pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
Vol. 41 No. 39 Sept. 29 - Oct. 5, 2017
Boyertown trans students’ protections challenged in appeal PAGE 2
Dr. Nancy Brisbon is Mazzoni’s new medical director PAGE 5
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
PGN LGBTQ Youth Supplement PAGES 19-26
Family Portrait: Kenny Wittwer enjoys his reign of terror PAGE 39
Commission on LGBT Affairs names two co-chairs By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com
BI AND PROUD: About 80 people assembled Sept. 23 at Board Game Art Park for the second-annual local observation of Bi Visibility Day. The event featured remarks by Mayor Jim Kenney, Office of LGBT Affairs Director Amber Hikes and state Rep. Brian Sims, among others. Organizer Steven Johnston noted he received great feedback about the rally, including one woman who said it was her first LGBT event and others who applauded having a gathering specifically for the bi community and its supporters. “I cannot express how important Bi Visibility Day is for the bisexual community,” Johnston said, “which faces disparities in mental health, living open lives as their authentic selves and discrimination from inside and outside the LGBTQ community.” Photo: Kelly Vincent
Landmark trans Suspect sought in disability case Gayborhood gunfire settled By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Kate Lynn Blatt, a Pottsville trans woman who filed suit in 2014 claiming her former employer failed to reasonably accommodate her disabling gender dysphoria, recently settled her case. Blatt alleged Cabela’s Retail Inc. violated the Americans with Disabilities Act when denying her access to a gender-appropriate restroom and nametag. Under the ADA, private employers are required to make “reasonable accommodations” for disabled workers. Blatt’s case was hailed as a milestone for trans equality when a federal judge in May granted her permission to seek relief PAGE 15 under the ADA. Prior
Police are seeking a man they say opened fire in the Gayborhood last weekend. Officers were on patrol around 2:50 a.m. Sept. 24 when they heard “multiple gunshots” near 13th and Locust streets. According to police, no one was struck, but one man was treated for injuries after a bullet shattered the window of his vehicle. The shooter escaped into the PATCO station, police said. He was described as black, 5-foot-10 to 6 feet, 160 pounds, with a medium build and dark complexion. He was wearing a dark-colored shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. As of presstime, police had not announced a motive for the incident. The case is being handled by Central Detective Division. ■ — Jen Colletta
The Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs last weekend named two new co-chairs. Jason Evans and Barrett Marshall will serve as co-chairs in the position previously occupied by Sharron Cooks. Director of LGBT Affairs Amber Hikes said Evans is “invaluable and infinitely talented — the man that gets the job done.” In regard to Marshall, she said “their big-picture focus brings an exciting vision to the commission and will catapult the group forward to unforeseen heights.” “Jason and Barrett’s skills combine to form some sort of highly effective, emotionally intelligent, process-oriented superhuman,” Hikes added. “We’re all fortunate they’re implementing these skills for the good of our community.” Both co-chairs were nominated by their fellow commission members and accepted their nominations. Evans will continue in his treasurer role until a new individual is selected for that position. In a statement, he said he sees this “as an opportunity for the commission to continue its efforts of working to improve our community” and believes he and Marshall will make “a great team.” “I am most looking forward to laying down a sturdy foundation [through] which the commission can continue to grow, thrive
and better help our community,” Evans said. “As the commission is less than one year old, many of us have been working together to define how the commission works, while addressing the needs of our community. I feel that this groundwork is essential for the longevity of the commission.” Marshall noted in a statement that the commission “has seen considerable evolution already.” They said they have spoken with each of the individual commissioners and are “amazed by their accountability to service and desire to meet the needs of LGBT Philadelphians.” “The best part of being a commissioner has always been the opportunity to work with my extraordinarily talented colleagues on the commission,” Marshall said. “I consistently learn from and am inspired by this group of people, and serving as co-chair will give me the chance to engage more deeply with everyone’s expertise. I’m looking forward to supporting their work and, hopefully, maximizing the effect we can have on the community. Being selected as a co-chair is an honor.” The co-chairs were named months after Cooks was voted from her chair position after commissioners raised concerns about “creating an unwelcoming environment” through meetings and social-media channels, a city spokesperson told PGN in May. Hikes said the commission would finalize
social-media guidelines at an upcoming meeting. Additionally, four new commissioners were named this month. Hikes said Naomi Washington Leaphart, Aeryanah Von Moi, Ja’nae Tyler and
COMMISSION CO-CHAIRS JASON EVANS (TOP) AND BARRETT MARSHALL
William Lee “bring a wealth of professional knowledge and personal experience to our commission.” “I am honored to continue this incredible work with such a dynamic, hardworking and esteemed group of leaders,” Hikes added. ■