PGN Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Fall Preview Issue

Family Portrait: Craig Peterson

PAGE 23

A Gayborhood history blog that brings the past into the present

PAGE 27

PAGE 9

Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

Vol. 36 No. 35

Fire at gay bathhouse

Conviction in antigay attack By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A man accused of assaulting his gay neighbor in the spring was convicted last week on some of the charges he faced. Municipal Court Judge Bradley Moss on Aug. 20 found Michael Marko guilty of making terroristic threats and simple assault. He sentenced him to six-months’ reporting probation. Marko was accused of pushing Ed Unay April 8 and attempting to strike him with a griddle pan. Unay said Marko, who lived on the same block in Fishtown, had confronted him in the past and repeatedly used antigay slurs during the April incident. Unay said he believed Marko targeted him because he is gay. Hate-crimes charges weren’t filed, as the state hate-crimes law doesn’t cover sexual orientation. Marko was found not guilty of possession of an instrument of crime and reckless endangerment. Unay said he had mixed feelings about the outcome. “I’m not too happy with it,” he said. “I think he should have gotten a longer probation — I don’t think six months was enough. But at the same time, we won.” Unay contacted the Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee for support, and secretary Rick Lombardo was present during the process. Unay said that, since the incident, he has been having panic attacks, and he and his partner have since moved out of the house. “It’s been really tough adjusting,” he said. “I’m fearful to go to work and am always cautious about my surroundings now.” Marko was previously arrested for drug offenses, harassment, terroristic threats, assault, reckless endangerment and possessing an instrument of crime. ■

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

SINGING THEIR PRAISES: The Philly Phanatic hammed it up with members of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Choir before the start of the Phillies’ Aug. 28 game at Citizens Bank Park. Several-dozen members of the PGMC sang the National Anthem to kick off Gay Community Night, which celebrated its 10th anniversary. The team ultimately fell to the Mets 9-5 in the 10th inning, bringing the record for the LGBT event to a lopsided 1-9. More photos, page 7. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Trans collective gets grant for prison work By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A Philadelphia group that unites transgender and gender-variant people living both inside and outside of prison walls got a vote of confidence — and a financial boost — from a local social-justice agency. Bread & Roses Community Fund awarded Hearts on a Wire Collective a

Gayborhood bathhouse Club Body Center is closed until further notice after a fire damaged the establishment last week. Fire officials received a report of a fire at 12:35 a.m. Aug. 23 and arrived at the scene, 1220 Chancellor St., four minutes later. Fire Department Executive Chief Richard Davison said the fire was on the first floor of the four-story building and was concentrated in one room. The blaze was brought under control by 12:57 a.m. No injuries were reported. Club Body Center, a men’s bathhouse, has been in operation since 1975 and moved from 13th Street into its current location in 1995. The building previously served as Back Street Baths from 198186 and then the Chancellor Athletic Club before CBC took over. Chris Srnicek, who plans to buy the PAGE 14 property from its cur-

$2,000 grant as part of its Phoebus Criminal Justice Initiative, a donor-advised fund launched in 2000 that also awarded grants to 11 other area groups working on criminal-justice causes. Hearts on a Wire was founded in 2007, when a group of trans and gender-variant people came together to send Valentine’s Day cards to T/GV people who were in prisons. From that initial gathering, a conPAGE 2 versation was sparked

Pa. Congressional candidate backs marriage By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania last week came out in favor of marriage equality. Matthew Cartwright,

who is running for the 17th District seat in Northeastern Pennsylvania, told The Times Leader last week that he changed his position on same-sex marriage. “I just kept thinking it over in my mind and I

didn’t see a good reason to discriminate against a substantial population of American citizens,” he told the publication. Cartwright last month told the Leader that he is “old-fashioned” and didn’t support full marriage rights for same-sex

couples but cautioned that he was still thinking about the issue. Cartwright, an attorney, defeated longtime U.S. Rep. Tim Holden in the spring primary and will face Republican challenger Laureen PAGE 16

CLUB BODY CENTER DEBRIS, CAMAC STREET Photo: Scott A. Drake

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

GENDER from page 1

about the issues facing T/GV populations both during and after incarceration. “We started having a discussion about how prison work needs to include trans and gender-variant people, and how the people and organizations working on trans and gender-variant issues also need to be thinking about the people in prisons,” said Collective member Adrian Lowe. “We wanted to start bridging that gap.” In the past few years, the Collective’s ranks have swollen to include a diverse group of T/GV people whose lives have in some way been affected by the prison system. Lowe said the group is ultimately striving to have fewer members of the community incarcerated for what the group calls survival crimes — such as prostitution or drug infractions. Until that time, however, the Collective is working to improve the prison conditions faced by the T/GV population. “One of the main things is housing, because often trans and gender-variant people are placed according to what it says on their

birth certificate, regardless of what they look like, what surgeries they may have had, how they live,” Lowe said. “So they’re often placed in an inappropriate prison and then the prison’s strategy for protecting them is to isolate them. Some people may want that because that’s how they feel safest, but many others do not. And those who are incarcerated have very little say about it.” The challenges facing this population were outlined in a comprehensive report the Collective released last year, “This is a Prison, Glitter is Not Allowed.” The document includes a survey of nearly 60 T/GV people who were currently or formerly incarcerated in area facilities and explores the conditions they faced, from housing to healthcare and everything in between. “The work they’re doing is amazing, and they’re the only ones doing it,” said Bread & Roses executive director Casey Cook. “As the prison industrial complex continues to grow, and because of profiling activities on the part

of police, we’re seeing more and more transgender and gendervariant people being locked up.” Cook called the group’s report “astounding” and said the way in which the group operates also caught the attention of the funders.

The Collective’s current campaign centers on making the items available on the prison commissary non-gender-segregated. Lowe explained that certain undergarments and cosmetics are accessible in women’s prisons but not in men’s, where some femaleidentified prisoners may be housed. “If it’s on the commissary list already, it’s not a weapon, so there’s no security reason that it wouldn’t be allowed,” Lowe said. “Right now women in men’s prisons are getting institutional infractions and sent to ‘the hole’ for wearing eye makeup if they’ve found a way to do so. Something like eye makeup may seem trivial, but it has to do with people’s abilities to express themselves, to feel real.” Hearts on a Wire is an all-volunteer organization, and its members meet most of its expenses from their own pockets. The group sends copies of last year’s report free of charge to any inmates who request one, but each individual mailing costs about $4. Lowe said the Bread & Roses

“As the prison industrial complex continues to grow, and because of profiling activities on the part of police, we’re seeing more and more transgender and gender-variant people being locked up.” “They’re a collective so they have shared decision-making processes and really believe that true leadership comes from people who are most affected by the problem,” she said. “In that way, the kind of change they’re making is really the most sustainable.”

funding is an “enormous” gift, which the Collective will use to cover aspects such as postage and printing of its newsletter. Cook said Hearts on a Wire and the other grantees are each working on a separate and important piece of the complex effort to reform the criminal-justice system. “There’s a clear school-toprison pipeline where young people don’t graduate from high school and don’t have job opportunities and end up in prison. That begins a vicious cycle,” she said. “And then there’s the way people are treated on the inside: We see it with health-care needs for people with HIV/AIDS and how trans and gender-variant people are treated. There is a lot of work that needs to be done and that’s exactly what this partnership between Phoebus Criminal Justice Initiative and Bread & Roses is trying to do.” To access Hearts on a Wire’s petition regarding nondiscrimination in the commissary list, visit www.change.org/petitions/ pennsylvania-department-of-corrections-allow-people-necessaryitems-in-prison-regardless-oftheir-sex-or-gender. ■

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STORIES FOR SURVIVAL: Author Keith Boykin (standing) read from his new book, “For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out and Coming Home” — a play on the title of Ntozake Shange’s work “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” — Aug. 24 at Giovanni’s Room. About 30 people turned out for the reading, which was co-sponsored by Men of All Colors Together Philadelphia. Boykin, a political commentator and author who has written about the intersection of race and sexuality, edited the anthology, which features personal stories of young gay men of color who have confronted suicide, HIV/AIDS, abuse and other challenges. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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LOCAL PGN

Festival returns with new gender discoveries By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

The weekend’s workshops will cover topics such as filmmaking for grassroots activists, queer writing, historical film repThe 2012 Gender Reel will unfurl next resentations of the transgender community, month with a trove of interactive explora- watercolor as self-expression and self-published erotica. tions of gender nonconformity. Panels will include discussions with comThe second-annual multimedia festival will run Sept. 7-9, with most of the activi- munity leaders about queer people of color ties taking place at William Way LGBT in film and television, with the founders of Queer 2 the T radio program and with the Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. filmmaker of “TRANS,” The center is a new addias well as a number of tion to the lineup which, professionals who work said Gender Reel chair with the trans community. Joe Ippolito, outgrew its The film series features inaugural digs. a variety of formats, from The festival is designed shorts to full-length, and to spotlight trans and genthe festival will include der nonconforming artists live performances that and work that explores the range from storytelling to depths of this population. This year’s event will IGNACIO RIVERA musical pieces. Ippolito said the festifeature 20 films, 10 perval is primarily meant as a formance pieces, a series of workshops and panels and an art gallery vehicle for education, both for those inside showcasing the work of eight artists and and outside the community. “We want people to learn something new photographers, on display in the center’s about the transgender or gender-variant lobby through the end of October. In preparing for the event, Ippolito said community, even if they’re a trans person organizers were eager to continue expand- themselves,” he said. “We want to broaden the scope of how people look at the community. Compared to a conference, with a festival like this you can learn through imagery, through art and films, which I think is a powerful format in which to convey m e s s a g e s and have people express their experiences.” As the festival continues to grow year to year, Ippolito said he would eventu“EVIDENCE” LITHOGRAPH BY BO LUENGSURASWAT ally like to launch Gender Reel as ing its reach into all areas of the commu- a production program to assist emerging transgender artists. nity. “Once we establish our nonprofit status “This year we did a lot of work to network with different communities that were not as and are able to get more grants, I see this involved last year,” he said. “We wanted not just as a place to show people’s work to tap into additional groups as part of our but as a way to also offer tangible support commitment to diversity and to making sure in these artists doing the work.” An all-festival pass is available for $20, or we address the entire community. That was definitely an area where we wanted to grow, a one-day pass is $10. Passes do not include admission to MixTape, the official Gender and we have.” The festival will kick off with a wine and Reel after-party at 9 p.m. Sept. 8 at Tabu, cheese reception at 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at the for which there is a suggested $5-$10 donacenter, followed by a discussion and perfor- tion. For more information, visit www.gendermance by New York City performance artist reelfest.com. ■ Ignacio Rivera.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

LOCAL PGN

(UN)DRESSED FOR SUCCESS: Cyclists of all shapes and sizes donned their helmets and, in some cases, nothing else, and gathered on Columbus Boulevard for the fourth annual Philly Naked Bike Ride Aug. 25. Several-hundred riders took part in the trip, which headed from South Philadelphia to the Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties — taking its annual tour through Rittenhouse Square and City Hall on the way — to promote cycling and positive body image. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Stars come out for theme-park party By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Rainbows will be zooming by on the roller coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure next month for the park’s annual LGBT party. “Out at Night,” now in its ninth year, will be held Sept. 14 at the adventure park in Jackson, N.J. The gates will open at 6 p.m. The park will be open only to the LGBT and ally communities. When the event started, it was open to the public during the festivities. Two years later, it became exclusive. Organizer Gage Kris said that typically the park accommodates 60,000 people but that, on LGBT night, the crowd is between 10,00012,000, which alleviates the ubiquitous theme park lines. Adventure lovers can hop aboard the new 24-story swing ride SkyScreamer or see the

park from the sky on one of its nine coasters. Those looking for less scream-inducing rides can keep their feet closer to the ground on gocarts, bumper cars and a plethora of amusements suited for both adults and kids. After the rides, guests can visit The Dome, a new indoor dance-club area equipped with $10,000 worth of lighting and sound equipment. The Dome will host a live performance by Melissa Gorga of “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” who will appear along with her husband, Joe Gorga. Other special guests include “Real Housewives” star Greg Bennett, “Amazing Race” winner and “The A List: New York” star Reichen Lehmkuhl, Hollywood consultants Brandon Liberati and Craig Ramsay and musi-

cian Dina Marie. Music will be provided by Seth Gold, Steve Sidewalk and DJ Barney with Dome hosts Porcelain, Eric Satine Harlow and Zoë LaBianca. Kris said he expects the host of celeb guests to bring in new crowds and make this year’s celebration the largest ever. He said the guests usually represent all facets of the community and its allies. “It’s a good mix of everyone,” he said. “It’s very diverse. We get gay, straight, bi people — everyone comes because it’s a great, private party.” He added that the privacy allows for a relaxed atmosphere, which is rarely attainable in a theme park. “You can do the rides without a wait, at your own pace. You can walk around with your part-

ner holding hands and not have to worry about anything. And you can also meet lots of new people. It’s just a great night overall.” The larger the crowd, the more impact the event can have on the community. Ticket sales this year benefit six charities: Mazzoni Center, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Imperial Court, Gay Center New York City and The GIFTS Program. Tickets are $48, with discounts for seasonticket holders and groups of 10 or more. A bus will leave from Broad and Pine streets at 5 p.m. Admission and bus tickets are available for $78, which also includes water, soda, beer and wine during the trip. VIP passes, which include express entry and free parking, are available for $150. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.gaysixflags.com. ■

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

PARTY AT THE PARK: Although the LGBT community couldn’t bring much luck to Citizens Bank Park this week, they brought a wealth of energy Aug. 28 for the 10th annual Gay Community Night at the Phillies. About 550 LGBT and ally fans turned out for the event, slightly less than in previous years, which event creator Larry Felzer surmised could be attributed to the Phils’ less-than-impressive season and the Madonna concert taking place across the parking lot. Before game time, dozens of fans chowed down and raised a glass at a tailgating party sponsored by City of Brotherly Love Softball League, and Felzer threw out the opening pitch, which he said was “incredibly nerve-wracking.” Reaction to the event was positive. “Everyone I talked to was really happy with it, despite the fact that we lost again,” Felzer said. Photos: Scott A. Drake

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

NATIONAL PGN

Federal prisons get LGBT reps By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

Explore Our Treasures...Inside & Out! UNCORKED! WINE, OBJECTS & TRADITION Open now through January 6, 2013, in the Winterthur Galleries Raise a glass in toast to this fascinating exhibition! Join us for a joyous celebration of objects and imagery created in response to society’s love of wine. For more information, please visit winterthur.org/uncorked. Presented by With support from Bouchaine Vineyards, Gerret & Tatiana Copeland, Proprietors

49TH ANNUAL DELAWARE ANTIQUES SHOW Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, Delaware November 9–11, 2012 Join featured speaker Carolyne Roehm––one of America’s most important tastemakers––and 60 distinguished antiques dealers at one of the nation’s top shows. Visit winterthur.org/das for tickets and information. STEP INTO STUNNING BEAUTY Autumn is the perfect time to visit Henry Francis du Pont’s world-renowned garden. Savor stunning fall foliage ablaze in ﬁery hues and stroll winding paths set against the majestic backdrop of du Pont’s 175-room former home. Narrated tram tours available. YULETIDE AT WINTERTHUR November 17, 2012–January 6, 2013 Your family and friends will be inspired by Henry Francis du Pont’s dazzling home decorated in holiday style! Visit winterthur.org/yuletide for a full schedule of special events. Photos: Miki Duisterhof/mikiduisterhof.com, Jeannette Lindvig

Winterthur is nestled in Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley on Route 52, between I-95 and Route 1, less than one hour south of Philadelphia. 800.448.3883 • 302.888.4600 • winterthur.org

The Federal Bureau of Prisons recently supplemented its workplace-diversity program by adding an LGBT representative at each of its 125 prisons and administrative offices nationwide. BOP director Charles E. Samuels Jr. outlined the new initiative in a memo issued in March. “We should cultivate tolerance and embrace our differences,” Samuels stated in the memo. Chris Burke, a spokesperson for the BOP, said every BOP facility has a designated LGBT representative. Additionally, the BOP recently committed to hosting at least one event a year at each BOP facility that specifically addresses LGBT issues, he said. The new duties of the LGBT representatives will be folded into their existing job responsibilities — and won’t exceed 20 percent of their overall tasks. “[The representatives] are authorized to spend up to 20 percent of their official on-duty time to perform their affirmativeaction responsibilities,” Burke clarified. The representatives were selected from a variety of BOP positions, including associate warden, correctional officer, secretary, counselor, case manager and food-service worker, he said. He said the new special-emphasis program managers aren’t required to be members of the LGBT community, though some may be. Two LGBT representatives have been designated in Philadelphia. One is employed at the Federal Detention Center at 700 Arch St., and the other is employed at BOP’s Northeast Regional Office at 200 Chestnut St. Their names haven’t been released to the public, and they’re not available for interviews, Burke said. Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, women and disabled veterans also have BOP representatives, he said. “Each of these groups bring certain strengths that help us complete our mission,” Burke added. “If you have a homogeneous workforce, you’re only going to get one point of view.” He said the representatives serve on BOP workforce-diversity committees and help coordinate efforts with other BOP staffers to ensure an equitable work environment for all. “All program managers assist in identifying employment barriers and developing strategies to eliminate them in recruiting, hiring, training, educating and retaining a diverse workforce.” Burke noted the BOP has a longstanding policy of promoting diversity in its workforce. “When you have an agency that deals with such a diverse inmate population like

ours — a lot of different people with different backgrounds — having that diverse workforce really helps us.” It’s hoped the new LGBT representatives will help foster a climate of dignity and respect within BOP’s workforce, he said. “We are always concerned with our staff working in an environment free of harassment,” said Burke. “Our agency has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment. Our objective is not to increase cultural visibility of the LGBT community in the workplace, but rather to ensure that discriminatory practices are addressed.” LGBT inmates will have no direct role in the new initiative, but they may benefit from it indirectly, Burke said. “All special-emphasis program managers are assigned to educate staff, which also helps in the supervision of inmates from all backgrounds, including culture, race, gender and sexual orientation. Through educating and training our staff regarding the special-emphasis program, the desired result is enhanced communication and promotion of better understanding of all special-emphasis groups, which will have a positive impact on staff and inmates.” The LGBT representatives also will assist the BOP with employee-recruitment efforts, and are encouraged to develop contacts with LGBT community groups, he said. Venues where such recruitment might take place include LGBT Pride events, job fairs and meetings held by local community organizations, Burke said. “We strive for a more diverse workforce, which includes recruiting from the LGBT community,” he said. “Each institution determines recruitment needs and identifies recruitment initiatives.” Additionally, the LGBT representatives will help organize annual diversity-inclusion days at every BOP facility, focusing on a wide range of cultural issues. Those events are part of an ongoing multicultural-awareness program sponsored by the BOP, he said. In June, LGBT issues were addressed in diversity-inclusion days hosted throughout the agency. Brian P. Winfield, managing director for Equality Florida, an LGBT civilrights group that advocated for support for LGBT prison employees, praised the BOP for implementing the new initiative. Winfield assisted employees at the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Fla., to achieve greater visibility for LGBT issues there, he said. “It’s gratifying to see the Bureau of Prisons adding the LGBT community to its already-existing affirmative-employment program,” he told PGN. “Educating Bureau of Prison staff members — and making them more aware of LGBT cultural issues — can only improve the climate within the prison system for both LGBT staff and inmates.” ■

PGN

New blog uncovers Gayborhood history By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com If the streets of the Gayborhood could talk, they’d tell quite a story — and one local history buff is looking to help them do just that. Bob Skiba this summer launched “The Gayborhood Guru,” a blog in which he explores the history of Philly’s gay enclave. Each week Skiba posts about a site or property within the ’hood, detailing its past and the role it played in the evolution of the LGBT community. Skiba has worked as a Philadelphia tour guide for more than a dozen years and is president of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides. He serves as archivist at William Way LGBT Community Center and in recent years has led a walking tour of the Gayborhood. “The blog grew out of the work I’ve been doing in the archives and the talks I’ve done on the history of the Gayborhood,” he said, noting that earlier this year he ventured into

detailed in the blog, Skiba joked. He was also able to connect with the greatgreat granddaughter of Francesco Basta, the man who opened the first business on that site, a restaurant called Leoncavallo, at the end of the 19th century. After Basta’s death in 1917, his family purchased the property next to it at 256 S. 12th St., joining the two buildings into the current structure. The restaurant shuttered was in the 1960s, paving the way for a series of gay bars. Skiba said he was recently showing an out-of-town friend around the Gayborhood and, during a stop at Venture Inn, mentioned his interest in the area’s history to a staff member, who had been an employee for three decades and who shared a wealth of knowledge and stories with him. A manager at The Bike Stop happened to recently contact Skiba with news that, during renovations, staff uncovered brickwork

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Photos:Courtesy of “The Gayborhood Guru” (left) and Scott A. Drake

arches and tilework dating to the early 20th century. Skiba incorporated photos of the work into his posting about the club’s history, and also linked the bar with his contacts at the Athenaeum. “This has been a great way for me to connect people in the city and work with the contacts I have both in the gay and straight communities,” he said. “The response has been great.” In two months, the site has generated more than 1,000 hits. Skiba is currently co-writing “Lost Philadelphia” — about city structures that have been torn down — and said he’d ultimately like to turn the blog into a book. “If I write one post a week for a year, that’s 52 stories. That’s a pretty painless way to write a book,” he said. “We’ve had books like Marc Stein’s [‘City of Sisterly and Brotherly Loves’] that was great on covering gay politics from post-World War II Philadelphia and a lot of other books. With this, I’d want it to be more of a social history of LGBT Philadelphia, particularly the Gayborhood.” Visit “The Gayborhood Guru” at http:// thegayborhoodguru.wordpress.com/. ■

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THE BUILDING AT 256 S. 12TH ST. IN 1910 AS LEONCAVALLO (LEFT) AND TODAY AS ICANDY WITH THE STILL-EXTANT RESTAURANT NAME ON THE FAÇADE

the blogosphere with a dance-history blog. “I thought, What better way to get this information out there than in blog form? The Gayborhood has a really interesting history and I thought this would be a good way to tell it.” So far, he’s profiled the history of locales such as Tavern on Camac, ICandy and Westbury, using vintage photos and ephemera to help tell their stories. The blog also highlights buildings without an LGBT-specific history in postings Skiba dubbed “Straight Snapshots.” While his archival work at the center and his tour-guide experience have been invaluable for the blog, the venture has also given Skiba the opportunity to collect new perspectives on the Gayborhood’s past. “Since I’ve been doing this for so long, I have a lot of the research in place, but this is moving me to get first-person stories as well,” he said. He reached out to Alan Kachin, the nowFlorida-based former owner of Equus — a gay bar that occupied 254-56 S. 12th St. from 1977-83, now home to ICandy — who provided Skiba with a colorful account of the property, with some stories not fit to be

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Errol Naidoo

Editorial

Conflicting emotions The Republican National Convention is eliciting conflicting emotions from within the GOP, among media and in critics. It started with the Republican Platform 2012, released last week and approved Tuesday at the convention. Though there had been debate about adding more gay-friendly (if not actually inclusive) language, the final version stripped it out, and that’s the version that was approved. The document itself has some general internal inconsistencies, as well as demonstrating ideological inconsistencies of the Republican Party. For instance, the closing line in the “Preserving and Protecting Traditional Marriage” heading states: “We embrace the principle that all Americans should be treated with respect and dignity.” It was noted here last week, but it bears repeating: This stands in direct contrast to the rest of the paragraph, including the sentence preceding it: “ ... we believe that marriage, the union of one man and one woman must be upheld as the national standard, a goal to stand for, encourage and promote through laws governing marriage.” The line about respect and dignity also contrasts the Republican stance on “Protecting Individual Conscience in Healthcare.” This paragraph states that “No healthcare professional or organization should ever be required to perform, provide for, withhold, or refer for a medical service against conscience.” The authors’ intention, no doubt, is to protect those who have a religious objection to abortions and contraception and take issue with sexual orientation and gender minorities. But what, then, of the Hippocratic Oath, and its pledge to consider the health of the patient first and to not allow considerations of age, disease or disability,

creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between duty and the patient? In that same paragraph, the authors reaffirm their support of parents’ rights to consent for treatment of their children, including pregnancy, contraceptives and abortion. They also specifically “urge enactment of pending legislation that would require parental consent to transport girls across state lines for abortions.” It’s worth noting that these relate specifically to controlling girls and women, though the mental-health treatment they mention would certainly be used for parents to force their gay children into therapy (possibly against their will and possibly causing harm). Under the heading of “Protecting Human Rights,” the platform only mentions religious freedoms, specifically the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Not to put too fine a point on it, but many of those same “religious minorities” are using religion to persecute sexual and gender minorities. The promise to “return the advocacy of religious liberty to a central place in our diplomacy” is worrisome for a country that was founded on freedom of religion — and the flip side, freedom from religion. As others have noted, the opening-night speeches of the RNC also elicited conflicting emotions, particularly with the wife of the Republican presidential candidate Ann Romney telling her story of love, and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie lauding respect over love. At a point where the Republicans ought to be thinking about how to appeal to more voters, they are alienating those who don’t fit their mold. Big Tent, hardly. ■

Earlier this month in South Africa, workers were on strike at a Marikana platinum mine demanding better wages. Police shot their guns into the crowd. Dozens were injured and 34 people are dead. That’s in addition to the 10 people previously killed at the mine. It’s like a folk tale created to tell around the campfires at the Republican National Convention: unions (the enemy), capitalism (King), race (Lonmin is a British company), money (platinum = major bling), guns (sacred) and homosexuality (wait, what?) all rolled into one. Now, if you’re finding yourself singing the Sesame Street “one of these things doesn’t belong” song, that’s understandable. But it also means that you just aren’t thinking like a selfprofessed man of God. Enter Errol Naidoo, the director for Family Policy Institute South Africa, to explain the Marikana mine tragedy to all of you blind to the obvious. In an Aug. 22 Family Policy Institute newsletter, Naidoo wrote, “The murder of more than a million unborn citizens has perpetuated a culture of death in S.A. Life has become cheap and has lost its dignity and sanctity in a culture that glorifies self-gratification. There has been much hand wringing and recrimination about the Marikana Massacre. But when human life is diminished in the womb, that callousness will find its way into the national psyche.” Got that? Because of abortion, police officers gunned down workers striking so that they might earn a slightly more decent wage mining platinum, which has only increased in value, pushing up profits for the mining companies (although Naidoo doesn’t bother to address the greed and oppression and brutality at the heart of the strike because that doesn’t mesh with his “abortionists are the enemy” message). But what does this have to do with homosexuals? According to Naidoo, “Abortion-on-demand, driven by radical feminist activists and the homosexual

agenda, lie at the heart of the culture of death.” Now, how exactly homos are driving people to terminate their pregnancies “ondemand” is not clear. But what is clear is that homosexuals are basically to blame for everything because they just make God so dern mad He’s got to go out and kill folks. And then “Christians” like Naidoo are all, “You go, God. You show ’em.” This isn’t anything new, of course. You’ll remember that in 2001 Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson blamed “the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians” for Sept. 11. The Rev. John Haggee blamed gays for Hurricane Katrina. Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist cult blames homos for everything. Homos are multifaceted havoc wreckers. This isn’t Naidoo’s first brush with gay-bashing, though. According to Pink News, three years ago he said, “I hate gays. It runs against God’s wishes.” He’s not following the usual “lovethe-sinner-hate-the-sin” line of bull. And proudly so. “I pray not for gays myself, but I know there are many ministries in the country who continue to pray for gays,” he said, again according to Pink News. “And their success rate is very good. I know of many cases where men and women forsake their evil ways and now live in healthy, normal relationships.” Naidoo hates gays too much to bother wasting his prayer on them, but take it from him, that shit works. Homosexuality is the disease and prayer is the cure. As for the miners, let’s hope they figure out who the real enemy is so they can stop all of this striking nonsense and beat up some queers. ■

Naidoo hates gays too much to bother wasting his prayer on them, but take it from him, that shit works.

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

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OP-ED PGN

Self-respect and voting As you read this, I’ll be preparing for my rights. They’re not in 1984: They literally trip to the Democratic National Convention are stuck in the days of “Father Knows Best” — the 1950s. in Charlotte, N.C. For me, this is an emotional trip since I’ll be joined by 12 other If you have any self-respect, you know out LGBT delegates in the Pennsylvania for whom you’re voting. Delegation, and we’ll be joining up with There’s a guessing game in town now: over 530 out delegates repreWill the Log Cabin Republicans senting every single state in hold their heads high or show a lack of self-respect by endorsthe nation. We’ll also be voting ing the Romney/Ryan ticket? on the most LGBT-inclusive And now that Republican presiplatform ever endorsed by the dential candidate Mitt Romney Democratic Party. has escaped the confines of the My first DNC was in 1984, GOP right-wing base in Tampa, where there were “some” gay will he even attempt to go to the and lesbian delegates. If memmiddle or run a base campaign? ory serves me well, we had one meeting of the Gay and Lesbian What’s a base campaign, Caucus: San Francisco’s gay you ask? It’s a campaign where and lesbian community held you play to your base, trying to an evening welcoming recepmaximize and get out the vote in tion in a small restaurant, and your traditional base. In the case of Republicans, and especially acting as hosts were Valerie Mark Segal today’s Republicans, that has Harper and Judith Light. That become a base of the conservayear, the DNC’s gay and lesbian platform read “Gay Plank” under tive, religious right wing and working-class “Chapter II, Justice, Dignity, Opportunity white men. For Democrats, it’s liberals, unions and minorities. — Introduction.” It stated, “Government has a special responsibility to those whom This is the last kind of race that Romney society has historically prevented from wanted to wage. Note the way the Romney enjoying the benefits of full citizenship for commercials have turned to welfare and food stamps, and then his birther remark reasons of race, religion, sex, age, national last Friday. Will he turn toward the middle origin and ethnic heritage, sexual orientation or disability.” after Tampa has faded? It just might be a So, 28 years later, the changes are dratough turn to make. matic, to say the least. Just read the proBy the way, you can follow me posed LGBT platform for this year and at the DNC all next week on my you’ll note support for marriage equality Facebook page www.facebook.com/ and nondiscrimination legislation. MarkSegalPGN?sk=page_insights, and on Compare that with the Republican Twitter.■ Party’s platform this year, which literally Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the has a plank that supports the antigay missions to Africa: “Marriage is between a nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at man and woman” with nothing regarding mark@epgn.com. nondiscrimination or anything pro-civil

Mark My Words

Letters and Feedback

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 11

Street Talk What do you expect from the Republican Convention? “They’ll come down hard on Obama, judging from their treatment of him in the past. They’ll blame him for all the Andrew Cabrera problems in student the country Somerset, N.J. — even things that happened before he became president. I don’t think I’ll feel any sense of patriotism or inspiration from the speeches at the convention. They’ll be appealing to Republicans and I’m not a Republican.”

“The Romney campaign has been nothing but hate. I wouldn’t expect anything different Adam at the Leitenberger convention. educator They’ll try Cherry Hill, N.J. to mobilize people who hate minorities. That’s the only way Romney can get elected. I don’t expect Romney to express any substantive positions: He doesn’t have any.”

“It will be about bashing Obama, rather than focusing on Romney and Ryan. They’ll try to distract people from the Jason Parris differences attorney between South Philly those two. So they’ll run down Obama, and spew a lot of venom against the Democrats. If Biden is in town, that will egg them on more. They hate that guy.”

“If they’re smart, they’ll steer clear of social issues. The [U.S. Rep. Todd] Akin flap is hot right now. They [would be] better just David Schaevitz physician to stick to Center City the economy. But Romney will probably say something generic about family values. The convention will be a united show of force. It will be choreographed as such for the media. The Republicans are really good at being a solid bloc.”

Sexual-assault victims gain witnesses Sexual assault is one of the most personally violating crimes, and a victim’s response to these crimes is often misunderstood. Thanks to a new state law that takes effect Aug. 28, prosecutors in Pennsylvania courtrooms are allowed — for the first time— to call on expert witnesses for factual testimony about the behaviors of sexual-assault victims. Why is that important? Most jurors do not know that the brain processes and stores traumatic memories differently than any other type of memory. In addition, it is vital for jurors to gain an understating of posttraumatic stress disorder and the fact that people can present with different emotions after an assault. It is not like what you see on an episode of “[Law & Order:] Special Victims Unit” on television. Hearing clini-

cal information from expert witnesses such as physicians, psychologists and sexualassault counselors will help jurors understand why a victim of sexual violence might have found it difficult to report the crime, delayed disclosing the assault or remember the details in sequential order. Pennsylvania is the last state in the country to enact this law. Advocates for victims of sexual assault applaud the many people who worked toward the bill’s passage. It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of prosecutors; law enforcement; legislators, including the bill’s champion, Rep. Cherelle Parker and co-sponsor Rep. Kate Harper; the governor’s office; victims’-rights advocates; and victims themselves who bravely told their stories to highlight the need for this legisla-

tion. Advocates from Philadelphia were a part of this effort with members of the District Attorney’s office, Special Victims Unit and Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center, Women Organized Against Rape, testifying twice before members of the state House of Representatives. Until now, justice in the courtroom was tilted toward the offender because jurors weren’t given the knowledge they needed to understand all of the challenges victims face. This law will help jurors make decisions based on information and insight. In taking a stand for victims of sexual assault, it moves Pennsylvania one step closer to safety in our communities and justice for all. — Jill Maier, director of counseling services Women Organized Against Rape

In response to “Millennial Poz: Cruising and disclosing,” Aug. 10-16: That’s cool that you disclose, but you seem to have a bigger problem — you sound like a sex addict. There’s more to life than compulsive anonymous sex. I’ve been there, and life is so much better once you break the addiction. — JoseJoseJose Aaron Stella responds: Thanks for your thoughts, and for your disclosure. I think you might be misinterpreting my ribald verse with a salivating, unquenchable desire to suck and fuck. Not an unreasonable conclusion, but my intent is to empower poz men in particular who, because of their status, feel alienated from their sexual persona.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

News Briefing Police officer admits to having sex with man Philadelphia Police Officer Michael Paige has admitted to engaging in consensual sex with another man while on duty, according to a court document filed by his attorney last week — a stark contrast to his earlier denials in court. James Harris contends that Paige forced him to perform oral sex on him five years ago in a secluded area of Fairmount Park. In June, a federal jury sided with Harris, ruling that Paige violated his civil rights — and awarding Harris $165,000 in civil damages. Paige is appealing that verdict in the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. Last week, Paige’s attorney, Brian M. Puricelli, filed a document with the court in which Paige admitted to having sex with

Harris. “Mr. Paige while employed as a police officer has a sexual encounter with Harris,” the Aug. 22 document states. “The issue is whether the encounter was purely private and not [conduct] under color of state law.” The document appears to contradict Paige’s trial testimony, in which he stated that he didn’t have sex with Harris during the encounter. Puricelli couldn’t be reached for comment. Brian F. Humble, an attorney for Harris, called the document “just another frivolous filing.” “My client was abducted by Officer Paige and orally raped by him multiple times,” Humble told PGN. “There’s absolutely no evidence whatsoever in the trial transcript of a consensual sexual encounter [between Paige and Harris].” Paige was dismissed from the police force shortly after the alleged incident. But he was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in 2008. The following year, he was reinstated to the force after an independent arbitrator reduced his discipline from dismissal to a 30-day suspension. — Timothy Cwiek

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Dem Watch Party at Woody’s LGBT for Obama will bring together local out and ally Democrats to watch the Democratic National Convention next week. The Watch Party will be held from 7-10 p.m. Sept. 6 at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. The convention will take on special significance this year as the Democratic Party is expected to become the first major party ever to endorse same-sex marriage. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Dine for youth center Philadelphia blogger Josh Schonewolf will host a dinner party this weekend to raise funds for an LGBT youth agency. “Josh’s Dinner Party” will be held 8:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Tickets are $20, and all proceeds will be donated to The Ali Forney Center, a New York Citybased agency that serves LGBT homeless youth. The event will feature food, drinks, music by DJ Carl Michaels, prizes and drag per-

formances. Schonewolf’s “Josh Can’t Cook” (joshcantcook.com) is a food blog written with a twist of humor and describing the blogger’s wealth of mishaps in the kitchen. However, Schonewolf won’t be slaving over the stove for the party: The food will be prepared by chef Lisa Ransing. For more information, email joshcantcook@gmail.com. Checks can be sent directly to The Ali Forney Center, c/o Andre Ottley, 224 W. 35th St., 15th floor, New York City, NY 10001.

Delco gay group launches A new social and support group will begin meeting next week in Delaware County. Delco Dudes will host its inaugural meeting from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. The group is designed for gay men but is open to all those over 18. Delco Dudes will meet the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, email delco. dudes@uucdc.org. ■ — Jen Colletta

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 13

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

CBC FIRE from page 1

rent owners — who are based in California and Florida — said up to 20 people were evacuated. The cause of the fire is now under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office Davison said the length of time for an investigation varies from case to case. Srnicek said the fire began in and was confined to the laundry room. “We have gas dryers and since the place is pretty old, we have to empty the lint traps and hadn’t gotten around to cleaning out the exhaust pipe,” he said. “So that may have been it, but we have to wait to hear.”

The laundry room sustained the brunt of the fire; Srnicek said there are extensive scorch marks in the room, and the laundry equipment itself is destroyed. The changing-room doors will need to be replaced, as firefighters had to kick down each one to ensure no patrons remained in the building. A number of windows, broken to allow the smoke to be released, will also need to be replaced. An area on the second level, an approximately 100-square-foot space directly about the laundry room, also has scorch marks on the floor. The basement also has water

PGN NEWS

damage, Srnicek said, from the effort to bring the fire under control. The total cost for repairs has yet to be determined, but Srnicek said he is working with the business’ insurance company to address finances. “It’s a pain that this happened but we are fully insured,” he said. “We have business-income loss insurance, property, casualty, liability insurance, all of it.” The business had recently begun renovations — improvements to the dry sauna and the installation of new televisions — and Srnicek said the fire will likely speed up the rest of that

process. “The whole place was slated to be redone,” he said. “There’s now some smoke damage throughout so the fire will probably accelerate the renovation plans.” Srnicek estimated that the club will probably be back up and running in about a month. Employees were able to take out the business’ safe, computers and other business materials. When the club reopens, all members will be given an automatic three-month membership extension. Srnicek expects to close the purchase of the business by the end of the year.

“Depending on the information from the insurance company, I expect to still be on track,” he said. “This is just a hiccup.” ■

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International Manchester Pride parade draws thousands Thousands lined the streets of Manchester’s city center Aug. 25to watch one of the United Kingdom’s largest LGBT Pride parades. Locals and visitors alike defied the forecasted rain and turned out to support this year’s Manchester Pride events, featuring more than 100 participating companies, individuals, sponsors and local lifestyle, political and professional organizations. Many of the entrants, announced by Peter Dickson (the voice behind popular U.K. television’s “The X Factor”), were inspired by this year’s theme of Queer’d Science and the centenary of the birth of Alan Turing, the mathematician and founding father of modern cognitive science who was persecuted for his homosexuality. Said Manchester Pride chief executive John Stewart: “It was great to have Peter Dickson in this year’s parade, which was an overwhelming success and a credit to the local LGBT community and its supporters. There were some brilliant entries taking inspiration from this year’s theme of Queer’d Science, and I’m relieved that the rain held off long enough for all the participants and spectators to enjoy the jubilant atmosphere.”

Zimbabwe: Police in Harare close down GALZ offices Police in Harare have pressed charges against Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe and closed down its office. This closure is likely to affect its members greatly, as many depended on it for counseling and health education. The police accuse GALZ of operating without registration, saying the body must be licensed under the Private Voluntary Organizations Act. To n d e r a i B h a t a s a r a o f M u p a n ga Bhatasara Attorneys, who are representing GALZ, said: “We are challenging the charges which they have pressed against our clients because they have been there for more than 10 years operating under the common law. But the police are saying they are supposed to be registered under the PVO Act. It is not an offense to be gay

under the Zimbabwean constitution but if one man sodomizes another man then it becomes an offense. It is only intolerance within the society and political leadership here in Zimbabwe which have fueled the vilification of gays and lesbians.” Police confiscated computers, memory sticks and pamphlets from GALZ offices Aug. 16 before charging the organization with operating without registration. Prior to this, 44 members of GALZ — 31 men and 13 women — were arrested and taken to Harare central police station, where they were held before being released without charge. Recently, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said some of the LGBT campaigners who had been arrested were visited by police at home and those who were not arrested had been ordered to report to their local police stations. Bhatasara said his clients have not been given a court date and were told they would be notified through summons. Human-rights organizations and the international community have condemned the clampdown.

Australian football launches major antihomophobia drive The Australian Football League has “declared war” on homophobia in a new initiative. League chief Andrew Demetriou, Olympic flag bearer Lauren Jackson and Collingwood president Eddie McGuire will lead the campaign to change attitudes towards LGBT people in sports and the workplace. The campaign comes in the wake of a homophobic slur recently made by Stephen Milne, who plays for St. Kilda’s Football Club, against Harry O’Brien of Collingwood Magpies. The initiative will be pushed via a yearlong TV and social-media campaign, which will encourage people to stand up and make a difference. In a letter, Demetriou said discrimination should not be tolerated and that it is everyone’s responsibility to tackle such negative attitudes and behavior. He added that the “No to Homophobia” initiative was of great importance and had the full weight of the AFL industry behind it. “A campaign of this nature promoting respect for each other, healthy relationships and a safe, inclusive environment is imperative if we are to affect positive cultural change,” he said. “We believe the AFL is one game for all Australians. Through both our actions and the guidelines that govern our game, we are committed to providing a truly inclusive, safe and welcoming

Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 15

environment that fosters healthy, respectful relationships on and off the field.” A survey by Australian body Gay and Lesbian Health revealed that more than a quarter of openly LGBT men and women were verbally abused in the past year in the state of Victoria. Chief Commissioner Ken Lay said the state’s police force is against all forms of violence, bullying and intimidation. “There are laws in place to protect the rights of all Victorians and we encourage people to report any acts to police,” he said. The campaign is supported by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. The AFL is a major backer of the campaign, along with the state government, mental-health advocates and the police force.

S. African pastor blames gays, feminists for ‘culture of death’ Pastor Errol Naidoo of South Africa’s Family Policy Institute has blamed the LGBT community for creating a “culture of death” that led, among other things, to the Marikana mine massacre. In his latest newsletter, the Cape Townbased Christian leader rails against feminists, gay men and lesbians for perpetuating

a “culture of death” that he claims “is slowly killing off the human family in Western civilization.” Naidoo wrote: “A b o r t i o n on-demand — d r ive n b y radical feminist activists — and the homosexual agenda, lie at the heart of the NAIDOO culture of death. These anti-family groups are responsible for population decline.” He also blamed said groups for what he refers to as “the rapidly diminishing rights and freedoms of Christians in S.A.,” “the growing holocaust of abortion on demand,” “teen pregnancies” and “the Marikana Massacre” in which 34 mine workers recently protesting over wages and union recognition were killed by police. Naidoo’s Family Policy Institute is an avowedly homophobic Christian fundamentalist lobby group that has sought to repeal marriage-equality rights in South Africa. He has said he believes that homosexuality can be cured through prayer and was quoted by a Nigerian newspaper as saying, “I hate gays. It runs against God’s wishes.” ■

— compiled by Larry Nichols

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

PGN NEWS GAY MARRIAGE from page 1

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Cummings, a staunch opponent of LGBT rights, in November. Cartwright, a first-time candidate, said he had not given marriage equality serious consideration prior to entering the race. Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin said Cartwright’s change exemplifies the process that countless other Americans are also undergoing. “He admits he went through a bit of an evolution; he wasn’t always there,” Martin said. “That’s what so many real people are going through who have never really thought about the issue. And he’s symbolizing the conclusion that Americans are coming to.” The fact that Cartwright does not hail from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, considered the state’s two progressive bastions, is even more impressive, Martin said. “When people really sit down and think about this, they’re coming to the same conclusions, even in places you wouldn’t think are on the cutting edge of LGBT issues.” Martin added that Cartwright’s public stance can be helpful in garnering support from other lawmakers and political hopefuls who are on the fence. “Politicians proclaim themselves as leaders but are often followers. Once they’re in office, they look for other people to lead on the hardest, toughest issues. No one wants to be out there hanging alone, so the more we have politicians talking about this publicly, the better. The value of President Obama, of Matt Cartwright, saying, ‘What’s the big deal?’ is that it helps people see this as an easier issue to deal with and to finally address it publicly.” Thanks to redistricting, the 17th District now includes several new Democratic strongholds, and Cartwright is the favorite heading into November. Cummings is the founder of the Scranton Tea Party and opposes marriage equality because, she said, the Bible says it’s “wrong.” While in office, Holden voted in favor of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and on a measure to ban adoption by gay couples in Washington, D.C. ■

Philadelphia Gay News

NEWS PGN

Media Trail Webcam spying victim’s parents leave their church The New York Times reports the parents of Tyler Clementi say they have left their longtime village church due to its views on homosexuality. Jane Clementi said she decided she could no longer attend Grace Church in Ridgewood because doing so would suggest she supported its teachings against homosexuality. Clementi also says she took strength from reading the Bible as she reconsidered her views on the topic. Clementi’s son, Tyler, killed himself by jumping off the George Washington Bridge in 2010. His death came just days after his roommate had used a webcam to spy on Clementi’s romantic liaison with a man in their freshman dorm at Rutgers University. The case garnered national attention and made Clementi a symbol of the perils of mistreating young gays.

Vermont Inn settles gay-marriage lawsuit CBS News reports two New York women and a Vermont country inn have settled a lawsuit that accused the business of refusing to host the couple’s wedding reception. The American Civil Liberties Union says The Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville agreed to pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the Vermont Human Rights Commission and place $20,000 in a charitable trust. Kate and Ming Linsley contacted the ACLU after Ming’s mother was told last year by the Wildflower Inn’s events manager that the inn didn’t host “gay receptions” due to the innkeepers’ “personal feelings.” The women say they will use the money for legal costs and donate the rest to charity. As part of the settlement, the Wildflower Inn agreed to no longer host wedding receptions. The couple said they’re pleased with the outcome.

Anti-gay reverend convicted of obscenity The [New Orleans] Times-Picayune reports a 55-year-old minister known for his bullhorn-amplified protests at an

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 17

annual gay festival in the French Quarter has been convicted of obscenity for exposing himself while masturbating at a public park last year. The Rev. Grant Storms, of Metairie, waived a jury trial and the case was heard by state District Judge Ross LaDart, who last Wednesday found Storms guilty of the single count against him. He then sentenced Storms to three years of probation, citing no evidence of a criminal history. Storms was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation. He declined comment. For years, Storms called on the City of New Orleans to outlaw the annual Southern Decadence festival, calling it a “party of perversion and festival of filthiness.”

Wyo. incumbent: Gay-marriage support cost race The Sheridan Press reports an incumbent Wyoming state representative blames his loss in an Aug. 21 primary election on his opposition to proposed legislation targeting same-sex couples. Unofficial results show that Cody Republican Rep. Pat Childers came in last in the four-way GOP primary race in House District 50, a seat he’s held since 1997. Childers and the unofficial winner, Powell rancher David Northrup, say they believe many voters rejected Childers

because of his stand on the same-sex marriage issue. Childers has a daughter who’s a lesbian. He spoke last year against a proposed bill that would have prohibited Wyoming from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states. The Legislature ultimately rejected the bill.

Police: Neb. woman faked attack to spark change Nebraska’s Star Herald reports a former University of Nebraska women’s basketball star faked an attack in which she allegedly carved antigay slurs into her skin because she felt it would spark change. Lincoln Police Chief Jim Peschong said Aug. 21 that 33-year-old Charlie Rogers outlined her motive for the faked July 22 attack in Facebook postings four days earlier. Peschong says Rogers wrote: “So maybe I’m too idealistic but I believe way deep inside me that we can make things better for everyone. I will be a catalyst. I will do what it takes. I will. Watch me.” Rogers, a lesbian, told police three masked men attacked her in her home and carved antigay slurs in her skin. Rogers was charged Aug. 21 with making a false police report. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved a new anti-HIV pill that combines four medicines to combat the virus that causes AIDS. The agency approved Gilead Sciences’ Stribild as a once-a-day treatment to control HIV in adults who have not previously been treated for infection. The pill contains two previously approved antiviral drugs, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, currently sold as the combination pill Truvada. Those drugs are combined with two new drugs: elvitegravir and cobicistat. Elvitegravir interferes with one of the enzymes that HIV needs to multiply. Cobicistat helps prolong the effect of elvitegravir. Company studies showed that 88 to 90 percent of patients taking Stribild had an undetectable level of HIV in their blood after 48 weeks, compared

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with 87 percent for patients taking Atripla, another HIV drug that contains Truvada and one other drug. An estimated 1.2-million Americans have HIV, which develops into AIDS unless treated with antiviral drugs. AIDS causes the body’s immune system to break down, leading to infections that are eventually fatal. Patients can live relatively healthy, normal lives when treated with antiviral cocktails. Like most other HIV drugs, Stribild will carry a boxed warning about potentially dangerous side effects, including severe liver problems and the buildup of lactic acid. More common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Earlier this year, Gilead received FDA approval to market Truvada as the first preventive medicine for healthy people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV. Truvada was first approved in 2004 for patients already infected with the virus. ■

WILLIAMSPORT — A federal judge who last spring struck down key provisions of Pennsylvania law governing funeral homes and undertakers, calling them antiquated and unconstitutional, has now ordered the state to pay more than $1.1 million in legal fees in the case. U.S. Middle District Judge John E. Jones III cited challenges faced by the 33 funeral directors and funeral homes who were plaintiffs in the lawsuit. In May, he criticized the State Board of Funeral Directors for failing to update regulations on ownership of funeral parlors, the use of trade names and a host of other issues raised by the plaintiffs. In his latest order, he accused the defendants of “the very epitome of bad faith” in much of their conduct and “an almost cavalier disregard” of his earlier ruling. The [Harrisburg] Patriot-News says Jones also last Wednesday issued an injunction barring the board from enforcing the sections he declared unconstitutional. That means the funeral homes will be able to serve food, will not be subjected to warrantless inspections, may share a supervisor with

another location and can pay unlicensed employees without fear of prosecution. Post & Schell, a Harrisburgbased law firm, had sought nearly $1.4 million in attorneys’ fees, saying its attorneys spent nearly 6,000 hours on litigation it contends will “have a profound, and positive, impact on the funeral profession and the public.” The judge cut back the amount a bit but said he was awarding fees “commensurate with the herculean and focused work” of the legal team. The circa-1952 Funeral Director Law bars a licensed undertaker from owning or even working at more than two homes, requires that every funeral home maintain an expensive “preparation room” even though it may not be needed, and mandates that in most cases funeral homes must be named after the proprietor, something Jones called an illegal infringement on commercial speech. The law also limits ownership of funeral homes to licensed funeral directors and their spouses, children and grandchildren. That has the effect of restricting competition, the plaintiffs said, while discriminating against gay or lesbian owners who are unable to bequeath it to their partners. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 19

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

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

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 21

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 23

PAGE 30

By PGN Staff Every year, arts aficionados eagerly await the end of summer and the beginning of fall, when the temperature cools and the leaves start to change colors — and, more importantly, when theater, dance and musical seasons open.

Books

A reading with Sally Bellerose, Janet Aalfs and Joseph Ross The authors of “The Girls Club,” “Bird of a Thousand Eyes” and “Meeting Bone Man,” respectively, host a reading at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-9232960. Marco Roth The author of “The Scientists: A Family Romance” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. David Byrne The Talking Heads singer and author of “How Music Works” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-5674341. Jose Garces The chef and author of “The Latin Road Home: Savoring the Foods of Ecuador, Spain, Cuba, Mexico and Peru” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. Wyclef Jean The rapper and author of “Purpose: An Immigrant’s Story” hosts a read-

ing 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. Luisita Lopez Torregrosa The former Inquirer editor and author of “Before the Rain: A Memoir of Love and Revolution” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Emanuel Xavier The author of “Americano” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Giovanni’s

Royal Drummers & Dancers of Burundi The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the renown percussion ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-8983900. Dancing and Romancing Peter Nero and the Philly Pops performs Oct. 12-14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800.

presented the U.S. premiere of Poulenc’s Double Piano Concerto, Nov. 8-10 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800.

Comedy/Humor

David Sedaris The out humorist performs 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650. A John Waters Christmas The out filmmaker’s oneman show takes the stage

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

Sept. 18-23 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Lar Lubovitch Dance Company The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the acclaimed dance company Oct. 11-13 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-8983900. Giselle The Pennsylvania Ballet performs the classical show choreographed by Marius Petipa, Oct. 18-28 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Rama Vaidyanathan The acclaimed Indian dancer performs 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.

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Belly Dance Superstars Things get shaking 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. Spellbound Dance Company The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the acclaimed dance company Nov. 15-17 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. PHILADANCO! The local dance company performs Dec. 7-9 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker The Pennsylvania Ballet presents the holiday classic Dec. 8-30 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

CHEF JOSE GARCES (FROM LEFT) AND FUNNYMEN DAVID SEDARIS AND JOHN WATERS

Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215923-2960. Timothy Jay Smith The author of “Cooper’s Promise” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960.

Classical/ Opera/World Music

La Bohème The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents a new production of Puccini’s ultra-romantic blockbuster Sept. 28-Oct. 7 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Bell, Bernstein and Brahms The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Oct. 25-27 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. Sounds of America The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Nov. 1-3 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847. The Stowkowski Legacy The Philadelphia Orchestra performs a program inspired by the British conductor’s original program of December 1935, when The Philadelphia Orchestra

8 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. John Pinette The comedian performs Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Kevin Hart The comedian performs 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Dance

Sequence 8 by 7 Fingers The Montréal-based circus company performs

DANCE TROUPES RAMA (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT), PHILADANCO! AND LAR LUBOVITCH

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

Exhibits

To Stir, Inform and Inflame: The Art of Tony Auth The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition exploring the Inquirer editorial cartoonist’s work, through Oct. 21, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800. Shipwreck! Winslow Homer and The Life Line Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 33 paintings by American artist Homer, Sept. 22-Dec. 16, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Atlantic City, N.J.; 855348-0500. Amanda Palmer The openly bisexual singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011. Melissa Ferrick The out singer-songwriter perform 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-9941400. Slash The rock guitarist and his band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 14 at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

Learning from Frank Furness: Louis Sullivan in 1873 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and furniture by the famed architect, Oct. 6-Dec. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Rachelle Ferrell The R&B singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Anthony Hamilton and Estelle The R&B singers perform at 7:30 p.m. at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-3522887. Bon Iver The alternative-rock artist performs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-5467900. Florence & The Machine The rock band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300. Kiss and Mötley Crüe The rock bands perform 8 p.m. Sept. 19 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300.

Ronaldus Shamask: Form, Fashion, Reflection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and sketches by the fashion designer, Oct. 6-March 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Peter Gabriel The singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Music

Barry Manilow The singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk,

FEATURE PGN

BARRY MANILOW (TOP) AND AMANDA PALMER

Earth, Wind & Fire The R&B group performs 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609317-1000.

Shades of blue (and silver) for Mould Out alternative-rock icon, author, DJ and songwriter Bob Mould is celebrating the old and the new this fall, performing his classic Sugar album “Copper Blue” on tour to mark its 20th anniversary, and releasing his blistering new album, “Silver Age.” “I’m real happy with the record and it’s a really nice complement to ‘Copper Blue,’ start to finish,” Mould said. “It’s made for fun shows so far. We just got back from Europe. We had a great run of festivals over there. We’ve been starting the show playing ‘Copper Blue,’ start to finish. Then we have a number of things we can do after that. We’re excited about ‘Silver Age,’ so we usually concentrate on that. I have a pretty deep songbook to round it out, so the shows have been really fun.” Mould said it had been a while since he listened to “Copper Blue” in its entirety and there’s at least one song on the album that was never played live until recently. He said listening to the album again brought him back to the transitional time in his career between the end of highly influential band Hüsker Dü and the launch of Sugar. “I got reacquainted with the Sugar catalog as we were remastering the original versions to get them up to speed for the reissues,” he said. “That was fun. Those are some really good records, ‘Copper Blue’ especially. It reminded me of where I was when I was writing those records and the stories behind the songs. 1991 and 1992

were fun years for me, ’91 especially because it was one of those start-overagain years for me. I was doing a lot of solo acoustic and electric touring and trying out new songs. It led to 1992, which was the recording and releasing of ‘Copper Blue’ and all the Sugar recording and activities.” The debut of Sugar came at a time when alternative rock was taking over the mainstream a n d m a ny m u s i c i a n s were waving the banner of Mould’s influence and sound. Twenty years later, things have come full circle with today’s most successful rock artists singing his praises and Mould releasing a muscular new rock record. “It’s really strange,” Mould said of the acclaim from his peers. “Things come and go in cycles and double back on themselves. It’s really nice to put ‘Copper Blue’ back out there. There are new people finding it. The old fans are enjoying it again. It’s one of those records that held up really well and remains very current. I think other people mentioning my work — like Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters, he’s been kind in his words toward me — helped remind people about the work. It’s funny how it’s come all around again.” “Silver Age” hits the stores Sept. 4. Bob Mould performs 9 p.m. Sept. 11 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. For more information or tickets, call 215-232-2100. ■ — Larry Nichols

FEATURE PGN

Arrested Development: 20thanniversary tour The hip-hop group performs 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302994-1400. The Gossip The punk-rock band with the out singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011. Adam Ant The new-wave singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. James Iha The former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist performs 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 25

The Misfits The punk band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Barbra Streisand The singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Psychedelic Furs and The Lemonheads The alternative-rock bands 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Public Image Limited The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

CELTIC THUNDER

Rush The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Celtic Thunder The pop group performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-352-2887.

Catie Curtis The out singer-songwriter performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215-928-0978.

Meshell Ndegeocello — A dedication to Nina Simone The out soul singer-songwriter performs 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-2221400. Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie The shock-rock bands perform 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300.

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Rick Springfield The singer and guitarist performs at 9 p.m. Oct. 20 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. Asia The classic-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Janis Ian The out singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5858. John Legend The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Group Love The rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000. Social Distortion The punk-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

Rabert Randolph & The Family Band The blues-rock group performs 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650.

JANIS IAN (TOP) AND ANI DEFRANCO

Ani DiFranco The out singer-songwriter performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650. Antigone Rising The all-women rock band with out members performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215-9280978.

FEATURE PGN

Men Without Hats The new-wave band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 28 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-2575858. Christine Havrilla The out singer-songwriter performs 8:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215-9280978.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

Hall & Oates The pop duo performs 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Erin McKeown The out singer-songwriter performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215-928-0978.

Pink Martini The orchestral band performs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

B.B. King The blues guitarist performs 8 p.m. Nov. 23 at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3434000.

Morrissey The out alt-rock singer performs 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. PAGE 31

Pentatonix is a hot ticket If you haven’t gotten tickets yet to see Pentatonix when they come through Philly, you might be out of luck. The vocal group’s Sept. 10 show at Union Transfer has been sold out for weeks. Sold-out shows have come as no surprise since the group got a major bump in popularity after appearing on — and winning — NBC’s recently canceled acappella singing competition “The SingOff.” “It was quite an experience,” said Mitch Grassi, one of the group’s openly gay members (along with out member Scott Hoying), describing the group’s appearance on the show. “We all worked so hard for this one thing. It taught us discipline, responsibility and the importance of rehearsing. It taught proper musicality and to be humble and proud of who we are.” But increased name recognition doesn’t mean the hard work is over. The music industry these days is about slickly produced pop fair and isn’t necessarily geared toward groups that perform renditions of hit songs using only their voices for instrumentation. “I don’t think it’s widely recognized but we’re trying to break that mold,” Grassi said. “Hopefully we can get our original music on the radio. That’s one of our main goals. Our tour is mostly covers but

Photo: Tim Cruz

we’re working on original [material] and hopefully we can debut a few during the tour. We perform more modern songs. It’s never going to be flawless like the studio version but we think that is what makes it more special. It’s more real. It’s raw. You can appreciate a live singer more than an auto-tuned singer on the radio.” Still, the group is getting some positive feedback from fans and a few of the artists they covered on “The Sing-Off.” “We did hear back from Sugarland. They said that they really enjoyed our cover and were really impressed.” Pentatonix’s online-only EP, “PTX, Vol. 1,” is available now. If you can find a way to get tickets, Pentatonix performs 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. For more information, visit www.pentatonix.org. ■ — Larry Nichols

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 27

Suzi Nash

Craig Peterson: Making ‘Fringey’ a verb Film festival programmers often view several hundred short and feature films, but that’s nothing compared to how many Craig T. Peterson watches. As the director of Live Arts Brewery for Philly Fringe and in his former role as artistic director at Dance Theater Workshop, he’s seen about 11,000 artist performances in his lifetime. PGN: How is that possible? CP: Well, when we curate shows, we sometimes fill a three-day program with 60 performances and we have to audition a huge amount of artists to pare it down. I go to see shows here and overseas where we have showcases where, throughout an entire day or week, we have artist after artist come in and do a five-minute presentation. It adds up and I’ve seen some amazing and crazy things. PGN: What are your responsibilities? CP: My primary responsibilities at Fringe are to help guide artists through the process of producing a show — organizing a lot and creating a context for what the festival is about. As director of research and development, I do everything I can to assist artists so they can create the best show possible. That way they can do what artists do, which is not only to entertain and engage us, but to teach and inform us and transform us out of our lives for a few minutes into some other exciting realm. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. CP: I’m from rural New England — a tiny town in New Hampshire that topped out at about 800 people. K-sixth [grade] only had 60 students. I quite literally went to school in a little red brick schoolhouse. I lived there until I went to college. PGN: I imagine a small school like that was a bit homogenous. What were the good and bad aspects? CP: Very homogenous! There was not much diversity in southern New Hampshire at that time. The good points: It was very intimate and I had a great education. It was idyllic; it was Norman Rockwell come to life. The bad point: the lack of diversity, though at the time I didn’t realize it. My parents were city people from Boston who moved to the country to work at the university there, so they were pretty determined to keep us connected to the cultural scene. PGN: Who was us? CP: My brothers and me. I’m the youngest of three boys and we all went to the same schools. My parents were both psychologists, which was kind of an unusual profession back in the ’70s. PGN: In my experience, the worst kids I know were always the children of minis-

ters/preachers or psychologists/psychiatrists! Who was the troublemaker in your family? CP: That would be me! [Laughs.] Since my brothers were older, I was home alone a lot with my parents during high school. I had all the attention focused on me and my parents figured out that I was gay at a pretty young age, so that was a rough period. With them being psychologists, there was not a lot of emotional privacy. There was a lot of processing that went on about the subject, which, for a 15-year-old, is the last thing you want to do. But hearing what a lot of people went through, I was lucky. PGN: Give me an example of your rebelliousness. CP: I tried to obey the basic rules but the most rebellious thing I did — and the reason for it was because [my parents] were psychologists — [was] I just stopped talking. [Laughs.] I don’t think I talked to my dad for two years and there’s nothing that drives a shrink crazy more than silence!

was a nice transition. I’d started to become more artsy at the end of high school, so once I discovered the physicality of dance, it became very exciting to me. I still like being a physical person. I never developed into a great dancer, though after graduating I moved to New York and danced for a lot of independent choreographers.

I hated performing! I loved class, I loved learning, but onstage my thoughts would often be, Can I make it to the wing to throw up without anyone noticing? I got too nervous. The irony is that now I have no problem being in front of large groups, but there was just something about “performing” that scared the crap out of me.

PGN: Making a living as a dancer is pretty impressive. CP: Yeah, but the life is really hard. I ended up getting a job at Dance Theater Workshop in New York. I turned out to be very good at developing programs and seeking ways to support artists, and I got hooked on it.

PGN: You mentioned coming out at a young age. When was your first kiss? CP: Ooh, my first kiss. Well, I won’t mention any names, but it happened at a party. In a small town, oftentimes you have parties where everyone sleeps over so you don’t have to worry about people driving home drunk. Somehow this guy and I ended up in the same sleeping bag and it just happened. It was a total surprise.

PGN: What was fulfilling about the switch? CP: It was a combination of being inherently good at it and desiring a stability that’s hard to achieve as an artist. When I first started in arts administration, I worked in a program that was designed for artist

PGN: Did you go to college? CP: I did. I loved high school but couldn’t wait to get out and go to the city. So I went to Carnegie Mellon but then transferred to Bard College in upstate New York — oddly, because it’s in an even smaller town than the one I grew up in! But it was a great college experience — a very free and creative community, full of artsy types, and I felt like I fit right in. PGN: What did you study? CP: Theater and dance [laughs], with an emphasis on psychology! PGN: What did you want to be when you grew up? CP: When I was in high school, I wanted to be a child psychologist. Weird, but at a pretty young age I used to read books on child psychology. Then when I was 17, my best friend had a sister who danced in the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. We went up to Boston to see her and it was a lightening-rod moment: This is what I’m supposed to be doing. So I started studying dance and theater. I became obsessed with all things performing arts at that point. Not so much in a mainstream commercial way but in a ... um ... PGN: Fringey way? CP: Yes! Exactly. More experimental and postmodern. That became my main course of study and what I loved doing. PGN: Were you athletic? Switching to dance at 17 seems late. CP: Yes, I played a lot of sports. I was a swimmer for nine years, I played baseball, I played soccer, I was a total jock. So it

services, helping to fundraise and promote artists’ shows. We did a lot of workshops for choreographers and dancers to help them develop their communication and business skills. It was really rewarding because it opened up a way to improve the field from within the field. PGN: What was a best and worst moment onstage for you? CP: Oh gosh. Well, this was part of the reason I didn’t pursue a career in dance:

PGN: How did you end up in Philadelphia? CP: In my senior year I got a job dancing for a choreographer in New York, so after college, I moved there and started my whole New York trajectory. I eventually advanced to being the artistic director at DTW; I did a lot of traveling looking for artists, and quite a lot of good dance was coming out of Philly — like the International Children’s Festival and Headlong Dance Company — and I got to know the city. My parents were still in New Hampshire — this is turning into a long answer — and my mother said, “I’m not going to die in this tiny town.” So I suggested they move to Philly and my mom was like, “Philly? Oh God, why would we move to Philly?” And I said, “No, Philly’s great! It’s really revitalized itself, there’s a vibrant arts community there, museums and restaurants.” I talked them into going for a visit and they loved it; they bid on the first house they saw. Then my partner Darrell Martin and I started coming to visit and we fell in love with Philly too. We have two kids and it seemed like a great city to raise kids in, so about four years ago, we moved here too. PGN: I know Darrell from Hip Philly. When did you decide to start a family? CP: We’d been together about four years and I’d been at DTW for eight and was getting restless, so like any couple, we were looking at what the next step in our life would be and we PAGE 32

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

NIGHTLIFE PGN

Summer of Love Sorry, kids, but it looks like the unofficial Labor Day White Party end of summer is right around the corner. Do you know what they say about Normally Philly is a ghost town over wearing white after Labor Day? Then Labor Day weekend, but this year for those you’ve got one last chance to run around three days we will be at the absolute center dressed like the Great Gatsby, and it’s of the music universe. at the second annual Labor Day White We’ve got the two-day “Made in Party from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 2 at America” festival on the ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Parkway with three stages, one With more drink specials dance tent and a jaw-dropping than you can shake a stick lineup that features co-headlinat and free cover for anyone ers Jay-Z and Pearl Jam, plus dressed in white, this one is quickly becoming the sumSkrillex, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Odd Future, Santigold, Calvin mer event to see and be seen at. Harris, Drake, Jill Scott, Chris Cornell and the recently reunited If you really want to rock a killer look, then check out Run-DMC among, believe it or Robert Redford and Mia not, many others. Farrow in the 1974 version of If that’s not enough, we also Gatsby before the new Baz have Bruce Springsteen coming to Citizens Bank Park for Luhrmann version comes out Jim Kiley- next year! two more shows on his phenomenal Wrecking Ball tour, Zufelt which started in March and is Big Gay Boat Party scheduled to run through midYou’ve got one more December. chance to rock the boat from 9 p.m.Even if you don’t love music, there is lit2 a.m. Sept. 2 at Moshulu, 401 S. erally something for everyone going on in Columbus Blvd. It’s another big gay Philly over Labor Day weekend. boat party brought to you by Sisters, So why go down the shore? We got every- Philly Gay Calendar and DJ DeeJay. thing you need right here in Center City! They’ll have drink specials, surprise

Barcrawlr

drag performances and of course some of the most amazing dance music in town. The decks are covered so you can party all night, come rain or come shine! Plunge Stimulus bids farewell to summer from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 6 at North Shore Beach Club, 1031 Germantown Ave. The party is starting one hour earlier to give you extra time to soak up the fun during this one-of-a-kind poolside dance party. If you don’t want to swim, you can lounge by the pool, work up a sweat on the dance floor, feel the heat from the sexy-ass shot girls and go-go dancers, then chill out on the roof deck. Or try your hand at becoming the next pingpong champion — it’s up to you! Cover charge is $10 before 11 p.m. and $15 after. Mixtape The most unique party in town is back from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. on Sept. 8 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Mixtape is the quarterly showcase for queer and trans performance artists that directly benefits a member of the community. Each quarterly event is a fundraiser for a local

member of the community to help with the cost of gender-reassignment surgery. Hosted by Cooper and featuring music by DJ Tay Tay, the theme for this month’s party is “Back to School.” Performers scheduled to appear include Tammy Faymous, Alize Elegance, Super Defstar, Jaci Adams and Nacee. The party is sponsored by Gender Reel Festival and Dr. Kathy Rumer, D.O. Cover charge is $5-$10 on a sliding scale. For more information, check out www.genderreelfest.com. Queers on the Avenue Get a jump-start on your fall from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 12 at Noir Philadelphia, 1909 E. Passyunk Ave. To get you into the fall spirit, the focus will be on football. A portion of proceeds from this month’s party will benefit the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League. That means in addition to the amazing food and drink specials, there will be lots of football players around for you to mix and mingle with! ■ Questions? Comments? Can’t understand why summer flies by faster and faster every year? Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and bitchin’ old pop music videos!

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 29

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

FILM PGN

Love, lies and forgiveness on film By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Three French films by gay filmmakers and/or featuring queer characters open at the Ritz Theatres in Philadelphia in the next two weeks. One is worthwhile, but the other two are misfires. Openly gay writer/director Christophe Honoré’s ambitious “Beloved,” opening Aug. 31, is a mind-boggling, globetrotting endurance test. This 135-minute musical opens in 1964 Paris, with Madeleine (Ludivine Sagnier) stealing a pair of Roger Vivier pumps. Her shoes prompt a stranger to think she’s a whore. She sleeps with him, and then with Jaromil (Rasha Bukvic), a handsome Czech doctor, who knocks her up and whisks her to Prague during the Russian invasion. Cut to 1978 Paris, and then to 1997 London,

ing the mutability of sexuality, but there is no fluidity as Vera becomes sexually obsessed with Henderson, and he remains indifferent to her. In one of the film’s oddest subplots, Vera wants Henderson to impregnate her. He insists this is not a good idea, but then they have a threesome with his boyfriend, which is more discomfiting than sexy. Meanwhile, Madeleine (Catherine Deneuve as the adult Vera’s mother) is remarried, but having an affair with Jaromil (played by filmmaker Milos Forman). “Beloved” is all about not being able to love the one you’re with, or live without the one you love. But Honoré greatly overreaches, cramming AIDS, the Sept. 11 tragedy and a suicide into this peculiar melodramatic musical. The tunes are not very catchy, and the performers try, but they can’t make “Beloved” sing.

“Little White Lies,” opening Sept. 7, also features plenty of music, here in the form of upbeat American pop songs. These tunes are used to manipulate the audience into feeling good about the characters, all of whom behave badly. Ludo (Jean Dujardin) is hospitalized in the intensive care unit after a horrific CATHERINE DENEUVE (LEFT) AND motorcycle accident. His best friends, CHIARA MASTROIANNI IN “BELOVED” however, still take their annual vacation, and grapple with their own problems. The wealthy Max (François Cluzet) is where Madeleine’s daughter, Vera (Chiara particularly unnerved — not because of Mastroianni), has a fabulous dance scene Ludo’s critical condition, but because his in a nightclub. She catches the eye of best friend Vincent (Benoit Magimel) has Henderson (Paul Schneider, miscast), an just confessed his love for him. However, American drummer and former veterinarVincent, displeased with Max’s negaian. tive response to his admission of attracHenderson’s flirtation with Vera, which tion, asks his friend to keep this secret includes him kissing and orally servicfrom both of their wives and their mutual ing her in a bathroom, is perplexing. Were friends. Of course it creates friction, espeit not for Henderson declaring he is gay, cially when Vincent and Max are forced viewers might think he was bi, or even together throughout the vacation. straight: He has very little same-sex conMax is such an extremely unlikable tact in the film. Perhaps Honoré is address-

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character, it is difficult to see what Vincent finds appealing about him. Max barks at everyone, flaunts his wealth and is just plain mad at the world — at everyone and everything in it. Why Vincent moons lovingly over this jerk, staring at him longingly on the soccer pitch, is a mystery. When Max forces Vincent to confront the big pink elephant in the room, “Little White Lies” shows a moment of promise of treating its queer character respectfully, but it is fleeting. The other storylines are equally lame. Eric (Gilles Lellouche) and Antoine (Laurence Lafitte) both have girlfriend troubles and mope about their absent women constantly. Marie (Marion Cotillard) also struggles with relationship issues. There is a brief suggestion of her having a lesbian affair, but it is never mentioned again. This glossy, watchable film addresses how people cope with their insecurities and fears by lying to themselves and others. But the only real question “Little White Lies” raises is why these characters are all friends. They are a supremely annoying, selfish and rather unpleasant group of people. It is a relief when a truth-telling character finally chastises them for being annoying, selfish and rather unpleasant. Cotillard does her best in an underwritten role, but the usually dependable François Cluzet overplays his part. In support, Dujardin is off screen for far too long. One of the film’s flashbacks features him performing in drag, which is amusing and spirited. But much of “Little White Lies” is just a drag. The best of the three films is gay filmmaker André Téchiné’s intriguing new drama, “Unforgivable.” The film, opening Sept. 7, has crime writer Francis (André

Dussollier) asking bisexual real-estate agent Judith (Carole Bouquet) to move in with him. Later, when Francis suspects Judith is cheating on him, he hires her ex-lover’s son Jérémie (Mauro Conte) to follow his wife. Does Francis’ spying on Judith prompt her to sleep with Jérémie? Are Francis’ actions a scheme to cure his writer’s block? And what are the ramifications of Judith’s affair? The film remains spellbinding as it slowly reveals the answers. However, Téchiné is really delving into deeper themes of human nature. In the

ANDRÉ DUSSOLIER (LEFT) AND MAURO CONTE IN “UNFORGIVABLE”

film’s most interesting sequence, Jérémie is followed by — or perhaps lures — a gay man through the canals of Venice, and the stranger makes a pass at him. Jérémie rejects him, throwing the man into the water. The gay man later exacts a violent revenge. “Unforgivable” is really about the violence — be it physical or emotional — that people commit toward others. Francis, Judith and Jérémie are each seductive and sinister, and how they gain and lose control with lovers and family members is fascinating to watch. Téchiné may deliberately obfuscate his meanings, but the connections he creates sneak up on viewers — and generate tremendous insights. ■

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PGN FEATURE PREVIEW from page 26

Theater

Love Story, The Musical Walnut Street Theatre presents an adaptation of the popular novel Sept. 4-Oct. 21, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. The Edge of Our Bodies Theatre Exile presents the story of a young woman’s poetic coming-of-age tale, Sept. 6-23 at Studio X, 1340 S. Third St.; 215-2184022.

WAR HORSE

The Music Man Walnut Street Theatre presents the popu-

ability to talk to animals, Nov. 20-Jan. 27, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. War Horse The dramatic story of a boy searching for his beloved horse, which was sold to the cavalry and shipped to France during World War I, on stage Nov. 20-Dec. 2 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

PINK MARTINI

Angels In America, Parts 1 & 2 Wilma Theater presents the Tony Award-winning epic play, Sept. 12-Oct. 21, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-5467824. Hairspray Media Theater presents the musical based on the classic John Waters film Sept. 25-Nov. 4, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

lar Broadway musical, Nov. 6-Jan. 6, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550. The English Bride Theatre Exile presents the story of a series of interrogations after a

Heavy Metal Dance Fag The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the chronicles of a tough, blue-collar South Philly dockworker with a secret passion for tap-dancing — to 1980s hair metal, Dec. 14-15 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-8983900.

West Side Story The Philadelphia Orchestra celebrates the 50th anniversary of this iconic film, performing its score Oct. 5-7 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847.

DRUMLINE LIVE

Drumline Live The marching-band-themed musical debuts Oct. 17-18 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

bombing attempt on a flight out of London, Nov. 8-Dec. 2 at Studio X, 1340 S. Third St.; 215-218-4022.

Stars of David Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the musical adaptation of Abigail Pogrebin’s bestselling book, Oct. 19-Nov. 11 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420.

Dr. Doolittle Media Theater presents a musical production based on the Hugh Lofting stories and the classic film, following the adventure of a kind but eccentric veterinarian who has an uncanny

Misc.

Peek-A-Boo Revue The neo-burlesque group performs 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-9941400. The 2012 Philly Zombie Prom The undead get dressed to kill at 8 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 31

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

FUN & PGN GAMES

Q Puzzle Gay-Straight Alliance Across

1. “Gay ___ Sutra” 5. Prickteasers 10. Alpert of “Mame” fame 14. Aladdin or Scheherazade 15. In-your-face 16. Words said near crystal balls 17. Cans, in the U.K. 18. Word to someone stroking your tummy 19. Mane location 20. Start of a Gore Vidal quote 23. Fill with bullets 24.Sauna bath sites 25. Hard woody nut 27. Sal Mineo’s role

in “Rebel Without a Cause” 30. More of the quote 34. Prefix with Stein? 35. Singer Freddie 36. Disencumber 38. Shankar of sitar 40. Subjects of James IV 41. “Move your butt!” 42. Makes a wet blanket 44. Cups and such 45. More of the quote 51. More of the quote 53. Saikaku’s “Gay Tales of the ___ “ 54. End of the quote 57. Picks out, with “for” 59. Traffic cop’s tool 60. Men-only affair 61. Circus sideshow oddity

PORTRAIT from page 27

decided to start a family. PGN: What’s something the kids have done that’s made you laugh? CP: Well, they’re starting to get curious about sex. One night I heard one of them using the word and we asked if they knew what it meant. The younger one said, “It’s when a man attaches his penis to a woman’s vagina” and the older one turned to her and said, “Don’t worry, our daddies don’t have vaginas, so they don’t do that.” They were right! PGN: Family fun? CP: Once a year we go up to P-town for the Family Equality Council’s Family Pride Week, which the girls love. They also accompany me to a lot of the shows. [Laughs.] They’re definitely getting exposure to some really wacky stuff! My daughter turned to me after a performance recently and said, “Nobody’s gotten naked yet?” so I guess they’re really used to what we present. PGN: So that segues into the Fringe Festival. Tell me about it and what makes it “Fringey”? CP: It started out in Old City about 16 years ago and since has grown out. This year, we have over 140 shows and 800 performances plus the Live Arts Festival, which runs concurrently. That’s the curated

62. Insurance worker 63. Wang in fashion 64. “I Shot ___ Warhol” 65. Dry runs 66. Treated as a sexual object

Down

1. “Cabaret”’s Kit___ Klub 2. Opera queen’s delight 3. Author Thomas 4. When repeated, a Faulkner title 5. They shoot off hot stuff 6. Circumvent 7. Output from small pussies 8. Part of the media 9. G-string wearers 10. Doesn’t quite tell

11. Actor Morales 12. Muscle Mary stat 13. Spelling contest 21. “Air Music” composer Ned 22. Full of four-letter words 25. Ang Lee, for one 26. Screwed up 28. Gives a pink slip to 29. Hunter that comes out at night 31. Atomic energy org. 32. “The Name of the Rose” writer 33. On the other hand 34. Hesitation sounds 37. Orientation determiner, some say 39. WWII battle site,

festival of more veteran artists both local and international. The Fringe is cool because anyone can apply to participate: It’s very low-cost. We assist in helping the artist get organized and self-produce their shows and we help market and sell tickets. As long as you can afford the $300 fee, that’s all that’s really required of you. It works because there’s such a vibrant arts community here and a lot of spirit from independent artists. PGN: What’s your goal as artistic director? CP: I want to really blow this festival up, to try to get us a higher level of participation and attract more national and international attention. I’d also like to do outreach into neighborhoods and get them thinking about the arts economy and revitalizing some of the outlying areas so that it’s really a citywide festival. PGN: My favorite part of the festival is the unusual venues. I remember one year they had a car parked on Third Street and, for $2, you got inside the car and three to four actors performed a five-minute improv in the car. I went to a play in the back of a Mack truck parked in an empty lot and I’ve been to two or three performances in different cemeteries. CP: Yup, we have a few cemeteries in use this year! And it’s not just the venues, it’s the creative content as well. My goal is to

for short 41. Half of a ballroom dance 43. Sinking ship’s call 44. X at a frat party 46. Purity unit 47. It may be spitting 48. Mapplethorpe models, often 49. Randolph Scott’s companion Cary 50. Petite pies 51. Eastern discipline 52. What you do at the other end 55. Internally pink 56. “My stars!” 58. Shade of blue 60. Sex Crimes division, to B.D. Wong

PAGE 34

change Fringe from a noun to a verb, and an adjective. PGN: What’s the wackiest show you’ve seen? CP: You know, I’ve spent so many hours in darkened theaters that now “wacky” is so appealing to me it seems normal. We have a lot of nudity this year and I’m excited about that. There’s a lot of female nudity revolving around gender politics, which I think is a reflection and reaction to what’s going on politically and culturally. That’s what artists do: They rise up and respond to the dialog that’s happening in society. PGN: Anything go too far? CP: I don’t think anything is too far for me! Sure, I’ve had some shows that were so out there that I’ve had to say to the artist, “Uh, I just couldn’t get ticket sales for that.” PGN: Now to some random questions. Would you sleep in a haunted house? CP: I grew up in a haunted house! PGN: Scariest example? CP: I think the scariest time was when I woke up one night and saw a woman come out of the hallway — we had a hallway that had horrible energy and the whole family avoided it at any cost. Anyway, my brother and I shared a room and I saw a

woman come out of the hallway, sit on his bed and feel his forehead. I’d seen it happen before and always assumed it was my mother but this time I realized it wasn’t her. It was terrifying, but cool too. So yes, I would sleep in a haunted house. I also saw a UFO once. PGN: You and former President Jimmy Carter! What happened? CP: It was in college and I was with two friends. We were driving to the grocery store and there was a really bright light in the sky. We pulled over and watched it move. All of a sudden it burst apart and scattered into the sky. It was an undeniable UFO experience. [Laughs.] Darrell thinks I was on drugs but I wasn’t! PGN: Have you met a lot of interesting people in your job? CP: Yes, I have an enormous respect for artists, they work so hard for so little. My life is full of artists, both at work and at home, since Darrell is a musician. Though I don’t make art, I try to approach my job artistically and think creatively about developing mechanisms to support our artists, because if I think like a businessman in this field, I won’t be able to give them the help they truly need. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

TELEVISION PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 33

Worth Watching POLITICAL ANIMALS: With the Democratic National Convention in full swing Sept. 4-6, tune in to “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” for some undoubtedly hilarious insight, weeknights at 11 p.m. on Comedy Central.

COUCHWALKER: If you are hunkering down in the house this weekend because you really don’t want to be bothered with the holiday weekend crush, make some popcorn and watch the summer blockbuster classic “Star Wars: A New Hope,” 8 p.m. Sept. 1 on Spike Network.

PUSSY CONTROL: Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy brings his unique understanding of cats to desperate families on the verge of giving up on their furry companions on “My Cat From Hell,” 8 p.m. Sept. 1 on Animal Planet.

GET THIS PARTY STARTED: Pop star P!nk performs with a bunch of other music stars, including Taylor Swift and Green Day, on the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, 8 p.m. Sept. 6 on MTV. Photo: Andrew MacPherson

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 08/31 Cheap Trick The rock band performs 9 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. Gabriel Iglesias The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. Burlesque Showcase: August Steam Edition Sophie Sucre of Peek-ABoo Revue,

Ivy Arsenic and Timaree of Sisters’ Sirens perform 9 p.m. at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735.

Sat. 09/01 The Eagles The classic-rock band performs 8 p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 855-3480500. Joni Mitchell’s Blue: A 40th Anniversary Celebration New York City’s finest female singer-songwriters perform 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Louis C.K. The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Trump’s Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-449-5150. Sandra Bernhard The out comedian performs 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, N.J.; www.AwwMama. com. Train The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Sponge The rock band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Sun. 09/02 Chris Tucker The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. Seether The rock band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3434000.

Mon. 09/03 Groove Night Local musicians join forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-9941400.

SPEAKING UP: The spoken-word artist and actor Saul Williams presents “Chorus: A Spoken Word Tour” to celebrate his new book of the same name, 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-862-2081.

Tue. 09/04 Donnie Darko The cult sci-fi film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Saul Williams The spokenword artist performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

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

Wed. 09/05 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400

in High Heels” by Justin Vivian Bond is discussed 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215923-2960. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.

Fri. 09/07 Creed The rock band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Pumpkinhead The 1988 horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Thu. 09/06 Queerly Reading “Tango: My Childhood Backwards and

SOLUTION from page 32

LIFE IS A BEACH: The holiday weekend gets funny when out comedian Sandra Bernhard comes to New Jersey, performing 8 p.m. Sept. 1 at Paramount Theater, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. For more information or tickets, visit AwwMama.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band The rockers perform Sept. 2-3 at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way; 215-2185100. Budweiser Made in America The festival features performances by JayZ, Pearl Jam, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Drake, Skrillex, Run DMC, Chris Cornell and more, Sept. 1-2 at Eakins Oval on the Parkway; www.madeinamericafest.com. The Edge of Our Bodies Theatre Exile presents the story of a young woman’s poetic coming-of-age tale, Sept. 6-23 at Studio X, 1340 S. Third St.; 215-2184022. Graham Elwood The comedian seen on the Game Show Network performs Sept. 5-8 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001.

On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-409-6895. The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center’s third annual photography competition and exhibition Photographs of all subject matter, photographic techniques and processes are on display through Sept. 9, 1400 N. American St.; 215-2325678. Presidential Artifacts The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of artifacts from collections around the country, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-409-6895.

THE FEST WITH THE BEST: It’s going to be a star-studded holiday weekend when the Budweiser Made in America features performances from a wide range of music superstars, including Jay-Z, Pearl Jam, D’Angelo, Jill Scott (pictured), Drake, Skrillex, Run DMC, Chris Cornell and more, Sept. 1-2 at Eakins Oval on the Parkway. For more information or tickets, visit www.madeinamericafest. com.

Love Story, The Musical Walnut Street Theatre presents an adaptation of the popular novel Sept. 4-Oct. 21, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Continuing Collab: Four Decades of Giving Modern and Contemporary Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition that includes some of the finest examples of European, American and Japanese design, through fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor, through March 2013, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Interlude Twenty-Two Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Melissa M. Bryant, through Sept. 9, 236 S. 22nd St.; 215-772-1911.

Prom Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photographs by Mary Ellen Mark, through Oct. 28, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. To Stir, Inform and Inflame: The Art of Tony Auth The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition exploring work by the Inquirer editorial cartoonist, through Oct. 21, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800.

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. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 35

Closing Christopher Titus The comedian performs through Sept. 1 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Crawl Space: The Attic Experience The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition of works from Philadelphia’s LGBT Youth Center, through Aug. 31, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition looking at The Boss’ entire career, with numerous items never before seen by the public, through Sept. 3, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-4096895. Gauguin, Cézanne, Matisse: Visions of Arcadia Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring classic artists’ visions of paradise until Sept. 3, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Much Ado about Nothing Mauckingbird Theatre Company presents a gay interpretation of the Shakespeare play through Sept. 1 at Off Broad Street Theater, 1363 Sansom St.; 215-923-8909. ■

PHILLY GETS WRECKED: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band rock the masses when they come through on the Wrecking Ball Tour, Sept. 2-3 at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way. For more information or tickets, call 215218-5100.

PGN CLASSIFIEDS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

Classifieds Real Estate Rent

Real Estate Rent

Real Estate Sale

NEW LAND BARGAINS: HIGHEST QUALITY TIMER LANDS, WATERFRONT & CABINS 6 acres- along snow trails- $12,995. 73 Acres- gorgeous, pine forest- $69,995. 5 Acres- “Hemlock lodge” cabin$25,995. 6 Acres-trout stream- $19,995. Call 800-229-7843 Or visit landandcamps.com ________________________________________36-34 Cameron County, PA - 4 wooded acres. Borders state forest and has trout stream frontage! Perc approved, electric. $49,900. Owner ﬁnancing. 814-435-2570. ________________________________________36-35

For Sale Save over $800 when you switch to DISH. Promotional prices start at $19.99 a month. Call Today and ask about Next Day Installation. 800-314-3748. ________________________________________36-35 Senior citizens now entitled to statewide program for FREE easy-to-use mobile phone with emergency medical alert feature, large buttons/display, no confusing features 1-800-416-0559. ________________________________________36-35

Business Opportunities START NOW! OPEN RED HOT DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX, DISCOUNT PARTY, DISCOUNT CLOTHING, TEEN STORE, FITNESS CENTER FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! WWW.DRSS19.COM 1-800518-3064. ________________________________________36-35

Notice

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. ________________________________________36-35 HADDON TWP, NJ Safe, sunny 2 BR apt. 2nd fl owner occ. duplex. 1000 sq.. ft., A/C, D/W, W/D, new carpet & paint. Pvt. ent. Close to speedline, bus, walk, bike to shops, parks, lakes, library. $900/mo. Call Brian, 12 PM-7 PM, 856-858-8620. ________________________________________36-35 COLLINGSWOOD RENTAL Large second floor 2 Bedroom Apt. Brand new kitchen complete with new dishwasher and new microwave. All new air conditioners, hardwood floors, private deck and laundry facilities in basement. $1250.00 monthly + plus utilities. Call 856-858-3079 or 609-519-5288. ________________________________________36-35

Real Estate Sale

Services EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________36-35 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________36-35 POWER WASHING! Local Company cleaning everything. Houses, Concrete, Wood and More. Call now for great summer savings! (412)346-2025 or (570)591-1933 PA094210. ________________________________________36-35 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME 6-8 weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a Diploma. Get a Job! FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330 Benjamin Franklin High School www.diplomafromhome.com ________________________________________36-35

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

Adoption A childless couple seeks to adopt. Loving, happy home with tenderness, warmth & love. Flexible schedules. Financial security. Expenses paid. Regis & David (888)986-1520 ________________________________________36-35

Roommates

Financial Services

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. _____________________________________________ $100 MONTHLY RENT For the guy who wants to share my life and house in N.E. Phila. 215-677-5610. ________________________________________36-40

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

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.

Gold and Silver Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888-439-8212. ________________________________________36-35

“Key man of 13th Street”

Gone Seven Years, Never Forgotten. Sadly Missed by All 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.

CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Help Wanted

PHONE DISPATCHER FOR BUSY MALE ESCORT SERVICE Has a part time phone position open. Hours are 11AM til 9PM / Sundays and Mondays and some evenings but not mandatory. Would prefer an applicant to be at least 35 years of age, some phone experience and basic computer knowledge. Position is perfect for a retiree. Applicant should be responsible, reliable and ON TIME! A knowledge of the road systems in the Tri-State area is very helpful. Duties include taking incoming calls from clients and booking escorts on appointments. Hourly salary + commission. Call: 215 - 733 - 9779. ________________________________________36-35 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment School. 3wk Training Program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Excavators. Local Job Placement Asst. VA Benefits Approved. 2 National Certifications. 866-362-6497. ________________________________________36-35 CDL-A EXPERIENCED DRIVERS 6 Months OTR experience starts at $.32/mile Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! New student pay and lease program! 877-521-5775 www.USATruck.jobs ________________________________________36-35 Drivers: CRST offers the best Lease Purchase Program *SIGN ON BONUS *No down payment or credit check *Great Pay *Class A CDL required *Owner Operators Welcome. Call: 866-403-7044. ________________________________________36-35 Company Drivers: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and team drivers. Great Benefits Package. CDL-A required. Students with CDL-A welcome. Call 888471-7081, or apply online at www.superservicellc.com ________________________________________36-35 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________36-35 We’re a Driver’s Company that’s focused on Drivers. Teams .513, Solos .437, 1 YR OTR Exp, CDL-A-HazMat 877-628-3748. ________________________________________36-35

Help Wanted

Drivers - Annual Salary $45K to $60K. $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Quarterly Bonuses. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com ________________________________________36-35 CDL-A WE NEED TEAMS! $.50 per mile w/Hazmat. Paid Loaded & Empty. 1 yr. exp req’d. 800-942-2104 Ext. 7308 or 7307 www.Drive4Total. com ________________________________________36-35 CALLING ALL CDL-A DRIVERS! Join the Team at Averitt. Great Hometime/Benefits. 4 Months T/T Experience Required - Apply Now! 888-362-8608 Visit AVERITTcareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________36-35 Transfer Drivers: Need 20 Contract Drivers (over the road)-- CDL A or B to relocate vehicles to and from various locations throughout US- 1-800-501-3783 www. mamotransportation.com ________________________________________36-35 Driver: CDL-A Van & Flatbed *New Pay Package! *Very New Trucks *Benefits After 30-Days *Great Miles, Pay *Dependable Hometime *Start Immediately! CDL Graduates Needed! 877-917-2266 drivewithwestern.com ________________________________________36-35 Combined Insurance is looking for agent and sales management candidates. New Agent Training. Subsidy Bonus Program, training, benefits, leads. Contact Rebecca at 412-443-8376. EOE. ________________________________________36-35 Drivers- A. Duie Pyle Needs Owner Operators & Company Drivers. Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Miles. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________36-35 CLASS A DRIVERS: SIGN ON BONUS Paid Hoidays, Vacation, & More. Weekly Pay. Direct Deposit. REGIONAL with Home Time. 2 Years T/T EXP. 800-524-5051. www.gomcilvaine.com ________________________________________36-35

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 37

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. ________________________________________36-36 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________36-39 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________36-36 LOOKING For live-in companion and possible partner. 215-6775610. ________________________________________36-40 Senior GWM ISO male, 40+, any race for platonic friendship, to enjoy and learn from one another. Philadelphia area only. Write to PO Box 302, Merion Sta., PA 19066. ________________________________________36-35 I’m looking for a very well endowed top who is looking for a very nice white butt. 215-732-2108 8-11 PM. ________________________________________36-38

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

Gay is our middle name.

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days

Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:

YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

All classified advertising must be in our office by 3 p.m. Friday for the next Friday’s paper. Ads arriving after that time will be held for the next available issue. PGN reserves the right to edit or rewrite ads as needed, to refuse any ad for any reason and to determine the final classification. Ads determined to be in bad taste, directed to or from persons under the legal age of consent or containing racially or sexually discriminatory language will be refused. We need your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number on the insertion order form for you ad. This information is confidential and will not appear in the paper. Any ads received without full information will be destroyed. Sexually explicit language will be edited or refused at the discretion of the management.

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

Classified ads may be placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%

CANCELLATION POLICY All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

PGN

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Call 215-432-6030

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

B-7

SUMMERS ENDING Saturday, Sept. 8th, 2012 TIME: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More...

ARE YOU DOWN WITH THE SWIRL? Saturday, Sept. 15th, 2012 TIME: 11pm-3:30am

- A NEW URBAN EVENT catered to those who enjoy the URBAN VIBE. OPEN TO ALL!!! WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More… Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. So Check In Early if you want a room…

SUMMER WEEKEND SPECIALS

The Weather is HOT! Our Weekend Specials Are HOTTER! FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT: After Bar Special 6hr Rooms (2am to 8am) Members: $15.00 and Non-Members: $25.00 (Special Not Eﬀective During Party Nights)

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

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events.... Also, RENOVATIONS are being done, So swing by & Check Out The Transformation!

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

PGN

Activism/Politics

ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) meets 6-9 p.m. every Monday 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 Philadelphia holds a volunteer night the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; 215-731-1447; www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia holds general meetings the fourth Thursday of the month except August and December, 7 p.m.; 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 the William Way Center. Philadelphia Freedom Band, an audition-free LGBT band that does concerts and parades, rehearses Mondays 7-9:30 p.m.; philadelphiafreedomband.com. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 215-731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club meets to share and listen to recordings 6:30 p.m. the last Saturday of the month; 215-732-7898. Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia’s first mixed GLBT chorus, rehearses 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center. Reading Queerly, open to all women and genderqueer/ trans people, meets 6:45 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.

Recreation

Diversity Dancers ballroom dancers meet the first Sunday of the month for tea and lessons. Other events scheduled throughout the year; 215-922-2129; DiversityDancers@aol. com. Gay Bridge Club non-beginners group meets Monday 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; reservations required. Call 215-732-2220. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club meets 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; 215-382-0789. Gay Opera Guys of Philly, a new group for opera appreciation, meets the last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/Andorra area; 215-483-1032. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; 215-985-1456; www.humboldtsociety.org. Independence Squares LGBT square-dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; 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. Call 267230-6750 for more information. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social activities for senior gay men are held every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. 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 Tuesday and Thursday practice at 8 p.m. Greenfield Park, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, in Fairmount Park; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners running club meets 9:30 a.m. Saturdays for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www. philadelphiafrontrunners.org. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club LGBT and allies; plays 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays at Edgely Fields in Fairmount Park; www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team, male and female swimmers, meets 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Friends Select School and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park; www.philadelphia-fins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; 856-889-1434; www.philagaybowling.com. Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League games

played Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; phillyflagfootball.com. Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club seeks players, all skill levels welcome; 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 welcome. Practice is Thursdays, 7 p.m. at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater streets, with games on Sundays 2:30 p.m.; phillywomensbaseball.com; contact Narda Quigley, (day) 215991-5995 or (evening) 301-919-1194. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; 917-656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org. Philly QCycle LGBT bicycling club promotes organized recreational riding for all levels in the Greater Philadelphia region. Contact the organization via Facebook. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley motorcycle club meets regularly; 215-836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Boulevard Lanes in Northeast Philadelphia; rainbowrollers.com. Spartan Wrestling Club, the gay wresting team, meets 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays and 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays (no August practice) at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-732-4545; www.phillyspartans.com. Suburban Gay Bowling League bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays from August-April at Facenda-Whitaker Lanes, 2912 Swede Road, Norristown; sgblbowl@gmail.com. Team Philadelphia, the umbrella group for gay and lesbian sports teams, and individual athletes in the Delaware Valley come together to provide a healthy outlet for all members of the community; teamphiladelphia.org.

Etc.

AIDS Law Project provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600; 215-5879377; www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity, Philadelphia-area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets the second Friday of every other month at the William Way Center; www.biunity.org. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols for LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for selfdefense; meets 2 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southampton; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistols.org. Delaware Pride holds planning meetings 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 Main St., Newark; 302-265-3020; delawarepride.org. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance holds open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays during the school year in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; 610-896-4938. 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; primetim ersofphiladelphia@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. Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar Party for gay and lesbian rockers with host Psydde Delicious starts 10 p.m. every first Sunday at Fluid, 613 S. Fourth St.; www. RocknRollQueerBar.com. 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 the William Way Center. SNJ Queers meets monthly for queer/queer-friendly folks in South Jersey to mix and mingle. Search for SNJ Queers on Facebook; contact Wendy at 856-375-3708 or wmf69@comast.net.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012 39

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

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

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

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

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

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 or 866-222-3871. www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

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

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

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

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org.

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000

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

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

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2012

PGN