pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
Vol. 42 No. 35 Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2018
Family Portrait: Claris Park is on the Fringe PAGE 23
Attic Youth students have this school year in the bag PAGE 5
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
John Waters’ “Hairspray” holding strong at 30 years PAGE 8
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Mazzoni defends ‘legitimate’ firing amid accusations
Homeless shelter seeks partial dismissal of trans lawsuit By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com In a court filing this week, attorneys for a Delaware County homeless shelter accused of wrongfully evicting a transgender woman urged a federal judge to dismiss a major part of the woman’s lawsuit. “Jane Doe” filed suit against the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County on Aug. 13, alleging the shelter violated her rights as a trans woman under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Fair Housing Act. Doe resided at the Upper Darby shelter from January to March and said she was evicted after she complained of mistreatment due to her gender status. She hasn’t found stable housing since her eviction and spends much of her time at the William Way LGBT Community Center, according to her 31-page lawsuit. A major part of Doe’s suit contends the shelter should have made reasonable accommodations for her disability of gender dysphoria by granting her access to gender-appropriate facilities, including the female dorm and female restrooms. But in an Aug. 27 defense filing, attorneys for the shelter argue that gender dysphoria isn’t a protected disability under the ADA because it’s a “gender-identity disorder” and urge U.S. District Judge Juan R. Sanchez to dismiss all disability-related aspects of Doe’s lawsuit. Last year, in an unrelated case, a federal judge ruled that gender dysphoria could be considered an ADA-protected disability in certain circumstances. However, that case was settled prior to trial and the issue of gender dysphoria as an ADA-protected disability hasn’t been fully litigated. Doe’s attorney, Justin F. Robinette, told PGN he’ll “vigorously oppose” the shelter’s attempt to dismiss the disability portion of the suit. “ADA protections are very important, not only for my client, but also for the larger community. I’ll vigorously oppose any effort to minimize or eliminate those protections,” said Robinette. Doe is requesting an unspecified amount in monetary damages in addition to remedial measures at the shelter so that all trans residents are treated consistent with their gender identity. She also has requested a jury trial. Rufus A. Jennings, an attorney for the shelter, had no comment for this story. n
All-gay boy band bends the norms
By Kristen Demilio editor@epgn.com
HOMEWARD BOUND: Bebashi HYPE program director Michael Melvin (left) answered questions during the application process for housing at the Gloria Casarez Residence Aug. 28 at Bebashi. More than 50 young people ages 18-23 attended the session about the residence and the general guidelines for acceptance. The 30 one-bedroom apartments are expected to be filled over the winter. The application process continues through Sept. 15. For more information, email gloriacasarezresidence@ projecthome.org. Photo: Scott A. Drake
New LGBTQ residence targets young adults facing homelessness By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com A local nonprofit housing organization is accepting applications for the first LGBTQ-friendly permanent housing residence for young homeless adults. Project HOME is nearing completion of the Gloria Casarez Residence at 1315 N. Eighth St. The four-story, 36,000square-foot building will include 30 one-bedroom units of affordable housing targeted to young adults (ages 18-23) who are homeless, have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, including those aging out of foster care. Project HOME provides housing, employment opportunities, medical care and education to homeless and low-income Philadelphia residents. For years, Project HOME had plans to build an affordable housing project geared toward at-risk LGBTQ youth. The nonprofit
organization raised $13.5 million from state grants, the city and private donations to build the facility and paid $1.7 million for the property, which will house the Gloria Casarez Residence, scheduled to open in January 2019. Carolyn Crouch-Robinson, Project HOME’s director of residential services, said youth are the “fastest growing homeless population in the United States.” “National data concluded that more than 40 percent of homeless youth in the country identify as LGBTQ,” she said. LGBTQ individuals have a history of, and continue to experience, discrimination when it comes to housing. We’re eliminating those barriers as much as possible.” The residence was named after Casarez for the work she did for the homeless population, Crouch-Robinson said. The civil-rights leader and LGBTQ activist also served as PAGE 15
Mazzoni Center officials blasted accusations of discrimination in the recent termination of its first director of diversity and inclusion and said they welcome an investigation into the matter. In a strongly worded statement to PGN on Tuesday, Mazzoni Center defended the termination of Kay Martinez on Aug. 20, one which prompted a walkout of nearly 50 employees and supporters, including director of the Mayor’s Office for LGBT Affairs Amber Hikes. “The reason for Kay Martinez’s termination was disagreement with the Mazzoni Center management team that resulted in unprofessional conduct that was inconsistent for someone in their role,” according to Mazzoni’s written statement. “We believe the facts, when communicated in the appropriate forum, will be obvious proof that we could not continue the employment of Martinez, a high-level director.” The position of director of diversity and inclusion was created by interim CEO Stephen Glassman with a salary of around $100,000. Martinez relocated from Massachusetts to begin working at Mazzoni Center in March. Martinez has since filed a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and publicly accused Mazzoni Center of wrongful termination, retaliation and discrimination. Martinez, who identifies as transgender and uses they/them pronouns, said that weeks after Lydia GonzalezSciarrino took over as CEO in April, their job description changed and was essentially downgraded. Martinez told PGN that GonzalezSciarrino lacked “LGBTQ and trans competency,” claiming the CEO misgendered them on their first day working for Mazzoni Center. “Gonzalez-Sciarrino took on an ally role once she became the leader of an LGBTQ organization. There needs to be a demonstration of a high level of LGBTQ competency, no matter who it is,” said Martinez. “I’m not saying this hetPAGE 18