PGN Oct. 2 - 8, 2015 by The Philadelphia Gay News

OutFest turns 25 PAGE 5

National National LGBT LGBT History History Month Month Project Project

P.L. Travers: “Mary Poppins” author PAGE 23

Bullying case plaintiff seeks settlement PAGE 2

Family Portrait: Dr. Sa’ed Atshan is a peace promoter PAGE 29

Oct. 2-8, 2015

Since 1976

PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Vol. 39 No. 40

New state policies for trans inmates By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

PAPAL-DELPHIA: Thousands awaited the arrival of Pope Francis last Saturday afternoon at Independence Mall. Before the pontiff’s motorcade arrived, Mayor Michael Nutter delivered a welcoming address outside Independence Hall in which he referenced LGBT rights. For full coverage of the papal weekend’s LGBT activities, see page 16. Photo: Jeff Guaracino

Papal weekend through an LGBT lens By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com Margie Winters and her spouse Andrea Vettori both ended their speeches at last weekend’s Papal Picnic at John C. Anderson Apartments with a challenge to the Catholic Church to practice the love it preaches. “The LGBT community stands on the margins of the Church, yearning for and calling for wholeness, inclusion and justice,” said Winters, who was fired as the director of religious education at Waldron Mercy Academy in June because she’s mar-

ried to a woman. “Jesus went to the margins and reintegrated those men and women into their communities,” she added. “Pope Francis, will the Church do the same for this community? We hope that you say yes.” Vettori followed: “We are here to ask Pope Francis and the bishops of the Church to listen to our faith stories and the stories of countless numbers of LGBT [people] and allow the witness of our lives to inform their theology and reform Catholic Church teaching.” PAGE 16 The pair married in

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recently instituted new policies in response to the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, but critics say the rights of trans inmates continue to be violated. The new policies ease restrictions on gender expression for trans inmates in state prisons, ensure appropriate health care and allow for trans inmates to be housed in facilities consistent with their gender identity. But the DOC has 147 transgender inmates, including one post-operative trans inmate. All of the pre-operative trans inmates are housed in facilities that are inappropriate for their gender identity. Critics say this situation indicates the DOC isn’t fully compliant with PREA. Julie Chovanes, a transgender advocate and attorney, expressed outrage that all of the pre-operative trans inmates are housed in DOC facilities inconsistent with their gender identity. “The DOC’s numbers for trans inmates speak for themselves,” Chovanes said. “It is simply unbelievable that no [pre-operative] trans inmate should be in a transgender-appropriate facility.” DOC Secretary John E. Wetzel released this statement about the rights of trans inmates: “Examining how we can better treat and respect transgender inmates in our

system is a priority of the administration and our department. Since Gov. [Tom] Wolf took office, significant changes have been made to keep up with best practices and to better ensure these inmates are treated with respect and dignity. In June 2015, the DOC removed an outdated blanket prohibition on sexual-reassignment surgery. At the same time, we also issued a revised PREA policy that allows for transgender inmates to make gender-appropriate commissary purchases.” Susan McNaughton, a DOC spokesperson, said the department houses 15 trans men and 132 trans women. She said a variety of factors are considered prior to housing trans inmates. “Placement decisions must carefully weigh all available information to include the health and safety of all incarcerated individuals,” McNaughton said in an email. “This is a difficult balance but we strongly believe Pennsylvania is progressing in the right direction and well ahead of many other states in this area.” McNaughton added: “[T]he DOC gives serious and thoughtful consideration to the views of transgender individuals as well as whether the placement would present overall management or security problems.” DOC policies ensure that trans inmates can shower in private stalls and have access to gender-appropriate commissary items, including bras, panties, make-up and barrettes. McNaughton also said the DOC provides appropriate health PAGE 17

New site set for Lehigh Valley community center By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com It was announced this week that the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center will be opening in just a few months — in a new, and much larger, home than was originally projected. In a press conference Wednesday, the organizers of the Lehigh Valley LGBT center announced that on Monday they finalized the purchase of a property at 522 W. Maple St.

in Allentown that spans 13,000 square feet. The center was originally set for a 7,000-square-foot space that backers planned to buy from the city of Allentown for $1; however, “significant environmental conditions” and high construction costs halted that plan. “It’s going to be a significant-sized community center,” Bradbury-Sullivan executive director Adrian Shanker told PGN. “It’s certainly larger than the previous building and also

doesn’t need any construction.” The new space is located in the heart of the downtown business district, and next to a parking garage that will be opening in January. Plans for the center were announced in June 2014, when a fundraising campaign was unveiled. The organization is named for longtime Lehigh Valley activists Liz Bradbury and Dr. Patricia Sullivan. When it opens its doors next year, it will PAGE 19

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

REGIONAL PGN

locations in Philadelphia CENTER CITY — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD

12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Charlie was a Sinner, 131 S. 13th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Optimal Gym, 1315 Walnut St. • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • PAT@Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • Phila. FIGHT/ Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 2nd floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Scorpio Books, 205 S. Juniper St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Square One, 249 S. 13th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •

CENTER CITY OTHER — EAST OF BROAD

Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Bodhi Coffee, 410 S. 2nd St. • Bridgeview Place, 315 New St. • Cedrone’s Flowers, 800 Lombard St. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Filter Coffee Co., 331 Race St. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, 6th & Market sts. • Modish Hair Salon, 640B South St. • PGN ofﬁces, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. • Two Independence Place, 233 S. 6th St. •Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. • Wireworks, 301 Race St. •

Plaintiff seeks settlement in bullying case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Thomas Vandergrift, an openly gay man who’s suing the Pennsauken School District for allegedly subjecting his nephew to anti-LGBT bullying, is urging school-board members to engage in settlement talks. On Sept. 25, Vandergrift sent a threepage letter to all nine school-board members, proposing they meet with him to discuss settling the case. Meanwhile, plans moved forward this week for the deposition of Vandergrift’s nephew, who is 14 and autistic. “Our attorneys will videotape the deposition, so if there’s any badgering of my nephew, it will be duly recorded,” said Vandergrift, 38. “I’ll be there to keep it as appropriate as possible.” He said his nephew has experienced significant stress due to the litigation, and has transferred to a private school. In his lawsuit, Vandergrift also alleges that district officials wrongfully accused him of child molestation in 2011, in retaliation for advocating for a proper education for his nephew. He’s seeking policy changes within the district and some type of financial remuneration. So far, his legal bills have totaled about $130,000, he said. “I want to make sure this anti-LGBT bullying stops happening to other kids, because I know it’s currently taking place,”

CENTER CITY OTHER — WEST OF BROAD

Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drucker & Scaccetti, 1600 Market St., Suite 3300 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • PA Law Project, 2122 Chestnut St., Suite 1600 • Phila. Daily News, 801 Market St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Stir, 1705 Chancellor St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Westminster Arch Apts., Vine St., 3rd floor •

PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER

Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Awbry Aboretum, 1 Awbry Rd. • Caribbean Pharmacy, 3825 N. 5th St. •Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Inﬁnity Jewelers, 3528 Cottman+ Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Philly Pharmacy, 9475 Roosevelt Blvd. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •

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News Briefing Reconsideration request pending in benefits case Attorneys for the relatives of a man whose former same-sex partner is seeking his death benefits want the state Superior Court to reconsider an unfavorable ruling. Joseph A. Hallman seeks the proceeds of his former domestic partner’s life-insurance policies, totaling about $345,000. Hallman and Stephen T. Gallagher were domestic partners for about four years, before parting ways in 2009. Gallagher, who was employed at the University of Pennsylvania as a computer specialist, died in May 2011 after a lengthy illness. Gallagher’s mother, Joann P. Gallagher, contends she’s entitled to her son’s death benefits. Last year, Philadelphia Orphans’ Court Judge John W. Herron ruled that Hallman failed to prove he was the beneficiary for Gallagher’s life-insurance policies.

Vandergrift said, adding, “Any settlement must also have a clear acknowledgement by the district that I was wrongfully accused of inappropriately touching a child.” School-board members didn’t reply to an email seeking comment about Vandergrift’s proposal to engage in settlement talks. Interim Superintendent Dr. James Chapman had no comment for this story. If the case isn’t settled, a jury trial is expected early next year, Vandergrift said. Meanwhile, the case remains in the discovery phase of litigation. On Aug. 19, Vandergrift said, he was threatened with violence by a school-district official during a break in a deposition at the U.S. Court House in Camden. “A district official picked up a chair and threw it at me,” Vandergrift said. “I consider that to be an act of violence.” Vandergrift said a settlement of the case could have an added benefit of preventing additional violence and potential litigation. “I’m trying to reason with the school board that further entanglement could be avoided if we settle. The ball is in their court, as to how long they want to continue this legal entanglement.” On Sept. 28, PGN filed an open-records request for the amount of legal expenses incurred by the school district in response to Vandergrift’s lawsuit. As of press time, the district hadn’t responded to the request. Vandergrift’s lawsuit, which was filed in 2012, remains pending before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider. n As a result, the proceeds should go to Joann Gallagher as the default beneficiary, according to Herron’s ruling. But Hallman appealed in state Superior Court, and in July the court remanded the case back to Herron for further consideration. In August, attorneys for the Gallagher family filed a petition in state Superior Court, asking that the court reconsider its ruling. At press time, the petition remained pending with the court. Neither side had a comment for this update. — Timothy Cwiek

‘Suitcase murder’ case continued Two people charged in connection with the killing of a man whose body was found in a suitcase near Philadelphia International Airport in May have had their cases continued. Thomas F. Brennan, 25, of Ridley Township, is charged with murder, abuse of corpse, robbery and related offenses. He is being held in Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility after being denied bail. Crystal Leibhart, 27, PAGE 19

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Weekly features

News&Opinion 2 — News Briefing 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Street Talk Transmissions 18 — Crime Watch

AC &

29 27 30 34 35

C o l u m n s

— — — — —

Family Portrait Scene in Philly Out & About Q Puzzle Comics

“La Traviata” hits all the right notes with out baritone Jarrett Ott.

TEAM PLAYERS: Athletes from across the sports spectrum gathered at Field House Tuesday night for a joint mixer staged by Independence Business Alliance and Out Philadelphia Athletic League. It was announced at the event that OPAL will be teaming with Youth Can Play Project, a national effort to eradicate homophobia from the sports world, in the first known partnership between the organization and an LGBT sports umbrella group. Another partnership was also announced, with Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s notice that it would match scholarship funds up to $15,000 for an endowed IBA scholarship. Photo: Scott A. Drake

This week in PGN 12 — Thinking Queerly: The pope and humanity

Author Melissa Price heads back to Philly stomping grounds for book event.

6 — EQPA ED tapped for diversity committee Fifth annual Trans* March set 7 — Same-sex benefits case heads to state court 8 — AIDS Walk gets new spirit

23 — LGBT History Month: P.L. Travers: The woman behind “Mary Poppins”

Classifieds 36 — Real Estate 38 — Personals 39 — Bulletin Board

“There will be a lot of people in town for OutFest, and this is a great thing to do the Friday before to get out and have fun, all for a good cause.” ~ Anthony Lorubbio, on the pre-OutFest AIDS Walk fundraiser Oct. 9, page 8 PGN 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

Next week

OutFest Issue!

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

Publisher Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com

Editor

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

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Advertising Sales Representative Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) prab@epgn.com Jen Johnson (ext. 219) jenj@epgn.com Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

“Tom at the Farm,” by filmmaker Xavier Dolan, will be shown at International House, 3701 Chestnut St., at 7 p.m. Oct. 2.

Art Director/ Photographer

Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

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Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 1976-2015 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 Copyright © 1976 - 2015 Copyright(s) in all materials in these pages are either owned or licensed by Masco Communications Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliate companies (Philadelphia Gay News, PGN, and it’s WWW sites.) All other reproduction, distribution, retransmission, modification, public display, and public performance of our materials is prohibited without the prior written consent of Masco Communications. To obtain such consent, email pgn@epgn.com

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

OutFest to celebrate 25th anniversary By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com The weekend of the 25th anniversary of OutFest will be jam-packed with LGBT spirit. After a number of large community events — like the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance 25th anniversary gala Oct. 9 and William Way’s Indigo Ball to mark the center’s 40th anniversary the following night — the weekend culminates Oct. 11 with OutFest, the largest National Coming Out Day festivity in the country. The free event, held this year on NCOD, takes place in the Gayborhood, with the main stage at 13th and Locust streets. “I’m so excited there’s so much going on,” said Franny Price, founder of OutFest. She said the event is all about

celebrating the LGBT community, the Gayborhood and the process of self-realization. “It’s my baby, my pride,” Price said of the daylong festivity. “It’s an LGBT event, but also a big, old-fashioned block party. I’m really proud of it and I love it.” To mark the milestone anniversary of OutFest, organizers have arranged two special events: One is the unveiling of the mural at 1 p.m. at 12th Street Gym dedicated to Gloria Casarez, the inaugural director of the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs. The other is a book signing at 2:30 p.m. by Mark Segal, PGN publisher and longtime LGBT activist. Segal’s memoir, “And Then I Danced: Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality,” comes out Oct. 6. About 140 vendors will be at this year’s event, with about 90 represent-

ing organizations that provide services and programs to LGBT people in the Philadelphia region. “It’s a huge networking day for our community,” Price said. Activities include a talent contest on the main stage, bagel-eating contest, belly-dancing contest and a highheel race, among other things. Start times and locations are still being determined. As is tradition, OutFest organizers will also give out awards to outstanding members of the LGBT community. Mayor Michael Nutter will receive the OutProud Friend Award and Deja Alvarez will receive the Jaci Adams OutProud Transgender Award. Other award winners are still being finalized. For more information, visit www. phillygaypride.org. n

The PGN OutFest Issue is Oct. 9 See you in the Gayborhood!

RAISING VISIBILITY: William Way LGBT Community Center executive director Chris Bartlett (right) and Office of LGBT Affairs director Nellie Fitzpatrick led the Bisexual Flag-Raising Ceremony Sept. 23 outside the center. The program was held in honor of Bisexual Visibility Day. The ceremony was followed by a reception with music by Shannon Turner, the winner of “Josh Schonewolf Presents The Show.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

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Equality PA director named to new state diversity committee By Paige Cooperstein paige@epgn.com

OCTOBER 2–11 ACADEMY OF MUSIC PA R T O F T H E K I M M E L C E N T E R F O R T H E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

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The executive director of Equality Pennsylvania has joined a newly formed advisory council to encourage business diversity in state contracting. Ted Martin will serve on the council to ensure that LGBT people are included in economic opportunities. “The appointment means we do have a seat at the table, which is always good,” Martin said. “It’s an opportunity for LGBT businesses to work with the commonwealth and be recognized by the commonwealth.” Gov. Tom Wolf announced Sept. 23 the creation of the Advisory Council on Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities. The council will advise the governor’s office and other state agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction on ways to improve state contracting, grant opportunities, job-creation initiatives and programs for business assistance, professional development and financing and bonding. “The business community needs a constructive partner in government,” Wolf said in a statement. “This is an important step in the broader effort to make sure all Pennsylvanians feel they have a life filled with fair chances. This idea of fairness is

important because our economy doesn’t work optimally if some people are shut out of the market’s opportunities.” The council will be co-chaired by representatives from the state departments of General Services, Community and Economic Development, Transportation and Labor and Industry, according to the executive order that created the council. Other members include minority business owners and key stakeholders. “I see Equality Pennsylvania serving as a conduit,” Martin said, noting he would be reaching out to other LGBT business-advocacy groups in the coming weeks to get their ideas. “We’re serving as a voice for so many other organizations,” he said. The council’s first meeting took place Sept. 24. Martin said there was a lot of information to take in and he would need to study all the acronyms that are involved in doing business with the state. “I don’t think it’s an impossible task, but it’s a big task,” Martin said, adding it was great to share the responsibility with other groups that tend to be underrepresented, like minorities, women and veterans. “There’s strength in numbers,” he said. “Hopefully we can help each other. Some people are further along in their efforts for recognition and equality.” Wolf said he thinks stronger nondiscrimination laws, a higher minimum wage, a more-accessible voting process and the implementation of full Medicaid expansion are the kinds of fairer-government practices that will foster a stronger economy. n

Fifth-annual Trans* March to celebrate progress By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

L A T R AV I A T A Saturday, October 3 Independence National Historical Park

The fifth-annual Philly Trans* March will step off again next month and, while organizers say the event will serve as a rallying cry for more equal treatment of trans individuals, it will also celebrate the progress that has been made for trans visibility. “The trans community did not have that much to celebrate five years ago but over the last two years, things have really steered in a different direction,” said Deja Lynn Alvarez, who is coordinating the Oct. 10 event with Naiymah Sanchez and Samantha Jo Dato. “We don’t want to make it just an event where we’re shouting and saying we demand this and that — it’s still about making ourselves heard — but we want to also recognize the progress and people who have helped that progress we’ve made in the city of Philadelphia.” That message will be carried to a wider audience this year, with an expanded route

that will take marchers further into the Gayborhood — from Love Park down Broad Street, over Pine Street to 13th Street, and up Walnut Street back to the park. Alvarez expects increased attendance, about 500 people. “I think we’re going to have a bigger turnout this year because the trans community has gained a lot more visibility this year,” she said. She noted that organizers expect to see a lot of allies among the faces in the crowd. “We want to put a big focus on allies and encouraging people to become allies with the trans community,” Alvarez said. “I think a lot of people think they’re allies but they need to really understand the definition of ‘trans ally’ better. And on the part of the trans community, we need to understand that sometimes people don’t know how best to be allies until we educate them.” For more information, visit www.facebook.com/phillytransmarch. n

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Same-sex benefits case remanded to state court By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A federal judge has remanded to state court the case of a man who seeks the death benefits of his deceased same-sex domestic partner. Albert S. Celec Jr. claims Cigna Corp. acted in bad faith when it refused to pay him $100,000 in proceeds from Dr. Philip Ginnetti’s life-insurance policy. Celec and Ginnetti were domestic partners from 1994 until Ginnetti’s death in 2012. Ginnetti served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Edinboro University at the time of his death. The men shared a home, were registered as domestic partners with the university and presented as a couple in public. But when Ginnetti, 61, died of acute myeloid leukemia, Cigna refused to pay his death benefits to Celec, noting that Ginnetti didn’t designate Celec as a beneficiary in his life-insurance policy. Instead, Cigna paid the money to Ginnetti’s mother, Irene, as the next-of-kin default beneficiary. Celec submitted numerous documents to Cigna, indicating that Ginnetti intended for him to receive the death benefits. Additionally, Irene Ginnetti told Cigna that the money should go to Celec, according to court records. In August 2014, Celec filed suit in Erie County Common Pleas Court, naming Edinboro University and Cigna as defendants. The case subsequently was moved to federal court, where Celec pursued claims of antigay bias, breach of contract and bad faith. But on Sept. 18, in a 36-page opin-

ion, U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak remanded the case back to Erie County Common Pleas Court. Hornak said Irene Ginnetti should be added as a defendant, and since she and Celec live in Ohio, the federal courts lack jurisdiction. Federal courts don’t handle cases involving a plaintiff and defendant residing in the same state, Hornak noted. Hornak also dismissed Edinboro University as a defendant, noting that university officials tried to ensure the death benefits went to Celec. Hornak also ruled that Cigna should remain as a defendant while the matter is adjudicated in Erie County Common Pleas Court. John E. Stember, an attorney for Celec, maintained that Cigna acted in bad faith. “We believe that Cigna’s decision-making process suggests that bad faith and, perhaps, an antigay animus may have been at work,” he said in an email. “We intend to fully explore this issue in the case.” Stember also expressed optimism about the outcome. “We believe that Mr. Celec has a strong case and that the law favors his claims. Mr. Celec believes strongly in the discrimination and fairness issues involved in his case, and intends to vigorously pursue it.” James Angstadt, a spokesperson for Cigna, declined to comment other than to say: “It is our policy not to comment on pending litigation.” Jeffrey Hileman, a spokesperson for Edinboro University, said: “Even though the claims against Edinboro University have been dismissed, it would not be appropriate to comment on the case at this time.”

PGN recently received two awards from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Excellence in Journalism Awards. PGN publisher Mark Segal took the first-place spot for Excellence in Opinion/Editorial Writing for his Mark My Words column. PGN art director/photographer Scott A. Drake won the second-place award for Excellence in Photojournalism for his “Pride in Philly” photo. PGN is the only LGBT local to win an award in more than one category.

PGN publisher to sign memoir PGN founder and publisher Mark Segal will release his memoir, “And Then I Danced,” next week and recently announced a number of local book signings. Segal will sell and sign copies of the book outside Giovanni’s Room starting at 3 p.m. Oct. 11, during OutFest. He will also have a book-signing event Oct. 14 at Barnes & Noble at 1805 Walnut St. “And Then I Danced” traces the LGBTrights movement, and Segal’s role in it, over the last 45 years, from the Stonewall Inn rebellion to his infamous “zaps” of network television to legislative efforts in Philadelphia. Segal said the memoir-writing process

was a challenging one, which he at one point almost abandoned. “My biggest surprise was when I finally read the manuscript myself — since you don’t re-read it as you’re writing it — and the magnitude of the project and my experiences really hit me,” he said. “So much so that I wanted to give the advance back to the publisher and not publish, since it was too overwhelming.” At that point, his publisher suggested bringing on St. Martin’s Press editor Michael Denneny, who edited “The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk.” “[Denneny] expressed to me the significance of the history in the book, and also told me it was a great read,” he said. “He gave me the confidence to move forward.” The book will be available at retailers and Amazon.com starting Oct. 6. n — Jen Colletta

PGN is the most award-winning LGBT newspaper in the country.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

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Distillery ‘comes out’ for AIDS Walk By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A local distillery is “coming out” on OutFest weekend. Midnight Madness Distilling, based in Quakertown, the maker of Fortis craft spirits, is staging the “Fortis Coming Out Party” Oct. 9 at several Gayborhood bars to raise money for the Oct. 18 AIDS Walk. With a $5 Fortis wristband, patrons at six local venues — U Bar, Tavern on Camac, Tabu, Franky Bradley’s, Knock and ICandy — will have access to all-night Fortis drink specials. All proceeds from the wristband sales will be donated to the AIDS Walk. The event marks the first fundraiser of its kind for Midnight Madness, founded in 2012 by Anthony Lorubbio and Casey Parzych. “From the beginning, our motive has been to produce craft spirits, locally made here in Pennsylvania, at a price that’s affordable to customers,” Lorubbio said. Fortis currently has nine products:

gin, white rum, vodka and six flavored vodkas. For the past three years, the company has focused on moving their products into bars — an effort that forged Lorubbio and Parzych, both LGBT allies, good relationships with Gayborhood locales. “We’ve been working to get our products into bars and restaurants and a lot of the bars in the gay neighborhood have taken a liking to our products. From the beginning, they’ve been really big customers,” Lorubbio said, noting Fortis now serves as the “house pour” in the six participating venues. “If you go into one of these bars and order a gin and tonic or a rum and Coke, Fortis is used for that. So the bartenders, managers and owners all know our products. But so far, that’s been it.” That’s about to change, though, as Fortis products hit shelves in state stores starting later this month. The bottles will, according to the company’s commitment to affordability, be priced from $13.99-$15.99. “Now that we’re reaching retail

shelves, we want to transition from being just a back-of-the-house product at a bar to something more mainstream,” Lorubbio said, noting that that the confluence of the retail launch, OutFest and AIDS Walk sparked the fundraiser idea. “Given that we’ve reached this milestone, and with the walk coming up, we approached the bar owners in the Gayborhood about doing this fundraising event and they all wanted to help out. They were extremely receptive and it’s been great working with them.” Each bar will have its own Fortis specials, all starting at 5 p.m. Lorubbio noted that the $5 wristband will likely pay for itself in just a couple drinks. Midnight Madness staffers will be at all the participating bars, offering free Fortis swag, much of it OutFestthemed. “There will be a lot of people in town for OutFest, and this is a great thing to do the Friday before to get out and have fun, all for a good cause,” Lorubbio said. Wristbands are being sold in advance at www.rallyup.com/fortis-aidswalk and at the bars the night of the event. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/1485543211746333/. n

WINNING SMILE: Fifi Dubois was among the special guests at the Miss’d America after-party Saturday night at Borgata Resort and Casino. Dubois, portrayed by New York City’s James Mullady, was fresh off her pageant win, in which she bested eight other drag performers to take home the coveted crown. The pageant was a seeming success for first-time host Borgata, drawing a packed house of about 900. Photo: Jen Colletta

We put our energy into celebrating pride. At PECO, we’re proud to support the LGBT community. So much so that the Exelon family of companies was recently recognized with the “2014 Corporate Equality Index Best Place to Work for LGBT Employees” award. Not to mention, PECO received the “Best Business” award at the Pride Day LGBT Parade and Festival for the second year in a row. We’re committed to LGBT inclusion and equality because we believe that working with individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds drive some of the most powerful outcomes. It’s what makes us proud to be a part of Exelon and happy to celebrate the power of diversity.

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EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Steve Deace

Editorial

The highs and lows The streets may still be littered with fences, directional signs, banners and a smattering of trash — but Philly survived Popepocalypse. The much-anticipated visit of Pope Francis to the City of Brotherly Love was filled with a sea of memorable moments, some good and some not so much. Let’s review the highs and lows of this historic weekend. The biggest low for our community may have been the underlying notion that, despite the constant invoking of the catchphrases “family” and “love,” those have traditionally been two concepts that, in the eyes of the Catholic Church, have been not been inclusive of LGBT people. Whenever organizers, attendees or even the pontiff himself spoke of strengthening the bonds of family, many LGBT people were likely left with the unspoken question of whether that idea encompasses them. To encourage conversation about that question, LGBT people and organizations staged a number of events throughout the week, a heartening response to a disheartening tradition of exclusion. William Way LGBT Community Center, John C. Anderson Apartments, Christ Church Neighborhood House and Arch Street United Methodist Church all hosted programming exploring the intersection of LGBT and Catholic identities — opportunities that exhibited genuine fellowship and family ideals. LGBT issues also worked their way into the official papal programming with Mayor Michael Nutter’s remarks on the ongoing fight for lesbian, gay and bisexual rights shortly before Pope Francis took the stage at Independence Hall.

While we were encouraged the mayor used that platform to shine a light on our community, he certainly lost points for not including the trans community. A major low has been echoed by many: Restaurants, bars and shops saw less-than-stellar business last weekend. With streets closed, public transportation curtailed and overall forecasts of unprecedented crowds (the validity of which ended up being debatable), it appears many regular business patrons stayed away, and fewer-than-expected tourists visited our city’s many retail locales and restaurants. While the event was seemingly an economic detriment to some, hopefully the international profile the pope’s visit gave our city will counter that loss in the long run. Though we may not have gotten the million-plus crowd that was anticipated, hundreds of thousands of people were teeming Philly streets — and cable news had a nearly round-theclock spotlight on our city for two days straight. That exposure can be valuable in heightening our international appeal — and despite some reports of extreme policing, Philly by most accounts came off pretty well in the public eye. Despite one’s feelings about the pope, the Catholic Church or religion in general, having our city on such a stage was undoubtedly thrilling for many Philadelphians. To see the streets we walk every day packed to the gills with pilgrims from across the globe and to have that scene shared by an international audience was an exciting, seldom-seen experience. But we can all agree that Philly is ready to get back to reality now. n

Ah, rainbows. Kids wear them on their “Rainbow Jihad” clothing. They’re slathered in sprinkle form has been decades in onto ice cream cones, are the namesake of the making, Deace a favorite “My Little Pony” character and cites an obscure even form in the sky because of science. 1989 book called Of course, the rainbow is also a symbol “After the Ball: of LGBT Pride. And that, for some, has How America Will made the rainbow into a symbol of evil Conquer Its Fear — like radio host and author Steve Deace, and Hatred of Gays who writes on the Conservative Review in the ’90s” by website that the Rainbow Jihad is running Marshall Kirk and roughshod over America and will not be Hunter Madsen. satisfied until total domination — and preFrom what I can tell, the book argues that sumably, color saturation — is reached. the principles of advertising can change He begins his column by listing the the minds of the general population about handful of cases where people have tried who and what gays are. Deace quotes to use their faith as an excuse to discrimliberally from the book, and it’s clear he inate against gays and lesbians and were thinks each quote is particularly damntold that, nope, they couldn’t do that. Top ing, but he offers no real analysis and no of the list, of course, is Kim Davis. Then context. It’s worth noting that this book there’s the Oregon bakers, the florist in is long out of print (you can nab one on Amazon for about $200) and the authors Washington, the usual suspects. Absent, of course, from this list are the have never published anything else from countless gays and lesbians who have been what I can find. In other words, this is discriminated against over the years with some obscure stuff, yet Deace has latched onto it as if he’s found the official playno legal recourse. Discharged from the book of the homos. military for being gay? Too bad. Fired for Not surprisingly, Deace ties the issue of being a lesbian? So sad. Did a photograLGBT equality with pher refuse to work “What I have dubbed that other right-wing with you because “big govern“two dudes together the ‘Rainbow Jihad’ is a scourge: ment.” would make me carefully coordinated “Make no mispuke”? Well, such take, this has nothregurgitation was his cultural hijacking ing to do with ‘love’ right under God, laws and ‘equality.’ It has be damned. Because decades in the making.” everything to do with there weren’t any. But no, please explain how Rainbow using the coercive power of government to allow the left to impose its will upon Jihad is wreaking havoc, Mr. Deace. “What I have dubbed the ‘Rainbow bitter-clinging dissenters everywhere,” he writes. “The precedent is being set that Jihad’ is a carefully coordinated cultural there is no limit to government power, and hijacking decades in the making,” he if you will not comply you will be made to writes. “Like a parasite that long exists in care — even by being sent to jail.” a body but doesn’t manifest itself until the host is at its weakest, it has been unleashed Well, gays and lesbians, joke’s on you. All this time you thought you were fightby the left because they believe they have ing for love and equality and this whole successfully eroded our Judeo-Christian time you were nothing but pawns in Big foundation.” Granted, anyone who thinks that this Government’s takeover and destruction of the Christians. Oh well, at least it’s nice to nation’s Judeo-Christian stronghold has been destroyed has a very tenuous grasp on be wanted. n reality. The majority of Americans identify D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay as Christian. It’s just that Christians are, since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and more and more, beginning to recognize that maybe LGBT people don’t make Jesus poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock puke after all and that two people of the and roll shows in Detroit with her twin same sex creating a family isn’t so awful. Deace would say these Christians have sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan. been brainwashed. As evidence that the

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One project down, another starting It’s great to get one project over with and gay and bisexual citizens continue to fight move on to the next. In writing my memoir for equality.” (which is officially published next week), “Keep fighting for your rights,” he I have seen that this is something I seem to added. “It’s a collective fight. And there are have done my entire life. many others fighting with you.” Last week, we finished up a yearlong This was the only time we know of campaign of attempting to during the pope’s U.S. visit bring the message to Pope where the issue was publicly Francis that LGBT people in and formally addressed. the Catholic Church deserve Now that the papal visit is respect and freedom from disover, for me it’s on to the next crimination. That message was project — and that will be the capped in Philadelphia at his release of “And Then I Danced,” last U.S. stop for the World publishing Oct. 6. You can get a Meeting of Families. copy at your local bookstore or To accomplish our goal, online. we worked with over a dozen I’m overwhelmed and downCatholic organizations seeking right humbled by the great LGBT equality in the Church reviews my book has received, to hold an LGBT Catholic already hitting the number-one Families Picnic at the John spot of new LGBT releases on C. Anderson Apartments, the Amazon.com. I’ll be setting off LGBT-friendly affordable Mark Segal on a book tour that will span the senior-living building. The next two months and next week event brought LGBT activists from around we’ll make a little history with the bookthe nation under one roof, and included an launch parties. And that’s my tease for next week’s coladdress by Democratic nominee for mayor umn. n Jim Kenney. Kenney’s earlier statements suggested that Mayor Michael Nutter speak to Pope Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the Francis on the subject of LGBT rights. nation’s most-award-winning commen And Nutter did us proud. Speaking tator in LGBT media. You can follow at Independence Hall before the pope’s him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ address on Saturday, the mayor said, “In MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter. America, everyone has rights. Our lesbian, com/PhilaGayNews.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Street Talk Are details about Vesper Flanagan's sexual preferences relevant to news coverage of his crime? "No. I'm not saying the media should de-gayize him or pretend he wasn't gay. But it would have been sufficient to Rebecca Farnham say Vesper marketing manager Flanagan Gayborhood was gay, and leave it at that. I don't see the need to go into details of his sexual preferences."

"No, he didn't kill the people because he was gay. He obviously was a disturbed person. I don't see how Sheehan Kovall you could server kill two of Italian Market area your former colleagues and not be disturbed. His sexual orientation wasn't related to the crime. I find the news coverage about his sex life to be slanderous."

"No, I don't think that his sex life is relevant to the story. I just think it's unfair to point out details of his sexuality, Gail Stolp unless the bartender story can't South Philadelphia be told otherwise. The potential for abuse by including that information outweighs its benefits."

"No, it's not important to know the details of a killer's lifestyle, unless it motivated the crime. In this case, Keith Wesson whether the graphic designer gentleman Cheltenham had male pinups on his wall is completely irrelevant. Including those details in a news story is more salacious than enlightening."

Stonewalled Director Roland Emmerich has released his latest disaster movie. This time, though, rather than space aliens blowing up American landmarks, or a freak ice age freezing American landmarks or even Godzilla entangling himself in American landmarks, it’s the movie itself that ends up the disaster. Emmerich’s stab at making a film about the Stonewall rebellion will be long remembered on every web-based listicle as one of the worst attempts at making a historical re-creation, up there with Lifetime’s “Liz & Dick” biopic or Oliver Stone’s horrid “Alexander.” The film was panned practically from the day it was announced, as people wondered why a man best known for blockbuster disaster porn would be doing a film about Stonewall. It wasn’t until the

first trailer came out, however, that people could really see how bad things could be. For decades, there has been a debate as to who in the community “owns” what happened at that bar in Greenwich Village. The Stonewall rebellion became a pivotal moment of the gay-liberation movement of the 1970s, which included the whitewashing of transwomen of color — amongst others — from the narrative. Over the last decade, the history of Stonewall has become much more inclusive, recognizing the importance of people such as Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Stormé DeLarverie and others who were a part of the riot. Enter Emmerich. Seemingly unsatisfied to tell a story centering on the heroes who were there, he felt the need to cut an

imaginary protagonist out of whole cloth. His Stonewall hero is a young, attractive Caucasian man who is intentionally in contrast to the others he has cast. Danny Winters — who appears to have walked off the set of a “Rebel Without A Cause” remake only to find himself in a casting call for an off-Broadway production of “Hair” — is the typical farm boy from Indiana who hopped a bus to the big city. It’s a trope large enough that another character alludes to it. That character is “Ray/Ramona,” who is credited second on the bill and yet still doesn’t manage to have a last name. The film is little more than a coming-ofage tale for Danny, set against a backdrop of the riot, with the character even being handed the first brick to throw. The film itself is awkward and does little to actually

provide a real sense of the importance of that moment. Emmerich defended his film from critics of the trailer. In an interview by Shannon Keating of BuzzFeed, Emmerich seemed surprised by the reaction. “When [criticism] happened, it wasn’t about the film, it was about the trailer,” he said. “And I thought, that’s not right.” But the trailer really was a good example of what the movie would be, with the oh-so-white and heteronormative Danny serving as some sort of savior for the trans, queer and people of color surrounding him on a set that resembles Christopher Street. In response to the critics, Emmerich had this to say: “You have to understand one thing: I didn’t make this movie only for PAGE 19 gay people, I made it

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

MENTAL HEALTH PGN

The pope effect: human connectivity While many Philadelphians conveyed frustration at the city’s planned long-weekend getaways decision-making, worrying about in an effort to escape the all-butissues like safety and mobility, certain mayhem of while some others Pope Francis’s visit were excited at the to our city, others city’s opportunity to chose to stay in town host such a massive either to bear witness and important event. to said mayhem or to Within the LGBT get a chance to be in community, the overclose proximity to His all tone was one of Holiness. If you turned passion and urgency on the news or took to get our issues to social media last addressed: What does weekend, you were the pope have to say undoubtedly flooded about same-sex marwith photos, videos riage? Will he meet and accounts of events with LGBT families? unfolding, almost all he take a more Kristina Furia Will with one theme: love. positive stance on In the daunting transgender rights? months of planning prior to the What will he say to help LGBT pope’s arrival, so many emotions Catholics in our country feel were expressed. Many people more accepted within their faith?

Thinking Queerly

In reality, the papal visit, as it relates to LGBT issues, was mostly a wash, with the real highlight being Mayor Nutter’s speech on Saturday, which directly addressed LGBT rights as well as his sentiments toward his gay late mentor, John Anderson. Yet, many LGBT people in Philadelphia are not shouting their dismay but instead have aligned themselves with the more general feelings among residents that it was a beautiful and successful weekend full of love and positivity. One community member, Aeryanah Von Moi, wrote on Facebook on Sunday afternoon just before the Papal Mass: “We may not all believe in God but we all believe in love … and you can’t deny love is sweeping through the streets of Philadelphia this

weekend.” So, why aren’t more LGBT people angry that the pope did little to advance rights for LGBT Catholics in America? The answer is simple: Human connection is powerful, and what Philadelphia felt last weekend was the profound power of a group of people unified around a common purpose, in this case hosting the pope. Whether you believe in God, Allah, Buddha, Yahweh, the Universe or just yourself and the random nature of being alive, when we feel connected to other humans we are more in touch with feelings of happiness, kindness and love. Research in social psychology has long found that individuals who feel connected to communities of people are at lower risk for mental illness and tend to recover more quickly

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from negative events like trauma or physical illness. In addition to making us feel good, we are also much more likely to do good for others as well as our immediate environment when we feel connected to others. To go further, people are inclined to want to maintain these sorts of strong connections beyond the initial attainment of such connectivity. Not only does this speak to the deep-rooted loyalty we have for the LGBT community in Philadelphia, but I think it could also speak to a ripple effect of kindness and connection within the larger Philadelphia community. Maybe in another week the streets won’t feel as clean, the subway won’t smell as nice and restaurants will have waits again, but perhaps certain elements of the pope’s visit can remain. Inspired by the warmth of feelings accompanying such a powerful weekend, maybe, just maybe, Philadelphians will continue this uptick of happiness, kindness and love. Either way, to do your part, why not give it a try? n Kristina Furia is a psychotherapist specializing in issues and concerns of the LGBTQ community in addition to depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other mental illnesses. Her private practice, Philadelphia LGBTQ Counseling, offers both individual and couples sessions (www.lgbtphillytherapy.com).

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More Acclaim For MARK SEGAL’s Memoir

AND THEN I DANCED T R AV E L I N G T H E R O A D T O L G B T E Q U A L I T Y IN BOOKSTORES ON

OCTOBER 6th “[A] swiftly written debut memoir...[Segal] vividly describes his firsthand experience as a teenager inside the Stonewall bar during the historic riots, his participation with the Gay Liberation Front, and amusing encounters with Elton John and Patti LaBelle....A jovial yet passionately delivered self-portrait inspiring awareness about LGBT history from one of the movement’s true pioneers.” --Kirkus Reviews “With great verve and spirit, Segal has rendered a lively and dramatic memoir of the early days of the gay rights struggle; the infighting over strategies and objectives; the long, hard road of progress; and a look at the challenges still ahead.” --Booklist “The reader can clearly see how Segal’s fearless determination, cheerful tenacity, and refusal to attack his opponents made him a power broker in Philadelphia and a leading advocate on the national level. Segal fills his book with worthy stories...funny anecdotes and heart.” --Publishers Weekly “The stories are interesting, unexpected, and witty.”

--Library Journal “The pioneering gay rights activist chronicles his advocacy for gay and lesbian equality with tales of his involvement with the Stonewall riots and crashing live TV broadcasts, including the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.” --Publishers Weekly, Fall 2015 Announcements “In this memoir we see the inside story of how the battle of LGBT civil rights was played and won. It is a compelling story told by someone who is at the forefront of the fight and who deserves substantial credit for its victories.” --Governor Ed Rendell “Mark Segal’s work for LGBT equality is historic and significant. The fact that he is still connecting our community is a testament to the passion which he shares in this memoir.” --Billie Jean King “Read Mark Segal’s memoir and you’ll get the inside story of how and why he interrupted a live broadcast of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. What happened afterward will surprise you. It’s one of many surprises in this must-read first-person account of LGBT history as it unfolded after Stonewall. Segal was a witness to that history, and he made some of it happen, changing our country and our lives for the better.” --Louis Wiley Jr., executive editor, Frontline (PBS)

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

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Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St. “If you’re going to be a Catholic, you can’t be a Catholic alone,” he said, emphasizing the importance of social and spiritual communities.

“I can say that conscientious objection is a right that is a part of every human right.” “Conscientious objection must enter into every juridical structure because it is a right, a human right. Otherwise we would end up in a situation where we select what is a right, saying, ‘This right, that has merit; this one does not.’” Pope Francis added that government officials are people as well, and are therefore entitled to conscientious objection as a human right. The pope’s comments were expected to be seized upon by supporters of Kim Davis, the Rowan County, Ky., clerk who served five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis, an Apostolic Christian, claimed religious objections. It was reported Wednesday that Davis met privately with the pope during the Washington, D.C., leg of his trip.

LGBT commentary

Papal performances

Although Mayor Michael Nutter did not get a chance to personally talk with Pope Francis about LGBT rights, he did make mention of the community before the pope’s speech at Independence Hall on Saturday. “In America, everyone has rights,” Nutter said before the pontiff addressed the crowd of thousands on issues of immigration and religious freedom. “Our lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens continue to fight for equality,” he said, noting that they should keep fighting for their rights. “It’s a collective fight, and there are many others fighting with you.” Nutter did not mention transgender people. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith ruled Sept. 2 that transgender people cannot serve as godparents. “It is evident that this person does not possess the requirement of leading a life according to the faith,” the Vatican said in its announcement. A week before the pope’s visit to Philadelphia, Nutter said in a statement that he would like to ask Pope Francis to “end judgment” of LGBT people by those within the church. Nutter told reporters Sunday night at the conclusion of the pope’s visit that he felt sure Pope Francis had heard his message of support for LGBT rights. Whether Pope Francis took that message to heart is unclear. While on his return flight from his first visit to the United States, a reporter asked the pope if he supported individuals, including government officials, who say they can’t comply with some laws in good conscience. The example of issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples was given. Reporters on the plane translated Pope Francis’ comments. They have not been officially translated, but multiple outlets reported the following response from the pope:

The interview-based play “Full of Grace: Journeys of LGBT Catholics” had several showings last week, and the street-performance group, Sisters of Perpetual

POPE from page 1

2007, just before Winters was hired at the Catholic school in Lower Merion Township. Administrators knew of the marriage, but it didn’t become a problem until a parent complained. Winters said she feels new to the LGBT community because she hadn’t previously participated in advocacy efforts. But she thanked everyone for welcoming her and her spouse into the community and elevating the issue of LGBT church workers who lose their jobs. The Human Rights Campaign invited the couple to the welcoming reception for the pope last week in Washington, D.C. Winters and Vettori were joined at Anderson Apartments, a low-cost housing complex for LGBT seniors, by Democratic mayoral nominee Jim Kenney, Dignity USA executive director Marianne Duddy-Burke, Dignity Philadelphia president Michael Rocks, Fortunate Families board member Deb Word and PGN publisher Mark Segal. Kenney, a Catholic, said he couldn’t help but feel angry as details about Winters’ firing became public. He didn’t understand how anyone could be gratified that someone lost his or her job. Charles J. Chaput, archbishop of Philadelphia, said in July that the firing showed “character and common sense.” “When it comes time to stand up for people’s rights against bullies, it’s pretty easy and it’s the right thing to do,” Kenney said. “One of the things that I’m very proud of in my career is bringing straight people who don’t really understand to a level of understanding where they can feel compassion and brotherhood and sisterhood.” Segal presented Kenney with a papal portrait in the style of Andy Warhol that included the phrase “Created Equal.” Rocks of Dignity Philadelphia invited LGBT Catholics, their families, friends and allies to the inclusive Mass that occurs every Sunday at 7 p.m. at St. Luke and The

Indulgence, led a blessing of queer families over the weekend at the William Way LGBT Community Center. “It’s important to provide a welcoming, inclusive space to participate in the conversation of family,” said Chris Bartlett, executive director of William Way. He welcomed about 20 people to witness the Solidarity Days of Blessings, led by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Performers in the group came from Nashville, Atlanta and San Francisco, among other places across the country. Sister Chiqi-Eata

Banenea wore a “Skirt of Ejaculations,” or skirt of small prayers, for people to sign. More than 500 people left blessings on the skirt for family members. The five sisters at William Way chanted clerical errors of the Church, like denying women reproductive rights and limiting marriage to one woman and one man. They concluded with a reading of “If I were Pope” by Jan Phillips. Scott Barrow and Robert Choiniere, the creators of “Full of Grace,” hosted four showings last week. They said they had been conducting interviews and adding them to the play as recently as five minutes before curtain. A conversation with Winters, the Catholic school teacher fired for being a lesbian, was added for the Philadelphia performances. There was a palpable shift in the audience as her part, performed by an actress, approached near the end of the show. You could see people leaning forward in their seats, hanging on every word. In the play, the actress as Winters relates her experience as a candidate to become a nun as part of the Sisters of Mercy. But she never enters the novitiate because she meets Vettori in the religious community and decides she wants to get married. Winters and Vettori travel to Boston in May 2007 to get married, and three months later, Winters is hired at Waldron Mercy Academy in Lower Merion Township. “We have some very conservative parents here,” the actress reading for Winters says the principal told Winters. “You might not want to tell them, but the teachers and staff will support you.” Despite one mother complaining, most of the parents were on fire to support Winters, said the actress reading Winters. “It’s two visions of Church that are colliding,” the Winters character said, noting the difference between the Church preaching God’s love when, in practice, it seems that love applies only to certain people. Nine actors portrayed at least 20 people throughout “Full of Grace,” including one named Dorothy, a trans woman who jokes it’s a good thing the Church has no teaching on her. Another person summed up the thesis of the play: “Yes, it’s hard to be gay and Catholic. It’s hard to be anything and

PGN LOCAL

Catholic.”

is trans.”

Gender identity and Catholicism

Gay and celibate at the World Meeting of Families

New Ways Ministry, an advocacy group for LGBT Catholics, hosted a workshop on gender identity at Arch Street United Methodist Church as the pope arrived in Philadelphia. About 30 people attended “Transforming Love: Exploring Gender Identity from Catholic Perspectives.” Julie Chovanes, a trans lawyer in Philadelphia who is married with four children; delfin bautista, who identifies as gender-queer or two spirit; Nicole Santamaria, an intersex woman from El Salvador; and Vilma Santamaria, Nicole’s mother, shared their life experiences. All were raised Catholic and some still practice the religion. “My Latino identity informs and enriches and challenges my trans identity, which enriches and challenges my faith identity,” said bautista, whose preferred pronoun is “they.” They noted it embodies their masculine and feminine sides. “You inhabit those worlds regardless of how you present,” said bautista, who works as a college administrator in Ohio. “I have the beard for safety. People don’t question me. People don’t harass me.” bautista said they often wear jeans and T-shirts, but in safe spaces they wear skirts and like to play with gender-bending combinations. They have been married for 13 years to their husband. Nicole Santamaria described the challenges of coming out in the Latino community. She said she knew she was a girl from the age of 3, but she had been assigned as a male at birth. Her father, a macho man, would hit her until she stopped saying she was a girl. When Santamaria reached puberty, however, her breasts began to develop. At 16, she had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica, where she first saw a doctor about her gender identity. She said the doctor initially thought she was a cisgender female who wanted to transition to male. “People don’t know you’re intersex,” Santamaria said she heard from her friends. They told her, “Don’t say nothing.” But she said she knew it would not be healthy to ignore her identity. “I’ll tell you something,” she said. “I won’t do that.” She returned to El Salvador but, as time went on, she faced more and more harassment in the streets. Santamaria said she was terrified of men attempting to rape her and then murdering her when they discovered she was intersex. She moved to Washington, D.C., a few years ago. “God gave me the opportunity to survive,” Santamaria said. “If God saved me, it is for a reason.” bautista echoed the sentiment that God loves all creations. “We are created in the queerness and diversity of God,” they said. “If God created men and women in the divine image, what does that say about God? Maybe God

Photos: PGN staff

cess given the conditions they were subcare for trans inmates, including hormone jected to? Housing these women with men encourages sexual assault; this needs to be therapies at prescribed levels. “The DOC has historically provided and corrected going forward.” will continue to provide appropriate med- Padilla added: “My thanks to President ical treatment to all incarcerated individ- Obama for setting minimum standards to uals. All inmates are provided a medical ensure these women aren’t tortured as part examination upon arrival in DOC custody. of their sentence, and to Gov. Wolf for Current medical issues and prescriptions implementing them. These standards must are evaluated and treatment is provided in be reviewed to ensure adequacy and monaccordance with generally accepted stan- itored to ensure compliance on a regular basis. Elections really do matter.” dards of care.” Additionally, McNaughton said the DOC Harper Jean Tobin, policy director complies with federal standards for elimi- for the National Center for Transgender Equality, also expressed concern about nating rape within prisons. “The DOC’s PREA policy is fully com- Pennsylvania’s treatment of trans inmates. pliant with the federal PREA standards. “We have far too many people in prison Inmate housing decisions are made on a and a serious problem with prison rape,” case-by-case basis that takes into account Tobin said in an email. “Because of the all of the information derived from the stigma they face, transgender people are DOC’s reviews and assessments, includ- more likely to end up in prison and to be ing the views of transgender inmates, the abused there. Pennsylvania’s policy copies safety of other inmates and management and pastes standards from federal PREA and security issues. This process was rules published in 2012. But if [DOC] only fully implemented earlier this year. reviewed 147 transgender prisoners and did not house a sinExamining how we can better treat and respect Decisions for transgen- gle [pre-operative trans transgender inmates in der inmates, especially inmate] consistent with their gender identity, our system is a priority they are not following of the administration related to housing, are the rules. That is trouand our department. bling since transgender Continuous improve- inherently difficult in a ment of these reforms system that is structur- women housed with men are nine-13 times and practices is a priorally divided by gender. as likely to be raped as ity.” other prisoners.” Chovanes said the DOC should adhere to federal guidelines When asked about the increased risk of violence for trans inmates, McNaughton for eliminating rape in prisons. “The DOC is simply not following said: “Decisions for transgender inmates, [PREA] policy. The thing speaks for itself. especially related to housing, are inherently Moreover, when one considers the extreme difficult in a system that is structurally difficulties and pressure trans inmates divided by gender. However, we recogmust suffer, apparently no consideration nize a need to treat these inmates with the is being given to mental-health issues that same dignity that we seek to provide for all the inmate may have and/or caused by the inmates. We strongly believe Pennsylvania is progressing ahead of the curve and many draconian incarceration policy.” Chovanes added: “Trans inmates are peo- other states in this area but DOC has still ple — more vulnerable than most, and cer- made continuous improvement of these tainly at least as deserving of protection as reforms a priority. We are currently workany inmate in the prison population. The ing with Physician General Dr. Rachel DOC is apparently violating its own policy Levine and members of the transgender by treating trans inmates as it does, as well community to be more inclusive of advoas violating its basic mission to provide all cates in our centralized review processes.” inmates, including trans inmates, with basic McNaugton added: “[U]nit staff meet with any transgender inmate at a minimum respect and dignity.” Jordan Gwendolyn Davis, another trans of twice per year to review the inmate’s housing, bed placement, programming, advocate, echoed Chovanes’ concerns. “We need more objective [housing] cri- work and education status as well as to disteria, and it needs to lean more towards the cuss any threats to safety experienced. This self-perception of the inmate’s safety, rather regular, dynamic review allows the DOC to than phantom concerns by the administra- monitor housing placement decisions with tion — for administrative discretion equals the direct input of the inmate at regular intervals. In addition, inmates may always administrative violence.” Kathy R. Padilla, a transgender advocate, contact staff at any time with concerns.” expressed mixed views about the DOC’s Levine, a trans woman and the state’s physician general, said she’s aware of contreatment of trans inmates. “That these women will receive some cerns about inappropriate housing for transnecessary personal care items, medically gender inmates. necessary health care, some small pro- “This is a very difficult and complicated tection from rape and a modicum of dig- issue,” Levine told PGN. “I believe the nity and privacy while incarcerated with DOC is extremely committed to doing the men should be unquestioned by anyone right thing. We are making progress. I am concerned with justice and rehabilitation,” giving ongoing input to the DOC on this Padilla said. “How can society expect any- issue. I’m very optimistic that we’re movone to reenter society with hope of suc- ing in the right direction.” n PRISON from page 1

Ten families from Fortunate Families, a national organization for Catholic parents with LGBT children, attended the World Meeting of Families at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Deb Word, a board member with the organization, traveled from Memphis, Tenn. She said although the crowd was very conservative, plenty of people were interested in the organization in one-onone conversations. “You had to have conversations in small pieces,” Word said. “Some people started out gruff and then would say, ‘I have a gay son.’ Some people are struggling with being Catholic and having a gay child.” Word, whose son is gay, attended the sole session at the World Meeting of Families that discussed LGBT issues. Ron Belgau, a celibate gay Catholic, discussed his life choices along with his mother, Beverly Belgau. The two had practiced as Baptists before converting to Catholicism in the 1990s. Word said Belgau explained that he doesn’t condemn other people for their choices, but that for him celibacy as a gay man felt like the right path. Belgau and his mother talked a lot about being “convicted of sin,” which Word said is more a Baptist concept than a Catholic one. Belgau also told audience members that it was the first time his mother was speaking about his sexuality. He urged her to participate with him in the World Meeting of Families. Word said Belgau asked audience members to be kind to his mother. Word said Belgau’s mother spoke about worrying that something bad might happen to her son because he is gay. After their presentation, Word said she got a chance to ask Belgau a question. She said the two were graceful with each other. Word said she ended her comments by saying, “Please don’t assume that we love our kids less or that we don’t love grandchildren that come to us in any way.” n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

PGN LOCAL

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Sept. 14-20. Information is courtesy of Sixth 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. Do you bike in or around Center City? If so, you’ll want to check out www. phillypolicebikeregistry.com. Register your bike, upload a photo and get valuable bicycle-related information. INCIDENTS — At 4:30 a.m. Sept. 15, police and fire personnel responded to a fire in a building under reconstruction at 208 S. 13th St. The building was fully engulfed and the fire went to three alarms. No injuries were reported, but two adjacent buildings were damaged. Fire, police and federal investigators have determined that the fire was an arson. A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. — Between 4 p.m. Sept. 6 and 12:30 p.m. Sept. 19, someone pried open the door of an apartment in the 1000 block

of Clinton Street and stole jewelry and cash. Sixth District Officer Minnis lifted fingerprints. — At 5:15 a.m. Sept. 19 outside 1202 Chancellor St., two men used a plastic gun to steal an iPhone and cash from a man. The suspects were described as black and about 25. The first was about 6 feet with a medium complexion and wearing a gray hoodie, while the second had short hair and was wearing a burgundy shirt. The victim refused to cooperate in the investigation. — At 3:30 a.m. Sept. 20, a man reported that five or six black males Maced him in the 1200 block of Locust Street and stole $20. There was no further description. — Between 9 p.m. Sept. 19 and 9:45 a.m. Sept. 20, someone stole sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut inside Macy’s, 1300 Market St. There was no forced entry, and security video showed the suspect to be a black male, between 35-50, 6 feet, 180 pounds, wearing a tan cap, red and black plaid shirt and dark pants. Central Detectives processed the scene for evidence and fingerprints. — There were two thefts from parked vehicles reported Sept. 14-20: outside 915 Cypress St. and at Broad and Walnut streets. — There were four thefts of bicycles reported Sept. 14-20: outside 1000

Walnut St., 116 S. 11th St., 105 S. 12th St. and 900 Walnut St.

custody and charged with attempted auto theft. — At 12:45 a.m. Sept. 17, a woman was dining outside Insomnia, 135 S. 13th St., when a man stole a cell phone from her lap and fled south on 13th Street. Sixth District Officers Cifelli and Macchione apprehended a suspect at 13000 Drury St. and recovered the stolen phone. The 21-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with theft.

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 2:10 a.m. Sept. 15, Sixth District Officer McCauley arrested a man wanted for probation/parole violations outside 1210 Walnut St. The 49-year-old suspect with a Pennsauken, N.J., address was charged as an escaped prisoner. — At 11:40 p.m. Sept. 15, a man entered the parking garage at 316 S. 11th St. wearing a gold badge around his neck. The attendant opened the window and the man grabbed him by the shirt and pointed a handgun at him. The attendant yelled for help and customers entering the garage called 911, prompting the man to flee. Sixth District Officer Crichton stopped a male outside 200 S. 12th St. fitting the description, and he was positively identified by the victim. The badge and gun were not recovered. The 48-year-old suspect was charged with robbery. — At 5:20 a.m. Sept. 16, a man entered the parking garage at 1204 Sansom St., removed keys to an Acura waiting to be parked and attempted to enter the car. The attendant grabbed the male and called 911. The 33-year-old suspect with a Crescentville address was taken into

SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 2:40 a.m. Sept. 14, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1001 Ludlow St. — On Sept. 16, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 9:15 p.m. outside 1 S. 10th St., 10 p.m. outside 1100 Pine St. and 10:25 p.m. outside 1306 Walnut St. — On Sept. 18, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 2:10 a.m. outside 1300 Sansom St., 8:35 p.m. outside 1200 Manning St. and 9:40 p.m. outside 1100 Pine St. — On Sept. 19, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 9:10 p.m. outside 1231 St. James St., 9:35 p.m. outside 1101 Pine St. and 9:45 p.m. outside 1200 Chancellor St. n

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become only the sixth LGBT community center in the state. Weichert Realtors Allentown assistant manager Rob Ritter served as the buyer’s agent and will donate a portion of his commission to the project. The financing for the sale was arranged by Lehigh Financial Group’s Jeff Barber and Lewis Edwards. “Nonprofit financing is among the hardest to get done, nationally, so when you can get financing for an organization like this, it really speaks to the strength of that organization,” Barber said. “People’s First did something not many lenders do for nonprofits, but Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is a very thorough organization. They have very strong management and organization.”  Pro-bono legal services were provided by attorneys Tim Brennan and Michael Recchiuti, and design assistance by Don Kohn from Kohn Engineering, Michael Eversole from Barry Isett & Associates, Chris Brown of Brown Design Corps., Joe McCarthy of J&P Engineers and Christopher Bleschmidt of Lock Ridge Engineering. n

of Philadelphia, is charged with robbery, obstruction of justice and related offenses. She is being held in Riverside Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail. The body of Scott Bernheisel, 40, was found stabbed and bludgeoned in a suitcase that was left near the airport. Bernheisel was a gay man from Atlantic City who moved to Philadelphia in 2011. Investigators said he was not targeted for his sexuality, but rather was the victim of a drug-related robbery that turned violent in the 200 block of Wilder Street in South Philadelphia. Brennan and Leibhart were scheduled for a pre-trial conference Sept. 29 with Judge Benjamin Lerner. Defense lawyers for each requested further investigation. The conference has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 5 in Room 1105 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St.

TRANSMISSIONS from page 11

also for straight people,” he said. “I kind of found out, in the testing process, that actually, for straight people, [Danny] is a very easy in. Danny’s very straight-acting.” He also said, “As a director, you have to put yourself in your movies, and I’m white and gay.” And there’s the big problem. I’m not saying that you need a Roman emperor to film a story about Nero, but if you cannot see a story to tell without having to impose your gender or race on it, perhaps you are not the right person to tell this story. If you have to whitewash a story in order to try and fit it into a demographic that will likely not be interested in a story unless you do so, then there’s a very good chance they won’t come at all, regardless. For decades, movies about transgender people have featured actors and actresses chosen from a heteronormative viewpoint. John Hansen portrayed Christine Jorgensen in 1970, Hilary Swank very nicely played Brandon Teena in “Boys Don’t Cry” and later this year we’ll get to see Eddie Redmayne as Lili Elbe. These and many others give us a mixed bag of good and not-so-good portrayals, but where are the transgender actors and actresses? Why must transgender people so often be portrayed by members of their birth genders, rather than by those

New court date for alleged killer of trans woman A pre-trial conference for the man accused of stabbing a transgender woman to death in North Philadelphia has been rescheduled for November. Raheam Felton, 31, was charged with murder and possession of an instrument of crime in connection with the May 18 fatal stabbing of Londyn Chanel, 21, in an abandoned home where the two lived in the

of their own hard-won ones? Not only this, but where are the movies about transgender people of color? Why isn’t there a film about Marsha P. Johnson being released by a major studio, or a big-budget biopic on Miss Major Griffin-Gracy? There are some great community-funded ones on both in the works, but in the era where “Straight Outta Compton” can break the box office, why must we endure the “Stonewall” mess? Oh, and let’s speak about the box office for a moment. Emmerich’s film isn’t a “disaster flick” simply for bad storytelling, but for its first week’s receipts. The film cost an estimated $17 million to create, yet its first weekend brought in an embarrassing $122,414. Even “Ishtar,” a film that is practically synonymous with bad movie-making, made $4.2 million and opened at number-one. So perhaps this film can help us turn a corner. Much like Emmerich attempted, let me say that this has united both straight white males and trans people of color. It’s not “straight enough” nor is it “queer enough.” Now, let’s see a real story about Stonewall, and send Danny Winters packing. n Gwen Smith will now be waiting for Michael Bay’s “Compton’s Cafeteria” movie. You’ll find her on Twitter at @ gwenners.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

2200 block of North Ingersoll Street. Felton’s former girlfriend, Mayai Bankz, also a transgender woman, testified that Felton stabbed Chanel after Chanel told Banks that Felton had made sexual advances toward her. Felton was scheduled for a pre-trial conference Sept. 29. His lawyer, Charles P. Mirarchi 3d, asked for more time for further investigation. Felton’s conference is rescheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 18 in Room 1105 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. Felton is being held in Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility after being denied bail. — Paige Cooperstein

PAT hosts 10th-anniversary party Everyone is invited for a free day of fun Oct. 3 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Philly AIDS Thrift. The nonprofit that sells gently used items to raise money for services and programs for people living with HIV/AIDS is throwing a block party outside the shop at 710 S. Fifth St. It takes place from noon-6 p.m. There will be games, food trucks and a mini Halloween parade. MacKenzie Moltov, a sword-swallowing clown, will perform, along with Joe Jack Talcum, front

man of the Dead Milkmen, and DJ Robert Drake. Attendees can also donate money to get a chance to plunge a celebrity guest into a dunk tank. Celebrities include Stefanie Jolles of Crash Bang Boom; Chris Bartlett, executive director of William Way LGBT Community Center; and state Rep. Brian Sims.

Women’s softball group celebrates 40th The Fairmount Park Women’s Softball League is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend. The recreational league for women over 18 of varying skill levels will host a celebration from noon-5 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Blue Bell Hill Park on West Walnut Lane, between Henry and Wissahickon avenues. The event will include a Classics game, in which current and former players are invited to participate. For more information about the event, email Susan Zawislak at SusanZwis@ yahoo.com. The league offers both spring and fall seasonal play and is accepting new teams and players for the 2016 spring season. For more information about the league, visit www.fpwsl.com. n — Jen Colletta

Recently engaged or married? PGN wants to hear from you!

Email editor@epgn.com to have your announcement included.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

HAVE MORE FUN THIS FALL IN BALTIMORE. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall in Baltimore, from inspirational art to a citywide celebration of Black Pride.

FREE FALL BALTIMORE

PAUL SIMON: WORDS AND MUSIC

Citywide October 1–31, 2015

Jewish Museum of Maryland Opens October 11, 2015

There are hundreds of free events offered throughout the city, including workshops, dance lessons, exhibitions, musical performances, plays, puppet shows, walking tours and free admission to museums.

Still crazy after all these years? Crazy about Paul Simon, of course. Direct from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this new exhibit about one of America’s favorite singer-songwriters premieres right here in Baltimore. The exhibit features original guitars, draft lyrics, costumes, SNL video clips and a special narration by Paul Simon himself.

THE BIG HOPE SHOW

American Visionary Art Museum Opens October 3, 2015

Feel the inspiration and transformative powers of hope in the face of cynicism and despair with this jubilant exhibition marking AVAM’s 20th anniversary.

BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE

Locations throughout Baltimore October 8–11, 2015

BALTIMORE RUNNING FESTIVAL

Downtown Baltimore October 17, 2015

Hit your stride with a day of full, half and team relay marathons, a 5K run and “Kids Fun Run.” Then, check out Celebration Village to enjoy interactive games and live music.

Black Pride brings the community together to embrace and celebrate diversity with a full schedule of events, including workshops and town hall meetings, entertainment and the annual Cultural Affair and Fall Festival.

Plan your visit today at BALTIMORE.ORG

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

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PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Cartoon Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

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P.L. Travers: A spoonful of speculation By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor P.L. Travers, author of “Mary Poppins,” was born Helen Lyndon Goff on Aug. 9, 1899, in the city of Maryborough, in Queensland, Australia (not in England, as many assume). She moved to England in 1924 and used the name P.L. Travers, an abbreviation of her pseudonym, Pamela Lyndon Travers, which she used in her days as a dancer and Shakespearean actor on the Australian stage. Reportedly, her wealthy relatives did not approve of Travers performing, so, being independent-minded, she moved to England where she forged a career as a writer. The name P.L. Travers appealed to Goff because it sounded more masculine — or at least gender-nonspecific. Travers was the name of her father, an alcoholic banker whose career declined almost as quickly as he did. (He died of tuberculosis at 43.) His daughter was 7 years old when he passed.

The author, who first published poems as a teen in Australia, was fond of myths and fantasies. This may be why she was so good at acting and writing. She constructed her own rather mysterious persona so that no one really knows her truth. Her famous literary heroine, based on an aunt of Travers’, was a magical nanny who helped her charges through difficult situations with sensible, even tough advice. Travers, who was very no-nonsense herself, was also fascinated with eastern philosophy and theosophy, Sufism and Hinduism. In England, Travers lived with Madge Burnand, the daughter of the editor of Punch. The women shared a flat in London and later rented a cottage together in Sussex. Much speculation has been made about whether they were lovers. Actor Emma Thompson played Travers in the 2013 film “Saving Mr. Banks,” which depicted Travers’ battle with Walt Disney to make “Mary Poppins.” The actress was

quoted in an article on the film in The Advocate about Travers’ relationship with Burnand. She stated, “I don’t know whether they were lovers or not, but she did live with Madge for a long, long time, and she certainly had very complex, passionate relationships with both women and men. She was an explorer of her own condition, and very possibly her own sexuality.” It was while living with Burnand that Travers published “Mary Poppins,” the work that would give the author her greatest fame. Travers wrote five sequels to “Mary Poppins” and, as “Saving Mr. Banks” depicted, she reluctantly sold the rights to Disney, who produced the famous film. Travers, apparently, was not fond of the Julie Andrews/Dick Van Dyke musical and particularly hated the animated dancing penguins. As mentioned, Travers is said to have had relationships with men and women, but few specifics about her sexual relationships have

ever been detailed. Her diary recounted her friendship (and possibly a relationship) with Jessie Orage, whose husband, Alfred Richard Orage, was a pupil of the spiritual teacher G.I. Gurdjieff. Travers became a follower of Gurdjieff, and through him became an occasional member of The Rope, a group that consisted mostly of lesbian writers, including Jane Heap, founding editor of Little Review, and Kathryn Hulme, author of “The Nun’s Story.” (Fun fact: Many members of The Rope were acquainted with Gertrude Stein, but Stein did not follow Gurdjieff; whether she and Travers ever connected is not known.) Valerie Lawson, author of “Mary Poppins, She Wrote,” a biography of Travers originally titled “Out of the Sky She Came,” indicated that both Travers and Orage “loved men.” Their close friendship, Lawson indicates, was formed over the loss of Orage’s husband, and Travers’ editor, George William Russell. Whether their friendPAGE 24

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ship crossed over into a sexual relationship is not known. But Jim Korkis, a Disney historian, was quoted in the Orlando Weekly (around the time of “Saving Mr. Banks”) saying that, “It has been assumed that Travers was bisexual, although no one really knows for sure. She was known to be extremely flirtatious around younger men. At one point, she told an acquaintance that she thought that Walt [Disney] had ‘eyes’ for her.” Travers certainly was secretive and private. It was perhaps a source of pride for her. A quote from her in a New Statesman article entitled, “The strange life of the creator of Mary Poppins,” read, “I’m a private sort of person, as anonymous as possible — and that’s not humility.” Other articles about the author that surfaced around the time “Saving Mr. Banks” was released have been even more candid. According to the Daily Mail, Travers was said to be “neither warm nor kindly. She was an intellectual snob who wrote erotic prose, was a one-time fascist sympathizer, occasional lesbian and appalling mother.” Unpacking that quote, Travers is known to have written poetry for the erotic publication The Triad, and she wrote book reviews for New Pioneer, an anti-Semitic British magazine of the far right in the 1930s. The article’s last point likely refers to the fact that, at age 40, Travers adopted a son, Camillus, who discovered he was a twin at age 17. Upon learning this — and that his twin grew up poor in Ireland — his relationship with Travers became strained. It is entirely possible that Travers adopted Camillus so she would have someone to love. While she lived with Burnand, and was close to Orage, her rumored same-sex encounters may have happened without being disclosed. This is likely because Travers was alive (and prominent) during the era when women did not discuss relationships outside of marriage. Females in those days were expected to marry; if they lived together, there was always speculation about them being lovers. Moreover, if a woman lived alone, it was pre-

sumed she was likely promiscuous. Travers was certainly sharp enough — and discrete enough — not to let anyone know her true nature. For all anyone knows, she could have been asexual, given how little evidence there is of any lover(s). But whether Travers was asexual, bisexual or something else entirely, it was certainly a taboo at the time for a woman to be intimately involved with other women. As Travers was gaining fame as a children’s author, the exposure of a same-sex relationship could have been especially harmful to her career. (Travers was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1977.) This may account for why she felt she needed to maintain privacy. Travers never published an autobiography. And while the news articles and biographies hint at what might have been, all anyone can really do is speculate. n Gary M. Kramer is an award-winning, Philadelphia-based film critic. He is a contributing writer to Philadelphia Gay News, Salon.com, indieWIRE and various other media outlets. He is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews” and co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.”

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Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Suzi Nash

Dr. Sa’ed Atshan: Teaching tolerance, promoting peace With the afterglow of the papal visit, I thought I’d keep up the theme of loving one’s fellow man (and woman). Yes, even I — avowed atheist — enjoyed having the pontiff in town, for the same reason that I enjoy Christmas: I may not be a believer, but I love the mood that the holidays and this pope seem to engender and the message of peace on earth and good will to man. I mean, who can argue with that? This week’s Portrait is Dr. Sa’ed Atshan, a visiting assistant professor of peace and conflict studies at Swarthmore. No slouch, the good doctor graduated from Harvard University in 2013 with a Ph.D. in anthropology and Middle-Eastern studies. He holds a master’s in social anthropology from Harvard, a master’s of public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a bachelor’s in political science and MiddleEastern studies from Swarthmore. He is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University. Atshan has also worked with a range of organizations that include Human Rights Watch, the American Civil Liberties Union, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Seeds of Peace International Camp, the Palestinian Negotiations Affairs Department and Medical Aid for Palestinians and has won multiple awards and fellowships from organizations like the National Science Foundation and a Kathryn Davis Fellowship for Peace. At 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13, he will present “Envisioning LGBTQ Rights in the Middle East” at the Penn LGBT Center, 3907 Spruce St. PGN: So tell me a little about yourself. SA: OK, I grew up in Palestine and I attended a Quaker school there called the Ramallah Friends School, which was established in the 1800s. I graduated in 2002 and then came to the states and went to Swarthmore College right outside of Philadelphia because of their Quaker connection. Then I went to Harvard and got a master’s in public policy, taught there for a while and at Brown and some other places and now I’m back at Swarthmore, which is pretty cool! Full circle! PGN: Huh, I grew up near there but never knew that Swarthmore was a Quaker school. SA: Yes, it’s actually non-sectarian but it was founded by the Quakers and we have a meeting house right on campus. PGN: I hear so many terrible things about American evangelists spreading hate to other continents so it’s nice to hear that someone actually used religion to promote tolerance and peace. SA: Yeah, the Quakers were in Palestine in the 1800s and they never promoted any kind of hateful ideology. They were also

non-proselytizing; it wasn’t their objective to convert people. They just built a beautiful school for girls, which is now co-ed. When Israel was established, there were many Palestinians killed or displaced and the social-justice arm of the Quakers provided significant humanitarian relief. The Quakers are wonderful, they’ve always taken on social-justice causes. PGN: Tell me about growing up in Palestine. SA: Well, I didn’t have a conventional coming-of-age there because I got to go to the Ramallah School, which emphasized non-violence and social justice and the light of God in every human being. It was also very rigorous academically. It allowed me to escape from a quite-harsh reality and gave me hope and promise for a future. Living with a foreign military controlling your life doesn’t really do that. PGN: Tell me a little bit about the family. What things did you like to do with them? SA: I’m the oldest of five siblings. I was very mature from a young age, so believe it or not I used to like to play school with my siblings and neighborhood kids. I would be the teacher. I also loved the theater, so that was a big part of my childhood. I watched shows both in English and in Arabic. As a family we are also into hiking. The West Bank is known for its rolling hills, lush and green with ancient olive groves — just breathtaking. Sadly, the number of hiking trails has greatly diminished over the years as a result of the settlements. It’s devastating.

stand what that was. I remember a school field trip that we took. The boys were distributing an X-rated magazine that someone brought, they were all getting worked up about it and I was totally repulsed. [Laughs] I just didn’t understand what was so appealing about all these naked women in crazy poses! But it wasn’t until I got to Swarthmore that I began to understand that there were different categories — gay, lesbian, etc. — and they were perfectly OK. But I didn’t really internalize it and apply it to myself in a loving and accepting way until I saw a movie — I don’t know if you’ve seen it — a British film called “Bend It Like Beckham.” In the film, the main character wants to play sports. She tries to break away from the expectations of her family and that really resonated with me because in Arab families there’s a lot of pressure, especially on the eldest son, to get married and have kids and follow a certain path. The film gave me courage and made me realize that it’s OK sometimes to be selfish, and think of what you want. Also, in

PGN: I think most people here have a misconception of what it’s like in places like Palestine. SA: Oh yes, most people think it’s all desert but it’s actually very Mediterranean. The climate is very similar to California. We have the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, and rolling hills. It’s very diverse topography, very agricultural and beautiful. PGN: You mentioned you were into theater. What was the first musical you ever saw? SA: I remember being totally enthralled with “Oliver Twist.” [Laughs] I would run around the house singing all the songs. PGN: What did the parents do? SA: My father’s an engineer and my mother’s a sociologist. PGN: What was an early sign that you were gay, other than loving musicals? SA: Oh, that’s so funny. The truth is as an early adolescent I didn’t have the conceptual tools or the vocabulary to really understand who I was. I didn’t have any reference. I knew that I was different and not like the other boys but I didn’t under-

the film her best friend is an Indian British guy who is gay. He says to her, “I really like Beckham,” and she says, “I know, I do too.” And he restates, “No, I really like Beckham.” And she responds, “But you’re Indian! How can you be gay?” I really resonated with that, because I’d never really seen representation of a brown gay person. For me personally, it also helped that he was attractive and non-stereotypical. It broadened my definition of what gay men are supposed to look like and act like. The

film taught me two lessons: that it’s OK to challenge the expectations of your family and society and that gay people come in all types and colors. It really made a fundamental difference in my life. PGN: What is the gay community in Palestine like? SA: Well, over the past few decades the LGBT movement has really emerged. It has become quite formidable within Palestine civil society. The main organization is called alQaws, which means “rainbow” in Arabic. It’s been heartwarming to see the growth and how many people are involved with LGBT activism. alQaws has done an amazing job of bringing in other institutions like women’s and feminist organizations, and human-rights organizations as allies and providing services like hotlines, workshops and social events. There are also several artistic initiatives. PGN: What are the legalities of being gay in Palestine and what are the realities? SA: Palestinians in occupied areas are governed by two sets of law, one set being from the Israeli military and the other from the Palestinian authorities, who have limited power in the territories. Neither set of laws has anything on the books to criminalize homosexuality — unlike other Middle-Eastern, African or Asian countries where they inherited colonial homophobic laws; you know the British and the French brought significant homophobia with them, anti-sodomy laws, etc. Luckily in the Palestinian states, we don’t have those laws. But that doesn’t mean that the lives of LGBT people are not precarious. The Israeli military and intelligence groups have a history of entrapping LGBT Palestinians who are in very vulnerable positions and threatening them with outing. Across the Middle East there are underground LGBT communities, but in some parts it’s just horrible right now, like if you’re in Iraq or Syria, which is under ISIS. There are no words to describe how terrifying it must be to be LGBT. But other places it’s totally different; Lebanon has a huge openly LGBT population and when I go to Beirut, it’s exhilarating as a gay person. PGN: Back to you: What’s a fun family memory? PAGE 34

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Out opera singer stands out in ‘La Traviata’ By A.D. Amorosi PGN Contributor No sooner than Opera Philadelphia scored a huge success last month with its queer-centric “Andy: A Popera,” in collaboration with FringeArts and the Bearded Ladies, comes the beginning of its season, its sparkling annual gala and the Oct. 2 start of “La Traviata,” the Verdi opera in three acts about fallen women and the men who love them. The antiquated notion of salvaging reputations (remember when celebrities, politicians and royalty could be shamed — ah, the past) is where we find the heart of “La Traviata.” Set at the mouth of 18th-century Paris and based on “La Dame aux Camélias” (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, grand opera doesn’t come any grander or more traditional than this. Lisette Soprano Oropesa may be Opera Philadelphia’s Violetta Valéry, the courtesan at the center of attention of “La Traviata,” and West Chester tenor Alek Shrader may be its Alfredo Germont, the youthful bourgeois. Yet, where PGN is concerned, out vocalists Jarrett Ott, Daniel Mobbs and Roy Hage are its soul: the tenor, baritone and bass — where the real action is. “The opera world is a gay man’s world,” Ott said, talking about the welcoming environment of the classical vocal stage. “It’s never been frustrating, but rather comforting, to meet some of the warmest people.” Ott is a Lehigh Valley native, a kid who didn’t get to music through the classics, but rather through the sounds of boy bands and girl pop. “I entertained my high-school friends by singing NSYNC or Britney in an operatic fashion. I was out in high school, obviously,” he said, pointing out a love of 98 Degrees, Michael Jackson and ’50s vocal stylings before devoting his life to opera when he got to West Chester University’s School of Music. Ott also copped to performing musical-theater productions in high school and loving every second of it. “I’m still a huge fan of that repertoire and whenever I come back to Philly, you better believe I’ll be at Tavern on Camac singing some show tunes.” From there, the rest of his training and early work all involved staying in the Philadelphia area — particularly the Curtis Institute of Music — rather than shipping

out of town. Ott is very quick to mention the importance of his very first opera teacher, Randall Scarlata at West Chester. “He laid out the stepping stones to a proper technique so constructively and effectively and became one of my greatest friends along the way,” Ott said, noting that Scarlata, along with Marlena Malas at Curtis, taught him what it takes to make this career happen. “Their enlightenment didn’t always stick right away, but I’m now so appreciative of them both.” It took a minute for Ott to find his voice, literally and figuratively — a process that took him from being a tenor at Curtis to lead baritone roles in Curtis Opera Theatre’s production of Rossini’s “La Cenerentola,” Poulenc’s “Dialogues des Carmélites,” Handel’s “Rinaldo,” Purcell’s “Dido” and Aeneas and Janácek’s “The Cunning Little Vixen.” And now there is Opera Philadelphia, “La Traviata” and a supporting role as meaty as the lead. “Getting to share the stage with this cast is pretty incredible,” Ott said. “During this rehearsal process, I have had the wind knocked out of me several times listening to my colleagues. Philadelphia is in for an operatic treat with this gorgeous production all around.” When asked what is most testing about his role of Marchese, Ott was quick to joke, “Going to the gym every day in order to be stripped down to shirtless in act two.” Outside of “La Traviata,” he’s also had several other recent successes, including being named a “One-to-Watch” singer in the most recent issue of Opera News. “Getting the phone call to do the interview was quite the shock and my initial inner reaction was, Woah. Why me? But I could not be happier to be among the other singers, some of whom are dear friends,” he said. Ott has just moved to New York City to stretch his wings, test a few waters and discover new adventures. “I always wanted to live in New York City,” he said. “I absolutely adore Philadelphia, but traveling to New York two, three, sometimes four times a week for auditions was getting old rather quickly. I’ll be back though. A lot.” n

Theater & Arts According to Goldman Act II Playhouse presents a comedy about a screenwriter-turned-professor trying to break back into the biz in Hollywood through Oct. 4, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; 215654-0200. For Love of Country The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Oct. 8-10 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Genghis Khan: Bring the Legend to Life The Franklin Institute presents the story of one of the world’s greatest leaders through Jan. 3, 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway; www. fi.edu. Herman Leonard: Jazz Portraits An exhibition of photographs from the master portrait photographer, featuring jazz legends Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and many more from 194060, through Oct. 11 at Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. High Society Walnut Street Theatre presents Cole Porter’s feelgood musical about a socialite preparing for her lavish summer wedding through Oct. 25, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Into Dust: Traces of the Fragile in Contemporary Art Philadelphia “La Traviata” runs Oct. 2-11 at the Museum of Art presents an exhibition Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

(ANTI)GONE GIRL: Former Antigone Rising singersongwriter Cassidy brings her new eclectic rock project, Cassidy and The Music, to Philly 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at Tin Angel, 20. S. Second St. For more information or tickets, call 215928-0770.

about the distinctions between the corporeal and transcendental, emergence and decay, belonging and displacement, life and death, through Oct. 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. La Traviata Opera Philadelphia performs Verdi’s classic opera through Oct. 11 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Multitude, Solitude: The Photographs of Dave Heath Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the acclaimed photographer’s blackand-white pictures of the 1950s and ’60s through Feb. 21, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Northern Lights: Scandinavian Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition surveying

Scandinavian design from its triumphant showing at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris to the present, through Oct. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Paul Mooney and Dick Gregory The comedy legends perform Oct. 2-3 at the Rrazz Room at The Prince, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215422-4580. Ship Wrecked! Walnut Street Theatre presents the 19th-century adventure Oct. 6-Nov. 1 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Sinatra: A Centennial Celebration The Philly POPS perform a tribute to Frank Sinatra Oct. 9-11 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. Take Two: Contemporary Photographs Philadelphia

Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring how contemporary artists have responded to changes in culture and technology through Nov. 15, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Tom at the Farm The psychological thriller about the titular character who, after the death of his lover Guillaume, travels to a remote country farm for the funeral, only to find that the family was expecting Guillaume’s fictitious girlfriend, 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at International House, 3701 Chestnut St.; 215387-5125. Wendell Pierce The actor and author of “The Wind in the Reeds: A Storm, A Play and the City That Would Not Be Broken” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

facebook.com/events/ 1485543211746333/. The Tongue in Cheek Cabaret The sci-fi-themed cabaret returns 9 p.m. Oct. 9 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-9649675.

Outta Town CLASSIC CROONING: Legendary performer and songwriter Stevie Wonder performs his classic Grammy-winning double album “Songs in the Key of Life” in its entirety when he comes to town 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-3899543.

Yannick & Rachmaninoff The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through Oct. 4 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Music Halestorm The rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street; 215-9288807. Kraftwerk The pioneering electronic/industrial group performs 8 p.m. Oct. 2 at Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000. Built to Spill The indie-rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. Franz Ferdinand and Sparks The alternative-rock bands perform 8 p.m. Oct. 3 at Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

Ms. Mr. The alt-pop duo performs 8 p.m. Oct. 3 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. Insane Clown Posse and P.O.D. The rap group and hard-rock band perform 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000. Audra McDonald The Tony Awardwinning Broadway star performs 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Melody Gardot The jazz singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Nightlife Bearlesque: Flashback Friday Performances by Josh Schonewolf, La Dolce Spina, Saynt Von Dean, Jay Coxxx, BEV, Risky Biscuits, Mister Fahrenheit, Quorra Vahn Tassels, Saxon Blue and Pussy VonWienermuff are featured in the bear-

themed burlesque show 9 p.m. Oct. 2 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675. Mad Monster Party Drag queens and monsters mix 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215735-0735. Uomo Moderno Fashion Show from Italy Italy’s best designers show their fashions 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-7355772. Fortis Coming Out Party Local distillery Midnight Madness Distilling marks OutFest weekend with specials on its Fortis craft-spirit products at several Gayborhood bars, with proceeds from event wristbands benefitting AIDS Walk; https://www.

Outta Town Buddy Guy The legendary blues guitarist performs 8 p.m. Oct. 2 at The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington Del.; 302-658-7897. ZZ Top The classic-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 2 at Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3432535. Something Wicked This Way Comes The horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. Oct. 2 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. The Gorgon The horror classic is screened 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-1228. Halloween 4 and 5 Double Feature The horror films are screened 9:45 p.m. Oct. 2 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. n

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Out author rocks on with new novel By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Philadelphia native, out author and musician Melissa Price takes readers on a decades-long trip through rock superstardom with her latest book, “Steel Eyes.” The titular character is a mega-famous rock singer known for her jeweled masks and costumes in front of rabid, adoring fans, but anonymous and ordinary on the street when not dressed up. Sound familiar? Yeah, we thought so too. Lady Gaga, Jem or Ke$ha, anybody? But Price said Steel Eyes is a rock star in her own right, with a career spanning several decades. “She is original. That is why I positioned her in the book as a worldwide phenomenon,” Price said. “The story needed to take place over several years. In order to do that and still have it be relevant to modern times, [the story had to take place across those eras]. The prologue takes place in the 1990s but the story rolls back to the early 1980s and then I bring you from the ’80s through the 1990s into the 2000s.” Price, a musician herself, said Steel Eyes isn’t an idealized version of her own musical aspirations, which leans more into jazz than rock. “There’s a lot more Steel Eyes in me than there is me in her,” Price said. “A lot of jazz musicians I grew up on were Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. I grew up on all the jazz greats. When I became a young adult and had music opportunities, I’d say the Allman Brothers and Carole King were a big influence. I reference a lot of different artists and a lot of different songs [in the novel] because they encapsulate what is going on in the story or the chronological time in the book.” Price said the story of Steel Eyes, underneath the fame and glamour, not to mention some danger, action and intrigue, is a meditation on the role of women in the history of rock music. “Women have always been second-class citizens in rock music,” she said. “I wanted to be able to draw a contrast. In today’s world, it’s a lot easier for young women coming up to have role models in rock.

But it wasn’t like that back then. I allowed the characters to make those comments [about the way women are perceived in music]. The female rock musicians make those comments in a few places. The guys in the band are partying like rock stars but we don’t see the women do that but when they talk about it, they comment that if they acted like the men in the band, they’d be trashed for it. The reason is the public expected male rock stars to be dogs but they

don’t know what to make of women rock stars. Janis Joplin died at 27 so we don’t really know what some of the early women rock icons would have become. In writing the book, I thought, What would it have looked like if a women would have made it to that level of fame and played it out?” Price, who now calls both Arizona and the Caribbean home, is returning to Philadelphia for a book signing at Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room. “Philly is my hometown and Giovanni’s Room was the place I went as a young person to get any kind of gay literature,” she said of her impending return to her old stomping grounds. “The authors that I liked and read are now my peers, which is exciting. When I moved from Philadelphia to Arizona, I donated half a car-full of lesbian fiction to the William Way Community Center. Here it is all those years later and I have to go buy some of those books again.” n Melissa Price hosts a reading and signing of “Steel Eyes” 6-8 p.m. Oct. 9 at Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. For more information, visit melissapriceauthor.com or call 215-923-9960.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

PGN

Food and Drink Directory

Every meal is a chance to meet new customers.

Try Food and Drink Directories in PGN. CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501

The Center City IHOP located at 1320 Walnut St. is now open 24 Hrs on FRIDAY and SATURDAY

THANKS FOR MAKING IT A IHOP DAY

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

PORTRAIT from page 29

SA: Have you ever seen the film “Caramel”? The film centers around a hair salon in Beirut where they specialize in waxing. My mother used to have these waxing parties with her friends with tea and music. I loved sitting around and listening to the women talk until they exiled me to the men’s spaces. [Laughs] I never wanted to go there where the men were drinking and smoking and talking politics! PGN: Speaking of politics, one of the questions in your upcoming presentation is, “How does queer subjectivity differ across the incredibly diverse MiddleEast and North-African LGBT communities?” SA: We often forget that there’s a large range of experiences. On one side of the spectrum, you may be worried about receiving the death penalty or your own family killing you; these are very real concerns for many people. On the other hand are people who had my kind of experience. I came out to my parents in my 20s and they were very loving and supportive, as was my community. They are able to be totally out and be themselves and then there are all the experiences in between. We tend to hear only the extreme ends, which we need to hear about. It’s very important but we hardly ever hear about the good experiences. PGN: What are some of the challenges for the LGBT organizations? SA: So, part of what we have to do as LGBT activists is provide basic education, such as “I was born this way, it was not a choice” or that there is more than one theological interpretation of the Bible or the Koran and not all are antithetical to LGBT acceptance. There’s also the notion that being gay is a Western phenomenon imposed on the region and we have to correct that: No, there is a long history of LGBT people in the region and that we are organic parts of the social status here in the Middle East. Or even explaining that LGBT people don’t have higher rates of pedophilia than straight people and that it’s absurd that we get conflated or it’s assumed that if you’re gay you must have been molested as a child. A lot of myth-busting. That’s where the community-building

we’re doing with other organizations and allies really helps the cause. So it’s not just us saying these things, it’s people outside the community too. And so many of our fights are inextricably linked — the fight for women’s liberation and the fight for Palestinian liberation. Some people tell us we should wait until we are free from the chains and shackles of occupation before we start talking gay rights or women’s rights but we’re like, no, one is not more important than the other. PGN: What are some of the successes of the LGBT organizations? SA: I’m especially proud of our hotline; it’s the only Arabic hotline in the region for LGBT people. Anyone can call in if they have questions or if they need a therapist or counselor or confidant. Navigating family dynamics or reconciling their faith and sexuality … it’s really heartwarming. PGN: What about visibility? You mentioned how one movie helped you come to terms with who you are. Are there out performers or public figures? SA: There was a lawyer who was part of the PLO who was very visible and openly gay. There are a lot of people in alQaws on the board, and members who are all openly gay and speak to the press regularly, and in Lebanon there is a band called Mashrou Liela, which is probably the most popular band right now among youth across the region, not just in Lebanon. The lead singer is openly gay and that has been huge! He integrates it into some of his lyrics. And of course the Internet makes a big difference with virtual communities helping support people everywhere. Believe it or not, satellites have helped quite a bit. We have a huge number of people who watch shows like “Will and Grace” and that’s how change happens, slowly but surely. I also think that positive developments in other places such as the Supreme Court decision in the United States are inspiring as well. On the date it was announced, a Palestinian artist went to the Israeli wall and painted a huge rainbow on it. It was very powerful and very courageous. Of course that goes either way; when people see people like Kim Davis, it can increase homophobia.

fun & PGN games

PGN: So let’s wrap up with some personal questions. Are you single or partnered? SA: [Laughs] Oh! Do I have to say? PGN: No, but I’ll have you know that one person who was profiled ended up getting married because someone read her profile and sought her out. SA: [Laughs] That’s really beautiful and heartwarming! I read some of your columns and you do a great job but I never thought it would lead to marriage! OK, for the record, I’m single. PGN: What would be a great first date for you: skydiving, movies, a musical? SA: I would like to try sky diving sometime but for me I’d like to be able to talk to the person, so I’d prefer going out for a meal. I try not to have any preconceived ideas of what the person should be like. I just want them to be genuine and honest, not to feel like they had to play any games or try to impress anyone. PGN: What was your favorite role as an actor? SA: I loved playing Tiresias, the old blind prophet in “Antigone.” PGN: Worst stage disaster? SA: I was playing King Arthur in “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” and I was supposed to be serious but I kept breaking out laughing. PGN: What’s a movie you could watch over and over? SA: It’s called “Eyes Wide Open” and it’s about two Orthodox Jewish men and a love affair. It’s just so beautifully done, I could watch it over and over. Very powerful. PGN: Your best birthday? SA: My 27th birthday. I was home in Palestine and we went to a place called Snobar, which means “pine tree” in Arabic. It’s an outdoor club with a swimming pool and bar. It’s on a cliff that has 500 pine trees overlooking the city. The number-one Palestinian DJ spun for me and there were 400 guests! It was so much fun! n For more information about Atshan’s upcoming talk at the LGBT Center, visit www.sas. upenn.edu/mec/events. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com

Q Puzzle The thrill of the right Across

1. Hit boxers 5. Alexandre, who wrote about a male threesome 10. Ty with a big stick 14. Fine-tune 15. Not straight 16. Bars for gay chefs 17. Where to see “Modern Family” 18. Cagney’s TV partner 19. Elizabeth of “Transamerica” 20. Title start of a rock anthem used without permission at a rally for 49-Across 22. End of the title 23. Daughters of Bilitis co-founder Phyllis 24. Fruit flavor for gin 26. Klein of underwear 29. Be stunned by a hottie, e.g. 33. Reed in a pit 34. Funny Cheri 35. Where to go for Carnaval 36. Item denied to gay couples by 49-Across 40. And so on, for short 41. Cole Porter title city 42. Disney pictures

43. Pirate, for one 45. Short-legged dog 47. Caesar’s girlfriend told them “Bite me!” 48. Homer’s boy 49. Homophobe Kim 52. Homophobe Mike 56. Like some twins 57. Dean Cain’s role with Lois 59. Georgia spread on the screen 60. Tutti-frutti holder 61. Japanese poem 62. Vows now legal for the LGBT community 63. Got a little behind 64. Gawks at 65. It’s for Colette

Down

1.Where a cobbler puts the tongue 2. Express ride 3. Opening amount 4. What a cowboy shoots off 5. 007 portrayer Timothy 6. Brigham Young man, for one 7. Disney’s Mickey and Minnie, e.g. 8. Tavern

order 9. Swine cooler? 10. Reproduced non-heterosexually 11. Jackie’s designer 12. Pasolini’s well 13. Wild male 21. Murphy Brown’s TV show 22. Something to talk about 24. Shaft from way back 25. Petty of “A League of Their Own” 26. Has the big O 27. Let up 28. Spanish castle city 29. Gay rodeo target 30. Beach birds 31. Controversial path for samesex partners, once 32. Perform, to Shakespeare 34. Shrek and

others 37. Transvestite boast? 38. Golden years org. 39. Tickled pink 44. Blew it 45. Foppish “Gilligan’s Island” actor Jim 46. Sacred chest 48. Glenn who played for the Dodgers 49. Style of many South Beach buildings 50. Openly confess 51. It crosses Hollywood 52. Word with Mary 53. Expressed, as farewell 54. Love of Lesbos 55. Right on a map 57. Comedienne Margaret 58. Fall behind

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Fans of gay Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan will get a chance to see his 2014 film “Tom at the Farm” at International House, 3701 Chestnut St., at 7 p.m. Oct. 2. This drama concerns Tom (Dolan), a gay man with unruly bleached-blonde hair, visiting his late lover Guillaume’s family out in the countryside. Agathe (Lise Roy), the matriarch, accepts Tom, but she is unaware of his relationship to her son. Guillaume’s brother, Francis (Pierre-Yves Cardinal, equally creepy and campy), however, is less welcoming. He threatens Tom, and tells him that he best not disclose Guillaume’s homosexuality to Agathe. While Tom is unnerved, he eventually enters into a queer Stockholm-syndrome-kind of relationship with Francis. “Tom at the Farm” is frustrating because the characters are complete ciphers, and no amount of overacting or confessional speeches illuminate why Tom, Francis or Agathe behave the way they do. Moreover, Dolan never effectively ratchets up the dramatic tension. Tom frantically packs his bags to leave the farm at one point. Ominous music swells. He steps outside … and then … nothing. Scenes of Francis menacing Tom play up the homoeroticism, which provides some interest, but much of the film is strangely enervating, failing to engage visually, emotionally or dramatically. —Gary M. Kramer

Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.

LGBT RABBIS

A Cross-movement Conversation

Wednesday, October 7 at 7 pm

From the first woman and lesbian heading a Jewish seminary to the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi, five cross-generational leaders will share firsthand insights into their pioneering work at the intersections of religious and LGBT communities. Featuring Rabbis Sue Levi Elwell (Reform), Steven Greenberg (Orthodox), Deborah Waxman (Reconstructionist), and Aaron S. Weininger (Conservative). Moderated by Rebecca T. Alpert (Reconstructionist). Reserve your space today! Details and tickets at NMAJH.org

Supported by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. In conjunction with The Pursuit of Happiness: Jewish Voices for LGBT Rights, supported by the Allen A. Stein Family Foundation, Inc.

5th and Market | 215.923.3811

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Classifieds 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. 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.

Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Rent

VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________39-39 UPSTATE NY TIMBER TRACTS & HUNTING CLUBS 146 Acres-So. Tier Maple, Oak Timber Tract: $169,900. 75 Acres Oneida Lake Sportsman’s Paradise: $79,995. 70 Acres Adirondack Hunter’s Bargain: $59,900. Our Best Hunting & Timberland Investments. Call Our Foresters: 1-800-229-7843 Or Visit landandcamps.com CHRISTMAS & ASSOCIATES. ________________________________________39-38 Delaware: New homes in Sussex and Kent counties from $209,000 in 9 communities close to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Bay (Bower’s Beach), or Nanticoke River (Seaford). 302-653-7700 www.LenapeBuilders.net. ________________________________________39-38

4TH & WOLF, SOUTH PHILA. 2 BR, 1 BA house, newly renov., fireplace, charming patio with planters, ample storage. $1184/month. Call 215-990-3405. _____________________________________________39-38 ALMONESSON, NJ (DEPTFORD) 1 BR 2nd floor, kit, bath, LR, off street parking. Near Deptfoid Mall. Shared back porch. No pets. $850/mo. incl.cable & all utils. Call 856-227-2637. _____________________________________________39-38 SOCIETY HILL TOWNHOUSE, RANDOLPH ST. 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA, courtyard and attached Garage. $2700/ mo. Includes water/sewer Call 267-229-7957. _____________________________________________39-40

Roommates SHARE HOME, PRIVATE ROOM GM couple seeks RM. 3 BR home in Manayunk. Steps to Main St. & all pub. trans. W/D, D/W, G/D, new hdwd flrs, 1.5 BA, updated kit. Must love dogs. $695 incl. all uitils, cable & internet. Furnished if needed. Rhett, 267-688-1946. ____________________________________________39-38

Auto for Sale 2002 PT Cruiser. Red with wood grain. 112K. Runs good. Well maintained. $3000.00. Call Joe-856-275-6271. ________________________________________39-47

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________39-38

Adoption

Help Wanted

Services

Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes, and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________39-38 SALES Make your own schedule. Commission Based Sales Program. Self-Starter, Motivated, Experience in Advertising Sales a plus. Send Resume to jobs@pa-news.org. No phone calls please! ________________________________________39-38 Werner Enterprises is HIRING! Dedicated, Regional, & OTR opportunities! Need your CDL? 4 wk training avail! Don’t wait, call today to get started! 866-494-8633. ________________________________________39-38 Drivers – No experience? Some or LOTS of experience? Let’s Talk! No matter what stage in your career, its time, call Central Refrigerated Home. (888) 673-0801 www. CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com ________________________________________39-38

HOUSECLEANING SERVICE By Dina. References available upon request Call 267-441-4402 _____________________________________________39-43 JAMISON ROOFING Beat any estimate. Licenced and insured. Affordable work, quality price. Call 267-770-6722. _____________________________________________39-38 AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Get hands on training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 888-834-9715. ________________________________________39-38 MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training can get you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888-424-9412. ________________________________________39-38

311 Georgian Dr. Cinnaminson, NJ Open House - 10/4 1-3 pm

Classic colonial w/ many upgrades in one of Cinnaminson’s most prestigious communities. Featuring over 2600 sq ft of living space, 4 BR, 2 1/2 BA, spacious rooms, oversized 2 car garage and more! Short travel to Phila. Priced to sell $299,900.

ADOPT: Amazingly loving, young couple wants to give newborn a warm, caring and happy home with every advantage. Expenses paid. Call/text Rebecca & David 646-378-9326. ________________________________________39-38

Lamon Assoc. 856.829.8090 Call Marie Pozniak 609-230-5626

400 W. CRYSTAL LAKE AVENUE, HADDON TWP, NJ 08033 - ASKING $519,900 TWO HOUSES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Beautifully-maintained and decorated 4 bdrm, 3 bath MAIN HOUSE and a separate one bdrm, one bath, living room, full kitchen, GUEST HOUSE! Main House features include 9-foot ceilings and crown moldings, large great room with fireplace and custom mantle, lovely large kitchen with granite countertops, upgraded appliances and wet bar, downstairs bedroom, full bath with jetted tub, full high basement with cedar closet and lovely rear deck with pergola. Upstairs has master bdrm with large full bath and walk in closet, two additional bdrms, laundry room and lots of storage. GUEST HOME is adorable with a relaxing brick patio and laundry in its own full basement. OVERSIZED THREE-CAR GARAGE with LOFT too! Serene Koi pond with new equipment. Lots of parking on lovely ½ acre grounds complete with flowering and shade trees. This is not a drive-by! Call for your private showing today, or join us at one of our Open Houses! Ask For Pamela Whiting Ciervo. OPEN HOUSES

Saturday afternoon - 9/12/15 12-2.

Fresh fruit and nibbles from the Farmers’ Market

Wednesday evening - 9/16/15 5:30-7:30.

Open Houses - Saturday October 3rd and Sunday October 4th 1214 Pine Street $699,000

Open Sunday (12:30 - 2:00)

New kitchen, finished LL, 3+ bedrooms, 3+ baths, garden. McCall Catchment.

2521 South Street $506,000 Open: Saturday (12:00-2:00) Sunday (11:30 - 1:00) Huge garden, includes home Circa 1862 3+ bedrooms, 2+ baths, FP, orig. pine floors. Greenfield Catchment.

316 S. Smedley Street $1,095,000 (Not Open)

Totally renovated 2014, 2+ bedrooms, 3+ baths, garden and deck. Greenfield Catchment.

Wine and cheese

Main Street Realty

730 Haddon Avenue • Collingswood, NJ

direct 609-315-7499 office 856-858-2200 www.MainStRealty.com MainStRealty.com (856) 858-2200

Kate & Kathleen Federico 1401 Walnut Street, 8th fl (215) 840-0049 Kate’s Cell (215) 850-3876 Kathleen’s Cell Philadelphia, PA 19102 katef@cbpref.com (215) 546-2700 Bus. kfederico@cbpref.com (215) 538-1032 Efax

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

Albert’s

WAllpAper & painting llC

(215) 341-1101 3rd Generation owner & operator

We Will Beat any Competitive priCes

dunbar painting

I Work Alone To Ensure Job Quality!

Cell 215-715-7335 Interior/Exterior Painting • Plaster/Drywall Repair • Wallpaper Removal • Finish Carpentry • Old House Specialist• Excellent References - Photos of Work Available

Just Clean It! cleanouts / hauling

Daniel A. Kazanicka P.O. Box 146 Narberth, PA 19072 610-667-1890 kazball@comcast.net

Diligent Service - Quality Results

Your ad dollars go further when you target your audience This space: only $25 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

John Anthony Renovations Building your dreams Kitchens Bathrooms Basements Decks Windows Doors Tile Hardwood Floors Drywall Painting

267.977.1296 Philadelphia

Residential Commercial

YOUR AD HERE! LOOKING FOR A NEW WAY TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT?

(267)686-5104 (267)348-8339

This space: only $50 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

For Sale SAWMILLS From only $4,397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to ship! FREE info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com ________________________________________39-38 PA DRIVERS Auto-Insurance-Help-Line. Helping you find a Car Insurance Payment You can afford. Toll Free 1-800-231-3603 www. Auto-Insurance-Helpline.ORG ________________________________________39-38 Viagra!! 52 Pills for Only $99.00 Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888-403-8610. ________________________________________39-38

PGN

ADONIS CINEMA

“THE ONLY ALL MALE ADULT THEATER IN THE CITY”

2026 Sansom St (located 3 doors up from Sansom St Gym)

215-557-9319 4 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area

PGN Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________39-38 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________39-39 RICHARD GINSBURG - CALL ME 215-748-2406 or 215-847-8037 Jimmy T. ________________________________________49-41

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday

7am-6am

(closed an hour for cleaning)

Friday- Sunday:

Open 24hrs

Massage

ADMISSION:

David, 65, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________39-43 Fantasy massage with couple. Bucks County area. Call 267-278-0545, Matt. ________________________________________39-38

$12.00

BUFFBOYZZ

Sunday,October 10th Time: 9pm- 3am

• BuffBoyzz LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More

Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month - and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.

WEEKLY SPECIALS:

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms & Lockers (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) ROOMS: Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 LOCKERS: Members: $9.00 and Non-Members: $19.00

ROOM: $50.00 LOCKER: $30.00

MONDAY thru FRIDAY: (8am to 4pm) Business Mans Locker Special 4 hour lockers Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group)

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

FLAT RATE DURING PARTY NIGHTS: (Standard Club Rates & Specials Not Effective During Party Nights)

Sunday,October 18th Time: 9pm- 3am BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys to Choose From & Soo Much More...

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE $12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight)

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

Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....

www.sansomstreetgym.com

BIGGER, BETTER & MORE ENTERTAINING EVENTS...

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Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco.dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www.meetup. com/GAMMA-Gay-Married-MensSupport-Group-in-Philadelphia-PA. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-277-6595, www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330.

Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021. PFLAG/Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833. PFLAG/Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-683-5155. PFLAG/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, info@ phillyfamilypride.org, www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215563-0658. T-MAN People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:309:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215-632-3028, tmanphilly.com.

GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058. HAVEN LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153.

Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-8511822.

HiTOPS A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org.

Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207.

Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org.

Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup.com/ mtairylesbiansocial/. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/queerconnections/. Sisters United A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming-Out Support Group Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www.pridecenter.org.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975.

Project Keeping it Safe LGBT youth drop-in center offers meetings, HIV and STD prevention and testing, counseling and other services on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-9632432, camden-ahec.org/. PRYSM Youth Center Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948. Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648. Young, Trans and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331, www.atticyouthcenter.org. You’re Not Alone Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776. Youth Making a Difference A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088

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

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

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

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

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

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330

■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670

Health

Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-

108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 2-8, 2015

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