pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
Vol. 40 No. 37 Sept. 9-15, 2016
Family Portrait: All the city’s a stage for José Avilés
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
• Knott lawsuit gets extension • Lib City sets fall fundraiser date
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Grounded Autonomy takes flight during Fringe
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Four years later, mother of slain trans woman still looking for closure By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
HOPE AND CELEBRATION: Members of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office delivered gifts to the Home for Hope Sept. 1 in celebration of the LGBT shelter’s oneyear anniversary. The office recently appointed two LGBT liaisons, one of whom organized the visit. For more information, see page 5. Photo: Scott A. Drake
LGBT data collection hot topic at White House summit in Pittsburgh By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com The LGBT community cannot continue to use anecdotal evidence when asking for policy changes from the government, said Adrian Shanker, executive director of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown. “Saying 37 percent of LGBT people smoke in the Lehigh Valley, compared with 20 percent of the general population, is a lot more impactful than saying our bars are really smoky,” he said. A lot of conversation at the White House LGBT Summit Aug. 30 in Pittsburgh centered on data collection, Shanker said. He presented some health-disparity research his center has overseen and attended other panels with officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The White House sponsored the summit, while Equality Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh co-hosted it. More than 130 LGBT advocates from across the state attended. Levana Layendecker, deputy director
of Equality Pennsylvania, said the Obama administration had hosted a White House summit in Philadelphia during the president’s first term. “There have been a lot of changes over the last eight years,” Layendecker said. “We wanted to help educate stakeholders.” She said Equality Pennsylvania shared information with federal officials about the state’s updated policies for transgender people to receive accurate birth certificates and equal access to health care, whether through Medicare and Medicaid or private insurers under the jurisdiction of the Insurance Department. In turn, federal officials from the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development, among others, shared information about their current initiatives. Layendecker said panels addressed violence in the transgender community, the future of nondiscrimination and LGBT aging issues. Equality Pennsylvania is working to gather feedback from participants and expects to make a summary of the White PAGE 2 House summit available
A lot has changed for Dawn Maher in the last four years. She cannot sleep with the windows open. She struggles with memory and gauging time. She finds it hard to travel into Philadelphia, and has had panic attacks when she has visited the city. The struggles stem from the murder of her daughter, Kyra Cordova, Sept. 3, 2012. Cordova was shot in the head in the early morning hours of Labor Day. Her body was found later that day in a wooded area off of the 1100 block of Adams Avenue. Cordova, 27, identified as a transgender woman. Police said in the fall of 2012 they’d had a person of interest in mind, but an individual was never publicly identified and no arrest has been made. “They never contact me,” Maher said about detectives assigned to the case. “I’ve had to go through hundreds of letters to get a response. Literally the only time I got a
call was when I wrote to the mayor, commissioner, sergeant, everybody from the detective up. Then I got phone calls.” The Philadelphia Police did not respond to PGN’s request for an update on the case. Maher contended that, while she thinks the department has made strides recently toward trans awareness, she worries that the case may not have been handled properly because of Cordova’s identity. “I don’t feel our case was handled properly and I don’t think I was treated properly. At that particular time, I don’t feel they thought it was such a big deal,” Maher said. “I know it’s different now, which is a good thing, but I feel like they didn’t work quite as hard as they could have or should have. When they can’t even contact me to tell me what’s going on, I have no reason to think they care.” Maher said she marks Sept. 3 each year by herself but that next year, for the fifth anniversary, she hopes to organize a community-wide gathering in tribute to Cordova and other local PAGE 21
State court system includes gender identity in nondiscrimination policy By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com The Pennsylvania Supreme Court revised its nondiscrimination policy to include protections for gender identity and expression. The update took effect in July, one month after the Pennsylvania Youth Congress initiated the conversation with a common pleas judge from Western Pennsylvania. Last week, a memo was distributed to all state judiciary employees detailing the new policy. “This happened very quickly,” said Jason Landau Goodman, executive director of the youth congress. “I think it’s a really good sign of the times.” He talked about the need for the policy change at an event in June with Allegheny County Judge Christine Ward. She shared
the suggestion with her colleagues. “We were thrilled with how promptly the Supreme Court reviewed this proposal,” Landau Goodman said. “It wasn’t like they woke up one morning said we’re going to do this without background. They’re familiar with the issues and they can understand the issues and make the right decision.” The nondiscrimination policy — which was originally issued in 2008 and included sexual orientation at the outset — applies to all courts under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction from the Superior and Commonwealth courts to Common Pleas and Magisterial courts. Court employees, judges and justices, as well as district attorneys and private lawyers engaging with the court must follow the new policy. Deja Lynn Alvarez, a transgender advocate and director of PAGE 21
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
LOCAL PGN
Extension granted in Knott case By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A judge last week granted the woman suing Kathryn Knott and others more time to compose a response to the defendants’ motions to dismiss the suit. Judge Mitchell Goldberg granted Kathleen O’Donnell’s extension request Aug. 30, giving the Norristown woman until Sept. 21 to respond to two separate motions for the dismissal of her federal lawsuit. O’Donnell filed the case this spring, contending that Knott, her father, the Bucks County District Attorney and two detectives conspired to violate her constitutional rights. She was terminated from her job after detectives visited her workplace investigating a complaint from Knott regarding an online profile of O’Donnell in which she used Knott’s photo and a likeness of her name. In December, a jury convicted Knott of four misdemeanor charges in connection with a 2014 gay-bashing attack in Center City. She later served five months of her five-10-month prison sentence. The Bucks County officials and Knott and her father, Karl, all filed
motions to dismiss the suit in June but they were denied as moot after O’Donnell filed an amended complaint. In it, O’Donnell added a second claim against the Knotts. The defendants submitted two separate motions to dismiss in August, contending O’Donnell failed to adequately state a claim. “In considering plaintiff’s freespeech rights, it is important to note that nothing in this entire matter prevented her then or now from voicing her opinions — on the Internet or otherwise — about gay victimization, the particular incident or of Kathryn Knott,” the Knotts’ attorneys wrote in their motion. “She simply could not continue to pretend to be Kathryn Knott.” The motion included examples of O’Donnell’s online posts under the moniker “Knotty is a Tramp.” On 6ABC.com she allegedly wrote, “I don’t need pay back, my daddy and mommy give me checks but I hate to take time to cash them. Hope they put money in my account when I go to the ‘big house.’” O’Donnell also allegedly posted, “I’m not guilty either. I have mental issues that caused me to violate the HIPPA[sic] laws and beat up those two guys.” n
Lib City piggybacks fall fundraiser with final presidential debate By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com The Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club scheduled its fall fundraiser to double as a debate-watching party. It’s slated for Oct. 19, the last of three face-offs between Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her Republican challenger Donald Trump. Club members have not yet determined a venue, but expect it to take place in the Gayborhood. The money will support get-out-the-vote efforts for Clinton and Katie McGinty, a candidate to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate. Political analysts have pegged her race against incumbent Republican Pat Toomey as a crucial battleground for Democrats. Liberty City has $3,400 in its coffers, said David Feldman, treasurer, at a public board meeting Aug. 31. He said that amount is unencumbered, meaning there are no debts. Earlier this year, the club spent $1,800 on a website redesign to make it easier to navigate. Feldman said Liberty City would like to have $5,000 for its fall work. “We did a lot in the spring,” Feldman said, referring to voter-turnout initiatives leading up to the primary elections. “We
have to be mindful this fall.” The deadline for voter registration is 5 p.m. Oct. 11. The election is Nov. 8. Liberty City has a voter registration-awareness event set for Sept. 9 at Tattooed Mom, 530 South St. It’s a community event that will run from 7 p.m. until close. The club still has candidate endorsements to consider for two state legislators: Eugene DePasquale, who is running for state auditor general; and Mike Parrish, who is running to represent parts of Chester and Montgomery counties in Congress. Candidates must return their questionnaires to Liberty City by Sept. 19. The club will meet for endorsements sometime in the last week of September, depending upon space availability at William Way LGBT Community Center. Two representatives from the Pennsylvania Coordinated Campaign also spoke at Liberty City’s board meeting to discuss volunteer opportunities. They said they were looking for people who would like to canvas across Philadelphia for all Democrats on the ticket. They need staging areas as well as leaders who can put together teams of volunteers. Liberty City said it would forward the information to members via email blasts. n
40 years ago in PGN Activists strategize for Philly gay-rights bill Adapted from reporting by PGN staff The Committee for a Gay Rights Bill, although it had been dormant since 1975, met again in August 1976 to discuss the reintroduction of a gay-rights bill in Philadelphia City Council. Nine people attended the meeting held in Dignity House at 12th and Manning streets, soon after Councilman Lucien Blackwell announced he would reintroduce Bill 1275. The discussion mainly concerned the necessary lobbying effort for the new bill. Attendees were putting together an educational packet for volunteer lobbyists and wanted to ensure that they were well-informed on the needs to be served by the proposed bill and likely grounds of opposition to it. The committee planned to meet again mid-September 1976. State Senate committee to hold public hearings on prison rape Adapted from reporting by Harry Langhorne A Democratic state senator from Philadelphia announced in the summer of 1976 that a special Senate Prison Inquiry Committee would hold public hearings on the “problem of homosexu-
ality” within the state’s correctional system, by which he primarily meant prison rape. The hearings were scheduled for Sept. 15 and 16. State Sen. Freeman Hankins revealed the plans after he and several other senators made an unannounced visit to the state correctional institution at Camp Hill. “The complaints brought to our attention by the press and inmates are too revolting to ignore,” Hankins told the Philadelphia Tribune at the time. Bernard Bryman, the attorney for the special committee, told PGN the committee members did not yet know what reforms they wished to implement. He added the committee would welcome testimony from anyone with first-hand knowledge of the problem, including prison counselors from the Metropolitan Community Church, former prisoners or letters from gay inmates that were written within the last three years. Bryman said he was sensitive to the concern that the hearings would merely scapegoat gay people as those responsible for prison rape. He said he would like to keep the talk focused on generating “meaningful reform proposals.” n — compiled by Paige Cooperstein
pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
DATA COLLECTION from page 1
online soon. “This presidential administration has done a great job of getting LGBT people added to more data collection efforts,” Shanker said. But, he added, no uniform policy exists detailing how to account for LGBT experiences in all data initiatives. Shanker said the LGBT Data Inclusion Act could resolve that issue. The bill, introduced in the House in May and the Senate in July, remains in committees. “We certainly hope more members of Congress take a look at the bill,” Shanker said. He’s not alone in advocating for more LGBT data collection. Heshie Zinman has said since last year that his work with the LGBT Elder Initiative would run more smoothly if he could reference specific data. “We need to get a true sense of the number of LGBT people using the aging-services network so we can begin to allocate funds for programs for LGBT people,” Zinman told PGN in January. “Data drives policy and policy drives funding.” He said nondiscrimination laws would have to come first, so that people do not fear self-identifying as LGBT on a government form for data collection. n
PGN
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
News & Opinion
2— 40 Years Ago 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Positive Thoughts Mark My Words Street Talk 17 — News Briefing
Columns
12 — Out Money: College tuition participation 13 — Thinking Queerly: Connecting with Black Lives Matter 35 — Get Out and Play: Billy Bean
Arts & Culture
SOUTH FOR THE SUMMER: About 50 people turned out to send off summer at the Aug. 31 edition of Queers on the Avenue. Held this time at The Garage, the monthly social brings together LGBTs and allies to rotating venues in the East Passyunk Avenue area. The Garage event featured drink specials and games and, as it is situated right near cheesesteak shops Pat’s and Geno’s, was BYOC(cheesesteak). Photo: Scott A. Drake
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27 — Feature: On the Fringe 29 — Comics 31 — Scene in Philly 33 — Family Portrait 34 — Out & About 38 — Q Puzzle
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Teamwork is the name of the game when it came to helping an ally after a house fire.
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Creep of the Week: Peter LaBarbera thinks the gay agenda is trying to stifle the free speech of conservatives.
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Out and proud former MLB outfielder Billy Bean talks about what’s changing, and what’s not, in baseball.
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LOCAL PGN
Sheriff’s office helps celebrate first anniversary of LGBT shelter
DEPUTY SHERIFF DANTE AUSTIN WAS ONE OF SEVERAL SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPRESENTATIVES WHO VISITED THE HOME FOR HOPE SEPT. 1. AUSTIN, ONE OF TWO NEWLY APPOINTED LGBT LIAISONS IN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE, ORGANIZED THE VISIT TO CELEBRATE THE LGBT SHELTER’S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY. Photo: Scott A. Drake
By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com Angel Lee was pregnant when she moved to the LGBTQ Home for Hope in North Philadelphia nearly six months ago. A man who refused to believe her sexual orientation had raped her. She decided to keep the baby, whom she delivered this past Tuesday, naming her Sky Sakina Barnes Lee. Before giving birth, Lee shared her story Sept. 1 with eight representatives from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office. They had come to the shelter on North Hutchinson Street to celebrate its one-year anniversary. In that time, the home has hosted city, state and federal officials. It’s the first shelter for LGBT homeless people in Philadelphia. Deputy Sheriff Dante Austin, one of two LGBT liaisons in the sheriff’s office, organized the anniversary visit. John Hodges, a civilian employee and the other LGBT liaison, also attended. “I really want these officers to get to know the community,” Austin, an openly gay deputy, told the residents, “not in a cell and not in a courtroom. These statistics and these definitions are nice, but if they don’t know you, they won’t care.”
After Lee shared her story, the officers brought in bundles of baby supplies. Lee held back tears and, while posing for photos later, she joked, “I’m actually touching a cop without getting in trouble.” Lee will have to leave the Home for Hope now that she has given birth. The shelter is not equipped to house an infant, officials said. She’s not sure yet where she will move. But she said she would still visit the residents. “We’re a family here,” said Anya Martin, who has lived at the home for a year. At the hour-long celebration, several residents shared their coming-out stories and experiences with law enforcement. Austin also talked about how the sheriff’s deputies had supported the LGBT community in the field. For each person living in the Home for Hope, 38 officers sponsored 38 bags of donations. They included sheets, pillows and blankets, along with an array of toiletries. Austin also asked each officer to write a personalized note to the resident who would receive each bag. He included a statement from Sheriff Jewell Williams and a description of the work he’s doing as LGBT liaison. Chief Sheriff Deputy Kevin Lamb said the office is so much more educated about the LGBT community because of Austin. Deja Lynn Alvarez, director of the Home for Hope, said she was happy to have the sheriff’s office representatives spend time at the shelter and get to know the residents. “It’s kind of hard to believe that it’s been a year,” she said, “with no real financial backing.” Donations cover the expenses, which Alvarez said in July can run $8,000$9,000 a month. “It really sets in like, we’re still here, we’re still full,” Alvarez continued. “Our first year has been difficult. I feel like our second year will be better.” Sakina Dean, the owner of the Home for Hope, said she’d like to purchase the 15-bedroom, nine-bathroom former convent. Its current owner, Northstar Manor Inc., has agreed to a price of $250,000, which is half of the place’s market value, according to Philadelphia property records. Standing out front, facing the large side yard, Dean pointed out where she would eventually like to see a youth shelter and affordable housing. Alvarez would like to get experts to offer workshops on life coaching and personal finances. “It has been a journey,” Dean said of the Home for Hope’s first year. “Through faith and through our mission, I believe it’s going to continue to be a success.” For more information or to support the home, visit http://ow.ly/Jnjs302onH1. n
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
Trans ally urges anti-violence resolution by state lawmakers By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Pennsylvania resident Melanie Dante wants state lawmakers to enact an anti-violence resolution on behalf of sex workers. Dante, 46, is an advocate for LGBT rights and the rights of sex workers. She said several local trans women who were murdered recently were perceived to be sex workers. “I care very deeply about that,” she told PGN. In an effort to lessen the violence, she’s pushing for state lawmakers to pass an anti-violence resolution regarding sex workers in Pennsylvania. She received a glimmer of hope last week when a state lawmaker indicated he’d meet with her to discuss her concerns. “Each individual’s human rights are sacred, including the human rights of those of us who have lived the sex trade,” Dante told PGN. She said the term “sex work” encompasses various forms of erotic activity. “Sex work is a broad category that
includes prostitution, escorting, sugar babes, strippers, lap dancers, cam girls, dominants and submissives, massage therapists, tantric practitioners and porn models,” Dante explained. As an advocate for sex workers, she’s aware of far too many acts of violence against members of that community. And she speaks from personal experience. In June, while driving in Northeast Philadelphia, a brick was thrown at her car, shattering its windshield. She said Philadelphia police failed to respond to her 911 calls for assistance. Two young men on bicycles circled her car in a menacing manner. “I couldn’t get the police to come,” she said. “It was very frightening. It was only three blocks from where a woman working the streets had her throat slashed. That predator is still on the loose. Fortunately, a local towing company arrived and transported me to safety.” Dante wants state lawmakers to pass a resolution declaring Dec. 17 as International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers in Pennsylvania.
For the past 12 years, people around the world have observed Dec. 17 as a day to honor the lives of sex workers lost to murder and suicide. “My goal is to be sure no sex worker or person exploring their sexual and gender identity is forgotten, after falling victim to a violent crime leading to their death,”
“My goal is to be sure no sex worker or person exploring their sexual and gender identity is forgotten, after falling victim to a violent crime leading to their death.” Dante said. Since 2012, Dec. 17 memorial events have been held in Philadelphia, and Dante hopes the local event will grow and become more unified. Dante said she realizes a resolution
won’t end all of the problems faced by sex workers in Pennsylvania, but that it’s an important first step. Last week, state Rep. Brian K. Sims (D-182nd Dist.), an openly gay lawmaker, indicated he’d meet with Dante. Sims’ office issued this statement: “Violence in any form inflicted upon any person is reprehensible. This is especially true of those perpetrators who target marginalized communities that find it difficult or impossible to access legal recourse or protection. Of course, we’d welcome any conversations or proposals which aim to reduce this issue.” Dante hopes to meet with Sims shortly, to ask him personally to sponsor a Dec. 17 resolution. “I look forward to the opportunity to speak with him,” she said. “My feeling is that he has welcomed one-on-one discussion on the needs of Pennsylvania’s marginalized populations, including sex workers and trans people. We may have different perspectives and different approaches but we all want the same outcome, which is to end the violence.” n
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Gay litigant’s deposition released By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com New details about child-molestation claims lodged against Thomas Vandergrift emerged last month with the release of his deposition. Vandergrift, a former school teacher, is embroiled in litigation against New Jersey’s Pennsauken School District and various school officials. In August 2011, district officials contacted the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services and reported that Vandergrift may have inappropriately touched his nephew. Vandergrift contends the reports were retaliatory in nature because he advocated for a proper education for his nephew, who has autism, and because Vandergrift is openly gay. Vandergrift filed suit in 2012, seeking an unspecified amount in damages and reforms within the school district. But his suit remains held in abeyance while a similar suit filed by his mother and nephew is litigated. District officials deny any wrongdoing and filed Vandergrift’s August 2015 deposition with the court as part of their defense. In his deposition, Vandergrift blasted district officials for failing to question his nephew prior to contacting DYFS and reporting him as a suspected child molester. “The only reason you called is because I’m gay and advocating for [my nephew’s] proper education,” Vandergrift stated. “If I wasn’t being a pain in the rear, trying to get him the right education, you wouldn’t have called. If I was straight, you wouldn’t have called. Don’t you see that? There was no reasonable belief [of inappropriate touching].” He added: “No one from your district even had the balls to ask [my nephew] if [his] uncle touched him. Instead you ran and called DYFS because I was gay and advocating.” At the time of the allegations, Vandergrift was
employed as a school teacher, but said he no longer wishes to hold that profession. “I can’t wait to go to law school because I’m going to come back and make sure every single kid in that district is being served properly,” he testified. “I’m not going to go back as a teacher because I can’t be around kids because [school district officials] fucked me up in the head.” Vandergrift gave additional details about DYFS’ visit to his parents’ home, where they investigated the child-molestation reports. “I get upset, my mom’s upset, my dad’s upset, we’re all crying. Well, [two investigators] start raiding the house and going through everything. Closets, pantry, refrigerator, sink, bedrooms. They tore apart my parents’ house, their castle, because of baseless accusations from your district. [My nephew] had to get naked and they checked his body parts.” After investigators realized the reports were baseless, they became sympathetic to the family, Vandergrift testified. “You should have saw them standing there and how upset they were that they had to do this based on the BS that the district was pulling. I mean, they were seriously so appalled and so apologetic that it was like they couldn’t believe another human being did this to a family of a disabled kid.” Vandergrift said a male investigator who appeared to be gay called him “girl” in a comforting manner when speaking to him. “When you say ‘girl,’ you kind of know that you’re a friend of Dorothy,” Vandergrift testified. He also testified that his nephew suffered pervasive antigay bullying while he was a student in Pennsauken. Eventually, the child was transferred to a private school. “Your entire district is antigay, and it goes from all the way down to the kids calling my nephew ‘gay’ and ‘faggot’ in class and your principals doing nothing, to your school psycholPAGE 21
Hospital worker denies HIV-bias allegations By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A physical therapist who allegedly prevented a woman with HIV from accessing a therapeutic swimming pool has denied the allegations. In court papers, Timothy Burch, a leased employee of OSS Orthopaedic Hospital in York, denied that he prevented “Bonnie Jones” from using the hospital’s pool last year. Jones is suing the hospital, Burch and Burch’s direct employer, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, for an unspecified amount in damages. The incident occurred June 26, 2015, when Burch allegedly blocked Jones’ access to the pool in a vocal manner that divulged Jones’ serostatus to onlookers. But in a 14-page reply filed Aug. 22, attorneys for Burch denied that he stopped Jones from using the pool. The filing also denies that Burch disclosed Jones’ serostatus to onlookers. “[A]fter completion of his initial evaluation, [Burch] discussed an overall physical therapy plan of care and outlined a number of possible therapy interventions with [Jones], including aquatic therapy,” the attorneys wrote. “Mr. Burch completed
the physical therapy regimen on the same date as the initial evaluation, June 26, 2015, and included in [Jones’] treatment plan the potential for aquatic therapy to be administered in future treatment sessions.” The filing contends that Jones volunteered information about her serostatus, though she wasn’t asked by Burch whether she’s HIV-positive. The filing goes on to note that, after their therapy session, Burch escorted Jones to the front desk, where she scheduled 12 additional sessions. Moreover, the filing denies that Burch and/or Drayer violated any laws and requests that the case be dismissed, and that Jones pay their attorneys’ fees. “[Jones] has not incurred any actual damages or injury in this matter,” the attorneys wrote. “[Jones’] claims are unfounded, frivolous and not warranted by existing law. [They] lack factual foundation and are devoid of evidentiary support.” In a previous filing, Burch and Drayer sought to have Jones publicly named in court papers, but their request was denied. As of presstime, the hospital hadn’t responded to Jones’ allegations. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane, based in Harrisburg. n
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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After fire, community comes together for ally By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Kristen Brinkman only had enough time to grab her laptop, wallet, keys and dog and escape her Fishtown home before it was engulfed in flames. After an Aug. 27 fire claimed nearly all of her possessions, friends of the Stonewall Sports member and LGBT ally are rallying to her aid. Friend and fellow league member Derek Hartman has started a crowd-funding page for Brinkman ( h t t p s : / / w w w. gofundme.com/2mdz4rgg), which, as of presstime, has generated about half of its $5,000 goal. Stonewall kickball teammates will also be selling 50/50 and raffle tickets, with proceeds going to Brinkman, from noon-4 p.m. Sept. 11 at Marconi Plaza and also from 3-7 p.m. that evening at Boxers, where the winners will be announced. Brinkman has played kickball and
dodgeball for the LGBT-centric league for the past several years. She said the support from the league and other friends since the fire has been overwhelming. “I’m shocked and I’m humbled,” Brinkman said. “I usually am very independent and don’t like to take things from anyone else but I’m learning when people are offering things of their own free will because they care about you, to just be grateful and accept help. It sounds kind of lame, but I feel blessed to have so many people who care and who are concerned about me.” Brinkman was relaxing on her couch in the Fishtown home she rented for the last five years when her smoke alarm went off. She said the alarm often was set off by the rising heat in the trinity-style house, so she wasn’t overly concerned until a friend who was staying with her began screaming from her upstairs bedroom. The pair tried to smother the flames, threw water on the fire and tried to douse burning objects in the shower, where Brinkman burned her hand, but to no avail. “It was eventually clear there was nothing we could do to slow it down or stop it,” she said. They ran out of the house with Brinkman’s
dog, but her friend’s cat, who they think was hiding under a bed where the fire was raging, perished. The fire was contained within a few minutes, and Brinkman said investigators had yet to determine a conclusive cause earlier this week. When Brinkman was finally allowed back in days later, all that was salvageable were a few pots and pans. “It was a million times worse than I thought it was, a total loss,” she said. “TVs, electronics, furniture, clothing, everything.” The Red Cross provided Brinkman a $125 gift card and she stayed for a time with a friend in Northeast Pennsylvania. She’s in the process of looking for a new home in Fishtown and will be staying at a hotel for the coming weeks. When Hartman heard about Brinkman’s situation, he said he felt compelled to help. The pair met at Shippensburg University and reconnected after college. Hartman said he had come out in the intervening time and pushed away many friends because of it, with whom Brinkman helped him reconcile. “I ran into Kristen at a concert about five years after I graduated college, and she kind of pulled me back into reconnecting with friends that I was afraid to talk
to after I came out,” Hartman said. “She really bridged that gap for me and helped me rebuild those relationships. She took me from a place of barely accepting myself to showing me that everyone accepted me, and I really credit her for that part of my coming out.” Hartman said he knew Brinkman wouldn’t ask for assistance, which prompted him to create the GoFundMe page. “She was so grateful,” he said. “I’ve been updating her on the donations and that Stonewall shared the page and she was just overwhelmed. She’s been very, very touched by the community, by Stonewall and just the kindness in general from people, some she barely even knew who’ve donated and reached out to her.” Brinkman said one positive from the situation is that she’s been able to educate supporters about the importance of renter’s insurance, which she fortunately has. “Please, please, please get renter’s insurance,” she said. “Waiting for everything [from the insurance company] is hard but at least there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t imagine if I didn’t have the insurance or didn’t have the support I do; I’m just so humbled, and feel so lucky that people care enough to do this.” n
AIDS agency denies sexualharassment and bias allegations By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com AIDS Care Group last week denied claims of workplace sexual harassment and racial bias alleged by a former employee. Dr. Emmanuella Cherisme contends she was sexually harassed by a physician at AIDS Care Group before she was dismissed from the agency in 2013. The physician allegedly touched Cherisme’s breasts, pressed his genitals against various parts of her body, tried to kiss her and tried to remove her underwear when she wore skirts or dresses. Additionally, the physician ensured that Cherisme’s paychecks were withheld because she rebuffed his sexual advances, according to the complaint. Moreover, according to the allegations, the physician would call and text Cherisme frequently, until she had his phone number blocked. He would travel to her home to harass her, and even found her in Orlando where she was vacationing with her children, according to the complaint. Cherisme said another staffer mocked the color of her skin, claiming it was too dark, and refused to respect her as a professional. That staffer allegedly also prevented Cherisme from purchasing necessary supplies and from caring for her patients adequately.
But in a seven-page reply filed Aug. 30, attorneys for AIDS Care Group denied all of those allegations. In the filing, the agency acknowledges that Cherisme was hired in April 2013 to work as a gynecologist but denies that she was ever promised permanent employment at the agency. The group also denies that after Cherisme’s dismissal, her HIV/AIDS clinic duties allegedly were given to a Caucasian nurse and a Caucasian family physician. Cherisme is seeking a minimum of $150,000 in damages, along with attorneys’ fees. But AIDS Care Group’s filing refutes that Cherisme suffered any damages while employed at the agency. “[Cherisme] is not entitled to any of the relief that she seeks,” the filing states. “[Cherisme] unreasonably failed to take advantage of preventive and corrective opportunities provided by [AIDS Care Group]. The agency cannot be held liable to [Cherisme] for the alleged actions contained within [Cherisme’s] complaint.” The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro, and a jury trial has been requested. AIDS Care Group, based in Delaware County, was formed in 1998 and serves as a comprehensive health-services agency for people with HIV/AIDS. It also receives federal HIV/AIDS-prevention funds. n
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EDITORIAL PGN
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Peter LaBarbera
Editorial
Endings and beginnings Summer is now (unofficially) behind us, swept unceremoniously out last weekend by the non-materialized Hurricane Hermine. With the lazy hazy days of summer behind us, schools are getting back in session, legislatures are reconvening and the push to the next milestone, the end of the year, is on. For some, the change of the seasons is bittersweet. LGBT parents may be bidding goodbye to the downtime they enjoyed with their kids this summer, while also looking forward to the achievements and adventures that await their kids. LGBT lobbyists and advocates are likely getting ready to kick their work into high gear, prepping for both struggles and successes. We in the LGBT media world are ready to roll up our sleeves after the August doldrums and dive into our busy season, a time that both keeps us busy but which always promises exciting days in the newsroom. Looking back on this summer, the LGBT community experienced one of its worst tragedies in memory: the mass murder of 49 people at an LGBT club in Orlando. The Pulse shooting showed our community the worst of humanity but also the best, as thousands of Philadelphians mourned together at City Hall and just as many turned out for a fundraising night in the Gayborhood, netting 10 times more than the fundraising goal for the victims. Like all, it was a summer of good and of bad, and this next phase of the year is also sure to hold its own triumphs and pitfalls. Yet, as we saw this summer, our community has the strength and resilience to weather obstacles, a lesson that can be extended to our personal circumstances as well. The energy and momentum that the LGBT community showed this summer, and has exhibited in the last few years, are inspiring. Endings are never easy, and neither are beginnings — but each brings promise. And we look forward to the promise that the remainder of 2016 holds for all of us. n
It’s always strange to me to hear people talk about the “gay agenda.” Because undoubtedly anyone who uses this term is antigay. First of all, it’s important to remember that having an agenda isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Like when your boss asks you, “So, what’s on your agenda today?” she isn’t asking you what subversive things you’re planning on doing to ruin the company. That said, the “LGBT community” is a misnomer. In reality, people who fall under the umbrella of “LGBT” are incredibly diverse in every way. There is no one thing that everyone agrees on, except maybe a desire to be treated fairly and equally under the law (though there’s no doubt far less consensus once you start talking about how to get there and what to do). Which is why Americans For Truth About Homosexuality President Peter LaBarbera’s Aug. 19 “report” for Accuracy in Media — an organization that isn’t actually interested in accuracy so much as paranoid that the “liberal media” is out to get them — is so ridiculous. In “Media Myths of the Homosexual-Transgender Agenda,” LaBarbera writes, “The purpose of this report is to expose and refute some of the longstanding statistical lies and propagandistic myths of the LGBT … activist movement. With media support, homosexual and leftist activists now openly campaign to banish dissenting conservative voices. This dangerous dynamic gives the homosexual-transgender lobby nearly full reign to advance its agenda.” Ha. “Banish dissenting conservative voices,” eh? If he means that we think people who espouse the belief that LGBT people aren’t human and are incapable of love and unworthy of life don’t deserve TV airtime and shouldn’t be a reporter’s go-to for an opposing viewpoint on every article about any LGBT issue … then yes, banish them. Let them assemble their banished selves in the dark realm of a place like Accuracy in Media or Americans For Truth About Homosexuality. LaBarbera’s “report” doesn’t really offer
anything new. It’s more like a “greatest hits” of anti-LGBT talking points: Nobody’s born gay, sex-reassignment is mutilation, antigay reparative therapy works, homos die young, LGBT people make bad parents, etc. But what I’m most interested in is what he calls “The 10-Percent Myth.” LaBarbera tries to get to the bottom of just how many LGBT people there are in the U.S. The rough figure of 10 percent has been bandied about for years. LaBarbera writes, “The 10-percent myth served its purpose of projecting enormous ‘gay’ political strength when the movement was still weak.” In other words, the LGBT movement was just pretending to be 10 percent of the population for the political clout. And we all know that pretending to exist is a totally sound political strategy. LaBarbera then throws out some other much smaller numbers, eventually coming to the claim that LGBT people are about 3 percent of the population. To which I say, Who cares? Who cares what the percentage is? It’s not an easily ascertained or verifiable number. It’s as if LaBarbera is arguing that once a minority falls below a specific percentage, then it’s OK to declare them inhuman. And he is. Because for LaBarbera, LGBT people are inhuman. That is, in fact, the cornerstone philosophy of his hateful organization Americans For Truth About Homosexuality. The very name implies that homosexuals are liars, that homosexuality is something to be exposed as evil. Then again, until we know the exact percentage of the U.S. population who are members of LaBarbera’s little club, how can we be sure they even exist at all? n
“This dangerous dynamic gives the homosexualtransgender lobby nearly full reign to advance its agenda.”
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Book of the year! When you read this column, once again of talks over the years, this one frightened I’ll be on a plane 35,000 feet in the sky on me since this time I was not talking about another trip I never expected to be taking. a movement, I was talking about my per A few weeks ago I thought I’d be in New sonal life. Lucky for me that joining me York this Sept. 9 for the LGBT Democrats for that first presentation in San Francisco for Hillary Clinton event starring Barbra were people who had taken part in varStreisand, but somehow this ious parts of my activist life: year has been filled with wonNikos Diaman who was a felderful surprises. And just as low member of Gay Liberation you think it couldn’t get any Front New York 1969-71, Tony better, it does. Russomanno from Gay Youth My memoir — yes, my memNew York City 1970 and Tommi oir — has just been announced Avicolli Mecca from my own as the winner of the Book of the Gay Raiders, which led the camYear Award from The National paign against the TV networks. Lesbian and Gay Journalists So when I stepped in front of Association, so I’m now headed that first crowd, it was almost to their National Convention in natural to start talking about Miami Beach to accept. This is LGBT history since I had three a special award to me for many historic individuals present and reasons. who had to be introduced and One year ago at the NLGJA explain their importance. We convention in San Francisco, Mark Segal sold out all copies of the book my publisher pushed to get copthat day, and that talk has now ies of the just-printed book to a session the been used in various forms for the last 11 convention was calling its “Author’s Café.” months as I’ve traveled the country. So as I approach the first anniversary My memoir was not to be officially pubof the publication of my memoir, to have lished and unveiled until Oct. 4, but one it awarded NLGJA’s “Book of the Year” month early it was decided a preview of not only tops off a great year but brings a the book would be held at the journalists’ sense of accomplishment to that frightened convention. As I was on that flight to San Francisco, author who didn’t know what he would it dawned on me that that talk would be the say. Now I’ll have to figure out what to say first I’d give on the book, and the particiwhen I accept that award, and that really is pants would also be the first crowd to see simple: Thank you. n the book, which to that date had been kept well under wraps. What should I say? What Mark Segal is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. His recently pubpart of the book or my life would they lished memoir, “And Then I Danced,” is availwant to hear about? It was the first lesson able on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or at your that all authors must learn, and I’ll have to favorite bookseller. admit that, while I have given thousands
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Street Talk What LGBT person deserves a mural in Philadelphia? "Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She was a pioneer in rock-androll guitarplaying, a real music legend. She Michaela was openly DeBenedictis bisexual in music teacher East Falls the 1940s when doing that wasn't easy. She obviously took a lot of heat for it. I admire her tenacity and her fearlessness to be herself."
"Dito Van Reigersberg. She also goes by Martha Graham Cracker. She's a drag queen that shouldn't be forgotten, Nicholas an icon. Schwarsman She's one actor of the most Queen Village positive and entertaining acts in the Philadelphia LGBT community. She's totally in your face and on your lap about being queer. No shame whatsoever. She's an artist we can all admire."
"Freddie Mercury. He was an amazing singer. I found him to be very engaging with his audience. Cameron Perry The way he musician dressed on Cleveland, Ohio stage really made an impression. He was one of a kind. We'll never see his likes again."
"I'm a musician so I'll say Elton John. He's an incredibly talented musician. And I admire how he's lived his life. Zack James He's set a musician good example Richmond, Va. by coming out. Anyone who does that also inspires others to do the same."
Good morning, Vietnam My stepfather came back from Vietnam in the mid-’70s, a broken man with post-traumatic stress disorder and health complications that grow more dire the older he gets. His PTSD has lasted 40 years; he couldn’t “just let it go” as some people have admonished. I was talking with my friend Scott recently and couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the two men, veterans of wars they didn’t want to participate in, both still suffering from PTSD. Scott, however, never served in the military. He is a veteran of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and ’90s, that first wave of battle before the enemy was known but not before his comrades were all killed. Scott has AIDS. He’s OK when I call it stage-three HIV, as many activists and scientists now do to remove the stigma — after all, AIDS is simply the last stage of HIV disease — but he doesn’t want the world, and the LGBT community espe-
cially, to know he’s living with AIDS, and has been for 30 years or so. Nobody listens to old gay guys living with HIV. Our world, from the prevention workers to the gay clubs to LGBT media, has focused on the fastest-growing group getting HIV: young gay and bi men under 30. There’s good reason for that, both from a prevention standpoint and a sense of racial justice. Young gay and bi men, especially those of color, have the highest risk of HIV among all young people, and while African-Americans only represent 33 percent of people under 24 in the national population, they account for 57 percent of new HIV infections among those ages 13-24. For young black trans women, the stats are even worse: 56 percent of all black transgender women already have HIV. Yes, it’s critical we reach these young men and women, because without intervention the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention has predicted that half of all black gay and bi men will have HIV in their lifetimes. Nobody is modeling numbers for trans women, but I’d venture to say it’s even worse. The number of people living with HIV over 50 is growing as well, both because antiretrovirals are keeping long-term survivors alive now and because new infections are growing for a variety of reasons. And in an ageist world and a youth-centric culture, this group has been largely left to fend for themselves, which is perhaps why it seems, anecdotally, the suicide rate is higher. Take my friend Scott. He’s saying what a lot of these people over 50 have been saying: that they aren’t being listened to, seen or addressed. They are living long lives, but they are experiencing early aging (researchers say people with HIV age 14 years faster, despite living as long as nonpoz peers).
Scott’s had Sculptra in his face to remove signs of wasting (a 10-percent loss of body weight) and he’s had surgery to remove fat from his back (the dreaded buffalo hump some anti-HIV medications cause). He has a catheter that sometimes leaks (another drug side effect) thanks to bouts of Kaposi’s sarcoma and anal cancer; fighting the latter with radiation and chemo took a toll on his immune system. Today he wears adult diapers, something that stops him from dating. His ego can’t take it. His longtime partner died of AIDS complications years ago. He’s lonely and isolated and sometimes battles depression. But equally often, he’s mad as hell — in large part, because like my stepfather, he’s been forgotten, as are the others who survived the first wave of the AIDS epidemic. He’s never really grieved (there’s no time) even though he lost dozens of friends, faced elected officials who suggested a PAGE 21 vast quarantine system
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FINANCES PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
Faith Issue Exploring the intersections of faith and the LGBT community
Skin in the game: Getting kids involved in college planning Q: My husband and I have two adopted children who are entering sixth grade this year. We’ve already begun saving for college for them, but would also like to teach them more about saving and preparing for college. Are they too young to have this conversation? A: With the school year just beginning, this question is very timely. I do not think they’re too young to start to learn about money, budgeting and financial responsibility; the earlier the better, in my opinion. Here are some thoughts to get you started on the college-planning piece.
Match involvement to age, grade level
balance. But the sooner you begin, typically the better prepared you will be. n
Young people can assume varying levels of responsibility for college planning depending on their age and interests. Consider the following if you are looking to get a middle- or high-school student involved.
Jeremy R. Gussick is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional affiliated with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning and retirement income needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2015 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager as mentioned in Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including Delaware Valley Legacy Fund and the Independence Business Alliance, the Philadelphia region’s LGBT chamber of commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via email at Jeremy@RetirementRefined.com. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Sixth to eighth grades • Continue good study habits • Enhance computer and Internet skills • Participate in arts activities or sports • Start saving money
Ninth to 10th grades • Enroll in college-preparatory classes Getting kids involved in • Establish high academic stancollege planning may be an dards excellent way to teach responJeremy • Research careers that match sibility to young people — a lesson that could reap benefits Gussick personal aptitudes • Learn about college costs well beyond their college years. • Identify prospective colleges Children can earn money, learn • Research financial aid and scholarships about sources of financial aid, research potential colleges and take other steps that • Set aside money from babysitting, yard work or other odd jobs for college may relieve their parents of some of the expenses responsibility of college planning.
Out Money
Starting early
Only in
Sept. 16
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the best time to introduce children to college planning is when they are in middle school, typically grades six through eight. You may want to initiate discussions about college, explaining the importance of developing good study habits and instilling the idea that your family supports higher education. You may also want to encourage your children to begin thinking about the career they would like to pursue, which is likely to influence their choice of college, as well as to establish a savings account that could be earmarked for education expenses. In addition, you can teach basic lessons about compounding, investing and other money-management issues. When students are in the latter part of middle school, they can also start planning to make the most of high-school experiences with an eye toward college. Remind your budding scholar that success in high school depends on skills and attitudes that are developed in middle school or earlier. You can help your child plan for college by assisting him or her with developing a realistic budget. The chart to the right gives a general idea of the average current annual cost of attending a four-year public versus four-year private college.
*As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996-2016, based on total revenues. **Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers.
11th to 12th grades • Get a part-time job and continue saving for college • Visit colleges of potential interest • Take the Scholastic Aptitude Test and/or the ACT® assessment • Enroll in advanced-placement classes, if available • Apply to colleges and for financial aid Of course if you’re not comfortable yourself with the methods for college savings or how much money you’ll likely need when factoring in inflation over a number of years, I encourage you to seek counsel from your financial professional, who can help you develop a strategy for this significant expense. Coordinating college savings with retirement savings and other financial needs is often a delicate
This article was prepared with the assistance of Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to substitute for specific tax or legal advice, or to provide specific recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc. or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content.
Average Annual Costs 2015-2016 Private four-year Tuition and Fees Room and Board TOTAL
$32,405 $11,516 $43,921
Public four-year (In-state)
Public four-year (Out-of-State)
$9,410 $10,138 $19,548
$23,893 $10,138 $34,031
*Source: The College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2015, Table 1A.
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Joining forces: LGBT rights and the Black Lives Matter Movement The intersection of LGBT issues and Soccer player Megan Rapinoe, an the Black Lives Matter movement has openly gay white woman, did what I been apparent to many since the incepwould have if I were in her position: tion of the BLM movement; however, She knelt during the National Anthem relatively little has been said or done before the start of a game on Sunday in a publicly to acknowledge the show of solidarity with Colin similarities (and differences) Kaepernick, quarterback for of these two minority groups the 49ers. He has been under and the power that could come fire since he did the same from joining forces. before the start of a preseason It’s a sensitive subject, game last week. Kaepernick addressing the connectivity of spoke of his actions as a stateracial inequality and inequalment against police brutality ity based on sexual orientation and in support of the Black and gender identity. Perhaps Lives Matter movement. that’s why it hasn’t been Rapinoe did so drawing on talked about more. Race can’t the connections between the be concealed and, therefore, Black Lives Matter movement the accompanying difficulties and the inequalities experialso cannot be. On the other enced by LGBT individuals. hand, at least theoretically She stated that she also plans speaking, LGBT individuKristina Furia to do the same during future als can choose to conceal the games. traits that cause us to be of There’s no question about minority status. While such distinctive the fact that both Colin and Megan have differences certainly speak to variation outraged many Americans with the of experience, our goals are the same: notion that no social or political moveprotected civil liberties, the ability to be ment is worthy of protesting one of the safe both physically and psychologically foundational traditions of our country; and the expectation of being accepted however, it is unreasonable to suggest and respected within our communities that any successful protest can occur and in society overall. without upsetting some portion of the population. To create social change, we This past weekend, U.S. Women’s
Thinking Queerly
must get people’s attention, and to get people’s attention, political incorrectness is often essential. In some instances, that might include minorities perturbing other minorities with their methods and/or overall stances. For example, Toronto Pride this year was interrupted by a Black Lives Matter protest, but the smartest of us will recognize that we are stronger together. The progress that the LGBT community has seen towards equality under the law has been among the quickest of any social-justice movement. This is largely because organizations like the Human Rights Campaign are headed up and supported by wealthy gay white people and, often, specifically white men, which makes the need for LGBT people to support to Black Lives Matter (both at organizational and grassroots levels) not only crucial but just plain logical. The hope is, in addition to helping to forward the cause, that black LGBT individuals will experience greater acceptance from the black community as a result. As it relates to Colin Kaepernick, his actions were loud and have gotten the desired attention without saying a word, not an easy task. Even President Obama weighed in on this. He commented at a news conference during the G20 Summit that Kaepernick’s refusal to stand during
the National Anthem is sincere and shows that he “cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about.” He also pointed out that he is within his constitutional rights. In following suit, Rapinoe modeled the behavior that we, as LGBT individuals of all races and ethnicities, should be doing: taking a stand to protect the rights of black Americans. As Rapinoe said, “Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it. It’s important to have white people stand in support of people of color on this. We don’t need to be the leading voice, of course, but standing in support of them is something that’s really powerful.” When each and every American can look at our flag and feel that it waves for all of us, not just those of us who are white, or straight, or otherwise privileged, then and only then can we watch quietly from the sidelines. n Kristina Furia is a psychotherapist committed to working with LGBT individuals and couples and owner of Emerge Wellness, an LGBT health and wellness center in Center City (www.emergewellnessphilly.com).
We’re celebrating pride. Today and tomorrow. At PECO, we’re committed to LGBT inclusion and equality. That’s because we believe that working with individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds drives some of the most powerful outcomes. It’s just one reason why the Exelon family of companies was recently recognized with the “2016 Corporate Equality Index Best Place to Work for LGBT Employees” award. But it’s not about the recognition. It’s about celebrating pride. Today and tomorrow. Learn more at peco.com
PECO. The future is on.
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LGBT Youth Supplement Read about the issues and ideas impacting local teens — from school bullying to campus safe spaces to legislative developments — written in their own words. The first-ever section created for and by LGBT youth appears twice a year.
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International Spanish police make arrest in attempted antigay shooting
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Police in Spain have confirmed that they have arrested a man who attempted to plan a mass shooting of gay people in Barcelona. Authorities arrested the 36-year-old man who attempted to use social media to urge more people to shoot gay people. The man was in possession of a pistol that could fire blanks, which was featured in videos he posted. According to authorities, 31 videos had been posted by the man in the past month. In one of the videos, he said that his followers had 13 days to “prepare” for a gay party in Barcelona. Many of the videos have already been removed by YouTube. But the man was also accused of posting tweets that urged people to commit hate crimes against gay people and groups. Several people reported his tweets to authorities. He could face a prison sentence of onefour years and a fine of $675-$33,720.
Police arrest 8-year-old girl over ‘lesbianism’ Police in Uganda have taken a young girl into custody after she became “involved in romantic relationships” with her female classmates. Catherine Wobuyaga, the officer in charge of Child Family Protection Unit in Jinja, said the child told police that she had been “involved” with other children. She told police that the incidents have been taking place in school toilets and other isolated places near her home, resulting in the child’s detention. The girl could be sent to prison if found guilty. Wobuyaga said the girl, whose name cannot be disclosed because of her age,
was reported to police by a “concerned” neighbor who allegedly saw her repeatedly “luring” her friends to a nearby farm where she reportedly “teaches them how to romantically get involved.” Police say they are investigating claims that someone could have trained the girl and instructed her to pass on the knowledge to the other girls. Earlier this year, homophobic Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni won a general election amid accusations of corruption, winning a fifth term. Museveni signed the draconian AntiHomosexuality Bill in February 2014. The law called for repeat offenders to be sentenced to 14 years in prison and made it a criminal offense not to report someone for being gay. However, the country’s Constitutional Court later struck down the bill, finding that the speaker of parliament acted illegally by moving ahead with a vote on the law despite at least three lawmakers objecting to a lack of quorum. Despite this, it still remains illegal to be gay in Uganda.
Australian prime minister urges public vote on gay marriage Australia’s prime minister has urged his political opponents to allow Australians to endorse gay marriage through a popular vote instead of putting the divisive issue into lawmakers’ hands. Most opposition lawmakers, who support gay marriage, oppose the government’s plan to ask the public in a plebiscite whether the Parliament should create marriage equality. The opposition Labor Party, the minor Greens Party and two independent lawmakers on Aug. 31 proposed bills to allow Parliament to decide the issue without consulting the public. Gay-rights advocates are generally opposed to the plebiscite, which they argue was initiated by lawmakers who hope it fails. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called on Labor leader Bill Shorten to endorse the plebiscite plan in the Senate, where the government has a minority. n — compiled by Larry Nichols
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Valley Youth House takes fundraiser guests to Elton John concert By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com Serendipity led a nonprofit that serves homeless youth — including creating programs for those who are LGBT — to host a fundraiser that boasts a performance from Elton John. Officials with Valley Youth House hadn’t held a gala in a few years and wanted to think of new ways to engage donors. They had an established relationship with the PPL Center, a concert and sports venue in Allentown. Valley Youth House has frequently benefited from the annual Teddy Bear Toss with the region’s minor-league hockey team, the Phantoms. Valley Youth House development officer Emily Conners said staff at the PPL Center helped arrange group tickets for one of its fall concerts. “It just happened to be Elton John,” Conners said. “It was really kind of a miracle for us. Elton John’s mission of philanthropy really aligns with ours.” Twenty-six tickets remain for the Sept. 27 event. There will be a reception at 5 p.m. in the Renaissance Hotel, 12 N. Seventh St., Allentown. It’s connected to the PPL Center. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $500. If the event sells out, there will be 460 people in attendance.
News Briefing Oral arguments next week in SEPTA case Oral arguments will take place next week in protracted litigation involving SEPTA’s adherence to local antibias laws. The public is permitted to attend the proceeding, which will be held in City Hall. SEPTA, the region’s public-transit agency, claims that as a state agency it doesn’t have to adhere to local antibias laws, which are LGBT-inclusive. Instead, SEPTA claims it’s required to adhere to state and federal antibias laws, which aren’t LGBT-inclusive. The city counters that SEPTA must adhere to the city’s LGBT-inclusive antibias laws, even if SEPTA is a state agency. The city notes that state laws don’t specifically exempt state agencies from local antibias laws. Oral arguments will be presented to the state Supreme Court. This is the second time the state Supreme Court will consider the dispute, which originated in
At the reception, heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Guests will hear from a young person who has been homeless and taken advantage of Valley Youth House programs. The person is still being selected through a speech competition. The winner will also get to attend the concert. “I really hope that people take away how prominent youth homelessness is,” Conners said. “Oftentimes it’s invisible. You could be sitting in class next to somebody and not realize they’re homeless.” Couches will be placed around the room so attendees can also hear about the “Couches Don’t Count” campaign, which started in Philadelphia last year to illustrate how young people sleep on friends’ couches if they don’t have stable housing. Conners said Valley Youth House would also show a video of the organization’s initiatives and highlight the large proportion of homeless youth who are part of the LGBT community. The honored guests will be John and Jane Malloy for their community work. John serves as CEO of Victaulic, a Northampton County manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining system solutions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.valleyyouthhouse.org/ settingthestage or contact Emily Conners at 610-820-0166 or econners@valleyyouthhouse.org. n Philadelphia Common Pleas Court in 2009. The proceeding will take place 10 a.m. Sept. 13 in Courtroom 456 of City Hall. — Timothy Cwiek
Cosby prosecutors want 13 other accusers to testify at trial On the same day that a Montgomery County judge was considering whether to admit a recorded phone call in Bill Cosby’s trial for the alleged sexual assault of a lesbian, prosecutors filed a motion to allow 13 other women who’ve accused the comedian of sexual assault to testify at his trial. Judge Steven T. O’Neill said he would hold a hearing at a later date about the potential testimony from the women. At the first of Cosby’s many pre-trial conferences Sept. 6 in Norristown, O’Neill heard arguments about whether jurors should hear the recorded phone call. He did not issue a ruling, but said he would decide by the end of the week. Andrea Constand, a lesbian former employee of Temple University, alleged that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her at his Cheltenham Township home in 2004. A year later, her mother called the entertainer from Canada to discuss the incident and recorded the call. Constand grew up in the Toronto area. PAGE 21 Brian J. McMonagle,
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
locations in Philadelphia CENTER CITY — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD
12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Charlie was a Sinner, 131 S. 13th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Optimal Gym, 1315 Walnut St. • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • PAT@Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • Phila. FIGHT/ Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 2nd floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Scorpio Books, 205 S. Juniper St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Square One, 249 S. 13th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •
NORTH OF CENTER CITY
1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Barnes & Noble, 1700 N. Broad St. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st floor • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Vice Coffee, 1031 Spring GardenSty. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •
SOUTH OF CENTER CITY
Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • Wedge Medical Center, 1939 S. Juniper St. •
UNIVERSITY CITY
Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 30 S. 33rd St., Rom. 113 • Christian Association, 3627 Chestnut St. • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Metropolitan Community Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •
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The Greater Atlantic CIty GLBT Alliance and The Schultz-Hill Foundation present
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PGN CORDOVA from page 1
POSITIVE from page 11
trans murder victims whose killers have not been arrested, like Stacey Blahnik and Nizah Morris. “It’s becoming a bigger deal now,” Maher said about the growing awareness of violence against trans women. “On one hand, I’m very happy that this is happening but on the other hand, I’m very angry because that’s really all my kid wanted. I think of all the times she was insulted, suffered, was ridiculed and was spoken to harshly and all the problems it caused her. Here it is only a few years later and I hate that she had to be killed for that. But she was and maybe now her story can do something for somebody else.” Maher said that an arrest would give her family the answers they’ve sought for four years, but more importantly would keep other families from experiencing the same pain they have. “I would like to know why they killed her. That’s the only thing I would get if the person was caught, the only closure,” she said. “It wouldn’t change my situation at all, but mostly I wouldn’t want them to hurt anybody else.” n
for people like him and realized how uncaring the world could be. He’s also misunderstood, he says. While the younger gay and bi men he meets treat HIV as a chronic manageable condition like diabetes, he’s had a different experience beginning with a constant fear of death in the early days. Young gay poz activists are sexy and healthy-looking; Scott is not. He was the guinea pig, one of many who took the first HIV drug: AZT (azidothymidine), which was fast-tracked by the FDA in 1987 as thousands were dying. People with HIV were thrilled to have something, even if that something was as flawed as AZT was back in the day. The early dosing was too high (1,500 mg vs. around 300 mg later) and quite toxic. Many (perhaps most) who took it still died. But people often halved their doses and shared it with friends who didn’t have access, which is what Scott did. Taking 750 mg may have saved his life. But it didn’t save him from AIDS. He was diagnosed with AIDS as soon as the term changed from gay-related immune deficiency (GRID) to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV stage 3 or AIDS happens when a person’s CD4 cells fall below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. If you don’t get treatment, people with AIDS generally only live one to three years. But, with treatment, you can live many years, sometimes going in and out of the clinical diagnosis
GENDER from page 1
the LGBTQ Home for Hope in North Philadelphia, said she got tears in her eyes when she heard the news. In a statement, she said, “This is a landmark moment in ending discrimination in a system that directly affects our ability to live, where our community is often unjustly put through the criminal justice system at alarmingly high rates.” Landau Goodman said transgender people have reported coming before judges who only use their birth names; don’t use correct pronouns; or force them to change clothing, hair or accessories. “Those are the kinds of things that have happened across the state that will no longer be tolerated,” he said. For those who experience discrimination, they can report it through the website of the Unified Judicial System. The updated nondiscrimination policy is also available at the same website. n BRIEFING from page 17
Cosby’s lawyer, said the recording should not be included because Pennsylvania law prohibits recording a conversation without the consent of both parties. Although the call was recorded in Canada, McMonagle argued U.S. law should take precedence. District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said Cosby did not have an expectation of privacy. In the recording of the call, Cosby asks why he hears a beeping noise. Constand’s mother attributed the noise to a parrot. Cosby expressed doubt, but continued speaking. O’Neill did not set a date for the start of Cosby’s trial. He said he would like it to begin no later than June. n — Paige Cooperstein
of AIDS, but often never getting your CD4 count up high enough because of previous damage from opportunistic infections. Nowadays, we — the HIV and LGBT media, health advocates and more — push for medication adherence, treatment as prevention and undetectable viral loads. (Your viral load is how much HIV is in your blood; when it’s below 50, it is undetectable and you have less than a 1-percent chance of passing HIV to others.) And when we report on gay men living with AIDS for years, commenters on social media often write scathing comments about these poz folks blaming them for not being adherent, not caring, “spreading AIDS” and so on. What these ill-informed critics don’t get, what we don’t report often enough, is that many of these GBT folks with HIV take their medication religiously; perhaps they always have. They may have never left the AIDS stage of HIV infection. In 2013, 27 percent of the 26,688 AIDS diagnoses in the United States were people 50 or older; of the deaths related to AIDS complications that year, 37 percent were people over 55. Older people who get diagnosed today with HIV are more likely to actually be at stage 3 when they find out. Gay men like Scott who have lived with it since the earliest days of the disease didn’t ask for AIDS, either. They were the guinea pigs who took the earliest of the drugs — it wasn’t until the mid-’90s that we had decent drugs, wasn’t until the last decade we had the
LITIGANT from page 7
ogist saying that we shouldn’t get upset that [my nephew] is being called ‘gay’ in school because it happens out in the world, all the way to your people calling DYFS on me and bringing up my sexuality,” he testified. District officials also released the deposition of Vandergrift’s mother, who staunchly defended Vandergrift. She has legal custody of Vandergrift’s nephew. She said Vandergrift merely instructed his nephew on bathing properly, after teachers complained the child had body odor.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
best combination antiretrovirals. What that means is that, much like those Vietnam vets (who also were subjected to untested chemicals), Scott and his fellow long-term survivors went through hell with their bodies so that young people today have the option to take a single pill a day and stay healthy and happy and undetectable. It’s an option that’s not available to Scott, but it’s one he helped create for all of you. It took decades before Vietnam veterans got their own much-deserved memorial. So much loss and anguish surround the survivors of those who perished or are still MIA but presumed dead from that war. The same is the case with the war on AIDS. We have quilts and memorials in the works, things that’ll let us honor the thousands of our friends and fellow queers who died. But for Vietnam vets and longterm HIV survivors alike, there’s never been an emphasis on those who made it home, those who survived. No right to grieve, no time to wallow. They’re just supposed to count themselves lucky and shut the hell up. But maybe they’ve been talking all along and it’s us who haven’t been listening. n
Out Law
Angela Giampolo
What special challenges does the LGBT community face when it comes to the law? Whether it’s adoption, co-habitation agreements or a will, Angela Giampolo shares legal advice for our community each month.
Diane Anderson-Minshall is the editor in chief of Plus magazine, editor at large for The Advocate and founder and chief storyteller at Retrograde Communications, an editorial-services and content-curation firm. You can find her online at HIVPlusMag.com and Advocate. com. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, TheBody.com and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service.
“You have a little boy who’s 9 years old who doesn’t know anything and it’s not that you’re touching them. You just say, ‘You’ve got to wash down there in your man parts.’ Yes, I think it’s OK. Because if no one else can do it, how’s he going to learn anything?” she testified. District officials also released the deposition of Vandergrift’s nephew, who denied that his uncle touched him inappropriately. The matter remains pending before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider, who’s based in Camden. n
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Dining Out Family Portrait Get Out and Play Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly
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LIMIT Queer love and acceptance hang in the balance at FringeArts
By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com If it’s September, then FringeArts is back to drop a few weeks worth of unpredictable, experimental and genre-exploring theater, dance and musical performance all over the city. This year’s festival runs Sept. 9-24. As always, there are a number of mentally and visually stimulating LGBT-themed shows and productions in this year’s festival that explore issues of love, stereotypes and self-acceptance. SkyDance Philly is presenting “Grounded Autonomy,” the true story of two young lovers revisiting their former turbulent relationship through wise eyes, using aerial acrobatics. The former lovers are aerial artist and 2015 Men’s Regional Pole champion Sean Green and theatrical actor and ballet dancer Garrett Olthuis. “Sean and I were first-time lovers of one
another,” Olthuis said. “We met when he was 17 and I was 20 and had a whirlwind summertime romance situation. We’ve both grown up since. I’m 29 and he’s 25. This is the telling of our story as kids and the way that we interpreted it now that we understand things better. It’s a good way for us to step out of the situation, come back together, realize the good, realize the bad and realize the ways that we have changed, and sort of retell our story while keeping it what it was and changing it in ways that we see fit as we now go forward having one another in each other’s lives.” Olthuis said they had to exercise some restraint in how much aerial acrobatics they put into the show for the sake of the narrative, but noted the show used the best aspects of both of their dance backgrounds. “[Sean] has this really strong athleticism and a strong athletic background, so he’s known for doing a lot of strength-based tricks,” Olthuis said. “My background is in classical ballet and dance. I’m more about movement, lines and clean, clear vision. My background
is also in musical theater, so I like the idea of storytelling. So we’re using aerial arts to tell the story. There are places where these crazy tricks and stunts that Sean is really good at could be really amazing, but they kind of take you away from that story. We’re trying to utilize all the aerial and circus skills that we’ve learned to tell the story and not have them distract but have them play the way that musical theater would, where you’re sort of telling the story and when the story escalates to a point where you can no longer just dance about it, we get up in the air and do some aerial tricks and connect with one another in the air to then bring us back down to the ground and tell the reality of the story.” Revisiting a past relationship and its breakup could tread some unpleasant territory, but Olthuis said there’s part of revisiting that time in their lives that he finds enjoyable and rewarding. “It’s been a safe place for Sean and I to explore that,” he said. “I was dancing when we met. He had always loved dance and I thought
he was awesome. So we started getting to know one another. Now to revisit it from that perspective is very interesting. It’s a place of confidence. It’s a space where I know he genuinely loves me for this art of mine. Even though throughout time he does things to hurt me and I do things to hurt him, I still know and have confidence that this one part of my creativity is something that he thinks is beautiful. So to go to that space and create something when you know that person is going to be honest with you, it’s really easy to be there and get to know him and let your guard down.” Guards are definitely up for Poison Apple Initiative’s “An Obviously Foggot,” an immersive production that shines the spotlight on the fetishized masculinity and internalized homophobia that people find in gay bars. Poison Apple Initiative’s artistic director, Bastion Carboni, said the sometimes-difficult social climate in gay bars is a result of the stunted development and prejudices gay men experience in their formative years. “The gay bar is essentially a PAGE 28
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FRINGE from page 27
social ghetto where you put the undesirables,” Carboni said. “It’s where they say all of these things and do what they do under the cover of darkness. As a result, you have all of these social problems that arise. Community? No! Competition? Yes! The gay bar is indicative of our social problems, and as things progress, I wonder if it will end up being necessary. I know that people will want the gay bar to continue because they want to be around people that are just like them. This is a group of people that haven’t had the same sexual trajectory of their heterosexual peers. They’ve missed out on years of dating experience that their heterosexual peers have had in adolescence. You’re fed all of this garbage about masculinity and how it’s important and attractive but, if you’re one of the queer kids, you are also told you will never have that. It builds this inherent inferiority complex and this tendency toward being reactive and defensive. That’s where shade comes from and that’s where the catty, sassy, snarky gay guy comes from.” To illustrate the point, “An Obviously Foggot” puts the audience in the mix amid the sounds, images and the humanity of a happening gay bar. “No one sits,” Carboni said. “It’s a standing piece. The bar is open when the show is going on. The audience follows that action through this portion of the bar. You’re crowding around to see these various happenings and the actors will just move you out of the way. Audience interaction is weird in this play, treating them like patrons at the bar.” New Works hopes to fix the damage to your inner child with its production of “Sword of the Unicorn,” a sci-fi epic where space travel, dinosaurs and aliens show up in a battle against evil. “The idea is to take ’70s and ’80s sci-fi and give it an LGBTQ twist,” show producer
Harrison Stengle said. “The ’70s and the ’80s was this dawning into modern surrealism and there was a lot of extraneous imagery. A lot of fantasy sci-fi was ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Flash Gordon’ and ‘Thundercats’ and ‘He-Man,’ and they use symbols and subliminal messaging that is representative of a heterosexual coming-of-age story. I felt that in these stories they would be this demonization and bastardization of sexuality and ideology that wasn’t heterosexual. What I wanted to do with this piece is have that fantasy trope but with a positive and uplifting message for the LGBTQ community because I think that is missing.” Stengle said younger audiences need LGBTQ figures and role models to latch onto that aren’t stereotypically eroticized, tragic or comedic. “I wanted LGBTQs not only to look normal, but to look awesome,” he said. “I see a lot of things in the LGBTQ community that are either really sexual or they are very depressing. I feel as though if you were a little kid, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy that. If you were a little kid and you had issues self-determining your sexual identity, it would be overwhelming to go to these mediums. The show does utilize a bit of the camp but it doesn’t shy away from the realism. It talks about really deep and complex issues in a way that is non– threatening and non-sexualized.” n SkyDance Philly presents “Grounded Autonomy” Sept. 9-11 at The Glass Factory, 1517 N. Baily St. Poison Apple Initiative presents “An Obviously Foggot” Sept. 14-18 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. New Works presents “Sword of the Unicorn” Sept. 9-19 at The Proscenium Theatre at The Drake, 1512 Spruce St. For more information on Fringe Arts and a full list of shows, visit www.fringearts.com.
• Cosmetic dentistry • Crowns • Implants • Veneers • Whitening
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PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
The
Guide to the Gayborhood
The Philadelphia Gayborhood is roughly centered at 12th and Camac streets. Look for the rainbow street signs at intersections and remember to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. 1330 Walnut St. facebook.com/ boxersphl Sports bar with multiple plasma tvs, pool table, brick oven, more!
m
<—
Tabu
Woody’s
1302 Walnut St. 215.336.1335 rosewood-bar.com Elegantlyappointed cozy bar with high-end cocktails
200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com Sports bar / drag shows and bar food
202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com American-style bar food and large dance floor
m m
Chancellor St.
Four-level leather bar; basement enforces a dress code; pool tables pn two floors and big-screen sports action
m
m
St. James St.
m Locust St.
m Manning St.
m
Quince St.
Latimer St.
12th St.
Camac St.
13th St.
m
<—
The Bike Stop
Walnut St.
Juniper St.
m
Rosewood
11th St.
Boxers
r r Spruce St.
William Way LGBT Community Center
pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org
A resource for all things LGBT
Voyeur
1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub.com After-hours private club; membership required
U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660
Relaxing corner bar, easy-going crowd, popular for happy hour and window watching
Tavern on Camac West of Broad Street Stir Lounge
1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com Fun two-bar lounge, DJ in the back, regular poker games and specials
255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Piano lounge with upstairs dance floor; Tavern restaurant below is open late.
Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com Fine-dining restaurant and bar, outdoor seating (weather permitting), piano in back room
ICandy
254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com Three floors with a total of six bars; dance floor, lounge and rootop deck.
The Attic Youth Center
255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org Safe space and programs for LGBTs age 16-23 weekday afternoons and evenings
Pa. bars close at 2 a.m. unless they have a private-club license. Please drink responsibly.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
PGN
THERE’S A WHOLE LOTTA SAVINGS GOING ON...
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21-23
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Kick off the POPS 2016-17 season with ELVIS: The King’s Songbook. Celebrate the incomparable music of Elvis Presley, the unforgettable performer who changed the course of American popular music forever. Led by “Roots of Rock” legend Dave Bennett with Philly’s own Allison Blackwell, rock to Heartbreak
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Allison Blackwell, vocalist Dave Bennett, vocalist
Hotel, Burning Love, and Jailhouse Rock, and try a little tenderness with Love Me Tender and Can’t Help Falling in Love!
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Orchestra seats for Sunday 7pm concert just $50! Use promo code WHOLELOTTA Offer good 9/10-9/12 only.
Tickets: 215.893.1999 or PHILLYPOPS.ORG
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
O U T F E S T I S O C T. 9
PGN
PGN’S PREVIEW ISSUE IS FRIDAY OCT. 7 The pre-OutFest edition of PGN has all the info about what’s going in Philly for OutFest weekend! From cover to cover, PGN will be your guide to help you celebrate being out and proud in the Gayborhood and beyond. To reserve ad space today, email greg@epgn.com or call 215-625-8501 ext. 211 (Issue date: Oct. 7; advertising/art deadline: Sept. 30)
PROFILE PGN
Family Portrait
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Suzi Nash
José Avilés: Forging a path to the Fringe stage Theater, fine art, dance, performance — the Philadelphia Fringe Festival has it all. In my many years attending, I’ve been to a two-(wo)man show in the bathroom of a pizza joint, seen dancers leap across and onto gravestones, witnessed Brian Sanders and his company JUNK do all sorts of wondrous and strange things that defy description (and gravity), marveled at the moves of Gunnar Montana, created my own art at various interactive venues and ventured into places in the city I’d never explored. If you haven’t been (and there’s no excuse not to because there’s truly something for everyone), you’re in luck because the 2016 festival is in full swing right now. I like the fringy stuff, but there are plenty more traditional music, art and theater pieces as well; in fact, more than 1,000 artists from across the nation will be here in our fair city for the 17-day festival. Someone who knows all about the festival is this week’s profile, José M. Avilés, who, in addition to directing one of the shows, will be acting in two separate productions. Mr. A.’s résumé as an actor, director and educator is much too long to recite, but I’ll just throw out that he’s done everything from Shakespeare to children’s theater, both here and in New York. Avilés is currently the director of education outreach for The Arden Theatre Company. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. JA: My family migrated into Philadelphia from Puerto Rico and for the first seven years, I grew up in the Spring Garden section of the city. My grandfather had a bodega and my whole world was there, partly because the Catholic church there had the only Spanish Mass in town. Then when I was about 7 or 8, the area started to get gentrified; a lot of us got pushed out so we moved up to Northeast Philly. Soon after that, my parents divorced. In all that time, my mother never took the opportunity to go into Center City. In the Latino community, our whole world was within a three-block radius. There were a few factors for that; one was the idea that the pueblo, the home, was where you raised your child. That may have been a vestige from coming from an island where your world was limited geographically. There was also a language barrier that kept people close to home and, in general, there was the sense that “downtown” was not for us. Everybody knew everybody in our neighborhood. Our little area was where all of our friends and family were and where life happened for us. PGN: What made you want to cross over the line? JA: I think being a gay child, even though I wasn’t out, I knew I was different and knew that I was going to be in the arts. I always felt on the fringes, on the inside
looking out, and I was always in search of more. I knew that there was something out there that I had to venture to. I knew that if I didn’t find it for myself, no one else was going to be able to show me the way. PGN: Where did you go on your first trip into Center City? JA: I was in a public middle school and decided that I didn’t want to graduate from that school. I was very adamant about it. I wanted to go to an arts school so I went to my counselor and said, “There has to be an arts school somewhere that I can apply to.” They told me about the performing-arts high school on Broad Street but told me that I’d be best suited to go to a trade school. They were trying to push me into a box that I didn’t fit in. They had this alternative school where they put kids who were being disruptive and difficult, in with kids who were excelling, I guess hoping we’d rub off. That might be great for the challenged kids, but not so good for me. I was like, “First of all, I’m a gay child, sooo that doesn’t seem like it would go well for me. And second, I know what I want and where I need to be.” So I went home and told my mother about CAPA [Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts], and she was also against the idea but for different reasons. So I filled out the application myself and forged her name. I was granted an audition so I then had to figure out how to get downtown by myself; I’d never ridden the subway but I figured out how to get down to Broad and Spruce [CAPA’s original location] all on my own. And that’s kind of the story of my life, venturing out on my own to make my own path. PGN: How’d the audition go? JA: [Laughs] I completely blew it! I had memorized a poem but once I got there I was in such a state from the trip I couldn’t remember a single line. Luckily for me, they got me to calm down and said, “Just tell us a story … ” and I told them how I got there and it worked. A few months later, my mother got a letter in the mail from the school saying that I’d been accepted! She was angry but couldn’t stay that way since I’d taken such initiative to find my way out into the world. She was more upset about the fact that a 13-yearold was going to have to take a bus and subway into the big city every day. PGN: Had you done any theater before that? JA: In middle school we had some art classes but not really any theater, so I did more fine arts, sketching and stuff. In elementary school we actually had a huge arts program with dance and art and theater. My fourth-grade teacher is my mentor and inspiration; she taught literacy and was the
first person to integrate arts into the classroom. We had quite a few students who didn’t speak English so she used the arts as a way for us to all communicate. I owe a lot to Miss Creighton. I’ve actually taken the arts program that I run at the Arden back to my old school. I want to make sure that the kids today get the same inspiration that I did. PGN: What was the first play you ever saw? JA: I wasn’t exposed to a lot of art except for on TV. So I always wondered how I got bit by the bug; I guess Miss Creighton but also at the time movie musicals like “Grease” were really popular and one of the parents in my neighborhood decided it would be fun to recreate the entire thing. She cast me as Danny Zuko, which is the part that Travolta played, and my sister played Frenchy. We blocked off the street and she piped the soundtrack out of her window and all the parents came to watch. Everyone still talks about it. We were
broke regularly and you’d have to walk 15 flights to class but when you entered the lobby there were these old broken shimmering chandeliers that looked magical. Everything had a surreal quality about it. We’d all go to the movies or shows in our leg warmers and jazz shoes and we were all going to be in the arts. It was great fun. PGN: And after high school you went … JA: To Carnegie Melon in Pittsburgh. PGN: I’m impressed! They get about 2,800 applications each year but only admit about 20 students. JA: Yeah, it was exciting. After Carnegie, I moved back to Philadelphia but I wasn’t in a good place mentally. Before I left for school, I proposed to my high-school girlfriend. It was totally ridiculous; I went to an arts school, I could have been totally gay but I guess my background and Catholic upbringing held me back. I figured I’d give being straight a go and then I could at least say I tried. But when I moved back, I had to tell her it wasn’t going to happen. I had a cousin who worked for a small airline in Florida so I decided to move there. They gave me a job as airport security, which was a joke. I was all of 125 pounds soaking wet, but from there I got to work for PanAm and eventually became a flight attendant. In Florida, I went to my first gay bar and it was amazing. I remember Lisa Stanfield’s “Been around the world and I, I, I …” was playing as a drag queen lip-synched to it. I met my first lover and boyfriend at PanAm and never looked back. As a flight attendant, I got to see the world, which influenced everything I do.
PGN: And speaking about what you do, you’ve had quite the theater career. JA: I have! I think I’ve done really well! After Photo: Suzi Nash always creating events for fun, mostly PanAm went out of busistaging mock weddings. ness, I moved back to Philly and started doing theater. I was PGN: Then you went on to CAPA. What never interested in film or TV. Because struck you most when you got there? I was a Latino actor, I knew that it was JA: It was like being in the movie “Fame.” going to be hard for me to find work. I I can distinctly remember the sounds of wasn’t neutral-looking enough to play people rehearsing and the smells and the other ethnicities and I had an accent, so I feel of being there. First of all, it was decided to be strategic and look for work where I met my people. I was like, “This behind the scenes as a way of introducing is where I’m supposed to be!” The buildmyself. I got a job at the Wilma Theater ing was a disaster back then; the elevator and attended openPAGE 38
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Rehoboth Bears to get visit from Tom Goss By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Out singer/songwriter Tom Goss will perform his hit “Bears,” along with tunes from his new album, “What Doesn’t Break,” when he headlines the Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend Sept. 17. In addition to his current tour and album, Goss just
released a new video, “Son of a Preacher Man,” and appears as a singer in the new DVD “Confessions.” Taking the title of the DVD to heart, the songs on “What Doesn’t Break” are confessional in nature. “Thirteen,” about how violent Goss was as an adolescent — killing animals and getting expelled from school — is a particularly revealing song. But it also emphasizes how he matured and changed, as it shows who Goss was and who he has become. In a Skype session, the singer acknowledged, “I wrote ‘Thirteen’ a couple of years ago. I felt the subject matter is a little dangerous to share with people. I would have edited it out of the album, but my producer, Marr Zimm, picked the track. I wouldn’t have touched it previously because of what I was saying in it.” He continued, “‘Thirteen’ is part of my story. It’s my truth. I tell stories about what I know and my life. I’m not sure I have another option at this point. I’ve always been writing these songs. I just haven’t been releasing them.” Until now. Another difficult song off the CD, “Mama,” addresses how Goss relates to his family. “As gay men, we fear rejection. We fear it because we’ve felt it. It can come again at any time. Sometimes our families reject us because they don’t understand us. We shouldn’t have to struggle with this, but we do. ‘Mama’ was a hard song to release because it speaks to those moments in my life. I don’t want to throw my family
under the bus, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a struggle at times.” However, Goss’ new album does have some up-tempo songs, such as the anthem “Someone Else,” which tells off a cheating lover. The singer shows an edge in this song, with explicit lyrics that he has not revealed before. “It’s funny, there have been several times in my career when I thought, Do I need to be more edgy? No. I am who I am: a good wholesome Midwestern guy who speaks honestly about love and relationships. One of the interesting things about this record in terms of music and songs and branding is that it has more edge to it. But that representation of me is also a true representation of me.” Goss’ songs resonate with his gay fans, but the performer insists he is not writing “gay songs,” even if people want to ascribe an agenda to his work. “I’m a gay man married to a man and that makes me ‘political.’ And that’s how it is when it comes to art. A song like ‘Bears’ taps into a gay audience but I don’t think it’s a gay love song — it’s a love song. I talk about love without using male pronouns. I would never use a female pronoun. I wouldn’t pretend I’m something that I’m not, but the amazing thing about music is that it moves through all your filters. You can hear a song and it drops your walls and hits you in your heart and you feel you have the same emotions. I try to speak about truisms that we all have that are relatable and accessible to anyone who would listen.” Fans who like to listen to Goss can see the singer perform his songs “stripped down to the core of their message” in his concert. Seeing him live, audiences can understand why these songs resonate with him. “I’m proud of the record. It has so many different vibes and sounds. Over the period of the year I’ve been working on it, each song has been a favorite for different reasons.” When asked about the different genres of music he plays, Goss replied, “If I was writing the same song over and over again, it would be uninteresting. I’m playing with different sounds and feels. The guitar does different things. I play the piano, though there are no piano songs on this album. I experiment with different rhythms and sounds. I’d get bored otherwise.” He added, “You’re not going to pick up a Tom Goss record and think you’ll get someone else. I strive to put positive energy into the world and create positive change. Even in songs like ‘Thirteen’ or ‘Someone Else’ or ‘Mama,’ that energy is peeking through, even if the production is different or the music is different. I’m not betraying who I am as a singer/songwriter.” n
Theater & Arts Anjelah Johnson The comedian seen on “MadTV” performs through Sept. 10 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001. The Bridges of Madison County Media Theatre presents the musical based on the bestselling novel Sept. 14-Oct. 23, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. Carly Aquilino The comedian performs Sept. 15-18 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Classical Splendor: Painted Furniture for a Grand Philadelphia House Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of furniture designed in 1808 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe through Jan. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Creative Africa Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photography, fashion, sculpture and architecture by artists from Africa through Sept. 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Everyday, Everynight The Seraphin Gallery presents a solo exhibition by James Inscho featuring abstract compositions through Sept.18, 1108 Pine St.; 215923-7000. Inside Out Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of large-scale, high-
LADIES SING THE BOOZE: Antigone Rising, the altcountry/rock band with out members, is on the road in support of its “Whiskey & Wine” EP and is set to get your ears good and drunk 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.
quality replicas of favorite works from the museum’s collection to local neighborhoods through Nov. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Lloyd Ney: Local Color The Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of works by the American painter, sculptor, writer and artistic innovator known for pushing boundaries, embracing Modernism and stirring up controversy, through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Look Again: Contemporary Perspectives on African Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition drawing from the Penn Museum’s esteemed African collections through Dec. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Love Jones: The Musical Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosius and more join forces to tell the classic love
story of Darius and Nina Sept. 14-18 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Plays of/for a Respirateur Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an installation by Joseph Kosuth that includes a selection of his work, along with a group of seminal works by Marcel Duchamp, through the fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Poppy Champlin The out comedian performs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at The Rrazz Room, 385 Bridge St., New Hope; 888596-1027. Ralphie May The comedian seen on “Last Comic Standing” performs Sept. 9-10 at Punch Line Philly, 1004 Canal St.; 215-3090150. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific Walnut Street Theatre presents the classic musical adapted from the Pulitzer Prizewinning novel through Oct. 23, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550.
Tête-à-Tête: Conversations in Photography The Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition celebrating more than 25 years of regional photographic programming through Sept. 11, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340-9800.
Music The Lumineers The folk-rock band performs 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-546-7900. Adele The superstar British pop and soul singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 9-10 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-3899543. Culture Club The new-wave/pop band performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215627-1332. Echo & The Bunnymen The classic newwave band performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 10
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
clips and have conversations with a panel of guests of all shapes and sizes, including business leaders, improvisers, standup comedians and artists, 10:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Philly Improv Theater, 2030 Sansom St.; 267-233-1556. Rasputin’s Room: The International Extravaganza Lil’ Steph throws her monthly burlesque party 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735.
… JUST GOT ‘REAL’: “Real Time” host and politically charged comedian Bill Maher gives Philly an earful 8 p.m. Sept. 9 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-7905800.
at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. Sleigh Bells The rock-duo performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. Corinne Bailey Rae The British neo-soul singersongwriter performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. Cute is What We Aim For: 10-Year Anniversary Tour The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. The Proclaimers The rock band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.
Nightlife Ab Fab GayBINGO! The monthly BINGO fundraiser for AIDS Fund returns with an “Absolutely Fabulous” theme 7-9:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St.; www. aidsfundphilly. org/gaybingo. Britney Spears “Glory” Album Release Show and Dance Party Enjoy a Britney Spears tribute show featuring drag and burlesque performances from Ariel Versace, Chastity St. Cartier, Josh Schonewolf, Cherry St. Cartier and Turnpyke 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 10 at Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut St.; 201-388-3177.
Rock Hard: Underwear Fashion Show and Charity Auction Adult entertainers show off 8-11 p.m. Sept. 10 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-7355772. Back 2 Basics Throwback Party The ’90s throwback festivity becomes semiannual 10 p.m. Sept. 10 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Beth & Ralph’s Porn Stash Local gay comedians Beth Eisenberg and Ralph Andracchio watch porn
Jocks Vs. Nerds Part Deux DJ KRK and yearbook photos by Alexander John Photography highlight this theme night beginning 9 p.m. Sept. 16 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.
Outta Town Wet Hot American Summer The comedy film is screened 9:45 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Ty Herndon The Grammynominated, multiplatinum countrymusic singer performs Sept. 16 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888596-1027. n
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
Get Out and Play
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
35
Scott A. Drake
“And the title was ‘Gay baseball player Billy Bean’” Interviewing Billy Bean is like sitting down with a long-time friend you haven’t seen in a while and chatting about wherever the conversation takes you. Gregarious, handsome and thoughtful, Bean is the perfect representative for inclusiveness in Major League Baseball. “The first word in the headline was ‘gay,’” Bean said, referring to a recent Tweet associated with his appearance with the Mets. “It’s the first word they define me as for the rest of my life. I will always be the gay player. I’m an out and proud gay man now, so I’m fine with that.” Fear of coming out while playing hasn’t changed at all in the past decades. There are many factors and each situation has its uniqueness. Whether it’s the homophobia shown by another player, a fan catcalling from the stands or fear of becoming the one guy everyone points at on social media, any reason seems to be a good one. Considering the response and reaction to other athletes coming out, Bean thinks it could be a long time before the sport of baseball comes to terms with players coming out. “I can tell you that it was not historically an accepting place to hang your hat there,” Bean said. “But every player that’s playing right now has heard of me and they know that baseball is trying to move forward. If you try walking in being the only gay person in a room and talking to a bunch of millionaires who play baseball in the big league, it takes, well, balls.” One of the things that changed in baseball in a collective-bargaining agreement not long ago was the addition of bereavement leave for ballplayers and staff to grieve over a lost loved one. Part of that was for teams also who could not replace a player who left. Bean said when he thinks about that he gets choked up. His partner passed away on a day that he had a game and Bean couldn’t get away. He couldn’t even explain to anyone what was going on because he wasn’t out. Generationally, baseball players still have the old guard of older white men, not all of whom are open-minded, still in
places other than the playing field. Bean thinks there is still enough resistance from coaches and broadcasters to explain why younger, more free-thinking players aren’t coming out. But the evolution is still in its infancy when it comes to acceptance, he said. “In 147 years, we’ve only had two former players come out,” Bean said. “To get to the major leagues, you are a baseball player — and I think you identify as that and I think that a lot of people perhaps are uncomfortable with that dynamic changing.“
BILLY BEAN Photo: Scott A. Drake
He said he recognizes the frustration among many fans when there isn’t a same-sex couple featured on the Kiss Cam at various parks. While it has happened on occasion and one even accidentally when the camera crew couldn’t obviously tell gender well by how two women were dressed, Bean says that maybe it isn’t what we would all want anyway. “It’s a platform in front of 40,000 people that’s instantaneous,” he said. “There’s a lot of ways things can go south with that. I just don’t want 15 Phillies fans, who didn’t know tonight was Pride Night, going off on social media and slowing the process. “I’ll be really thrilled tonight if it all goes just the way it’s supposed to,” he said in advance of last month’s LGBTthemed night, which, by all accounts, was a success. Since other sports have had players PAGE 39 come out while play-
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
DINING PGNOUT
Food and Drink Directory
Mama Palma’s: She’s a brick (pizza) house By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
The Center City IHOP located at 1320 Walnut St. is now open 24 Hrs on FRIDAY and SATURDAY
THANKS FOR MAKING IT A IHOP DAY
Celebrate Philly Pride with your favorite bagel shop.. South Street Philly Bagels!
613 S 3rd St. Philaelphia PA 19147
Tel. (215) 627-6277 southstphillybagel.com
School is back in session, and with thousands of students roosting in and around Philly, pizza is going to be more in demand as a form of sustenance. Which is why we paid a visit to Mama Palma’s, 2229 Spruce St., a neighborhood favorite with more than 20 years of experience in satisfying Philly’s hunger for the thin-crusted delight. Mama Palma’s forte is gourmet pizza made with fresh ingredients in a wood-fired brick oven, but it also offers a range of Italian favorites to complement the cozy and casual setting. The famous warm polenta bread plate ($10) is exceptional, with roasted corn and sweet peppers adding a nice hint of sweetness to the herb-laden and buttery dish. On the salad side of the menu, the mozzarella Capri ($14) was bright and lively with grilled eggplant and kalamata olives giving it some depth of flavor. While there are a wide range of pastas on the menu, you’d be hard-pressed to get to them with so many temptations coming from Mama Palma’s pizza menu: ranging from seafood and veggie pizzas to low-fat and gluten-free pies. If you like your pizza basic, the margherita pie ($11.25/$19.50/$21.50) is as solid as they come, with buffalo mozzarella, red sauce and basil. Nice, but with the variety and combination of ingredients at Mama Palma’s disposal, we implore you to be slightly more adventurous. The Juliano pizza ($11.75/$20.50/$24.25) is the perfect traditional meat pie with three kinds of sausage (Italian, herb and veal) and roasted peppers and red sauce. Adding pepperoni to the pizza really made it great. If you’re looking for something with a more refined flavor profile, the goat cheese and bacon pizza ($11.25/$19.50/$22/$25) is excellent, with a crème-fraîche sauce, scallions, tomatoes and roasted peppers. If veggies are your thing, then the Mama Palma Special ($12.50/$21.50/$23.50) hits the bulls eye. The pie is dominated by fresh spinach, complemented by a white wine, lemon-roasted garlic, fresh tomato and garlic-herb sauce. The veggies are vibrant and play well with the other ingredients. Mama Palma’s has a Pizza Happy Hour Tuesdays through Thursdays, with 25-percent off draft beer with your pizza order. If you haven’t had the pleasure of sampling the long-standing pizza institution that is Mama Palma’s, you need to swing by and grab yourself a pie. n
If you go Mama Palma’s 2229 Spruce St. 215-725-7357 http://mamapalmas.com
Tues.-Thurs.: 4-10 p.m. Fri.: 4-11 p.m. Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.: 1-10 p.m.
PGN-5x5-6_RTM-Oysterfest2016_Layout 1 8/24/16 11:09 AM Page 1 Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
FILM PGN
Visuals, acting get top marks in dark comedy
Friday, Sept. 23, 7–9pm Cost: $50
For tickets, visit:
www.readingterminalmarket.ticketleap.com Lead Sponsor:
Benefactor:
There’s a clever motif used throughout the cool and darkly comic Norwegian thriller “In Order of Disappearance,” opening Sept. 9 at Ritz Theatres. Whenever a character snuffs it, his name is flashed on the screen with the appropriate religious symbol. Several of the departed are wrapped in chicken wire and hurled over a waterfall by Nils (Stellan Skarsgård), a snow-plow operator who is hell-bent on avenging his son Ingvar’s (Aron Eskeland) wrongful death. Since the police ruled Ingvar’s death an overdose, they won’t investigate it. This prompts Nils to take matters into his own hands. His quest for revenge leads him to the Count (Pål Sverre Hagen), a vegan drug kingpin who has a pair of gay henchmen, Geir (Anders Baasmo Christiansen) and Junior (Jakob Oftebro), one of whom is
particularly forlorn when his lover’s name flashes on the screen. Kidnapping, politically incorrect dialogue and a huge body count ensue. There is also considerable blood in the snow after the Count initiates a turf war with Papa (Bruno Ganz), a Serbian, leading to the film’s climactic shootout. “In Order of Disappearance” benefits from gorgeous cinematography, as well as subtle, expressive performances by Skarsgård and Ganz. In contrast, Hagen’s over-the-top hissy fits are more funny than scary, especially when he fights with his ex-wife, Marit (Brigitte Hjort Sørensen). But one wishes there were more for Geir and Junior to do. n — Gary M. Kramer
Merchant Sponsors:
Sustaining Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsors:
Net proceeds will benefit Reading Terminal Market’s programming for the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center.
Come To The CabareT
the
1412 Chestnut st. • PhiladelPhia, Pa 19102
PrinceTheater.org/TheRRazzRoom 215-422-4580 SEPTEMBER 17
SEPTEMBER 18 • 3PM & 7PM
A NIGHT WITH
First Anniversary Special Event! Tony Award-winning Broadway Legend
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum Country music recording artist
Story Songs
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SEPTEMBER 23 The Legendary Ladies Of Disco
SEPTEMBER 24 • 3PM & 8PM
“Come To Me”, “Heart To Break The Heart” “If My Friends Could See Me Now”, “Red Light”
in AGING IS OPTIONAL (‘Cause God I hope it is!) Musical Direction by James Bassi
oCToBER 15
noVEMBER 18 An Evening With
ToVaH FELdSHUH
FRanCE JoLi & Linda CLiFFoRd
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SEPTEMBER 10
PoPPy CHAMPLIN
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SEPTEMBER 16
A NIGHT WITH
Ty HERndon Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum Country music recording artist
oCToBER 8
andREa MARCOVICCI
A Gershwin Valentine
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
PORTRAIT from page 33
ing nights around the city. I soon got to know everyone and shortly became the go-to Latino actor for everyone! I worked at every theater company in Philadelphia and vicinity. PGN: Now you’re a director as well as an actor, and doing not one but two projects for the Fringe Festival. JA: Yup. I’m directing a show called “One Day Old,” which is the true story of Operación Pedro Pan, where in the early 1960s about 14,000 children fleeing Castro’s Cuba were flown to the U.S. and placed in orphanages and churches across the U.S. It was written by Iraisa Ann Reilly, who is also a former student of mine! Members of her family got to the states through this operation. The kids would get here and lose all connection to their birth families until some 30 years later. Some kids never got to see their parents, who were stuck in Cuba and/or died. It’s a fascinating story and she seamlessly connects it to Peter Pan and the loss of identity. PGN: And the other show? JA: “The Duende Cycle,” created by two women — Eliana Fabiyi and Tanaquil Márquez. It’s actually two plays. The first is Federico García Lorca’s classic tale “Bodas de Sangre (Blood Wedding),” reimagined in modern-day Miami, and I play the machismo father of the bride. It’s done in both Spanish and English with all of the elders speaking Spanish and the younger people speaking English. It’s funny, I’ve always played Latino characters but never really had to speak Spanish! The second play is “I Only Came to Use the Phone,” inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s short story. I get to play an evil doctor in that one. Both shows are wonderful tales of female empowerment, freedom and loss. PGN: You grew up with our mutual friend Noel Zayas so I feel I can tease you. Where do you get inspiration for your machismo? Not for nothing but it’s not the first word I’d use to describe you! JA: [Laughs] I know, right? I go to my elders, my ancestors, for inspiration. To my father, who was very much that. One of the reasons I got into directing was because I wasn’t castable for certain roles because I didn’t have that masculine energy, but lately I’ve been tapping into my inner dad. I’ll read something and think, WWDD: What would dad do? PGN: Are both shows accessible for Englishspeaking audiences? JA: Yeah. “One Day Old” is a bilingual show but it’s about the loss in translation so even
PGN
if there are a few parts you don’t understand, that’s kind of the point. You’ll be experiencing the same confusion the elders do in the show. In “Blood Wedding,” they’re going to have captioning for the Spanish scenes. PGN: Cue random questions. If you could change places with one person for a day, it would be … JA: Martin Luther King Jr. I directed a play about the civil-rights era and I’d love to know what it was like to be him and to move and inspire a nation of people. PGN: What was your craziest moment on stage? JA: I was playing a drag queen in a strange play about Dante’s Inferno. I played a character named Afro and he had a big wig and was part-actor, part-street walker so I had practically no clothes on, just a little sarong. I had a knife that I was supposed to use to cut the rope on a stack of newspapers and I accidentally cut off a piece of my finger, so I continued to do the show as blood was gushing everywhere but the audience had no idea that it wasn’t part of the scene. PGN: That sounds pretty macho! Who would you want on your side in a fight? JA: Ha ha! I’d go less for the physical and more for someone who could strategically get us out of it. Like RuPaul! He’d find a way to defuse the situation with humor and fierceness. He’s so smart and quick and he’s 6-foot-4! PGN: Finally, you’ve done several Fringe shows. What makes the festival special? JA: It is a platform for artists who don’t often get the opportunity to work in this city. A lot of artists get put in a role of actor or writer or director, but they can actually do a lot more. This is a way for them to share other talents and it’s also a great way to get the new generation involved in the arts. Young writers are able to self-produce here, and that’s big because it’s so hard to break into the industry. It’s exciting for the audience to hear new voices and, as an actor, it’s fun because you have the freedom to change and fuss with a role. And you can fail, because the Fringe is a place where you can throw it out there and risk it all. And that’s how you create winners — putting it all on the line! n The Philadelphia Fringe Festival runs Sept. 9-24. For more information, visit fringearts. com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.
pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Q Puzzle Aww thank you Across
1. Knight in the saga of Moff Mors 5. Put your rear in gear 9. Bring shame to 14. Early AIDS play 15. Hot stuff that gets shot off 16. “The Wizard of Oz” producer Mervyn 17. Character played by 10-Down 19. Story about busting some Trojans 20. Dig it 21. Remove a slip, perhaps 22. Danes of “Romeo + Juliet” 23. “People” person 25. Future queen of “Star Wars” 27. Start of a legal conclusion 30. Like “Beauty and the Beast” 34. Like Oscar of “The Odd Couple” 37. Direction for seamen 39. Achilles’ weak spot 40. Sheltered on the sea 41. “Growing Up Gay in the South” author James 42. “___ Upon a Mattress” 43. Glenn’s “Fatal Attraction” char-
acter 44. Hathaway of “Brokeback Mountain” 45. Check out, in a fitting room 46. Book about autoeroticism? 48. Megan’s “Will & Grace” character 50. Comedian Johnson 52. Britten’s “Billy Budd” and others 56. Soup scoop 59. Pasolini’s sweet 62. Eighth mo. for Caesar 63. On the other hand 64. Disney series with 10-Down 66. He comes once a year 67. Land of Sinead O’Connor 68. Chance beginning 69. Deuce toppers 70. Like a generation, to Stein 71. Singer Fure
Down
1. Father in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” 2. Former NFL player Tuaolo 3. Tool for cutting carrots 4. Expert ending 5. Pansies and similar groups 6. Chloe’s role in
“Boys Don’t Cry” 7. Plumb, and others 8. O’Keeffe’s stand 9. Cher’s portrayer in “Clueless” 10. Actress who just came out and tweeted “Aww thank you...” to supportive fans 11. Aida solo 12. Fly like an eagle 13. London park name 18. Herman of “Hello Dolly” fame 24. Orientation of 10-Down 26. Screws up 28. World War II carbine 29. Do an Oscar winner’s job 31. Start of a selection process 32. Style of many South Beach buildings 33. Narrow valley
34. Way to address a dominatrix 35. Scat queen 36. In view 38. Part of San Francisco’s BART 41. Highsmith’s “The Price of ___” 45. Erection on the Great Plains, once 47. “Spartacus” venues 49. Type of man in an Elton John song 51. Ford flub 53. Turner that goes either way 54. Penetrating 55. Ire. patron 56. Bringing up the rear 57. Mold medium 58. Hamlet, for one 60. John Goodman’s “Normal, ___” 61. “Gay Cosmos” author Eighner 65. IRA increaser
PGN BEAN from page 35
ing and some while in college or even high school, Bean thinks and hopes that the first openly out MLB player will have an established relationship that is strong enough to endure the initial repercussions from coming out. He’s just hoping that the first out active player isn’t outed by someone else, for whatever reason. “It’s amazing, the world of trust on social media,” Bean said. “You become a target. It’s a nasty entrapment. But it shows the way we trust social media. We expect people to be honest. What happened with the outing of players in Rio made my stomach churn.” Bean has been a mentor, spoken to groups on bullying and homophobia, continues to respond to Twitter comments and offers to participate at stadiums or other platforms. He also is a pretty good pitcher, throwing a strike from the mound for the opening pitch at Pride Night — which he then tossed to me, winking and thanking us for coming out and hearing his story. Gregarious, handsome and thoughtful, Billy Bean.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Short stops • Philly Roller Derby is holding skating workshops 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 10 and 24 at Our Warehouse, 5378 Belfield Ave., for the public to learn about roller derby, the derby league and to improve skating skills. Bring your own skates and protective gear. Email ZipBlok at zuri.pryorgraves@gmail. com with any questions. Cost is $8. • There’s another option for weekend workouts on Saturday mornings with the Philadelphia LGBTQA-Friendly Athletic Training Meetup, 8:30 a.m. at Edgley Fields near Reservoir Drive. • The Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club opens its season at 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at Pepper Middle School, 2901 S. 48 St., followed by the third half starting around 4 p.m. at Boxers. n
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
Classifieds All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
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Real Estate Sale
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Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, August Term, 2016, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 29, 2016, the petition of Kayla Marie Hearn was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Carson Alexander Hearn. The Court has fixed September 30, 2016 at 12:00 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________40-36 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, August Term, 2016, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 29, 2016, the petition of Nathan Clifford Danchi was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Naomi Hale Danchi. The Court has fixed September 30, 2016 at 12:00 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________40-36
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HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
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PGN
To whom it may concern: Notice is hereby given that the City Commissioners, sitting as the County Board of Elections, will begin their weekly meetings Concerning the November 8, 2016 General and Special Election on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in th The City Commissioners 6 Fl. Hearing Room Riverview Place, Columbus Blvd. & Spring Garden Sts. Meetings will continue every Wednesday thereafter until Further notice.
AVISO A Quien Corresponda: Se avisa que Los Comisionados de la Ciudad en sus funciones como la Junta Electoral del Condado, comenzaran sus reuniones semanales con respecto al 8 de Noviembre de 2016 Elecciones Generales y Elección Especial el miércoles 14 de septiembre 2016 a las 11:00 A.M. en el 6º piso de Riverview Place en la sala de audiencia de los Comisionados, Columbus Blvd. & Spring Garden Sts. Reuniones continuaran cada miércoles adelantes hasta nuevo aviso. Anthony Clark
Chair, City Commissioners Presidente, Comisionados Municipales
Al Schmidt
Vice Chair, City Commissioners Vicepresidente, Comisionados Municipales
Lisa M Deeley
City Commissioner Comisionada Municipal
Kevin A Kelly
Acting Supervisor of Elections Supervisor Interino de Elecciones
www.philadelphiavotes.com
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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PGN
ADONIS CINEMA
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215-557-9319 4 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday
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Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month - and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.
WEEKLY SPECIALS:
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Half Price Rooms & Lockers (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) ROOMS: Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 LOCKERS: Members: $9.00 and Non-Members: $19.00
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Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE $12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight)
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Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-7241702. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215922-1128. Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Congregation Rodeph Shalom Shabbat services every Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at 615 N. Broad St. ; 215-627-6747. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-5462093, dignityphila@aol.com. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980, www.firstuu-philly. org. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays, with lunch to follow, at 6001 Germantown Ave.; 215-438-3077, www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950, www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships 9 a.m. Sundays at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sanctuary; 215-567-3668, www. lc-hc.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays at 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267388-6081, www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215-764-6364, www.kol-tzedek. org.
Whosoever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Services 11 a.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-2942020, www.mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church
Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215922-4566, www.oldfirstucc.org. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234, www.philadelphiacathedral.org.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Community Bulletin Board Community centers
■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.
■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at William Way. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000, cpmm@afsc.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918, stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn.org. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Welcoming and diverse congregation with numerous outreach and fellowship groups holds services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at Third and Pine streets; 215-9255968; www.stpetersphila.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100, tabunited. org. Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. and fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m. at 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515, trinityphiladelphia.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157, www. usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561, www.uurestoration. us. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 a.m.; 215-387-2885, www.uniphila. org.
■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088
Key numbers
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377
■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378
■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330
■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
Health
Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-
108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
Classifieds All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
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Real Estate Sale
Vacation/Seasonal Rentals
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Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, August Term, 2016, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 29, 2016, the petition of Kayla Marie Hearn was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Carson Alexander Hearn. The Court has fixed September 30, 2016 at 12:00 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________40-36 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, August Term, 2016, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 29, 2016, the petition of Nathan Clifford Danchi was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Naomi Hale Danchi. The Court has fixed September 30, 2016 at 12:00 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________40-36
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To whom it may concern: Notice is hereby given that the City Commissioners, sitting as the County Board of Elections, will begin their weekly meetings Concerning the November 8, 2016 General and Special Election on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in th The City Commissioners 6 Fl. Hearing Room Riverview Place, Columbus Blvd. & Spring Garden Sts. Meetings will continue every Wednesday thereafter until Further notice.
AVISO A Quien Corresponda: Se avisa que Los Comisionados de la Ciudad en sus funciones como la Junta Electoral del Condado, comenzaran sus reuniones semanales con respecto al 8 de Noviembre de 2016 Elecciones Generales y Elección Especial el miércoles 14 de septiembre 2016 a las 11:00 A.M. en el 6º piso de Riverview Place en la sala de audiencia de los Comisionados, Columbus Blvd. & Spring Garden Sts. Reuniones continuaran cada miércoles adelantes hasta nuevo aviso. Anthony Clark
Chair, City Commissioners Presidente, Comisionados Municipales
Al Schmidt
Vice Chair, City Commissioners Vicepresidente, Comisionados Municipales
Lisa M Deeley
City Commissioner Comisionada Municipal
Kevin A Kelly
Acting Supervisor of Elections Supervisor Interino de Elecciones
www.philadelphiavotes.com
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-7241702. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215922-1128. Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Congregation Rodeph Shalom Shabbat services every Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at 615 N. Broad St. ; 215-627-6747. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-5462093, dignityphila@aol.com. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980, www.firstuu-philly. org. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays, with lunch to follow, at 6001 Germantown Ave.; 215-438-3077, www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950, www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships 9 a.m. Sundays at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sanctuary; 215-567-3668, www. lc-hc.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays at 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267388-6081, www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215-764-6364, www.kol-tzedek. org.
Whosoever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Services 11 a.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-2942020, www.mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church
Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215922-4566, www.oldfirstucc.org. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234, www.philadelphiacathedral.org.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2016
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Community Bulletin Board Community centers
■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.
■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at William Way. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000, cpmm@afsc.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918, stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn.org. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Welcoming and diverse congregation with numerous outreach and fellowship groups holds services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at Third and Pine streets; 215-9255968; www.stpetersphila.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100, tabunited. org. Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. and fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m. at 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515, trinityphiladelphia.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157, www. usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561, www.uurestoration. us. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 a.m.; 215-387-2885, www.uniphila. org.
■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088
Key numbers
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377
■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378
■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330
■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
Health
Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-
108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.
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