pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976 Family Portrait: Jasmine Morrell can permanently color your world PAGE 31
Vol. 40 No. 32 Aug. 5-11, 2016
• A federal judge has dismissed an antibias complaint against AIDS Care Group PAGE 2
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM As gay as it gets PAGE 29
• Delware Pride: more super than ever
PAGE 18
Philly delegates: Turn excitement to action
State police remove criticized hatecrimes language By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The Pennsylvania State Police last month ended its practice of reporting anti-transgender hate crimes by using “female-portrayal” or “male-portrayal” descriptors. In an email, Cpl. Adam Reed, a state-police spokesperson, said the practice ended July 27. “[W]e regret this oversight and apologize for the terminology,” Reed said. “We are committed to working with the LGBT community and will continue our efforts.” State police collect hate-crime data from local police departments throughout Pennsylvania and convey the data to the FBI. State police also display hate-crimes data on the agency’s website. Last year, state police reported an antitrans hate crime in Philadelphia using a “female-portrayal” descriptor. No other state-police agency uses such a descriptor when reporting anti-trans hate crimes. Additionally, the FBI doesn’t recommend the use of such a descriptor. Trans people said the descriptor denied their humanity, was insulting and discouraged trans people from reporting hate crimes. Last month, state police deleted the entire hate crime at issue from its website, rather than limiting the deletion to the “female-portrayal” descriptor. On Aug. 1, after questioned by PGN, the hate crime reappeared on the state-police website, but without the “female-portrayal” descriptor. “The [entirely deleted] information was corrected to reflect the proper number [of hate crimes in Philadelphia],” Reed explained. “In addition, steps were taken to ensure the error doesn’t occur again.” Julie Chovanes, a Philadelphia-based trans attorney, applauded the policy change. “As a trans person, and an attorney who’s represented the community, I applaud the state police for removing the offensive language,” Chovanes told PGN. “I hope this change will encourage police to expand their understanding of the hate crimes that trans people suffer every day. And I also hope this will encourage the community to step forward when they’re victimized.” n
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Delegates get their due
By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com
THAT’S A WRAP: Hillary Clinton embraced family and friends at the close of the Democratic National Convention July 28 at Wells Fargo Center. Clinton formally accepted the party’s nomination in an hour-long speech that night, which capped four days of addresses from party leaders like President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden and Americans who touted Clinton’s record on social-justice and civil-rights issues. For full DNC coverage, see pages 15-19. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Philadelphia’s LGBT delegates to the Democratic National Convention, many of them participating for the first time in the political event, felt the excitement in rousing speeches by First Lady Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, the first female nominee for president. The next step is to turn the excitement to action, the delegates said. Many took advantage of the opportunity to meet openly gay elected officials like Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Rep. Mark Takano of California. PAGE 15
Evidence review continues in Maya Young murder case By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com
VISIBLE VICTORY: Transgender delegates to the Democratic Convention assembled for a group photo July 28 at the second LGBT Caucus meeting at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. There were 28 trans delegates this year, the largest-ever in DNC history. Overall, there were 516 LGBT-identifying delegates, approximately 11.6 percent of the overall delegate count, also a record. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Lawyers for the two accused in this year’s fatal stabbing of a transgender woman in Frankford will review evidence against their clients until the next court date in October. They had perused some evidence previously and received further documents at a pre-trial conference Aug. 3 with Judge Lillian Ransom. Jose Pena, 19, remains in custody at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility after having been denied bail. Tiffany Floyd, 25, is held at Riverside Correctional Facility. She was also denied bail. The two were arrested in March and charged with murder and related offences in relation to the February killing of Maya Young, 25. Statements from Pena and Floyd read at their preliminary hearings in June said Floyd thought Young had tried to steal her boyfriend, and that Floyd had enlisted Pena to help kill Young. According to authorities, police responded to a call near 4900 Griscom St. around 11:50 p.m. Feb. 20. They found Young suffering from several stab wounds to the neck and chest. She was pronounced dead early the next morning at Aria Health Frankford. n
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Judge dismisses antibias suit against AIDS agency By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A federal judge last month dismissed an antibias complaint filed by Dr. Emmanuella Cherisme against AIDS Care Group. In a 13-page opinion issued July 26, U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro said Cherisme didn’t provide enough facts in her complaint to allow it to move forward. However, Alejandro dismissed the case “without prejudice,” meaning Cherisme may file an amended complaint containing sufficient facts to support her bias claims. Cherisme, a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, worked at AIDS Care Group in 2013. She left the agency after allegedly experiencing workplace sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of her race, gender and national origin. For example, Cherisme contends a coworker requested that
she submit to his sexual advances in order to receive her paycheck. Another coworker allegedly mocked the color of her skin, and refused to respect her as a professional. In her July 26, ruling, Alejandro stated that Cherisme failed to provide facts sufficient to “nudge her claims across the line from conceivable to plausible.” The judge acknowledged that Cherisme supplied some facts about alleged racist comments at AIDS Care Group. But the judge said Cherisme didn’t connect those comments to her dismissal. “[Cherisme] hasn’t alleged any facts connecting any of these comments to her termination or as the reason for her termination. Therefore, based on the facts asserted, or more accurately, the absence of necessary facts, [Cherisme] has not sufficiently pled that [AIDS Care Group] discriminated against her based on her race or any other protected characteristic,” the judge said. Alejandro also ruled that while
Cherisme alleged workplace sexual harassment, she didn’t demonstrate that the harassment was pervasive. “[Cherisme] fails to allege any facts that could connect her discharge to her gender or national origin,” Alejandro added. But the judge said Cherisme has the option of filing an amended complaint. “Because this court cannot conclude, under the circumstances, that an [amended complaint] would be either futile or inequitable, [Cherisme] is given [permission] to file an amended complaint to address the noted deficiencies,” Alejandro wrote. Cherisme was seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages, along with legal fees and costs. She also requested a jury trial. AIDS Care Group, based in Delaware County, was formed in 1998, and serves as a comprehensive health-services agency for people with HIV/AIDS. It also receives federal HIV/AIDSprevention funds. n
40 years ago in PGN New Hope council president accused of gay harassment Adapted from reporting by Harry Langhorne Hundreds called for the resignation of New Hope Borough Council President D. Joseph Balderston after rumors surfaced that he was part of a group that harassed several gay men on the Delaware Canal towpath in the borough. Balderston did not step down at a July 26, 1976, meeting that was held at the Playhouse Inn to accommodate the large crowd of 300 people. He did, however, agree to provide a video recording of the meeting to the Bucks County district attorney’s office for further investigation. The American Civil Liberties Union also said it would investigate the incident. Resident Barbara Rouse said at the meeting that, before the alleged harassment, she had heard Balderston say, “Me and my boys are going to clean up the towpath.” Balderston said he was on the towpath around the time of the incidents to look for a dog that had previously bitten him. Some speakers defended his character and noted he risked his life as a municipal firefighter. Residents said they wanted park police to patrol the towpath more frequently than twice a night and asked for lights to be installed. There was some discussion of using a new business-privi-
lege tax, expected to generate $27,000, to pay for the lights. The Bucks County Playhouse was also instituting a new amusement tax that was expected to generate $10,000. Council was expected to continue the discussion at its Aug. 9, 1976, meeting. New gay rights bill to be introduced in Philly Adapted from reporting by PGN staff
News Briefing New trial date set for Sen. Farnese A new corruption-trial date for state Sen. Lawrence M. Farnese Jr. (D-Phila.) has been set for January. The trial was scheduled to begin this month but attorneys for Farnese’s co-defendant, Ellen Chapman, requested more time to prepare. Farnese is accused of bribing Chapman — an Eighth Ward committeemember — in order to ensure his 2011 election as Democratic leader of the ward. Farnese allegedly diverted $6,000 in campaign funds to help pay the college tuition of Chapman’s daughter. Farnese and Chapman are charged with conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and related offenses. Both deny the allegations. If the case isn’t settled, Farnese and Chapman will have a joint trial beginning 9:30 a.m. Jan. 23 in Courtroom 12A of the U.S. Court House, 601 Market St., before U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe. Both defendants remain free, pending the outcome of their trial. The Eighth Ward is a political subdivision, largely in Center City west of Broad. It serves as a conduit to party leadership, and it’s a source of information during campaigns and elections.
D.A. will retry Msgr. Lynn for child endangerment The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office this week said it will retry Msgr. William J. Lynn for child endangerment. On July 26, the state Supreme Court denied a request from the D.A.’s Office to review a lower-court ruling that vacated Lynn’s 2012 conviction for child endangerment. On Aug. 2, Lynn was released on $250,000 bail. He had been serving a three- to six-year prison sentence. Lynn allegedly facilitated same-sex child sexual abuse while supervising Catholic priests in Philadelphia. But last year, when vacating Lynn’s conviction, the Superior Court said too much prejudicial evidence was presented by prosecutors. In a statement, the D.A.’s Office said: “There is substantial evidence, including testimony from [Lynn] himself, to establish his guilt. A retrial is the right thing to do in the pursuit of justice.” Thomas A. Bergstrom, an attorney for Lynn, said: “[Lynn’s] conviction was vacated. So technically [the D.A.’s Office] can retry him. But he cannot be resentenced as he has essentially done his time.” Lynn, 65, served as the Philadelphia archdiocesan secretary for clergy from 1992-2004. He was the first U.S. church official convicted of a crime due to allegedly mishandling sex-abuse allegations.
Philadelphia City Councilman Lucien Blackwell planned in summer 1976 to reintroduce a gayrights bill that had been stalled in committee since the previous year. Councilmen Joseph Coleman and Cecil Moore agreed to co-sponsor the proposed law, known as Bill 1275, and Councilwoman Ethel Allen was considered likely to join them. Bill 1275 aimed to forbid discrimination based on “sexual or affectional orientation” or marital status, a class that was added for the bill’s reintroduction. The bill’s passage hinged on George Schwartz, council president. He was considering a run for mayor if Frank Rizzo was recalled. Bill 1275 stalled in 1975 largely because Schwartz did not back it. n
An October 2017 trial date has been set in a civil case involving Woody’s, a popular LGBT venue in Center City. Daniel Callaway contends he was injured in December 2014 while tending to a disabled vehicle on I-95 in Tinicum Township, Delaware County. The disabled vehicle had been driven by Jamar Palmer, who allegedly became intoxicated at Woody’s, prior to the accident. A vehicle driven by Corrin R. Collier sideswiped Palmer’s vehicle, pushing it into Callaway. Callaway filed suit against Woody’s, Palmer and Collier in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, seeking more than $50,000. A trial date has been set for 10 a.m. Oct. 2, 2017, in Courtroom 602 of City Hall, with Common Pleas Judge Arnold L. New presiding. Neither side had a comment for this update. n
— compiled by Paige Cooperstein
— Timothy Cwiek
Trial date set in Woody’s case
PGN
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News & Opinion
2 — News Briefing 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Transmissions Mark My Words Street Talk
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THREE CHEERS: History was made in Philadelphia as Hillary Clinton accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president, and PGN was there to bring all the biggest moments of the week to our readers. From photos of out delegates from all 57 states and territories to highlights of the convention speeches to interviews with local LGBT delegates, the PGN team worked to cover all angles of last week’s Democratic National Convention. See pages 15-19 for full coverage. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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Creep of the Week: Raúl Labrador, who thinks that society isn’t behind marriage equality because “five robed judges” made that call.
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egate in itself is a huge responsibility. When you add intersectionality with race and gender, it’s even more responsibility. By seeing my visibility and representation … you can make a great positive impact on people’s lives.” ~ Sharron Cooks, on being a black trans delegate at last week’s DNC, page 15
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The second LGBT caucus during the DNC highlighted a number of out and proud politicians.
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Billie Jean King stopped by City Hall Aug. 3 to promote the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team.
Copyright © 1976 - 2016 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 Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 1976-2016 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155
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Delaware Pride combines with Comic Con By Eliana Berson intern@epgn.com
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS: National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce CEO Chance Mitchel (from left), Congresswoman and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and NGLCC President Justin Nelson were among the guests at the LGBT Caucus Celebration July 28 at Comcast Center. The NGLCC-organized event brought together LGBT delegates to the Democratic National Convention with local and national LGBTs and allies. In addition to Pelosi, the crowd also heard remarks from out Congressman Mark Pocan, DNC LGBT Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes and Comcast COO David L. Cohen. Pelosi attended the event right after receiving the International Role Model Award from Equality Forum and before taking the stage at the DNC with a coalition of other women Congressmembers. She delivered her DNC address while wearing a rainbow bracelet. Photo: Sammy Munsch
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Organizers of Delaware Pride expect a very diverse group this year as the event partners for the first time with a comic convention. Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the Aug. 6 event with Pridegoers this year, including cosplayers and fans from Dover Comic Con. “We stumbled across Comic Con this year, because Comic Con in Dover wanted to have their event at the same time as we did,” said Steve Newman, vendor coordinator of Delaware Pride. “We just got together and discussed it, and decided that it would be good for both of us if we would have a mutual event.” There is also an effort to create more community involvement this year. The event will be kid-friendly, with activities and games such as a Bump and Play, face painting, a clown and balloon animals. There will be plenty of activities for the older crowd, with all of the museums in Dover staying open during Pride. Aside from that, Pride and Comic Con
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will have a combined 300 vendors, selling their wares along with pride merchandise. Delaware Pride will be hosted by Jayden Storm and Brie Daniels. The headliner will be The Manhattan Prairie Dogs, a dance troupe from New York. SIREN, a singing trio, will also perform. In addition, Comic Con will provide entertainment throughout the day. “We’re the only gay event that covers the entire state,” Newman said about Pride. “Over the last five years the festival has been in all three counties of the state. And what really makes Delaware Pride festival stand out is that we believe that we are the only Pride that sets up in front of a state Capitol. We are located right in front of the state Capitol of Delaware, where marriage equality has been approved.” Comic Con will take place at the adjacent Dover Pubic Library. Delaware Pride is free to attend and everyone is encouraged to come in costume. Pride will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 6 at Delaware Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave, Dover. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/events/1670232169906725/. n
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LOCAL PGN
Mother and daughter create locations in Philadelphia free drag camp for kids
CENTER CITY — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD
12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Charlie was a Sinner, 131 S. 13th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Optimal Gym, 1315 Walnut St. • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • PAT@Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • Phila. FIGHT/ Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 2nd floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Scorpio Books, 205 S. Juniper St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Square One, 249 S. 13th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •
CENTER CITY OTHER — EAST OF BROAD
Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Bodhi Coffee, 410 S. 2nd St. • Bridgeview Place, 315 New St. • Cedrone’s Flowers, 800 Lombard St. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Filter Coffee Co., 331 Race St. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, 6th & Market sts. • Modish Hair Salon, 640B South St. • PGN offices, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. • Two Independence Place, 233 S. 6th St. •Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. • Wireworks, 301 Race St. •
CENTER CITY OTHER — WEST OF BROAD
Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drucker & Scaccetti, 1600 Market St., Suite 3300 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • PA Law Project, 2122 Chestnut St., Suite 1600 • Phila. Daily News, 801 Market St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Stir, 1705 Chancellor St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Westminster Arch Apts., Vine St., 3rd floor •
PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER
Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Awbry Aboretum, 1 Awbry Rd. • Caribbean Pharmacy, 3825 N. 5th St. •Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infinity Jewelers, 3528 Cottman+ Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Philly Pharmacy, 9475 Roosevelt Blvd. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •
By Eliana Berson intern@epgn.com As Sofia Erdakos-Roizman neared the age of 13, her Bat Mitzvah date drew closer. It is customary to participate in some kind of community service in preparation for this Jewish coming-of-age celebration so her mother, Lady Desire, helped her create Fierce: A Youth Drag Camp Extravaganza. The free drag camp for kids ages 8-16 will be from noon-4 p.m. Aug 12-14 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. “Sofia wanted to find a Bat Mitzvah project that spoke of her authentic self and family life,” Lady Desire said. “Having interests in the makeup, SFX genre and traditional, her love of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ as well as her brother’s aspirations of being a drag queen performer, led her to decide [to create] an event which utilizes all of those passions and enables kids like her brother to have a safe and welcoming space to explore their fierceness.” A group of volunteers quickly formed to plan the event. They met several times to brainstorm possible dates and activities, obtained donations of supplies and booked a time at William Way. Lady Desire said the volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that the camp would run smoothly all the way through the performance on the final day. “Since this is a kids’ show, it is going to obviously not be as if an adult will put on a performance,” Lady Desire noted, “but each number the kids will perform will be as polished as they feel they need it, and much of the choreography can be improvisational.” Sofia and her brother Max both have a concrete vision of their drag personas, as they will be performing at Harrisburg Pride
prior to the camp. However, the campers are not expected to come in with a plan. Lady Desire, Sofia and a number of volunteers will guide the campers’ self-exploration through various stations (music, makeup, hair, costuming and choreography), culminating in a performance on the last day of camp. “Some of the kids may identify [as LGBT] at this point, but since the kids’ ages range between 8-16, some are not in an age where they may know yet,” Lady Desire said. “We are focused on allowing the kids to drag to a gender they are comfortable with, not necessarily the opposite gender. Kids are free to explore the art of drag for self-expression.”
“We are focused on allowing the kids to drag to a gender they are comfortable with, not necessarily the opposite gender.” Fierce is completely free for the kids attending. There is also no registration required. “Kids can simply show up and will go through a short explanation and signature of waivers (makeup and photography) by parents/guardians at the beginning of camp,” Lady Desire explained. She expects the camp to consist of 10-15 kids. Lady Desire and Sofia hope that the camp will become an annual event. In order to reach this goal, they are asking for a $5 donation at the performance to fund next year’s camp. For more information, see www.facebook.com/events/1761894710723709/. n
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No appeal in Chesco fence case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Neighbors opposed to a security fence erected by a gay couple in Chester County won’t appeal a court ruling that allows the fence to stay. The deadline to file a notice of appeal was July 20. “We’re relieved that there’s not an appeal,” said Keith Davis, who erected the fence with his partner David Ruth in 2014. “These next few months will be the determining factor, as to whether we’ll be able to afford to stay in our home. I’m working two jobs to dig ourselves out of the insurmountable debt caused by the litigation, harassment and vandalism we’ve experienced.” Davis, Ruth and their two children live in the Bucktoe Manor subdivision of New Garden, Chester County. The 6-foot fence was necessary due to security concerns, the couple said.
The fence has been vandalized, an alarm system has been tampered with, anti-LGBT slurs have been hurled at the family and “Get Out Fags!” was spray-painted on their garage doors, according to court records. In March 2015, several neighbors filed suit to have the fence removed, claiming it violates a covenant in the subdivision that caps the height of fences at 4 feet. After a daylong hearing in June, Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey R. Somer dismissed the neighbors’ suit as meritless. Meanwhile, the couple has incurred about $60,000 in legal fees. Prior to the litigation, the couple spent $20,000 to erect the fence. So far, the couple has raised about $50,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help pay their legal fees. About 1,150 people have donated to the campaign. “We’re thrilled with the dona-
tions,” Davis said. “We’re so happy with the support. And the media support has also been very gratifying. Every donor will get a personal thank-you from us. It will take time. But I hope everyone will understand.” The couple plans to hold a fundraiser at their residence, scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 15. “The whole idea is to bring our community together,” Davis said. “This is going to be a great way to do that. We want to meet the people who’ve supported us — and thank them in person. It’s also a way to recoup some of our funds. We’re going to have a 50-50 raffle and a silent auction. There will be food. And we’re trying to get a live band.” The event is entitled “Love is Love Luau Party.” For more information about the fundraiser, click on https://www.eventbrite.com/e/loveis-love-luau-tickets-26720940051. n
NJ lawmaker ditches DNC event because of antigay sponsor The president of the New Jersey Senate backed out of a speaking engagement during last week’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia because of the event sponsor’s donations to an antigay lawmaker. Senate President Stephen Sweeney was scheduled to headline the New Jersey delegation breakfast July 27, which was sponsored by PSEG, a New Jersey-based utility company and the state’s largest energy provider. However, Sweeney boycotted the event because of the company’s financial support of Republican Congressman Scott Garrett. Garrett reportedly had threatened to not back the fundraising arm of the Republican Congressional caucus because it backed LGBT candidates. The Congressman later said he opposed candidates who support marriage equality, not all LGBT candidates. According to Politico, PSEG said it would not donate any more than the $5,000 it already gave to Garrett this election cycle, but Sweeney wanted a commitment that the company would never back him in the future, which it seemingly did not provide. n — Jen Colletta
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Inmate seeks resumption of meds By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Kenneth J. Houck Jr., an openly gay federal inmate who was brutally assaulted five years ago, says authorities are withholding an essential medication in retaliation for filing suit against the prison system. In 2011, Houck was assaulted by two other inmates at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. Houck’s right leg was broken in multiple places, and he continues to walk with a limp. Last year, Houck filed suit against the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, seeking $1.8 million in damages. Houck contends prison authorities failed to provide him with adequate medical care, thus violating his constitutional right to be free from “cruel and unusual punishment.” In a letter to PGN, Houck claims prison authorities are withholding pramipexole from him because of his federal lawsuit. Prior to filing his suit, prison authorities administered the medication to treat his restless-leg syndrome and periodic leg movement disorder, Houck said. “They [prison authorities] are attacking me,” Houck wrote. “They have removed my medication for a serious, chronic medical condition. They are in effect trying to punish me for defending myself.” In June, he sought an emergency order in federal court, seeking resumption of the medication. “Without the medication [Houck] requires, he is suffering needlessly from his severe symptoms,” he stated in the filing. According to Houck’s filing, his symptoms include spasms, muscular tension, jolts of uncontrolled movements and sleeplessness. “The frequency and severity of the symptoms are intense and only seconds apart, between one spasm to the next, not allowing for relief of any kind,” the filing states. “Houck can only stand upright or pace to offer less jolting and painful spasms.” On June 21, in a five-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Michael J. Reagan denied Houck’s request for an emergency order for the resumption of the medication. In his denial, Reagan said he takes Houck’s claims seriously. However, Reagan said Houck’s request wasn’t filed in a proper format. Reagan gave Houck until July 28 to file a new request. On July 27, Houck sought a 30-day extension, claiming he’s been denied access to a prison law library. On Aug. 1, Reagan granted Houck’s extension request. Houck, 41, is convicted of transporting child pornography. He’s incarcerated at a federal prison in Marion, Ill. His scheduled release date is June 23, 2018, according to court records. A prison-system spokesperson had no comment for this story. n
Lesbian judge challenges ethics-violation findings By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Municipal Court Judge Dawn A. Segal, an open lesbian, is challenging a state disciplinary panel’s findings that she’s liable for seven ethics violations. Last month, the state Court of Judicial Discipline found Segal liable for the violations, which stem from improper conversations Segal had with then-Common Please Judge Joseph C. Waters. During the conversations, which took place in 2011-12, Segal indicated to Waters that she’d rule consistent with his wishes on three cases, and later informed him that she did so. In one case, Segal granted a continuance. In another, she granted a petition for reconsideration. And in a third, she downgraded a gun offense from a felony to a misdemeanor. Segal isn’t charged with any criminal wrongdoing. But she faces discipline ranging from a reprimand to permanent removal from the judiciary. The panel is expected to hold a sanctions hearing within the next several weeks to determine Segal’s fate. In an Aug. 1 filing, Segal conceded she’s liable for three ethics violation but that she’s not liable for four other violations, including bringing disrepute to the judiciary.
Segal doesn’t dispute she gave Waters the impression he influenced her rulings, and that she failed to initiate disciplinary action against him. But she denies Waters actually influenced her rulings, that she ruled in an impartial manner, that she hindered the administration of justice and that she brought disrepute to the judiciary. Regarding a continuance she granted in one case at issue, Segal’s filing emphasizes she would have granted it regardless of Waters’ input. “[The panel] ignored uncontested testimony that granting that continuance was consistent with Segal’s standard practice in similar circumstances,” Segal’s filing states. Segal marked the case as “must be tried” at the next court proceeding, thus demonstrating that Segal wasn’t unduly stalling the litigation, according to her filing. As for granting a petition for reconsideration, Segal states that the ruling also would have been rendered, regardless of Waters’ input. In the third case — downgrading a gun offense — Segal’s filing blasts the panel for improperly relying on the testimony of an FBI agent. The agent claimed Segal admitted that Waters influenced her ruling. Segal never made such an admission,
Local lawyer honored by National LGBT Bar Association By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com Angela Giampolo, who goes by Philly Gay Lawyer online, will receive an award this week in Washington, D.C. She was singled out by the National LGBT Bar Association as one of the top 40 lawyers under 40. Giampolo is the only awardee from Pennsylvania; most come from New York or California. Honorees will receive their awards Aug. 5 at the Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair. “These young attorneys represent the very best of the profession,” D’Arcy Kemnitz, executive director of the LGBT bar association, said in a statement. “Their breadth of knowledge and legal expertise demonstrate the significant talent the LGBT community brings to the law, and highlight the impact a few can have on the greater good.” Giampolo said she was honored to have
her name listed among lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and massive law firms. “I’m not necessarily doing national work,” she said, “but Philly Gay Lawyer has created a brand and highlighted what needs to be fixed in Philadelphia. It’s a huge honor that the national bar association took notice that Philly Gay Lawyer is doing good work for Philadelphia.” Giampolo started Giampolo Law Group in 2008 with specialties in business, family, real estate, international and LGBT law. She said her practice provides her with a steady income so she can do some advocacy work pro bono. Giampolo writes the “Out Law” column for PGN. She has also hosted “SpeakOUT,” a radio show on Q102, for more than two years. She looks forward to the Lambda Legal conference and mingling with the other top lawyers. “To be around fellow gay lawyers, just to be around the same people and to also know a huge part of what those people do is advocacy work in their respective cities, it’s motivating, it’s inspiring, it keeps me wanting to achieve more,” Giampolo said. “I learn from them. It’s where I get to rejuvenate and recharge myself.” n
and the FBI agent relied on memos written by other FBI agents when giving his testimony to the tribunal, according to Segal’s filing. She concedes that she incorrectly downgraded the gun offense, but emphasizes she would have made the mistake, regardless of Waters’ input. “[T]his incorrect decision was a common mistake made by other Philadelphia Municipal Court judges, some with more experience than Judge Segal,” the filing states. Additionally, Segal’s filing faults the panel for failing to give proper weight to character testimony on her behalf and failing to take into account that she reported Waters’ conversations in a timely manner. Since February, Segal has been suspended without pay, though she and her wife continue to receive workplace healthcare benefits. Prior to her suspension, Segal had been on limited duty. Segal wishes to return to the bench, but she’s not seeking to be compensated for her withheld wages. Her attorney, Stuart L. Haimowitz, had no comment. Waters, 63, is currently incarcerated in a federal prison due to a fraud conviction. His scheduled release date is Nov. 27. n
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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between July 18-24. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Crime Analyst Officer Robert Savino. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS. INCIDENTS — Between 8:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. July 20, someone broke a sliding-glass door and entered an unoccupied residence on the 200 block of South Ninth Street, stealing items. — Between 1:30-2:40 p.m. July 21, someone broke into two apartments on the 1300 block of Spruce Street through a window and front door, stealing items from one and ransacking the other. — Between 7:30-8:45 p.m. July 21, a patron reported he was the victim of a pickpocket while inside Woody’s, 200 S. 13th St. — There was one theft from a parked vehicle reported July 18-24: in the 1300 block of Pine Street. — There were two thefts of bicycles reported July 18-24: in the 1100 block of Sansom Street and 1100 block of Waverly Street. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 11:26 p.m. July 18, a SEPTA officer issued a summary citation for fare evasion to a 17-year-old male at 1300 Market St. — At 8:55 p.m. July 19, police arrested a 39-year-old male patient of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 132 S. 10th St., for the physical assault of a health-care professional inside the hospital. — At 3:55 p.m. July 21, police arrested a 63-year-old man for driving under the influence in the 100 block of South 10th Street. — At 5:40 p.m. July 22, Sixth District Officer Alexander and Sgt. Fletcher arrested a 57-year-old man for a prior reported theft (July 19) in the 1000 block of Chestnut Street. n
Wedding Issue: Next Week CCT6915-1 LGBT_ManifestoPrint_Flyer_PhiladelphiaGayNews.indd 1
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
EDITORIAL PGN
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Raúl Labrador
Editorial
No Donald, you don’t PGN had ringside seats at the Democratic National Convention, an exhilarating, eye-opening experience that we’re all grateful to have had (yet also grateful the sleepless week is over!). Here are a few things we took away from the historic convention. Throughout the convention, just about every one delivered a heartening smackdown to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Whether it was immigrants thrashing him on his woeful understanding of immigration policy, the parents of an American Muslim killed in combat taking him to task for his anti-Muslim stances or LGBT leaders calling out his and running-mate Mike Pence’s support for anti-LGBT policies, it was encouraging to hear so many people united against the unfortunate force that is Donald Trump. On the heels of the Republican National Convention, when Trumpers actively shut down a protestor for simply carrying a sign that read “No racism,” we all needed to see that common sense and compassion still abound in our society. The DNC delivered both. It also delivered history as Hillary Clinton accepted the party’s presidential nomination, becoming the first woman to ever be nominated for president by a major party. She too dismantled Trump’s policies — or lack thereof, as it is — declaring a firm “No Donald, you don’t” in response to Trump’s assumption that he knows more about ISIS than military generals. That line spoke to the convention’s overall theme: halting the runaway train(wreck) that is the Trump campaign and the fervor — tinged with racism,
sexism, xenophobia and homophobia — it has inspired in its followers. For far too long, Trump and his antics have been allowed to dominate American conversation, and DNC speakers sought to change that discourse — to show the damage his brand of politics has already inflicted on the country and then offer an antidote to those wounds in the form of Clinton. Clinton certainly wasn’t everyone’s choice, though. While we knew Bernie Sanders’ supporters planned to protest throughout, the depth of the crowds outside AT&T Station on the first night of the convention was remarkable. Inside the stadium, protest chants cropped up each day, drowned out by chants of “Hillary” at almost every turn. While it was a bit disconcerting to hear the word “unity” trumpeted from the stage while there were very real pockets of dissension in the crowd, that spoke volumes to the reality facing the Democratic Party right now. There is significant work to be done before there is unity within the Democratic Party. A platform that blended the policies of Clinton and Sanders was a key step toward that aim. But those efforts can’t be crumbs thrown for votes — they need to be genuine in order for the party to represent all voices, classes and viewpoints of Democrats. The more unified the party is, the more likely Trump will be relegated to the footnotes of history, and Democrats can take not only the White House, but also the U.S. House and Senate — and make progress a reality. n
With the massacre of men and women at a gay club in Orlando barely behind us, one could perhaps be forgiven for thinking that this horrific hate crime had inspired some soul searching for members of the United States House. You know, “We are Orlando” and all that. But you would be wrong. The House is one of the most dysfunctional and unproductive in history, which is no surprise considering their primary focus has been on hating President Obama and giving reach-arounds to the rich. But they’ve always got time for discrimination against LGBT people. Right now the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is kicking around the First Amendment Defense Act which, you guessed it, uses “freedom of religion” as a shield for anti-LGBT bias. According to the House summary, FADA “prohibits the federal government from taking discriminatory action against a person on the basis that such person believes or acts in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction that: (1) marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or (2) sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.” By “discriminatory action,” they mean that the federal government can’t fine, revoke tax-exempt status, deny grants or contracts or deny any federal benefits to a person who is blatantly discriminating against LGBT people, as long as that person claims that Jesus made them do it. (I know it says “regardless of religious affiliation,” but I have my doubts that FADA’s supporters are totally embracing Muslims here). It’s not hard to see why “flail and panic” bills like FADA (and like the laws we’ve seen pass in states like North Carolina) are popping up at all levels of government. Conservatives are hella pissed about marriage equality and this is their way of stomping their feet and gnashing their teeth. In other words, it’s a legislative temper tantrum. FADA’s sponsor, Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho), has a storied anti-equality voting record. In fact, the Conservative Review gives him a “Liberty Score” of 95, which means he’s an A student on the
right. Conversely, he has a zero on the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard. Back in April, Labrador told News Radio 1310’s Bill Colley, “We’re just trying to protect the individual from punishment by the federal government for believing in a particular belief system.” This is not exactly accurate. FADA defines “person” as “any person regardless of religious affiliation, including corporations and other entities regardless of forprofit or nonprofit status.” Well, that about covers it. In the interview, Labrador referred to marriage equality as “something that our culture up to recently did not accept, and frankly I still don’t believe that it accepts because it was five robed justices that made that decision, it wasn’t the states that made the decision.” Mind you, if the case had gone the other way I have no doubt he’d be singing the praises of those robed justices. In a press release from last year (injustice and justice alike often move slowly), Labrador said, “Our bill ensures that the federal government does not penalize Americans for following their religious beliefs or moral convictions on traditional marriage. Our bill shields against federal intrusion without taking anything away from anyone.” Without taking anything away from anyone? Well, I suppose if you don’t consider civil rights a something and don’t consider LGBT people, well, people … It’s convenient to present this bill as if it’s just maintaining some harmless status quo, but in reality it provides sweeping protections for anti-LGBT bigotry — bigotry that taxpayers would essentially be subsidizing. n
It’s not hard to see why “flail and panic” bills like FADA (and like the laws we’ve seen pass in states like North Carolina) are popping up at all levels of government. Conservatives are hella pissed about marriage equality and this is their way of stomping their feet and gnashing their teeth. In other words, it’s a legislative temper tantrum.
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
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
The 13-pound liver It’s August and finally a time to write a intended to make fried liver and onions non-political column. and give little containers out. What pos The biggest question I get these days as sessed her to think that people would like I’ve traveled the country on my book tour fried liver I never understood, but that was is about my grandmother, whom I porGrandmom. trayed in the book. Fannie Weinstein has, The wholesaler delivered a 13-pound it seems, become somewhat liver. My grandmother had of a celebrity since I get asked never seen a liver that big and more questions about her than took such pride in it that she about Elton John, Patti LaBelle didn’t want to cut it, so for days and President Obama comshe just told people to come in bined. In fact, the only other and look at her liver. One day, person detailed in the book who while she was in the back of the gets more attention is Walter store, two men came in and set Cronkite. I’m sure Grandmom off with Grandmom’s 13-pound would be smiling and as surliver. She saw what was happrised as I am. pening and ran after them. The While I personally always image of my little grandmother knew the influence she had on with her apron blowing in the me, it certainly amazed me that wind yelling, “Get back here others would find her as fasciwith my liver!” has fascinated nating, delightful and loving me for years. as I knew her to be. She had a Neighbors witnessing this Mark Segal heart bigger than could be conwere startled and fell in line tained. with Fannie, and soon they overtook the And when I write about her engaging two thieves. The neighbors wanted to me in civil-rights work when I was 13, she get the police, but Grandmom wouldn’t didn’t just talk the talk, she walked the hear of it. As the neighbors held the men, walk. Let me share with you one of my Grandmom explained how a store operates favorite Fannie Weinstein stories from fam- and what would happen if she couldn’t pay ily lore. her suppliers. Then she simply asked, “Do When my mother was a young teenager, you understand and promise not to do this she had to drop out of high school to help again to anyone?” They sheepishly said yes my grandmother in their grocery store, and started to hand her the liver. She then which at the time was in a low-income, added, “That liver now has a story. Take it African-American neighborhood. While home and tell that story to others.” I won’t go into detail about all the ways Grandmom realized obviously that they Grandmom worked in the community, let must have stolen it because they needed it, me just say that the neighborhood adored but she also wanted to teach them from that her as much as we did. experience, not punish them. That storied One day, the wholesaler came to liver didn’t just teach those boys somethe store to deliver the weekly goods. thing, it also taught me. n Grandmom, in her own way of creating Mark Segal is the nation’s most-award-winning cultural exchange, had set out to explain commentator in LGBT media. His recently pubJewish dietary favorites to her friends in lished memoir, “And Then I Danced,” is availthe neighborhood. To do so, she told the able on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or at your grocery wholesaler that she needed as favorite bookseller. much liver as he could provide, since she
Mark My Words
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Street Talk Is police violence an LGBT issue? "Yes, it's a humanrights issue. The LGBTQ community is marginalized just like the AfricanAmerican community, Nina Bild so they school psychologist should care Milwaukee, Wisc. about the issue of police violence and add it to their agenda. It can only help. There's strength in numbers."
"Yes. Everybody matters. Nobody should ignore what's taking place; it's too horrific. There's way too much Kelcie McCartin excessive bartender force used by South Philadelphia police. And LGBT people are sometimes the victims. We should all stand together."
"Definitely. People are getting shot by police for no good reason. It's horrendous, what's going on. No question Silvia Murati about it. homemaker The LGBT South Philadelphia community should become involved. Everybody, really [should be involved]. The violence has to end."
"Yes. LGBTs are minorities. They're discriminated against on a daily basis. Why not be concerned about other Ingrid Strauss groups homemaker that are Longmont, Colo. discriminated against? They're being killed in the streets. There's a lot of hate out there. It permeates all of society. So everyone should be concerned with police violence."
Transmissions
Gwendolyn Ann Smith
Breaking conventions It was one of those rare moments of kismet. I had just come downstairs and turned on the television. On it was an attractive young woman with brown hair curled away from her face, wearing a sleeveless purple dress. She smiled and spoke. “My name is Sarah McBride, and I am a proud transgender American.” With that, she became part of history as the first out transgender person to speak at a presidential convention. Her brief speech was a powerful one, centering on the loss of her husband, Andy, who succumbed to cancer just days after their marriage. She spoke about her coming out, her time interning at the White House and her hand in getting Delaware to pass transgender protections. McBride also spoke about upcoming struggles, including the need to pass the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. She also addressed the need to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and halt the overwhelming violence against trans women of color. I first discovered that there were other transgender people in the world when I was a pre-teen, but it wasn’t until college in the late 1990s that I discovered there was a transgender community. Well, the beginnings of a community, at best. I learned about a meeting being held monthly out of the back of a Holiday Inn about an hour or so from home. In between those monthly meetings, sometimes we’d visit each others’ homes, or go to a “friendly” bar or eatery and sit somewhere in the back. The conventions of the time, however, suggested it was best we did not meet at all. The notion was that the more of us in any PAGE 20 one given place, the more
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DELEGATES from page 1
Malcolm Kenyatta, an activist from North Philadelphia, remembered a conversation he had with Takano. “He said, ‘When we started pushing for marriage equality, right away people said, “How about civil unions?”’ He said, ‘No, that’s not enough.’ “When we start having these fights, we win,” Kenyatta added. “If we have a commitment to recruiting and training LGBT candidates, we win.” Going forward, Kenyatta said he hoped to see more focus on poverty as an LGBT issue. In Philadelphia, 250,000 people live in poverty or deep poverty. He said low wages contribute to LGBT youth homelessness and some people in the community feeling forced to perform sex work. About 11.5 percent of the Democratic convention delegates were LGBT, up from about 7.8 percent four years ago. There were 28 transgender delegates, double the amount from the last convention. Kenyatta earned the second-most votes in the state to serve as a Pennsylvania delegate. He also worked as a whip for the Clinton campaign, sharing information between delegates and the campaign. Sharron Cooks, an at-large Clinton delegate who lives in Philadelphia, was appointed to her role by state Rep. Brian Sims, the first elected openly gay lawmaker in Pennsylvania. Cooks was the only transgender woman of color to serve as a delegate. “There was a lot of history that was made during the convention and that experience
will leave a legacy,” Cooks said. “Just being a delegate in itself is a huge responsibility. When you add intersectionality with race and gender, it’s even more responsibility. By seeing my visibility and representation … you can make a great positive impact on people’s lives.” She said it stuck with her when Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high,” referencing hateful rhetoric from the Republican ticket.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
“When people are insulting you, you have to spread more love, more encouragement and more empowerment,” Cooks said. “Hearing the first African-American First Lady deliver that message really reinforced the values my family taught me.” At the transgender caucus, which was informally organized about an hour before the second LGBT Caucus meeting July 28, Cooks said the delegates talked about the work they’re doing in their states. She’s a
SHARRON COOKS (LEFT) AND MALCOLM KENYATTA ON THE DNC FLOOR Photos: Scott A. Drake
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community organizer who founded Making Our Lives Easier. Cooks added they have engaged with each other since the convention, and talks have started about how to get more transgender delegates to the 2020 convention. “It’s clear we have a party that wants to work with us,” said Anne Wakabayashi, an LGBT delegate from Center City who was pledged to Clinton. “It’s clear we have their ear.” Wakabayashi was moved when Clinton accepted her nomination for president and said, “When there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit.” “That resonated,” she said. Wakabayashi also serves as executive director of Emerge Pennsylvania, an organization that recruits and trains women, including transgender women, to run for office. The Emerge network has locations in 16 states and many sent representatives to the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. “We need to have more Democrats in office if we want to see movement on our issues,” Wakabayashi said of women and the LGBT community. “There’s just no other option.” She said she has candidates in Delaware and Chester counties who could do great things for the community. Wakabayashi noted Clinton’s campaign does more than most to help down-ticket candidates. She said the excitement of a presidential election year typically drives higher turnout to the polls, which has historically been good for Democrats. n
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PGN DNC
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
Two DNC events talk importance of LGBT candidates
Event Photography Scott A. Drake 267-736-6743
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CONGRESSMAN MARK TAKANO (SPEAKING) OF CALIFORNIA ADDRESSED GUESTS AT THE JULY 28 LGBT CAUCUS MEETING AT THE PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER. THE SECOND CAUCUS MEETING OF THE WEEK EMPHASIZED THE VALUE OF OUT LGBT ELECTED OFFICIALS. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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When LGBT activist Laura Esquivel heard the Democratic nominee for vice president speak Spanish at the party’s convention last Wednesday night, she didn’t find it “tokenizing.” “He has lived with Latinos,” she said. “He has lived and worked in Honduras.” Esquivel observed Tim Kaine at work as governor and later senator of Virginia from her position in Washington with the Hispanic Federation. She called Hillary Clinton’s running mate “as authentic as they come.” “Yes, I’d rather see a Latino up there,” she added, “but until then I’m happy to have someone not just pay lip service to Latino issues. He doesn’t have to be educated.” Kaine was chosen as vice president over a few others being vetted, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro. Esquivel spoke at the LGBTQ People of Color Briefing held July 28 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. It covered descriptive representation and analyzed the state of American democracy. “The biggest problem with our democracy right now is not enough people participate in it,” Esquivel said. “Imagine what would happen if the people who were impacted by policies got involved?” Aisha Moodie-Mills leads an organization called Victory Fund in an attempt to remedy that. Victory Fund helps LGBT candidates run for office. Moodie-Mills referenced Park Cannon, the Georgia state representative who spoke Wednesday night at the
Democratic convention. Cannon described herself as a queer black woman, and said, “I represent the rainbow of voices that too often went unheard in our state’s capital.” Victory Fund helped elect Cannon, who filled the seat vacated by Simone Bell, a black lesbian. “The fact that we have a black queer legacy seat in Georgia is amazing,” MoodieMills said. At the LGBT Caucus meeting July 28, Misty K. Snow introduced herself as a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Utah. If elected, she would be the first transgender senator. “I am a voice for the LGBT community,” Snow said, but added she had other progressive values too. “I actually work at a grocery store,” she said. “I think I can be a voice for the working class.” Openly gay Congressmen Mark Takano of California and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin also addressed the caucus. “When the public got to know us,” Pocan said of the LGBT community, “... that’s when we really started to have success in state after state after state.” Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, an open lesbian, told caucus attendees about a new LGBT Advisory Board, started late last year as part of the Democratic National Committee. Parker co-chairs the board with Rev. Jose Roman, an HIV/AIDS advocate. The board aims to share information between LGBT constituents and the Democratic Party. For more information, visit www.democrats.org/page/duties-oflgbt-advisory-body-members. n
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First transgender speaker says Clinton understands urgency of fight for equality By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com As openly gay Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney walked onstage Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention to introduce the first transgender speaker at a major-party political convention, rainbow flags popped up in Utah’s and Montana’s delegation sections. “It’s a beautiful thing when your country catches up to you,” Maloney said and applauded Sarah McBride, who came out as transgender in the pages of her college newspaper. The Delaware native delivered a brisk three-minute address, covering Hillary Clinton’s commitment to passing the Equality Act, ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and combating violence against transgender women of color. It hit the typical policy notes of a Human Rights Campaign speech; McBride serves as national press secretary for the organization. But what struck people most was her personal story. “So much of what we face in the transgender community is
caricature and stereotype,” said Joanne Carroll, a transgender delegate from Lancaster. “Any time we can move people away from caricature and stereotype, that’s progress. In this particular case, I think people are going to warm to Sarah at least and see she’s a person with deep feelings.” McBride talked about Andrew Cray, the man she fell in love with. She described him as a transgender man committed to fighting for equality. He died of cancer in 2014. “Even in the face of terminal illness, he never wavered in believing in our cause and that this country could change,” McBride said. Four days before Cray died, McBride married him. “Knowing Andy left me profoundly changed,” she said. “He taught me every day matters. Hillary Clinton understands the urgency of our fight.” McBride capped a convention full of LGBT speakers like Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin, Georgia state legislator Park Cannon and former NBA player Jason
Collins. Each of the four nights addressed the community in some way, from paying homage to the victims in the Orlando shooting to condemning conversion therapy and touting the most LGBT-inclusive platform in Democratic Party history. When McBride concluded her speech, she stepped off stage and passed by the Pennsylvania delegation. Carroll said they hugged and shared a tear. The two met through activist circles. Carroll leads TransCentralPA. “I remember when she lost Andy,” Carroll said. “They were so cute together. It really was a story of boy meets girl in the best possible way.” Carroll said she had been talking up McBride all week and Pennsylvania’s LGBT and non-LGBT delegates alike were excited to see her. The people sitting around Carroll fist-bumped her when McBride started speaking. “She gave a strong speech and was a great introduction [for] the transgender community to a larger audience,” said Alex Reber, an LGBT delegate from Dauphin County.
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON SARAH MCBRIDE, A NATIVE OF DELAWARE, BECAME THE FIRST OUT TRANSGENDER PERSON TO ADDRESS A MAJOR POLITICALPARTY CONVENTION JULY 28 AT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Dwayne J. Heisler, an LGBT delegate from Columbia County, agreed. “People fear what they do not understand so her speech is
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important,” he said. “I believe her speech is not only historic, it will be inspiring to others and maybe even save the life of a trans person.” n
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DNC PGN
Welcoming delegates and representing our city By Scott A. Drake scott@epgn.com The excitement and anticipation of being on the Wells Fargo Center floor during the Democratic National Convention waxed and waned during the week, but in the end it was one of the most memorable weeks one could have. The best part was I got to meet a few senators, two women who were part of the Prop. 8 lawsuit, some state representatives, governors, party leaders, ward leaders, mayors, DNC administrators, celebrities, nationally recognized journalists and the list goes on. The saddest part was a delegate from Mississippi who, when agreeing
to be in a photo for PGN, had a fellow delegate ask that she not be in the photo. The reason: homophobia — right there on the DNC floor. In addition to the mind-boggling number of photo-ops going on the four nights, the first night there I started out with a handful of PGN rainbow bracelets just to meet and greet our LGBT brothers, sisters and others from across the land. There was something very special about greeting each group with “Hello, _______! Welcome to Philadelphia!” that was rewarded with salutations and smiles in return. Soon I was taking photos and taking names and marking off a state checklist. In
the end, I managed to speak with delegates from all 57 states and territories and capture a photo from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and most of the other territories. (Not all of the smaller groups had LGBT representation.) So then I would say I was looking for LGBT delegates from their home state and don’t you know that almost every single time the heads and arms started turning and pointing. It was as if they were expecting someone to ask. The response I got from almost everyone was nothing less than joyous. The chorus of “welcoming, helpful, friendly” people here to our “exciting, fascinating, amazing, fabulous” city still resonates in
my heart. Philadelphians were on their best behavior for our interstate guests and the red carpets were plenty. People commented on the police, the food, the city, our history, the hotels and anything else that goes with spending a week in a new place. I had conversation after conversation with people from all over. It was delightful. So here are as many delegate photos as we could fit on this page; and when you get to page 33, this week’s Scene in Philly is a salute to even more. These are our family from all corners of our country who came to stay for a while. And the best news of all is they all want to come back. Well done, brothers and sisters. n
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Social, economic justice ‘front and center’ of Clinton’s campaign By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com While introducing her mother to accept the Democratic nomination for president and become the first female to do so, Chelsea Clinton staked out her mother’s commitment to LGBT rights. “I’m voting for the progressive … who believes that women’s rights are human rights, and LGBT rights are human rights, here at home and around the world,” Chelsea said last Thursday night at the party’s convention. Hillary Clinton, near the end of her own hour-long speech, touched on social justice as well. “We will defend all our rights,” she said, “civil rights, human rights and voting rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights, LGBT rights and the rights of people with disabilities.” She also called out the need to repair relations between police and the communities they protect. “Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of young black and Latino men and women who face the effects of systemic racism, and are made to feel like their lives are disposable,” Clinton said. “Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of police officers, kissing their kids and spouses goodbye every day and heading off to do a dangerous and necessary job.” Clinton credited former rival Sen. Bernie Sanders with putting economic and social-justice issues “front and center where they belong.” Speaking to his supporters, she said: “I want you to know, I’ve heard you. Your cause is our cause. Our country needs your ideas, energy and passion. That’s the only way we can turn our progressive platform into real change for America. We wrote it together, now let’s go out there and make it happen together.” Clinton set up her speech by retelling the story of America’s founding in Philadelphia, further transmitting the message that Sanders supporters should align with her for the good of the nation. Although there were whispers Thursday among some Sanders supporters in neon shirts that said “Enough is Enough” that they would have some protest during Clinton’s speech, nothing unruly occurred. Usually, those in the Sanders shirts kept their hands in their laps while other delegates applauded and chanted “Hillary” at various points of the speech. n
PATRIOTIC PROGRESS: The Democratic National Convention wrapped up in grand fashion July 28. Messages of diversity and unity were emphasized by President Obama, presidential nominee HIllary Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, Broadway stars and Christine Leinonen (bottom right), whose son was among the victims of the mass shooting at an Orlando LGBT club. Photos: Scott A. Drake
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TRANSMISSIONS from page 11
likely we’d all be outed and face danger. At the time, too, being a transgender person was still very much a shameful secret to have for many, and this notion of living in safe isolation only fed into our guilt. For many who were aiming for surgical intervention, too, it was considered part of the process to divorce from one’s past life entirely, create a new identity and “go stealth.” Some therapists at the time also pushed their transgender patients to not develop friendships with other transgender people, and would threaten the loss of their care to ensure it. Once the Internet came along, all of this changed. Transgender people could, at last, meet and share with each other and even associate with non-transgender people within what we then called “cyberspace.” Nevertheless, this remained a pursuit largely behind one’s closed doors. The nascent transgender community was small in visible number and in spirit, and the notion of being out and visible was extremely uncommon. The cost of being out in any sort of public sense was simply too high for most. The notion of being out and in politics then was something largely in the realm of pure fantasy. A lot has changed in 20 years. Now, I can turn on my television and see a trans woman proudly speaking at the Democratic National Convention. I can be proud for her, I can be proud for me, and I can be proud for my community. It has been an amazing ride getting to this point. From those early days of backroom meetings to the work of radical groups like TS Menace and more politically cautious groups like the National Center for Transgender Equality to the time we live in now past the so-called “tipping point” of transgender people in popular culture. We now live in a time when an out trans woman can take the stage at a national convention — and be broadcast around the country — and discover that she is not jeered off stage. McBride, as groundbreaking as her speech was, may end up a footnote from a convention that brought a lot of firepower to the microphone. For that matter, it was another speaker that night, Khizr Khan, who will likely end up noted even more for his speech and the fallout in the wake of it. This is an OK thing. As important as McBride’s speech was, let it too serve as a point along a much longer path. At the DNC, in addition to McBride, there were a total of 28 out transgender delegates. This is, as you could imagine, the greatest number of trans delegates ever at a political convention. Among those delegates, Marisa Richmond was the official timekeeper for the convention. Richmond is the first transgender woman to be appointed to a local government board in her home state of Tennessee. Next time the Democratic National Convention rolls around, we may see more transgender delegates. We may see another transgender woman filling Richmond’s shoes. We may even see more speakers like McBride. Yet, at some point, we’re going to go beyond being merely delegates, timekeepers and speakers. Eventually we will be there because of the political offices we have gained in our home districts, serving in local and state positions. Yes, we may eventually see us in Congress, or vying for the presidency itself. There were transgender people for centuries before me. We began to flourish in the first half of the 20th century, leading to Christine Jorgensen pushing the A-Bomb off the front of newspapers nationwide. We continued to grow, taking a mere 20 years to go from that nascent community hidden in bars and hotels to addressing one of the biggest political events in the country. What can we accomplish in the next 20? What might the rest of this century hold for the transgender community? We’ve not only grown, but we shall continue to grow. n Gwen Smith hopes to see the day. You’ll find her at www. gwensmith.com.
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FESTASTIC: Andy Shaw and Michael E. Manley in “Harbor” (upper left), Terrel Green and Kyra Baker in “MMF” (upper right), Joel Guerrero and Jeff Hunsicker in “My Favorite Husbands” (lower right), Rachel Berkman and Jessica Snow in “Harbor” (lower left) and Thomas-Robert Irvin, Hunsicker, Angel J. Sigala and Guerrero in “My Favorite Husbands” (center). Photos: John Donges
Complex relationships take center stage at GayFest By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Gayfest, Quince Productions’ annual festival of LGBT-themed theater, is back for its sixth year next week. This year’s productions are focusing somewhat on troubled and fraying relationships, like in “My Favorite Husbands,” a comedy about a drag queen who wants to crash an ex-lover’s wedding to a Republican lawmaker, and “Harbor,” a comedy about the shifting nature of family. Other productions explore darker and
more dramatic relationship territory. “Wolves,” written by Steve Yockey, is about a young city dweller, Ben, who freaks out when his roommate, Jack, brings home a big bad wolf for a one-night stand. Director Michael Osinski said that the drama between Ben and Jack comes from their being ex-boyfriends as well as roommates. “Ben and Jack had dated,” Osinski explained. “After they broke up, they decided [that], because it’s hard to find roommates in the city and affordable rent, they would keep living together. So as a result the relationship has turned into
exactly what you would think it would turn into.” Osinski said there’s jealousness, awkwardness and maybe some unresolved feelings. “It’s gotten to the point where Ben is so closed off and isolated that he sees the world outside as if it were a big dark forest and only takes it semi-seriously,” he said. “So when Jack says he’s going to go out and find some guy to bring home, Ben is like ‘You can’t do that. The forest is full of wolves.’” Osinski said the play blends comedy drama and fantasy.
“Steve Yockey’s plays tend to be comedic but in an otherworldly sort of way,” he said. “Very often, they’re funny and charming and a little bit kooky, then suddenly very dark, which I believe is the case of this play. He describes it as a predatory fairy tale and I’ve been describing it to people saying it’s sort of like if you took the TV shows ‘Once Upon A Time” and ‘American Horror Story’ and put them together, and threw in a bunch of gay characters.” Michael Manley, who plays Wolf in the play and also stars in “Harbor,” said that the fantasy and comedy elements add depth to the story. PAGE 30
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GAYFEST from page 29
“It definitely lives in this darker world but I think the moments of humor you find throughout the play really give it dimension and keep it from being a scary and foreboding story,” he said. Manley noted the Wolf character isn’t the adversarial antagonist that his name would imply. “He really represents a lot of people,” Manley said. “He’s really dynamic and challenges me an as actor to deal with a lot of things that people in our modern society are [dealing with], especially single people and what they go through and the various ways you can search for connections, both physical and emotional. Some people will see him as this bad, dark character but I think there are many sides of him. Throughout the course of the play, you are going to find those places where he is very sensitive and caring, and where his true intentions lie. That’s one of the things I love about the play itself: It takes the audience on a journey [in which], at any given point, each character on the stage will potentially be the bad person.” “[Wolf is] definitely not the bad guy,” Osinski agreed. “Wolf is a sensitive, charming guy, not exactly what Jack was look-
Manley added. “They’re ing for in a guy. different for each person In some ways, Jack possibly may find depending on what they love in this play need. What I took away but then something from it is how important happens and that’s human connections are when it gets weird and the toll that isolation and otherworldly can take on people.” because Ben can Another love triangle only see outsiders showing up at Gayfest as attackers. So this year is courtesy of Ben doesn’t see “MMF,” which follows who Wolf is very a polyamorous trio dealclearly.” ing with the fallout of its While Yockey’s MICHAEL E. MANLEY nontraditional relationplays tend to have ship breaking up. an underlying message, they usually are Director Shamus McCarty said he more entertaining than they are preachy, thought the play was a comedy at first glance. Osinski said. “I think it starts out as being entertain- “I read it as a sitcom in that sense that ment but there is sort of a message at the people talk about serious things and they do end,” he said. “I like that Yockey isn’t it with a grin and a laugh,” he said. “When hammering people over the head with it, I talked to David L. Kimple, who wrote the the idea that I wish that our community play, I found out that the play absolutely were more open and I wish people were isn’t [a comedy]. Ultimately, the subject less judgmental. When communities tend matter revolves around this triad relationto get that way, it’s no wonder that people ship that ends because one of the three partgo crazy or isolate themselves and can’t see ners leaves. That’s where the play starts. reality in an objective way.” But the way they talk about it and remem “I think there are messages to be found,” ber is often very funny. Ultimately, it’s
about the end of a relationship but I think it’s a very funny play. When [one] leaves, the other two characters stay together. Hilarity and drama ensues.” McCarty said this play explores the dynamics of a relationship when the sexualities of the three people in it aren’t specifically spelled out. “Something I think is interesting about this play and about the conversations about sexuality and gender that are happening right now is that it’s all about how we identify,” he said. “I am a queer man and that’s what makes it so. The only time sexuality is directly addressed in the show is when Jane, the female character, labels the two guys gay at one point during an argument. Besides that it’s, ‘We’re us. We entered this thing,’ so the three of them don’t spend a lot of time identifying the terms of their relationship and I find that fluidity interesting. Like, what rules are there when you don’t set any rules?” n Quince Productions presents GayFest Aug. 12-27 at Studio X, 1340 S. 13th St., and Louis Bluver Theatre at the Drake, 302 S. Hicks St. For more information or tickets, visit www.quinceproductions.com/gayfest. html.
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Suzi Nash
Jasmine Morrell: Bringing queer color to Baltimore Avenue As a queer person of color, tattoo artist Jasmine Morrell started working in the world of ink at a young age and soon found that racism, homophobia and misogyny were the order of the day in many tattoo shops. Often the target of unwarranted comments and attacks, Morrell set out to create a respectful space that would make all of its patrons feel positive, supported and free — a safe space for people to express themselves however they felt comfortable. Thus, Spirited Tattooing Coalition was born. “We want marginalized voices, artists and identities to have sanctuary while making those connections and baring down to their deepest layer,” said Morrell, a person with a sly and dry sense of humor that we quickly bonded over.
apprenticeship and realized that I wanted to do tattooing.
PGN: I understand you grew up in Long Island. How come you don’t pronounce it “LawngEyeland?” JM: Ha! I don’t know! My mom and my sister have really strong Long Island accents. My mom sounds like Fran Drescher minus the laugh but I somehow managed to escape picking it up.
PGN: That was my next question! Do you have a high tolerance for pain? JM: I’ve been told that I do, yeah.
PGN: Tell me a little about the house in which you grew up. JM: Well, I’m the oldest of seven kids. My mom had a few after I moved out so I didn’t grow up with all those siblings in the house, but there were a bunch of us. As the oldest, I often played a second-parent role and, as I got older, I kind of had to parent myself a lot as my mom dealt with the younger kids and babies. She had to hustle a lot to make ends meet at times but I appreciate not coming from a pampered, sheltered background. It prepared me for adulthood in a way that I didn’t always see in my peers. I really had to get my shit together early and it both humbled me and equipped me for a lot in life. PGN: What was your first job? JM: Ever? I think I was 15 and I was a telemarketer for a chimney-cleaning service. It was horrible but I actually made a decent amount of money. Probably because no one else wanted that job. PGN: Who’s the funniest sibling? JM: I think it’s a tie between my sister and me. Between the two of us, we crack my mom up for sure. It’s pretty cool that we have the same sense of humor. PGN: What brought you to Philadelphia? JM: After high school I needed to not jump right into college. My best friend at the time was going to the Art Institute here and needed a roommate. She wanted someone she knew so she called and said, “You’re not doing anything, let’s get you off Long Island.” I’m really glad it happened because I came here and found an
PGN: Did you have tattoos before that? JM: I had one that I got with my mom in Florida when I was 17. I begged her to sign the parental-consent form and she got one with me. PGN: What did you get and what did your mom get? JM: I got … it’s like a stencil style of a panda balancing on a ball. It was one of those cases where I just pointed at a picture on the wall and said, “That one.” My mom got some viney design on her lower back and the entire time she wailed and hooted and hollered.
PGN: What’s the scariest thing when you’re a tattoo apprentice? JM: Being fearful that any moment it could be taken away from you. At least for me, I was always on my toes because I was afraid they’d decide not to put the time and energy into teaching me. Frankly, the person I was working for treated me pretty poorly and liked to instill fear into the people around her so it was not the best environment. And of course the other fear is of screwing up the design.
each year. PGN: Did you always live in this section of town? JM: When I first came to Philly I was at 41st and Baltimore. Dahlak was the first bar I ever went to. But I spent most of my time here living in South Philly; little did I know I’d return to Baltimore Avenue to live and work. PGN: How did this come about? JM: I quit my last job and was looking for another shop to work in and couldn’t find any place that made sense for me. It got to the point where I was running out of steam for that kind of environment. Then one day I was walking my dog and saw the For Rent sign in the window here. It was like a shining beacon of light. I realized that I just needed to take the plunge. It’s like having a baby: You’re never going to be really ready; as scary as it is you have to just do it. So I just said fuck it, now is the time.
I went home with my girlfriend who was also my roommate. She was my roommate first and then we became involved so it wasn’t like I was trying to hide something by saying she was my roommate, she really was! Of course dating your roommate is not the ideal way to go about things but anyway we went home — we were both from Long Island — and my mom was grilling my girlfriend/roommate about why she broke up with her boyfriend — let me pause to say it wasn’t because of me, that had already happened. So my mom kept grilling her, asking if she was seeing anybody now and I don’t know how, I think she ran out of options so she asked if perhaps she was dating a woman. She could tell by the roommate’s face that she was right and my mom was so proud of her detective work until she looked at me and saw that I had shrunken into a small clamshell. She then realized that it was me and needed to take a moment as she realized, Oh, my child is queer. It was a moment but my mom is pretty progressive and soon wanted to understand and embrace everything. PGN: And how were you identifying then? JM: Gay? I didn’t identify as a lesbian or trans, and a few years later I stumbled across the word queer and that seemed more fitting. It was one of those, “Ahhh,” the clouds parted, moments. I do also identify as trans now.
PGN: I would think the first time actually inking someone would be terrifying. There’s a commercial running now, for Snickers or something, where the tattoo artist misspells the word in the design. JM: Luckily the first one is always on your teacher or on yourself. I had plenty of practice on friends that wanted free tattoos and on fruit. We practice on grapefruit and watermelon and cantaloupe, it’s great for practice and it smells really good.
PGN: What was the most exciting and most fulfilling part of embracing your authentic self? JM: The most exciting was getting the prescription for hormone therapy. The most fulfilling part was the overall supportive response from everyone around me. My mom had a lot of questions, but she never asked why or questioned me specifically about it.
PGN: Would you ever refuse to do a tattoo? [Laughs] Like if someone wanted a Donald Trump tattoo? JM: Oh, absolutely. It’s tricky because things can be subjective, like the Trump tattoo could be poking fun at him, but yeah, I’ve had to turn people away before. There was a guy in Texas who wanted me to do a design with an eagle and a flag and an iron cross and I was like, “Hmmm, this looks awfully close to some Nazi emblems I’ve seen,” and sure enough he was trying to get as close to it as he could without actually doing a Nazi symbol, so I had to show him the door, let him know he had the wrong shop and wrong person for sure.
PGN: I understand that you are the first queer person of color to own a business on Baltimore Avenue. What’s your background? JM: My mom is Puerto Rican and my dad is South Asian/Indian. My mom was born in Brooklyn and they met in Long Island.
PGN: Texas? JM: Yes, I took off two years to live there, in Austin. I still go back for two weeks
PGN: Tell me your coming-out story. JM: Well, it’s kind of like my mom told me. Not told me, but figured it out when
Photo: Suzi Nash
PGN: What’s the wackiest response you got? JM: One person who asked why, but it was the way they did it. The question kind of dribbled off their lips, kind of like “Yasss” but it was “Whyyy?” I think as they were saying it, mid-question they kind of asked themselves why they were asking me the question. So the inflection was “Whyyy … am I asking this silly question?” It was pretty funny. PAGE 36
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The Philadelphia Gayborhood is roughly centered at 12th and Camac streets. Look for the rainbow street signs at intersections and remember to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. Boxers
1330 Walnut St. facebook.com/ boxersphl Sports bar with multiple plasma tvs, pool table, brick oven, more!
Your place or mine?
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Tabu
Woody’s
1302 Walnut St. 215.336.1335 rosewood-bar.com Elegantlyappointed cozy bar with high-end cocktails
200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com Sports bar / drag shows and bar food
202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com American-style bar food and large dance floor
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The Bike Stop
Four-level leather bar; basement enforces a dress code; pool tables pn two floors and big-screen sports action
Walnut St. Chancellor St.
Juniper St.
The mobile hookup site for gay and bi men
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Rosewood
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St. James St.
❍ Locust St.
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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
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Latimer St.
12th St.
AC ul t ure rts
13th St.
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Camac St.
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❒ ❒ Spruce St.
William Way LGBT Community Center
1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org
A resource for all things LGBT
Voyeur
1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub.com After-hours private club; membership required
U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660
Relaxing corner bar, easy-going crowd, popular for happy hour and window watching
Tavern on Camac West of Broad Street Stir Lounge
1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com Fun two-bar lounge, DJ in the back, regular poker games and specials
255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Piano lounge with upstairs dance floor; Tavern restaurant below is open late.
Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com Fine-dining restaurant and bar, outdoor seating (weather permitting), piano in back room
ICandy
254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com Three floors with a total of six bars; dance floor, lounge and rootop deck.
The Attic Youth Center
255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org Safe space and programs for LGBTs age 16-23 weekday afternoons and evenings
Pa. bars close at 2 a.m. unless they have a private-club license. Please drink responsibly.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
Get Out and Play
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Scott A. Drake
#SERVINGFREEDOM: Tennis icon Billie Jean King (third from left) gave Mayor Jim Kenney a Philadelphia Freedoms pullover, making him an honorary member of the tennis team. King said the Freedoms are “all about equality, diversity and inclusion” during brief remarks Aug. 3 in the mayor’s reception room. The Freedoms tennis team is hosting New York, Washington, Orange County and San Diego Aug. 5-8 and can be followed at #ServingFreedom. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Olympic hurdles Between the filthy bay water and sub-standard accommodations, it looks as if the Rio games are on par to rival the danger of disease or death from the conditions of the original Greek games over 2000 years ago. One must hope that the Gay Games officials considering international sites consider health concerns when deliberating. I’m a fan of the Olympics: The spectacle of the opening ceremonies with the lighting of the Olympic Flame to hearing the national anthems played during medal ceremonies. I prefer summer over winter, because even watching the downhill skiers and bobsledders makes me cold. This year the United States has seven LGBT — or, to be accurate, L athletes — competing in the Summer Olympic Games. The fact that not one gay male athlete has come out — and I assure you there is at least one going to Rio — could be in part due to the unfavorable LGBT climate in Brazil, though I doubt it could be worse than Russia’s. There are 42 out athletes worldwide competing this summer; a record. And we all know at least one from Facebook, whether it is USA rugby player Kelly Griffin, Great Britain diver Tom Daley or Netherlands gymnast Jeffrey Wammes, It doesn’t take much to Google the others and it’s nice to have the names in the back of your mind when watching. As the games proceed, find yourself an American hero and an LGBT hero or two. It’s always more fun when you know who’s on your team. And in between games, bouts, sets, rounds and routines, get out and play. Short stops • Rugby 101 is being held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 6 at Pepper Middle School, 2901
S. 84th St. The after party is at 3 p.m. at MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut St. • The Philly Mayors Cup is Aug. 13. Several different races are part of the entire event and the Lez Running Club will be participating on behalf of Mazzoni Center. n Get Out and Play will be on hiatus until after Labor Day. In the meantime, get out and play and email sports info to: scott@ epgn.com.
BROTHERLY LOVE: Twin brothers Jarron (left) and Jason Collins, the out former professional basketball player, have a moment at the podium when they tried to get the microphone raised to their 7-foot-plus frames. Jarron praised his brother and told the July 26 LGBT caucus collective that he was “an ally to all LGBT people.” Jason also spoke to the hundreds gathered about the importance of families, natural and assumed. Photo: Scott A. Drake
(WELCOME) BACK IN THE DAY: Old-school rap and R&B fans have a chance to push it good one more time when the “I Love the ’90s Tour” rolls through Philly featuring headliners Salt N Pepa (left) and Vanilla Ice (right), along with Kid N Play, Color Me Badd and Coolio, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-365-1300.
Theater & Arts Creative Africa Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photography, fashion, sculpture and architecture by artists from Africa through Sept. 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art features some of the most prominent European and American artists of the past 50 years through Sept. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Godfrey The comedian seen on “30 Rock” and “Louie” performs through Aug. 6 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001.
Inside Out Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of large-scale, high-quality replicas of favorite works from the museum’s collection to local neighborhoods through Nov. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Lloyd Ney: Local Color The Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of works by the American painter, sculptor, writer and artistic innovator known for pushing boundaries, embracing Modernism and stirring up controversy through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. Marlon Wayans The comedian and actor performs Aug. 5-6 at Punch Line Philly, 1004 Canal St.; 215-309-0150. Plays of/for a Respirateur Philadelphia Museum of Art
presents an installation by Joseph Kosuth that includes a selection of his work along with a group of seminal works by Marcel Duchamp through the fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Tête-à-Tête: Conversations in Photography The Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition celebrating more than 25 years of regional photographic programming through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. Todrick Hall presents: Straight Outta Oz The Broadway actor, MTV star and “American Idol” finalist puts his twist on L. Frank Baum’s classic story 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick
Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.
Music Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa The rappers perform 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300. Deftones and Refused The hard-rock bands perform 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Festival Pier Penn’s Landing, 601 N. Christopher St.; 215-922-1011. Coldplay The rock band performs 8 p.m. Aug. 6 at Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Ave.; 215-4635500. Bush The alt-rock group performs 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1100 Canal St.; 215625-3681.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
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PGMC at global conference for LGBT singers
GOING, GO-GO’S, GONE: Pop and punk pioneers The Go-Go’s are set to seal their lips and take a permanent vacation after bringing their farewell tour to town 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1100 Canal St. For more information or tickets, call 215-625-3681.
Juliette and the Licks The rock band fronted by the star actress performs 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215232-2100. Counting Crows and Rob Thomas The rock bands perform 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300. Boys Like Girls The alt-rock group performs 8 p.m. Aug. 10 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1100 Canal St.; 215625-3681. Cracker The rock band performs 8 p.m. Aug. 11 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. Blink 182 The punk-rock band performs 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300.
Nightlife Bears of Summer Happy Bear’s swimsuit summer pool party, 5-9 p.m. Aug. 5 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215964-9675. Boys of Summer The annual swimsuit party, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Aug. 6 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772. Naked Mile 3 The Gayborhood’s annual amateur stripping competition, 9 p.m. Aug. 8 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.
Outta Town Josh Groban The acclaimed singer performs 8 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Vampires The pulp action– horror film is screened 9:45
p.m. Aug. 5 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Jennie McNulty and Lisa Koch The out comedians perform 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-5961027. Ke$ha The pop singer performs 9 p.m. Aug. 6 at The Waterfront at Harrah’s, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-441-5000. The Band Wagon The classic Fred Astaire musical is screened 2 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228.
Kool & The Gang The funk/R&B group performs 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Jerry Seinfeld The comedian performs 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. 98 Degrees, O-Town, Dream and Ryan Cabrera The boy bands perform 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-348-7000. n
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
Photo: Patrick Hagerty
By Henrik Eger PGN Contributor The Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, an international association of LGBT singers founded in 1982, fosters artistic and organizational development for all LGBT member choruses. At its inaugural conference, 14 choruses performed in San Francisco as part of the first Gay Games. The association now includes almost 10,000 vocalists in more than 190 associated choruses. Choruses from North America and overseas perform at the constantly growing music festival every four years, usually a few weeks before the Olympics. Musical groups range from just five members to huge 250-member choruses with $3-million budgets. At the most recent conference, July 2-6 at the famous Denver Performing Arts Complex, more than 6,600 people participated — the largest gathering of LGBT singers in recorded history. Highlights included the first Chinese LGBT chorus of 12 young men and women who wore masks but decided to take them off during the performance, except for one singer who felt safer keeping his mask on. Canada sent the largest contingent from outside the United States. Germany participated with the entertaining Schola Cantorosa from Hamburg. The smallest ensemble came from Havana, the first gay chorus from Cuba. And choruses of enthusiastic teenagers from all over North America brought down the house in show after show. LGBT choruses from the United States dominated the scene with mega groups from L.A., San Francisco, Seattle, Houston and New York — all competing for attention as three concerts took place simultaneously in three different concert halls, every 30 minutes, day after day. The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus not only stood its musical ground, but also brought in many admirers of the classical PGMC
sound, not to mention its hilarious presentations during highly entertaining performances — always to standing ovations. PGN sat down with PGMC director Joseph Buches for his impressions of this mega event. PGN: How many chorus members does PGMC have now, and how many attended GALA in Denver? JB: PGMC had 100 active members in our last concert. Currently, we already have 14 people signed up for upcoming auditions for the 2016-2017 concert series (see www.pgmc.org). We had 71 chorus members singing as PGMC at GALA 2016. In addition, Andrea Clearfield, the composer of our commissioned piece, and Jerome Kurtenbach, the arranger of our other two GALA songs, both performed with us. PGN: How did you finance the expensive trip? JB: Chorus members largely paid personally for their own registration fees, airfare and hotel accommodations. PGMC awarded six members with scholarships to cover their registration from funds raised at an event. PGN: What were the highlights of your participation? JB: Being able to experience concerts performed by choruses from around the globe was an amazing opportunity for PGMC and its members. The sense of family and support that the festival-goers experienced created a warm and inviting environment. PGN: You gave several performances in large concert halls. JB: We participated in our own concert block, as well as the Holiday Hullabaloo and the Gender Blender Blockbuster Concerts. A few members participated PAGE 37 in the HIV-Positive
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New doc spotlights early gayporn filmmaker By Travis Crawford PGN Contributor The life of Wakefield Poole contains so many disparate chapters that any attempt to summarize it would seem like an exercise in futility. So it’s a pleasant surprise that director Jim Tushinski does such an engrossing job with his new documentary, “I’ve Always Said Yes: The Many Lives of Wakefield Poole,” which is currently available on various VOD platforms. Today, Poole is probably best known for his pioneering 1971 gay-porn film “Boys in the Sand,” its title a playful Fire Island riff on the name of the famous 1968 Mart Crowley play and its subsequent 1970 William Friedkin-directed film adaptation. A modest triptych of sexual interludes, “Boys” nevertheless became a massive hit, with a crossover mainstream success that arguably initiated the ’70s “porno chic” phenomenon, given that its release predated the unveiling of the more widely acknowledged straight porn breakthrough of “Deep Throat” by several months. Poole and company followed up “Boys” with 1972’s darker, surreal “Bijou” (his best film) and 1973’s ambitious, if ultimately unsuccessful, religious opus “Bible”; this early trio is available on DVD through the Vinegar Syndrome label, and is also available for viewing on services like Fandor. But if Poole is most identifiable these days for his groundbreaking adult filmmaking, “I’ve Always Said Yes” spends equal time on his early careers as a Broadway dancer and choreographer, working in this capacity in major productions associated with Richard Rodgers, Steven Sondheim and Jerry Herman throughout the 1960s before his transition to filmmaking. The period in Poole’s life after his porn-directing heyday is similarly difficult to categorize, as he became spiritually and financially crippled due to a cocaine addiction, before bouncing back and focusing on the culinary arts, including a stint as a chef for Calvin Klein(!). And this isn’t even touching upon his status as an art collector par excellence. Narrated by Poole and adapted from his own memoir, “Dirty Poole: the Autobiography of a Gay Porn Pioneer,” the new documentary does an admirable job incorporating these many facets of Poole’s life, although Tushinski admits it was a daunting task. “I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” Tushinski recalled. “It was a very difficult process, primarily because I had so much material and so much ground to cover. Plus I had to make it interesting for people who had never heard of Wakefield, had no idea why his films were important and who might even react negatively to someone who made films that were considered porn. But I knew I didn’t want to focus
on just the films. So balancing the story was key, as well as frustrating and daunting.” Too many documentaries on cinema have the unfortunate tendency to race through their coverage at such breakneck speed that there is only the most superficial insight into their subject matter, but “I’ve Always Said Yes” benefits from the fact that Tushinski — previously responsible for the 2005 documentary “That Man: Peter Berlin,” as well as the novel “Van Allen’s
Ecstasy” — spent several years making this new film. “I had interviewed Wakefield for ‘That Man: Peter Berlin,’ and bonded with him right away,” Tushinski said. “He gave me a copy of his autobiography, and I read it in a couple of days, loving every word, but I honestly didn’t think about making a documentary of it because it seemed too sprawling and too complicated. However, after ‘That Man: Peter Berlin’ did well, I was asked to pitch new projects to production companies, and Wake’s autobiography kept coming back to me. The pitches didn’t go well. Nobody knew who Wakefield was, and it wasn’t hitting the younger demographic. And that actually made me more interested, so I just went ahead and made it anyway. I scraped together enough money to shoot all the New York interviews in 2007 and thought if I showed some footage, I’d be able to generate some interest. Nope. So that began a three-year process of trying to raise some money, shooting what we could, digitizing Wakefield’s films, stopping and starting until I had what I needed, culminating with the screening of ‘Boys in the Sand’ on Fire Island that ends the documentary. Then I had another three years of trying to raise money for post production and footage licensing, as well as editing. Crowdfunding helped some and I got a small grant, but there isn’t a lot of
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financial support for creating documentaries like this.” “Boys in the Sand” — and, to a historically lesser extent, Poole’s subsequent films — remains a landmark in LGBT cinema, so the initial lack of interest in Tushinski’s documentary is dispiriting if not exactly surprising. Fortunately, Tushinski persevered, and finished his film — not only
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
does “I’ve Always Said Yes” stand out as a biography of a unique cultural icon, but also Tushinski believes the film has greater significance for the LGBT world today. “Boys in the Sand actually helped thousands of gay men feel good about themselves for the first time and, in conjunction with the early gay-rights movement, facilitated a lot of men coming out of the closet,” he said. “Wakefield kickstarted what we now call LGBT cinema. Without the influence and success of Wake’s first two films, I don’t think we’d have LGBT film festivals today.” And what does Poole himself think of the documentary? “He was very happy,” Tushinski said. “He still thinks it should be funnier, though.” n
PGMC from page 35
Festival Chorus, which was comprised of 70 singers from various choruses. Our small ensemble, Brotherly Love, did its own performance.
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PGN: You received many standing ovations. What did choral directors tell you about your program? JB: The choral directors that I spoke with really enjoyed our set, particularly our commission, “That Summer: A Fantasia on Family,” by Andrea Clearfield (music) and Tom Gualtieri (lyrics). They commented on our wonderful sound, musicality, clear diction and overall performance. We were a big hit among the directors, one of whom wants to perform “That Summer” in their program next year. PGN: What stood out for you at this year’s conference? JB: PGMC was very involved in Festival 2016. More singers came from Philadelphia and from around the world than ever before. It was great to see so many people who share the love of LGBTQ choral music. PGN: What did chorus members tell you about their best experiences? JB: They enjoyed listening to all the various performances from the different choruses. It’s an opportunity for everyone to hear new music. Of course, they enjoyed getting to know new people as well as reconnect with old friends.
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PGN: What did you bring back to Philadelphia? JB: We always get a lot of repertoire ideas from GALA Festival. Chorus members were asked to take note of any particular songs that they liked and let me know for possible future programming. We are planning a collaboration with another GALA chorus for spring of 2018. We did a similar one in 2014 with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, where we performed up there, and they came here for our performance in Rehoboth Beach, Del. PGN: How would you summarize the experience? JB: The GALA Festival provides inspiring opportunities to share with and learn from other choruses. In addition to expanding our artistic repertoire and experience, we were able to discuss issues from best practices on topics ranging from fundraising to diversity. All of these things enable us to grow as an organization, achieve our mission, and build our youth-outreach program in schools. n
WAFFLES & WEDGES 1511 PINE STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
215-309-3222
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PORTRAIT from page 31
PGN: Any hobbies outside the parlor? JM: I’ve been playing music since I was 15. I play drums and I’m learning to do vocals. I have a person I perform with in a group/duo called Distant Damage and I want to be able to do some harmony and sing as well. We’ve been together for about two years and we just finished recording. I can’t wait for it to come out. It’s a nice break from all the work at the shop, the business end of things, doing my drawing homework and answering emails, etc. PGN: What does your name, Spirited Tattooing Coalition, mean? JM: It signifies the kind of energy I wanted and needed to make this happen. It’s a reminder that this is an effort that can only happen with the inclusion of other people, not just our people; it’s also having artists put their work up on consignment, or displaying and selling their jewelry up front or having guest tattoo artists. It’s all about building a coalition. PGN: I have to admit, I’m not into tattoos — I barely got my ears pierced — so what is it that draws people to it so much? Beyond the artwork, is there a spiritual aspect to it? JM: For me, part of why I do it is that you really do form a connection with people this way. Just from being in such close quarters and touching people, I find you do transfer energies, both positively and negatively. There are times when I come in in a perfectly good mood and I sit down with someone and their energy totally is off, perhaps from something out of their control, but I can feel it in a way I never have before. I try to make the best out of each session, but the transfer is very much a part of what I like. As far as my personal desire for tattoos, I think it’s important that I feel free to do whatever I want with my own body. So each tattoo doesn’t need to have a deep meaning, some are just things I think are cool-looking. It’s not always, “This is for my dead grandma.” I mean I’ve definitely gotten some that are from an emotional need, like after a break up or something, which is probably not the best idea. [Laughs] But for me at this point, I have so many that it really doesn’t matter. And the autonomy of doing this for a living means that I could tattoo my eyeballs if I wanted and not worry about getting fired. I like the way my body looks with tattoos and it’s important to me to have that freedom. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to structure my life in a way that enables me to have it. PGN: Give me the story behind one of your tats. JM: Probably the tattoo of a sheep jumping over a fence. I have the count 709 on it but that just signifies any high number showing the difficulty I have with sleep. Sleep issues have been an ongoing narrative my entire life. I’m actively working
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on trying to change that this year. I’m going to be 30 in a few months and I’m realizing how important a role it plays in our lives. PGN: Something you want to learn or two things on your bucket list? JM: Actually they go together. I want to buy a house and I want to learn carpentry and construction so I can get a real fixer-upper and do the work myself. I know basic stuff, but I’d like to really learn more building skills. PGN: People often mistake me for … JM: Honestly? A handful of similarly complexioned brown people in the neighborhood. PGN: Celebrity you’d like to tat? JM: Definitely Shonda Rhimes. PGN: If you had to imagine yourself as an animal, what would you be? JM: I’d like to spend a day in my little dog’s shoes. He’s this weird black fox, squirrel, Chihuahua-looking mix. He’s super cute and very person-like. I’d like to know what he’s thinking. PGN: So what’s your next tattoo going to be? JM: I’m not sure, but I do know that I want to start working on my back. Ideally I want the entire back done as one big piece from the top of my neck to my butt. My girlfriend Khristina and I are going to Spain and we’re both getting one there, so that will actually be my next one. PGN: Tell me about her. JM: She created and runs a zine distro called “No Shame” and they specialize in giving queer people of color a platform and a voice. PGN: I just came from the Democratic Convention and it amazed me how much things have changed so quickly for the LGBT community. That we went from never being mentioned to having our vote sought after. Sarah McBride addressing the convention as an open trans person and the president talking about married gay soldiers is huge and yet commonplace at the same time. What’s an indication of change for you? JM: The fact that platforms like Facebook allow you to choose from a multiple selection of genders to identify yourself. Technology has made such a difference in people being able to find information and support. And yes, politicians openly courting us is pretty amazing. Even Donald Trump found it necessary to let people know that he is a friend of “The Gays.” It’s mind-blowing. n For more information on Spirited Tattooing Coalition, visit www.spiritedtattoo.com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.
Q Puzzle The Bishop’s Wife Across 1. What guns shoot off 5. “West ___ Story” 9. Pub order 14. Be plenty hot 15. Boob, to a Brit 16. Start of a Sappho title, perhaps 17. He played an angel in “The Bishop’s Wife” 19. With 60-Across, he played the bishop in “The Bishop’s Wife” 20. Virginia Woolf’s maiden name 21. Left the cockpit in a hurry 23. Ellen DeGeneres and others 25. Sex attachment 26. Whitman’s leaves 28. 1903 Gertrude Stein short story 30. Novelist Patricia ___ Warren 34. Should have said 35. Sometime poisonous plant 37. Elton’s john 38. Denomination that recently elected a female bishop with a wife 41. Elbow-bender 42. Fights for twosomes
43. Circumcision and more 44. “See ya” 46. Old nuclear power org. 47. “Our” for Ulrichs 48. Stimpy’s boyfriend, perhaps 50. German philosopher Georg 52. Got top billing on Broadway 56. Gay rodeo watering holes 60. See 19-Across 61. Like a bishop and her wife 63. Became erect 64. Annie, to Daddy Warbucks, in “Annie” 65. Von Trapp family escape route 66. Lavatory door sign 67. Mar. Madness source 68. “___ we forget”
Down 1. Nuts and bolts 2. Ditch in some Flynn flicks 3. Muck’s partner 4. Timothy of “The Broken Hearts Club” 5. Second part of Shakespeare’s iamb 6. “All ___ is a room somewhere...” 7. Noisy clamor 8. Novel conclu-
sion 9. With one’s hands full 10. Prop for “I have a headache tonight ...” 11. Poli sci subj. 12. Warhol pal ___ Sedgwick 13. Sanford portrayer Foxx 18. Like some autobiographies 22. ___ Ben Hur 24. What you do when you sit on it 26. Salami that you stick in your hero 27. Bluesy Bonnie 29. 911 respondents 31. Top 32. Hamilton Burger to Perry Mason, usually 33. Where they yell “Cut!” 34. Has to
35. Foe of Peter Pan 36. Ithaca school 39. New York state senator Tom 40. Like a lover who cheats 45. Recruit to sing “Jailhous Rock”? 47. Kampala’s land 49. Birds at sea 51. Former NFL player Tuaolo 52. Problem for a drag queen’s hosiery 53. Kind of jack 54. Shakespeare’s stream 55. One way to go 57. Eyeball 58. Breaks for Heather’s mommies 59. Pt. of SSS 62. D.C. lobby group
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
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For Sale SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own brandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD; www.NorwoodSawmills.com ________________________________________40-32
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. ________________________________________40-32
VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________40-36 FRONT AND GIRARD Commercial for sale. Tattoo shop site, 35 ft from El stop. 3 story bldg, 19 year history of rental occupancy. Priced to sell at 147K. Call Ken at 215-303-3630. _____________________________________________40-34
Services TYPEWRITERS Buy, Sell and Repair PhillyTypewriter.com (267) 992-3230. ________________________________________40-42 MALE BRAZILIAN WAXING Body Grooming - LGBTQ Friendly Open 7 Days a Week Call 610-527-5300 Bryn Mawr ________________________________________40-34 QUICKBOOKS & PAYROLL Training Program! Online Career Training can get you job ready! Ask about our Laptop Program! HS Diploma/GED required. 1-877-649-3155. ________________________________________40-32 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 877-207-0345, ________________________________________40-32
With marriage equality now the law of the land, our
Aug. 12 Wedding Issue will celebrate local couples and help you plan your own big day.
ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED
PGN currently has a position available for an advertising sales representative. Our ideal candidate must be a proven go-getter – someone who thrives on a new opportunity and is experienced in sales. QUALIFICATIONS: • Sales experience • Strong verbal and writing skills, with excellent phone skills • Excellent interpersonal and team skills • Knowledge of local media market and/or LGBT community a plus • Computer literacy a must Salary/Benefits: Salary plus commission. Our benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, vacation and a casual work environment. Older applicants joyfully accepted.
PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Please Contact: Mark@epgn.com
EOE
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PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
Space, Light, and Low Condo Fees. In Center City.
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Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month
- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY FILIPPONE GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, LLC All your contracting needs, no job too small.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________40-39 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________40-32 Senior WM ISO WM who would like me to give them oral relief. Call Bill at 856-625-9195. ________________________________________40-34 BOY TOY NEEDED 70, B desires to insert sm-vlg used toy in private single/ shared/abandoned box. Any color/size/shape/new/old/ open/tight decor gooid. Fast 1 time use for box described pic or video. Prearrange delivery for multi/long time use. No alternate insert. 72 hour response/meet. Call/text 856571-9821; 571-9906; 963-2405.. _____________________________________________40-31
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PGN
ADONIS CINEMA
“THE ONLY ALL MALE ADULT THEATER IN THE CITY”
2026 Sansom St (located 3 doors up from Sansom St Gym)
215-557-9319 4 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday
7am-6am
(closed an hour for cleaning)
Friday- Sunday:
Open 24hrs
ADMISSION: $12.00
Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month - and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.
WEEKLY SPECIALS:
SUNDAY RELIEF
Half Price Rooms & Lockers (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) ROOMS: Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 LOCKERS: Members: $9.00 and Non-Members: $19.00
MONDAY thru FRIDAY: (8am to 4pm) Business Mans Locker Special 4 hour lockers Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00 TUESDAYS
Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE $12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight)
SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00
Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....
www.sansomstreetgym.com
BIGGER, BETTER & MORE ENTERTAINING EVENTS...
PGN
Men Delco Dudes
A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco. dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association
Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www.meetup.com/GAMMAGay-Married-Mens-SupportGroup-in-Philadelphia-PA. Men of All Colors Together
Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-2776595, www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J.
Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United
A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330.
Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County
Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County
Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J.
Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media
Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021. PFLAG/Philadelphia
Trans Evolutions
A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine
Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. T-MAN
People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215632-3028, tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Information Project
Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822. Transgender Health Action Coalition
Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207. Young, Trans and Unified
Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.
Women Hanging Out With Lesbians
A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups. yahoo.com/group/howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley
Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County
Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club
Youth Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. GLBT Group of Hunterdon County
Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058. HAVEN
LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS
A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance
Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org. Project Keeping it Safe
LGBT youth drop-in center offers meetings, HIV and STD prevention and testing, counseling and other services on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432, camden-ahec.org/. PRYSM Youth Center
Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948. Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center
Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks. org. Social X Change
Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-8511975.
For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup. com/mtairylesbiansocial/.
PFLAG/Princeton, N.J.
Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ queerconnections/.
Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648.
Sisters United
Young, Trans and Unified
Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-6835155. PFLAG/Wilmington, Del.
Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride
Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, info@phillyfamilypride.org, www.phillyfamilypride.org.
A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming-Out Support Group
Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www.pridecenter.org.
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Community Bulletin Board
40 Acres of Change
Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833.
Queer Connections
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
Space to be Proud, Open, and Together
A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331, www.atticyouthcenter.org. You’re Not Alone
Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776. Youth Making a Difference
A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.
Community centers
■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088
■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.
■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Key numbers
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377
■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378
■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330
■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
Health
Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-
108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 5-11, 2016
PGN
GET MORE OUT OF SUMMER IN BALTIMORE. Whether you’re in the mood to antique, enjoy a day in the park or spend some time with the family, there’s plenty of summer left to experience Baltimore.
FIND YOUR PARK
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine & Beyond Through September 2016
36TH ANNUAL BALTIMORE SUMMER ANTIQUES SHOW Baltimore Convention Center August 25–28, 2016
Mark your calendar for August 25 as Fort McHenry commemorates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Continue the celebration through September 2016 with a visit to one of our scenic byways, historic trails or other exciting city parks.
Spanning four days and featuring 575 exhibitors, the largest indoor antiques show in the country puts artistry on display. Featuring more than 200,000 pieces of furniture, jewelry, porcelain, glass, textiles, rare books and fine and folk art alike, this extraordinary event is a collector’s dream.
OTAKON
4TH ANNUAL BALTIMORE FAMILY REUNION EXPO
Baltimore Convention Center August 12–14, 2016 Enter the fantastic worlds of anime, manga and Asian pop culture at the official convention of the Otaku generation. Since 1999, thousands of fans have taken over the Baltimore Convention Center and the Inner Harbor for this three-day festival featuring everything from Astro Boy to Spirited Away.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture September 10, 2016
Experience what family is all about at this festive event, featuring workshops and celebrity seminars to help you plan the ultimate reunion. Also, enjoy live performances, culinary delights and a fun-filled kids’ zone.
Plan your visit today at BALTIMORE.ORG
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