PGN Sept. 4- 10 edittion by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 33 No. 36

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Sept. 4 - 10, 2009

ACLU leader found dead in D.C. By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

ALL A-BOARD!: Philadelphia Black Gay Pride held a “Meet the Board” social event at American Pub on Aug. 26, where about 60 people showed up to shake hands, socialize and discuss ideas or concerns. The current board members are Michael Hinson (from left), Landis Osborne, Deborah Johnson, Le Thomas, Phyllis Powers, Michael Brooks, Ruby Augustus, Yusef O’Bannon and board president Chris Alston. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Court allows genderstereotyping claim By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large LGBT advocates are lauding an Aug. 28 ruling by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals that reversed a lower-court decision and allows a jury to hear a gay man’s workplace-harassment claim. Advocates say the ruling will help prevent courts from citing a worker’s sexual orientation or gender identity as a reason for dismissing a gender-stereotyping claim filed by the worker. Brian D. Prowel says he was subjected to pervasive workplace harassment due to gender stereotyping when he worked at Wise Business Forms Inc. in Butler. Prowel, 39, of Penn Hills in Allegheny County, helped produce business forms at the factory from 1991-94, when he was laid off. Prowel claims his dismissal was due to retaliation after he complained of gender stereotyping. He filed a federal lawsuit against the factory in 2006, claiming he was discriminated against due to his sex — which is barred under Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Alleged acts of workplace harassment included being nick-

named “Rosebud” and “Princess” and being ridiculed for the way he walked, spoke and sat, with his legs crossed and foot swinging. In addition, coworkers allegedly placed a feathered tiara at Prowel’s workstation and wrote graffiti about Prowel and AIDS on bathroom walls, according to court records. But in September 2007, U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry dismissed Prowel’s lawsuit, noting that Prowel is gay, thus his sexual orientation must have been the motivating factor for the harassment. Prowel’s attorneys promptly appealed McVerry’s ruling, and last week, a three-member panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the case back to McVerry for a jury trial. “There is no basis in statutory or case law to support the notion that an effeminate heterosexual man can bring a gender stereotyping claim while an effeminate homosexual man may not,” the panel stated. “ ... Prowel’s genderstereotyping claim is not limited to, or coextensive with, a claim of sexual-orientation harassment. See COURT, Page 20

A former lobbyist with Pennsylvania’s American Civil Liberties Union and a longtime LGBT advocate was found dead last week in Washington, D.C. Larry Frankel reportedly died of natural causes. He was 54. A jogger spotted his body in a stream in Rock Creek Park in the northwest section of D.C. and contacted police shortly before noon Aug. 28. Andy Chirls, Frankel’s longtime partner until recently, said the D.C. Medical Examiner’s Office told him they did not suspect foul play. Chirls said Frankel, who was wearing jogging clothes when he was found, had been experiencing cardiac and asthma symptoms in the days and weeks prior to his death. Chirls said the medical examiner suspects Frankel was jogging and suffered an asthma attack, heart attack or dehydration that caused disorientation, or a combination of these conditions. “The ME says that there is nothing inconsistent with any or all of these things happening at once,” Chirls said. “They don’t

suspect there was any harm done to him by himself or by others.” F r a n k e l c o ntacted the ACLU’s Wa s h i n g t o n Legislative Office, where he had worked as the state legislative counsel since March 2008, last Wednesday morning saying LOSS OF A LEADER: Larry Frankel (second he would not be in from left), the openly gay former longtime that day because legislative director of ACLU Pennsylvania, after he’d been up the a 2007 hearing on a nondiscrimination bill in p r e v i o u s n i g h t Pittsburgh, with Stacey Sobel, then executive with symptoms of director of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, food poisoning. and Reps. Michael O’Brien (175th Dist.), Chirls noted that Babette Josephs (182nd Dist.) and Dan symptoms such Frankel (23rd Dist.). PGN file photo as dizziness and nausea, common his Blackberry that morning. signs of food poisoning, can also Homicide detectives did be a “mask of a heart attack.” respond to the scene, but police T h e M e t r o p o l i t a n P o l i c e spokesperson Officer Kenny have not yet determined how Bryson said police are treating long Frankel’s body was at the this as a “death investigation” scene. He was found floating in until the results of the autopsy are a stream in a wooded area about available. 20 feet from a running trail near “This case is still active and Georgetown University, but ongoing,” Bryson said. Chirls said the last time Frankel had made contact with anyone via See FRANKEL, Page 16

Antigay singer to play Philly By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

RAINBOW BEFORE THE STORM: Director of LGBT affairs for the mayor’s office Gloria Casarez (left) was the guest of honor of Rainbow Eye co-owners Iris Melendez and Brenda Torres at a breast cancer awareness “beef and brew” fundraiser on the bar’s patio Aug. 29. Casarez first openly spoke about her personal battle with breast cancer at the Latino Pride Festival on June 6. Mereliss y Caliente group members Ivan, Mereliss, Teresita and Havana Joe also were at the event, pictured here shortly before the skies opened up and the party moved inside. Photo: Scott A. Drake

A controversial Jamaican singer who has promoted the murder of gays in his music will appear as scheduled for a local concert next weekend, despite show cancellations in other cities. Last week, concert promoter AEG Live canceled the three Buju Banton shows it was sponsoring — in San Francisco, Los Angeles and one set for Sept. 12 at Philadelphia’s Trocadero — but Jamaican Dave Productions, which was a copresenter of the See CONCERT, Page 13

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SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

News

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Editorial 10 International News 17 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 10 Other Views 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506 Phone: (215) 625-8501 Fax: (215) 925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

New Yorkers go to Vermont to do the “I do”

Adoption Corner: Smokey

Publisher

After 17 years together, Bill Slimback and Bob Sullivan became the first gay couple to tie the knot in Vermont on Sept. 1.

Smokey has been a resident at PAWS for nine months and is longing for a permanent home.

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Editor Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206) sarah@epgn.com

26 36 34 38 26 27 25 35

Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208)

What are the Pet Shop Boys thinking about? Maybe Shirley Bassey or Tina Turner ...

Family Portraits:

We thought here at PGN we had an idea of what being on the fringe was all about. Welcome, Philly Fringe Festival, to shake up our world.

Shayne Frederick

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Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Photographer/Graphic Artist Scott A. Drake (ext. 216) scott@epgn.com Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com

Columns Adoption Corner Best Sellers

mark@epgn.com

Art Director Christopher Potter design@epgn.com

Detour Comics Diversions Hot Spots Meeting Place Portraits Q Puzzle Scene In Philly Worth Watching

Mark Segal (ext. 204)

Advertising Sales Representatives David Augustine (ext. 219) david@epgn.com

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Morgan Levine (ext. 212) morgan@epgn.com

Diversions

Best Sellers

Worth Watching

Kelly Root (ext. 207) kelly@epgn.com

These real-life friends say their show is like “Laverne & Shirley” meets “Sex and the City.” Whew!

Philly AIDS Thrift is having a party with some ponies!

The best books for your bucks

If Shakespeare had been really gay ...

National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

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Mel Classifieds Directories

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emails Events: diversions@epgn.com News/story ideas: editor@epgn.com Letters/Opinions: editor@epgn.com

We need your input! You could win a $500 VISA gift card by answering a few questions online. Details on page 21.

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Poll results from our online survey as of Sept. 2:

What is your favorite Gay Day?

1% Gay Day at the Zoo 5% Gay Day at Six Flags 8% Philly Pride 19% Gay Day at the Phillies 24% OUTFest 43% Every day is a Gay Day

Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question: Labor Day weekend is your last chance this summer to do what?

Office Manager/Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant Credit/Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press National Gay Newspaper Guild Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2009 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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News Briefing

Regional

AIDS thrift hosts birthday celebrations

NOT SO SQUARE AFTER ALL: The Independence Squares held their first fall open-house dance party Sept. 1 to welcome new square dancers. At least 30 returning members and a dozen new faces did a few dosidos, promenades and swinging of their partners for a couple of hours and had a great time. The Independence Squares won the Best Performing Theme at the 2009 Philadelphia Gay Pride Parade and have additional open-house gatherings at 2111 Sansom St. on Tuesdays through Sept. 22. For more information, visit www.independencesquares.org. Photo: Scott A. Drake

NJ Catholic leaders speak out against marriage equality By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer With the New Jersey legislature expected to start debate of same-sex-marriage legislation after the Nov. 3 elections, opponents of marriage equality have already begun gearing up for the fight. Late last month, parishioners at Catholic churches throughout the state received a letter in their church bulletins detailing why they should oppose same-sex marriage. The Aug. 23 letter — signed by bishops from the dioceses of Newark, Trenton, Camden, Metuchen, Paterson and the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic — informed parishioners that it was their duty to speak out against marriage equality. “As Catholics, we must not stand by in silence in the face of the many challenges that threaten marriage and, in turn, children and the public good,” the letter read. “We must not shirk from our responsibility.” The memo went on to summarize the Catholic Church’s interpretation of marriage, including the assertion that it is an institution created by God. “God Himself is the author of marriage. Marriage as a union of man and woman existed long before any nation, religion or law was established. The marital union is the human and social institution upon which civilization has always been structured. It is a gift that our creator bestowed on all of

humanity through the first man and the first woman.” Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, said his organization expected the Catholic Church to take a public stance on the pending debate. “The Catholic Church has the right to advocate for the positions it believes in, as do the vast majority of people of faith who support marriage equality,” Goldstein said. “There’s nothing about the actions of the Catholic Church that surprise us. We’ve studied what they’ve done in other states and what they’ve done in New Jersey before.” Yet, Goldstein added, there is a “significant gulf between where church hierarchy stands and where the rank-and-file Catholic voters and legislators stand,” and that the Catholic Church is just one of many faiths practiced in the state. He expressed confidence that the campaign would not affect what he anticipates will be a favorable vote for marriage equality. “This is pretty much going according to script; a few months before what may be a very historic time in the state of New Jersey, the Catholic Church is doing what the Catholic Church does,” he said. “We don’t begrudge them the right to organize, but we’ve always out-organized them and will continue to do so. We are going to win the battle for public opinion, just like we

have over the past several years.” The New Jersey Family Policy Council has also recently come out swinging against marriage equality. According to the Press of Atlantic City, the organization has so far recruited 1,400 “Marriage Minutemen” from across the state to advocate in churches and other forums about the fight against same-sex marriage. About 10 percent of the “Minutemen” are concentrated in Vineland. Goldstein said, however, that his organization and other marriage-equality advocates also have been working with faith communities for the past several years to garner support for marriage equality — an effort he said has paid off. “We’ve been organizing clergy and people of faith in two-dozen faith traditions to get ready for this very day. The vast majority of people of faith in New Jersey support marriage equality.” Goldstein said Garden State Equality will redouble its efforts in the coming weeks to reach out to New Jersey residents and their elected officials about the importance of granting same-sex couples full marriage rights. “What’s going on behind the scenes on our part is massive. We’ve been ready for this, and we’re raring to go.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

The Philadelphia AIDS Thrift, a local shop that donates a portion of all its proceeds to local HIV/AIDS organizations, will stage several parties, special events and sales this month to mark its fourth anniversary. The celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 in the store’s warehouse annex, 527 Bainbridge St., with a concert by local band Dangerous Ponies. Tickets are $6 in advance and can be purchased at the store, 514 Bainbridge St., or are $8 at the door. All books in PAT will be half-priced from Sept. 10-13 for the store’s semiannual book sale. PAT will host its official birthday celebration Sept. 18-20 and will host a block party on Sept. 27 featuring live music, vendors and store sales. For more information, visit www. phillyaidsthrift.com.

Golf outing for scholarship fund Organizers of the Sophia Academic Scholarship, an educational grant given to lesbian students, will stage the firstannual SASSY Women’s Golf Outing beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 12 at Juniata Golf Course, 1391 E. Cayuga St. Registration is $90 before Sept. 7 and $100 afterward. The fee includes a continental breakfast, golf cart, beer, soda and water throughout the day and a lunch buffet. There will also be prizes, raffles and gift bags. The scholarship, formerly named after lesbian activist Sally Tyre, is awarded in association with The Attic Youth Center. For more information, visit www. sasphila.org.

Show pride in Del. The 13th annual Delaware Pride Festival will be held from noon-6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes. Singer Deborah Cox will headline this year’s celebration, which will also include performances by singer Pamela Stanely, singer-songwriter Tom Goss, musician Carol Regal and others. Cox will be on hand from 8-10 p.m. at The Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave., in Rehoboth Beach, for a meet-and-greet wtih her fans. For more information, visit www.delawarepride.org. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Local EPA employee awarded for LGBT initiative By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

throughout the country. Frankel, a 13-year employee of the EPA, was one of the founding A local members of the local program, which formed in 2000. openly gay “There really was a need for employee of a some information, education and federal agency outreach to our staff and manrecently was agement,” Frankel said about the honored for his group’s creation. commitment The local GLBT Diversity to encouraging Program brings together LGBT diversity within the workplace. and ally employees to raise awareM i k e ness about the importance of a Frankel, comtolerant and accepting work envim u n i c a t i o n s MIKE FRANKEL ronment. Approximately 20 percent of coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic branch of Frankel’s position is concentrated the Environmental Protection on developing the program, in Agency, was one of 15 individuals addition to his other duties authorpresented with the EPA’s Suzanne ing press releases and staging E. Olive Award for Exemplary media events and guiding internal Leadership in National Equal EPA communications. The other members of the proEmployment Opportunity in a gram work on an ad-hoc, volunJune ceremony. Frankel heads the GLBT teer basis and organize events Diversity Program for the EPA’s during Gay Pride Month in June, Mid-Atlantic region, headquar- for National Coming Out Day in tered in Philadelphia. The award October and for World AIDS Day was given to the managers of each in November, as well as other of the GLBT Diversity Programs activities throughout the year.

Frankel noted the EPA also has other “special-emphasis” groups that represent Hispanic, African American, Native American, Asian and female employees, and who all work together with the GLBT Diversity Program to take advantage of other educational opportunities. “Diversity isn’t something that happens one month at a time,” Frankel said. “All of our constituencies criss-cross, so I try to reach out to as many of the other programs as I can so we can all cooperate on as many efforts as possible.” Frankel said that since the program’s formation, he’s seen an influx in the number of employees from the other special-interest groups that have become involved in the LGBT events. “One of the nicest things is that over the years, the number of allies has grown dramatically,” he said. “When it first started, most of the allies who joined were mainly women and now we also see a lot of men volunteering, as well as people from the Hispanic program

or the African American, Asian American or Native American ones. It’s great to see how each year the barriers drop a little more. More people want to get involved and become allies from across the spectrum of diversity.” Frankel has also served as the secretary of the EPA’s GLBT Advisory Council — which grew out of the flourishing regional GLBT Diversity Programs — for the past six years. The council provides guidance to the EPA on policy issues that could impact the LGBT community and serves as a resource for the regional GLBT Diversity Programs. The nominations for the Suzanne E. Olive Award came from the directors of the regional offices in San Francisco and Atlanta, which Frankel said was an “important statement that the recognition came from different corners and from such high-level individuals in the infrastructure of the agency who recognized the importance of the work that the groups are doing.” Frankel noted the EPA has long

been an organization that values its LGBT employees and, to that end, instituted a nondiscrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation in the early ’90s. “The EPA has really been in the forefront of federal agencies in working to create GLBT-friendly workplaces,” he said. “The agency has been forward-thinking and continues to try and move forward even further.” Frankel said the local office will do its part within the next year to advocate for its entire LGBT employee population, with special emphasis on the Bs and Ts. “We’ve spent a lot of time building an understanding about gay men and lesbian women, but the issues for people who are bisexual or transgender in the workplace are something we’d like to look more closely at,” he said. “We’ve laid the groundwork for that over the past couple years, so we’re now looking to continue to expand.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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National

Media Trail

Same-sex marriages begin in Vermont

Agents fired over gay bar raid

By John Curran The Associated Press WATERBURY, Vt. — After 17 years together, Bill Slimback and Bob Sullivan couldn’t wait another minute to get married. So they didn’t. With Vermont’s new law allowing same-sex marriage only a minute old, they tied the knot in a ceremony at a rustic lodge, becoming one of the first couples to legally wed under a law that took effect at midnight Monday. Vermont is one of five states that now allowS same-sex couples to marry. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa are the others. New Hampshire’s law takes effect Jan. 1, 2010. Dressed in suits, saying their vows under a large wallmounted moose head, the two Whitehall, N.Y., men promised their love, exchanged rings and held hands during a modest 17-minute ceremony. Moose Meadow Lodge co-owner Greg Trulson, who’s also a Justice of the Peace, presided. “It feels wonderful,” said Slimback, 38, an out-ofwork Teamster who is taking Sullivan’s last name as his own. “It’s a day I’ve been long waiting for, and a day I truly honestly thought would never come.” Slimback said he and Sullivan, 41, have long wanted to cement their relationship with a wedding, but since they couldn’t legally marry in New York, they chose to wed even before Vermont’s gay-marriage era officially dawned. From union to marriage Vermont, which invented civil unions in 2000 after a same-sex couple challenged the inequality of state marriage statutes, was a mecca for gay couples who to that point had no way to officially recognize their relationships. Since then, other states have allowed gay marriage, as did Vermont, which in April became the first state to legalize gay marriage through a legislative decree and not a court

MSNBC.com reports Texas’ liquor board fired two agents and a supervisor in the wake of a raid at a gay bar that left a customer seriously injured and led to protests. T h e Te x a s A l c o h o l i c B e v e r a g e Commission said agent Christopher Aller and agent trainee Jason Chapman, who participated in the June 28 raid at the Rainbow Lounge, were fired Aug. 28. Their supervisor, Sgt. Terry Parsons, also was fired, effective Sept. 2. Aller and Chapman failed to report that they used force when arresting the customer or that he was seriously injured. They also were accused of participating in the raid without their supervisor’s approval, disrupting the business during the raid and wearing improper attire. Parsons failed to ensure the agents submitted a report on using force during the arrest and did not take appropriate action after learning they didn’t notify supervisors that multiple arrests had been made that night.

ANOTHER STATE SAYS “I DO”: Bill Slimback (from left) and Bob Sullivan, both of Whitehall, N.Y., celebrate their marriage at Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury, Vt. The ceremony was performed by Justice of the Peace Greg Trulson, a co-owner of the lodge, on Tuesday. AP Photo: Andy Duback

case. Some couples — including many who obtained civil unions in Vermont — plan to return to the state to get married. But most are in no rush. City and town officials say only a handful of licenses had been issued to same-sex couples in anticipation of Tuesday’s start. “We’ve waited a long time to do this — basically, our whole lives,” Slimback said Monday. “We’ve been waiting for a chance to actually solidify it.” He and Sullivan said they never wanted to obtain a civil union because they believe that’s a kind of second-class recognition. A handful of members of Westboro Baptist Church, an antigay group that claims U.S. combat deaths are God’s punishment for America’s tolerance of homosexuality, demonstrated in Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, Tuesday. Shirley Phelps-Roper, daughter of Westboro founder Fred Phelps, brought her own 7-year-old son and three others to hold “God Hates America” and “Fags are Beasts” signs in protest of the same-sex-mar-

riage law going into effect that day. About 100 counterprotesters from the University of Vermont and the local LGBT and ally communities demonstrated across the street from the Westboro members in support of marriage equality. As the debate on marriage equality wended its way through Vermont Tuesday, one national company made its stance on the issue well-known. Hubby-hubby Ice-cream conglomerate Ben & Jerry’s announced this week that it will be selling its popular Chubby Hubby flavor under a new name in Vermont Scoop Shops this month: Hubby Hubby, in celebration of the state’s historic step. “At the core of Ben & Jerry’s values, we believe that social justice can and should be something that every human being is entitled to,” said Walt Freese, Ben & Jerry’s CEO. “From the very beginning of our 30year history, we have supported equal rights for all people. The

legalization of marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont is certainly a step in the right direction and something worth celebrating with peace, love and plenty of ice cream.” Ben & Jerry’s launched the renaming campaign in partnership with the national Freedom to Marry, and will be directing customers to visit the agency’s Web site to learn more about national marriage-equality efforts. “It’s not polite to talk with your mouth full, but the most important thing that all us icecream lovers can do to support the freedom to marry is speak with people we know about why marriage matters and the need to end marriage discrimination in every state,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry. “Thanks to Ben & Jerry’s, starting those needed conversations has never been sweeter, and thanks to Freedom to Marry, we all now have a great excuse to eat more ice cream.” ■ PGN writer Jen Colletta contributed to this story.

Reno OKs domesticpartner benefits The Las Vegas Sun reports the city of Reno has extended benefits to the domestic partners of its employees. The City Council on Aug. 26 unanimously adopted a resolution that will extend healthcare benefits to domestic partners who register with the Nevada secretary of state under a new law. The state of Nevada will begin offering health benefits to employees’ domestic partners on July 1, 2010.

Antigay bishop resigns 365gay.com reports Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 31 accepted the early retirement of a U.S. bishop who has denounced nuns for sponsoring lectures by gay-rights advocates and directed priests to deny communion to abortion backers. The Vatican did not say why the staunchly conservative Monsignor Joseph Martino, 63, bishop of Scranton, had submitted his resignation. He took the post in 2003. Under canon law, bishops are expected to offer their resignation when they turn 75, but the pope sometimes asks bishops to stay on beyond that age. The Vatican said the pope had accepted the resignation under a provision of canon law in which a bishop due to illness or “some other grave reason, has become unsuited” to carry out his duties.” ■ — Larry Nichols

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PHILADELPHIA GAY GAY NEWS NEWS PHILADELPHIA

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Gayborhood to host ‘Best Of’ competition that the mayor of the Athens suburb of Kessariani has agreed to perform the ceremony. Colletta “I haveBy noJen objection to celebrating this union so Staff long Writer as the law is PGN respected,” Mayor Spyros Tzokas said. Dancers, singers, chefs and even It stylists is uncertain whether the hair will come together government will for recognize later this month a night the of marriage. entertainment and competition to Greek is vieThe for the title ofgovernment the best of the preparing to introduce civilbest of the Gayborhood. partnership legislationGayborhood later this year, The first-ever granting legal rights to unmarried Games will kick off at 7 p.m. Sept. couples. But, it has not said if same26 Pure, 1221 St. sexatcouples wouldSt. beJames included.

The event, staged by Nightlifegay.com and sponsored by 12thmen Street Gym, will in feaGay jailed ture seven live competitions that Moroccoowner Bruce Yelk Nightlifegay said should help shed some light Association for onThe the Moroccan real “Best Ofs” in the Human Rights, along with Human LGBT community. Rights launched “This Watch, event is has the result of see-a petition following the imprisonment ing all of these ‘Best Of’ lists in of six men for homosexuality. magazines and publications and Moroccan police men going through andarrested saying,the ‘Wow, in November 2007 after a video how did they arrive at the Best circulated on the Internet showing Night Out for Men in Philadelphia a private party in Ksar-el-Kbir, and it’s Atlantic Morocco,inthat the pressCity?’” claimedYelk was said. “I kept thinking a gay-marriage ceremony.that these

The country’s penal code criminalizes sexual conduct between members of the same sex. Despite the fact that the video showed no evidenceBy of Jen sexual acts, the six men Colletta were convicted of committing “lewd PGN Staff Writer or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex” and sentenced to The fallfour semester Way Gay between and 10at months in U is just about to get underway, prison. butThe youMoroccan don’t needAssociation to worry about for

Human Rights and Human Rights Watch are petitioning the Moroccan government for a fair trial for the lists little crazytheir and right wanted men are anda to protect to privacy. to do a competition to formally The to groups asking supporters come whatare judges thought are to showthe their opposition really Best Of.” to Moroccan authorities an e-mail to A panel by of sending judges will choose petitionmaroc@hrw.org. winners for best dance crew,

vocalist, drag performer, comedian, bartender, chef and hair Cartoons draw salon/stylist. The competition is open to LGBT and ally individuRussian ire als. The first four segments will be Protestant groups in Moscow live, whichtoYelk should proare trying shutsaid down a cartoon vide audience members channel because they high-qualclaim it ity entertainment and friendly, and but promotes homosexuality exciting, competition. religious intolerance. Channel 2x2 is broadcasts WesternI “This event very original; cartoons likeof“South Park,” don’t know any event thatwhich does some believe promotesin“homosexual seven competitions one night,” propaganda.” he said. “And these are things that Vitalywant Vlasenki, people to see.”a spokesperson forThe Thebartenders, Consultative Council of chefs and stylthe Heads of Protestant Churches ists will prepare their entries in Russia, saidand the present group had ahead of time themsent to a letter to Prosecutor the judges on stage. General Yury Chaika on March 12 accusing the Bartenders will make a spenetwork of promoting “cruelty, cialty vodka cocktail, chefs will violence, homosexual propaganda, compete for theand tastiest cake and religious hatred intolerance.” Yekaterina Doglosheveva, head of corporate affairs for Prof-Media, dismissed the criticism from the religious group. “The Federal Culture been an unfortunate byproductand of Cinematography Agency may be the economic crisis — this term’s able to control the activities of our full-course schedule, a blend of channel, but the Protestants cannot,” old favorites and Doglosheveva said. new additions, should attract a wealth of individChannel 2x2, which also uals from all“The walksSimpsons,” of life. broadcasts has

built a cult following in Russia despite gaining just 1.9 percent of the audience share in February. salons will each enter also one male MTV in Russia shows “South Park,”competitor but has yet to and one female to receive any criticism fromtalents. the show off their hair-styling Protestant Severalgroup. judges have already

been confirmed, including Derek Hartley from “The Derek and Trans meeting Romaine Show” on Sirius OutQ Radio; Tim Bennett from Sirius’ set for Berlin “The Focus Group”; Jeisohn Fiala, a hair stylist with Fox Network; It was announced March 14 that WHERE Magazine publisher the second meeting of the European Laura Burkhardt; Transgender CouncilWHERE will be ediheld tor Karen Gross; local business this year in Germany. owner Contreras; and The Jimmy council, comprised Scott Transgender Barnes of Festivities Events. of Europe, the Yelk said more judges will and be Transgender Network Berlin TransInterQueer meet announced in theBerlin, comingwill weeks. May 2-4 in Berlin. last event Yelk said he Their expects the was held in Vienna in to 2005. Gayborhood Games become an Representatives annual event, andfrom thatinternational he anticiactivist groups and experts such as pates the inaugural competition Human Rights Watch350-500 and Amnesty could draw between peoInternational are expected to attend ple. theTickets event and experiences areshare $20their or $40 for VIP in the eld of human rights and access. transgender-related work. For more information or to purThe results of the Study of the chase tickets, visit www.nightlifeLives of Transgender people In ■ gay.com. Europe, conducted by Press for

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Change (U.K.), will be revealed, which polled more than 2,000 transgender people. Berlin has a diverse transgender scene, andlooking Wigstoeckel Transgender Those to improve their United is set to organize the city physical health can enroll in Get council’s ofcial show and party for in Shape’s “Healthy Meal Making the event. �

Center launches fall Way Gay U semester

sharpening your pencils or breaking out your books. While the 20 classes offered at the William Way LGBT Community Center are meant to educate, it’s not in the uncomfortable-desk and blackboard sense of the word: The courses are hands-on ways for the LGBT community to learn new skills, practice old ones and get to know other members of the local community. The center offers Way Gay U classes in both the spring and fall, with enrollment in the fall classes typically a little higher, said Candice Thompson, the center’s director of programming. The upcoming semester will mark the highest number of courses in Way Gay U’s fouryear history; in the past, the center typically offered 12-16 classes per semester. Thompson said center officials will announce several more classes in the coming weeks. Registration tends to range from 80-150 people and, although there was a slight dip in enrollment last semester — which Thompson surmised may have

The classes are divided into five categories: Become Better People, Dance, Get in Shape, Have Fun and Learn Something New. Thomspon said the dance classes are typically the most well-attended, and there are four being offered this semester: basic ballroom, intermediate ballroom, country line and queer tango. She said the dance courses often see a good balance of returning students and first-timers. “At the end of the basic ballroom class, some people might not feel like they have developed their skills enough, so they sometimes return to keep working before they move on to intermediate, but we also see a lot of new students from semester to semester,” she said. Offerings under the Become Better People umbrella include such classes as “Living An Empowered Life,” a forum for young adults, to “Recognizing and Combating LGBTQ Domestic Violence,” designed for members of the community and those who work at LGBT-service organizations.

for Long-Distance Running” or “Healthy Weight for Less,” Larry Nichols canLoss be reached at a timely approach to healthy eatlarry@epgn.com. ing for those on a budget. The Have Fun track includes two courses for those with an interest in the written word, such as “So You Want to be a Published Writer” and “Developing Plots and Creating Characters,” led by local author Joseph DeMarco. For those who want to “Learn Something New,” the center is offering workshops on digital photography, Photoshop, American Sign Language and Jim Shin Jyutsu, as well as “More Breath, More Life, More Love!” which teaches students the transforming power of conscious breathing, and a course on Pennsylvania’s name-change process. Most of the classes begin in mid-September and run weekly through October or November, although some courses are shorter. Registration fees range from $15-$120, with slightly higher prices for non-members. For more information about Way Gay U, visit www.waygay. org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Editorial Calling out homophobia Last week, concert promoters AEG and Live Nation announced they were canceling seven shows by Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae artist who sang about killing gays in his song “Boom Bye Bye.” Many believed the Philadelphia kickoff was among the canceled dates. Bloggers and even The New York Times reported it, citing a Los Angeles Times article. Not so fast. Instead, six tour dates were canceled — Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas and Houston — and Philadelphia is still slated to move forward, but without the backing of partner AEG. For the Philadelphia show, AEG was working with a local promoter, Jamaican Dave, to put on the show. Though AEG pulled out, Jamaican Dave is, at press time, still committed to host the show. While LGBT advocates in Los Angeles have been vocal in their opposition to Banton’s appearance, as well as their victory in the cancellations, Philadelphia residents haven’t made much noise. Over the past several years, Banton has drawn the ire of gay-rights activists, who have successfully advocated for the cancellation of past shows in New York and L.A. In 2007, activists had pushed for Banton and other artists to commit to not making homophobic statements in public, release new homophobic songs or authorize the re-release of previous homophobic songs. Though he reportedly signed “The Reggae Compassion Act” — and an Internet search turns up a scanned copy — he later denied it was his signature. In 2006, Banton was acquitted of being part of a group that had attacked six men believed to be gay in Kingston for lack of evidence. Jamaican dancehall and reggae artists have long had a reputation as homophobic and for inciting violence — particularly mob attacks — against gays. Likewise, Jamaica as a country has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Earlier this year, some activists called for the boycott of Jamaica, claiming the loss of travel dollars would spur more tolerant attitudes. But Jamaican LGBT activists countered that a boycott would only strengthen negative attitudes toward gays and lesbians on the island and further endanger them. Homophobia in music can be particularly difﬁcult to challenge, especially in genres such as rap and dancehall — or murder music — that are misogynist and incite violence. But more than just refusing to listen, it’s important for the LGBT community to call out artists and promoters on homophobia, making it clear that it will not be tolerated. ■

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: (215) 925-6437. Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Other Views

Diane Silver

Kids suffer when conservatives win For any mother, the day her child turns 18 is a milestone, but for a lesbian mom, that particular birthday can be overwhelming. The day my son turned 18 was routine, as birthdays go. I went to work. I made jokes about how I couldn’t possibly be old enough for him to be 18. A high-school senior, Tony played trumpet in the marching band, and his friends surprised him that night with an impromptu concert on our front lawn. It was a good day, but it was also odd. As much as I enjoyed it, I felt strange. It wasn’t that I felt bad; I felt relieved, but I couldn’t figure out why. Nothing made sense until I had a “eureka” moment in the shower the next morning. Tony had reached the age of adulthood. No one had the legal right to rip him away from his family anymore. Tony is the biological child of my late life partner, who died of breast cancer more than a decade ago. As co-parent — particularly as co-parent in the very red state of Kansas — I was a legal nonentity. I was there when he was born. I held out my hands for his first step. I heard his first words. I sat up all night with him when he had his first cold. I went to every single parent-teacher

conference. I paid for his doctor checkups and school fees, and I kept him in shoes. I held him when his birth mother died when he was just 7. Despite all that, without the intervention of a court, I wouldn’t have had the legal right to be in the same room with him, let alone to be his parent. We were lucky, though. I was able to legally adopt him, largely because my partner’s family supported me. I might not have succeeded if they hadn’t. I didn’t know how close Tony came to being torn away until my late partner’s brother told me he considered taking my son after his sister died. He consulted a psychologist friend. That psychologist — bless him — told the man I still consider to be my brother-in-law that taking me away from Tony would mean he would lose both parents, not just one, with the death of his birth mother. Even though this good man had seen me with Tony for years and knew how close we were, it never occurred to him to think of me as Tony’s parent. To his credit, my brother-in-law saw the truth in his friend’s statement and supported the adoption. Think about how close that was. What if my partner’s brother couldn’t see the wisdom of his friend’s words?

What if he had talked to a different friend? My son and I are blessed. We stayed together when so many other families have been forced apart. In the 1990s, 12-year-old Cassie was taken from her mother, Mary Ward, in Florida and given to her father — a convicted murderer. In 2006 and 2007, the children of Keri Jones of Utah and B.F. in Kentucky lost the right to even visit their co-parents. Today, Kathryn Kutil and Cheryl Hess of West Virginia are ﬁghting to keep custody of the baby they fostered when no one else wanted a child born to a drug addict. This is just a taste of what it is like to be a lesbian or gay parent in the United States today. With the 2008 passage of the adoption ban in Arkansas and the religious right’s continuing agitation for other bans, our families face repeated attacks. If an adoption ban had been in effect when my partner died, it would have been impossible for me to adopt Tony. What a tragedy that would have been. ■ Diane Silver is a former reporter and magazine editor whose writing has appeared in The Progressive, Salon. com and Ms. She can be reached care of this publication.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Mark My Words

Street Talk

Mark Segal

An end-of-summer roundup of legislation It’s the last week of summer and, at this time, this column usually takes a look at some issues with a slight twist. And you get to know my position on various issues. Real plain talk, unlike a certain senator from Arizona. First, healthcare. As I see it, there is only one item missing from the legislation, and that is tort reform. The problem with healthcare, as we all know, is it’s too expensive. And one reason is the multitude of lawsuits against doctors for everything from a botched operation to wrongful death. While many of these are worthy of action, many others are frivolous. This has caused malpractice insurance to go sky-high, which results in that price being passed on to us. The trial lawyers have a great lobby in Washington, so no tort reform in the bill. And let’s add that a majority of lawmakers are lawyers themselves. Hate to kick a man when he’s down, but the best example is former presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards, who made a fortune with such cases. Now, I’m not looking to end such cases, as many

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have good reason for recourse. But hey, what about a cap for lawyers? Or caps on such cases as a slip-andfall on the sidewalk? Included with this amendment should be a reduction in malpractice insurance. Next, legal marriage in Pennsylvania. Simply put, forget it. If you think we have any chance of getting our legislature to vote marriage equality, you really don’t know Harrisburg. We can’t even get a nondiscrimination bill passed. And that is the point. Discrimination is something this community faces every day, and if we work hard enough, we can get that bill passed and signed by the governor. Marriage is for the future: The time to ﬁght for nondiscrimination is now. Finally, a personal note on the passing of Larry Frankel. Working with Larry was a pure joy. You knew his only agenda was the task of expanding LGBT rights or, more often, stopping anti-LGBT legislation. He was a professional who understood the power of law and the old expression, “Laws are like sausages. It is better not to see them being made.” Larry made a lot of sausage along the way but, more importantly, he made many more friends. ■ Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

What’s appropriate sex testing for an athletic competition?

Thomas Breslin architect West Philadelphia

Cata Delaluna student Washington Square West

“Chromosomal testing, which may not answer all the questions but we don’t have a definitive test that can. A chromosomal test wouldn’t be invasive like psychological testing. And I don’t think a person’s psychological make-up would give them an unfair advantage in an athletic competition.”

“I think testing is bullshit and inappropriate. We should accept anyone for who they are and how they’re presenting. Calls for sex testing are based on sociological constructs and stereotyping of sex and gender.”

Kiddada Lewis sales representative Southwest Philadelphia

Benjamin Rulnick architect Bella Vista

“There shouldn’t be any testing. That’s too intrusive. If family and friends vouch for the athlete’s sex, that should be enough. And I don’t like when people of color are singled out for the testing. Marginalized people tend to get picked on in society.”

“A simple blood test. If the athlete doesn’t wish to adhere to the results, he or she should be permitted to compete in a third competition, for men and women, regardless of gender identity. That third option would be ideal for an athlete who doesn’t want to go through a blood test.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “DVLF to honor community ‘heroes,’” Aug. 28Sept. 3: Congrats to these real community heroes. Gloria Casarez is an inspiring woman — to say the least! — Pinky98 In response to “Trans woman: Employer asked for photos,” Aug. 14-20: Dear Sir or Madam, I have recently heard of your company and wanted some more information. I request that you e-mail me an application for employment. When I return my application to you, will I have to submit a picture of my genitals as an e-mail attachment, or should I submit a hard copy by mail?

Is the genital-proof policy applicable to all of your locations, or only to your Pennsylvania branch? Will I need to provide pictures of the genitals of all of my references? This would be important to know, as it may limit the number of people willing to give recommendations. I understand and appreciate your dedication to comforting your employees and making them feel safe on the job. Will I be able to demand that my female coworkers prove their physical sex to me should I be hired? After all, I don’t know them, and as your policy proves, we can’t just take someone’s word for it that they are really what they say they are. Gender is obvious and unquestioned, but everyone knows that it’s the pieces of a person that I have no reasonable assumption of ever seeing that

are the truly dangerous ones that may affect my daily work environment. If I have to provide pictures of my genitals to my coworkers, does this mean that I do not need to wear pants to work? If they already know what they look like, why should I have to put up with the discomfort of clothing to hide them? Perhaps that last question needs a narrower focus. I will obviously not be able to display my genitals anywhere public, as that is already covered as indecent exposure by public decency laws. Will I be able to display them in private, where clients won’t see, or only in front of my female coworkers? I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions, and eagerly await your response. — A-nonny-mousse

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 12

Adoption Corner

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Name: Smokey Breed: Short-hair domestic Age: About 10 years Sex: Female (spayed) Health: Smokey is one of PAWS’ special-needs cats. She was diagnosed with diabetes approximately seven months ago and requires an insulin shot every morning. PAWS will provide any adopter with the necessary training to administer the shot and also provide the first month or two of insulin. In all other ways, Smokey’s health is excellent and she is up-to-date with all vaccinations. Other information: Smokey is microchipped so other shelters

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Scott A. Drake

and veterinarians with microchip reading equipment or the SPCA can identify her. History: Smokey is PAWS’ “long-timer.” She arrived on Jan. 7, shortly after her owner surrendered her because she was moving and could not take her along. Smokey would make a very nice companion cat for someone who likes to have a pet presence in the house but not necessarily want a cat who requires a lot of affection. Smokey would probably prefer to be an only cat but may get along with another cat who would also be a loner or quiet, unobtrusive type. Dogs and small children would not be recommended.

While Smokey’s special need does cause some people to balk, most everyone who has spent time with Smokey agrees that she is a very sweet and relaxed cat. She sometimes acts a little grumpy or standoffish, but the staff members mostly attribute that to her getting stuck with a needle every morning. She also requires a special diet that PAWS would be willing to help with initially. According to the Best Friends Animal Society, special-needs animals can be more loving and sedate than other adoption options because they bond with their owners and seem to understand and appreciate the attention they receive. While a special-needs pet isn’t for everyone, many people find there are great rewards in helping these special animals.

Updates: Cookie was adopted a few days after she was shown in this column, around the time PAWS marked its 2,009th adoption in 2009. While ahead of last year’s pace, there are still dozens of animals that need homes, whether permanent or foster. Go to the PAWS Web site to see how you can help! The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society is dedicated to promoting public welfare and to saving the lives of Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned and unwanted animals and has a nokill policy. ■ PAWS 100 N. Second St. (215) 238-9901 Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. www.phillypaws.org

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

CONCERT

A Loving Family of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Catholics & our allies invites you to celebrate

From Page 1 local show, took over its production. “We canceled the show, but the venue and the copromoter came to an agreement to go ahead with it,” said Michael Roth, AEG Live spokesperson. Live Nation also canceled four shows it was involved with at House of Blues venues in Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas and Houston. The two companies were targeted by a recent phone and e-mail protest led by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Chicago’s Gay Liberation Network and Change.org. The Philadelphia show, the first on Banton’s U.S. tour, was widely reported in the press to have been canceled as well, but it is the only one of the seven shows the two promoters dropped that will still happen. Joanna Pang, spokesperson for the Trocadero, said the venue did not play a role in booking Banton, but rather rents space to companies that independently organize events, such as Jamaican Dave Productions, AEG, Live Nation and Clear Channel, and had been unaware of the controversy around Banton beforehand. Pang said the venue has a contract with Jamaican Dave for the space, which can fit up to 1,200. The production company typically stages five or six reggae shows at the Troc yearly. David Russell, owner of Jamaican Dave Productions, did not respond to requests for comment. Banton first drew the ire of LGBT individuals in 1988, when he released “Boom, Bye Bye,” the lyrics of which call for violence against gays, such as, “Any time Buju Banton comes, the faggots get up and run. Boom, bye bye, in a faggot’s head ... They have to die. Send for the automatic and the uzi instead. Shoot them, don’t come if we shoot them.” Banton was arrested in 2005 and accused of being part of a group that attacked six gay men in Jamaica, but was later acquitted. The dancehall singer was reported to have signed The Reggae Compassionate Act, a pledge to eradicate violence and homophobia from music, in 2007, but later, denied taking such action. In addition to the local show, Banton has 12 other performances scheduled. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PAGE 13

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PAGE 14

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 15

GALAEI director steps down By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative resigned earlier this summer after less than a year in the position. Louis Bonilla said he stepped down several weeks ago for personal reasons. “I decided to pursue other options,” Bonilla said. GALAEI board member Tiffany Thompson has taken over as interim executive director while the agency conducts a search for a permanent director. Bonilla took the position Oct. 1 after former executive director Gloria Casarez left the organization to become the city’s director of LGBT affairs. Bonilla said during his tenure with GALAEI, he built upon the foundation of the group’s previous leaders. “Primarily, I tried to continue the good work that my predecessors had started, namely Gloria Casarez and her predecessor David Acosta,” he said. “I tried to just keep up the good work that GALAEI has become known for.” Bonilla began working in the

HIV/AIDS field while in high school, volunteering at several HIV/AIDS agencies in New York City and later serving as the New York state policy director at the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute. He also conducted numerous research projects on the role of prostitution and drug use in the spread of HIV and the disease’s effect on Latino communities. Locally, he served as a healthoutreach worker and HIV educator in North Philadelphia and the executive director of the Consortium for Latino Health, and volunteered at Prevention Point Philadelphia, the AIDS Fund, Concilio and the Latino Partnership Initiative. Immediately prior to coming to GALAEI, Bonilla worked as the southwest regional administrator for the School District of Philadelphia. GALAEI board chair Glenn Martin said that, in addition to building upon the examples of Casarez and Acosta, Bonilla was also able to utilize his own background to strengthen the agency. “In the short time he was there, he continued their work but also was able to strike out and do some new things,” Martin said.

“He came with a lot of experience working with the Latino population, particularly in the north section of the city, so he was able to make a lot of connections that hadn’t been there before.” Martin said the organization is planning to maintain the relationships Bonilla forged among GALAEI, health workers and residents in North Philadelphia, even though he is no longer with the organization. “Louis resigning doesn’t change our ability to continue to reach out to this new population that we’re working with,” Martin said. “It strengthens what GALAEI’s all about. I think that having Louis on board has definitely been a positive step for the organization.” Bonilla said he’s planning to take an extended vacation and then figure out his next career move. Martin noted that Thompson has been involved with several area LGBT organizations, such as Equality Forum, and will fuse her knowledge of the local community with her management skills to guide the organization until the board locates a permanent director. Martin estimated the search could take 30-60 days. ■

HIV-positive vet settles with State Dept. By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A discrimination lawsuit filed by a man who was denied a job with a U.S. State Department contractor because he has HIV has prompted the department to revise its employment policies toward those with HIV/AIDS. The U.S. Army veteran, identified as “John Doe,” settled the suit, filed last September on his behalf by the American Civil Liberties Union, late last month. The suit charged that the department and the contractor, security company Triple Canopy, violated the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act after it terminated Doe when he disclosed he had HIV. Under the settlement, the State Department has agreed to change its policies, which previously prevented anyone with HIV from being eligible for overseas employment with one of its contractors. Doe issued a statement last week

expressing his satisfaction with the settlement. “I’m relieved that I can finally put this experience behind me and move on with my life,” he said. “I feel a lot better knowing that this kind of discrimination shouldn’t happen again.” The issue arose in November 2005, the day before Doe, a 20year Special Forces veteran, was supposed to graduate from a training program for a job he’d been offered by Triple Canopy to provide security at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. An official with Triple Canopy notified Doe that he was ineligible for the position because of a stipulation within the State Department’s “Worldwide Personal Protective Services Contract,” which Triple Canopy is required to utilize, that all employees stationed overseas must have a “valid negative HIV result” and be “free from communicable disease.” Doe was diagnosed with HIV in 2000.

Rose Saxe, a staff attorney with the ACLU AIDS Project, said that while others may have also been dismissed on a similar basis, the settlement is a significant step toward eliminating HIV discrimination. “Although we have laws barring HIV discrimination in both the public and private sectors, the government’s contract here seemed to require discrimination,” Saxe said. “While we have no way of knowing how many other people were harmed by these illegal policies, we are pleased that the State Department has made policy changes to prevent his kind of discrimination in the future.” Saxe said the State Department will revise the contract to strike the “free from communicable disease” phrase and clarify that individual assessments must be employed to determine a candidate’s physical eligibility. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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Beverly Fields, spokesperson for the D.C. Medical Examiner, said the determination of cause of death is “still pending.” Frankel launched his career with the Pennsylvania ACLU in 1992 as the chapter’s legislative director, a position he held until last year, when he made the move to the national office. Frankel also took the helm of the local agency as its executive director from 1996-2001. Chirls and Frankel, a native of Burbank, Calif., had been together since they met in 1978 — while both were attending the University of California at Berkeley’s law school — until their separation a few months ago. Frankel worked as an associate at a local law firm after the couple graduated and moved to Philadelphia and later launched his own legal practice, but Chirls said Frankel was able to exercise his true passions when he went to work for the ACLU. “He really cared about individuals. He used to say, ‘All the other lobbyists, their clients are corporations and rich people, and my client is the Constitution of the United States,’” Chirls said. Gov. Rendell released a statement this week after news of Frankel’s death broke, calling him “one of the most effective advocates for civil liberties and justice in Pennsylvania.” “Larry understood that in the fight to preserve and expand our civil liberties, being civil was as important as being right,” the governor said. Andy Hoover, who took over Frankel’s position with the local ACLU last summer and who worked closely with him on several legislative campaigns during his time as an ACLU community organizer, supported Rendell’s assertion. He noted that he had observed Frankel’s diplomacy firsthand when the pair was at the Capitol Rotunda in 2006 for debate on

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

the failed legislation proposed by Rep. Scott Boyd (R-43rd Dist.) that would have banned same-sex marriage in the state constitution. “Scott Boyd came through the Rotunda and he and Larry stopped and talked for about two minutes, and they even shared a joke,” Hoover said. “Something that Larry said made him laugh. The fact that he could have this kind of conversation with somebody who was doing something that was so detrimental to his cause says a lot about the kind of person he was.” Hoover said Frankel was one of the driving forces behind the push to block the antigay Marriage Protection Amendment and was a tireless advocate for other LGBT issues, like the effort to ban antigay discrimination in the state. Frankel took on a leadership role every time such a bill was introduced in the past four legislation sessions, he added. “Each time, he was willing to put in the work to be sure we could advance it another step,” Hoover said. “In the last session, there was a hearing on the bill and he laid the groundwork for that with our allies. He knew not to give up, and he knew that it took patience and hard work. He always kept his eye on the long-term progress that he knew we could make.” Stacey Sobel, former executive director of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, said Frankel, besides being one of her closest friends, was a skilled lobbyist who knew the ropes in Harrisburg. “He had great passion for his work. And he really utilized all of his talents to the fullest,” she said. “He was very knowledgeable about the issues. He mastered the legislative rules and procedures and he was able to make and maintain relationships, often with people that you wouldn’t typically think would be supportive of the issues that the ACLU supports.” Sobel said she and Frankel used to have a “contest” of sorts, where they would seek out cosponsorships from legislators who would

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typically be least likely to support bills that ACLU or Equality Advocates were backing. “We really wanted to show that the issue of civil rights and individuals’ rights and liberties are issues that should concern everyone, no matter if it’s something that you normally wouldn’t think a particular legislator would back,” she said. Pennsylvania Rep. Mark Cohen (D-202nd Dist.) said he worked with Frankel to defeat school vouchers, legislation to require photo identification for voter registration and other civilrights issues, including the fight against the Marriage Protection Amendment. Cohen said Frankel was a ubiquitous presence in Harrisburg and was committed to educating legislators on both sides of the aisle that “civil rights were an everyday concern” and were affected by many pieces of legislation, not only the ones that made the headlines. “Larry tried very hard to show people that numerous bills had civil-liberties aspects. He would give us briefs and he’d write oneor two-page memos and enclose a note saying, ‘If you’re interested, here’s a 25-page court decision you can read.’ It was just a constant stream of facts he’d give us,” Cohen said. “He’d talk to us in the hallways, come to our offices and was just always present and always friendly.” State Rep. Babette Josephs (D182nd Dist.), a longtime friend of Frankel, said he made an effort to see a situation from all sides when trying to garner legislators’ support. “He knew how to figure out what would benefit the person he was talking to. He knew how to put himself in their shoes,” she said. “With all of the very-difficult civil-liberties issues, he was always persuasive because he knew what it was that people were concerned about.” Josephs noted that Frankel was “always knowledgeable, always completely 100-percent honest and always had good information” and that, even if legislators didn’t support his position with a vote, “if they didn’t have the brains or the courage, they still always had respect for him.” Pennsylvania Rep. Dwight Evans (D-203rd Dist.) said Frankel was a perennial champion for the public good. “Larry’s voice will be sorely missed in the public arena,” Evans See FRANKEL, Page 20

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International News Budapest Pride draws wide support Embassies from 13 countries including the United States issued a joint statement expressing support for the Budapest Pride Festival, which culminates with a march in the Hungarian capital Sept. 5. The statement from embassies on four continents calls for respect for human rights and the rule of law at the Budapest march. It references the joint statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity delivered at the United Nations Gender Assembly last December. The Budapest Pride festival, which began in 1997, was marked by antigay and anti-Semitic violence in 2007 and 2008. This year, the extreme right-wing party Movement for a Better Hungary announced in June that it would stop the Sept. 5 march “by all means necessary.” In addition to the statement from the embassies, Budapest police and city officials have pledged to protect the marchers.

Germany court confirms adoption The Federal Constitutional Court in Germany has confirmed that gay and lesbian people can adopt their partners’ children, overturning a previous ruling. The country’s highest court rejected the argument that allowing the female partner of a child’s mother to adopt would undermine the rights of the other biological parent. A recent study revealed that 6,600 children in Germany are being raised by gay and lesbian parents. However, gay or lesbian people or couples could not adopt children they are not related to. Gay and lesbian couples can register their partnerships and their rights include most of those of marriage, including stepchild adoption, but they are denied the same tax benefits.

Lesbian PM ranks on Forbes list Iceland prime minister Johanna Sigurdardottir has made Forbes magazine’s “100 Most Powerful

Larry Nichols

Women” list, becoming the only openly gay woman on the magazine’s annual list. The recently released list ranks top executives from powerful conglomerates such as Avon, PepsiCo and Kraft Foods, as well as highprofile politicians from around the world including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Philippines president Gloria MacapagalArroyo and German chancellor Angela Merkel, who tops the list for the fourth time in a row. Sigurdardottir is Iceland’s longest-serving parliamentarian and, in February, she became the island nation’s first female leader and the world’s first openly gay head of state. Her leadership is instrumental in leading Iceland out of economic ruin. The worldwide financial crisis hit the country early and especially hard after its three largest banks collapsed. Sigurdardottir ranked 75th on the magazine’s power list.

Uruguay approves gay-adoption bill Lawmakers in Uruguay have approved a bill allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt. Despite opposition from Uruguay’s Roman Catholic Church and some of the political opposition, the 99-seat Chamber of Representatives on Aug. 27 passed the bill 40-13, with the remaining members absent. It goes next to the Senate, which approved an earlier version of the bill in July but must now vote again on modifications. If it becomes law, Uruguay would be the first country in Latin America to allow adoption by gay and lesbian couples. The law is supported by socialist President Tabare Vazquez’s Broad Front coalition, which has already legalized gay civil unions and ended a ban on homosexuals in the armed forces.

Lesbian couple still trying to marry A lesbian couple in Russia has accused the authorities of using “any excuse” to obstruct their legal case for gay marriage. The court postponed hearing a complaint from the gay couple over a refusal to let them marry.

Judge Natalya Zhuravlyova postponed the hearing Aug. 26, claiming the couple had failed to turn up. Irina Fedotova-Fet and Irina Shipitko arrived a few minutes after the hearing ended and said they had been held up in traffic. They then kissed for the photographers who were in court to cover their case. “There is enough homophobia in this country. We are no different from any other couple,” Shipitko said. Their lawyer told the court that the way the trial was conducted was a disgrace. The couple plans to marry in Canada later this year.

Soccer coach draws gay ire

Together We Can, a discussion group for LGBT-rights people dealing A leading groupwith in emotional, mental comments and addictive Italy has condemned by problems, willfootball meet at coach 7 p.m. about at The the country’s

gay players. The Trans-Health Information Arcigay said LGBT people Projectwant willtohold a drop-in center “don’t be afraid anymore” for all trans persons from 7-11 p.m. after a series of attacks in Rome, oor; including an arson attack on a gay club. The Humboldt Society, a gay and The coach of the club, Italianwill national lesbian naturalist meet football team, Marcello Lippi, at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way said in an interview released Aug. 26 that ”theBind current Ties in That Us, climate,” a 12-step it would be impossible for two of his players to be in a gay relationship. “Imagine how a homosexual couple in football would be perceived,” he said. “Even if socially most people would support and understand such a situation, it would nonetheless become magnified and eventually would be viewed negatively.” In a statement on its Web site, Arcigay said: “Words like these fortify the prejudice that homosexual relationships are more dirty and unspeakable, uttered by a person who plays an educational role model for millions of Italian boys playing soccer and believe sport as a model of social and cultural life.” On Aug. 25, arsonists targeted the nightclub Qube, home of the LGBT Muccassassina festival. It was empty at the time. A few days before, a gay couple was assaulted near Rome’s gay village. One was stabbed and remains in serious condition. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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COURT From Page 1 Accordingly, the jury will have to determine the basis of the harassment.” The appellate judges are Michael A. Chagares, D. Michael Fisher and Thomas M. Hardiman. Katie R. Eyer, a lead appellate attorney for Prowel, praised the ruling. “I’m thrilled that the court recognized that where you have ambiguous evidence as to what motivates the plaintiff’s harassers, these cases really have to go to the jury,” Eyer said. “That’s the

FRANKEL From Page 16 said. “He was a good guy. He was always right on the issues because he always tried to do what was right for people.” When Frankel moved on to the Washington Legislative Office, he took on the responsibility of coordinating state-level lobbying activities in ACLU chapters throughout the country. “He had such a good knowledge and understanding of ACLU issues and the ACLU organization, which is a many-headed beast, and that was key to fulfilling the role that we wanted him to play on the national level,” said Michael Macleod-Ball, acting director of the ACLU’s

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

key significance about this case. Other courts have recognized that LGBT plaintiffs should be able to bring these claims. But typically, the cases were eventually dismissed on summary judgment because there was some evidence of sexual-orientation discrimination.” Amara S. Chaudhry, another attorney for Prowel, said she was “ecstatic” with the ruling. “I’m delighted that the higher court understands it’s not only illegal to discriminate against an effeminate straight man at work, it’s also illegal to discriminate against an effeminate gay man at

work,” Chaudhry said. She disagreed with McVerry’s application of federal law. “Judge McVerry apparently felt that if sexual orientation is a factor in a Title 7 case, then the case needs to be dismissed. That’s an inaccurate application of federal law. LGBT Pennsylvanians have no fewer protections than anyone else when it comes to sex discrimination in the workplace.” Prowel couldn’t be reached for comment, but he responded to the ruling in a prepared statement. “I’ve always believed in right and wrong, and sometimes you have to fight for right,” Prowel

said in the statement. “The decision today recognized that no employee should have to go through what I went through.” Prowel is now employed by the U.S. Postal Service, Eyer said. Susan J. Frietsche, senior staff attorney at the Women’s Law Project, Pittsburgh office, filed a friend-of-the-court brief representing 21 women’s groups in support of Prowel. “I’m completely happy with this ruling,” Frietsche said. “It’s an important victory for women’s-rights advocates. It’s going to have an especially helpful impact on women in nontradi-

tional employment, regardless of their sexual orientation. Because those women in the trades, and women in upper-level management — the pioneering women in workplaces that don’t often see a lot of women — frequently suffer not only gender-stereotyping discrimination, but also harassment based on their real or perceived sexual orientation.” Kurt A. Miller, an attorney for Wise Business Forms Inc., declined to comment for this story.

Washington Legislative Office. Macleod-Ball said Frankel’s transition to the position was seamless and in his year-and-ahalf tenure with the D.C. office, he spearheaded numerous legislative issues, namely the fight against mandatory DNA testing for all those who are arrested. Macleod-Ball said Frankel was able to effortlessly advocate for the wide array of issues the ACLU supports without buckling under pressure. “He had a really steady demeanor. There wasn’t anything that was going to fluster Larry. No matter how tough the odds were against some legislative battle, Larry had good ideas about how we could step back, plan a strategy and try to implement it. And

he thought that if it worked out, that’s great, and if not he’ll live to fight it another day. “He had a really substantial intellectual capacity to understand a broad range of things and speak about them intelligently,” Macleod-Ball said. Chirls said Frankel’s intelligence also translated into his personal life. He was an avid reader with a particular interest in works about American history and Hebrew and Spanish literature, although Chirls noted that, “if it was in print, he would read it.” Frankel also had a passion for travel and had just recently returned from a family wedding in Israel. Chirls said he and Frankel had previously visited Israel and

several Spanish-speaking countries. He said Frankel was also an outdoors enthusiast and lobbied for an “outdoors and nature part” of every trip they took, and that he often went hiking on the weekends. After accepting the position with the national ACLU, Frankel bought an apartment in D.C. but continued to visit Philadelphia, where he shared a home with Chirls once or twice a week. Cohen noted that it will be difficult to find another lobbyist with the same level of passion and dedication as Frankel. “He genuinely cared about people,” Cohen said. “The reason he cared about these issues so much is because he cared about peo-

ple.” Frankel is survived by Chirls, brothers Norman and Kenneth, sister Leslie, father Richard and many friends and colleagues. His family held a funeral Sept. 3 in California, and Chirls said a memorial service will be held in Philadelphia at the end of September or beginning of October. Donations can be made in Frankel’s name to the American Civil Liberties Foundation, P.O. Box 40008, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or to the Fairmount Park Conservancy, 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1670, Philadelphia, PA 19103. ■

■

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Synthpop survivors keep it simple

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

A departure from the ordinary

By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Being one of the most influential and highly regarded pop acts in the world definitely has its privileges for the Pet Shop Boys. Case in point: Earlier this year, the duo received the high praise that is the British Phonographic Industry’s award for their outstanding contribution to British music at the 2009 Brit Awards in London. “It’s quite a nice feeling,” out singer Neil Tennant said about the accolade. “Officially, we don’t really believe in awards, but when the music industry decides who to go to give this outstanding contribution award, it’s quite nice that they agreed to the Pet Shop Boys. You tend to think of the music business as being biased toward rock music. I think one of the reasons was it’s been 25 years this year since our first record came out. We’ve had a prolific 25 years. So it was a good feeling.” It also didn’t hurt that the prestigious award was presented to the pair in spectacular fashion by some high-profile hitmakers, some of whom were babies (or not even embryos) when the band started out. “What was also very nice was in Britain, you got 12 minutes of live television to put together this performance,” Tennant said. “That’s a terrifying thing. It’s a very long time in television. We put together this performance, a medley of songs, with Lady Gaga and Brandon Flowers of The Killers. It was a very satisfying performance. The production lasted 10 minutes and Brandon made a beautiful speech. I felt quite proud of the whole thing.” The Brit Award was just the latest in a string of proud moments for Tennant and fellow Pet Shop Boy Chris Lowe. The duo exploded onto the electronic/synthpop dance music scene in the early 1980s with a string of hit singles and albums (“West End Girls,” “It’s a Sin,” “Suburbia,” “Always On My Mind” and way too many others to list) that have endured much longer and more successfully than the music of many of their peers, the major exception being Depeche Mode.

Tennant distanced himself from the dark pop of Depeche and creditshis and Lowe’s approach to songwriting for the Boys’ continued and long-running success. “For us, the most important thing is to write songs that mean things to people that can be moving, sad or make you dance,” he said. “All of life can be in them. That’s what they mean to us at the end of the day. When you get to Depeche Mode, of course they’re great songwriters, but it’s like a sound group. The Pet Shop Boys are more about melody, words and the chord changes. Also, if you listen to our albums

one after the other, you know the songwriting has developed and it’s going to be a lot more sophisticated. We have more in common with a band like Steely Dan than we do with Depeche Mode because it’s quite a sophisticated approach to music that you try and make it sound simple.” Their sophisticated simplicity is more than evident on their latest album, “Yes.” Tennant said that, unlike on their last album, neither he nor Lowe had a particular theme in mind when they set out writing and recording it. “For the last album, ‘Fundamental,’ we

had kind of a manifest about the kind of things we wanted to say about the way the world is going,” he said. “This album, we just wanted to write pop songs. You can look at it afterward and see there are subconscious things about money and fame and celebrity, but there was no overall idea at the beginning. We sequenced the album so the first half was almost like a greatesthits record: You’ve got these very tuneful songs one after the other in different styles. The rest of the album is more experimental pop. The thing we did try to do with this album was experiment with pop songs with chord changes and structure in particular. I feel very proud of this album. It’s something quite complicated that sounds very simple.” Some of the songs on the new album might be about fame and celebrity, but Tennant said those are two things neither he nor Lowe are concerned about or pursue as individuals. “We don’t really operate as stars because we are not physically or mentally those kind of people,” he said. “We’re a brand, kind of like ABBA was in a way. It’s more about records. Chris keeps a very low profile. He’s always worn a cap and glasses so when he goes out people don’t recognize him. I get recognized more because I’m the face of the Pet Shop Boys.” Speaking of their roles within the group, Tennant said their working relationship in regard to songwriting hasn’t changed much over their more-than 25 years together. “We established early on a way of working, which is we go into the studio and we say to each other, ‘Have you got anything?’ There’s more of a Chris influence on the music because when we were making the album, I was learning to drive. We wrote the songs in my house in North England. So in the morning, I’d have a driving lesson for two hours and Chris would sit in the studio and write stuff. Then I’d come in and sing on it.” What has changed over the years is the influence of synthpop and electronic music on popular music as a whole. For the better part of the 1980s and ’90s, electronic music was on one side of an imaginary

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Pet Shop Boys:

What have they done to deserve this? line and rock, hip-hop and R&B seldom crossed that line. Today, many top rock and hip-hop musicians constantly employ the sounds and technology associated with electronic music. The widespread influence of electronic music came as no surprise to Tennant, who said that innovations have always driven new music. “The way music has developed is through technology,” he said. “It’s the way it has always developed. Jazz music was invented because someone invented the saxophone. Rock music was invented because someone invented the electric guitar. So when someone invented the synthesizer and then the sampler, everyone was going to use them. Rock bands use quite frequently as much electronics on stage as a pop band or an electronic band. Electronic-music technology advanced so much in the last 30 years in such an amazing way that it has transformed music.” Transforming music is something that comes naturally to Tennant and Lowe, as their talents are very much in demand as re-mixers for artists ranging from megapop stars like Madonna and Tina Turner to rock bands like Blur and The Killers. Tennant said he enjoys remixing other artists as much as he does writing and recording for the Pet Shop Boys. “Doing a remix is a bit like doing a cover version because you get inside someone else’s song,” he said. “I’ve even sang on some of them because it’s fun and gives it a unique quality that we can bring. It’s a very different thing working with someone’s already-existing material than coming up with something new yourself. We do it because it’s fun.” While the list of artists the Pet Shop Boys has remixed is impressive, Tennant

said he’s been longing to work with one in particular but hasn’t yet. “We’d actually quite like to do a record with Stevie Nicks because I think she’s got an amazing voice,” he said. “In the 1970s and ’80s, I used to hate Fleetwood Mac [Editor’s note: Didn’t we all?] because I liked punk and the rest of it. It was only in recent years that I realized what an amazing voice she’s got. I heard this song she wrote, ‘Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You,’ and it’s such an amazing song. She’s got such an amazing voice. We like working with women, from Dusty Springfield on. We’ve just written a song for Shirley Bassey who’s making an album with the guy who writes music for the James Bond films. She’s a fucking amazing singer and she’s 72.” The Pet Shop Boys are currently on the U.S. leg of their Pandemonium Tour in support of the new album. Tennant said the makeup of the audience at their live shows is largely affected by where they are and how the music press perceives them. “In Germany and Belgium, the audience is really quite young,” he said. “It depends if you’re on the radio. If you’re on the radio, young people come and see you. If not, you’re an ’80s act. America is the only country where we’re classified as an ’80s thing.” But it’s the group’s ability to tour under their own steam and not as part of some nostalgic package tour that separates it from most so-called ’80s acts. “The Pet Shop Boys have carried on doing what they do, changing and getting better,” Tennant said. “No one says that Paul McCartney is a ’60s act. He’s carried on doing work. At one point you could regard Elton John as being a ’70s thing but he survived and does new work. That’s what keeps people going, the new work. Otherwise you just turn into a greatest-hits act.” The Pet Shop Boys perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information, visit www.petshopboys.co.uk or call (609) 2362583. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

Photos: Alasdair McLellan

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Family Portraits When I was in my 20s, I was running around trying to find the latest disco hit and stuffing my size-10 feet into bad platform shoes. Thankfully, Shayne Frederick is more mature than I was. The young Frederick is a businessman and musician who keeps his audiences happy by playing the jazz standards and classic tunes that have stood the test of time. A delightful guy who revels in sharing the music he fell in love with, Frederick took a moment away from tinkling the ivories to talk with PGN. PGN: Why do people seem to still enjoy this type of music after so many years? SF: Standards are always so reachable for people. They can come out and the songs are instantly recognizable. They’ll remember a song they heard Ella Fitzgerald or Nat King Cole or Frank Sinatra sing and it automatically resonates. I love the songs of Duke Ellington or Gershwin or Cole Porter: They’re songs that are going to stand the test of time. When the pop music of today is long gone, people will still know those songs. PGN: What makes them so great? SF: The melodies are beautiful and the lyrics can be quite

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Suzi Nash profound, and when they’re not profound, they’re clever. There’s no more witticism in most contemporary music. It saddens me because there are a lot of brilliant people out there today who are doing mediocre stuff. There are people doing incredible stuff, but they’re usually not on the forefront. PGN: So were you born in this area? SF: I was born in North Carolina. My mother’s family is there and my father’s family is here, so I pretty much grew up with both the city life and the country life. PGN: What were the best parts of each? SF: There’s a simplicity that comes along with country living, which truly is a virtue. If you ever need to find peace of mind, it’s only so far away. You don’t have to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that makes up the crazy high-voltage urban life. That also can be the bad part if you let yourself get too drawn into the monotony of things. For city life, what was great was the availability of resources, especially cultural resources. There’s also a freedom that comes with living in the city. As a child, my family allowed me the freedom to go explore things and, in the city,

that meant going to the library, taking in a museum or a historic site. They trusted me, so I was able to go find things on my own and it was all at my fingertips, unlike the country where you had to drive 100 miles for the nearest museum. PGN: I was the same way. I wonder about this next generation that is constantly under supervision from adults. I think it is going to change their psyche. SF: Yes, because along with freedom comes certain responsibilities. You become accustomed to making better choices because the decisions and consequences are in your hands. These days, we’re closed in, we’re packed in on top of each other and we’re constantly under surveillance from somebody, be it a parent or store camera, there’s always someone watching. So the first chance kids get to be on their own, they burst at the seams and go crazy — boys and girls gone wild. PGN: Are you an only child? SF: I have a half-brother through my mother, but I kind of grew up as an only child. I had the space and the freedom and the attention that an only child would get. PGN: First or favorite book?

SHAYNE FREDERICK

SF: Oh, I was a bookworm. I read everything. I started reading at a very early age and even got a job at the library as a kid. I remember I was really into the “Encyclopedia Brown” series. He was a young boy who was curious and liked to solve things. I loved the mystery and intrigue of the stories. PGN: What do you read now? SF: I still read anything and everything, but I love Toni Morrison. She writes a lot about relationships, especially those

concerning African-American women, but her themes are universal. And the way she pulls you into a story is genius. I definitely appreciate her craftsmanship as a writer. PGN: So how did you get into music? SF: Both my parents are musicians. My mom is a church musician and has been since before I was born. At 14, she was the minister of music at her church in North Carolina and I grew up, along with my half-brother, sitting beside her on the piano bench at church. She was a self-taught, play-by-ear kind of woman and she had, still has, a spectacular voice. Very touching, and I enjoyed watching people respond to her and seeing how she inspired people through her voice. My father played saxophone and we still play together on occasion here in Philadelphia. He was more a contemporary jazz player, along the lines of Grover Washington Jr. It wasn’t until I was about 13 that I started really getting into music. Like with books, I took in everything, not just the gospel from my mother’s side or the R&B from my father; I started listening to all kinds of music. I think it’s vital to learn about multiple styles of music to be well-rounded. When I was 18, my father bought me a keyboard and I taught myself how to play. I took some classes in music theory when I was at Dartmouth, but I was mostly self-taught. I also joined the Jazz Ensemble in Philadelphia under the direction

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

of Trudy Pitts. PGN: What’s the craziest aspect of your work? SF: Well, especially when playing at happy hours in bars and restaurants, you often come across someone who’s gotten a little inebriated and is a little too happy. They’ll grab the mic and try to sing or want to sing along with me and it doesn’t always go well. As a performer, my job is to keep it going and especially in jazz, you have to improvise, but when the unexpected variable is alcohol, sometimes people fall flat and there’s no way to recover. I had a woman last week who was celebrating an event a little too much. She decided to sing “At Last” by Etta James and halfway through the song, she just blanked out for a good 15 seconds. That’s a lot of dead space, and there’s no real way to fix that, but the crowd is understanding. They know a piano bar is all about debauchery and merriment. It’s all in good fun. PGN: Do you play any other instruments? SF: My mom had a band with her family and I played a little drum for them in the studio. I’m in the process of teaching myself acoustic guitar right now. My father would probably like me to follow in his steps and play a horn but ... now, don’t tell anyone. [Laughs.] I don’t like the sax: I secretly despise it! PGN: Tell me about the family band. Were you like the gospel version of the von Trapps? SF: Actually, we were more oldschool R&B. It was really my uncle’s band. They were called The Hesitations. They played little events and spots in rural North Carolina. When they would go into the studio, they would let me join them doing some percussion. It was fun; I was only 7 or 8 at the time and I got to watch these

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

professional-caliber musicians at work. PGN: What’s a favorite moment performing? SF: When I was younger I used to go down to Ortliebs Jazzhaus. I had just learned to play and would go down and listen to the musicians play. I finally got the guts to ask to join in. I downloaded some charts and brought them in to sing. A bunch of the musicians asked me if I was studying at the University of the Arts and I said no. They couldn’t believe that I didn’t have a vocal teacher or formal training. That’s when I started singing. PGN: So how did you come out? SF: Well, it wasn’t a big dramatic experience. I went to Dartmouth College but left after two years. My father had some questions about what was going on in my life. At the time, I remember I was thinking about going into writing and I’d written a letter to some potential employers, one of them being the PGN. I showed him the letter to get his feedback. He looked at the letter addressed to Philadelphia Gay News and said, “Hmm, that’s interesting. OK, the letter looks good, son.” It was one of those moments where nothing was said and everything was said in one moment. As I said, he’s always trusted me and my judgment and always respected me as a man. The relationship never changed; in fact, it actually got better when he bought me the keyboard. I think my father bought it so that we could do some father-son bonding over music. It worked. PGN: Other interests? SF: I still like to write. I write a lot of poetry. I’ve had people urge me to publish it, so hopefully one day soon I’ll pursue that. I like all creative energy. I do keep See PORTRAIT, Page 30

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Q Puzzle Dueling Divas Across

1. Prefix for Michelangelo’s land 6. Single drag queen’s title? 10. Pleasured orally 14. Playwright Karel 15. Gay Talese’s “ ___ the Sons” 16. Scott of “Happy Days” 17. Bar fight 18. Fey feline film felon 19. Rival of Madonna 20. Rival of Madonna 23. Scale notes 24. “A Boy Named Sue” writer Silverstein 25. Author whose poems inspired “Cats” 27. Magneto portrayer McKellen 30. Wilson of “Zoolander” 32. Letter before omega 33. Moisten boxers 35. Lorre’s detective 37. Kiss from Kahlo 41. Rival of Debbie Reynolds 44. Bonehead 45. Invitation to a top? 46. Conquers, sexually 47. Bird from down under 49. Comes out on the beach 51. Fuss and feathers 52. Series of waterfalls 56. Obeys the cox 58. Rainbow shape 59. Rival of Suzanne Somers 64. Fontaine, rival of Olivia de Havilland 66. It comes out of your head 67. Transsexual Richards 68. Annapolis sch. 69. Button’s place 70. Stand next to O’Keeffe 71. Kristy McNichol sitcom “Empty ___ ” 72. Gets hard 73. One that mates with a queen bee

PGN

Down

1. SALT subject 2. Scarlett’s plantation 3. On ___ with 4. Sculptor Edmonia 5. “I Cain’t Say No” musical 6. Eye candy for gay guys 7. Peru native 8. Opening 9. Result of forgetting the lube? 10. “Ab Fab” network 11. “Gross Anatomy” actress Christine 12. Kids’ song refrain 13. Bottom-of-the-barrel 21. Cut 22. Etheridge album “___, I Am” 26. Tripoli’s country 27. Treated a swollen member 28. Alice’s Restaurant patron 29. “Chicago” co-producer Meron 31. “Try someone else”

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34. 36. 38. 39. 40. 42. 43. 48. 50. 52. 53. 54. 55. 57. 60. 61. 62. 63. 65.

Montezuma was one Fate “East of Eden” director Kazan “Gone,” at an auction Estimator’s words Woman’s chambers Shot back Hoolihan’s “M*A*S*H” rank Physique, informally Bourbon Street cuisine Became erect Gives the once-over Vocalist Gorme Say “*&%@#!” Relief of Lincoln Words before many words Andrew Van de Camp, for one Prefix with tubbies Singer Cole

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 28

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

LGBT artists shine at Live Arts/Fringe By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe have returned to provide the City of Brotherly Love with another 16 days of entertaining and thought-provoking theater, dance, music and everything in between, Sept. 4-19. And, as always, the festival is presenting a wealth of LGBT talent, making its mark with amazing displays of creativity. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough space to highlight all of the shows and exhibits worthy of catching, but the following are some of the LGBT performers and performances that should not be missed this week. TIDE SCRAP Performance Group is using the world premiere of its show to celebrate the company’s 15th anniversary. In “TIDE,” the experimental dance-theater exam-

ines the disconnection of humans and the natural world through the stories of six witnesses and asks what pieces of our past we hold on to to survive. “It’s complicated,” SCRAP cofounder Myra Bazell explained. “The original idea is full and rich and complicated. A slice of that original idea dealt with being at the end of time. So indeed there is mass destruction going on — and we know there is — that means we’re at some edge. We’re experiencing this tipping point and this end. Part of this piece is how we don’t see this as one big thrust, one big band and one big blinding light. We’re seeing it in tiny little increments around the globe.” The show will be especially notable, as Bazell will be performing with the group for the first time in a while. Her life partner, Madison Cario, credited a wager between them for getting Bazell back into the spotlight. “I won a bet and I get whatever

I want,” she said. “I wanted to see her back on stage. She’s one of the most phenomenal performers that I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot of performers. I have a vested interest and I’m a little biased, but still.” SCRAP is calling this performance of “TIDE” a world premiere and, essentially, it is. But if anyone caught the group at Broad Street Ministry or Philadelphia’s Magic Garden, they witnessed the early and in-progress versions of the show. “This is the third iteration,” Bazell said. “The other two versions were leading up to this one. It’s the same jumping-off place, same point of departure, same concept, same research and the same issues.” “It’s a very different world, though,” Cario added. “When we first started this piece, George W. Bush was still in office, which emotionally and politically was a huge impetus and drive to work

on this.” “Those were hard years, but still the premise and the basic concept we set out to make took two years to develop,” Bazell said. “And now it’s premiering. So we’re at the culmination and climax of that two-year process. There were two performances of this work — one happened two years ago and one happened last year at the Fringe Festival. [They] were sort of works-in-progress but they were full-out productions in their own right. When we put something on stage, there’s going to be an integrity to the work. When we invite an audience to see a piece, they’re going to see a full production. However, we knew that we were showing the public pieces and parts of this work that would eventually culminate in this final production.” One major change in the final production of TIDE is the venue, which Bazell said gives the performance a different aesthetic than the previous performances. “We edited, omitted and lost a lot of material, and took with us what we thought were the pearls and essential elements, and put it in the Ice Box, which is the antithesis to Isaiah Zagar’s Magic Mosaic Garden, which is all texture, all information, all color, all the time. The Ice Box is a big, white, empty box, which ties back to our initial concept for the work. So we let the work go through all these iterations to gather material and glean stories from our envi-

“TIDE”

Photo: L. Browning

ronments.” SCRAP Performance Group presents “TIDE” through Sept. 7 at Ice Box Performance Space, 1400 N. American St. Call (215) 413-1318 for tickets. Wake Up Philadelphia “Our weather lady is a drag queen,” David Burgess said about “Wake Up Philadelphia.” Sold! Even if Casaburdan Productions didn’t boast a mostly gay cast and a multimedia send-up of Philadelphia’s colorful news personalities, forecasting in drag is pretty much a lock for our Fringe dancecard. The company’s founding members, Burgess and Kevin Jordan, said that while the names have been changed to protect ... well ... them, the funny and fictional tales

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

“URBAN SCUBA”

of the cast and crew of Channel 42 News should be familiar to most. “It’s really just about having a good time and enjoying the news. It’s local comedy, local situations and local locations,” Burgess said. “We’re making fun of everything that has to do with Philadelphia morning news.” “The show takes place over a nine-month period of time,” Jordan added. “There are four 15minute acts: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. So there’s a storyline and character development that you will experience as well. It’s not just the news. There’s a story with it. We stick with the lives of the anchors. You see a little bit of what’s going on behind the scenes.” Jordan also said recent Philadelphia events might seep into the production. “With Michael Vick in the news so much, it would be a real shame not to have something about that. We have stories hitting on the economy, Philadelphia being the fattest city and needing to get trans fats out of our children’s diets.” Yeah, yeah, right ... back to the drag queens. Wouldn’t we all watch the news a little more if drag queens were the anchors? “I don’t know,” Burgess said. “They could be really hard to deal with. That was sarcasm. We’ve both done our share of drag.” “Wake Up Philadelphia!” “airs” Sept. 5-13 at Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave. Call (215) 413-1318 for tickets.

Sanders presents his newest dance production in the basement of the Gershman Y, in the venue’s huge, abandoned swimming pool, which has been deserted for 15 years. He said the stark and neglected setting provides the perfect backdrop for this piece. “It takes place in the deep end of a swimming pool. The audience is going to be sitting in the shallow end,” Sanders said. “I’m doing a piece about life in the city. We go into this hole, which is anywhere between an old swimming pool and a tar pit, excavating the

history of this hole. I wanted to use water and play with light and the reflective qualities of water. That gave me some inspirational ideas. It’s definitely a site-specific piece.” Sanders also admitted that, while the pool makes for a great setting, it also presents some technical challenges for him and his dancers, who are trying to combine humor, exotic costuming and extreme physicality into this unique performance. “Obviously there’s been plenty of aquatic artists,” he said. “Ester Williams, synchronized swimmers and all of that stuff has been done before. We’re just going to take a new bent on things and invent things anew. We’re dealing with dance inside [in a medium that is] weightless. Normally dance is done with weight. Some way or another, we pretend that it doesn’t exist or try to defy gravity. When you get inside water, the weight goes away. You become buoyant. We’re also having to deal with the lack of traction. We literally couldn’t do anything we planned on because it was too slippery, so we had to redesign costumes or invent new movements. All the usual known factors change.” Urban Scuba hits the water through Sept. 13 at the pool at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St. Call (215) 413-1318 for tickets.

PAGE 29

Inside Julia Child “Either we’re just coincidentally well-timed or it’s some kind of collective subconscious thing going on,” said John Jarboe about his one-man show, “Inside Julia Child.” The openly gay actor, who cocreated the show with Rebecca Wright, said they had no idea the hit movie “Julie & Julia” was going to hit screens a month before their show was set to debut at Philly Fringe. But they’re not worried about it stealing any of their thunder. “The piece we’re doing has no relation to the movie at all except it’s about Julia Child,” Jarboe said. “I do get a sense that there is a Julia Child mania going on right now. I think it’s going to draw people to the show.” Jarboe and Wright use Child’s career in the culinary arts and television as an inspirational map

for Jarboe’s experiences as a gay man. “We’re both kind of obsessed with Julia Child,” he said. “It relates to her relationship with public failure. Actors are having to get up in front of an audience all the time and fall on their faces. Julia Child does it with such grace and humor. I had received as a gift a bunch of her TV episodes. I used to just watch them over and over again for entertainment. I didn’t even do the cooking.” “Inside Julia Child” heats up Sept. 5-6 at Philly Kitchen Share, 1514 South St. Call (215) 4131318 for tickets. F o r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n o n Philadelphia Live Arts and Philly Fringe, visit www.pafringe.com. ■

Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

Writing Man Productions presents @ The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater 2111 Sansom St.

‘Ships’

Written & directed by Shawn O’Shea Starring: David Stahl Nikiya Palombi Ken Sandberg Peter Roccaforte

Urban Scuba With its location and degree of technical difficulty, JUNK’s production “Urban Scuba” is bound to be one of the more striking visions found at Live Arts this year. Out choreographer Brian

September 4 - 19 “INSIDE JULIA CHILD”

Admission: $10.00 www.writingmanproductions.com/SHIPS

Photo: Scott A. Drake

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 30

PORTRAIT From Page 27 a day job too, working for the [city] Department of Health, and there’s some creativity within that job as well. PGN: Song you’re embarrassed to admit you like? SF: Well, I like really sad music,

the kind that makes people want to jump off a bridge. There’s something really poignant about them that I love. When I play, I try to play happier music for the crowd, but for me, there are songs like “Misery” by Carmen McCrae that are grotesquely depressing but have a deep beauty in the emotions expressed.

PGN: Random question: What’s your favorite dessert? SF: Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Like, so much chocolate, it would get me high from the fumes. PGN: A favorite teacher? SF: My chemistry teacher in 10th grade, Joyce Stubbs. She was crazy in a good way

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

— a little zany. She invested a lot of emotion in the information that she shared with us. A lot of kids hate science class, but she was so energetic and enthralling that she drew everyone in. She was emphatic that everyone pay attention and participate in the science she taught us. She paid personal attention to each of us and I loved her for it. She also had a great anecdote for everything and made a big deal out of the fact that she taught Will Smith at Overbrook High School, which impressed us a lot. PGN: What school did you go to? SF: George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. PGN: Most unusual job? SF: Binding books in the

library at Dartmouth. We’re talking needle and thread, cardboard and glue. I hated it. PGN: Have you traveled outside of the States? SF: Sadly, no. I’m waiting for a rich benefactor to come along and send me on a worldwide tour ... PGN: What’s the most important aspect of what you do? SF: As far as my music is concerned, I love to deliver a song that is touching and loving and that sends out positive energy to people. I’m secretly a hopeless romantic and I think it comes out in my music. I get emotionally invested in what I’m singing. I love for people to come out and have a good time. It’s not pretentious and uptight: We have a jazzy jukejoint feel where people can join in the fun.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PGN: What are some romantic lyrics you’d like to share? SF: There’s a Portuguese song called “Estate” that was translated into Italian, then English. The end goes: “Always feel you near me, in every song the morning breeze composes; in all the tender wonder of the roses, each time the setting sun smiles on the sea. And when you sleep beneath the snowy cover, I’ll keep you in my heart just like a lover and wait until you come again to me.” PGN: As a professional musician, what advice would you give to the you of 10 years ago? SF: Well, I’m only 26, so I would have been 16 10 years ago. I actually went to college in New Hampshire at 16 under an early-admissions program. Looking back, was I equipped

for it? I don’t know; I think I made some crazy choices and then had to pull myself out and regroup. At that point, I had the world in the palm of my hand — or at least thought so. If I could go back and talk to myself, I would have made sure I focused differently. But then again, had I done that, I wouldn’t be where I am now. And I think we end up where we end up for a specific reason. And I probably wouldn’t be getting interviewed by you right now if I’d changed things! I’ll say this, for anyone interested in doing anything musically: The key, before you ever open your mouth or touch an instrument, is to listen. You have to listen to good people at their utmost and learn from them. There are people out there mimicking performers who are essentially not

BEAR NITE with KENDALL and CHRIS SHIRK Saturday Sept. 12, 2009 7:00 PM

Stonewall - Mooselounge , 28 North 10th St. Allentown PA Tickets: $10.00 ea, 3 for $25.00 , $15.00 day of show if available. Contact for tickets : gobabevents@yahoo.com or 610.451.5737

www.gobab.org Presented by: Gentlemen of Berks and Beyond

PGN

Gay is our middle name.

Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show An Outdoor Art Show of Original Artwork

Fast becoming one of the most respected outdoor art shows in the country More than 140 top artists from around the country will

“CIRCLE THE SQUARE” Rittenhouse Square at 18th and Walnut in Center City Philadelphia

September 18 - 20, 2009

Friday 11-7 • Saturday 11-6 • Sunday 11-5 For more information call 1-877-689-4112 or visit RittenhouseSquareArt.org

that good, and that will always end up costing you. If you mimic someone who is not the best, you will never excel, but if you listen to the greatest ones at their peak and take in the hard work and genius, you will be ahead of the game. You have to understand what the rules are

PAGE 31

before you decide to break them and stretch them. For those of you dying to get your Cole Porter groove on or who find that karaoke players just don’t contain the classic tunes you want to hear and belt out, you can catch Shayne

Frederick at the Cascamorto Piano Bar, 1939 Arch St.; (215) 563-4704. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to: Family Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 32

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Best Sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960; www.giovannisroom.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales. DVDs GAY 1. “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom,” directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (2008, 101 min., $24.95 DVD). “Noah’s Arc” is back, and you’re invited to the big wedding! But can Noah and Wade really pull it off? Will Ricky’s sexcapades get the better of him? Can Chance and Eddie stay together? And can Alex stay sane? Get set for a wild wedding weekend of love, laughs, sex and some serious drama. 2. “Were the World Mine,” directed by Tom Gustafson (2008, 95 min., $24.95 DVD). Armed with a magical love potion and empowered by dazzling musical fantasies, struggling with his identity and acceptance, adorable teen Timothy turns his narrow-minded town gay while capturing the heart of Jonathon, the rugby jock of his dreams.

3. “Gods of Football: The Making of the 2009 Calendar,” directed by Grant Carroll (2009, 80 min., $24.95 DVD). Australia’s hottest footballers (rugby players) naked for a cause! Built! Hot! Sexy! And baring it all for breast-cancer research! 4. “Milk,” directed by Gus Van Sant (2008, 121 min., $19.95 DVD). Based on the politically resonant and thoroughly timely screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, Van Sant follows the arc of Milk’s political awakening, from closeted Brooklyn insurance executive to doyen of San Francisco’s Castro district’s burgeoning gay mecca in the 1970s. 5. “Pick Up the Mic: The Evolution of Homohop,” directed by Alex Hinton (2008, $19.95 DVD). 6. “The New Twenty,” directed by Chris Mason Johnson (2008, 92 min., $24.95 DVD). 7. “A Jihad for Love,” directed by Parvez Sharma (2008, 81 min., $24.95 DVD). 8. “Pedro,” directed by Nick Oceano (2008, 93 min., $24.95

DVD). 9. “Paris Is Burning,” directed by Jennie Livingston (2005, 71 min., $29.95 DVD). 10. “Polyester and Dangerous Living,” directed by John Waters (1977, sale $11.85 DVD). LESBIAN 1. “The Gymnast,” directed by Ned Farr (2006, 98 min., $24.95 DVD). Winner of 28 awards, this is a visually stunning film about hope, second chances and finding the courage to defy gravity. 2. “Stranger Inside,” directed by Cheryl Dunye (2001, 96 min., $9.95 DVD). 3. “Lesbian Sex & Sexuality,” directed by Katherine Linton (2007, 158 min., $29.95 DVD). Takes viewers on an uncharted and provocative journey where the subject of lesbian sexuality and desire isn’t whispered, but celebrated. 4. “Chained Girls and Daughters of Lesbos,” directed by Joseph P. Mawra (1965, 61 min., $9.95 DVD). 5. “She Likes Girls 4: 8 Great Lesbian Short Films,” by various directors (2008, 98 min.,

$24.95 DVD). 6. “Girl + Girl: Classic Lesbian Short Films,” various directors (2006, 88 min., $19.95 DVD). This wonderfully entertaining batch of lesbian short films showcases long-unavailable film-festival favorites and pioneering works. 7. “The Guitar,” directed by Amy Redford (2008, 93 min., $26.95 DVD). 8. “Vickie Shaw: You Can Take the Girl Out of Texas ... ,” stand-up comedy (2008, 59 min., $19.95 DVD). 9. “Gia,” directed by Michael Cristofer (1998, 126 min., $5.95! DVD). Angelina Jolie gives a stunning performance as reallife queer supermodel Gia who lived the wild life of the New York fashion scene in the ’70s. 10. “Mango Kiss,” directed by Sascha Rice (2003, 88 min., $19.95 DVD). BOOKS LESBIAN INTEREST 1. “Secrets in Stone,” by Radclyffe (Bold Strokes, $16.95 pb).

2. “The Other Side of Paradise: A Memoir,” by Staceyann Chin (Scribner, $24 hb). From the iconic and charismatic star of Russell Simmons’ “Def Poetry Jam” comes this brave and fiercely candid memoir about growing up in Jamaica by performer, activist and writer Chin. 3. “Choices,” by Skyy (Kings Crossing, $14.95 pb). Skyy’s myriad characters provide readers with yet another enlightening glimpse into the lives of lesbians from all walks of life, and give readers flavor and plenty of options when it comes to identifying with its characters. 4. “Consequences,” by Skyy (Kings Crossing, $15.95 pb). School’s back in session and there’s a lot of unfinished business to handle. As Lena prepares for her wedding day, she can’t help but think about Denise, her sexy b-ball roommate who almost stole her away. 5. “Death of a Dying Man: The Fifth Micky Knight Mystery,” by J.M. Redmann (Bold Strokes, $16.95 pb). 6. “Girl Crazy: Coming Out Erotica,” edited by Sacchi

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Green (Cleis, $14.95 pb). 7. “Thief of Always,” by Kim Baldwin (Bold Strokes, $15.95 pb). 8. “September Canvas,” by Gun Brooke (Bold Strokes, $16.95 pb). 9. “Tipping the Velvet,” by Sarah Waters (Riverhead, $16 pb). 10. “Dark Garden,” by Jennifer Fulton (Bold Strokes, $16.95 pb). GAY INTEREST 1. “Deception, Lies and Truth,” by Dwayne Vernon (Norcarjo Publishing, $15 pb). Will prison life change Daunte, and can his relationship with Mia survive after his rape in prison? Reese has a promising NFL career and loving relationship with Mike. Now that the fact that he’s gay is out, will that destroy everything he worked so hard for? Will teammates Antonio and Keith

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

stay by his side or will they betray him? 2. “The Alphabetical List of Would Be Princes,” by Fred Shelly (Lulu, 201 pp., $16 pb). An inventive tale about wanting to hold on and learning to let go; looking for love and allowing love to find you; and figuring out the rules and knowing when to break them. 3. “Bigger Than Life: The History of Gay Porn Cinema From Beefcake to Hardcore,” by Jeff Escoffier (Running Press, 367 pp., $24.95 hb). After the Stonewall riots and the emergence of the gay liberation movement in 1969, a number of entrepreneurs began to make gay adult movies for the new mail-order market. The gay porn film industry grew dramatically during the next 30 years and transformed the way men — gay men in particular — conceived of masculinity and their sexual-

ity. “Bigger Than Life” tells that story. 4. “Object of Desire,” by William Mann (Kensington, 416 pp., $24 hb). From the acclaimed author of “Where the Boys Are” and “The Men From the Boys” comes a compelling new novel that takes readers from the bars of West Hollywood to the glamorous gay world of Palm Springs as it explores sex, aging, obsession and love. 5. “Blind Fall,” by Christopher Rice (Pocket Books, 302 pp., $15 pb). “New York Times”bestselling author Rice delivers the gripping story of an Iraqi War vet seeking redemption and revenge when one of his fellow Marines is brutally murdered. 6. “The Conversion,” by Joseph Olshan (St. Martin’s Griffin, 304 pp., $14.95 pb). Russell Todaro, a young American translator, moves to Paris to take stock of his life and goals only to further

PAGE 33

lose himself in the surprising twists fate has in store for him. 7. “No More Tomorrows: Two Lives, Two Stories, One Love,” by Rodney Lofton (Strebor Books, 199 pp., $1 pb). A touching love story of two men (one HIV-Positive, one HIV-Negative) and the impact of living and loving in the age of AIDS. 8. “Hero,” by Perry Moore (Hyperion, 428 pp., $8.99 pb). The executive producer of Disney and Walden Media’s film adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” tells an unforgettable story about the coming of age of a young superhero, in a groundbreaking novel of love, loss, and redemption. 9. “Vast Fields of Ordinary,” by Nick Burd (Dial Books, 309 pp., $16.99 hb). 10. “My Man, My Boyz,” by Dwayne Vernon (Norcario, $15 pb). ■

Be a Brick! Buy a Brick for $50 or a Lintel for $500. Help reconstruct our front wall! MON. - SAT. 11:30 - 7p.m. SUNDAY 1:00 - 7p.m. email: giovannis_room@verizon.net

Gay is our middle name.

PGN

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 34

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Hot Spots PHILLY NIGHTLIFE 12th Air Command 254 S. 12th St. 215.545.8088 12thair.com Multi-level bar, dancing, deck

The Bike Stop 206 S. Quince St. 215.627.1662 thebikestop.com The city’s leather bar with three ﬂoors of action Bob & Barbara’s 1509 South St. 215.545.4511 Drag night, Thurs. 10 p.m. Bump 1234 Locust St. 215.732.1800 Trendy bar and eatery Camac 1305 Locust St. 215.545.1040 A happy happy-hour place with great brick oven pizza Fluid 613 S. Fourth St. 215.629.3686 Trendy dance club off South St. Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166

info@knockphilly.com Fine dining and drink in a great atmosphere More Than Just Ice Cream 1119 Locust St. 215.574.0586 Lunch, dinner and dessert! Pure 1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 purephilly.com Late-night club experience Shampoo 417 N. Eighth St. 215.922.7500 shampooonline.com Gay on Friday Sisters 1320 Chancellor St. 215.735.0735 sistersnightclub.com Women’s bar, restaurant, dance ﬂoor, karaoke Stir Lounge 1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 Bar/lounge near Ritt. Sq. Tavern on Camac 243 S. Camac St. 215.545.0900 tavernoncamac.com Restaurant, piano bar w/ Fri. and Sat. dance nights

Uncles Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660 Small, friendly corner bar Valanni 1229 Spruce St. 215.790.9494 valanni.com Dinner & w/e brunch Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Bar/restaurant Westbury 261 S. 13th St. 215.546.5170 thewestburybar.net Plasma TVs abound in this hot sports spot Woody’s 202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com Multi-level bar, dancing

AIDS Thrift Store 514 Bainbridge St. 215.922.3186

Clothes, housewares, books, collectibles, etc.

Alexander Inn 301 S. 12th St. 215.923.3535 www.alexanderinn.com Boutique hotel with all of the amenities Brew HaHa! 214 S. 12th St. 215.893.5680 brewhaha.com Coffee, tea and seating with a great view of the ’hood Chartreuse 1200 Spruce St.

215.545.7711 www.chartreuseﬂorist.com Flowers, plants

BUSINESSES

Club Body Center 1220 Chancellor St. 215.735.7671 Bathhouse near bars. 24 hours

204 S. 12th St.

Cut

12th St. Gym 215.985.4092

204 S. 13th St.

Adonis Cinema 2026 Sansom St. 215.557.9319 Multi-level adult theater

Dada Rug and Gallery

215.545.3930 Hair and skin studio 113 S. 12th St.

215.238.9150

Danny’s Adam and Eve 133 S. 13th St. 215.925.5041 Gay-owned adult bookstore. Video booths. 24 hours Gables Bed & Breakfast

4520 Chester Ave.

215.662.1918 Quaint, gay-owned B&B in University City

Giovanni’s Room 1145 Pine St. 215.923.2960 The oldest LGBT bookstore in the country Independent Hotel 1234 Locust St. 215.772.1440 www.theindependenthotel. com Luxury accomodation in the heart of the Gayborhood Joe Pesce 1118 Walnut St. 215.829.4400 www.joepescerestaurant. com Sicilian-style seafood Matthew Izzo 151 N. Third St. 215.829.0606 www.matthewizzo.com

Protect your ASSets....BUY GOLD The government is printing money like crazy. Gold cannot be printed! History will repeat! – It always does!

No sales tax on Coins or Bullion

Sansom Coin Exchange 215 629 8898 721 Sansom Street Jewelers Row

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Philadelphia Java Company 518 S. Fourth St. 215.928.1811 Quaint shop off South Street. Food. Outdoor seating The Pleasure Chest 2039 Walnut St. 215.561.7480 Sansom Street Cinema 120 S. 13th St. 215.545.9254 Adult theater near bars, 24 hours Sansom Street Gym 2020 Sansom St. 267.330.0151 sansomstreetgym.com Philly’s newest bathhouse Soleil at 12th Street 202 S. 12th St. 215.735.8786 Tanning booths and beds Spruce St. Video

252 S. 12th St. 215.546.6843 Gay and Hollywood ﬁlm rentals and sales

Thai Chef & Noodle Fusion 2028 Chestnut St. 215.568.7058 Dine in, dine out, delivery and BYOB

WE BUY and SELL GOLD BULLION & COINS Eagles Maples Credit Swiss Foreign Exchange

P.H.A.G. 1225 Walnut St. 215.627.0461 Furnishings, art, cards, unique gifts

Supreme Bean Café 615 South St. 215.629.2250 Hipster/hippie shop on South Street

Why blow your wad on the stock market? Real estate can be like throwing money down a hole!

Krugerrands

Fashion, furnishings and fabulous salon

THE 29TH ANNUAL HAMILTON STREET PORCH SALE Saturday, September 12, 10 am to 4 pm (Rain Date: Sunday, September 13)

MORE THAN 150 VENDORS ALONG 3300 to 3700 BLOCKS OF HAMILTON STREET in HISTORIC POWELTON VILLAGE Hamilton Street is located 5 blocks north of Market Street in University City – West Philadelphia Furniture, collectibles, food, tools, electronics, books, records, CD’s, and tapes, clothing, toys and much more. This event is sponsored by the Powelton Village Civic Association (non-proﬁt). Come and ﬁnd bargains, enjoy the food, and have fun.

Three Trees Custom Framing 722 S. Fourth St. 215.922.4533

TLA Video

1520 Locust St. 215.735.7887 tlavideo.com Gay and Hollywood ﬁlm rentals and sales

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

worth watching:

Q on the tube:

FRIDAY Southland Michael Cudlitz stars as John Cooper, a gay butch cop in L.A. with a Latino lover. Ben gets involved in a spree of home invasions involving people from his past. 8 p.m. on NBC. Glee Pilot episode of the dramedy about a high-school glee club. Fabulous. Starring out lesbian actor Jane Lynch. 9 p.m. on Fox. Drugstore Cowboy Four pansexual junkies rob their way across the Pacific Northwest. With Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch. 9:15 p.m. on IFC. David Letterman Neil Patrick Harris guests. 11:35 p.m. on CBS. Jimmy Kimmel Oprah’s fave queer interior designer and resident cutie pie hunk Nate Berkus guests, plus queer musical guest Maxwell. 12:05 a.m. on ABC. SATURDAY Panic Room Jodie Foster stars in this taut thriller as a mother trapped with her child in a “safe room” during a home invasion. 8 p.m. on TNT. The Secret Life of Bees Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson star in this film about a young white girl (Dakota Fanning) and the black women who befriend her in 1960s South Carolina. 8 p.m. on HBO. SUNDAY True Blood Two fang-to-fang reruns before the Sept. 13 season finale, in which mayhem in Bon Temps reaches a fever pitch as Maryann prepares for her ultimate bestial sacrifice, conscripting Sookie to be Maid of Honor at the bloody nuptials. 9 p.m. on HBO. Mad Men Peggy needs a new roommate. 10 p.m. on AMC. MONDAY Gimme Sugar: Miami The LA Truck Stop gals are in Miami to hook lesbians up for

PAGE 35

Closet case By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor

HAVING A BARD TIME: The gay interpretation of the classic Shakespeare comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” hits cable this week as the award-winning film “Were the World Mine” premieres at 9 p.m. Sept. 7 on Logo. The playful musical tells the story of Timothy, a bullied gay student at an all-boy private high school struggling to fit in with his peers while helping his mother accept his sexuality. Things start looking up when Timothy is cast as Puck in the school’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” allowing him to get closer to his crush Jonathan, a straight jock, who is cast as one of the play’s lead roles.

love. 10 p.m. on Logo. TUESDAY Hell’s Kitchen Gordon Ramsay abuses gay and straight chefs with relish. Only eight remain. 9 p.m. on Fox. America’s Got Talent The best talent show on TV has moved to the live finals with only 20 acts left. 9 p.m. on NBC. Elimination rounds air on Wednesday at 9 p.m. There just might be a queer winner this season. WEDNESDAY The Real World: Cancun Bronne is a nude model and boxer from Penn State who has issues with boundaries and likes to get naked. Derek is very

Queer TV you can always see: Guiding Light Natalia is determined to win Olivia back, especially now that her son Rafe has enlisted in the Army. She goes to Olivia and pleads with her, but Olivia says, “What if you leave me again?” Yet she tells everyone she’s never loved anyone as much as she loves Natalia. The series ends Sept. 18. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. on CBS. The Young & The Restless Adam is being backed into a

pretty and openly gay. 10 p.m. on MTV. Top Chef The meanest of all cooking competitions with a regular menu of queer competitors is back and in Las Vegas. 10 p.m. on Bravo. THURSDAY Big Brother Live elimination show. With gay contestant Kevin Campbell, the toughest of the players. 8 p.m. on CBS. (Other new episodes air Sunday at 8 p.m. and Tuesday at 9 p.m.) Project Runway The most elegant queen on TV, fashion guru Tim Gunn, in the best fashion show ever. 10 p.m. on Lifetime. corner by his father and Rafe. Monday-Friday, 12:30 p.m. on CBS. As the World Turns Luke and Noah have no idea Holden is still alive, so his “death” continues to complicate things for the star-crossed duo. Mason gets closer to Noah. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS. One Life to Live Kyle keeps pressing Fish to acknowledge their relationship. Nick wants to help. 2 p.m. on ABC. The Rachel Maddow Show Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.

Salvatore Romano is a closet case. Bryan Batt is not. The actor who plays the married but wildly on the downlow art director on AMC’s critically acclaimed “Mad Men” is openly and proudly gay. Batt’s character, however, typifies not just the lives of 1960s gay men, but many gay characters being portrayed on the tube today. A full 40 years after Stonewall, coming out is still an issue in real life, but it’s even more problematic on TV, reflecting the conflict writers on both network and cable often have between wanting to portray gay men and lesbians realistically and facing producers’ queries about potential audience response. Too much “gay” might chase away straight audiences. Or at least that’s the prevailing attitude. “Mad Men” has walked an intriguing if sometimes fine line with regard to Romano’s sexuality since the show began in 2007. Since its third season started a few weeks ago, “Mad Men” has put Romano’s storyline on the front-burner. In the premiere episode, Romano has a sexual encounter while he and Don Draper, head of the Sterling Cooper creative team, are on a business trip to Baltimore. The two are staying in a hotel — and Draper, himself having a sexual encounter with a woman — discovers Romano in bed with a hotel employee when a fire alarm forces everyone out of their rooms. Neither man acknowledges the event. Like many gay men then and now, Romano is married. Batt had asked “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner to have Romano marry in season two, because that was the reality for gay men of that era: marriage to a woman to hide their gayness. As “Mad Men” has evolved, the characters at Sterling Cooper have been revealed with all their personal, sexual and creative conflicts. The roles of women and queers in the most competitive business of the 1960s have been highlighted — as has the manner in which straight men treated both. Advertising was where creativity met corporate in the 1960s. But it was also where the past often refused to make way for the future, particularly when it came to women and queers. The shifting mores of the period are reflected at Sterling Cooper. Birth control had just been legalized. Openly gay people were beginning to declare themselves in the workplace. But the reactions among the straight men whose world this was were not welcoming. Women are still viewed as secretary and bed material only, not as possible peers. Gay men, regardless of talent or acumen, are the objects of ridicule. Last season, Romano stood silently as the team disparaged a newly hired advertising executive, Kurt, who had declared he was gay. Looking over the upcoming fall premieres, the number of gay male characters is few. Some peripheral characters return in prime-time offerings like “Desperate Housewives” and “Brothers & Sisters” and TNT’s “Raising the Bar” retains its gay male attorney, Charlie. The new mockumentary “Modern Family” has a gay-male couple as part of its ensemble. TV clearly has an easier time depicting bisexual female characters than gay men. Where “Mad Men” differs from other series is in evolving Romano’s character and his feelings for other men, and his internal war with what’s “normal” for his colleagues and what feels normal for him. In 2009, the closet is still only slightly more open for gaymale characters on TV than it was in “Mad Men’s” era, when Don Murray starred as the closeted gay man in Otto Preminger’s film “Advise and Consent.” And Salvatore Romano is a character who isn’t in a time warp at all, but one who still represents a significant number of gay men in America today. ■

PAGE 36

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Diversions

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

Broadway: A Celebration — An Original Revue Dramateurs at the Barn present a collection of Broadway music and a stroll through the years and the musicals that have become part of history, through Sept. 13 at The Barn Playhouse, Christopher Lane and Rittenhouse Boulevard, Jeffersonville; (610) 5392276. Buddy ... The Buddy Holly Story Surﬂight Theatre presents the hit musical about the magical early days of rock ’n’ roll, through Sept. 5, 201 Engleside Ave., Beach Haven, N.J.; (609) 4929477. Dangerous Corner Langhorne Players present a fascinating combination of mystery and psychological study involving the story of how a dead man disrupts his family and friends until every character and relationship is tested and revealed to be other than it appears, through Sept. 12 at Spring Garden Mill, Tyler State Park, Route 332, Newtown; (215) 860-0818. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Walnut Street Theater presents the story of two suave and shameless con men with two very different styles, Sept. 8-Oct. 25, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Fractured Fairy Tales B. Someday Productions presents a madcap, interactive live performance for kids and adults, Sept. 5-19 at the Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; (215) 413-1318. The Full Monty ReVision Theatre dares to

mythic America in an outpost on the edge of civilization, through Sept. 19 at The Festival Theatre at the Hub, 626 N. Fifth St.; (215) 413-1318.

bare all with the musical based on the Oscarnominated ﬁlm, through Sept. 6 at the historic Carousel House on the Boardwalk, 700 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, N.J.; (732) 455-3059.

Zombie! The Musical Philly Fringe presents a production inspired by classic horror ﬁlms and cult musicals as it follows a mad scientist, a surly sheriff, a pair of young lovers and a zombie hunter as they try to survive in a world overrun by zombies ... and sing about it, through Sept. 11 at Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place; (215) 4131318.

A History of Shit: Manson in Thebes Philly Fringe and Theater of the Evangelical Scientiﬁc Revolution present the North American premiere of a play exploring and deconstructing the American obsession with Charles Manson as a counterculture icon, Sept. 4 and 17 at The Rotunda, 4014 Chestnut St.. and Sept. 11 at First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 413-1318. Missed Connections, A Craigslist Fantasia Philly Fringe and the Curio Theatre Company present an ensemble-based piece created primarily from Philadelphia Craigslist personal and community forums, exploring the social dichotomy of anonymity and identity on the Internet using only found text, through Sept. 19 at Calvary Center Sanctuary, 4740 Baltimore Ave.; (215) 4131318. Neil Simon’s Rumors, A Farce The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater presents a production full of evasions, lies, slamming doors and assumed identities, culminating in a wildly implausible explanation of the whole tangled plot to a skeptical policeman, Sept. 1026, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore; (610) 3284271. Salvation Road The Art Riot Theatrical Co. presents the world-premiere

Music BETTING ON THE PONIES: Dangerous Ponies, selfdescribed as a “good old-fashioned, omni-sexual sunshine punk and power pop ’n’ roll” band, celebrate the release of their new six-song EP with a performance at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Philly AIDS Thrift’s Pair O’ Dice Garage, 527 Bainbridge St. Philly AIDS Thrift, the charitable thrift store that benefits area AIDS organizations, is celebrating its fourth anniversary in September with a month of special events. Other bands sharing the spotlight this evening include Ponies-approved acts like The Longshadows, The New Motels, Flora Lee and DJ Femstar. For more information, visit www.phillyaidsthrift.com or call (215) 922-3186.

story of a brother trying to rescue his sister from a mysterious church, Sept. 46 at Walnut Street Theater’s Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. Sex, Dream & Self Control Out musician and actor Kevin Thornton performs his new one-man show Sept. 4-5 and 18-19 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 7322220, and Sept. 11-17 at Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; (215) 427-

9255. Souvenir The New Hope Arts Center presents the funny yet touching play by Stephen Temperley exploring Florence Foster Jenkins’ rise to fame, culminating in her sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall in 1944, through Sept. 6, 2 Stockton Ave., New Hope; (877) 238-5596. Welcome to Yuba City Pig Iron Theatre Company presents an absurd performance work presenting fragments of

Journey The rock group performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 4-5 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000. The Roots & Biz Markie The hip-hop luminaries perform at 10 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000. Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival Jazz groups Steve Rudolph Quartet, The Victory Jazz Orchestra, Papa John DeFrancesco, Denis DiB and George Rabbai, Dave Posmontier Quarter and Budesa Brothers perform from noon-6 p.m. Sept. 4-6 at Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chaddsford; (610) 3886221. Motorhead with Nashville Pussy and The Reverend Horton Heat The rock bands perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at the House

of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 236-2583. Camden Backyard BBQ The Camden County Board of Freeholders hosts a free daylong festival to promote health and wellness featuring performances by Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Porter Batiste Stoltz, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, North 61 and DFor, from 2-10 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Riverstage at Wiggins Waterfront Park, Mickle Blvd. at the Waterfront, Camden, N.J.; (856) 2162170. Pet Shop Boys The iconic synth-pop group performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 236-2583. The Proclaimers The alt-rock group performs at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs The singer-songwriters perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. The Johnny Cash Experience The cover group celebrates the release of their new CD “David Stone: Live at San Quentin” at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.

Exhibits

Adventures in Modern Art: The Charles K. Williams II Collection The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition drawn from the personal collection of Charles K. Williams II, a distinguished archaeologist and director emeritus of the Corinth excavations of

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn. com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

638-4614.

Broad St.; (215) 413-1318.

Say Good Morning Tiger Lily ArtStar Gallery hosts an exhibition of works from mixed-media artist Amy Rice, through Sept. 13, 623 N. Second St.; (215) 2381557.

LGBT Square Dance Open House Independence Squares shows the ropes to anyone who wants to learn, at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 567-3668.

Shopping in Paris: French Fashion 18501925 The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring the American experience abroad between 1850 and 1925, through Oct. 25, 2600 Benjamin Franklin the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100. through Sept. 13, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; Something to Wear: Fashion in Print 1850(215) 763-8100. 1925 The Philadelphia The Art of Japanese Museum of Art presents Craft: 1875 to the an exhibition exploring Present The Philadelphia Museum the world of fashion and consumer culture through of Art presents an printed publications, exhibition surveying the through Sept. 7, 2600 rich diversity of 20thBenjamin Franklin Pkwy.; century Japanese craft, (215) 763-8100. through Oct. 18, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; A Taste for Modern: (215) 763-8100. The Jeanne Rymer Collection of 20thAutumnal Visions Century Chairs Edge Gallery presents an exhibition by Mike Watson, The Philadelphia Museum exploring nature through an of Art presents an abstract ﬁlter, through Sept. installation of 23 chairs 27, 72 N. Second St.; (215) by the acclaimed designer, through Sept. 20, 2600 413-7072. Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100. David Kube The William Way LGBT Community Center presents What Were They Thinking: 160 Years of an exhibition celebrating Bad Taste the grand-prize winner of Mid-Atlantic Center for the the center’s fourth annual Arts presents an exhibition Juried Art Exhibition, of styles that were the through Sept. 25, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220. height of fashion at some point in recent history, through Nov. 8 at The Henri Matisse and Carriage House Gallery at Modern Art on the the Emlen Physick Estate, French Riviera The Philadelphia Museum 1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J.; (609) 884-5404. of Art presents an exhibition inspired by the Mediterranean vacation spot, through Oct. 25, 2600 Urban Scuba Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; Live Art presents the newest creation from (215) 763-8100. out choreographer Brian Sanders using wild illusions Meanderings created with movement and Artists’ Gallery presents fantastical costumes over an exhibition of work by artists Jennifer Cadoff and water, resulting in humor and extreme physicality, Gail Bracegirdle, through through Sept. 13 at the pool Sept. 6, 32 Coryell St., at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Lambertville, N.J.; (215)

TIDE SCRAP Performance Group celebrates its 15year anniversary and the return of co-artistic director Myra Bazell to the stage with an ever-evolving work of experimental dance theater, through Sept. 7 at Ice Box Performance Space, 1400 N. American St.; (215) 413-1318.

Film

The Searchers The 1956 Western ﬁlm starring John Wayne

PAGE 37

is screened at 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223. The Windmill Movie Bryn Mawr Film Institute presents a screening of the film about filmmaker Richard P. Rogers’ life, exploring the differences between documentary and fiction techniques, at 7 p.m. Sept. 8, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898.

at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322. Nicholson Baker The author of “Anthologist” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Cabaret

Chantal Curtis’ All Male Review The 21-and-over show kicks off at 10 p.m. Sept. 6 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower Crank 2: High Voltage York Road, New Hope; The action ﬁlm is screened (215) 862-5225. at 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483. Poe-sers Pink Hanger Presents will perform a compilation Victor LaValle of female experiences The author of “Big introduced through the Machine” hosts a book poems of Edgar Allen event at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 Poe, from Sept. 10-12

Etc.

Books

PGN

at Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church, 235 N. Fourth St.; visit www.livearts-fringe.org for tickets. Carlos Mencia The comedian performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa’s Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000. Tracy Morgan The comedian performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000. Bill Burr The comedian seen on HBO and Comedy Central performs Sept. 10-12 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001. ■

Pick

Dance

Real-life best friends Mel & El (aka Melanie Adelman and Ellie Dvorkin) have known each other since they were 12 years old and describe their funny show as “Laverne and Shirley” meets “Sex and the City.” They’ve caused quite the stir with their New York City appearances at cabarets and comedy clubs, as well as winning the Backstage Bistro Award for their song “Fagnet.” Catch them when they perform at 9 p.m. Sept. 5 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information, visit www.MelAndEl.com or call (215) 862-5225.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 38

Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations

Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 222-3871. Spanish/English. HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport; (570) 322-8448.

Key numbers

HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, conﬁdential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www. mazzonicenter.org. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.

Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555

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

■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org

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

■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658

■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 592-1513

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633

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

■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330. ■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW ■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria.

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Professional groups ■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 627-9090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn. 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 businesses and professionals. Visit www. IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for information about events, programs and membership; (215) 5570190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

12-step programs and support groups

Gay Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. Fridays at St. Andrew’s Church, 50 York St., Lambertville, N.J.; (215) 986-1029.

S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets from 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; (215) 769-3561. ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIV-positive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St.; (215) 985-3382. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, begins at 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; (215) 387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets at 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; (215) 851-1898.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Wednesdays:

Adult Children of Alcoholics

Meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center. ■ Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Saturdays at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 4569129. ■

Al-Anon

■

Acceptance meets at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets. ■ Beginnings meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■ Community meets at 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; (484) 529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets at 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets at 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Beginners meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2212 Spruce St. ■ Sober and Gay meets at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets at 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Ties That Bind Us is a12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community. Meetings are held from 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call (800) 581-7883. ■ Way Gay Young Peoples meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the William Way Center. ■

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

Meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the William Way Center.

■

Emotional Support

Healing After Loss has monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn. southjersey.com. ■ Pink and Blues is a free depression and bipolar support group for sexual minorities and meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 627-0424. ■ Pink and Blues Main Line, a peer-run mental health support group, meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at Bryn Mawr Consumer Center, 1001 W. Lancaster Ave.; (610) 527-1511. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets at 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; (215) 545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County meets at 7:30 p.m. on second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; (215) 545-2242; www. phillysos.tripod.com. ■

HIV/AIDS

Strength In Numbers Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

A support group for HIV-positive women will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; (215) 387-6055. ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; (215) 563-2424. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, will meet from 3-5 p.m. at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets from 5-7 p.m. at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432. ■

Thursdays:

A support group for HIV-positive men and women will meet from 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; (215) 769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55. N. Broad St.; call Zak, (215) 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. ■

Saturdays:

AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets at 11 a.m. at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington; a social session will follow at 12:30 p.m.; (302) 652-6776. ■

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Meetings are at 2 p.m. Sunday through Saturday and at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center. ■

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

Open meeting, Tuesdays, beginners meet at 5:30 p.m., regular meeting at 6 p.m. at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St., third ﬂoor, room 3208; call Troy, (215) 514-3065. ■

S.A.R.A.

Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and evening hours; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

Mondays, 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 20 N. Route 9, Marmora, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. ■ Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 5423279. ■ Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean View Lodge, Metropolitan Community Church, 521 Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 945-5982. ■ Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ ■

■

Meeting Place rotates listings on a four week schedule.

Mondays:

Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets from 6-8 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. ■

Tuesdays:

■ AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence Branch of the the Free Library, 18

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance abuse problems with ofﬁce in William Way Center; (215) 340-9995.

Smoking Cessation

FreshOUT!, Mazzoni Center’s free quitsmoking program, hosts individual sessions, classes and support groups and offers Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum and lozenges); (215) 563-0652 ext. 228 or e-mail quitsmoking@mazzonienter.org. ■

Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication.

Complete Meeting Place listings of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans, Youth groups can be found online @ www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 39

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Meltdown 101: Why banks’ struggles have worsened By Marcy Gordon The Associated Press Despite signs of an improving economy, the nation’s banks are still struggling — in fact, the pace of bank failures has accelerated. What would it take to turn the banking sector around? And what can people do to protect their savings in the meantime? Here are some questions and answers about the wave of U.S. bank failures, as the latest quarterly snapshot of the industry painted a grim picture. Q: How bad is this wave of failures? A: A cascade of collapses began last year as the ﬁnancial crisis struck. Eighty-four banks have fallen so far this year as tumbling home prices and spiking unemployment pushed loan defaults upward. That’s the largest number in a year since the early 1990s, at the apex of the savings and loan crisis. It compares with 25 bank failures last year and three in 2007. The failures have sapped billions from the federal deposit insurance

fund, which guarantees accountholders’ money when banks go under. The fund stood at $10.4 billion in the second quarter, its lowest point since 1992. The biggest failure this year: Colonial Bank, a heavy regional lender in real-estate development based in Montgomery, Ala., which became the sixth-largest bank failure in U.S. history on Aug. 14. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. seized Colonial and sold its $20 billion in deposits, 346 branches in five states and about $22 billion of its assets to BB&T Corp. Some analysts believe another 100-300 banks could fail before the crisis runs its course, largely because of souring loans for commercial real estate. The number of institutions on the FDIC’s internal “problem list” — those rated by examiners as having very low capital cushions against risk and other deficiencies — jumped to 416 at the end of June from 305 in the first quarter, the agency reported last Thursday. Q: What’s behind this? A: Banks around the country have

run into trouble on their loans for construction and development, the fastest-growing category of troubled loans for U.S. banks, especially in overbuilt areas. Many companies have shut down in the recession, vacating shopping malls and ofﬁce buildings ﬁnanced by the loans. Lots of banks have heavy concentrations of these loans in their lending portfolios, and some small banks are considered by regulators to be particularly vulnerable. Delinquent loan payments and defaults by commercial and residential developers have surged to the highest levels since the early 1990s, during the S&L crisis. At the same time, some recent failures have been smaller banks brought down by garden-variety loans that have soured during the recession. Regulators say they’re concerned about growing delinquencies on prime, conventional home loans. Q: So even though the economy is starting to recover, banks are still struggling? A: The condition of the banking

industry is what economists call a lagging indicator: It falls behind the state of the economy because the problems take longer to percolate through banks, as opposed to other signposts such as consumer spending, gross domestic product or permits for building construction. That means the pain will continue to weigh on the banking sector while the economy rebounds. FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair offered a reminder last week: “Banking industry performance is, as always, a lagging indicator.” Q: What will it take to turn the banking industry around? A: Not much other than time, experts say. “The only thing you could do is ... to ignore the losses that are already there,” said Karen Shaw Petrou, managing partner of Federal Financial Analytics in Washington, D.C. That would be a terrible mistake, she said, noting that regulators’ blind eye in the 1980s prolonged the S&L crisis. “The best thing for the banking industry is just to take it on the chin

and move on,” she said. Q: What about me? What can I do to protect my money in the bank? A: Accounts are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor per bank. Joint accounts are insured up to that amount for each co-owner of the account; individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, held in banks are also insured. If you have multiple individual accounts at one bank, it’s important to structure them carefully so they don’t exceed the limits. The FDIC has a calculator on its Web site called the electronic deposit insurance estimator, or EDIE, that can help determine how much money in deposit accounts, if any, exceeds the insurance limits. You can ﬁnd it here: http://tinyurl.com/lt3aok. For any money in a failed bank’s deposit accounts that exceeds the insured limits, you become essentially a creditor of the bank. You would eventually recover some of your money, but the amount can range from 40 cents on the dollar up to the full amount. Recovery of the money could take months. ■

Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property

307 E. Bettlewood Ave., Oaklyn, N.J.

Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Square footage: 2,527 Cost: $299,000 Realtor: Cindy Stanzilis Real-estate co.: Main Street Realty Phone: 856-858-2200 Direct phone: 609-352-4700 Web site: www.mainstrealty.com

Check your ad

PLACING ADS Using voicemail? Please be sure to have the following information ready when you call: • Your ad copy • The type of style you want • Desired abbreviations • American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA information • Your name and mailing

Fantastic Victorian is currently being used as a duplex, but could easily be converted back to a single-family home. Breathtaking lake views.

address • Daytime telephone number Having all this information ready will speed your order and help to avoid errors. Phone calls can only be returned during business hours. For more information, see the coupon page in this section.

Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears. To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge. PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language. Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity. Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.

�� PAGE 40 PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS MAY 1 - 7, 2009

�

��

�� REAL ESTATE � �� GREAT BUILDING IN GAYBORHOOD �� INVESTMENT Available inGREAT time for summer fun. Located on the �� BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY river in quiet Beachwood, NJ. Large home with �� 11TH & LOCUST, 6 bed,NEAR 3.5 bath, water views from$599K all rooms, 6 �� decks, inground pool, hot tub and much more. Come see this wonderful bldg w/2 spacious �� Priced at $899K. Call and LBO Realty, ask for Elliott rental apartments large commercial �� 732-674-3851 for info and for showing. space on 1st ﬂoor. In the heart of Center City. �� _______________________________33-18 Currently a doctor’s ofﬁce, zoned C-1. Could �� Warminster > 55 community. 2 BR, 2 BA with be made into condos or large single dwell�� bsmt condo.condition, $200K. price, dgr5162@verizon.net ing. Great location. Call for

�� SALE

_______________________________33-18 appointment. �� JULIE WELKER �� COLDWELL BANKER WELKER �� REAL ESTATE �� 215-235-7800 _______________________________33-40 �� NYS CAMP SALE 5AC W/ CAMP- $19,900 �� Access to 1000’s of acres of gamelands 19 AC �� INDEPENDENCE RIVER LODGE. Beautiful �� wrap-around porches overlooking falls, pools, �� & easy ﬂowing rapids. Full size cabin w/ loft �� on the river. WAS: $189,900 NOW: $139,900 �� Financing available- full guarantees CAll 800229-7843 Or visit www.LandandCamps.com �� _______________________________33-36 �� A Bank Repo! 4BR/2BA $205/Mo! More Homes from $199/Mo! 5% down 15 years @ 8% APR. For listings 800-546-8656 Ext R944. _______________________________33-36 HOME FOR SALE-HUNTERS 5 bedroom, 3 bath house. Secluded. Good Hunting. Full Kitchen, Freezer, Dish TV. In Woods on Barclay Mountain. 570-250-0596 Ready October. _______________________________33-36 Land for Sale: We have land in northern PA, Tioga, Potter, Cameron, Warren County, and others. Starting at $19,900. Owner ﬁnancing available. 814-435-2570 www.sylvanglen. com _______________________________33-36

: pgn@epgn.com

��

CLASSIFIEDS

Real Estate �� REAL ESTATE ��

�� REAL ESTATE ��

�� Condo 4 Sale, End Unit, 3rd Fl., 2 BD/1 BA, XL Kitchen-granice countertops, cherry wood cabinets, H/W wood ﬂoors t/o, Mstr. BD with w/i closet & loft, hi ceilings, 6ft. windows in $4 hund’s. Pet friendly. Doree Gitzes, Realtor, Long & Foster Real Estate, 215-348-0000, X-8015. Open House, Sunday May 3, 1-3 _______________________________33-18

Attention Hunters! 60 Acres- $99,900 Timber co. liquidating a hunting 20AC with Utilities & paradiseCountry loaded Road w/big was whitetail hardwood trails me$99,900 deer. Now All $69,900 BLMsetting, access. Deer & andering throughout, pristine mountain views. elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. Old state road frontage, just 20 minutes to town. Best buy in West Virginia! Easy owner _______________________________32-16 ﬁnancing. Call now 1-877-526-3764. _______________________________33-18 Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished.

SALE

��

_______________________________32-16

�� Charming�� all Brick Colonial with an English Tudor ﬂair.

HADDONFIELD, NJ 4-5 BEDRMS

�� Superb cond.�� 2 car det. gar. Secluded Courtyard. Full Bsmt. pt. ﬁn., Oak Hardw. ﬂoors. �� 40 Treaty �� Elms in the Gill Tract. ��

�� Open House Saturday, Sept. 12th. 1-4 pm ��

Asking $559,000.

Contact Elaine Palecki, WEICHERT REALTORS 856-983 2307 x 219 or cell: 609-410-0494. Thank you!

ness Flats. Large 2 bed, 1 bath. last sirable building. Close to all Center City taxes ................................��

George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden private entrance.. Low fees & Tax e 1 bd. in area ........................��. ��

ew open style 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo o fees. Great small $275,000 pet friendly building. ..................................��

100 Braddock Lane

wedes Court. New Listing Large 3 Deptford, N.J. Garage, roof deck and hardwood ﬂoors. Corner lot, quiet cul-de-sac Queen Village ....................�� End-of-group townhouse with contemporary

ING. Largecolor update scheme,43-4bd. bds, 2 2.5ba. bath,with LR/DR/great rfully roof deck with city skyline room, eat-in kitchen, full ﬁnishedviews. basement, ..........................................�� W/W carpet, 2nd ﬂoor laundry. All appliances.

Nice upgrades and lots of space. Only 15 min. ��

from downtown Philly! FSBO, brokers welcome.

��

Contact Sarah at (856) 853-0240 or sblazucki@gmail.com.

1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.philarealtyexchange.com

TIRED OF YOUR COMMISSION ONLY REAL ESTATE SALES JOB???? PROPERTY MANAGER POSSISION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY. GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO COMBINE MANAGEMENT RENTALS AND SALES SKILLS. CALL US TODAY FOR A CONFIDENTIAL INTERVIEW. 215-545-6111 xt10 REAL ESTATE LICENSE REQUIRED.. AVENUE OF THE ARTS 250 S. 13th Street- 1 br, doorman building, hw ﬂ, tenant occupied $230,000 Kera Ritter SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perno WASHINGTON SQUARE (SOLD)1213 Pine St- 3br,2.5bth, in Washignton Sq West w/ private garden and garage $529,900 John Perno (SOLD) FOR RENT 240 S. 13th St-. Sunny studio, new kitchen, hardwood ﬂoors, $1000 includes heat-Judy Conte 326 S. 16th St- 1 br apt in Rittenhouse, close to Univ of Arts, great for students-Judy Conte 332 S. 16th St- 2 studio apt available in Rittenhouse, close to Univ of the Arts- Judy Conte 3512 BARING ST – Studio, utilities included in rent starting at $750 mo Judy Conte 1919 GREEN ST-various apartments avail. Great for students, close to University Judy Conte 644 N. 32nd St-Bilevel- 4br/3bth, close to Drexel and UPenn. w/d, g/d, micro $2000 mo Judy Conte 1917 SPRING GARDEN ST- various apartments available in great building call Judy Conte

SPECIALIZING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT-CONDOS AND APARTMENTS 2-10 UNITS CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE

�� What’s going on? Check out Diversions.

Visit zillow.com for more information and photos. ��

�� REAL ESTATE ��

SALE

��

_______________________________32-16 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line �� Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some �� near open area, includes old hunting cabin, �� electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE.

PAGE 45

�� REAL ESTATE ��

�� Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave ��

��

SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PAGE 47 PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 48

��

�� Areas include Shawnee, Camel Back, �� Mt. Airy�� Casino and Rainbow Mt. Corners of Routes 390 & 447 • Candensis, PA 18325 ��

��

�� Conrad Kuhn Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 �� NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2007 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs �� Ofﬁce: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Cell: 609.221.1196 �� www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com

GREAT BUILDING GAYBORHOOD �� GREAT INVESTMENT Washington Township Ofﬁce 5070 Route 42 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY �� Turnersville, NJ 08012

satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included. You pay; gas cooking and electric. Subway and bus at the front door. $1,200 / month. 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a

�� NEAR 11TH & LOCUST, $599K

_______________________________32-18 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20

�� Come see this wonderful bldg w/2 spacious �� _______________________________32-16 ��

3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! rental apartments and large commercial space 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! �� 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings �� on 1st floor. In the heart of�� Center City. Currently Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. _______________________________32-16 Bambrey,a19130) Corner�� house quiet �� doctor’s offi ce,onzoned C-1. Could be used street, close to public transportation. Newly �� renovated, 2 baths, hardwood made2 bedrooms, into condo’s or large___________________________________ single dwelling. Great �� floors, AC, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. �� condition, price, location. Call $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to kratzworks. Have yourfor own appointment. bedroom in a beautiful split �� com for pix. level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 Lovely 3 W/D, bd. 1upper ba. fully furnished home in _______________________________33-20 full baths, and lower decks, use of �� beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to JULIE WELKER

�� Two bedroom split-level apartment on second ﬂoor of row home at 20th and Christian streets. LR, kitchen/dining, bath, small foyer. On-street parking, pets okay. Utilities separate. $875+two months deposit. Scott 267.736.6743. _______________________________33-18 �� 1 BR apts. avail. Various choices. $750 to $1000/mo. Call soon, 215-901-0041. _______________________________33-21

kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + _______________________________32-17 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-19 Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. NE Phila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, _______________________________32-19 215-821-1062. _______________________________33-18 Best selection�� of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. Beach blk. Share lovely 3 BR house w/senior Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online citizen. Full house privileges. Must be em-

COLDWELL BANKER WELKER �� REAL ESTATE ��

215-235-7800

PHIL

��

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SEPT. 4 - 10, 2009

PAGE 41

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

Don’t paint yourself into a corner... Hire a professional! PGN

Home Improvement