pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
Vol. 40 No. 35 Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2016
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Fall Arts Preview PAGE 25
State Senate committees to hold hearings on antibias bills By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com
DOWN IN DELAWARE: Brenda Farside (from left), Eve Davis, Joe Johnson and Joe Sielski were among about 120 guests who enjoyed the sights and sounds of Our Night Out Wilmington last week. The social, most recently held Aug. 18 at Piccolina Toscana, brings together LGBTs and allies each month to a new location in the Wilmington, Del., area. The next event is scheduled for Sept. 15, with the location to be announced. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Temple recognized for LGBT inclusion in athletics By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com Temple University Athletics this month received a gold-medal designation as an LGBT SportSafe institution. It also earned Founders Club membership, meaning the university is one of the first two in its state or conference to receive approval from the LGBT SportSafe Inclusion Program. No other Pennsylvania schools have yet received the membership. “At Temple, we value diversity and the welfare of our 500-plus student athletes,” Dr. Patrick Kraft, director of athletics, said in a statement. He added, “We always want to be at the forefront of initiatives such as this that helps contribute to the overall quality of our student-athlete experience.” The LGBT SportSafe Inclusion Program started in June. It uses an algorithm — created by Dr. Eric Lueshen, a former University of Nebraska football player, and Nevin Caple, an openly gay former college basketball player — that’s called the 3-Peat Model for its focus on programming, policy and public awareness.
The gold-medal designation means the athletic program has inclusion training for coaches and administrators every two to three years, has updated polices to include protections for LGBT athletes and coaches and has scheduled or completed a public-awareness project about LGBT inclusion in athletics. Kraft was out of the office Aug. 23. Other Temple Athletics representatives did not immediately receive clearance to speak to the media about specific LGBT policies and projects at the university. “Nevin and I applaud Temple’s leadership and commitment to LGBT inclusion in the American Athletic Conference,” Lueshen said in a statement. Temple’s LGBT SportSafe Founders Club member status means the university will be listed in the LGBT SportSafe national registry of inclusive athletic and recreational sport communities. The school will also gain access to Coaches Corner, an online resource for LGBT inclusion that includes webinars, model policies and discussion forums. For more information, visit www. lgbtsportsafe.com. n
Two months after a housing-nondiscrimination bill was stalled from reaching the state Senate floor, two committees have scheduled hearings seeking input on bills that would extend nondiscrimination protections in employment and public accommodations to the LGBT community. The Labor and Industry Committee scheduled a hearing for 1 p.m. Aug. 30, and the State Government Committee has a hearing 10:30 a.m. Sept. 26. Both take place in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. For the employment-nondiscrimination bill, the public can submit written comments by emailing SB1306@pasen.gov or visiting the SB1306 public-comment box available at www.senatorbaker.com. Publiccomment instructions for the public-accommodations bill have yet to be announced. A representative from the office of Sen. Mike Folmer, chair of the State Government
Committee, was not immediately available for comment. State Sen. Lisa Baker, a Luzerne County Republican, chairs the Labor and Industry Committee. “Individuals and groups on both sides of the issue felt that a hearing focused on facts and details would be useful,” Jennifer Wilson, Baker’s chief of staff, wrote in an email to PGN. The committee would like the public to share specific instances of discrimination, documentation about how existing workplace policies and municipal ordinances have functioned and how any issues have been addressed. “The broad philosophical arguments related to these issues are well known,” according to a hearing announcement sent out by Baker’s office. “What the committee is seeking are detailed arguments for or against the provisions set forth in the bill that can be used to help members determine whether it adequately addresses workplace PAGE 21 discrimination as writ-
Judge blocks new trial for gay man’s killer By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A federal judge has blocked a new trial for Richard R. Laird, who brutally killed gay artist Anthony V. Milano almost 30 years ago. Laird already had two trials — in 1988 and 2007 — but he claimed both were plagued by errors and sought a third. In a 105-page opinion issued Aug. 19, U.S. District Judge Jan E. DuBois declined to vacate Laird’s death sentence. DuBois said Laird’s 2007 retrial passed constitutional muster. “[Laird] has failed to demonstrate that his [2007] retrial and resentencing were infected by any errors,” Dubois stated. In 1987, Laird and Frank R. Chester kidnapped Milano to a wooded area of Bucks County, where Milano’s throat was hacked out with a box cutter. Both men were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Laird has been on death row for
almost 30 years. But Chester recently was released to the general-prison population, after agreeing to never challenge his first-degree murder conviction. Laird admits that he killed Milano, but contends he was too impaired to form a specific intent to kill, due to alcohol consumption and other mental problems. In his ruling, DuBois noted that Laird was able to maintain his balance and express himself coherently during the general time period of Milano’s murder. DuBois also noted that Laird took immediate steps to destroy evidence after Milano’s death, including tossing his box cutter into a creek. Even if Laird’s blood-alcohol content was .45, as Laird contends, he could still form an intent to kill, according to DuBois’ ruling. Laird put forth a litany of errors allegedly made by his 2007 attorneys. They include not requesting a change of venue due to inflammatory publicPAGE 8
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LGBT Youth Supplement Read about the issues and ideas impacting local teens — from school bullying to campus safe spaces to legislative developments — written in their own words. The section created for and by LGBT youth appears twice a year.
News Briefing
Jones access to the hospital’s therapeutic pool because Jones is HIV-positive. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane, who granted the deadline extension on Aug. 17. Jones is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, among other remedies. — Timothy Cwiek
Deadline extension granted in AIDS antibias case OSS Orthopaedic Hospital in York has until Sept. 6 to reply to an antibias lawsuit filed by “Bonnie Jones,” a woman with HIV who claims she was denied access to a therapeutic pool at the hospital. Initially, the hospital’s deadline to reply to Jones’ allegations was Sept. 23. But a hospital representative had a medical emergency, thus a deadline extension was granted. The named defendants are the hospital, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute and Timothy Burch. The hospital performs orthopedic surgeries, and Drayer operates its physical-therapy program. Burch is a physical therapist affiliated with Drayer. In June 2015, Burch allegedly denied
Last call for Phils tickets The Philadelphia Phillies will host its inaugural Pride Night next week. LGBTs and allies are invited to the Aug. 29 game, which kicks off at 7:05 p.m. Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia had organized a Gay Community Night event at the ballpark for more than a decade, but this year marks the first time that the LGBT-themed night is an official program of the Phillies. The first 1,500 fans to purchase tickets for Pride Night will receive a coupon for a special Phillies Pride Night T-shirt. To receive a $4 discount and coupon for the T-shirt, you must enter the promo code PRIDE at http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb. com/phi/ticketing/theme/pride.jsp. n — Jen Colletta
40 years ago in PGN Christian protesters disrupt Gay Community Center block party Adapted from reporting by Dave Powell
Only in Special Supplement Appearing spring and fall
Several young people calling themselves “preachers in blue jeans” traveled by van to Philadelphia from the suburbs in July 1976 to disrupt a block party given by the Gay Community Center. About 3 p.m. July 3, during Bicentennial celebrations, the Christian protesters arrived, telling gay people that they would “rot in hell” if they failed to “turn away from [their] sinful ways and give [themselves] to Jesus.” When the protesters refused to leave, people at the Gay Community Center called police to remove them. The incident came to an end after more than an hour when it began to rain. The block party moved inside the community center and the protesters left. When the rain cleared, the party re-emerged outside and people continued to enjoy arts and crafts and food. New Hope lounge gutted by arson Adapted from reporting by PGN staff The Prelude Lounge in New Hope
sustained extensive damage from a 1976 fire that officials called arson. The blaze, which hit the West Street establishment about 3:30 a.m. July 19, appeared to be caused by the igniting of gas-soaked rags on the bar’s dance floor, fire officials said. They added dynamite was also found on the premises, but no blasting caps were found, leading officials to believe it was merely burned with the other contents of the building and did not cause the fire. The resident of an apartment above the lounge was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation, PGN learned from neighbors. They added the resident’s cat and dog both died of smoke inhalation. The lounge was left with an 80 square-foot hole in the roof. Employees of a contractor that began renovation work within days of the fire “removed tons of charred debris from inside,” a neighbor said. Prelude management said it hoped to reopen the lounge in a matter of weeks. n
— compiled by Paige Cooperstein
New Jersey leads region in LGBTfriendly campuses By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com Three universities from New Jersey and two from Pennsylvania, including the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, have been named to a top-30 list published annually by the nonprofit Campus Pride. Rutgers University in New Brunswick, Princeton University and Montclair State University all earned perfect scores of 5 on the Campus Pride Index. That represents repeat top marks for all three. Penn also received a perfect score, while Penn State received a 4.5. The two Pennsylvania schools received the same scores last year. Penn State did receive a higher evaluation than last year on LGBT institutional support, but the index still called for improvements in LGBT recruitment and retention and academic resources. This is the eighth year Campus Pride has rated more than 235 universities on their policies and resources for LGBT students, faculty and staff. “Prospective students and their families today expect colleges to be LGBTQ-friendly,” Shane Windemeyer, executive director of Campus Pride, said in a statement. “Now more than ever, there are colleges that are recruiting LGBTQ youth — and they are investing in a campus that is fully supportive of LGBTQ students.” For more information and a complete list of the top-30 LGBT-friendly campuses, visit www. campusprideindex.org. n
Only in 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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News & Opinion
2 — News Briefing 40 Years Ago 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Street Talk 12 — Crime Watch
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25 — Feature: Fall entertainment 31 — Scene in Philly 33 — Family Portrait 34 — Out & About 36 — Comics 38 — Q Puzzle
SCOUT’S HONOR: John Jarboe of The Bearded Ladies Cabaret sang, danced and delivered laughs Aug. 18 at Delaware Art Museum. The troupe performed its traveling “Bitter Homes & Garden,” a botanical-themed comedic cabaret that reimagines life from the perspective of plants, at the Wilmington museum’s Copeland Sculpture Garden. The Ladies closed out the show’s summer run with a performance Saturday at Philadelphia’s The Oval. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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Creep of the Week: Ben Kinchlow, who says that America re-elected Barack Obama to prove to itself that it was not racist.
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BOOM! FOR BUCKS: AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania and Secret Cinema staged a screening of 1960s flick “Boom!” Aug. 19 at William Way LGBT Community Center. The 17th-annual Summer Movie Party raised funds for AIDS Law Project, which provides free legal services to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Film historian Richard Barrios introduced the film, a camp classic starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Photo: Scott A. Drake
RUBBERBANDance Group October 13-16, 2016
Gay man files complaint against children’s program Colin Harris, a South Philadelphia gay man, has filed a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations against Summit Children’s Program The complaint, filed Aug. 19, alleges harassment and antigay bias at Summit, which offers pre-school and child-care services to children in Mt. Airy. Harris’ son attends pre-school at Summit but will be leaving in September, Harris said. Harris, 39, contends that he suffered harassment and antigay bias at a June meeting held by Summit officials. During the meeting, a woman who served as Summit’s board president at the time allegedly stated: “Homosexuality is a sin.” The woman allegedly made the same comment in an email circulated to Summit board members, according to Harris’ complaint. Harris said he objected to the comment, but the woman’s husband told him he could leave Summit if he didn’t like his wife’s opinions. Another board member allegedly chastised Harris on Facebook, stating that he no longer was welcome at Summit. Harris expressed concern to other board members, “none of whom took action to address the discriminatory behavior,” he said in his complaint. “As a result of harassment, I am being
denied public-accommodations opportunities on the basis of my sexual orientation,” he stated in his complaint. “I am detrimentally affected because of the board members’ lack of action to address the discriminatory statement and postings.” Harris told PGN he doesn’t feel comfortable at Summit. “[The antigay statements] made me question exactly how safe an environment Summit is,” he said. “I felt personally attacked and criticized for who I am. Since then, I’ve felt uncomfortable and unwelcome twice a day, when I drop off and pick up my son.” Harris expressed hope that his complaint will have a positive effect on Summit. “By filing this complaint, I’m trying to ensure an LGBT-friendly atmosphere at Summit for future parents, children and staff to enjoy,” he said. He seeks to prevent a similar experience for other parents, he added. “Sept. 13 will be my son’s last day [at Summit]. I want to make sure that when he and I leave Summit, another parent doesn’t have to go through what I went through.” Summit’s board of directors issued this statement: “Summit Children’s Program is a secular program open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, just as it has been since opening in 1974, and we stand firmly behind our organization’s nondiscrimination policy. The board of Summit Children’s Program has not been contacted by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations regarding Mr. Harris’s complaint.” n
Martha Graham Dance Company November 3-6, 2016 Parsons Dance December 7-11, 2016 Doug Varone and Dancers January 18-22, 2017 Malpaso Dance Company February 15-19, 2017 Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo March 8-12, 2017
Parsons Dance: Photo Courtesy Lois Greenfield
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Sarah Gow moved into a quaint house in the 700 block of Main Street in Collegeville this week for the start of her junior year at Ursinus College. The English major will live with 12 other people of all genders in Queer House. The college’s Gender Sexuality Alliance helped get the special-interest living option its own building last year. It used to be part of a housing option for people interested in peace and social justice. “It’s important to have a space where people feel it’s specifically designated to talk about queerness,” said Gow, who is thinking of becoming a mental-health counselor with a focus on gender. “It creates a visibility on campus. Being part of a social-justice house is good, but it doesn’t allow the level of discourse to delve into the issues as much.” Gow is part of the GSA at Ursinus and sees Queer House as a home base for the student group, which didn’t previously have a permanent meeting place. Now a student-project coordinator helps the residents arrange twice-monthly activities in the common room. Last year, they had pizza nights and watched movies like “Tangerine.” Students also hosted series on asexuality and polyamory. Everyone was welcome to attend, even those who didn’t live in Queer House. “What’s really cool about Ursinus is the community isn’t just about having a safe space, but discussing issues of love and gender,” Gow said. “People are able to vocalize opinions that they’re feeling but they don’t normally want to say. Everybody in GSA and the queer community at Ursinus is really not judgmental.” Growing trend People might expect this kind of utopia from a small, liberal arts college. But Ursinus isn’t the only Pennsylvania institution promoting gender inclusivity. For this semester, Penn State University in State College debuted a mechanism to allow students to request campus housing with others regardless of gender. The option is available in apartments, suites, traditional residence halls with shared bathrooms or renovated
residence halls with single-occupancy bathrooms. “We wanted to make sure we had all different levels of housing,” said Kelly Griffith, senior assistant director for residence life at Penn State. “We didn’t want to price any students out of gender-neutral housing. For students, they can preference the area on campus where they’d like to live and their roommate regardless of gender.” Griffith said the idea grew out of the university’s LGBT housing, called Ally House, which started in fall 2013 on a traditional floor in West Halls. That first semester, 15 students chose the living option, which required completion of a course in the gender-studies minor. In 2014, 23 students opted for Ally House and in 2015, 22 students lived there. Much like at Ursinus, students at Penn State saw a growing interest in queer awareness and wanted campus housing to reflect that. Some attended the annual conferences for the National Association of College and University Residence Halls and heard about a growing trend for gender-inclusive housing. The Association of Residence Hall Students at Penn State conducted a survey in 2014 about gender-inclusive housing and received largely positive responses. “It’s exciting for us as professionals,” Griffith said. “Sometimes, students underestimate the power of their own voices to advocate for what they need. When students ask for something, we have a responsibility to investigate if we can provide it.” Choosing a roommate of a different gender does not require an academic component like Ally House. Griffith added gender-inclusive housing is meant to offer students more freedom and control over their living choices. She said friends or siblings of different genders could take advantage of the option. It wasn’t created specifically for transgender or non-binary students. But, Griffith said, if the option helps them feel safe and included in campus culture, so much the better. “It is certainly very much a growing trend,” said Dr. Genny Beeyman, a research consultant for the Campus Pride Index, which rates colleges on their
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LGBT-friendliness. “We have now over 150 colleges that advertised having gender-inclusive housing set up in different ways.” ‘Particularly important for first-year students’ Erin Cross, senior associate director of the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, said more sexual minorities than gender minorities take advantage of rooming with people of different genders at the Philadelphia school. An openly gay man, who was a student in spring 2003, first approached university officials about gender-inclusive housing. He wanted to live with his closest friends, who were women. Cross said the Penn LGBT Center helped the man lobby the university. By fall 2005, upperclassmen could request roommates anywhere on campus regardless of gender. A few years later, all students could choose any roommate. “It’s pretty much been a natural progression that
works out,” Cross said. “It really sends a signal to folks who are applying that they’ll be supported here. “It’s important because where you live is hopefully your respite. You want to be comfortable.” She added gender-inclusive housing has made a huge impact for first-year students who can choose a specific person to live with or select a random roommate without limiting the assignment by gender. Most older students move off campus and live with any combination of genders that suits them, Cross said. “Gender-inclusive housing is particularly important for first-year students because if you’re a returning student you probably have made some good friends,” Beemyn said. “You have a support network of people who you may want to live with. An incoming student is not necessarily going to have that.” Penn State allows firstyear students to request
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a roommate regardless of gender or live in Ally House. Only returning students at Ursinus have the option to live in Queer House. Beemyn, who also directs the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, shared a story from nearly a decade ago about an openly transgender student who started at the school. She talked to residence life about not wanting a male roommate. Amherst assigned her a single room in a building normally reserved for international graduate students. She felt isolated and ultimately dropped out, Beemyn said. “Ideally, a campus should just say gender-inclusive housing is all of campus,” they said, noting Amherst students can now request roommates regardless of gender. “When you move off campus, you can live with anyone you want to live with. Why should universities and colleges be policing people’s genders? These are adults.” n
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Physician files amended complaint against AIDS agency By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Dr. Emannuella Cherisme last week filed an amended complaint against AIDS Care Group, which contains additional details about alleged sexual harassment she endured at the agency. Cherisme, a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, worked at AIDS Care Group in 2013. She left the agency after allegedly experiencing workplace sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of her race, gender and national origin. In a 13-page opinion issued July 26, U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro dismissed
Cherisme’s initial complaint on the basis that it didn’t provide enough facts. However, Alejandro dismissed the case “without prejudice,” meaning Cherisme had the right to file a more-detailed complaint, which Cherisme did Aug. 17. In the amended complaint, Cherisme’s attorneys claim that a physician at AIDS Care Group “touched [Cherisme’s] breasts, pressed his genitals against different parts of [Cherisme’s] body, tried to kiss [Cherisme] at work or at her home (sometimes forcefully), took her hands to press on his genitals and tried to remove [Cherisme’s] underwear when she would wear skirts or dresses. He
LAIRD from page 1
ity; not preparing expert witnesses; not impeaching prosecution witnesses; not presenting medical records establishing Laird’s mental impairments; not objecting to impermissible victim-impact evidence; and not objecting to prosecutorial misconduct. DuBois rejected all of those claims, reiterating that Laird received a “fundamentally fair” trial in 2007.
constantly tried to make arrangements with her to try to have sexual relations with her.” The physician also had Cherisme’s paychecks withheld because she rebuffed his sexual advances, according to the complaint. Moreover, the physician “showed up at [Cherisme’s] home late at night and showed up at Orlando, Florida, when [Cherisme] was vacationing there with her children,” according to the complaint. The physician also would call and text her frequently, then take her cellphone while she was seeing patients and delete any references to his calls and texts,
Laird also claimed prosecutors shouldn’t have presented Chester’s 1988 trial testimony during Laird’s 2007 retrial because they knew Chester’s testimony was false. But DuBois said Laird failed to exhaust that claim on the state level, thus it should be dismissed. Additionally, DuBois said no miscarriage of justice results from the dismissal. As for Laird’s argument that jurors didn’t receive enough information about his childhood sex abuse, DuBois said:
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according to the complaint. Eventually, Cherisme blocked all calls and texts from the physician, according to the complaint. The alleged harassment caused Cherisme “extreme stress and would have caused extreme stress to any reasonable person in [Cherisme’s] position,” according to the filing. The filing also reiterates alleged racial comments from another staffer, mocking the color of Cherisme’s skin, and refusing to respect her as a professional. That staffer allegedly “sabotaged” Cherisme by “preventing [Cherisme] from purchasing necessary supplies, blocking
“[Laird’s] counsel investigated his background and mental impairments and presented significant substantive testimony on that subject.” Additionally, DuBois declined to issue a “certificate of appealability” to facilitate an appeal by Laird to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. However, attorneys for Laird still have a right to appeal to the Third Circuit without a certificate of appealability from DuBois. They had no comment for this story.
[Cherisme] from properly caring for her patients and constantly belittling [Cherisme],” the attorneys stated in the complaint. After Cherisme’s dismissal, her HIV/AIDS clinic duties were given to a Caucasian nurse and a Caucasian family physician, according to the complaint. Cherisme is seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages, along with legal fees and costs. She’s also requesting a jury trial. AIDS Care Group, based in Delaware County, was formed in 1998, and serves as a comprehensive health-services agency for people with HIV/AIDS. It also receives federal HIV/AIDSprevention funds. n
Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney Michelle A. Henry issued this statement: “The commonwealth is pleased that Richard Laird’s federal appeal was denied by the district court. The death penalty is appropriately reserved for only the most heinous murders and the coldblooded criminals who commit them. Richard Laird has twice been found by separate juries to be deserving of this ultimate punishment, which makes the court’s decision very gratifying.” n
Inmate renews plea for medical expert By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Kenneth J. Houck Jr., an openly gay inmate who was brutally assaulted five years ago, last month renewed his plea for a medical expert in his civil suit against the federal prison system. But the U.S. Department of Justice continues to oppose Houck’s request, noting that Houck’s indigent status doesn’t entitle him to a court-appointed medical expert. In 2011, Houck was assaulted by two other inmates at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. Houck’s right leg was broken in multiple places, and he continues to walk with a limp. Last year, Houck filed suit against the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, seeking $1.8 million in damages. According to Houck’s suit, authorities denied his request for protection prior to his assault. After his assault, authorities failed to provide proper medical care, resulting in “cruel and unusual punishment.” Houck says a neutral medical expert should participate in the litigation to help ensure the fairness of the proceeding. “Should [Houck] be denied funds for a medical expert, it would be a gross miscarriage of justice, where the truth is left a
secret, wallowing in silence, merely for the sake of only money,” Houck said in his July 28 filing. “It would then be only because of money that an injustice be allowed to prevail — and not the actual issues or merits of the circumstances. Is justice only meant for those who can pay for it?” Houck offered to reimburse the court for the expense of a court-appointed medical expert, when he has sufficient funds. “[Houck] sees no other remedy available to ensure fairness in this matter,” he added. But the DOJ maintains the court has discretionary power to deny Houck’s request, and should do so. The DOJ also notes that Houck has other claims that can be pursued without a medical expert, including defamation, libel, retaliation, employment discrimination and verbal harassment. As of presstime, Houck’s request for a court-appointed medical expert remained pending with U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen M. Tafoya. Houck is serving as his own attorney in the matter, after Tafoya denied his request for a court-appointed attorney. Houck, 41, is imprisoned for transporting child pornography. His scheduled release date is June 23, 2018, according to court records. U.S. Bureau of Prison officials had no comment for this story. n
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
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EDITORIAL PGN
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Ben Kinchlow
Editorial
Queering the campus At colleges across the region this week, boxes are being unpacked, families are being hugged and dorm doors are being closed as thousands of students embark on their college careers. Late August can be a daunting time for all college students, especially freshmen or those returning to the classroom after a break, as they’re tasked with meeting new people, learning new schedules and facing new pressures — not only to earn good grades but also to assimilate in their new surroundings. Those are challenges that can be further exacerbated for LGBT students. Though college campuses have long been considered bastions for liberal thinking, that’s not to say every student, teacher or classroom is LGBTaffirming. Even on welcoming campuses, new LGBT students may need to repeatedly come out — during intro sessions in classes, when discussing significant others with dorm mates or when connecting with classmates on social media — a taxing task that can leave students weary of the anxiety associated with repeatedly coming out. That’s where on-campus LGBT communities come into play. Even if students don’t feel like they necessarily need to belong to a gay-straight alliance, checking out such organizations can’t do any harm; students may even be surprised by how much comfort they get from finding a circle of students who are facing the same situations they are. However, colleges and universities shouldn’t expect students to come seek out those safe spaces: The start of the school year is the best time to actively introduce and engage students with the LGBT resources on campus. Showcasing LGBT safe spaces on equal terms as communities and organizations for other groups of students can go a long way in reaching students who are grappling with more than homesickness. Professors can also make strides to make their classrooms LGBT-affirming. In addition to overt gestures like installing rainbow stickers on their office doors to communicate that they are safe spaces, teachers can go the extra step by reducing the pressures of long-binary systems often used in higher education. They can eliminate classroom activities that segregate students into “men” and “women” classifications, and use gender-neutral language in classroom discussions, such as “partner” instead of “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.” No matter how small such steps may seem, each can alleviate the obstacles LGBT students face. The start of a new semester is an exciting prospect, though many LGBT students may view it instead as a mountain of challenges. Student leaders, campus administrators and faculty can play an important role in ensuring all students are welcomed to campus, and that they welcome the opportunities that await them. n
It has come to the attention of many people, including and especially, many Republicans, that Donald Trump is a Looney Tunes character come to life who would probably throw a fit and blow up the planet if, say, Vladimir Putin didn’t retweet him often enough. He’s a giant egomaniacal man-baby who cannot be trusted with any public office, let alone the presidency. But he’s totally going to be ready by November. I mean, he gave a speech in Detroit Aug. 8 about the economy during which protesters disrupted him many times. And he didn’t call for any of them to be carried out on a stretcher or punched in the face. What brave restraint! Anyone who lives in Reality America knows that Trump is bad news. Even people who don’t particularly like Hillary Clinton know that. But if you live in Right-Wing America, then reality is just a pesky detail that you keep swatting away because it’s annoying your otherwise-terrifying nightmare version of the country. Take, for example, former “700 Club” co-host and founder of the AfricanAmerican Political Awareness Coalition Ben Kinchlow. He really does not want Clinton to be president. He laid it all out in an unhinged Aug. 7 World Net Daily editorial in which he reveals a very surprising theory about President Obama’s election: Americans only elected him because he’s black. “It wasn’t because he was the most eminently qualified individual,” Kinchlow writes, “but because America wanted to prove to itself, and the world, that it was not racist — ergo they elected Barack Hussein Obama.” And since America did such a shitty job of “proving” we aren’t racist, we elected him again. And somehow we’ve still done a really shitty job of proving we aren’t racist and now he’s term-limited. Thanks, Obama. And now Americans, in our quest to show the world what a wonderful, peaceful (drone strikes aside) people we are, are going to elect Hillary Clinton as our next president in order to finally put to bed the ridiculous notion that we are sexist. Because that’s totally how presidential elections work.
Need proof? Oh, Kinchlow’s got proof. Check out these action-packed stats: “America has an extremely high percentage of voting-age college students, millennials, transsexuals, homosexuals, bisexuals and feminists,” he writes. “In addition, many normal Americans want to demonstrate that they are not racists, homophobes or anti-feminist.” Woah, did he just use “extremely high” as a way to quantify a percentage? How high is “extremely,” exactly? Well, it’s higher than “really” and “very,” duh. And this very specific and no doubt exhaustively researched number is apparently enough to tip the election to Clinton. But note his use of “normal Americans.” He deems LGBT people and feminists as abnormal, which isn’t surprising considering his ideology. But he also seems to be including voting-age college students and millennials as abnormal. Wut? It’s interesting, too, that, given his explanation, it appears that racist, homophobic and sexist are the default settings for “normal Americans” who go out every four years and choose the president based on what moral failings they need to atone for. Kinchlow states more than once that Clinton is unqualified, though he offers no examples of what qualifications she lacks. So my guess is she just doesn’t hate gays and Muslims enough. If she wanted to nab Kinchlow’s WND readers’ votes, she’d need to turn up her hatred level to “extremely high.”Thankfully she’s running to lead Reality America, not Kinchlow’s bizarre version where no one, not even him, wants to live. n
“America has an extremely high percentage of voting-age college students, millennials, transsexuals, homosexuals, bisexuals and feminists. In addition, many normal Americans want to demonstrate that they are not racists, homophobes or anti-feminist.”
D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan.
OP-ED PGN
Black Lives Matter and the LGBT community In June, I had the pleasure of addresscommunity with an “-ism,” you might want ing the staff of the Democratic National to try and communicate. Ask for meetings Convention during a Gay Pride luncheon. with the boards of organizations. And the As all speaking gigs go, I spoke about the leaders of those organizations should be issues of the day and then took questions. willing to listen and work to increase diver For me, there is always one question that sity if it’s short on their turf. stands out from such an event There’s a basic point here: or, as I like to believe, there’s a communication. If what you question that brings a group into are looking for is real change, discussion. then don’t start the conversa At this particular event, a tion out with a negative, such young African-American woman as a demonstration, petition raised her hand and said, “I want drive, picket, walk in/sit in … to support Black Lives Matter Hey, I’ve done all of them and and the LGBT community. How they sometimes work, but you can I do that?” take those actions only after The answer should be simple: you try to communicate your You can do both and be proud issues and attempt to create a that you’re working for social dialogue that leads to change. change on two fronts. But then Most organizations will the discussion I hoped for hapresist change at first, but good pened. The woman went on to organizations will, with a talk about the difficulty of supeffort, continue Mark Segal good-faith porting both movements, since dialogue that will result in people in each group questioned change. What’s more importthe motives of the other. ant: real change or a public-relations Both are movements with the goal of moment? changing ills in society. Both have prob Supporters of Black Lives Matter and the lems within their own camp with things movement for equality both want change. like racism, homophobia or anti-Semitism. In many ways, we complement each other But the good news is that people in these very well. movements are there because they want to I’ll leave you with this: This question help bring about change. The bad news is of how to support both movements is not they want it now, immediately. new. Check your LGBT- or black-history Hey, we live in the Internet age which books and read about the meeting between — with its ability to provide immediate members of Gay Liberation Front and The info and satisfaction — has caused many Black Panthers … in 1970. n to expect immediate social change, crimiMark Segal is the nation’s most-award-winning nal-justice reform and equality. commentator in LGBT media. His recently pub Sorry, change does not happen immedilished memoir, “And Then I Danced,” is availately; you have to work for it. This means able on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or at your favorite bookseller. that, before you cast off a fragment of the
Mark My Words
Positive Thoughts
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
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Street Talk Will there be a cure for AIDS in your lifetime? "Yes, within the next 20 years. I trust science and modern medicine. The LGBT movement will keep the fight going. Joseph Conicelli They'll push student it forward. South Philadelphia Many LGBT people are becoming scientists. They'll be motivated to find a cure."
"Yes, I'm optimistic there will be an actual cure for HIV/ AIDS in my lifetime. Granted, it's been 35 years and Kate Reber we haven't teacher gotten there South Philadelphia yet. But I have to feel we're getting closer. We're making strides."
"Yes, they've made breakthroughs in extending lives and managing symptoms. We've moving in the right direction. Sean ShefflerI think Collins within the scientist South Philadelphia next decade or two, we'll have a cure. When that happens, it will be phenomenal."
"No. I'm more pessimistic. Many people are making a lot of money, keeping the AIDS industry alive. They'll keep it going for at least Ryan Smith another 50 Uber driver years. I'm Point Breeze 36 years old now. So I don't think I'll be alive to see a cure for AIDS."
Myles Helfand
Trumping ignorance It’s a shame Donald Trump hasn’t said anything horrible during this campaign about people with HIV. Earlier this summer, as thousands descended on Cleveland, Ohio, to mark the controversial ascension of a presidential candidate whose campaign went viral and consumed one of humanity’s most powerful political parties, a very different group of thousands gathered halfway around the world to mark the controversial ascension of efforts to eliminate one of the most devastating viruses humanity has ever known. During the same week as the Republican National Convention in July, the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) took place in Durban, South Africa. Occurring just once every two years in a different international city, the conference brings together more than 15,000 of the brightest minds and strongest spirits in the HIV community — a diverse mix of researchers, activists, policymakers and others who are on the front lines of the
global effort to prevent HIV and improve the health of people already living with the virus. The meeting came at a critical time, as the fight against HIV has reached a turning point: We have the means to (gradually) obliterate HIV from our species, and we even have an increasingly accepted plan to get there. What we don’t seem to have a lot of is political will, funding or widespread popular support. In a reflection of this reality, here in the United States, mainstream media set up camp at the political buffet in Cleveland and gorged itself on the fast-food bonanza of the Republican convention. AIDS 2016 was largely ignored, the health-conscious restaurant left to languish in an era when reckless abandon seems to be the flavor of the day. Yet the conference had its fair share of tasty news — the kind of stuff that can fundamentally change opinions about HIV and the people living with it. For instance:
• We learned that almost 80,000 HIVnegative people in the United States are now regularly taking PrEP (“pre-exposure prophylaxis,” a daily pill that virtually ensures a person won’t become HIVpositive if taken correctly). • We learned that PrEP is so effective that people appear to remain largely protected from HIV even if they only take the drug about once every two days. • We were reminded that people with HIV who are on effective anti-HIV medications have almost zero chance of passing the virus on to someone else. • So convincing is the science on this that Demetre Daskalakis, M.D., one of the top HIV/AIDS officials in New York City (which is still home to more than 100,000 people living with HIV), recently endorsed a major new statement from experts publicly affirming that HIV-positive people have a “negligible risk” of transmitting HIV if they’re on meds and their viral load has been undetectable for the past six months.
In other words, we now know that people with HIV in the United States are almost completely uninfectious if they’re on successful treatment — and we also know that people without HIV can almost completely guarantee they’ll avoid infection if they take PrEP. Remind me again why there are still such stringent restrictions on gay men who want to donate blood, and why HIVpositive people continue to receive lengthy prison sentences simply for having consensual sex with HIV-negative people. Remind me why a person’s HIV status still renders them a pariah across huge swaths of this country. How is it that, in an age where it takes mere moments for popular anger to sweep the nation when an angry old man questions the patriotism of parents of a Muslim-American war hero, we’re still struggling 35 years later to sweep the nation with accurate, tolerant messaging about HIV? PAGE 16
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LOCAL PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
Gayorhood Crime Watch
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The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Aug. 8-14. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Crime Analyst Officer Robert Savino. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686TIPS.
warrant out for his arrest. The male was also in possession of narcotics at the time. The 28-year-old suspect was charged with drug possession and held for court on the warrant.
INCIDENTS
SUMMARY ARRESTS
— At 10:30 a.m. Aug. 10, a man reported he was pepper-sprayed and punched in his face by two individuals in the 1300 block of Locust Street. The suspects stole his wallet. One was a black woman dressed in Muslim attire, and the other was a black man, about 38, with a muscular build and light facial hair who was wearing a white tank top and dark blue shorts.
— At 11:20 a.m. Aug. 9, Center City District Officer Moore issued a citation to a 68-yearold man for drinking from an open container of alcohol in the 1100 block of Market Street.
— At 10 a.m. Aug. 5, a woman was stabbed in the arm with a pen by a 43-year-old man she knew inside Boxers, 1345 Walnut St. Central Detectives issued an arrest warrant and arrested the man. — There was one bicycle theft reported Aug. 8-14: in the 1100 block of Market Street. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 3:17 a.m. Aug. 8, Sixth District Officer Wang arrested a 26-year-old after an auto accidnet in the 900 block of Walnut Street. The motorist was charged with driving under the influence.
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— Between 7:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m. Aug. 9, the Delaware River Port Authority made two arrests of men, 33 and 38, who were wanted for being fugitives from counties outside of Pennsylvania. — At 10:10 a.m. Aug. 10, a SEPTA detective observed a 21-year-old man punch another man in the face in the 1300 block of Market Street. During the course of the investigation into the assault, a stolen firearm was recovered from the suspect’s car. The man was charged with weapons and theft offenses, as well as assault. — At 12:30 a.m. Aug. 13, Sixth District Officers Neal and Grider arrested a 27-yearold man after an auto accident in the 1000 block of Locust Street. He was arrested for driving under the influence. — At 3 a.m. Aug. 14, Sixth District Officers Grider and Coupas located a man in the 1200 block of Chancellor Street who had a
— At 6:55 p.m. Aug. 14, Sixth District Officer Ferrero arrested a 28-year-old man in the 200 block of South 12th Street who was wanted for a probation violation.
— At 2:14 a.m. Aug. 11, Sixth District Officer Dilworth issued a citation to a 33-year-old male for drinking from an open container of alcohol in the 200 block of South 13th Street. — At 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12, Center City District Officer Moore issued a citation to a 64-year-old man for drinking from an open container of alcohol in the unit block of North 12th Street. — At 1:08 a.m. Aug. 13, Sixth District Officer Coupas issued a citation to a 20-yearold man for underage drinking in the 200 block of South 13th Street. — At 1:16 a.m. Aug. 13, Sixth District officer Coupas issued a citation to a 24-year-old man for drinking from an open container of alcohol in the 1300 block of Walnut Street. — At 1:16 a.m. Aug. 13, Sixth District officer Coupas issued a citation to a 22-year-old man for drinking from an open container of alcohol in the 200 block of South 13th Street. — At 3:50 a.m. Aug. 13, Sixth District Officers Harrigan and Witherspoon issued a citation to 29-year-old man for disorderly conduct in the 200 block of South 13th Street. — At 8:45 p.m. Aug. 14, Sixth District Officer Ferrero issued a citation to a 61-yearold man for drinking from an open container of alcohol in the 100 block of South Broad Street. — At 9:30 p.m. Aug. 14, Sixth District Officer Ferrero issued a citation to a 24-yearold man for drinking from an open container of alcohol in the 1300 block of Walnut Street. n
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IN CONVERSATION WITH
A series of informal, intimate talks given by literary and cultural luminaries, In Conversation with the Rosenbach delves into fascinating histories, intellectual curiosities, and inspiring ideas. Each program offers audience members a chance to join the conversation after the talk and share thoughts and questions.
1/3 LIBRARY COLOR CR
Witold Rybcynski
David J. Skal
Thursday, September 22 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Witold Rybczynski Architect and author of Now I Sit Me Down: Klismos to Plastic Chair: A Natural History Thursday, October 6, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. David J. Skal Horror historian and author of Something in the Blood: The Untold Story of Bram Stoker, the Man Who Wrote Dracula
Willard Spiegelman
Thursday, October 20 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Emerging Irish poets Caoilinn Hughes and Stephen Sexton, presented in partnership with Poetry Ireland with funding from Culture Ireland Thursday, November 10 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Willard Spiegelman Wall Street Journal writer and author of Senior Moments: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
The Rosenbach | 2008 Delancey Place Event tickets are $15. Please reserve in advance. To learn more, visit www.rosenbach.org
PARENTING PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
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Hope and help for back-to-school time Back-to-school time can be stressful ment, to let our children’s teachers know for any parent. There are supplies to buy, we are an LGBTQ family — giving them schedules to arrange and forms to fill out. a subtle reminder to be inclusive. A sameFor many LGBTQ parents, it can bring up sex-parent family, for example, could go worries about our children’s inclusion and together to a start-of-year orientation, safety — but it can also be an opportunity introducing themselves as “[Child’s] parfor building bridges. ents.” As I see it, there are three There is no one right answer basic approaches we can take. for every family every year. First, we can wait until any The first year in a school may questions or issues arise before require a different approach discussing our families with than the third. We may even teachers or administrators. This mix methods the same year least-intrusive method gives when dealing with homeroom children the chance to control teachers as well as music, art, how and when to come out physical-education and other about their families, which can specialists. be empowering and respectThis flexibility is necessary ful, particularly for tweens and because LGBTQ support in teens. schools is still a work in progDana Rudolph ress. A new study from the We can also be more proactive, setting up a meeting with Centers for Disease Control the teacher to introduce ourselves and and Prevention has confirmed earlier work answer any questions they may have about showing that LGB students are at a higher LGBTQ families and individuals. If you risk of experiencing violence, bullying think there may be issues, this could be and depression than straight youth. (Other the best way to bring them into the open. studies have indicated the same for transAnd if we find that the teacher is LGBTQ gender youth.) It seems that this climate or a strong ally already, it could be a would be stressful even to straight, cisgenchance to share resources and ideas, such der students with LGBTQ parents as well. as inclusive books for the classroom. There are a few reasons to feel hopeful, A middle-ground approach is to find a however. way, without making a special appointFirst, several of the biggest education
Mombian
O U T F E S T I S O C T. 9
associations in the country have recently made visible moves forward. On July 4, the National Education Association, long an LGBTQ ally, adopted a detailed action plan “to promote a culture of safety, support and affirmation that ensures civil rights and advocacy for LGBTQ members and students.” The plan includes partnering with civil- and LGBTQ-rights organizations on resources targeting “the unique needs of ethnic-minority LGBTQ students and educators;” supporting state and national legislation that forbids antiLGBTQ discrimination; and challenging laws that allow such discrimination, such as North Carolina’s law prohibiting transgender students from restroom access matching their gender identity. The next day, the National Parent Teacher Association adopted a resolution calling for “federal policies that specifically protect LGBTQ youth and local practices that create and maintain safe, affirming and inclusive learning environments for all students.” Two weeks later, the American Federation of Teachers passed a resolution stating that the organization and its affiliates will support district, institutional and state policies for “the safety and educational achievement of LGBTQ students,” and will support the Federal Office for Civil Rights’ recent guidance to protect
transgender students. Also in July, 12 states plus the District of Columbia filed a “friend of the court” brief supporting the recent guidance from the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice on how federally funded schools can ensure respectful treatment of transgender students. It’s a long way from policy to practice, of course — but California took a big step towards practice last month as well, when its State Board of Education unanimously approved a new History-Social Science Framework that requires students in several grades throughout elementary, middle and high school to study “the role of contributions” of LGBT Americans, among other groups. And while this new curriculum doesn’t immediately translate to a better school environment, Equality California noted wisely in a press release: “By seeing themselves reflected, LGBTQ students are validated, which builds stronger opportunities for their academic and social success. LGBT-inclusive curricula also benefits all students by improving overall school climate.” With or without state support, however, it can be hard for parents to know where to turn for advice and resources. I’ve therefore updated my annual annotated list of Back-to-School PAGE 16
PGN’S PREVIEW ISSUE IS FRIDAY OCT. 7 The pre-OutFest edition of PGN has all the info about what’s going in Philly for OutFest weekend! From cover to cover, PGN will be your guide to help you celebrate being out and proud in the Gayborhood and beyond. To reserve ad space today, email greg@epgn.com or call 215-625-8501 ext. 211 (Issue date: Oct. 7; advertising/art deadline: Sept. 30)
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HEALTH PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
Helping youth stay safe through education, engagement and support When I came on board at Mazzoni suicide, depression, addiction, poor acaCenter earlier this year, I had no idea demic performance and other serious conthat I would be given the opportunity to sequences. Forty percent of LGB students enhance the way that youth in schools all said they had seriously considered suiover Philadelphia learn about healthy sexcide, and nearly one in three had actually uality. Our educational workshop series, attempted it within a year of completing How to Love, is inspired by the reality that the survey. Many of these students reported students don’t have a standard skipping school because they to receive accurate and applididn’t feel safe, and at least a cable information regarding third who responded reported healthy relationships, reprobeing bullied on school propduction, birth control and generty. der and sexual identity, among These findings are a call to many other topics. Providing action for all of us to protect young people with a safe space the lives of LGB youth. All to discuss these topics with young people need to be able their peers is both exciting and to access accurate informarewarding. I was reminded of tion about sexuality and sexual just how important this work is health, but for LGBTQ young when I saw the news this month people, the need is particularly that the Centers for Disease acute, given what we know Control and Prevention pubabout the challenges they face. lished the first nationally repreThat’s why I believe so Nefertari strongly sentative study of lesbian, gay in the work I do in the Sloan Philadelphia School District as and bisexual high-school students in the United States. The part of Mazzoni Center’s How results are sobering, and indicate that LGB to Love program. Every week I go into students experience substantially higher different schools and present workshops levels of physical and sexual violence and that explore a specific aspect of relationbullying than other students. ships and healthy sexuality. Often it starts (Note: This survey did not include the by exploring the relationship we have with ourselves, which is so fundamental to how option for students to identify as transgenwe engage with others. der, but the CDC and other federal agencies are developing a way to reliably count The workshops include: Healthy Relationships, where we talk about self-estransgender teenagers in future surveys, possibly starting next year). teem, respect, communication, safety Among the CDC’s findings were that and how to build healthy relationships; LGB youth were more than three times Knowing Your Body & Anatomy, where more likely to report having being raped students learn about basic reproductive than their heterosexual peers; more than health and sexual anatomy; Reproduction twice as likely to experience physical dat& Birth Control, where we review myths/ ing violence; and twice as likely to be bulfacts about pregnancy and focus on reduclied at school or online. ing the risks of teen pregnancy with a Clearly all these things are health conmini-presentation on forms of birth control cerns in and of themselves — and they and how they work; and HIV/AIDS 101, also place LGB youth at significant risk of which covers HIV transmission with the
On Being Well
POSITIVE from page 11
Instead, the tremendous successes of scientific advances like PrEP — or another highly effective form of virus prevention, clean needle exchange — are met with skepticism, as practical discussions about putting the power of HIV prevention in the hands of more people become bogged down in a morass of moralism, bigotry and budget wrangling. Heck, I still meet people who are surprised that people with HIV can live long, healthy lives while taking a single pill once a day — even though that’s been the case for a decade now. From a practical standpoint, managing HIV today is little different from managing high cholesterol, and a person on successful HIV treatment is roughly as likely to transmit the virus as a person on successful statins is to transmit an elevated LDL. But the perception of HIV in our society remains frustratingly entrenched in an ignorant past. Even as the science moves farther and farther from the rhetoric, fear and ignorance remain
goal of reducing the risk of transmission and HIV/AIDS-phobia. There’s also STIs & Safer Sex, where we review the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections and talk about sexual decision-making, safer-sex methods and debunking popular myths; Gender & Sexual Identity, where we explore stereotypes and bias around sexual and gender identity; How to be More than a Bystander, where students learn about the different types of bullying and their impact on self-esteem, as well as best practices to support each other in preventing and addressing bullying; and Self Esteem, where we talk about the importance of having a positive self-image, reasons why self-esteem can fluctuate and healthy ways to empower ourselves. Recently I’ve developed some newer workshops, including Consent, where we review the laws around consent and engage in interactive activities that underscore the importance of understanding and establishing physical boundaries for students and their peers. Body Positivity gives students a platform to discuss how the media shapes a lot of body images and perceptions of beauty, as well as educates about eating disorders and provides tools to help them maintain a positive self-image. In Sex & Tech we explore various social-media platforms and discuss the risks of sexting and cyberbullying, as well as what healthy online interaction looks like. The name How to Love carries a lot of possible meanings to me because we all learn how to love from someone in our lives and it’s a unique experience. One of my favorite ice-breaker activities with students is called “agree/disagree,” in which they move to one side of the room based on their response to a series of statements, such as: Oral sex isn’t real sex; Jealousy shows that you love someone; I don’t trust anyone until they give me a reason to and
the driving forces behind America’s understanding of HIV — in much the same way they have been the driving forces behind so much of this year’s presidential campaign. It’s almost enough to make the dark, cynical side of my soul wish that Donald Trump would say something outlandish about people with HIV, in hopes that his explosive words would catalyze a wave of productive discussion and education about preventing and treating the virus. But I wouldn’t wish that kind of attention on anyone. Instead, I remain hopeful that reason and compassion will win out in our country’s conversation about HIV. Publications like the one you’re reading right now help spread that hope and ensure that conversation happens. So can each of us, by ensuring we stay educated and that people close to us do the same. n Myles Helfand is the editorial director of TheBody. com and TheBodyPRO.com. Find him on Twitter @ MylesatTheBody. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, TheBody.com and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service.
so on. Each time I facilitate this activity, the results are unpredictable. People believe things based on their own personal experiences, and you can’t tell someone else what to believe. This has been a humbling job, and it has helped me to be even more open-minded than I ever imagined. I’m learning to appreciate other people’s experiences and their truths. One of the best things about the curriculum that I facilitate is that is so malleable and can be adjusted based on the needs of a particular setting. I always welcome feedback or suggestions from teachers, families and youth regarding our curriculum. I think students appreciate the fact that there’s no pressure to be right, no grades, no deadlines and no shame in these workshop sessions. I recognize that all students have an individual perception of themselves that may vary from that of their classmates, which is an essential part of growing up. I am so grateful to be a part of their learning process. As we head into another school year, please remind yourselves of the importance of acknowledging the individuality of our youth; we have a responsibility to the future movers and shakers of our society and a duty to give them our best — whether that’s accurate information on new discoveries in personal health, methods for making safer sex choices or simply allowing them to take up space in conversations pertaining to their own values and desires. They deserve that and so much more! n Nefertari Sloan is a youth-education specialist at Mazzoni Center. Contact Nefertari about scheduling a workshop at your school or youth-serving program at: nsloan@mazzonicenter.org (and learn more about youth programs at mazzonicenter.org/youth).
MOMBIAN from page 15
Resources for LGBTQ Parents, which you can find at my website, mombian.com. We should remember, too, that LGBTQ identity is not the only aspect of school inclusion. Non-LGBTQ families that don’t fall into the one-mom/one-dad paradigm may have similar concerns. And both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ families whose racial, ethnic or religious identities differ from the majority in their community, or where a member has physical or emotional challenges, may worry about a school’s response to those aspects of their lives as well. We may find sympathetic ears and mutual allyship in many places. Sending our children off to school can be scary for any parent. As LGBTQ parents, we often have an extra layer of concern — but we have a community of support in the many LGBTQ parents who have gone before us and the allies who are increasingly stepping up. We must also trust that our children are strong and resilient at heart, even if they sometimes need our help. Things are not perfect yet, but I do believe they are getting better. May the school year be full of learning and friendships for you and your families. n Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory for LGBTQ parents.
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‘community-first’ event planner, Ashley Coleman By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com
Ashley Coleman slicked a lemon slice over the edge of a fresh stack of singles in the early part of her shift on a recent Wednesday night at Tavern on Camac. While arranging the money in the drawer, she asked her bar back, Amede Bennett, to grab a beer for a customer. “No hands!” Coleman called. “Don’t open beer with your hands. You’re going to hurt yourself. These rules are for you.” Coleman and Bennett started working together two years ago at Tavern. Once — because they both have light skin and green eyes, Bennett said — a patron asked if they were siblings. “We told him yes and it’s been a joke ever since,” Bennett said. Now, to anyone who wonders, Coleman, 31, introduces Bennett, 23, as her kid brother. “We flow very well together,” Bennett said, noting Coleman is one of the most skilled bartenders he’s ever worked with. She asks three questions to make anyone a signature cocktail: Favorite article of clothing? Favorite childhood TV show? Favorite color? “Wednesday’s probably one of my most looked-forward-to shifts,” Bennett said. “I rarely have a bad Wednesday with Ashley. We’re always joking around.” Coleman has an easy rapport with her customers. When one man aired some disappointment that the night would not be as eventful as he hoped, Coleman poured him a drink and said, “Oh, it’s early. Shenanigans will come. Don’t worry.” Coleman flits like a hummingbird between her various commitments in the region’s LGBT scene. She also bartends at Cibo in Philadelphia and The Cub Room in New Hope. On Thursdays, she takes meetings for her company, bASH. Events. Usually liquor reps like Thursday meetings, Coleman said. On Sundays, her only days off, she does laundry. Coleman calls herself a “community-first event planner.” She founded bASH. in 2012 with two boxes of decorations. Now she has two staffers to whom she’s grateful for “working for peanuts.” “We give all the money away to different nonprofits,” she said, noting she likes to support queer kids at The Attic Youth Center and Haven Youth Group in the Lehigh Valley, near where she grew up in Emmaus. Coleman went to Haven activities as a teen and joked she had her “first little lesbian dramas” there. In recent memory, Coleman organized a Gay Prom at Haven, following the success of the inaugural event in 2013 at Tabu in the Gayborhood. “I’m a small business,” she said. “I’m a
black-owned business. I’m a gay-owned business. I just love getting to do all these things for my communities.” bASH. has six events on the docket for October, including one to benefit COLOURS and another around OutFest for Mo’ Betta, who won Mr. Philadelphia Drag King 2016. Coleman’s philanthropy traces back to her sophomore year of high school in 2001. She started a project called “Celestial Products” because she was obsessed with the Earthsaving anime character Sailor Moon. Over two years, she raised $100,000, most of which went to causes related to those affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks. In addition to charity, a passion for education drives Coleman. After a decade-long journey involving colleges in Boston, Hawaii and California, she finally graduated from Temple University in 2014 with degrees in history and edu-
Photo: Amanda Swiger/Swiger Photography
cation. She said she knew she wanted to teach high school even before she attended. Coleman worked briefly for a charter school in Philadelphia, but decided an educational nonprofit might fit her better. She rarely says no to a new project. She’d also like to start a summer camp for LGBT adults and tossed off an idea for a show called “The Queer Housewives of Philadelphia.” “Being in Philadelphia, I finally got to settle into myself,” Coleman said. “Here is where I became part of the community.” She makes friends fast, said Christen Landtroop, a recent transplant from Dallas. “My friend asked me what I was doing tonight,” Landtroop said last Wednesday. “I
PERSONALITIES PGN
said, ‘I’m going to see my therapist.’ She said, ‘I didn’t know you were in therapy.’ And I said, ‘Well she’s a bartender, but I think she’s my friend.’” Landtroop and Coleman met earlier this month at Tavern and bonded over a love of education. Landtroop worked as a teacher in Texas. But she wanted a change before her 30th birthday in July. Now the woman with a double nose ring and Xena Warrior Princess hair finds herself at home in South Philly. Coleman says getting people into conversations makes her love her job. But she returns the favor with her own stories. She would be the first to tell someone that her path to Philadelphia, where she arrived in 2010, is interesting — here, she raises her eyebrows. A few years after her funding dried up at Berklee College of Music, Coleman transferred to Chaminade University of Honolulu, which started as a teaching college for indigenous women. She had a moment of crisis when she found out the university only certified teachers through middle school, not high school. “It was a real dilemma,” Coleman said. “Should I be in the place I want to be in or do the thing I want to do? I got on a conference call with five of my best girlfriends, who lived all over the country at the time. One said, ‘Why don’t we go back to Philadelphia and figure out our lives?’” They hung out at Sisters, the lesbian bar that closed in 2013, and made a pact to move to the city together in three years. Life had some more twists planned for
Coleman. She moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., with one girlfriend then to Los Angeles with another. There, she found herself in an abusive relationship. “One night, she was kicking me in the back of the head,” Coleman said. “I was crouched down. My nose started dripping blood. I realized it was internal bleeding. She left and I knew she went to get her gun. I literally ran out the door with just my purse and my shoes. A friend picked me up on the corner of Crenshaw and Pico. “I called my friends a year later and said, ‘It’s time we move back to Philadelphia.’ Now it’s amazing to have this circle of strong women here. Most of us are queer. Some of us are straight. We have, like, one of those.” Coleman said a person’s confidence really takes a hit after experiencing domestic violence. But she began to bounce back in Philadelphia, in part with help from friends and family. This month, when her maternal grandparents visited, they spent a night at a gay bar for the first time. Coleman affectionately called her grandparents “tiny little Germans” and marveled at their enjoyment with the piano player at Tavern. On her mother’s 50th birthday this year, they went to Philadelphia’s Pride celebration. Coleman said she learned resilience from her single mother. Her father died when she was 3. “You never know when the carpet’s going to get ripped out from under you,” Coleman said. “It’s a lot about flexibility.” n
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DISCRIMINATION from page 1
The state of LGBT nondiscrimination in Pennsylvania SENATE All bills sponsored by Sen. Patrick Browne, a Lehigh Valley Republican SB1306 • Addresses discrimination in employment • Scheduled for an Aug. 30 hearing in the Labor and Industry Committee • Sen. Lisa Baker, a Luzerne County Republican, chairs the committee • http://ow.ly/V6Jv303tDTD SB1307 • Addresses discrimination in housing • Passed out of the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee in a 7-4 vote June 22
• Re-referred to the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee • Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, a Centre County Republican, chairs the committee • http://ow.ly/qxO3303vhTU SB1316 • Addresses discrimination in public spaces • Scheduled for a Sept. 26 hearing in the State Government Committee. The Pennsylvania Fairness Act, called SB974, which includes nondiscrimination protections in housing, employment and public accommodations, will also be discussed. • Sen. Mike Folmer, a Lebanon County Republican, chairs the committee • http://ow.ly/1ARe303vjql
HOUSE HB1510 • The Pennsylvania Fairness Act, addressing discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations • Resolution to bypass consideration by the State Government Committee presented June 7 • Rep. Dan Frankel, an Allegheny County Democrat, sponsored the bill • http://ow.ly/9IWA303vk0K — compiled by Paige Cooperstein
ten, or whether changes to the current language might be necessary.” The proposed LGBT employment-nondiscrimination bill is available at http://ow.ly/ V6Jv303tDTD. Several organizations have been asked to testify at the hearing. Wilson said this week that the committee was still finalizing its list of confirmed speakers. The committee would not vote on employment protections until after Labor Day, at the earliest, when the legislature is back in session. No representatives from Equality Pennsylvania will p a r t i c i p a t e , s a i d L eva n a Layendecker, deputy director of the organization. She said they were not invited to speak. Instead, Equality Pennsylvania officials will attend a White House Regional LGBT Summit that’s being hosted in Pittsburgh on the same day as the Labor and Industry hearing. Equality Pennsylvania previously cast blame on Baker for stalling the Senate vote on a bill for LGBT-housing protections, which made its way out of the Urban Affairs and Housing
Committee in June with an amendment to include employment protections. Baker didn’t want the Senate to vote on the bill until Labor and Industry could hold its own hearing on employment protections. S i n c e t h e h e a r i n g wa s announced last week, more than 300 Pennsylvanians contacted their legislators in support of the bill, Layendecker said. “What I assume we’ll hear from the hearing is that protecting LGBT people from discrimination in employment is good for the state’s economy,” she said, adding it’s up to Labor and Industry to decide if the hearing will lead to a committee vote. “It’s hard to say what they’ll decide. It’s really hard to predict how this hearing will impact protections moving forward.” There has been no word yet on whether the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Leadership Council will participate in this month’s hearing on employment nondiscrimination. The group of nonprofit executive directors formed this year with a mission to support education and advocacy efforts in state government. n
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Queer Faith Gettin’ On Crystal Cheatham
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Out Law
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Queer Faith explores how LGBT people are incorporating faith into their lives, and what steps faith communities are doing to open their congregations’ doors to the LGBT community. Crystal Cheatham discusses the intersections of faith and LGBT life each month.
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FEATURE PGN
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2016 FALL PREVIEW AS TEMPS COOL, PHILLY ARTS SCENE HEATS UP
FALL INTO FALL: Martha Graham Dance Company (clockwise from top left), Well-Strung Quartet, Sia, “An American in Paris,” “Rizzo,” Pink Martini, Against Me, Bret Michaels and Step Afrika! The Barnes Foundation presents Amy Schumer By Larry Nichols Art vintage prints of nearly 200 classic The comedian performs 7 p.m. Sept. 24 larry@epgn.com Everyday, Everynight images made between 1890-1950 by at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; The Seraphin Gallery presents a solo French photographers Oct. 8-Jan. 9 at 215-389-9543. The virtual, literal and existential insan- exhibition by James Inscho featuring the Roberts Gallery, 2025 Benjamin ity, turmoil and heat that was the summer abstract compositions Sept. 2-18, 1108 Kathleen Madigan Franklin Parkway; 215-278-7000. of 2016 is winding down, giving way to the Pine St.; 215-923-7000. The comedian performs 8 p.m. Oct. 27 glorious kaleidoscopic visuals and cooling Paint the Revolution: Mexican at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., temperatures of fall. Oh, and even though Classical Splendor: Painted Modernism, 1910-1950 Glenside; 215-572-7650. it feels like we just got done with the DNC Furniture for a Grand Philadelphia Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an House and its takeover of Philly, there are still a Gilbert Gottfried exhibition of Mexican masterpieces by few more months of intense political circus Philadelphia Museum of Art presents The comedian performs Nov. 3-5 at Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, antics we have to wade through until the an exhibition of furniture designed in Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; David Alfaro Siqueiros, Frida Kahlo, 1808 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe Sept. election. 215-496-9001. Rufino Tamayo and many others Oct. 3-Jan. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; Yeah, does anybody else need a stiff 25-Jan. 8, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. drink right about now? Lewis Black: Emperor’s New Clothes — 215-763-8100. But on the bright side of the arts and The Naked Truth Tour Bruce Nauman: Contrapposto entertainment front, the gigantic summer The politically charged comedian performs Comedy outdoor concerts are sliding out of the pic- Studies, I through VII 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at Kimmel’s Academy of Scott Nevins ture in favor of more manageable indoor Philadelphia Museum of Art presents Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. The comedian and TV personality perthe premiere of a new work by Bruce shows. Philly is getting fired up for new forms 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at The Rrazz Nauman, which continues the artist’s seasons of highly anticipated plays, stage Room, 385 Bridge St., New Hope; 888- Suzanne Westenhoefer shows, concerts and arts festivals that are exploration of video, sound and perforThe out comedian performs 8 p.m. Nov. 596-1027. ready to brighten the upcoming darkening mance, Sept. 18-Jan. 8, 26th Street and 18 at The Rrazz Room at the Prince, 1412 the Parkway; 215-763-8100. days. Chestnut St.; 215-422-4580. Poppy Champlin So start pulling you fanciest fall duds Live and Life Will Give You Pictures: The out comedian performs 7:30 p.m. out of the recesses of your closets and get Masterworks of French Photography, Sept. 10 at The Rrazz Room, 385 Dance ready for some top-notch entertainment 1890-1950 Cinderella Bridge St., New Hope; 888-596-1027. this autumn. PAGE 27 The Pennsylvania Ballet
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Dining Out Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly PAGE 34
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FEATURE PGN FALL PREVIEW from page 25
performs the classic fairy tale Oct. 13-23 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Step Afrika! The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence Dance Affiliates and The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts present the dance troupe combining African and modern-dance traditions Nov. 3-5 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Martha Graham Dance Company Prince Music Theater presents the legendary dance company performing its masterpiece “Appalachian Spring” Nov. 3-6, 1412 Chestnut St.; 267-239-2941. Music Steven Tyler The rock singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at Tower Theater, S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 215-922-1011. Culture Club The new-wave pop band performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-6271332. Adele The superstar singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 9-10 (good luck finding tickets) at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543.
Tower Theater, S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 215-922-1011. Make America Rock Again Tour Trapt, Alien Ant Farm, Saliva, Crazy Town and more perform 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215627-1332. Gojira and Tesseract The progressive-metal bands perform 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-627-1332. Terry Bozzio The legendary drummer (Missing Persons, Frank Zappa, Korn) performs a drum clinic 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Lush The alt-rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215232-2100. Bad Boy Reunion Tour Rap and R&B stars Puff Daddy, Lil’ Kim, Mase, Faith Evans, 112 and more perform 8 p.m. Sept. 23 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543.
Brian Wilson The Beach Boys songwriter and singer celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Pet Sounds” with a concert 8 p.m. Antigone Rising Sept. 23 at Tower The rock band Theater, S. 69th with out members SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER (CLOCKWISE St., Upper Darby; performs 8 p.m. FROM TOP LEFT), IGGY AZALEA, “THE 215-922-1011. Sept. 10 at World WIZARD OF OZ” Cafe Live, 3025 Tovah Feldshuh Walnut St.; 215The actor and singer performs at 3 p.m. 222-1400. and 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at The Rrazz Room at the Prince, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-422Sleigh Bells 4580. The rock duo performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; Kanye West 215-232-2100. The rapper performs 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389Book of Love 9543. The synth-pop band celebrates its 30th anniversary 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at World Cafe Bad Religion and Against Me! Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. The punk-rock bands perform 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1100 KT Tunstall Canal St.; 215-625-3681. The rock singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011. Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz The out singer-songwriter performs with AC/DC her band 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at World Cafe Live, The rock band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 20 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. Eddie Bruce The Philly cabaret musician and bandTom Jones leader performs 5 p.m. Oct. The singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at PAGE 28
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
FALL PREVIEW from page 27
9 at The Rrazz Room at the Prince, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-422-4580. Drake The rapper performs 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. The Descendants The punk-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-627-1332. Iggy Azalea The rapper performs 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Squeeze and The English Beat The classic-alternative bands perform 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650. Twiztid The rap duo performs 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888. Teenage Fanclub The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-2221400.
Well-Strung The out string quartet performs 9 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Suzanne Vega The singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Tegan and Sara The out singer-songwriters perform 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1100 Canal St.; 215-625-3681. Meshuggah The progressive-metal band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 7 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1100 Canal St.; 215-625-3681. Brendan James The out singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-2221400. Yellowcard The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-6271332.
Failure Peter Hook The space& The Light rock band PSYCHIC TV (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT), The musiperforms 8 SUZANNE VEGA, “MAMA MIA” cian performs p.m. Oct. an evening 19 at the of songs 8 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Trocadero Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. 922-6888.
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Bianca Del Rio: Not Today Satan The drag star performs 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.
Bret Michaels The rock singer performs 8:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-627-1332.
Melissa Etheridge The out singer-songwriter performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.
Dinosaur Jr. The grunge-rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
Sia The pop singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Big Band Voodoo Daddy The swing band performs a holiday show 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.
Foreigner: The Hits Unplugged The classic-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.
Psychic TV The industrial-rock band performs 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Boot & Saddle, 1131 Broad St.; 267-639-4528.
PGN FEATURE
Pink Martini’s Holiday Spectacular The orchestral-music group performs 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650. Theater Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific Walnut Street Theatre presents the classic musical adapted from the Pulitzer Prizewinning novel Sept. 6-Oct. 23, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. The Bridges of Madison County Media Theatre presents the musical based on the best-selling novel Sept. 14-Oct. 23, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. How We Got On Azuka Theatre presents the Philadelphia premiere set in the 1980s about three teens dreaming of fame and fortune in the new hip-hop scene Sept. 21-Oct. 9 at Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake, 302 S. Hicks St.; 215-563-1100. Rizzo Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the drama following Frank Rizzo’s trajectory from beat cop to police commissioner to mayor of Philadelphia Sept. 23-Oct. 16 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-9850420. The Wizard of Oz The yellow brick road runs through Walnut Street Theatre Nov. 8-Jan. 8, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.
An American in Paris The new Tony Award-winning musical about an American soldier and a mysterious French girl, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war, Nov. 22-27 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. Mama Mia! The beloved musical overflowing with the music of ABBA runs Dec. 27-31 at Kimmel’s Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Other Miss’D America Pageant The drag pageant returns 9 p.m. Sept. 24 to the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
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The Amazing Kreskin The mentalist performs 5 p.m. Sept. 25 at The Rrazz Room at the Prince, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-4224580. Henry Rollins The spoken-word artist performs 8 p.m. Oct. 22-23 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888.
Anthony Bourdain The chef and In My Body TV personFlying Bulldog TEGAN AND SARA (CLOCKWISE FROM ality hosts Production presents TOP), CHRISTINE HAVRILLA, BIANCA DEL a live show the world-premiere RIO and Q&A musical telling sto7:30 p.m. ries through song, Oct. 26 at spoken-word, movement and photographic Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. images Nov. 9-13 at Prince Theater’s Black Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Box, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-422-4580. Steve Martin & Martin Short: An A Christmas Story Evening You Will Forget for the Rest Media Theatre presents a stage play based on of Your Life the beloved holiday film Nov. 9-Jan. 8, 104 The stage and screen stars share stories, E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. sing songs and tell a few jokes Oct. 28-29 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, Found 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the musical about a man obsessed with collectHallowqueen Drag Show ing hundreds of irreverent, hilarious and The drag show celebrates the season weird notes that surround us every day Nov. 9 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Borgata Hotel, 9-Dec. 11 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. The Rape of Lucretia The Prince Theater presents Benjamin Britten’s powerful tragedy set in ancient Rome Nov. 17-20, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215422-4580.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
Jillian Michaels The fitness expert and TV personality hosts a live event 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650. n
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National Praise For MARK SEGAL’s #1 Best Selling Memoir
AND THEN I DANCED TRAVELING THE ROAD TO LGBT EQUALITY
Now NLGJA BOOK OF THE YEAR
“Mark Segal’s work for LGBT equality is historic and significant. The fact that he is still connecting our community is a testament to the passion which he shares in this memoir.” --Billie Jean King
“I have read about Segal in other places but nothing is like reading about it as he tells it....Because of Segal and others we have openly LGBT people working in the White House and throughout corporate America. He has helped make it possible for an entire community of gay world citizens to finding the voice that they need to become visible.”
“Mark Segal is a beloved and respected activist for the LGBT movement, and he’s a pivotal voice to tell our story,”
--Reviews by Amos Lassen
--The Advocate
“Segal’s writing style is engrossing and never ponderous....And Then I Danced is highly recommended for all LGBT history collections and especially for readers with interest in Pennsylvania/Philadelphia politics.”
“Mark Segal made national news on December 11, 1973 when he interrupted a live broadcast of the CBS Evening News by yelling ‘Gays protest CBS prejudice!’ at none other than Walter Cronkite. He was wrestled to the floor on live national television, an incident often credited as the beginning of the end of LGBTQ invisibility. In his new memoir, Segal looks back on that defining moment in history, as well as the many battles that followed.”
--American Library Association’s GLBT Round Table “And Then I Danced is a fascinating page-turner that prompted my tears, laughter, envy, and astonishment--but most of all left me feeling very proud of what our community has accomplished and grateful to Mark for sharing his intimate memoir. While there are many who have witnessed the extraordinary history of the LGBT community, few have played as major a role in creating it as has Mark. It is no exaggeration to say that there is no person alive today who has been a more central participant in as much of the contemporary LGBT rights struggle than Mark Segal.”
--Queerty
--Sean Strub, author of Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS, and Survival
“If it happened in the gay rights movement, Mark Segal was probably there.”
“Mark Segal has for decades been a pathfinder for LGBT journalists of all stripes. We’re indebted to him for his years of radical activism, helping to foster a movement for change that has had a dramatic and positive impact for millions.”
--ABC-TV “Mark Segal is one of the major actors in the struggle for LGBT equality in the U.S....A life as eventful as Segal’s demands that a book be written about it.”
--Michelangelo Signorile, author of It’s Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality
--South Florida Gay News
“Real change never comes without real guts and real vision and real leaders. Mark Segal is the real deal.”
“Segal’s And Then I Danced harkens back to the glory days of the gay liberation era. Current activists could learn a lot of useful lessons from reading this memoir, and any American who reads it will learn about some interesting chapters in our nation’s ongoing struggle to form a more perfect union.”
--Robert Moore, cofounder of Dallas Voice “Mark Segal’s ideas run from the alpha to the omega. Sometimes I think there’s got to be more than one Mark Segal: he has done way too much for one lifetime. I highly recommend this book. If you can’t get to meet Mark in person, this is the next best thing!”
--David Carter, Author of Stonewall, The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution
--Michael Luongo, author of Gay Travels in the Muslim World
“And Then I Danced is more than a memoir; it’s a revelation……….and that’s a huge part of why this book is so vital. Equally important is how Segal shatters mistaken beliefs about queer history. Segal really puts the movement in context for the post-Stonewall generation.”
“Before there was Ellen, Will, Grace, Rosie, Andy, and Anderson, Mark Segal was the squeaky gay wheel of American television, pulling stunts that forced the medium to open its closet door. If Walter Cronkite were still alive, he’d say: Not HIM again! And that’s the way it is. And was. Read all about it.” --Bruce Vilanch, Six-Time Emmy Award Winner
--Lambda Literary Review “Read Mark Segal’s memoir and you’ll get the inside story of how and why he interrupted a live broadcast of The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. What happened afterward will surprise you. It’s one of many surprises in this must-read first-person account of LGBT history as it unfolded after Stonewall. Segal was a witness to that history, and he made some of it happen, changing our country and our lives for the better.”
“Mark Segal has taken the LGBT aging world by storm, and in the process has made a remarkable difference for our community’s courageous pioneers. We’ve all learned so much from him.” --Michael Adams, executive director, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders “With gentle humor and the slightest touch of sardonicism….Segal lets readers into his personal life: his loves, losses, and (spoiler alert!) a very happy ending. “Drama seems to follow me,” he writes, and readers will be glad for it.”
—Louis Wiley, Jr., executive editor, Frontline (PBS)
ORDER AT:
--Washington Blade
Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or Your Favorite Bookseller
PROFILE PGN
Family Portrait
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
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Suzi Nash
Crys Fitzgerald-Moore: ‘Rock’ star, from the wall to the web Last week I watched myself on “American Ninja Warrior.” No, I wasn’t hanging from my fingertips on the Flying Shelf Grab or scaling the Warped Wall, but if you look closely in the background of the Philadelphia finals, you can see me in the distance wearing a white leather jacket hanging out with the talent coordinator, Angelou Deign. The Philadelphian, my old friend and all-around cool chick was kind enough to make me a VIP on set. Watching the amazing women on the show inspired me to seek out some of the tough gals in this town. Crys Fitzgerald-Moore is one who soars to great heights both literally and figuratively. Here’s just a sampling of the things Fitzgerald-Moore, a jack of all trades and self-proclaimed MacGyver, excels at: software and programming languages, hardware and fabrication methods, woodworking, metalworking, Laser Cutter, CNC, 3D printing and interactive prototyping. She is an adjunct lecturer at the City College of New York, where she teaches the fundamentals of electronics, micro controllers, sensors, human/computer interaction design and interactive installation, along with sculpture, installation, digital fabrication, digital-media production and web development. Fitzgerald-Moore is also an art director at ITP Camp at New York University, where she also serves as a research fellow. She is the recipient of numerous awards, and oh, in her spare time she’s into rock climbing, plant-based nutrition and short but mighty runs. PGN: You’re a member of the Philadelphia LGBT rock-climbing group PHLASH and a lead trainer at the Philadelphia Rock Gym. Were you the kid always climbing the stairs on the outside of the banister? CFM: Totally, though for me it was more outdoors stuff. I was always at the top of some tree. PGN: Where did you get your adventurous spirit? CFM: I think it was the nature of where I grew up. We had five acres of land in South Carolina in the middle of nowhere so there wasn’t really anything else to do except climb things. PGN: What were the good and bad points of growing up in a rural area? CFM: I knew at a pretty young age that I was queer. I was a latchkey kid and pretty independent. I was always like, I’m a boy, don’t tell me that I’m not. And my mom let me run with that until puberty hit and that’s when she put her foot down and said, “You are a girl and you need to grow your hair out and start wearing typical girl clothes.” So that wasn’t great, but I still always hung out with boys, beating them up, whatever. They didn’t really know
what to do with me but they did the best they could. It wasn’t until high school that I started to figure it out and had my first girlfriend. I wasn’t out yet, but still would have people shout, “Hey, Crystal is gay!” — I was Crystal back then — so that was tough to deal with as a teenager. I realized I needed to get out of there as fast as possible. In retrospect, I now appreciate having grown up being able to play outdoors and exploring nature. So it was a mixed bag. It’s very Christian there. I was forced to go to church up until I was about 18. I had to dress up and wear culottes or dresses, which I hated, but I have an older brother, Jason, and an uncle who are both gay, which helped. They definitely paved the way. PGN: When was the last time you wore a dress? CFM: [Laughs] Oh boy, my gender expression even in my early 20s was still feminine, with long hair in a bun until … maybe even as late as 27, which was when I began to understand what gender-queer meant. So it’s probably been about 15 years. PGN: So, how did you get out of South Carolina? CFM: I left at 18 to study sculpture and design in Chicago at the Art Institute but I wasn’t emotionally ready for it. I didn’t know myself very well and wasn’t equipped to handle the freedom. I got into a lot of trouble and started drinking a lot. I ended up leaving and going back home, which was good for me, but I definitely perceived it as a huge failure at the time. Like, Yay! I made it out! And then, Oh, but I’m coming back. I spent a few years there working odd jobs, partying and drinking. I’m a recovering alcoholic and that was the time when the drinking really took hold. I knew I had to leave again. My brother was living in California and invited me to stay with him so I saved up over the summer and moved out to L.A. I got sober almost as soon as I moved there. I started going to 12-step meetings. I stopped to reflect on how I got to the point where I was not doing anything meaningful; I’d had so many hopes and dreams for myself that I’d let slip away. So L.A. was a big turning point: I went back to school to finish my undergrad and did very well. I got a B.A. in critical-visual studies at Antioch University; they have a small liberal-arts satellite school in L.A. PGN: What is/are critical-visual studies? CFM: It’s kind of half fine art, half critical theory. It was a way for me to take critical theory on current philosophy or, say, gender studies or post-colonial studies or post-structural theory and marry it to an artistic practice. After that, I applied
to grad school and got accepted into an interesting art/tech master’s program. It was the Interactive Telecommunications Program at NYU. Each year, they selected about 100 people from different studies: from theater artists to UX designers to lawyers — my year we had a doctor — who were interested in using technology to change society and threw us all together to see what happened. There’s always some crazy, inventive stuff that came out of it. PGN: What’s an example of something that came out of your group? CFM: Are you familiar with the app Foursquare? That came from us, and a lot of cool interactive art. We’d do things like create fabric that you could touch and change the animation. PGN: I read about the fish tank. CFM: Yeah, that was cool. We wanted something where you could physically interact with water but then have a digital effect that blurred the line between what’s
rock climbing is a little more accessible so I started my journey with that. They had a structured training program so I felt comfortable and quickly became obsessed. The nature of a gym is that there’s often a type of person who tends to dominate that space and in a space where you can feel very vulnerable, it was important to have a queer-dedicated space. I was 50 pounds heavier and hadn’t done anything physical for some time and it can be humiliating to try and fail at something while others are doing it with ease. But I persevered and loved it. Climbing is very creative; a lot of climbers come from a gymnastic or dance background, and climbing can be a vertical version of that. Even though my main practice in art was sculpture, I did have experience with performance, so I really enjoy it. I think anything that challenges the way I relate to my body is something that I’m going to dig into. With my fine art, it’s a dedicated expression that culminates in a dialogue with the public. Climbing is a personal exploration. PGN: And now you are part of PHLASH and also train people at the Philadelphia Rock Gyms. How have you motivated or inspired your students? CFM: I train a lot of guys, not so many women, and most of them are naturally stronger than me so when I do something that demonstrates how strong I am, I think it’s surprising and inspirational to them. It shows that no matter who you are or what your gender is, if you push yourself really hard you can accomplish amazing things.
real and what’s not. It’s the funniest thing but for some reason people love to poke fishtanks and this effectively turned a bed of water into a capacitive touchscreen, creating a virtual aquarium full of pixelated goldfish. PGN: How did you go from the classroom to the wall? CFM: I started climbing in New York with a gay climbing group called Crux. I’d been interested in mountaineering but
PGN: One of the things I like about “American Ninja Warrior” is that men and women compete as equals. They don’t modify the course for women. Anyone completing it is a badass, no matter what gender, and the men seem to cheer everyone on equally. CFM: That’s true about climbing too. It’s been traditionally dominated by men, but there are more and more women getting into it. Philly is really good about that. In New York, I could be climbing and I could sense the aggression from guys nearby. Because I was good at what I do, they seemed to feel the need to prove something to me. I’ve never felt that here in Philly. PGN: What was your most precarious moment as a climber? PAGE 38
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
locations in Pennsylvania Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 Lancaster Ave. • Chester • AIDS Care Group, 2304 Edgemont Ave. • Harrah’s Chester Casino, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Widener University, 1 University Place • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Doylestown • Darkanyu, 504 Eagle Lane • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • Lafayette College, 101 Hogg Hall • La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. • Gibson • Hillside Campground, 1 Creek Road • Glen Mills • Imago Dei MCC, 1223 Middletown Road • Glenside • Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Hanover Township • Venture Lounge, 1266 San Souci Parkway • Harrisburg • 704 Strawberry Cafe, 704 N. Third St. • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Huntingdon • Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Rd. • Kutztown • Kutztown University, 15200 Main St. • Lancaster • Downtown Books, 227 N. Prince St. • Sundown Lounge, 429 N. Mulberry St. • Tally Ho Tavern, 201 W. Orange St. • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • Lehighton • Cristalees Restaurant, 130 S. 1st St. • Woods Campground, 845 Vaughn Acres Road • Levittown • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Malvern • Malvern Station, King St. & Warren Ave. • Media • Media Theater, 104 E. State St. • Penn State Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road, Suite 115 • Unitarian Universalist Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road • Narberth • Narberth Station, Haverford & Narberth avenues • Newport • My Buddie’s Place, 2380 Susquehanna Trail •New Hope • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • Havana, 105 S. Main St. • John & Peters Place, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St.• Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wishing Well B&B, 114 Old York Rd. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • Norristown • Revelations, 1832 Markley St. • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road • Old Forge • Twelve Penny Saloon, 535 Hickory St. • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Penns Park • United Methodist Church, 2394 Second St. Pike • Phoenixville • Artisans Gallery and Cafe, 234 Bridge St. • Steel City, 203 Bridge St. • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berks Aid Network, 429 Walnut St. • Reading Adult Center, 316 Penn St. • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Sharon Hill • Sharon Hill Medical, 907 Chester Pike • Spring Grove • Atland’s Ranch, RR6, Box 6543 • Swarthmore • Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Parrish Hall • Temple • Naughty But Nice, 4502 N. Fifth St. • Upper Darby • Honor Box, 69th Street Station • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Warminster • Planned Parenthood of Bucks Co., 610 Louis Dr. • Wayne • Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave. • Stafford Station, Old Eagle School & Crestline roads • Wayne Station, N. Wayne & West Ave. • West Chester • Chester County Books, 975 Paoli Pike • Wilkes Barre • Heat, 69-71 N. Main St. • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads •
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Theater & Arts Aries Spears The comedian seen on “MadTV” performs 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Aug. 27 at The Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Christopher Titus The comedian seen on “Titus” performs through Aug. 27 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Creative Africa Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photography, fashion, sculpture and architecture by artists from Africa through Sept. 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Dave Attell The comedian performs Sept. 2-4 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Ms. Pat The comedian seen on “Last Comic Standing” performs Sept. 1-3 at Punch Line Philly, 1004 Canal St.; 215-309-0150. Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art features some of the most prominent European and American artists of the past 50 years through Sept. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Inside Out Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of
large-scale, highquality replicas of favorite works from the museum’s collection to local neighborhoods through Nov. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. LGBT MentalHealth Book Club The monthly club meets 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 26 at Philly AIDS Thrift at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Lloyd Ney: Local Color The Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of works by the American painter, sculptor, writer and artistic innovator known for pushing boundaries, embracing Modernism and stirring up controversy through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. Look Again: Contemporary Perspectives on African Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition drawing from the Penn Museum’s esteemed African collections through Dec. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Plays of/for a Respirateur Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an installation by Joseph Kosuth that includes a selection of his work, along with a group of seminal works by Marcel Duchamp, through the fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.
GET DOWN TONIGHT: Disco-era hit machine KC & The Sunshine Band comes to Atlantic City to help fans wring the last few drops of bootyshaking boogie out of the summer 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk. For more information or tickets, call 800-843-8767.
Tête-à-Tête: Conversations in Photography The Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition celebrating more than 25 years of regional photographic programming through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800.
Music Bonnie Raitt The blues guitarist performs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-546-7900. Keith Urban The country singer performs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300. Ja Rule and Ashanti The rapper and R&B singer
perform 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215-627-1332. Ms. Lauryn Hill The neo-soul singer and rapper performs 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-5467900. Jimmy Buffett The rock singer performs 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, NJ; 609-365-1300. Periphery The progressivemetal group performs 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215922-1011. Toad the Wet Sprocket and Rusted Root The alt-rock bands perform 8 p.m. Aug. 28 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-5727650.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
MAKE AMERICA ‘KISS’ AGAIN: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers KISS will set the stage on fire, literally and figuratively, when the theatrical rock pioneers storm the grandstand at the Great Allentown Fair as part of their Freedom to Rock Tour 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown. For more information or tickets, call 610-433-7541.
Bruce Hornsby The rock singer performs 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215572-7650. Korn and Rob Zombie The hard-rock bands perform 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300.
Nightlife Chikn Nug-It’s Episode of Colour In Art TV Watch the performer’s TV close-up 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215592-0656. Can I Get A Side of Nug-It With That? Chikn Nug-It hosts an evening of boylesque, drag and burlesque with performances by Donna Ria, Nikki Malicious and Mauve 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at
L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215592-0656. Baked Alaska Aurora Whorealis hosts a pot-themed comedy show featuring Lili St. Queer and Maddy Milan 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-9649675. The Haus of Ham Show The monthly comedy drag show featuring Lili St. Queer, Eric Jaffe and Mistor Fahrenheit, 9 p.m. Aug. 28 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St.; 267-324-3500.
Outta Town ZZ Top The rock band performs 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Jim Gaffigan The comedian performs 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa
Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. KC & The Sunshine Band The classic disco band performs 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 800-843-8767. Defending Your Life The Albert Brooks comedy film is screened 2 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Hannibal Buress The comedian performs 8 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way,
Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. KISS The rock band performs 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 N. 17th St.; 610433-7541. Howard Jones The synth-pop singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Sept. 1 at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Gabriel Iglesias The comedian performs 8 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. n
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
The National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Editorial Contest is the only national competition recognizing the best in community journalism.
Philadelphia Gay News won five awards. FIRST PLACE Best Review “Going to the ends of the earth to get married” Scott A. Drake
SECOND PLACE Best Feature Photo “Singing with Pride” Scott A. Drake
THIRD PLACE Best Obituary “Obituary: Jacob Kaskey” Jen Colletta
THIRD PLACE Best Photo Essay “Philly Pride 2015” Scott A. Drake
HONORABLE MENTION
Best Performing Arts Story “New documentary focuses on ‘gaymer’ culture” Larry Nichols
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
Banking the Delaware Valley Since 1912!
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*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is accurate as of 08/22/16 and based on loan amounts of $417,000 or higher. Rates subject to change without notice. For a $250,000 loan amount for 30 years at 3.250% monthly principal & interest payment would be $1,088.01, $250,000 loan amount for 15 years at 2.625% monthly principal & interest would be $1,681.72. Application fee of $330 is non-refundable. APR based on minimum credit score of 740 and loan to value (LTV) not to exceed 75%. Primary owner occupied residence and single family dwelling. Other rates and terms available for lower credit scores, higher LTV’s, and second home or investment properties. Property insurance required. Subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Lender.
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
ENDLESS SHOUT SHOUT ENDLESS
Best known for his 1985 National Geographic cover photograph Afghan Girl, Steve McCurry continues to fascinate with his stunning photographs of locations from around the globe. This exhibition will highlight images taken throughout his decades-long relationship with Afghanistan, its landscape and, most importantly, its people.
Unguarded, Untold, Iconic: Afghanistan through the Lens of Steve McCurry is generously supported by Jon Paton.
Steve McCurry (b. 1950), Afghan Girl, Sharbat Gula, at Nasir Bagh refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan, 1984.
the
Come To The CabareT 1412 Chestnut st. • PhiladelPhia, Pa 19102
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in AGING IS OPTIONAL (‘Cause God I hope it is!) Musical Direction by James Bassi
OCTOBeR 15
nOVeMBeR 18 An Evening With
FRanCe JOlI & lInda ClIFFORd
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Shout has been provided by The Pew Center Major support for Endless Shout for has been Arts & Herprovided itage. by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. Marketing is suppor ted by Pamela Tou b Endless Shout will occur in tandem with Ber kma n & Dav idPrinciple: The Freedom Art J. BerkmaExperiments n and by Lisa in A. & Ste ven A. Tan and Music, 1965 to Now, on view at ICA from anbaum . September 14, 2016, to March 19, 2017. Endless Shout will occur inby tanPamela dem with is supported Toub TheMarketing Freedom Principle: Exp erimand entby s inLisa Berkman & David J. Berkman ArtA. and Music, 1965 to Now , on view at ICA from Steven A. Tananbaum. Sep&tem ber 14, 2016, to March 19, 2017. For more information: endlessshout.icaphila.org
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
PORTRAIT from page 33
CFM: My bachelor party was a climbing trip/bachelor party in Las Vegas. There’s some real amazing climbing at Red Rock, right outside the city. On my last climb, I attempted a 5.10, which is a grade that describes the difficulty and danger of the climbing route. As I got near the first bolt, I fell and ricocheted off three boulders and landed on my wrist. I knew something was wrong and thought, OK, I probably won’t be able to climb again for a while, so I can get back up and finish the climb or walk away and have that be the last thing I did. I didn’t want that mentally, so I taped my wrist and climbed back up. By the time I got to the top, I could not use my left hand. Turns out, I’d climbed to the top of a 5.10 with a broken wrist. It was my most badass moment. PGN: Ouch. So what do you do on normal days? CFM: My day job is doing web design/ UX user experience for Comcast. When I was in New York, I developed a complicated relationship with my art so I decided to step away for a while. I was doing a lot of adjunct teaching at NYU and City College and, while I love teaching, I was going down a path of academia that I didn’t want. I wanted to focus on the more physical aspects of my life; I’d always been the chubby kid and now I was changing that. My dad was a body builder and in years ahead when I can’t climb anymore I’ll probably pursue it too. It’s a great outlet for me in terms of gender expression. At some point, as soon as I can learn to stop the pressure I put on myself with my art — when it can become more about the practice than a thing I need to do to get to a certain place — I’ll get back to it. Does that make sense? PGN: It does. Tell me a little more about the folks. CFM: They were both very working-class. My dad passed away when I was 9, and my mom’s still here. She’s retired now but was a secretary for a lawyer most of my life and my dad worked at the Michelin plant. They had a fraught relationship from the get-go and he got remarried right before he passed away. I don’t remember much about him, except that on weekends we’d pump iron. So I was this little gender-queer kid who could beat all the boys because I lifted weights with my dad. PGN: As a kid, you climbed trees and lifted weights. Where/when did the chubby part come in? CFM: Once I hit puberty, I shut down. Being forced to grow my hair out and wear makeup and feminine clothes took me away from who I was. Even my name changed; I was Crys as a kid, but as a young woman I had to become Crystal. It wasn’t until I found rock climbing that I began to find that physical part of myself again.
PGN
PGN: You mentioned a bachelor party. Who’s the wife? CFM: Her name is Stacey Brit. We met over four years ago online in New York. It’s funny, I thought I’d sign up and go out for several dates and on the second date we met and we’ve been inseparable ever since. She works in marketing — one of those people who always thinks of things from a different perspective. Right now, she’s with Urban Outfitters, that’s how we got to Philly. She’s the funniest person I know. All we do is sit around and laugh. Her dad died when she was younger too, so we connected on that as well. We call ourselves members of the DDC, the Dead Dad Club. PGN: Morbid. I like it. OK, it’s 90-plus degrees out, what do you miss most about winter? CFM: Running outside. I’d much rather run in negative-10 degrees than in this heat. PGN: Name three things on your bucket list. CFM: Climb Mt. Whitney, take a beach/ climbing vacation in Thailand and have kids. PGN: Best moment as a camp counselor? CFM: Helping people make their tech projects come to life. This one guy made a program that had a hot dog floating on the screen. You could see yourself too and when you opened your mouth the dog would go in. It was silly but it was great to watch the joy on his face when he watched people use it. PGN: Biggest regret? CFM: Hmm, I think it’s a cop out not to have any, but I really appreciate my path in life. I regret dropping out of undergrad but it ultimately led me down a path that made my life amazing. But I do wish I had that BFA. PGN: If someone wanted to start rock climbing, what should they do? CFM: I’d suggest they check out the PHLASH Facebook page and FB group. You can learn a lot and then come out to the newbie nights. It’s for people who’ve never been into climbing or people who are returning after a long hiatus. We’ll help you get your shoes, etc., and teach you boulder safely. PGN: Say something to reassure a couch potato like me. CFM: If you can climb a ladder, you can rock climb. n PHLASH will host a New Climber Night 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 1 at Philadelphia Rock Gyms, 3500 Scotts Lane. The cost is $22. For more information, visit ow.ly/9AFn303xYKe or www.phlashclimbing.org. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.
Q Puzzle Get a Life (-time Achievement Award) Across 1. Slang for vagina 5. Barneys event 9. Refrain from using the tongue 13. Shirley’s la Douce role 14. Zip 15. Northern metropolis 16. Positions for Patty Sheehan 17. Took one’s turn 18. Top priority of a top 19. Where Old Man River makes deposits 21. 2015 Tomlin movie 23. 1984 Tomlin movie 26. Mag. execs 27. Reined in 29. Bannon of lesbian pulp fiction 32. Put the top on the cake 36. Cole Porter’s “___ America First” 37. Homophobia, in enlightened societies 39. Animated TV series in which Tomlin had a voice role, with “The” 42. Broadway backer 43. Abe Lincoln’s boy 44. Window piece 45. Rainey and Kettle 46. Pairs of brides walk them 49. Double curve in a pipe 50. Tomlin’s role in a Netflix comedy series 55. Tomlin was in this TV show hosted by Rowan & Martin 59. Susan’s “Thelma and Louise” partner 60. Ingrid in “Casablanca” 61. Temporary superstar
64. Disney pictures 65. Do a banker’s job 66. Very, to Verlaine 67. You may go down on one 68. Oral votes 69. Scout’s promise to be “morally straight” 70. Groups of games, to Mauresmo
Down 1. Baba Wawa portrayer Radner 2. Moon of Uranus 3. Cologne queen characteristic 4. Can’t help but 5. Emulate Betsy Ross 6. Maugham’s “Cakes and ___” 7. “Big Boned Gal” singer 8. Main dish 9. Band members blow them 10. Thrift shop condition 11. Kind of dunk, to Sue Wicks 12. Hour on the Costa del Sol 20. Colts’ org. 22. Expand upon 24. Make messy 25. Becomes hard 28. Sake 29. “Dancing Queen” band 30. Tom or dick, but not hairy 31. Sam’s “Bewitched” twitcher 32. Mosque leader 33. Water-to-
wine town 34. They get laid only once 35. Cube with pips 38. “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” peak 40. Butt heads 41. River of Ulrichs’ country 47. Really loves 48. Give in the middle 49. “Great balls of fire!” 51. Head turners? 52. Carolyn who wrote about a Nancy 53. Coastal recess 54. Makes less difficult to bear 55. Tomlin, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from SAG 56. Toward shelter 57. Annapolis inst. 58. Mother of “Brothers & Sisters” 62. Doc for lions and tigers and bears 63. What hangs from a Cuban
PGN
Fogo de Chão sizzles in King of Prussia By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com With the Summer Olympics in Rio still fresh in our minds, we figured it was a good time to get exposed to some Brazilian influences. No, we’re not packing our bags and warming up our passports — we can afford that. We’re just going out to eat. Photo: Stewart Goldenberg The popular restaurant chain Fogo de Chão just opened a new location at King of Prussia’s new Town Center and if you’ve never had the Southern Brazilian steakhouse experience, you need to check Fogo out at least once in your lifetime. For the uninitiated, here’s how the Fogo feasting experience works (ranging from $32.95-$46.50 per person, depending on the time and day of the week): Have a seat, order your drinks and then, if you are so inclined, visit the Market Table while warming up your appetite. The table features a fresh and colorful array of vegetables, salads, cheeses, meats, smoked salmon and Brazilian stews. There is a lot of great fare on the Market Table but don’t hit it too hard. Trust us; you’ll need the room. On your table there is a double-sided medallion: red on one side, green on the other. Once you are settled and ready, flip it to the green side. And then it’s on because that is the signal for the gaucho chef patrolling the floor to stop by, armed with a skewer of sizzling meats to slice you your choice of cuts. The meats range from sirloin and filet mignon to lamb chops, chicken legs and pork sausages. The chicken is especially crispy-skinned and juicy and tender on the inside. The beef selection becomes somewhat of a blur, but they are all great and cooked to perfection. The pace is pretty relentless. Your plate can be piled high with carnivore nirvana. If you don’t pace yourself, the medallion will get flipped to red really quick. There’s plenty of great accouterments that go with the meats. If you like, you can order chimichurri, horseradish or hot sauce to spice up your meat. There’s also mashed potatoes, an excellent crispy polenta and delicate puffballs filled with creamy cheese to round out the experience. Vegetarians, you might want to sit this one out. This isn’t your rodeo. Not that there isn’t enough for the vegan and gluten-free among you to graze on at the Market Table, but at the end of the day, Fogo de Chão is an arena for serious carnivores — and judging by the people lined up to get in, meat lovers are very, very entertained. n
If you go Fogo de Chão
115 Main St., Building L 484-965-9655 http://fogodechao.com/location/king-of-prussia Mon.-Thur.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Sat.: 2 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
Food and Drink Directory Celebrate Philly Pride with your favorite bagel shop.. South Street Philly Bagels!
613 S 3rd St. Philaelphia PA 19147
Tel. (215) 627-6277 southstphillybagel.com
The Center City IHOP located at 1320 Walnut St. is now open 24 Hrs on FRIDAY and SATURDAY
THANKS FOR MAKING IT A IHOP DAY
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
OUTFEST
IS OCT. 9
PGN
Classifieds All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.
PGN’S PREVIEW ISSUE IS FRIDAY OCT. 7
pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
I’m Here For You! RANKED TOP 1% NATIONALLY by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors. The Menno Team
The pre-OutFest edition of PGN has all the info about what’s going in Philly for OutFest weekend! From cover to cover, PGN will be your guide to help you celebrate being out and proud in the Gayborhood and beyond. To reserve ad space today, email greg@epgn.com or call 215-625-8501 ext. 211 (Issue date: Oct. 7; advertising/art deadline: Sept. 30)
Tom Sherwood Sales Associate, Real Estate Agent Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
693 South State Street Newtown, Pa 18940 Business 215-968-6713 x3020 Fax 215-968-7823 tom.sherwood@foxroach.com
267-784-3106
Direct
TomSherwood.foxroach.com
PGN
Real Estate Sale VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________40-36 Mountain Top Liquidation 30 mile views! 9.1 Acres only $49,900. 2,100 sq ft Cabin Package $149,900. Guaranteed buildable! Excellent Financing! Call Now 888-320-8869. ________________________________________40-35 FRONT AND GIRARD Commercial for sale. Tattoo shop site, 35 ft from El stop. 3 story bldg, 19 year history of rental occupancy. Priced to sell at 147K. Call Ken at 215-303-3630. _____________________________________________40-35
Vacation / Seasonal Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________40-35
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY FILIPPONE GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, LLC All your contracting needs, no job too small.
FREE ESTIMATES! LICENSED & INSURED Philly lic. # 45244
CALL 856-952-8197
Roommates ROOM FOR RENT, SHARE HOUSE GM seeks responsible person. 3 BR home in Manayunk. Steps to Main St. & all pub trans. C/A, W/D, G/D, new hdwd flrs, 1.5 BA, updated kit. Must love dogs. $595 + partial utlis. Furnished if needed. Rhett, 267-688-1946. _____________________________________________40-3
For Sale SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own brandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD; www.NorwoodSawmills.com ________________________________________40-35
For over 19 years, Liberty Roofing has kept Philadelphia covered!
Services
Call us today for a free roof evaluation!
TYPEWRITERS Buy, Sell and Repair PhillyTypewriter.com (267) 992-3230. ________________________________________40-42 MALE BRAZILIAN WAXING Body Grooming - LGBTQ Friendly Open 7 Days a Week Call 610-527-5300 Bryn Mawr ________________________________________40-35 AIRLINE CAREERS begin here. Get hands on training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-207-0345, ________________________________________40-35
Mention this ad for 10% off any contracted work
Getting married?
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www.libertyroofiingpa.com Tel: 215-342-1301 •Fax: 215-893-4011
Filippone Electrical FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS
Spring Special
20% off with this ad (must be presented at time of estimate)
215-783-3844 LICENSED AND INSURED Philly Lic #18313 • PA. Lic #053919 www.filipponeelectric.com Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________40-39 Nice bi man seeks well hung partner. Bi or gay man or couple for fun times and friendship. 609-428-7095. ________________________________________40-35 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________40-38
Massage David, 66, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________40-42 Massage with hot blond female and male assistant. Also looking for well hung black male for fun. Call Matt at 267-278-0545. ________________________________________40-35
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PGN
ADONIS CINEMA
“THE ONLY ALL MALE ADULT THEATER IN THE CITY”
2026 Sansom St (located 3 doors up from Sansom St Gym)
215-557-9319 4 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday
7am-6am
(closed an hour for cleaning)
Friday- Sunday:
Open 24hrs
1976 - 2 016
ADMISSION: $12.00
Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month - and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.
WEEKLY SPECIALS:
SUNDAY RELIEF
Half Price Rooms & Lockers (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) ROOMS: Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 LOCKERS: Members: $9.00 and Non-Members: $19.00
MONDAY thru FRIDAY: (8am to 4pm) Business Mans Locker Special 4 hour lockers Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00 TUESDAYS
Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE $12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight)
SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00
Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....
www.sansomstreetgym.com
BIGGER, BETTER & MORE ENTERTAINING EVENTS...
PGN
Activism/Politics ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) meets 6-9 p.m. Mondays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-386-1981, www.actupphilly.org. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; www.dvau.org. Equality Pennsylvania holds a volunteer night 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; 215-731-1447, www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia holds general meetings 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month, except August and December; 215-243-7103, www.gpop.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club meets seasonally; www.libertycity.org.
Arts Library Book Club meets to discuss a new book 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at William Way. Men On Tap, an LGBT group that performs with choirs, organizations and at the Fringe Festival, rehearses 8 p.m. Mondays at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; dale@ magicalfantasies.com.
Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League plays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at FDR Park; www.phillyflagfootball.com Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club, open to players of all skill levels, meets 7:45 p.m. Thursdays at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; 215-913-7531, philadelphiagryphons.org, becomeagryphon@gmail.com. Philadelphia Liberty Belles women’s semi-pro full-tackle football league holds fall tryouts; phillybelles.com. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association plays yearround, all skill levels welcome; philadelphialibertytennis. com. Philadelphia Firebirds women’s football team seeks players; www.philadelphiafirebirds.com. Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League seeks players, all skill levels and ages. Practice is 7 p.m. Thursdays at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater streets, with games at 2:30 p.m. Sundays; 215-991-5995 (day), 301-919-1194 (evening), phillywomensbaseball. com.
Recreation Gay Bridge Club non-beginners group meets Monday 2-5 p.m. at William Way; reservations required. Call 215732-2220. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club meets 5:30-10:30 p.m. at Abner’s Steaks, 38th and Chester streets; 215-382-0789. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists meets 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at William Way; 215-985-1456, www.humboldtsociety.org. Independence Squares LGBT square-dance club, modern Western square dancing hosts an open house and Tuesday classes in the fall at Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; philadances@gmail.com, www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape; 267-2306750. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social activities for senior gay men are held 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at William Way. PhilaVentures, Philadelphia’s LGBT outdoor group, meets for hikes in Wissahickon Valley and Valley Forge Park; philaventures.org.
Sports Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club meets for practice at p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Greenfield Park, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area with games on Sundays, beginning in April, at the Dairy and Edgeley Fields in Fairmount Park; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners running club meets 9:30 a.m. Saturdays for a run and brunch at Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www.philadelphiafrontrunners.org. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club, open to LGBT and allies, practices 8-10 p.m. Mondays and 2-4 p.m. Saturdays; www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team, open to male and female swimmers, meets 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Friends Select School and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; www.philadelphia-fins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League meets 8 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at South Bowl, 19 E. Oregon Ave.; 856-889-1434, philagaybowling@yahoo.com.
■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377
■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378
Rainbow Rollers gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Boulevard Lanes in Northeast Philadelphia; rainbowrollers.com.
Reading Queerly, open to all women and genderqueer/ trans people, meets 6:45 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.
■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.
■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 215-731-9230, auditions@pgmc.org.
Queer Writer’s Collective workshop and discussion group meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at William Way.
Community centers
■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday.
Philly QCycle LGBT bicycling club promotes organized recreational riding for all levels in the Greater Philadelphia region; contact the organization via Facebook. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley motorcycle club meets regularly; 215-836-0440, www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/rainbowridersdv/.
Spartan Wrestling Club gay wrestling team meets 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-732-4545, www.phillyspartans.com.
Etc. AIDS Law Project provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing at 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600; 215587-9377, www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity, Philadelphia-area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends; http://biunity. org. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols, for LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for self-defense, meets 1 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at The Gun Range, 542 N. Percy St.; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistolsdelval.org. Delaware Pride holds planning meetings 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 Main St., Newark; 302-265-3020, delawarepride.org. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance holds open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays during the school year in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; 610-896-4938. Men and Women for Human Excellence support group meets from noon-2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month at 26th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue; 267-2733513, cmoore8300@yahoo.com. Long Yang Club Philadelphia, social organization for gay Asians and their friends, holds monthly socials; www. longyangclub.org/philadelphia. Our Night Out, a casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, friends and colleagues, meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, email OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; more information on Facebook. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice offered 5-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month; 215-238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; primetimersofphiladelphia@yahoo.com. Philadelphians MC Club, for leather men and women, meets 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; philadelphiansmc.org. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL-affiliated, weekly HF nets, quarterly newsletter; www.rara.org. Silver Foxes, a social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older, meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month at William Way; 215-732-2220. SNJ Queers meets monthly for queer/queer-friendly folks in South Jersey to mix and mingle; 856-375-3708, wmf69@comast.net.
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Community Bulletin Board
Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; 917-656-1936, phury@gayhockey.org.
Philadelphia Freedom Band, an audition-free LGBT band that does concerts and parades, rehearses 7-9:30 p.m. Mondays; philadelphiafreedomband.com.
Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia’s first mixed LGBT chorus, rehearses 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at William Way; www.pvop.org.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330
Key numbers
■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
Health
Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-
108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2016
PGN
BURNIN’ LOVE? RED HOT SAVINGS!
O CTO B E R
44
21-23
Verizon Hall | Kimmel Center
Kick off the POPS 2016-17 season with ELVIS: The King’s Songbook. Celebrate the incomparable music of Elvis Presley, the unforgettable performer who changed the course of American popular music forever. Led by “Roots of Rock” legend Dave Bennett with Philly’s own Allison Blackwell, rock to Heartbreak
Michael Krajewski, conductor featuring
Allison Blackwell, vocalist Dave Bennett, vocalist
Hotel, Burning Love, and Jailhouse Rock, and try a little tenderness with Love Me Tender and Can’t Help Falling in Love!
“ If Elvis had his way, he would have had a full 60-piece orchestra on his stage.” – Priscilla Presley
20% discount on Sunday 7pm concert! Use promo code REDHOT Offer good 8/26-9/1 only.
Tickets: 215.893.1999 or PHILLYPOPS.ORG