PGN Sept. 6 - 12, 2013

On the Fringe of another festival PAGE 23

Family Portrait: Gunnar Montana on chainsaws and his ex PAGE 27

PGN staffer named advertising director of the year by national organization

PAGE 8

Sept. 6-12, 2013

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Vol. 37 No. 36

Giovanni’s Room to be sold

Court hears arguments in MontCo marriage case

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Attorneys for the state and for the Montgomery County official who has been issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples argued their case before a judge in Harrisburg this week.

Oral arguments were held Sept.

4 before Commonwealth Court President Judge Dan Pellegrini on the state Department of Health’s suit against MontCo Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes, who has issued more than 160 marriage licenses to same-sex couples since July.

The state is seeking a writ of mandamus to compel Hanes to halt his action.

Pellegrini did not set a deadline for his decision but indicated it will be a quick one.

Arguments Wednesday primarily centered on whether the state health department has jurisdction to order Hanes to stop issuing licenses.

The state contends that it does, but attorneys for Hanes argued that, as a judicial officer, their client must be guided by orders from the court, not state agencies.

Pelligrini will not rule on the constitutionality of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage but will likely weigh in on whether Hanes’ attorneys can use arguments about the law being unconstitutional to defend against the suit should it proceed.

The judge did not give a clear indication of his leanings on the issues, but did suggest multiple times that a more straightforward approach would have been for Hanes to file a challenge to the law.

Arguing for the state was executive deputy general counsel Gregory Dunlap PAGE 19

LABOR OF LOVE: Singer Macklemore donned a Phillies jersey for his Labor Day weekend performance at the Budweiser Made in America festival on the Parkway. An estimated 60,000 people packed the Parkway both Saturday and Sunday for a festival headlined by Beyoncé and Nine Inch Nails. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed their hit “Same Love” on Sunday, fresh from their performance and win at the “MTV Video Music Awards.” The marriage-equality-themed song had festivalgoers singing along, with a sea of hands in the air as the singer asked the crowd to point upwards if they “believe in equality for all human beings all over the world.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

Senior project names building manager

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Move-in day for the city’s new LGBT-friendly senior residence is inching closer, and project organizers recently named the person

KECIA HILLIARD AT THE SENIOR CENTER SITE Photo: Scott A. Drake

who will manage the full gamut of the facility’s operations.

Kecia Hilliard, 48, began as the building manager for the John C. Anderson Apartments Aug. 27. Hilliard is an employee of Pennrose Properties, the developer spearheading the project with the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund.

Hilliard has more than 20 years of experience in property management. Most recently, she served as facilities manager for a company based in Norristown, but said she was eager to attain a position with more personal interaction.

“A lot of what I was doing was from behind a computer or on the telephone, and I really missed that human interaction that property management can bring,” Hilliard said. “I’m a social butterfly, and I need to be face-to-face, dealing with humans.

PAGE 19

After 37 years at the helm of Giovanni’s Room, owner Ed Hermance is retiring, leaving both the nation’s oldest LGBT bookstore and its building up for sale.

Hermance, 73, has owned the independently run LGBT bookstore, nestled on the corner of Pine and 12th streets, since 1976.

The Powelton resident plans to step down this winter and is exploring options for keeping the business running under a new owner, but will have to sell to a different buyer if there is not sufficient support for continuing Giovanni’s Room.

“I know it’s possible for independent bookstores to thrive in the current environment. I don’t know if someone has the resources and the passion to continue the store,” he said. “If someone wanted to rent the space for a different kind of bookstore and no one wanted to continue Giovanni’s Room, I’d be pleased to rent it to them, thinking that it would be in their interest to help all the people who have depended on us.”

Hermance is handling the sale personally and said he will have asking prices determined later this month.

“We have inventory that is worth something and we also owe for books. It would also depend on some degree on who bought it,” he said about the sale price. “I think Giovanni’s Room has a lot of goodwill in it, so I wouldn’t be embarrassed to take $100,000 for the business. I am not asking for a lot, I would just like to have enough for a stick of gum.”

A potential owner would inherit Giovanni’s Room’s inventory of more than 48,000 books. The store also offers more than five million books online, as well as 3.5 million ebooks.

If the business continues as an LGBT bookstore, it would be up to the new owner whether to keep the three staffers or hire new employees.

Hermance noted there are several buying options that a potential owner could look into.

“If a new owner is interested in buying the business but not the buildings, they could rent from me and move PAGE 9

DEDICATION OF A STATE HISTORICAL MARKER AT GIOVANNI’S ROOM IN 2011 Photo: Scott A. Drake

2

REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

Pittsburgh man sues for domestic-partnership benefits Center to

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

A Pittsburgh gay man has filed suit against his employer, claiming he’s being discriminated against because he’s unable to add his domestic partner to his health-insurance plan.

Bradley A. Ankney is employed as a math teacher by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, based in Homestead.

Ankney currently teaches seventh through 12th-grade students at AIU’s Regional Educational Support Center, located in McKees Rocks.

For the past 15 years, Ankney has been in a committed relationship with another man, but AIU refuses to add the man to Ankney’s health-insurance plan.

Ankney, 47, filed a complaint with the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission, claiming discrimination based on his sexual orientation.

But in December, the commission dismissed Ankney’s

complaint, without conducting an investigation.

“Since the complaint didn’t identify any unlawful discriminatory conduct, and had no basis under the law, the decision was made that no investigation was warranted,” explained Robert G. Borgoyn, an attorney for the commission.

Undeterred by the setback, Ankney filed suit against AIU in Allegheny Common Pleas Court last month, alleging violations of state and county law.

Sara J. Rose, an attorney for Ankney, expressed optimism that he will prevail in court.

“There’s no direct precedent, but we look to what other states have done,” Rose told PGN. “Many state courts have agreed that conditioning benefits on marriage discriminates against gay men and lesbians. We’re confident we’ll be able to set a precedent here in Allegheny County.”

She said AIU’s position directly violates county law.

“Under Allegheny County’s human-relations ordinance, you

can’t use heterosexuality as a criterion for providing employment benefits,” Rose explained.

Linda B. Hippert, executive director of AIU, referred questions about the case to an attorney, who didn’t respond.

Rose also said AIU’s position violates the state Equal Rights Amendment.

“While the Equal Rights Amendment hasn’t been interpreted to provide the protection we’re seeking, there’s good reason to believe that it should be interpreted that way,” she said. “There are no cases in Pennsylvania holding that the ERA doesn’t apply to these types of discrimination claims.”

Rose praised her client’s courage in seeking the benefits.

“He’s taken a courageous step in filing this lawsuit. At the same time, he’s a very private person. He’s had some discomfort with personal details about his life being out there. But he feels this is so important that he’s willing to undergo the public scrutiny that comes with filing a lawsuit.”

She added, “He’s not just doing this for himself and his partner, but for everyone in Allegheny County who is unable to obtain employment benefits because of their sexual orientation and/or gender.”

Ankney wants to be compensated by AIU for the lsrger amount the couple has paid for health insurance because of AIU’s alleged discrimination.

He’s also seeking a permanent injunction, requiring AIU to provide the same benefits to those in same-sex committed relationships it provides to married couples.

At presstime, a judge hadn’t been assigned to the case.

Rose said a lawsuit currently pending in federal court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania could legalize same-sex marriage in the state.

“In the meantime, there’s other work to be done to protect people from discrimination,” she said. “This lawsuit is an example of that.” ■

shorten hours

The William Way LGBT Community Center will reduce its hours starting Sept.

10.

Although the center will remain open seven days a week, new public hours will be 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The center had been open from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends.

The organization last cut hours in 2010 and center executive director Chris Bartlett said the move is due to funding.

“It is mainly due to a decrease in funding for the center,” he said. “Right now, we are seeing what we can do with volunteers and trying to bring in more volunteers, but we are focused on keeping and making good use of the new hours.”

All programs will remain in operation but, due to the change in facility hours, program hours are likely to change.

“No programs will be cut and nothing will be condensed,” Bartlett said. “We’re just going to shift hours of programs.”

For more information on program hours, call 215-732-2220 or email info@waygay. org. ■ — Angela Thomas

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. • 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. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St. • Sante Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • Uncles, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • Voyeur, 1220 St. James St. • Westbury, 261 S. 13th St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. EAST OF BROAD

Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut 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. •

All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at

http://www.epgn.com/pages/where_to_find 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.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

3

GALAEI looks to bridge gaps with innovative campaign

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization is debuting a first-of-its-kind HIV/ AIDS campaign targeting the LGBT Latino community.

POSITIVO will serve to promote acceptance within the LGBT community towards Latinos who identify as LGBT or queer and/or who are living with HIV/AIDS. The campaign, which is being funded by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health with funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will officially launch at the Sept. 8 Feria del Barrio, at the corner of Fifth and Lehigh streets.

POSITIVO will encourage free HIV tests during the festival, with GALAEI staffers on hand to answer any questions. All Latinos who are gay or who have sex with men who test during the festival will receive a gift.

This is the first time a specific campaign will target the Latino community by portraying real

locals who are living with HIV/ AIDS. “We recognized that there was an absence of any public or social-media campaign specifically targeting our community — folks who identify as LGBT or queer and Latino,” said GALAEI executive director Elicia Gonzales, who noted a recent GALAEI survey helped inform the campaign. “Initially, the campaign was designed to combat what we thought would be a lot of feelings around stigma in the Latino community, but what we found with the survey results was that Latinos were far more affirming of LGBT and HIV/AIDS-infected Latinos than we initially assumed.”

The campaign, which is described as a reflective visual platform, will include the release of a new positive image of community members every week on Facebook and through other outlets, starting Sept. 8 and until National Latino AIDS Awareness

Philadelphia Gay News

Day on Oct. 15.

“We wanted to make it authentic to Philadelphia, so all the people in the photos are people we know — people who have been

load the “I am POSITIVO” sign by “liking” the GALAEI Philly Facebook page. Individuals can take a photo and write why they are positive and it will be featured on GALAEI’s various socialmedia outlets.

Posters and postcards for the campaign will be in both Spanish and English and will be distributed all over North Philadelphia, which Gonzales said was the demographic GALAEI was hoping to reach.

“North Philadelphia is heavily impacted by HIV and has a big population of Latinos and because the campaign has an aggressive timeline, we wanted to focus our energies there,” she said.

Gonzales said that although the campaign will only last for five weeks, she hopes its effects last far longer.

“So far, people we have talked to internally have been incredibly ecstatic and said it was long overdue,” she said. “People feel like it will have a positive impact in

“I am hoping POSITIVO shines positive light on the Latino community, in par ticular the LGBT Latino community, and shows the resilience, beauty and strength of our community and that we embrace those folks who have been discriminated against and shunned.” impacted or affected by HIV or members of the Latino and LGBT communities,” Gonzales said.

The campaign will also feature an interactive component, with supporters encouraged to down-

epgn.com

helping the community.”

Gonzales said she hopes the campaign will promote both a positive image of and discussion on the Latino community.

“We are still living under the outdated notion that Latinos are more homophobic. Often times, we are only being talked about in alarming statistics, whether it be about health, education, etc. I am hoping POSITIVO shines positive light on the Latino community, in particular the LGBT Latino community, and shows the resilience, beauty and strength of our community and that we embrace those folks who have been discriminated against and shunned.”

The campaign’s premiere at Feria del Barrio will include a performance by Denice Frohman, the 2013 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion lyricist, whose work was featured in the city’s “UnLitter Us” campaign.

GALAEI youth coordinator and community activist Nikki Lopez will also DJ the event. ■

4

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

PGN

The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) recently announced the recipients of its 2013 Excellence in Journalism Awards and salutes their exemplary work.

NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards were established in 1993 to foster, recognize and reward excellence in journalism on issues related to the LGBT community.

Timothy Cwiek 3rd Place, Excellence in News Writing for his ongoing coverage of the Nizah Morris case.

ON SPOT: Annet Davis-Vogel, project director of the University of Pennsylvania’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Division, welcomed the more-than 60 guests to “A Night of Philly Legends,” Aug. 30 at The College of Physicians. The show, which featured 15 performers, raised $700 for LGBT youth program QSpot, which returns to William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., at 8 p.m. Sept. 7. Educational Justice Coalition president Quincy Greene said the night was both “awesome and inspiring.” “The love and support was felt by everyone in attendance,” he said, noting that all performers were volunteers, “embodying the spirit of selflessness and collaboration.” Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

Excellence in Photojournalism 2nd Place — 2013 Scott A. Drake — “Gay Blades”

Crime Watch Local News Briefing Regional

17 3 14 2

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Op-Ed Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11 11

How is this fall going to be different for you?

Poll results from our online survey as of Sept. 4:

18% 14% 5% 5% 59%

Working more or working less Going back to school Relationship status changed New digs Nothing changed

Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

Is the era of the independent bookstore over?

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PGN is the most award winning LGBT newspaper in the nation.

PGN 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

For advertising inquiries: advertising@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 218.

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com

Phone: 215-625-8501 Fax: 215-925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Advertising Director Dan Calhoun (ext. 218) dan@epgn.com

Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

Publisher Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com Editor

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com Staff Writers Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Angela Thomas (ext. 215) angela@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com

Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2013 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

5

Appeal withdrawn in Tobits case

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Jennifer Tobits, a lesbian widow who’s been seeking the death benefits of her deceased wife for three years, won’t have to wait much longer.

Her estranged in-laws, Joan and David Farley, who also sought the money, have withdrawn an appeal in the contentious litigation.

Tobits is expected to receive the funds shortly.

The amount in dispute totals $43,822.35, and has been placed in a court registry.

Tobits and Sarah Ellyn Farley lived in Illinois, and were married in Canada in 2006.

Farley worked at the law firm of Cozen O’Connor as an attorney before her death in 2010.

The Farleys argued in court that the women’s Canadian marriage shouldn’t be recognized by Cozen, and their daughter’s death benefits

should go to them.

But in July, U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones 2d sided with Tobits, stating there could be “no doubt” that Tobits is Farley’s surviving spouse.

The judge also noted that an Illinois court declared Tobits to be the sole heir of Farley’s estate.

The Farleys appealed that ruling on Aug. 28, but two days later they withdrew their appeal.

On Aug. 29, the IRS ruled that all same-sex marriages must be recognized for federal tax purposes, regardless of where the marriage took place.

But Thomas Ciesielka, a spokesperson for the Farleys, said that ruling didn’t cause the Farleys to withdraw their appeal.

Tobits couldn’t be reached for comment at presstime.

Christopher F. Stoll, an attorney for Tobits, said she’s pleased the litigation has ended.

“Nothing can ever make up for Jennifer’s loss, but this case resulted in a very important decision — the first of its kind — recognizing that private employers must provide the same retirement-benefit protections to the same-sex spouses of their employees as they provide to other spouses. It’s unfortunate that litigation was necessary for Jennifer and Ellyn’s marriage to be respected. But it’s gratifying to see that justice was served.”

Ciesielka issued a statement on behalf of the Farleys.

“While the Farleys disagree profoundly with [Jones’] ruling, they have decided to forgo further legal procedures related to their daughter’s retirement-plan benefits. The Farleys did not seek this lawsuit, but once brought into court, they vigorously defended the wishes of their daughter with regard to her estate plan. The family requests that their privacy be respected as they continue to mourn the loss of their daughter, who was taken from them many years too soon.”

The case was adjudicated in Pennsylvania because Cozen is headquartered in Philadelphia. ■

TURNING BACK TIME: Steven Andrade brought Cher to life Sept. 1 in Philadelphia at the third-annual White Party at iCandy. The performer was among a sea of fellow white-clad partiers who took advantage of the free cover for those in white garb. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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6

REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

Lancaster ally puts faces to marriage-equality debate

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

LGBT Legal Clinic TE A D HE

ET V A S

Lancaster resident Tania Cooper hopes to bring awareness about marriage equality one photograph at a time.

Cooper’s The Equalove Project will consist of photographs of same-sex couples and LGBT families to show that relationships of all genders are equal. She hopes to ultimately showcase the photos in a gallery exhibit and book.

Cooper, an LGBT ally, created a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for her travels, camera equipment and gallery expenses. She has so far raised $285 of the $4,800 goal she needs to reach by Sept. 13 to bring the project to fruition.

“I am going to use the money for updating some of my camera equipment and with the Kickstarter campaign, each tier donated has a prize with it, so some of the funds will also go towards that,” she explained. “But I would also like to travel to different parts of the state, so the money will also go towards travels and to the financial aspects of the gallery showing.”

Cooper, who is the sole photographer,

Saturday September 28

Back by popular demand! Your legal documents prepared free!

A free LGBT Legal Clinic and workshop will be held at William Way Community Center. At the workshop you will learn what documents you need for legal planning.

Attorneys will be available to prepare these documents for you, at no charge.

Registration begins September 3. For more information please email your name and telephone number to info@lgbtei.org or call the LGBT Elder Initiative at 267-546-3448.

just finished a photography class at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in April, but has been a photographer for nearly 20 years.

She said the project idea grew out of her desire to educate people about the value of all types of relationships.

“Although I am a married woman to a man, I wanted to create the project after thinking about our marriage. Oftentimes people get married and it is this big show.

My husband and I eloped; we got married for us because we didn’t think we had to spend dollars to prove we love each other,” she said. “Everyone is entitled to that same right. People should be able to get married to express their love. I wanted to bring

awareness to what family and love is.”

She said she has received a lot of support both from individuals and community organizations.

“I have actually contacted Marriage Equality for PA and they posted on Facebook about me and my project and I had a lot of couples contacting me,” she said. “I have been getting a lot of messages from people saying how awesome it is.”

Cooper said the couples she’s photographed already have powerful stories.

“A couple that I took photos of recently, their biggest fear is having one of them become ill and not being able to see them in the hospital. It really broke my heart to hear that. I can’t even imagine being told that you can’t be by the side of the person you love during the time they need you the most,” she said.

“One of the men changed his last name when he and his partner got married.

They went to Maryland to get married and he had difficulties getting his name changed on his license in Pennsylvania. It is complete discrimination.”

Instead of focusing on the negative, however, Cooper said her project seeks to focus on the emotional and relational benefits of marriage equality.

“I feel that this is something that everyone needs to see. Everyone knows about LGBT issues and marriage equality but sometimes it is not talked about enough in a positive way. Most of what you read is for shock value and I don’t see a positive light being shed on marriage equality and the LGBT community,” she said. “So I am trying to shed the positive light and show what a normal family is and not just what a majority of the population, especially in conservative Lancaster, thinks it is. I am trying to establish that we are all a part of the community no matter who we are.”

For more information on The Equalove Project, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/620870096/the-equalove-project. ■

REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

7

New location, first headliner for SJ Pride

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Several hundred people are expected to gather next weekend at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken for the sixth annual Southern New Jersey LGBTQA Pride, which this year will welcome its first headliner.

The Rock the Rainbow Pride Picnic will take place from noon-6 p.m. Sept. 15.

The event will feature its first-ever headliner, Monica Beverly Hills from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

“This is the first year we have had a celebrity headliner and she is coming all the way from Chicago,” said Southern New Jersey LGBTQA Pride founder DeAnn Cox. Cox noted that the previous evening, the performer is stopping by Tabu, 200 S. 12th St., and will also meet and greet guests at

the picnic following her performance.

Cox said there will be about 20 vendors at the picnic selling all kinds of goods, from jewelry to leather.

She said that although South Jersey Pride does not attract protestors, she has had some trouble with unsupportive law enforcement in the past. To foster a more open and affirming experience for guests, the locale of the event was changed to the Pennsauken portion of Cooper River Park, at the baseball field near the Christopher Columbus statue, from its previous Collingswood location.

“This year it is in a different location and this is the first year it is listed as a special event by the park,” she said. “Prior years, I was afraid to go there because we are not really as accepted in South Jersey as in North Jersey and Philly, and people wanted to be discreet in the past.”

Cox said she anticipates a different feel to this year’s festival, which gives South Jersey residents a chance to celebrate in their own space.

“It is all about presence and our issue is being out and comfortable and a lot of constituents are not out to their own friends or family,” she said. “It is important for people to come out from all over and show support.

It is not about numbers with us, but taking the next step and being out and being you.”

Southern New Jersey LGBTQA Pride will stage a weeklong series of events before the picnic, starting with a volunteer orientation from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Voorhees Library, 203 Laurel Road. From 6-9 p.m. the following night, the Burnz Cigar Vault & Lounge, 239 N. White Horse Pike in Lawnside, will host an LGBTQA Professional Networking Affair. And from

7-11 p.m. Sept. 12, Pinsetters Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Ave. in Merchantville, will host LGBTQA Bowling.

This year’s programming and picnic will also include a special message and theme centered on anti-bullying. The theme is supported by Comcast, which will host a workshop on anti-bullying education and awareness at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Treehouse Coffee Shop, 120 W. Merchant St. in Audubon.

Cox encouraged supporters to back this year’s theme by turning out in force at the programming and Sunday’s Pride picnic.

“We’re asking people to wear their Pride gear at the park on Sunday to represent themselves and the community against bullying.”

For more information, visit www.snjgaypride.org. ■

Frontrunners celebrates 30 years

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com LGBT running group Frontrunners Philadelphia is celebrating 30 years of races and runners.

The group will mark the milestone with a fun run starting 9:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Independence Visitor Center, Sixth and Market streets.

Lee Grahan, who was originally a member of Frontrunners New York, and Rik Ford, an economics professor at the University of Pennsylvania, founded Frontrunners Philadelphia in 1983, along with Kevin Kuehlwein and Jimmy Calnan, who served as the organization’s first members.

“The group started in order to provide a relaxed and friendly place for runners of all levels to meet and exercise together,” Kuehlwein said. “Many of us liked that it provided a healthy alternative to the smoky and tense bar scene that represented a major way that many of our community met and socialized with each other.”

Kuehlwein said between 20-30 runners turn out for the twice-weekly runs.

In recent years, the rise of social media has helped guide the organization’s communication and planning.

“We have a webpage, a listserv and a Facebook page. That makes it easier to stay in contact and arrange fun Frontrunner social events spur of the moment sometimes,” Kuehlwein said.

About eight years ago, the group shifted to an informal structure, eliminating the positions of president and other officers.

“This means we have fewer meetings just for business and that we’re more flexible,” Kuehlwein said.

The group has also benefited from the rising popularity of the sport, which has generated a diverse group of members.

“One thing that’s been good is the increased interest in running over the decades, so that the support for runners in races and the number of races has

increased,” Kuehlwein said. “We’ve had some great friendships forged in this club over the decades and we’ve all stayed in good shape. I love the variety of folks in the group as we’ve come to learn a lot from those who’ve come from different countries and have different backgrounds.”

With the variety in backgrounds comes a variety in pace.

“The running experience and speed does definitely vary in the group, which is good.

Some people want to train more and learn a lot about running and others are fine just with the level of running they’re doing,” he said. “There’s room for all. The main thing is for people to get out there and have fun.”

Among its next organizational goals, Kuehlwein said Frontrunners hopes to send a group to Gay Games 2014 and organize more runs and trips.

He said the group is also looking to attract new members, especially women.

“Currently we rarely have regular female runners, although we would very much like to. Despite this, we’ve had several women presidents and even some women who met their partners through the group.”

Kuehlwein added that LGBT-inclusive sports groups help send a message to the LGBT and mainstream communities that stereotypes can be broken.

“I think that sporting groups are still important to the LGBT community because they’re a great way to meet friendly folks while staying or getting in shape. I also think that some LGBT folks got messages growing up that they couldn’t be strong or be athletes, so it’s great to see people disproving that by their own efforts and feeling increased confidence with their bodies and their activity levels.”

Frontrunners gather for runs at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row, and at 7 p.m. Mondays in front of the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. For more information, visit www.philadelphiafrontrunners.org. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

LOCAL PGN

PGN staffer receives national advertising award

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News’ advertising and marketing director was last week named advertising director of the year by the Local Media Association, a national journalism organization.

Dan Calhoun, 33, has served at the helm of PGN’s advertising department for two years.

The Northeast Philadelphia native attended George Wa s h i n g t o n H i g h DAN CALHOUN School and Penn State University Abington, where he began his venture into the publicrelations and advertisement field.

“I was always interested in the field, but a Penn State professor of mine, Michael Mallowe, encouraged me to see advertising and public relations differently,” Calhoun said. “I began to look at advertisements by examining the purpose, who it was trying to attract, and examining the subtle details in it to lure consumers. Now, rather than looking at magazines for content, I look to see what ads are in it.”

Calhoun, who lives in Norristown, went on to earn his master’s in business administration from Arcadia University.

He started at PGN in 2011, and came to the paper after working as the senior director of marketing and membership at the YMCA in Northeast Philadelphia.

Calhoun said this latest award is not the only reward he has received at PGN. “I love working in the LGBT community and being able to play a part in the movement of equal rights,” he said. “Before working here, I didn’t know about the struggles and accomplishments of the activists who have paved the way for the LGBT community, and the countless others who are still actively working towards change locally.”

Seeing firsthand PGN’s role in that movement has also been satisfying, he said.

“I love being part of a newspaper that has a rich history. One of the best moments I’ve had was being at a Pride event in Lancaster and meeting a couple who said they had met 35 years ago in the classifieds section of the paper because it was the only way for them to meet other men at the time.”

Calhoun said it has been fundamental for him to learn and appreciate the teamwork that goes into producing a newspaper.

“If it wasn’t for the distribution team, the paper would never make it to all of the locations throughout the tri-state area. The art/layout team ensures all of the stories and ads are displayed in an organized and visually appealing way that are effective for conveying messages while ensuring costeffectiveness. The writers and editor create

the content that people want to read. The ad sales and business team help fund it all by assisting businesses in marketing and branding their products and services to the LGBT community. And most importantly, the readers give us a reason to do all of it! It is a very interdependent system where each department truly relies on the others.”

During his tenure at PGN, Calhoun has played a vital part in the revamping of PGN’s social-media outlets and in generating new relationships with LGBT and ally organizations outside Philadelphia.

Calhoun said he and his team have been successful in spearheading new and creative advertising techniques, despite the seeming downturn in the print-journalism industry.

“I like that my boss, our publisher, gives me the freedom to be creative and try new things. Some people say that print is dying, but I see it as evolving and I love the idea that I can be part of that. Our sales are increasing every year and we’re not dying, we’re getting better,” he said. “I like to be creative and do things outside of the box and I’m good at it! Doing the same thing everyone else is doing is boring. Our advertisers really like standing out. They want more than an ad, they want a campaign. They want to know what they can do to be more inclusive, more welcoming. I help them to be supportive, not exploitive, and teach the difference between the two. I love working on that with them.”

Calhoun said when he learned of the LMA

recognition, he immediately called his partner of five-and-a-half years, Kasey.

“I was shocked! Seriously, out of all the newspapers in the U.S. and Canada? Me? And not just me, a gay newspaper? I celebrated with my team,” he said. “I was really excited to call my partner. He works as a nurse in an emergency room and can never answer the phone at work. I managed to call when he was on a quick break. He was really excited and supportive.”

Calhoun will accept the award at LMA’s Annual Gathering of Publishers and Advertising Directors in St. Louis later this month.

When he returns, he will continue to seek innovative advertising and marketing methods for the ever-changing industry.

“I want to continue to do better and better serve our readers, better serve our advertisers, better serve our community and better serve my team and the PGN team. I hope to collaborate with the PGN team to work on significant enhancements to our digital platforms: Our website, mobile website and social-media platforms are getting revamped to better serve our readers,” he said. “I am really looking forward to working on the evolution of the newspaper industry. Print is alive and well, but it is changing. While I may not know how the industry will look in 10 years, I know that it will be stronger than ever and I am excited to be participating in the changes.” ■

Congratulations We want to know!

If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community.

Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

NEWS PGN GIOVANNI’S ROOM from page 1

it to some place cheaper,” he said.

“Or, they could buy the business and the buildings. If somebody could do that, it might be the smart thing. The neighborhood is booming.”

Hermance will give profits from the building sale or rental to LGBT grantmaking agency Delaware Valley Legacy Fund.

“The value of the buildings, whether I am renting or selling them, is going to the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund,” he said. “I feel like I would like them to have it. This property was bought and paid for by the LGBT community so it is important for me for that to give back to the community.”

Hermance said Giovanni’s Room needs someone at the helm with a keen business sense.

“Everybody wants to work in a bookstore and own one, but wanting and doing are different things,” he said.

Hermance, along with Arleen Olshan, took over the business three years after its 1973 opening.

Since Olshan’s departure in 1986, Hermance has been at the helm of the store.

But, his journey into the world of literature started out in front of a chalkboard.

“I had been a college teacher for seven years and, when I was 28, I dropped out because I was working on my Ph.D and teaching at the same time; being gay in the academic world in those times was impossible,” he said. “You would be fired immediately if anybody knew you were gay.”

Hermance taught part-time at San Francisco State University and went on to teach in Europe before he moved back to the states and settled in Philadelphia to man-

age a food co-op.

Hermance started working at the University of Pennsylvania’s library and also served as treasurer of LGBT magazine Gay Alternative. He later became treasurer of the predecessor of the William Way LGBT Community Center, a venture that allowed him to meet Olshan.

Hernance said Giovanni’s Room encompassed all of his roles from his previous positions.

“The academic part came with the book part, the book-keeping part helped with the retail part and of course there was the gay part,”

be stopped at the traffic light and people would scream ‘faggot.’

There was a neighborhood kid who threw a cherry bomb in the window and that was the most anti-gay act,” Hermance said.

“We haven’t had a broken window for any hostile reason in 15 years.

People from other neighborhoods, they kind of respect that the rules they play by in their neighborhoods don’t necessarily go with those in Center City.”

During Hermance’s first three years as owner, Giovanni’s Room was 100-percent volunteer-run.

The store hit its highest number of

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

this space for free,” he said. “I am struck by the fact that there are almost very few authors who will attract a mixed crowd. I know that is true everywhere in life, it’s not just a queer thing, but it is kind of sad that we are not more curious about people who are not like ourselves. But in some ways that makes the events here even more spectacular. For example, when Ed White comes here, we can get eight people to come talk to him and it is fabulous and intimate.”

With the book industry itself becoming less intimate, Hermance said independent bookstores face

OUTGOING GIOVANNI’S ROOM OWNER ED HERMANCE THROUGH THE YEARS PGN archives

he said. “That I could do those things at the same time and make a living doing it was refreshing.”

The bookstore, which originally was located on South Street, moved to the 1400 block of Spruce Street from 1976-79.

During that time, the store was removed enough from the public eye that there were few antiLGBT incidents.

However, after moving to the current location at 345 S. 12th St. in 1979, the visibility did lead to more opposition — which subsided more than a decade ago.

“Every once in a while, people would throw bricks in the windows in the early morning. Cars would

employees — four full-timers and four part-timers — in 1992. It now has three paid employees and volunteer labor drives about 40 percent of the operations.

In the past 40 years, the store has been a constant hub for LGBT and ally authors.

Among his personal favorites, Hermance said, were a reading of “Stone Butch Blues” by author Leslie Feinberg, appearances by Edmund White and an autographsigning with Olympic diver Greg Louganis, where the line extended out the door and all the way to 11th and Spruce streets.

“There are really a lot of remarkable things happening in

an uphill battle against larger retailers like Amazon.com.

“If people will buy from LGBT bookstores, that is great. The problem is the default and people won’t give us a chance,” he said.

“They can’t believe Giovanni’s Room is online. They just cannot imagine an independent bookstore is that kind of resource. Amazon is destroying the book industry and because of them, it looks pretty grim to me. A college student is trying to figure out how much they can spend on textbooks and they look up on Amazon and see it is $25 cheaper than us, what are they supposed to do? When Amazon gives away free ship-

ping when you buy $25 worth of books, for us that would be suicidal because for shipping, it is shockingly expensive.”

Last year, Giovanni’s Room had an annual revenue of $280,000 but Hermance, who has not taken a salary in seven years, said the store has been losing money.

The store has to pay out more than $18,000 annually in city and real-estate taxes, as well as for business insurance.

Hermance said he thinks the business has the potential to thrive with new ideas and ingenuity.

“Maybe part of the solution is moving to less-expensive premises. For a while, someone was thinking of opening a coffee service here and it would be great.

I personally didn’t want to run a café or ask employees to also play barista. I didn’t want to put my money into that for someone else’s business but for a new owner, that might be an attractive deal for them. There are opportunities, but I think a new owner would need to have a fresh perspective, probably a younger perspective,” he said.

“I can’t take the store any further.

Somebody needs to take it in a new direction.”

Several years ago, the store had to replace an exterior wall that was in danger of collapse.

The community raised more than $50,000 for the project, an effort that Hermance said still resonates with him.

“The community loves this store. It is unbelievable the attachment people have to it. When we asked the community for the $50,000 to pay for the wall, they handed it over one by one. There is an emotional bond to this store, and that is why we are here and so many other bookstores are not.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

David Usher

Editorial

The summer that was Summer is typically the slowest time of the year for news at PGN. But the doldrums were nowhere to be found in the LGBT community these past few months. From the U.S. Supreme Court to the streets of Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, summer 2013 was definitely a newsmaker.

In late June, the nation’s top court handed down decisions decades in the making. The justices ruled that a key provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, providing the first federal recognition of same-sex unions. At the same time, the court overturned California’s Proposition 8, paving the way for marriages to resume in the nation’s most populous state.

The results of the DOMA decision were immediate, as immigration officials announced a review of all visa petitions regarding same-sex couples. The effects have continued throughout the summer, as just last week the Internal Revenue Service announced it would treat same-sex married couples equal to heterosexual married couples, meaning eligibility for joint federal tax filings and other benefits.

Also on the marriage front, marriage-equality laws legalized this past spring in three states — Rhode Island, Minnesota and Delaware — went into effect this summer.

Regionally, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed into law a measure that prohibits medical providers from administering conversion therapy to minors, becoming only the second state in the nation to do so.

And Pennsylvania saw its greatest-ever developments in the marriage-equality movement. In July, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed suit on behalf of 23 plaintiffs, including 10 same-sex couples, one widow and two children, challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. This is the first time such a suit has been filed in Pennsylvania.

That month in Montgomery County, Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes also made history, becoming the first Pennsylvania official to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. He was subsequently sued by the state, and the case began to play out in a Harrisburg courtroom this week.

Even closer to home, Philadelphia lost iconic lesbian bar Sisters, which shut down abruptly in August. The owners refused to comment on the reason for the shuttering. And just this week, the owner of Giovanni’s Room, longtime Philadelphia bookseller and the oldest LGBT bookstore in the country, announced he was stepping down, leaving the future of the store in question.

With a summer as jam-packed as this, we can only assume the fall will bring just as much legal wrangling, courtroom drama and community developments — but, fingers crossed, good news will dominate. ■

Think back to all of the times you’ve heard straight women say things like, “Ugh, I wish I could be a lesbian, it would be so much easier.” And have you ever wondered why Judy Brady’s “I Want A Wife” essay from the early ’70s is required reading in any and all women’s-studies classes? Because ladies ain’t want no husbands. Oh, but ladies do want babies.

If only there existed a way for women to marry each other, yet still be able to get some impregnating dick on the side ...

Thankfully, David Usher, president of the Center for Marriage Policy, has it all figured out, and he mansplained the whole thing in an Aug. 21 post on Renew America’s website.

Basically, Usher argues that once women can legally marry other women, feminists will take over, using men solely to empty their testes of sperm and their wallets of money.

Usher claims there’s no such thing as marriage equality, and that such a thing would actually create three classes of marriage, with lesbians benefiting over heterosexuals and gay men because women would marry each other as part of a diabolical scheme to enslave men.

“Most women will bear children by men outside the [same-sex] marriage — often by pretending they are using birth control when they are not. Entrapped men become economically conscripted third parties to these marriages, but get nothing in return,” Usher writes.

I’d like to point out Usher’s use of the words “most” and “often.” He’s not saying, “Hey, here’s a crazy thing that could happen maybe.” He’s saying, “This is definitely going to happen and it’s going to happen the majority of the time.” Which is totally insane.

Usher continues, “This is a significant advantage, compelling women who would otherwise become (or are) single mothers to choose to marry a woman instead of a man. They can combine incomes, doubleup on tax-free child support and welfare benefits, decrease costs and double the

human resources available to raise children and run their household.” He even adds that lesbos in name only (LINOs) would “often” keep boyfriends on the side and take their money, too.

The bottom line? Clever bitches be hustlin’.

And it’s not just straight men in danger here. Usher argues, “In most cases, [gay] men will become unconsenting ‘fathers’ by reproductive entrapment.” How a woman tricks a gay man into knocking her up is not made clear; however, he does use the word “most,” which means he believes that the majority of gay men will become duped daddies.

If same-sex marriage is legalized, Usher says, “economic advantage will still drive women’s marital decisions,” because, duh, women were gold diggers before marriage equality and they’ll be gold diggers after it, too. And so women will become a bunch of welfare dykes getting knocked up with bastard children for the fat government bennies.

Usher claims that men will be “redlined” out of marriage and the “welfare state” will spiral out of control, putting the burden of supporting all of these penis-free families on the dwindling heterosexual tax base.

There’s nothing more terrifying to a right-wing nut than a lesbian couple raising children on welfare, which Usher makes very clear when he writes, “This is far more dangerous than ObamaCare, abortion, capital punishment or excessive gun regulations.”

Something worse than ObamaCare?

Than abortion? Than gun control?

Considering Usher’s essay is titled, “Our last chance to save traditional marriage,” I would say he is doomed. But he certainly does have one hell of an imagination. ■

Basically, Usher argues that once women can legally marry other women, feminists will take over, using men solely to empty their testes of sperm and their wallets of money.

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

We want to know!

If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

OP-ED PGN

Equality on the road Road trips can often help keep you in gaze out the window upon the street where touch and remind you of areas that you Lincoln, hearing the crowd call for him, have not given much thought to. So on went down and delivered one of the most Labor Day weekend, Jason and I planned famous speeches in American history. Then such a trip. there is the video on equality — emotional.

Our first stop was to visit his parents in Our next stop was Lancaster for dinner at Millers restaurant. But Annapolis, Md. Among the lessons learned were how great it on the way there, in the middle of what is considered redneck was to have a real home-cooked Pennsylvania, we found a farmmeal. Jason’s mother is an incredible cook and made Jason ers’ market with an antiques and me realize how we really shop. While purchasing a few need to learn to cook. It also items, the cashier, after hearing made us realize that neither one that we were from Philly, stated, of us has the time to learn to “The civilized part of the state.” cook. Can you say seconds and One thing led to another and I thirds ... We also realized that discovered that the woman collects Rita Mae Brown books. when you’re sitting with people There were other cashiers you care about and having long around so this conversation was discussions about their lives, as said in whispers. It made me well as your own, you let your realize that this was as far as she guard down, and that is when you learn a lot.

Mark Segal could come to being out, and Next stop was Gettysburg. how lucky many of us are to live in places where it is easy to be out.

I’m an amateur American-history buff I admired her bravery, and her actions and have never visited the site of the great told me how far we have to travel before battlefields before. What amazed me and what is not recorded much in history is the battle is won. ■ that Lincoln spent the night before his Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the Gettysburg Address in David Wills’ house, nation’s most-award-winning commentawhich overlooks the town square. Today, you can stand in the room where Lincoln tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at slept, with most of the same furniture, and mark@epgn.com.

Mark My Words

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437.

Please include a daytime phone number.

Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Op-Ed

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

11

Street Talk What’s your opinion of the Queen James Bible?

“Making the ‘King James’ more LGBTfriendly is just one step in a long journey to improve the Bible.

It needs a Colby Damon complete dancer rewrite, to Chinatown include at least 80 gospels of Jesus that haven’t been included. But I’m supportive of anything that treats LGBTs fairly.”

“It sounds good to me. There shouldn’t be distinctions based on gender, when it comes to who you can love. I Lounh Phoeuk already make hostess the Bible West Philadelphia gay-friendly in my head when I read it.

It’s great to have a Bible that treats everyone with respect.”

“I don’t have anything against that Bible.

Different groups have translated that Bible in different Claire Meeks ways over student the years.

Columbus, OH I don’t consider myself a biblical scholar by any means but I’ve studied it enough to know there are different interpretations. It’s wrong to single out quotes in the Bible and use them against a particular group of people.”

“The Bible is hardly sacrosanct.

It was never meant to be a literal historical document.

The stories Daniel are simply Wurtzbacher that, just student stories. And Society Hill some are outlandish, like a bush that talks. So naturally I have no problem with a new Bible that views the LGBT community in a more favorable light.”

Pennsylvania’s 72 percent deserve a vote Imagine if your boss could fire you, even though you’re considered a high-quality employee who arrives early and stays late, just because he doesn’t like your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend.

For hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, that is a reality.

This Labor Day week, the rights of working people are under attack on many fronts. And there is one group of workers that is still fighting simply for the chance to keep their jobs.

Shockingly, it’s still perfectly legal in most of Pennsylvania to fire someone just for being LGBT. It’s also legal to kick renters out of their homes and even to deny someone a hotel room or service at a restaurant for the same reason.

You can even be fired, evicted or denied

service for being heterosexual — or if someone just thinks you’re gay. (Yes, really.)

If you’re confused, because you thought Pennsylvania protected workers from discrimination, you’re partly right.

Under existing law, a good employee can’t be fired for being black, Latino, Asian — or white. A good employee can’t be fired for being a woman — or a man.

A good employee can’t be fired for his or her religion: Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Catholics, for example, all receive this basic protection. A good employee can’t be fired for becoming pregnant, or becoming disabled, so long as she continues to do her job.

And rightly so.

But under current law, that same person

can be fired for something else they can’t and shouldn’t have to change about themselves — who they love.

Discrimination in Pennsylvania may be legal, but it’s also clearly wrong and un-American, which is why 72 percent of Pennsylvanians support changing state law to ban these types of discrimination in the workplace, in housing and in public accommodations.

That includes a majority of Pennsylvania Republicans, and a majority of people in every region of the state. It’s a matter of basic fairness.

The bipartisan House bill (HB 300) that would fix the law has 90 House cosponsors, and 25 Senate cosponsors — almost half of the entire General Assembly.

However, it’s been sent to the House State

Government Committee, chaired by a vocally anti-gay-rights legislator, who has vowed to block the bill by preventing a hearing or a vote on the issue. But it doesn’t have to stay there. You can help get it out.

In fact, statistically, you, the person reading this, are probably part of the 72 percent who support fairness. And if you call or email your state representative to demand a hearing and a vote on HB 300, you can shake Harrisburg into doing the right thing for our family members, friends and coworkers across the state.

Visit www.legis.state.pa.us to find out who your state representative is, and help us make history.

— State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.)

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PGN LEGAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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It’s more than just numbers: What the IRS announcement means to same-sex couples The Supreme Court’s landYou aren’t required to re-file mark decision in Windsor v. returns if you would pay more.

United States — in which the It’s also important to note that court voted 5-4 to repeal a key the new Treasury tax policy provision of the discriminatory does not apply to those in regfederal Defense of Marriage istered domestic partnerships or Act — paved the way for last civil unions. week’s Department of Treasury The Department of Health announcement that it will treat and Human Services also all married couples equally for extended its benefits to LGBT federal tax purposes. Treasury couples regardless of where Secretary Jacob Lew they reside, and we can anticipate that said the new rules, more agencies will which will take effect make the same deciSept. 16, will provide sion. Agencies han“clear, coherent taxdling immigration, filing guidance for all federal benefits, vetlegally married sameerans affairs and milsex couples nationitary defense already wide.” Even for us used the “place of here in Pennsylvania, celebration” standard where in many counties someone can still to determine marbe fired for being riage, so same-sex gay, we will at least couples anywhere Angela in the United States enjoy the federal IRS tax benefits.

Giampolo can avail themselves to those benThe new TreasuryInternal Revenue Service guide- efits. We anticipate that the lines will apply to all federal Social Security Administration taxes, including income, gift agency will be next to follow suit. Changing from the “place and estate taxes. They affect personal and dependent exemp- of residence” standard to the “place of celebration” goes tions and deduction, employee against precedent, a sign that benefits, IRA contributions, progressive change is happenMedicare Advantage Plans and ing, and it’s happening faster child tax credits. Ultimately, than LGBT advocates and the this means that the 200 provisions of the Internal Revenue legal community expected.

Code that reference marriage To create a system that is will be available to legally mar- truly equal for all citizens, ried same-sex couples living there is still hard work to be right here in Philadelphia. done. This huge development This wouldn’t be a legal will be a key component for column if there weren’t a dispressuring statewide marriage bans, because married couples claimer! Everyone should seek in non-recognition cannot file the advice of a tax advisor, as jointly for state-tax purposes the IRS “benefits” of marriage may actually cost LGBT indieven though they can for fedviduals money. For tax year eral purposes, a strong argument that marriage inequality 2013, legally married same-sex couples must use the married creates a “lesser” class within the state. ■ filing jointly or married filing separately status. Depending on your personal finances, you will Angela D. Giampolo, principal either be in a “marriage bonus” of Giampolo Law Group, mainor “marriage penalty” situation. tains offices in Pennsylvania In other words, LGBT couples and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT law, business law, that are upper-middle-class real-estate law and civil rights. joint filers (usually) will incur Her website is www.giampolothe marriage penalty, whereas law.com and she maintains two other couples will enjoy the blogs, www.phillygaylawyer. marriage bonus. For couples in a marriage-bonus situation, com and www.lifeinhouse.com. you have the option to amend Send Angela your legal quesreturns filed as far back as three tions at angela@giampololaw. years ago and can seek refunds. com.

Out Law

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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Biblical satirist, LGBT ally, comes back to Philly

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A Philadelphia-born atheist and satirist known for his comical interpretations of the Bible, and for his support of the LGBT community, will present at the Pennsylvania State Atheist/ Humanist 2013 Conference from Sept. 13-15 in Philadelphia.

Dr. Joe Wenke, who recently published his book, “You Got to be Kidding! The Cultural Arsonist’s Satirical Reading of The Bible,” was born and raised in South Philadelphia in a Catholic family.

When he was about 11, he began realizing that his own beliefs weren’t necessarily in line with those of his parents.

“It happened early on when I was going through puberty, and those were the dark days of the 1960s when the church and Catholic school system were focused on guilt. It just seemed that everything I would doing was wrong and everything I thought was wrong,” he said. “The teachings of the church didn’t relate

to the way I thought and felt and so, over the years, I evolved away from being a Catholic and considered myself a nonbeliever.”

Wenke said his family did not accept his position on Catholicism and their reaction was similar to the lack of acceptance that many in the LGBT community have faced.

“They’ve never been accepting, really, and in fact, I was viewed as an outsider. I still feel that I am different and an outsider because when I first got married years ago, the initial marriage wasn’t performed by a priest so my parents didn’t come. There has always been a divide between my views and the rest of the family,” Wenke said. “This is something a lot of people experience for different reasons and speaks to the issues I address. Human beings have a problem with being different, or if you belong to a group that is different.”

Wenke did go on to attend the University of Notre Dame, which he said was in part an effort to appease his family. After earning his undergraduate degree in

English, he attained a master’s from Penn State and a Ph.D from the University of Connecticut, both also in English.

He served as a corporate speech-writer before launching his own event-marketing company and undertaking both writing and comedic pursuits.

The new book focuses heavily on religious-based discrimination against LGBT people, and

includes transgender model Gisele Xtravaganza dressed as a nun on the cover.

Wenke said the trans community often faces the most marginalization.

“I think transgender people are the most discriminated against and marginalized people in the world,” he said. “Using a transgender woman as an example, they are discriminated against in different ways. They may grow up as a gay male and think that this is just their sexual orientation, and then they realize they are not comfortable identifying as a boy or a man, but as a woman. And from the gender-identity standpoint and as a female figure, they are discriminated against as a woman and transwoman.”

Wenke said he hopes to see a time where Bible-based bigotry is something of the past. He acknowledged that, while some religious will likely remain intolerant of the LGBT community, the younger generation can be effective in bringing about change.

“There are an awful lot of people who will not change or the

religious right won’t change their views. I am a realist,” he said.

“But I see change as generational because more and more young people are tolerant of the LGBTQ community, because young people know LGBT people. Younger people in the Catholic church don’t have the same views as traditional Catholics.”

Wenke, who now lives in New York, said he is looking forward to heading back to Philly and to the discussions that will take place at the conference.

“I will be talking about the role religion plays in bigotry and talking about the fact that we all enjoy freedom of religion and freedom from religion and we all need to stand up against bigotry based on religion,” he said. “A lot of people base their bigotry on LGBT people in the Bible because of different statements condemning homosexuality. That just makes God a bad god, and I think we all just need to stand up for what is right.”

For more information on Wenke, visit http://joewenke.org. For more information about the conference, visit http://atheistpa.org/. ■

LAMBDA LEGAL PHILADELPHIA PNC 1600 MARKET ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 | 6-9 PM Join Lambda Legal as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary and history of legal victories for LGBT equality. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while we discuss our recent cases and what is next for Lambda Legal’s on-going fight for equality around the country.

TICKETS: $100 RSVP online at www.lambdalegal.org/philadelphia – OR – contact Phillip Ozaki at (212)-809-8585 ext. 295 or pozaki@lambdalegal.org.

www.lambdalegal.org/philadelphia

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

Is your Company LesbianGay-Bisexual-or Transgender-Owned?

REGIONAL PGN

News Briefing Hearing scheduled in murder case

LGBT Celebrating Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Companies

TOP COMPANIES

We’re seeking entries for the LGBT Owned Company List featured in the 12/6/13 weekly edition of the Philadelphia Business Journal and the Philadelphia Gay News.

How to Apply: Email your information (company, survey contact name and email) to Sharon Oliver, List Researcher, at soliver@bizjournals.com Include “The List:LGBT Survey Request” in the subject line.

List makers will be publicly acknowledged at a cocktail reception in early December.

An evidentiary hearing in the Jason Shephard murder case is scheduled to be held later this month at the Delaware County Courthouse.

In 2008, William F. Smithson was convicted of murdering Shephard inside Smithson’s Thornbury home.

Smithson was sentenced to life in prison without parole, but he maintains his innocence and claims he was denied the opportunity to confront key witnesses during his trial.

He also contends police failed to properly investigate F. Bruce Covington, who was also inside Smithson’s home at the time of Shephard’s death.

Additionally, Smithson says that his trial attorney, G. Guy Smith, served ineffectively during his murder trial.

Last year, Delaware County Common Pleas Judge Barry C. Dozor said an evidentiary hearing is needed before he decides whether Smithson should get a new trial.

The two-day hearing is scheduled to begin 9:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Delaware County Courthouse, 201 W. Front St. in Media.

According to the prosecution, Smithson lured Shephard into his home, slipped him the “date-rape” drug gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), then strangled him to death in the course of trying to rape him.

But Smithson contends that Shephard willingly came to his home on Sept. 18, 2006, partly for the purpose of having sex — which the two men had also engaged in the day before, according to Smithson.

Smithson, 48, remains incarcerated at a state prison in Huntingdon.

Scout troop still subsidized The city continues to subsidize a local Boy Scouts of America troop that occupies a city-owned building in Roxborough.

BSA Troop 474 occupies the “Scout House,” at 726 E. Wigard St. in Fairmount Park near Wissahickon Creek.

Since 1987, the troop has occupied the facility while paying nominal rent of $1 annually to the city.

Activists have urged Mayor Nutter’s administration to evict the troop if it won’t sign a lease with LGBT-inclusive antibias provisions.

But administration officials haven’t initiated eviction proceedings.

Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for Nutter, had no comment.

“City officials are guilty of malfeasance if

the situation is not immediately corrected,” said Margaret A. Downey, president of the Freethought Society.

Palma M. Rasmussen, a disability-rights advocate, agreed with Downey.

“The citizens of Philadelphia deserve a local government that enforces its laws and stands up for all of its citizens,” Rasmussen said.

A representative of Troop 474 couldn’t be reached for comment.

In July, staffers at the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council vacated a city-owned facility near the Ben Franklin Parkway, after waging a five-year legal battle to continue occupying the building rent-free.

But the city will give Cradle $825,000 for improvements Cradle reportedly made to the structure over the years, according to a settlement reached in May. A retail store operated by the Scouts is scheduled to leave the Parkway building in October, according to the settlement.

— Timothy Cwiek

Lambda Legal celebrates 40 years Join Lambda Legal as the organization celebrates 40 years of representing the LGBT community.

Lambda Legal Philadelphia will host a party from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 12 at PNC Bank, 1600 Market St. The night will feature hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and an overview of Lambda Legal’s current cases and history of the organization.

For more information or tickets, visit www.lambdalegal.org.

PGTC hosts fundraising brunch The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus will host its second annual Sunday Brunch from noon-2 p.m. Sept. 22 aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia.

Boarding will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $80, a portion of which will go to support PGTC’s work to ensure Philadelphia is a top LGBT tourist destination.

Tickets can be purchased at www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.

Sports org. launches Olympics campaign GO!Athletes, the first national network dedicated to educating, engaging and empowering LGBT athletes and which is based in Philadelphia, is launching a new campaign.

The campaign, #Out4Olympics, will be conducted on Twitter in support of out athletes in Russia and those who are attending the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. The campaign is in response to the recent antigay law in the country.

Supporters can PAGE 17

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Aug. 20-23. Information is courtesy of 6th 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 215-686TIPS (8477).

INCIDENTS — At 2 a.m. Aug. 20, a complainant left Woody’s Bar, intoxicated, and walked with a male to the 200 block Fawn Street, where a sexual assault occurred. The suspect was described as a black male, about 40, 6 feet, thin, unshaven and with a medium complexion.

— Between 2 a.m.-3:20 a.m. Aug. 20, a secured bicycle was stolen from outside 200 S. Camac St. — At midnight Aug. 21, a cell phone was snatched from a complainant’s hand outside 1324 Locust St. by a black male, 5foot-10, who was wearing a blue hat and blue shirt, and who ran south on Juniper Street.

— At 1:15 p.m. Aug. 21, someone stole a wallet from inside a handbag that was hanging on the back of a complainant’s wheelchair outside 1133 Market St. The suspect was described as a 60-yearold black male, 5-foot-2, with a full beard and wearing a black shirt and denim shorts.

— At 2:35 p.m. Aug. 21, a secured bicycle (except for a wheel that was still secured) was stolen from outside 1102 Spruce St. A witness described the suspect as a 45year-old white male, heavy, cleanshaven, wearing a green shirt and green shorts with a white bandana on his head. Sixth District officers chased a male fitting this description but lost him in the area of 15th and Waverly streets.

— Between 11 p.m. Aug. 23 and NEWS BRIEFING from page 14

upload a favorite sports photo of themselves, add the hashtag #Out4Olympics and submit their photo to @Go_Athletes.

— Angela Thomas

Learn about LGBTemployment issues The Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the LGBT Committee of the

11 a.m. Aug. 24, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 412 S. 13th St. — At 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23, a woman was using the ATM at 1115 Market St. when a male came from behind, pointed a handgun at her and demanded her ATM card, which she gave him. Nothing else was stolen. The woman went to work and called her bank, and the ATM card had already been used at another machine. Police were then called. The suspect was described as a black male in his mid-40s with an African accent and a dark complexion, wearing a white button-down shirt, white hat and jeans.

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — UPDATE: Between noon5:30 p.m. Aug. 17, someone stole a wallet from an unlocked 2001 Chevy that was parked at 12th and Latimer streets. Nineteenth District officers later stopped a male in West Philadelphia and discovered he was in possession of the stolen wallet. The 28-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with receiving stolen property.

— At 8:10 p.m. Aug. 20, 6th District plainclothes Officers Ferrero and DeCrosta observed an illegal narcotics sale outside 300 S. 13th St. The officers arrested a 16-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address, who was charged with illegal narcotics sales, and a 42-year-old alleged buyer with a North Philadelphia address,who was charged with possession of illegal narcotics.

Crack cocaine was confiscated.

— At 10:15 p.m. Aug. 22, 6th District plainclothes Officers Ferrero and Green, while checking the 200 block of South Fawn Street, observed a male sitting on a resident’s steps smoking crack.

The 51-year-old suspect with a West Kensington address was charged with possession of narcotics. Crack cocaine and a glass Philadelphia Bar Association’s Family Law Section will present a program examining developments in employment, labor and benefits law for LGBT Pennsylvanians next week.

“Working OUT” will be held from noon-2 p.m. Sept. 10 at 100 Penn Square East, 10th Floor, Suite 1010.

The program is approved for two hours of Continuing Legal Education credit in substantive law.

pipe were confiscated.

— At 2:30 p.m. Aug. 22, a woman was walking in the subway concourse at 1100 Market St. when two females sprayed her with pepper spray for no reason. SEPTA police were alerted and arrested the suspect at 13th and Market streets. An 18-year-old suspect with a West Philadelphia address and a 17-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address were charged with aggravated assault and related offenses.

— At 1:30 a.m. Aug. 23, a man found an intruder in his apartment, in the 1300 block of Spruce St. The suspect dropped the resident’s laptop, and the complainant chased him while calling 911.

Sixth District bike-patrol officers apprehended the 28-yearold homeless suspect at 13th and Locust streets, and he was charged with burglary and other offenses.

SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 1:25 a.m. Aug. 20, security at the Marriott Hotel, 1201 Market St., observed a male who was not a guest sitting at the bar for an hour without purchasing anything. The male was seen reaching into the handbag of a female seated next to him and taking a wallet. The suspect was detained by security and the wallet was recovered.

The woman did not want to pursue charges. Sixth District Officer Haberle responded and arrested the 40-year-old suspect with a homeless-shelter address for defiant trespassing.

— On Aug. 21, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 3 p.m. outside 1324 Walnut St., at 3:20 p.m. outside 1300 Drury St., at 8:35 p.m. outside 1300 Walnut St. and at 9:55 p.m. outside 1301 Walnut St. — On Aug. 22, 6th District officers issued citations for a summary offenses at 12:30 a.m. outside 100 S. 13th St., at 8:15 a.m. outside 1300 Walnut St. and at 9:40 a.m. outside 100 S. Juniper St. ■ Presenters will include state Rep. Dan Frankel, the prime sponsor of the bill to ban LGBT discrimination, as well as attorneys Katie Eyer, Tiffany Palmer, David Rosenblum, Reynelle Brown Staley and Mary Tiernan.

Registration fees vary and range from $80-$174.

For more information or to register, call 800-247-4724. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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and heath department chief counsel Alison Taylor, while MontCo Solicitor Raymond McGarry is handling the defendant’s case, along with Nicole Forzato and Natasha Taylor-Smith.

Prior to the hearing, in a court filing last week, state attorneys compared the marriage of samesex couples to unions among children, prompting backlash against Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.

The argument came in the state’s Aug. 28 filing opposing the petition of a group of 32 same-sex couples who received marriage licenses in Montgomery County to become intervenors in the case.

HILLIARD from page 1

That other position was fulfilling but this will be even more fulfilling, being able to see this project to completion and knowing I’m going to be helping and working directly with people I care about and can relate to.”

Hilliard is an out lesbian who was raised and still lives in Mt. Airy. She expects to complete her bachelor’s degree in management in the spring at Pierce College, and will then pursue a master’s degree.

She has a 23-year-old daughter who is studying for her master’s at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Government.

When Hilliard learned of the opening for the John C. Anderson Apartments, she said she was eager to fuse her career in property management with her passion for her community.

“I was so excited that this is the first project of its kind on the East Coast,” she said. “This is such an underserved community, and I really feel like I can make a difference here. I think I can bring a little excitement.”

In the beginning of her tenure, Hilliard will be responsible for the lease-up of the whole building.

The first 112 individuals to complete pre-applications will be scheduled for an appointment to submit a full application. Hilliard will oversee the evaluation process where applicants are screened for income and other eligibility requirements before the 56 residents are selected.

Once residents move in, Hilliard will guide day-to-day operations, including maintenance and other resident needs.

She said she plans to foster a culture of inclusion and familiarity with the residents.

“I want to make my residents feel happy and welcome,” she said. “I’m going to wear many hats, everything from social worker to sister, daugh-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

19

Attorneys argued in the filing that “had the clerk issued licenses to 12-year-olds in violation of state law, would anyone seriously contend that each 12-year-old has a legally enforceable ‘interest’ in his ‘license’ and is entitled to a hearing on the validity of his ‘license,’ else his due-process rights be violated?

Obviously not.”

The brief also called the licenses “meaningless.”

While Corbett did not personally author the filing, he was the target of a sharp outcry by LGBT supporters.

Last Thursday, Corbett released a statement calling the analogy “inappropriate.”

Nils Frederiksen, Corbett’s press secretary, told PGN that the governor had not read the filing before it was submitted.

“The governor was not aware that that analogy was going to be or was included in the brief,” Frederiksen said. “And he has made it clear to the attorneys handling this matter that this will not be repeated.”

However, in his statement, the Republican governor went on to reaffirm his backing of the suit against Hanes.

“The case revolves around a very basic question: Does a public official have the authority to disregard state law based on his own personal legal opinion about the con-

stitutionality of a statute?” Corbett posed.

“Although the governor’s position on marriage for same-sex couples is increasingly out-of-touch with the majority of Pennsylvanians, we understand that he must defend the laws of the state,” noted Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin. “However, if there is one thing we can all agree on, it’s that all people deserve to be treated with respect. The statements made by the attorneys do not simply defend the laws of the state, they deny loving, committed same-sex couples the dignity they deserve.”

State Treasurer Rob McCord, who is seeking the Democratic

nomination for governor next year, decried the filing, circulating a petition calling on supporters to “tell Tom Corbett that he’s the one acting like a 12-year-old.”

Fellow Democratic gubernatorial candidate Allyson Schwartz did not respond to a request for comment

by PGN by presstime, but her campaign also circulated a petition last week calling the comparison reflective of the administration’s “intolerant, ideological agenda.”

Hanes’ attorneys declined comment on last week’s filing.

But in court papers, attorneys called the state contention that the couples do not have a legally enforceable interest “absurd.” ■

ter, mom — whatever I can do to make the residents feel safe. So many of these seniors have not even been out of the closet until now, so I want to make sure everyone feels secure.”

Hilliard said she hopes to help make the John C. Anderson Apartments, expected to open in

January, a model for LGBT-friendly housing.

“I want this to be the catalyst for many more community projects of this nature, in Philadelphia and in other cities. This can be a model to inspire other cities to make housing available to gays and lesbians throughout the country,” she said.

The dmhFund had its first board meeting in the building Sept. 4.

Pre-applications can start being submitted at 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Hilliard said she’s looking forward to diving headfirst into the next phase of the project.

“I’m just really excited to be a part of history,” she said. “I’m nervous and I’m excited, but I guess that’s a good thing. I’m just ready to get in and get my hands dirty. I know we’re going to have some great, friendly residents, and I’m expecting a full cast of characters, which I know I’ll love.” ■

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Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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PGN

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Photos: Scott A. Drake

’s Get Out and Play All the action with Philly’s jocks

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PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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

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PUSHING BOUNDARIES: Sarah Nicolazzo (from left) in “Break/Drift/Resist” Photo: Michael Ermilio; Brian Sanders’ “Hush Now Sweet High Heels and Oak” Photo: Steve Belkowitz; Gunnar Montana and Miles Yeung in “Basement” Photo: Sean Gomes

Out performers push the envelope for Philly Fringe

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

LGBT performers and artists are pushing the envelope with some of the edgiest shows as part of this year’s Philly Fringe, the annual arts and music festival running through Sept. 22 at venues all over the city.

Fringe shows usually run the gamut from thought-provoking to risqué, but the show to beat this year for shock value is “Basement” by out choreographer Gunnar Montana, Sept. 13-20 at The Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St. In the dance/art show, Gunnar takes the audience on a journey of sex, blood and heartbreak to a place designed to resemble the end of his past relationship — with dancers amid what looks like the dimly lit den of a serial killer.

“It’s all choreographed and produced

based on this breakup I had in January,” Montana said. “It all comes out of that.

There’s a lot of danger in it. There’s a lot of sadness in it and there’s a lot of sex, blood and guts. It’s this amplified version of what I was feeling. It’s super-artsy in a way that I felt like in the situation my heart was being ripped out of my body, and I’m taking that and making it real by ripping a heart out of somebody’s body.”

Montana assured us that the former object of his affection is alive and well, and that he is over their breakup.

“This whole thing was set up so that we broke up in January and now I’m ready to move on. I’m done,” he said. “I’ve got it all out. I’ve said what I have been able to say about it. I’m not trying to make a big hoopla about it. I’m just trying to present it in a more artistic manner, and I think it comes across as more beautiful and sad than any-

thing else.”

“Basement” also features music combining mournful oldies and modern-day electronic.

The musical selection is another reference to Montana’s ex.

“I used to fight with this guy a lot about music. I used to hate his music and it was all oldies,” he said. “And I like the new hip stuff where it’s all electronic beats. So I’m doing half the show in the music he would like to listen to and the other half in music I’d like to listen to.”

Out choreographer Brian Sanders, coincidentally a mentor of Montana, is no stranger to Philly Fringe, having created some of the more eye-catching and talked-about performances the festival has seen in recent years with his dance-performance troupe Junk.

This year promises to be no different as Sanders world-premieres his latest show,

“Hush Now Sweet High Heels and Oak,” Sept. 6-15 at 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St. “I’m trying to push myself in a little bit of a new direction creatively and work with a couple of new elements and things I haven’t done before,” Sanders said. “I’m nervous but excited about them. I’m hoping it’s going to be spectacular. It started abstract. A lot of times I start with a very space-specific idea in mind. With this show, although there were specific origins to the idea, what I wanted to do with them was up in the air. So much of the process this time around was about exploring the ideas and finding the possibilities. I knew I wanted a big tree. I knew I wanted a big pile of sand.

And I knew I wanted heels. From there, everything has been a fun and creative process. Part of the idea behind this piece is this is how nursery PAGE 24

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FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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IN “GAYZE” (FROM LEFT): LYLE KASH, SARAH SCHOL, KELLIE COOPER, AARON LOFTON AND JENNIFER KIDWELL FRINGE from page 23

rhymes look to us as adults played out in the bedroom. It’s about the strange metaphors in nursery rhymes and what they mean to us as adults.”

Did somebody say heels?

“I was working with a sculptor and I was talking with him about the idea of why men can’t wear high heels, rather that it’s a thing exclusive to women,” Sanders said. “So we were talking about how to make a masculine high heel. So that’s where the idea of the high heel came from inside of this piece.”

Like previous shows Sanders has put together for Fringe, there is an element of physical risk to the performance.

But he assured us the shows look more dangerous than they actually are.

“I don’t know if it is in my nature to seek that out,” Sanders said about the extreme physicality of his shows. “The performers are hanging from very high up. But it’s all as safe as it can possibly be. Sometimes I choose a sense of peril as part of the tension of the piece, and I don’t think that it is part of this piece at all.”

Another group producing a physically demanding and dangerous-looking performance this year is Fringe alum Tangle Movement Arts with “Break/Drift/Resist,” through Sept. 7 at Philadelphia Soundstages, 1600 N. Fifth St. In the show, the sevenwoman cast ricochets from floor to ceiling to represent the friction and warmth of a close-knit community.

Out poet, performer and Tangle founder Lauren Rile Smith said the risky nature of the performance is relative.

“I have to say that the drive on the highway that I do between our rehearsal studio and my home is definitely more dangerous from a statistical perspective,” she said.

“I think that the element of risk definitely lends a dimension for the audience in our performances and we play with that element of suspense. That sense of having ventured into an unknown space will resonate with audience members on an emotional level.

We’re telling a story about people going out on a limb in their own lives.”

Their third Fringe appearance, Smith said, is more ambitious than any of the other shows they have done.

“We wanted to use aerial equipment and

new ways to generate new types of movement,” she said. “We’re always interested in questions of how to represent community and multiple close relationships on stage.

We built this surreal vertical stage to offer a mirror for the interactions of everyday life.

Our inspiration for the show was the way that conflict can ripple through a community, affecting the people that are the center of the drama but also their friends and their partners. It was inspired by our own close-knit queer community based in West Philadelphia. So perhaps the little dramas on stage will be relatable to audiences from their own lives in this more-abstract dance form.”

Fringe isn’t all gore and daredevil feats this year.

Recent New York transplants transidentified playwright MJ Kauffman and gay director Jack Tamburri formed MJ/JT Productions to create their show “GAYZE: A Real Life Web Series,” an episodic comedy with a message.

“Jack and I both just graduated from the Yale School of Drama and while we were studying there, we took a TV-writing class together,” Kauffman said. “We were both interested in this web-series medium because of short episodes and the fact that one can watch many at once. We wanted to use some of the structures of that form, like montage and fast-forward, and turn them into live theater.”

“It was fun to play with those sitcom episodic structures, but that extremely popular form also seemed like a great place to create satire,” Tamburri added. “One of the things we wanted to do was examine and scrutinize some of the images we see of queer people and queer life in mainstream media, which we don’t think really accurately or wholly represent our lives or the lives in our community. Essentially, it’s a situation comedy.

There’s physical humor and snappy dialogue. What we want is to make a really entertaining hour of theater, and then within that we want to have some serious political thought going on.” ■ Philly Fringe runs through Sept. 22 at venues all over Philadelphia. For a complete list of performances and events, as well as ticket information, visit www.liveartsfringe.org.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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FILM PGN

Skin on screen in double feature

By Ray Simon PGN Contributor

Today, a few taps of the touch screen will unleash a torrent of T and A to anyone’s smartphone, but that wasn’t always the case.

From the 1920s-’60s, those interested in enjoying some onscreen concupiscence had to venture out to seedy arcades or grindhouse theaters.

Movie buffs curious to take a peek back at those times are in luck. “That’s Sexploitation!” is an evening of deviant documentaries celebrating the heyday of cheesy skin flicks. The screening takes place Sept. 13 at PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St. Travis Crawford, the longtime programmer of Danger After Dark, will introduce the double feature, which begins with “That’s Sexploitation!” and is followed by “Let Me Die a Woman.”

Crawford cheerfully concedes that the majority of sexploitation films have little artistic merit, but that doesn’t mean contemporary audiences can’t learn something from them.

“Sexploitation films provide a window into a different time in American culture and also a different time in American sexual morality in a way that mainstream Hollywood films of any particular era — ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, whatever — really don’t,” Crawford said.

“I think it’s hard to imagine people lining up around the block to see a birth-of-a-baby movie like ‘Mom and Dad.’ That’s kind of inconceivable by our standards.”

Fortunately, viewers don’t have to suffer through the miracle of childbirth, because director Frank Henenlotter’s paean to prurient pictures only presents the highlights.

Clocking in at over two hours, “That’s Sexploitation!” includes dozens of clips from a dizzying variety of sleazy subgenres, including nudist-camp movies, sex-hygiene flicks, nudie cuties, smokers and roughies, all of which were produced to get straight men off.

Henenlotter, the impresario behind the horror-comedies “Basket Case” and “Frankenhooker,” occasionally steps in front of the camera to share his knowledge. But for the most part, viewers’ guide through this cinematic sewer is David Friedman.

Dressed in a cozy sweater and clutching a stogie, Friedman could be anyone’s zayde, but it turns out that this geriatric raconteur has firsthand knowledge of the subject. His career began with nudie cuties and graduated to roughies, films where the sex was accompanied by a generous helping of violence. He also knew many pioneers of the sexploitation genre.

During his apprenticeship, Friedman learned that sex sells, whatever its form. It was a lesson he never forgot as he churned

out movies with titles like “She Freak” and “Pussy Galore.”

“The sexploiteer was not bound by any code,” Friedman said. “He was free to use any subject in the world, as long as it was in bad taste, and he did: dope, miscegenation, roadhouses, prostitution, child marriage, etc., etc. You name it.”

Friedman and his colleagues constantly tempted audiences, and censors, by pushing the limits. This led to some bizarre images: toy soldiers arrayed for battle across the bosom of a “sleeping” nymphet or an oldtime burlesque performer dancing with pigeons perched across her shoulders and arms, to name just two. But even after they began showing pubic hair, the sexploitation films never showed actual intercourse.

As Henenlotter told Vice magazine in a prerelease interview, he deliberately avoided tackling hard-core pornography.

“Once it becomes porn, I lose all interest in it. I like the tease, I like almost getting there,” he said.

Consequently, he ends “That’s Sexploitation!” at the beginning of the 1970s, when a new breed of sex cinema captured the attention of audiences. Still, the movie is a thoughtful, affectionate look at a profitable film industry that flourished in Hollywood’s shadow for decades.

The evening’s second feature, “Let Me Die a Woman,” was released in 1977, a few years after porn had elbowed Friedman and other sexploiteers out of the market. It differs from the movies Henenlotter examines in a significant way: Its director was one of the few women in what was, essentially, an old boys’ club.

Doris Wishman was already middle-aged when she entered the sexploitation racket.

That was shortly after her husband passed away, and her primary goal was to make money. By all accounts, she was an inept director, and she was ambivalent at best about sexuality.

Billed as a documentary about men and women who were, at that time, labeled transsexuals, Wishman’s film is actually an awkward amalgamation of interviews, stock footage, cheesy porn “reenactments” and gory clinical instruction films.

Crawford selected the film, in part, to give audiences a glimpse of the gritty, shocking side of sexploitation. As he points out, however, even this borderline-offensive movie has its redeeming moments, largely thanks to a transgender woman named Leslie.

“I’ve got to give Wishman that much credit,” Crawford said. “She really knew what the strength of the movie was and it was with this woman Leslie as an interview subject, because she’s candid, she’s very self-aware and she’s hilariously funny.

She tells a couple of stories that steal the movie.” ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

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PGN SPORTS

Get Out and Play

Scott A. Drake

Keeping my own head above water Deadlines and the timing of special events in the LGBT sports world are rarely in synch. Case in point: Within hours of my last column going to press, I got some late, great news on the swimming and diving fronts.

Members of the Fins Aquatics Club headed out to Seattle for the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championships in early August and I am pleased to report that our pool boys and girls set 14 new records, plus 10 participants brought home a total of 71 medals.

Yes, you read that right: 71 medals.

The entire Philadelphia sports community and its supporters are so very proud of these men and women for representing us in such a dynamic and dramatic fashion. You can find the details of the results at igla2013.com, and photos and more information at philadelphiafins. org.

As we get more connected through our various social-media platforms, I hope more athletes will cross the boundaries among sports and congratulate each other, attend an occasional event and support fundraising efforts across lines.

Kudos to you, Fins! We are looking forward to another stunning performance next year at the Gay Games.

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Summer to September segue If you’re looking for some LGBT athletes outdoors the next few weeks, your best bet is at FDR Park in South Philly any weekend.

The park is already the fair-weather home of the Liberty City Tennis Association and the Fall Ball stepchild of the City of Brotherly Love Softball League, and now Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League has a home there as well.

GPFFL recently moved this fall from its recent dirt digs at Columbus Park, 12th and Wharton streets, when it became apparent that the space and conditions were no longer suitable for the league or for next year’s Gay Bowl. The first of two skills days is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 7, followed immediately by a kickoff party in the park. The rest of the fall schedule of ball play and horse play can be found at phillyflagfootball.com.

“The Rugby Player” alert If you live in New York City or are in the city on Sept. 11 this year, make some time for this movie. “The Rugby Player” is the award-winning film about Mark Bingham, his life and love of rugby, as told by his mother. Alice Hoagland recounts stories and shares personal video clips and photos, some of which Bingham took himself.

Bingham was one of the leaders of the passenger rebellion on Flight 93 that resulted in the Shenksville crash.

Filmmaker Scott Gracheff will attend the screening 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at Walter Reade Theater and hold a Q&A immediately following. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased online via filmlinc.com/films.

Short stops • The Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club finished the summer tournament with Fast and Furious Tinkerbells taking the championship. Pick-up play for the fall has returned to Edgley Fields; falcons-soccer.org or facebook.com/falconsoccer.

• Gay Games 9 organizers announced that they are working with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for a one-of-a-kind 5K race. Runners, start your engines!

• Trivia this week: How many local sports organizations celebrate milestones in 2013?

GG9 trivia: Last time, I asked Tom Nobbe and Rob Smitherman of Gay Games 9 where they thought Gay Games X were likely to be. What was their answer? “In Europe.”

The final three sites under consideration are London, Paris and Limerick, Ireland.

That’s called playing it safe. It’s also not getting themselves into trouble with Philly rep Dave Killian of the Federation of the Gay Games selection committee.

Countdown to Gay Games 9: 336 days.

Keep the community updated! Send your team/league/organization information to scott@epgn.com. ■

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

29

Suzi Nash

Gunnar Montana: Dancing in the dark Oh how I love the Live Arts/Fringe Festival! Thought-provoking, innovative and just plain fun. There are so many great performances this year in venues from a graveyard to a private home that I’ll just have to refer you to the web site to check them all out. This year, we meet with dancer/visual artist Gunnar Montana. His sweet face and bubbly laugh won’t prepare you for the drama of his dark side ... but it’s what makes him so interesting and fun!

PGN: Tell me a little bit about growing up in your hometown.

GM: Ah, Trout Creek, Mt. It was rough.

Big skies and small minds. I came out when I was 13 in a town of 1,000 people.

It wasn’t cool at all. I had a hard time and my family had a hard time too. They were super-supportive but the people around them weren’t as open-minded.

PGN: What was the worst incident that comes to mind?

GM: Just having to go to school each day and worry about my safety and how many times I would be called a fag that day. Luckily, my brother was a senior and very popular, so he kind of had my back when he was there, but there were a lot of instances where I was just scared to go to school. It was a bad environment and I couldn’t be an artist or dancer or any of those things because the world was so small there.

PGN: Did you know that you wanted to be a dancer at that age?

GM: Yes, I was always dancing and moving and creating art. In high school, I was the only guy on the dance squad and when we performed at half-times, I got pennies thrown at me. I knew that dance was what I wanted to be doing, though, and that I would have to get out of there to do it, so I told my family that I was sending myself to boarding school when I was 15. It was that or I would kill myself or someone would kill me. So they sent me to a school on the East Coast.

PGN: What did/do your parents do?

GM: My mother is a spiritual healer and masseuse so she totally gets it. I came out to her and she was like, “Yeah, I had girlfriends when I was in college,” and my dad is a politician. It took him a little longer to get used to the fact that I wasn’t going to be the son to go out hunting with him. But he gets it completely now too, which is awesome.

PGN: What an odd combination; I guess opposites attract.

GM: [Laughs.] Not really, they broke up at about the time I came out, so everyone was going in their separate directions. It was a crazy year.

PGN: Where did you end up?

GM: My sophomore year they sent me to a Quaker school near West Chester, Pa. I came alive there, I exploded. It was one of the most accepting environments I’ve ever been in. I joined dance, I joined the art group, I learned everything I wanted and how to express myself exactly how I wanted to.

PGN: What was your brother like?

GM: His name is Stryker — homecoming king, jock, one of the most popular guys in school. He’s definitely the protective older- brother type. We get along completely.

PGN: Was it difficult being away from the family?

GM: No, I’ve never had a problem with that. I’ve just started to enjoy going home.

Accepting it for what it is and appreciating the beauty of rural Montana. Before that, I hadn’t wanted to touch the place, I had such a bad taste in my mouth. I’m connected to my family in a good way but distant too.

there. You get out of school with all these student loans to pay. You take a job in a restaurant and you’ll be there until your 40s trying to pay them off. When girls can make $1,000 a night and pay off the loans, it’s hard to turn down. You just hope not to get sucked into the life. That’s what started it; I had a lot of friends who were go-go dancing or stripping to make money and I thought, Well, let me put them in a different light, take them out of that situation and put them in an artful situation where people could see them as artists, not as pieces of meat. It worked to some extent.

There were some flaws where it turned out to be more of a shit show than I wanted.

We did most of the show in the nude and a lot of people felt that it was exploitive. I don’t think I helped empower the women enough and I got a lot of feedback that the show was kind of misogynistic for me to do. But the girls loved it. They loved performing it, they loved having an audience as opposed to a bunch of guys with bills in their hands.

PGN: What was your favorite toy as a kid?

GM: I wanna say a sandbox, but it really wasn’t toys. We weren’t into video games or TV. We were into outdoors stuff, ripping whole ferns out of the ground and throwing them at each other like spears. I did have a ton of stuffed animals. I loved them, still do. I’d have birthday parties for them and we’d all gather round and have cake. [Laughs.] Maybe it was just an elaborate excuse for me to eat cake on a regular basis.

PGN: [Laughs.] So how does such a nice, clean-cut boy from Montana create such dark and twisted work?

GM: I don’t know! I feel like it’s almost a bipolar thing where it’s either really high and happy or really low and dark. I’m usually a happy-go-lucky guy, but this show definitely runs more to the dark side. It’s probably a chemical imbalance, not like I’d take anything for it.

PGN: Are you a Gemini? I’ve dated a few and they definitely have two sides.

GM: I am on the cusp between Taurus and Gemini! That might explain it.

PGN: I was reading about your Fringe program, “Rub,” from last year. It was about go-go dancing and stripping and generated a lot of controversy. Despite having a lot of dancer friends, I hadn’t realized how many — male and female — get into stripping to pay the bills. Tell me about it.

GM: We don’t make any money. The arts are being cut and there are no jobs out

PGN: It must have felt good that you were generating conversation, good or bad.

GM: Oh yeah. There were several shows done in the nude last year. The whole thing blew out of control, but it was fun to be a part of naked Fringe!

PGN: So what’s in store for this year?

GM: Well, my piece is called “Basement.”

I thought it was going to be a dark show,

but it got even darker than I’d expected. I went through a breakup in January with a guy I’d been with for two years. I got into a rut, like you do after a rough breakup, and I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to create anything authentic until I dealt with it. I had to do something that acknowledged the situation because it had just absorbed me, taken over my life. I knew I couldn’t choreograph some happy little comedy piece until I got it out of my system, so I made the entire show about the breakup.

PGN: So you’re the Taylor Swift of dance!

GM: Yes! Exactly! Though I’m not trying to call him out like she did at the “VMAs.” I respect the relationship and what it was, it just had a rough ending. This was more about my response and how I dealt with it.

It’s not about him. I just had to resolve it this way for myself.

PGN: So where did the chainsaw come in?

GM: Um, there’s a big massacre at the end!

PGN: Oh dear, what happened?

GM: Well, at the end of the relationship I moved out for about 10 days to collect myself. I came back to get some of my things and walked in to find him in bed with our mutual friend. Standing there looking at them was the most emotional I’d ever felt in my life. I felt traumatized and I couldn’t move. As I stood there, the image of me taking the guy out with a chainsaw just popped into my head. People like to think that they don’t think like that, but they do. It looks a little crazy to recreate that image, but for me it was about seeing myself conquering the situation.

In the piece I stand above it all, literally. It’s a striking image [the show poster Photo: Suzi Nash has Gunnar standing over a bloody body with a chainsaw] and it led to me sitting here telling you the story of the betrayal, so I’m like, That’s probably all the therapy I’ll need!

Better this way than in real life.

PGN: Have you spoken to him or heard his reaction?

GM: No, and I like it that way. It’s not about him or his response at all. It was just cathartic for me.

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FUN PGN & GAMES

Q Puzzle Made for love Across 1. Morgan Fairchild’s “Roseanne” character 6. Slangy turndown 10. They aren’t straight 14. Fields of interest 15. Some 16. Hot stuff 17. Start of a quote

by Troy Perry 20. Mapplethorpe model, maybe 21. Tops a cupcake 22. “Kiss of the Spider Woman”’s William 23. Bring to bear 24. More of the quote 25. One you may see in a shower 27. Tennessee Williams’ lover Frank 29. Lush meadow 30. Some forensic evidence 31. Minnelli movie 35. Goes down on 36. More of the

quote 39. Signs of “The Lion King”?

40. Stops, as a yawn 41. Pull a boner 42. Mom-and-pop org.

43. Initiates golden showers, e.g.

47. Pleasures oneself, with “off” 49. More of the quote 52. Figured out 53. Game groups, to Mauresmo 54. Wine partner 55. ___ as Dick Button?

56. End of the quote 59. Scottish family 60. Out partner 61. Yearned 62. “Money ___ object!”

63. Not hard to get in bed 64. Loads Down 1. Selleck TV role 2. Turn on 3. Having caught

PORTRAIT from page 29

PGN: So which member of the family had the most influence on creating your twisted sense of things?

GM: Oh, my dark, twisted side. I want to say ... well, I’m a total momma’s boy.

She’s guided me through life. But I think I get my dark side from my relationship with my father. He lost his father when he was young and I don’t think he ever quite understood fatherhood. I’ve always felt that I was missing a father figure even when he was there, so there’s definitely some darkness that comes out of that. But not enough to be interesting. He wasn’t a serial killer or anything.

PGN: [Laughs.] So you have no one to blame for your twisted creations?

GM: No! It’s all me.

PGN: Outside of challenging people, what else do you like to do?

GM: I’ve really been hardcore into rockclimbing recently. I’m usually super physically active; working out and stuff is a big outlet for me. And I’m always doing something artsy, always performing around the city or choreographing things. My life as a whole revolves around art.

PGN: I understand you’re into dumpster diving?

GM: Absolutely. I have to. I don’t have any money, no artist does. So I find myself making most of my visual art from trash, things I find. Everything for this show is from the restaurants where I work and animal parts, bones and stuff. I also have a whole installation that’s all cardboard.

more rays at South Beach 4. Fill with freight 5. Sophie B. Hawkins’ “___ Lay Me Down” 6. Walker of “Rhoda” 7. You can blow them among the reeds 8. Cherry stones 9. And so forth 10. Alaskan tongue 11. Approved, like a pride 12. Really like, in “Gone With the Wind”?

13. Mary, in Montmartre (abbr.)

18. Frida day 19. Daughter of Uranus 24. “Bend It Like Beckham” score 25. It may be picked up in a bar 26. Dorm VIPs 28. Some watch faces 29. Son of Eric the Red 32. Eclipses 33. Early movie dog

34. Glenn Burke stat 35. Gas brand in Canada 36. Hairspray, and others 37. Viking shipmate 38. Campbell of _Party of Five_ 39. Kenan’s “ ___ the Dead Bury Their Dead” 42. Pain in the ass 44. Williams’ nocturnal reptile 45. Like some lines 46. Well-hung ones beneath jockeys 48. Pool party?

49. Gregory of “Will & Grace” 50. Really pissed 51. Doc for lions and tigers and bears 54. Mariah or Madonna 55. All the rage 56. Bio. or chem.

57. Gardener’s long tool 58. Word after photo or special PAGE 35

I actually did visual arts before I got into dance. Let me show you something! [Runs to the other side of the room and retrieves a high-heeled shoe covered in what looks like bones.]

PGN: Cool.

GM: Yeah, it’s made mostly from pig jaws, animal parts and a little bit of latex.

PGN: Where do you find pig jaws in Philadelphia?

GM: I went to the Italian Market and asked if anyone had any bones or bits and I got a whole bag of rotting animal parts.

PGN: [Laughs.] And no one called the FBI or SVU? GM: Ha. No! They said it happens surprisingly often.

PGN: What was your best dumpster find?

GM: A stretcher. Outside of Jefferson Hospital; it was fantastic. A friend helped me wheel it home to Ninth and Reed, and we got stopped by the police. Fortunately, they let me go. I used it for the show last year.

PGN: Ever been arrested?

GM: Surprisingly no. I’m always taking things. Oh my God, I found a whole bunch of mannequin heads behind one of the hair schools. Five bags of them! It was fantastic. I’m using them for this show. That was actually my best find.

PGN: Speaking of using odd objects, you dance with Brian Sanders and Junk. I did his profile and he was telling me that he’ll just walk along and see cinder blocks and

think, Wow, we should dance with them on our heads!

GM: [Laughs.] Yes, that was for “Sanctuary.” I had to dance with him in that show. Ach, he’s such a hard man to dance with. A great dancer of course, but it’s crazy, he’s in his own little mind and he’ll just start climbing on you, stepping on your head as he’s working through an idea, and you have to make sure you don’t drop him.

It’s kind of intimidating.

PGN: So do you think your dancers say the same thing about you?

GM: [Laughs.] Probably, the girls in this show think I’m absolutely crazy. They’re very strong. The other day I had one of them wearing a mask made from a real pig’s face that I cooked and made into a gas mask. And this morning I had them under a big plastic tarp and was like, “If you find you can’t breathe, just tap the floor or something and I’ll come get you.” It’s fun.

Where else do you get to do this kind of thing?

PGN: What’s so important about the Fringe Festival?

GM: I think it’s important to be a part of the arts community and I’m trying now to figure out how my art fits in. I get a lot of mixed feedback but with Fringe/Live Arts, it’s a time where we can all participate and help each other. It’s really nice to collaborate with other people. For this project I’m working with photographers and video people, etc. There’s a guy who asked if he could shoot our rehearsals and show a different side of what we’re doing. To have someone interested in your work like that is priceless. Other than Fringe, I feel

there’s not any real unity in the community.

Everybody’s just busy trying to make it and do their own thing.

PGN: It’s random-question time. What’s the most inappropriate present that you gave or received?

GM: We were doing a secret Santa at work and I got a fish and small tank for my coworker. The fish died the day before the party so I dried it out and wrote “Merry Christmas” on it and gave it anyway. I told him I’d buy a new one, but I don’t think I ever got around to it.

PGN: Who did you take to your prom?

GM: I went by myself as my alter ego Preston. I beat my face and wore bright red lipstick and a blazer with a belt. I put on glasses to enhance the look and took Preston to prom. He’s super fun. I’m actually growing my hair out for Preston right now; he has long hair that he combs over. He even shows up in this show for a second.

PGN: Worst lie you ever told?

GM: Oh, the other day at work ... and I got suspended for it! I called out sick and entered the Mr. Gay Stoli contest. I ended up getting second place and “most original man.” I dressed in a trash bag and ripped it off my body in a striptease. It was all over Facebook and my boss saw it so I got suspended from work. [Laughs.] I really didn’t think that one out! ■ Check out the festival at www.fringearts. com.

To suggest a community member for Family Portraits, email Portraits05@aol.com.

PGN BOOKS & DVDS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

31

Best-sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960; www.queerbooks. com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales.

Men’s books

1. “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin (Delta, $14 pb).

We think the resurgence of our eponymous book is due to the rebroadcast of the excellent documentary about Baldwin on PBS last month. The edition we have been selling for the past 13 years is suddenly out of print. A new edition is due this month.

2. “The Gallery” by John Horne Burns (New York Review, $18.95 pb). A daring and enduring novel — one of the first to look directly at gay life in the military — “The Gallery” poignantly conveys the mixed feelings of the American men and women who fought in World War II. 3. “A Body on Pine” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco (Lethe, $18 pb).

When Marco Fontana enters his friend’s spa on Pine Street in Philadelphia, he doesn’t find the peaceful retreat he expected.

4. “London Triptych” by Jonathan Kemp (Arsenal Pulp, $16.95 pb, $10.59 ebook).

Interweaves the lives and loves of three very different London men across the decades.

5. “Bread and Wine: An Erotic Tale of New York” by Samuel R. Delany (Fantagraphics, $14.99 hb). A graphic autobiography that flashes back to the unlikely story of how Delany befriended Dennis, and how they became an enduring couple — Delany, a professor at

Philadelphia’s Temple University, and Dennis, an intelligent man living on the streets.

6. “Trevor: A Novella” by James Lescene (Triangle Square, $9.95 pb, $10.09 ebook). Shunned by his friends, misunderstood by his parents and harassed at school for being different, Trevor goes from wondering what color glitter to choose for his Lady Gaga costume at Halloween, to wondering why some feelings “are so intense it makes you just want to lay down and die rather than go on feeling it.”

7. “For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide, When the Rainbow Is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out and Coming Home” by Keith Boykin (Magnus, $15.95 pb).

Addresses longstanding issues of sexual abuse, suicide, HIV/AIDS, racism and homophobia in the African-American and Latino communities, and more specifically among young gay men of color.

Women’s and Trans Books 1. “Are You My Mother?

A Comic Drama” by Alison Bechdel (Mariner, $15.95 pb). A poignant and hilarious graphic memoir of Bechdel’s becoming the artist her gifted mother always wanted to be.

2. “Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?” by Jeanette Winterson (Grove, $15 pb, $10.09 ebook). A captivating book, quotable and brightly flecked with humor. A personal and at times painfully raw story about an adoptee’s lifelong search for love.

It also makes a strong case for how a life can be saved by literature.

3. “How Poetry Saved My Life: A Hustler’s Memoir” by Amber Dawn (Arsenal Pulp, $15.95 pb).

A memoir about sex work, sexuality and how writing became the author’s lifeline, connecting her to other queer voices.

4. “Heather Has Two Mommies” by Lesléa Newman (Alyson, $12.95 pb). This children’s book from 1989 may be the most-banned book in the country.

5. “Lesbian Sex: 101 LoveMaking Positions” by Jude Schell (Celestial Arts, $16.99 pb, $11.99 ebook). Discover 101 ways to caress, rub, lick, suck, grind and slip inside with this groundbreaking collection of lovemaking positions for women who love women.

6. “This Is My Family: A First Look at Same-Sex Parents” by Pat Thomas and Lesley Harker (Barron’s Educational, $7.99 pb).

Takes a child’s point of view in its discussion of same-sex marriage.

7. “Keesha and Her Two Moms Go Swimming” by Monica Bey-Clarke, Cheril N. Clarke and Aiswarya Mukherjee (Dodi, $12.95 hb). For ages 1-4.

Men’s DVDs

1. “White Frog,” directed by Quentin Lee (2012, 93 min., $24.95).

When Nick’s big brother Chaz (“Glee”’s Harry Shum Jr.) passes away in a tragic accident, Chaz’s friends comfort young Nick as he gradually dis-

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covers the truth — Chaz was gay, not such a nice thing in a traditional Chinese family.

2. “Loose Cannons,” directed by Ferzan Ozpetek (2010, 110 min., $19.95). A heartwarming comedy about family, business and coming out. Italian with subtitles.

3. “Mixed Kebab,” directed by Guy Lee Thys (2012, 86 min., $19.95). Happily filled with contradictions, tall, dark and handsome Bram lives a mysterious life in Antwerp that is very different from his conservative, religious upbringing.

4. “On the Road,” directed by Walter Salles (2012, 124 min., $24.95). This lush film adaptation of bisexual Beat legend Jack Kerouac’s classic novel has been lauded for its inclusion of samesex desire — including a graphic gay sex scene.

5. “Des/Esperando,” directed

by Erick Salas Kirchhausen (2010, 73 min., $24.95). This sizzling romance is about the lust we have and the entrapment of the lives we can’t leave behind.

Spanish with subtitles.

6. “Yossi, aka Yossi and Jagger 2,” directed by Eytan Fox (2012, 85 min., $27.95). The longawaited sequel to “Yossi and Jagger” about Yossi’s life after Jagger’s death.

7. “A Portrait of James Dean: Joshua Tree, 1951,” directed

by Matthew Mishory (2012, 93 min., $24.95). A fearless, intimate fictional portrait of James Dean on the cusp of becoming both a great actor and an outsider icon.

Women’s DVDs 1. “Cloudburst,” directed by Thom Fitzgerald (2011, 93 min., $24.95). Co-stars Oscar-winning actors Brenda Fricker and Olympia Dukakis as Dot and

Stella, a crackerjack lesbian couple on the run from a nursing home. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll cry!

2.

“Spinnin’,” directed

by Pastrana (110 min., $24.99).

At the heart of it all is Gárate (Alejandro Tous) and Omar (Olav Fernández), a gay couple looking for a woman to mother their child. Spanish with subtitles.

3. “Gun Hill Road,” directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green (2011, 88 min., $19.95). After three years in prison, macho Enrique (Esai Morales) returns to the Bronx to find the world he once knew has turned upside down. His wife, Angela (Judy Reyes), struggles to hide an emotional affair, and his teenage son, Michael (newcomer Harmony Santana), explores a sexual transformation well beyond Enrique’s grasp and understanding.

4. “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Season 2 ($38.99), Season 3 ($49.99), Season 4 ($57.95).

5. “Isle of Lesbos,” directed by Jeff B. Harmon (1996, 98 min., $29.99). Who says lesbians don’t do camp?

6. “Mosquita y Mari,” directed

by Aurora Guerrero (2012, 85 min., $24.95). This exquisitely crafted coming-of-age tale follows a pair of Latina teens who fall gradually in love against the backdrop of Southeast Los Angeles.

7. “A Perfect Ending,” directed

by Nicole Conn (2012, 106 min., $24.95). Named “the sexiest lesbian film of 2012” by Curve Magazine. ■

Triangle Medical General Practice Progressive HIV Care MARK T. WATKINS, DO REBECCA CALDER PA-C

(215) 829-0170

253 S. 10th St., 1st Floor Philadelphia

32

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

TRAVEL PGN

Richmond is rich in LGBT history and hospitality

By Scott A. Drake scott@epgn.com Virginia Pride (vapride.org) is by far the gayest thing to do in the Old Dominion state, and that includes visiting Colonial Williamsburg in drag. So, if you’re interested in doing something gay at the end of September, you’re in luck. Richmond is the site for Virginia Pride, Sept. 2728, and thousands are expected for the entertainment, music, food and frolicking from noon- 8 p.m. that Sunday in Kanawha Plaza.

Rather than just going down for a weekend, which can make for some long travel stretches, why not add a couple days? Many LGBT outsiders might overlook this capital city of Virginia, but once you wrap your head around the fact that you can’t turn a corner without tripping over something to do with the American Civil War, you can start exploring this riverfront town and find a vast and varied gay community with a

long history.

Carytown If Richmond has any area that is more welcoming to LGBT visitors than Carytown, we didn’t find it. Called the “Mile of Style,” Carytown is about 10 blocks long on West Cary Street.

There are scores of locally owned shops, boutiques and specialty stores, many of which are LGBTowned, and all very welcoming.

Carytown was even voted “Best Neighborhood to Shop In” in 2011 by Southern Living magazine’s readers.

Nacho Mama’s (3449 W. Cary St., nachomamasva.com) is a great place to start and end an afternoon in Carytown. For one thing, you can’t go wrong with a selection of more than two-dozen flavors of margaritas. Openly gay owner Raul Cantu serves up an incredible mix of great food, splendid spirits and a charming, colorfully appointed space. Nacho Mama’s gets the nod for “Best Patio Dining” locally and is sure to please your spirit as well as your palate. Try the coco loco shrimp with mango sauce or Carmines diablos before your fajitas, enchiladas, tacos or chimichangas.

There is some-

VIRGINIA PRIDE 2012 Photos: Scott A. Drake

NACHO MAMA’S IN CARYTOWN

thing for every taste and Scoville heat units.

For dinner one night, you’ll want to hit up Selba (2416 W. Cary St., selbarichmond.com).

Selba has a distinctive mission, menu and décor and continues to be one of the most popular date spots in Richmond. Their mission is to honor the food that they serve in the oldest of traditions — the meal — featuring fresh, natural ingredients from local and regional farmers. Menu options vary by the season, of course.

For any non-dining portions of your stroll, stop in Bangles and Beads (banglesandbeads.net), Eurotrash (shopeurotrash.com), World of Mirth (worldofmirth. com) and maybe stop into Can Can Brasserie (cancanbrasserie. com) for a locally brewed pint.

The Boyd Theater is a small yet grand classic theater in which, if your timing is good, you may have a chance to hear an organ recital.

Before you depart, make sure you stop off at lesbian-owned For the Love of Chocolate (3136 W. Cary St., lovchoc. com) for walking-around sweets or a fabulous after-dinner treat.

Handmade chocolates abound, and the aroma will catch your attention yards before you get to the door. Besides the Virginiamade and international varieties of chocolate, there are hundreds of classic candies, retro favorites, gourmet items, kosher, vegan and organic offerings. Definitely go in. Definitely don’t go in hungry.

Taking in the scenery The great outdoors have much to offer in Richmond also. The most dominant geographic influence in Richmond is the James River, of Jamestown relation.

The lower part of the river is part of the Chesapeake Tidal Basin, and upriver is one of the country’s most popular urban rapids.

Kayaking goes on here nearly all year. Highly recommended is a stroll over to Belle Isle for hiking, biking, running, fishing, wading, rock bathing or about any other fine seasonal activity. Once a compound for Union prisoners of war, it is now 54 acres of recreation, with no motor-vehicle access.

Alongside the river is the inviting Kanawha Canal and the canal walk. Following the canal from its southern endpoint near Shockoe Bottom can take you along trails, rails and paved sidewalks as the serpentine path crisscrosses the canal.

At one point, water levels permitting, you can climb down a ladder and “walk the pipe.” A large runoff pipe with platform and rails allows you to walk over the river a short distance from the shore and has numerous places to hop off onto the sand, wade in the shallows or out onto the rocks with a fishing net.

In the most temperate times of the year, you can also take a canal boat ride with Canal Cruises (venturerichmond.com) that includes a scenic, historic and entertaining narration. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy a slow-down moment of the day.

You can even bring some snacks and beverages for a light lunch as you slide along the smooth canal waters.

A few blocks from the boat launch is LaDifférence (125 S. 14th St., ladiff.com), owned by life partners Andrew Thornton and Ivor Massey. The two have crafted a fine contemporary interior-design store in a four-story modernized warehouse packed with unusual and one-of-a-kind items from around the world, with regular customers from around the world as well. It is their intention to greet customers with genuine joy, enthusiasm and interest and they use fantastic color, music and a pervasive sense of humor to surround the shopping experience.

Also very close is Bottom’s Up Pizza (1700 Dock St., bottomsuppizza.com) for a quick slice or cool bev on the deck or patio. Arguably the best pizza in the city, natives and visitors alike agree that the freshly made, handtossed pies are worth a special trip to Shockoe Bottom.

LGBT roots Historically, Richmond had been a great manufacturing and tobacco town, and it might have been a much different city had it not been for Lewis Ginter. A savvy businessman, abundantly generous, Ginter was a highly decorated war veteran who was the first major American marketer of hand-rolled cigarettes.

Ginter and his long-time business and domestic partner John Pope were very well liked, yet the two remained fairly reclusive, preferring not to be in the public eye frequently.

Upon their deaths, the 85-acre Ginter Farm and all attached wealth were bequeathed to Ginter’s niece, Grace Arent.

Arent, who also had a same-sex companion, Mary Garland Smith, passed away in 1926, and her will stated that upon the death of Smith, the farm would go to the city for a botanical garden.

The Ginter legacy exists today in the form of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (lewisginter. org) on that site. It’s a beautiful space where one can learn about plants or just relax in a beautiful setting of trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world. The garden’s butterfly conservatory is one of the country’s largest and is home to thousands of butterflies and hundreds of varieties. Walk through and watch them feed and dance in the air, and become a landing perch for them during your stroll. No worries, everyone is thoroughly examined for stowaways at the exit.

TRAVEL PGN

Another don’t-miss is the Drag Brunch at Godfrey’s (308 E. Grace St., godfreysva. com), which is just plain fun. What’s better than bloodies, brunch, drag and dramatics to recover from a Saturday night on the town? Voted the best brunch in Richmond for eight years in a row, Godfrey’s has a simple a-la-carte menu of good food, some great entertainers and some RECREATION ON THE JAMES RIVER rowdy staff AND KANAWHA CANAL to pull it off.

Two seatings every Sunday (crowd Arts abound and weather permitting) For art, you can’t do and reservations for more much better than the than four are a must at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA, 200 N. Blvd., least two weeks out. Bring a handful of ones for tipvmfa.state.va.us), which is ping because the girls will home to more than 33,000 works of art spanning 5,000 come after you if they years and the globe. VMFA think you’re trying to stay under the radar or gaydar. has some of the finest artAnother club stop nouveau and art-deco colshould include Barcode lections in the nation and (barcoderva.com), with ranks as one of the top its happy-hour specials comprehensive art museand large patio out back ums in the United States. for chatting up the events Popular 20th-century artof your day or planning ists include Jasper Johns, the next. They also offer Claus Oldenburg, Cindy some bar foods to cover Sherman, Jackson Pollock, the afternoon snackies and Alexander Calder and Roy late-night munchies. And Lichtenstein. check out the amusement Check out VMFA After crane in the corner careDark. It’s the weekly social fully. It’s not your father’s time on Thursdays and toys in there.

Fridays when the museum, Best Café and Amuse Where to stay Restaurant are open late.

Of course there are The two dining and sipplaces to stay that run ping options offer excellent the gamut, from low-end views of exhibits inside, motel to the luxury of The and the grounds and sculpJefferson (thejeffersonhotures outside, and make it tel.com).

Nearly destroyed a popular place to stop for once by fire, it is a standing an after-work encounter. testament to Ginter’s desire VMFA is open 365 days a to restore the original magyear and general admission nificence. Located near the is always free.

capitol building, Jefferson Hotel may not be in the budget for an entire stay, but an overnight visit or just stopping in for tea should be considered.

There is also the Maury Place at Monument Bed & Breakfast (mauryplace. com), a contemporarily furnished near-100-yearold home of the Monument Avenue historic area owned by another pair of LGBT entrepreneurs. Maury Place is truly a perfect romantic getaway. Rooms start at $199 but are well worth the value when you consider the pool, hot tub, views and the fact that you are located perfectly for excursions near and far. Whether you plan to spend all your waking hours out and about or ache for a quiet weekend of seclusion in a harsh winter month, you will be drawn to spend time in this magnificent and spacious mansion.

The B&B is TAG certified.

As for travel, you can make your Richmond entrance a number of ways, but arriving at Main Street Station via Amtrak is by far more convenient and comfortable than five hours on the interstate. Built in 1901 and surviving several floods and a fire, the station is a landmark of downtown Richmond.

If you drive into town, you’ll find ample parking throughout the city, or you can easily let the car stay in one place and travel by pub-

lic transportation or taxicab.

Many parts of the city are quite walkable.

Out and about There are plenty of other considerations for a trip to Richmond. The Flying Squirrels are the minor-league team in town and they regularly host the Reading Phillies.

For a play, check out the Richmond Triangle Players (rtriangle.org.)

They have been producing LGBT-themed theater for more than 20 years — longer than any establishment in the mid-Atlantic states.

Hollywood Cemetery (hollywoodcemetery.org) is the final resting place of more than 18,000 Confederate soldiers, scores of officers and three presidents — if you count Jefferson Davis. And of course, only a short drive from Richmond are Historic Williamsburg, the founding city of Jamestown, Busch Gardens, King’s Dominion and the Virginia beaches.

Give Richmond a try. A little southern hospitality can go a long way. ■ Some information came from “Lewis Ginter: Richmond’s Gilded Age Icon.”The book was written by Brian Burns, coproducer of “The Rainbow Minute,” a radio show about gay and lesbian heroes, history and culture.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

Food & Drink

33

34

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 09/06 Funny Or Die Presents The Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival Dave Chappelle, Flight of the Conchords and others perform 5 p.m. at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856365-1300.

Halestorm The rock band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

Jim Bruer The comedian performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box,

1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

The Peek-a-Boo Revue Philly Fringe hosts a performance by the burlesque group 11:30 p.m. at Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St.; www.liveartsfringe.org/.

Sat. 09/07 Blink-182 The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk; 855348-0500.

Alo Brasil The Brazilian band celebrates Brazilian Independence Day

9 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Stone Temple Pilots featuring Chester Bennington The rock band performs 9 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

Sun. 09/08 3:10 to Yuma The 1957 Western is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Paco Fish’s Burlesque Workshops at The Peek-A-Boo Dance Clinic The performer shows a lucky few burlesque novices the ropes, 11 a.m. and noon,

at The PeekA-Boo Dance Clinic, 2400 E. Cumberland St., first floor; contact @peekaboorevue. com.

Mon. 09/09 Free Quizzo and Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

BEDLAM ON THE BOARDWALK: Punk-rock superstars Blink-182 are coming to the area to raise the roof, 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 855-348-0500.

Muse The U.K. rock band performs 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Airplane!

The 1980 comedy film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

First Person StorySlam Spoken-word artists perform 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Tired of eating at the same old dives? Thinking about hitting a new hot spot?

We’ll tell you what we liked — and didn’t

Tue. 09/10 Damien Dempsey The Irish singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Wed. 09/11

Thu. 09/12

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

Rusted Root The rock band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Christine Havrilla The out singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

East Coast Power Nap A comedy show featuring Jon DelCollo, Ben Fidler, Alex Grubard, The New Dreamz, Hillary Rae, Dave Temple, Alison Zeidman, TJ Hurley and Alejandro Morales, 8:30 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

The Burlesque Show The new event kicks off 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Dane Cook The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-3522887.

Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

Queen at The Queen featuring The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware Rock band In The Light performs the music of Queen, 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Russell Brand The comedian performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Dining Out Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

Only in

Fri. 09/13

BRITISH INVASION: World-renowned U.K. rock band Muse brings its dazzling stage show to town 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-389-9543. Photo: Gavin Bond

Big Gay Rave A black-lightthemed rave featuring DJ Steal Yo Girl and guests, 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

tion of historical artifacts from the intelligence community, through Oct. 6, 20th Street and the Parkway; 215-448-1200.

Opening If I Were a Drag Queen, I Would Be Famous A one-woman musical written, compiled and performed by Philadelphia writer and actor Shannon Agnew portraying Broadway legends, including Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Patti LuPone, Cyndi Lauper, Bernadette Peters and more, Sept. 11-15 at Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-413-1318.

Kill Me Now, Rowan Edition: The Ultimate Dance Competition A live-dance game show modeled after such popular TV reality series as “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” Sept. 6-14 at The Latvian Society, 531 N. Seventh St.; 215-4131318.

Rhys Darby from “Flight of the Conchords” The comedian performs Sept. 11-14 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and watercolors

by Jerry Pinkney, through Sept. 22, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Closing

NEW PILOT SEASON: After jettisoning troubled lead singer Scott Weiland, alt-rock heavyweights Stone Temple Pilots drafted Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington to front the group. See the results when they perform 9 p.m. Sept.

7 at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-343-4000.

The Safe Word is Begonia Walking Fish Theatre Company presents the story of a frustrated fiancé who discovers the world of S&M, Sept. 6-21, 2509 Frankford Ave.; 215-427-9255.

Continuing All Dressed Up: Fashions for Children and Their Families Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of clothing from the late-18th through mid-20th centuries, comparing and contrasting adults’ apparel with children’s smaller styles, through Dec. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Candy Coated Wonderland Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition by Philadelphia-based multimedia artist Candy Coated (formerly Candy Depew) reinterpreting children’s fancy dress costumes from the museum’s collection, through Nov. 17, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

WARM AND FUZZY: Out singersongwriter Christine Havrilla and her band Gypsy Fuzz perform 8 p.m.

Sept. 13 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

35

Design for the Modern Child Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition featuring some of the latest furniture, toys, tableware, wallpaper and textiles designed internationally in Australia, Asia, Europe, Great Britain and the United States, along with classics from the museum’s design collection, through Oct. 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent, 15 S. Seventh St.; 215-6854830.

Serpentine The Academy of Natural Sciences hosts an exhibition of photography by Mark Laita of the world’s most deadly snakes, through Sept. 22, 19th Street and the Parkway; 215-299-1000.

SPY: The Secret World of Espionage The Franklin Institute presents an exhibi-

HRC

Bobby Lee The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs through Sept. 7 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001.

Break/Drift/Resist Philly Fringe presents Tangle Movement Art’s new circus-theater show, through Sept. 7 at Philadelphia Soundstages, 1600 N. Fifth St.; 215-266-6215. ■

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com.

Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

PHILADELPHIA

4TH ANNUAL

TEE UP FOR

MARRIAGE EQUALITY G O L F

T O U R N A M E N T

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 I N D I V I D UA L : $ 1 6 0 | F O U R S O M E : $ 6 0 0

WWW.H RC.ORG / PH I LLYGOLF

In The Heights Walnut Street Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical through Oct. 20, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Private Lives/Public Spaces: Bringing Philadelphia’s LGBT History Out in the Open The William Way LGBT Community Center presents the first solo exhibition of LGBT history in a mainstream museum in Philadelphia, which features a glimpse into the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archival Collection, through Oct. 25 at

NATIONAL GOLF SPONSOR

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

PGN TELEVISION

Worth Watching

SLICK: Michelle Pfeiffer stars in “Grease 2,” the lackluster sequel to the hit film, 6 p.m.

Sept. 10 on Logo.

TRIVIAL PURSUITS: Ryan Seacrest hosts “The Million Second Quiz,” a new live competition where contestants test the limits of their knowledge, endurance and will to win as they battle in intense bouts of trivia for 12 consecutive days and nights.

Catch the premiere, 8 p.m. Sept. 9 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Rodolfo Martinez

BACK IN THE (NEWS) SADDLE AGAIN: Huzzah! After taking the summer off to direct a film, Jon Stewart is back in the chair hosting “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” 11 p.m. weeknights on Comedy Central.

GREAT XPECTATIONS: The new season of “The X-Factor” premieres with Simon Cowell (from left), Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio and Demi Lovato judging the talented hopefuls seeking fame and fortune, 8 p.m. Sept. 11 on Fox. Photo: Fox

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

37

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Help Wanted

ROXBOROUGH NEAR ACRE, $435,000 Open Sunday 2-4. 226 Shawmont Ave. Unique 3BR, 2 bth Contemp. Ranch offers bright, open interior w/wooded views. Fplc, mod kit. C/A. Deck. Tastefully updated throughout. DUFFY REAL ESTATE, Inc. 610-254-9292 www.duffyrealestate.com ________________________________________37-36 Greatest Mountain Lake Bargain in America! Boat & golf out your front door! Ski out your back door! In area of million dollar+ homes. Acreage homesite with lake access only $79,900. Adjoining lot sold for $259,900. Vacation/retire - Perfect for log home! Low bank terms. Call now 877888-7581, x 104. ________________________________________37-36

BANQUET SERVERS NEEDED All-Star Staffing is NOW HIRING experienced BANQUET SERVERS. We are willing to work around your schedule. It’s a great way for you to earn some EXTRA CASH! Experience is a MUST! Requirements: *1 year of Banquet Serving or Fine Dining restaurant experience *Punctual, Courteous, Attentive, and Polite *Professional & Outgoing *Able to Lift up to 25 lbs Please APPLY IN PERSON Monday-Thursday between the hours of 8am and 1pm Call 215-569-4448 if you have any questions Our Address is ALL STAR STAFFING The Land and Title Building (Corner of Broad & Samson Streets across the street from TD Bank) 100 South Broad Street, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA 19110. ________________________________________37-36 Heavy Equipment Operator Training! Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. 3 Weeks Hands On Program. Local Job Placement Assistance. National Certifications. GI Bill Benefits Eligible. 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________37-36 CDL-A Drivers: Looking for higher pay? New Century Trans is hiring exp. Company drivers and owner operators. Solos and teams. Competitive pay package. Sign-on incentives. Call 888-705-3217 or apply online at www. drivenctrans.com ________________________________________37-36 Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus. Hiring Solo and Teams.

Excellent Home Time & Pay! BCBS Benefits. Join Super Service! 866-933-1902 DriveForSuperService.com ________________________________________37-36 DRIVERS Transport America has Dedicated and Regional openings!

Variety of home time options; good miles & earnings. Enjoy Transport America’s great driver experience! TAdrivers. com or 866-204-0648. ________________________________________37-36 ATTENTION REGIONAL & DEDICATED DRIVERS! Averitt Offers Excellent Benefits & Hometime. CDL-A req.

888-362-8608. Recent Grads w/a CDL-A 1-5/wks Paid Training. Apply online at AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________37-36 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________37-36 Gordon Trucking: A better Carrier. A better Career. CDL-A Drivers Needed. Up to $5,000 Sign-on Bonus! Starting Pay Up to .46 cpm. Refrigerated Fleet, Great Miles, Full Benefits, Great Incentives. No Northeast Runs! EOE Call 7 days/wk! GordonTrucking.com 866-554-7856. ________________________________________37-36 Full/Part-time Positions Available! Home most nights.

(Easton, PA) WW Transport is hiring Regional Drivers hauling bulk food grade tankers. Great pay and benefits. www.wwtransportinc.com or call (720)443-1983. ________________________________________37-36

Travel & Resorts OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________37-36 609-345-8203. oceanhouseatlanticcity.com ________________________________________37-45

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1800-578-1363 Ext.300N. ________________________________________37-36

Services AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________37-36

Financial Services ATTENTION SENIORS 62+ ELIMINATE MORTGAGE AND GET CASH!!! Reverse Mortgage Improves Retirement. Stay in Your Home, Avoid Foreclosure, See What You Qualify for: 888-960-3990 NMLS#7706 ________________________________________37-36

Personals Ask St. Claire for three favors: one business and two impossible. Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine days with a lighted candle. Published the ninth day. “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified today and every day.” Requests will be granted no matter how impossible they seem. Publication must be promised. ________________________________________37-36

Pets Free cat, loving Tabby cat to a good home. He is white and gray with black stripes. I took him in as a stray two months ago but my ten year old cat refuses to get along with him. He is about 4-6 years old, kitty litter trained, neutered and he received all of his shots with papers. I gave him the name Lucky. He is loving and playful and gets along with other cats, other than mine and gets along great with my Shih Tzu. Only serious replies please, and a person or family willing to give him a great and loving home that he deserves. I can be reached at 267-342-0143. ________________________________________37-39

Gay is our middle name.

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.

Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

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   

    

Open Houses - Sunday September 8, 2013 12:00-2:00 PM 415 S 19Th St #PH4D - Philadelphia, PA 19146 1BR/1BA Penthouse Condo in Rittenhouse Sq. REDUCED! $314,900 1:00-2:30 PM 1720 Bainbridge Street, B - Philadelphia, PA 19147 2BR/1.5BA House with GARAGE! $449,9000 Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.phillyrealestateagents.com Dan Tobey

1401 Walnut St. • 8th Floor • Philadelphia, PA 19102

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.558.1063 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com

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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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality.

If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________37-39 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________37-39 57 y .o., 5’2”, blue eyed chunky bottom looking for someone who would enjoy playing chess with me and getting lucky; win, lose or draw. Lookng for a top guy to put me in check.

Call me at 215-380-1700 between 6 PM & 12 AM any day.

Please leave a message if no answer. ________________________________________37-38

Massage David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________37-48

Handsome Certified Therapist 6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

B-7

THE BIGGER, BETTER & CLEANER CLUB IN THE CITY...

BACK TO SCHOOL

Sat., Sept. 14th, 2013 • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More.

SIP- N- TWIRL SUNDAY

Sun., Sept. 14th, 2013 • Time: 3pm-6pm

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people come-

SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS for COMPLIMENTARY CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST with Fruit, Pastries & Coffee TO START YOUR MORNING OFF RIGHT....

MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More.

Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

FALLING

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

Sat., Sept. 21st, 2013 • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More.

- CHECK IN EARLY IF YOU WANT A ROOM... ROOMS GO QUICKLY!!! -

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE

$12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight) Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....

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

PGN

Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first 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 Wednesdays at the William Way Center; www.gammaphilly.com.

Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at the William Way Center; 610-2776595; 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. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330.

Men of Standard Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432.

Philly Dads An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets 7:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; 215-668-5239.

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; 215-3489976.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484354-2448.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622; pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/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.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/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.

play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864; www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans 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.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215563-0658.

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, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; 215-834-9063; tmanphilly.com.

Transhealth Programming Committee Meets 5 p.m.the second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center.

Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayThursday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 21 S. 12th St., 10th floor; 215-568-2221.

Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization; 215-732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. 1201 Locust street 4th floor.

WeXist FTM support group meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; first hour is open, second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; 267-250-1548.

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; 215-545-4331.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes activities such as 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/.

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

Sistah 2 Sistah A social/support group for lesbians of color, ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/discussions, 6-8 p.m.

Wednesdays, 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330.

Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers

Women Coming Out Support Group Women who consider themselves

gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the comingout process are welcome. Ages 18 and over. Meets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of NJ.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215496-0330.

GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meets at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J. Schedule at www.glbtofhunterdonco untyofnj.com; 908-300-1058.

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

HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J. Call Connie at 609683-5155 (day); hitops.org.

Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610688-1861; info@myaonline.org.

Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents.

Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August, 1315 Spruce St.; 215772-1107.

PRYSM Youth Center For youth ages 14-20. Meets 6:308:30 p.m Wednesdays at center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948.

Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For 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.

Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330.

Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester office, 8 S. Wayne St.; 610-692-1770.

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.

You’re Not Alone A group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth that meets during the school year; sponsored by AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington. Call 800-810-6776 for more details.

Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-9632432.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

39

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 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

■ 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. Monday through Thursday; 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 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org.

Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m.

Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m.

Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. 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

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000

■ 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 ■ Parents, Families and Friends

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

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.; 215763-8870.

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 through 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

■ 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.

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city; www. gppn.org; 215-922-3377.

■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 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.

Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 1-5p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals; www.

IndependenceBusinessAlliance. com; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.

■ 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; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism. com; 215-840-2039.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 6-12, 2013

PGN