramatic interior balconies. This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has a spiral staircase, a working fireplace that adds warmth to the striking design and rich finishes. This home is for the true architectural afficianado. Owner is paying for two year parking at a nearby garage. $650,000.

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Legal Notices Pursuant to §128.85 of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Title 7 regulations, GROWMARK FS, LLC. hereby gives notice of ground application of “Restricted Use Pesticides” for the protection of agricultural crops in municipalities in Pennsylvania during the next 45 days. Residents of contiguous property to our application sites should contact your local GROWMARK FS, LLC. facility for additional information. Concerned Citizens should contact: Michael Layton, MGR. Safety & Environment, mlayton@ growmarkfs.com GROWMARK FS, LLC. 308 N.E. Front Street, Milford, DE 19963. Call 302-422-3002. ________________________________________39-31

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MT. GRETNA, PA. Year-round home features 3 BR, 1.5 BA, a living room with a wood-burning brick fireplace and exposed beams, and French doors leading to the wrap-around porch. Located within walking distance to the lake, restaurants, Rails to Trails, Gretna Theatre, annual art shows and music events. $239,900.

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This 5,500 square foot 4 BR home on 5 acres has an elegantly curved staircase, heated tile floor, and natural light streaming through large windows in the foyer. Amenities include a concealed wet bar, office with custom cherry built-ins, and more. $1,095,000.

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LEBANON COUNTY, PA. This estate features a primary residence with 9 BR, all with full baths, along with a carriage house, and 2 guest houses.The main home has a twostory foyer and its vaulted ceilings with upper level loft and sitting area. Grand covered deck and beautifully landscaped grounds. $1,500,000.

© MMVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Les Bords de l’Epte a Giverny, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company . Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated, Except Offices Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________39-30 GWM, 39 seeks mail correspondence with hometown Philly guys during the remainder of my incarceration. Interested a lot in foreign guys, too. 6’3”, blond hair, hazel eyes, funny open minded guy that will answer all your questions. Kenneth Houck, #06743-015, FCI Englewood, 9595 W. Quincy Ave., Littleton CO 80123. ________________________________________39-30 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________39-31 GBM, 28, 8 seeks 26-36 Brazilian, Mexican for relationship. 215-667-4657. Mixed. ________________________________________39-31

Massage David, 65, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________39-43

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

This Fabulous Space Could Be Yours for only $25 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

PGN

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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 Gay Men’s Opera Club meets to share and listen to recordings 6:30 p.m. the last Saturday of the month; 215-732-7898. 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 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; 856-889-1434, www.

philagaybowling.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 2 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southampton; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistols.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 31-Aug. 6, 2015

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 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

■ 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. Monday through Thursday; 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 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ 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

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378 ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Nellie Fitzpatrick, 215-6862194; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000 ■ 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

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658

■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

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.; 215763-8870. 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. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 1711 S. Broad St.; 215-629-2300; www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 149 W. Susquehanna Ave.; 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 appoint-

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw. org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a website where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and

ment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-noon Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups events; www.gppn.org; 215-9223377.

■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www. nlgja.org/philly; philly@nlgja.org.

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

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www. philadelphiagaytourism.com; 215-840-2039.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com July 31-Aug. 6, 2015

PGN

GET MORE OUT OF SUMMER IN BALTIMORE. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer in Baltimore, from live rock ‘n’ roll to the latest in runway fashion.

BALTIMORE FASHION WEEK

War Memorial August 11–16, 2015

Baltimore’s trendiest week kicks off with a party and gala, followed by a weekend of one-of-a-kind runway shows. The showcasing event offers a runway setting for designers to present collections to buyers, boutique owners, clients and fashion trendsetters.

BALTIMORE SUMMER ANTIQUES SHOW

Baltimore Convention Center August 20–23, 2015

The largest indoor antiques show in the country features more than 200,000 pieces of fine art, furniture, jewelry, porcelain, glass, textiles, American folk art and more.

FORT! FLAG! FREEDOM!

THE SHINDIG

Carroll Park September 19, 2015

Sing along with your favorite acts at this all-day rock 'n' roll festival featuring two main stages and no overlapping sets. Scheduled acts include Godsmack, Stone Temple Pilots and many more! Local food and beverage vendors supply the picnic at this highly anticipated outdoor concert.

LEGO® CASTLE ADVENTURE

Port Discovery Children’s Museum Through September 20, 2015 Explore, build and play in Port Discovery’s newest traveling exhibition—LEGO® Castle Adventure! The whole family will be transported back in time with this fantastic exhibition, featuring royal thrones, secret passageways, working catapults and more.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Through August 23, 2015 Fort McHenry delivers hands-on history seven days a week, offering you the chance to help rangers hoist the Star-Spangled Banner flag over the ramparts. And Wednesdays through Sundays, become a part of history as you drill with wooden muskets, muster to the drum, learn about 1814 fashions and meet historical characters.

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Plan your visit today at BALTIMORE.ORG

7/23/15 3:59 PM