PGN Sept. 9-26, 2011 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Lesbian filmmaker new film is a matter of “Circumstance.”

Family Portrait: Joe Ippolito

PAGE 25

ACLU of PA gets a new director

PAGE 27

PAGE 5

Sept. 9-15, 2011

��

Vol. 35 No. 36

Sims to run for PA House seat

Lawyer and activist Brian Sims hopes to unseat longtime Democratic LGBT ally Babette Josephs for the 182nd District. By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Although he recently stepped down as board president of Equality Pennsylvania, Brian Sims isn’t ending his advocacy for LGBT rights: Next spring he plans to vie to become the first openly gay state lawmaker in Pennsylvania. Sims intends to run in the April 2012 primary for the 182nd District House seat, currently held by Rep. Babette Josephs (D). Last month Sims announced he would not run for another term as board president of Equality PA after two years at the helm, in which he oversaw the restructuring of the agency. He also recently stepped down from his two-year tenure as a member of the national campaign board of Victory Fund, which works to elect LGBT candidates to public office. He noted that his experience with that organization proved influential in his decision to run for the state House. “Victory Fund did a very good job of crunching the numbers and coming up with the data on the net effect an LGBT person can have in office, and when I joined the board, I just buried myself in those numbers,” he said. “What’s clear is that there is no statistical substitute for having a gay person in a legislative body — no matter how strong the allies, no matter how many the allies, LGBT issues that can be

BRIAN SIMS Photo: Scott A. Drake

affected by the legislature are affected most when there is an openly gay person serving. From a school board to Congress, whether a gay person introduces a piece of pro-LGBT legislation or not, that person’s colleagues will be working with them on traffic law, on how to handle educational funding, and when that pro-LGBT bill

comes up, they will have had all that time to interact with an LGBT person, which can have an enormous effect on furthering that legislation.” Josephs, who has long been an ally to the LGBT community, has represented the 182nd District since 1984. Sims, who served as Josephs’ campaign treasurer in the 2010 election cycle, said his run for office is not a commentary on her work on LGBT issues. “It’s because of someone like Babette that I’m able to run,” he said. “It’s because of the attention she’s brought to women’s rights, reproductive rights, social-justice issues, civil rights and gay rights that someone like me has the opportunity to run and win in this district. Her work has allowed me to do it; it’s not despite it. Her approach since when she started serving was to create an environment where diversity — whether it be gender, sexual orientation, racial and ethnic diversity — could flourish, and that’s the case.” When working with LGBT advocates to identify possible out candidates, Sims, who said community members have asked him to run numerous times, heard his name again. “After years of trying to help get people elected who know our issues and then after years of also advocating for those issues, it became obvious to me that the person I was looking for for this district was me,” he said. “I PAGE 23

Murphy to celebrate DADT repeal in Philly By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers will be officially relegated to the history books later this month — an occasion the Philadelphia LGBT and ally community will celebrate. The community is invited to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Celebration Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Former Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy will headline the event, organized by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Equality Pennsylvania and Chatterblast Media. Murphy, an Iraq War veteran, was the lead sponsor of the bill that repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Murphy lost his Congressional seat a month before the bill received final Congressional approval, after he’d taken over the proposed measure in summer 2009, and said the fight was more challenging than he originally envisioned. “It was a lot tougher than I thought it would be,” he said. “Even though most Americans and most folks in Washington knew it was right to PAGE 16

New exhibit looks at 30 years of AIDS By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com This fall, Philadelphia will showcase an interactive, multimedia history of the AIDS epidemic. The William Way LGBT Community Center will host “1981-Until It’s Over,” a display created by AIDS Fund to examine the myriad milestones

in the 30 years of the epidemic, along with the past 25 years of Philadelphia’s AIDS Walk. “We felt that we wanted to commemorate these milestones,” said AIDS Fund executive director Robb Reichard. “We wanted to take a look back at where we were and where we are now.” The exhibit will run Sept. 15Dec. 15, with an opening reception the first evening from 6-8 at

the center, 1315 Spruce St. The show will be constructed around one panel for each of the 30 years of the epidemic, detailing information on the most newsworthy items relating to HIV/AIDS each year. The exhibit is presented in a national context but will have a heavy local focus, Reichard said. While each panel will contain highlights of that year, binders

will also be available for guests who want to learn more about certain occurrences. For instance, while President Reagan’s first address on the disease in 1987 is noted on the panels, the full text of the speech in which he referenced the epidemic is included in the supplemental material. By the time Reagan had even said “AIDS” in public, the FDA had already PAGE 16

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

COLOR

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

��

is pleased to announce �� our writers placed in �� two award categories for the ��

2010 National Newspaper Association’s �� Better Newspaper Contest,� �� out of some 2,700 U.S. publications. ��

��

FREE WHEELIN’: Center City motorists and passersby got a show Sunday afternoon as about 2,000 cyclists took to the streets for the annual Philly Naked Bike Ride. Riders — some of whom bore it all, others who retained some vestiges of clothing and still others, like this pair, who employed strategically placed rainbow paint — participated to raise awareness about cycling in the city, including its environmental and economic benefits. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

Local Media Trail News Briefing Out Money Regional

��

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11 11

Who would you like to see do an “It Gets Better” video?

Poll results from our online survey as of Sept. 7:

25% Mayor Michael Nutter 25% Phila. City Council 25% Pa. Congressional delegation 14% Phila. delegation, Pa. Senate 11% Mark Segal 0% Phila. delgation, Pa. House

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

Who else would you like to see do an “It Gets Better” video?

��

5 8 7 15 14

Philadelphia Gay News 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

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com

Editor

Advertising Sales Representatives Amy Mather amy@epgn.com

Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com

Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.co0m Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206) sarah@epgn.com Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspaper Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2011 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. 9-15, 2011

ACLU of PA gets new director By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com An openly gay man with more than a decade of experience at the national American Civil Liberties Union took the reins of the state affiliate this week. Reggie Shuford began his tenure as executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania Sept. 6, after the departure of former director Nancy Hopkins, who was at the helm for six years. The organization currently has a $2-million annual budget, 17 employees in offices in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh and some 18,000 members across the state. Shuford comes to the post from his role as director of law and public policy at the Equal Justice Society. Prior to EJS, he worked as a staff attorney with the National ACLU’s Racial Justice Program from 19952010, based in New York City. A native of Wilmington, N.C., Shuford attained his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill and worked in private practice before coming to the ACLU. His career in law was implanted at a very young age. “I decided I wanted to be a lawyer when I was 6,” he said. “And shortly after that, I decided I wanted to be a civil-rights lawyer.”

Growing up in an economically disadvantaged, segregated neighborhood solidified that career aspiration, he said. “I started public school shortly after the dawn of integration, so I was able to observe around me that certain people from certain backgrounds seemed to be the beneficiaries of better opportunities than other people, and people of color and poor people seemed to be less likely to have access to those opportunities,” he said. “It felt fundamentally unfair that your race or economic status would dictate how good a life you were able to ultimately lead. I felt like I wanted to do my part to get involved in challenging that. I not only wanted to defy those expectations but also to change those perceptions, both on a personal level but also at the larger macro level.” While at the ACLU, Shuford spearheaded the agency’s challenges to racial profiling in traffic stops, at airport security and in numerous other settings; worked to fight racism in death-penalty cases and educational equity; and attempted to defeat numerous affirmative-action ballot initiatives. Throughout that time, he worked alongside staff at the ACLU of Pennsylvania and said that when the position in the local affiliate opened up, he eagerly pursued it. “The ACLU of Pennsylvania has one of the strongest programs in the country,

CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH

at Rodeph Shalom

A GLBT synagogue welcoming people of all gender and sexual identities since 1975

JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM

REGGIE SHUFORD

especially its legal program. They’re wellrespected for bringing cutting-edge cases, and I wanted the opportunity to work more directly with them. It’s a great, great staff and a great organization with a solid reputation,” he said. “And I know Pennsylvania is poised to be one of the hotbeds for a lot of the other issues going on around the country, and I want to be part of that fight — whether it be for LGBT equality, immigration equality, women’s rights or reproductive freedom. All of that is going on around the nation and in Pennsylvania, and this is a great chance to be part of championing those issues.”

Shuford is cognizant that LGBT Pennsylvanians are facing myriad challenges, and said he’s looking forward to discussing the “lay of the land” with constituents across the state. “For many people the right to marry is an important issue, but not everyone wants to get married. For others, it’s the ability to walk up the street feeling safe and protected from a possible hate crime. For others, it’s battling the ongoing devastation of the AIDS epidemic. And for others, it’s extending to transgender people the same rights that LGB people have that transgender people don’t always have.” In addition to garnering input from Pennsylvanians on pressing issues, Shuford plans to enhance the agency’s fundraising efforts to stabilize finances for the long run. Heightening the ACLU’s visibility — and the public’s understanding of its work — is also an aim, Shuford said. “Not everyone knows what we do or what we stand for, so I want to work to get our name out there. I want to help fight to preserve civil rights and civil liberties in a variety of areas and to partner and collaborate with like-minded organizations and individuals to make Pennsylvania a state where everybody can live with the same access to opportunities and rights as everyone else.” ■

Where will you and your partner be laid to rest?

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services Thursday, September 29th, 10:00 AM: Beth Ahavah Rosh Hashanah Brunch. Please join Beth Ahavah members and friends for a special High Holy Day meal between the two services. $18 per person. Please RSVP via phone or email by September 10 and send check/money order payable to “Congregation Rodeph Shalom” by September 18.

HIGH HOLY DAY SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Saturday, September 24th, 8:00 PM: Selichot. Grand Dessert Buffet followed by a Study Session with Rabbis Kuhn, Maderer & Freedman: “Understanding Profound Moments.” Selichot services follow at 9:30 PM.

• Cemetary & Funeral Arrangements • Cremation Services • Headstones and Memorials

ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, September 28th Thursday, September 29th

8:00 PM: Evening Service in the Sanctuary 8:30 AM: Alternative Service in the Sanctuary 10:00 AM: Beth Ahavah Rosh Hashanah Brunch (See above) 10:45 AM: Classical Service in the Sanctuary 3:00 PM: Family Service in the Sanctuary

All Faiths, All Culturess Honored with Dignity

YOM KIPPUR Friday, October 7th Saturday, October 8th

8:00 PM: Classical Kol Nidre Service in the Sanctuary 8:00 PM: Alternative Kol Nidre Service in Teller Auditorium 10:00 AM: Classical Service in the Sanctuary 10:00 AM: Alternative Service in Teller Auditorium 1:30 PM: Informal Afternoon Study Group with Rabbi Jill Maderer 2:30 PM: Afternoon Service in the Sanctuary 4:00 PM: Memorial/Concluding Service in the Sanctuary followed Congregational Break-the-Fast

Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next light, Mt. Vernon St. Parking lot entrance on left.

DignityMemorial.com Plan for your future, on your own terms. Westminster Cemetery Glenwood Memorial Gardens 701 Belmont Ave 2321 Westchester Pike Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Broomall, PA 19008 (610) 356-1144 (610) 667-0550 Proudly serving the LGBT community & their families

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Look Better NAKED! Ugandan ally to bring Move Forward Fitness

13 Week Fitness Program! • Lose Fat! • Gain Muscle! • Speed Metabolism!

GUARANTEED RESULTS! 215-399-3541

MoveForwardFitness.com Call Today!

Wayne’s Garage Inc. We’re your dealer alternative! HO

M E OF T H

SA TS I

FIED CA

215-222-5703

4521 Springﬁeld Ave. • Philadelphia PA Monday-Friday, 7:45-5:45 pm

story to Philly By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

The Rev. Mark Kiyimba has spent the past six months traveling the United States, and will visit Philadelphia this weekend. His mission: Enlist the support of progressive faith communities in his campaign to bring awareness to the plight of LGBT Ugandans. Kiyimba will discuss the LGBT-rights crisis in his home country from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6551 Lincoln Drive. Kiyimba, a straight LGBT ally, left Uganda earlier this year after opposing to a proposed measure that could include the death penalty for gays — and putting his own life at risk. While homosexual acts are currently illegal in Uganda, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, introduced in 2009, would institute the death penalty for those with previous convictions of homosexuality, those who are HIV-positive or those who engage in sexual acts with a person of the same sex who is under age 18. The Ugandan Parliament shelved the bill earlier this year but, according to reports, it may be resurrected this fall. Kiyimba said that, especially since the bill has raised the discussion about LGBT issues, the atmosphere in the country is extremely hostile to the community and all those who support it. “It’s very bad, including for those like myself who take a stand on gay rights,” he said. “You don’t have to be a gay person but just speak on behalf of gay people and you can face all kinds of insults, threatening messages and calls like I got. And people will try

to distort your message.” The situation in Uganda has garnered international attention following the introduction of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and after the murder of prominent LGBT activist David Kato in January. While some have accused evangelical members of the American government for influencing the creation of Uganda’s bill, Kiyimba said he thinks the U.S. has, as a whole, done its part to combat the rampant homophobia in the African nation. “I suspect they have done as much as they can,” he said. “They have limitations to what they can do to help, but the administration has done its best, I think.” This summer, the United Nations Human Rights Council approved a resolution that, for the first time, affirms the rights of LGBT individuals and orders a study to examine violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the international community. Kiyimba’s tour of the United States aims to continue discussion among everyday Americans about LGBT-rights violations, he said. “Americans have to keep a close eye on this. We are one people, even though we live in different geographical locations,” he said. “When something like this happens, we need to be one. We have to be ready to call on the government to not criminalize gay people and destroy any more lives. This is all about unity and working together for liberation and human rights.” For more information on Kiyimba’s Germantown appearance, call 215-844-1157 or e-mail admin@usquu.org. ■

ALLIES SPEAK FOR UGANDAN GAYS: People react during the funeral of Ugandan gay activist David Kato on Jan. 28 in Mukono, Uganda. Kato, an advocacy officer for the gay-rights group Sexual Minorities Uganda, was slain after a year of stepped-up threats against gays in the African nation, where a controversial bill has proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts. In an effort to raise awareness of the issues LGBT people face in Uganda, the Rev. Mark Kiyimba will speak Sept. 10 at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6551 Lincoln Drive. AP Photo: Michele Sibiloni

LOCAL PGN

News Briefing Judge denies confidentiality request A federal judge has denied a request to seal records in a transgender civil-rights lawsuit, even if both sides in the dispute agree the records should be sealed. On June 22, U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno denied the joint request, stating that court procedures normally grant public access to legal records. The case involves transwoman Janis Stacy, who filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit last year against LSI Corp., an Allentown-based electronics firm. Stacy, of Kunkletown, alleges she was wrongfully terminated from her engineering job at LSI, because of her disability, sex and gender identity. Robreno said he would revisit the confidentiality issue if a revised request were made, specifying a valid reason for sealing a record or set of records. Katie R. Eyer, an attorney for Stacy, declined to comment on Robreno’s ruling. Shannon H. Paliotta, an attorney for LSI, also declined to comment. Earlier this year, Robreno cleared the way for Stacy’s disability claim to move forward, noting that, in some cases, Gender Identity Disorder can be disabling, and thus protected from bias. The case is in the discovery phase of litigation. — Timothy Cwiek

Forum looks at trans-health issues The Greater Philadelphia Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Program is sponsoring a community symposium on transrelated health issues from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 20 at Thomas Jefferson University’s Hamilton Building, 1001 Locust St., Room 505. The event will examine the gaps between transgender individuals and their healthcare providers. Panelists include Mazzoni Center medical director Dr. Robert Winn, co-founder of Trans-Health Information Project Dr. Ben Singer, TIP health education coordinator Aamina Morrison, The Colours Organization’s Promise coordinator Andrew Lamour Harrington, founder of People of Hope Trans Conference Jaci Adams and licensed clinical social worker Alison Wharton. The conversation will be followed by a networking social with a light dinner and

drink specials. For more information, call Charles Tyson at 704-345-5143 or Jules ChytenBrennan at 646-678-2132.

LGBT rally at Love Park LGBTs and allies are invited to a community rally to speak out against antiLGBT hate crimes this weekend. The event will be held from noon-3 p.m. Sept. 10 at Love Park. The idea was conceived by Katrina Hicks, a community member who said she was attacked because of her gender identity last month in Northeast Philadelphia. Hicks said she was verbally harassed and had eggs thrown at her by a group of at least six males, one of whom she knew. “We were going to hang out, and I just didn’t know they were hateful like that,” Hicks said. “My other friend was with me and tried to stick up for me and they ended up beating him up. But if he hadn’t been there, I probably would be in the hospital right now.” For more information on the rally, search “A Rally on Gay Bashing” on Facebook.

Lib City looks back, forward LGBT political group Liberty City Democratic Club will gather its members for a fall retreat from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The club will review its progress over the past year and discuss upcoming plans, including membership expansion, fundraising, get out the vote initiatives and the endorsement process for the next election. A free lunch will be provided, and the event will be followed by a happy hour at a local bar. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.libertycity.org/forms/retreat.

Benefit screening for antiviolence efforts Women in Transition, which works with women struggling with domestic-violence and substance-abuse issues, will host a fundraising benefit, “Behind the Lens: An Evening with Women Filmmakers” at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at WHYY, 150 N. Sixth St. The event will include the screening of “Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour,” as well as a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker. A light dinner will be provided. Tickets are $55, or two for $100, and $25 of each ticket is tax-deductible. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.helpwomen.org or call 215-564-5301 ext. 125. ■ — Jen Colletta

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

Way Gay U returns with sexy, smart semester By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Sexyfabulous — that’s how an organizer of the upcoming Way Gay U described this fall’s docket of classes, and while that may seem an usual way to label educational programming, this semester is set to be anything but usual. About half of the classes in the William Way LGBT Community Center’s fall semester of Way Gay U are new and, through a partnership with an emerging LGBT group, several will encourage community members to think of sex in a new way. “We are infusing this term with a series of sex-positive workshops presented by ScrewSmart, which is an awesome local collaborative of three queer women who provide LGBT-friendly and affirming sexed learning opportunities,” said the center’s director of programming Candice Thompson. “ScrewSmart is a wonderful local resource, and all of the instructors are studying or have earned their masters’ in human sexuality.” The ScrewSmart classes will range from “The Anatomy of Pleasure: What You Didn’t Learn in Health Class” to “Porn You Can Salute: Alternatives to Mainstream

Pornography” to “Sexy After 60: The MindBody Mambo.” Returning to the roster is Homorobics, which Thompson described as a “seriously fun and flamboyant workout,” in which a certified exercise instructor, who is also a professional dancer, will lead participants through a 10-week, high-energy workout and dance class. A demo session, which is $12 or free with registration for the entire class, will be held from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the center, 1315 Spruce St. Other popular returning dance classes include swing and country-western. Those looking for more relaxing activities can partake in yoga for seniors, “Homeopathy for Health and Healing” or a class in naturopathic medicine. Skill-building will also take center stage this semester, Thompson said, with courses on LGBT parenting, cabaret performances and best practices on navigating the World Wide Web. Prices for the courses vary, ranging from $15 to $115 for center members. The courses also begin at varying dates, with many starting in late September. For more information or a full list of courses, visit www.waygay.org/waygayu/ fall2011.asp. ■

Media Trail High school OKs T-shirt Birmingham, Ala., website AL.com reports the Southern Poverty Law Center praised Hoover High School officials for reversing a decision to ban a T-shirt expressing acceptance of gays. Sara Couvillon, a student at Hoover High School in Birmingham, threatened school officials with legal action when she was told not to wear the shirt for her own safety. The 15-year-old, assisted by the SPLC, argued that she had worn the “Gay? Fine by me” T-shirt frequently and had never experienced harassment or threats. Hoover school officials issued a statement, saying the T-shirt in question “has not caused a substantial disruption and the student will be allowed to wear it.”

Producers: Don’t boycott ‘Dancing’ yet 365gay.com reports “Dancing with the Stars” executive producer Conrad Green

says despite controversy over the casting of its first transgender contestant, “Dancing” remains a “family show” and viewers should check out the new season before passing judgment. Chaz Bono is among the cast of 12 set to appear on the ABC hit when it premieres later this month — a decision that’s drawn ire from conservative groups. Dan Gainor of the Culture and Media Institute calls Bono’s casting “the latest example of the networks trying to push a sexual agenda on American families.” The online group OneMillionMoms.com is calling for a boycott, saying the casting of Bono and openly gay Carson Kressley is “completely unacceptable and Christians should not watch the show.” Green says the show has no agenda other than entertainment and always seeks to represent a range of people.

K-Y aims for lesbians Advocate.com reports a new television ad by K-Y is aimed at promoting its famous products to lesbian couples. The commercial for K-Y Intense features Alex and Emma, a couple who say the secret of their success has been communication, honesty and K-Y Intense, which heightens women’s arousal and enhances their sexual pleasure. The national ad campaign started running Sept. 5. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

COME OUT IN AC �� FRIDAY

The Hearty Boys Restaurant Invasion Excitement… on the tip of your tongue The Foundation Room at Showboat

SATURDAY

Pool Party Wet. Wild. Wonderful. Hosted by Las Vegas Phenom Frank Marino �� Sexual Chocolate Body Painting 2 Chicks with Chocolate Get Ready To Melt ��

SUNDAY

Hangover Brunch What Happened Last Night? �� Gay Bingo Crazy, Outrageous, Fabulous, Unconventional ��

��

For Tickets & Information, www.OutInAC.com EXTEND YOUR SUMMER��

*Visit Total Rewards® Center for details. Restrictions may apply. Management reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older to gamble, enter and remain in a New Jersey casino or participate in any Caesars Entertainment promotion. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. ©2011, Caesars License Company, LLC.

21699 MP Aug 2011 E19 10.125x11.35 PHILLY GAY NEWS.indd 1

8/29/11 2:39 PM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

EDITORIAL PGN

Editorial

Honoring our own This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a defining moment for Americans. In our collective horror, we watched the plane hit the first tower, then the second. We watched as the first tower fell, then the second. At some point, we learned that a plane had hit the Pentagon. At some point, we learned a fourth plane had crashed in Pennsylvania. In the last decade, our collective memory has been overwritten as we learned just how events transpired. We learned who orchestrated the attacks, who executed the attacks. And we learned about the more than 3,000 who died. We heard tales of heroism, and we heard utterly heartbreaking stories. Oft-forgotten in that narrative are the members of the LGBT community who lost their lives in the tragedy. Here are 23 known LGBT victims — some considered heroes, all cherished, none forgotten. — Renee Barrett escaped the World Trade Center tower, but later died of burns. — Graham Berkeley, a native of England who lived in Boston, was onboard United Airlines Flight 175. His plane was the second to crash into the World Trade Center. — Mark Bingham was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania, and assisted in defending the aircraft against the attackers. — Pamela Boyce, 43, was at work on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center’s north tower when it was struck. — David Charlebois, a member of the National Gay Pilots Association, was the co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 77, the plane that crashed into the Pentagon. — Eugene Clark, 47, worked on the 102nd floor of the south World Trade Center tower. — Jeffrey Collman was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, which crashed into the north tower. — Luke Dudek, 50, worked for Windows on the World as the food and beverage controller. — James Joe Ferguson, 39, was the director of geography education outreach at the National Geographic Society. He was a passenger on American Airlines

Flight 77. — Carol Flyzik was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane to crash into the World Trade Center towers. — Partners of 13 years, Ronald Gamboa, 33, and Dan Brandhorst, 42, were traveling with their 3-year-old adopted son, David, on their way home to Los Angeles from Boston on United Airlines Flight 175, which crashed into the second tower of the World Trade Center. — Sheila Hein, 51, worked at the U.S. Army management and budget office in the Pentagon, which was hit by American Airlines Flight 77. — The Rev. Mychal Judge was a Roman Catholic priest and the chaplain of the New York City Fire Department who died while ministering at Ground Zero. — William Anthony Karnes, 37, lived within sight of the World Trade Center. — John Keohane, 41, worked at One Liberty Plaza near the World Trade Center. He was killed by falling debris on the street. — Michael Lepore, 39, was a project analyst at Marsh & McLennon. — Waleska Martinez, 37, a computer whiz in the Census Bureau’s New York office, was aboard flight 93 that crashed outside Shanksville, Pa. — Patricia McAneney was the fire marshal of her floor in the first World Trade Center tower. — Wesley Mercer, 70, was vice president of corporate security at the World Trade Center. Before he was killed, he guided some 3,700 employees to safety. — “Roxy Eddie” Ognibene worked on the 89th floor of the second World Trade Center tower. He was a member of the Renegades of New York’s Big Apple Softball League. — Seamus O’Neal. — Catherine Smith, 44, worked on the 97th floor of the World Trade Center tower. (Reference: About.com Gay Life and Angelfire.com)

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Rick Perry So how about that Gov. Rick Perry, eh? Awesome alert! Am I right? “I wish Rick Perry was my daddy and/or boyfriend,” say gays everywhere, obviously. Not that Perry is gay. In fact, he recently pinkie swore he wasn’t gay by telling a group of conservatives, “I can assure you that there is nothing in my life that will embarrass you if you decide to support me for president.” Not that folks aren’t trying to dig stuff up. “Rick is a closet homo” rumors have been flying for years, but nothing has stuck. Of course, Perry can’t be gay. After all, he is “a marriage champion,” according to National Organization for Marriage president Brian Brown. And if there’s one thing gays want to destroy, it’s marriage. Brown made his declaration after Perry signed a NOM-sponsored pledge that he would do everything in his power to keep marriage out of the clutches of the queers. “Perry makes crystal clear that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, gay marriage is going to be [an] even bigger issue in 2012 than it was in 2008,” Brown said about Perry’s pledge, “because the difference between the GOP nominee and President Obama is going to be large and clear.” I would like to comment that the people of America have far more important things to worry about in 2012 than ladies marrying ladies and guys marrying guys, but no doubt this is a big concern for folks who really need to pull their heads out of their NOM-holes long enough to take a good look around. Still, no matter who gets the Republican nomination, I guarantee the difference between them and Obama will be pretty obvious. Marriage pledge or no. By signing the pledge, Perry has vowed to support an antigay marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution, defend the DOMA in court, support the overturning of Washington, D.C.’s marriage-equality law and, most bizarrely, to round up a posse to “investigate

harassment of traditional-marriage supporters.” Because that’s a problem so big it needs to be handled at the executive-branch level. The ACLU’s Ian Thompson hit the nail on the head when he declared that NOM’s marriage pledge was nothing more than a wish list for a group seeking “a free hand to attack the legitimacy of gay and lesbian couples and their relationships through the spread of fear and disinformation while remaining free from public scrutiny, accountability or even active, organized opposition.” Myself, I think we should be concerned about a presidential candidate who pledges to personally get involved in the squabbles that arise from uncivilized discourse. Yes, comments on all sides of the marriage debate can be ugly. But that’s not a national emergency worthy of a president’s attention. Plus, NOM’s assertion of constant harassment isn’t based in reality. “While organizations like NOM would like to have people believe that their supporters face systematic harassment and intimidation because of their antigay views, the reality is quite different,” Thompson added. “Any incidents of actual harassment or political violence employed as part of a political campaign is entirely unacceptable, but ... this is not the same thing as constitutionally protected disagreement, criticism and advocacy.” Thick skin doesn’t seem to be NOM’s strong point. Being criticized, lampooned or even called names isn’t the same thing as systemic harassment worthy of national attention. Now if they were constantly compared to pedophiles, or denied the right to visit their loved ones in the hospital because they “aren’t family,” or were fired from their jobs simply for being in a relationship with someone of the same sex, well, that would be something to worry about. ■ D’Anne Witkowski is a Detroit-based freelance writer and poet (believe it!).

OP-ED PGN

Predictions and wonders Prediction: Sarah Palin will not run for president. To block her old rival Mitt Romney, attempt to stay relevant and keep the dollars coming, she will support Rick Perry for the Republican nomination. Prediction: Michele Bachmann’s campaign is on life support and, like Newt Gingrich, she should be leaving the stage shortly.

Wonder: With all the coverage of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks this week, have any of the mainstream media done any reporting on the LGBT victims of that horrific day? Wonder: Did “Dancing with the Stars” choose Chaz Bono just for sensationalist headlines to draw an audience?

Prediction: Rick Santorum’s campaign is doomed. Prediction: The race for the Republican nomination will come down to Romney and Perry. The only question is how far right will the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party make the eventual nominee go.

Mark My Words Mark Segal

Wonder: Has Congress realized that marriage equality has a better public-opinion rating than Congress does? Wonder: Why has no Republican presidential candidate — except the openly gay Fred Karger — done an “It Gets Better” video? Wonder: Does anyone really care about “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” except the narcissistic Hollywood types?

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

Wonder: Why do Democrats run from the label “liberal” while Republicans love to cling to the word “conservative”? Is it that they don’t know the meanings of those terms or that they have made them mean something completely different than Webster’s definition?

Prediction: Obama will be reelected, Congress will go back to the Democrats and we as a nation will be glad that the 2012 election is over. And then the media will start predicting the nominees for the 2016 presidential race. And one last prediction: At least half of these predictions will be incorrect. ■ Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

(215) 925-6437. Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Street Talk What’s the likelihood Obama will issue an executive order barring anti-LGBT bias in federal contracting? “Slim to nonexistent. I don’t get the sense that Obama is pro-LGBT. He appealed to the LGBT community when he was Lorre Atlan running for student office. But West Philadelphia now that he’s on his way out, I don’t see him doing something like that. If anything, he’ll focus on the economy.”

“Very likely. Eighty percent. He’s trying to make a difference, regardless of any backlash he gets. I truly believe Haley Cosco student Obama is Washington Square sincerely West pro-LGBT. He won’t base his decision on how it affects his reelection.”

“Unlikely. He’s got too many people breathing down his back right now. He’s trying to please everyone April Steele so he won’t printmaker take the Washington Square West initiative for one specific minority group. He’s trying to win over the majority.”

“I’d say 5050. He’s afraid of negativity and criticism that he should be doing more important Joshua Stewart things. But student I also think Washington Square Obama tends West to do the right thing. So I’m holding out hope that he’ll do the right thing in this case, too.”

Congrats to Philly’s own Sundays Hangover for winning C Division (cochamps). The Bring the Love board and ASANA board did an awesome job running the series. There were a lot of curve balls thrown and they did a great job! Great job to everyone ... It was one series that we all will remember! All the people in the Yellow Shirts! You guys rocked it ... Honestly, if it wasn’t for you, those fields would not have been playable! You guys made the series happen!

ASANA board. The tourney director and board decided how to continue the games after the weather changed things up. Big thanks to Philly for trying your best in such bad circumstances. This was my first time in Philadelphia and I will be back.

Letters and Feedback In response to “Gay journos see jump in attendance for Philly event,” Sept. 2-8:

In response to “Philly comes out on top in women’s softball,” Sept. 2-8:

How is this the “intersection of LGBT and media issues” when it is the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association and not the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Journalists Association? There is nothing wrong with NLGJA as it is. I am not suggesting that they have to change. It is perfectly all right to have a group specifically for the needs of lesbian and gay people. I just don’t think it is appropriate to use the LGBT acronym for a group whose name doesn’t represent bisexual and transgender people.

Job well done. Thanks to Cathy Harris for convincing me to bring my team into the World Series. We had a blast. Looking forward to the next one.

— Cei Bell

— Peggy (Dynasty) The tournament was poorly ran. I can’t believe they didn’t ensure it was done Friday night. Some teams had to forfeit because their players had to fly out Saturday morning to ensure they didn’t get stuck there. They had no concern for people’s safety. Pretty sad. — Amanda D

— Ray T Amanda, if you feel the series was poorly run, then you need to look at the

— softballplayer

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

Obituary

Ellis Ginsberg, William Way volunteer, 80 By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Ellis Ginsberg, a longtime volunteer and senior-programming pioneer at the William Way LGBT Community Center, died Aug. 27. He was 80. Ginsberg was a native Philadelphian, living most of his life in Rittenhouse Square. A 1949 graduate of Central High School, Ginsberg later enlisted in the U.S. Army. After that, he spent most of his career working in New York City, a job to which he commuted from Philadelphia every day. Ginsberg was involved in the center’s “40+ Club” throughout the 1990s and, in 2001, conceived of the idea for Silver Foxes, a monthly meetup group for LGBT seniors. “Ellis had an unstoppable personality — if he wanted something to happen, he urged and cajoled until it was brought into being,” said center executive director Chris Bartlett. “We have Ellis to thank as one of the key visionaries who made senior programs happen at the William Way.” Last month, Ginsberg was presented with a plaque commemorating the 10th anniversary of the group. Jim Gallagher, who, along with Betty Long, helped get the organization off the ground, said Ginsberg was eager for the potential of Silver Foxes since the beginning. “He called me one day and said, ‘You know what, there’s really no place for older gay people to go and hang around, so we should start our own organization at William Way,’” Gallagher recalled. “He was always behind it in the past 10 years. It was his baby because he absolutely loved working with seniors and he just loved the William Way.” In addition to his work on senior programming, Ginsberg founded the center’s Party Bridge group and volunteered at the front desk on Saturday mornings. “Ellis and I had a lot of fun working on the weekends together,” said Andrea Childs, the center’s front-desk coordinator. “He loved the community center and viewed it as his second home, and he wanted to make sure that everyone else felt welcome too.” Beyond investing his time in the center, Ginsberg also made monetary contribu-

tions, including a $10,000 gift to kickstart the campaign for the center’s endowment, which has since grown to $110,000. “Ellis’ decision to make a significant gift to inaugurate our endowment showed that he believed in the center’s value to our community well into the future,” said center

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

For Better Oral HEALTH City Paper and Rainbow Awards

BEST DENTIST Medical Arts Bldg. 1601 Walnut St. , Suite 1302 Phila. PA 19102

215-568-6222 www.phillydentistry.com

board treasurer the Hon. Ann Butchart. Gallagher said Ginsberg was a born leader whose work made a lasting impact both in the community center and his large circle of friends, who came together to celebrate his 80th birthday in July. “He was a great organizer, a perfectionist,” Gallagher said. “When he walked into a room, he just made everyone happy — he knew everyone and he wasn’t someone to ever sit alone. With our group he was like our general, our leader. And he was so proud of who he was. He was always out and I think that made him a great gay icon and role model to so many people.” Memorial contributions can be made to the William Way LGBT Community Center, Ellis Ginsberg Endowment Fund, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. A memorial will be held for Ginsberg at the center at 3 p.m. Sept. 17. ■

��

Scott A. Drake Photography

267-736-6743

scottdrakephotos@gmail.com

PGN REGIONAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Questions About Hemorrhoids?

Proctology Colonoscopy Office Hemorrhoid Treatment Colon Cancer Screening Office Surgery • Laser Surgery Bleeding • Constipation • Diarrhea Treatment of Anal Warts (HPV) Most Insurances Accepted Day & Evening Appointments Dr. Lowell D. Meyerson D.O. Board Certified Proctologist

Two Locations City Line Professional Building 7516 City Line Avenue Suite 2 Philadelphia, PA 19151 215-877-3639

Medical Arts Building

50 East Township Line Rd. Suite 226, Elkins Park, PA 19027 215-379-0444

www.fannydoctor.com

Out Harrisburg politico to run for mayor By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com While Harrisburg Controller Dan Miller has not made his official campaign announcement, all indications are that he seeks to become the city’s next mayor. Miller, who is openly gay, would face off against other Democratic candidates in the May 2013 primary, which would likely decide the race, since Harrisburg is majority Democrat. The current mayor, Linda Thompson, has been roundly criticized by the public, city councilmembers and former staffers; the city is currently on the verge of default and is facing state takeover. If elected, Miller would become the first openly gay mayor ever elected in Pennsylvania. Miller has not made his campaign announcement yet but is hosting a fundraiser for a possible mayoral bid from 68 p.m. Sept. 22 at 2301 Bellevue Road in Harrisburg. The host committee for the event includes several current city councilmembers. Miller sat on City Council from 2006-09, and was elected to the controller position last year.

While on council, Miller wrote the legislation for the city’s domestic-partner law, which was adopted. A certified public accountant by profession, Miller said his day job and his work in city government would make him an ideal candidate for the city’s top job. “When I look at Harrisburg, our biggest problems are financial in nature,” he said. “I’m a CPA and I have an MBA in finance and 30 years with a CPA firm. I don’t think there’s anyone else who will have the financial knowledge, experience and credentials that I have, in addition to the experience of being an elected official in Harrisburg. I thought that was a good match and decided I should step up.” Miller said he’s unsure what impact his being openly gay could have on the race, but noted his election could be integral to heightening the visibility of the LGBT community. “I do think it’s important to have openly gay elected officials who perform well and who are respected by the voters and the citizens for doing a good job,” he said. Miller said he will be going forward with fundraising efforts and plans to make his official announcement soon, as candidates

HARRISBURG CITY CONTROLLER DAN MILLER PGN file photo

can begin collecting signatures to get on the ballot in February 2013. “That’s about 18 months away, so it’s important we’re prepared, and we plan to do this in a really cohesive and professional manner,” Miller said. ■

Best of Gay Philadelphia nominations are open. See our center spread.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Creating an effective giving strategy for your business Q: I operate a gay-owned business and want to make charitable giving part of my business planning. Can you talk about how business owners can support local communities? A: First, I want to thank you for your commitment to business philanthropy. Many local organizations, including LGBT organizations, benefit greatly from this type of support. And your business can benefit at the same time. Small business is a potent but often overlooked supporter of charity. Virtually all U.S. businesses with one-249 employees contribute to charitable organizations in some fashion. Small businesses are also passionate in their support of local community causes and place humanitarian concerns above all else when deciding which charities to support. These and other findings are from a study commissioned by the National Federation of Independent Business. The National Small Business Poll provides a comprehensive look at the current philanthropic practices of small businesses and may help to inspire your own giving strategy. Below is a closer look at some of the study’s highlights.

limited to check writing. More than twothirds (70 percent) said their company supported charities through in-kind contributions of products and services. Seventy-four percent indicated they had participated in a variety of fundraising events — from purchasing advertisements in charity event publications and sponsoring youth sports teams to attending benefit dinners, walkathons and charity auctions. A focus on the bottom line Small-business owners generally have great expectations with regard to how charities manage the contributions they receive. For example, factors that might influence giving decisions include knowing how a charity spends its money (including how truthful and accurate a charity is in its fundraising appeals), how Jeremy successful a charity’s programs Gussick are in achieving its stated mission and how willing a charity is to disclose information about its operations. In addition, many small businesses expect the bulk of a charity’s total expenditures to go to its programs as opposed to fundraising activities.

Out Money

Giving takes many forms Small-business owners universally give money. For example, 70 percent of those who participated in the survey said they had donated cash — with the average donation hovering around $3,600. But charitable activity among small businesses was by no means

Top charitable sectors supported by small business: Education/schools — 73 percent Civic organizations — 64 percent Religious organizations — 64 percent Athletics/sports groups — 58 percent Environmental groups — 18 percent Source: National Federation of Independent Business, National Small Business Poll

Values-based giving Small-business owners are motivated to give by personal satisfaction as well as the desire to improve their communities. More than one-third of those polled (36 percent) said helping the community become a better place to live is very important to their giving decisions, compared to 41 percent who cited personal satisfaction. A values-based approach to giving can enhance a company’s reputation with customers. In fact, consumerspending data show that, when all else is equal, people prefer to buy from a company associated with a good cause. Good works are their own reward Happily, it is not difficult (or expensive) to align your charitable activities to benefit your community, your employees and your business. Following are some guidelines for your consideration: Start small. When establishing a charitable-giving strategy, select organizations where smaller contributions and limited resources can have a substantial impact. You’ll generate interest in a lesser-known cause and see firsthand how your efforts can make a difference. Lead with your heart. Select an organization or cause you are truly passionate about and whose mission complements your company’s goals. The more you care about the cause, the richer and longer lasting your contributions may be. Work with your head. Your charitable involvement should reflect your business’s core competencies — services, products and areas of expertise — and resonate with your customers. For instance, if you run a restaurant, support an anti-hunger campaign. If you

own a bookstore, support the public library or a local literacy program. Inspire employees. Committing to a charitable-giving program demonstrates to your employees that your company doesn’t exist solely to turn a profit. By investing in the community, you improve employee morale, build a stronger focus on teamwork and may even inspire employees to get involved in charitable initiatives. It’s clear that small businesses support charities in a wide range of conventional and unconventional ways. Whatever approaches your company embraces, work to create a long-term partnership with the organizations you support. Such a relationship will heighten community awareness for the cause while creating goodwill — and potentially increasing profits — for your business. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s leading independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2010 Five Star Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network and the Independence Business Alliance. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him at jeremy. gussick@lpl.com. This article was prepared with the assistance of McGraw-Hill Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy Gussick if you have any questions. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2010. **Details on the award can be found at www.fivestarprofessional.com.

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

MURPHY (LEFT) CELEBRATES THE OVERTURN OF “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” ON DEC. 18, 2010, AT PGN PUBLISHER MARK SEGAL’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY. PGN file photo: Scott A. Drake

MURPHY from page 1

overturn the policy, there were people who were intimidated by the far-right wing, and the easiest thing to do — in Washington, in Harrisburg or in life — is nothing. But we couldn’t let that happen.” Congress approved Murphy’s bill late last year, thanks to a bipartisan effort that, Equality PA executive director Ted Martin said, proved “once again that our civil rights are not a Democrat or a Republican issue. We look forward to this same bipartisanship in ending more dark chapters in Pennsylvania and U.S. history.” After this summer’s training of all military branches, the repeal was certified by President Obama and military heads, leading to the Sept. 20 lifting. “The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is an important milestone along the journey to achieving LGBT equality in America’s military,” said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN. “September 20 will be 30 YEARS from page 1

approved the first HIV antibody test, the first International Conference on AIDS had been held in Atlanta and some 13,000 people had died from the disease. Also included in the display will be historical ephemera such as newspaper articles, photographs, buttons, pins and posters dating from the 1980s through today that trace the development of the HIV/AIDS community and its supporters. A series of videos also will be presented, premiering at the opening reception, that highlights the growth and development of local organizations, the work of community members and the current state of HIV/ AIDS in Philadelphia. Reichard said the exhibit grew out of the timeline AIDS Fund created five years ago — to mark the 25th anniversary of the epidemic and the 20th of the walk — although it has been largely expanded and organizers will continue to build upon the display.

a historic day for our servicemembers and, indeed, our nation. Through the events taking place across the country, we will pay tribute to their service and sacrifice as we look forward to this new era of military service — an era that honors the contributions of all qualified Americans who wish to serve.” While the policy’s last day is within sight, that doesn’t mean the path to open service will be obstacle-free, Murphy said. “Wherever there’s hatred and bigotry, there are going to be challenges, and that’s why it’s important for folks to continue to fight to make sure we are continuing to make this a more perfect union,” he said. For Murphy, however, Sept. 20 will mark a large step toward that goal. “I’ll be with my family celebrating a great day in American history,” he said. “It’ll be a true civil-rights moment where people finally openly serve their country in uniform.” ■ “We weren’t able to include everything and we know we will have missed some things, so we invite people to remind us of those things,” he said. “We don’t plan on just putting this away when it’s over. This is something that’s going to grow and develop over the years.” Visitors to the exhibit will also have the opportunity to write their own personal stories, messages and tributes in books at the display. The message and lessons of the display will be widely applicable, Reichard said. “We want it to be educational for young people who may not have lived through this epidemic in the ’80s and ’90s, but it’s also a reminder for those of us who did of where we’ve come from,” he said. “Looking at the articles and the pictures, it really hits me emotionally. I think this can touch a lot of people.” For more information, visit www.aidsfundphilly.org or call 215-731-9255. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

��

“We Put Your Grandma’s Roof On”

��

NO COLOR

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

OK people, we have some good news and some bad news. First of all, we regret to inform you that Pink Penny, PGN’s annual nod to the best and brightest of Philadelphia is dead. We had to put it down and throw its shiny pink corpse into the Schuylkill. Please don’t shed tears or send ﬂowers as we won’t miss it that much because all of our hard work on it was usually followed by angry protests and retorts of people wondering with hot thick venomous electric fury why we made the decisions we made about what the hotness is around town. Fast-forward to now, where we just can’t take it anymore. Sooner or later this task will drive us to the ultimate in dysfunction and self-torture: organized religion. And we cannot have that. So we’re putting it all in your hands. That’s right: Sweet democracy! This is your chance. Put up

or shut up. Here’s how this will work: First, you, dear reader, will nominate your picks for the best of LGBT Philly — in the community, eats, entertainment, nightlife, people and places. Submit your nominations online or via mail, fax or in person. Once the nomination process closes on Sept. 19, we’ll tally the numbers, and see who received the most nods. PGN will print the top ﬁve in each category. On Sept. 30, we’ll announce the winners, with ﬁnal selections made by our crack editorial team, and then host a celebratory party for the winners. We might add a few categories if we feel like it. Some notes: If you are unsure if your favorite [person/place/ thing] would qualify, refer to the helpful title: Best of Gay Philadelphia. For the most part, we want to know what the LGBT community thinks, with a focus on LGBT people, places and things. This is not your personal

bitchy sounding board about the worst, the non-gay, the best in New York City, revenge for the bartender that wouldn’t give you his or her number or payback for the club that kicked you out for bad behavior. But if you present an argument for why your non-gay [person/place/thing] should win, you might convince us. If you include witty comments with your nomination, we may print them. Feel free to ﬁll out as many — or as few — categories as you like. (We’re not sure any of us could answer all the categories either.)

Community LGBT Event LGBT Fundraiser House of Worship LGBT Blog / Website LGBT Nonproﬁt LGBT Networking Event LGBT Sports League

Restaurants Breakfast Brunch Dessert Dinner Lunch Outdoor/Patio Overall Restaurant

To nominate: Write in your picks, then send them to us via mail, fax or in person. PGN’s Best of Gay Philadelphia 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Fax: 215-925-6437 To nominate online, go to www. epgn.com, and click on the link for Best of Gay Philadelphia.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Nightlife

People

Bar Food (place)

Activist

Bar/nightclub outside Philly

Bartender

Place to meet men

Bar Staff

Place to Meet Women

Personal Trainer

Casino

Server (restaurant)

Cozy Bar

Places

Craft Beer Bar Dance Floor Drag Show Gay/Gay-Friendly Bar Happy Hour Karaoke Lesbian/Lesbian-friendly Bar Martini (what/place)

Adult Store Bicycle Shop Camping Clothing Store Furniture Store Gym Hair Salon

Mixed Drink (what/place)

Arts & Entertainment

Neighborhood Bar

Local DJ

Overall Bar

Drag King

Place to go after Pride

Drag Queen

Place to grab a beer

Festival

Sports Bar

Live Music Venue

Theme Night

Musician

Comments?

Party Promoter Singer Theater Group

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

�� ~ Now Accepting New Patients ~

• General and Specialized Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Early Morning and Evening Hours • Education

Cornell University, B.S., 1986 U of P School of Dental Medicine, DMD, 1990 Temple University, Residency in Prosthodontics, 1992

Dr. Ira Sheres (center) with his life partner and their children

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A W ��

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For AsWeekly Little For As As $25.00 Week. 215-625-8501 Today! Reach Over 40,000 Readers LittleA As $25.00Call A Week.

PGN from page 1

sat down with some other people and we were looking at the people who live in this district and the people who could really make a change, and the list got shorter and shorter until ultimately we thought I’d be good for this.” A policy attorney, Sims currently serves as president of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia. As the first openly gay football captain in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Sims also travels to college campuses throughout the country speaking on the issue of homophobia in sports. Sims, 32, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and attained his law degree from Michigan State University School of Law. Sims has served as the staff counsel for policy and planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association and last year was named to the National LGBT Bar Association’s “40 Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40.” As the son of two Army colonels, Sims lived in 17 states growing up, settling in Pennsylvania in the early ’90s. He said he comes from a “strong line of alpha-empowered women,” which influenced his development as a “diehard feminist” and his work on women’s rights. While he said his family was supportive of his coming-out and stands behind his work on LGBT-rights issues, he noted that they don’t all share the same political ideals, which he said has given him invaluable preparation for the political world. “As much as I wish it was about big, strong speeches and esoteric arguments, the Pennsylvania House is all about collaboration, and I think I have the benefit

of a background and work that has shown me that I’m very able to bring people together,” he said. “I’m very good at sitting a bunch of people down who don’t think they agree on anything, who think they have no commonalities and who don’t think they can set 10 things aside to work on one, and actually get them to do it. We don’t need to agree on all of our issues to accomplish a lot. The House has been slowed down by an inability to collaborate.” Sims said he would work to represent the interests of the 182nd District when it came to funding issues, education and environmental issues and to ensure fair treatment of groups like seniors and lowincome Philadelphians when it came to areas like property reevaluations. In terms of LGBT issues, Sims said he would be eager to work for the passage of the long-stalled LGBT nondiscrimination bill, as well as new antibullying measures and the strengthening of current antibullying laws. While he’s confident in his ability to lead, Sims said he wouldn’t consider a lifelong career in politics. “I have career aspirations and goals. I had been a disability attorney, and I could see myself going back to that,” he said. “I hope to stay in office just long enough to accomplish those things that are most meaningful to me and to the district. I don’t have the goal of becoming the first gay governor or mayor; my goal is to shorten the lifespan of a bunch of issues we’ve been working on for years.” In the coming weeks, Sims will attend numerous national LGBT politically oriented events, such as the Victory Fund national conference and the Human Rights

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

ENTERING THE FRAY: Out attorney Brian Sims (center), at a panel discussion at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Convention last month, announced this week he will challenge Pennsylvania Rep. Babette Josephs (D-182nd Dist.), who represents the Gayborhood and other parts of Center City, in this spring’s primary. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Campaign convention, to spread the news about his campaign and to fundraise. He plans to open his campaign office Oct. 1, and then “it’s off to the races” with door-to-door introductions, fundraisers and “friendraisers.” His campaign staff will include Sophie Bryan, chief of staff for Councilman Bill Green; Matt Goldfine, chief of staff for Rep. Tim Briggs; Ballard-Spahr attorney Job Itzkowitz, who will chair Sims’ Political Action Committee; and communications and policy director Cameron Klein, most of whom were trained at the

Center for Progressive Leadership. “I’ve got a really great team working with me. We are about to launch one of the largest, cleanest, healthiest, most wellfunded and well-rounded campaigns this region has seen in way too long,” Sims said. “I hope that by running a large-scale campaign that draws on all of the communities I’ve worked with — fiercely intelligent people this region has always had but not used — that the inertia and volume of energy we will create is going to be something people will want to get on board with.” ■

SERVICES DIRECTORY ��

��

�

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ��

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

��

215-735-1006

��

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

��

1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

��

Thomas E. Hora Attorney-at-Law ��

��

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

AC ulG t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

IL N B U O TR

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PAGE 32

Bulletin Board Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page

36 27 32 30 29 31

E C N A SM T U C IC R

SARAH KAZEMY (LEFT) AND NIKHOL BOOSHERI AS IRANIAN TEENAGERS IN THE NEW FILM “CIRCUMSTANCE” BY MARYAM KESHAVARZ

Film delves into Iranian society, repression By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor

“Circumstance” is a remarkable, multi-layered film that sensitively depicts the struggles of two teenage lesbians, Atafeh (Nikhol Boosheri) and Shireen (Sarah Kazemy), in contemporary Iran. Bisexual writer/director Maryam Keshavarz has made a perspicacious drama about minority gender roles, focusing in particular on male authority subjugating women, and how oppressed people find — or create — their independence. The story is based in part on Keshavarz’s own experiences as a teenager. She explained that her family is Persian — “but that’s a political [statement]; I always say Iranian.” In Iran, Keshavarz navigated all the restrictions to attend parties, as Atafeh and Shireen do in the film. “Circumstance” reveals how these teenagers find ways to express themselves sexually and otherwise, while living under state control. In addition, the film depicts a family dynamic as Atafeh enjoys a privileged life with her parents, Firouz (Sohieil Parsa) and Azar (Nasrin Pakkho). When her brother Mehran (Riza Sixo Safai) returns home, he is battling drug abuse. Mehran soon finds recovery in religion and becomes involved in the secret police. Keshavarz likened the motivation behind the depiction of family in her film to one of her uncles: “He went to MIT, only to be drafted when he returned to Iran. [He] is kind of like the idealistic character of the father — someone who is so liberal, open-minded

and cultured. He’s very caring — typically maternal — but he’s very strong. How does he raise his children in a country that is very much at odds with his own philosophy? It was this idea of how you create a utopia within a [repressive] society.” The filmmaker, who lives in America, visited Iran regularly every summer until her controversial “Circumstance” (which was shot in Lebanon) prompted her to be banned from Iran. “I’ve always had t wo p a s s ports and

been “threatened from anonymous sources, and been railed against by the government.” However, she also boasted, “I’ve had emails from hundreds of folks in Iran who are dying to see the film. I’m pretty happy. I had the freedom to make the film.” While “Circumstance” will play art houses in America, it will have life underground, on illegal DVD, and will play in Iran via ARTE or BBC satellite. Keshavarz cited an interesting statistic that “Brokeback Mountain” was a

never h a d a ny restrictions in my travel,” she said. “Before I made this movie, I had the unique privilege to be able to go back and forth. Not anymore.” In addition, Keshavarz revealed that she has

huge hit in Iran. “More people I know in Iran saw that film than [in America]. We understand this idea of forbidden love, not being able to express yourself — or everything always being under the

skin. This is something very much a part of being Iranian,” she enthused, and continued, “Iranians have many layers of their personalities. So much of who they are has to be hidden. What the official state articulation of a person is very different from reality — the difference between home life and exterior [public] life. And you have that again, on another fold with sexuality — especially woman’s sexuality. Even within the relative freedom of the underground world, these girls’ exploration of sexuality is another subculture within a subculture — another layer of duality, another layer of what they have to hide to really express themselves.” These intertwined themes of gender and sexuality form the basis for much of the film’s drama. In an early scene, Atafeh secretly passes an origami bird to her girlfriend Shireen. This affectionate moment captures the intimacy of these marginalized characters who dream of escaping to Dubai. However, Keshavarz also uses visuals — specifically surveillance-camera video — to emphasize the omniscient and ominous power that these young women are subjected to constantly. One of the ways the characters communicate their forbidden desires is through dancing. “Circumstance” opens with a fantasy bellydancing scene. Other sequences have the girls attending a secret house party or going to a nightclub. At Atafeh’s home, the girls bond while singing and dancing to “Total Eclipse of the Heart” on TV. Keshavarz said dancing is such an important means of expression for her characters: “The idea was for me to express real life and

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

JEFFREY E. GOLDMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW SPECIALIZING IN PARTNERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT LAW Proven track record of recovering millions of dollars for wrongfully treated employees!* Experience litigating: • Partnership & business disputes • Non-competes • Executive compensation • Employment discrimination • Real Estate Litigation Jeffrey E. Goldman, Esq. 100 S. Broad St. Suite 1330 Philadelphia, PA 19110

Also handle: • Wills, Living Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

Jeff.Goldman@verizon.net

*Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Put 18 years of experience to work for you!

Triangle Medical General Practice Progressive HIV Care MARK T. WATKINS, DO JOHN DEL ROSSI, PA-C

(215) 829-0170

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

Repairs, Renovations and Remodeling

(215) 467-3335 Pa. HIC #026545 Phila. Lic. #17895

“Our” Family Plumber for over 30 years

KAZEMY AND BOOSHERI ON THE BEACH

fantasy. The state can never control your imagination.” The filmmaker described her own childhood, when she read books under her bed to subvert her religious parents. “I remember thinking, I respect my parents, but I don’t believe what they believe. I always thought there were places my parents couldn’t control — my dreams, my daydreams and my fantasies. I’d write in secret code in my journals. It’s a very palpable thing for people who don’t have space to express themselves. Maybe dancing is part of that?” she posed. Atafeh and Shireen explore their desires physically too, but Keshavarz makes their sensuality erotic, not explicit. “It was important for me not to desexualize them,” she explained about the inclusion of several racy same-sex love scenes. “There are no men in the girls’ fantasies. There is more expressed sexuality in fantasy than in reality. In their real time, it’s very slight what they do. In their fantasy, it’s much more sexual, more erotic. It’s a space where they can really let loose.” Keshavarz also noted how Middle Eastern women suffer when it comes to representations of sexuality. “It’s something people don’t talk about. There are so many people that express their sexuality in ways that you just don’t know about. In the narrative they suffer, but [their sexuality] is only one of the many reasons that they suffer. How do you incorporate the aspect of being Middle Eastern and gay? There has never been a film about [Middle Eastern] women that expresses female sexuality. And that makes some Iranians uncomfortable.” The authenticity of “Circumstance” is revelatory, especially in its depiction of Iranian teenage desire. When it came to the portrayal of sexuality, Keshavarz made sure to protect her actresses. Boosheri was only 18 when she made the film, but she identified strongly with her role and had a complete understanding of Atafeh, who is put in what Keshavarz called “an impossible situation.” “Circumstance” is a courageous film because it shows how Atafeh and Shireen are both victims. It is their reality as well as twists of fate — the “circumstance” of the title — that they must endure in Iran. Sometimes this is physical abuse, with women’s bodies being violated. Although these scenes are discretely filmed, they are quite horrifying. When Mehran is involved, the abuse is mental and equally shocking. Mehran is a particularly creepy, troubling

character. His insidious behavior — surreptitiously videotaping his family, for example — creates much of the film’s dramatic tension. Keshavarz confessed that Riza, the actor, took the role because “he was really afraid of his character.” She added, “The thing about [Mehran] that is so important is that he’s pleasant on the outside, and his [nastiness] is so much underneath the skin. That’s so much creepier.” Mehran becomes a fundamentalist Muslim who is loyal to Iran. He frequently condemns his sister’s wild behavior, causing friction within the family. “They are opposite reactions to the same environment,” Keshavarz acknowledged. “Atafeh goes in one direction and her brother goes in another.” The filmmaker has seven brothers, one of whom is her fraternal twin. It comes to reason that her upbringing may be how she constructed the dual narratives of Atafeh’s downward spiral and Mehran’s efforts toward redemption. “I never thought of this!” Keshavarz exclaimed. “Maybe I did subconsciously. Perhaps because I’m a twin, and had someone born with me — and because we are different genders — we are very different, and express ourselves differently.” In the context of her film, she said, “in the end, it’s a system of oppression where even the jailer becomes incarcerated.” One of the dramatic turning points in “Circumstance” involves Atafeh and Shireen being arrested by the secret police. Keshavarz specifically had the teenagers caught for a crime that did not involve their sexuality. However, what happens — and it involves Mehran — changes the course of the girls’ relationship, and is quite haunting. “Circumstance” ultimately may box its characters into corners, but the film offers hope that they may find an escape. The film’s powerful ending should also prompt viewers to reflect on the question that opens the film: “If you could be anywhere, where would you be?” When asked, Keshavarz herself was taken aback and answered, “Wow! In the world? In my imagination? Or in reality?” She laughed and then responded, “Right now, I’m pretty happy with where I am. ‘Circumstance’ was really hard to make, and because the film has gotten a great response, I’m able to press forth with my next project a lot easier. I’m in a very unique place. I’m very happy right now. Although I’d probably be happier if I was on a beach in Maui.” ■

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Suzi Nash

Joe Ippolito: Psychologist, activist, festival organizer The Fringe Festival is one of my favorite events in the city. I love the big Live Arts acts like Brian Sanders Junk and the smaller, quirkier Fringe offerings. I’m also a film fan so I’m looking forward to attending Gender Reel, the East Coast’s first and only multimedia festival dedicated to “the visibility of gender non-conforming, gender-variant and transgender images and experiences in film, photography and art.” This week, PGN spoke to Joe Ippolito, the man behind the movies. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. JI: Well, I’m 41; I’ll be 42 in December. I live in Philadelphia but was born in Florida where I grew up and went to undergrad. I moved to New York in 1993 and moved to Philly in 2001. I came here to get my doctorate at Chestnut Hill College and have since made this my home. PGN: How was growing up in Florida? JI: Well, I transitioned my gender in 2001, so as a kid I was female and, like most kids, went through various stages. I was a tomboy for a bit and I also went through a more feminine stage in my late teens and early 20s. I came out as a lesbian when I moved to New York. PGN: What were some things you liked to do? JI: I was very outdoorsy. We lived in a development that had a pool so I enjoyed swimming a lot. It was in Davie, Fla. — which is right between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale — but unlike the cities, it was very rural and conservative. We had the largest rodeo in the country there. I actually did a lot of horseback riding as a kid. My father was Italian and my mother was Jewish, both from up North, so we kind of stuck out, but I had a great childhood. Great family, good friends. PGN: What was a favorite class? JI: I wasn’t strong academically. I really had to work hard to keep up, but I was very passionate about learning. I had some learning deficits that I had to overcome. But I loved doing things with my hands, so woodworking was a favorite class. PGN: Did you move to New York for school? JI: No, I just went there to live. At the time, I had a boyfriend but soon after the move I decided to explore dating women. From that point forward, I’ve never gone back to being with men. While I was in New York, I started pursuing my master’s at Fordham. PGN: You have an impressive résumé: clinical psychologist, researcher, educator, mental-health specialist, lecturer and author. What’s your favorite thing to do?

JI: I enjoy being a therapist — it’s a great job. But I also really like organizing things, like the Trans Health Conference and the Gender Reel Festival. It’s mostly in the context of volunteer work, but it’s a passion of mine. PGN: When you lecture, what do you tell people to help them understand trans issues? JI: I tell them that the experience is different for all trans people; there’s no one model to explain the journey or even how someone may identify. We want to label people as one thing or another but it’s a very diverse community. PGN: I think that’s what confuses people. They want a simple answer when there isn’t one. What is your journey? JI: In my case, from a very young age I never felt that I was a girl, which is not an unusual thing in the trans community. When I first came out, I was very identified with the lesbian community but it never felt quite right. I appreciate and respect those who are comfortable living as masculine women and relating that way, but personally it was not for me. I wanted to be treated as a boy with my partners. I wanted to be a part of the world as a man, though my identity is actually as a transman, which is for me quite queer-identified. Not so much in terms of my sexual orientation but in my essence and how I socialize in the world. People always assume that because I date women and present as a man that I identify as a straight man, but that’s not how I identify at all. I identify as a queer transman. Trans for me, and I can’t stress enough that I’m speaking for my own experiences only, is an integral part of my identity. Sometimes I think if I’d been born a biological male, I probably would have transitioned to a woman. I sometimes think maybe my path in this world is to live as a trans person. If you can understand that. PGN: Yes — as a person who is racially mixed, growing up I’d get people telling me how hard it must be, but for me I liked being a part of two worlds, understanding both sides. JI: Exactly. I think what can be hard is not how you feel but how people react. They want to put you into a category, one or the other. There can be a lot of contention in trans communities about identity. Is it a medical condition or a core sense of self? Are you transsexual or transgender? I just believe people should be able to identify with what makes them comfortable. As an activist, I try to support that. There are many ways that people can be. PGN: I recently interviewed Tenika Watson, who was in the car when Teddy

Prendergast was in his accident. She was telling me that she was old-school and didn’t like the term trans. She basically said, “I went through all this to be a woman, I’m not in transition, I’m there.” JI: I get that, completely. And I believe everyone’s experiences and identities should be respected and embraced. PGN: Speaking of different experiences, Gender Reel should showcase a lot of them. JI: Oh yes, the idea for Gender Reel came about because I personally wasn’t seeing the kind of trans images and experiences I wanted to see at mainstream LGB festivals. I don’t say that to be mean — it’s getting better — but I wanted something we put together for ourselves. I love to organize and putting this festival together is a passion. We formed a committee and expanded to include art and photography. It’s now a multimedia festival. PGN: Give me a hint of what people will see.

sive of anyone pushing against the binary gender system, so we have a film called “Keisha Knows,” which is about butch identity, and a film called “50Faggots,” which is actually a Web series. The episode we’re showing is about the experiences of effeminate males fighting against the structure of the overly masculine gay man. We’re also having lots of discussion panels, art exhibits ... We even have one video installation called “Beware the Lily Law,” about the issues facing gay and transgender inmates, being played at the Eastern State Penitentiary. PGN: I love the fact that it’s part of the Fringe Festival, because it means it’s included in a larger audience; it’s being marketed to more than the LGBT community. JI: Yes, the T has been locked in with the LGB community for years, good, bad or indifferent. But there are significant differences: For the LGB community it’s about being a sexual minority; for the T it’s about gender. On the flip side, there are a lot of trans people who are also gay and lesbian, so there are obvious crossovers. It can get difficult to understand. I think we’re where the gay community was 15 or 20 years ago. PGN: Back to you: single or partnered? JI: I’m single. There are a lot of negotiations that go on as a trans person dating. Dating a lesbian-identified person could pose issues for them — being seen with me might bring into question their queer identity — and straight women may have difficulty relating to me because of my socialization as a woman and because of my openness as a trans activist. It can be a difficult balance.

PGN: I saw the Chaz documentary and found it interesting that his partner, identifying as bisexual, wasn’t as concerned about Photo: Suzi Nash JI: For starters, we have Pauline Park, the physical transformation, who is an Asian trans activist from New but had issues with the personality changes that she felt were brought York. She has a Ph.D. in political science on by the testosterone. and was the first openly transgendered JI: I kind of take issue with those blanket grand marshal of the New York City Pride statements because I feel they reinforce March. Her résumé of queer activism stereotypes. For me personally, I feel that is an impressive read. We are screening I’m very masculine looking on the outside “Envisioning Justice: The Journey of a Transgendered Woman,” a story of her life, but am still very connected to my womaness on the inside. I spent 30 years as a and she’ll be there for a Q&A afterward. woman and the last We broadened Gender Reel to be incluPAGE 30

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN

Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show Dating and disclosure, part 1 An Outdoor Art Show of Original Artwork

The oldest outdoor art show of only original artwork in the entire country

More than 140 top artists from around the country will

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

September 16-18, 2011

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

Many poz folk refer to disclosing their my status before, if not within the first status as a second “coming out.” While 20 minutes of meeting. Instead, he said I coming out as homosexual was hard was a jerk, manipulative and subversive enough, coming out as HIV-poz feels and that I should seriously rethink the just as hard — if not harder — in some way I live my life, and that this wasn’t senses. It’s not the sex of your bedmates the start to a good relationship, so it’s you’re disclosing anymore: It’s a deadly, over. incurable disease you’re carrying that Thankfully, I’ve been through some you can pass through the most intimate serious shit in my life (aside from my of acts. diagnosis) that’s afforded me a tough This is the first of a series skin. Mind you, I was hurt; of columns that addresses the but my self-righteous side nature and method of disclocompletely eclipsed any sure. Hardly by random lotimminent pain of rejection. tery, the first scenario under My response, then, followed in suit: the microscope is disclosure to “Hey. I had a good time sexual partners. with you, too, last night. And At the end of the day, the manner in which you disI’m really glad you felt comclose your status is up to you. fortable enough to express Counselors and HIV specialyour feelings, because it gave me insight into your character ists will always have differing that, had I’d been HIV-neg, approaches as to how this is would’ve taken me longer to done, so just choose what’s most comfortable. detect.” As for my own experiences, (Parental, fiery invective Aaron Stella cascading from there). I’ve had distinct reactions relaAside from the fiery invective to my approaches. Mind tive, my lead-in was spot-on. (Funny you, exceptions abound in every case, enough, a lot of poz people refer to disbut for the most part, the psychological closing one’s status as the “jerk test” ... parley that occurs amid disclosure varies See above). vastly as per one’s methods. In all reality, I wouldn’t have gotNote: It’s been years since I’ve met ten along with this guy. In reflection, anyone in a social setting that has however, I realized that I could’ve resulted in a second date. So most of my approached my disclosure differently. In dating escapades were initiated through my mind, it had nothing to do with my online portals; however, it wasn’t until timing (although some may disagree); it much later after my diagnosis that I had to do with my phrasing. I over-prefdeclared my poz status openly (and in aced the implications of my status, filling bold lettering) on the more traditional dating sites (i.e., OKcupid.com as in any time the guy might have had to opposed to manhunt.com). process the information (even if he was a jerk). Date one: Folks, all in all, when people encounI courted a 37-year-old gentleman ter things they are afraid of, they’ll typionline for a brief period, and we decided cally be deaf to any immediate education to meet up for lunch. We met, talked, or reassurance. They have to overcome flirted, sped through the 20 questions of the knee-jerk (no pun intended) reacacquaintance and planned on a second tion to those fears before they’re willdate: dinner at my house. ing to listen. And while you should He came. I made dinner. We talked never, ever feel like you have to bend to more. Listened to artsy music to spur anyone because of your status, it’s for discourse. And finally, we kissed. When compassion and common courtesy that he expressed his desire to go further (in you should give your potential romantic my private quarters, no less), I said: and/or sexual partner the time to respond “Hey. Definitely. But I need to tell you back courteously, without the prefacing. this: I’m-HIV positive. I know that’s a Next month, we’ll see how my next bit of a bombshell. Nothing we’ve done approach to disclosure fared with a 22has put you at risk, and nothing I plan on year-old and many more dates that foldoing with you for the rest of the evening lowed. will. The decision is up to you. If you We’re all in this together, folks. Let’s get out there and talk about it. ■ need time to think, no problem.” He said nothing. He didn’t even look at Aaron Stella is the former editor-inme. Instead he got up and left, only saychief of Phillybroadcaster (www.phillying that he would contact me in the next couple of days. broadcaster.com). Since graduating from The very next morning I awoke to a Temple University with a bachelor’s in sober and essentially angry e-mail. He English, he has written for several pubsaid he thought I was wonderful and faslications in the city, and now devotes his cinating and that he would have wanted life to tackling the new challenges of HIV to get to know me better had I disclosed in the 21st century.

Millennial Poz

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Q Puzzle Rose Parade Across

1. Julius Caesar’s first name 6. Roth offerings 10. Moist mounds 14. Become a parent nonheterosexually 15. 2008 biopic about Harvey 16. NG: Hint to the future 17. She played Rose on “The Golden Girls” 19. ___-tat 20. Actor Morales 21. Butch’s towel word 22. Booty grabber 24. Worker on Broadway

26. Fruitful 27. Bea of “The Golden Girls” 30. Cookies unit 31. Historic Stonewall disturbances 32. Sills’ solo 33. Nick Adams’ Johnny 37. Be in a cast 38. Getty of “The Golden Girls” 41. “Heather ___ Two Mommies” 42. Sucker or suckee? 44. Takes advantage of 45. Leave home 47. Bounded along 49. Character played by 38-Across 50. Many a place near Aspen 53. Sit for Mapplethorpe

54. Hollywood Bros. 55. Provide assistance 56. “Darn!” 60. Crude cartel 61 .Rue of “The Golden Girls” 64. Seek a sorority 65. Words of woe 66. Funny Cheri 67. Novel conclusion 68. Have an opening for 69. Offer an apple to Adam and Steve?

Down

1. Kotter portrayer Kaplan 2. Fruity drinks 3. Sappho’s “I” 4. On pins and needles 5. Place for porking? 6. “Like, no prob-

PGN lem, man” honeymoons 7. Park of Queens 36. Early movie dog 8. Model Carol 39. Dean Cain role 9. Like a pirate 40. Some actors insignia have big ones 10. Character 43. Character played by 27-Across played by 61-Across 11. Place for a G46. Emulate Dr. string Kildare 12. “South Pacific” 48. Vein filler nuts 49. Scotch partner 50. Used inelegant 13. Kind of drum language 18. Spin like a top 23. “Lord of the 51. On the fritz Rings” extra 52. Legal conclusion beginning 25. Trojan Horse, 53. Accumulated, e.g. 26. Blows it like Gomer? 27. Spirited horse 55. Top 28. Anticrime acro57. “Excuse me!” nym 58. Waterproof 29. Canine from cover Kansas 59. Prissy hissy 30. Go straight? 62. “Evita” narrator 63. “Just kidding!” 32. Cruising, maybe 34. “Look out ...” 35. Spot for gay SOLUTION, PAGE 31 from page 27

10 as a man. I embrace my female socialization and those aspects of me that led me to where I am. I think I still relate to people, women especially, the way I did prior to transitioning. The essence of who I am has not changed. Again, I only speak for myself — everyone has their own experience. But bottom line, whether you like how he’s managed his transition or not, I think what Chaz is doing — performing on “Dancing With the Stars,” etc. — is very important; being so public puts a face to the community like Ellen did years ago. It’s a start. PGN: So another personal item: I understand you’re into bird watching? JI: I love birds! I was just watching one that was behind you a minute ago. I live near Wissahickon Park, and I enjoy walking along and looking at different birds: It’s fascinating. If you asked me what kind of animal would you be, it would be a bird, something big [laughs]. Not Big Bird, but a large bird, some kind of bird of prey. PGN: Family member who had a big influence on you? JI: My father passed away in 2005, but I’m still very close to my parents. My mother was very progressive and used to work for Women’s Awareness,

which was like Planned Parenthood but back in the ’70s. I remember going with her and her explaining what they did, including abortions. Florida was/is very conservative and the women had to be escorted in. It always stuck with me. It still happens, but thank God now there are laws in place to help. She was a feminist and very liberal — they both were. PGN: What’s the farthest you’ve traveled? JI: I’ve done quite a bit. I backpacked Southeast Asia from Tokyo to Hong Kong and have traveled in countries all throughout Europe. I think Thailand is the furthest I’ve been. PGN: When I Googled you I came across a whole lot of Joe Ippolitos. One was a 65-year-old runner, one was a mobster and one was in real estate. Have you met any other Joe Ips? JI: It’s funny, Joe is not actually my legal name: My legal name is Jodi Ippolito. I never changed it and I don’t really care. For instance, at the gym, my membership card still says Jodi so that’s what they call me there. I never bothered to change it because it’s very costly to do a name change and Jodi is kind of a gender-neutral name anyway. Unless you see how it’s spelled, it works well. Even before I transitioned, people were calling me

Jo or Jojo so it just stuck. The funny thing is I was named Jodi after my maternal grandfather who was Joseph, so if I changed it, I’d be back to Joe anyway. PGN: By the way, I came across a term I wasn’t familiar with on your website: What does “cis” mean? JI: We used to refer to someone who was natally born male or female and continued to remain as the gender they were born with as biomen or biowomen. There was a lot of contention about that word with some trans people because it made it sound like trans people were not biological people, so the term cispeople came about, I’m not sure from where. Our language is constantly evolving and as people have issues with new terms, it will probably change again! PGN: Anything else I should be aware of? JI: In addition to Gender Reel, we’re having the first trans march on Oct. 8. ■ For more information about Gender Reel, visit Genderreelfest.com. For information about the Philly Trans* March, visit Phillytransmarch.com. To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

PGN TV

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Worth Watching ICON TO ICON: The CW kicks off its fall season with an interview special, “Gaga by Gaultier,” where international pop star Lady Gaga and designer and fashion giant Jean Paul Gaultier sit down to talk shop, 8 p.m. Sept. 12 on the CW.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE: Somebody is going home with the crown of Miss Universe when the pageant, this year held in São Paulo, Brazil, airs 9 p.m. Sept. 12 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Miss Universe Organization

LAST YEAR’S MODELS: “America’s Next Top Model” is back for a new season, which finds the show bringing back past competitors who impressed the judges but didn’t win, including out model Kayla Ferrel (pictured) and trans model Isis King, for an all-star fight for glory on the catwalk, 8 p.m. Sept. 14 on the CW.

BACK ‘FLIPPING’: The latest season of “Flipping Out” is over except for the reunion show, where out real-estate agent and designer Jeff Lewis and his merry band of underlings hash it out, 9 p.m. Sept. 13 on Bravo. Photo: Bravo/Mitchell Haaseth

The nation’s oldest, continuously operating LGBT bookstore.

Q PUZZLE, from page 30

Support your local independent bookstore!

Shop at Giovanni’s Room

10% off most hardbacks

3 million eBooks available at www.queerbooks.com email: giovannis_room@verizon.net 345 S. 12th St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107 215-923-2960 Mon-Sat 11:30 - 7, Sun 1 - 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 09/09 Antigone Rising The all-female rock band performs 7:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; 215-928-0770. Rick Springfield The rock guitarist performs

Notices

Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-9256437; or e-mail: listings@epgn. com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

9 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. MST3K: The Horrors of Spider Island Wisecracking robots talk bad about the cheesy sci-fi flick, 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 09/10 Justin Vivian Bond The author of “Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room,

Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808.

X-CITEMENT: It’s mutants and the Kennedy era in “XMen: First Class” when the ﬁlm is screened as part of movie night 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information, call 215-922-6888.

345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Kenny Wayne Sheppard Band The blues band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215572-7650. Alô Brasil Get your South American groove on 9:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.

Sun. 09/11 Southern New Jersey Gay Pride Festival Celebrate the festivities 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Cooper River Park, 579 S. Park Drive, Collingswood, N.J.; www.jerseylyfe. org. Melissa Ferrick The out singersongwriter performs 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Wed. 09/14 Homorobics Preview Class William Way LGBT Community Center presents the fun class 6-7 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Jaguar Wright The R&B singer performs at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Mon. 09/12 Monday Jazz Jam at World Cafe Live 5:30-7 p.m., 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. First Person StorySlam Spoken-word artists perform 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live,

Susan Werner

3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Tue. 09/13 Sylvia Nasar The economist, journalist and author of “A Beautiful Mind” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. Crash Test Dummies The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theater 1984, 24 W. Temple

The Smiths Social The monthly gathering of Smiths/ Morrissey fans turns out 7:30 p.m. at The Grape Room, 105 Grape St.; 215-9300321.

Vogel at 215-7359988 ext. 304 or bvogel@adopt.org. Bob Egan’s Showcase Night Cabaret artists perform 8 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225.

Fri. 09/16

Thu. 09/15

Darren Williams in a Tribute to Peter Allen The singer performs 8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225.

LGBT Adoption Café The National Adoption Center hosts a free informational event 5:308:30 p.m. at Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St.; to RSVP contact Beth

Blondie The classic newwave group performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Saturday, Sept. 17th, 8 pm

$25

Upcoming Shows: Suzy Bogguss ......... Sept. 22 Jeﬀrey Gaines ......... Sept. 24 Al Stewart ........... Oct. 2 John Oates ........... Oct. 4

The New Hope Winery 6123 Lower York Road (Rt.202) New Hope, PA 18938

215 794 2331

www.newhopewinery.com FREE PARKING

GRAVITY’S NIGHT OFF: It’s going to be an evening of highﬂying thrill when Montreal-based acrobatic circus arts company 7 Fingers performs its high-energy show “Traces” Sept. 15-18 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5800.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening The Big Bang The comedic 80-minute survey of history is staged Sept. 14-30 at Kimmel’s Innovation Studio, 260 S. Broad St.; 215893-1999. Hello America, My Name is Jimmy Baldwin The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents a production examining race inspired by the influential gay author, Sept. 9-10 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Here and Now: Prints, Drawings, and Photographs by 10 Philadelphia Artists Philadelphia Museum of Art presents the exhibition Sept. 10-Dec. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Our Town The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater presents the perennial drama Sept. 16-Oct. 1, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore; 610328-4271. Quilt Art: International Expressions The James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition of 40 quilts from 24 contemporary quilt artists, Sept. 16-Jan. 1, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. The Philadelphia Collection The fashion and style event runs Sept. 1222; www.thephiladelphiacollection.org.

Studio X, 1340 S. 13th St.; 215-2184022. Beware the Lily Law Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a video installation on the experiences of trans prisoners, through November, 2027 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-5111. Burt & Me Society Hill Playhouse presents the romantic musical comedy featuring the music of Burt Bacharach, through Sept. 18, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-9230211. How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found Luna Theater Company presents the story of a young executive who reaches his breaking point and decides to disappear, through Sept. 18 at Adrienne Theater Mainstage, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-568-8079. Lickety Skits Secret Room Theatre presents a lightning-fast collection of plays under five minutes through Sept. 17 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-413-1318. Men Unwrapped An exhibition of photographer Joe Bowman’s work is on display through Oct. 28 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. IN THE THICK OF THINGS: “James Bradford is ... Thick” stars the titular performer from Logo/VH1’s “Can’t Get a Date.” Backed by his live band The Mana-Manas performing a variety of familiar songs and some originals, Bradford retells experiences of growing up gay in the South, ﬂirting with fame and being a chubby male escort in his comedic rock show Sept. 13-14 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. For more information, visit www. jamesbradfordisthick.com or call 215964-9675.

Continuing The Arsonists Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of an unemployed circus wrestler and his pyromaniac partner, through Sept. 18 at Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Aspects of Love Walnut Street Theatre presents the romantic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, through Oct. 23, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. The Aliens Theatre Exile presents the humorous slacker story through Sept. 18 at

OUTflix 2011: a FABulous Film Festival The LGBT film festival runs through Sept. 11 at the Newark Cinema Center in Newark Shopping Center and Sept. 15 and 18 in Wilmington at the Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del.; 302-571-9590. Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear Philadelphia Museum of Art, through Sept. 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Unsettled: Photography and Politics in Contemporary Art Philadelphia Museum of Art, through Sept. 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Wired Secret Room Theatre presents a production of short plays, monologues and a splash of new media, through Sept. 17 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-413-1318.

Closing Gender Reel Festival A multi-media festival dedicated to enhancing the visibility of gender non-conforming, gender-variant, transgender and transsexual experiences and identities, through Sept. 10 at University of the Arts Dorrance Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad St.; 267974-4259. Tongue & Groove The comedic troupe performs through Sept. 16 at Adrienne Theater Mainstage, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-4131318. ■

ONE GOOD REASON TO STOP IN DELAWARE: Catch out singersongwriter Erin McKeown when she performs 9 p.m. Sept. 16 at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington. For more information or tickets, visit erinmckeown.com or call 215-222-1400.

DINING PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Food & Drink

Gemelli keeps it simple and sexy By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Dinner Served Nightly / Sunday Brunch / Outdoor Cafe 757 SOUTH FRONT STREET CORNER OF FITZWATER IN QUEEN VILLAGE 215.551.2200 - www.thevillagebelle.com “Buy one appetizer/salad, get one free”

With all there is to occupy and distract along Main Street in Manayunk, Gemelli on Main, 4161 Main St., has managed to stand out and win over diners in short order. During our trip to the new Frenchinfluenced Italian restaurant, we were impressed by Gemelli’s seductive modern atmosphere and by how many diners could be overheard raving about the food. It didn’t take us long to join the chorus. It was apparent from the start that chef Clark Gilbert pays a lot of attention to composing his dishes so that every ingredient shines equally. It doesn’t hurt that the upstairs bar has an arsenal of wines, all chosen to perfectly compliment Gemelli’s dishes. It’s safe to say that if you can’t close the deal with a stroll down this particular piece of real estate and dinner and drinks here, it’s never going to happen. For the appetizers, both the beef tartare ($16) and the calamari salad ($13) were nothing short of stellar. The tartare had a substantial but silky texture and was seasoned perfectly with Parmesan and cockle vinaigrette. The calamari

If you go Gemelli on Main

4161 Main St., Manayunk gemellionmain. com 215-487-1230 Open for dinner daily

UPSTAIRS AT GEMELLI Photo: Scott A. Drake salad was light, colorful and delectable with minimal dressing. The closest Gemelli gets to an over-the-top decadent dish is the arancini ($12), an appetizer of fried risotto balls in a romesco sauce. It’s probably the most brash and aggressive dish on the menu, spiking the ball on your palette every step of the way: It’s delicious. G e m e l l i ’s a t t e n t i o n to detail carries over to the entrées as well, with familiar dishes refined to perfection. Scallops and risottos are a dime a dozen

in this town, but Gemelli’s sea scallops ($29) were a flawless epic win with an excellent salt-cod risotto. The ravioli ($27) was another stunning dish. These huge specimens were bursting with a hearty stuffing of crabmeat and artichoke, all of which rests over a spinach and brown-butter sauce that is both rustic and a wonderfully left-of-center choice for pasta of this caliber. The special of the evening was a shrimp and lobster cantalone with pork belly ($29), another wonderful dish that forgoes

heavy saucing to allow the ingredients to sing. Gemelli’s desserts also puts an interesting twist on the familiar. The Italian cheesecake was a surprise, with a perfectly fluffy density and flavored with orange and a reduction of rosemary and fennel. The coconut risotto was another winner, with a creamy texture and a sweetness that never was in danger of overpowering the distinct flavor of the fresh coconut topping. Yeah, we need to hang out in Manayunk more often. ■

The Friends of David Rondinelli want you to know that he is now at Tabu!

THE ABBAYE

200 South 12th Street Monday-Friday 11AM-4PM

637 NORTH THIRD STREET PHILADELPHIA TEL: 215.627.6711 FAX: 215.627.6167 WWW.THEABBAYE.NET

EXCELLENT BELGIAN AND MICROBREW SELECTIONS

HAPPY HOUR Mon.-Fri. 4-6 pm $2 off all Drafts $5 glass of wine $2 select daily $3 Well Drinks domestic bottle New Happy Menu - Nothing over $5 DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL Mon-Fri. 11:30 -2:30pm $2 off all Sandwiches $1 off all Entrees (Eat-in Only) BRUNCH - Sat. & Sun. 10 am-3 pm QUIZZO - Every Thursday 10 pm KARAOKE - Every Sunday 10 pm

MUSIC PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Melissa Ferrick ends writer’s block with new album By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com It’s been a while since out singer-songwriter Melissa Ferrick released a studio album. Five years, to be exact. But given her prolific 20 years of recording albums and many, many tours and performances, you can’t fault her for taking an artistic breather. Or, as she describes it, writer’s block. “I put out a covers record a couple of years ago to buy myself some time,” Ferrick explained. “I needed to keep working. Sometimes learning other people’s songs is a way to help get you out of a writer’s block or life block. It’s been five years since I’ve put out an original album.” That breather almost became permanent. Years of toiling away as a touring musician on both a major label and as an independent artist became such an undertaking that she almost gave up on making records all together. “After doing it completely on my own for 10 years ... first of all, about three years [ago] I started to have a writer’s thing,” she said. “I just was not writing anything. Nothing seemed inspiring. I had turned 37. I got offered a teaching gig at Berkley College in Boston. I really enjoyed that. I was at one of the places in my life where I thought maybe I’m not going to make records anymore. This is what the world is giving me and I’m enjoying it. I got into a pretty comfortable place. I kind of was over it. I was also sick of the financial stress of putting records out on my own. It’s not like my record label was a real functioning oiled machine of people. It was me. It was an enormous endeavor to do it for 10 years and that just took it all out of me. I couldn’t hold up the business end and I was in debt and I was sick of it. I wasn’t having fun anymore and I stopped.” Luckily for Ferrick and fans of her work, she found her way through her writer’s

block and got inspired to create a new record, “Still Right Here.” “Before my 39th birthday, I started writing again and I’m 40 now,” she said. “When I started writing, I started writing a lot and I started liking the songs. I started writing another record. What am I going to do? Do I just throw this against the wall again and ask all my friends to play for free and make it in my attic for next to no money and have it sound OK? I thought I should call Rachel Sage because she has a record label [MPress Records] and maybe she’ll help me put a record out. So I called her and it was that simple. I chose to go with a full-on record deal because, if I’m going to work with other people and accept help to function as an artist, I should go all-in.” Ferrick added that putting her new record out on a label instead of independently was necessary for her as an artist and the right move considering the state of the music industry. “It’s changed so much. My career has been completely backward. I started out on a major, went on an indie, put out records on my own and now I’m back on an indie. Maybe I’ll be back on a major in five years. I have no idea. I’ve been lucky enough to make a living without having a second job since 1998. The blueprint now is that there isn’t one. Three to five years ago, it was like you’re either on one of the two or three major labels that are left because you’re a mainstream pop, R&B or hip-hop act or you’re a completely indie artist and you play festivals and you’re putting out records on your own. Now I feel like it’s way more driven by singles. It seems to be a lot more interest in remixes and YouTube. It’s different.” “Still Right Here” — an exceptional collection of songs by the way — features appearances by Ani DiFranco and Kaki King. The album’s title song was inspired by a friend of Ferrick who had fallen on hard times, but the singer said the title

applies to her life as well. “That song I wrote last November while I was on tour with Ani,” she explained. “I let my best friend borrow my car to help her sister move and she got into a horrific accident and totaled my car. She walked away from the accident, miraculously. That’s how the song started because she’s been having a lot of troubles in her life. She was kind of losing everything in life, then she got into this terrible car accident and she survived it. The lyrics of the song take on some of my life, which always ends up happening,

and I ended up writing about myself: It’s the concept that I signed a record deal and the subtle fear of some of my fan base judging that or not thinking that I was worthy of their praise because I wasn’t going to do it all by myself anymore. I was a little concerned about that. The song to me represents a statement of, just because the logo on the outside of the record has changed doesn’t mean that I’ve changed in a negative way. The part of me that is indie and in control of my career is still here.”

When reflecting on the many artistic accomplishments that make up her career, Ferrick said the personal highlights are more about keeping herself going as a working musician than her moments in the spotlight on stage. “I immediately go to non-musical things, but continuing to work and produce material,” she said. “Sometimes I think I couldn’t possibly write another song or this is the best song I’m ever going to write and I’m not going to get any better. Being around Berkley lately for the last three years, teaching in the summers, has been very helpful. I sat in some poetry classes and was keeping myself a little bit of a student. It’s been really good for me. I think it’s more that I’m still inspired by music. I still go to shows and I’m moved. I hear new music and it moves me to tears. I still get the chills sometimes when I listen to music, and that went away for a little while for me when I wasn’t able to write. Those were difficult years. I felt kind of stagnant. “So I think I’m most proud of allowing myself to be in that place for the two years that it took and living with it and not sitting and getting ridiculously hard on myself, but then coming out of it and asking Empress to help me. Those are the things that I’m more proud of than the musical things like opening for k.d. lang. That was amazing but those things aren’t difficult things for me to do. I show up and I play. Those are things that I’ve been doing for so long that they come naturally to me. The things that don’t come naturally are letting myself off the hook or being a little bit easy on myself. I need to get better at that. I’m still really hard on myself with my personal life. And allowing people to help me has been the biggest bridge for me.” “Still Right Here” will be available Sept. 13. Melissa Ferrick performs at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, visit www.melissaferrick.com or call 215-222-1400. ■

• Cosmetic dentistry • Veneers • Crowns • Whitening • Implants

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

Craig T. Wakefield, DDS Proudly serving the LGBT community and PWA for over 20 years. Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 255 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19103 (215) 732-8080 Evening hours available.

COMMUNITY PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-8 p.m. MondayFriday; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; 215-898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981; 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: 12-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 12-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; 126 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning

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

Key numbers

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

■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 1800-662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBTLAW; legalservices@mazzonicenter. org ■ Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; 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)

Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 5091 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite D, Dover, Del.; 302-730-4425. BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Services 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; 215-3430406. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-724-1702. Central Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-0664. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, at 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-2429321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215-922-1128. Church of the Trinity Lutheran Reconciling in Christ Parish holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 2300 S. 18th St.; 215-334-6656. Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call 732-502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets 4 p.m. first and third Sundays of the month at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood; 973-509-0118. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com. Drexel Hill Baptist Church Nonjudgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 4400 State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356; www.dhbaptist. com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets 9:30 a.m. Sundays at New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-5452673; www.emmanuelnb.org. St. Paul Episcopal Church Welcoming and inclusive church holds services 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-688-1796; www.stpaullevittown.org.

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 12-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 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 and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn.org.

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840

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

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St..; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000.

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org.

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

Religion/Spirituality

available by appointment at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-5869077.

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, 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; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday except for 12-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for information about events, programs and membership; (215) 557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals

and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian group; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-626-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterianchurch.com. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215563-3980; www.firstuu-philly.org. The First United Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6001 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; 215-438-3077. www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-2482950. www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St.; 215-567-3668; www.lc-hc.org/drupal. Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays; 2006 Germantown Ave.; 215-765-1970; www. lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215-764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org. Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332; www.mluc.org. Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Affirming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender

identities holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org. Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator Holds services 10:45 a.m. Sundays at the Pride Center of New Jersey; mccctl.com. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020; www.mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church Open and affirming United Church worships 10 a.m. at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215-922-4566; www.oldfirstucc.org. Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-598-7601. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-3860234; www.philadelphiacathedral.org. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m. Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7260; cpmm@afsc.org. Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215-646-2597. Silverside Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; 302-478-5921; silversidechurch.org. St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal church holds services 9:15 a.m. Sundays, with a contemplative communion at 8 a.m., at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966; www. saintasaphs.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451; www. stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays fall through winter at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918; stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-566-1393; www. inclusivecatholics.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays; adult forum 9:30 a.m.; and evening prayer 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100; tabunited.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Interweave, a group for LGBT parishioners and allies, meets noon the first Sunday of the month; 610-566-4853; www.uucdc.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157; www.usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services 10:15 a.m. Interweave, a group of LGBT Unitarians and their allies, also meets at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-667-3618; uucch.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, Mt. Airy Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays September-June at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561; www. uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township; 609965-9400; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St.; 610-327-2662. www.uupottstown.org. United Christian Church Open, affirming and welcoming congregation holds services 10:15 a.m. Sundays at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 with discussion of religious alienation and struggles of faith; 215-387-2885; www.uniphila.org.

EWS

�

��

REALPGN ESTATE

Classifieds

Home of the Week

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. 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

Featured property:

Snowden Residences 1812 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA $395,000

Realtor: Karen Chin

Direct: (267) 238-1080

Website: www.phillyrealestateagents.com

Company: Coldwell Banker Preferred

Fax: (215) 558-1020

Email: kchin@cbpref.com

�SALE ��

Conrad Kuhn

PAGE 47

Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2009 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs

Ofﬁce: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Cell: 609.221.1196 www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com Washington Township Ofﬁce 5070 Route 42 Turnersville, NJ 08012

PGN Gay is our middle name.

REAL ESTATE

SALE

LANSDOWNE – GLADSTONE MANOR $209,500 Nice 3 Bd, 2 Ba Single, 1st Fl Fam Rm, LR, DR, Kit, Full Bath. Garage, Full Bsmt, H/W ﬂoors, Sec Sys, Newer Heater, AC, Windows, Roof. Close to train, restaurants, CC Phila. Marlene Pascal, Century 21 Alliance, mgp917@rcn.com 610-328-7660. _______________________________35-36 NEW YORK STATE Cozy Cabin on 5 Acres $19,995. Beautiful woodlands. Our best deal ever! Call 800-2297843 or visit www.landandcamps.com _______________________________35-36 FREE LIST Of hunting land bargains in West Virginia. 100 acres & up. Loaded with wildlife. Lots of timber. Great investment. www.timerbargains.com _______________________________35-36

ROOMMATES

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-39

WASHINGTON SQUARE Independence place, 19th ﬂ. Looking to share with prof. GM. 1 br, furn. condo. Cable, W/D, A/C, all utils. incl. Use of entire condo. Must be exceptionally clean, organized. 1 year lease. $900. No smoking/drugs.Call 267-519-0091. _______________________________35-36

4 Longford Street

REAL ESTATE

SALE

$295,000

��

� �

��

Rarely available... beautiful Mid-Century Modern home in historic Greenbelt Knoll offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, original architectural details including exposed wood ceilings and ﬂoor to ceiling windows. Nestled in a park-like setting this home has a huge rear deck cantilevering out over Pennypack Creek. Never to be developed! Easily accessible to I-95, Center City, and lower Bucks. Must see!! See full tour at http://www.ﬂoorplanonline.com/83524

��

�

Fabulous new condo conversions in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. Magniﬁcent ceiling and molding details. Deeded parking available. Low fees and taxes.

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

REAL ESTATE

RENT

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________35-39 $1250.00 COLLINGSWOOD, NJ A cute 2nd ﬂoor, newly renov. 2 BR, 1 BA apt. The location is one block from Haddon Ave., 2 1⁄2 blocks from Cooper River, 7 blocks from downtown and two minutes from the PATCO High-Speed Lines’s Ferry Station. Freshly painted, newly carpeted, with new kitchen cabinets, and garbage disposal. The main entrance opens to a kitchen which includes a stack washer/dryer full size), stove and refrigerator. There are 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, LR, DR, charming porch/balcony in a very quiet residential neighborhood. In addition, there is a very large attic for an amazing amount of storage. Rent will include: heat, and a newly installed alarm system. Call 609-226-4457 to make an appt. _______________________________35-36

VACATION

RENTAL OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com _______________________________35-36

AUTOS John Brown, Associate Broker www.phillypropertysource.com john.brown@prufoxroach.com

Main: 215-627-6005 Direct: 215-440-8173

AAAA** Donation. Donate Your Car, Boat, or Real Eastate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free Pikc-Up/Tow. Any Model/Condition. Help Under Privileged Children Outreach Center. 1-800-597-8311. _______________________________35-35

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

FOR SALE

SERVICES

SAWMILLS From only $3997-MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill-Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE info& DVD:www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N. _______________________________35-36 DIRECTV Summer Special! 1 Year Free Showtime! 3mos FREE HBO/Starz/Cinemax! NFL SUNDAY TICKET Free - Choice Ultimate/Premier - Pkgs from $29.99/mo. Call by 9/30! 1-800380-8939. _______________________________35-36

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715. _______________________________35-36 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 888-220-3984. www. CenturaOnline.com _______________________________35-36 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment School. 3 wk training program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. Start digging dirt Now! 866-362-6497. _______________________________35-36

WANTED TO

BUY

EUGENE’S TAILOR SHOP Custom Design & Tailoring for Men & Women Alterations Eugene Naroditsky Natalie Naroditsky

(215) 923 - 8081 Monday - Friday 10 - 6 Saturday 10 - 5

242 South 17th Street Philadelphia PA 19103 www.eugenestailorshop.com eugenestailorshop@gmail.com

BUYING COINS Gold, Silver & ALL Coins, Stamps, Paper Money, Entire Collections worth $5,000 or more. Travel to your home. CASH paid. Call Marc 1-800-488-4175. _______________________________35-36 Cash Paid For Diabetic Test Strips. Up To $10 Per Box. Most Brands. Call Tom Anytime toll-free 1-888-885-5097. _______________________________35-36

ADOPTION

ADOPTION UNIQUE ADOPTIONS Let us help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial assistance, housing relocation and more. Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us ﬁrst! 1-888-637-8200 24-hours hotline. _______________________________35-36 PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? FFTA is here to help. We offer counseling, financial assistance, and many different families/ options to consider. Please call Joy: 1-866-922-3678. www.foreverfamiliesthroughadoption.org _______________________________35-36

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED IN BUCKS AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES Give kids a brighter future.

Provide a temporary home & parenting to a school-aged child in need. Receive guidance, ﬁnancial support, & personal satisfaction. If you can help, call KidsPeace at

215-348-3400 or visit

www.fostercare.com

PETS

PGN

HELP WANTED

Breakfast Anyone? The Alexander Inn

seeks a local person for part-time to serve our breakfast buﬀet. Excellent position for a friendly mature person with knowledge of the city. Starts @ 6:30am to midday.

Call 215-923-3535 during daytime hours.

Alexander Inn

PGN’S

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

resOURce COMMUNITY

MARKETPLACE

Hotel desk clerk for full or part time. Must have prior hotel experience with references. Good salary plus bonus pkg. Apply in person or call days.

Call John 215-923-3535 Let’s Talk! WANTED MALE HOUSEKEEPER UPPER BUCKS Well to do Gentleman Farmer seeking live in male housekeeper. Room & board provided + salary. Must like animals & rural life. Serious job opportunity, serious inquires only. Email references, resume, & picture to: peter37@verizon.net _______________________________35-36 HOUSEKEEPER/DRIVER WANTED Live-in Housekeeper and Driver position available in center Atlantic City. Flexible Hours, $10,400 a year, Studio Apartment included. References, a valid driver’s License and good driving record required. Contact jjs@1616pr.com _______________________________35-36 Drivers- No Experience ~No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Beneﬁts. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to $.49 per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED 800-326-2778 www. JoinCRST.com _______________________________35-36 Attn: Exp. Flatbed, Reefer & Tanker Drivers: GREAT PAY. Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com _______________________________35-36 Driver-CDL-A: Experienced OTR Drivers. Regional Lanes. HOME MOST WEEKENDS! Up to $3000 BONUS. Up to $.50 Per Mile. 888-463-3962. 6mo.OTR exp. & CDL Req’d. www.usatruck.jobs _______________________________35-36 Top Pay On Excellent Runs! Marten Just Raised Pay/Rates! Regional Runs, Steady Miles, Frequent Hometime, New Equipment. CDL-A, 6mo. Experience required. EEOE/AAP 866-322-4039 www.Drive4Marten.com _______________________________35-36 Looking for Miles? We’ve Got ‘Em! Great Runs With Great Equipment. Competitive Pay & Beneﬁts. Van & Flatbed Divisions. $500 Sign-On for Flatbed. CDL-A,6mo.OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-36 Need CDL Drivers A or B with 2-yrs recent OTR commercial experience to transfer tractors, straight trucks, motor homes, buses, etc. 1-888-380-7583 M-F 8-5 www.mamotransportation.com _______________________________35-36 DRIVERS $7500 Sign-On Teams, 51.3 per mile. $2000 Sign-On Driver, 43.7 Per Mile. CDL-A HazMat. 1-877-628-3748; www.driveNCTrans.com _______________________________35-36

Listings for everything you need. Click on the resource button on the home page to start shopping today!

only on epgn.com

PGN

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. _______________________________35-39 Inexperienced WM ISO WM that would like to receive oral pleasure. Call Bill at 856761-7616. _______________________________35-36 I’m looking for a big, hefty, chunky WM, 2150. I’m a WM, 6’1”, 210, 61. 215-732-2108 8-11 PM. _______________________________35-36 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________35-37

MASSAGE

Deep Tissue, Sensual and Erotic Massage

MASSAGE

Ask about the After Midnight Special.

Call Mario anytime 24/7 at 215-490-7353 B24

FRIENDS

MEN

Handsome Certified Therapist

Tall, attractive, muscular Sensual/Erotic Massage I will tailor your massage to suit your needs...

Incall/Outcall

G12

I am just off of I-95, not far from Center City, Lower Bucks, and South Jersey. I specialize in Outcalls to Phila area Hotels.

Call 215-432-6030

FRIENDS

MEN

��

6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

215-313-1010 MEN

��

PGN

CERTIFIED

MASSAGE

by handsome athletic man

�� MEN

Man for Man Massage

��

FRIENDS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

��

MEN

��

Support the advertisers who support our community.

B-7

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 9-15, 2011

PGN