PGN Sept. 20-26, 2013 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Funny in all the right places

Family Portrait: Nicole López talks Pride and prejudice

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Mayor Nutter sounds off on marrying same-sex couples PAGE 11

Sept. 20-26, 2013

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Vol. 37 No. 38

Gay cop sues city for harassment

The 15-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department alleges an anti-LGBT environment that puts gay officers at an “increased risk of harm.” He is seeking $50,000 in damages. By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

New Latino Pride event launches By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

It has been three years since Philadelphia has seen an official LGBT Latino Pride event but, later this month, Raices Latin@ Pride will host “Orgullo” to celebrate the queer Latino community. The 11 founders of Raices, a collective, were motivated to relaunch a Latino Pride after the event that ran from 2008-10 was discontinued due to a lack of funding. “Philly Black Gay Pride started out really small and they hoped to provide some voice to that community, so when the Latino Gay Pride event didn’t happen due to lack of resources, we decided that we got tired of just talking about the idea and wanted to know how we can initiate something to provide us a voice and presence in the committee,” Raices member Louis Ortiz said. PAGE 8

GROWING IN THE GARDEN STATE: About 300 supporters turned out for the sixth annual Southern New Jersey LGBTQA Pride’s Rock the Rainbow Pride Celebration Sept. 15 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Monica Beverly Hillz performed at the picnic, which also included an array of vendors, food and live entertainment. Organizer DeAnn Cox said the turnout was the event’s biggest yet, and marked the first year at its new location and the first with a headlining act. Cox said the group got a “warm welcome” from the Camden County Parks Department Ambassadors. The festival was the culmination of a week of events that included social outings, workshops and discussions. Photo: Freedom G Photography

Sims to introduce bill to ban conversion therapy By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

MontCo marriage case heads to state Supreme Court By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Marriage equality was short-lived in Montgomery County, as a state judge last week halted the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in the state’s third-largest county. But the county confirmed this week that it will appeal the decision — and will press the court to issue an opinion on the constitutionality of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. Commonwealth Judge Dan Pellegrini last Thursday ordered MontCo Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes to immediately

Entertainment, nightlife, people, community, food & drink

This past spring, state Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Eighth Dist.) introduced a bill that would ban conversion therapy for minors. This fall, Rep. Brian Sims (D-182nd PAGE 17 Dist.) has plans to do the

halt the practice, which Hanes began in July. Hanes had contended that the ban is unconstitutional but, after a suit by the state Department of Health, Pellegrini found last week that Hanes did not have the authority to make such a decision. Hanes told PGN on Tuesday that the �� county will appeal the ruling. Once the county files a notice of appeal, which county solicitor Ray McGarry said would likely happen this week, the case will be transferred to the state Supreme Court, which McGarry said will involve some administrative processes before a judge releases a briefPAGE 20

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STATE SEN. ANTHONY WILLIAMS (FROM LEFT), REP. BRIAN SIMS, ED COFFIN AND MONIQUE WALKER AT A SEPT. 17 PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE ATTIC YOUTH CENTER Photo: Angela Thomas

2013

LEGAL LANDSCAPE AT 40: About 100 supporters of Lambda Legal turned out for an anniversary celebration marking the agency’s 40 years in operation. The event, held Sept. 12 at PNC Bank, raised more than $45,000 for the organization, which fights for LGBT equality across the country. The event included remarks by Lambda Legal deputy legal director Hayley Gorenberg, as well as locals such as Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia president Angela Giampolo. Former Congressman Patrick Murphy also made an appearance. Photo: Scott A. Drake

N. Melville Jones, an openly gay Philadelphia police officer, is suing the city for alleged workplace discrimination and harassment due to his sexual orientation. Jones, 44, a 15-year veteran, filed suit Sept. 17 in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. The lawsuit contends that within the Philadelphia Police Department, “police officers known to be gay are subject to harassment, held in low esteem and are at an increased risk of harm.” In May 2009, Daniel Castro, a former highranking police official, began harassing Jones after observing him leave an LGBT-oriented PAGE 9 bar, Jones alleges in the

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Ballot on page 28 or go to epgn.com and click the link

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

asking for his lesser convictions to be vacated. “We’ll try him again for first-degree murder, and seek the death penalty, as we did with Richard Laird,” Henry told PGN. Attorneys for Chester had no comment for this story. Chester, 44, remains on death row at the state prison in Graterford. Laird, 50, remains on death row at the state prison in Franklin Township.

News Briefing Milano’s killer presses quest for freedom Frank R. Chester, who participated in the grisly slashing death of gay artist Anthony Milano in 1987, continues to seek his freedom by contending that his joint trial with Richard R. Laird was unconstitutional. In 1988, a Bucks County jury found both men guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced them to death. But in 2001, U.S. District Judge Jan E. DuBois vacated Laird’s first-degree murder conviction, citing faulty jury instructions. Ten years later, U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones 2d vacated Chester’s first-degree murder conviction, citing the same faulty jury instructions. In 2006, prosecutors re-tried Laird for first-degree murder, and a Bucks County jury re-sentenced him to death. Chester, however, wants Jones to vacate his lesser convictions, including seconddegree murder and kidnapping. If Jones vacates those convictions, the possibility exists that Chester will be released from prison. In an Aug. 30 motion, attorneys for Chester said his joint trial with Laird was unconstitutional because it allowed the jury to hear accusations by Laird that Chester was Milano’s murderer. Jones hadn’t ruled on the motion at presstime. This week, Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney Michelle A. Henry said the office will re-try Chester for first-degree murder, even if he stops ��

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Officer continues appeal Officer Michael A. Paige, who allegedly sexually assaulted a man while on duty, plans to appeal an unfavorable jury verdict stemming from the 2007 incident, according to court records. During the pre-dawn hours of March 16, 2007, Paige allegedly forced James Harris to perform oral sex on him inside Paige’s cruiser at a secluded area of Fairmount Park. In June 2012, a federal jury found Paige liable for $165,000 in damages, due to his alleged assault of Harris. But the money hasn’t been paid to Harris, and Paige maintains his innocence, citing a 2008 judicial ruling clearing him of any criminal wrongdoing. In a Sept. 11 letter to U.S. District Judge Robert F. Kelly, attorneys for Paige asked the judge to vacate the jury verdict. If Kelly refuses to do that, Paige plans to appeal to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, according to the letter. Neither side had any comment for this story. — Timothy Cwiek

Lecture on AIDS denial The Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking will sponsor a free lecture on the problem of HIV/AIDS denial

in South Africa. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Community College of Philadelphia’s Business & Industry Center, 1751 Callowhill St. Nicoli Nattrass, director of the AIDS and Society Research Unit at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, will talk about her new book, “The AIDS Conspiracy: Science Fights Back.” For more information, visit www. phact.org.

Liberty City hosts candidate night Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club will host its Fall Candidates Night from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 26 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Speakers include incumbent City Controller candidate Alan Butkovitz. There will also be a facilitated panel workshop and discussion for LGBTs interested in running for city committeeperson positions. RSVP on Liberty City’s Facebook page. Free beer and pizza will be included in the session. For more information, visit www.libertycity.org.

Rally for LGBT equality Join LGBT community organizers and organizations in a rally promoting equality for LGBT citizens. Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania, Marriage Equality USA and the Delaware Valley chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will host a Rally for LGBT Equality from noon-3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Logan Circle, 18th Street and the Parkway. The event will include discussions on marriage equality, federal and statewide nondiscrimination laws and efforts to engage youth in the equality movement.

The rally will take place adjacent to College Day on the Parkway. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/153017274897172/.

Church hosts panel on DOMA ruling After the June ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, many local LGBTs have questions on the ruling’s implications for Pennsylvanians. The Glenside United Church of Christ, 2160 Wharton Road, will host a panel for community members to learn more about the local impact of the decision at 2 p.m. Sept. 29. Panelists include state Reps. Brian Sims and Steve McCarter, LGBT family-law attorney Tiffany Palmer and Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes. Temple Law associate professor Sara Jacobson will moderate. Guests are encouraged to come with plenty of questions or send in questions to paquestionsondoma@gmail.com. Childcare is available by reservation only. To reserve childcare, call 267-304-6244.

Art-Reach celebrates 27 years with festival Art-Reach, a nonprofit dedicated to making art more accessible to people with disabilities, economic disadvantages and other adversities, will host its annual Art-Reach Fall Festival from noon-4 p.m. Sept. 29. The festival will be on the grounds of Ridgeland Mansion in West Fairmount Park and will include live entertainment and food. All proceeds from the festival will go toward Art-Reach programs. For more information, visit www.artreach.org. ■ — Angela Thomas

locations in Pa. outside of Philadelphia

Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • MCCLV, 930 N. Fourth St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethel • Adult World, 341 Midway Road • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 Lancaster Ave. • TLA Video, 761 Lancaster Ave. • Chester • Harrah’s Chester Casino, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Widener University, 1 University Place • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Devon • Devon Station, Devon State Road & Lancaster Pike • Doylestown • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. • Gibson • Hillside Campground, 1 Creek Road • Glen Mills • Imago Dei MCC, 1223 Middletown Road • Glenside • Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Harrisburg • 704 Strawberry Café, 704 N. Third St. • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • Liquid 891, 891 Eisenhower Blvd. • Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Kutztown • Kutztown University, 15200 Main St. • Lancaster • Downtown Books, 227 N. Prince St. • Sundown Lounge, 429 N. Mulberry St. • Tally Ho Tavern, 201 W. Orange St. • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • Lehighton • Woods Campground, 845 Vaughn Acres Road • Levittown • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Malvern • Malvern Station, King St. & Warren Ave. • Media • Unitarian Universalist Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road • The Media Theater, 104 E. State St. • LGBT Alliance Group, Delaware Co. Campus, Penn State Univ., 901 Media Line Road • Moosic • 12 Penny Saloon, 3501 Birney Ave. • Narberth • Narberth Station, Haverford & Narberth avenues • New Hope • Café Europa, 11 Market Place • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • Havana, 105 S. Main St. • John & Peters, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St. • Havana Bar & Grill, 105 S. Main St. • The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Sandbar, 90 S. Main St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wildﬂowers, 8 W. Mechanic St. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Plains Township • Twist Bar, Fox Ridge Plaza, Rte. 315 • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berls Aid Network, 429 Walnut St. • Reading Adult Center, 316 Penn St. • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Spring Grove • Atland’s Ranch, RR6, Box 6543 • Swarthmore • Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Parrish Hall • Temple • Naughty But Nice, 4502 N. Fifth St. • Upper Darby • Honor Box, 69th Street Station • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Warminster • Darkanyu, Bux Mont Unitarian Church, Street Road at Rt. 611 • Planned Parenthood of Bucks Co., 610 Louis Dr. • Wayne • Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave. • Stafford Station, Old Eagle School & Crestline roads • Wayne Station, N. Wayne & West Ave. • West Chester • Chester County Books, 975 Paoli Pike • Williamsport • Peachies, 144 E. Fourth St. • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads •

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

ELECTRIC P E T S H O P B OY S LIVE

FROM PHILLY TO WALL STREET: About 60 protestors from ACT UP Philadelphia and Health Global Access Project demonstrated outside Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz’s Northeast Philadelphia office Tuesday, pressing for better state and federal HIV/AIDS policies and funding. The protestors called on Schwartz to lend her support to the proposed “Robin Hood” tax that would tax some Wall Street transactions to, in part, generate revenue for HIV/AIDS causes. The demonstrators also thanked Schwartz for her work to press Gov. Tom Corbett to allow Medicaid expansion. The group then headed to New York City to mark the second anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Photo: Paul Davis

SEPT 22 MannCenter.org��

@MannCenter

NEWS

Gettin’ On Local News Briefing Paw Prints

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Contents

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EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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

10 10 11 11 11

Which is better: Miss America or Miss’d America? Poll results from our online survey as of Sept. 18:

57% Miss’d America 43% Miss America Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

Would you want to be married by a mayor?

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

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

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

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

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

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New trans award among honors bestowed by OutFest By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com With OutFest less than a month away, Philly Pride Presents organizers have been hard at work on the final details for the LGBT celebration, including annual honors for local community leaders, advocates and organizations. The Oct. 13 event will include a new award, the OutProud Transgender Award, which will be presented to LGBT advocate Jaci Adams. Adams, 55, will be the first person to receive the award, and it will be named the Jaci Adams OutProud Award in the future, said Philly Pride Presents executive director Franny Price. “The award will go to a transgender person who has been open and out with being a trans person and activist for the community,” Price said. “The truth is there is a lot of trans people out there that are our allies and sometimes some of the activism they do gets overlooked. We thought that one of the special awards should go towards what Jaci has done. There is so much that this woman does

beyond just being Jaci.” Adams was instrumental in founding The Morris Home, and has long advocated for health issues impacting the trans community. She is also an active and longtime member of the LGBT Police Liaison Committee. The Gilbert Baker National OutProud Award will go to out Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims, while the OutProud Friend Award will be presented to Montgomery County Register of Wills Bruce Hanes, Esq. Hanes, 66, earlier this summer began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. He was sued by the state for his actions and was ordered by a judge last week to stop. “This guy has taken lot of slack for us,” Price said. “I think it is important for us to support our allies. We know what we experience from homophobia and not having rights, but they go through it too for us.” Hanes, who will be present at this year’s event, said he was pleased when he found out about the award. “They wouldn’t even have to

give me an award,” he said. “All they’d have to do is point at me and say, ‘That’s our out, proud friend.’” The OutProud Group Award will go to the City of Brotherly Love Softball League, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and to LGBT Catholic organization Dignity Philadelphia, celebrating its 40th year. “They are two groups who have always been out and proud in our community,” Price said. “With CBLSL being 30 and Dignity being 40, that is a lot of time to be in existence in this community.” CBLSL commissioner Bob Lenahan said the league was “extremely honored” for the recognition. The league tables at OutFest and Pride and its members volunteer at both events, and Lenahan said Philly Pride Presents has long been supportive of the league. “To receive this award from such an amazing organization that we deeply respect is not only an honor but a privilege,” he said. “The league wants to thank Franny and her staff not only for the award but for all of the hours

of hard work they put in throughout the year to organize these great events for our community.” Dignity Philadelphia president Mike Viola said the award will make the organization’s anniversary year even more special. “So many people during the past 40 years have found a spiritual home and a faith community in Dignity Philadelphia,” Viola said. “We are touched and honored to be recognized for our 40 years of service to the community.” The Outstanding Youth Award will be presented to The Attic Youth Center member Daniel Callahan, a senior at Northeast High School. The 17-year-old has been a key figure in the center’s Safe Schools Tool Kit. “He was really instrumental in putting that together within his own school and being a true educator on LGBTQ issues,” said Carrie Jacobs, executive director of The Attic. “He has been a leader at The Attic and in his own school community. He is incredibly motivated and motivates other youth.” Philadelphia Family Pride community coordinator Stephanie

Haynes, 43, along with her partner, Vicky Kresge, 44, who works at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, and their 7-year-old twins, Jove and Griffin, are the recipients of this year’s OutProud Family Award. Haynes said she’s eager to have her kids experience OutFest in this new way this year. “We love the diversity and visibility of the LGBT community in Philly, and especially West Philly where we live,” she said. “All of the various L, G, B and T communities come together at OutFest. Taking over the streets of the Gayborhood is a powerful feeling that never gets old, and is a great place to bring kids.” Price said she is inspired by all of this year’s awardees. “I always admire people that go beyond their job. It is so important in our community. I always want to acknowledge people who, after work, continue to work for the community. They are the ones that are genuine.” Outfest will be held from noon6 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Gayborhood. For more information, visit www. phillypride.org. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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HAPPY 30TH: The City of Brotherly Love Softball League (left) and the Philadelphia Frontrunners both marked their 30th anniversaries last weekend. The softball league held its end-of-season banquet Sept. 13, this year at the Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park. Several-hundred softballers and supporters turned out for the event, including league and division leaders (pictured), such as men’s competitive division commissioner Seth Kaufer (back row, from right), league commissioner Bob Lenahan, co-ed division commissioner Sean Joyce (front row, from right) and women’s division commissioner Jen Brown. The following morning, several-dozen Frontrunners from Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.C., gathered at the Independence Visitor Center to kick off the 30th-anniversary version of its annual Fun Run. The 5K run took participants across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and back into the city where, at night, the group and supporters gathered for an anniversary dinner at William Way LGBT Community Center. Photos: Patrick Hagerty

Do you have what it takes to be called the best?

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SENIORS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Elder group offers free legal clinic for seniors By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The LGBT Elder Initiative will stage a legal clinic to teach local seniors the importance of preparing end-of-life documents — and guests can have those complex, often costly documents prepared free of charge. The event begins at 11 a.m. Sept. 28 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. It follows the format of LGBTEI’s first legal clinic last fall, with a workshop detailing legal documents that can protect elders, especially those in the LGBT community. Then, participants can meet one on one with local attorneys who will help them draw up documents ranging from wills to powers of attorney. LGBTEI chair Heshie Zinman said more than 50 seniors attended the inaugural clinic, and the day ended with more than 225 completed documents. Zinman noted the document preparation is geared towards people with simple lifeplanning needs, but that LGBT people of all situations can benefit from the hands-on lessons. “For folks who have complex estateplanning needs, this might not be the best

workshop for them, although everyone is certainly welcome and we will have referrals to any number of attorneys who do complex estates,” Zinman said. “But this is geared toward folks with simple needs, whether they’re single, partnered, married. They’ll all find something here.” Between attorney billing hours and other fees, the preparation of life-planning documents typically runs hundreds of dollars, Zinman said. The attorneys, who are all donating their time, hail from a number of local firms, and the event is being underwritten by PNC Bank. Zinman noted that it is especially important for LGBT people to make sure their interests are protected, regardless of evolving legal landscapes. “People want to have control over these types of medical and financial decisionmaking and powers of attorney,” Zinman said. “I think all too often we think that we’re never going to need a will or a power of attorney, but I personally want to make sure my wishes are respected and considered. It’s good to have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed.” Lunch will be provided at the event, and registration is required. To register, email info@lgbtei.org or call 267-546-3448. ■

Widener hosts event on LGBT aging By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The Sexuality and Aging Consortium at Widener University will host its third annual conference and, this time, it will largely focus on issues of LGBT older adults. “Helping to Navigate Challenges in Sexuality & Aging” will be held Sept. 2728, with a wealth of LGBT programming both days, geared toward service providers who work with LGBT aging populations. Conference co-chair Melanie Davis said the consortium has always focused on topics regarding sexuality and older adults, but said it was time to highlight the LGBT community. “It was time to look at the topic and help professionals be made aware of the issues and the need to advocate,” she said. Davis, along with co-chair Robin Goldberg-Glen, started working on the conference last fall. “We’ve been working hard to get this off the ground and get all speakers together because there aren’t many conferences focused on sexuality and aging, and it is important that we do it right,” she said. Workshop and discussions will focus on such topics as grief support for LGBTs, navigating the health-care system for LGBT patients, the impact of sexual identity and HIV status on older adults, building LGBT aging programs nationally and efforts to

advance policy initiatives for LGBT older adults. Speakers include Philadelphia Gay News publisher Mark Segal, William Way LGBT Community Center senior programs coordinator Ed Miller, Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly executive director Diane Menio, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders senior director Catherine Thurston and AIDS Community Research Initiative of America director for research and evaluation Mark Brennan-Ing. The event will also feature a screening of “Gen Silent,” along with a talkback session with film producer and director Stu Maddux. Organizers are expecting about 100 people, ranging from students to service providers to community leaders. Davis said the conference will be a unique experience for those interested in the subject. “We want as many people as possible because we have put together a stellar collection of presenters,” she said. “We hope there will be plenty of learning on how to be an advocate when they are working with older clients and hopefully challenging their own stereotypes and assumptions.” Tickets range from $25-$160, with discounts for students and groups. For more information, visit http://saconsortium.eventbrite.com or email saconsortium@widener. edu. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

LOCAL PGN

Local musician celebrates 10 years of fundraising By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A local jazz vocalist has for 10 years used her talent to raise awareness and money for one of Philadelphia’s oldest safe havens for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Mary Ellen Desmond, who has been performing as a jazz vocalist for 20 years in Philadelphia, created the “Comfort & Joy Holiday Jazz Concert” at the Church of St. Luke & The Epiphany in 2004 to raise funds for St. Luke’s Hospitality Center, which ministers to people affected by HIV/AIDS. This year, Desmond will celebrate the 10th year of the concert with a CD to complement the event and continue to raise money for the Hospitality Center. Desmond, a longtime parishioner of St. Luke’s, said the Hospitality Center is largely sustained through community donations, and she conceived of the concert as a way to give back for all of the ministry’s work. “It was a Thanksgiving Day service and I was sitting there thinking about and reflecting on what was going on in the world and what a great space the chapel offers for performances and thinking about who I could help out, and my thoughts went to the Hospitality Center,” she said. “I lost many friends to the disease. The center is sustained by contributions, and they don’t get much in financial help.” The event, which typically brings in up to 100 guests, is a one-hour concert that feaPRIDE from page 1

The new two-part event will kick off at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 with La Palabra at the Mascher Space Co-op, 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave., an art-focused event with a special emphasis on Latina women. “We wanted to recognize that there are these amazing queer Latina women in Philly who continue to do amazing work,” explained Raices member Nikki López. “It will be a great day to network and dialogue with other LGBT Latinos in the city.” The night event will take place from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Sean Thornton’s Public House, 2401 E. Allegheny Ave., in correlation with The V Lounge. The party will be hosted by The Goddess Isis and will feature Miss Gay Philadelphia Pride Cyannie Famouz and popsinger JNathan. The cover will be $5 for the event. “We wanted to create a balance between art and celebration because we are a celebratory community and it is where folks can celebrate and dance together and have a great time,” Ortiz said. López said the event is supported by local

tures various jazz treatments of familiar holiday songs and seasonal songs. Desmond said she tries to keep things fresh every year. “I try and mix it up and include some tunes that are a little spiritual and some that are familiar,” she said. Desmond said supporters have been pushing her to record a holiday CD for several years, and she is taking that opportunity this year. The CD, “Comfort & Joy,” will include an array of holiday and seasonal selections by Desmond and accompanying musicians. To promote interest in the effort and fundraise for recording costs, Desmond signed up for an Indiegogo account with the goal of raising $20,000 to cover costs. So far, Desmond has raised $5,826 for the CD and has until Sept. 30 to reach her goal. “My goal is $20,000 and the reason I set it that high is if I make $10,000, that will help me cover some of the cost and the Hospitality Center gets 10 percent of what is raised on that site,” she said. The Hospitality Center was created in 1989 to provide a supportive environment for the HIV/AIDS community. The center offers an array of programs for people affected by the disease and also rents space to HIV/AIDS organizations. Desmond said the organization’s work has been invaluable to the community. “They offer spiritual support and support for newly diagnosed. There is a men’s group that meets every Monday for luncheon and it is very powerful. They even work with other social workers and hospital workers, so they go beyond the St. Luke’s community.” For more information on Desmond’s CD fundraiser, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/mary-ellen-desmond-comfort-joy-cd. This year’s concert will be held Dec. 15. ■ organizations and nightclubs. “The event itself is being run by the collective of Raices Pride as of right now. GALAEI will provide a few workshops for the day event and The V Lounge, which is a weekly party that is run by one of our members, will host the night event. Other than that, it is a homegrown, grassroots project.” Ortiz said that aspect is integral. “I think it’s important that while different clubs have Latin night, these two events are organized by community members for community members,” he said. “It is a time for our community and for allies to get a real sense of what our culture is like around art and expression and around celebrating each other and providing a voice and visibility.” López said the event would highlight the “vibrant queer Latino community.” “A lot of our community members get into the larger LGBT movement and get whitewashed away and we forget that there are folks who have been out and who have been a part of the community for a long time.” For more information on “Orgullo,” visit http://raiceslatinopride.com. ■

PGN NEWS LAWSUIT from page 1

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suit. At the time, Jones was on medical leave for torn ligaments in his hand, and Castro allegedly began pressuring him to return to work directly under his command. Castro wanted Jones to become “an inside confidante to accommodate Castro’s questionable activities,” the lawsuit maintains. Jones declined the offer because Castro had a reputation of pressuring subordinates to “doctor” police reports, according to the suit. Castro is no longer employed by the city. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion in an unrelated matter, and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. In June 2009, Jones returned to work in an “operations room,” where police reports are handled. But within days, the officer said, Castro had Jones transferred to street patrol. The suit contends that, after Jones attempted to lodge an internal antibias complaint, he was assigned to an undesired “graveyard shift” and several colleagues began treating him negatively, which he attributed to anti-LGBT animosity encouraged by Castro. In January 2010, while Jones was out on sick leave, Castro circulated a staff memo that identified Jones as “Mel Jones Cums,” according to the lawsuit. Jones filed two complaints with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, alleging employment discrimination and retaliation due to Jones’ race (African-American), sex and sexual orientation. But those omplaints were dismissed as unsubstantiated, the suit said. Gerald J. Pomerantz, an attorney for Jones, said the officer is seeking in excess of $50,000 in compensatory and punitive damages and will request a jury trial. Jones was unavailable for comment due to the pending litigation, his attorney said. “My client has held up very well under the circumstances,” Pomerantz told PGN. “He’s hoping this lawsuit will bring about better treatment and understanding for LGBT officers within the police department.” Police spokesperson Lt. John Stanford, said the “department treats all members equally and fairly regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. One’s sexual orientation has no bearing on their ability to be a police officer. Therefore, the department would not condone or tolerate anyone treating someone (officer or civilian) unfairly. And this is the first time I’m hearing of any incident that would suggest that someone on this job was treated differently.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Ray Rooney, Jr.

Editorial

Reality of compromise Republican Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett took a seeming step toward Medicaid expansion that advocates for the un- and underinsured have long been pressing for — but his support is not guaranteed. As part of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, states have the option to expand who is eligible for Medicaid, a federal program that provides health insurance to low-income Americans, and is often utilized by the elderly, disabled and people with illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. The federal law allows for states to expand eligibility for those who are making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty law, and Corbett has long resisted such a blanket expansion, instead offering alternatives that for the first time this week he delineated. The only way that Pennsylvania would participate in the expansion, Corbett decreed, is if Medicaid clients pay a monthly premium of up to $25, working-age enrollees show proof that they are working or seeking employment and, instead of using the new federal money to support Medicaid, the dollars would instead be used to purchase private insurance plans for newly eligible Pennsylvanians. Corbett’s plan, dubbed “Healthy Pennsylvania,” is a welcome step toward the possibility of getting more than 500,000 low-income Pennsylvanians insured. However, it comes with the caveat that, unless the federal government approves Corbett’s demands, that goal is out of reach. If compromise is to happen, all parties need to be prepared for give and take. If some, but not all, components of Corbett’s plan gain approval, that should not mean a deathknell for progress. When the health of a half-million Pennsylvanians could be helped or hindered by this plan, it is critical that partisan politics stay out of the discussion. Compromise can be a tricky pursuit, and requires a delicate balance of sacrifice and success, with no room for personal, or political, egos. While Corbett’s plan has glaring flaws, that a plan at all is being formulated by a governor with a track record of immobility should be cautiously celebrated. And, if the governor is actually committed to supporting the health of our state’s citizens, he needs to also turn his attention to the General Assistance funding that he slashed — which was a vital source of income for low-income Pennsylvanians, including many HIV/AIDS patients. Recognizing the plight of the homeless populations in the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities, as well as the specialized health issues facing these communities’ youth and seniors, would also be long-overdue steps toward a healthier Pennsylvania. ■

When it comes to heterosexuals and homosexuals, there is a glaringly obvious difference between the two. And, no, it isn’t that gay men are far more likely to do drag than straight men or that lesbians tend to populate drumming circles more than straight women. Nope, the answer is relationships. You see, heterosexuals form relationships with people. And homosexuals just have sex with them. This explains why, when you go to a heterosexual couple’s home, there are frequently photos hung on the wall of the husband and wife, perhaps at their wedding, or maybe a casual snapshot of the two embracing. However, if you go to a homosexual couple’s house you’ll see that, yes, they also have photos hung on the wall, but unlike the happy vacation photos their opposite-sex counterparts display, gays and lesbians only hang photos of genitalia on their walls. Dick pics and beaver shots plaster every available inch of wall space. Because gays and lesbians don’t “love” other people, they just fuck them. And then snap a photo of their crotch suitable for framing. Of course, few people outside of the homosexual coven know this closely guarded secret. And it may well have stayed hidden forever if it weren’t for the bravery of intrepid American Family Association blogger Ray Rooney, Jr. On Sept. 6, the AFA website published a blog post by Rooney titled, “The Real Problem with Homosexuality,” in which he tore the veil off this sordid subject. “What I find perverse about homosexuality is the insistence from the gay community that I should know about their sexual proclivities,” Rooney wrote. “I would find it troubling, if not disgusting, for anyone to talk publicly about what kind of sex they like to practice. Normal people do not want to broadcast to the world the details of their sex lives. There is something wrong with those who want complete strangers to know who they like to have sex with.” In other words, homosexuals are icky because they won’t stop it with the sex talk

already. It’s as if poor Rooney is trapped in a gay episode of “Taxi Cab Confessions.” Keep in mind, Rooney’s criteria for sexual disclose does not apply to oppositesex couples. A man can hold hands with a woman or display her photo and the child they created together on his desk at the office and no one accuses him of shoving his “sexual proclivities” down their throats. But if you dare be public about your sexual orientation, then you are perverse, abnormal, disgusting and have something wrong with you, according to Rooney. “I believe homosexuality is wrong,” Rooney continues. “But even though I believe I have good reasons for opposing homosexuality as a normative lifestyle based on science, medicine, and faith, that is not why I strongly oppose it. I believe anyone who insists everyone know what they do in their bedroom and with whom is perverse. Normal people do not define themselves solely on the basis of who they are sexually attracted to.” First of all, Rooney does not have real, actual science or medicine to back him up. But facts and the AFA have never really cared much for each other, so that’s to be expected. Secondly, the idea that “normal” people aren’t defined “solely on the basis of whom they are sexually attracted to” is an interesting claim considering how strongly Rooney defends “traditional” (aka “one penis/one vagina”) marriage. Under his own definition, he is flaunting his sexuality and is therefore a pervert. Conveniently, Rooney ignores his argument’s flawed logic, choosing instead to demonize gays and lesbians by reducing their relationships to some kind of perverted animal instinct. He does not see gays as human and so sees no reason to afford them some humanity. There is definitely something wrong with him. ■

“What I find perverse about homosexuality is the insistence from the gay community that I should know about their sexual proclivities.”

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

Correction

We want to know!

In “A.C. drag show cancelled” in the Sept. 13-19 edition, PGN incorrectly noted that “Divas Do A.C.” was sold out nightly. We regret this error.

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

OP-ED PGN

The great license debate To accompany the op-ed piece from only lawyers win. Mayor Michael Nutter, I feel comHe’s somewhat correct. A judge pelled to report on my recent call with last week ruled against Hanes, and the the city’s Register of Wills county is now appealing. In Ron Donatucci, whose office fact, all the cases taking place issues marriage licenses in now in an overwhelming number of states that do not Philadelphia County. allow marriage equality mean After my repeated calls for him to issue licenses to there’s are a mountain of cases heading to state and appelsame-sex couples, such as was recently done by Montgomery late courts. The U.S. Supreme County Register of Wills D. Court will eventually have to Bruce Hanes, we have been rule on a national policy of in contact. Donatucci is a marriage equality. supporter of marriage equalPennsylvania already has ity and stated to me that he several cases lined up. looks forward to the day he Donatucci’s point is, why can issue licenses to samewaste taxpayer money to make a point that is already being sex couples. But, he said, it is his job not to challenge the Mark Segal made? ■ law, but to stay in its scope. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is That scope is given to him the nation’s most-award-winning comby the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He said mentator in LGBT media. He can be that, if he does not follow those set laws, reached at mark@epgn.com. his office, and your tax dollars, will be used to fight a battle in the courts, where

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

Mayor Michael Nutter

Marriage matters Pennsylvania is now at the center of the state-by-state struggle for marriage equality in the United States. As the historic U.S. Supreme Court cases on DOMA and marriage equality in California were being decided this spring, the American Civil Liberties Union identified Pennsylvania as a key state because we are the only one in the Northeast that does not have marriage equality or recognize marriages performed in other states. After the Supreme Court rulings, the ACLU filed a case to overturn Pennsylvania’s same-sex marriage ban. Following the ACLU filing, Montgomery County began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. With this vital issue squarely in the public arena, I want to share what the City of Philadelphia is doing to advance marriage equality, including the national work with which I am involved on behalf of same-sex couples. Recently, I was asked to perform a wedding ceremony for a couple who had received a Montgomery County marriage license. While I very much want to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies, I declined — for now. I’ve received significant feedback from people who agree with the city’s position to await court action on the same-sex-marriage ban and from others who want me to defy that law. As mayor, I am bound to uphold the rule of law, and the current state law has

a same-sex marriage ban in place. Last week, a Commonwealth Court judge found that Montgomery County did not have the authority to issue marriage licenses. The status of the 174 licenses issued and marriages performed is now in doubt. I want to be sure that every marriage ceremony I perform comes with the real benefits of marriage, in addition to recognizing the relationship between two people. My position on marriage equality has never changed. I fully support marriage equality and have worked to make Philadelphia a national leader on LGBT rights. We are using all legal means to change the current law banning same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania. I strongly believe we are on the verge of major and lasting change with regard to marriage equality. With 23 plaintiffs from across the state and representing a widow, families and couples, the ACLU case will result in a clear decision on the issue. And the City of Philadelphia is supporting the ACLU case. So far, we have assisted with identifying potential plaintiffs and sharing information about the case, and we will submit an amicus brief for trial. I invite you to join us. The struggle for equal rights for samesex couples is not new to me. I have worked as a proud ally for the rights of same-sex couples for many years. As a member of City Council, I drafted a bill that provided for same-sex relationship recognition. Our Life Partnership program,

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Street Talk Should a transgender boy be permitted to compete for prom king? “Yes. Equality should apply in that situation. If the child wants to be a boy, he can be a boy. Adults shouldn’t deny him the Annie Chen opportunity student to do what he Chinatown wants to do.”

“Yes. As long as he identifies as a male, he should have that right. Being a prom king is about a student’s Rahsh Horne personality, business owner their Germantown popularity, friendliness, things like that. The focus shouldn’t be on the student’s biological gender.”

“Yes. Why not? It’s a step in the right direction for genderidentity equality. The qualification [for prom Luis Garcia king] body piercer shouldn’t Collingswood, N.J. be about genitalia, it should be about mental identity.”

“Yes. If the person is presenting as a boy, he should be respected as such. If you can fill the description, Les Price sex organs security guard don’t matter. South Philadelphia I think that even a butch lesbian should be allowed to compete for prom king, if she wants to.”

initiated in 1998, has registered hundreds of same-sex couples. To be clear, Life Partnership is not marriage — only the state has the authority to make marriage law. Life Partnership is an action the city is able to take in recognizing the relationships of same-sex couples. In 2011, I joined mayors from across the country in launching Mayors for Marriage Equality. As part of this group, I’ve engaged with press and clergy on the importance of marriage equality and have gathered the support of other mayors in our region. This month, I am expanding my work on marriage equality as a newly appointed cochair of Freedom to Marry’s “Light up the Map” campaign. The goal of this campaign is to get 500 mayors in all 50 states to sign on in support of marriage equality. This effort will help Pennsylvania as the current case moves through the court and will assist mayors of cities of all sizes in supporting marriage equality. I’ll ask that you help spread the word and that you check out www.FreedomToMarry.org/Mayors

for more information on the “Light up the Map” campaign. Throughout city government, we are working to address the needs of LGBT people, from youth to elders. Our Office of LGBT Affairs and the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations work on these issues every day and they are not alone. Departments across the city government are committed to upholding our inclusive policies and to making the city a better place for all people. At the heart of marriage equality is the ability to marry the person you love. I am working to solidify marriage and stand with same-sex couples for equal recognition under the law. Marriage matters, and I believe it matters for all marriages to rest on firm legal ground. Someday soon, I firmly believe same-sex couples will be legally able to marry. And I look forward to that day when I will have the honor to perform legally the marriage of same-sex couples in Philadelphia. ■ — Michael A. Nutter, Mayor

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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PGN AGING

The new LGBT legal landscape Roberts. DOMA. Wisconsin. resided together, the surviving Scalia. Prop. 8. Montgomery partner was legally entitled to the ashes. County. Social Security. In Pennsylvania, same-sex Windsor. IRS. partners do not have such proSince the first free LGBTEI tections. Pennsylvania has a Legal Clinic last fall, these state Defense of Marriage Act, people, places and things have preventing the state from reccombined to turn the legal ognizing same-sex world upsidemarriages or civil down for LGBT unions. Despite this, Americans. As a result, all LGBT some Pennsylvanians people, no matter have been issued their age or marimarriage licenses in tal status, should Montgomery County. These marriages review and update may be invalidated or execute new legal in the future. It is documents. These documents include critical that, if you a will, living will, have been issued a marriage license in powers of attorney and disposition of Montgomery County, remains. Rebecca or anywhere for that As we have seen matter, you take the Richman time to draft and exerepeatedly, for cute wills and estate LGBT individuals, end-of-life planning can documents with your partner. become complicated if legal On Sept. 28, the LGBT Elder documents are not properly Initiative will conduct its secprepared. Particularly for partond free LGBT Legal Clinic. nered individuals, or those with The clinic will begin with a dismarriages not recognized in the cussion of the legal issues that state in which they live, execut- LGBT people face and what ing legal documents is the best documents they should have way to ensure that your end-of- prepared. Following the worklife plans will go according to shop, attendees will have the your wishes. The same is true opportunity to have their legal for single LGBT people. documents completed, free of When her same-sex partner charge, by an attorney. The unexpectedly died, a woman documents that can be prepared at this clinic are: in Colorado was thrown into a state of turmoil, along with her sadness and sense of loss. Will: A legal document that She had envisioned a long and allows you to designate who happy life together. She and her inherits your money, property and personal belongings. partner were in a legally recognized civil union in Colorado. Her partner had arranged for a Living Will: A written statefuneral ceremony, and her crement of your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment and mation, to take place in Utah, other care if you have an endwhere her family resided. Utah stage medical condition and are does not recognize Colorado’s unable to communicate those civil unions. wishes. A living will can spell The surviving partner was concerned that her deceased out your desire for resuscitation partner’s family might be able efforts, surgery, pain medicato seize the ashes after the tion, etc. funeral. There were no legally Health-care Power of executed documents outlining Attorney: Allows you to desthe decedent’s wishes in Utah ignate someone else to serve as or in Colorado. Because they your health-care agent to have had a legally recognized civil access to your medical records union in the state where they

Gettin’ On

and make all health-care decisions. A POA should allow whomever you designate to have access to your records, but you may want to include the name of a trusted person whenever you are asked to authorize the release of protected health information. A Health-care POA is critical if you become unable to make health-care decisions for yourself. Financial Power of Attorney: Allows you to name someone else to serve as your agent to make all financial decisions. While this documentation is prepared now, you can determine when the person you have designated will actually be able to manage your finances for you, e.g., when you are hospitalized, mentally unable to make decisions for yourself, etc. Disposition of Remains: Allows you to name someone in charge of your final services and ensures that the disposition of your remains is carried out according to your wishes. For these and many more reasons, all LGBT people should have their legal documents in order. If you would like more information about, or to register for, the free LGBT Legal Clinic to be held Sept. 28, call the LGBT Elder Initiative at 267546-3448 or email info@lgbtei. org. You must register in advance for this program. Registration ends Sept. 23. ■ Rebecca Richman is a member of the LGBT Elder Initiative and is a paralegal wth the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania. The LGBTEI fosters and advocates for services, resources and institutions that are culturally competent, inclusive and responsive to the needs of LGBT older adults. To comment on this article, suggest topics for future articles or for more information, visit www.lgbtei.org or call 267546-3448 and watch for “Gettin’ On” each month in PGN.

epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News

PGN PETS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Eliminating the odor Yuck, he has dog breath. How often have you heard that expression? Dogs and cats can both suffer the effects of halitosis, such as exclusion from their human partners, but what is concerning is the underlying process creating the stinky breath. Periodontal disease is the most common medical issue in dogs, with a worldwide prevalence around 85 percent. This means that most likely the dog sitting by your side has a disease that you could be preventing! Periodontal disease is the process in which plaque induces the inflammation and subsequent destruction of periodontal tissues. These tissues are the ones that support the structure and health of the tooth itself. They include the gingiva (gums), periodontal Dr. ligament (the tissue that holds the tooth into the socket), the bone that surrounds the tooth and the tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth (the cementum). Any one or combination of these tissues can be affected by the processes of periodontal disease. This is a progressive process and advances in stages. As noted above, these processes all begin with the accumulation of plaque

on the surface of the tooth. This plaque forms first as a layer of sticky material created from a combination of saliva and food. Over the next 24 hours, the plaque matures, and bacteria become bound in a matrix of other compounds. This mature plaque becomes bound to the tooth until mechanically removed by scraping it off. Once the plaque matures, a thick, hard material called calculus, also known as tartar, forms over the tooth. Once this happens, a new bacterial population invades the tissues and the first stage of periodontitis progresses, becoming evident as gingivitis, which can be seen as a red line at the base of the tooth where it meets the gum line. At this point, the process with the release of Stephen accelerates toxins and enzymes that will Meister start to degrade the connective tissue that supports the tooth, including the periodontal ligament, which is responsible for keeping the tooth in the sulcus. This can be seen as a very swollen, red area at the base of the tooth. Progression continues with the bone surrounding the tooth being lost to the degradation processes with consequent tooth loss as the final stage.

Paw Prints

The beginning of the last stage is noted by mobility of the affected tooth. This process can lead to signs of oral disease, which the owner can note fairly easily, including halitosis, increased salivation, difficulty eating and oral pain. In addition to the loss of teeth due to advanced periodontal disease, there are other processes that can affect the whole animal, not just the oral tissues. Once the connective tissue is compromised, the bloodstream can be accessed by the organisms that are causing the periodontal disease. This bathes the bloodstream with a constant stream of bacteria, the toxins that are produced by these bacteria and breakdown products of the cells affected by the periodontal processes. This constant influx of pathogenic organisms and products can lead to systemic disease in the affected animal. Associations have been found between periodontal disease and changes in the kidney, the lining cells of the chambers of the heart, heart valves and liver. There is good evidence that periodontal disease increases the risk for heart diseases. The effects of periodontal disease on the pet can be quite devastating, but it can be very easily prevented and managed. Home care is the first line of defense against the effects of periodontal disease. The best and most effective treatment is tooth-brushing with a specially designed brush for dogs and cats or a pediatric soft-bristle brush. Brushing your pet may be a challenge and is best demonstrated by your veterinarian or veterinary technician. Brushing once every day can be very effective at removing the plaque from the surface of the tooth and removing the preliminary step in the progression of disease. If once a day isn’t possible, then good results can also be obtained by brushing every other day. There are also effective passive ways

to provide oral home care that are complimentary to brushing. These include dental prescription diets and chews. Cartilaginous products such as rawhides can provide mechanical cleaning and effectively floss between teeth if used on a regular basis. Be sure to use a product that has been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. The second step is regular visits to your veterinarian to assess your pet’s oral cavity. These visits should happen at least every six months as disease can progress in a significantly short period of time. You should also evaluate your pet’s mouth every time you brush for signs of disease, such as redness of the gums, bad breath and loose teeth. If any signs of disease are present, your veterinarian will recommend that a complete cleaning of the teeth be performed. This can in some cases reverse the disease, or at least stem it from progressing further. This procedure must be performed under general anesthesia, as the procedure requires the full cooperation of the pet to be performed properly. The dental cleaning takes several steps, including full-mouth dental X-rays, charting of each individual tooth for evidence of disease, a deep scaling of the plaque and calculus off of the tooth and the pocket between the tooth and gums and, finally, polishing the tooth to return to a smooth surface. But the most important step lies in your bond with your pet. You can keep your pets healthy and free from dental disease by observing them, taking care to brush their teeth on a regular basis and taking them for regular dental exams! ■ Dr. Stephen C. Meister, VMD, MRCVS, is an associate veterinarian at Society Hill Veterinary Hospital. For more information, visit www.societyhillvets.com or call 215-627-5955.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Obituary

Roslyn Wilkins, mother of Nizah Morris, 82 By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Roslyn M. Wilkins, the mother of Nizah Morris, died Sept. 8 after a brief illness. She was 82 and lived in West Philadelphia. For the past 10 years, Wilkins voiced the belief that her child’s homicide is solvable. “I’m sure the case will crack wide open someday,” she previously told PGN. Morris was a transwoman found with a fatal head wound in 2002, shortly after Philadelphia police gave her a courtesy ride. Roslyn Mary Simpson was born in New York City on Aug. 25, 1931. She was educated in New York’s Catholic school system, and married twice — first to George Morris, who was Nizah’s father, and later to Rosamond Wilkins. She owned and operated several businesses throughout her life, including a variety story and a newspaper stand in the

East Village of New York. In the mid-1970s, Wilkins and her family relocated to West Philadelphia. Wilkins held several custodial-management positions at prestigious five-star hotels in the city. For 11 years, she owned and operated a family-oriented childcare center, known as Wilkins Family Day Care. A devout Catholic, Wilkins was active in several religious organizations, including The Ladies of St. Peter Claver, The Legion of Mary and a liturgical committee. As a pastime, she enjoyed watching soap operas on television, and friends knew not to interrupt her when her “stories” were aired. When in 2002, Wilkins’ daughter Nizah died under mysterious circumstances, she reached out to the LGBT community for help in solving the crime. The following year, Wilkins filed a federal wrongful-death lawsuit against the

ily was the theme of the eulogy delivered by her son-in-law, Lonnie Davis. “Family meant everything to her,” he said. Wilkins acted as a mother to countless people in need of love and guidance, in addition to her family, Davis added. “You left her presence feeling good about yourself,” Davis noted. He said Wilkins wouldn’t want people mired in grief over her passing for a lengthy period of time. Ironically, shortly after he spoke those words, as Wilkins’ casket was carried outside the church, a few showers fell from the sky. But the sun quickly came out again. Wilkins is survived by her sister, Joan Foster; daughters Michelle Davis, Bradley Brown and Andrea Brunson; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 11 nieces and nephews. Interment was at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in Valley Forge. ■

city, which was settled in 2004 for $250,000. But Wilkins continued to speak out for justice. About 150 people attended Wilkins’ funeral Sept. 13 at St. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church in West Philadelphia, where she was remembered as a loving matriarch to a very large family. Wilkins’ favorite color was orange. She was buried in a bright orange outfit, and several mourners wore orange in deference to her affinity for the color. Msgr. Frederico Britto praised Wilkins’ sunny disposition, and her courage in remaining true to her convictions. “She fought the good fight,” he said. “She ran that race. She took on that challenge.” Wilkins’ steadfast devotion to her fam-

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same in the House. The House returns to session on Sept. 23 and Sims said he will introduce the bill in October or November. Last month, New Jersey, with Republican Gov. Chris Christie’s support, became the second state, after California, to ban the practice of therapists engaging in sexual orientation-change efforts for those under 18. Sims told PGN his measure should garner support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as from Gov. Tom Corbett. “I am not in the business of introducing bills that I think will not come into law,” Sims said. “Given what we have seen in other states as in New Jersey, I think this is a medical issue and not a partisan issue.” Corbett’s office did not respond to a call for comment by presstime. Sims said he has already seen bipartisan support, including from Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-143rd Dist.). He is unsure to which committee the legislation would be assigned; he said it could go to the professional licensure committee, of which he is a member, or the state government committee, chaired by anti-LGBT legislator Daryl Metcalfe. Williams’ legislation, introduced April 18, was sent to the Senate’s consumer protection and professional licensure committee. That bill currently has six cosponsors. At a Sept. 17 press conference at The Attic Youth Center, Williams said the state should follow New Jersey’s lead. “When you talk about this type of therapy, it is very aggressive in nature and that is why it has been outlawed in a couple states,” he said. “Pennsylvania should be third in line to outlaw this kind of behavior. This is about human beings understanding the level of dignity among all human beings.” Sims noted that the legislation is needed to protect youth. “ I could talk for days about Pennsylvania’s status with regard to LGBT civil rights across the board, but when it comes down to it, if [conversion therapy] is banned tomorrow, that next day we are working to protect kids,” Sims said. “We want to send a message to practitioners around the country that Pennsylvania is joining the ranks and that this is not science, but science fiction. We want people to see and continue to see Pennsylvania as a 21st-century state.” The press conference included remarks from The Attic Youth Center’s counselingservices coordinator Monique Walker and Peace Advocacy Network co-founder Ed Coffin. Coffin said he was surprised that conversion therapy was still being debated and cited the demise of such organizations that championed the therapy, such as Exodus International. “It is kind of astounding to me that we even have to introduce this legislation because to me is seems like it should be common sense,” he said. “I think, regardless of political affiliations or religious convictions, we can all agree that mental-health practitioners or any licensed practitioner should be using science-based arguments.” ■

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Penn Valley residents Leigh Braden and Sophie Forge were married July 29 in ing schedule. In his decision, Pellegrini did not rule on Plymouth Meeting after obtaining a license the constitutionality of the law, but said that from Hanes’ office earlier that day. They had a symbolic ceremony and weda finding about the constitutionality of a law can only come from a court, not an individ- ding celebration the following week with friends and family. ual. The couple, together for seven years, were “Until a court has decided that an act is unconstitutional, Hanes must enforce the joined in a domestic partnership in France law as written,” the judge wrote. “In this in 2008, but Braden, executive director of case, a clerk of courts has not been given LGBT youth agency Foyer of Philadelphia, the discretion to decide that a law, whether said she and Forge, who are among the couthe statute he or she is charged to enforce ples seeking to be intervenors, were eager is a good idea or bad one, is constitutional to be involved in the local movement. “In our minds, we had already taken that or not. Only courts have the power to make step in our relationship and made the decithat decision.” Once the county files the notice of appeal, sion to spend our lives together. But the it will begin identifying the specific issues it decision to get married in Montgomery County was a seized opportunity for us,” is appealing, McGarry said. But chief among those topics will be the Braden said. “We wanted to participate in county’s assertion that Hanes should be per- this movement, to have something legitimitted to use the seeming unconstitutional- mate in this county that represents our marity of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage riage.” Braden was in court earlier this month as a defense against the suit, forcing the when attorneys for both sides delivered court to render an opinion on the law. “I think optimally, as we did with the arguments on the case. She said the judge was “fair” in the proCommonwealth Court, we will ask that the court permit the unconstitutionality of the ceeding, pushing both sides to defend their statute to be raised as a defense and, there- arguments. And, while the couple anticifore, get to the merits of the constitution- pated that Hanes’ action would be shut ality of Pennsylvania’s DOMA statute,” down, she said the delivery of the ruling was harder than she expected. McGarry said. “I had a much stronger reaction than I The county could also appeal Pellegrini’s ruling that the Health Department has stand- thought I was going to have. Sophie and ing to bring the suit. The defendants had I went into this not being naïve; we knew also previously argued that the case should were participating in a bit of civil disobedibe argued in the Supreme Court, an issue ence that ultimately probably wasn’t going to go through. But when the ruling came out, that will now be nullified. Since July 23, Hanes issued 174 licenses and I knew that no other same-sex couple in to same-sex couples, 118 of which were Montgomery County was going to be able filed and returned. Pellegrini’s ruling did to get married, and that the state of our marriage was up in the air and could be taken not address the legality of those licenses. Thirty-two of those couples sought to away, I really felt — I know it sounds simbecome parties in the case as intervenors, a ple — but I felt so discriminated against,” she said. “It was a strong slap in the face. To request that Pellegrini also did not rule on. McGarry said he is unsure what role those have something taken away from you that other people are granted felt more painful couples could play in the appeals process. Sandy Bilus, of Dechert LLP, is repre- than living with the reality that we couldn’t senting those couples and said they are get married in the first place.” But, Braden said she and Forge don’t considering how to proceed. He expects to regret marrying in Montgomery County. announce a plan in the next few weeks. “I feel like we, along with the people “The judge held that the clerk had to stop issuing licenses going forward, so we’re involved in the ACLU court case, are all taking the position that this is not a declara- helping to crack the ceiling in Pennsylvania. tion that our clients’ licenses are invalid,”�� Every gay and lesbian couple that gets marBilus said. “And our clients are now consid- ried, every license that’s issued, that’s one crack in the ceiling, pushing the issue forering their legal options.” Bilus said that, if the couples choose ward and bringing it to the forefront,” she to pursue a ruling on the validity of their said. “And that’s good for us, for our state, licenses, they could file individually or as a for our community. The ruling made me group, as they did with the petition to inter- really angry, but resolved. It was like, ‘All right, let’s bring it on. What’s next?’” ■ vene. MONTCO from page 1

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Liberty City Press SEPT. 15-22, 2013

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point

Two Paths, One Direction

How Joan Krajewski and E. Steven Collins made Philly better

he was a brass-knuckled street brawler. He was more a teddy bear. She went to Little Flower in the late 1940s. He went to Temple in the 1980s. She was white. He was black. Former ward leader and City Council member Joan Krajewski, and radio personality E. Steven Collins. In less than two weeks, Philadelphia lost two of its greatest champions. Two lives that began in very different places, traveled along very different paths, but each in their own way ended up making a pro�� have lost, we gain insight into what makes Philadelphia great. Krajewski’s start in politics came as a Republican committeewoman switching to a Democrat in the 1970s to support Frank Rizzo’s run for mayor. She went on to become the head of the 65th ward—a post she would hold for more than 40 years. In 1979, Rizzo returned the favor by supporting her bid for City �� 6th Councilmanic District, holding court in her favorite diner, the Dining Car, on Frankford Avenue. It is a legacy epitomized by the role she played one hot summer night in 1988, dealing with a community �� spiral into a shouting contest; the Philadelphia Inquirer described Krajewski’s role as follows: “We all know tempers are high,” Krajewski said, attempting to stop the shouting. “We are all �� get the punks out of the neighborhood,” she shouted, to a chorus of applause. In his eulogy for her, Rev. Joseph Campellone told a similar story, recalling how Krajewski shut down another racially charged community meeting when someone from the audience referred to “those people.” Campellone told of Krajewski roaring back at the crowd, “What do you mean, ‘those people’? This is over. We’re all God’s people.” Collins’s legacy was also forged in the community. In the 1980s and 1990s Collins produced two com��

Legendary Philadelphian E. Steven Collins passed away suddenly on Sept. 9 after suffering a heart attack. He was 58. From Radio One.

lins, working for radio station WDAS, led the effort to bring a community-based street festival to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. At its height in 1989, Unity Day had much more than sound stages and food booths (think Made in America); it boasted representatives from more than �� munity organizations and hosted more than 500,000 attendees. At the time, Collins described Unity Day ’89 and its theme, “A New Beginning,” at the time as “an opportunity for the

African-American community to rededicate itself to the family concept while at the same time reacquainting ourselves with our community organizations.” Collins also brought us the Greek Picnic that, in its heyday in 1992, brought more than 200,000 African-American fraternity and sorority members from around the country to Belmont Plateau. At the time, Ron Cuie, deputy mayor for special projects, told the Philadelphia Continued on page 2

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Two Paths, One Direction Continued from page 1

Inquirer, “The picnic pumps �� local economy,” adding that “Philadelphia is the number one city for African-American tourism.” It was Collins who decided to bring purpose to the event by using it to raise thousands of dollars for the United Negro College Fund. In the decades to come, Collins dedicated himself to empowering the African-American community through black radio. Radio One, where Col��

The New Power

Continued from page 12

us. The scores we got at the end of the half when the game had been tied were just huge. I’m sure a lot of people were surprised.” Imhotep Charter is now a dominant player in football just as in basketball. (The team has won four state championships in the �� good academics, has good counselors and places kids—not just athletes—in college. And unlike the schools funded directly by the Philadelphia Public League, its �� current PIAA and charter school rules, Imhotep Charter is able to accept applications from students who live in any part of the city. “We do not recruit,” said basketball coach and athletic director Andre Noble. “We are at a good spot now where kids have seen what we do here and they want to come here. That’s not just foot-

posted this after his death:

“E. is a true institution in the City of Philadel-

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Two Philadelphians. Two sto-

ries. One city made better by both.

ball players and basketball players, that’s all kids. So far, we have been able to accommodate most of the kids who have wanted to go to school here. Parents are seeing their kids taken care of and getting a good education in charter schools. This is the trend.” There are few people in the Catholic League feeling bad for �� Drew Gordon’s squad has been the dominant team in the league �� is a real difference maker and �� tep Charter. Shurmur, the son of Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, looks like he is a high Division I-A player, and the team likely will improve. “Make no mistake,” Scott said. “We just beat a really great team that has a real chance to win a (PIAA AAAA) state title.”

Philadelphia public-school teachers top public-school educators in other cities seeking online sugar daddies. Photo courtesy of SeekingArrangement.com

Teachers Need Love (and Money), Too Public school teachers rank high on national “sugar daddy” dating site by Sheila Simmons

hiladelphia publicschool teachers ��cially these days. Their debt-ridden employer, the Philadelphia School District, has been trying to cut their salaries, increase their health-care �� Maybe that’s why so many teachers are seeking affection (and money) elsewhere. Jennifer Gwynn, public relations manager for SeekingArrangement.com, told me that Philadelphia teachers are searching for a “sugar daddy” at rates higher than those of teachers from any other school district in the nation. I’m not making that up. SeekingArrangement.com ��

“sugar babies” with “sugar daddies.” The Las Vegas–based �� baby” as “an attractive, ambitious and goal oriented individual . . . generally younger . . . looking to meet wealthy, successful and generous people who are willing ��sistance or gifts in return for their friendship or companionship.” A “sugar daddy,” it says, is “a successful and generous man who is willing to pamper �� to a young person in return for friendship and companionship.” There’s also such a thing as a “sugar mommy.” But apparently there’s nothing for middle-aged women seeking wealthy older men. (So this should be considered when senior teachers are

asked to give back more than their younger counterparts.) The nation’s most popular site for “sugar baby/sugar daddy” connections, SeekingArrangement. com is generally popular with college students. But professionals such as nurses are also known to register. Gwynn says in late July and August, the site’s operators �� trants selecting “teacher” as their profession. Of the site’s 40,000 users who are teachers, 674 “sugar babies” are Philadelphia public-school teachers, more than public school teachers from anywhere else. Second was Miami-Dade School District, followed by Los Angeles and New York City. The average teacher on the �� from her sugar daddy, according to the site’s CEO, Brandon Wade. Gwynn offered, “You’re not making as much as your peers. You have an incredible responsibility on your shoulders. It’s hard to be a teacher nowadays. People have to be more creative.” She also said the teachers are looking for someone educated. Teachers aren’t the only group in Philadelphia with a presence on the site. Local college students have ranked high among registrants, with Temple University ranking third-highest among schools with registered “sugar babies.” “I don’t know if a greater need �� there are talking about [the site],” Gwynn said. I suspect that with our school district still steeped in debt and cuddling season on the horizon, the numbers won’t be dipping anytime soon.

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Liberty City Press \\\

Pulse

Jack Daniel’s Night Taking no bull at the PBR Bar & Grill event by HughE Dillon It was Jack Daniel’s Night at the PBR Bar & Grill inside XFINITY Live! on Thursday, Sept. 5. The Men’s Shirtless Bull Riding Competition was the main event Thursday evening: ��

1. Briana and Morgan serve shots of Jack Daniel’s Honey Whiskey. 2. Mike and Andy hang out at the event. 3. Hanna, Kelsey, Amanda and Kristin check out the riders. 4. Lauren R., Lauren C., Krista and Tracey enjoying the event. 5. A contestant tests his bullriding skills. 6. Kaycee and Ashley of PBR Bar & Grill. HughE Dillon/photographer

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play

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The La Salle High School offensive line squares off against Imhotep Charter. Photo by Sarah J. Glover

The New Power

Imhotep Charter crushes La Salle Explorers in momentous defeat by Jeremy Treatman

here are 10 Imhotep Charter football players who have received at least one Division I-A or �� why football pundits were not surprised that Imhotep Charter (2-0) crushed the state’s secondranked team, La Salle, 40-28 in a huge showdown Saturday at the Ben Johnston Memorial Stadium in Mount Airy. La Salle graduated all but two starters from last year’s 12-2 squad, which lost to Coatesville in the PIAA �� player, Zaire Franklin, a Syracuse recruit and a 6-foot-1-inch senior tight end/defensive tackle, missed the �� win by Imhotep Charter was celebrated loudly in the northwestern section of the city, home to the school and a majority of its students. ��fers, including ones from Nebraska, Arizona State, Temple, Buffalo and Arizona. “This means so much. We know how good La Salle is. Coach Crosby was telling us all week how we had to focus on playing our best �� team is ranked second in Philadelphia by the Philadelphia Inquirer and second in the state by the Harrisburg Patriot News�� Imhotep Charter, just 11 years old, has become a powerhouse seemingly overnight. Crosby took over the �� -

pionship. The Panthers have never beaten a more prominent opponent than La Salle, however, and the triumph was duly noted afterward on social media sites. “We know it’s a big win,” Crosby said. “But it’s just the beginning of what we are trying to build here. This is something we will savor, but it’s only week two of the season. The ultimate goal is to win the Public League, the city championship and a state championship. This will give us a lot �� dreams we have for the season.” Over the past few decades, it’s been the schools in the PIAA suburbs such as North Penn, Neshaminy and Central Bucks West as well as Catholic League powerhouses like La Salle, Cardinal O’Hara, West Catholic, Archbishop Wood and St. Joseph’s Prep that built football dynasties. These programs are known for �� dedicated coaches, nice gear, full year-round programs, top players, conditioning and overall winning formulas. Add Imhotep to that list now. And put them right at the top. Ironically, the player who had the best game for Imhotep is a player without a college offer. Junior lineman Quamere Wright-Downing, a 6-foot-1-inch, 215-pound force from the right �� a fumble and played a role in an interception return by Rendell Hunter. He harassed La Salle’s new standout quarterback, Kyle Shurmur, the entire game, though �� and three touchdowns. “It feels great to play a role in the game,” Wright-Downing said. “I think playing on a defense that is dominant with an offensive

line that is strong is fun. You can accomplish a lot of a things as a �� offensive line looks like a NFL unit. Starters are Gordon Thomas ��tine (6'-4", 285 lbs.), Aaron Ruf (6'-5", 280 lbs.), Taleem Muham�� Wright-Downing mentioned something after that game that breaks stereotypes of Public League football programs, �� all week,” he said. “I watched number 74 [Dave Geppert, La Salle’s left guard] a lot, and I saw that when he had his hand set a certain way, La Salle was going to pass. When he had it another way, they were going to run. That really helped.” The 6-foot-1-inch junior defensive tackle will probably be in position to receive a scholarship offer after the way he played against La Salle. But for now, he’s one of the few guys not on college coaches’ radars. “I’m willing to listen to any school that comes to me,” WrightDowning said. “I am only a junior, so my time will come. Right now, I’m happy here at Imhotep. �� years since George Washington �� One of Imhotep’s other stars was junior wideout DJ Moore, who made two circus catches for touchdowns and also handled a high snap for a successful punt in the third quarter. “We knew when we had a lead early that La Salle had the ability to come back,” he said. “I think we stuck together as a team and fought to make big plays. It �� Continued on page 2

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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A C ul t ure Sampson: Have jokes, PGN FEATURE

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

PAGE 35

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

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

25 27 34 32 26 31 29

will travel

Out comedian mixes laughter and activism By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Out comedian Sampson is bringing the gift of laughter to Philadelphia when he performs

Sept. 25 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Besides being a comedian, Sampson is also a writer, an actor and an activist who tours the country appearing on television shows and in stage productions, as well as educating audiences about homophobia, poverty

and youth homelessness. And he’s the author of two books, “Taboo Village: A Perspective On Being Gay In Black America” and “Ebonic Faggotry.” “It kind of falls into place,” Sampson said when asked how he keeps up with all of his creative endeavors. “It works a lot better when I’m doing shows. Especially when they are back to back, because then you get in the habit of writing and reviewing material. I’m critical of things that I do. I’m like, Why was this old lady in the front row looking at me like that?’ It wasn’t that I was doing bad or anything. It was because she had a hearing aid and it wasn’t cut on. So you start learning. So what I ’v e b e e n doing is I’ll take a tape recorder and record the s h ow s a n d listen to them while I’m at the hotel. A lot of people who are in the arts, we quit our jobs because we didn’t have the

freedom to focus on what it is we want to do. I think about not going back to that and I’ll easily spend six to eight hours just focused on creating material. It’s all about discipline and structure.” Sampson has taken his talents to stages in some of the most prestigious venues in the country. But, he said, he still sees his fair share of dives as well. “I think I’ve been blessed to do it all. And I always talk about the shows that I do. I’ve done the White House and the Kennedy Center. Those venues are always fun. Everybody is like, ‘Did you meet Obama? Did you meet Michelle?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I did her hair. No.’ Those are fun, but the really fun shows to talk about are ... Because comedy is one of those things where one night you can be performing at a five-star hotel or casino somewhere or a theater, and the next night you can be at a crackhouse. One night I’ll be at a crackhouse, the next night I’ll be at an old- folks’ home. You never know where you may end up. I do it all. I do comedy clubs, I do theaters and churches.” Churches? Really? “I actually get invited to do churches,” he said. “They know I’m an PAGE 24

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26 2013

SAMPSON from page 25

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openly gay comedian and they still invite me in. Sometimes it’s for discussions or sometimes it’ll be for a presentation. They’ll be like, ‘You’re pretty normal.’ I guess they think I’m going to come in with assless chaps. Not that there’s anything wrong with chaps, but I guess they identify all gay men with chaps and poodles and Pampers and all that crazy stuff.” Sampson said some of his other gigs make performing in churches seem all the more normal. “One time I performed at a funeral home. That was fun in a way. I didn’t know it was a funeral home because they had us come through the back door, so I thought it was a sketchy hole in the wall. And we go through this hallway and there’s a man in a casket. So you get different ones. I performed in an STD clinic one time. That was interesting because nobody thinks too much is funny when they are sitting there waiting for their results. It’s a mixture of places, but I’m starting to get back into the comedy-club scene again.” The club scene isn’t always an ideal place for openly gay comedians or audience members, who run the risk of being subjected to homophobic jokes. Sampson said he learned early to confront those types of situations with his own material. “I’ve been an openly gay comedian for seven years,” he said. “I’ve been doing comedy for 11 years. I used to sit in the back of comedy clubs and I would hear other comedians using ‘faggot’ for punchlines. People would be falling out and I’m like, What is so funny about this? Years later, when I was going through the conflict of coming out and religion, this guy got up on stage and he verbally annihilated the gay community. From then on, I was like, I can’t do this. I’m sitting here being quiet and I go home and I want to kill myself. I sit in church and go through the same thing. When it comes to my verbalization about what my feelings are and what I’m dealing with as a gay man, if you can say whatever stupid and ignorant thing you want to say, I can say whatever comes out of my mouth that makes sense to me. The comedy is a reflection of me and who I am. I don’t change that for anybody. So what you see is what you get.” Sampson added that the criticism he gets for his material often comes from gay audiences. “The biggest group of PC folks that I have come into contact with have been

some gay activists,” he said. “I’m also an activist but at the same time I’m a comedian and everything is not PC. I had a guy get upset with me for using the word ‘bitch.’ And I didn’t call anybody a bitch. I referred to a situation as a bitch. He said I was being misogynist for using that term. So it’s a mix of people you end up offending anyway. It just comes down to, you can’t make everybody happy.” Now would be a good time to mention that the name of Sampson’s comedy show is “That Bitch Better Be Funny.” Sampson said the name was inspired by a theater audience that was waiting to get into one of his performances. “We live in a day and time where everybody is poor, so people go and they bust their brains out 40-60 hours a week on jobs and, after they pay their bills, a lot of times people aren’t able to go out to dinner and do little things,” he said. “When they do spend that last little bit of money that they have left, they’re like ‘This sandwich had better hit the spot. This bag of weed had better be good.’ Then they come to the comedy show and I’m looking at people’s expressions on their faces. You could see that they were genuinely happy to be there, but they also had that look as they were digging down to the bottom of their purses, and I can tell by the body language and the facial expression that it was like, ‘This bitch had better be funny.’ I know a lot of people go to box offices like that, so that’s how I came up with the name.” ■ Sampson performs 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. For more information, call 215-732-2220 or visit www.sampsoncomedy.com.

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Suzi Nash

Nicole López: Found in translation Hola, mi hermanos y hermanas! If you weren’t aware, it’s Latino Heritage Month and, on Sept. 28, our very own Raices Latino Pride will host Philadelphia’s official Latino Pride Celebration, “Orgulla.” The event consists of two parts: a daytime “La Palabra,” a free event with a tremendous showcase of talent; and an evening party, “Dame Mas,” with music, dancing and live performances. This week, PGN spoke with one of the organizers, Nicole López, who also works with LGBT youth at GALAEI: A Latin@ Social Justice Organization. PGN: I see you have a 386 area code. Are you originally from Florida? NL: Yes, I grew up in Daytona Beach. My family moved there from Puerto Rico when I was a baby. [Laughs.] We didn’t move to Miami or New York or any other place that would’ve been ideal for a family of Latinos; no, we chose Daytona. It’s kind of like living in the Deep South but with a beach. PGN: So are you into racecar driving? NL: No, but I went once and I see what the fuss is all about. It was very exciting. PGN: What were you into as a kid? NL: I was a big book nerd, so I was superbig into writing stories and reading books. I would also pretend that I was a pop diva. I was really into theater and the arts. That was my outlet when I lived in Daytona. PGN: Do you remember your favorite book as a kid? NL: I have two. One was called “The Wump World,” and it was about these little creatures that kind of look like groundhogs. Looking back as an adult, I can see that the book was about environmentalism. The little Wump creatures were living on their own in a sort of paradise when a race of humanoids named the Pollutians land on their planet, causing the Wumps to flee to underground caves. They colonize the planet and build big cities, pollute the air and water and plow down forests and grasslands. After they destroy everything, they leave to find a new planet. Eventually, the Wump people come out from underground and see that their world has been destroyed. The book ends when one of the Wumps finds a single flower growing between the cracks of a sidewalk. I guess the take-away message is that, after destruction, there’s always hope. That was the kind of thing that I would read as a kid and I think it made me a hopeless romantic/activist. I always believe that change could happen. My other favorite book was called “The Hidden House.” I remember that the pictures were really gorgeous. The book was about an old carpenter who had these dolls that he created to be his com-

panions. One day, he leaves the house and never comes back. Eventually, a new family moves into the house and they decide to keep the dolls. Again, a book about despair that turns into something that ends happily ever after! PGN: Did you read books in English or in Spanish? NL: I like to say I grew up with Spanglish. It’s funny, my mother didn’t even know that I could read in Spanish until I was about 7. We were in Puerto Rico and I was watching the news on TV and you know how they have the captions at the bottom of the screen? I was reading what it said to my mother and my aunt and they suddenly realized that I was reading the Spanish. They didn’t know I could until that point. PGN: Do you have any siblings? NL: I have two significantly older brothers and a younger half-brother. All boys except for me! PGN: What do your parents do? NL: My mother is an education specialist for Head Start, a pre-K program that also offers social services for low-income families. She was a Head Start teacher for about 12 years until she moved into an administrative role. My father is a military vet.

PGN: And you still perform now, correct? I understand you do spoken-word. NL: Yes, but not as much as I used to. I went to Bryn Mawr College, which is how I ended up in this area. I did a lot of performance work in school but now I mostly just write for myself. I find poetry helps me process a lot about what I’m feeling — life, art, what’s going on in the world. PGN: What’s the heaviest subject matter that you’ve tackled? NL: I wrote a poem called “Sobre Vivir,” which means to survive. It’s about my mother, and I basically chronicle her story from her birth to where she’s at now. That was very intense because I’m so close to my mother and also because I was telling someone else’s story, writing and performing her herstory for everyone else to see. She grew up in Puerto Rico during a time when there were some very horrific political practices coming from the U.S., forced sterilization, etc. Then I wrote another poem based on my experiences

PGN: A fun family memory from Puerto Rico? NL: There was a woman who lived on my grandmother’s block who had a little candy store on her front porch. She sold limber, which is kind of a popsicle but they come in little cups with different flavors like coconut and strawberry. They’re just delicious. I remember going to her house and yelling, “Doña!” which is what we would call her. “We want dulce, Doña!” Great memories. PGN: What was your craziest adventure there as an adult? NL: When I finally got to visit El Yunque, the rainforest. That was a really cool experience, swimming in a waterfall. You forget that places like that actually exist in the world. Especially since so many parts of Puerto Rico are developed and industrialized. San Juan is such a big city, you forget that Puerto Rico is a tropical island. PGN: So back to Daytona and your life there. Were you part of any clubs or extracurricular activities in high school? NL: Oh yeah, I was in a lot of clubs. I was a very geeky kid. I tried to involve myself in school as much as possible so I was in theater, I was in the National Honor Society and I was also very much into sports. I played varsity basketball and softball for some time.

at the Hetrick-Martin Institute in New York, which is where the Harvey Milk School is located, one of the only LGBT high schools in the country. I wrote about young people I met there and the pressures they face with home and school, homelessness, suicide, etc. PGN: Let’s jump to a few random questions. What was the first video you remember seeing on MTV? NL: Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.”

PGN: Something that you have from your childhood. NL: I have a doll called Sara that I got when I was 3 and, though I’ve had to have it re-stuffed a few times, I still have it. PGN: Three items on your bucket list? NL: See the Grand Canyon, do more world traveling and sky dive— though I have such an intense fear of heights, I don’t think that’s going to happen. PGN: What do you wish you had a picture of? NL: I kind of wish I had a picture of the shoreline of Daytona Beach. I had some good memories there. PGN: Going back to the family story, how did you end up in Daytona? NL: Good question! I asked my mother the same thing because there were no Latino families there. Why not New York or Miami? We moved there because my mother’s brother went to college at Embry-Riddle; it was the only aeronautic school around. He lived in a onebedroom apartment and we all moved in there and camped out in the living room. PGN: So if there weren’t a lot of Latino families there, did you face racism? NL: Definitely! We lived surrounded by Confederate flags and I would have people ask me where in Mexico was Puerto Rico located. We look very diverse in my family; my brothers are darker-skinned and my mother and I are lightercomplected. At school, I hung around mostly with the African-American kids because, although they knew I wasn’t black, I wasn’t white either. I was something cool they could be down with. But since the white kids didn’t quite Photo: Suzi Nash figure out what I was, I would hear horrific things about race that they would say in front of me. Jokes about Mexicans and other racist things that they would say, not knowing that I was Latino. PGN: I know that story! Being mixedrace, people say things in front of me all the time until I whip out the family pictures. By the way, when did you come out? PAGE 26

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26 2013

FUN & PGN GAMES

Q Puzzle Choke up on the Batman Across 1. Smack on the butt, e.g. 5. Gay guy, in Brit slang 9. Top, in a hierarchy 14. It’s a curd in the kitchen 15. Omar of “ER” 16. City of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” 17. Lesbos, e.g. 18. Moss in Jamie O’Neill’s country 19. Trump ex 20. “Batman & Robin” star 23. Sporty Mazda 24. Abundant 27. Matt Coles, for one 31. Fruits that gets stomped 32. “Dallas” setting 34. Sports figure? 35. “Batman

Returns” star 40. Clergyman Bean 41. Moonshine maker 42. Test photos 45. Many gays, to Madonna 50. Lease 52. Queer, to straights 53. “The Dark Knight” star 57. Elizabeth Perkins’ role in “Weeds” 59. They aren’t straight 60. One way to buy an item 61. Trolley sound in a Garland song 62. Castle in a board game 63. Big top, e.g. 64. Fingerprint part 65. Enjoys South Beach 66. And so Down 1. Homosexuality,

PORTRAIT from page 25

NL: I came out when I was about 16 or 17. I came out twice to my mother; the first time I didn’t come out all the way and say it, I just kind of gave some hints

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in some cultures 2. Go nuts 3. On the water 4. ___ Rico 5. Car toon skunk Le Pew 6. Crude cartel 7. Lesbian character in “She’s Gotta Have It” 8. Size of M a p p l e t h o r p e ’s opening 9. Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Trio in ___” 10. Party day and night 11. Try to seduce 12. Dynasty long before the Carringtons 13. Writer Castillo 21. Brooks of country 22. URL ending 25. Penn of “Milk” 26. Mass. setting 28. PBS helper 29. Former lovers 30. Site where Franklin, Winston, and Josef came

together 33. Fail to grip the road 35. Horse that isn’t hung like a horse 36. Like a good alibi 37. Edith Head designed it 38. It spreads its limbs 39. Mork, for one 40. Putting your mouth on a stranger, perhaps 43. Search for food 44. ___ generis 46. Sales incentive 47. Rubber 48. Stirring up 49. Is responsible for 51. Peter I, and more 54. Drop ___ (moon) 55. PC picture 56. Seeks answers 57. “Suzie Q” band 58. Cole Porter, for one PAGE 35

like, “Mom, I’m thinking that I’m feeling something towards girls.” She just played it off saying, “I think you just care about people a lot” or “Don’t worry, it’ll pass.” We came from the Pentecostal Church, so I really didn’t want to press the issue. I remember she also said, “It’s because your father never really hugged you.” That was my first coming-out. The second time was much more explosive. It was a few months later and I was supposed to go on a school trip. I spent the night before at a friend’s house — it was a girl I had a crush on. My cell phone died and I overslept so I missed the trip. The school called my mother and she went ballistic. When I finally got my cell phone on, I had about 15 messages from her. I rushed home and my mother was there gritting her teeth, it was the scariest moment of my life. I know she was mostly just worried for me, but she started yelling, “You’ve been hanging out with that girl! You’re missing school! I don’t like what’s going on!” It turned into a whole dramatic thing, which was mostly my fault because I was a dramatic teenager. I called my brothers — one was living in California at the time, and came out to them and they were both super, super supportive and acted as a liaison between me and my mother. [Laughs.] I’d planned on waiting till I got to college to come out, but it didn’t happen that way. PGN: So tell me what you do now. NL: I work at GALAEI. We’re a queer Latino social-justice organization. We essentially provide social and health services for the LGBTQ and Latino community in Philadelphia and serve as a bridge between those two communities. We like to say that we are Latino in not who we serve, but how we serve. I work directly

with young people, I do one-on-one coaching and counseling. I also coordinate a couple of the youth programs, including a youth leadership and advocacy board. PGN: What is a story that moved you there? Tell me one of those flowers-shining-through-the-cracks moments. NL: [Laughs.] I see what you’re doing, Suzi! You’re trying to get me emotional! OK, I would say watching one of the young people who I counseled here for about a year-and-a-half graduate from high school. It was really, really cool because her story was typical of a problem child from North Philadelphia who grew up in a rough neighborhood, got pregnant at a very young age and all those social ills that befall so many young people. When she graduated, I was sobbing, she was crying. It was beautiful to see her achieve something that she never thought would be a reality. It showed me that she found a place in her life where she believed in herself. It was very powerful and awesome. PGN: What do young people face now that we didn’t face? NL: I think for many kids, sexuality and gender is much more fluid than it was for most adults. They’re navigating their sexuality without any labels. So I think there’s a struggle trying to figure out where they fit in. For them it may be, “TToday I’m dating a person of this gender, tomorrow it may be something different, so where does that leave me?” And there’s still the struggle of trying to come out. You may have a supportive mom or family, but then you’re getting bullied at school, or you may be accepted by your peers but you’re not accepted by your family or your community. Add to that the overabundance of

information — social media, television, the Internet — there’s so much information out there, how do you process it all? Where do you go just to talk to somebody about everything you’ve learned and how to comprehend it all? Where do you go to get correct and accurate information? Just Google gay or lesbian and it’s crazy what might come up. It’s tough to navigate for anyone, never mind a young person trying to figure themselves out. PGN: There’s a perception in the black community that we are more homophobic than others, though personally I don’t find that. Do you find the same thing in the Latino community? NL: Yes, I think there is a perception that Latinos are homophobic, perhaps because we’re very religious or have different cultural values. I come from a place personally where I don’t find the Latino community any more homophobic than other communities. I think we all deal with the same issues. In my case, my immediate family — mother, brothers and uncles and cousins — are all very supportive of who I am, but I do have family in Puerto Rico who don’t accept me. It’s a mix. What I think needs to happen is more conversation on the issue. I think we need to give our communities the benefit of the doubt. I think given the chance, they may surprise us. ■ Orgulla festivities kick off at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Mascher Space Co-op at 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave. For more information, visit raiceslatinopride.com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.

SPORTS PGN

Get Out and Play

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Scott A. Drake

Dough, oh dear It’s no surprise that sports require some serious finances. There are inside rental fees, outside field-rental fees, insurance, costumes (team shirts, etc.) and other incidentals needed to make an organization run smoothly. Sponsorships help a lot when it comes to the big boys like City of Brotherly Love Softball League and Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League, but not every organization has those resources. Unfortunately, it’s usually the ones that could use it most that can’t find it. Next year is going to be a very expensive one on many levels. Aside from the usual costs, GPFFL is hosting the 2014 Gay Bowl and is looking to raise about $10,000 to cover expenses of having more than 600 flag footballers in town for several days. Their outreach efforts continue to secure rookie sponsors like Eager and Mazzoni. Also next year, our Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club is hoping to send as many players as possible to the Bingham Cup in Sydney, Australia. This biennial tournament honors the memory of Flight 93 passenger Mark Bingham, a rugger with the San Francisco Fog. Round-trip tickets at the moment are pricing at around $2,400 each. Add luggage charges, hotels, meals, and other add-ons and

easily it will top $4,000 per player. Gay Game 9 in Cleveland next August won’t be quite the cost of these two, but there are still some significant costs associated. If you didn’t get registered during the discount window that closed Sept. 15, then you’re ponying up $190 just to be a participant. Add on the player or team participant costs, travel, housing, etc., and it will cost a minimum $1,000 per player. One of the missions of Team Philadelphia is to foster the establishment of teams and organizations in the area. Another is to be the collective organization that all of the sports participate under at the games. Extrapolating, it should also include assisting athletes who are in need with some financial support to attend the games. Consider the Spartans wrestling, Falcons soccer, Martial Arts, Frontrunners and other small collectives, and even individuals outside of the Philadelphia city lines, who might want to participate but cannot muster the costs personally. Somewhere, in one of the municipalities surrounding Philadelphia, there is a runner who could medal for Team Philadelphia, but can’t raise the money to go. Somewhere there is a biker or a weightlifter or a pool player or a rodeobull rider who would love to go and be among 10,000 international friends, but

HAPPY CRANKERS: The Cranky Yankees won the Masters Division at the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance Worlds Series of Softball, held Aug. 28-31 in Washington, D.C. The Cranky Yankees were a melting pot of players from New England, New York and Philadelphia, with Philly leading the pack with five players: Jeff Jurges, Todd VanGuten, Chris Chu, Martin Jeavons and Jeff Chase. The team went undefeated throughout the tournament. Other noteworthy wins from the tournament: TOC Wolves finished seventh in Division C, Knock Outlaws won the Consolation Division and Tabu Triple Play took third place in C Division. Sunday’s Hangovers finished fourth in the Women’s ASANA World Series in B Division. Photo: Jack Betzali

doesn’t have the income to save it up. Supporting our LGBT sports programs is something we should do as a community. In fact, there is no reason why larger groups cannot assist the others with their fundraising efforts. How long can any group raise money with limited people and connections? Only until everyone has been tapped dry. Then it all screeches to a halt. I urge you — the individual you, the sports organizations and you, Team Philadelphia— to open dialogues now to send as many players as we can to Cleveland, to send as many players as we can to Sydney and host as

many players as we can here for Gay Bowl 2014. Not in six months. Not in eight months. Not when it has already reached critical mass. Now. Time is money. Why? Because what makes us prouder in the Philly LGBT community than when we are recognized outside of our great city? This is about pride. This is about coming together. And this is about making 2014 the greatest Philly LGBT sports year ever. ■ Countdown to Gay Games 9: 322 days. Send your team/league/organization information to scott@epgn.com.

BARC PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26 2013

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2013

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Community LGBT Event LGBT Fundraiser

Did you just get done a fabulous dinner in the Gayborhood? Have a great workout with your trainer? Discover a new spot to quench your weekend thirst or return to an old favorite? Everybody likes raving about their favorites, so have no fear — you can share your two cents about the best of the best of our community in PGN’s annual Best of Gay Philadelphia!

LGBT Nonproﬁt

We leave it in your hands to determine the standouts in the city — from businesses to organizations to individual leaders. These folks may not always get the credit they deserve, so now’s your chance to give them a pat on the back with your votes.

People

The contest will run through Oct. 28, and you can use PGN’s handy-dandy online survey to share with us which person, place or thing you think should shine in each category. Think local, think LGBT. You don’t have to ﬁll out every category, but too many blank lines make us sad. And feel free to include witty comments with your choices; some may get printed and others may just give us a chuckle.

LGBT Sports Organization

Activist Bartender Hair Stylist

Personal Trainer When the contest closes, we at PGN will tally up all of your votes and present your Politician picks for the Best of Gay Philadelphia in our Nov. 8 edition. Winners will be the guests of honor at a special invite-only party in November. To vote, visit surveymonkey.com/s/BOGP2013, or pick your favorites on this form and mail it or drop it off to 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147, or fax it to 215-925-6437.

PGN’s Best of Gay Philadelphia 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Fax: 215-925-6437

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Worth Watching THE DIVA RETURNS: “The Voice” returns, with vocalists from across the country invited to compete with the help of the original coaches, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera (pictured), CeeLo Green and Blake Shelton, 8 p.m. Sept. 23 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Trae Patton

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Triangle Medical General Practice Progressive HIV Care THE HOST WITH THE MOST: Out actor and award-show host extraordinaire Neil Patrick Harris hosts the “65th Primetime Emmy Awards,” 8 p.m. Sept. 22 on CBS. Photo: CBS/ Nino Muñoz

GETTING SCHOOLED: “Modern Family” kicks off a new season with many of the characters going back to school, including gay character Cam, who starts a new substituting gig at the high school, 9 p.m. Sept. 25 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Peter “Hopper” Stone

CLIFFHANGER: “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” returns for a new season 9 p.m. Sept. 25 with Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) being held hostage, making her future on the show unclear. Photo: NBC/Michael Pamalee.

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STAGE PGN

Cabaret performer runs it all in new show By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Cabaret performer LT Zerone is taking on a number of roles behind the scenes in his ambitious cabaret “Sex, Love ... and Somewhere in Between,” Sept. 28 at the Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse. Zerone is no stranger to cabaret performances, having appeared in various Philadelphia shows as well as putting together a number of one-man productions. But for this show, he is wearing a several hats as he takes on production, marketing and performing. Zerone said he has the capacity to juggle many responsibilities. “I’ve always left it to other people,” he said. “But I think I’m more detailoriented than other people I work with. I’ve been working with other companies doing single numbers. What happened was, 25 years ago, I used to do my own cabaret shows and kind of got out of it. I did mostly choral work and solo singing. Then the bug just kind of bit me when I hit 40. Time for me to take

a stab at it again, I had this concept for a show and it came to fruition over the last year or so. I just decided to take it all on myself. This is probably the largest production I’ve done. Normally, I’m the primary singer and I have a pianist. This one has morphed into a whole band behind me.” “Sex, Love ... and Somewhere in Between” explores themes of relationships, both gay and straight, and how they can sometimes be a bit dysfunctional. Besides Zerone, the cabaret will feature pianist and musical director Rob Blackwell,

performance artist Messapotamia Lefae and stand-up comic Susie Hudson. “A lot of the shows I do center around r e l a t i o n s h i p s ,” Zerone said. “For me, when I was thinking about the show I thought, in the end, relationships have to do with physical attraction, whether we like to admit it or not. So I wanted to take it more from that raw edge and say, ‘OK, if you want to admit it, it boils down to, there’s sex in here.’ We’ve taken lines that people may say to each other during sex and then we have songs that go with LT ZERONE the theme of that

expression that interpret it. We also have something that I’ve never done before: We filmed a video to give the audience a laugh at how crazy it is putting a show like this together.” The cabaret is a one-night-only affair and Zerone says his shows usually sell out. We asked if he would add additional nights, but Zerone said the show feels more special and spontaneous when it’s a one-time thing. “When I do my shows, I typically do not do more than one for several reasons,” he said. “It’s a lot to pull together. I find that the energy changes night to night. I like the raw, this is the first take, feel. This is it. You have one night to really sell it.” ■ LT Zerone & Company Cabaret present “Sex, Love ... and Somewhere in Between,” 8 p.m. Sept. 28 in The Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St. For more information or tickets, call 800-838-3006 or visit http;//sexlove-cabaret.bpt.me.

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Maintenance Superintendent We currently have an exciting opportunity available for an experienced Maintenance Superintendent to join the Pennrose team at our John C. Anderson site located in downtown Philadelphia. The Maintenance Superintendent of this 56 unit, LGBT Friendly senior community will be responsible for overseeing all maintenance activities at the site including: working on- call, providing exceptional customer service, troubleshooting, appliance repair, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, grounds keeping, general building maintenance and carpentry. Individuals must have high school diploma or equivalent, 2-5 years maintenance or construction experience and, reliable transportation. This is a permanent, fulltime position with competitive salary and beneﬁts package including medical, dental, vision, and 401k along with a quarterly performance bonus plan. For additional information, a complete job description and to apply please go to www.pennrose.com/careers/and click “Apply now” then “Employment Listings” or send resumes to lgiberson@pennrose.com or via fax 267.386.8630 EOE M/F/D/V

CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS DIRECTORY:

(215) 625-8501

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Food & Drink

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 09/20 Jerry Lewis The comedian performs 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Patty Larkin The out singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Miss’d America Pre-Party CeCe Peniston performs and DJs spin to kick off the weekend’s festivities 9 p.m. at Pro Bar, Resorts Hotel and Casino,

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 800-772-9000. MST3K: Master Ninja I The failed TV show is lampooned by sarcastic robots 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 09/21 A Penny for Your Thoughts A guided discussion on all issues that impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women, 4-7 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220.

Pet Shop Boys The electronic band performs 7:30 p.m. at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-5467900. Guys Night Out: Six Feet (Above and) Under: A Graveyard Cabaret NY-REV Theatre Co. presents the story of three departed souls as they journey between this world and the next, 8-11 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Lionel Richie The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way,

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Michael Franti and Spearhead The alt-rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000. Chad Michaels The “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” alum performs midnight-2 a.m. at Pro Bar, Resorts Hotel and Casino, 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 800-772-9000.

Sun. 09/22 The Mark of Zorro with Live Pipe Organ Accompaniment The 1920 adventure ﬁlm is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223

EAST END BOYS: Electro-synthpop icons Pet Shop Boys are on the road touring behind their new album “Electric,” performing 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave. For more information or tickets, call 215546-7900.

Mon. 09/23 Free Quizzo and Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Mark Rosenberg The author of “Eating My Feelings: Tales of Overeating” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Clue The 1985 comedy is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens, 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Tue. 09/24 Superchunk The rock band performs 8:30 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215232-2100.

Wed. 09/25

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4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500

N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. That Bitch Better Be Funny An evening of comedy with out comedian Sampson, 7 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. Paula Cole The rock singer performs 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Kaki King The out guitar virtuoso performs 8:30 p.m. at

Fri. 09/27 Loft23 presents The Game Loft The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts a game space geared towards gamers ages 21-29 and is an opportunity to meet new people, play games and socialize outside the bar scene, 5 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220.

Mary Gauthier The out folk singersongwriter takes the stage 8 p.m. at Steel City Coffee House, 203 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610933-4043. Wham Bam Bowie Band The band performs classics including the entire “Ziggy Stardust” album, 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. ■

Thu. 09/26 World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. The Burlesque Show The new event kicks off 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

STILL GLOWING: Out guitar virtuoso and singer Kaki King is still on the road in support of her latest album, “Glow,” performing 8:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del. For more information or tickets, call 302-994-1400.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Opening Beethoven 9: “Ode to Joy” The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Sept. 26-28 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Chris Kattan The comedian performs Sept. 26-28 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Earth, Wind & Fire The R&B group performs 8 p.m. Sept. 27-28 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. The Enchanted World of German Romantic Prints Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of prints created by Austrian, German and Swiss artists Sept. 21-Dec. 15, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Continuing All Dressed Up: Fashions for Children and Their Families Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an

Candy Coated Wonderland Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition by Philadelphia-based multimedia artist Candy Coated (formerly Candy Depew) reinterpreting children’s fancy dress costumes from the museum’s collection, through Nov. 17, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Design for the Modern Child Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition featuring some of the latest furniture, toys, tableware, wallpaper and textiles designed internationally in Australia, Asia, Europe, Great Britain and the United States, along with classics from the museum’s design collection, through Oct. 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. In The Heights Walnut Street Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical through Oct. 20, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m STILL in Therapy Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the sequel to Steve Solomon’s popular comedy through Oct. 6, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; 215-785-0100.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

The Sexuality Spectrum The Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art and Congregation Beth Ahavah at Rodeph Shalom host an exhibit examining LGBT prejudice through Nov. 18 at 615 N. Broad St.; 215-627-6747. SPY: The Secret World of Espionage The Franklin Institute presents an exhibition of historical artifacts from the intelligence community through Oct. 6, 20th Street and the Parkway; 215-4481200.

Closing The Safe Word is Begonia Walking Fish Theatre Company presents the story of a frustrated ﬁancé who discovers the world of S&M, through Sept. 21, 2509 Frankford Ave.; 215-427-9255. Serpentine Academy of Natural Sciences hosts an exhibition of photography of the world’s most deadly snakes by Mark Laita, through Sept. 22, 19th Street and the Parkway; 215-299-1000. Sklar Brothers The comedians perform through Sept. 21 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an

CHER AND CHER ALIKE: “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” alum and occasional Cher impersonator Chad Michaels performs during the Miss’d America Pageant post-party midnight-2 a.m. Sept. 21 at Pro Bar at Resorts Hotel and Casino, 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 800-7729000.

exhibition of clothing from the late-18th through mid-20th centuries, comparing and contrasting adults’ apparel with children’s smaller styles, through Dec. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. SOLUTION from page 26

Private Lives/Public Spaces: Bringing Philadelphia’s LGBT History Out in the Open The William Way LGBT Community Center presents the ﬁrst solo exhibition of LGBT history in a mainstream museum in Philadelphia, which features a glimpse into the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archival Collection, through Oct. 25 at The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent, 15 S. Seventh St.; 215-685-4830.

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

THE OLD ROMANTIC MOVEMENT: Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of prints created by Austrian, German and Swiss artists reﬂecting the dramatic shifts in taste in the arts during a time of signiﬁcant cultural and political transformation throughout the German-speaking regions of Central Europe in “The Enchanted World of German Romantic Prints,” on view Sept. 21-Dec. 15, 26th Street and the Parkway. For more information, call 215-763-8100.

exhibition of drawings and watercolors by Jerry Pinkney, Sept. 22, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. ■

OVER 90 JURIED ARTISTS

October 5 + 6, 2013 10AM-5PM

greater

Eric McLendon

Jacob Albee

Wilfriede Axsmith

Mark Klammer

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts 201 Washington St., Reading, PA GPS: 140 North 3rd St., Reading, PA 19601

artsfestivalreading.org

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

PGN

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Real Estate Sale

ROXBOROUGH NEAR ACRE, $435,000 Open Sunday 2-4. 226 Shawmont Ave. Unique 3BR, 2 bth Contemp. Ranch offers bright, open interior w/wooded views. Fplc, mod kit. C/A. Deck. Tastefully updated throughout. DUFFY REAL ESTATE, Inc. 610-254-9292 www.duffyrealestate.com ________________________________________37-38 HISTORIC TACONY 3 Sty BrickTwin, 5 BRs, 2 bth, huge EIK, sunrm, 20 min to CC, walking dis to train/river park. Pat Costello, Re/Max Realty Servs, 215-245-2414/215-768-1597. ________________________________________37-40 NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ Beautiful updated Victorian home located 3 blocks from the beach. Large wrap around front porch on quiet residential steet. French doors, granite countertops, 4 BR, 3 full BA, full basement and attic & 2 car garage. $499.000. Call 609-602-2783. ____________________________________________37-38 NY-VT BORDER 40 acres only $99,900. easy access Albany NY, Bennington, VT perfect mini farm, open and wooded, ideal for equestrian or sportsman, abundant wildlife, surveyed and perc tested. Bank ﬁnancing available Owner 802-447-0779. ________________________________________37-3

Help Wanted

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Open Houses - Sunday September 22, 2013

12:00-2:00 PM

1720 Bainbridge Street, B Philadelphia, PA 19147 2BR/1.5BA House with GARAGE! $449,9000 Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.phillyrealestateagents.com Dan Tobey

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

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

Beautiful Stone and Slate Mansion on Mainline

Travel & Resorts OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________37-38 609-345-8203. oceanhouseatlanticcity.com ________________________________________37-45

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1800-578-1363 Ext.300N. ________________________________________37-38

Services AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualiﬁed-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________37-38 How To Get Your Boss To Love You! Secret Tip, NO Cost And NO Obligation! Call Kevin: 240-691-3640. ________________________________________37-37

Pets • 7200 sqft architectural masterpiece • Incredibly private and tranquil • Nearly 2 acre wooded lot • 6 Bedrooms, 4/2 baths, and 7 ﬁreplaces • Steps to Suburban Square Shopping and minutes to center city • Nested w/ multi million dollar properties • Abundant options to make it your own • Offered at under Market: 1.895 million

Helene De Vlieghere Keller William Mainline Realty cell: 610-203-9509, ofﬁce: 610-520-0100, email: helenedv@kw.com

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

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

Heavy Equipment Operator Training! Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. 3 Weeks Hands On Program. Local Job Placement Assistance. National Certifications. GI Bill Benefits Eligible. 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________37-38 Experienced Drivers - Excellent Regional Runs! Great Home Time & Benefits! Up to $.39 Per Mile, Weekly Pay & Late Model Equipment. Arnold Transportation www. drivearnold.com 888-742-8056. ________________________________________37-38 CDL-A Drivers: Looking for higher pay? New Century is hiring exp.company drivers and owner operators. Solos and teams. Competitive pay package. Sign-on incentives. Call 888-705-3217 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com ________________________________________37-38 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________37-38 DRIVERS Transport America has Dedicated and Regional openings! Variety of home time options; good miles & earnings. Enjoy Transport America’s great driver experience! TAdrivers. com or 866-204-0648. ________________________________________37-38 CDL-A Drivers: Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus. Solo and Teams. Excellent Home Time & Pay! BCBS Benefits. Join Super Serivce! 866-933-1902 DriveForSuperService.com ________________________________________37-38 CDL-A SOLO & TEAM DRIVERS NEEDED! Top Pay & Full Benefits. Even MORE Pay for Hazmat! New Trucks Arriving Daily! CDL Grads Welcome! 800-942-2104 www.TotalMS.com ________________________________________37-38 ATTENTION REGIONAL & DEDICATED DRIVERS! Averitt Offers Excellent Benefits & Hometime. CDL-A req. 888-362-8608. Recent Grads w/a CDL-A 1-6/wks Paid Training. Apply online at AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________37-38 Transfer Drivers: Need CDL A or B Contract Drivers, to relocate vehicles from local body plants to various locations throughout US-No forced dispatch: 1-800-501-3783. ________________________________________37-38 Gordon Trucking: CDL-A Drivers Needed. A better Carrier. A better Career. Up to $5,000 SIGN ON BONUS. Earn Up to .46 cpm. Refrigerated Fleet with Great Miles, Full Benefits, Great Incentives. No Northeast Runs! EOE. Call 7 days/wk! GordonTrucking.com 866-554-7856. ________________________________________37-38 HOME WEEKLY & BI-WEEKLY. EARN $900-$1200/WK. BC/BS Med. & Major Benefits. NO Canada, HAZMAT or NYC! SMITH TRANSPORT 877-705-9261. ________________________________________37-38

Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________37-39 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________37-39 57 y .o., 5’2”, blue eyed chunky bottom looking for someone who would enjoy playing chess with me and getting lucky; win, lose or draw. Lookng for a top guy to put me in check. Call me at 215-380-1700 between 6 PM & 12 AM any day. Please leave a message if no answer. ________________________________________37-38 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________37-40

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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Sat., Sept. 21st, 2013 Time: 11pm-3:30am

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

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Sun., Sept. 22nd, 2013 Time: 3pm-6pm

BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT JOIN PANG FOR: • An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • Complimentary Food & Beverages and Much More... For More Information On Group: www.phillynakedguys.com/

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people come-

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

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

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

TUESDAYS

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

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE

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

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

PGN

12-step programs and support groups Al-Anon

■

Pennsylvania Al-Anon Alateen Family Groups: Events, meeting times and locations at pa-al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

■ Acceptance meets 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at

Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets.

■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at

Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian, but all are welcome. ■ Early Night Out meets 5:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St., second ﬂoor; 215-985-9206. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living Sober meets 8:30 p.m. Saturdays at the William Way Center. ■ No Other Way Out meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. daily at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Sober and Gay meets 8:30 p.m. Sunday-Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Young People’s meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mark’s Church, 1625 Locust St.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■ Meets 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

Friday and Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the William Way Center.

Emotional Support

■ Pink and Blues, a free peer-run mental-health

support group for LGBT people, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-627-0424. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; 215-545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County, meets 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; 215-545-2242; phillysos.tripod.com.

HIV/AIDS

■ Strength In Numbers

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215-769-3561; bebashi.org. ■ “Pozitive Light HIV/AIDS Support Ministry,” presented by Unity Fellowship of Christ Church Philadelphia HIV/AIDS Ministry and Girard Avenue Pharmacy, meets 5-7 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., first-floor group room; 267481-5085; blaclikme@comcast.net. ■ Encuentros, a group for HIV-negative Latino men who have sex with men, meets 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1201 Locust St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Mazzoni

Center; 215-563-0652 ext. 235.

■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community

Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets 11 a.m. ﬁrst and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; 215-851-1898.

Wednesdays: ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group meets 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, meets at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St.; ﬁght.org. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets 5-7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432. Thursdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; 215-769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; call Zak, 215-848-4380; azaklad@craftech.com. Saturdays: ■ AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets during the school year. Call 800-810-6776 for location and time.

Debtors Anonymous

■ Meets 7-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the

William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

■ Open meeting, Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Fridays, at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St.; call Troy for ﬂoor/room number, 215-514-3065; www.oa.org. ■ Meets 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331; atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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

S.A.R.A.

■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and

evening hours; 215-563-0663 ext. 282.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

■ Meets 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at All Saints

Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 302-542-3279.

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance abuse

problems at the William Way Center.

Health

Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717-233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth.org. Anonymous, free HIV testing with Spanish/ English counselors, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-6851803. HIV health insurance help: Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448; www.fight.org.

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

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

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

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

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

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000

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

■ Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-686-3318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Health

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088; www.actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871; www.galaei. org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city; www. gppn.org; 215-922-3377. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 1-5p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals; www. IndependenceBusinessAlliance. com; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.

org/philly; philly@nlgja.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism. com; 215-840-2039.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 20-26, 2013

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Photos: (Broadway Cast) Joan Marcus

December 11-January 5 1-800-447-7400

Forrest Theatre Original Cast Recording On

Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization.