Aug. 17-23, 2012 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Frenchie shares her joie de vivre

Professional Portrait: Jeffrey Shablin PAGE 17

New information on the search for an AIDS cure

PAGE 23

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Aug. 17-23, 2012

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Vol. 36 No. 33

Voter-ID law upheld

EQPA leader gets national role By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The head of Pennsylvania’s statewide LGBT-rights organization will bring his local experiences to a national stage. Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin was elected last weekend to the board of directors of the Equality Federation, a coalition of LGBT-rights state agencies. He will also serve on the board of the Equality Federation Institute, the organization’s outreach branch. The election took place Aug. 11 during the group’s annual conference, held this year in Portland, Maine. This marks the first time in five years that a Pennsylvania representative will serve on the board. Martin took the helm of Equality PA in 2010. He said his involvement in the board will help to raise Pennsylvania’s profile in the LGBTrights world, which could have myriad effects. “I want to be able to bring back ideas to Pennsylvania, make national contacts, which could help with creating new funders, making new allies,” he said. “Generally, I hope this helps publicize what we’re doing here. For so long, not many people knew what was happening in Pennsylvania and I think this’ll help put us on the map, and show people that there’s a lot of great work�� being done in Pennsylvania.” Equality PA board president Adrian Shanker said Martin’s election “further highlights that Pennsylvania is a state to watch for LGBT equality.” “Since 2010, we have played a role in many important victories PAGE 7

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

FUNDS FROM PHILLY: About 55 supporters turned out Aug. 14 to Brian Sims’ campaign headquarters for a fundraising event for Victory Fund, which works to elect openly LGBT candidates. Among the guests were Sims (from right), who is set to become Pennsylvania’s first out state lawmaker in November; VF board member Harvey Hurdle; VF-endorsed candidate Chris Dietz, who is running for the 104th District seat in the Pennsylvania House; former VF-endorsed Philadelphia City Council candidate Sherrie Cohen; VF development director Tim Meinke; and VF board relations associate Derek Jansante. The event raised more than $15,170. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philly welcomes out Israeli diplomat By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Elad Strohmayer has lived and worked in diverse locales such as Angola, Israel and Washington, D.C. — and now has a new city to call home. Strohmayer this week began his position as the Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region, based in Philadelphia. The consulate serves as the official liaison between

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the State of Israel and residents of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Kentucky, West Virginia and Southern New Jersey. Strohmayer, 31, who is openly gay, will wear a wide array of hats in his new role — working alongside newly minted Consul General Yaron Sideman to oversee the consulate’s press and publicaffairs efforts, academic and public-speaking engagements, policy and political work, PAGE 2 commer-

ELAD STROHMAYER Photo: Jen Colletta

A judge this week upheld Pennsylvania’s new voter-identification law, which critics say could make it harder for low-income, elderly and transgender voters to head to the polls. Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson ruled Wednesday in the highly publicized case, denying plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction, which would have stopped the law from going into effect in November. Republican lawmakers approved the measure this past spring in an action that some say was designed to limit participation by Democratic voters in upcoming elections. The challenge to the law was spearheaded by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. Among the witnesses were several elderly voters who have been unable to attain proper identification, as well as a transgender Pittsburgh man who contends his ID card could be challenged by poll workers. Simpson wrote that the witnesses presented were compelling, but their testimony did not constitute evidence that would call for the overturning of the law. “Petitioners’ counsel did an excellent job of ‘putting a face’ to those burdened by the voter-ID requirement,” Simpson wrote. “At the end of the day, however, I do not have the luxury of deciding this issue based on my sympathy for the witnesses or my esteem for counsel. Rather, I must analyze the law, and apply it to evidence of facial unconstitutionality brought forth in the courtroom, tested by our adversarial system.” In order for a preliminary injunction to be granted, the plaintiffs must have demonstrated a number of factors; however, Simpson argued that they failed to prove an injunction was needed to prevent immediPAGE 7 ate and irreparable harm

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STROHMAYER from page 1

cial and economic activities, as well as the day-to-day tasks of approving visas for travel to and from Israel and other services available to Israeli citizens, and keeping track of the consulate’s administration and finances. “As you can see, I don’t have a lot of things to do,” he joked, adding that he has “nothing but appreciation for what this consulate has done in the past. They set a very high standard for me.” Strohmayer comes to Philadelphia from Luanda, Angola, where he served as deputy chief of mission at the Israeli Embassy since 2010. He received a degree in political science and international relations from Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2006 and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in international relations. Prior to launching his career as a diplomat, Strohmayer worked for the Jewish Agency for Israel, overseeing youth camp counselors who worked in Jewish communities throughout the United States. He also held a number of positions with the Jewish Community Center Association, based out of Washington, D.C. Strohmayer is a native of Bat-Yam, Israel, outside of Tel Aviv. His mother was a teacher and an active union member, while his father, an airline worker, served as a volunteer member of the police force — examples that he said set up his future career path. “My family was very involved in our

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community,” he said. “They taught me to gay and that’s it.” be committed to the community, and that His home country also has many dimenstayed with me. I wanted to do something sions, Strohmayer said, an idea that comes for my country, and also outside of my to play in the conversation about “pinkcountry, and that eventually attracted me to washing,” a claim by some LGBTs that the international arena.” the country has attempted to use its LGBT Strohmayer completed the Israeli acceptance to overshadow the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diplomatic conflict. Demonstrators protested this year’s Training Program in February 2010 and E q u a l i t y was assigned Forum, which later that year highlighted to the Angola post. Israel as its feaWhile LGBTtured nation, rights laws vary and Strohmayer greatly among said discussions the places about these he’s worked, issues are posiStrohmayer tive. said he’s always “Protestors been open care, and I like about his orienpeople who tation, although care. I don’t he considers it a like indifferSTROHMAYER IN ANGOLA IN 2011 ence,” he said. non-issue in his work. “People are “It’s part of me but it’s not the whole part entitled to their opinions, even if I disagree or something that’s too unique about me,” with them, or they with me. That’s what he said. “In my work, I’m representing my shows freedom of speech, and that’s somecountry as well as myself, but I’ve never felt thing that Israel and the United States share like this was a key thing to my position. I’m as a great bond.” aware that I’ve worked with a lot of differRegarding the idea of “pinkwashent cultures and that some people are more ing,” Strohmayer said he “respect[s] and open to it than others, but I’m open about understand[s] where they’re coming from, it and have nothing to hide. But it’s never but that’s not the main issue. Israel is more been something that I show off because than open for just gay society. Israel has so Elad is a complex guy. It’s not just, Elad is many things to offer. We are an island of

democracy, liberal openness, in an entire region that is closed off, extremist and not open to civil liberties. While you can say, ‘While you’re doing this, you’re doing other things,’ where are the gay rights, the women’s rights in the Muslim world? Israel is not trying to sell something it’s not, but trying to show the positive things we can give to the world.” Strohmayer said he and his partner both have a wealth of rights in Israel but noted that the country could still see more progress in areas such as adoption and surrogacy. Additionally, Israel doesn’t allow same-sex marriage, but recognizes those performed elsewhere. In his new role, Strohmayer will be able to help Israeli gay couples who use an American surrogate complete paperwork to have the child declared an Israeli citizen, a “moving” aspect of his job. In the coming years, Strohmayer said he’s eager to lead the consulate’s work in uniting communities of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. “I want to feel like I made a difference, like I changed something and made a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “I can give the cliché of wanting to be a diplomat who strengthens ties between Israel and the United States, but those ties are already very strong, so I have a good opening point with that. Our countries share a lot of things, and now it’s about creating bridges between people. We need to go to the lower resolutions and work to bridge gaps among people and among communities.” ■

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�� locations outside of Pennsylvania DELAWARE

Wilmington • AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St. • Crimson Moon, 1909 S. Sixth St. • Rehoboth Beach • Canal Side Inn, 34 Sixth St. • Double L Bar, 622 Rehoboth Ave. • Proud Bookstore, 149 Rehoboth Ave. • Rams Head Inn, 35006 Warrington Ave. • Rigby’s Bar & Grill, 404 Rehoboth Ave. • Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave. •

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Asbury Park • Georgie’s, 812 Fifth Ave. • Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave. • Atlantic City • Oasis, 32 S. Tennessee Ave. • Ocean House, 127 S. Ocean Ave. • Pro Bar, Resorts Casino, 1133 Boardwalk, 13th floor • Ritz Condo lobby, 2715 Boardwalk • Bordentown • Shoppe 202, 202 Farnsworth Ave. • Camden • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Cherry Hill • Unitarian Church, 400 N. Kings Hwy. • Andriotti’s Viennese Café, 1442 E. Route 70 • Collingswood • Honor Box, PATCO Collingswood Station • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Egg Harbour City • Red Barn Books, 1204 White Horse Pike • Galloway • Pride Alliance Stockton College, 101 Vera King Farris Dr. suite 240 • Gloucester City • Red Barn Books, 600 Rt. 130 South • Haddonfield • Honor Box, PATCO Haddonfield Station, PATCO Westmont Station, PATCO Woodcrest Station • Highland Park • Pride Center of NJ, 85 Raritan Ave. • Lambertville• Body Tech, 8 Mt. Hope St. • Lebanon • GLBT of Hunterdon Co., 126 Petticoat Lane • Lindenwold • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station East • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station West • Morristown • Gay Activist Alliance, Unitarian Church, 29 Normandy Heights Road • Oaklyn • Sacred Green Earth, 511 Whitehorse Pike • Princeton • LGBT Center, Princeton University, 246 First Campus Center • Somerset • The Den, 700 Hamilton Ave. • Stratford • White Horse Books, 906 White Horse Pike • Vineland • J&J News, 729 N. Main St. • West Berlin • Red Barn Books, 597 Route 73 North • Williamstown • Book Bin, 3852 S. Black Horse Pike •

NEW YORK Blooming Grove • Help Inc., 48 Sylvan Trail • New York City • Lesbian and Gay Services Center, 208 W. 13th St.

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

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

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FAIRE THEE WELL: Triell Freschi (from left), Kristin Carlson, Dan Schermond and Rich Baccare ventured across space and time to revel and raise a toast with scores of other wizards, wenches, pirates, princes, merry-makers and the queen Aug. 12 at the first Gay Day at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The event was staged by Stimulus as a fundraiser for several LGBT organizations.

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Race for the AIDS cure New research revealed at 19th Int’l Conference By Kate Krauss AIDS Policy Project Researchers at the XIX International AIDS Conference, held July 22-27 in Washington, D.C., presented exciting new data in the search for a cure for AIDS. There is enormous momentum in the field and much to be hopeful about for people with AIDS and their loved ones. Although there were no huge breakthroughs, the field continues to advance quickly. International AIDS Society President Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, Nobel Laureate and co-discoverer of HIV-1, is focused on fostering AIDS cure research and organized a two-day symposium on the cure just prior to the main conference. There is an urgent need for both funding for AIDS-cure research to exploit new opportunities and for support for AIDS-cure activism to make sure that funding, innovation and political will for a cure remain front and center for decision-makers and research funders. Here are some highlights from the conference and symposium. Activating virus in viral reservoirs The challenge of curing AIDS is to find a way to rid the body of any remaining HIV virus after it has been wiped out of the blood using AIDS drugs. (Having “zero viral load” means that you have killed the virus in the blood — but not in the rest of the body.) Scientists describe the HIV in the brain, gut and other areas as existing in “viral reservoirs” — areas that AIDS drugs can’t touch. Viral reservoirs were discovered about 12 years ago. But this virus isn’t active: It isn’t reproducing or infecting cells — it’s just sitting quietly (often referred to as latent virus). Since it isn’t active, it can’t be detected by the body or by AIDS drugs and killed. Until now, activating the virus in viral reservoirs has been impossible. But Dr. David Margolis, a researcher at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, has been giving a cancer drug called Vorinostat to people with AIDS in a controlled clinical trial. New data presented at the conference shows this drug is able to activate latent virus. And because Vorinostat can activate latent virus, researchers are hoping it can kill the now-activated virus with regular AIDS drugs and potentially cure people. Margolis’ data proved that the virus in viral reservoirs can be activated. But it did not show whether that activated virus can be killed with AIDS drugs or whether people can be cured by activating and killing the latent virus. However, the ability to activate latent virus is a milestone that took 12 years to achieve. Note: Even people with “zero viral load” have microscopic amounts of virus in their blood that can only be detected with special tests (not available in a doctor’s office). And all people with HIV have viral reservoirs —

in their gut, lymph nodes, etc. Read more here: www.thebodypro.com/ content/68307/cancer-drug-flushes-outlurking-aids-virus-study.html. Also, Nature published this scientific article: www. nature.com/nature/journal/v487/n7408/full/ nature11286.html. An interview with Dr. Margolis by The AIDS Policy Project will be available here: www.aidspolicyproject.org/curewatch. Two patients in Boston with no detectable HIV — for now Harvard AIDS doctors and researcher Dr. Timothy Henrich presented data at the conference about two HIV-positive patients they are following who received stem-cell (bone-marrow) transplants and are now possibly HIV-free, though they are still taking AIDS drugs. They needed the risky stemcell transplants because they also had cancer and their first two lines of drug therapy were unsuccessful in curing the cancer. They received stem cells from outside (allogenaic) donors, but those people were not born immune to AIDS, as was the situation for the Berlin Patient’s stem-cell donor. The donors for these two patients in Boston were just regular people whose bone marrow was compatible with the patients. Usually when a patient receives a stemcell transplant, he or she receives full-body radiation and drugs to wipe out the old immune system before receiving the new immune system from the donor. But these two patients got a new kind of preparation for the stem-cell transplant that was less intense and less toxic. Usually, people with AIDS have to stop taking their AIDS drugs during a stem-cell transplant. But because these two patients were given less toxic preparation for the transplants, they were able to stay on AIDS drugs throughout the transplant process. Perhaps because the AIDS drugs were protecting them, the new cells from the donor did not become infected with HIV. As of now, scientists are unable to find AIDS virus in the bodies of these two people. However, the real test will come when these patients are taken off their AIDS drugs. This experiment does not mean the two patients are cured — but it does mean that if a doctor gives a stem-cell transplant to a patient with AIDS and protects those new cells by giving the patient AIDS drugs at the same time, those cells can probably remain healthy. It will be interesting to see what happens when and if those two patients are taken off their AIDS drugs: Will the HIV come back or is it permanently gone? To see a video of this author interviewing Henrich, go to www.aidspolicyproject. org/curewatch. More cure-related developments Data showed that if you can get people in primary infection onto AIDS treatment PAGE 13 (primary infection is the

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News Briefing Officer appeals jury verdict Michael Paige, a Philadelphia police officer who allegedly sexually assaulted another man while on duty, has appealed an unfavorable jury verdict to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal was filed on July 27, according to court records. James Harris contends that Paige forced him to repeatedly perform oral sex on him at a secluded area of Fairmount Park in March 2007. Paige denies the charges, and was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in 2008. But in June, a federal jury ruled that Paige violated Harris’ civil rights, and awarded Harris $165,000 in monetary damages. Paige was dismissed from the police force shortly after the alleged incident. But he was reinstated in April 2009 after an independent arbitrator reduced his discipline from dismissal to a 30-day suspension. Harris also is seeking about $500,000 in legal fees from Paige, although Paige wants the city to indemnify him. If Paige’s appeal is successful, he won’t

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have to pay any money to Harris. Brian F. Humble, an attorney for Harris, said he expects the jury verdict to hold. “The jury verdict was just and sound,” Humble told PGN. “It will withstand any nonsensical appeal filed by Officer Paige or his attorney. I can assure the public and Officer Paige that this matter will not go away. One way or another, Officer Paige will be held accountable for his actions.” Brian M. Puricelli, an attorney for Paige, had no comment for this story. Paige also is appealing a series of rulings issued by U.S. District Judge Robert F. Kelly during the course of the litigation.

Transgender complaints dismissed Two anti-bias complaints filed by transwoman Kate Lynn Blatt, who says her former employer requested a photograph of her genitalia as a condition of employment, have been dismissed by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. At the time of the October 2007 incident, Blatt was employed by Manpower Inc., a global staffing-services agency with a branch office in Pottsville. Manpower placed Blatt at Sapa Industrial Extrusions, a manufacturer of aluminum products in Cressona, where she earned about $10 an hour as a factory worker. Blatt worked at Sapa for about a month before allegedly being told by a supervisor

that she wasn’t physically well enough to work at the job and was no longer needed at Sapa, she said. After being discharged from Sapa, Blatt said she personally visited Manpower’s branch office in Pottsville in an attempt to return to return to work. But an employee there allegedly told Blatt that a letter from her surgeon documenting her gender-reassignment surgery — along with a photograph of her genital area — would be necessary before she could return to Sapa. In May 2008, Blatt filed complaints against Manpower and Sapa with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, alleging wrongful discharge based on her sex and disability, which she said is gender dysphoria. But in January 2012, both complaints were dismissed by the PHRC, citing insufficient evidence in support of Blatt’s allegations. Blatt expressed mixed feelings about the dismissals. “I’m disappointed and amazed that the commission closed my complaints due to insufficient evidence,” she said. “But I knew from the beginning that it would be an uphill battle to prevail. I’m still considering my options of pursuing the case in state or federal court.” Last year, Manpower Inc. changed its name to ManpowerGroup. The company issued the following statement concerning Blatt’s case. “In regards to the Kate Blatt case, ManpowerGroup defers to the ruling

by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, which determined that ‘the complaint should be dismissed because the facts of the case do not establish that probable cause exists to credit the allegations of unlawful discrimination.’ ManpowerGroup is an equal-opportunity employer.” A spokesperson for Sapa couldn’t be reached for comment. — Timothy Cwiek

Fox’s murderer still sought The person who murdered a gay South Philadelphia resident remains on the loose, despite a media report detailing otherwise. South Philly Review last week reported that Tariq Jenkins was arrested Aug. 1 for the June 22 murder of Michael J. Fox. However, Jenkins was arrested for the June 16 shooting death of Cornelius Riggs, also in South Philadelphia. Police Public-Affairs Officer Jillian Russell confirmed Wednesday that Fox’s killer has not yet been apprehended. “There has been no arrest yet in that case,” Russell said. Fox, 30, a former barback at Woody’s, was found bludgeoned to death in his apartment at 906 S. Eighth St. Police believe Fox knew his attacker, and that the incident stemmed from a robbery.

Black Madam’s hearing set The transgender woman accused of administering a fatal silicon injection will face a hearing this fall on murder and other charges. Padge Victoria Windslowe is next due in court Oct. 10. During a status hearing last week, Municipal Judge James DeLeon approved her bringing on defense attorney Christopher Mannix, who is representing Windslowe in another case. Last month, the District Attorney’s Office filed third-degree murder charges against Windslowe for the February 2011 death of British tourist Claudia Aderotimi. Investigators say Windslowe, 42, illegally injected Aderotimi with silicone in the buttocks, a procedure for which she charged about $1,700. Aderotimi died hours later. The investigation, which took more than a year-and-a-half, determined that Windslowe allegedly nicked a blood vessel, causing the silicone to leak into Aderotimi’s bloodstream and enter her lungs. The medical examiner ruled that she died of a pulmonary embolism. Although Windslowe, a gothic hip-hop artist, was identified early on as a suspect, the murder charge could not be filed until the cause of death was determined. Earlier this year, however, she was arrested after another woman was hospitalized after a similar procedure. That victim survived. Windslowe remains in prison on $750,000 bail. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Gayborhood highlighted on Philly map By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Philadelphia’s LGBT tourism efforts in the past few years have been largely credited with putting the city on the map as an LGBT destination. Now, Philadelphia’s own LGBT neighborhood will itself be put on the map, literally. When the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau releases its official tourist map of Philadelphia this November, the area billed the “Gayborhood” will for the first time be demarcated. Previously, the area was labeled “Midtown Village,” but will now carry both names. The map is released twice a year, as both a stand-alone and along with the official visitor’s guide. About 300,000 stand-alone maps are produced, as well as 600,000 guides. The free materials can be found at local attractions and hotels. The updated map will also be featured on the PCVB website. The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus led the effort to secure the label. The Gayborhood is currently home to 72 rainbow street signs that let tourists and visitors alike know they’re in LGBT-friendly territory. However, PGTC vice president Tami Sortman said a number of visitors have complained that the signs aren’t serving their full purpose if non-natives can’t locate the Gayborhood to begin with. “Right now, when people come into town, they often still don’t know where the Gayborhood is unless they see the signs MARTIN from page 1

and are proud that Pennsylvania is becoming a more equal place to live and work for all of us,” Shanker said. “I am proud of Ted for being elected to this role, and all of us on the board of directors share in my congratulations.” Equality Federation is made up of 48 agencies from 40 states, which work with nearly 1.5-million people. While his board work and his commitments at Equality PA could be tough to juggle, Martin said it’ll be a worthwhile VOTERS from page 1

and that greater injury would result from refusing the injunction. Simpson said he believes the education and outreach initiatives the state will undertake will be carried out in a fair and nonpartisan manner, adding the new photo IDs that the Department of State is offering for voters will alleviate potential for disenfranchisement. The ACLU said an appeal to the state

when they get there,” Sortman said. “People love the idea of the signs but they don’t how to get to the ’hood. People need to know where the Gayborhood is located, so this map initiative is meant to work in tandem with the signage program.” PCVB vice president of marketing and communications Danielle Cohn said the agency seeks to have its visitor guides correctly reflect the city. “Our official maps have to be accurate,” she said. “There was a conversation between the president of the Midtown Village Association, Tami and Gloria [Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs], and they came to a mutual agreement that the neighborhood should be called both and marketed together. There’s signage that states that this is the Gayborhood, as well as Midtown Village, so this is a way for there to be no disconnect for visitors.” When the conversation to include the area on the map began, Sortman said PGTC could find no other cities that included a Gayborhood area on an official city visitor’s guide, although that research has not been brought fully up to date. Cohn said PCVB, which used to produce the city’s Navigaytour, can use this opportunity to further demonstrate the city’s status as an LGBT-welcoming city. “The LGBT community is an important one for conventions and for tourism,” Cohn said. “Philadelphia is certainly seen as a very gay-friendly city, and this is one small way that we can continue to show that.” ■ investment. “I have been asked to be on a number of boards and I’ve been pretty selective where I go. But this is an enormous opportunity for Pennsylvania and one that I couldn’t pass up,” he said. “This is a national board made up of some of the top leaders working for LGBT equality in the country. These are people who are fighting on the front lines, grassroots people making a difference. It would’ve been really hard to say no to this.” Martin will serve a two-year term. ■ Supreme Court is “forthcoming.” According to a new report, only 10 cases of in-person voter fraud have occurred since 2000. The report, based on the review of some 1,000 interviews and 5,000 documents, was released by News21, a project based out of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. ■

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Members of The Attic Youth Center unveiled the agency’s new LGBTQA Education for Awareness, Recognition and Non-Discrimination toolkit during a summer expo Aug. 9. Youth in the summer-service learning program spent the season compiling the LEARN toolkit as a resource for teachers, students and community groups. More than 150 youth, family and friends attended the expo, which included recognition of The Attic’s 15 summer interns. Photo: Scott A. Drake

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between July 30-Aug. 5. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. July 30, someone entered a locked apartment in the 900 block of Clinton Street without force and stole a TV, laptop, iPod and necklace. Sixth District Officer Maiorano attempted to lift fingerprints. — Between 10:50 a.m. and 9:40 p.m. July 31, a secured bicycle was stolen from outside 1300 Market St. — At 2:10 p.m. Aug. 1, a male made a purchase at Wasabi House, 1218 Pine St., and paid with a $100 bill. He told the employee he got the wrong change back, then distracted the employee and left with the change and the $100 bill. The suspect was described as a black male, in his 40s, tall and wearing a black T-shirt with a silver design and long pants. — Between 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2 and 11 a.m. Aug. 3, a secured bicycle was stolen

from outside 1100 Walnut St. — At 3:15 a.m. Aug. 3, a woman was walking in the 900 block of Spruce Street when a male approached her and showed a handgun. The male instructed the woman to drop her handbag and walk away; she complied. The suspect took the bag and ran west on Spruce and was described as a black male, in his 30s, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot10, 180 pounds, with a light complexion and wearing a black T-shirt and jeans. — At 5:25 a.m. Aug. 3, a man was approached from behind outside 220 S. 11th St. by a male with a handgun who took his wallet and fled west on Locust Street. The suspect was described as black, 17 years old, 5-foot-6, 135 pounds and wearing a white T-shirt, jean shorts and multicolored sneakers. — Between 7:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 3, a secured bicycle was stolen from outside 122 S. 11th St. — Between noon-3 p.m. Aug. 4, two 6-gallon purple flowerpots were stolen from outside a residence in the 400 block of South Camac Street. — On Aug. 5, a man was drinking inside ICandy, 254 S. 12th St., with a female he met at the bar. The man told police he vaguely remembers leaving around 1 a.m., and that he woke up at 9 a.m. in the back seat of his vehicle at 51st and Merion streets without his phone and money. The

victim does not recall anything between 1-9 a.m. and believes the culprit slipped something into his drink(s). He could not provide a description of the female he was with. — At 4:20 a.m. Aug. 5, a man was engaged in a fight with a group of black males, no further description, outside at Juniper and Walnut streets and was rendered unconscious and had a tooth knocked out. He was transported by fire medics to Jefferson University Hospital and did not provide any further details. — At 6:15 p.m. Aug. 5, a woman had an iPhone snatched from her hand outside 1200 St. James St. by a black male, 30-35 years old, wearing a gray shirt and black shorts. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 12:20 p.m. July 31 a woman was using her iPhone outside 1001 Market St. when three males ran up, snatched the iPhone and fled. The woman alerted Center City bike officers nearby and one of the males was apprehended at 800 Race St. after a foot pursuit. The other two suspects, described as 17-year-old black males, eluded capture. A 20-yearold male with a Camden, N.J., address was charged with robbery and related offenses. — At 8:30 p.m. Aug. 5, a male dis-

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guised as a woman entered Fogo de Chao restaurant, 1337 Chestnut St., armed with a shotgun and demanded that the manager open the safe. The manager complied and the male took money and tied him up. As he attempted to leave, employees wrestled with the male, who dropped the money, deployed pepper spray on the employees and fled. The male was identified as possibly an ex-employee. Investigators developed enough evidence to execute a search warrant at the home of the suspect and a shotgun and other evidence was recovered. The 33-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was taken into custody and charged with robbery and related offenses. SUMMARY ARRESTS REPORTED: — On July 30, 6th District officers issued a citation for failure to pay bill at IHOP, 1320 Walnut St., at 10:15 a.m. — On July 30, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses outside 1222 Chancellor St. at 3:34 p.m. and 400 S. Juniper St. at 4:20 p.m. — On Aug. 1, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 233 S. 13th St. at 7:30 p.m. and 237 S. Broad St. at 11:55 p.m. — On Aug. 4, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1315 Lombard St. at midnight. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Paul Ryan

Editorial

Philly needs to do better Philly has a lot of good stuff going on. The city is so gay-friendly that even Republicans here support same-sex marriage. There’s more. This year marked 10 years of having a trans-inclusive and 30 years of a gay- and lesbian-inclusive Fair Practices Act. There are a slew of out movers and shakers in city government, nonprofit and corporate positions. Philadelphia started its successful “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay” campaign to attract LGBT tourists a decade ago. The city has been ranked in the top 20 of gay destinations for several years now. The city has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, including bars, clubs, restaurants, music, museums, galleries and theater. Philadelphia is on track to elect the first openly gay member of the House of Representatives. The city is host to several high-profile and highly attended LGBT festivals each year. And yet ... The city could do a better job of protecting its citizens, specifically those who are LGBT. A few weeks ago, a transgender woman was assaulted on a Center City corner after leaving a club. A South Philadelphia gay man was killed in June during what police say was a robbery. No arrests have been made in either case. Not to mention there are still at least two trans homicides in which the culprits have yet to be charged: Nizah Morris (2002) and Stacey Blahnik (2010). Citywide this year, there have been 220 homicides as of Aug. 14, the highest number year to date since 2007. This year, there was a murder in Old City, one in the Gayborhood (in PGN’s old building), one at the Piazza and one in the 400 block of South Fourth Street (about a block away from PGN’s current building). Some were random, some were not. Assaults and robberies in the Gayborhood more frequently involve a gun. (Can you reread that sentence? It reads: more frequently.) If property isn’t locked up and chained down — and even if it is — thieves will take it: bicycles, scooters, cars, cash, wallets, handbags, iPhones, Android phones, laptops, GPS devices, cameras, jewelry, flowerpots, cases of shrimp. Then there are the child sex-abuse perpetrated by priests (kudos to the DA on pursuing those, shame on the Catholic Church for protecting abusers). Police are shot at and return fire. Sure, one can chalk it up to “life in the big city.” But it’s more than that. There are other big cities — in the U.S. and abroad — that don’t have the crime that Philly does. And sure, Philly can say it’s doing better than Camden, N.J., but really, shouldn’t it be doing better than that? Philadelphia might be gay-friendly, it might be the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, but it needs to work on being citizen-friendly. ■

Dear Log Cabin Republicans, We need to talk. It’s about your new boyfriend. Look, I know you’re all smitten with him and think he’s the best thing to happen to you in a long time. But that’s only because all of your previous boyfriends have been abusive creeps. I know you think it’s different now, that you’ve finally found someone special. I’m sorry to tell you, however, that this Paul Ryan guy is a douche canoe, just like the rest of them. Which makes me think that the problem rests with you. It’s a sign of some serious issues when everyone you consider a strong and stable boyfriend doesn’t actually think very much of you at all. Sure he may want a quick “endorsement” in a bar parking lot, but you know damn well he’s going home to his wife. So when Log Cabin Republicans executive director R. Clarke Cooper says, “Congressman Paul Ryan is a strong choice for vice president, and his addition to the GOP ticket will help Republican candidates up and down the ballot,” the only way I can manage it making sense in my brain is if I read “up and down” as a sexual innuendo. A really desperate and gross one. So what does Ryan have that’s just so irresistible to you? Oh, that’s right. Money. Cooper continues, “As chairman of the House Budget Committee and author of the Republican ‘path to prosperity’ that provided the blueprint for serious spending cuts in this Congress, nobody is more qualified to articulate a conservative economic vision to restore the American economy and stimulate job creation.” Ah, yes. Ryan’s budget, aka prosperity porn. We know how stimulating you Log Cabin guys find that sort of thing. But just like I wouldn’t call “Lord of the Cock Rings” a serious film, I would hardly call anything about Ryan’s budget serious. “Ryan hasn’t ‘crunched the numbers’; he has just scribbled some stuff down, without checking at all to see if it makes sense,” said Paul “GOP Boner Killer” Krugman. “This is just a fantasy, not a serious policy proposal.” But wait, you’re going to say. Ryan is sorta kinda pro-gay in that he voted one time for something pro-gay way back in 2007. And yes, you’re right. In that it happened one time in 2007 when Ryan voted

for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. And while you may want to point to an anomaly in Ryan’s record in order to prop up your fantasy, I think you should also know that, according to Michelangelo Signorile, Ryan voted in favor of the federal antigay marriage amendment, voted against hate-crimes legislation, voted against ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and favored an antigay marriage amendment in Wisconsin. As Gay City News reminds us, Ryan has a big fat zero from the Human Rights Campaign for his time in office. He also voted in favor of letting faith-based organizations skirt LGBT nondiscrimination measures and wanted to ban same-sex couples in D.C. from adopting. So when LCR’s Cooper cites that Ryan’s “consistent willingness to engage with Log Cabin on a range of issues speaks to his record as a fair-minded policymaker,” it sounds a lot like you’re in love with him because he’s even willing to talk to you at all. And that you either don’t know or don’t care about his actual record. Because it sure isn’t “fair-minded” when it comes to LGBT equality. I think LCR’s enthusiasm over Ryan is actually a cry for help. May they get it soon. ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

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

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OP-ED PGN

Romney’s VP pick and its effect on Tammy Baldwin When I think about Wisconsin, I think whom Baldwin is hoping to replace. The U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin — not the preRepublicans, buoyed by Walker’s defeat sumptive Republican candidate for V.P. of the recall, a Republican-controlled Paul Ryan, but rather what effect he’ll state House and Senate, believe this is have on Baldwin’s chances of becoming now a red state. To add to that trifecta, the first out U.S. senator. the chairman of the National Republican My first thoughts on Mitt Committee is Wisconsinite Romney’s pick of Ryan as Reince Priebus. So this is personal for him. And if they a running mate: bold, but a win, all political bodies in bad choice. The Ryan budget, which Romney will now Wisconsin will be controlled by have to somehow distance Republicans. The Republicans himself from, is frightening to will pour buckets of cash into this race. seniors who rely on and like But there is good news. Medicare. In fact, Ryan is the poster child of anti-Medicare. Now, almost a week into the Those states that have high Ryan announcement, New senior voting will now lean York Times political site more Democratic — states FiveThirtyEight and Real Clear Politics both are still predicting such as Virginia, Florida, Iowa Wisconsin will go for Obama, and Pennsylvania. And note: and Wisconsin voters, almost They were all swing states that Romney had to win. But it does Mark Segal more than any other state, split their election ticket. If you avergive him one possible state age all the Wisconsin polls, Obama leads victory that could hurt the LGBT community: the race for one of Wisconsin’s U.S. Romney by an average of 4 points, and Senate seats, in which Baldwin is angling traditionally a V.P. announcement bump is only 2 percent. to be the first out U.S. senator. Baldwin’s opponent, Tommy Thompson, Last Tuesday was the Wisconsin state the former governor and Bush appointee, primary. Baldwin was unopposed in the will now need to refresh his campaign cofDemocratic primary but there were four fers since he had a four-way primary chalRepublicans vying to oppose her in the lenge. He has a mixed record on LGBT November general election. In the last issues, so that will not be a defining issue poll before the primary, Baldwin was in a in the campaign. Republicans believe they dead heat against any of those challengers have reason to unite Walker, Ryan, Priebus — but that was before the announcement and Thompson and the possibility of makof Wisconsin’s own favorite son Ryan as the vice-presidential candidate. ing Wisconsin a red state. All they need to Here’s a bit of Wisconsin political hisdo is beat Tammy Baldwin. And they will tory. In presidential years, it has gone have barrels of right-wing dollars flying Democratic since 1988, with Obama to Wisconsin. But to her defense, Baldwin winning by a whopping 13 points in anticipated a tough campaign and has 2008. But since then, it has been a hard continued her fundraising. Open Secrets road for Democrats and has leaned reports that Baldwin has over $3 million Republican in the last couple of years. In remaining in her war chest. And she knows 2010, Republican Scott Walker won the that the people of Wisconsin are proud of governor’s seat and and brought enough the first out lesbian in U.S. Congress. Republicans with him to control both Baldwin’s race is now a tough one, but the state House and Senate. And he beat it’s winnable. ■ a nasty recall election earlier this year, funded by the right who saw this as a fight Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentaagainst unions. The current two senators from Wisconsin are Republican Ron tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at Johnson and retiring Democrat Herb Kohl, mark@epgn.com.

Mark My Words

We want to know! If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Street Talk

Should Obama resign as honorary president of the Boy Scouts of America? “No. He should try to change their [antigay] policy from within. I strongly oppose the Scouts’ exclusion Andrew Beacham of gays. cook The Scouts South Philadelphia definitely should change their policy. But at least Obama doesn’t personally support [the policy]. If he did, he should resign as president of the United States.”

“If Obama has no authority to change their [anti-gay] policy, then he definitely should pull out. Toni Leaving the Bronfenbrener organization dental hygienist might make Society Hill the Scouts think twice about the issue. It would be the right thing to do and it would be a powerful statement.”

“First, he should try to get the Scouts to accept gays. If that doesn’t work, then he should resign. He’s the president Gregory Mendez of the United musician States. He West Philadelphia shouldn’t be associated with discrimination. There’s no good reason why gays shouldn’t be allowed to participate in the Boy Scouts.”

“No. Sometimes less is more. Pressuring Obama to resign comes across as petulant on the part of Jessica Pino activists. It’s student making too Antique Row much noise. If the LGBT community isn’t welcome in the organization, then move on. Make your own group. Don’t keep harping on the Scouts.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “New attorney granted for DelCo murder appeal,” Aug. 10-16: The presumption of innocence is — without a doubt — the shining crown of the United States legal system. It is a fundamental protection for a person accused of a crime, which requires the prosecution to prove its case against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. This is opposite from the criminal law in many other countries, where the accused is considered guilty until s/he proves his/her innocence or the government completely fails to prove its case. I was present in Judge Dozor’s courtroom during [William F.] Smithson’s trial; so were many others. However, justice was not among the attendees. The appearance of justice was. I say this very calmly and objectively: The trial was biased.

They made it sound as if [gamma hydroxybutyrate] was “administered” with the intention of rape. In fact, GHB is a party drug, and there was no evidence of rape or attempted rape in Jason’s body. At the core of this “charade” is the fact that there were two men in the house that could have killed Jason. The men were William Smithson and the lawyer/St. Joseph University administrator, [F. Bruce] Covington. The court never explained why only Smithson was arrested and prosecuted. At the same time that Mr. Covington [was] taken out of the picture, the DA failed to prove that Smithson committed the murder. He was convicted on speculation and hearsay, tainted with homophobia. In a normal court, a person is innocent until proven guilty. This principle was violated in Smithson’s case. — DrEdu

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

AGING PGN

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50-plus and poz AIDS is not over, it’s just older. We now live in the era of the graying of AIDS and, whether you have been positive for a week, a year, a decade or three, there are issues you need to see coming down the road. HIV, combined with the aging process, no matter how long you have been poz, can pack a powerful — and sometimes unexpected — punch. So you’re poz You are not the only one. Over 1 million Americans are poz and estimates are that, within the next few years, over 50 percent of those people will be over 50 years of age.

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enlarged organs, osteoporosis, cataracts, etc. And for those who have had opportunistic infections, don’t forget the damage that was done to your body by those episodes. Whatever the side effect, you guessed it, have a conversation with your doctor. How long to stay on treatment? As it stands now, forever. Some say that drug holidays are OK, but there is still debate on this issue. Another one of those “talk to your doc and then you decide what is best for you” issues. What about aging? There is research that indicates that, in some way, HIV infection speeds up, or appears to speed up, the aging process. That process, comBomba bined with the side effects of medication and HIV, is probably not great news for your body. Some suggest that you are at higher risk, at an earlier age, for the typical diseases of aging: coronary, liver and kidney disease and all of the other standards. Along with all of those typically age-related diseases and conditions come more drugs. Their interaction with the HIV medication has to be carefully monitored by you, your docs and your pharmacist.

When to start treatment? You, along with Ed your doctor, have to decide when to start treatment. However, the Centers for Disease Control issued new guidelines last March for poz people over 50. The new guidelines say that everyone over 50 who is infected with HIV, no matter what his or her t-cell count, should be on anti-retroviral therapy. The CDC says that the risks of treatment are less than the risks associated with the natural process of aging combined with the potential damage from the HIV virus or other health issues. Is there any good news? The best news is that you are What to take? still here to read this. The secThere are now 30 different ond-best news is that we know much more about the virus, the FDA-approved medications to treat HIV infection. From the drugs, the side effects and how to glass-half-full perspective, you manage all of that. We know that have many options to choose paying attention to your physifrom in case you react poorly or cal and emotional health plays a become resistant to one or more large role in your ability to mantreatments. The half-empty-glass age the infection. Exercise, nutrition and emotional outlook all perspective is the side effects — contribute to survival and your each drug has its own. Another quality of life. conversation with your doc is required. Even more good news is that cosmetic treatments are availWhat are the side effects? able to help manage both the You’ve heard about most of physical manifestations of HIV them or have had them: facial and the emotional toll they take. wasting, lipodystrophy, diarrhea, Sculptra, Egrifta, Botox and others, although expensive, can help kidney stones, high cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine, you cope with the effects of the and the list goes on ... diabetes, trifecta of HIV, medications and aging. anemia, liver disease, coronary disease, cancer, depression ... fun, fun, fun. Not to mention Want more information? the long-term effects of the More information is availHIV infection itself: dementia, able and will be presented at

Gettin’ On

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NEWS PGN

an LGBTEI Community Forum, “HIV & Aging: What’s New,” Sept. 18 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Presented by the LGBT Elder Initiative in collaboration with Philadelphia’s AIDS Activities Coordinating Office and William Way, the workshop will address many of these and other issues facing people living with HIV/ AIDS as they age. To register or receive more information about the workshop, email your name and telephone number to info@lgbtei.org or call 267-546-3448. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

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Ed Bomba is communications chair of the LGBT Elder Initiative. The LGBTEI fosters and advocates for services and resources that are competent, culturally sensitive, inclusive and responsive to the needs of LGBT older adults. To comment on this column, suggest future topics or for more information, visit www.lgbtei.org or call 267-546-3448 and watch for “Gettin’ On” each month in PGN.

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intense, the flu-like symptoms you develop a few weeks after becoming infected), you are more likely to put them in a situation closer to long-term nonprogressors: They are likely to have smaller viral reservoirs and have a better prognosis than people who aren’t treated during primary infection. The trick is to realize that the person is actually in primary infection for AIDS and doesn’t have another acute infection. At that stage, it’s too early to test for HIV antibodies. So even if a person ends up in the emergency room during primary infection, the doctors may not think s/he has AIDS but may assume it’s the flu. Doctors need to be trained to presume that people having intense infections may be experiencing the primary infection of AIDS. At the end of the conference, U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Jim Himes (D-Conn.) introduced a bill in the House that would provide $100 million over five years for cure research. The funding would come out of a health section of the defense budget, rather than National Institutes of Health funding. To read about House Bill 6187, visit Thomas.loc.gov. To volunteer as a lobbyist, contact this author. Finally, the AIDS Policy Project released a report at the conference on ways to speed innovative research toward a cure. The report, “For the Win: Curing AIDS Faster,” can be read at www.aidspolicyproject.org/for_the_win_report. ■

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CURE from page 5

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

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Media Trail Date set for Nev. gay-marriage suit The Las Vegas Sun reports a federal judge in Las Vegas set a November date for arguments on a gay-rights advocacy group’s lawsuit challenging Nevada’s ban on same-sex marriage. U.S. District Chief Judge Robert Jones said Aug. 10 that he wants to quickly decide the lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund against Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and various officials. The lawsuit focuses on differences between rights granted by the state Legislature with a domestic partnership law in 2009 and a gay-marriage ban that voters made part of the state constitution in 2002. Jones said he’ll hear arguments Nov. 26 in U.S. District Court in Reno. He told lawyers from both sides that he plans to rely on written arguments, not courtroom testimony from people offered as experts.

Groups work to oust pro-gay judge CBS 2 Iowa reports a group of conservatives is announcing it will campaign to unseat Iowa Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins, who was part of the unanimous 2009 decision to allow gay marriage in the state. Wiggins, unlike Iowa justices rejected by voters in 2010, is backed by a group of activists fighting their own campaign to defend him. The campaign against Wiggins in the Nov. 6 election was announced at a meeting of conservative activists in Waukee Aug. 11. The Family Leader, a political activist group led by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats, is leading the campaign. Justices David Baker, Michael Streit and Marsha Ternus were voted out in 2010. Some Iowa conservatives say the economy has diminished gay marriage as a political issue this year. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

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PGN

AC ul t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

PAGE 27

Barcrawlr Professional Portrait Out & About Scene in Philly Q Puzzle Worth Watching

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Frenchie speaks out! Photos: Project Publicity

‘Voice’ finalist talks about being black and bisexual and her upcoming album By Chris Azzopardi PGN Contributor Everything happens for a reason in the life of Frenchie Davis. Ten years after getting disqualified from “American Idol” for her Internet-porn past, she became a finalist on “The Voice,” sang with Christina Aguilera and is preparing to release her debut album later this year. In our interview, Davis, 33, put it all out there again: She addressed the stigma of being bisexual and black, how she doesn’t regret the “Idol” ordeal and why her upcoming album — and entire solo career — almost didn’t happen. PGN: Before you came out publicly in a recent interview, how out were you in your own life? FD: I first told my mom that I was attracted to boys and girls when I was 16 years old. A lot of my friends and family weren’t really surprised to hear that I had “come out,” because all I did was answer a question honestly in an interview and it ended up becoming a headline. I didn’t plan to come out. I fell in love with someone who I think I could be with forever, and I’m used to, in casual conversation, talking about my partner. That’s what ended up happening in the interview and what ended up being my coming out. It wasn’t something that I had planned. It wasn’t something I was being secretive about, either. I’ve performed at so many HRC and GLAAD events and gay Prides — and made out with so many girls in college. I don’t think it was a secret to anybody! [Laughs.] PGN: Was performing “I Kissed a Girl” on

“The Voice” your way of hinting at your bisexuality? FD: You know what’s crazy? I didn’t even plan to do that. They came to me and said, “You’re singing ‘I Kissed a Girl’ and I’m like, ‘OK. Well, let’s go with this.’” PGN: You just got involved with the It Gets Better campaign. Why was that important for you to be a part of? FD: The most important thing to me outside of music is inspiring young people. The more we adults continue to send out the message to young people that it’s OK to be you, we’re all, in a small way, contributing to making the world a little better. That’s just my philosophy. Any opportunity that presents itself to send that message to young people, I’m all for it. PGN: For you, how did it get better? FD: My mother was very accepting and understanding, but I actually didn’t tell my father right away. I think he definitely knew because he came to visit my dorm room and was like, “Wow, you’ve got a lot of pictures of half-naked girls on your wall.” [Laughs.] PGN: You were just idolizing those girls, right? FD: Yeah, just idolizing them — sure. And thinking they were hot. My dad read so much into it, and it’s been really interesting seeing my dad embrace all of this — that has been the most heartwarming part of it. I mean, my father and I never really talked about it. My mother knew: She met whatever girls and guys I dated in high school. But with my dad, we never really talked about it until he met my partner and was like, “You look happy. I like her.” My dad is super-conservative and

Republican. Black Republican, I know. Don’t even get me started. He was the one I was afraid to tell. When it all ended up being in the headlines, he was afraid that me being open and honest about who I am would affect my career negatively or negatively affect the way people look at me. You know, he’s my dad: He just wants to protect me. It really meant so much to me when [my coming out was] all in the headlines and my dad called and was like, “I just want to call and say I’m really proud of you.” Moments like that have reminded me that it indeed does get better. There were times where it was hard, like in high school. And not even having to do with being bisexual, but being a big girl too. People called me fat, they called me a dyke and all those things. I know what it feels like to not fit into the mold of what society thinks you’re supposed to be. PGN: Bisexuality in the gay community is sometimes looked at as taboo or “just a phase.” Have you felt stigmatized because of it? FD: It absolutely is something I’ve had to fight. For a long time that’s why I dated mostly men, because when I would meet a woman that I was into — a lesbian — she would be turned off by the fact that I was bisexual. PGN: And men aren’t so much turned off by that. FD: [Laughs.] Men are totally opposite! For a long time I felt like it was just easier to identify with being straight: It seemed easier

to date guys because lesbians seemed so turned off by the bisexual thing. So I’ve experienced criticism and people looking down on it in the straight community and in the gay community. I didn’t plan to come out, but I’m really thankful that everything unfolded the way it did because, no, I’m not straight; none of the guys I’ve been with made me straight, just like being madly in love with my partner right now doesn’t make me a lesbian. I’m a bisexual woman and it is what it is. I have enjoyed men thoroughly, and I can say the same thing about women. People who don’t think that it’s real, maybe that’s the reality in which they exist, but that’s not my reality. PGN: How does being black and bisexual change things? FD: I honestly thought that we were a lot farther, and then I did an interview with “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” and was completely taken aback by the way that went. The interview ended with a guy shouting, “Let a man into the bedroom!” That’s how disrespectful it was. It was bad. It really broke my heart, because I know what it’s like to be black in America and I know what it’s like to be a woman in America, and to be treated with disdain and disrespect by members of my own community was hurtful. It hurt me to the core. You know, at the end of the day, when the stage lights are turned off and the audiences go home, you have to be able

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PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

DAVIS from page 17

to look at yourself in the mirror. When I leave this earth, I want to know that I was on the right side of history. Things won’t change unless people like me say, “No, I’m not going to allow society to bully me into lying about who I am.” PGN: Christina Aguilera’s diva behavior makes a lot of headlines. What is she really like, and what surprised you most about working with her on “The Voice”? FD: I’m never going to bad talk her, publicly. I’m just never gonna do it. But I will say this: I was pleasantly surprised by how amazing her ear is. Her ear is on point. Even when she’s not trying, that instrument is right. She definitely is a pop diva for a reason. PGN: She has a reason to be a little catty, is what you’re saying. FD: No! I’m not saying that! That’s what you got out of that? [Laughs.] PGN: What do you remember most from performing at drag clubs and gay bars? FD: All the makeup tips I picked up. All the wardrobe tricks I’ve learned. My friends from back then. I don’t miss the struggling part! [Laughs.] But even then maybe — those days of being in that grind and me and my college friends not being able to afford to fly home for the holidays, so we all put our money together to go grocery shopping and I cooked a big holiday dinner for everyone. Then it was, “Well, let me go sing with the gay boys

tonight so I can make a couple of dollars real quick” — because you know the gay boys tip at the drag bar! [Laughs.] PGN: You were among a bunch of drag queens. Did anyone ever mistake you for one? FD: They didn’t. I think that’s why I made so many tips, because I was the only real girl and I was the only performer not lip-syncing. So I’m really thankful for that. I still keep in touch with a lot of drag queens in D.C. The gay community in D.C. is really what started this whole performing at gay Prides and all that. It’s been an amazing journey. PGN: After performing on reality shows and doing “Rent” on Broadway, how does it feel to be releasing your debut single and album? FD: It’s amazing how the universe works. There was a time when I just thought, I don’t want to feel unfulfilled and bitter, so maybe I should give up on the recording thing and be really thankful that I’m a Broadway star and just do the theater thing. There was a moment where I had given up on this, and then I’m singing at a gay club and the casting director for “The Voice” is in the audience having drinks and then I’m on “The Voice” and this whole other window of opportunity opens up that I never even expected.

PGN: What can we expect from the upcoming album and your debut single? FD: It’s gonna be dance-pop and the first single is called “Love’s Got a Hold on Me.” It was written by Janice Robinson and I’m really excited about it. I shot a video for it with Brian Friedman as the co-director and choreographer. A lot of people know Brian from his work with Britney Spears and he’s a creative director for “X Factor.” Brian jumped on board because he believed in me enough to be like, “Yeah, I’m gonna bring in the dancers and make it fierce for you.” PGN: Is the whole album dance-pop or just the single? FD: The single is dancepop and most of the album will be dance music. But, of course, I’m gonna throw in a power ballad or two! I have to. Knowing me and my gay boys, there will probably be dance remixes of even the ballads. [Laughs.] PGN: Are you going to get Christina on the album? FD: I’d love to do that, if she’ll do it. PGN: Is there pressure to stay in the closet on shows like “American Idol” or “The Voice”? FD: Not at all. I didn’t feel any pressure to

not be out when I was on those shows. In all honesty, some of the people who’ve been most successful on those shows have been members of the LGBT community. Look at Adam Lambert — and America loved Beverly [McClellan] and loved Vicci [Martinez], so I didn’t feel any pressure at all. I can’t really speak for “Idol” because I didn’t stay on the show long enough to really have a fair comparison between “Idol” and “The Voice,” but I can speak from my experience on “The Voice,” and I can say they were very welcoming to LGBT contestants. I don’t think anyone there felt pressure to not be open about who they are. And that was an amazing experience. Who would’ve thought 10 years after being on “Idol” that I’d be singing “Lady Marmalade” on national TV with Christina Aguilera? PGN: So you’re glad things worked out the way they did? No hard feelings against “Idol”? FD: You can’t waste your time on regrets, because they’re just the past crippling you in the present. If there was a button we could push to change the past, then that would be a different conversation, but that button doesn’t exist, so you have to walk away with all the lessons that you could’ve possibly learned and move forward and try to be better in the future. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m really thankful for the woman that I’m evolving into, and I’m really thankful for all the good in my life. Had something back then happened differently, who knows where I would’ve been today. ■

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Outward Bound

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Jeff Guaracino

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New journeys, old destinations August is a special month in Philadelphia. Ten years ago this time, a group of men and women in the hospitality industry met for the first time at the Philadelphia Westin Hotel to discuss if Philadelphia could ramp up its efforts to become an THE SHERATON WAIKIKI HOSTS PHOENIX AT RUM FIRE MONTHLY LGBT travel Show it off at Island House, Key West destination. And look at us now — we’re Congratulations to Island House for celfabulous, thank you very much! ebrating 35 years of providing our comGay travel is alive and well. Ten years munity with a safe destination for sun, fun later, Philadelphia’s biggest fans and foland relaxation. Owner Jon Allen has been lowers — many of whom were instrua leading voice in LGBT travel worldmental in helping us get on the travel map — are making big news themselves. Check wide and a driving force behind Key West out what’s new from the biggest newsmak- retaining an identify that embodies the come-as-you-are mentality and have fun! ers in gay travel. Welcome Brand g Charlie Rounds — the legendary man who helped invent LGBT travel on chartered ships when he and his fellow investors began RSVP Vacations — is leading a new company, Brand g. To no surprise, his first Danube River cruise is sold out. What’s new? The company is working with local LGBT organizations in Prague and Bratislava to connect Brand g travelers with locals. For this voyage, there will be a special celebrity guest on hand: Czeslaw Walek, a community advocate and head of Prague Pride, which held its first annual event last year. Brand g Vacations, owned by The Mark Travel Corp., serves gays, lesbians and straight allies. For more information about Brand g cruises and tours, visit www. brandgvacations.com. Welcome ManAboutWorld What’s old is new again. Congratulations to Billy Kober and Ed Salvato, two pioneers of gay travel news for men. They are among the original team that developed Out and About, the travel newsletter that was mailed to you. (Imagine that, mail!) The inaugural issue of their new endeavor, ManAboutWorld, is available on iPad now. The first issue is free with a paid subscription. Find it in the Apple App Store. Interestingly, this September marks the 20th anniversary of the debut of Out and About.

Hawaii In just six months since civil unions became legal in the Aloha State, 186 civil unions have been recorded: That’s almost one per day. Hawaii is not only the perfect honeymoon destination, it is now becoming a destination wedding vacation. Bravo to The Sheraton Waikiki, which has introduced Phoenix at Rum Fire, an LGBT dance party occurring the last Sunday of every month. And don’t forget Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand is always going strong, seven days a week! Philadelphia and R Family Vacations mark 10 years Both Philly and R Family Vacations are celebrating 10-year anniversaries. The latter, the cruise company founded by Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter in 2003, is continuing to make memories for families everywhere. R Family has already announced 2013 travel packages. Book now! In Philly, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation and the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus are gearing up for a 10th-anniversary celebration in 2013. Stay tuned. ■ Jeff Guaracino is the vice chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.”

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NIGHTLIFE PGN

Fever It’s been a long, hot summer, that’s for sure. Work has had me on the road a lot over the past few weeks, but thankfully I’ve been in town most weekends to take advantage of all the great stuff going on around Philly. All this traveling has driven home to me exactly how great we have it here. From Chicago to New Orleans to Seattle, people everywhere are asking about Philly because word has gotten out about our amazing restaurants and our killer nightlife. There’s no place like Philly, so don’t let these last few weeks of summer slip away without getting out there and making the most of it!

specials, refreshments and prizes, plus lots and lots of sticky boy-on-boy and girl-ongirl Jell-O wrestling matches! You don’t want to miss this. You know there’s always room for Jell-O!

Gay tailgate party Due to karma, kismet or some other divine intervention, Gay Night at the Phillies and the opening night of the North American leg of the Madonna tour are taking place at the same time, right next door to each other in South Philly. Which kind of sucks, actually. I had a really hard time deciding which event to go to. Leave it to the City of Brotherly Love Softball League to bridge the gap! The league Pup Night is sponsoring the Largest Gay Explore your playful puppy Tailgate in America from 4-8 side at 10 p.m. Aug. 18 at The p.m. Aug. 28 in the Jetro lot Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. (exact location to be announced The event is cosponsored by on www.cblsl.org). Jim Kiley- Tickets are only $30 online Keystone boys of Leather and the Mid-Atlantic Kennel Korps, Zufelt or $35 at the party, which gets and there’s no cover charge. you an incredible buffet and Members of the New Jersey unlimited beer, drinks, fun and Eagles and Empire City MC, two regional games. Tabu Sports Bar and Lounge will gay motorcycle riding clubs, have an event run a shuttle to get you from Center City that afternoon that starts with a short local to the tailgate party. All proceeds benefit run and culminates at The Bike Stop, the CBLSL. For more information, check where they’ll be meeting up with members out www.cblsl.org. of Philadelphians MC. If you’ve never heard of puppy play, Gay Community Night at the Phillies don’t worry — it’s harmless fun. Check If you didn’t score tickets to the out www.makkorps.org for a great primer. Madonna concert, then you must check out the 10th annual Gay Community Night at Big Gay Boat Party the Phillies, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Citizens Don’t miss the last big summer tea Bank Park. Even if you don’t like baseball dance on the river from 6 p.m.-midnight (which I totally don’t understand), it’s a Aug. 19 at Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus really fun night of being outside, relaxing Blvd. with friends and checking out some of the Cover charge is only $10, which gets hottest guys in town, both on field and off. you incredible drink specials, music by DJ Be sure to get there early so you can see Deejay and amazing surprise drag perforone of our own, GALLOP board memmances! ber and Gay Community Night organizer Larry Felzer, throw out the first pitch and Way Gay Jell-O wrestling hear the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Nope, that’s not a typo. They’re serising the national anthem! Tickets range ously having gay Jell-O wrestling at the from $20-$28. Online sales are over, but Way Gay! This brings a whole new dimen- �� there may still be tickets available if you sion to the idea of Jell-O shots, don’t it? call Colleen at 215-463-5000 ext. 5363. So dig out your favorite Cosby sweater Call now! ■ and be there from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 Questions? Comments? Favorite at the William Way LGBT Community Madonna incarnation? Contact Jim at Center, 1315 Spruce St. barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow him on It’s only $15 to enter or $20 to drink at Facebook for links to back articles and this all-ages event. There will be music by DJ Carl Michaels and DJ Mary Mac, drink bitchin’ old pop music videos!

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2012

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

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PROFILE PGN

Professional Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Suzi Nash

Jeffrey Shablin: From steel sales to guns of steel All I can say is that you gents love your trainers. I get a lot of recommendations for profiles from readers and an inordinate number of them are for trainers. In the interest of giving the public what it wants, I took to the gym this week to speak to Jeffrey Shablin, co-owner of Optimal Gym on Bainbridge Street. Shablin runs Optimal along with the fabulous Domenic Gallelli, who was featured in this column a few years back, and Yul Giraldo. PGN: Where do you hail from? JS: I was born and raised in Bensalem. My father was a top executive for a company called Congolium. He started off as a printer for Triangle Publications in Philadelphia and worked his way up. My mother was a teacher’s aide and secretary. My father passed but she’s still here. PGN: Were you a sporty guy as a kid? JS: Oh, absolutely! I was hyperactive as a child and at age 6, my parents took me to the doctor and said, “We have to do something about this.” I’m the youngest boy out of four with one younger sister so I think by the time I came around they were just exhausted. The doctor said you need to find a sport to burn off some of his energy or we can try diet or medication. So thankfully they put me in every type of sport they could find and I wound up at age 6 excelling in gymnastics. It worked out the best because it ate up a lot of hours and was year-round. I worked out four-six hours a day. PGN: I never even thought about sports in terms of how long the seasons ran. JS: Yeah, in gymnastics you’re practicing all year long, there’s no time off. I did it all the way through college. PGN: What was your favorite apparatus? JS: My favorite was parallel bars. My highest scoring was floor and pommel horse. PGN: Watching the Olympics, the pommel horse seems really nerve-wracking. What’s so scary about it? JS: If you are the slightest bit off balance, you fall off: Something as small as your shoulder or hip being at the wrong angle and the momentum will knock you off. You need to have lots of focus, lots of focus. PGN: What was your worst gymnastics moment? JS: Flying off the high bar and hitting my legs on a dismount, during a competition in front of everybody. PGN: And what was the worst outfit? JS: [Laughs.] Oh my gosh, we had to wear these unitards with little short-shorts. It

was slightly different from what they wear today, though not much. PGN: No sparkles? JS: No, no, no. The girls got the sparkles. PGN: Did you see the news report about the Olympic crewman? Apparently he was very excited about the bronze medal they won and during the ceremony, he, shall we say, he had his own salute for the flag. They were joking about it on “The Colbert Report.” Maybe that’s why you had to wear the shorts over the pants. JS: [Laughs.] I don’t know, I think there’s another story there. Was he excited about the win or his teammates? PGN: Good question! [Laughs.] Colbert was joking that the only thing he didn’t understand was why the guy would be that excited over a bronze. So back to you: Did you do any other sports? JS: I did diving, and the only reason was because since I was a good gymnast, the school recruited me to help them with the diving. But it wasn’t a passion of mine, I just did it to help the school. I did the same thing with pole vaulting. In college, though, I put all my focus into gymnastics. PGN: Other than hyperactive, what were you like? JS: Very social, probably more so than I am now. I was the peacemaker and protector. If I saw a kid being picked on I always stuck up for them. I was very fortunate that I didn’t have any bad school experiences. I talk to so many people who hated elementary or high school and had a rough time, but for me it was a good time. I always had a very strong personality and, even though I wasn’t out, I was still me and people accepted it. I was actually the only male gymnast in my district, so I trained at private clubs and still competed for our school, but as an independent at meets because we didn’t have a team. I did very well and everyone seemed to respect what I did. PGN: That’s great considering you did the two gayest sports, swimming and diving. JS: Yeah, having three older brothers at the school probably helped too, but I never had any problems being accepted. I was very lucky. PGN: The worst prank your brothers played on you? JS: I was and am a big horror-film lover — I love ghosts and zombies and all that stuff. One night, when I was about 7 or 8, I went to bed after watching a scary film. I shared a bedroom with my brother who’s closest in age to me and as I was trying to sleep, suddenly my bed started rising like in “The Exorcist.” My heart started

pounding really fast and then it happened again. I said something to my brother and he ran out of the room screaming, leaving me to leap from the bed because I was afraid something might grab my ankles. I ran screaming to my parents’ room and they came upstairs to find my older brother under my bed laughing so hard he peed himself! My parents tried not to laugh as they reprimanded him for his prank. PGN: And where did you go to college? JS: University of Pittsburgh. PGN: So which is better, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh? JS: Oh, Philadelphia, but I had an amazing college experience in Pittsburgh. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I had great professors, a fantastic academic program and great social experiences. I grew up a lot there. PGN: What did you study? JS: Communications. When I was a kid I

international steel company and was starting a new sales division in Philly. I ended up becoming the head of that division and then they transferred me to Greenville, S.C., and then I ended up in Atlanta. All working for the steel industry. PGN: So you really are an iron man! JS: Yes! But it’s a really conservative environment for a gay man. I couldn’t be openly gay, especially down there in the South, so I had to have a lesbian beard. She worked for Coca-Cola and I was her beard. We escorted each other to work parties and functions and everyone thought we were dating. This was only about 17 years ago and yet it was a different world back then. I was doing really, really well: I was the youngest sales manager in the company and they were even giving me a small piece of the company if I stayed long-term but I couldn’t. I couldn’t handle going to one more strip club smoking cigars with the bosses and clients and pretending to enjoy it. They were also starting to push me into marrying my “girlfriend.” They put us under a lot of pressure to tie the knot. I don’t know, maybe they suspected something about me! PGN: Wow, I know a lot of corporate women have voiced the unfairness of being shut out of the “good old boys” part of the corporate world, men’s-only golf resorts and gentleman’s clubs, but I never thought about gay men hitting the glass ceiling for similar reasons. JS: Yes, and our territory extended to Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina so it was crazy how homophobic and racist things could get. Atlanta was the safe bubble, but once you stepped out of it, anything different wasn’t tolerated.

PGN: So how did you get from selling steel in the Photo: Suzi Nash used to watch “Bewitched” and thought deep South to Optimal? that her husband had the coolest job in JS: Well, I’ve always the world, and thought I would go into been active and athletic. Knowing that I advertising too. was unhappy doing what I was doing, my mother said to me, “You’re always helpPGN: What did you do when you graduing people out at the gym, you’re the one ated? they come to with questions. I’ve been JS: I took a job with a company that sold reading that personal training is becomadvertising for billboard and signage. It ing a big thing, why don’t you look into was a horrible job! I hated it so somehow I it?” This was about 14 years ago when the ended up getting a job with a guy that my fitness industry was just starting. I was PAGE 28 brother went to church with. He owned an fortunate that I was

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Q Puzzle Movin’ on up Across 1. Fruit cover 5. Has sex on a carpet? 10. Nuts and bolts 14. Obsidian source 15. Earhart, for one 16. “Serpico” author Peter 17. Ghostbusters role 18. Able to bend over 19. Large earthenware jar 20. Groundbreaking sitcom of the ‘70s 23. Removes, as a foreskin 24. Just make, with “out” 25. Mail order abbr. 27. Former NFL player Tuaolo 28. Make a blunder 30. Witherspoon of

“Legally Blonde 2” 32. “Y” wearer 33. One you may see in a shower 34. Spinoff of 20Across 39. One with a gifted tongue 40. Fleur-de-___ 41. Jacobi of “I, Claudius” 42. Low boggy land 43. Religious pamphlet 48. Sonny, to Chaz 49. Stud site 51. Club head? 52. He played George in 20-Across and 34-Across 56. In two parts 57. Like a Peru native at a public lavatory? 58. Dark greenish blue 59. They’re performing, in “Fame”

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60. Traps for suckers 61. “Render therefore ___ Caesar ...” 62. High place with a flat top 63. Hung beast of a simile 64. Use a keyhole, perhaps Down 1. Tickle pink 2. Two under scores for Sheehan 3. Become men, perhaps 4. Poet Sidney 5. Fop’s footwear 6. Cole Porter’s “Ridin’ ___” 7. What you could get caught in 8. Swinger who tries to put it in the hole with few strokes 9. Prime piece of

meat 10. Mine, in Montreal 11. Hammer that requires testicles for its user? 12. Belafonte tunes 13. 9-digit ID org. 21. Heston was its pres. 22. Mothers, to Verlaine 26. Article written by Arnold 28. One who wears very little clothing 29. Biathlon need 31. War zone, in brief 32. Musket attachment 33. Mr. Williams, as Doubtfire 34. Pirates go after it 35. Condoms for erections? 36. Sorbonne sum-

mer 37. “The Dark Knight” role from Brokeback Mountain? 38. A as in Austria 39. Queer 42. James of “Milk” 43. Curry of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” 44. Try to get one’s strength back 45. Actress Dahl 46. Dream up 47. AIDS activist Elizabeth 50. Group that won’t pose for nude photos 51. Be aware of 53. “Lohengrin” soprano 54. Home st. of Maupin 55. Broadway scenery chewers 56. Dyke’s latex

PAGE 27

MUSIC PGN& TV

CD Reviews

Larry Nichols

New LPs boast retro, cutting-edge sounds By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Blue Stahli s/t Fixt Records Celldweller Wish Upon a Black Star Fixt Records Even if you don’t know Celldweller, chances are you’ve heard the band’s music, as every song from the 2003 debut album was licensed to numerous movies, video games and TV shows. Back when the album dropped, that blend of industrial, rock, electronica, drum, bass and trance didn’t have a name. Now it’s known as dubstep. On the latest album, the group stays ahead of the stylistic curve of the genre, never letting listeners get too comfortable with a style or groove for too long, making the pace of the album oftentimes frantic. It works for the most part with crushing guitar riffs, electro beats and hyperactive synth lines coexisting on tracks “Unshakable,” “Birthright” and “Blackstar.” Tracks “The Lucky One” and “Gift For You” could give modern arena-rock bands like Linkin Park a run for their money. This would be enough of a party line for more dubstep artists to follow, but Celldweller also delivers some chilled-out moments without sacrificing its edge on tracks “The Seven Sisters” and “Memories of a Girl I Haven’t Met.” Celldweller label-mate and sometimes-collaborator, multi-instrumentalist Blue Stahli, takes a more straightforward-rock approach on his self-titled solo album. It’s not the eclectic psychotic roller-coaster ride that “Blackstar” is, but it hits all the right modernrock nerves. Anyone who digs the likes of 30 Seconds to Mars with gladly fork over money to Blue Stahli after hearing “Ultranumb,” “Takedown” and “Anti-You.” Tracks “Kill Me Every Time” and “Corner” bristle with electro swagger as well but are never in danger of eclipsing Celldweller. It has taken a while for the mainstream to catch up to Celldweller’s sound but, even with more artists crashing the party, the group remains at the forefront of electronicrock music. Scissor Sisters Magic Hour Casablanca Records The Scissor Sisters continue to frolic in the sonic playground between the 1970s disco pop of its early albums and the propulsive electronic grooves

of the last album. And why not? It works. Playfully decadent and sometimes-filthy new-wave tracks “Keep Your Shoes On” and “Let’s Have a Kiki” harken to the early days of Prince. “Baby Come Home” is pure Elton. “Year of Living Dangerously” and “Inevitable” are both synth-pop on par with the best of The Pet Shop Boys. Even with the range of styles flying about, there are some tracks where everything converges into something that can only be defined as the Scissor Sisters, like the bouncy “The Best in Me,” the lush “Somewhere” and the techno-ish “Only the Horses.” This album may only be 43 minutes long, but it is indeed magical.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Worth Watching LIT UP: Stand-up comedian and Philly Pride alum Aisha Tyler bares all in this one-woman comedy special, “Aisha Tyler is Lit,” from San Francisco’s legendary Fillmore Theater, 10 p.m. Aug. 18 on Logo.

Various Artists Sparkle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack RCA Records The soundtrack for the remake of “Sparkle” hedges its bets by keeping one foot planted in the rerecorded songs from the original soundtrack album and new songs performed by stars from the remake — a bold move considering the original had songs written by Curtis Mayfield and performed by Aretha Franklin. Cases can be made for both the old and the new songs. Jordin Sparks gives a valiant effort on the three songs she leads. “Look Into Your Heart” is the only one from the original film, which is ironic because it is the most slick and modern of the three. It’s good, but it sounds out of place with the retro-Motown feel the soundtrack tries to conjure up. Sparks’ other two songs, both penned by R. Kelly, are closer to the classic Motown vibe, but “One Wing” rings a little too generic with its glossy synthetic production. “Love Will” gets points for shamelessly oozing a 1970s Diana Ross vibe. Elsewhere, Cee Lo Green knocks it out of the park with the funky groove of “I’m a Man.” Singer and “Sparkle” co-star Carmen Ejogo does a great job on the remakes of the original soundtrack songs. Lesser-experienced singers would have tried to dazzle with vocal acrobatics to compete with Aretha Franklin’s versions but Ejogo does what’s best for the songs, delivering the lyrics with her sultry voice. As a result, “Yes I Do” and “Hooked On Your Love” come across as the most authentic moments on the album. Of course, the late great Whitney Houston’s talents had to be showcased on the album. Her two tracks are a gospel song, “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” and another R. Kelly-penned song, “Celebrate,” with Sparks. Hearing Houston go all out on a gospel song where her voice shines brightest, it’s easy to wonder why she ever bothered with slick and safe predictable pop fare like “Celebrate.” Like the movie, “Sparkle” has some great moments, but for the most part, they belong to the supporting cast rather than the stars. ■

DRESSED TO KILL: Meryl Streep stars as a tyrannical, larger-than-life editor-in-chief of a major fashion magazine in “The Devil Wears Prada” 8 p.m. Aug. 18 on ABC. Photo: Barry Wetcher

LOOKING GOOD: Catch out comedian Margaret Cho’s live concert special “Beautiful,” an unbridled look at everything from plastic surgery and sexuality to pop culture and politics, 8 p.m. Aug. 18 on Logo.

DINNER WITH THE GIRLS: The remaining chefs try to whip up some dishes to impress the Indigo Girls on a new episode of “Top Chef Masters,” 10 p.m. Aug. 22 on Bravo.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

robots 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228.

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 08/17 Linkin Park and Incubus The rock bands perform 6:30 p.m. at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856365-1300. Open Mic Anyone wanting to read or perform can sign up at 6:40 for the open mic at 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. My Morning Jacket The alternativerock band performs 7:30 p.m. at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-5467900.

Jagged Edge and Dru Hill The R&B groups perform 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Marc Anthony The Latin pop singer performs 8 p.m. at Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-3487000. Robert Klein The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5858. MST3K: Cave Dweller Another bad scifi film gets savaged by sarcastic

Sat. 08/18 A Penny for Your Thoughts A guided discussion on all issues that impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women, 4-7 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Train The rock band performs 8 p.m. at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215546-7900. ’80s Live Music Dance Party Hit the floor 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Keith Sweat The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. An Acoustic Tribute to the Music of Jerry Garcia The Michael Morrow Band celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead 10:30 p.m. at Tin Angel; 20 S. Second St.; 215928-0978.

Sun. 08/19 The Best Man The 1964 film based on the Gore Vidal play is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. PGMC Chorus Auditions The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus

goes mobile Now you can read your favorite local LGBT news site on your Android or iPhone/iPad Just go to epgn.com on your mobile device

Also check out our digital “ﬂipbook” of the full print edition at issuu.com/philagaynews with issuu’s Android app.

LOUD & PROUD: Out singer-songwriter k.d. lang is back in the area to tear things up with her backing band, Siss Boom Bang, performing 9 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information, call 609-317-1000.

will conduct auditions for new members for its 2012-2013 season, 4-6 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.; email auditions@pgmc. org to schedule an audition time slot. Trespass America Tour Metal bands Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, Trivium and more perform 5 p.m. at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, 443 N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-928-1234.

Mon. 08/20 Groove Night Local musicians join forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St.,

Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Hunger Games The hit action film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Tue. 08/21 Unlabeled: The Acoustic/ Electric Open Mic for Up and Comers Sign up and play, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

American Idols Live This year’s crop performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543. Saint Misbehavin’ — The Wavy Gravy Movie The film is screened 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.;

Wed. 08/22 302-994-1400. 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Thu. 08/23 Dave Koz The out jazz saxo-

phonist performs at 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Fri. 08/24 Keith Boykin The editor of “For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out and Coming Home” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Cage Fury Fighting Championships Watch ’roid cases beat the crap out of each other 7 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

THE KING & QUEEN OF NEW SOUL: The only thing more spectacular than seeing Mary J. Blige for R&B enthusiasts is having D’Angelo perform as her opening act. The latter has been lying low since his “Voodoo” album, which dropped in 2000. Watch the two set the stage on ﬁre 7 p.m. at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave. For more information, call 215-546-7900.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Continuing

career, with numerous items never before seen by the public, through Sept. 3, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-4096895.

Collab: Four Decades of Giving Modern and Contemporary Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition that includes some of the finest examples of European, American and Japanese design, through fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Interlude Twenty-Two Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Melissa M. Bryant, through Sept. 9, 236 S. 22nd St.; 215-7721911.

Crawl Space: The Attic Experience The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition of works from Philadelphia’s LGBT youth center, through Aug. 31, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220.

Much Ado About Nothing Mauckingbird Theatre Company presents the gay interpretation of the Shakespeare play, through Sept. 1 at Off Broad Street Theater, 1363 Sansom St.; 215-923-8909.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Mark, through Oct. 28, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Secret Garden Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition uniting works in fiber by Ted Hallman, Sheila Hicks and Jim Hodges, through Aug. 26, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Closing Cymbeline One of Shakespeare’s later romantic tragedies is directed by David O’Connor through Aug. 19 at The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom St.; 215-496-800. ■

On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-409-6895. The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center’s third annual photography competition and exhibition Photographs of all subject matter, photographic techniques and processes are on display through Sept. 9, 1400 N. American St.; 215-232-5678.

REAL TALK: TV commentator, inspirational speaker and author Keith Boykin is former special assistant to President Bill Clinton and the editor of “For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out and Coming Home,” a book addressing longstanding issues of sexual abuse, suicide, HIV/AIDS, racism and homophobia in the African-American and Latino communities. Boykin hosts a discussion about the new book 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. For more information, call 215-923-2960.

Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor, through March 2013, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Gauguin, Cézanne, Matisse: Visions of Arcadia Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring classic artists’ visions of paradise, through March 2013, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition looking at The Boss’ entire

Presidential Artifacts The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of artifacts from collections around the country, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-4096895.

SAX YOU UP: Out Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz brings the sweet sounds of jazz to Philadelphia when he performs 8 p.m. Aug. 23 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. For more information or tickets, call 215-5727650. Photo: Greg Allen

Prom Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photographs by Mary Ellen

SMOOTH JAZZ

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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. Q PUZZLE from page 24

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

PORTRAIT from page 23

hooked up through the gay community in Atlanta with some very wealthy women and immediately started doing personal training. They loved me and word spread quickly. Soon after I moved back to Philly to be closer to my family and started working as a trainer here. PGN: How did you meet your business partners? JS: Domenic and I met at 12th Street Gym, where we were both personal trainers. I met Yul, our other partner, at Blue Ball one year. He’s also now my husband as well as business partner. He’s from Columbia and was living in New York; we met and after seven months, he moved here and became a trainer and the three of us soon formed Optimal Fitness Training, which we operated under the 12th Street Gym roof. We won a Best of Philly award and got so big we needed to find our own place. We were lucky enough to find this place and were able to strike a deal with the owner to partner with him. It used to be called Pennsport gym but we changed the name to Optimal Gym and now we have five different locations. This is the only space where we have an additional partner. PGN: Huh, I was mistaken: I thought you were romantically linked with Domenic. JS: No, it’s confusing! Domenic and I are best friends. We have a very unique relationship. We did date for a year, but

PGN

he’s got a wonderful woman that he’s with now and I love her. My husband Yul and Domenic are like brothers: They love each other like brothers and fight like brothers. It says a lot about Yul that he would come into a situation where he’d be working with my ex as a business partner. I think there are some people who imagine that there’s more going on but there’s not. We’re all just one big family. PGN: What did Yul do before becoming a trainer/gym owner? JS: He was a makeup artist at Bloomingdales in New York! As a big guy, he really stuck out in the makeup department and everybody loved him. The fact that he’s very attractive didn’t hurt either. He was one of the top salespeople. He’s great at the gym, too. He’s a good quality-control person, so he can come into the gym and see what needs to be fixed or looked at in a different way. PGN: What’s so optimal about the gym? JS: We really make sure you get everything you need. We offer a lot of free help when you first come in. You get a full evaluation; you then get put into four weeks of the Optimal Workout, which is functional training. You get unlimited small-group sessions and a whole lot more. We combine our services with a medical component, the Rossi Wellness Center, which gives you free lab work and a weight-management consultation. If you choose to continue with us after those

four weeks, we make sure that you can’t not succeed. It’s very personal.

PGN: My best feature is ... JS: Um, my arms.

PGN: So do you have to be trainer and psychiatrist? JS: Yes, all of our group understands that a good number of weight issues start in the head, so there’s a lot of coaching and mentorship that goes on. Everything is very personalized: We don’t just throw the same routine at each person. We just did the whole weight-loss challenge with Franny Price for the PGN. I think she’s lost about 75 pounds. When she first came on board, she was very stubborn: “I did body building back in the day, I know what I’m doing. I know what to eat and that I have to cut my diet down to ... ” She had all these extremes. We had to say, “No, it’s about changing your lifestyle, not starving yourself.” Now she totally gets it. She’s completely changed and you can see visible differences. It’s fantastic.

PGN: How many tattoos? JS: Four. I have a symbol that I created that represents me, Dom and Yul that’s there to remind me of what we have together. It’s very special. Another is my and Yul’s initials.

PGN: Do you collect anything? JS: A little. I like iron cast statuary, you know like the gymnasts and body figures, but I’m not a huge collector. PGN: Something romantic you do? JS: At Yul’s insistence, we have a date night every weekend. No matter what’s happening at work or wherever, we dress up for each other and go to a different restaurant. It’s just us and it gives us time to focus on each other. It’s super-important and how we keep the spark going.

PGN: Who would you want playing the three of you in “Optimal: The Movie”? JS: Well, I don’t know who would play us but they’d have to be superheroes. Domenic is obsessed with Batman, I’d be Spiderman and Yul would be Superman. PGN: What’s your stupid human trick? JS: I can make a fish face. That’s about it. PGN: What three people would you like to train? JS: President Obama, I’d love to train him. If she was alive I’d pick Marilyn Monroe: She’d have such interesting stories to tell. And then Einstein. All because I’ve had some amazing experiences with clients; you get so close to people doing this and hear some great stories. It’s one of the great things about my job! ■ To suggest a community member for Professional Portrait, write to portraits05@aol.com.

Are you a community leader? Bia Vieira, longtime activist and vice president for community impact, Philadelphia Foundation Quincy Greene, founder, Educational Justice Coalition David Acosta, writer, poet, longtime HIV/ health activist, prevention coordinator for HIV programs at AIIDS Activities Coordinating Ofﬁce Joe Ippolito, founder/organizer of the Gender Reel multimedia festival Monica Bey-Clarke, author, entrepeneur, founder of My Family! books and products for LGBT families Sue Gildea, women’s commissioner, City of Brotherly Love Softball League

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

CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Rent

Roommates

Help Wanted

3 SIGNIFICANT BERKS COUNTY HISTORIC STONE HOUSES 3 significant Berks Co. historic stone houses #1: 18th century Oley Valley stucco on stone, sets by covered bridge across Manatawny Cr., 6 BRs, 30A m/l, stone barn, certified organic farm, needs restoration, 30-45 min. to Center City, $490K. #2: museum quality stone mansion fully restored, modern mechanicals, kitchen, 7 BRs, 4 BAs, 50A m/l, 60-90 min. to CC, $1,499,000. #3: enormous stone house in busy commercial setting, opportunity for restaurant, galleries, retail, offices, etc. Lease only. Call Matt Barnhart, Historic/Rural Properties Specialist, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ELITE, 610-698-8190, I will send pix and specs or email me: mattbarnhart@hotmail. com ________________________________________36-34 NEW LAND BARGAINS: HIGHEST QUALITY TIMER LANDS, WATERFRONT & CABINS 6 acres- along snow trails- $12,995. 73 Acres- gorgeous, pine forest- $69,995. 5 Acres- “Hemlock lodge” cabin$25,995. 6 Acres-trout stream- $19,995. Call 800-229-7843 Or visit landandcamps.com ________________________________________36-33

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. ________________________________________36-35 HADDON TWP, NJ Safe, sunny 2 BR apt. 2nd fl owner occ. duplex. 1000 sq.. ft., A/C, D/W, W/D, new carpet & paint. Pvt. ent. Close to speedline, bus, walk, bike to shops, parks, lakes, library. $900/mo. Call Brian, 12 PM-7 PM, 856-858-8620. ________________________________________36-35 QUAKERTOWN/SELLERSVILLE AREA 2 BR semi attached house. Living room, dining room, kitchen, first floor bath in a quiet setting. $950/mo. 215453-7267. ________________________________________36-33 ITALIAN MARKET/BELLA VISTA 2 BR, ultra modern. $1600/mo. Call Villa Realty 215271-0600. ________________________________________36-33

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. _____________________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. ________________________________________36-42 $100 MONTHLY RENT For the guy who wants to share my life and house in N.E. Phila. 215-677-5610. ________________________________________36-40

NOW HIRING Companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD Stands, Hair Barrettes, & Many More. No Selling, Any Hours. Info:1-985-646-1700 DEPT.PA-1017. ________________________________________36-33 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment School. 3wk Training Program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Excavators. Local Job Placement Asst. VA Benefits Approved. 2 National Certifications. 866-362-6497. ________________________________________36-33 CDL-A EXPERIENCED DRIVERS 6 Months OTR experience starts at $.32/mile Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! New student pay and lease program! 877-521-5775 www.USATruck.jobs ________________________________________36-33 Drivers: CRST offers the best Lease Purchase Program *SIGN ON BONUS *No down payment or credit check *Great Pay *Class A CDL required *Owner Operators Welcome. Call: 866-403-7044. ________________________________________36-33 Company Drivers: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and team drivers. Great Benefits Package. CDL-A required. Students with CDL-A welcome. Call 888471-7081, or apply online at www.superservicellc.com ________________________________________36-33 Drivers - Annual Salary $45K to $60K. $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Quarterly Bonuses. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com ________________________________________36-33 CALLING ALL CDL-A DRIVERS! Join the Team at Averitt. Great Hometime/Benefits. 4 Months T/T Experience Required - Apply Now! 888-362-8608 Visit AVERITTcareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________36-33 CLASS A DRIVERS: SIGN ON BONUS Paid Hoidays, Vacation, & More. Weekly Pay. Direct Deposit. REGIONAL with Home Time. 2 Years T/T EXP. 800-524-5051. www.gomcilvaine.com ________________________________________36-33 Over 18? A can’t miss limited opportunity to travel with a successful young business group. Paid training. Transportation/lodging provided. Unlimited income potential. Call 1-877-646-5050. ________________________________________36-33 Drivers- A. Duie Pyle Needs Owner Operators & Company Drivers. Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Miles. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________36-33 DRIVERS Owner Operators & Company. Local Grocery Delivery. Home Daily. Year-Round, Recession-Proof. Call Kelly 866375-6355 DriveForGreatwide.com Greatwide Dedicated. ________________________________________36-33

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

For Sale VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20mg. 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement. Discreet Shipping. Save $500.00. Call the Blue Pill Now! 1-800-491-8509. ________________________________________36-33 CASH BACK- $10 FOR EVERY POUND YOU LOSE Lose Weight quickly and safely and keep it off, results guaranteed! Call LA Weight Loss Today! 1-800-949-3950. ________________________________________36-33

Jewelry Jewelry bought, sold, repairs, estates, custom deisgn, 707 Sansom. 215-925-3822. ________________________________________36-49

Adoption Are you pregnant? A loving married couple seek to adopt. Financial security. Let’s help each other. Expenses paid. Holly & Max. Ask for Adam 1-800-790-5260. ________________________________________36-33

Help Wanted

HISTORIC, SECLUDED G.W. HEWITT CARRIAGE HOUSE FOR RENT Original two-story stone carriage house designed by G. W. Hewitt (Chestnut Hill Academy and Pa Academy of Fine Arts, et al), approximately 2400+ sq. ft., just renovated including new energy- efficient HVAC and windows. First floor -- greatroom with hardwood floors, working Rumford fireplace, charming “cook’s kitchen” with all new appliances, cork flooring, butcher-block counter tops and oak cupboards, “company” bar, mudroom/ laundry room, full bath with tile shower. Second floor – exposed beams (“chalet-style”) peaked ceiling, skylights, original stone walls, raised platform generously accommodating king-sized bed, wall-to-wall carpeting, huge cedar-lined closet, all new bath with full-size Jacuzzi and tile shower. Exterior-- “woods” totally surround, off-street parking for three+ vehicles, brick patio, security system, landscaping now underway by longtime PHS member/parks volunteer and professional landscapers. Nonsmoking. Great location! Quick access to Center City and Chestnut Hill, near Lincoln Drive and Wayne Ave., 1 block to R8, 2 blocks to Wissahickon Park/Forbidden Drive. Available immediately. $1950/month plus utilities.

We’re a Drivers company That’s focused on Drivers. Solos .437, Teams .513, 1 YR OTR, CDL-A-HazMat 877-628-3748. ________________________________________36-33 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________36-33

Please call 215.469.0470 to schedule a visit with the owners/managers. All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

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

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Services

Friends Men

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________36-33 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________36-33

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________36-36 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________36-35 I’m looking for a very well endowed top who is looking for a very nice white butt. 215-732-2108 8-11 PM. ________________________________________36-33 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________36-36 LOOKING For live-in companion and possible partner. 215-6775610. ________________________________________36-40 GWM, 30’s, Philly burbs, looks younger seeks older GWM. 609-510-5738. ________________________________________36-33

Financial Services Gold and Silver Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888-439-8212. ________________________________________36-33

Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, July Term, 2012, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 31, 2012 , the petition of Tianah Sade Andrews was ﬁled, praying for a decree to change her name to Taaj Malachi Andrews. The Court has ﬁxed August 22, 2012 at 11:30 a.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________36-33

Handsome Certified Therapist

Massage David, 62, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________36-40

Personals

6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1-800-914-8742. ________________________________________36-32

Gay is our middle name. B-7

Are You Down With THE SWIRL? Saturday, August 18th 2012 • 11pm-3:30am - A New Urban Event Catered to Guys Into The Urban Vibe of An Ethnicity, Shape & SizeWHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More... -Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis. So Check In Early if you want a room...-

TEMPTATION Sunday, August 12th, 2012 • TIME: 3pm- 6pm WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More... -Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis. So Check In Early if you want a room...-

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

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

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

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

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

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

PGN

12-step programs and support groups Al-Anon

■

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

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

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

Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets.

■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at

Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian, but all are welcome. ■ Early Night Out meets 5:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St., second ﬂoor; 215-985-9206. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living Sober meets 8:30 p.m. Saturdays at the William Way Center. ■ No Other Way Out meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. daily at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Sober and Gay meets 8:30 p.m. SundayFriday at the William Way Center. ■ Young People’s meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mark’s Church, 1625 Locust St.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■ Meets 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday,

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center.

Emotional Support

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

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

HIV/AIDS

■ Strength In Numbers

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

Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215-769-3561. bebashi.org. ■ Encuentros, a group for HIV-negative Latino men who have sex with men, meets 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1201 Locust St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-3872885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women,

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

Debtors Anonymous

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

William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: 12-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 12-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; 126 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Key numbers

■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

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

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

S.A.R.A.

■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and

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

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

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

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

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance

abuse problems at the William Way Center.

Health

Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717-233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth.org. Anonymous, free HIV testing with Spanish/ English counselors, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1803. HIV health insurance help: Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448; www. fight.org.

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

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 or 866-222-3871. www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing ■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

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

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth ﬂoor; 215-563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday except for noon-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., and 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

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

students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladelphia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities, 856857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 17-23, 2012

2012

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PGN

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Welcome to PGN’s Best of Gay Philadelphia 2012! Here’s how this will work: First, you, dear reader, will give us your picks for the best of LGBT Philly — in the community, eats, entertainment, nightlife, people and places. Submit your votes here, using this handy suvey. Voting is open Aug. 10-Sept. 10. Then, votes will be tallied and announced in the Sept. 28 issue. To cap it off, we’re planning a special invite-only party for the winners on Oct. 4. (Make sure you are in good with your favorite winner so you can get them to bring you along.) Some notes: If you are unsure if your favorite [person/place/thing] would qualify, refer to the helpful title: Best of Gay Philadelphia. For the most part, we want to know what the LGBT community thinks, with a focus on LGBT people, places and things. We don’t want to hear about the worst, the non-gay or the best in New York City. But if you present an argument for why your non-gay [person/ place/thing] should win, send it in. If you include witty comments with your survey, we may print them. Feel free to ﬁll out as many — or as few — categories as you like. (We’re not sure any one of us could answer all the categories either.) To vote: Write in your picks, then send them to us via mail, fax or in person.

PGN’s Best of Gay Philadelphia 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Fax: 215-925-6437

To nominate online, go to www.epgn.com, and click on the link for Best of Gay Philadelphia.

Community

Nightlife Neighborhood Bar Sports Bar Dance Floor Casino Place to Grab a Beer Place to Meet Women Place to Neet Men Theme Night Happy Hour Bar Food (place) Martini (what/place) Mixed Drink (what/place) Overall Bar

Businesses Bicycle Shop Clothing Store Gym Hair Salon

LGBT Event

Breakfast/Brunch

LGBT Fundraiser

Lunch

LGBT Nonproﬁt

Dinner

LGBT Sports League

Dessert Coffee Shop

People

Overall Restaurant

Activist Bartender

Arts & Entertainment

Hair Stylist

Drag King

Personal Trainer

Drag Queen

Politician

Local Band

Co-sponsors

Local DJ Live Music Venue Local Musician Local Singer Party Promoter Theater Group