PGN Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012 by The Philadelphia Gay News

PAGE 37

��

2012

Family Portrait: Brian Morrison

��

Xxx The best of Gay Philly as chosen by YOU, the readers PAGE 29 Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

��

Vol. 36 No. 39

Gender markers dropped for new voter IDs By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

SIGN ME UP: Antoine Gibbs (center) signed up to receive the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council online newsletter Sept. 25 at BGMLC’s networking and happyhour event at Ladder 51. About 100 people attended the social, which was meant to reinforce a unified voice and leadership presence in the Philadelphia area. Photo:

Center commended for board commitment, strategies By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com William Way LGBT Community Center last week received an award that paid tribute to the organization’s board members and their contributions. The Philadelphia Foundation selected the center as one of two recipients of its H. Craig Lewis Good Governance Award, which is joined by a $5,000 prize. The award is given to agencies that exemplify the best of the best in nonprofit management — extending to board leadership, financial planning and strategic thinking. Thirty organizations applied for the award, and eight were selected as finalists, with the foundation’s grantmaking committee ultimately deciding on the center and the Maternity Care Coalition. “We are delighted to honor these worthy nonprofits,” said foundation president R. Andrew Swinney. “Both of these organizations exhibited the most comprehensive board-development strategies, self-assessments, organizational evaluation and planning. Other organizations in the region would do well to emulate the governance examples they set.”

In an unprecedented step announced this week, Pennsylvania’s new state-issued voter identification card will not include a gender marker. The revelation was made Tuesday during a Commonwealth Court hearing on the contentious new law, which would require voters to present a valid government ID each time they vote. At the hearing, which was held to examine the process by which the state would issue voter-ID cards for those who currently lack an eligible ID, Kurt Meyers, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, said the state plans to ease restrictions, including the lifting of the gender designation. Voters will also not need to present proof of residence to obtain the card. David Rosenblum, Mazzoni Center legal director who, with Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin, issued a letter to Secretary of Commonwealth Carol

Aichele calling for attention to the transgender-related issues surrounding voter ID, said the move is groundbreaking. “To my knowledge, this if the first time the state has ever issued an ID where gender doesn’t matter,” Rosenblum said. While the card will be marked for “voting-purposes only,” Rosenblum said its significance cannot be overlooked. “If a transgender person goes to a bar, the bouncer is not going to look at the ID and turn them away because the card is for voting. This will be a government-issued ID card with your name and your picture. It’s a way for transgender people to have an ID card and not have to worry about it having an inconsistent gender.” Rosenblum said he was “stunned” that the change was made so quietly, with little fanfare. Sara Mullen, associate director of American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania — which is spearheading the legal challenge of the law — also welcomed the change. “We are happy this PAGE 21

OutFest to honor leaders, introduce new award By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT R. ANDREW SWINNEY (FROM LEFT), WILLIAM WAY BOARD CO-CHAIR THE HON. ANN BUTCHART, FORMER PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER H. CRAIG LEWIS AND FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR LAWRENCE J. BEASER AT THE SEPT. 20 PRESENTATION OF THE LEWIS AWARD Photo: Mark Garvin/The Philadelphia Foundation

The center’s board is comprised of 15 members. The Philadelphia Foundation referenced the breadth and diversity of the board membership, its board-training program and board-succession plan — which it crafted in June to assist the agency in the PAGE 20 event of the departure of

Every year at OutFest, organizers bestow awards for community leadership. The Oct. 7 festivities will honor a new group of leaders, as well as mark the inauguration of a new award. Franny Price, president of Philly Pride Presents, which stages OutFest, said the organization seeks to highlight those who have been positive, influential figures in the LGBT and ally community. “We look for people who help educate or make the community more aware,” Price said. This year, OutFest will present a new award, OutProud Family, to Mia and Tracy Levesque and their daughter Josephine. The Levesques run YIKES, Inc., a webdesign firm on East Girard Avenue. PAGE 2 “In the last five years,

MIA AND TRACY LEVESQUE AND DAUGHTER JOSEPHINE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

OUTFEST from page 1

more and more gay people are having families,” Price said. “Mia and Tracy are out and proud. They have been visible and active in the community even before they had a child.” Tracy Levesque called it “an honor” to be the inaugural recipients of the award. “This acknowledgement shows us that we must be doing at least somewhat of a good job supporting the Philly queer community,” she said. The family has made it a priority to be out in any circle in which they travel, including at their daughter’s school. Levesque said one of the family’s biggest accomplishments is owning and renovating two buildings in the Fishtown neighborhood, home to their business, which in July were certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum — the first mixed-use rehab buildings in the state to earn that distinction. However, it is the couple’s daughter who takes first place in their lives. “We are lucky to have such an awesome, healthy kid and live on a block where she can play in the street with neighbor kids,” Levesque said. Other honors this year include the OutProud award, which will go to Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, an assistant district attorney who was named the DA’s Office’s first LGBT liaison earlier this year. “She is new to Philly but she came out of ��

��

NELLIE FITZPATRICK (LEFT) AND BABETTE JOSEPHS Photos: Scott A. Drake

the closet and stayed out,” Price said. “She goes to [police] sensitivity trainings with us, she rode in the Pride parade this year. She got involved in the gay community.” The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus will also be recognized. The group, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will receive the Gilbert Baker National OutProud Award. “They’ve been bringing tourism back to Philadelphia,” Price said. Outgoing Pennsylvania Rep. Babette Josephs will be honored with the OutProud Friend award for her decades of supporting LGBT rights, as well as gender equality and

reproductive rights. “I’ve been a champion for LGBT rights,” Josephs said. “Throughout the last 30 years, I have been fighting for people who need their voices heard.” Josephs, who said she has long supported HIV/AIDS causes, most recently sponsored legislation to legalize marriage equality. “I’m not afraid of anyone or anything,” she said. “I will always advocate for LGBT rights.” Josephs said OutFest is always “a fun night.” “I like the noise, the people. I love to see the city streets used,” she said. “That is what

a city should be: a place where people can be outdoors, where they can talk about their passions, aspirations and achievemnts.” OutFest organizers will also honor an LGBT young adult who has been making headway in Philadelphia. Maro Beauchamp will be presented with the OutStanding Youth award. Beauchamp, 19, is an active member of The Attic Youth Center and works the agency’s arts program, Attic Graffix. “Maro is truly an inspiration and an incredibly thoughtful, giving and responsible young person,” said Carrie Jacobs, executive director of The Attic. A graphic-design student at The Art Institute, Beauchamp helped plan a workshop on art and mythology that the agency presented at this year’s True Colors Conference. “Maro has also been a support with designing and printing posters, fliers and a huge number of big things that needed to get done for Pride,” said Tara Rubinstein, lifeskills coordinator at The Attic. “Maro has done so much but is more of a behind-thescenes player who goes above and beyond to pitch in. He cares a lot about the center.” Community pride is an important quality that Price looks for in honorees. “We always make sure [the recipients] are out and proud, not just in their jobs,” Price said. “We look for people and groups who have been more than just out, but also very visible.” ■

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 • Fantasy Adult Books, 829 Rt. 413, Veterans Hwy • 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. • Chalfont • Dr. Annette Lee, 700 Horizon Circle, Suite 202 • 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. • 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. • Rainbow Pet Creations, 305 N. Queen 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, 501 Birney Dr. • 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• Old Forge • Twelve Penny Saloon, 535 Hickory St. • 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 • York • Club XS, 36 W. 11th St. • Cupid’s Connextion, 244 N. George St. •

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

PGN

EMBRACING

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

DIVERSITY

TD Bank welcomes diversity in our workplace, within our communities and with all our Customers. Fostering diversity is a journey. Join us.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

POTENTIAL PARENTS: About 40 prospective LGBT parents, couples and singles attended the National Adoption Center’s Adoption Café Sept. 20 at William Way LGBT Community Center to explore their adoption options. Moderator Gloria Hochman (from left), NAC director of communications, along with panelists Mark Woodland, Becky Birtha, Sarah Barnwell and Susan Schachter told personal stories and answered audience questions about the adoption process, including struggles and successes. Information can be found at Adopt.org. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

Local News Briefing On Being Well Crime Watch Work It Out

5 14 18 21 15

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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

10 10 11 11 11

What do you look forward to wearing in the fall? Poll results from our online survey as of Sept. 26:

32% 11% 0% 0% 5% 53%

Jackets/Hoodies Sweaters Scarves/Hats Skiing/Snowboarding outﬁts Other I’m hoping for a warm winter

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

Which neighborhood moniker is more appropriate? 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

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

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

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

Publisher

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

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com Staff Writers Angela Thomas (ext. 215) angela@epgn.com Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@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

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@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. © 2012 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Temple alums to relaunch LGBT group By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Next month’s Homecoming festivities at Temple University will provide ample opportunity for alumni to reconnect, including those in the LGBT community. Temple’s LGBTQ Alumni Society is hosting a happy-hour social from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 5, in honor of both Homecoming and the group’s revival. The organization “fizzled out” about two years ago, according to Maureen Fisher, assistant director of alumni societies in Temple’s Alumni Relations. When Fisher started with the department earlier this year, she set to work on getting the group back on its feet. “When I came on board, it was one of our top priorities to get the group revived,” she said. “We are constantly taking about how diverse we are here at Temple, and we want to make sure that’s true with our alumni as well. We want to make sure we’re engaging all of our alumni in different ways, and

in ways that matter to them.” Fisher connected with members of the LGBT alumni group and examined the challenges the organization faced in the past and brainstormed ways to improve its effectiveness. Throughout the summer a series of informational meetings were held with alumni interested in reviving the group. Last month, nine alumni leaders, who Fisher said represent a range of ages, genders and interests, participated in an organizational planning meeting to determine how to get the organization back up and running. “We sat and had a really great discussion about what the group should look like and how we can move forward,” Fisher said. “We want to do things right and offer events and activities that people are looking for.” While the group’s return will be welcomed with the happy hour, Fisher noted that organizers anticipate the group will provide more than social outlets for LGBT and ally alumni. “We want this to be a group that

does a lot of different things, not just happy-hour events,” she said. “We want to have panel discussions on campus with professors and work with the undergraduate groups like the Queer Student Union. We see this group as being leaders in the LGBT community at Temple. We envision this as being able to bring together people who are very passionate and want to be involved and instrumental to work closely with current students and with one another.” The kickoff event will serve to jumpstart those ideas, Fisher said. Guests can learn more about next steps for the organization, which plans to become more formalized next month with the naming of a board. The happy hour will be held at 10 Arts Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Broad and Chestnut streets. Cost is $20 and includes beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Fisher noted there’s a cap on registration, so interested guests should register early at www. alumni.temple/edu/homecoming. ■

THINK RACY THOUGHTS. The new two-seater MINI John Cooper Works Roadster can’t help but turn heads. With a turbocharged, direct-injected 208 horsepower engine and a six-speed transmission, it’s open-air motoring unlike anything else. Hit 50 MPH and the rear spoiler automatically lifts for better downforce, so you can leave all those onlookers behind. THE NEW MINI ROADSTER. HOLD ON.

MINI of the Main Line 130 Montgomery Ave Bala Cynwyd PA 19004 (877) 209-9298

www.epgn.com

A DONE DEAL: Mark Segal (center), PGN publisher and president of the Dr. Magnus Hirschfield Fund, signed documents Tuesday to close the sale for the future site of the LGBT-friendly senior residences. The property, located at 249-257 S. 13th St., had been owned by the city and was used by the Redevelopment Authority for equipment and vehicle repair. Demolition will commence next month for the proposed six-story building, which will be home to 56 units for residents ages 62 and over, a number of which will be dedicated to low-income seniors. Segal was joined this week by dmhFund board members Judy Applebaum (clockwise, from left), Micah Mahjoubian, the Hon. Dan Anders, Jeff Guaracino and Irene Benedetti. Photo: Peter Lien

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

LOCAL PGN

AIDS Walk countdown begins

MAKING A STATEMENT: Longtime AIDS Walk participant Teddy Coyle prepared to make his “Why I Walk” video for volunteer videographer Colin Comstock at the AIDS Walk kick off Sept. 21 in Rittenhouse Square. The video clips can be seen through the AIDS Fund website (www.aidsfundphilly.org). Coyle began walking with his team “Teddy and the Bears” when his brother died of AIDS 10 years ago and he has participated every year since. Photo: Scott A. Drake

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The annual Philly AIDS Walk brings together people whose lives have been touched by the disease in a sea of ways — and some of those personal stories were on display last week in Rittenhouse Square. AIDS Fund staged a kickoff event Sept. 21 for the 26th annual Philly AIDS Walk, which will be held Oct. 21. Organizers have taken to social media to generate support for the event with the “Why I Walk” campaign, which allows supporters to share their motivation for participating. Volunteers, staff and audience members were photographed at the kick-off holding pieces of white paper with “#whyiwalk” — the Twitter hashtag — and a message with their reason, for distribution in the campaign. A camera crew was also on hand filming. “Every nine-and-a-half minutes, someone becomes infected by HIV in the United States,” AIDS Fund executive director Robb Reichard told the crowd. “And one in five don’t know it because they haven’t gotten an HIV test recently.” The kickoff and the campaign are meant to reinforce why the walk is still integral, said AIDS Fund board president Kevin Blanton. “We want to show people where we’ve been, where we’ve come from and remind people that this is still a real problem for our community, for our nation and the world,” Blanton said. “We want to remind them about the walk and to get people to volunteer, to come out and raise money.” Another tool on hand to get across that message was AIDS Fund’s timeline of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Reichard said the timeline, created by agency staff, has been a years-long work in

progress. “It always attracts a lot of attention because a lot of the young people don’t know the history and, for a lot of the people who have lived with this history, it is a great reminder of where we were and how far we have come,” Reichard said. Philadelphia resident Howard Traivers has volunteered for AIDS Fund since 2007, lending his time to efforts like Gay BINGO in addition to the walk. He said the timeline is an effective education tool. “Every time we use this, it gets people really interested,” Traivers said. “They ask a lot of questions.” Volunteer Kevin James said the timeline symbolizes the work that has been done, and what still remains. “I think it is a huge testament to how long this has been going on. The numbers and the dates, if you follow them, are a very strong visual impact,” James said. “It’s important because I think now it’s become a little more of a disease that we accept.” James added he hopes the information motivates people to sign up for the walk and support the cause. “We want people to walk away with the knowledge that HIV/AIDS still needs to be addressed,” he said. “We still need to work towards creating funding for people, for medication and also for policy change.” Nurit Shein, executive director of Mazzoni Center, sought to galvanize the crowd at last week’s event. “It is unacceptable that in the richest and most advanced country in the world, we are still talking about the AIDS epidemic 30 years later,” she said. “Get angry, get active, get tested and join the AIDS Walk and donate.” For more information, visit www.aidswalkphilly.com. ■

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Philly activist elected to national board By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Stevie Martin-Chester prides himself on setting a good example. Starting next month, Martin-Chester will get the chance to do that on a national level, as he begins his t wo - y e a r t e r m on the board of the National Association of Black and White Men Together, a g a y, m u l t i racial organization committed to breaking down STEVIE MARTINracial and cultural CHESTER barriers. “They have been asking me for years,” Martin-Chester, membership chair of the Philadelphia chapter of Men of All Colors Together, said of joining the board. Martin-Chester has been involved in the agency for 30 years and said he was first asked to join the board in 1983. Because of other obligations, however, he had to turn down the offer. But the time was right at this past summer’s NABWMT conference, in San Diego, Calif. During a meeting at the event, guests were asked to stand up if they were interested in running for the position. Much to the crowd’s surprise, Martin-Chester stood up. “I love the group. I love the idea of justice, equal rights and I love the idea of gay rights,” he said. MACT is an affiliated chapter of NABWMT and has been in existence for nearly 32 years. Martin-Chester said the group will continue to operate until “there is no need to talk about racism, and it doesn’t exist anymore. When we can have another black president, Puerto Rican president and even a gay president, then we won’t need a group like Men of All Colors.” Martin-Chester founded the Connecticut chapter of MACT in 1982 and, in that capacity, worked to end discrimination against blacks and women in bars and restaurants. He and his fellow members documented cases of discrimination, and Martin-Chester reached out to local newspapers and TV stations to get the story out. “If they didn’t change, then we were

going to do something about it,” MartinChester said. As a result, he said, several local bars hired new bouncers. Although Martin-Chester led the Connecticut chapter, he also credited other members for their successes. “You can’t do stuff like that by yourself. It’s impossible,” he said. Martin-Chester hopes to use his leadership on the national board to unify NABWMT members around the country. He said the agency used to operate regional chapters that oversaw local-level agencies — the Philly area had eight local chapters — and he would be interested in revisiting that structure. “We were better connected back then and now we are not as connected as we used to be,” Martin-Chester said. “We would have parties and workshops to learn about what was happening in the community, to learn how to run the chapters better.” He said he is also hoping to unify the local LGBT community around the issues NABWMT deals with. The local MACT once participated in a protest outside William Way LGBT Community Center when Fred Phelps, antigay head of the Westboro Baptist Church, was planning to visit. “Around 300 people showed up to do a counter protest,” he said. “We should be like that all the time — coming together as a community.” Martin-Chester said he is eager for his involvement in the national board to raise the profile of the local chapter. “I want to make the chapter a better chapter. I want us to be aware of the problems in the community,” Martin-Chester said. “I want us to be a good example. I want to diminish classism. I want to bring that realization that we are all in this together.” Martin-Chester said he strives to embrace the ideals of NABWMT in his personal life as well. He and his partner of 20 years frequently participate in protests, he said, and remain committed to being an out, visible couple. His work has shown him that patience is an invaluable virtue. “You will do wonderful things in your life if you learn about patience,” MartinChester said. “I will wait for anything. I don’t care how long it takes because I know there is a reason why I am waiting.” While his wait for the board position was a lengthy one, Martin-Chester said it will be worth it. “I love life,” he said. “I am so happy to be here.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News

�� VETERINARY HOSPITAL

��

We believe the best animal health care is based on consistent and clear communication between the client and veterinarian. Our primary goals are to provide the best medical care possible for our patients and to extend our greatest courtesy and understanding to their owners.

�� for your next visit.

With coupon only. Offers can't be combined with other promotions.

PGN14GL

Rittenhouse

Bethayres

215-732-7321

215-947-5110

��

www.bethayresveterinary.com

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

REGIONAL PGN

Gay man runs for mayor of Wilmington By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

After it bounced, Melloy’s endorsement was pulled and his name was removed from the GOP ballot. Melloy questioned whether homophobia Kevin G.A. Melloy wants to become the contributed to his removal from the ballot. first openly gay mayor of Wilmington, Del. He said the check wouldn’t have bounced But his candidacy hit a snag last month when he was removed from the Republican if state GOP officials had given him more ballot due to alleged lack of payment of the time and assistance to raise the funds during the course of his campaign. $4,520 filing fee imposed by the GOP. “They [state GOP officials] did me Melloy, 50, has wrong,” he said. “Cashing the check was at vowed to soldier on as their discretion. Their timing is suspect. I a write-in candidate, believe they wanted the check to bounce, so unaffiliated with any they could have an excuse to get me off the political party. And ballot.” he’s eager to put the J. John Fluharty, executive director of the filing-fee flap behind RSCD, had no comment for this story. him. John W. Rollins, chairperson of the New “I’m an optimist,” Castle County Republican Committee, he told PGN. “I’m too expressed regret about Melloy’s removal. excited about the pos“We absolutely regret the sequence of sibilities of improvKEVIN MELLOY events that led to Kevin Melloy’s removal ing Wilmington to from the ballot,” Rollins told PGN. “We wish be dragged down by him well as a write-in candidate. We also that.” In July, the New Castle County Republican hope to welcome him back to work with the Republican Party to make a positive impact Committee endorsed Melloy’s mayoral bid. He wrote a filing-fee check for $4,520 on the city of Wilmington.” If elected mayor, Melloy would oversee to the committee — making it clear that his checking account didn’t have sufficient about 1,100 city workers and a budget of funds at that time for the check to be cashed, about $143 million. His annual salary would be about $112,000, he said. The following month, the Republican with perks including health coverage, penState Committee of Delaware tried to cash sion benefits and a city car. Melloy is a licensed Realtor and artist. He the check.

owns several rental properties in Wilmington, along with an art gallery in Puerto Rico. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Delaware. All of those accomplishments render him qualified to be mayor, he said. “I have good management skills. It’s not that I have all the answers but I have the ability to work with people from all walks of life. I’m comfortable talking with a janitor or the CEO of a major company. We all need to work together to make this a better city.” Still, Melloy realizes that victory in November is a long shot, acknowledging that Dennis P. Williams, the Democratic nominee for mayor, is the odds-on favorite. But Melloy remains upbeat about his write-in candidacy. “There are many people who share my vision for Wilmington,” he said. “That’s very gratifying. And I think I have a better chance of winning as an independent, rather than running as a Republican. So many people have told me they would never vote for a Republican for any reason.” Wilmington has a population of approximately 70,000, and is located about 27 miles south of Philadelphia. The predominantly Democratic town hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 1969. Melloy’s main goal as mayor would be to bolster Wilmington’s neighborhoods, he said.

“Wilmington is a city of neighborhoods, so the key to improving Wilmington is to revitalize its neighborhoods,” he said. “A lot of the neighborhoods have been in decline, and I want to reverse that trend.” He’s formulated a series of proposals to accomplish that aim: promoting the arts and cultural exchange, encouraging volunteerism, harmonizing race relations, beautifying the environment, increasing grants for the development of vacant properties (particularly corner properties), expanding mass transit, creating more pathways for cyclists and pedestrians and pursuing innovative ways of dealing with crime. One of his biggest supporters is Carolyn Haon, a Wilmington resident and longtime friend. “Kevin has a big heart,” Haon told PGN. “He’d be a great mayor for Wilmington. He’s extremely sensitive to the city. Our crime rate is awful. And I think Kevin has tons of good ideas. He does have an uphill battle, but I feel strongly that he’s very capable for the job.” His previous mayoral bid on the GOP ballot in 1992 was cut short due to a family crisis, he said. “I’m very honored to have another opportunity to run for mayor,” he said. “I’m passionate about Wilmington. I’ve lived here most of my life. My family goes back generations in this city. I’m excited about the possibility of helping this great city move forward into the 21st century.” ■

T:10.125”

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

DO FALL. DO FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Bryan Fischer

Editorial

Starting a new chapter This marks my first editorial as the new editor of PGN. PGN saw the departure of its longtime editor last week, and in the past few days the staff has come together seamlessly to overcome the many obstacles expected with a transition. Getting a quality paper out, on time, each week is no easy feat, but PGN’s employees, both veterans and newcomers, have made my first week on the job a pleasure. I thank those who had faith in me that I could take on this position. In my past five years as a staff writer, I got a crash course in community-news reporting. I admittedly knew little about the city’s many-faceted LGBT community when I came on board, but our community is not one known for its silence — community members made sure I was aware of who they were, what they were working on and what they expected from me, and from PGN. I covered the launch of new community organizations, and the financial woes of others; the awards won by local LGBT leaders, and the unfortunate deaths of others; the election of our first black president, and the likely election of Pennsylvania’s first openly LGBT state lawmaker; the passage of the federal hatecrimes law, the repeated, fruitless efforts to secure state-level LGBT nondiscrimination protections and the local movement to do so. Regardless of the breadth of these stories, community was at the center of them all. This is a principle I will carry with me into the editor role. As a communitybased LGBT newspaper, we have an obligation to cover, accurately and fairly, all aspects of our community. We will continue to strive to show the many faces, issues, accomplishments, and sometimes failings, of the LGBT community. We will be present for as many meetings and events as possible. We will not just track the movement in our community but will work to further progress — we will ask the tough questions, address the issues that mainstream publications may lack the insight to adequately cover and use our platform to press for reform. To be a true community newspaper, however, the lines of communication must be two-way. While PGN dispenses information to the community, we also want the community to keep us informed. Let us know about issues that are affecting you and may be impacting others in the community. Let us know about events you’re involved with. Let us know your concerns, your questions and your opinions. For 36 years, PGN has been a voice for the community and, in this new chapter, we will continue to work each week to be a true LGBT community newspaper. ■

Hey, did you know Sept. 23 was “Bisexual Visibility Day?” I, personally, did not. So if you did nothing to celebrate, perhaps you can be forgiven since this bisexual day only exists, in official capacity anyway, in Berkeley, Calif. The day was intended to “recognize and celebrate bisexuality history, bisexual community and culture and the bisexual people in their lives,” according to City Council Member Kriss Worthington. Sounds OK, yes? No big deal. Just a nod and a hat-tip to the bisexuals. Or is it? Well, if you’re Bryan Fischer (and I hope that for your sake you are not because, wow, what a sad, sad man. But if you are, then, well, thanks for reading, I guess), you see Bisexual Day as a portent to something much more sinister. And so Fischer tweeted, “Berkeley hosts first ‘Bisexual Pride Day.’ What’s next? ‘Pedophile Pride Day?’ ‘Bestiality Pride Day?’” Ha ha. Get it? Because a sexual relationship between consenting adults is totally the same thing as sex with a toddler or a Pomeranian. Not content to merely tweet about the bisexual pride scourge, Fischer took to his radio show to further complain about how low we’ve sunk as a country that we would actually treat bisexuals like human beings. “Now we’ve been dealing with Gay Pride days here in America,” Fischer jeered. “Now for the very first time there’s a city, Berkeley, Calif., that is going to host a Bisexual Pride Day, and then you start wondering, well, what comes next?” Oh, we know what comes next. At least what comes next in Fischer’s alternatereality universe. “Is there going to be a Transgender Pride Day?” he asks. “Will there be an Incest Pride Day? Will there be a Pedophilia Pride Day? Will there be a Bestiality Pride Day? What’s coming?” First of all, a Transgender Pride Day would hardly be ridiculous considering how maligned the transgender community is. Talk about people who all too often

aren’t treated like human beings. If you need proof, just Google “Transgender Day of Remembrance,” which isn’t the same as a Pride Day. It’s a hell of a lot more sad. Be sure to have tissues handy. As for equating gays, lesbians and bisexuals with incest, pedophilia and bestiality, these are cheap shots being made in lieu of any actual substantial argument. People like Fischer think of LGBT humans as little more than acts of sexual aberrations, something that is getting harder and harder to do as more and more people come out and demand human rights. Fischer continues his doomsday scenario: “Look, once you cross the threshold of one man and one woman, there is no place to stop. Once you decide to treat homosexual behavior, which is sexually aberrant behavior, as normal, and as a normal alternative to heterosexual behavior, there simply is no place to stop.” Really, Fischer? Really? Is that really a claim that you want to make? Because there are plenty of reasonable people, even people who don’t support marriage equality, who can see the difference between two men who are in love with each other and, say, a guy who keeps children prisoner in his basement as sex slaves, or that dude who kills ladies to wear their skin in “Silence of the Lambs.” To deny that there is a huge and unbridgeable chasm there makes you, Fischer, look totally insane. ■

And so Fischer tweeted, “Berkeley hosts first ‘Bisexual Pride Day.’ What’s next? ‘Pedophile Pride Day?’ ‘Bestiality Pride Day?’”

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 In “AIDS Library marks 25 years of information, education,” in the Sept. 21-27 issue, PGN incorrectly stated that Chris Bartlett supervised the AIDS Library at AIDS Information Network. AIN was headed by executive director Heshie Zinman until 1998, and the library was supervised by Jean Hofacket and later Jenny Pierce. Bartlett at the time supervised SafeGuards. PGN regrets this error.

OP-ED PGN

Gleam of the golden years Getting old. Just writing that made me To those worried about turning 30, get smile. Just think about how many times over it. You’re still young. And, by the way, you’ve heard your friends and family your looks, which many are obsessed with, members complain or worry about age. It’s often improve between 30-40. You can still one constant we all hear. Well, I’m now have the six-pack, but you’ll just have to officially old, and I’m here to tell you it’s work at it a little harder. But, you could not that bad — and can actually also use some of that time to be great. develop a relationship or bolster There obviously are chalyour friendships. They can and will endure, while youth will lenges to age, but there also not. Chasing youth will depress are advantages. And we’re not you since you cannot possibly talking about particulars like capture that invisible fountain. finances or health. Neither When you reach your 40s should be trivialized, but in this and 50s, find ways to really piece we’re looking at the widespread worry most people have care about something, and work about getting older in general. towards that to fulfill your life. Aging can lead some people to If you attempt to chase age, you become very depressed and othmay be drawn to plastic surgery ers very bitter. Those notions and cosmetic changes and have hold true particularly in the to spend more time in the gym. LGBT community,where youth However, the gym can be time is almost worshiped. Mark Segal well-spent: You can keep fit and We are an ageist society. also have a chance to socialize. If you don’t believe that, take a look at If you take these lessons, by the time any newspaper or magazine and note the you hit 60 you can have good close friends, models. Do you see anyone in their 50s watch your projects begin to pan out and be in decent shape and in a relationship or above? How about in their 40s? Maybe that brings companionship and maybe in the AARP publications, but in “GQ”or “People”? more. You can appreciate not only what What about the movies? When actors you have accomplished but those projects that are still in motion and still a challenge. hit 40, they begin to play grandparents. Hollywood has its own mindset on age but, You can look forward, while those chasing unfortunately, it does influence the way we youth are still looking behind at something think. Take a look at all of the popular real- that will never be. MSNBC has a slogan ity shows. The overwhelming majority of that is intended for political purposes, but “real” people are young. it works in this capacity: Lean forward. ■ This is a cultural problem across all of America, not just in the LGBT community. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentaCountries like Japan cherish and respect tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at their elders. While we can’t change cultures, we can change personal mindsets on mark@epgn.com. age.

Mark My Words

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Street Talk Should inmates be entitled to gender-reassignment surgery? “No. The inmate doesn’t have to get the surgery to live. If they had cancer, that would be a different story. But as long as the Esin Gok inmate can student still function, Levittown the taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for it. The person just needs to learn how to live with their situation.”

“No, the person should wait until they can afford to pay for it themselves. It’s a personal choice for the inmate. If they want to make Nicholas Vaccaro that choice, software developer they should Antique Row have to pay for it, rather than having others pay for it.”

“No. I don’t think taxpayers should have to foot the bill. I fully back the LGBT community but that’s Michael Hains going too dog walker far. It could Graduate Hospital definitely hurt area the cause. A lot of people would turn against the transgender community if that becomes a precedent. If the inmate can pay for the surgery, then I’m all for it.”

“I think they have a right to the surgery. But, generally speaking, it’s not the responsibility of the state to pay for it. The condition isn’t Misha Wyllie student necessarily Kensington lifethreatening or preventing the person from earning a livelihood. But, if the inmate is suicidal or diagnosed as clinically depressed, maybe an exception could be made.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “Romney’s recent missteps,” Sept. 21-27: You’re “too kind” to Romney. He didn’t even speak up when the audience booed a gay veteran who had served in Iraq. I believe one year he supposedly gave 21 percent of his income to the Mormon Church. If that is true, he supports his church more than he does his country. He picked Ryan for his running mate because Ryan actually has a “personal-

ity” — a human quality which appears to be totally absent in Romney. — Randy Wicker The reason he gave more to his church than the government is because he subscribes to the attitude, common on the far right, that taxation for purposes other than defense and a bare minimum domestic government is a form of theft. — Duane Law

In response to “Senior housing to break ground in October,” Sept. 21-27: Are they apartments or condos? How much will they cost? Questions, questions, questions. — mjstrause

It’s a major need. LGBandespeciallyT seniors get a lot of crap and, hopefully, this will allow them to live their golden years in dignity, no matter whether they are rich or poor. — JordanGwendolynDavis

They are going to be subsidized (I imagine paying 30 percent of a person’s income towards rent), and I think they are an apartment setting.

We want to know!

Tell us what you think

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

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

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

S:9.25”

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

The human brain has over 100 billion neurons to recall memories. Wouldn’t it be nice to do the same with your medical history?

ibx.com Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

T:11”

S:11”

At Independence Blue Cross, we’re leading the way with patient-centered care that helps doctors, nurses and specialists access your information so everybody is in the loop.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

News Briefing Conshohocken to sue anti-LGBT litigant The Conshohocken Borough Council voted unanimously Sept. 19 to sue James D. Schneller for about $18,000 in legal fees that were incurred while litigating Schneller’s legal challenge of the borough’s LGBT antibias ordinance. Schneller, co-founder of anti-LGBT group Philadelphia Metro Task Force, has embroiled the borough in litigation over an LGBT-inclusive antibias ordinance it enacted in April 2011. Last month, Schneller dropped his legal challenge, but the seven-member council wants repayment. B o r o u g h C o u n c i l P r e s i d e n t Pa u l McConnell said it would be “irresponsible” to taxpayers not to seek the fees. “Considering Mr. Schneller’s rich history of filing outlandish lawsuits, and his fullblown attack on this legislation, my hope is that the courts will decide that Mr. Schneller should pay back our legal fees.” Schneller issued a statement saying he was “saddened” by the council’s decision. “To utilize additional taxpayer funds for what will be a fruitless case is a derogation of public duty. And to do so to ‘punish’ citizens who clearly seek to defend threatened rights to conscience and moral upbringing of future generations, is egregious, and should be alarming to all Conshohocken citizens.” Borough solicitor Michael J. Savona said residents already paid thousands to defend against Schneller’s “frivolous lawsuit.” “Schneller made a decision to continue to waste public funds, even when he was warned by borough officials at the outset that his case was meritless,” Savona said. “He cannot now blame council or any other interest group for his foolish decision to litigate this ridiculous case. The blame resides solely with Schneller.” — Timothy Cwiek

Lib. City to endorse Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club will host an endorsement meeting from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 4 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Members in good standing will vote on endorsement in November’s general election and can learn how they can help on Election Day. A number of candidates seeking endorsement will be on hand at the event. For more information, email info@libertycity.org or visit www.libertycity.org. ■ — Angela Thomas

PGN FITNESS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

How to have your cake while losing weight Can you enjoy the process of shopping, taining great low-fat bodies, robust health cooking and eating to lose weight and feel and high energy. They are the envy of their couch-potato peers who great? Who wants to be on a struggle with age- and obesityrestrictive diet and miss out on all the fun? related health issues, increased medical costs, numerous docPeople of all ages and lifetor visits and hospital stays and styles are finding ways to enjoy great food and a full “foodie” even early death. How do you lifestyle without weight gain join this exclusive club? It’s or unhealthy eating habits. never too late and you’re never too old to get back in shape Among the fastest-growing and enjoy all the fun life has to groups to find ways to enjoy offer. culinary diversity and stay healthy are the baby boomers, Here is the Fit Foodie some of whom have chosen the Manifesto, the principles fit “fit foodie” approach. Fit foodJim Hart foodies follow to enjoy a lifeies have a deep interest in the style that brings satisfaction, culinary arts, enjoy eating out, fulfillment and fun. Follow this guide, and love to cook, explore new ingredients and you can enjoy living your best life in a embrace the world of food as one of life’s great pleasures. At the same time, they like body you’re proud of every day. to be active, play sports, exercise and stay 1. Don’t follow conventional diet advice aware of health issues. This huge number that most other Americans are listening to. of active, vital, adventuresome, full-of-life Skip the latest diet book from a celebrity fun-seekers has been dubbed the “Zoomer or “expert guru.” Boomers” — the active generation. This group — and people of all ages and 2. The fit foodie (FF) follows the 80/20 backgrounds — have discovered how to rule of eating — 80 percent of the time, have their cake and eat it too while main-

Work It Out

Philadelphia Gay News

he or she is eating a wide variety of lean meats, fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and fish. He or she limits the amount of processed foods, sweets and flour-based products to maintain a favorable fat-burning environment in the body. He or she eats until about 80 percent full and then saves room for his or her next meal, which usually happens in another two or three hours. The FF practices intermittent eating of small meals throughout the day to maintain steady blood-sugar levels and high energy with minimal chance for fat storage. The other 20 percent of the time, the FF enjoys his or her special treats in moderation — restaurant meals, decadent indulgences and fine wines. This 20 percent also allows for hectic schedules when eating nutritionally is almost impossible — work meetings, traveling, holidays, family dinners and other factors that are out of our control. 3. Recognize trigger foods and create boundaries. We all have foods that give us trouble, and of which we have failed in the past to control portions and quantities. The “can’t-eat-just-one” syndrome comes into play with this food. Abstinence is the best

policy sometimes. When making a choice around your trigger food, think historically, not calorically. 4. Recognize emotional and stress-related eating issues. Don’t use food as a way to medicate difficult situations, hurt feelings or emotions. 5. Use your talents and applied strengths from other areas of life to achieve the best eating and exercise discipline. People who think they have terrible discipline need to change the story in their heads and “act as if” they had it. The acting out will soon cancel out the story that has held them back for many years. Making eating a positive, exciting and manageable part of a full life while staying healthier every day can happen if you take positive charge of the role food plays in your life! ■ Jim Hart is a registered personal trainer at 12th Street Gym. For more information on Jim and more than 30 other top trainers at 12th Street Gym, visit www.12streetgym. com.

Look Better NAKED! Move Forward Fitness

13 Week Fitness Program!

Our middle name is Gay. HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

• Lose Fat! • Gain Muscle! • Speed Metabolism!

GUARANTEED RESULTS! 215-399-3541

MoveForwardFitness.com Call Today!

• Keys made • Glass and mirror cut to size • Lights rewired •Household cleaning supplies • Complete line of screws and anchoring systems •Large variety of lightbulbs Your neighborhood hardware store since 1913 is just a click away. Come choose from over 50,000 items online or visit our store at

615 E. Passyunk Ave. (just off South St.)

215-922-3493 www.epgn.com

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

1417 Locust St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

• Cosmetic dentistry • Veneers • Crowns • Whitening • Implants

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

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Philly artist introduces new workshop, inspiration By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Local singer-songwriter and author Crystal Cheatham is looking to inspire LGBT youth to embrace both their religion and sexuality. Cheatham introduced the IDK Project, a series of interactive youth-focused workshops based on her newly published ebook, “Identity Kit: For Queer Christian Youth,” Sept. 28 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. The workshops will run every Thursday through the end of November. Cheatham said she found inspiration for the effort from her own experiences with faith-based homophobia. “I think for me, I took all of that stuff personally,” Cheatham said. “I believed whole-heartedly the things that my denomination told me, so I was that naïve young adult who was just eating up everything. I internalized a lot of that negativity, a lot of the homophobia, a lot of the spiritual violence, and it made me afraid to be myself — not only as a lesbian but in all aspects of myself.” Cheatham dealt with that struggle by distancing herself from her faith and focusing instead on exploring her sexuality. She said she conceived of the “kit” as a way for

youth to “bypass that stage where you have to put the rest of your life on hold to figure yourself out.” Cheatham holds a master’s degree in creative writing and put her skills to work when creating the kit and the accompanying workshop series, CRYSTAL which explores the CHEATHAM negative images Photo: Angela Thomas projected by some religious communities and offers tools to overcome them. “Writing has always been my thing,” she said. She took her idea for expanding the ebook to William Way, and was invited by director of center services Candice Thompson to join the Out and Faithful board, which, along with Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia, helped inform the content for the workshop series. Soulforce has also been a major contributor to the effort, donating web space for the project and allowing Cheatham to table

events with them. One area on which Cheatham did seek feedback was transgender issues. “I didn’t know I had so many things wrong as far as the transgender identity was concerned,” she said. Fellow presenter J. Mase 3d was integral in ensuring trans-specific issues would be appropriately addressed in the workshops, Cheatham said. The workshops are free and open to the public. “We will not turn anyone away,” Cheatham said. “If you come, then you are definitely a part of us.” The curriculum during the workshops will build upon itself, but Cheatham said participants are welcome at any session. Although Cheatham identifies as Christian, she said people of all religious backgrounds are welcome at the workshops. She is eager to bring the sessions on the road to youth groups and churches. “I would love it,” she said. “All they have to do is send us an email. If they want us to come, we want to come. We want to share this experience with them.” Cheatham said she’s hoping to reach as wide an audience as possible. “Every time I turn on the TV, every time I read the newspapers, something in the

queer world has happened,” she said. “It all stems from our views on religion and this unsaid rule that God hates gays. It’s there and somebody needs to challenge it. That is why I am doing this.” Her book is currently offered on Barnes & Noble’s website but she also plans to make physical kits from the work, which will also be sold online. She said having a tangible work will be essential for youth in need of assistance. “In rural areas, youth don’t have access to community centers like the William Way,” Cheatham said. “ They have limited knowledge of the Internet and what resources are out there.” Cheatham is accepting donations to make sure kits are available to those who may not be able to purchase them. She is in the process of establishing IDK Project as a nonprofit organization, a process she said she learned about in part from her involvement with LGBT youth organization Q Spot. Her board will soon be up and running, and she has already started booking a workshop tour. “I will never take a break,” she said. “I am gearing myself up to do this full-time.” ■

For more information, visit www.youridk. com or email crystal@youridk.com.

HEALTH PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Dealing with depression Everyone knows what it’s like to feel events. Members of the LGBTQ comsad or blue, even hopeless on occasion. munities also experience higher rates Most of the time, for most people, these of depression than the general population. This is attributed to numerous facfeelings are short-lived and will pass tors those of us who identify as LGBTQ fairly quickly. When you have depression, however, those feelings persist and may encounter, including discrimination, social prejudice, isolabegin to impact your everyday life, causing pain for you and tion, bullying and violence. those close to you. Depression Dealing with unsupportive is a condition that affects not families and communities only a person’s mood, but his also contributes to negative internalized feelings and can or her body, thoughts and general well-being. Depression is manifest in emotional conflict not something that a person is such as depression. simply able to “shake off” or Unfortunately, the dis“pull together” — despite their crimination, ignorance and intolerance that members of best attempts. Without attention, depression can continue the LGBTQ communities for months, years or, in some experience can occur over a cases, a lifetime. lifetime. So it is important to stay vigilant for signs of Some common symptoms of depression include persistent Judy Morrissey depression regardless of age. sad, anxious or “empty” feelDepression is treatable and ings; feelings of guilt or hopelessness; manageable, provided you receive the agitation; lack of interest in your usual help that is right for you and your situation. activities, hobbies or pleasures; noticeable decrease or increase in appetite In many cases, the precise cause of and/or sleep patterns; fatigue; and loss of depression is hard to pinpoint. There are ability to concentrate. These usually per- biological factors, such as genetics; psymeate every aspect of a person’s life and chological factors, which include a permake functioning and carrying on activi- son’s temperament and coping style; and ties of daily life, such as work, school or social/environmental factors, such as the relationships, troublesome. general atmosphere in someone’s family While depression affects people of all and close relationships and the presence ages and races, there are certain popu(or absence) of a support network. We lations that are statistically at a higher know that certain incidents can act as risk, including teenagers, older adults “triggers,” causing a depressive episode. and those experiencing significant life Stress and anxiety can often be catalysts,

On Being Well

and common incidents that may cause depression include the loss of a loved one, a challenging physical illness, hormonal changes, certain medications or alcohol and substance abuse. You’ve probably seen the many advertisements for antidepressants that have cropped up in recent years. More and more, people are taking these drugs to treat symptoms of depression. As helpful as they can be, medications are just part of the treatment equation. There is a growing belief that the relationship between brain chemistry and environmental factors, or life experience, actually works both ways, and that psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”) can also have a positive impact on brain chemistry. Antidepressants can help address the brain’s chemical imbalance but, in terms of long-term health outlook, it is important to learn to identify and cope with those events in life that can trigger depression. That means connecting to a qualified therapist with whom you can explore and examine which areas of life may be causing you to feel stress, anxiety or loss — and develop effective strategies to deal with them. Even severe depression can get better, and will improve far more quickly, with an active treatment plan. Many people who suffer from depression never seek treatment, thinking the condition is “all in the mind.” But it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, both in ourselves and in the

people around us. Every 15 minutes a person dies by suicide in the United States. Suicide is also the second-leading cause of death in teens, according to the National Council for Community Behavioral Health. If you or someone you know expressed feelings of hopelessness, don’t be afraid to talk about it. Many times a gesture of concern can make the vital difference, and lead someone to reconsider his or her situation and seek help. If you don’t feel equipped to handle the symptoms, contact a qualified professional. Resources For individuals in crisis, the City of Philadelphia operates a 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 215-686-4420, so that’s the place to call when a situation is serious and urgent. Another great resource is The Trevor Project, a national organization specifically created to prevent suicide among LGBTQ youth. It can be reached from anywhere in the United States, any time, at 866-488-7386 or thetrevorproject.org. For people seeking more information about depression, or wanting to connect to an LGBTQ-affirming therapist in our area, Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia can help with information, resources and referrals. Contact 215-563-0663 ext. 248 or visit www.mazzonicenter.org. ■ Judy Morrissey, LCSW, is the director of Mazzoni Center’s Open-Door Counseling Program.

��

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

GLENSIDE (PHILA)

��

ALL NEW SHOW!

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN BOARD from page 1

�� AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

��

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

��

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

��

215-735-1006

��

� � � � ��

� ��

��

its executive director — as factors in its selection. The board hosts an annual retreat, during which an outside consultant works with the board, and individual members, to assess performance. Each board member develops his or her own fundraising plan in tandem with center development director Michael Pomante before the start of the fiscal year. Each member is required to serve on one of the board’s five committees, and Pomante said most serve on multiple ones. Attendance at board meetings is nearly always universal, Pomante noted, and the members are invested in every step of the center’s progress, such as with the development of new programs and events and recent renovations. “When I came across this application, I definitely wanted to pursue it because I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to highlight our board,” Pomante said. “This was the first application I had ever seen that is for board members and is focused on their strengths, their strategies, their leadership, diversity and good governance.” The funding is unrestricted, and Pomante said it could have a number of uses. The organization’s five-year strategic plan will expire at the end of this year and board and staff have spent the past eight months preparing a new plan, which will be rolled out Jan. 1. Pomante said some of the money may be used to cover costs associated with the development of the new plan, such as consultation fees. “To respect the nature of the award, we want to use it toward strategic planning and to continue to grow our board and committees and improve upon our leadership,” he said. ■

PGN Gay is our middle name.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Sept.10-16. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 3 p.m. Sept. 7 and 11 a.m. Sept. 10, someone forced open the door of an apartment in the 1100 block of Spruce Street and took a computer, Kindle and camera. Sixth District Officer Corrado was unable to lift fingerprints. — Between 7:30 a.m.-5:20 p.m. Sept. 10, someone forced open an apartment door in the 1200 block of Walnut Street and took a laptop and prescription glasses. Sixth District Officer Minnis attempted to lift fingerprints. — At 11:30 p.m. Sept. 8 (reported Sept. 12), someone stole a phone charger from an unlocked 2009 Toyota parked on the 300 block of Butler Avenue. Security video showed the suspect to be a 30-year-old male, five-foot-seven, 170 pounds, wearing a dark shirt and backpack. — At 7:15 a.m. Sept. 10, a man left his 2011 Nissan unattended with the engine running and went into a 7-11 store on the 1200 block of Chestnut Street, and the car was stolen. VOTER ID from page 1

voter-ID debacle has at least resulted in one silver lining with the state removing the gender designation from the IDs,” she said. “We hope this will lead to positive changes in the future for other PennDOTissued IDs.” In what opponents of the law are hailing as a good sign, Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson told the attorneys arguing the case this week that he was giving them a “heads-up” that there is a “possibility there could be an injunction here.” If Simpson issues an injunction, the law would be put on hold until after the Nov. 6 election. The hearing was scheduled to continue Thursday, and Simpson will rule by Oct. 2. The judge this past summer allowed the law to stand after ACLU brought a suit on behalf of a number of voters who could be kept from the polls, but the state Supreme Court earlier this month sent the case back to Simpson, instructing him to analyze the process by which voters can obtain alternate ID to vote. Opponents say the law, passed by Republicans, was designed to lessen the Democratic vote. If implemented by the upcoming election, critics say, it could keep already-disenfranchised populations — minorities, the poor and the elderly — from the polls.

— At noon Sept. 10 (reported Sept. 11), a male took a woman’s handbag at 12th and Market streets and fled. The suspect was a 6-foot Hispanic male in his 20s with a light complexion and stocky build, wearing a red baseball cap and jeans. — Between 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13, someone attempted to pry open an apartment door in the 1200 block of Walnut Street. No entry was gained and nothing was taken. — Between 4-5:30 p.m. Sept. 13, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1120 Walnut St. — Between 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Sept. 15, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 233 S. 10th St. — At 9:15 p.m. Sept. 16, a man stole a woman’s iPhone from her hand while she was walking in the 1200 block of Sansom Street. The suspect was described as a black male in his 20s, 5-foot-6, with short hair, wearing a black shirt and jeans.

lowed into the lobby of an apartment building in the 200 block of South 11th Street by a male who demanded his wallet. After a struggle, the male fled with the wallet and the victim called 911. Sixth District plainclothes Officers Calhoun and Kovach stopped the male near City Hall and he was positively identified. The stolen wallet was recovered. The 28-year-old suspect with a Kensington address was charged with robbery and related offenses. — At 8:10 a.m. Sept. 14, SEPTA police arrested a male outside 1300 Market St. who was wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court. The 48-year-old suspect was charged with contempt of court. — At 12:15 p.m. Sept. 14, 6th District Officers Blackburn and Decrosta arrested a male outside 231 S. 12th St. who was wanted for probation violations. The 45year-old homeless suspect was charged with escape.

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 2:45 a.m. Sept. 13, police responded to a call of an assault in the SEPTA station at Broad and Locust streets, where they found a man who had been stabbed in the arm by another male known to him. The man was taken to the hospital and the suspect’s description and name were broadcast over police radio. At 3:20 a.m., 9th District police stopped the suspect at 16th and Chestnut streets. He was subsequently positively identified and charged with aggravated assault and related offenses. — At 2:20 a.m. Sept. 14, a man was fol-

SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 11:40 p.m. Sept. 12, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1239 Lombard St. — At 1:55 a.m. Sept. 13, 6th District officers issued two citations for summary offenses outside 400 S. Juniper St. — At 3:40 a.m. Sept. 15, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 400 S. 12th St. ■

The impact on transgender and gender nonconforming voters is also expected to be negative. University of California thinktank Williams Institute has estimated that more than 5,500 transgender voters in Pennsylvania lack identification that reflects their current name or gender. Rosenblum said he’s hoping Simpson will issue the injunction necessary to stop the law’s implementation. “This could have an impact on trans people, as well as older people, students. The state has said that there is no real fear of voter fraud, which makes this seem even more unnecessarily political,” Rosenblum said. He added that an ID law could feasibly be revisited in the future, but should not be rushed before the election. “If the state wants to implement a photoID requirement, then do it, but it has to be phased in over time so people can understand the documentation and so that a process is in place. Right now, there is so much confusion and the rules are literally changing on a daily basis. We’re relying on the whims of bureaucrats to get this all worked out in a very short period of time. It’s just unreasonable to expect them to be able to process all of the people who would need a new ID that complies with the law.” ■

We Buy & Sell

COINS

Every Wednesday night 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. you can get a free conﬁdential HIV test at

Philadelphia FIGHT

and receive free admission to Woody’s dance ﬂoor, a free slice of pizza from 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, and a chance to win great prizes.

GOLD & SILVER �� COLLECTONS

Traveling?

�� EXCHANGE

¥ € $

ALL MAJOR CURRENCIES COMPETITIVE RATES

Don’t get taken for a ride at the airport!

Jewelers’ Row Philadelphia �� SansomCoinExchange.com

Philadelphia FIGHT 1233 Locust St., 3rd ﬂoor

www.ﬁght.org 215.985.4448

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

��

� ��

��

$39

��

215-478-6442

generation3electric.com

��

Licensed & Bonded PA015898

��

A Smart Home is a Happy Home! Light Timers & Night Sensors Programmable Motion Detectors Holiday Home Preparation Child Safety

��

includes inspection of main panel & craftsmanship of home’s electrical system ($150 value). Request an estimate on these Fall Home Projects:

��

Whole House Electrical Inspection

��

215-478-6442 G3EPGN.912

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

Own the City. Own Your Dream.

A N E X C L U S I V E W AT E R F R O N T E N C L A V E

At The Residences at Dockside, you’ll ﬁnd a unique style of city living. Your style. A distinctive waterfront enclave, The Residences at Dockside is ideal for those who love urban living, on their terms. Own an elegant condominium home that’s quietly set apart from the buzz of the city… yet remarkably close to the heart of it all. Center City. The River. Old City. Penn’s Landing. At The Residences at Dockside, it’s all right at your ﬁngertips. And it’s right where you want to be. FREE CONDO FEES FOR 1 YEAR!*

215.925.3000 DocksideCondominiums.com/pgn Sales Center: 717 South Christopher Columbus Blvd., in Philadelphia. Open Mon.– Sat. from 10am – 5pm; Sun. 12pm to 5pm; Private Appointments Recommended. Another Fine Property from The DePaul Group. Broker Cooperation Invited. * Applies to new sales on 2 BR units only. Does not apply to “as is” units. Expires 10-01-2012.

FITNESS CLUB. 24/7 DOORMAN. HEATED INDOOR POOL. INDOOR PARKING. PRIVATE SHUTTLE. ��$200’s ��$400’s ��$ 800’s

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

��

8436 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118 www.shoprootsinc.com

��

267-385-5753

��

Liberty City Press SEPT. 23-30, 2012

\\\

point

Mike Driscoll’s proposal to improve his bar, Finnegan’s Wake, included adding a café and balconies off the second and third ﬂoors, extending over Spring Garden Street. Image courtesy of Finnegan’s Wake

NoLibs Bar Fight

Finnegan’s Wake owner takes on mayor in rumble over Bodine Street

he easiest headline to write in this town goes something like this: Politically Connected Developer Gets Sweetheart Deal From City Council. So it comes as no surprise that Northern Liberties bar owner and Democratic committeeman Mike Driscoll and his move to improve his bar, Finnegan’s Wake, should grab an inordinate share of column inches these days. It does have all the ingredients. Driscoll is nothing if not politically connected: He has been the go-to Democratic operative in the Northeast for the past decade and a city committeeman tied to Democratic party chairman Bob Brady. The “deal” swirled around not just Driscoll’s bar, which has played host to more political fundraisers and ward leader gatherings than any

in the city, but also involves the Democratic City Committee’s purchase of an adjacent property across an alley, Bodine Street, to build its new headquarters. And city councilman Mark Squilla did sponsor legislation that would allow Driscoll to close Bodine Street, with the acquiescence of Driscoll’s new neighbor to build a café and balconies off his second and third

�� Garden Street. With all these ingredients, it’s hard to imagine local news editors not stirring the pot. But sometimes the easy story is not the whole story. �� ern Liberties has been one of our town’s few success stories in residential real estate and commercial development in the past decade. The Democratic City Committee, recognizing this trend, purchased an abandoned auto body in the 200 block of Spring Garden Street, separated from its neighbor to the west, Finnegan’s Wake, by an alley, Bodine Street. At the time of that purchase, in May 2011, Bodine Street had �� and a Dumpster sat in the middle . With his new neighbor spending more than $1 million to build its headquarters, Driscoll saw an opportunity to turn what was an eyesore into a café. And if he could strike Bodine Street and get his streetscape, then it made �� constructing balconies on the sec�� café. The balcony concept was �� Garden rather than Bodine in the wake of neighborhood opposition. Moves like the one Driscoll is attempting happen constantly in

Northern Liberties as it continues its march toward becoming Philadelphia’s hottest new old neighborhood. Every move like this requires the mayor, or someone in his administration, to sign off on it and sometimes—like when you want to strike a street—requires City Council action. But Driscoll is not like every other small businessman in this town trying to grow his business by seizing an opportunity. No, Driscoll is connected, and when you are connected, the burden shifts to you to prove that you are not working some kind of deal. And when the burden of proof shifts, so too do the standards. Philadelphia City Planning �� concern about the balconies projecting so far into “public airspace” and said that he could see how the balconies would be �� but not to the public. Since when did improvements to a restaurant that impacted pub�� the public? While it is clearly the purview and, indeed, the responsibility of the City Planning Com�� into public space that diminish the public interest, does the property owner have an obligation to �� Continued on page 2

S E P T. 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 2

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

People

\\\ Liberty City Press

NoLibs Bar Fight Continued from page 1

the public interest? Is it not good enough for Driscoll to prove that his balconies will grow his business, transform it from a weekend bar to a catering hall, create more �� enue for the city? Are these not in the public interest? The mayor vetoed legislation proposed by Councilman Squilla to allow Driscoll his balconies. And Council overrode the veto on the grounds of “councilmanic privilege.” Look, if a city councilman cedes control of the fate of the streets in his district to the mayor, that’s not just bad for that council-

man, it’s bad for all councilmen. And, of course, this feeds the �� But Squilla and Driscoll see the bigger picture here far better than the neighborhood association and administration that seek to block them. If Driscoll doesn’t strike Bodine Street, who is going to remove the Dumpster and pay for its clean-up? If Finnegan’s Wake cannot transform itself into a catering hall, who is going to accept responsibility if the bar fails? Balconies versus a bar. A Dumpster versus a sidewalk �� and Squilla should win.

Derek S. Green (left) and Sheila Mitchell-Green pose at home with their son Julian, who was diagnosed with autism in preschool. Sarah J. Glover/Photographer

Team Julian Scores Mount Airy family doesn’t let autism get in the way by Sheila Simmons

La Salle Shows Promise

Continued from page 12 on offense or contain opposing speedsters with sideline-to-sideline agility and tackling skills. “People see this score against O’Hara and won’t realize what a fast team that was,” said Gordon. “I think we did a good job of getting to the lanes and stopping their fast runners and receivers. We were quick out there.” Coleman thinks the success of the program rests with its coaches. “There’s no way, in my mind, that any team has coaches that prepare like Coach Gordon and his staff,” said Coleman. “There is such a winning atmosphere here now. Everyone wants to work hard and keep it going.” Gordon gives credit to his son, Brett, who is the team’s offensive coordinator and a former standout quarterback at both La Salle High School and Villanova.

“Brett is putting in packages that he learned at Villanova,” said the elder Gordon. “It’s like a geometry teacher in high school who is teaching at a college level. We’re getting college-level offense taught to us.” �� Gordon said that there is an abundance of packages being added, with variables decided at the last minute based on the opposition’s defensive setup. “Brett can see something and adjust where Sean [Coleman] will line up and what route he should run,” Gordon said. “We had a few special packages that we ran today where we were able to get a good route and completion.” Sounds complicated, no? “The coaches do a great job of teaching us and they are patient,” said Kane. “They make it easier than it looks.” JT

heila MitchellGreen sits at the counter of her family’s East Mount Airy home, preparing dozens of laminated tags that will distinguish members of Team Julian at the following morning’s Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraiser. Autism Speaks is a national advocacy organization dedicated to research, prevention, treatment, cure and support of the disorder. Early on Saturday, Sept. 15, the team of supporters gathered with thousands of other walkers outside Citizens Bank Park for the event’s spirited one-mile trek around the parking lot and into the concourse, followed by a resource fair. These sort of activities provide little time for Sheila and her husband, Derek Green, to lament their 11-year-old son Julian’s autism diagnosis. “I’m too busy trying to get him into Princeton,”

Sheila says. If Princeton sounds too ambitious, you probably don’t know the Greens. Derek is special counsel for City Councilwoman Marian Tasco, a board member for Green Tree School, and an active community member who brings Julian along to meetings for such groups as East Mount Airy Neighbors. Sheila travels four days a week for her job in health care information technology and also operates an on-line ��rience. She also sews and makes jewelry. And his parents aren’t the only ones keeping busy. Julian bowls and plays tennis. He also recently traveled to Martha’s Vineyard and Disney World, af�� tioned in an upcoming feature in People magazine.

Julian was diagnosed with autism during preschool when a teacher pointed out tell-tale signs of the disorder: repeating words, lack of socializing, a desire to arrange items in a line. Autism, a developmental disorder, affects communication, intellectual ability and motor coordination. One in 88 children in the United States is diagnosed with a condition on the autism spectrum. �� its cause as a combination of risk genes and environmental factors, according to Autism Speaks. Derek stresses the need for parents to get their child diagnosed as soon as possible and avoid thinking that their child will “grow out of it.” Once Julian was diagnosed, his parents began assembling a support team. It consists of family members, neighbors, therapeutic support specialists and dedicated personnel at the Elwyn human services organization, Childspace Day Care Center, the Center for Autistic Children and Houston Elementary School, where the Greens helped start an autism-support class. If after all that support, the Greens still begin to feel weighed down with parental obligations, �� start to count their blessings. “We are so fortunate,” Sheila says. On the eve of the Autism Speaks walk, Team Julian had raised $7,200 for Autism Speaks, “When you can raise that kind of money, it makes you feel that people care about your plight,” Sheila says. With a team like that, Julian can’t lose.

S E P T. 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 2

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

��

Liberty City Press \\\

More Than Muscles �� by Dana Ricci

osing weight, getting in shape, training for a marathon, building stamina—these are just some reasons �� However, physical activity has more of a selling point than building muscles. Quite simply, it makes you happy. Many studies and countless personal testimonies have shown the positive effects work�� “As you are working out your body is actually releasing endorphins, which are hormones released during your workout thought to enhance mood, and create a sense of euphoria,” says Audrey McKenna

Hasse, owner of A.M. Fit, a personal training and healthy lifestyle consultation business on the Main Line. These endorphins are responsible for what is referred to as a “runner’s high.” “So, instead of heading to the couch after a long, stressful day at work and digging into the pint of ice cream in the freezer, thinking that will make all your troubles go away, try working out instead,” McKenna Hasse says. �� sponsible for causing stress. Holly Waters, club/ aquatic director and trainer at Sweat Fitness gym on ��

“If people only knew the smiles that walked away from the work and the sweat left behind, they would do anything to �� one’s energy throughout the day and provides a certain discipline. “You’re not going to walk away from a workout and eat something terrible,” Waters says. Todd Scott, president of Platoon Fitness in Philadelphia, notices a similar change in the �� clients. “It’s all geared toward �� [only] outcome,” he says. “The �� According to the American ��

pulse

also promotes the production of �� antibodies, which fend off harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition to combatting stress, physically active people are better able ��tant components of happiness. �� longevity and reduced risk for heart disease and cancer are all �� thinking of happiness and well�� may be a better motivator to get moving. Scientists say that even just 30 minutes of moderate-in�� trick—so why not go outside for a walk or jog tonight?

Party at Reserve Steakhouse

An event honoring my blog and raising money for ovarian cancer draws quite a crowd by HughE Dillon �� of the people who appear on the site and in my columns in Philadelphia magazine and Liberty City Press, came out to celebrate with me and support my charity, Gilda’s Club of South Jersey. Gilda’s Club provides support for women dealing with ovarian cancer. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

1. Nicole Brewer (left) and Jim Donovan of CBS3 with Grace Flanagan. 2. Southern Wine and Spirits sold “Teal-Tinis” for Ovarian Cancer Awareness and to raise money for those suffering from the disease. Kristyn Aldrich of Focused Studios LLC (pictured) told me they were extra delicious since they were going to a good cause. 3. Philadelphia Eagles football long snapper Jon Dorenbos and wife Julie Dorenbos of Skin Pallet stopped by with Susie Celek (not pictured). Others spotted in the crowd included Justin Pizzi, with NBC10’s Jillian Mele; Stacey Kracher, marketing director of Zarwin Baum; Waylon Nelson, general manager of G Lounge; Ryan Dorsey, owner of Recess Lounge; Zach Seidman of Craft & Claw; chef Jen Carroll; Megan Smith; Monica Glass; John Mitchell of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire; and Jen Grover. 4. Lisa Moreno-Dickinson and former Bachelorette contestant Craig Robinson. 5. Cheesesteak king Tony Luke Jr. and Jennifer Schloder were nice enough to stop by to lend their support. HughE Dillon/photographer

S E P T. 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 2

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

play

\\\ Liberty City Press

LaSalle defeated Cardinal O’Hara with the help of quarterback Chris Kane. Sarah J. Glover/Photographer

La Salle Rises to the Top

��League by Jeremy Treatman

is teammates call him “Tebow.” His coach is happy �� Yes, three weeks into an undefeated season, La Salle College High School senior quarterback Chris Kane is making ter�� the Philadelphia area’s top-rated football team. “He’s playing great so far,” said La Salle coach Drew Gordon, who led �� ing great strength avoiding tackles and sacks and making plays.” Kane was 12 for 20 with 183 yards and two touchdowns when he led La Salle (3-0) to a 38-6 win in a Philadelphia Catholic League showdown �� High School. La Salle does not have its own stadium, so the team plays �� The 6-foot-1-inch signal caller made one Tebow-like play early in

the game, when he broke off two

would-be tacklers to complete a pass to Mike Eife positioning for

a 15-yard gain that wowed the sellout homecoming crowd.

“That was a fun play,” said Kane. “I just tried to keep my balance and make a play.” Kane laughed about the Tebow references. “I’m not left-handed, but they call me Tebow because I was the fullback and tight end last year,” he said. “I don’t mind it. Some of the guys have fun with it.” Kane is also like Tebow with his modesty and honesty. He admits he is uneasy taking the reigns of a program that has enjoyed as much success as any area school since 2006. �� said. “There’s pressure. I do feel it. It was only my third game. I have been a little uncomfortable before each one. It takes me to complete one pass or get in the game a little bit to calm the nerves. There’s that queasy feeling in the beginning of every game so far. But don’t get me wrong, I’m having a lot of fun.” Kane won the position over sophomore Jimmy Herron in preseason workouts by the slimmest of margins. But now it looks as if there is no chance he will relinquish the role, after an opening win at North Penn and an �� talented Cardinal O’Hara squad. Herron is playing running back.

La Salle Shows Promise This year’s team has many strengths on its side

Last year, La Salle College High School was led by Matt Magarity, a three-year stud at quarterback, and Tim Wade, a running back who amassed 2,724 yards. Replacing the two graduated stars posed a challenge for �� question is out there: Is this team as good as past years’ teams? “It’s too early to tell,” said La Salle coach Drew Gordon. “I will say this: They are very businesslike and remind me of the �� hyped. They go out and prepare what they have to do.” Gordon said that the team is not as big as it has been in past years, but it has team speed he hasn’t seen in years. Wide receiver Sean Coleman is a burner who had two touchdowns against Cardinal O’Hara. Herron, Jared Hermann, Jordan Meachum, and Dad Poquie are all play�� Continued on page 2

La Salle Supports Multitalented Athletes In today’s sports-crazed world, high-school coaches often frown upon their players competing in other sports, but La Salle College High School football coach Drew Gordon does not. “I think it’s kind of good that they get away from the coaching staff for a while,” he said. “Plus, they are still in the weight room in other sports as well as staying in shape.” Sean Coleman excels in lacrosse and will play that sport at Harvard. Conor Resch and Mike Koller also shine in lacrosse. Jimmy Herron is a baseball player. “Overall, we get really good kids and really good athletes,” said Gordon. “It’s the best of both worlds at La Salle. I’m very lucky. These kids have bought into what I am teaching ever since I got here. I just hope it all continues.” JT

S E P T. 2 3 - 3 0 , 2 0 1 2

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

�� Jody Miller MFT

��

“Inside every problem is an amazing opportunity for growth.”

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

2012

��

AC ul t ure rts

PAGE 42

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

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

38 53 37 46 44 39 45

BEST OF GAYPGN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN’s second annual Best of Gay Philadelphia competition was a true readers’-choice contest. Throughout August and September, readers submitted their nominations for the best of the best in the LGBT community — individuals, organizations, businesses, hot spots — via a paper survey or online form. Our staff tallied the results, and winners were given the chance to submit information detailing their business, event or work. This year’s winners represent some familiar faces in the community, as well as many newer ones, and show the true diversity in Philly’s LGBT community. Congratulations to all of the winners of PGN’s 2012 Best of Gay Philadelphia awards. Community LGBT Event OutFest www.phillypride.org

Philly Pride’s OutFest is the largest National Coming-Out Day event in the world. The idea for NCOD grew from the second march on Washington for gay and lesbian equality, held Oct. 11, 1987 and, three years later, Philadelphia became one of the first cities to organize around NCOD on a large scale. Philly Pride’s block party quickly grew into OutFest, held annually the Sunday before Columbus Day. OutFest, which attracts nearly 40,000 people, is popular because it has the

feel of an old-fashioned block party, it’s free and it’s in the Gayborhood. All local bars, restaurants and businesses have an outdoor presence, local talent and all community organizations can be showcased and guests can take part in activities like carnival games and a massive flea market. There is always something new and unique at OutFest. LGBT Fundraiser TOY www.dvlf.org Delaware Valley Legacy Fund is honored and floored that TOY was named Best LGBT Fundraiser. Folks who attend TOY are contributing money to help DVLF provide funding to organizations that serve

the LGBTI community and scholarships to LGBTI students. Plus, it collects more than 1,000 toys for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s HIV/AIDS Unit. This year, TOY will be held 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Reading Terminal Market, complete with bartenders from the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League, an open bar, treats from the Market and pictures with Santa. Tickets can be purchased on the DVLF website at www.dvlf.org. Ticket prices increase Nov. 19, so don’t be naughty and delay! LGBT Nonprofit Mazzoni Center www.mazzonicenter.org 21 S. 12th St.

Congratulations We want to know!

215-563-0652 Regardless of your insurance status or income, you can count on Mazzoni Center to offer sensitive and knowledgeable health, wellness and legal services. For more than 30 years, Mazzoni Center has been the leading healthcare provider in the Philadelphia region specifically targeting the unique health-care needs of LGBT communities. Its mission is to provide quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBT-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals it serves. Mazzoni Center offers a full array of services from three locations in the heart of the Gayborhood: a primary-care practice at 809 Locust St.; free, walk-in HIV/STD testing at the Washington West Project, 12th and Locust streets; and, at its offices at 21 S. 12th St., counseling, support groups, food-bank and housing programs for people with HIV, as well as outreach and education programs and legal services. LGBT Sports League City of Brotherly Love Softball League www.cblsl.org The City of Brotherly Love Softball League is a slow-pitch league that will celebrate its 30th season next year. CBLSL has come a long way from the one field and five teams it started with in 1984. The league now utilizes six fields and has approximately 700 members and

more than 30 teams in its Women’s and Open Co-Ed Divisions. CBLSL seeks to support the overall community while providing social alternatives to its members. The league has been tearing down stereotypes that LGBT individuals are not athletic while providing a safe and comfortable environment for all. It welcomes players of varying skill levels, from beginner to experienced. Most CBLSL members have developed bonds that will last a lifetime; players are not only teammates but family, and find camaraderie both on and off the field with year-round social events. CBLSL has established its name in Philadelphia and abroad, as many teams travel to — and have come out on top — in national tournaments. CBLSL maintains its humble roots and close-knit family feel while continuously expanding its dimensions.

rounding this virus, even in the LGBT community. Mangini is a volunteer with Siloam, which offers a mind/body/spirit approach to wellness for those infected/affected. He also works as a recruitment consultant with University of Pennsylvania’s HIV Prevention Research Division, where he recruits participants for HIV vaccine trials. “I’m so very honored to be recognized for my work by all those who have voted for me,” Mangini said. “This is a win for the fight against HIV/AIDS, which has been swept under the rug in the past few years and needs to be brought front and center again. Philadelphia has twice the new infection rate of New York City and five times the national average. Until it’s over, I’m determined to be out there in the community trying to make a difference. Thank you to all who voted!”

People

Activist Dan Mangini

Bartender Kenny K. at Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215-964-9675 www.tabuphilly.com

Dan Mangini is a very active member of the local LGBT community as an educator, advocate and public speaker for his passion: the fight against HIV/ AIDS. After nearly succumbing to his AIDS diagnosis back in 2005, he went on to dedicate his time and energies to be the voice and face for this cause. He was compelled by the fact that many cannot “come out” with their diagnosis due to the stigma and prejudice sur-

Kenny’s playful disposition is part of what makes Friday and Sunday afternoons at Tabu such a fun and exciting weekend spot. Kenny’s friends, many of whom know him from his bartending shifts at Phillies games in Citizens Bank Park’s Diamond Club, can always depend on a friendly text, letting them know what fun things they can expect when he gets behind the bar. It’s a memorable afternoon whenever Kenny is around.

BEST OF GAY PHILADELPHIA COVER PHOTOS: GYM, 12TH STREET GYM (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT); BRUNCH, ICANDY; MULTIPLE WINNER, TABU; ACTIVIST, DAN MANGINI; LGBT FUNDRAISER, TOY; MARTINI, DIRTY MARTINI AT KNOCK; BEST BAND, PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM BAND; BEST DJ, SALOTTA TEA; AND BEST LGBT EVENT, OUTFEST. Photos: Scott A. Drake

BEST OF GAYPGN PHILADELPHIA

“Fitness and nutrition have been a passion of mine as well as a journey for years now,” said Robert Tini. “I am lucky enough to be working with a great team that shares similar values. We have a great community and foster a supportive group atmosphere.” So it’s no wonder that enthusiasm travels to his clients at Crossfit Conshohocken. In addition, Tini trains clients privately for more specific health and fitness goals. BARTENDER KENNY K. (LEFT) AND STYLIST KAY SHRADER

Hair Stylist Kay Shrader at Salon K 1216 Locust St. 214-545-1880 www.salonkphiladelphia. com Kay Shrader said she was fortunate as a young child to know what she wanted to do for her career. And, after 23 years and many long hours of studying her craft, said Shrader, “I honestly want all of you to share in this great moment.

Many of you I met in the beginning know that I’ve supported the LGBT community by attending numerous benefits like Cha Cha and TOY and visiting many clients infected with HIV at their homes. To this day, I’ve made the most cherished friendships in this business.” The stylist said she basically grew up in the business with many of her clients. “I made sure that when anyone sat in my

chair, they felt like they could be themselves.” For her part, Shrader was just grateful. “Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing award. I’ll cherish this forever.” Personal Trainer Robert Tini Crossfit Conshohocken 701 Elm St. Conshohocken 610-825-5365 Rob@CFConshy.com

We replace existing decks with PVC grained decking and vinyl railings.

Before

and

After

Tim Lippick AKA • 215-423-4775 E-mail: timlippick@msn.com

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

ing civil rights for all Pennsylvanians, strengthening and protecting public education, preserving the environment while investing in alternative energy, creating jobs and cleaning up Harrisburg. He has distinguished himself as an attorney and civil-rights advocate and served as the staff counsel for policy and planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association. Last year, Sims stepped down

as the president of the board of directors of Equality Pennsylvania and as the chairman of Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia. A former member of the national campaign board of The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Sims lectures about the policy and legal challenges facing the LGBT civil-rights movement and is a regular instructor at the Center for Progressive Leadership.

Politician Brian Sims www.sims4pa.com Brian Sims was recently elected as the Democratic nominee for the 182nd District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and in January he’s on track to be sworn in as Pennsylvania’s first-ever openly LGBT state legislator. His historic community-based campaign was dedicated to expand-

POLITICIAN BRIAN SIMS

BEST OF GAYPGN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Nightlife

Neighborhood Bar Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215-964-9675 www.tabuphilly.com “Whoever you are, you belong here.” The owners of Tabu said that when they opened the bar, those were the words you could find proudly displayed on their back chalkboard. Motivated by the knowledge of what it’s like to be the lone gay person in a straight bar and how awkward that can sometimes feel, they wanted to create a place where anyone — gay, straight, black, white, man, woman, trans, etc. — could feel right at home. They cite how important it is to be inclusive, not exclusive. “We’re very happy that our approach has made us a favorite among the gay community and our straight allies, and we’re glad that our diverse neighborhood has a place it can always call home,” Tabu said.

Sports Bar Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215-964-9675 www.tabuphilly.com There’s a certain electricity in the air when you’re sitting in a bar watching your home team win a game. Tabu likes putting the sound of the game on so all heads can turn to the TV when the announcer gets excited at every home run, goal or touchdown. The bar’s basement level is also very popular with out-of-towners who want to watch their teams without facing the wrath of passionate Philly fans. Dance Floor ICandy 254 S. 12th St. www.clubicandy.com The owners of ICandy Nightclub were thrilled to learn that PGN readers prefer to shake their asses on their dance floor over any other floor. “We take pride in everything we do at ICandy, so it’s an incredible honor to be

recognized for doing what we care most about — making our customers happy,” ICandy management said. The club promises some very exciting events this fall and winter that will continue to deliver that energy to the dance floor. Casino Resorts Atlantic City 1133 Boardwalk Atlantic City, N.J. 800-334-6378 www.resortsac.com Resorts Casino Hotel was the world’s first casino to offer a full-time LGBT nightclub dedicated to bringing the community a fun, one-of-a-kind venue. Located on the beach and boardwalk, Resorts features non-stop action on the casino floor and in Pro Bar, Atlantic City’s only LGBT nightclub. F e a t u r i n g t h e Z a ga t Award-winning Italian gourmet restaurant Capriccio and mouth-watering steaks at Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Resorts caters to the most discerning taste buds — namely PGN read-

We’re Unique

Come Out Cemetery • Crematory • Funeral Services • Monuments Green & Jewish Services • Service & Reception Areas • Events Horse-drawn Hearse

Beer Barons to Homebrewers: Tour the Past, Taste the Present Chocolate, Candy and Cough Drops: West Laurel Hill’s Confectionery Connections Gravediggers’ Ball Easter Egg Hunt

Place to Grab a Beer Bar Food Lunch Westbury 261 S. 13th St. 215-546-5170 westburybarandrestaurant. com Westbury is a neighborhood craft-beer/sports pub with 20 taps and an extensive bottle/can list. PGN readers enjoy watching the game on eight large-screen TVs while enjoying great pub food. The moment you step through the doors of Westbury, heads may turn, but they’re usually smiling at you. The large bar takes up the bulk of the space and the cozy, inviting seating makes Westbury a good place for group conversations. Westbury also sponsors four softball teams, a team in the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League and its traveling team. Place to Meet Women Sisters 1320 Chancellor St. 215-735-0735 www.sistersnightclub.com

and See Why

Wedding and Commitment Ceremonies

ers. Nightly live entertainment in the lounges, piano bar and the highly praised “Divas Do AC” revue show keep the energy high and the laughs coming. Next spring, Resorts will add Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville entertainment complex featuring LandShark Bar & Grill, the city’s first and only yearround beach bar, plus a Margaritaville restaurant, 5 O’Clock Somewhere casino bar, retail shops and more.

One Call To One Place – For Everything

225 Belmont Avenue Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

610.664.1591

www.forever-care.com William A. Sickel, F.D. Supervisor, R.R. Bringhurst & Co., Inc.

DANCE FLOOR AT ICANDY (TOP) AND HAMBURGER WITH RINGS AT WESTBURY

Located in the heart of the Gayborhood, Sisters is open seven days a week and features a variety of entertainment — from karaoke to award-winning DJs to live bands to colorful theme parties. Sisters, now in its 16th year, offers nightly specials, such as its ever-popular drink-ticket event on Thursdays. Women of all ages and interests congregate at the venue for its drinks, food and music — making it an excellent spot to meet up with old friends and forge new connections.

Place to Meet Men Woody’s 202 S. 13th St. 215-545-1893 www.woodysbar.com It’s an iconic fixture among several generations of diverse Philadelphia communities, including those far outside of the Gayborhood, and it goes by the name Woody’s. “We are proud to receive this award, and to be recognized by everyone who voted for Woody’s. Our goal at Woody’s is to make everyone feel welcomed and have a great experience. Whether

BEST OF GAYPGN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Open for lunch, dinner and brunch, cocktails are served from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. every day at this Gayborhood favorite. K n o c k ’s Dirty Martini is the perfect fusion of alcohol a n d f l avo r and can be PARTY PROMOTER BRUCE YELK (LEFT) AND AN EL VEZ MARGARITA enjoyed in any setting. you are having one of our together for a fun night Philadelphia will always gle liquor and beer during Sipped while people-watch32 draft beers in the pub, or out has turned into one of be its true home. happy hour,” Tabu said. if you want to go party on Philadelphia’s most recogCustomers can try any ing at one of Knock’s many our state-of-the-art dance nizable LGBT events. draft for $3 — a great way outdoor tables, over dinner Happy Hour floor, there is something The event’s success is Tabu to try something new — or at its restaurant or amid the for everyone and every age simple: It’s a great value, 200 S. 12th St. any of the 20 martinis for boisterous Saturday night it’s fun and it’s diverse 215-964-9675 group,” management said. $5 each. For those who like bar crowd, the drink is the Wo o d y ’s h a s b e e n said founder Bruce Yelk. www.tabuphilly.com to get to bed at a decent perfect accompaniment to Philadelphia’s most popu- The event continues to hour, happy hour is the per- a night — or day — out at lar gay bar for the last 30 grow with three differThe owners of Tabu say fect way to end the work Knock. years. ent dates in Philadelphia their approach to happy day and still make it home — Thanksgiving Eve, the hour (daily from 5-7 p.m.) in time to catch the evening Mixed Drink Margarita at El Vez first Saturday of spring has always been to provide news. Theme Night 121 S. 13th St. Pink Pub Crawl and a summer version in affordable prices. 215-928-9800 www.nightlifegay.com/p/ July. “Especially in this econ- Martini www.elvezrestaurant.com pink-pub-crawl.html Thanks to patrons’ sup- omy, going to Center City Dirty Martini at Knock port, in 2013 the Pink Pub for the evening shouldn’t 225 S. 12th St. This always-busy Mexican What started five years Crawl will make its debut break your wallet. That’s 215-925-1166 10995 - PGN 5x5.6_Philadelphia Gay News 9/18/12 4:33 PM Page 1 restaurant in the Gayborago as a way to get friends in another city — but why we special every sin- www.knockphilly.com

Listen to the Sound of 1695 at the ARTISANS’ FAIRE & MARKETPLACE in Historic Greenwich, New Jersey

hood is as popular for its people-watching location as it is for food and drink. The margarita is a musthave for El Vez regulars and a must-try for newcomers. While margaritas are a staple at most Mexican venues, El Vez’s extensive margarita variety allows for a perfect pairing with any of its dishes, and makes it challenging to narrow down your drink choice — and even more challenging to have just one. Overall Bar Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215-964-9675 www.tabuphilly.com In just two short years, this popular venue has hosted more than 150 fundraisers for many of Philly’s nonprofit organizations and, in the process, has united many segments of the LGBTIQ community. “We’re happy to see so many exciting changes in our neighborhood and must give thanks to the other bars for doing their part to make

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

The ringing anvil, fiddle and drum, merchants hawking red-ware and baskets, vintage glassware and jewelry, local honey, and homemade jams and jellies. Market day in Colonial America – yours to experience this weekend.

OCTOBER 19

ON SALE THIS FRIDAY AT 10AM!

September 29-30

Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm Admission Fee $5.00 (Children under 12 Free) Call 856-455.4055 for locations

Free Parking • Museum Tours • Demonstrations 5k race & 1-mile walk/run • Schooner Meerwald Sailings

THE 41st ANNUAL GREENWICH ARTISANS’ FAIRE & MARKETPLACE Established in 1695 960 Ye Great Street, Greenwich, NJ 08323

www.cchistsoc.org

The Cumberland County Historical Society is a registered NJ Non-Profit Organization.

Tickets on sale now at Visit ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000. EXCITEMENT AWAITS

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to purchase tickets now!

FOUR DIAMOND AAA RATED BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY

Can’t scan? Download free RedLaser App.

Shows subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 or older to gamble, enter and remain in a New Jersey casino or participate in any Caesars Entertainment promotion. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC.

V2_78029.4_5x5.6_4c_Ad.indd 1

8/1/12 11:44 AM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

our Gayborhood such a great destination. We share this with you,” the bar said.

Via Bicycle 606 S. Ninth St. 215-627-3370 www.bikeville.com

Business Bicycle Shop (TIE) Bicycle Therapy 2211 South St. 215-735-7849 www.bicycletherapy.com Bicycle Therapy has been a fixture in the Philadelphia cycling community for more than 20 years. Customer service is the foundation of the shop’s approach. Lee Rogers opened its doors in 1990 as a small repair shop. Over the years, the business has grown to showcase a wide variety of new bicycles. The service department is staffed by a crew of friendly, professional mechanics who enjoy working on all styles and vintages. “We take pleasure in serving all customers — from recreational riders and firsttime cyclists to daily commuters and avid racers,” said Rogers. The shop is open seven days a week with extended weeknight hours.

Via Bicycle is a fullservice bike shop that has been in business since 1982. Primarily operating as a used-bicycle shop, Via specializes in selling reliable bikes for city commuting. The store has a fully capable staff that builds wheels and overhauls everything from basic three-speed and coaster brake hubs to exotic turnof-the-century bicycles. Clothing Store Macy’s 1300 Market St. 215-241-9000 www.macys.com The chain department store’s downtown location is one of its most flockedto stores in the region. The store, which often sponsors local LGBT events, offers the latest in designer fashions for men, women and children, as

BEST OF GAY PHILADELPHIA PGN

BICYCLE THERAPY

well as a wealth of accessories and home goods. Gym 12th Street Gym 204 S. 12th St. 215-985-4092 www.12streetgym.com For more than 26 years, “12th Street” has been the gym of choice for Philadelphia’s gay and lesbian community. The popular workout venue is “out and proud” and an important anchor of the region’s Gayborhood. The gym’s owners said

they plan to continue supporting important progressive causes and institutions. Located in the heart of Center City, 12th Street G y m c ove r s 1 2 0 , 0 0 0 square feet on eight levels and offers more than 30 top-quality personal trainers and 60 group-fitness classes a week, as well as a comprehensive selection of strength-training equipment, a beautiful pool, a landscaped sun deck and much more. Membership starts at less than $30 a month.

GREEN EGGS CAFE

Hair Salon Salon K 1216 Locust St. 215-545-1880 www.salonkphiladelphia. com “Receiving this award as an owner gives me the privilege to share this with my team — Harris, Brent and Tiffany,” owner Kay Shrader said. “As stylists, we have our own individual expertise and style that makes us work so well together. Winning consecutively for the last two years makes me

so proud.” Schrader said she always wanted to open a salon that clients could feel like they were a part of, adding the LGBT community motivated the staff to work even harder. Inclusion is a priority, which is why Salon K offers marriage and civilunion packages. “We as a team have a strong work ethic and strive to educate our clients on the latest styles and hair products,” said Shrader. “We specialize in men’s barbering, including flat tops and all the latest trends and

BEST OF GAYPGN PHILADELPHIA

even color the unwanted gray for men. Shhhhh ... Only we know! We offer a range of women’s styles and provide the latest trends in color, for short to long hair, and specialized services. Breakfast/Brunch Green Eggs Cafe 212 S. 13th St. www.greeneggscafe.com 267-861-0314 Living up to the “green” in its title, this relative newcomer to the Gayborhood has won customers over by serving high-quality food at a low cost. Green Eggs buys fresh products locally, grows its own herbs and recycles all paper products, aluminum, glass and plastics. Also, all its food and organic waste is composted and not put to waste. ICandy 254 S. 12th St. www.clubicandy.com T h e ow n e r s o f t h e much-beloved ICandy were so happy to win yet another category in PGN’s annual contest, they’re showing their appreciation by offering a Sunday Hangover Brunch, served noon-4 p.m. for just $10. This special is available in combination with ICandy’s weekly Sunday Funday special, where you get $3 off all drinks (excluding beer) all day and night. Dinner Valanni 1229 Spruce St. 215-790-9494 www.valanni.com After 12 years in business, Valanni continues to cater to its neighborhood — from cocktail hour to dinner to late night. Executive chef John Strain’s innovative MediLatin menu continually changes and features fresh, seasonal ingredients in small plates and entrées — such as butter-poached lobster and octopus salad, s p i cy p u l l e d - c h i c ke n empanadas, duck and foie gras flatbread, meat and seafood paella and

veal osso buco. And, an array of house-made dessert tapas satisfies a sweet tooth of any kind. On weekends, Valanni opens at 11 a.m. for its award-winning brunch and signature brunch cocktails. Join Valanni in a cozy booth in Social, its newly added lounge, or dine al fresco on Spruce Street. Dessert More Than Just Ice Cream 1119 Locust St. 215-574-0586 morethanjusticecream. com For almost four decades, More Than Just Ice Cream has served the entire city from the heart of the Gayborhood. The iconic restaurant and ice-cream bar opened in 1975 and, ever since, has specialized in comfort food, especially homestyle desserts and, of course, ice cream. All desserts are made from scratch. Among the most decadent are the milehigh apple pie, deep-dish pumpkin pie and red velvet cupcakes, which won twice at the Gayborhood Games. Bakery Brown Betty’s 722 N. Second St. 215-629-0999 www.brownbettydesserts. com The dessert boutique is known far and wide for its cakes, cupcakes and other treats that are perfect for special events — or for just brightening up one’s day.

Overall Restaurant Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215-925-1166 www.knockphilly.com K n o c k ’s r e s t a u r a n t menu is as diverse as its clientele. The venue offers brunch, lunch and dinner. From battered asparagus fries to lobster rolls to filet di Knock, this reader favorite offers dishes to satisfy any taste.

Arts

Drag King Travis Luvermore www.facebook.com/travis.luvermore Travis Luvermore began performing as a drag king/ male illusionist in 2008, and currently holds the title of Mr. South Carolina USofA MI, first alternate. Luvermore performs classic drag and comedic celebrity impersonations, such as Tim McGraw, Larry the Cable Guy, Garth Brooks, Sir Elton John and Neil Diamond. People come to the show out of curiosity and are amazed at the transformation. “I get many questions about how I am able to hide my breasts and about the realistic facial hair,” Luverore said. “I have been mistaken as a transgender man, but I am allfemale. I love the meaning of songs and try to connect to the audience.” Luvermore performs with the Bro-lesque group.

Coffee Shop Café 12 212 S. 12th St. 215-893-5680

Drag Queen Shelita Buffet missshelitabuffet@gmail. com w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / missshelitabuffet

This popular Washington Square West coffee shop draws a big LGBT crowd. Open seven days a week, the venue offers indoor and outdoor seating, a wealth of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drink choices and an array of baked goods and sandwiches. With good prices and great service, Café 12 is a true respite from the bustle of the Gayborhood.

Shelita Buffet said she’s very proud to be part of a growing West Chester gay community that has embraced drag. Buffet hosts several drag events at Jazmine Thai in West Chester, “so come check out the growing gay scene in our area and leave the drama for elsewhere,” she said. Tu e s d a y n i g h t s a r e “GLBT Nite” with

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

guest DJs every week. Thursdays feature karaoke with special guest host Kirby Shadowes in a fun, intimate setting. The second Sunday of each month features the soldout “Drag Cabaret,” spotlighting favorite Broadway shows and movies. The fourth Sunday is Bingo with special guest host Gio Michaels.

like to be involved. The band’s mission is based on the principles of commitment, volunteerism, respect for others and, of course, fun! The band includes concert, marching and jazz sections and a brass ensemble.

Local Band Philadelphia Freedom Band 267-603-BAND (2263) philadelphiafreedomband.com

This reader favorite has been getting the party started for close to 25 years. “It has been the thrill of my life,” said Salotta Tee. “I have been a DJ since the age of 5, when I received my first record player, and I have played music for family and friends since. “DJs in general are fabulous people. We are the ones who get the party started. I love playing feel-good music. When people are on my dance floor singing and dancing with smiles on their faces, I know I did my job.” Tee credits DJ Reenie Kane for her guidance, as well as nightclubs ICandy,

The Philadelphia Freedom Band is a volunteer community band for LGBT and ally musicians to perform in a relaxed, friendly environment. The group does not hold auditions and welcomes all adults 18 or older. Membership is comprised of a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, experience and skill levels. Musicians of all levels are welcome, as well as non-musicians who would

Local DJ Salotta Tee

Venture Inn, Tavern on Camac, Bob & Barbara’s, Q Lounge, 12th Air Command, Woody’s, Key West, MSA and all the other supportive venues. Live-Music Venue The Trocadero 1003 Arch St. 215-922-6888 www.thetroc.com The Trocadero hosts a variety of events, including live concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, burlesque shows and more. The fall season kicks off this month with DJ Robert Drake’s annual Zombie Prom Sept. 29, hailed as the official kick-off of the Halloween season. Other fall highlights include Adam Ant on Oct. 5, followed by the five-year anniversary of Karaoke Gong Show hosted by Skeletor (Carmen Martella), Interpol frontman and guitarist Paul Bank’s solo show Nov. 10 and John Water’s critically acclaimed one-man show Nov. 29.

R E P RO D U C T I V E M E D I C I N E A S S O C I AT E S of Philadelphia

Trying to build a family? The doctors of RMA of Philadelphia are devoted to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood. Our doctors are highly experienced, board-certiﬁed fertility specialists with some of the highest success rates in the area. At RMA of Philadelphia, we are proud to serve the LGBT community.

The Fertility Specialists. RMAphiladelphia.com | 855-RMA-PHIL (855-762-7445) Philadelphia � King of Prussia � Willow Grove � Langhorne � Harrisburg

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN BEST OF GAY PHILADELPHIA

Local Musician Joseph Hallman www.facebook.com/ HallmanComposer Joseph Hallman is a Philadelphia composer who has worked with some of today’s most talented musicians and artists. He teaches at Drexel University and privately, and has given master classes and lectures and served as an adjudicator at home and abroad. He is the composer-in-residence of the Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival, a position previously held at the Rosenbach Museum, Traverse Arts Project and Strings Music Festival. Hallman also has collaborated with poet and screenwriter Antwone Fisher and had his works performed by Michel Gondry, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic musicians, the Avian Ensemble, Chamber Music Now, Network for New Music, Dolce Suono and others. He has worked locally and internationally as a pop producer, arranger, remixer and performer. Hallman has worked with Philadelphia bands and musicians such as Gemini Wolf, Megan “Pandar” Cauley, Attia Taylor, Johnell Lawrence, DJ Carl Michaels, DJ Jamie Johnson and Tiffany “BFly” Belton. Most recently, he led an international collaboration on a remix single of his acclaimed song “Summer,” featuring Japanese beatboxer Dokaka, flute virtuoso FluterScooter, producer Drew Taurisano and vocalist BFly. Hallman’s classical and pop works can be found on iTunes. Local Singer Tony Enos www.tonyenos.com “I know where I’m from: I’m only here through God and my supporters,” Tony Enos said of his accomplishments as an internationally selling pop artist. That attitude is just one reason for the love affair between Philadelphia and Enos. “I know what my Philly fans want. I’ll always remain a trueblue Philly boy. Philly won’t have it otherwise,” he said. The 28-year-old South Philly native has been hailed as “the most exciting performer to come out Philadelphia since Patti LaBelle” by gbmnews.com. His debut album “Did it Rite” and

new album “The Heat” have sold units around the world via iTunes. His electrifying performances make him one of the most sought-after out entertainers. Enos opens “The Heat Tour 2012” in Las Vegas in October, and “The Heat” hits stores nationwide this fall. Party Promoter Bruce Yelk www.NightlifeGay.com Bruce Yelk takes this category for the second year in a row. “It is truly my passion to bring new and exciting events to the city I love, and nothing pleases me more than to see everyone enjoying themselves at a NightlifeGay.com event,” he said. Yelk’s 2012-13 event schedule kicks off Nov. 17 with a circus-themed event called “The Kidd Show.” He credits his event team, performers, partners, sponsors and venues with helping to create such high-quality entertainment. Theater Group (TIE) Liberty City Kings Drag & Burlesque www.libertycitykings.com libertycitykings@hotmail.com What started off with a couple of queers, a scary politician and the desire to produce fun, sexy and fabulous performance art that blends, bends and blurs gender lines has turned into a multi-award-winning and seasoned troupe of 15 performers, a full support staff and eight (and counting) regular shows a year.

LOCAL MUSICIAN JOSEPH HALLMAN (TOP) AND LOCAL SINGER TONY ENOS

Liberty City Kings also stage dozens of appearances and performances as Philly’s only queer drag and burlesque performance troupe. Their diverse fans love them because they showcase different genders and body types on stage and celebrate them all through fun, kinky and titillating drag, burlesque and gender-performance art. Their performance home is Tabu, with sponsor Passional Boutique & Sexploratorium. Plays & Players Theater 1714 Delancey Place 215-735-0630 www.playsandplayers.org Plays & Players Theater began in 1911 as a social club devoted to expanding and developing new theater experiences for and

by its membership. During its more-than 100 years of performing, Plays & Players has produced innumerable notable performances, such as the world premiere of the acclaimed Broadway play “Stalag 17” in 1949. Over the years, the company has grown into a professional, quality theater devoted to supporting established and emerging local artists in practicing and performing their crafts. ■

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Suzi Nash

Brian Morrison: Giving voice to stars, service groups . On Oct. 21, AIDS Fund’s 26th annual AIDS Walk Philly and AIDS Run Philly will continue the fight and, with a new person infected every nine-and-a-half minutes, there’s still plenty left to do. Right in our own backyard, 30,000 of our friends, family members and neighbors live with HIV and need the services provided by funds raised during the walk. This week we spoke to Brian Morrison, who celebrates a decade of working on the walk. A sign-language interpreter, Morrison has led a fun and varied career, from teaching ASL at Community College of Philadelphia to signing for some of the world’s biggest superstars. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. BM: I’m originally from a little town called Versailles — rhymes with “fur sales” — Missouri. [Laughs.] It’s in the Ozarks area and we don’t go for that fancy French ‘ver-sigh’ pronunciation. I lived there and went to school in Springfield, Mo., and then moved to Springfield, Ill. I’ve been in Philadelphia now for almost 10 years, and I absolutely love it. I was a business major but I’m not really a numbers person so economics and accounting were just lost on me. I needed an easy A to bring my GPA up and I ended up taking a sign-language class and just loved it. I ended up getting a Bachelor of Science degree in education of the deaf and a Master of Education in adult and organization learning with an emphasis in teaching interpreting. I started my career at the Illinois School for the Deaf, where I was a teacher and dean of boys. It was a residential school so the kids lived in dorms. I started doing some interpreting on the side and eventually that took over. I think I may have a little ADD as well, so being in the same classroom every day was just not for me. With interpreting, it’s exciting because I might be in a doctor’s office in the morning, in a courtroom that afternoon, on stage at a concert that evening and in a cadaver lab the next day. It never gets dull. In fact, it’s what got me here to Philly. In 2002, I went to The Julliard School to take a weeklong class in interpreting for the theater. One of the teachers for that class was from Philadelphia and we became fast friends. After the course was over, she invited me to visit her. I did and had a great time. She worked at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and I went to work with her one day just to see the place. Someone at the school told me they just happened to have an opening and asked if I would like to interview for it. I said, “Why not?” and they pretty much said, on the spot, “If you want to move here, the job is yours.” That summer I’d just turned 30 and wasn’t happy where I was. I guess you’d say it was a pre-midlife crisis, so I said yes. How often do you go on vacation and end up with a life-changing offer? I’d

gotten a taste of city life during that week in New York and realized that the East Coast is where I needed to be, and now I had a job offer. So three months later, my cat and I were driving across the country into a new life. At the time, the school had a deaf staff member who did a lot of HIV/AIDS outreach. Shortly after I moved here, the AIDS Walk was coming up and she said, “Hey, I think they’re looking for interpreters. You should reach out to them.” I’d only been here a week and I thought, “What a good way to meet some people.” Professionally, it was good for me to get out there and introduce myself but, personally, being a small-town kid who knew he was gay way back in the day yet didn’t know what to do with it, to be here and at the walk, it was a whole different world. It was incredibly moving and empowering. I did that in October and then went to my first Gay BINGO game in December, and here I am 10 years later, still doing it. PGN: [Laughs.] Wow, Brian, you are a talker. You just went seven-and-a-half minutes without taking a breath. BM: Ha ha! I’m so sorry. [Laughs.] I think it’s a side effect from working with the deaf. In the deaf community, they want to know the whole story. They’re very into details so I have a tendency to give long, detailed answers.

responsible for handling discipline problems? BM: Well, I can be very stern when I have to be. It takes me a long time to get angry but, when I do, you really see the Irish side of me. If that happens, you need to step back. I’m fair but believe in rules and I will make you follow those rules and respect what they’re there for. I had one kid who was very big for his age. He was a bully and had a lot of anger problems. I was trying to get him to go to sleep one evening and he was not having it. He was screaming and I finally said, “Fine. I’ll just go fill out a discipline report.” Those are a pretty big deal and if you go down on record, it’s not going to end well for the student. I was at my desk filling out the report and the student came in and picked up a chair and was threatening to throw it at me. I very calmly stood up, picked up my chair and said, “Okay, you want to start something? You first.” He looked at me like I was crazy, then put the chair down and went to bed. [Laughs.] It worked, but I

on the flip side, a single word might take a whole sentence. It has its own syntax and grammar that’s different than English. PGN: Are there different dialects? BM: Yes, there are. Just like people from the East Coast or Deep South would sound different, there are different signing accents. There are a lot of regional signs. There might be a sign for, say, birthday, that’s only used in Philadelphia. Florida, for instance, may use a different sign for that word. Even the way we pronounce “waa-der” for water can come across in sign language. But I can still travel and be understood. There’s nothing that’s too far out of the realm of understanding. PGN: You’ve been doing the AIDS Walk for some time. What does it mean to you? BM: We get a number of deaf people who participate in the walk, and I think just the fact that we can be there so they can fully understand everything and participate on the same level as a hearing person is important. And it’s a good cause. PGN: A funny moment? BM: The funny moments that stand out happen more at [AIDS Fund’s monthly] Gay BINGO. The drag queens really play with the interpreters and try to get us to sign as many dirty words as possible. And then repeat them.

PGN: So what were you like as a kid? Were you very theatrical? BM: I was. I did a little community theater but I was never the star. I was content to be in the background chorus. I was very big back then — not that I’m tiny now — but I wasn’t leading-man material. With interpreting, even though I’m not on the stage, I can be the “star” and be seen doing what I’m good at. PGN: Tell me about the family. BM: Sure. My parents are small-town people. They were born and raised in my hometown. My father was a butcher at one of our local grocery stores. He started the job in high school and stayed there until he retired. My mother is a banker. I have one younger brother and we’re all very closeknit. I’ll tell you something I got from my father: During his entire 40-plus years at work, he never once took a sick day. He passed on that work ethic to us. PGN: What did you get from your mother? BM: I think my heart comes from my mother. We’re both Cancers so we have that “home and family” nurturing personality. We like taking care of people and I learned how to get along with all sorts of people from her. PGN: So let’s talk about not being so warm and fuzzy. What was the worst incident when you were the dean of boys and

PGN: You’ve interpreted for some pretty big names. BM: Yeah. I’ve gotten to do Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Josh Groban and groups like KISS, U2 and Def Leppard.

probably would not advocate handling it the same way today. PGN: I was in Korea not too long ago and they gave me an interpreter for a questionand-answer session. I’d say a simple sentence and it seemed like the translation was four minutes long. Is it similar for ASL? BM: It’s interesting. Sign language is very conceptual; there’s not a sign for every word. It goes both ways. One sign might convey a whole sentence in English but,

PGN: What was a memorable celebrity encounter? BM: I was interpreting on the Rosie O’Donnell R Family Vacations cruises and Sheena Easton was Photo: Suzi Nash performing. As I was signing, she came over, put her hand down my shirt and starting rubbing the hair on my chest. And then she stuck her finger in my nose! I was like, I don’t know if I should feel violated or turned on right now. Normally, we don’t get to speak to the performers, but we certainly get a front-row seat. PGN: What was the most difficult concert

to do?

PAGE 44

PGN NIGHTLIFE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

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

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

Jeff.Goldman@verizon.net

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

Put 18 years of experience to work for you!

Color Me Barbara — as in Barbara Gittings I couldn’t get tickets for Barbra be entertainment and guest speakers both before and after the march. Streisand. Granted, I was only trying for the cheap seats, which must have been Gear Up, Get Out snatched up in, like, two minutes. Get yourself warmed up for OutFest with I was hoping to take my mom to see her, Philadelphians MC from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. the Queen of the Farewell Tour—seriously, 6 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. Cher can’t even hold a candle to this bitch. Strap on your favorite gear — leather, Mom played the “Guilty” album so many military, uniform, rubber, latex, times when I was growing up sport or motocross — and get that I think my sisters eventually hid it from her behind their up to the third floor, where DJ Aerosmith and Queen albums. Dave Huge will spin house, techno, disco and rock. If you were lucky enough It’s all for charity, so you can to get tickets, do me a favor: Before you catch the perforfeel good about yourself while mance of one gay icon, take grinding up against your fellow man. There is a suggested time to remember the invaluable donation of $5 at the door, with contributions of another. proceeds benefiting the Mazzoni While Barbra Streisand was Center’s annual toy drive for struggling to make a name for herself in the ’50s, another kids affected by HIV/AIDS. Barbara was struggling to find Jim Kiley- IndiGoGo Dance Party her identity in a society that only saw gays and lesbians as sick, If the gear party ain’t your Zufelt thang, check out IndiGoGo, 10 demented perverts who could p.m.-1:30 a.m. Oct. 6 at Voyeur, never be happy. 1221 Saint James St. There will be hot goWho was this second Barbara, you ask? go dancers from Stimulus and NSFW all It was Barbara Gittings, a woman on the night long, plus well drinks and domestic front lines of the gay-liberation movement beer specials from 10 p.m.-midnight. before a lot of us were even born this way. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and all proceeds benefit William Way Barbara Gittings Way Dedication LGBT Community Center. Three floors of If you open up any book on gay history, you’ll likely see a picture of Barbara music will be pumping all night long, courtesy of DJs DeeJay, Nasty Sinatra, Robert Gittings marching with a group in front of Drake, Jovi Baby and Kash. Independence Hall — in 1966, three years before Stonewall. OutFest To honor Gittings’ contributions, a It’s time for the 22nd annual National stretch of Locust Street between 12th and 13th will be dedicated as “Barbara Gittings Coming-Out Day Block Party, noon-6 p.m. Way” in a ceremony to be held from 12:30- Oct. 7 in the Gayborhood. Organizers are promising more of every1 p.m. Oct. 1 at 13th and Locust streets. thing this year — more vendors, more Gittings was a true pioneer, and anyone who was lucky enough to know her remem- games, more dance parties, more hot guys, bers her not only for her intelligence, commore hot girls and, of course, more fun. mitment and dedication as an activist, but There will be a dance party in front of also for her vivacious personality, quick Tabu, a women’s party in front of Sisters wit and infectious laugh. Much of what we and a leather/uniform/gear party in front of have as a community today is a direct result The Bike Stop. of a lifetime of hard work by Gittings and The main stage at 13th and Locust will her contemporaries. be hopping all day, with entertainers like This dedication is a fitting tribute to Jade Starling, Michael Byrne, Dale Varga, an extraordinary woman, a longtime Miss and Mr. Philly Gay Pride, Brittany Philadelphia area resident, without whom Lynn’s Drag Mafia, Bob & Barbara’s none of our lives would look remotely like Show Girls and Chad Lewine. Master what they do today. of Ceremonies Henri David will try his So don’t color me Barbra — color me damnedest to keep them all in line. Barbara, damn it! It’s Philly’s biggest and best gay block party of the year, so whatever you’re Philly Trans March doing that weekend, make sure you get to OutFest! ■ Did you enjoy the all-you-can-eat pancake buffet at the Morning Glory Diner last Questions? Comments? Got two cheap week? I know I did! Now it’s time to enjoy tickets for Barbra you want to sell? My the fruits of that fundraising at the Philly mom really would love to go ... Contact Trans March, 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Love Park. Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow Join for a rally at the park, followed by a march through the city, which finishes back him on Facebook for links to back articles and bitchin’ old pop music videos! at Love Park with another rally. There will

Barcrawlr

Repairs, Renovations and Remodeling

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

“Our” Family Plumber for over 30 years

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

(215) 829-0170

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

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

DINING PGNOUT

Far East goodness far flung from downtown By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com It’s a good thing modern Asian decor at Surah, 1121 Bethlehem Pike, inspires calm — because the drive out to Spring House is outrageously long. We don’t know how you bedroomcommunity commuters do it. But we’ve had a good string of luck with restaurants in suburban strip malls, and Surah is no exception. Specializing in Korean and Japanese fare, Surah is at its best when it is being adventurous. Even something simple like miso soup ($3.95) gets tinkered with for the better with the addition of honey mushrooms, which provide a subtle new dimension to the standard flavor. If your taste tends to be strictly safe vanilla, you can make a beeline to dishes like the salmon teriyaki, which, while wellexecuted, has all the excite-

ment of buffet food. But Surah’s menu shines when the chefs are allowed to go a little crazy. We were treated to some specials — dishes they are considering for permanent status on the menu — which were the real standouts. The tuna tataki salad, thinly sliced on a bed of greens, was fresh and wellseasoned. Then there was the tuna sundae, sushigrade tuna and avocado dressed with spicy mayo and fish roe, which was a roller-coaster ride of flavors and textures. It might have been a little heavyhanded with the avocado, but otherwise it hit the spot. The other special was a scallop wrapped in crispy phyllo dough, and it instantly became our new favorite way to eat scallops. (Sorry, scallops: We know you are on every menu we see these days, but if you come to us any

other way but this, we may still eat you but we will not love you.) Out of the corner of our eye, we see the waitress coming at us holding a plate with flames coming off of it. That can’t be for us, we’ve got sushi coming. That’s our sushi roll? OK, now you’re just showing off. To be clear, the roll itself wasn’t ablaze, but wrapped in tin foil, which was then set a fire for presentation purpose. Cirque Du Sushi, if you will. Thankfully, the sushi was worth having to blow out a fire for. The Surah Roll ($15.95) was a menagerie of tuna, salmon, roe and eel, which looked amazing and tasted even better. Regular menu favorites we tried included the seafood pancake ($12.95), which was really nice once the accompanying spicy sauce took hold. The Sohgogi Soondubu Jigae, or spicy tofu stew with beef ($10.95), was tasty

If you go Surah

1121 Bethlehem Pike Spring House, PA 19477 Open Monday.Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. www.surahpa.com 267-470-4310

SURAH PRIVATE DINING ROOM Photo: Larry Nichols but we were being cautious with Asian spices and should have asked for it extra spicy. Shame on us. The assortment of sides and garnishes that came with the aforementioned dishes almost outshined them. If all we had after the appetizers and sushi were the fish cakes, kim chi and butternut squash salad, we still would have been grinning from ear to ear.

Dessert came in the form of green tea ice cream and a vanilla mochi, with the former being the most unsubtle example of green tea ice cream we have ever had. Other times we’ve had the dish, if felt more like ice cream than green tea but not here. Surah’s take on it was powerful, with the greentea flavor asserting itself in grand fashion, almost

elbowing any kind of icecream sweetness out of the picture. The spicy chestnut sauce went even further into complex, earthy, nutty territory. It’s definitely a unique experience. The vanilla mochi was closer to our expectations, and the two different desserts found a happy middle ground when the flavors combined. Surah deserves a hurrah. ■

PGN

PGN’S

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

resOURce COMMUNITY

MARKETPLACE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Food & Drink K O S H E R

K O S H E R

SINGAPORE

Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant

TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE • “Excellent” - Zagat Survey 1997 - 2009 • “Best vegetarian restaurant” - Seven Arts 1997 • “Excellent vegetarian artistry” - Gerald Etter 1995 • “Unbeatable breathless feasting” - Elaine Tait 1993 • Best of Philly 1993 • Best Kosher Restaurant in Chinatown Reservations Recommended

KAROKE NIGHT EVERY FRIDAY BYOB • All Major Credit Cards Accepted Banquets & Catering Available Including Bar & Bat Mitzvahs

1006 Race St. Phila • 215-922-3288

Parking at 929 Race Free Delivery in Center City (Minimum $20)

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

FILM PGN

Out actor takes on teen drama By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor With the adaptation of his bestselling young-adult novel “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” writer/director Stephen Chbosky has crafted a beautiful, sensitive and often heartbreaking film. What makes this impressive coming-of-age drama resonate — for viewers of any age — is that it gets teenage life right. More than deftly capturing the dynamics of cliques and bullies, and the way kids act around parents and teachers, Chbosky also accurately presents the way teens, who tend to overdramatize their every emotion, speak. The author-turned-filmmaker also depicts poignantly, and without judgment, how teens experiment with drinking and drugs, as well as romantic and sexual desires. Charlie (Logan Lerman) is about to enter his first day of high school — 1,385 days to graduation, he counts. He has had a troubled summer and, while he hopes to have something of a fresh start in school, he is inclined to stay as invisible as possible. Charlie’s loneliness changes, however, when he meets Patrick (Ezra Miller), an outspoken senior taking freshman woodshop. Patrick, who is gay and having a secret relationship with football player Brad (Johnny Simmons), takes Charlie under his

wing. He introduces Charlie to his stepsister, Sam (Emma Watson), and other members of their clique, affectionately dubbed “the island of misfit toys.” Soon, Charlie is going to midnight shows of “Rocky Horror,” and each character experiences a personal, often romantic, crisis that tests them MAE WHITMAN, EZRA MILLER AND ERIN WILHELMI and their friendship. While “Wallflower” is Charlie’s story, PGN: You play a gay teen in out actor Ezra Miller gets a juicy supporting “Wallflower,” and you have played a role. Miller, who gave a breakthrough perfor- queer teen before in “Every Day.” You mance in “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” also just came out publicly. Do you feel a shines in “Wallflower.” He camps it up as Dr. resonance with characters like Patrick? Frank-N-Furter in the “Rocky Horror” scenes EM: I don’t think there is any role like and adroitly conveys Patrick’s pain when his Patrick. This felt like an especially rare, character suffers romantic setbacks. once-in-a lifetime role to play — a perThe ingratiating actor spoke to PGN about son who is that much of a hero, but also a being queer, playing gay and the perks of conceivable, real kid. I definitely love to (not) being a wallflower. play any character that was written with as much depth and dimension. PGN: Had you read the book before you considered playing Patrick? EM: Yes, for years before it was a character that could be played! I had this big imaginary story firmly in my head, which was outstanding and incredibly helpful for molding a part. I’ve read it seven times between age 14 and when I left high school, rendering the book less necessary. I was cultivating an idea of Patrick in my head, not knowing that I could actually

accomplish that vision, or have any say in it. PGN: What were you like in high school? EM: I was a failed extrovert. I never had the patience or restraint to keep my head down when it would have been advisable — to avoid getting scapegoated or ostracized. Even the wallflower tactic — the perks are mostly expendable. You can dodge bullets if you keep your mouth shut, but I can’t. PGN: Were you often called “faggot,” as Patrick is in the film? How did you react? EM: Constant bombardment! It’s intense to look at the etymology of words like that. At a point, I felt “faggot” went from having my feelings hurt to a feeling of condescension. I became the annoying LGBT police against words like “gay” and “faggot,” asking, “What are you taking about? Where do you base that word?” Not the best move for avoiding trouble. If someone can have courage to step up to people who use poisonous words, like “faggot” and “gay,” to show the emotional effects of how it hurts you, sometimes gaps of hatred and bigotry can be bridged. PGN: In the film, you got to perform the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” stage show. What can you say about your experience with “Rocky Horror”? EM: My older sister showed “Rocky Horror” to us when I was eight when she was babysitting us. It was like having my mind blown open in so many different directions. I’ve gone to floor shows. When I got this part, I went to the floor show in Chelsea and Pittsburgh. Each community is insane, and unique and amazing. It was great fun for us dorky actors to step into that totally devoted world. ■

FAMILY PGN

Poetry and academia reveal LGBT lives Stories can be told in many ways. Two before and just after they adopt children. While written in part for an academic audinew works — one poetic, one academic ence, the book is nevertheless extremely — take strikingly different approaches to telling the stories of LGBT people and accessible for lay readers. Gay dads (and families. prospective gay dads), as well as adopThe first is by Lesléa Newman, best tion providers, social workers and lawyers, known as the author of the groundbreakamong others, will find much of value in it. ing children’s book “Heather Has Two Goldberg conducted a study Mommies.” Her work draws of 70 adoptive gay dads (35 on her poetic skill and, with couples) from across the counits much more somber tone, is try, interviewing them when aimed at older audiences. they were seeking to adopt as “October Mourning: Songs well as several months after for Matthew Shepard” is a they had adopted. More than 80 percent were white and wellcycle of 68 poems that reflect on the death of Shepard, the educated (although over half University of Wyoming student had adopted transracially). This is just a slice of our full comkilled in a brutal gay-bashing munity — but Goldberg recogin October 1998. Newman was nizes the need for further work scheduled to be the keynote on gay dads of color and workspeaker at the university’s Gay ing-class gay men. Awareness Week just days after She starts by looking at the the tragedy. Dana Rudolph decision-making process that Despite being shaken by the led the men to choose parentevent, Newman gave her talk, she writes in the afterward, recognizing the hood in general and adoption in particular. She then explores how adoptive parentWyoming community’s need not for her exact words, but for her presence as an out, hood — private, public, domestic and proud lesbian to show them such a life was international — affected the men’s relapossible. tionships with each other and loved ones. Later, she reflected on the many people One major question she tries to answer is whether the men reinforced or resisted who had told her, “I can’t imagine,” in the “heteronormative” standard of two parresponse to the murder. Her poems, which ents settling down with kids, often with the she calls “a historical novel in verse,” are her attempt to imagine — not only because mother as a stay-at-home caregiver. Did that is her job as a poet, she writes, but they challenge the norm with new views of also because it is her job as a human. She family, or with new approaches to dividexplains, “Only if each of us imagines ing family and employment responsibilithat what happened to Matthew Shepard ties? Did having non-biological children could happen to any one of us, will we be or bumping into legal obstacles because of motivated to do something. And something their sexual orientation force them to conmust be done.” front these norms, regardless? The poems speak from a variety of imagGoldberg found that variation among ined perspectives, including from Matthew, the men — and even within individuals his assailants, his parents, the mountain — means we cannot simply split them biker who first found him, the police offiinto two groups. “Some men conformed to cer who came next, the doctor who treated heteronormativity in some aspects of their him and the housekeeper at the hospital lives and resisted it in others,” she writes. — but also the stars above, the deer found At the same time, even if they didn’t curled next to him and the fence he was actively resist traditional ideas, “their very tied to, as well as less-specific mothers, existence [as gay adoptive parents] poses a fathers, students, gay people and others challenge to heteronormativity.” who heard of the killing. Recognizing these men and their chilThe lines are brief and haiku-like in dren as families and understanding how their simplicity (a few are in actual haiku they navigate these issues, she says, “can help to transform societal understandings form), giving them a rawness and impact that might well be lost among more words. of family, gender, sexuality, race and love.” The above two books may seem an Newman’s slim volume reminds us why, unlikely pair. One is emotional verse, the even 12 years after Shepard’s death, his story still resonates. other dispassionate research. Each, howThe second new book takes a very differ- ever, has its place in painting a fuller picture of LGBT people and our interactions ent approach to LGBT lives. “Gay Dads: with the world around us. ■ Transitions to Adoptive Parenthood,” by Dr. Abbie Goldberg, associate profesDana Rudolph is the founder and pubsor of psychology at Clark University in Massachusetts and senior research fellisher of Mombian (www.mombian.com), low at the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption an award-winning blog and resource direcInstitute, is an examination of gay couples tory for LGBT parents.

Mombian

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Haute Mexican? Haute Mexican! After ten successful years in northeast Philadelphia, Paloma is serving to-die-for French-Mexican cuisine in Bella Vista. ��

a semifinalist for the 2011 James Beard Foundation awards 763 South 8th Street (corner of 8th & Fulton) www.palomafinedining.com www.facebook.com/palomarestaurant 215.928.9500

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

FUN & PGN GAMES

Q Puzzle The Write Stuff Across

1. Drivers get off on it 5. Clothes line 9. Go straight 14. John Goodman’s “Normal, ___ “ 15. Scat legend Fitzgerald 16. It arouses two body openings 17. Hamburger Mary’s list 18. State surely 19. Edna and others 20. 19th century poet of a recently discovered photo 23. New Mexico town 24. Check for electronic bugs 25. Hanging one’s head

28. Hit boxers 29. One who chews the scenery 32. Potential mate 33. Sinn ___ (Irish society) 34. Wooden trunk 35. Lover of 20Across in the photo 38. Deity on “Xena” 39. Skating jump 40. He played Superman 41. “___ out!” (cry by Pallone) 42. That’s bull, to Frida 43. Prejudice and then some 44. S&M reminders 46. Woodpecker’s pecker 47. Title for 20Across 52. Chase behind 53. Company correspondence

PORTRAIT from page 37

BM: Probably the KISS concert, just

54. Corleone patriarch 55. Start something with Mauresmo 56. Isle near Corsica 57. “If ___ I Would Leave You” 58. Made less difficult to bear 59. Musial of baseball 60. Candace Gingrich’s halfbrother

Down

1. “Julius Caesar_ setting 2. “Excuse me!” 3. It reveals a drag queen’s thighs 4. Medical dressings 5. Pirate 6. “Jailhouse Rock” star 7. Obi-Wan’s portrayer

8. Comment about a swimmer who doesn’t swallow? 9. Comic Gilda 10. Use a rubber 11. What gay guys use to call each other? 12. Sherman Hemsley religious sitcom 13. Coll. degs. 21. Americans, to Auden 22. Spoiled kid’s phrase 25. Sportscaster Jim 26. Its monitors show Windy City times 27. Benjamin Britten’s companion 28. Brief fight 30. Prop for “I have a headache tonight” 31. Mothers, to

be unfamiliar with, I would ask the doctor to spell that for me.

because it’s so loud and spontaneous, which makes it hard to understand what they’re saying/singing. And they have a big deaf following who came with painted faces and everything.

PGN: How about some random questions? People often mistake me for ... ? BM: [Laughs.] Someone who knows Braille.

PGN: Just last night I was listening to an

PGN: What is your favorite movie quote

old disco song and laughing because I couldn’t figure out a word of what they were saying. How do you do it? Do you get lyrics ahead of time? BM: We try to. I’ll research the artist online and look up the song lyrics but some of the artists have decades’ worth of music, and we don’t know their set list ahead of time, so you just do your best. If you have a smart phone, you try to look it up as soon as you know what they’re singing. Then you just listen closely and try to figure it out. PGN: So to be an interpreter for the deaf, you have to learn to be a good listener? BM: Yes, yes. And my brain is always on that wavelength. If I’m watching TV or listening to music, I’m always thinking, Hmmm, how would I interpret that? PGN: Do you have to be a good speller to interpret? BM: Yes, it definitely helps. Although if it is something like a medication that I might

or scene? BM: “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” [from “Princess Bride”]

PGN: What was your favorite childhood

toy?

BM: The game Simon. It was the color/ sound matching game and I loved it. PGN: What dead superstar would you

want to interpret for? BM: Several. The fun side of me would love to interpret a Queen concert with Freddie Mercury. The “professional” in me would love to have interpreted [President John F.] Kennedy’s inauguration speech. PGN: Any tattoos or piercings? BM: I have five tattoos, none visible, and

four piercings. My favorites are a small, bright-green shamrock on my ankle for my Irish heritage — it was my first — and

Sarah Bernhardt 33. Couples coupling with couples 34. Just cover costs 36. Twin made without sex 37. Old Testament cuckold 42. Used hoes 43. Grieve over 45. Kicking partner 46. Ritchie Valens hit, with “La” 47. City near Anaheim 48. Made it to second base 49. Gauche side, for Debussy 50. One way to cook fruit 51. Legal wrong 52. Poet who inspired Cats, initially PAGE 47

a Celtic cross I have in the middle of my back in memory of my favorite uncle, who passed away unexpectedly. The cross is a copy of one on his headstone. PGN: What is your coming-out story? BM: I was a late bloomer: I came out

at 25. I told my parents the day after Thanksgiving while I was home for the holiday. Coming from a small Midwestern town from a Catholic family, my family didn’t take it that well, but it was definitely not as bad as it could have been. It took a little time, but they became very accepting. PGN: Tell me something about your significant other. BM: My partner and I have been together four years in November. We got engaged in Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher in the summer of 2011. He is also an interpreter and we met while I was on an interpreting assignment. I was interpreting for a deaf actor who was doing a show, and he was in the audience while he was a student in an interpreting program. I found out later he had turned to his friends with him and called “dibs” when he saw me. PGN: What was a fun travel experience? BM: My first trip to Australia. I went to

speak at a conference and stayed for five

weeks. I got to work at the Sydney Opera House and did some theater-interpreting training around the country. The best part was that I took a few days to go by myself to the Outback. I went to Ayers Rock and it was very spiritual. The whole idea of me, a boy from a small Midwestern town, more than halfway around the world, standing and looking at such a magnificent sight was a real “wow” moment. PGN: Do you have any hobbies? BM: [Laughs.] I like to read comics. I

have a DC digital collection, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, etc. PGN: Which superhero would you be? BM: Oh my. When we were kids and used

to crew up to play superheroes with my brother and cousins, I would invariably end up being Wonder Woman. How it took until I was 25 for anyone to realize I was gay is crazy ■ For more information about AIDS Walk Philly or to register, visit www.aidswalkphilly.org. Registration packets are also available at all Starbucks locations in Center City. To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

TELEVISION PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Worth Watching FRIENDS, NO BENEFITS: The new sitcom “Partners,” by the creators of “Will & Grace,” is about two life-long best friends and business partners whose bromance is tested when one of them is engaged to be married. Joe (played by David Krumholtz) is an accomplished architect who leads with his head and not his heart, especially in his love life. That’s in stark contrast to his gay coworker, Louis (played by out actor Michael Urie), who is spontaneous, emotional and prone to exaggeration. Catch the new show 8:30 p.m. Oct. 1 on CBS. Photo: Warner Bros/ Smallz + Raskind.

THE EX FACTOR: Bisexual character Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) tries to keep focused on work, despite the reappearance of her estranged husband, on the season premiere of “The Good Wife” 9 p.m. Oct. 7 on CBS. Photo: CBS/Jeffrey Neira

UPTOWN GIRL: Bart travels to New York City to reconnect with his long-lost love Mary Spuckler (guest voice Zooey Deschanel), who left Springfield and her backwoods family to reinvent herself in the Big Apple, on the season premiere of “The Simpsons” 8 p.m. Sept. 30 on Fox. Photo: Fox

ON YOUR MARK: “The Amazing Race” always has some LGBT representation in the competition, and this year is no exception. Vying for the globe-trotting million-dollar prize this season are goat farmers/life partners Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge (from “The Fabulous Beekman Boys”). Also, keep you gaydar warmed up for competing Chippendale friends Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis because, well ... maybe. Watch the season premiere 8 p.m. Sept. 30 on CBS. Photo: CBS/Cliff Lipton

Come see what’s new at your local, non-corporate, gluten-free historic queer bookshop! Browse, chat, and support the oldest continuously operating LGBT book store in the USA!

10% most hardcovers, over 5 million books and 3 million eBooks available at queerbooks.com email: giovannis_room@verizon.net 345 S. 12th St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107 215-923-2960 Mon-Sat 11:30 - 7, Sun 1 - 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 09/28

Sat. 09/29

David Byrne The Talking Heads singer and author of “How Music Works” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.

The 2012 Philly Zombie Prom The undead get dressed to kill 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888.

Wynonna The country singer performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

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

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

Tony Bennett The jazz singer performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Steve Aoki The dance artist performs 10 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Mixx Nightclub, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Fab Faux The Beatles tribute band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650. In The Light The tribute band performs Led Zeppelin’s “Physical Graffiti,” 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Sugar Town The monthly show of lady DJs and rockers features performances by Dear Althea, The

“I lingered in the shadows of my mind to hide from forces I believed would conjure greater torrents of pathos in my life, as if my fate was to live in perpetual sorrow, and barebacking indiscriminately would keep fate at bay.”

Pretty Greens, Kate Ferencz and Avalon Clare, 10 p.m. at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St.; 215-2914919.

Sun. 09/30 Alo Brasil — Sambada The Philadelphia group specializing in Brazilian music performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Los Lobos The Latin rock band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Mon. 10/01 Groove Night Local musicians join forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen,

500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Wyclef Jean The rapper and author of “Purpose: An Immigrant’s Story” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. Iron Sky The action film 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 takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Tue. 10/02

Millennial Poz Aaron Stella

After 30 years of HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is impacting the next generation: the Millennials. Written by Aaron Stella, Millennial Poz gives a new voice to people with HIV/AIDS. Online and in print every second Friday.

Only in

DANCE WONDERLAND: Electro-house artist and producer Steve Aoki should have the dance ﬂoor thumping with excitement when he performs 10 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Mixx Nightclub, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

Unlabeled: The Acoustic/ Electric Open Mic for Up-andComers Sign up and play 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Wed. 10/03 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.

Raveonettes The experimental rock band performs 8 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.

Raveonettes The Danish rock duo performs 8 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.

Royal Drummers & Dancers of Burundi The percussion ensemble performs 7:30 p.m. at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.

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

Fri. 10/05 Adam Ant The new-wave singer performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. ZZ Top The classic-rock band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650.

Alpha Girls The horror film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Thu. 10/04 Everett Maroon The author of the trans memoir “Bumbling Into Body Hair” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Los Straightjackets The masked instrumental rock band performs 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Rasputina The wonderfully distorted cellobased band performs 8 p.m. at Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave.; 215-7399684.

JOY STORY: Trans author and writer Everett Maroon hosts a reading of his comical memoir “Bumbling Into Body Hair,” 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. For more information, call 215-923-2960.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Direct from Ogunquit Maine Khris Francis Musical Comedy Show The comedian performs Sept. 28-30 at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215862-2081. Chelsea Peretti The comedian from “Louie” performs Oct. 4-6 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

Continuing Angels in America, Parts 1 and 2 Wilma Theater presents the Tony Awardwinning epic play, offering both parts on select dates, through Oct. 21, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824. Collab: Four Decades of Giving Modern and Contemporary Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition that includes some of the finest examples of European, American and

exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor, through March 2013, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Hairspray Media Theater presents the musical based on the classic John Waters film, through Nov. 4, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. La Bohème The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents a new production of Puccini’s ultra-romantic blockbuster, through Oct. 7 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Love Story, The Musical Walnut Street Theatre presents an adaptation of the popular novel, through Oct. 21, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of

THE CULTURE WAR OF 1812: With the election on the horizon, 1812 Productions presents a special edition of their smash political satire “This is the Week That Is” through Nov. 4 at Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St. For more information or tickets, call 215-5929560. Photo: Mark Garvin

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Shipwreck! Winslow Homer and The Life Line Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 33 paintings by American artist Homer, through Dec. 16, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. This is the Week That Is 1812 Productions presents a special-election edition of its smash political satire, through Nov. 4 at Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; 215-592-9560. To Stir, Inform and Inflame: The Art of Tony Auth The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition exploring the work of the noted Philadelphia Inquirer editorial cartoonist, through Oct. 21, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800.

Closing The Berserker Residents and Swim Pony Performing Arts The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the local comedic performance troupe, Sept. 28-29 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. John Lovitz The comedian from “Saturday Night Live” performs through Sept. 29 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-4969001. ■

Japanese design, through fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through Nov. 4 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210. Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an from page 44

Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895. Presidential Artifacts The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of artifacts from collections around the country, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215409-6895. Prom Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photographs by Mary Ellen Mark, through Oct. 28, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

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.

PIRATES OF THE EARLY ’80s: Captain Jack Sparrow? Nope. Look again. It’s new-wave singer Adam Ant who performs 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-6888.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

NY CABIN AND LAND BARGAINS 6 acres- w/ stream- Was $29,995 Now $19,995. 3 acreslong range views- Was $29,995 Now $15,995. 5 acres“Alaskan style” river lodge- Was $89,995 Now $59,995. Many more deals now. Call anytime 800-229-7843 VISIT: LANDANDCAMPS.COM. ________________________________________36-39 Where can you ﬁnd old world Bucks County charm in Cherry Hill? 331 Browning Lane! 212 yr. old home w/Barn/toolshed w/close proximity to streets. 3-4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, great room w/fpl., galley kitchen, living & dining rooms, walk-out bsmt., deck, almost 1/2 ac. lot, steam heat, remodeled about 10 yrs. ago. $299,900. Please contact Joan Baines, Re/Max Connection Realtors, 1000 Lincoln Dr. E., Marlton, NJ 08053, Cell (BEST): 609-413-3641, Ofﬁce: 856-988-1800 x123. ________________________________________36-39 8 SILVER LAKE DR - $299,999 2 Bedroom Home on Private Lake-Boat Incl Huge Sunroom, Remodeled Kitchen, Garage Trec Porch, Patio, County septic & sewer. Call Katie Bottiglieri: 856-803-9692 The Pat Settar Team 856-343-6000 x-6026 Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors ________________________________________36-39

Lake Property, NY: 6 acres Salmon River Lake $29,900. 7 acres 100’ on bass lake $39,900. 4 lake properties open house September 29-30 www.LandFirstNY.com 1-888-683-2626. ________________________________________36-39 DEVON, OPEN SUN. 2-4 $549,000 A rare ﬁnd in Devon! Quaint stone Okie carriage hse w/barn on 1 acre. 1st ﬂr Master & 2 more Brs, 3ba’s. Dir: Fr Rt 30, N on Devon State Rd to R on Gwen Ln to # 9. Carol Hansen, 610 304 9360. Re/Max Executive Realty 610 520 0400. ________________________________________36-39

Help Wanted

MERCEDES BENZ OF CHERRY HILL Is looking for an experienced salesperson to balance out our sales team. EXPERIENCE NECESSARY Submit resume to ealbertus@chmb.com or apply in person. ________________________________________36-39 AVERITT IS LOOKING FOR CDL-A DRIVERS! Weekly Hometime and Full Beneﬁts Package. 4 months T/T Experience Required- Apply Now! 888-362-8608 Visit AVERITTcareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________36-39 Drivers-CDL-A Experienced Drivers: Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! 6 mos. OTR exp. starts @ $.32/mile. New student pay & lease program. USA TRUCK 877-521-5775 www. USATruck.jobs ________________________________________36-39 Drivers: CRST offers the best Lease Purchase Program *SIGN ON BONUS! *No down payment or credit check *Great Pay *Class A CDL required *Owner Operators Welcome. Call: 866-403-7044. ________________________________________36-39 Driver: CDL-A Van & Flatbed *New Pay Package! *Very New Trucks *Beneﬁts After 30-Days *Great Miles, Pay *Dependable Hometime *Start Immediately! CDL Graduates Needed! 877-917-2266 drivewithwestern.com ________________________________________36-39 Drivers- A. Duie Pyle Needs Owner Operators Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Mile. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________36-39

Driver - $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Quarterly Bonuses. Annual Salary $45K to $60K. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR exp. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com ________________________________________36-39 HIRING EXPERIENCED/INEXPERIENCED TANKER DRIVERS! Earn up to $.51/mile! New Fleet Volvo Tractors! 1 Year OTR Exp. Req.- Tanker Training Available. Call Today: 877-882-6537 www.OakleyTransport.com ________________________________________36-39 CLASS A DRIVERS Regional Up to 42CPM. Wkly Pay, Beneﬁts, Home Time. SIGN ON BONUS. Paid Orientation. 2 Years T/T EXP. 800-524-5051 www.gomcilvaine.com ________________________________________36-39 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________36-39

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $3,997.00- 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. ________________________________________36-39 VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement! Discreet Shipping. Save $500. Buy the Blue Pill Now! 1-800-491-8509. ________________________________________36-39

“Worcester” - Montgomery County Hidden Jem on 1.5 Acres backing up to Center Square Golf Club. This Charming Custom 2 story with ﬂagstone entrance to 24 x 24 Great Room with Stone Fireplace and doors to 2 tiered Deck and Beautifully maintained grounds. Formal Dining Room, Kitchen and Full Bath on 1st. 2nd ﬂoor features 2 Bedrooms and Full Bath. Master Bedroom is Bright with French doors and windows, like you are sleeping in a Tree House! Long private Driveway, Stone Terrace, Hot Tub, Wonderful Gardens and mature trees will make everyday feel you are on Vacation. $440,000

Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors 215-542-2200 F. Louise Scarlett 215-266-9130

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

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 ________________________________________36-39

Adoption Are you pregnant? A married couple (in their 30s) seeks to adopt. Full-time mom & devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses Paid. Ann & Michael. 1-800-505-8452. ________________________________________36-39

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

PGN

Real Estate Sale

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Services

Friends Men

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________36-39 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 ________________________________________36-39 POWER WASHING! Local Company cleaning everything. Houses, Concrete, Wood and More. Call now for great summer savings! (412)346-2025 or (570)591-1933 PA094210. ________________________________________36-39

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. ________________________________________36-40 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________36-39 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________36-40 LOOKING For live-in companion and possible partner. 215-6775610. ________________________________________36-40 Senior GWM ISO male, 40+, any race for platonic friendship, to enjoy and learn from one another. Philadelphia area only. Write to PO Box 302, Merion Sta., PA 19066. ________________________________________36-39 I’m looking for a very well endowed top who is looking for a very nice white butt. 215-732-2108 8-11 PM. ________________________________________36-39

PGN

Open Houses - Sunday September 30, 2012 12:00-2:30 PM 1808 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 3 Bedrooms, 2 full, 2 half Baths. Better than Brand New Construction in Quincy Court w/ GARAGE parking. $575,000 The Lenox Condominiums 250 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Condos from $165,000

Financial Services Gold and Silver Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888-439-8212. ________________________________________36-39

Massage David, 62, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________36-40

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days

3301 Cambridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Totally rehabbed 2 BR / 1.5 BA home in Art Museum area. Perfect for ﬁrsttime home buyer. $229,900

Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:

Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com

YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com

Dan Tobey

The Curtis Center • 1 401 Walnut St. 8th Floor • Philadelphia, PA 19102

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Real Estate Rent

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. ________________________________________36-39 COLLINGSWOOD RENTAL Large second floor 2 Bedroom Apt. Brand new kitchen complete with new dishwasher and new microwave. All new air conditioners, hardwood floors, private deck and laundry facilities in basement. $1250.00 monthly + plus utilities. Call 856-858-3079 or 609-519-5288. ________________________________________36-39 CENTER CITY: WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST Elegant three-level apartment in historic townhouse features dramatic spiral staircase; 1 bed + den; 1.5 baths, large eat-in kitchen w/laundry; small outdoor patio; 2 wood-burning fpls. $1,750/mo + ele. broker/owner email. kelwolf@verizon. net or call: 267-231-1974. ________________________________________36-41 HOUSE FOR RENT Mullica Hill, NJ Lovely two BR, 1.5 bath, laundry,eat in kitchen, private patio, off street parking, winter heat hot & cold water included.Restored farmhouse near park, shopping and transit $1250.00 MO & security (856) 404 0236. ________________________________________36-39 SUNNY COLLINGSWOOD DUPLEX 3 BR, 2 Bath apt in a Victorian on 2nd & 3rd floors. Private. Freshly painted with own washer/dryer. Heat included. Has 2 parking spots. 10 mins to Ben Franklin & Walt Whitman. Can walk to speedline. Rent $1395 mo + gas/electric. Call 856 354-2178. ________________________________________39-40

PORT RICHMOND NEAR SUGAR HOUSE CASINO Lg 1 BR house w/sm encl yard. Spac.kit w/new D/W, hdwd ﬂrs in LR, walk in closets, new W/D in clean bsmt.Must see. Reply w/phone to kathy@paintingsbykathyjoy.com $695.00 plus utilities. ________________________________________39-40 2 BEDROOM IN DREXEL HILL On site laundry, $900/mo. + utils. Call 610-449-2038. ________________________________________26-39

Roommates PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. _____________________________________________ $100 MONTHLY RENT For the guy who wants to share my life and house in N.E. Phila. 215-677-5610. ________________________________________36-40 A room for rent in private home, Royal area, close to Richwood & Glassboro NJ, Rowan and Gloucester Co. College. Also Rt. 55 & Rt. 322. Utils. incl. $160/week. 856-478-0401. ________________________________________36-52 VOORHEES, NJ 1 mile from Speedline. Own BR, kitchen privl., A/C. $600/ mo. Be between 25-45. 856-236-0215. ________________________________________36-40

Jewelry Jewelry bought, sold, repairs, estates, custom deisgn, 707 Sansom. 215-925-3822. ________________________________________36-49

All classified advertising must be in our office by 3 p.m. Friday for the next Friday’s paper. Ads arriving after that time will be held for the next available issue. PGN reserves the right to edit or rewrite ads as needed, to refuse any ad for any reason and to determine the final classification. Ads determined to be in bad taste, directed to or from persons under the legal age of consent or containing racially or sexually discriminatory language will be refused. We need your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number on the insertion order form for you ad. This information is confidential and will not appear in the paper. Any ads received without full information will be destroyed. Sexually explicit language will be edited or refused at the discretion of the management.

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

Classified ads may be placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%

CANCELLATION POLICY All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Hot ’n horny hookups.

Handsome Certified Therapist CAM CHAT

CRUISING DIRECTORY

MEMBER VIDEOS

MOBILE SITE

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

Horny? Hookup with local gay and bi men.

Call 215-432-6030

B-7

- THE ONLY & BEST ALL MALE BATH HOUSE IN THE CITY-

BUTCHER SHOP Saturday, Oct. 13th, 2012 • TIME: 11pm-3:30am

STUDY BREAK!!!!

STUDENT SPECIALS - Student Special Only Applies for Guys Ages 18-27 Years Of Age, Day Pass Waived for Students

WHAT TO EXPECT: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday• DJ David Dutch FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT: After Bar Special • Complimentary Food & Beverages 6hr Rooms (2am to 8am) $15.00 and Non-Members: $25.00 Members/Students: • MEN OF MAGNUM ENTERTAINMENT (Special Not Eﬀective During Party Nights) • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More... SATURDAY: AFTERNOON DELIGHT Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. 4 hour Lockers (8am – 4pm) So Check In Early if you want a room… Members/Students: $5.00 & Non-Members: $15.00

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Saturday, Oct. 20th, 2012 • TIME: 11pm-3:30am HAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • SPECIAL BOY ENTERTAINMENT • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More.. Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. So Check In Early if you want a room…

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members/Students: $12.50 & Non-Members: $22.50

MANIC MONDAY

5 for 5 ($5 Lockers for 5Hrs) Members/Students: $5.00 Non-Members: $15.00 (4pm to 12 )

Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events.... Also, RENOVATIONS are being done, So swing by & Check Out The Transformation!

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

NO COLOR PGN

Activism/Politics

ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) meets 6-9 p.m. every Monday at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-386-1981; www.actupphilly.org. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; www.dvau.org. Equality Pennsylvania holds a volunteer night the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; 215-731-1447; www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia holds general meetings the fourth Thursday of the month except August and December, 7 p.m.; 215-243-7103; www.gpop.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club meets seasonally; www.libertycity.org.

Arts

Library Book Club meets to discuss a new book 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center. Philadelphia Freedom Band, an audition-free LGBT band that does concerts and parades, rehearses Mondays 7-9:30 p.m.; philadelphiafreedomband.com. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 215-731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club meets to share and listen to recordings 6:30 p.m. the last Saturday of the month; 215-732-7898. Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia’s first mixed GLBT chorus, rehearses 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center. Reading Queerly, open to all women and genderqueer/ trans people, meets 6:45 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.

Recreation

Diversity Dancers ballroom dancers meet the first Sunday of the month for tea and lessons. Other events scheduled throughout the year; 215-922-2129; DiversityDancers@aol.com. Gay Bridge Club non-beginners group meets Monday 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; reservations required. Call 215-732-2220. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club meets 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; 215-382-0789. Gay Opera Guys of Philly, a new group for opera appreciation, meets the last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/Andorra area; 215-483-1032. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; 215-985-1456; www.humboldtsociety.org. Independence Squares LGBT square-dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; philadances@gmail.com; www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape. Call 267230-6750 for more information. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social activities for senior gay men are held every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. PhilaVentures, Philadelphia’s LGBT outdoor group, meets for hikes in Wissahickon Valley and Valley Forge Park; philaventures.org.

Sports

Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club meets for Tuesday and Thursday practice at 8 p.m. Greenfield Park, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, in Fairmount Park; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners running club meets 9:30 a.m. Saturdays for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www. philadelphiafrontrunners.org. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club LGBT and allies; plays 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays at Edgely Fields in Fairmount Park; www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team, male and female swimmers, meets 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Friends Select School and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park; www.philadelphia-fins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; 856-889-1434; www.philagaybowling.com. Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League games

played Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; phillyflagfootball.com. Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club seeks players, all skill levels welcome; meets 7:45 p.m. Thursdays at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; 215-913-7531; philadelphiagryphons.org; becomeagryphon@gmail.com. Philadelphia Liberty Belles women’s semi-pro full-tackle football league holds fall tryouts; phillybelles.com. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association plays yearround, all skill levels welcome; philadelphialibertytennis. com. Philadelphia Firebirds women’s football team seeks players; www.philadelphiafirebirds.com. Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League seeks players, all skill levels and ages welcome. Practice is Thursdays, 7 p.m. at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater streets, with games on Sundays 2:30 p.m.; phillywomensbaseball.com; contact Narda Quigley, (day) 215991-5995 or (evening) 301-919-1194. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; 917-656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org. Philly QCycle LGBT bicycling club promotes organized recreational riding for all levels in the Greater Philadelphia region. Contact the organization via Facebook. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley motorcycle club meets regularly; 215-836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Boulevard Lanes in Northeast Philadelphia; rainbowrollers.com. Spartan Wrestling Club, the gay wresting team, meets 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays and 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays (no August practice) at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-732-4545; www.phillyspartans.com. Suburban Gay Bowling League bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays from August-April at Facenda-Whitaker Lanes, 2912 Swede Road, Norristown; sgblbowl@gmail.com. Team Philadelphia, the umbrella group for gay and lesbian sports teams, and individual athletes in the Delaware Valley come together to provide a healthy outlet for all members of the community; teamphiladelphia.org.

Etc.

AIDS Law Project provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600; 215-5879377; www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity, Philadelphia-area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets the second Friday of every other month at the William Way Center; www.biunity.org. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols for LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for selfdefense; meets 2 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southampton; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistols.org. Delaware Pride holds planning meetings 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 Main St., Newark; 302-265-3020; delawarepride.org. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance holds open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays during the school year in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; 610-896-4938. Long Yang Club Philadelphia social organization for gay Asians and their friends holds monthly socials; www. longyangclub.org/philadelphia. Our Night Out, a casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, friends and colleagues, meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, email OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; more information on Facebook. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice offered 5-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month; 215-238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; primetim ersofphiladelphia@yahoo.com. Philadelphians MC Club for leather men and women meets 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; philadelphiansmc.org. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL-affiliated, weekly HF nets, quarterly newsletter; www.rara.org. Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar Party for gay and lesbian rockers with host Psydde Delicious starts 10 p.m. every first Sunday at Fluid, 613 S. Fourth St.; www. RocknRollQueerBar.com. Silver Foxes, a social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older, meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month at the William Way Center. SNJ Queers meets monthly for queer/queer-friendly folks in South Jersey to mix and mingle. Search for SNJ Queers on Facebook; contact Wendy at 856-375-3708 or wmf69@comast.net.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: 12-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 12-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; 126 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

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

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 or 866-222-3871. www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

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

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686; 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)

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

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

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

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

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

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth ﬂoor; 215-563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday except for noon-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., and 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

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

students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladelphia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities, 856857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012

PGN

EXPERIENCE THE NEW RESORTS CASINO HOTEL

The Only Gay Casino Nightclub in Atlantic City!

Live Entertainment & Drinks MONDAY 6PM - 11PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 9PM - 1AM

DIVAS DO AC 6 SHOWS A WEEK!

CELEBRITY AND FEMALE IMPERSONATORS Now featuring Madonna for a limited engagement! “Un-Believable Fun” ~AC Weekly �� or ResortsAC.com

RATES STARTING AT $59! EXTEND YOUR SUMMER WITH $59 ROOM RATE LARGEST STANDARD ROOMS IN AC! Reserve online at ResortsAC.com Based on availability. Room rates exclude taxes, occupancy and resort fees. Show schedules subject to change. Must be 21 or older. Certain restrictions may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.Gambler.

��