PGN Sept. 5-11, 2014 by The Philadelphia Gay News

OutFest announces a new Lifetime OutProud Award and this year’s awardees PAGE 5

Family Portrait: Robert de Anthony brings youthful pride to South Jersey

On the Fringe PAGE 19

PAGE 23

Sept. 5-11, 2014

Since 1976

PGN Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 38 No. 36

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Two years out, no arrest in Cordova case By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

are filed, but I can tell you that the homicide detectives in this city are some of the best detectives in the country. They work tirelessly to solve all open murder cases in Philadelphia.” Jamerson urged anyone with any information on Cordova’s murder to call 215-686-8477 or 215-6863334 or -3335. A $25,000 reward for information leading to the murderer’s arrest and conviction has remained in place since the fall of 2012. Maher said she thinks someone in the neighborhood where the murder took place has valuable information. Cordova was last seen at a Wawa about a half-mile from the scene, purchasing two drinks and two sandwiches. “From what the police told me the last couple of times, I do think the person of interest lives somewhere in that area,” said Maher. “Somebody knows something.” As justice remains elusive, Maher said, Cordova’s friends, and the wider LGBT community, have

Kyra Cordova was murdered on Labor Day 2012. Two more of the holidays have passed, and Cordova’s murder remains unsolved. The 27-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the head in the early-morning hours of Sept. RAISE YOUR GLASS: The Philadelphians MC, which has raised 3, 2012, in a wooded area off the almost $60,000 for local charities over the course of its history, 1100 block of Adams Avenue in celebrated its 40th anniversary with 69 of thr group’s dearest friends Frankford. at a banquet onboard the Battleship New Jersey Aug. 30. It was offiPolice said in November 2012 cially the first gay event held on the battleship and the first time the that they had a “person of interest” leather pride flag has ever flown from the tower. Entertainment was in their sights, but have yet to pubprovided by Helene Adele Masiko, also known as “Almost Cher,” a live licly identify anyone as a suspect. vocalist and impersonator who gave the real Cher a real run for her Repeated requests for informamoney in terms of vocals, jokes and, of course, costume changes. tion on the investigation from the The celebration continued over the weekend with a bar night at The Police Public Affairs department Bike Stop, brunch at IHOP, a party at William Way LGBT Community were not returned as of presstime. Center and dinner at Tavern on Camac. Photo: Michael Albany Cordova’s mother, Dawn Maher, said she has been frustrated with the communication among her family and detectives. “A lot of times when I called, the plaintiffs have confirmed it’s By Timothy Cwiek they didn’t call back and that made more than $1 million. timothy@epgn.com The parties attempted to settle me even more frustrated and upset,” Parties in the Whitewood case the matter privately, but nego- she said. “All I want is a call, even continue to squabble over the tiations haven’t been “fruitful,” to say they don’t know anything.” District Attorney’s Office amount of money owed to pre- according to the Aug. 29 filing. communications director Tasha State attorneys want U.S. vailing plaintiffs for legal fees Jamerson said the office “does not District Judge John E. Jones 3d to and costs. The Whitewood case, decided in deny the plaintiffs’ request for an comment on any case unless charges May, resulted in marriage equal- extension until Sept. 29 to file a formal fee petition. ity throughout Pennsylvania. They said granting an extenNow, the plaintiffs are seeking compensation from state and sion would only serve to increase By Timothy Cwiek Bucks County officials for legal the plaintiffs’ legal fees and costs, timothy@epgn.com fees and costs totaling more than and they urged Jones to ensure that a reasonable fee petition is $1 million. The City Law Department last week denied PGN’s Federal law permits prevailing promptly filed. request to review the complete Police Internal Affairs “Plaintiffs’ attorneys have had Division’s investigation file relating to the Nizah plaintiffs to recoup legal fees and more than enough time to gather Morris incident costs in civil-rights cases. But in an Aug. 29 court fil- their records and prepare the In an Aug. 29 letter, city attorney Katharine L. ing, state officials contend that fee request,” said Joshua Maus, Janoski said the file is composed of investigative Whitewood plaintiffs are seeking a spokesperson for the state records that render it off-limits to the public. an “exorbitant amount” in com- Office of General Counsel. “The “As investigatory records, among other things, they pensation for legal fees and costs. attorneys involved in this case are exempt from disclosure under the Right-to-Know The exact amount sought by [American Civil Liberties Union] Law,” her letter states. plaintiffs wasn’t specified in the are seasoned practitioners who Morris was a local transgender woman who became court filing, but attorneys for are intimately a homicide victim in 2002, shortly after entering a PAGE 9

Whitewood fee-squabble continues

been an important support system. But, she noted, she has somewhat removed herself from community activity to deal with the grief process. “They’ve been very important, very helpful. I had some of her friends come to the house and I made some new friends, which is really nice,” she said. “For the first six months afterward, I was so busy doing things and going places that, when all that stopped, that’s when it really hit me. Other than Pride and the Trans* March, which I’ll go to again this year, I haven’t been going to too much. I just never realized what a difference this would make in my life.” This year is especially challenging, Maher noted. Cordova would have turned 30 March 13, and Maher is celebrating her 50th birthday this year. “We always talked about having a big joint party for her 30th and my 50th. Now, I can’t have that party,” she said. “I still every once in a while will be out and see somebody who looks similar to her and be like ... I know she’s not here anymore, but it’s not any easier today than it was yesterday or two years ago. It’s actually kind of worse right now.” n

City: Morris Internal Affairs file off-limits to public police vehicle for a “courtesy ride.” The Morris case remains unsolved. Typically, an IAD file is available to the public once the IAD probe ends. If the incident involves a homicide, the police-homicide file isn’t available to the public. In the Morris case, the reverse is true. The entire Morris police-homicide file has been released to the public, yet the Morris IAD file continues to be withheld. PGN is reviewing its legal options to gain access to the Morris IAD file. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office says it’s actively investigating the Morris homicide. But members of the Justice for PAGE 16

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Transwoman sues in federal court By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Kate Lynn Blatt, a transwoman who alleges pervasive anti-LGBT bias at her former worksite, is suing in federal court. On Aug. 15, Blatt filed suit against Cabela’s Retail Inc., seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages. The lawsuit contends that Cabela’s violated state and federal laws that protect transgender workers, including laws against gender-stereotyping. Cabela’s is a retail chain headquartered in Nebraska that specializes in outdoor recreation merchandise. Blatt, of Pottsville, worked as a seasonal stocker at Cabela’s retail facility in Hamburg from September 2006 to March 2007. According to Blatt’s lawsuit, antiLGBT bias at Cabela’s created a hostile workplace during much of her employment. Coworkers hurled slurs at her including “he/she,” “ladyboy,” “fag,” “freak,” “gay fruit” and “confused sicko.” She was passed over for promotional opportunities, and denied access to the female restroom. The suit also stated one manager allegedly suggested that Blatt might rape another woman if she were to use the female restroom. Management also impeded Blatt’s ability to wear female attire, and to have a name-tag displaying her legal name. Additionally, Blatt was isolated from coworkers and required to work a late-night shift.

“Blatt was required to work on the third shift at all times,” the lawsuit alleges. “It is Blatt’s belief that said requirement was enacted in order to keep her out of the sight of customers.” Blatt repeatedly complained to management about alleged illegal discrimination at Cabela’s. But instead of resolving the issues, management allegedly retaliated against Blatt by dismissing her on the pretext that she threatened another worker, according to the lawsuit. “Rather than cause the discriminatory conduct to cease, [Cabela’s] terminated Blatt’s employment, allegedly due to an altercation with an employee,” the lawsuit states. Blatt allegedly threatened the coworker’s son, though Blatt contends she didn’t even know the worker had a son. A jury trial has been requested, and the case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl. Earlier this year, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled that Blatt probably was discriminated against by Cabela’s. Blatt, 33, expressed hope that her lawsuit will help bring about better working conditions for the LGBT community. “I’m ecstatic that it’s been filed, and I’m also optimistic that I’ll be duly compensated for my losses,” she said. Joe Arterburn, a spokesperson for Cabela’s, said the company cannot comment on pending litigation. n

SJ Pride returns bigger, better By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Southern New Jersey LGBTQ Pride will host its annual Pride in the Park this month with two very special guests. Pride founder and chief executive officer DeAnn Cox told PGN exclusively that joining 2014 Mr. Continental Kalil Valentino as headliner will be “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Mimi ImFurst. Pride in the Park will be held from noon6 p.m. Sept. 14 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken. The LGBT and allied community is invited to bring their own grills, food, drinks, blankets, chairs and tables for the event. T h i s y e a r ’s t h e m e i s Reflections of Pride. “It is dedicated to the reflections of key community leaders or people who have done exceptional work in their communities,” Cox said.

In keeping with the theme, Cox interviewed community leaders about coming out and the LGBT-rights movement. Their interviews, which encompass the perspectives of students, parents of LGBT children and activists, can be seen on the Southern New Jersey LGBTQ Pride website. Cox said she expects more than 500 people to attend this year’s festivities, up from last year’s 300 guests. More than 20 vendors will be present. Cox is working to get the Jewish Federation of South Jersey on board to keep up the trend of religious organizations being involved. “Last year we had a congregation come out, and so that was a segue to get into bigger things,” she said. “Having the Jewish Federation involved would be awesome.” This year, Pride will feature a wall displaying stories from local youth, detailing challenges they’ve faced growing up and coming out, which will kickstart the organization’s No Bullying Zone campaign. The campaign is sponsored by Comcast and will continue through December. Also new this year is a more

organized tracking of volunteers. “We will be starting the Royal Court, which is the volunteer-based section of South Jersey Pride,” she said. “We want more people to get involved and have it more organized and helpful.” Cox said she is excited for Valentino to perform and bring something new to the entertainment lineup. “He is from St. Louis and lives in Los Angeles and has been entertaining for 17 years,” she said. “He has performed with Madonna and Usher and for the past two years, people have adamantly said no more drag queens, we want something else.” Cox said South Jersey provides a Pride that caters to the crowd’s requests. “It has never been about money; sometimes people feel like they are being ripped off or disappointed at other Prides and that is just not what our Pride is about,” she said. “It is not about money or numbers, but support. Our Pride is free and is a supportive social event.” For more information, visit www.snjgaypride.org. n

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — Around THe gayborhood

12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • ASIAC, 1711 S. Broad St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • Fusion Gym, 105 S. 12th St., 2nd floor • Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • I Goldberg, 1300 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Pa. AIDS Law Project, 1211 Chestnut St., 12th floor • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • Parker Hotel Lobby, 261 S. 13th St. • Phila. FIGHT/Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 5th floor • Phila. Family Planning Commission, 260 S. Broad St., 10th floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St., basement • Santa Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Scorpio Books, 202 S. Juniper St. • Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Packard Apartments, 317 N. Broad St. • Safeguards lobby, 1211 Chestnut St. #610 • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Sante Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • Westbury, 261 S. 13th St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St.

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. East of broad

Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Cedrone’s Flowers, 800 Lombard St. • Chocolate Works Condo lobby, 321 N. Third St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, Sixth & Market sts. • Old City Ironworks Gym, 141 N. Second St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • PGN offices, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. •

PHILADELPHIA — c.c. west of broad

Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Book Bin, 22nd & Market sts. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • L-2 Restaurant, 22nd & South sts. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Titan Room, 22nd & Market sts. • Touraine Building lobby, 1520 Spruce St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, 17th & Race sts. •

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ON THIS LIST? Contact Don at don@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 200 to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.

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Weekly features

News&Opinion 9 — Crime Watch 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Letters/Feeback Mark My Words Street Talk 15 — Media Trail

AC &

23 21 28 26 27

— — — — —

Family Portrait Scene in Philly Out & About Q Puzzle Comics

C 8 — Before the o Bells: Traditions l 14 — Out Law: The u spreading of equality m 25 — Get Out and n Play: Victorious s Gryphons Classifieds 33 — Real Estate 33 — Personals 35 — Bulletin Board

The Rev. Kim Wildszewski will take to the pulpit at Unitarian Universalist Church of Washington Crossing.

27 FRONTAL FIX: After several months, the scaffolding was removed last weekend outside of ICandy. Repairs to a second-floor balcony were ongoing throughout the summer, after a portion of the façade crumbled into the street in late April due to heavy storms. The inside of the club had been fully renovated just weeks before the collapse. The building, at 254 S. 12th St., dates back to the 1800s and has served as a private home, a restaurant and a series of gay bars, including Equus and 12th Air Command. ICandy opened in March 2011. Photo: Scott A. Drake

This week in PGN Kevin Kline plays Errol Flynn in “The Last of Robin Hood.”

6 — Out minister joins N.J. congregation 7 — Rutgers honors LGBT advocates Out PECO VP gets national law award

19 — Arts & Culture cover story: Fringe takes audiences to new spaces 27 — Errol Flynn brought back by out filmmakers

“I was very fortunate when I started out in the ’80s that the business was supported at the time by the community. It was a tough time with the AIDS crisis and all, but our patrons and the community supported us and, in turn, I’ve tried to support the community.” ~ Bill Wood, on being recognized with the first Lifetime OutProud Award, page 5

Next week OutMoney Thinking Queerly

Two weeks Gettin’ On Paw Prints

PGN 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

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Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club celebrates winning the first Hoagland Cup in Sydney, Australia.

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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.

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OutFest to honor community leaders, organizations By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Next month’s OutFest celebration is a community-focused event — and several individuals and organizations that are community leaders will be honored during the festivity. A number of awards are given out each year during the Gayborhood festival, to be held this year Oct. 12, and the lineup includes a new award, the Lifetime OutProud Award, which will be presented to Bill Wood. Wood is the founder of Woody’s and co-owner of Knock. But, Philly Pride Presents executive director Franny Price noted that his influence goes far beyond the two establishments. “A lot of people acknowledge him for Woody’s or Knock, but we wanted to acknowledge the man behind those places,” she said. “Bill’s been really active in the community for years, especially behind the scenes. Almost every organization in this community has gotten some contribution or donation from Bill, and he makes those contributions with no conditions. I remember back

when members of our community of GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ started dying of HIV/AIDS and Social Justice Organization, and didn’t have funds to pay for funer- OutProud Friend Awardee City als, he was the first Councilman James one to step up.” Kenney. Wood said he was “We were trying honored to receive to think of someone the award, but joked who goes beyond that it aged him. being out and proud “I feel like you get in the job, someone a lifetime-achievewho’s out and about ment award when in the community, you’re on your way and Elicia is that out. I feel old,” he person. She’s proud, laughed. “But I’m she’s not afraid to flattered. I wouldn’t say what she thinks have been able to do BILL “WOODY” WOOD is right,” Price said, Photo: Scott A. Drake noting that Kenney anything without the community. I was takes the same very fortunate when I started out approach in his work as an ally. in the ’80s that the business was “This is way overdue for Jim. supported at the time by the com- Anything in City Council that’s munity. It was a tough time with LGBT-related, Jim Kenney’s the AIDS crisis and all, but our name is always there, and a lot of patrons and the community sup- the times, he’s the one proposing ported us and, in turn, I’ve tried to the bills.” support the community.” In the late ’90s, when City Price noted that the Lifetime Council approved domestic-partOutProud Award will only be ner benefits, Kenney received a given intermittently, when the wealth of backlash for his supoccasion arises. port. Other individual honorees “I was at City Hall and he was are OutProud Awardee Elicia getting four or five calls a minute Gonzales, executive director of people damning him for sup-

porting it. It would have been so much easier for him if he wasn’t our ally. But that’s what makes him genuine,” Price said. The Jaci Adams OutProud Transgender Award will go to Dawn Munro. The award was created and presented last year to Adams, a longtime LGBT and HIV/AIDS activist, who passed away a few months later. “When we were talking to people in the community about who should get this award, Dawn’s name came up every time,” Price said. “We’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about her.” The younger LGBT community will celebrate its own leaders with the OutProud Youth Award, presented this year to the Gay-Straight Alliance at HatboroHorsham High School. Members of the GSA have volunteered at Pride and OutFest for the better part of a decade, Price said. “They’re in the GSA but a lot of them aren’t gay and they come and volunteer every year. They’ve been a huge help,” she said. “I think this group got it before a lot of the other schools, that still need diversity awareness.”

This marks the first OutFest after Pennsylvania became a marriage-equality state. For its efforts leading the lawsuit that brought about marriage equality in the state, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania will be given the Gilbert Baker National OutProud Award. Price said the organization was the “obvious choice” this year. “I remember at last year’s OutFest people asking me if I thought we’d have gay marriage in Pennsylvania and I said one day, you know, baby steps. Who knew that a year later we’d have it? So we wanted to honor ACLU for their work; we thought this award was very appropriate and well-deserved.” More details about OutFest will be released in the coming weeks, but Price did note a few location changes: The flea market will be moved to Spruce Street between Camac and 13th, and 13th Street will now house a sports area, led by the newly formed Out Philadelphia Athletic League. The youth-dance zone will still be at 12th and Spruce streets. For more information, visit www.phillygaypride.org. n

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NJ congregation welcomes out minister By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

251 S. 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 • (215) 735-5656

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The Rev. Kim Wildszewski was raised listening to sermons from the pulpit in a Unitarian Universalist church — and next weekend will take to the pulpit to deliver her own first sermon as settled minister at Unitarian Universalist Church of Washington Crossing. Wildszewski, 30, takes the reins of the Titusville, N.J., church from transitional minister the Rev. Jennifer Brooks, who stepped in after the Rev. Charles Stephens retired from his post in 2012 after 16 years. Wildszewski comes to the congregation after spending three years as assistant minister of congregational life at the Unitarian Church in Summit. She and her wife, Tara, moved to Lambertville — where they were joined in a civil union last year, then later married in the Summit church — this summer after she was offered the minister position at UUCWC. The responsibilities in her new role are diverse, she said. “I’m the head of staff, so I oversee the director of religious education, the music director, the sexton. I’m here SundayThursday and I’m the person people will come to for pastoral care. I’ll lead worship every Sunday. I’m going to be making sure the congregation is healthy from the inside and therefore able to do outreach in a responsible and authentic manner. It’ll be vision-setting and speaking back to the congregation what I’m hearing that their hopes are. It’s a little bit of everything.” She’s well-equipped to handle a position with a range of duties. At the 500-member Summit church, she was charged with everything from facilitating small-group ministries to overseeing volunteer recruitment to delivering a monthly sermon and sermons during the summer. After three years in that position, Wildszewski said she felt it was time for a change and pursued the UUCWC opening, an exhaustive process that began with a meeting with the church’s search committee, a Skype interview, observation of her sermons and finally an evaluation by the congregants themselves — an eight-day process in which she preached twice, met as many members as she could and answered congregant questions before the membership voted to approve her. She is familiar with UU practices, having been raised in a UU church in Long Island. She said she knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career as a UU minister, earning her master of divinity from Union Theological Seminary and being ordained a UU minister in 2011. “By luck and privilege, I was born into this tradition,” Wildszewski said, noting that the UU church is wholly LGBT-affirming, making her own coming-out process free from spiritual conflict. “I was never

taught anything that would make my sexual orientation or gender identity at odds with what I wanted to do with my life.” However, she has encountered some resistance outside of the church when it comes to fusing LGBT and communities of faith. “I will say the tension comes when I am outside a UU circle. So say at a party or meeting friends or family for the first time, they may know I’m gay and be fine with it, but when they find out I’m clergy, you can feel a shift in the room. And it’s the same if I’m at an interfaith council meeting; everyone’s great with me being a young woman in ministry but when they find out I’m gay, that tension becomes palpable. So that’s always been a constant reminder that Unitarian Universalist is a unique space for many people, including myself,” she said, noting that she hopes to use her role to close gaps. “I’ve been given the opportunity to walk that line. That’s a lot of my calling, to present both spaces for both communities and show that there can be that shared demographic: gay folks in a religious context and a religious context within the LGBT community.” The 250-member UUCWC church includes a number of LGBT congregants, Wildszewski said, although the diversity of the church is a uniting, not dividing, factor. “We have a really strong young family cohort — the 30- and 40-year-olds with young kids — and then there’s a little gap and we have a really strong group of 55- and 60-plus. There’s a strong lesbian contingent. The class statuses within the congregation are really diverse. There are a lot of separate cohorts but they all work together. It’s a really good mix.” As she gets settled, Wildszewski said one of her chief priorities will be leading a congregation-wide effort to employ meaningful and directed programmatic efforts. “One of our taglines is, ‘Create Community. Celebrate Life. Change the World.’ That’s a lot of what my focus is going to be,” she said. “Typically, one of our members could come in with a great idea that the membership could really benefit from, and as long as they’re willing to lead that program, there’s no need for us to say no. But what happens is that you can become a mile wild and an inch deep. With so many things going on, the congregation can become scattered and not as deep in one conversation as we could be. I’m very organizational-minded and vision-centered so I’m going to be engaging the congregation in a shared conversation; if you’re on the facilities-management team, the pastoral-care team, the membership team or just coming to church on Sunday mornings, we’ll all be asking the same question of, How do we create community, celebrate life and change the world?” Wildszewski will deliver her first sermon as UUCWC minister Sept. 14. For more information, visit www.uucwc.org. n

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Rutgers to honor local advocates By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Rutgers Law-Camden next month will honor two local LGBT advocates. At the Oct. 1 Mary Philbrook Awards Celebration, the law school will celebrate the life and career of former Mazzoni Center legal director David M. Rosenblum, who ran Mazzoni’s legal-services program from 2011 until his sudden passing in May. The school will also present the Mary Philbrook Public Interest Award to 1998 Rutgers Law-Camden alumna Tiffany Palmer, co-founder and shareholder at Jerner & Palmer, PC, where she specializes in LGBT family law. Palmer has also been a member of Mazzoni’s legal advisory board since its inception in 2009. “These are two distinguished legal professionals who have done a great deal to advance the cause of LGBT equality, and have impacted the lives of countless individuals through their work,” said Mazzoni Center CEO Nurit Shein. “While we are still mourning David’s loss, we are honored to see him recognized for his many outstanding contributions to his profession and to the LGBT community.” Palmer said she was surprised and excited to be presented the award, which, she added, shows the evolution of LGBT rights in the legal field since she earned her law degree.

“I went to law school with the idea of pursuing a career in LGBT civil-rights law,” Palmer said. “I started at Rutgers in 1994 and there weren’t as many opportunities to do that kind of work as there are now. When I was going to law school, there wasn’t even a class on sexual orientation and the law, so I took things like Civil Rights Law and Women in the Law. I took a lot of Family Law courses and then I did summer internships focused on LGBT-rights work. It’s been something that has been my passion.” Palmer added that marriage equality becoming legal in Pennsylvania has become a game-changer in her field. “Things are going to be less complex than they were previously,” she said. “From 1998 until last year, my practice had been primarily focused on the complication that couples face when they don’t have full access to marriage equality. Now, you are basically looking at the body of family law and divorce law and all of those roles. I think there will be a period over the next two years [in which]we are working out the complications of couples not having access to marriage equality for so long.” The awards ceremony will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 1 at Rutgers UniversityCamden Campus Center, 326 Penn St. For more information, contact Carol Shaner at cshaner@camden.rutgers.edu or 856-2256658. n

Out PECO VP to receive national law award By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The National LGBT Bar Association, the largest organization of LGBT and allied legal professionals in the country, has announced that Romulo L. Diaz Jr., vice president and general counsel of PECO, will receive the organization’s Out & Proud award, which recognizes legal professionals who advance LGBT equality by creating more secure and welcoming workplaces. The LGBT Bar praised Diaz for his advocacy for the LGBT community. “Through his work with PECO and his long history of advocating for LGBT equality both in Philadelphia and nationally, Romy has opened doors and broken down barriers,” D’Arcy Kemnitz, executive director of the LGBT Bar, said in a statement. “As an out, visible leader within Pennsylvania’s largest electric and natural gas utility, and through his service on civic and nonprofit boards in Pennsylvania and across the country, his career has been focused on service, community and the law. We’re excited to honor him and recognize his contributions as an attorney and an advocate.” Diaz serves as the chief legal officer of PECO and oversees its team of attorneys, as well as the company’s claims department. In 1993, he was appointed deputy chief of staff and counselor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy. In 1998, he was appointed by President Clinton to serve as assistant

administrator for management at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. From 2005-08, he served as the city solicitor of Philadelphia. Diaz said he was very surprised by the news of the award. “I think it’s a great organization,” he said. “I was in New York last week for their annual Lavender Law Conference. It’s a phenomenal organization. It has great grassroots, corporate and law-firm support. It’s a wonderful and humbling honor.” Diaz added that PECO has recognized his award and continues to support his efforts to promote LGBT equality. “Folks here are aware of it,” he said. “We have certainly recognized it and I’m sure it will be reflected in our internal communications as these honors normally are. My way of thinking wouldn’t have been possible without the company’s support. PECO and our corporate parent, the Exelon Corporation, have been extremely supportive of me and our LGBT employees in the company.” Diaz noted that the company has sponsored the Lavender Law Conference and taken steps “here at the company that should make the community proud of the leadership shown by PECO and Exelon.” Diaz will receive The National LGBT Bar Association’s Out & Proud Award Sept. 18 at a reception at Hotel Palomar, 117 S. 17th St. For more information, visit www. LGBTBar.org. n

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Weddings are usually steeped in tradition: From the white dress to the cake to the bouquet and garter tosses, with the complexities that a wedding, especially one on a larger scale, presents, it makes sense, for convenience’s sake if nothing else, to follow a model. But, same-sex couples often fall outside that model and may struggle to fit their event into wedding traditions. However, while same-sex weddings can present their own challenges in the planning process, the upside is that there are fewer expectations for conformity — meaning couples get to buck tradition and put their own unique spin on their wedding.

freedom when it comes to bachelor and bachelorette parties. Again, this tradition may seem a bit superfluous for long-term couples but for those who want the “last fling before the ring” outing, same-sex couples may, moreso than heterosexual couples, opt for joint, mixed-gender parties. Or, those sticking to the standard model can stage separate events, again which might tend to be less sex-segregated than traditional bachelor or bachelorette parties. In our case, I’m celebrating with my bridal party only at a mountain getaway, while my fiancée is planning a night out on the town with our full wedding party and other friends.

Wedding party One of the first wedding-planning aspects my fiancée and I turned our attention to was identifying the members of the bridal party. While we’ve all seen the sex-segregated wedding parties, same-sex couples obviously have the option to do things a bit differently. For us, we decided to pick our parties based solely according to our closest family and friends, with sex not a determining factor. We each ended up with five females and two males; my sister is going to serve as my maid of honor, and her brother as her best man (and we’re terming our other fellas the “bridesmen”).

Ceremonial Traditions are most apparent when it comes to the actual wedding day itself. One of the most challenging traditionchanging aspects we’ve encountered is determining the ceremony entrance. In researching what other same-sex couples have done (YouTube is surprisingly your friend), we’ve found that some samesex couples may walk down the aisle together, others may seemingly flip a coin to determine who walks first (especially if it’s important for a bride or groom to be escorted down the aisle by a loved one) or may fuse the options and meet halfway. Or different still, some opt out of the processional all together and dive right into the ceremony. That’s on our ever-growing list of to-be-figured-out things! As different faith communities evolve on the issue of same-sex marriage, many couples may opt for a ceremony outside of traditional religious-based models. We selected a nondenominational officiant who is working with us to craft a unique ceremony that fits our relationship, rather than one that fits a model. We’re incorporating personal touches like a wine-box ceremony — where we store a bottle of wine and notes to one another — in a locked box to be opened on an anniversary. There are a slew of other personalized ceremony ideas on wedding-focused websites, many of which aren’t relegated to the bride/groom model. The ceremony may also call into question what you and your partner prefer to call each other once you’ve tied the knot. Officiants should let the couple select the wording for what will follow the “I now pronounce you” proclamation, so this may open up an interesting discussion regarding labeling — with options ranging from “married” to “husband and husband” and “wife and wife” (or some other creative alternative). When the ceremony transitions to the party, another boatload of questions will arise (which we’ll explore in a later column!). n

Pre-wedding events Depending on how “traditional” you go, the lead-up to your wedding may include an engagement party, wedding shower and/or bachelor or bachelorette party. Gift registry is an expectation that accompanies the first two events. We registered at two separate stores, one of which forced my partner and I into the bride/groom categories and the other of which used the gender-neutral “partner” option. While the first was not the ideal situation, it did allow for some education on the part of the store employees — and some humorously awkward moments as well. Showers are another antiquatedly sexsegregated aspect of a wedding, but samesex couples have the freedom to do things differently. While a wedding shower is typically a “surprise,” it ultimately should come down to what the couple wants in terms of format and invitees. Couples can tell their friends and family that they’d appreciate a joint shower to cut down on planning and costs or two separate events — with the option of inviting both males and females. Or, particularly if a couple has been together for some time, they may opt for no shower or a scaled-down alternative, like a brunch or dinner with the wedding party and loved ones. And same-sex couples have the same

LOCAL PGN WHITEWOOD from page 1

familiar with this fee process.” Maus also said that Whitewood plaintiffs are seeking compensation that’s “head and shoulders” above that sought by plaintiffs in similar same-sex-marriage cases around the country. “Perhaps most importantly, allowing more time [to prepare a fee petition] just allows these lawyers to rack up more fees that will be billed to the Commonwealth, and taxpayers,” Maus added, in an email. Witold “Vic” Walczak, an attorney for the plaintiffs, retorted that state officials are using the fee-compensation issue for political gain. “They are playing politics,” he said. “They know that during the delay, we have not done any work on the [fee] petition, to save them money. Now we will have to do this, since they won’t negotiate further.” Walczak also denied that plaintiffs’ attorneys are extending the process to inflate their compensable expenses. “[Defendants’] comment about the size of our demand is pure politics because it is irrelevant to our requested extension,” Walczak added. “This is Gov. Corbett playing politics.” At presstime, Jones hadn’t ruled on the plaintiffs’ deadline-extension request. Eventually, the judge must decide the amount of legal fees and costs to be awarded to plaintiffs. Bucks County Register of Wills Donald Petrille Jr. also is a defendant in the Whitewood case, because he allegedly refused to issue a marriage-license application to a same-sex couple. A law firm selected by Petrille filed an extensive antiLGBT legal brief in the case that reportedly increased plaintiffs’ legal fees and costs. Petrille had no comment for this story. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Aug. 18-24. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice. com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). Follow the Sixth District on Twitter @PPDBrianKorn. INCIDENTS — At 1:45 a.m. Aug. 23, a patron was inadvertently hit with a bar stool that was thrown during a fight inside Valanni’s, 1229 Spruce St. The suspect was described as a white male, 6 feet, 180 pounds, with long brown hair, wearing a red shirt and jeans. — At 10:30 a.m. Aug. 17 (reported Aug. 18), a woman who lives in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street reported that she believes her roommate poured nail polish remover in her drink that she took a sip from. No injuries were reported. — There was one theft of a parked vehicle reported this week, at 1200

Market St. — There were two thefts of bicycles reported this week, at 1120 Pine St. and 1300 Chestnut St.

suspect was charged with two counts of theft and related offenses.

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS

— At 6:05 p.m. Aug. 18, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 233 S. 13th St. — At 11:30 a.m. Aug. 19, Center City District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 201 S. 13th St. — On Aug. 20, Center City District officers issued two citations for summary offenses at 10 a.m. outside 1300 Walnut St., and Sixth District officers issued two citations for summary offenses at 10:30 p.m. outside 123 S. Juniper St. — On Aug. 19, Center City District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 11:30 a.m. outside 201 S. 13th St., at 11:45 a.m. outside 100 S. 12th St. and at 11:55 a.m. outside 1200 Chestnut St. — At 11:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1300 Drury St. — At 1:30 p.m. Aug. 24, Sixth District officers issued four citations for summary offenses outside 1200 Chestnut St. n

— At 3 a.m. Aug. 21 (reported at 6:30 p.m.), a group of males knocked a man off his bicycle in the 200 block of South 13th Street and stole his iPhone and wallet. The suspects were four black males in their 20s. Sixth District plainclothes Officers Ferrero, Grant and Kovach sent a text message to the victim’s stolen phone and received a message back that the phone could be bought for $300 and to meet at 24th and Dickinson streets. The officers went to that location and found a group of males, two of whom the victim identified. The stolen phone was recovered and the two 18-year-old suspects, both with South Philadelphia addresses, were charged with robbery and related offenses. — At 5:25 p.m. Aug. 20, Macy’s security observed a male steal a wallet from a shopper’s handbag inside 1300 Market St. He was apprehended, and it was discovered he had other stolen credit cards he had used in the store Aug. 19. The 49-year-old

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EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Pam Bondi

Editorial

Putting panic defenses in the past California is yet again leading the way on state-level LGBT-rights legislation. Just as it became the first in the nation to ban conversion therapy for youth (closely followed by New Jersey), it is now poised to become the first to disallow the so-called “panic defense” in relation to crimes allegedly stemming from a victim’s being LGBT. The legislation, approved last week by an overwhelming majority of the Assembly and passed earlier this year by the Senate, was sent to the desk of Gov. Jerry Brown, who is expected to sign it. The bill would prevent defendants from claiming they harmed another after discovering someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. State law allows for murder charges to be reduced to manslaughter if the defendant is found to have acted in a sudden fit of passion. The panic defense has been employed in such high-profile cases as the brutal murder of trans teen Gwen Araujo; her killers were ultimately convicted of a mixture of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges, and none were convicted of hate-crimes charges. The murderers of gay teen Matthew Shepard also attempted to evoke the panic defense but were barred from doing so by a judge, although courtwatchers attest that the notion was still prevalent throughout the trial; both defendants were given life sentences. The panic concept was also employed in the trial of teen Brandon McInerney, who shot and killed classmate Larry King in 2008. After a mistrial, McInerney pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and manslaughter. And there are doubtlessly an untold number of lesser-known cases in which defendants have resorted to LGBT-related panic defenses to escape justice. Legislation such as California’s is long-overdue, and states throughout the country need to follow suit. Not only do panic defenses deprive victims and their loved ones of proper justice, but they contribute to an environment of systemic, and accepted, intolerance toward LGBT people. Allowing attorneys to argue that a person was moved to murder, or some other heinous act, solely because of discovering someone was LGBT, or because of same-sex advances, legitimizes violence toward LGBT people. Here in Philadelphia, there is a question as to whether Charles Sargent, the alleged murderer of Diamond Williams, will employ a trans-panic defense. Sargent allegedly stabbed and dismembered Williams, and it has been reported that Sargent said he was moved to violence after discovering Williams’ transgender status. (Sargent will face a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Sept. 9 in Room 306 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St.; the public is free to attend.) Violence against LGBT people in this country is staggering, and reducing those numbers requires cooperation among law enforcement, the LGBT community and the criminal-justice system. It’s also time for legislators to do their part to dismantle endemic discrimination against LGBT people and work to ban panic defenses. n

Well, it’s happened. A federal judge has one of ruled that Florida’s antigay marriage ban is them. unconstitutional. “This is In his opinion, Judge Robert L. Hinkle me doing compared the ban on interracial marriage my job as to the ban on same-sex marriage, writing attorney that today the arguments against interracial general,” marriage “seem an obvious pretext for rac- she added. ism.” “And I will “When observers look back 50 years continue to from now, the arguments supporting do that and Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage,” he if anybody wrote, “will again seem an obvious pretext wants me for discrimination.” to moder Which means that Miami will soon be ate my gay-marriage capital of the world and message Mickey and Donald and Minnie and Daisy or stand can finally run off together! Because for less, I surely the people of Florida see that the have a message for them: I am just getting tide is turning away from bigotry. And started.” surely Florida’s elected officials wouldn’t It’s not entirely clear to me what she waste their time and resources defending means by “moderate my message” or what is clearly a discriminatory law. “stand for less.” But it seems like she’s Ha ha ha. Just kidsaying she isn’t going to ding. We are talking about kowtow to any marriageKeep in mind, Florida, after all. destroying homos no matter And that’s why Florida how unpopular her position. Bondi has Attorney General Pam Keep in mind, Bondi been divorced Bondi is going to fight for has been divorced twice. her right to say no to gaytwice. Granted, Granted, that should be wedding parties. nobody’s business, except that should be Despite Judge Hinkle’s when she claims that she’s strong language against the a defender of marriage, that nobody’s busiban, he did issue a stay of fact becomes relevant. ness, except the ruling, which means Let me point out that that gay and lesbian couples Bondi, a Republican, is when she claims running for reelection in can’t get married in Florida. Yet. November against either that she’s a Bondi would like to keep George Sheldon or Perry it that way, and it seems her defender of Thurston (the primary is strategy is to keep Florida’s marriage, that Aug. 26, so by the time gay and lesbian couples in this goes to press we will fact becomes limbo until the Supreme know which one). Both are Court finally rules on the Democrats, and both have relevant. issue. said they would not fight “When I was sworn in as to uphold Florida’s antigay attorney general, the 37th attorney general marriage law. of the state of Florida, I took an oath. I So if you live in Florida, a vote against took an oath to defend the constitution of Bondi is a vote in favor of equality. And the state of Florida,” Bondi said, according if you don’t live in Florida, see if you to the Orlando Sun-Sentinel. “Six years can’t get your Maw Maw or Nana or Pops ago, by over 62 percent of the vote, the or Gramps to vote against her because voters of this state put that into our constiBondi also hates old people. After all, tution.” she’s argued that marriage should only “That,” of course, would be the antigay be between people who can “naturally” marriage ban. procreate. Which is as much an argument “There are good people on both sides,” against same-sex marriage as it is against she continued. “We want finality. That’s octogenarian marriage, if you think about what we need. The U.S. Supreme Court’s it. n going to hear this. They are going to make this determination.” D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay And she’s right. The issue will eventusince 2003. She’s a freelance writer and ally make its way to the Supreme Court. poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on But when she acts as if her hands are tied, the creeps of the world, she reviews rock don’t believe it. Attorney generals across and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sisthe country are declining to defend these ter and teaches writing at the University of hateful and hurtful laws. But Bondi isn’t Michigan.

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Other side of the interview A couple of weeks ago, I found munity nature, you might find it hard to myself in a new position with media. As believe but I live a very private life, and a publisher and opinion/column writer, our home is the place to get away from this is a business I know well. And as it all. With a smile on my face, I can most of you know, I’m not afraid to tell say that I was not the best subject, and it like it is and create controversy. But can really appreciate when a reporter is there is one media element invading your personal space. that I’m not used to, and it Friedman and photographer happened. Ed Hille were very profes About a year ago, Sally sional, and patient, as I set Friedman of the Philadelphia limits on what the boundarInquirer requested to do a ies were. Jason was amused. sort of “at home with Mark In the end, it was a beautiSegal” feature for the paper. I ful piece. You can see it at politely explained that at that http://www.philly.com/philly/ time, time just didn’t exist. home/20140822_Sharing_a_ She just did what a reporter home_filled_with_gay-rights_ after a story did: She kept history.html. calling, to the point that the And from the “What did only way to stop her was to you do on your summer vacaagree. If she worked for PGN, tion?” department, the PGN staff is proud to say we built I would congratulate her. Her story idea had changed Mark Segal a new website. Take a look at www.epgn.com. n in the year, since I had gotten married, and this would become the first Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the interview as a married couple that Jason nation’s most-award-winning commenand I agreed to. So now it was at home with Mark and Jason, along with a photo tator in LGBT media. You can follow spread. him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Now while I can easily be interviewed MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https:// on an LGBT issue of a political or comtwitter.com/PhilaGayNews.

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Letters and Feedback Editor: If you couldn’t make it to Gay Games 9 in Cleveland/Akron OH earlier this month, you sure missed out on a lot. Here are a few highlights that I’ll take away. Climate: The opening-ceremonies telecast address from President Obama and the live speech by Sen. Sherrod Brown (one of the few Democrats who stood up against DOMA way back in 1996 in Congress); the Midwest charm of queer servers at restaurants often approaching us to “commune”; the elderly woman at the McKinley monument approaching us to welcome us and share her Cleveland experience; and the churches that threw open their doors and raised the rainbow flag as parishioners

passed out welcoming tchotchkes ... Competition/Comradery: Proudly marching into Quicken Loans Arena in the all-athlete, Team Philly contingent at the opening ceremonies; besting and/ or losing out to rival running clubs while also cheering them on; watching fellow runners compete in other sports admirably; battling injuries and the effects of aging to compete in the half-marathon; and sharing in the record-breaking gold, silver and bronze-medal haul for Team Philly ... Adventure: Bar/party-hopping and realizing that the Gay Games’ official bashes were “where it [was] at” due to their power to draw folks away from the usual gay haunts; having one of our run-

Street Talk Should all newly constructed men’s rooms have diaper-changing stations? “Yes, I see is as a people issue. Granted, it will help advance the LGBT cause, but it will also help the entire Libby Bower population. student I wouldn’t Washington Square expect that it West would be too expensive to do. It’s not that difficult or elaborate to install a diaper-changing station.”

“Yes. That would drive home the message that men need to share in parenting. Everyone benefits from co-parenting: Lois Kimmel men, women student and children Washington Square alike. I don’t West think this is an LGBT issue, it’s a humanrights issue.”

“Yes. I realize it could be costprohibitive for every new men’s room, but I’m against gender stereotyping. Mary Cerulli student It’s important West Philadelphia to make an effort to break down all gender barriers in society. It’s also important to make sure these facilities are available to stay-at-home dads and gaymale couples who are raising children.”

“It sounds reasonable to me. The benefits outweigh any financial concerns. But the changing stations don’t have to be in Bruce Kitts insurance nightclubs or underwriter other adult East Falls section establishments that don’t allow children. And existing facilities don’t have to be retrofitted. That would be too much. Just require it in all new men’s rooms, within reason.”

ners pursued ardently by a swimmer who seemed to remember in exacting detail a passionate affair 20 years hence; and battling the weather such that all completion (three to four races) were compressed into 63 hours instead of about 120 ... Significance: Helping the Cleveland/Akron area economically; feeling empowered by networking with other Philly clubs and across our sport; changing others’ (and our own) perceptions of queer people; and having a ball doing it all! — Mudhillun MuQaribu Philadelphia Frontrunners The Gay Games out in Cleveland/Akron were great. We

really felt welcomed, and both cities were clean, inviting and warmly decorated with rainbow and GG9 flags here and there. Downtown Cleveland showcased its beautiful, well-preserved architecture, as well as pockets of welllandscaped flowers. Everyone was very friendly and glad to share their city with us. As well as mixing with cool people from all over, we also met some straight allies in restaurants and in athletic venues, who were happy to be there and watch the games just as avidly as we were. The road races I did weaved through a beautiful park on the one hand and some residential neighborhoods and downtown areas of Akron on the other, enabling us to see various parts of

the region. It was a rush to meet folks from other countries and states and cheer for them as they did their best. There was a real esprit de corps and I saw good sportsmanship and good will everywhere. Cleveland and Akron did a great job of organizing, with teams of well-coordinated volunteers who were cheerful, helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed sampling many cultural and historical parts of Cleveland and Akron not directly connected to the Games as well. We really enjoyed ourselves and want to thank the host cities for providing such a good time. — Kevin Kuehlwein Philadelphia Frontrunners

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HOMEWARD BOUND: Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia volunteer Joe Soler shows off Jello, one of the furballs up for adoption at ACCT’s “Love is Positive” event Aug. 31 at Venture Inn. The event sought to raise awareness about feline immunodeficiency virus and to connect FIVpositive cats with loving homes. Guests at the event were also given the opportunity to “adopt” a rubber duck for $5, in advance of the 2014 Duck Dash. The Oct. 18 event, which benefits ACCT, will take place at the Love Park fountain, and those who purchased the ducks that are selected from the fountain will receive such prizes as $1,000 and an iPad. For more information, visit www.duckrace.com/acctphilly. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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Marriage equality is spreading like wildfire Proponents of marriage equality have constitution to protect, if not exalt, in equal been kicking butt and taking names over measure.” the last year-and-a-half! These victories Another round of remarks came last leave us with 19 states plus Washington, month when judges in the Seventh Circuit D.C., where LGBTQ individuals have the Court of Appeals eviscerated the argufreedom to marry. In an additional 14 ments of antigay attorneys from Wisconsin states, judges have issued ruland Indiana. Judge Posner, who ings in favor of the freedom to was appointed by President marry, with many of these rulReagan, called the arguments ings now stayed as they proceed made by opponents of marto appellate courts. riage equality “ridiculous,” Three states offer broad “pathetic” and “absurd.” protections short of marriage: On Sept. 8 we will likely Colorado allows civil union; and see a repeat performance when Nevada offers broad domestic lawyers present three cases partnership and Wisconsin has — from Nevada, Idaho and more limited domestic-partnerHawaii — to the Ninth Circuit. ship laws. The Nevada case dates back It’s getting to the point where, to April 2012 but in the last in their opinions striking down years there have been sigAngela two same-sex marriage bans, judges nificant changes to the panel of have been trying to outdo each Giampolo judges, including an improved other with definitive statements standard of review in the Ninth calling out the injustice that has been done Circuit for cases involving LGBT discrimito LGBT couples and to America’s sense nation. of decency. For example, in our very own The Idaho case is more recent and marriage-equality case in Pennsylvania, extremely straightforward; the National Judge John Jones 3d wrote, “We are better Center for Lesbian Rights brought it forpeople than these laws represent, and it’s ward and won earlier this year in the lower time to discard them into the ash-heap of court. And the Hawaii case is the most history.” Jones was appointed to the bench unusual. Marriage equality is already the by George W. Bush, after being recomlaw in Hawaii, but the lawsuit began before mended by Rick Santorum. the marriage-quality ban was overturned. “I believe that if we can look for a Even though the ban has been overturned moment past gender and sexuality, we can legislatively, the plaintiffs in the case are see in these plaintiffs nothing more or less prudently and intelligently pressing ahead than our own families,” Judge Michael with an appeal because they want a lower McShan wrote in throwing out Oregon’s court’s decision upholding the state ban ban. “Families who we would expect our officially overturned through the legal pro-

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cess. Even more unusual is the fact that the victorious plaintiffs in Utah, Oklahoma and Virginia are all asking for Supreme Court review of their favorable decisions. It’s not often at all that a victorious plaintiff requests review of their decision by the nation’s top court. In fact, ordinarily, the victorious side would oppose a rehearing, as it runs the risk of overturning the decision. But, the motivation behind the plaintiffs’ briefs boils down to their desire to expand their victories nationwide. Out of the three cases, each addresses different aspects of how bans against same-sex marriage affect the LGBTQ community. The attorneys and organizations behind the Virginia marriage-equality case insist that additional issues are presented by their case, making it the most ideal to go before the Supreme Court because it would permit the court to address both prohibitions on same-sex marriage and prohibitions of out-of-state marriages. The Virginia case also presents a diverse set of parties; in addition to the plaintiff couples and the defendant clerks, the state of Virginia has also stepped in with an argument of its own that the marriage ban is unconstitutional. Thus, plaintiff attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies point out that the case provides an opportunity for exhaustive argument on all aspects of the marriageequality debate. Decisions from the Sixth and Seventh Circuits are pending, and the losing party, or potentially the victorious party, in those cases will likely ask the Supreme Court to hear them as well. When the Supreme

Court justices return to work Sept. 29, they’ll likely find unanimous agreement that they should consider a marriage-equality case, but which cases the court will pick remains in question; they could take up none, one or multiple cases. Personally, I think the Supreme Court will defer a decision on which marriageequality case to take, since many more rulings may come from nearly a dozen other states in September. Deferring will allow more parties from other circuits to file petitions as well. Regardless of what the justices decide later this month, all I know is that in a short 18 months, a record number of Americans is now living with full equality and dignity under the law. For the first time in history, nearly 44 percent of the U.S. population lives in a state with the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, and more than 46 percent of the U.S. population lives in a state with either marriage or a broad legal status such as civil union or domestic partnerships. Granted, we still have a long way to go, but it is clear now that it is simply a matter of time before we will win the right to marry who we love, whenever and, most importantly, wherever we want to! n Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law Group, maintains offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT law, business law, real-estate law and civil rights. Her website is www. giampololaw.com and she maintains two blogs, www.phillygaylawyer.com and www. lifeinhouse.com. Send Angela your legal questions at angela@giampololaw.com.

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Media Trail Sam cut by Rams, signed by Cowboys CBS News reports the St. Louis Rams have cut Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team. But, he was summarily signed to the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys. The seventh-round draft pick has been outspoken and confident as his progress was watched as closely as any rookie in the league. He has been cheered by athletes and celebrities. In the end, the defensive end couldn’t make the Rams, a team stocked with pass rushers. Sam’s addition to the Cowboys’ practice squad was announced during a routine press conference Tuesday. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Sam was selected for his talent, and nothing else. “This is about football,” Garrett said. “We evaluated him as a football player and felt he could help us as a football player. We want to see what he can do. Our attention and focus is on football.” The Cowboys had passed on Sam three times in the seventh round of the draft. The Rams selected Sam, the SEC codefensive player of the year at Missouri, with the 249th overall pick out of 256 during May’s draft. Sam came out following his final season at Missouri. Rams coach Jeff Fisher was proud to have made the landmark pick, but he made clear from the start that he chose Sam because he thought he had the talent to make it. Sam kissed his boyfriend as a national television audience looked on, and arrived brimming with confidence and with a quick retort for anyone who contended he was in the NFL only because he came out. The cameras followed, but the extra attention did not seem to faze Sam or his teammates. Veteran defensive end Chris Long noted rosters are always made up of players from different backgrounds. One by one, players said Sam was now part of their family. Coach Jeff Fisher called the draft pick a “second historic moment” for a franchise that signed running back Kenny Washington in 1946 as the league’s first black player in the modern era, but he was most interested in describing Sam as a way to upgrade the Rams’ defense. So was gen-

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

eral manager Les Snead, who referred to Sam after the draft as a “designated pass rusher.” Sam recognized the challenge, so he shed weight to be faster for special teams duty, reporting at 257 pounds. After the Rams’ first preseason game, a 26-24 loss to New Orleans, Fisher said Sam played “pretty well” but also made his share of mistakes. Sam, who was credited with one tackle and one quarterback hit in the game, emerged with confidence. “You know, I can play in this league,” Sam said. “I can play in this league.”

Ban on ‘gay panic defense’ heads to gov According to the Sacramento Bee, defendants would not be able to escape murder charges by claiming they panicked when they discovered someone was gay or transgender under a bill headed to the desk of California Gov. Jerry Brown. The state Assembly approved AB2501 in a 50-10 vote Aug. 27. Current law allows murder charges to be reduced to manslaughter if the killings happened in a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion. AB2501, by Democratic Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla of Concord, would bar defendants from using their victims’ gender or sexual orientation to support a so-called panic defense. Bonilla said such defenses legitimize violence against LGBT people. The American Bar Association urged governments to curtail the use of panic defenses. The gay-rights group Equality California says California would have the first statewide prohibition.

Transwomen’s killings test police outreach My Fox DC reports four killings of transgender women in Baltimore in two years are highlighting the strained relationship between law enforcement and the LGBT community and sparking conversations about how to ease the tension. Baltimore police say they are taking cues from other police forces around the country on ways to bridge the gap between the transgender community and law enforcement, including departments in Montreal, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington. In the past two years, the department released its first LGBT recruitment video, and developed a cultural-sensitivity training regimen for police officers. But LGBT advocates say there is still work to be done. n

— compiled by Larry Nichols

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PGN MORRIS from page 1

Nizah (J4N) committee say local authorities appear to be engaged in a cover-up, rather than an active investigation. They want state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane to review the case. But so far, Kane hasn’t agreed to do so. In the past, Mayor Nutter expressed a commitment to “transparency” in the Morris case. Nutter couldn’t be reached for comment for this story. Earlier this year, N. Melville Jones, an openly gay Philadelphia police officer, also sought a court order for the city to release a copy of the Morris IAD file. Jones is suing the city for pervasive anti-LGBT bias within the police department and sought the Morris file to bolster his case that police don’t properly investigate allegations of wrongdoing by police against the LGBT community. “The requested files are supposed to be open to public review, and are not considered private and/or privileged,” Jones stated in a court filing. Jones also cited an executive order issued by Mayor Nutter in 2011, stating that IAD investigation files are to be released in their entirety after the IAD probe ends. Before Common Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox could rule on Jones’ request, the city provided him with a copy of the Morris IAD file. But Jones’ attorneys decline to release a copy of the Morris IAD file to PGN, citing the pending nature of Jones’ litigation. According to documents at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Sgt. Michael Dougherty said he gave permission for the Morris courtesy ride. Dougherty also reportedly told the D.A.’s Office he visited Jefferson University Hospital while Morris was still alive but on a life-support machine. The sergeant’s statements weren’t included in the portion of the IAD file released to PGN in 2008. The city’s Police Advisory Commission also wasn’t aware of Doughery’s statements until 2009, when it reopened its Morris probe and reviewed Morris files at the D.A.’s Office. A nondisclosure agreement between the PAC and the D.A.’s Office prevents the D.A.’s Morris files from being released to the public. On April 1, D.A. Seth Williams said he would consider a request to lift the nondisclosure agreement. But at presstime, the agreement remained in effect. The next meeting of the J4N committee is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street. n

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Family Portrait Get Out and Play Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

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23 25 28 26 21

PAGE 27

Fringe performers take on varied venues By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The FringeArts Festival returns to Philadelphia to once again give artists the chance to run wild with their most cutting-edge and unique ideas for performance pieces and installations. As in previous years, unique spaces seem to be catalysts and inspirations for a number of the performers. New York-based choreographer Trajal Harrell is bringing two of his five dance-performance shows, from “Antigone Sr. (L)” to “Twenty Looks or Paris is Burning at The Judson Church (XS).” Both shows are all-male productions that draw upon the styles of the gay ballroom scene, Greek theater and deep-bass club music for their inspiration, but Harrell said that, beyond those characteristics, the shows’

themes differ. “They are the same proposition but they are completely different pieces,” Harrell said. “They are articulated according to the size of the room. All the sizes ask the same question: What would have happened in 1963 if someone from the Vogueing dance tradition had come down from Harlem to Greenwich Village to perform alongside the early postmodernists? Each size has a different way of answering that question. It’s a different set of circumstances and contexts. So they share the same ideas but it’s just different answers. It’s like a fa s h i o n s h ow. You may have seven different gowns and it’s all part of the s a m e idea the designer was working on, but each gown is different.”

He added that the sizes of each of the shows add to their uniqueness. “The circumstances are completely different for these shows. ‘XS’ is a show made for 25 people only in the dark sitting on the floor,” he said. “The ‘Large’ is made for large theaters with audiences up to 800. So there are complete different experiences.” Harrell said that bringing together gay ballroom culture and postmodernism with Greek theater may not seem like it would fit together thematically, and admits he’s not exactly sure what they all have in common, beyond the shows he has created. “I can’t say it all ties together in my mind,” he said. “I had been working for many years on the relationship between early postmodern dance and the Vogueing tradition. That was kind of an overall research that I was involved with for 13-15 years. Then I did ancient Greece because I was trying to increase the audience. I was trying to find differ-

ent negotiated factors that could bring more people together. I was thinking about the foundations of Western drama; men played female and male roles, which one could say is a performance aspect of Vogueing. Also, ancient Greek is a larger part of people’s general knowledge than the Vogueing dance tradition.” Even with the connections of the different genres still up in the air, Harrell did give his opinions on why the ballroom culture has endured for so long. “Their values system in the ballroom scene comes from the ballroom scene,” he said. “It’s doesn’t look outside of itself for validation. I think that’s why it survived. It wasn’t trying to be in the art world, for example. Of course, if they have opportunities to do work in film or television, that is great. But the ballroom scene is a competition based on the social values and the selfesteem that comes from working on

PAGE 20

MAKING SPACE: (Clockwise from left) Trajal Harrell in “Twenty Looks or Paris is Burning at The Judson Church (XS);” Emma Goidel, Douglas Williams, Emily Acker and Maura Krause of the Appocolypse Club in “SAFE SPACE”; Trajal Harrel in “Antigone Sr. (L)”

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

FRINGE from page 19

something in your own community. That allows them to reinvent themselves and perpetuate their ideals. It’s amazing that it really can’t be co-opted in that way.” Another show using a unique space is “Safe Space,” created by local playwrights Douglas Williams, Emma Goidel and Emily Acker. Performed in Williams’ South Philly home, the performers, along with the audience, hunker down during a climate-change apocalypse through live-action role-playing (LARP). Goidel said the Fringe audiences are usually game for this kind of nontraditional interactive theater experience. “Fringe tends to draw a curious audience, people who are open to exploration with form and are excited to get their hands dirty, so to speak, with the performance,” she said. “When we started talking about creating this piece, it seemed like the perfect venue to explore an interactive performance.” Goidel added that audience participation in “Safe Space” adds to the drama of the show,

PGN FEATURE

based on the material that we present. So it is a play you can walk through. It happens in the top floor of a house. There are multiple rooms and they each have themes going on in them. There are simultaneous actions but also big-group themes where everyone is involved. So the audience will have an opportunity to put different pieces together of a story by following different characters.” LARPing isn’t the most mainstream of pastimes, but, before this play, Goidel and the other playwrights had never used this form. TRAJAL HARRELL’S “ANTIGONE SR. (L)” So, novices and LARP enthusiasts alike should find the show engagyet the audience is never fully given the reins ing. to drive the story. “None of us LARP,” she said. “We came to “The play that we created allows the audience to find their way through the narrative the idea sort of by creative process. We built in the text,” she said. “It doesn’t allow them the show as non-LARPers who accept othto determine what happens in the plot but ers who are experts in this field. And I think it allows them to create their own narrative that our joy in discovering what LARPing can

be is present in the piece and it will be just as exciting for other non-LARPers to experience what we discovered in creating the piece. This play in particular is about a group of kids being someone else for a few hours while they play role-playing games. Some of them are LARPers and do this all the time and some people have never done it before. In taking on these other characters, we are looking at how that changes people in their real lives and we’re looking at it in a subtle, immediate way. By letting the audience follow gameplay, it actively engages them in the playful, fast-paced spirit of the game we created much more than buying a seat in a dark theater and staying stationary for 70 minutes watching it happen. I think the audience really gets to engage in the process of play more so than they would if they were seated.” ■ FringeArts Festival 2014 runs Sept. 5-21 in any space they can fit into around the city. For a detailed list of events, venues and performers, visit www.fringearts.com.

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We put our energy into celebrating pride. At PECO, we’re proud to support the LGBT community. So much so that the Exelon family of companies was recently recognized with the “2014 Corporate Equality Index Best Place to Work for LGBT Employees” award. Not to mention, PECO received the “Best Business” award at the Pride Day LGBT Parade and Festival for the second year in a row. We’re committed to LGBT inclusion and equality because we believe that working with individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds drive some of the most powerful outcomes. It’s what makes us proud to be a part of Exelon and happy to celebrate the power of diversity.

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PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Suzi Nash

Robert de Anthony: Young at heart, from NYC to South Jersey Most people don’t know it but, despite my Philly pride, I’m actually a Jersey girl. I was born in Passaic and most of my relatives still live in North Jersey. This week’s profile is also a Jersey native. Robert de Anthony is the entertainment coordinator for Southern New Jersey LGBTQ Pride, a wonderful celebration being held right across the river Sept. 14. PGN: Tell me about something near and dear to your heart. RD: First and foremost is the nonprofit organization I started for LGBT youth here in Jersey City. I started it in 2006. It’s called Our Youth and it’s a safe haven for kids, a place where they can be themselves. PGN: What kinds of things do you do? RD: We help them find jobs and get into college. We offer free HIV testing and have different nightly activities to keep them off the streets. We have book night, family night, movie night, yoga night, stuff like that. I’m proud to say we just opened up a new facility in New York City. PGN: What is your connection with DeAnn Cox and South Jersey Pride? RD: I have been the entertainment coordinator and host of South Jersey Pride for the last four years. One of the things my organization is doing with South Jersey Pride this year is a pre-party at Club Revolution in Hammonton, N.J., on Sept. 13. There is a $5 suggested donation and the proceeds will go to our scholarship fund, which has been one of the most successful programs in my organization. It’s called the Our Youth Diversity Scholarship and we give out one to a high-school senior in New York and one in Jersey. Last year, we gave each student $1,100. This pre-party will be the first fundraising event for our new scholarships this year. We do one event a month from September-June. PGN: I noticed your phone number comes up with a Newark, N.J., exchange. Where are you originally from? RD: Jersey City. PGN: Tell me a little bit about growing up in Jersey City. RD: I have two sisters, but they are from my father’s first marriage so they’re considerably older than me. One’s in her 50s, the other is in her 60s. In essence, I grew up as an only child. My father is elderly, 80 years old, so I take care of him. He was a truck driver for 38 years. My mother has been a taxi dispatcher for the last 25 years. PGN: That’s pretty cool, so did you get free rides everywhere? RD: Yes! To school and everything. It was especially convenient if I was running late.

She knew and trusted all the drivers so all I had to do was get in a cab and ride to school. PGN: What was your favorite class in school? RD: I was very active in high school. My senior year I was the editor of the newspaper and prom committee chairperson. I went to a media-arts high school so I was the host and editor of my own weekly television show that covered different issues in the community, and I started the first gaystraight alliance. PGN: So you must’ve come out pretty early. RD: I don’t think I actually ever “came out.” I was always just me, it’s always been very natural. I never had that moment where I had to sit somebody down and tell them. It’s never been a problem. Growing up, there were a bunch of gay men who lived in the house next door to us. It was one of them who taught me how to write and how to tie my shoes. In our house it was me, my mother and her lover and another lesbian couple.

with one kidney and one lung. That was pretty scary. PGN: So after high school did you go to college? RD: Yes, I attended Barry University in Miami, Fla., for a year and then I went to Bloomfield College in New Jersey for a year. PGN: Ha! I wanted to go to the University of Miami because I’d heard it was a great party school. My parents nixed that right away and I ended up in Boston. RD: I would have still been in Miami if my father hadn’t gotten sick. I came back here to help take care of him. PGN: How did you first start and get your organization off the ground? RD: Well, as I said, I was in high school and had started the gay-straight alliance. In addition to all the teachers and peers who used to ask me questions, I also had my niece come out to me during that senior

PGN: So your mom’s gay? RD: Yes. PGN: Did you grow up with your mom more than your dad? RD: Both. It was a couple of years with one, then a couple of years with the other. PGN: And how old are you now? RD: I am 31. PGN: You look like a baby! RD: Ha, the only baby is my organization, which I started right out of high school. The reason I started the gay-straight alliance was because I had several different students and faculty members come to me with questions about sexuality and sexual orientation. I would get questions like, “I think I am ... “ or “I have a family member who is ... ” Then I was diagnosed with lung cancer in my senior year and I had to take a few months off to deal with it. Even while I was in recovery I had people calling me and texting me with questions, so I thought, Let me just start this organization so that there’s a place where people can come with questions and get good answers. Thankfully, I’ve been cancer-free for 10 years now. PGN: What was your scariest moment dealing with that? RD: There were probably two. The cancer had taken over about 83 percent of my left lung so I had to have it removed. Then they gave me too much radiation, which messed up one of my kidneys, so I had to have that removed. So I’m walking around

sure over the years you’ve heard countless stories from the teens you’ve helped. Any one that stands out? RD: I wouldn’t isolate any specific story but over the years we’ve dealt with kids who have been thrown out of their homes in the middle of the night, and I’ve had to go find them and then find shelter for them. I’ve had situations where I’ve been in the home sitting with a child as they told their parents that they were gay or lesbian and dealt with the parents’ reaction. There was one incident where the mother pushed me down the stairs. Most often, though, it’s dealing with kids who have no place to go and trying to find a safe place for them. Many times they haven’t had food or they don’t have clothes and we work to supply them with the bare necessities. The past two years the main difficulty has been helping kids get into college so we started the scholarship program. PGN: What’s something we old heads don’t understand about LGBTQ youth? RD: I don’t think there’s much that we don’t understand because we’ve been through it all, but I think that the youth don’t really understand our history, where we’ve been and what we’ve been through. We need to educate young people and focus them on the right path. It’s hard to get them steered in the right direction if they don’t know where we came from. PGN: So very true. I’m glad to hear it’s part of your curriculum. RD: Oh yes, we did a field trip to the Stonewall Inn and did a whole tour of the village. The new facility that we just opened up is actually on Christopher Street, right on the same block as the Stonewall Inn. So they are immersed in it.

year. She would tell me about her friends, who also had questions and nowhere to get them answered. So I decided to open a place where kids could come and talk to someone. It started out in the basement of my church. The pastor allowed us to meet there for about a year but then the church was closed down and we moved to our current location. PGN: It’s pretty amazing for someone so young to start their own foundation. I’m

PGN: That’s great to hear. RD: Yes, it’s great because we have kids from all over — Brooklyn and the Bronx, Manhattan — kids who may not have felt comfortable coming over to Jersey now have their own place. We get a lot of celebrity guests too; the girls from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” come often, Patti Labelle supports the organization and Melba Moore, as well as Martha Wash from the Weather Girls and 2 Tons of Fun. You might remember she did the song “It’s Raining Men.” PAGE 26

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

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SPORTS PGN

Get Out and Play

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Scott A. Drake

Gryphons return from Australia victorious The Philadelphia Gryphons RFC have returned from Sydney, Australia, with a brand-new piece of hardware for the trophy case. In its inaugural year at the biannual Bingham Cup, the Hoagland Cup was brought back to the states from down under by a group of very happy, very tired ruggers. In pool play, the Gryphons lost two of three and were seeded to play in the new division designed to include more skill levels, as the Sydney team has taken home the big trophy the last four consecutive years. They battled hard through the competition and went into the final game down three injured players. Just before the game, the “Rocky” theme “Gonna Fly Now” was played and inspired them to victory. Alice Hoagland, for whom the cup is named and mother of Mark Bingham, attended the final game. The Bingham Cup is named in honor of the openly gay rugby player who died on Flight 93 during the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

The Gryphons will be celebrating even more at their first Saturday social at Stir this month. All are welcome to come welcome them back starting at 9 p.m. Sept. 6. The 2016 Bingham Cup location will be announced Nov. 1. For more photos and more information on the Gryphons, go to philadelphiagryphons.org. GG9 recap The final numbers are in from the Gay Games in Cleveland and Philadelphia truly brought back the precious metals, with a total of 74 medals and ribbons, breaking down as 50 gold (of which 37 were for the three softball teams), 11 silver, nine bronze and four ribbons for rodeo. The rest of the medal distribution was as follows: One medal each for basketball and flag football, two medals for bowling and rodeo and a total of 21 medals for track and field. Other non-medal sports Philadelphians participated in were billiards, swimming, tennis and soccer, though the soccer team performed well and just missed winning two games by a point each. Next up: Gay Games X in Paris in 2018. The countdown begins in 1,000 days.

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SYDNEY CELEBRATION: Gryphons co-captains Joe Cruz (left) and Joe Ciesielski accept the Hoagland Cup from New South Wales Police Superintendent Tony Crandell (top) and the team hoists the cup in celebration. The Gryphons are the first team to win the Hoagland Cup.

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Short stops • Registration is in full swing for Stonewall Kickball fall league play. Go to stonewallkickballphilly.leagueapps.com for registration, rules and reasons to get out and play! • Sports and recreation information can be found on the inside back cover of PGN every fourth Friday of the month or any time on epgn.com. ■ Got something sporty to share? Email scott@epgn.com.

FUN & PGN GAMES

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Q Puzzle Stuck on You Across

1. What a knight takes to go clubbing? 5. Stick it to 10. 160 rods 14. Type of history 15. Kane in “All My Children” 16. Like so 17. Ian McKellen and Elton John 18. Failure to accept others, and others 19. Silence for Tchaikovsky 20. With 38Across, opening number of this

puzzle’s musical 22. Tickle pink 24. Verb ending 25. German Surrealist Max 27. “South Pacific” nuts 28. Dahl’s Willy 30. Place for future Lts. 32. Eliza Doolittle’s ‘ades? 33. Dancer Duncan 37. Mystery writer Gardner 38. See 20Across 40. Biathlete’s slats 42. Roughly half an NFL team 43. LAX letters 44. Salt’s “s” 45. More queer

49. Totally uncool 51. Late comedian Williams 55. Gardner of “Show Boat” 56. Eleanor’s husband’s middle name 58. Musical about conjoined twins who performed on vaudeville 60. Richard of “A Summer Place” 61. Go down 63. “It’s Not the Size That Counts” star Sommer 64. Tickled pink 65. Pretends to have an orgasm 66. Positions for Patty Sheehan

PORTRAIT from page 23

PGN: Of course. RD: Patti actually headlined the first fundraising event that we did. She’s phenomenal. She did that fundraiser with us and, ever since, she’s been very close with the kids we work with. When she was on Broadway, she sent us 50 tickets for the kids to come and see her show. She’s been a big supporter of the organization and gives not only her money but her time. PGN: Favorite celebrity encounter? RD: Probably working with Miss Patti. She’s so warm and down to earth. Martha Wash has also been really good for the kids. I just met her on the street in New York City and told her about our program. She came and did a few events for us and has been close to us ever since. They just did a profile of her on “Unsung” and she mentioned her work with our organization in the episode. PGN: Where do you get the drive to do what you do? RD: I love these kids. Knowing that there are actual young adults out there whose own families, mothers, fathers don’t accept them and won’t help them is what drives me. On a day when I might have had health issues and be really sick, I’d get out of that bed because I knew that one of those kids was counting on me to do this or that. I feel as though I got a calling from God and my purpose in life is to help these young adults. Regardless of how frustrated I get sometimes personally or financially — because we’re not as strong as we’d like to be — or from the lack of help, I always remember that God has put me here for a purpose and if I have to give the last dollar out of my pocket, it’s going to get done. But I’m not alone. I have a great board of directors. We also have a pageant for Mr. and Miss Gay Jersey City and they go out into the community and represent the organization. They’ll be performing at South Jersey Pride as well.

67. Quite, to Colette 68. Opening 69. Bringing up the rear

Down

1. “___ on the Hudson,” of 51Across 2. Melodic, to Bernstein 3. Bizet opera 4. Additional 5. Kahlo in drag? 6. Vocalize softly 7. Dick Button skaters on them 8. Prefix for system 9. Flier with a stinging butt 10. Up ___ (stuck) 11. Unfaithful

lovers 12. Lyricist Bill of 58-Across 13. Parsons on the screen 21. Minimum amount 23. R. Simmons helps you lose them 26. Baseball manager Joe 29. Do-it-yourselfer’s purchases 31. Normandy city 34. Cruising greeting 35. Submit (to) 36. On vacation 37. Just managed, with “out” 38. Movie with the line “Don’t call me Shirley” 39. In concert 40. Most down

PGN: Are you a performer too? RD: No, I just host. I also manage different acts and host a variety of shows to raise awareness, and I do motivational speaking at high schools and universities on different issues like HIV/AIDS, love and acceptance, homophobia, bullying, etc., etc. One of the sponsors of South Jersey Pride this year is Comcast and together with them we are creating the Comcast/Our Youth Anti-Bullying Wall that will feature different youth in the South Jersey-New YorkPennsylvania area. It’ll have their pictures and stories about overcoming bullying. There’ll be a section where people can write their own stories. PGN: Nice. You should check out the Liberty Museum in Philadelphia. They have an area where, if you’ve ever been bullied, or if you ever were a bully and regret it, you write it down on a piece of paper and then shred it so that you can leave it in the past and move on. RD: Wow. Oh, that reminds me, in Montgomery, Ala., they have the National Wall of Tolerance. My college, Barry U., invited me back to do a motivational speech in 2005. Afterwards, a woman came up to me and said, “I hope you don’t mind but I recorded your speech to show it to the president of our organization.” A few months went past and I got a call from her and she put a woman on the phone and, I swear to you, it was Rosa Parks herself. She spoke to me about how she liked the speech and believed in my message and what I was trying to do. She wanted to know if she could put my name on the wall! She was asked to pick the first 50 names and she chose me to be one of them! PGN: Amazing! So let’s do some random questions. Are you single? Dating? RD: [Laughs] Oh, I don’t even know how to answer that. No, I don’t have time. I’m 31 and have been in two long-term relationships. I was in a very bad situation for

in the mouth 41. Composer Henry of 58Across 44. Objectivist Rand 46. Showy bloom 47. Causes to come out 48. Most like hard-core porn 50. What Donald Duck lacks down below 52. Japanese port 53. Risky blow job partner? 54. That is, to Cicero 57. Meatheads 59. Bear market order 62. Club for swingers

seven years, from physical abuse to mental abuse to cheating, you name it. From there, I jumped right into something else that I guess I wasn’t ready for and that lasted a year-and-a-half. That was five years ago and I’ve been single ever since. I’m good. PGN: What’s a historic sporting event you wish you could have witnessed? RD: Oh boy, me and sports? [Laughs] We took the kids to an NBA game because the New York Liberties are one of our sponsors and the kids teased me because I was sitting there waiting to see a touchdown at the basketball game! PGN: Got it. [Laughs]. And the Liberty is WNBA. If you could journey into any book, which would you choose? RD: “The Great Gatsby.” PGN: If you had to gain 10 pounds, what would you eat? RD: Anything chocolate. PGN: If you could do something dangerous without any real risk or harm, what would you try? RD: Sword swallowing. PGN: What are three shows we’d find on your DVR? RD: Anything “Housewives,” anything “Love and Hip Hop.” My DVR is very ratchet. And “Dance Mom.” PGN: Your most meaningful family heirloom? RD: My grandfather was in the Marines and at the battle of Iwo Jima. He came back with no hearing in his left ear and, when he passed, he got a full military funeral and they gave me the flag. PGN: I’m so gay ... RD: Hmmm, if you ask me, I’d probably say I’m not that gay, but if you ask DeAnn Cox or anybody else who knows me, they’d probably have a list pages long!

PGN: What time period would you go back to? RD: Late ’70s-early ’80s so I could experience Sylvester. PGN: And finally, what can people look forward to at South Jersey Pride this year? RD: The festival runs from noon-6 p.m., and there are going to be merchandise and community vendors. At 2 p.m., I’ll be hosting the show along with Philly’s own Icon Ebony Fierce. The Mr. Continental pageant is the longest-running and most prestigious in the gay community and our headliner is Mr. Continental himself, Kalil Valentino, who is flying in from Los Angeles. We also have “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Mimi Imfurst. We’ll be crowning the first-ever Miss South Jersey Pride, Iownna Benzz, who is actually a pastor in Philadelphia — the Rev. Jeff Jordan by day, Iownna by night! We’ll be doing a runway and vogue battle, a whole bunch of things. We encourage people to bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the afternoon! ■ For more information on Southern New Jersey Pride, visit www.snjgaypride.org. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.

PGN FILM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Out filmmakers bring Errol Flynn back to the big screen By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor “The Last of Robin Hood,” written and directed by the queer filmmaking couple Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, is a curious misfire about Errol Flynn’s (Kevin Kline) last and illicit relationship with the underage starlet Beverly Aadland (Dakota Fanning). This uneven film is never quite as juicy as it could have been, especially considering the provocative source material. Part of the film’s problem is its inconsistent tone. There is something oddly artificial about this period drama. For starters, the performers seem to be acting in different films. Kline hams it up rather nicely as the lovesick Flynn in a biopic. Fanning is all innocence and then suddenly becomes jaded in a coming-ofage story. And, in the film’s pivotal role, Susan Sarandon plays Aadland’s mother, Florence — a clueless stage mother who is also culpable and an alcoholic — as if she were appearing in a docudrama. The characterizations may be based on reality, but the film never rings true. Heck, even the period cars and costumes all seem to be trying too hard to impress viewers. “The Last of Robin Hood” — an exceedingly poor title — opens with the announcement of Flynn’s death and the question of who is the young girl he loved when he died. The narrative soon flashes back two years to show how Orry Kelly (out actor Bryan Batt in one of his two brief scenes) introduced Flynn to Aadland. Flynn invites the young actor/ singer/dancer to “audition” for him in his home, and it is immediately clear she lacks talent. But her beauty prompts the smitten Flynn to treat her to dinner, ply her with alcohol and then take her virginity on his couch. He soon tells the teenage starlet that he is “endlessly curious” about her. He later finds out that, while Florence passes her daughter off as 18, Aadland is actually only 15. While Flynn is smitten by the ingénue’s cheekiness, Aadland quickly falls under Flynn’s spell. Oddly, her character becomes less interesting as the film progresses. This means that the burden of “The Last of Robin Hood” falls on the pivotal character of Florence, who allows her young daughter to be seduced by the Hollywood star she too wants to befriend. Florence recounts the relationship between Aadland and Flynn to Tedd Thomey (Jason Davis), who promises to write a book that tells the truth. However, Florence is bitter, drunk and broken, and her version of the events probably cannot be entirely trusted. The film might have had some life if it played up Florence’s flights of fancy in the re-enactments. Instead, “The Last of Robin Hood” lumbers along as Aadland claims to be in love while her mother

refuses to see things for what they are. Audiences, however, can see right through the characters and the situations, which zaps the film of its dramatic tension. Although the storytelling is ham-fisted, the acting somewhat compensates. Kline injects Flynn with a considerable verve, playing his insidious seducer to the hilt. But, like his turn as Cole Porter in “DeLovely,” the material is not as strong as his performance. Kline puts the right

ing a movie, so she can be with her lover. Fanning is the film’s weakest link because her character, the real victim in the story, never engenders any real sympathy. A fight she has with her mother after getting engaged to Flynn should be a big emotional moment, but it hardly registers. The only strength of the young actor’s performance is her ability to act, sing and dance badly. “The Last of Robin Hood” is best when it focuses on Florence’s story. She is the most pathetic character (no mean feat), and Sarandon plays her as a sacrificial mama, right out of a 1950s “woman’s picture.” In fact, in the film’s final scene, Florence is so willing to absorb her daughter’s sins at any price that Sarandon is practically channeling Joan Crawford as Mildred Pierce. Her perKEVIN KLINE IN “THE LAST OF ROBIN HOOD” formance is both showy and blowsy, but it holds viewers’ spin on a “Lolita” reference he parries interest. to Aadland, but he can’t quite save a flat Glatzer and Westmoreland’s film scene in which Flynn tries to convince could have been a fascinating depiction Stanley Kubrick (Max Casella) that he of mother/daughter love, the quest for should play Humbert Humbert — with celebrity and the ill-fated nature of fame, Aadland as the title character in the film and a striking exposé of a sordid affair. version, of course. Unfortunately, “The Last of Robin Hood” In contrast, Fanning is not terribly conis all and none of those things. It is simvincing when she is supposed to be conply a lackluster treatment of Flynn’s niving, trying to persuade her mother to wicked, wicked ways. ■ let her go to Africa, where Flynn is mak-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Theater & Arts Ain’t Misbehavin’ The Tony Awardwinning musical about the golden age of jazz in Harlem runs through Sept. 7 at Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-8622121. The Book of Mormon The Tony Awardwinning musical comedy by the creator of “South Park” runs through Sept. 19 at The Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; 215-923-1515. CA Conrad The out author hosts a signing of his new book, “Eco-Deviants,” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Heather McDonald The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs through Sept. 6 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001.

at L’Etage, 624 Bainbridge St.; 215-592-0626. Exalted Nature: The Real and Fantastic World of Charles Burchfield The Brandywine River Museum of Art presents an exhibition of visionary landscapes by Burchfield (18931967), featuring more than 50 paintings borrowed from important public and private collections across the United States, through Nov. 16, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford; www.brandywinemuseum.org. Form and Color Muse Gallery presents an exhibition of collages by Kathryn Lee through Sept. 28, 52 N. Second St.; 215-627-5310.

Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition highlighting the works of the famed fashion designer through Nov. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

DON’T LEAVE US HANGING: Out choreographer Brian Sanders and his dance company JUNK have created another daring show for this year’s FringeArts Festival with “Suspended,” which features a male cast performing erotic and electrifying feats of physicality while hovering above the audience, Sept. 5-20 at Philadelphia Dance, 2040 Christian St. For more information, visit www. fringearts.com.

Suspended FringeArts presents the latest show by Brian Sanders’ JUNK Sept. 5-20 at Philadelphia Dance, 2040 Christian St.; www.fringearts. com.

That’s So Gay: Outing Early America The Library Company of Philadelphia presents the exhibition exploring gay culture through Oct. 17, 1314 Locust St.; 215-546-3181. The Main Dish Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of modern and contemporary kitchenware through Sept. 28, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Music Lorde The electro-pop singer performs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside

Ave.; 800-7453000. Miranda Lambert The country singer performs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-3651300. Bob Mould The out rock singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011. Buzzcocks The punk-rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215232-2100. Die Antwood The rap-electro duo performs 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

We relaunched our website. Responsive and graphic-driven. Check out the new and improved version of

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News updates more reliable than “a little bird told us”.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Bounce TV Music Festival Maze performs with Frankie Beverly, Patti Labelle and Ruben Studdard 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 800-745-3000. Gaslight Anthem, Jimmy Eat World and Against Me The alt-rock bands perform 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 800-745-3000. Chris Isaak The crooner performs 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. King Crimson The prog-rock band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 12-13 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Roque Wilson The comedian performs 9 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-596-1027.

St.; 215-790-5800. Snarky Puppy The instrumental band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Nightlife Liberty City Kings The drag-king group performs 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Aug. 29 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

Outta Town Michelle Balan The out comedian performs 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-596-1027.

Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Psycho 2 The horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. Sept. 5 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223.

Hedda Lettuce Movie Classics Interactive “Valley Of The Dolls” The drag performer hosts a screening 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-5961027.

Seven Days in May The 1964 political thriller is screened 2 p.m. Sept. 7 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St.,

Demolition Man The sci-fi film is screened 9:45 p.m. Sept. 12 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223. ■

Notices PAGES AND PARTY FAVORS: Out poet and author CA Conrad hosts a party to celebrate the release of his latest book, “Ecodeviants,” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at L’Etage, 624 Bainbridge St. For more information or tickets, call 215-5920626 or visit caconrad.blogspot.com/.

Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

PERFORMANCE NOW JULY 12 – SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

This provocative exhibition presents a survey of visual performance art at the start of the 21st century and includes work by Marina Abramović, Jérôme Bel, Christian Jankowski, William Kentridge, Jesper Just, and Laurie Simmons. Performance Now is a traveling exhibition produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), New York, and Performa, New York. The curator for the exhibition is RoseLee Goldberg, Founding Director and Curator of Performa. The exhibition and tour are made possible, in part, by grants from the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; the ICI Board of Trustees; and donors to ICI’s Access Fund.

2301 Kentmere Parkway Wilmington, DE 19806 302.571.9590 | delart.org

Additional support is provided by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Image: Drawing Lesson 47 (Interview for New York Studio School) (detail), 2010. William Kentridge (born 1955). Single-channel video, sound, and color, 4:48 min. Courtesy of the artist.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

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All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising

that is in violation of any applicable law. PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

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Voting open from Sept. 18 - Oct. 19. Winners announced Nov. 7

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

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Half Price Lockers (12 Midnight- 8am/ Monday- Thursday) MEMBERS: $9.00 & NON-MEMBERS: $19.00

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Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

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Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the ﬁrst and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco.dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www.gammaphilly.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-277-6595, www. MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330.

Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-2024622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610368-2021.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www. meetup.com/mtairylesbiansocial/. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/queerconnections/. Sisters United A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming-Out Support Group Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the ﬁrst Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www.pridecenter.org.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third ﬂoor; 215-851-1975. GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www.glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-3001058.

PFLAG/Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833.

HAVEN LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153.

PFLAG/Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-683-5155.

HiTOPS A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the ﬁrst and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org.

PFLAG/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995.

Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline.org.

Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, www.phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans

Project Keeping it Safe LGBT youth drop-in center offers meetings, HIV and STD prevention and testing, counseling and other services on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432, camden-ahec.org/. PRYSM Youth Center Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610-357-9948.

Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth ﬂoor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235.

Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658.

Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third ﬂoor; 215-851-1975.

T-MAN People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second ﬂoor; 215-632-3028, tmanphilly.com.

Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648.

Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., ﬁfth ﬂoor; 215-851-1822.

Young, Trans and Uniﬁed A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331, www.atticyouthcenter.org.

Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth ﬂoor; 215-732-1207.

You’re Not Alone Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776.

Young, Trans and Uniﬁed Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.

Youth Making a Difference A group for LGBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization, Inc.: 215-496-0330 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison: Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-6869980, helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov

■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org

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

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-686-3318

■ GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization: 215-8511822 ■ LGBT Elder Initiative: 267-5463448; info@LGBTEI.org ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658

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

■ Parents, Families and Friends

Health

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-

108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215-985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja. org/philly; philly@nlgja.org.

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 5-11, 2014

PGN