PGN Oct. 5 - 11, 2012 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Cho momma

Family Portrait: Karen Smith PAGE 57

While Cordova case moves forward, Morris and Blahnik cases remain stalled

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Oct. 5-11, 2012

Vol. 36 No. 40

$25K reward offered in Cordova case

Thanks to city funding and a community donation, investigators may be one step closer to finding the killer of local transwoman Kyra Cordova. By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A sizeable reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for killing local transgender woman Kyra Cordova. A $25,000 reward was announced in the case this week, and is being facilitated by the Citizens Crime Commission. Cordova, 27, was shot to death Sept. 3 in a wooded area off the 1100 block of Adams Avenue in Frankford. No suspect or motive has been identified. The reward was made possible through a $5,000 anonymous donation from an LGBT community member and from $20,000 in city money, drawn from a fund used to support homicide investigations. Anyone with information in the case is urged to contact the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS (5477). Tipsters receive a code when leaving information that would be used to collect the reward if and when their tip leads to the arrest and conviction of the murderer. Gloria Casarez, the CORDOVA city’s director of LGBT affairs, said this method lessens the resistance some LGBT community members may have in dealing with police. “Folks may have information but could be reluctant to talk to police, especially given how they initially handled this case,” she said. “So we thought the Citizens Crime Commission was a great way to go. It’s an independent, external body where you don’t have to talk directly to an office but can leave information on a tip line. It’s a good way to address that potential barrier.” In partnership with the commission, WPVI PAGE 46 will air a segment on

Judge blocks voter-ID law By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Voters will not have to present proper photo identification when they head to the polls next month, after a judge blocked the state’s new voter-ID law this week. In an Oct. 2 ruling, Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson said there was not enough time for the law to be properly implemented before the Nov. 6 election. Simpson, who previously upheld the law but was ordered to reevaluate by the state PAGE 48 Supreme Court, issued a MEMORIALIZING WAYS: At an unveiling ceremony Oct. 1, Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla (right) points to the new Barbara Gittings Way designation at Locust Street between 12th and 13th streets. The street was given the honorary name to pay tribute to the woman known by many as a mother of the gay- and lesbian-rights movement. The sign was spearheaded by Equality Forum, and Squilla was joined by about 75 LGBT and ally supporters and onlookers. The intersection will be one of the focal points of the Oct. 7 OutFest celebration. Photo: Scott A. Drake

OutFest to introduce new features, more fun By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com OutFest is a neighborhood party full of rainbow flags, old and new friends and traditions, and each year, new traditions are born. The 26th annual OutFest will be held from noon-6 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Gayborhood, and organizers plan to expand the fun, literally

Gay Gay History History Month Month Special Special Coverage Coverage

and figuratively, even more this year. The block party will introduce pumpkin patch “Pumpkin Way.” Franny Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents, got the idea for the pumpkin patch after having trouble finding a local seller. “Sometimes we had to travel to Chester or Bucks County to find one,” Price said. For a small fee, parPAGE 35

Terrance Williams granted stay of execution By Victoria A. Brownworth Special to PGN On Sept. 28, four days after closing arguments in an emergency hearing, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina stayed the execution of convicted murderer Terrance Williams, 46, who had been scheduled to die Oct. 3. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Wednesday denied an emergency prosecution motion to reinstate the execution. An appeal will proceed. The State Board of Pardons had split on clemency for Williams earlier last month. Williams was convicted in 1986 of murderPAGE 51 ing Amos Norwood, 56,

Kay Lahusen: Bringing light to LGBT issues through the lens of a camera

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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PGN

locations in Pa. outside of Philadelphia

Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • MCCLV, 930 N. Fourth St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethel • Adult World, 341 Midway Road • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Fantasy Adult Books, 829 Rt. 413, Veterans Hwy • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 Lancaster Ave. • TLA Video, 761 Lancaster Ave. • Chalfont • Dr. Annette Lee, 700 Horizon Circle, Suite 202 • Chester • Harrah’s Chester Casino, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Widener University, 1 University Place • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Devon • Devon Station, Devon State Road & Lancaster Pike • Doylestown • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. • Gibson • Hillside Campground, 1 Creek Road • Glen Mills • Imago Dei MCC, 1223 Middletown Road • Glenside • Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Harrisburg • 704 Strawberry Café, 704 N. Third St. • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • Liquid 891, 891 Eisenhower Blvd. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Kutztown • Kutztown University, 15200 Main St. • Lancaster • Downtown Books, 227 N. Prince St. • Rainbow Pet Creations, 305 N. Queen St. • Sundown Lounge, 429 N. Mulberry St. • Tally Ho Tavern, 201 W. Orange St. • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • Lehighton • Woods Campground, 845 Vaughn Acres Road • Levittown • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Malvern • Malvern Station, King St. & Warren Ave. • Media • Unitarian Universalist Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road • The Media Theater, 104 E. State St. • LGBT Alliance Group, Delaware Co. Campus, Penn State Univ., 901 Media Line Road • Narberth • Narberth Station, Haverford & Narberth avenues • New Hope • Café Europa, 11 Market Place • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • Havana, 105 S. Main St. • John & Peters, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St. • Havana Bar & Grill, 105 S. Main St. • The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Sandbar, 90 S. Main St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wildﬂowers, 8 W. Mechanic St. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road• Old Forge • Twelve Penny Saloon, 535 Hickory St. • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Plains Township • Twist Bar, Fox Ridge Plaza, Rte. 315 • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berls Aid Network, 429 Walnut St. • Reading Adult Center, 316 Penn St. • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Spring Grove • Atland’s Ranch, RR6, Box 6543 • Swarthmore • Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Parrish Hall • Temple • Naughty But Nice, 4502 N. Fifth St. • Upper Darby • Honor Box, 69th Street Station • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Warminster • Darkanyu, Bux Mont Unitarian Church, Street Road at Rt. 611 • Planned Parenthood of Bucks Co., 610 Louis Dr. • Wayne • Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave. • Stafford Station, Old Eagle School & Crestline roads • Wayne Station, N. Wayne & West Ave. • West Chester • Chester County Books, 975 Paoli Pike • Williamsport • Peachies, 144 E. Fourth St. • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads • York • Club XS, 36 W. 11th St. • Cupid’s Connextion, 244 N. George St. • ��

�� locations outside of Pennsylvania DELAWARE

Wilmington • AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St. • Crimson Moon, 1909 S. Sixth St. • Rehoboth Beach • Canal Side Inn, 34 Sixth St. • Double L Bar, 622 Rehoboth Ave. • Proud Bookstore, 149 Rehoboth Ave. • Rams Head Inn, 35006 Warrington Ave. • Rigby’s Bar & Grill, 404 Rehoboth Ave. • Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave. •

NEW JERSEY

Asbury Park • Georgie’s, 812 Fifth Ave. • Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave. • Atlantic City • Oasis, 32 S. Tennessee Ave. • Ocean House, 127 S. Ocean Ave. • Pro Bar, Resorts Casino, 1133 Boardwalk, 13th floor • Ritz Condo lobby, 2715 Boardwalk • Bordentown • Shoppe 202, 202 Farnsworth Ave. • Camden • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Cherry Hill • Unitarian Church, 400 N. Kings Hwy. • Andriotti’s Viennese Café, 1442 E. Route 70 • Collingswood • Honor Box, PATCO Collingswood Station • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Egg Harbour City • Red Barn Books, 1204 White Horse Pike • Galloway • Pride Alliance Stockton College, 101 Vera King Farris Dr. suite 240 • Gloucester City • Red Barn Books, 600 Rt. 130 South • Haddonfield • Honor Box, PATCO Haddonfield Station, PATCO Westmont Station, PATCO Woodcrest Station • Highland Park • Pride Center of NJ, 85 Raritan Ave. • Lambertville• Body Tech, 8 Mt. Hope St. • Lebanon • GLBT of Hunterdon Co., 126 Petticoat Lane • Lindenwold • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station East • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station West • Morristown • Gay Activist Alliance, Unitarian Church, 29 Normandy Heights Road • Oaklyn • Sacred Green Earth, 511 Whitehorse Pike • Princeton • LGBT Center, Princeton University, 246 First Campus Center • Somerset • The Den, 700 Hamilton Ave. • Stratford • White Horse Books, 906 White Horse Pike • Vineland • J&J News, 729 N. Main St. • West Berlin • Red Barn Books, 597 Route 73 North • Williamstown • Book Bin, 3852 S. Black Horse Pike •

NEW YORK Blooming Grove • Help Inc., 48 Sylvan Trail • New York City • Lesbian and Gay Services Center, 208 W. 13th St.

All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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9/17/2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

PGN

Suspect Child Abuse? Take action. Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law allows anyone to report suspected child abuse. You do not have to witness the abuse firsthand and you do not have to disclose your name to file a report. If working with children is part of your job, you must report suspected child abuse — it’s required by Pennsylvania law.

To report suspected abuse, call the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 any time of day or night. Get more information about Pennsylvania’s child abuse reporting law by requesting a free copy of the “Reporting Child Abuse” brochure from the Pennsylvania Bar Association at 1-888-799-4557 or by visiting www.pabar.org. A project in the public’s interest from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Trust Fund and the Philadelphia Bar Association.

PAGES OF HISTORY: AIDS Library librarian Allie Fraser stands before a new plaque at the library honoring its cofounders, John Cunningham (from left) and Heshie Zinman. The plaque was unveiled at a ceremony Sept. 28 marking the library’s 25th anniversary. More than 50 people attended the event. The library, founded in 1987, is now a program of Philadelphia FIGHT, and is located at 1233 Locust St. Photo: Patrick Hagerty NEWS

Crime Watch International Local Media Trail News Briefing Obituaries Regional

41 42 5 38 36 14 12

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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

10 10 11 11 11

Which neighborhood moniker is more appropriate? Poll results from our online survey as of Oct. 3:

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

61% 13% 8% 1% 8% 9%

Gayborhood Midtown Village Depends on who I’m talking to Depends on if it’s day or night Either/Both Don’t care

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

Are you registered to vote where you live?

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

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

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

Publisher

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

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com

The Fertility Specialists.

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

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

Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

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

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2012 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

LOCAL PGN

DA refuses to account for key document in Morris case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office refuses to confirm or deny whether it has a police log in the Nizah Morris case, even though such logs are considered public records under state law. Morris was a transgender woman who was found with a fatal head wound shortly after she received a courtesy ride from Philadelphia Police during the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 22, 2002. Police say Morris received the ride to 15th and Walnut streets by Officer Elizabeth Skala, who was dispatched to investigate Morris outside a nearby LGBT bar — where Morris was severely inebriated and having trouble standing. Morris died two days later, from complications of a fractured skull. The homicide remains unsolved. The log in question pertains to a vehicle stop initiated by Skala while she was still assigned to the Morris dispatch. A ticket issued by Skala during the vehicle stop indicates that it began at 3:30 a.m., while Skala was still assigned to the Morris dispatch. Police have never explained why the Morris dispatch was preempted by a vehicle stop, then placed on hold for 30 minutes before Skala closed it as “unfounded.” In 2006, when Skala was asked why her Morris assignment was preempted by a vehicle stop, she replied: “I have no idea.” The police department routinely releases logs such as the one pertaining to Skala’s vehicle stop but says it no longer has it. The city’s 911 call center generates and stores the logs electronically for five years. According to a letter faxed to PGN, the DA’s position is that if it has the vehiclestop log, it would be in an investigative file and unavailable to the public. Tasha Jamerson, a spokesperson for DA Seth Williams, had no additional comment about the log. It’s believed the DA’s office obtained a copy of the log in April 2003, when it obtained similar evidence from the police during its Morris investigation. Melissa B. Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, said the vehicle-stop log is a public record unless the DA’s office can prove otherwise. “The state’s Right-to-Know law expressly provides public access to 911 time-response logs,” Melewsky told PGN. “The law puts the burden on the agency to prove why the record isn’t public. I don’t believe the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has met that burden by refusing to say whether or not they have the record.” She questioned how the DA’s office could prove the log isn’t a public record when it won’t confirm or deny its existence.

“Public agencies shouldn’t be able to meet their burden of proof by speaking in the hypothetical or refusing to confirm that a requested record exists,” Melewsky continued. “They have to provide evidence to meet their burden. They can’t just say, ‘We might have it, and maybe it would hurt our investigation to release it.’ Speaking in mights and maybes shouldn’t be enough to deny access to an otherwise public record.” She also said it’s in the public interest for the log to be released, if it exists. “We’re talking about a government agency that’s investigated a high-profile death in the LGBT community,” Melewsky said. “This [log] is a record that could shed an enormous amount of light on the situation. This record, which is presumptively public, could help accomplish that.” She went on to say the DA’s position concerning the log could set a bad precedent “If we allow agencies to rely on the criminal-investigation exemption to deny access to 911 time-response logs, we’ll never get access to them,” she continued. “The state legislature recognized that public access to 911 time-response logs is critical for public accountability and to know whether your emergency responders are doing their job.” The DA’s refusal to account for the log calls into question whether the Police Advisory Commission, which has investigated the incident for nearly 10 years, can issue an informed report about the case, which is expected in the coming months. The PAC is trying to determine whether police violated any departmental regulations while handling the Morris incident. Several years ago, the PAC received from police a redacted version of the vehiclestop log, which is missing about 10 lines of entries — that could clarify the location of the stop, its timing and the priority level it was given by the 911 call center. Some police records place the stop at 13th and Market streets, while others place it two blocks north, at 13th and Filbert streets. At last week’s PAC meeting, commissioners expressed concern about several pieces of evidence in the Morris case that appear to be redacted, including the vehicle-stop log. “This is like something you’d find in communist Russia, when they would erase people from photographs,” said Chuck Volz, an openly gay commissioner. Kathleen R. Padilla, a local transgender activist, said transparency in the Morris case holds the potential of clearing police of any undue suspicion in the homicide. “The [transgender] community would be pleased if the DA’s Office were half as successful in solving our murders as it is in obfuscating the existence of public information,” Padilla said. A public record shouldn’t be rendered nonpublic simply because an agency places it in a criminal file, she added. “That’s an invitation for abuse.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

LOCAL PGN

Gayborhood to welcome first leather fair By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

COFFEE TALK: Action AIDS director of business development and communications Michael Byrne (right) dished about Bar AIDS Sept. 27 with Power 99 personalities Mikey Dredd (from left,) Chris Byrne, Mina Saywhat, Uncle O and Mutha Knows at Capriccio at Cafe Cret on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, one of the participating venues. An offshoot of the Philadelphia-born Dining Out For Life, Bar AIDS raises money for local HIV/AIDS organizations — ActionAIDS, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia FIGHT and Mazzoni Center — through bar and coffee-shop sales. While the final fundraising tally is yet to be determined, Byrne said the turnout was high and that the beneficiaries “are sending love and thanks to all the fab folks that came out and had a great time making a difference.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philadelphia is gearing up for its firstever leather and fetish street fair. Bazaar on Quince will be held from noon-6 p.m. Oct. 7 on the 200 block of Quince Street. The event will be held during Sunday’s OutFest celebration. “With any luck, it will be similar to existing events in San Francisco and New York City,” said Phil Cochetti, event producer. The event will feature live performances, an open-air market full of leather/ fetish exhibitors and vendors, games and a “leather bar,” offering an array of adult beverages. The bazaar is free and is sponsored by The Bike Stop, Philly Gay Calendar and Philly Pride Presents. However, organizers are accepting donations for William Way LGBT Community Center. Guests are highly encouraged to come dressed for the bazaar — whether in leather, rubber, gear, uniforms or sports kit. Cochetti collaborated with Franny Price, director of Philly Pride Presents, and Carmela Pinto, co-owner of The Bike Stop. “We have been working diligently to make it the best event we can,” Cochetti said. “We have a core of volunteers and collaborators who have been helping gather entertainers,

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vendors and exhibitors.” The bazaar will feature vendors such as Passional Boutique, Wolfstryker Leather and Philadelphia Leather Pride Weekend. Cochetti expects more than 1,000 people to attend the event. “We’re very excited for the support of our community, vendors and volunteers,” he said. Guests are expected to come from New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Chicago. Cochetti recently pulled together a photo shoot to advertise the event. “I was expecting to get a handful of people and we ended up with 13 guys. Everyone was super-excited, willing and ready for the shoot,” Cochetti said. “The photographer and Steve McCann of Philly Gay Calendar were stunned, and frankly, so was I.” Cochetti is looking forward to guests learning more about the leather community and The Bike Stop. “We hope that everyone who comes gets into the spirit of things.” The bazaar is adult-oriented but Cochetti encouraged attendees to be mindful and respectful to their neighbors and community. For more information, email Cochetti at phil@quincebazaar.com. ■

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Two years out, no movement in Blahnik case By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com It was National Coming Out Day in 2010 when Stacey Blahnik was murdered in her home. Two years later, her killer remains at large. Police last year identified a person of interest in the case, but that person has yet to be named a suspect, and no arrests have been made. Blahnik, 31, was killed Oct. 11 in her house in the 1800 block of Manton Street in South Philadelphia. Investigators believe she was strangled with a pillowcase. A transwoman, she served as house mother for the House of Blahnik. Homicide Capt. James Clarke said last year that there was DNA evidence that placed the person of interest at the house, but it was not enough to warrant an arrest. Police spokesperson Lt. Ray Evers told PGN this week that investigators “don’t have much new.” “They have some folks at the house but that’s still where they’re at,” Evers said. Damon Humes, founder of House of Blahnik, said Blahnik’s survivors worry that the case could fall to the wayside because of the identity of the victim. “We feel like had it not been a trans person, there would have been more attention to finding and capturing the person who did this to her,” Humes said. “It reminds us all

how alive and kicking transphobia really is, as well as heterosexism and all the other ‘isms’ we fight against every day.” Gloria Casarez, director of the city’s LGBT affairs, said the most alarming aspect of the unsolved murder is that the person responsible remains free. “The biggest frustration is that there is still a killer on the loose,” she said, noting that the recent murder of transwoman Kyra Cordova reiterated that idea for many in the community. “Kyra’s case brought this all back for a lot of people. It was a reminder, and it wasn’t a pleasant reminder, that there are murderers out there and there are unsolved murders in our community. These cases need timely eyewitness participation, and I think when you don’t have that, you’re going to have a harder time.” No eyewitnesses have come forward in Blahnik’s case. Evers noted, however, that people need to remain alert and pass on any helpful information. “Sometimes when homicides get into the second, third or fourth year, people start talking. Someone might know something and be at a restaurant or bar and start talking,” Evers said. “We need to keep it fresh in people’s minds that this killer who killed this person lives in that community. He killed someone, and will he kill again? I don’t know. But he has a propensity for violence, and people need to keep that at

PGN file photo

the forefront.” Evers said the Homicide Department has a 70-75 percent clearance rate for cases. “Unfortunately, this one falls into that 25 percent where we’re not getting the information we would like,” he said. Casarez said Blahnik’s loved ones are still reeling from the murder, and their

grief is compounded by the dearth of justice. “Whenever there’s a loss like this, when someone is taken, there’s a hole left for the people who loved her and knew her. When there’s a situation like this where the case is unsolved, it’s so much more unresolved,” she said. “Every time I see people who were close to her, that’s the first thing I think about. It’s hard for the people who knew her and for the community as a whole. I know it was on everyone’s minds when we learned about Kyra. Just like when we learned about Stacey, many of us thought about [murdered transwoman] Nizah [Morris]. You remember those unresolved cases and just hope for a better outcome.” Humes said LGBT community members should continue to “hold the police department accountable for continuing to work on this case and make sure it doesn’t fall off their radar.” He said his house is in the midst of establishing programs to immortalize Blahnik’s legacy, which he said can be helpful for healing. “We need to remember her goodness so that her life was not in vain,” he said. “We want to remind people what her life meant. She was more than a transwoman: She was a friend, a partner, an auntie, all those things. We want to keep her legacy alive.” ■

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LOCAL PGN

Gay History Month

Kay Lahusen: The woman behind the lens By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Kay Lahusen has seen a lot in her 82 years of life — much of it through the lens of a camera. Lahusen, hailed as the first out LGBT photojournalist, spent decades capturing some of the most seminal moments in the LGBT-rights movement, crafting a stockpile of photographs that can be used to trace the pitfalls and progress of the community. While her photos documented a wealth of historic moments in American LGBT activism, the pursuance of those pictures was, in itself, a bold act. “I wanted to show our great diversity and to give viewers someone they could identify with, some positive role models. After all, role models were badly needed in the 1960s when most gay people were afraid to be photographed,” Lahusen said. Lahusen, born in 1930 in Cincinnati, developed her interest in photography at a young age. She began coming to terms with her orientation while in college and said she long held a “deep conviction that prejudice and discrimination against GLBT people is

zine previously morally wrong.” used drawings That ideal or cartoons on led her to join the cover, but Daughters of Lahusen was Bilitis, the committed to n a t i o n ’s fi r s t photographing lesbian-rights real women. organization. At “It wasn’t a DOB picnic in easy for me 1961, Lahusen to find many was introduced subjects back to Barbara then,” she said. Gittings, a meeting that sparked “I wanted to a decadesKAY LAHUSEN (RIGHT) WITH LONGTIME PARTNER change that, long pairing BARBARA GITTINGS PGN file photo to bring those — prompting willing out into Lahusen’s move the sunlight to Philadelphia and influencing her photo- and especially to show gay couples and gay journalism career. love.” “[Barbara] was always a joiner and was Although Lahusen and Gittings subinclined to join social-change groups, want- titled the publication “A Lesbian Review,” ing to, as she said, ‘fix things,’” Lahusen Lahusen said they sought to appeal to the said. “We were reformers and basically wider LGBT community by presenting good ACLU supporters.” “intellectually stimulating discussions of Gittings took the helm of DOB’s maga- the major issues holding back the struggle zine “The Ladder” — the first national for gay equality. Especially hard on us was B:10.125” lesbian publication — from 1963-66, and the allegation by most psychiatrists that Lahusen served as photographer. The magahomosexuality was a form of mental illT:10.125”

ness.” Lahusen said that the “male chauvinism” that still permeated the community at the time kept most men “from taking ‘The Ladder’ seriously and from even reading the issues we worked so hard to produce.” Outside of her work on “The Ladder,” for which she also served as a reporter, Lahusen was the unofficial photographer of many of the earliest gay-rights actions. She was on hand with her camera at what came to be known as the Annual Reminders at Independence Hall in the mid-1960s, which called for the acceptance of gays and lesbians in mainstream society. While she documented the occasions, Lauhsen was also a part of the action. “Some participants were fearful, some were proud, others were simply marching in the belief that they had to come out if things were going to change,” she said of the atmosphere at the pickets. “It’s been said that all social-change movements find they ultimately have to take to the streets. Think of the early suffragettes, for example. Of course, when you’re marching, you have no crystal ball to tell if you’re helping make changes but you hope so, even believe so. I certainly believed we were doing some-

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

“Early picketers inspired gay people to go a step further and fight back at Stonewall,” she said. Lahusen was also involved with the efforts to remove homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association’s list of mental illnesses, led by Gittings and Kameny. She lobbied the APA to include a gay panelist in its 1972 forum on psychiatry and homosexuality, and captured shots of that historic discussion that many credit with moving forward the APA’s evolution on homosexuality. Lahusen also supported Gittings’ efforts with the American Library Association to introduce gay and lesbian materials into libraries. In their activism work, Lahusen said she and Gittings always came to agreement on the right approach, sometimes “after long hours of discussion.” And they worked as a complementary team, she said, with Gittings possessing the “higher profile” and Lahusen working in a “support role.” “We brought different talents,” Lahusen said. “Barbara was a terrific public speaker, she could always rally the troops. I especially loved photography, making exhibits and doing what you might call promotion work. Barbara was a terrific editor, and I was a pretty good reporter. The ideas we advanced were generally the same and summed up in our friend Frank Kameny’s simple, but inspired, motto, ‘Gay is good.’” The principles of the early activists were illustrated in Lahusen’s book, “The Gay

LAHUSEN’S PHOTO OF GITTINGS DURING THE 1966 INDEPENDENCE HALL PROTEST RALLY Photo: Kay Lahusen

thing historically significant, something to help lift GLBT people as a class in our society.” Lahusen said one of her favorite photos she ever took was from the second Annual Reminder in 1966. It depicts Gittings marching with a sign that read, “Homosexuals should be judged as individuals.” “The word ‘gay’ was not popular in our cause until about 1970,” Lahusen noted. At the Philadelphia actions, held until 1969, and at other demonstrations staged in Washington, D.C., that urged the lifting of the ban on open gays and lesbians in federal employment, marchers were kept to a strict, conservative dress code. Lahusen said the code was necessary for the cause, but she embraced its eventual lifting. “Our thought was, if you want to be employed, look employable, and conventional dress was the order of the day in that era,” she said. “Fortunately, times changed and by our 1970s demonstrations, the dress code was abandoned in the midst of the turmoil over anti-war protests and the hippie and free-love movements. I know I certainly was glad when the dress code was abandoned. It was appropriate for us to

move with the times.” Lahusen was not present for a protest that came to be regarded as one of the most pivotal turning points in the LGBT-rights movement: the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Lahusen and Gittings were on vacation at the time but Lahusen said that, when word spread that the LGBT community had rebelled against police discrimination in New York, she was thrilled. “I don’t like violence but I was pretty elated to hear that GLBT people were standing up and fighting back in the midst of a police riot on a seedy, Mafia-run gay bar,” she said. “Gay people were largely outwitting the police. News of their bravery galvanized gay people in New York and across the country really. The riots were a flashpoint, Barbara used to say, in the gayrights movement and inspired gay people to get further organized and step up their efforts to improve the lives of their minority.” She noted that the late Frank Kameny, a contemporary of Lahusen and Gittings who helped organize the Annual Reminders, always pointed out that their actions predated Stonewall and were undoubtedly influential in encouraging that action.

�� VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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Crusaders,” published by Paperback Library in 1972. The work, which contains in-depth biographical sketches of 15 early activists, was published under Lahusen’s pen name, Kay Tobin. While Lahusen was lead author for the book, Randy Wicker was brought on as a co-author, as the publisher believed that having a male name on the book would help its sales, she said. Lahusen sees the book, her reports for “The Ladder” and her vast collection of photos as her greatest contributions to the LGBT-rights movement. “It’s been said that I’m the first gay photojournalist, since I kept at it sporadically over decades. There was no way I could be at every event, every time, but I believed it was a way of preserving gay history.” Her photo collection and her and Gittings’ papers are now housed in the Archives Division of New York Public Library, which has published many of the photos online. Gittings died in 2007 of breast cancer. “Together, we had a wonderful life,” Lahusen said. The evolution society has undergone since Lahusen began her activism work more than a half-century ago gives her hope for the future. “I believe most Americans have come to accept the fact that ‘black is beautiful’ and most are coming to accept the fact that ‘gay is good.’ I believe our movement is on the right side of history. Meanwhile, let’s keep on marching for gay equality.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Scott Brown

Editorial

Owning your outness This weekend will mark Philadelphia’s celebration of National Coming Out Day. Held each year on Oct. 11, NCOD is a time for LGBTs of all walks of life to embrace and celebrate their identities, regardless of where they are in their coming-out process. Since each individual’s path to self-acceptance is informed by, and paved with, different obstacles and roadblocks, each person’s definition of being “out” — and means of getting there — can and should mean something unique. This Friday, the mayor and other dignitaries will gather at City Hall to raise the rainbow flag in what has become an annual tradition to mark the start of LGBT History Month. Some community leaders may take on a visible role in the ceremony, sharing their stories over the microphone for the guests and onlookers. Other LGBTs may witness the flag-raising from the crowd, bedecked in rainbows and smiling for the cameras. Others may read news stories about the event and share the links with their Facebook followers. Each action is a step towards being “out.” Sunday’s 26th annual OutFest celebration will bring tens of thousands of LGBTs and allies to the Gayborhood. Festivalgoers can walk hand-in-hand with their same-sex partners without fear of stares or questions. They can get on stage for contests and pick a front-and-center spot to cheer on the drag queens and kings and other live performers who will grace the stage. Or, they can visit vendor booth after vendor booth to learn about the vast sea of LGBT community organizations ready and willing to provide information, resources and a helping hand in the coming-out process. Each action is a step toward being “out.” The city’s new Open Air light installation will honor NCOD Oct. 11 with a special feature on the William Way LGBT Community Center, which will compile 30second personal stories from LGBT community members to be read at the show that evening. LGBTs can use this opportunity to submit a story and share with younger generations — as well as allies and those who are not yet allies — the pride they take in their identity, and their community. Those stories can also be spread on a less-grand scale — shared with friends and family as you take in the lightshow from the city streets or from your window. But, if you’re not ready to make that declaration public, do so to yourself. Figure out why you’re proud, or are striving to be proud, of yourself and your membership in the LGBT community. Write it down, or even just think about it. Each action is a step toward being “out.” Being out means something different to everyone. It can be expressed in a multitude of ways but comes down to each person achieving acceptance and understanding of his or her own identity — and ultimately not being afraid to present that full self to others. Whether you’ve been an active leader in the LGBT community for decades or you’ve newly come to terms with your sexuality — or if you’re still on the way to figuring it out — each of us can take time this month to be “out.” ■

There are a few things you should know about U.S. Sen. Scott Brown. First, he’s a Republican. Second, he currently represents Massachusetts in D.C. after he replaced Sen. Ted Kennedy, a Democrat, in a special election held after Kennedy’s death in 2010. Third, Brown is currently campaigning to keep his seat against the formidable Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat. And, finally, Brown is no friend to LGBT people. (Warren is, though, FYI.) Oh, and he also posed naked (with a wrist positioned chastely over his junk) for a Cosmo magazine in 1982 when he was 22, which is probably the least offensive thing he’s ever done. (Fun side note: If Warren had done the same thing, her political career would be D.O.A. Aren’t double standards fun?) While Brown’s campaign is currently focused on proving that Warren is a “fake Indian,” make no mistake that his election would not just be terrible for people who have Native-American ancestry but “look white.” It would also be a raw deal for LGBT Americans. Massachusetts may be the state that brought legal marriage for gays and lesbians to America, but Brown believes that “marriage is between a man and a woman.” Granted, he told CNN’s Piers Morgan that “it’s settled law in Massachusetts quite frankly and people have moved on,” but really, Brown hasn’t. At least not to the point that he’s willing to let his state’s married gay and lesbian couples be recognized nationwide. Brown supports the Defense of Marriage Act and also supported Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s use of a 1913 anti-interracial marriage law to keep couples from outside of the state from coming to Massachusetts to get hitched. Brown also does not support the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (because, you know, “states’ rights”), repeatedly voted in favor of an antigay constitutional amendment in Massachusetts and essentially gave the middle finger to LGBT youth by refusing to participate in the “It Gets Better” video made by the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. I suppose his absence isn’t that surprising considering that, according to MassEquality.org, “in 2001, during a

session of the Massachusetts legislature, Brown referred to the decision of then-state Sen. Cheryl Jacques to have children [with her domestic partner Jennifer Chrisler] as ‘not normal.’ He also described her parenting role as ‘alleged family responsibilities.’” Get it? Because she’s a lesbian, her family doesn’t really count, so her “family responsibilities” are play-pretend. Oh, and according to Think Progress, Brown once attributed his opposition to gay marriage to “a personal belief, based on my religious upbringing. It’s just my feeling.” In other words, “I oppose marriage equality because I feel like it.” Warren, on the other hand, is out and proud about her support for LGBT equality. According to Think Progress, Warren said, “As other states grapple with whether to support marriage equality, I’m ready to move to the next step: End the two-tiered system created by the Defense of Marriage Act. Our federal government should not be in the business of selecting which married couples it supports and which it treats with contempt.” As RuPaul would say, “Can I get an amen up in here?” Massachusetts, please don’t let us down. ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

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

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

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Mark My Words

Letters and Feedback

Thanks so much for the critique. These columns I write are meant to inspire dialogues about the way in which we think about HIV and how it affects our daily lives. So, let me ask you: Where in my column did I even remotely imply that I wanted a guy to treat me like a purely sexual object? Simply because I say that I’m poz, undetectable and give facts about my sexual history related to my undetectable status doesn’t in any way warrant the kind of response I got from the guy described in my column. Now, if you’re confused as to why I’m upfront about my status and sexual history, I do it because most people, gay men included, don’t know did-

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Street Talk

Most likely, if you’re a regular reader of we have gone through all of that with a PGN, as you’re looking through the pages steady flow. of this paper today you haven’t noticed This is a testament to a highly professional staff. They did most of this with the any changes. And that would be correct, partial attention of their publisher, who and something that, as publisher, I’m very was running around working on the LGBTproud of. Proud of the PGN staff I am. friendly senior-living facility. At the helm of every editorial department is the editor. So, today as I write this, I It is her or his job to keep a am a proud publisher! The PGN paper rolling, no matter what. staff has given me, and this Aside from the daily grind that community, the opportunity to includes changes in staff, proallow me time to work on an motions, special features and issue that has long been overbreaking news, in the last three looked — affordable living in an weeks PGN has been through a LGBT-friendly and embracing change of editors and, in good way for our seniors. humor, we’ve watched as everyOver the next few months, thing that could be tossed her we’ll watch and witness what way was. every editor does: Make changes to bring about a better prodAdd to that, our advertising department has been doing a uct for the community. It’s an opportunity that we embrace, bang-up job, which is why you have a larger newspaper to read Mark Segal and if you have suggestions, bring them forward. This will be — 88 pages. And that means the graphics department has a lot more a slow process and one that, if we do our work to do, which adds to distribution. I job correctly, you’ll hardly notice until one day you say to yourself, “This is a great think you get the idea: This ship runs on feature. Why didn’t they do this before?” a sea of schedules and harmony. But, that Don’t expect anything for a few months only works if you have a staff that enjoys since we’re still getting our bearings. But, their work and appreciates their community. Both of these ideas are key to working in what has been a banner year for this at PGN. community and this newspaper, I just My reason for writing this is to express wanted to express my deepest appreciation my appreciation for the staff at PGN for for a team that is a pleasure to work with going through a monumental change at an each day. While literally anything can hapinopportune moment. October is one of pen, and most likely will, we will make it our busiest times of the year. Think of it as work. Thank you, team. ■ the social hub of the fall. OutFest, Indigo Ball, Best of Gay Philadelphia, the LGBT Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the History Project — which we coordinate for nation’s most-award-winning commenta29 newspapers and many websites — fund- tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. raisers, elections and so much more. And

In response to “The poz festish,” Sept. 14-20:

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

dly-squat about HIV, new medications, the possibilities provided by those new medications and, since they’re unaware, assume that we’re still living in 1987. Most of the men that have messaged me on OKCupid have remarked at how they had no idea about undetectable status, and how meds can minimize risks. Many gay men assume that having a poz boyfriend means always using a condom, which is simply not the case anymore. And while you can say that “sex isn’t everything” or you “don’t want to be risky and spread diseases,” the reality is that everyone balances transmission risks with quality of life. I celebrate that freedom that people have to make that choice, and I find it enlivening. Again, thank you for your critique. I say this with respect for you and your ideas: Please think about your critique

Will same-sex marriage be approved in any voter referendums this November? “Probably not in Maryland. It’s a Southern state. Not that I have anything against Southern states, Chelsea Ihling but they student tend to be Washington Square conservative. West I have more confidence in Washington and Maine. They both have liberal towns that will organize enough voters in favor of marriage equality.”

“I’d place my bet on Washington state, if anywhere. My gut instinct is that people out West Domenic Malandro are more student progressive Washington Square on social West issues. On the East Coast, religion and conservatism tend to dominate the discussion on that subject, so I don’t have much faith that voters will approve it there.”

“Maine has the best chance of passing it. New England tends to be more tolerant when it comes to marriage Brandon Shockley equality. And market researcher Maine is South Philadelphia very close to Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is firmly established. I’m optimistic that the state of Maine will lean towards fairness for all.”

“No, not yet. It will need more time. The issue is becoming more acceptable, but we’re not quite there Tania Talbot yet. I think artist voters will Bella Vista approve it in about three years, especially if Obama continues to be president. I believe strongly in marriage equality.”

and if it actually jives with what I wrote in my column, the description of my interaction and all. I would also love a response. Thanks so much again for commenting. — Aaron Stella In response to “Go green and go home,” Sept. 14-20: Greensaw Design and Build, LLC, is proud to have worked alongside Tracy and Mia on this project. Their efforts and commitment to green building are whole-heartedly admirable and appreciated by the green building community. They truly deserved their Platinum award! — Greensaw

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

PAGE 12

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

REGIONAL PGN

Transgender clothing company marks growth By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

Explore Our Treasures...Inside & Out! UNCORKED! WINE, OBJECTS & TRADITION Open now through January 6, 2013, in the Winterthur Galleries Raise a glass in toast to this fascinating exhibition! Join us for a joyous celebration of objects and imagery created in response to society’s love of wine. For more information, please visit winterthur.org/uncorked. Presented by With support from Bouchaine Vineyards, Gerret & Tatiana Copeland, Proprietors

49TH ANNUAL DELAWARE ANTIQUES SHOW Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, Delaware November 9–11, 2012 Join featured speaker Carolyne Roehm––one of America’s most important tastemakers––and 60 distinguished antiques dealers at one of the nation’s top shows. Visit winterthur.org/das for tickets and information. STEP INTO STUNNING BEAUTY Autumn is the perfect time to visit Henry Francis du Pont’s world-renowned garden. Savor stunning fall foliage ablaze in ﬁery hues and stroll winding paths set against the majestic backdrop of du Pont’s 175-room former home. Narrated tram tours available. YULETIDE AT WINTERTHUR November 17, 2012–January 6, 2013 Your family and friends will be inspired by Henry Francis du Pont’s dazzling home decorated in holiday style! Visit winterthur.org/yuletide for a full schedule of special events. Photos: Miki Duisterhof/mikiduisterhof.com, Jeannette Lindvig

Winterthur is nestled in Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley on Route 52, between I-95 and Route 1, less than one hour south of Philadelphia. 800.448.3883 • 302.888.4600 • winterthur.org

Suddenly Fem, a Jenkintown-based clothing company, is striving to become the top national retailer of transgender female clothing. This fall, the company — which specializes in clothing for transgender women, drag queens and cross dressers — will mark two new efforts designed to expand and diversify its audience base. Laine Anderson and her son Tyler DeSouza, trans allies, own the company, which has been operating for nearly 20 years. “The company was founded in 1994 and was started by my mother,” DeSouza said. He said Anderson launched the company after noticing a gap in clothing designed specifically for “crossdressing,” and the company has since come to provide a full array of fashion options for transgender women. DeSouza decided to help his mom with the business after graduating from college. “We worked together to build this company,” DeSouza said. Suddenly Fem will premier a new catalogue this fall, marking its first venture into catalogue sales. The company will also launch three new lines this fall.

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Hot in Hollywood, The Slimming Collection and Sexy Racy Collection will join Suddenly Fem’s signature line, the Babe Collection. “The Babe Collection is our largest. It is more glitzy and more sophisticated,” DeSouza said. Hot In Hollywood will feature more animal prints and chiffon. “It is a little racier, with more sheer lace in it,” DeSouza said. “But we have brought our hemlines down a bit because we noticed our customer base was more mature. We design everything to fit the transgender shopper.” The Slimming Collection will feature pieces to give the customer a more “feminine silhouette,” while the Sexy Racy Collection will offer lace and satin teddies and leather skirts and mini dresses with a hologram style. Suddenly Fem is hoping to make itself more known in the Philadelphia area. “I am looking to do things that are exciting,” DeSouza said. He added he would like to see the brand be more accepted and introduced into the mainstream. “I feel like this would be a great addition to any magazine,” he said. ■ To learn more about Suddenly Fem, visit www.crossdresser.com or email DeSouza at ty@suddenlyfem.com.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Obituaries Dr. Charles Bergengren, professor, 64 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Dr. Charles Bergengren, an arthistory professor and former Philadelphian, died July 16 at age 64. The cause remains unknown. A memorial will be held this weekend in Philadelphia. Bergengren was born Sept. 16, 1947, in Glastonbury, Conn. He earned a bachelor of arts from the City University of New York and a master’s and doctorate in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the American Folklore Society, Vernacular Architecture Forum and the American Gravestone Society. He taught art history at Cleveland Institute of Art from 1991 until earlier this year. Bergengren was interested in all aspects of the art world — specifically music, folk art and performance art. “He loved everything from the most traditional to the most avant-garde,” said Jonathan David, folklorist, writer and friend of Bergengren. David described Bergengren as the kind of professor who would grade papers outside and take day trips with his students. He loved nature. “He would have people look at the wild flowers on the side of the street. He would take field trips to the forest and he would know every plant,” David said. “He wanted people to wake up and listen to the things going on around them and to pay attention.” Bergengren collected quirky items like snow globes and umbrellas. “He had all different types of umbrellas. He would suspend them from the ceiling so that they were open,” David said. He also collected books and records.

PGN REGIONAL

Bergengren also had an enormous memory for detail, David added. “He could convey to his students little bits of information about works of art that no one else seemed to know. He used art to teach about humanity and the students really loved him. He taught art history in a way that art students could understand.” Anyone who knew Bergengren was aware of his insatiable spirit. “He was always going on day trips, going out of town and anyone who went along with him would have a blast,” David said. Bergengren especially paid attention to the houses, barns, nature trails, birds, churches and even the graveyards on his trips. “You were always on a field trip with Charlie,” David said. The Philadelphia Folklore Project will host a memorial from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 6 at 735 S. 50th St.

Catherine Burgi-Rios, activist and nurse, 55 By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Longtime Lehigh Valley LGBT activist Catherine BurgiRios died of leukemia Sept. 21. She was 55. Burgi-Rios was a tireless advocate for LGBT-rights issues and lent her time to a number of area agencies and causes. As her day job, Burgi-Rios served as an operating-room nurse at Lehigh Valley Hospital, where she worked for the past 11 years. She earned her nursing degree from Elizabeth General Medical Center and began her career in the obstetrics/labor-and-delivery field. Outside of work, her LGBT volunteer experience was extensive. Burgi-Rios created and captained the Lehigh Valley chapter of Silent Witness Peacekeepers Alliance — whose members serve as buffers between LGBT communi-

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ties and antigay protesters. SWPA founder Alanna Berger said BurgiRios and wife Barb Baus were the first volunteers to show up for an SWPA training she held in advance of a scheduled protest at Lehigh Valley Pride in 2007. “It was very clear that she was well-suited to being a Silent Witness,” Berger said. “We have to keep peace, stay calm and make decisions at a split second, and she was very good at that.” Berger said Burgi-Rios jumped at the chance to start a Lehigh Valley chapter. She said her personality made her a good fit for a leadership role. “Given the work we do dealing with protesters, I was absolutely amazed at how she could always keep her sense of humor,” Berger said. “She was a very strong individual and very well-organized. But she was also very open and loving.” A resident of Bethlehem, Burgi-Rios testified at a number of Bethlehem City Council meetings last year as the city considered its LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance, which was eventually successful. “It was very important to have people who actually lived in the community there to speak out and she had some very compelling things to say,” said Pennsylvania Diversity Network president Liz Bradbury. Burgi-Rios was a speaker at every one of the Freedom to Marry rallies at the Lehigh Valley Courthouse in the past decade, Bradbury said. She and Baus — who were together more than 15 years and married in Connecticut last year during a surprise trip that BurgiRios planned — every year would pay the $32 application fee for a marriage license at the courthouse. “They’d request the license knowing they’d be rejected and then come out and make a wonderful statement to the media about it,” said Equality Pennsylvania board president Adrian Shanker. “She was completely committed to equality and wasn’t afraid to speak out when it was needed.” Burgi-Rios dedicated much of her time to the Metropolitan Community Church of Lehigh Valley, where she served on the board. “She helped to make the church a place where there was a lot of activism,” Bradbury said. “She brought her sense of equality,

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fairness and outspokenness to the church and to the communities it works with.” She recently was investing energy into getting President Obama re-elected, working in the campaign’s Bethlehem office despite her illness. “She regularly volunteered in the office, making phone calls, driving other volunteers around,” Shanker said. “She was very concerned about this election and, even though she was dealing with these serious leukemia treatments, she always made an effort to do her part.” Burgi-Rios was diagnosed with leukemia in February and underwent a bone-marrow transplant this past summer. Shortly before her diagnosis, she was able to attend her first Super Bowl game, a lifelong goal. During the summer, she experienced another unforgettable occasion during First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to Bethlehem. “Cathy was trying really hard to get up close enough to shake Michelle Obama’s hand, but she was walking with a cane and couldn’t fight through the crowd,” Shanker said. “Barb went up to a Secret Service agent who was there, told him Cathy’s story about her health and her work, and they were both brought backstage and spent about 15 minutes alone with Michelle Obama, talking about Cathy’s health-care story and her story of marriage inequality. She gave them both a big hug, and Cathy said it was one of the proudest moments of her life.” While LGBT activism played a large role in Burgi-Rios’ life, Shanker noted that she and Baus, as well as their two kids, were a typical family — which he said in itself helped move forward LGBT equality. “Cathy was a nurse and Barb’s a teacher. Her full-time job wasn’t as an activist,” he said. “Her daughter, who is straight and married, would come to protests with them and hold signs that said things like, ‘I love my two moms.’ She just had a great impact on everyone in her family and her community and made people care about LGBT issues.” Burgi-Rios is survived by Baus, her parents, daughter Jessica and son-in-law Daniel, son Josh, brothers Peter and Michael, sister Anne and a large extended family. Donations can be made in Burgi-Rios’ name to Silent Witness Peacekeepers Alliance, www.silentwitnesspa.org. ■

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LOCAL PGN

Dancer brings two premieres, fundraiser, to Philly By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

First Bap tist Church SERVICES: Wednesdays Noon time Sundays 11a.m.

Rev. Dr. Peter C. Wool 17TH & SANSOM STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 215.563.3853

www.fbcphila1698.org

CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH

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

Out dancer and world-renowned choreographer Lar Lubovitch is celebrating his 50th year in the dance world — and will do so with a number of local events. Lar Lubovitch Dance Company will perform Oct. 11-13 at The Annenberg Center. The performances will be part of Dance Celebration, sponsored by The Annenberg Center and Dance Affiliates. Lubovitch also will take part in Annenberg’s Artists and Audiences Changing Lives program at 7 p.m. Oct. 12. The talkback program will allow audience members to listen to a live chat about the intersection of HIV/AIDS and performance art with panelists Chris Bartlett, executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center; Kevin Burns, executive director of ActionAIDS; and Philadelphia choreographer Brian Sanders. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit ActionAIDS. Despite his accomplishments in the dance world, Lubovitch’s life didn’t start with dance. He attended the University of Iowa in 1960 as a freshman art major and gymnast — and left as a dancer. “I discovered dance there, and it combined the two things that I loved the most and was good at — art and gymnastics,” Lubovitch said. He moved to New York City and enrolled in The Julliard School, where he studied with teachers who became his dance mentors. “I think it’s fair to say that my first teachers in dance were very good, powerful, long-lasting influences,” Lubovitch said. “I had the good fortune that my teachers were very remarkable people.” He studied with the likes of Martha Graham, José Limón and other influential figures of the dance world at the time. Lubovitch started his company in 1968 because he wanted his own place to dance

Recreational

LAR LUBOVITCH Photo: Nan Melville

and to choreograph. “I had been with some companies but I hadn’t felt gratified as a dancer,” he said. “So I decided to gather together a group of friends so that we could have a place to dance that we could believe in and satisfy our own beliefs in dance. That became the foundation of our company.” When the HIV/AIDS epidemic struck, Lubovitch’s company took to the stage. “I was the person who created the first reaction to AIDS in theater,” Lubovitch said. “In the early ’80s I recognized that AIDS was ravishing the art community and nobody was really talking about it.” Lubovitch’s “Dance for Life,” which was staged at the New York State Theater, was a call to action. “It featured six major American dance companies and raised several million dollars for AIDS,” he said. “More importantly, it presented AIDS as a very public issue for the first time and as a public issue concerning the arts.” PAGE 28

Activities

JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Friday, October 12, 8:00 PM. Beth Ahavah Shabbat Services. Please join us for our monthly BA Shabbat Service followed by a sumptuous oneg (social hour). Dinner at a local restaurant at 6:00 PM precedes services. Please call or email for restaurant location and to RSVP Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

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

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“Most doctors choose ATRIPLA. That’s important to me.” Simon — Current ATRIPLA Patient With over 6 years of prescribing experience, ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF) is the #1 prescribed single-tablet HIV regimen.*

Alone or with other HIV meds. Real ATRIPLA patients. INDICATION ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is a prescription medication used alone as a complete regimen, or with other anti-HIV-1 medicines, to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children at least 12 years old who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs). ATRIPLA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking ATRIPLA. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA can cause serious side effects: • Some people who have taken medicine like ATRIPLA (which contains nucleoside analogs) have developed lactic acidosis (build up of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis: — feel very weak or tired — feel cold, especially in your arms and legs — have unusual (not normal) muscle pain — feel dizzy or lightheaded — have trouble breathing — have a fast or irregular heartbeat — have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting • Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death.

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Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: — skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) — urine turns dark — bowel movements (stools) turn light in color — don’t feel like eating food for several days or longer — feel sick to your stomach (nausea) — have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analogcontaining medicines, like ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), for a long time. • If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, you may get a “ﬂare-up” of your hepatitis. A “ﬂare-up” is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Patients with HBV who stop taking ATRIPLA need close medical follow-up for several months to check for hepatitis that could be getting worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you need to discuss your HBV therapy with your healthcare provider. Who should not take ATRIPLA? You and your healthcare provider should decide if ATRIPLA is right for you. Do not take ATRIPLA if you are allergic to ATRIPLA or any of its ingredients. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ATRIPLA? Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA. Serious birth defects have been seen in children of women treated during pregnancy with one of the medicines in ATRIPLA.

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ATRIPLA works to lower viral load and may increase CD4+ (T-cell) count, which may help improve your immune system. ATRIPLA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections.

Selected Important Safety Information: • Some people who have taken medicine like ATRIPLA have developed build up of lactic acid in the blood, which can be a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. • Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems, with liver enlargement and fat in the liver, which can lead to death. • If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. Please see below for more information about these warnings, including signs and symptoms, and other Important Safety Information.

Ask your doctor about ATRIPLA— the single-tablet HIV regimen with over 5 million prescriptions written.* *Source Healthcare Analytics, Source® PHAST Prescription Monthly, January 2006 – April 2012.

To learn more, visit www.ATRIPLA.com Women must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of birth control, while on ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and for 12 weeks after stopping ATRIPLA. Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. • Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can pass HIV or may pass ATRIPLA through their milk to the baby. We do not know if ATRIPLA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. • Have kidney problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis treatment • Have bone problems • Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection. Your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your liver while you take ATRIPLA or may switch you to another medicine. • Have ever had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol • Have ever had seizures or are taking medicine for seizures. Seizures have occurred in patients taking efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, generally in those with a history of seizures. If you have ever had seizures, or take medicine for seizures, your healthcare provider may want to switch you to another medicine or monitor you. What important information should I know about taking other medicines with ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may change the effect of other medicines, including the ones for HIV-1, and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA • Do not take ATRIPLA if you are taking the following medicines because serious and life-threatening side effects may occur when taken together: Vascor® (bepridil), Propulsid® (cisapride), Versed® (midazolam), Orap® (pimozide), Halcion® (triazolam), or ergot medications (for example, Wigraine® and Cafergot®).

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• ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) should not be taken with: Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine), COMPLERA® (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine), Epivir® or Epivir-HBV® (lamivudine), Epzicom® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), Trizivir® (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/ zidovudine), TRUVADA® (emtricitabine/tenofovir DF), or VIREAD® (tenofovir DF), because they contain the same or similar active ingredients as ATRIPLA. ATRIPLA should not be used with SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) unless recommended by your healthcare provider. • Vfend® (voriconazole) should not be taken with ATRIPLA since it may lose its effect or may increase the chance of having side effects from ATRIPLA. • Do not take St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), or products containing St. John’s wort with ATRIPLA. Taking St. John’s wort may decrease ATRIPLA levels and lead to increased viral load, and possible resistance to ATRIPLA or crossresistance to other anti-HIV-1 drugs. • ATRIPLA should not be used with HEPSERA® (adefovir dipivoxil). These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take ATRIPLA. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take. Important Safety Information is continued on the following page. Please see Patient Information on the following pages.

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ATRIPLA (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Important Safety Information (continued) What are the possible side effects of ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may cause the following additional serious side effects: • Serious psychiatric problems. Severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior have been reported by a small number of patients. Some patients have had thoughts of suicide, and a few have actually committed suicide. These problems may occur more often in patients who have had mental illness. • Kidney problems (including decline or failure of kidney function). If you have had kidney problems, or take other medicines that may cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests. Symptoms that may be related to kidney problems include a high volume of urine, thirst, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. • Other serious liver problems. Some patients have experienced serious liver problems, including liver failure resulting in transplantation or death. Most of these serious side effects occurred in patients with a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis infection, but there have also been a few reports in patients without any existing liver disease. • Changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Lab tests show changes in the bones of patients treated with tenofovir DF, a component of ATRIPLA. Some HIV patients treated with tenofovir DF developed thinning of the bones (osteopenia), which could lead to fractures. Also, bone pain and softening of the bone (which may lead to fractures) may occur as a consequence of kidney problems. If you have had bone problems in the past, your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your bones or may prescribe medicines to help your bones. Also, bone pain and bone softening may occur because of kidney problems. Common side effects: • Patients may have dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams during treatment with ATRIPLA. These side effects may be reduced if you take ATRIPLA at bedtime on an empty stomach; they tend to go away after taking ATRIPLA for a few weeks. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these side effects continue or if they bother you. These symptoms may be more severe if ATRIPLA is used with alcohol and/or mood-altering (street) drugs. • If you are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, and/or are drowsy, avoid activities that may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery. • Rash is a common side effect with ATRIPLA that usually goes away without any change in treatment. Rash may be serious in a small number of patients. Rash occurs more commonly in children and may be a serious problem. If a rash develops, call your healthcare provider right away. • Other common side effects include: tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects: • Changes in body fat have been seen in some people taking anti-HIV-1 medicines. Increase of fat in the upper back and neck, breasts, and around the trunk may happen. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these changes in body fat are not known. • Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) may also happen. • In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS), signs and symptoms of inﬂammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. If you notice any symptoms of infection, contact your healthcare provider right away. • Additional side effects are inﬂammation of the pancreas, allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), shortness of breath, pain, stomach pain, weakness, and indigestion. This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking ATRIPLA. You should take ATRIPLA once daily on an empty stomach. Taking ATRIPLA at bedtime may make some side effects less bothersome. Please see Patient Information on adjacent and following pages. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. © 2012 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All rights reserved. ATRIPLA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. SUSTIVA is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 697US12AB02908

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Patient Information ATRIPLA® (uh TRIP luh) Tablets ALERT: Find out about medicines that should NOT be taken with ATRIPLA. Please also read the section “MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA.” Generic name: efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (eh FAH vih renz, em tri SIT uh bean and te NOE’ fo veer dye soe PROX il FYOU mar ate) Read the Patient Information that comes with ATRIPLA before you start taking it and each time you get a refill since there may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. You should stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking ATRIPLA. Do not change or stop your medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about ATRIPLA. What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA? • Some people who have taken medicine like ATRIPLA (which contains nucleoside analogs) have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis (build up of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of lactic acidosis: • You feel very weak or tired. • You have unusual (not normal) muscle pain. • You have trouble breathing. • You have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting. • You feel cold, especially in your arms and legs. • You feel dizzy or lightheaded. • You have a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Some people who have taken medicines like ATRIPLA have developed serious liver problems called hepatotoxicity, with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: • Your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice). • Your urine turns dark. • Your bowel movements (stools) turn light in color. • You don’t feel like eating food for several days or longer. • You feel sick to your stomach (nausea). • You have lower stomach area (abdominal) pain. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analogcontaining medicines, like ATRIPLA, for a long time. • If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and you stop taking ATRIPLA, you may get a “flare-up” of your hepatitis. A “flare-up” is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Patients with HBV who stop taking ATRIPLA need close medical follow-up for several months, including medical exams and blood tests to check for hepatitis that could be getting worse. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV therapy with your healthcare provider. What is ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA contains 3 medicines, SUSTIVA® (efavirenz), EMTRIVA® (emtricitabine) and VIREAD® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate also called tenofovir DF) combined in one pill. EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and SUSTIVA is an HIV-1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). VIREAD and EMTRIVA are the components of TRUVADA®. ATRIPLA can be used alone as a complete regimen, or in combination with other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat people with HIV-1 infection. ATRIPLA is for adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg (at least 88 lbs). ATRIPLA is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age. ATRIPLA has not been studied in adults over 65 years of age. HIV infection destroys CD4+ T cells, which are important to the immune system. The immune system helps fight infection. After a large number of T cells are destroyed, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops. ATRIPLA helps block HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, a viral chemical in your body (enzyme) that is needed for HIV-1 to multiply. ATRIPLA lowers the amount of HIV-1 in the blood (viral load). ATRIPLA may also help to increase the number of T cells (CD4+ cells), allowing your immune system to improve. Lowering the

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ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) amount of HIV-1 in the blood lowers the chance of death or infections that happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). Does ATRIPLA cure HIV-1 or AIDS? ATRIPLA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using ATRIPLA. Who should not take ATRIPLA? Together with your healthcare provider, you need to decide whether ATRIPLA is right for you. Do not take ATRIPLA if you are allergic to ATRIPLA or any of its ingredients. The active ingredients of ATRIPLA are efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir DF. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ATRIPLA? Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (see “What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA?”). • Are breastfeeding (see “What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA?”). • Have kidney problems or are undergoing kidney dialysis treatment. • Have bone problems. • Have liver problems, including hepatitis B virus infection. Your healthcare provider may want to do tests to check your liver while you take ATRIPLA or may switch you to another medicine. • Have ever had mental illness or are using drugs or alcohol. • Have ever had seizures or are taking medicine for seizures. What important information should I know about taking other medicines with ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may change the effect of other medicines, including the ones for HIV-1, and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. Other medicines, including herbal products, may affect ATRIPLA. For this reason, it is very important to let all your healthcare providers and pharmacists know what medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are taking. MEDICINES YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH ATRIPLA • The following medicines may cause serious and life-threatening side effects when taken with ATRIPLA. You should not take any of these medicines while taking ATRIPLA: Vascor (bepridil), Propulsid (cisapride), Versed (midazolam), Orap (pimozide), Halcion (triazolam), ergot medications (for example, Wigraine and Cafergot). • ATRIPLA also should not be used with Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, Epivir, Epivir-HBV (lamivudine), Epzicom (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine), Trizivir (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), TRUVADA, or VIREAD. ATRIPLA also should not be used with SUSTIVA unless recommended by your healthcare provider. • Vfend (voriconazole) should not be taken with ATRIPLA since it may lose its effect or may increase the chance of having side effects from ATRIPLA. • Do not take St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), or products containing St. John’s wort with ATRIPLA. St. John’s wort is an herbal product sold as a dietary supplement. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking or are planning to take St. John’s wort. Taking St. John’s wort may decrease ATRIPLA levels and lead to increased viral load and possible resistance to ATRIPLA or cross-resistance to other anti-HIV-1 drugs. • ATRIPLA should not be used with HEPSERA® (adefovir dipivoxil). It is also important to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following: • Fortovase, Invirase (saquinavir), Biaxin (clarithromycin), Noxafil (posaconazole), or Sporanox (itraconazole); these medicines may need to be replaced with another medicine when taken with ATRIPLA. • Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem or Tiazac (diltiazem), Covera HS or Isoptin (verapamil) and others; Crixivan (indinavir), Selzentry (maraviroc); the immunosuppressant medicines cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), Prograf (tacrolimus), or Rapamune (sirolimus); Methadone; Mycobutin (rifabutin); Rifampin; cholesterol-lowering medicines such as Lipitor (atorvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin sodium), and Zocor (simvastatin); or the anti-depressant medications bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and Zyban) or Zoloft (sertraline); dose changes may be needed when these drugs are taken with ATRIPLA.

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ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) •

Videx, Videx EC (didanosine); tenofovir DF (a component of ATRIPLA) may increase the amount of didanosine in your blood, which could result in more side effects. You may need to be monitored more carefully if you are taking ATRIPLA and didanosine together. Also, the dose of didanosine may need to be changed. • Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) or Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir); these medicines may increase the amount of tenofovir DF (a component of ATRIPLA) in your blood, which could result in more side effects. Reyataz is not recommended with ATRIPLA. You may need to be monitored more carefully if you are taking ATRIPLA and Kaletra together. Also, the dose of Kaletra may need to be changed. • Medicine for seizures [for example, Dilantin (phenytoin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), or phenobarbital]; your healthcare provider may want to switch you to another medicine or check drug levels in your blood from time to time. These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take ATRIPLA. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take. Keep a complete list of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines as well as any herbal remedies that you are taking, how much you take, and how often you take them. Make a new list when medicines or herbal remedies are added or stopped, or if the dose changes. Give copies of this list to all of your healthcare providers and pharmacists every time you visit your healthcare provider or fill a prescription. This will give your healthcare provider a complete picture of the medicines you use. Then he or she can decide the best approach for your situation. How should I take ATRIPLA? • Take the exact amount of ATRIPLA your healthcare provider prescribes. Never change the dose on your own. Do not stop this medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop. • You should take ATRIPLA on an empty stomach. • Swallow ATRIPLA with water. • Taking ATRIPLA at bedtime may make some side effects less bothersome. • Do not miss a dose of ATRIPLA. If you forget to take ATRIPLA, take the missed dose right away, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the next dose. Carry on with your regular dosing schedule. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • If you believe you took more than the prescribed amount of ATRIPLA, contact your local poison control center or emergency room right away. • Tell your healthcare provider if you start any new medicine or change how you take old ones. Your doses may need adjustment. • When your ATRIPLA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ATRIPLA and become harder to treat. • Your healthcare provider may want to do blood tests to check for certain side effects while you take ATRIPLA. What should I avoid while taking ATRIPLA? • Women should not become pregnant while taking ATRIPLA and for 12 weeks after stopping it. Serious birth defects have been seen in the babies of animals and women treated with efavirenz (a component of ATRIPLA) during pregnancy. It is not known whether efavirenz caused these defects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are pregnant. Also talk with your healthcare provider if you want to become pregnant. • Women should not rely only on hormone-based birth control, such as pills, injections, or implants, because ATRIPLA may make these contraceptives ineffective. Women must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, even if they also use other methods of birth control. Efavirenz, a component of ATRIPLA, may remain in your blood for a time after therapy is stopped. Therefore, you should continue to use contraceptive measures for 12 weeks after you stop taking ATRIPLA. • Do not breastfeed if you are taking ATRIPLA. We do not know if ATRIPLA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. You should stop breastfeeding or may need to use a different medicine.

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ATRIPLA® (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

Taking ATRIPLA with alcohol or other medicines causing similar side effects as ATRIPLA, such as drowsiness, may increase those side effects. • Do not take any other medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines and herbal products, without checking with your healthcare provider. • Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 to others. • Do not share needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. What are the possible side effects of ATRIPLA? ATRIPLA may cause the following serious side effects: • Lactic acidosis (buildup of an acid in the blood). Lactic acidosis can be a medical emergency and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get signs of lactic acidosis. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”) • Serious liver problems (hepatotoxicity), with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and fat in the liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs of liver problems. (See “What is the most important information I should know about ATRIPLA?”) • “Flare-ups” of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, in which the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before, can occur if you have HBV and you stop taking ATRIPLA. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition for several months after stopping ATRIPLA if you have both HIV-1 and HBV infection and may recommend treatment for your HBV. ATRIPLA is not approved for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. If you have advanced liver disease and stop treatment with ATRIPLA, the “flare-up” of hepatitis B may cause your liver function to decline. • Serious psychiatric problems. A small number of patients may experience severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior while taking ATRIPLA. Some patients have thoughts of suicide and a few have actually committed suicide. These problems may occur more often in patients who have had mental illness. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you think you are having these psychiatric symptoms, so your healthcare provider can decide if you should continue to take ATRIPLA. • Kidney problems (including decline or failure of kidney function). If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider should do regular blood tests to check your kidneys. Symptoms that may be related to kidney problems include a high volume of urine, thirst, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. • Other serious liver problems. Some patients have experienced serious liver problems including liver failure resulting in transplantation or death. Most of these serious side effects occurred in patients with a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis infection, but there have also been a few reports in patients without any existing liver disease. • Changes in bone mineral density (thinning bones). Laboratory tests show changes in the bones of patients treated with tenofovir DF, a component of ATRIPLA. Some HIV patients treated with tenofovir DF developed thinning of the bones (osteopenia) which could lead to fractures. If you have had bone problems in the past, your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bone mineral density or may prescribe medicines to help your bone mineral density. Additionally, bone pain and softening of the bone (which may contribute to fractures) may occur as a consequence of kidney problems. Common side effects: Patients may have dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and/or unusual dreams during treatment with ATRIPLA. These side effects may be reduced if you take ATRIPLA at bedtime on an empty stomach. They also tend to go away after you have taken the medicine for a few weeks. If you have these common side effects, such as dizziness, it does not mean that you will also have serious psychiatric problems, such as severe depression, strange thoughts, or angry behavior. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these side effects continue or if they bother you. It is possible that these symptoms may be more severe if ATRIPLA is used with alcohol or mood altering (street) drugs. If you are dizzy, have trouble concentrating, or are drowsy, avoid activities that may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery.

Rash may be common. Rashes usually go away without any change in treatment. In a small number of patients, rash may be serious. If you develop a rash, call your healthcare provider right away. Rash may be a serious problem in some children. Tell your child’s healthcare provider right away if you notice rash or any other side effects while your child is taking ATRIPLA. Other common side effects include tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects with ATRIPLA: • Changes in body fat. Changes in body fat develop in some patients taking antiHIV-1 medicine. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), in the breasts, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of these fat changes are not known. • Skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) may also happen with ATRIPLA. • In some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS), signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started. It is believed that these symptoms are due to an improvement in the body’s immune response, enabling the body to fight infections that may have been present with no obvious symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of infection, please inform your doctor immediately. • Additional side effects are inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reaction (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), shortness of breath, pain, stomach pain, weakness and indigestion. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking ATRIPLA. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping ATRIPLA because of side effects or for any other reason. This is not a complete list of side effects possible with ATRIPLA. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a more complete list of side effects of ATRIPLA and all the medicines you will take. How do I store ATRIPLA? • Keep ATRIPLA and all other medicines out of reach of children. • Store ATRIPLA at room temperature 77 °F (25 °C). • Keep ATRIPLA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. • Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. If you throw any medicines away make sure that children will not find them. General information about ATRIPLA: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use ATRIPLA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ATRIPLA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about ATRIPLA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ATRIPLA that is written for health professionals. Do not use ATRIPLA if the seal over bottle opening is broken or missing. What are the ingredients of ATRIPLA? Active Ingredients: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Inactive Ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate. The film coating contains black iron oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, red iron oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide. June 2012 ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, HEPSERA, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. SUSTIVA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company. Reyataz and Videx are trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Pravachol is a trademark of ER Squibb & Sons, LLC. Other brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners.

•

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OutFest to celebrate 35 years of rainbow flag By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Thirty-five years ago, Gilbert Baker created the one symbol that has united LGBT communities all over the world — the rainbow flag. Baker will be on hand at the Oct. 7 OutFest to bestow an award named for him and sell signed 35th-anniversary paintings. The artist conceived of the flag for the San Francisco Pride celebration in 1978. He said he chose to use a flag because it proclaims power. “It came at a time when visibility was really important and celebrated,” Baker said. “A flag really fits because it is a universal tool for visibility. We needed one.” In addition to showing the many “colors” of the community,” the rainbow also expresses the idea that sexuality is inborn. “I really love that it’s the rainbow and it is from nature; therefore, it is a natural flag and we are out of nature,” Baker said. “So, on so many levels the rainbow fits us so perfectly.” The actual term for someone who creates flags is vexillographer, but Baker is often nicknamed the “gay Betsy Ross.” “She is the mother of our country, so when they call me that I laugh,” Baker said. Baker said he knows a good deal about Ross’ life and is both “honored and amused” by the comparison.

GILBERT BAKER

When he created the flag, Baker said he wasn’t immediately aware of the impact it would have. “I wasn’t really sure but I knew the second it went up in the air that it would change my life,” he said. “It has lasted a long time and it seems like it never stops evolving. It has become everything.” He noted the flag has been used for everything from logos for LGBT organizations to souvenirs to artwork. “It has translated itself in an incredible way,” he said. He said he most enjoys the statement that comes from flags hung outside of homes, businesses and even dorm rooms. “The fact that they have the flag up is saying something,” Baker said. To commemorate the flag’s 25th anniversary, Baker created a world-record-breaking

flag that stretched from the Gulf of Mexico At previous OutFest celebrations, he said to the Atlantic Ocean. he’s seen rainbow-flag patterns used for On a recent trip to Ireland, where he was everything from dog clothing to soaps. honored by the National Gallery of Ireland, “I always discover something clever. he gifted a miniature rainbow flag to the There is always interesting craftwork in organization, which it hung on its building Philadelphia,” he said. and which inspired him to honor the 35th Each year, an award in Baker’s name anniversary with a flag that was smaller, but is given to an organization that has had a still powerful. profound impact on the LGBT commuThe personalized small rainbow-flag nity. This year’s recipient for the OutProud paintings will go for $20, and Baker will Gilbert Baker Award is the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, which sell the works at a number of other LGBT fespromotes Philadelphia tivals throughout the as an LGBT tourist country. destination and worked Baker, who regularly to install rainbow-flag attends OutFest, said he street signs throughout the Gayborhood. is a fan of Philadelphia “They’ve done a not just for its history really great job in but also for its unique Philly,” Baker said. LGBT community. “They’ve created very “I love Philadelphia, interesting campaigns I love the Gayborhood, over the years and it I love the people,” he gives a good message said. “It really feels to the world about like a community there. “Philly is intellectual, BAKER’S RAINBOW FLAG Philadelphia.” As for future local and I really appreciate PAINTING work, Baker hopes to that. It is about ideas one day make a rainand people on a real level. It is Hollywood without the movie bow flag that would stretch the length of stars. It is New York without the money and Market Street. For more information on Baker and his Washington, D.C., without the bullshit. It is work, visit www.gilbertbaker.com. ■ a very cool place.”

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Family conference returns to new location By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

grams on how to prevent children from being bullied in schools, home schooling for LGBT children and school settings for gender non-conforming children. The program will also focus on the partnerships between educators and families. “We are hoping it gives parents some tools on how schools should handle the issues,” Haynes said. Growing Your Family will focus on prospective families and allow them to learn how others created their families. Knowing Your Rights will overview how same-sex marriages translate in certain states and the difference between marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships as well as inform guests about their legal rights regarding estate-planning and other protections. The conference’s legal clinic will also allow guests to sit with a Mazzoni Center attorney to ask questions pertaining to their legal rights. The conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Graciela Slesaranksy-Poe,

Philly Family Pride, a nonprofit agency dedicated to bringing together LGBTheaded families in the Philadelphia region, will host its third annual Family Matters Conference this month. The conference will take place at Arcadia University, in Glenside, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 20. This marks the first time Arcadia has hosted the event. “Our annual conference is a really great day for LGBT parents and prospective parents to get together,” said Stephanie Haynes, PFP community coordinator. “In the past, it has been a great opportunity to network.” The conference will feature 13 workshops and a panel featuring teenager and adult children of LGBT parents. This year the conference will have three themes: Welcoming Schools, Growing Your Family and Knowing Your Rights. Welcoming Schools will include pro-

Haynes hopes the conference allows prospective parents to learn how other people created their families. “It really seems valuable to them. They come and see all the people with kids,” Haynes said. Educators are invited to attend two workshops for free from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. They can also attend lunch and the panel as well. Educators who attend the workshops will get ACT continuing-education credit. Whole Foods-Jenkintown will provide breakfast, and lunch will also be provided. Admission to the conference is through registration only. The fee is $15 for PFP members and $25 for non-members before Oct. 8. and will go up $5 after. Free childcare will also be provided for children ages 3-11. Toddlers and infants are welcomed to accompany their parents throughout the day. For more information, visit www.phillyfamilypride.com or email Haynes at Steph anie@phillyfamilypride.org. ■

who is an associate professor at Arcadia University’s School of Education. “For the past two years, Graciela has been one of the most popular presenters. She is fantastic,” Haynes said. Slesaransky-Poe will speak on creating a safe and welcoming environment for children at their schools. “The issue of welcoming schools was so well-attended in the past that we decided to expand that into a theme,” Haynes said. “This is for families that are either thinking about sending their kids to school or already have kids in schools.” In the past, the conference has been held at Bryn Mawr College and Widener University, but Haynes said the organization likes to move the conference around so it is more accessible for all members of the community. “Arcadia University has been awesome, especially the School of Education,” Haynes said. Arcadia provided the space for the conference.

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NYC Council speaker talks Obama, weddings By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, an open lesbian, has long fought for equality in the Empire State, and she’s now hitting the campaign trail to make sure equality will continue to reign in the White House. “[President Barack Obama] is the most pro-woman, pro-LGBT president we have ever had in the history of the United States,” Quinn said in an interview with PGN last week. Quinn, a rumored candidate in the next New York City mayoral race, has been traveling the country stumping for Obama, and will continue to work on behalf of the president in the weeks approaching the election. Quinn attended the Democratic National Convention this past summer and said she was impressed by the level of attention given to LGBT issues by the president and

many other speakers. “When you go to these conventions as an LGBT activist, you hope and listen for that moment when someone will say something LGBT-related,” Quinn said. “There was no misinterpretation when the topic of samesex marriage was discussed. It was the most front-and-center topic.” The president’s own “evolution” on marriage equality hit home for Quinn, as it came the week before her own wedding to longtime partner Kim Catullo. “I was incredibly proud of Barack Obama. It was enormously great,” she said. “He looked right in the camera and was very clear with America in the process he went through on the topic. He shows people that they can evolve, that they can be in one place and change. He was very dignified.” Quinn’s marriage came about a year after New York sanctioned marriage equality. She said she put in a lot of behind-thescenes hours to make the law a reality.

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE QUINN

“We did a lot of organizing and pulling the community together and focusing on everybody,” Quinn said. Alongside volunteers and fellow council

members, she helped raise money for the effort, lobbied state legislators and participated in phonebanking. The hard work paid off for Quinn, who was devastated after a marriage-equality measure was defeated in 2009. “I felt like the legislators had this opportunity to make things better for people and they chose not to,” Quinn said. “To see the state fix that and go back and put on record that the LGBT community is fully supported by the laws of New York was one of the most uplifting moments.” Marriage equality is not the end of the road for LGBT rights in New York, Quinn said. Among her goals, she plans to advocate for laws that better protect transgender citizens. “Human rights does not include transgender people and that is unacceptable,” Quinn said. “We still have far too many hate crimes.” ■

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LUBOVITCH from page 16

In 1986, Lubovitch choreographed “Concerto Six Twenty-Two,” a duet between two men. “For many years, it became emblematic of a moment of time concerning AIDS and its presence in the world,” he said of the dance. In 2011, Lubovitch received the dance field’s highest award, Dance/USA’s Honor Award. United States Artists also named him a Ford Fellow. “It was very gratifying to be recognized,” Lubovitch said. “The Dance/USA Honors Award is a very esteemed thing to receive in dance. It says that your career has mattered.” The Ford fellowship comes with a financial award, which helped Lubovitch’s company afford dancers, costumers, music and other financial obligations. “It has had a huge impact on creating the work that I do,” Lubovitch said. “It is very gratifying to be able to open the door

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to making art.” The coming months mark the 45th anniversary of Lubovitch’s dance company, as well as his 50th year as a dancer and his 70th birthday. “What that really means above all else is that I’ve had the ability to survive in a very challenging world and a very challenging field,” he said. A 2008 PERFORMANCE OF “CONCERT0 SIX TWENTY“Nothing has ever TWO” Photo: Chris Duggan really stopped me and New York City less than a year ago and I think that is probably, in the field of the arts, my biggest which will see its Philadelphia premiere. Lubovitch said the dance doesn’t tell a accomplishment.” The program that Lubovitch is bring- story of crisis but is meant to capture the ing to Philadelphia will include two early emotional sensation of crisis. The 2010 piece “Legend of Ten,” a 10works and two recent works, including “Crisis Variations,” which premiered in person dance to Brahm’s Piano Quartet,

will also have its Philadelphia premiere. “It is the map of the music, and the dancers, in a sense, are like cartographers, drawing a map of the music and physicalizing the sound, which is what I do. I draw motion pictures of sound,” Lubovitch explained of his role. He will also conduct two outreach activities: a student discovery program at 10:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Annenberg, and a master class taught by a company member at 1 p.m. on the same day at the University of Arts. Advance registration is required for the master class. “We’re going to perform for children and treat them like adults by performing for them the same way we do for adults and hopefully open their minds and eyes,” Lubovitch said. Tickets for the performances are $20-$55 and can be purchased at Annenberg Center’s box office, online at AnnenbergCenter.org or by calling 215898-3900. ■

Kenney continues pressure on Chick-fil-A By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

Philadelphia City Councilman-at-Large Jim Kenney late last month urged the leadership at national fast-food chain Chick-fil-A to make good on its pledge to be LGBTinclusive. Kenney, who this past summer fired off an impassioned letter to company CEO Dan Cathy after the latter made statements affirming his opposition to LGBT rights, again wrote to Cathy Sept. 25. After a controversial campaign by LGBTs and activists against the company — and an equally fervent show of support from Chick-fil-A fans — the chain last month said it would cease donations to groups that discriminate against LGBT people. It also added sexual orientation and gender as protected classes to its nondiscrimination statement. Kenney, however, urged Cathy to take those actions further. “If Chick-fil-A genuinely intends to ‘treat every person with honor, dignity and respect,’ it should start with equal and fair treatment of its own employees,” Kenney wrote. “If it truly means what it says, your company should have no problem altering its employee health- and retirement-benefits program to include the committed partners and same-sex spouses of its own LGBT employees.” Kenney noted that about 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies offer benefits plans for same-sex partners of their employees

that are equitable with those offered to married heterosexual spouses. And, he noted, more than 90 percent of the nation’s largest companies believe that “diversity policies and generous benefits packages are good for their corporate bottom line,” according to LGBT thinktank the Williams Institute. “These numbers are only growing,” Kenney wrote. “I look forward to the day I read about Chick-fil-A joining their ranks. Kenney did, however, commend Cathy on the company’s new position. He added that the company and some of its charitable donations have been beneficial. “Most of your recent critics have neglected to mention the thousands of Americans you employ or the $30 million in college scholarships you have donated,” he said. “Nobody is attacking this proud tradition of community stewardship. That said, doing tremendous good does not mean Chick-filA cannot do more to level the playing field in the workplace.” He added that the intense public scrutiny and media attention Chick-fil-A faced this past summer over its anti-LGBT donations and positions likely left the company feeling “unfairly singled out and vilified for who you are and what you believe.” “Congratulations, you now have something in common with our fellow LGBT coworkers, neighbors, parishioners, friends and family members,” he noted. “I encourage you and your company to reflect on that.” ■

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Trans community takes to the streets for second annual event By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Philadelphia Trans* March will host its second annual rally and march at 3 p.m. Oct. 6, starting at Love Park. Last year, approximately 350 people marched down the streets of Philadelphia to raise awareness about the transgender, gender-variant and gender nonconforming communities. Event founder and organizer Christian Lovehall said the event has an educational bent. “I’m hoping that the trans, gender-variant and gender non-conforming community will learn from PTM that the social and political inequality and hate violence we face daily is unjust and can be fought against via our voices and taking a stand,” Lovehall said. “I hope that those who are not a part of the community learn that we are human beings who deserve the same basic human rights and securities given to all human beings.” The event will begin with a rally, which will feature speakers Qui Alexander, Sade Ali and others. The march will head down Broad Street, through the Gayborhood and back to Love Park. Performances from J Mase III, Sami Jo, GenderEDGE and Wordz will be held after the march, and the event will move to the William Way LGBT Community Center,

1315 Spruce St., for a storytelling event, “Trans* Vibrant: Stories of True Spirit.” The open-mic event will also be hosted by the center’s Out and Faithful board and the Yes!Coalition. Lovehall and the PTM team have put in a lot of work to prepare for the march. “Organizing this year’s march has consisted of fundraising, community outreach, promotions, booking speakers, performers and hosts and keeping ourselves and the community educated on trans issues,” Lovehall said. The planning committee has been meeting monthly since February 2012. It hosted a number of fundraisers for the march, including a fashion show that featured trans models and local designers, monthly community dance party TRANScend and the second annual Pancakes for Supper at Sam’s Morning Glory Diner. The committee has also been raising awareness through street teams who have passed out literature and fliers and worked to get the word out through social media. The group has affiliated itself with nonprofit organizations like QSpot, GenderEdge, Resources for Human Development and Morris Home. For more information about the event, email Lovehall at ChristianLovehall@yahoo. com or visit www.facebook.com/phillytransmarch. ■

Gay chorus launches new fundraiser By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will host its first-ever masquerade ball next week. PGMC’s Fall Ball will be held from 811 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. Proceeds from the concert will benefit PGMC. Avery Taylor, director of special events for PGMC, said the proceeds will continue to help the chorus afford venues, costumes and choreography for future events. “It is very expensive for us to produce concerts, which is why we host several fundraisers every year,” Taylor said. PGMC hosts four to five fundraisers annually. “We’ve done a Show Stopper fundraiser that was a cabaret-style fundraiser and at OutFest and Pride we have the beer booths,” Taylor said. PGMC also has staged a bachelor auction in the winter and a drag review. However, Fall Ball is expected to be their largest fundraiser event. PGMC director of marketing Paul

Fontaine conceived the name and theme of the event. “He had been to several fall- and springthemed fundraisers,” Taylor said. “He was thinking something along the lines for fall.” Taylor, along with PGMC development director J. Blaine Bonham, worked closely to develop the agenda for the ball. The event will include a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres, live music, a jazz band and silent and live auctions. The auctions will include prizes such as trips abroad, weekend getaways and signed celebrity memorabilia. The ball has an array of sponsors, including Barefoot Wine, which will provide the wine served at the ball. Members of PGMC are also assisting. “Different chorus members are providing supplies needed for the event,” Taylor said. “We even have a member who has a house in Florida that he is auctioning off for a week. A number of people have come together to make this the great event that it will be.” The ball will include a short performance by PGMC and will end with a masquerade dance. Tickets range from $65-$500 and can be purchased at www.pgmc.org. ■

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Few answers at meeting on General Assistance funding By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Local activists held an impassioned meeting last week with a top state official to discuss the governor’s cuts to a cashassistance program that had been utilized by terminally ill Pennsylvanians, including those with HIV/AIDS. Pennsylvania Welfare Deputy Secretary Lourdes Padilla met with members of ACT UP and other groups in Philadelphia Sept. 27 to discuss changes to the General Assistance program. On Monday, three former GA clients filed suit against the state. The GA program provided 70,000 Pennsylvania residents $205 a month and was used by many to cover medical expenses and other necessities. Gov. Tom Corbett (R) eliminated the program Aug. 1. Representative of U.S. Positive Women’s Network Waheedah Shabazz-El recommend to Padilla that the state exempt those with chronic illnesses. “Preventing people from becoming sick is cost-effective for our government,” she said. “Flooding homeless shelters, psychiatric hospitals, jails, foster homes is not the answer. This is not going to balance our budget. It’s going to cost you in the end.” Padilla could not give an exact answer as

According to Padilla, her department to if this policy could be put in place. She said she would bring that suggestion has evaluated all 70,000 cases of former and others discussed at the meeting back GA clients. She said she is compiling a report on alternative resources for former to Harrisburg. Members of Fight for Philly and the GA clients. Shabazz-El cautioned that people with AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania were chronic illnesses have also present, as was issues beyond affordstate Rep. Vanessa ing their medications, Lowery Brown (D190th Dist.). such as transportation Padilla said Corbett to and from doctors’ appointments. is working to find “ We ’r e t a l k i n g alternative resources about the difference for former clients, between life and including federal and other state programs. death for some peo“I’m very happy to ple,” Shabazz-El said. say we have started “We’re talking about that discussion. We people having to fight have had meetings for the right to exist. with the office of That should not be Social Security at the happening.” federal level,” Padilla Philadelphia said. “We’re going to Unemployment be exchanging inforP r o j e c t o rga n i z e r — Waheedah Shabazz-El Terrance Meacham mation and identifying what is needed for wanted to know the Social Security office to make a deci- where the sense of urgency was. sion on eligibility or non-eligibility.” “People are suffering right here and right Padilla did not provide a deadline for now,” Meacham said. “We want this to when those decisions would be made, but happen tomorrow. We are not just talking she told members that progress has been about a law, we’re talking about people’s occurring. lives. We’re talking about people’s loved

“We’re talking about the difference between life and death for some people. We’re talking about people having to fight for the right to exist. That should not be happening.”

ones.” University of Pennsylvania Dr. Joseph Metmowlee Garland, a clinician at the Jonathan Lax Center, which serves those with HIV/AIDS, said his patients were not misusing their GA income, which he said supported housing, transportation, food and phone costs. “What are my patients doing now? Many of them are selling their food stamps to stay in their house. I regularly have HIV patients losing weight because they don’t have safe food access,” Garland said. Garland said that many of his patients are facing the loss of their housing and may have to stay in shelters. “It seems like a small amount of money but I am telling you that people are spending every amount of that money responsibly,” he told Padilla. “I’m telling you there is good cause for this. There is a reason why you are hearing emotions from this because it is a desperate situation.” ACT UP member Jose DeMarco made it clear that his group isn’t ready to give up. “We know that the governor’s approval rate is very low and we know that this is the election season, “ DeMarco said. “We will campaign against him. We will make sure that when Romney comes to town, he knows what we are doing in Philadelphia.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Out soccer star returns to Philly with a goal By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Although it has been a year since Joanna Lohman wore a Philadelphia Independence jersey, her freedom has continued to flourish since leaving the City of Brotherly Love. Lohman, an alum of the local Women’s Professional Soccer team, will return to Philly to mark the relaunch of GO! Athletes — the first national network for LGBT highschool, college and former student athletes — from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at University of Pennsylvania’s Bodek Lounge. Lohman, 30, is a Penn State grad who played for the Independence in 2010 and 2011. Last season she played professionally for a team in Barcelona, Spain, and is now a member of D.C. United Women. She spent several years as a member of the U.S. Women’s National soccer team. She has been out since age 22 — most of her professional career — but she said she didn’t have a definitive coming-out moment. “It wasn’t a big affair because, in all honesty, it was a natural decision for me,” she said. “I wasn’t a celebrity so I didn’t have to come out in a big magazine or anything; it was just a natural, organic process.” While the sports world is often stereotyped as harsh on LGBT people, Lohman

JOANNA LOHMAN

said she’s had a very positive reception within her field. Women’s sports, however, may be inherently more progressive than their male counterparts, she noted, and soccer in particular has a reputation for its LGBT-friendliness, with athletes like out Olympic great Megan Rapinoe. “Obviously you hear stories, like from the

World Cup, of coaches and teams where it’s not accepted, but those are in the absolute minority,” Lohman said. “It’s hard to be in women’s sports in the United States and be homophobic. It’s not this huge surprise that some players are gay, and it’s really nice to see people speaking about it publicly.” Lohman has been open about her relationship with her partner, whom she met during their time as teammates on the Independence. The pair went on to found JoLi Academy, which brings the sport of soccer to young women in countries that lack opportunities for female athletes. When traveling on Academy business, Lohman said she has had to remain aware that some environments may not be as accepting of her sexuality as in the United States, but she puts the success of the program as top priority. “In January we’re going back to India for our second trip, and we’re really just working to develop the game for women,” she said. “Regardless of our sexuality, everyone can appreciate how much women need help around the world. In America, with Title IX, we don’t realize how lucky we are to have a supportive environment for women athletes. America is very unique in that sense and so we’re trying to provide a glimpse of the same human rights and opportunities that we’re presented.” Embracing opportunities is part of the mission of GO! Athletes, which connects current and former LGBT and ally student athletes and works for safe athletic spaces. The group was originally created in 2008 and last month reorganized under the GO!

moniker with a new board and website. Lohman said the leaders of the group, including executive director Anna Aagenes, are “fantastic individuals” with whom she was eager to work. “Their message of trying to support LGBT athletes and build an environment that’s accepting and positive for athletes to come out and be themselves is so positive and something that I really wanted to be a part of,” she said. In her own athletic career, Lohman said she’s been contacted by a number of student athletes who themselves are struggling with their sexuality. “On a weekly or monthly basis, I get emails and messages from young athletes who are trying to come out and who have been inspired by how open I have been,” she said, noting she finds the contact “very flattering.” “I’m a big believer in being authentic and living an authentic life, and I always try to encourage them to come out and live as their true selves, as long as it’s safe,” she added. Young athletes will have the chance to get some in-person advice from Lohman during next week’s visit to Penn. Lohman said she’s looking forward to coming back to the city that provided her with so many opportunities. “I really can’t wait to get back to the city and spend time with so many friends in the area,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to meeting with members of GO! and just making new personal connections. It’s going to be a really great time.” ■

PGN LOCAL

— Indigo Ball (6-10 p.m. at Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.): The William Way LGBT Community Center will host its largest fundraiser of the year. — IndiGoGo Dance Party (10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St.): Enjoy a night of dancing, drinks and fun to benefit William Way. Oct. 7 — OutFest (noon-6 p.m. in the Gayborhood): Celebrate National Coming Out day at the

— Bazaar on Quince (noon-6 p.m. in the 200 block of South Quince Street): Philadelphia’s first leather and fetish block party. — OutFest parties: The Official Women’s Party (noon-1 a.m. at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St.): Dance all day and night for only $5. Dance floor opens at 3 p.m. and food is served from 1-9 p.m. OutFest Party (starting at 11 a.m. at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St.): Drink specials all day, with the dance floor opening at 4 p.m. Stimulus Presents: OutFest Afterparty (4 p.m.-midnight at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St.): OutFest partiers can take the reveling inside with five DJs and drink specials. Cover is $5 before 6 p.m. and $7 after. OutFest Afterparty: (ICandy, 254 S. 12th St.): Dance floor opens at 4 p.m., and the party will include a performance by Jade Starling.

— compiled by Angela Thomas

Loews Hotel

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Oct. 6 — Philly Trans* March (3 p.m. at Love Park): Philadelphia Trans* March will host its second annual protest and march to bring attention to the transgender, gender-variant and gender non-conforming community and the political inequality and hate violence it faces. The march will head down Broad Street to Pine, through the Gayborhood and back to Love Park.

Oct. 5 — Third Annual City of Philadelphia LGBT History Month Celebration (2-3:15 p.m. at City Hall): The Office of LGBT Affairs, Mayor Michael Nutter and a host of community leaders will raise the rainbow flag to welcome LGBT History Month.

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LGBTs will welcome National Coming Out Day and the start of LGBT History Month in force this weekend. Take a look at some of the many activities the LGBT community has lined up to get people out and proud.

26th annual festival, which will feature live entertainment, food, drinks, crafts and vendors. Catch all the action on the main stage (13th and Locust streets): 12:30 p.m.: Opening work-out with the 12th Street Gym 12:45 p.m.: Dale Varga children’s magic show 1-1:50 p.m.: Pet contest and drag performances 1:55 p.m.: Performance by “Rocky Horror Picture Show” puppets 2:25 p.m.: “It’s A Beautiful Day in the Gayborhood” by Michael Byrne 2:30 p.m.: OutProud Award Ceremonies 4 p.m.: Third annual Youth Applause 4:05 p.m.: Performance by Jade Starling

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OutFest weekend

“It started out by having one table of eight contestants and now we have two tables with 10 contestants, and we have to do it about five times,” Price said. “It is always well-participated.” Michael Byrne will sing his famous “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Gayborhood.” “We always love it,” Price said. “Byrne has been doing it for 17 years. It’s fun when you have these traditions, and they are unique to Philly.” Price said she always anticipates a larger crowd for OutFest than the year before. “It’s always weather-permitting,” she said. “Last year, it was gorgeous and we had nearly 40,000 people come.” One group that seems to be a traditional guest at OutFest is antigay Repent America. So far, Price has not heard whether the protesters will attend this year’s event. “They come and people get more and more used to them,” Price said. “There is always one of them that has to be up in your face. Most of us pay them no mind. They’re not going to go away.” Price said OutFest, which celebrates the Oct. 11 National Coming Out Day, is a day for people to be open about their sexuality. “The protesters are not going to convert anyone,” she said. “National Coming Out Day is our unofficial and only national holiday that has a designated date. That means a lot.” For more information, visit www. phillypride.org. ■

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ticipants can pick a pumpkin and enter the pumpkin-carving contest. All proceeds will be divided between Philly Pride Presents and the William Way LGBT Community Center. The center will also hold pumpkins until the day after OutFest for people who don’t want to carry them at the event. OutFest will also introduce the Derby Inflatable Horse Race with a mechanical bull. “Friends can race each other to see who gets to the end. It should be fun,” Price said. OutFest will expand to Spruce Street, which was previously used for parking. A new leather bazaar, on the 200 block of Quince Street, also will debut. “Every year, when you keep getting bigger and bigger, you have to keep changing things,” Price said. “We keep having to expand.” Price considers OutFest to be a huge networking day. More than 100 vendors have registered for the event, most of which are community organizations. OutFest will open up with a work-out session from the 12th Street Gym, which Price says always gets the crowd excited and ready for the day. Children’s entertainment will include a magic show and a family zone. OutFest also will feature a pet zone, where local adoption agencies will bring dogs and cats ready for new homes, and pets can compete in a fashion show. Guests can also take in the traditional highheel race and penis-shaped bagel-eating contest, a staple at OutFest since 1995.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

bs tclu ters h g i en ,N erns unity C v a T ng dult Bars, Comm Gyms Lodgi A • • • • • 1. 12th Street Gym 204 S. 12th St. 215.985.4092 12thstreetgym.com 2. Adonis Cinema 2026 Sansom St. 215.557.9319 3. Alexander Inn 301 S. 12th St. 215.923.3535 alexanderinn.com 4. Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org 5. The Bike Stop 206 S. Quince St. 215.627.1662 thebikestop.com 6. Club Body Center 1220 Chancellor St. 215.735.7671

9. Giovanni’s Room 1145 Pine St. 215.923.2960 giovannisroom.com Oldest LGBT bookstore in the country 10. ICandy 254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com 11. Independent Hotel 1234 Locust St. 215.923.3535 theindependenthotel. com 12. Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com

13. Optimal Sport 7. Danny’s Adam & Eve 1315 Walnut St. (entr. on Juniper St.) 133 S. 13th St. 215.735.1114 215.925.5041 optimalsporthealth8. Fusion clubs.com 105 S. 12th St. 14. Pleasure Chest 215.733.0633 2039 Walnut St. fusioncrosstrain215.561.7480 ing.com

•9

15. Sansom Street Cinema 120 S. 13th St. 215.545.9254 16. Sansom Street Gym 2020 Sansom St. 267.330.0151 17. Scorpio Books 205 S. Juniper St. 215.525.2181

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Roo

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22. Tavern on Camac 243 S. Camac St. 215.545.0900 tavernoncamac.com 23. U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660 24. Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731

18. Sisters 1320 Chancellor St. 215.735.0735 sistersnightclub.com

25. Voyeur 1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub. com

19. Spruce Street Video 252 S. 12th St. 215.546.6843

26. Westbury 261 S. 13th St. 215.546.5170 thewestburybar.net

20. Stir Lounge 1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com

27. William Way LGBT CC 1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org

21. Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com

28. Woody’s 202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com

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REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

News Briefing Judge postpones decision on Tobits case A federal judge considering the case of Jennifer Tobits — a lesbian who’s seeking the death benefits of her deceased spouse — recently suspended the case indefinitely, pending the outcome of other relevant cases. U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones 2nd declined to comment on his Sept. 25 order but he’s presumably waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, the law that prevents federal recognition of same-sex marriage. The high court isn’t expected to rule on the constitutionality of DOMA until June 2013, at the earliest. Tobits married Sarah Ellyn Farley in Canada in 2006, and Farley died four years

later. Tobits is seeking a lump-sum death benefit of about $41,000 from the law firm Cozen O’Connor, where Farley was employed as an attorney but Farley’s parents contend they should receive the money. Cozen holds the position that DOMA disqualifies the Tobits-Farley marriage as a legal marriage for purposes of its benefits plan. However, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed legal papers in the case, stating that DOMA is unconstitutional. Tobits and Farley lived in Illinois, but Cozen is headquartered in Philadelphia, prompting the local suit. Last month, attorneys for the Farleys filed a brief citing a ruling in Hawaii upholding that state’s marriage-equality ban. But attorneys for Tobits filed briefs stating that marriage laws in other jurisdictions don’t affect Tobits’ right to receive benefits under Cozen’s plan. The briefs also cite judicial rulings in other cases that declared sections of DOMA to be unconstitutional. Christopher F. Stoll, an attorney for Tobits, expressed optimism that Tobits will receive the benefits. “We clearly think there’s nothing to prevent the court from ordering the money paid

to Jennifer now, because DOMA doesn’t prevent Cozen from paying Jennifer benefits under the plan,” Stoll told PGN. “If the Supreme Court strikes down DOMA, that just makes it easier for the court to conclude there’s no reason Jennifer shouldn’t receive the money.” Randall L. Wenger, an attorney for Farley’s parents, was pleased that the case has been placed on hold. “While we would like the matter to be resolved promptly, we are grateful that the federal and state marriage laws will not be put in jeopardy prior to the Supreme Court having the opportunity to rule on these issues,” Wenger told PGN.

Trial set for alleged assault of gay inmate Kevin Vincent Hannig, a federal inmate who stands accused of assaulting an openly gay inmate last year, is scheduled to go on trial next month. Hannig is charged with causing serious bodily harm to Kenneth J. Houck Jr., and aiding and abetting the attack on Houck. Jury selection is scheduled to begin 10 a.m. Nov. 19 in Courtroom 14B of the U.S.

Courthouse, 601 Market St. Hannig, 35, faces up to 10 years in federal lock-up if convicted. He remains incarcerated at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, pending the outcome of his trial. W. Chris Montoya, an attorney for Hannig, had no comment for this story. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neuman Leverett 3d, who’s prosecuting Hannig, declined to comment. On Nov. 10, Houck was reading a gay novel inside his cell at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia when Hannig and another male allegedly pulled Houck by his legs from the top bunk bed, then stomped on him and beat him with a chair. The tibia and fibula bones in Houck’s right leg were fractured during the incident, requiring the installation of a metal rod from ankle to knee for stabilization. Houck has undergone several surgical procedures in an effort to avoid amputation of his leg. At the time of his assault, Houck was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. In February, U.S. District Judge Gregory M. Sleet sentenced Houck to 97 months in prison, to be followed by five years of super-

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vised release. Houck’s projected release date is March 3, 2018, if he doesn’t commit any infractions while in custody.

Schneller renews challenge to Conshy ordinance Anti-LGBT activist James D. Schneller is seeking to reopen his legal challenge of an LGBT-inclusive civil-rights ordinance in Conshohocken. For more than a year, Schneller has embroiled the borough in litigation over the ordinance, which the borough council enacted in April 2011. On Aug. 28, Schneller withdrew his legal challenge without explanation. But, on Sept. 27, he filed a motion in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court requesting that the case be reopened. The motion adds new allegations that borough officials discriminated against Schneller on the basis of his religious creed and ancestry when enacting the ordinance. Schneller’s religious creed is Christianity, and his ancestry is Judeo-Christian, according to his motion. Schneller is co-founder of Philadelphia Metro Task Force, an anti-LGBT group with about 75 members representing about 20 municipalities in the state. Meanwhile, Conshohocken officials continue to seek about $18,000 in legal fees and costs from Schneller due to his legal

challenge of the ordinance. Michael J. Savona, the borough solicitor, called Schneller’s latest motion “misguided, pointless and completely meritless.” Savona said he plans to ask the court to impose sanctions against Schneller for allegedly filing frivolous motions. “Schneller is digging a hole deeper and deeper every time he goes back into court with some ridiculous motion,” Savona told PGN. “He should withdraw the [Sept. 27] motion, and stop wasting people’s time and money.” — Timothy Cwiek

Screening of abuse film The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance next week will co-host a free screening of “Boys and Men Healing,” a documentary about three male survivors of child sexual abuse. The screening will be held from 6:308:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Free Library of Philadelphia Central Branch, 1901 Vine St. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. To RSVP, email Katherine@philachildrensalliance.org.

Elements marks fourth conference Elements, a nonprofit organization uniting LGBTQ womyn of color, will host its

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

annual free conference next weekend. “Flowing Further” will be held at the Denim Loft PA, 1602 N. Second St., Oct. 12; and the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Oct. 13 and 14. The conference will start with a happy hour and film screening Friday and will include a Pleasure Principles playshop and dance party. Saturday will feature brunch followed by a film screening and workshops on issues facing the LGBTQ womyn of color community. The conference will conclude Sunday with an address from keynote speaker Elicia Gonzales, executive director of Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.ourelements.org.

Coach pleads guilty Former Archdiocesan baseball coach Louis Spadaccini pleaded guilty to sexualassault charges last week. Spadaccini, 38, pleaded guilty Sept. 26 to several counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, indecent assault and furnishing alcohol to minors, stemming from incidents with two boys, ages 13 and 14. Spadaccini agreed to a negotiated sentence of 12-24 months in prison, which will then be followed by five years probation and a lifetime Megan’s Law registration. Spadaccini will officially be sentenced next

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year and is currently being held without bail. Spadaccini coached at Neuman-Goretti High School. — Angela Thomas

Highlighting the LGBT community William Way LGBT Community Center, a featured partner of the city’s new Open Air program, is collecting messages from supporters for inclusion in the interactive public-arts project. The initiative, sponsored by the Association for Public Art, utilizes two-dozen searchlights to stage a nightly three-dimensional light show above the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through Oct. 14. The center will be the featured group Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day. Community members can submit a brief statement — that could be read in under 30 seconds — about the importance of “safe spaces.” Submissions are due by midnight Oct. 7, and the center will select the top submissions by Oct. 9. Winners will read their statements at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Project Information Center at Eakin’s Oval. For more information or to submit, visit www.formstack.com/forms/?1282980lJnxdcPwpe. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Media Trail Gay couples may get reprieve in deportation cases Yahoo News reports the Department of Homeland Security is planning to issue a policy memo stating illegal immigrants with American same-sex partners are eligible for consideration of having their deportation put on hold. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered the news last Thursday in a letter to 84 Democratic lawmakers who had pressed her agency to provide written guidance. The policy expected to go out next week falls under a federal program designed to focus resources away from low-priority deportation cases.

Napolitano says the memo to Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices will state that bi-national gay couples in long-term relationships would meet the definition of family that government lawyers can use as grounds for deferring a foreign citizen’s removal from the U.S. The policy does not mean Americans who are married to same-sex foreigners will be able to sponsor their spouses’ green card applications.

California law bans gay teen ‘conversion’ therapy ABC News reports California has become the first state to ban a controversial form of psychotherapy aimed at making gay teenagers straight. Gov. Jerry Brown announced Sept. 30 that he signed SB1172 by Democratic Sen. Ted Lieu of Torrance. The law will prevent children from being psychologically abused, Lieu said. Effective Jan. 1, the state will prohibit what is known as reparative or conversion therapy for minors. The therapies “have no basis in science or medicine and they will

now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery,” Brown said in a statement. Mainstream mental-health organizations have disavowed such therapy, and the California Psychological Association had earlier voiced support for the legislation. Gay-rights groups have called the practice dangerous because it can put youth at higher risk of depression and suicide. “We’re grateful to Gov. Brown for standing with California’s children,” the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement. “LGBT youth will now be protected from a practice that has not only been debunked as junk science, but has been proven to have drastically negative effects on their well-being.” The group called on other states to follow California’s lead on the issue. Conservative religious groups and some Republicans have argued that banning conversion therapy would hinder parents’ right to provide psychological care for children experiencing gender confusion. The Encino, Calif.-based National Association for Research and Therapy on Homosexuality said in August that the bill was a case of “legislative overreach,” and Lieu’s claims of harm to children were based on politics, not research.

Notre Dame staff seek gay, lesbian protections The Indianapolis Star reports University of Notre Dame employees have signed on to a statement urging the Roman Catholic school to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination clause. A full-page ad published Sept. 25 in the campus’ newspaper that carries the names of 366 faculty and staff members urges Notre Dame “to make the protection, recognition, and equal treatment” of LGBT people part of school policy. Organizer and sociology professor Richard Williams said that about a dozen more employees have signed the statement since it was published. Williams joined the Notre Dame faculty in 1986. He says attitudes have changed on campus just as they have in American society. The Common Council of South Bend, located near the campus, earlier this year voted to add sexual orientation to the city’s nondiscrimination protections. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

PGN

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Sept. 17-23. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 10 p.m. Sept. 16 and 11 a.m. Sept. 17, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1229 Chestnut St. — Between 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 18, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 931 Clinton St. — At 1:15 p.m. Sept. 18, a man came up behind a woman walking in the unit block of South 11th Street and stole her iPhone. He fled east on Ludlow Street. The suspect was a 6-foot black male, 200 pounds, with a beard and dark complexion, wearing a gray sweatshirt. — At 1:15 p.m. Sept. 18, a man snatched someone’s backpack outside 1234 Market St. and fled east toward 12th Street. The suspect was a 5-foot-9 black male in his 30s with dreadlocks and wearing jeans. — Between 4:45-11:45 p.m. Sept. 19, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1200 Spruce St. — Between 10:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and 7:30 a.m. Sept. 20, someone smashed the window of a 2012 Chevy that was parked in the 900

block of Walnut Street. Headsets were stolen. A report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, and police were not dispatched. — At 3 a.m. Sept. 20, a man was assaulted by three males at 1301 Locust St. The victim knew the suspects and reported their names and addresses. Central Detective Division planned to obtain arrest warrants. — At 9 p.m. Sept. 20, a male came up behind a group of people in the parking garage at 235 S. Broad St. and knocked one woman down. He took two handbags and ran off through the garage. The suspect was a 5-foot-6 black male with a heavy build. — Between 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 22, someone took a cell phone from an unlocked 2009 Chevy that was parked in the garage at 123 S. 12th St. A report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, and police were not dispatched. — Between 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and 4 p.m. Sept. 23, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1000 Chestnut St. — At 1:20 a.m. Sept. 23, a man was in the 1100 block of Spruce St. when a male asked him for a cigarette. The victim set his bag down to get one, and the male took the bag and walked away. The suspect was a 29-yearold 6-foot black male with short hair, wearing a black, puffy coat and black and white sneakers. — Between 4-5:30 p.m. Sept. 23, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1315 Spruce St. — Between 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Sept. 23, someone smashed the window of a 2012 Mercury that was parked in the 400 block of

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South 13th Street. Two iPhones were stolen. A report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, and police were not dispatched. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 11:30 a.m. Sept. 19, Center City District officers arrested a male after observing an illegal narcotic transaction at 900 Market St. Recovered were approximately 173 prescription-narcotic pills. The 45-year-old suspect with a Frankford address was charged with illegal narcotic sales. — At 12:25 p.m. Sept. 21, Center City District officers conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of Market Street and detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The operator allegedly was found to be in possession of two bags of marijuana and 36 prescription-narcotic pills. The 26-year-old suspect with a Frankford address was charged with possession of narcotics. — At 8:15 p.m. Sept. 21, 6th District officers arrested a male after observing an illegal narcotic transaction in the 200 block of South Camac Street. Recovered were eight packets of crack cocaine. The 27-year-old suspect with a Southwest Philadelphia address was charged with illegal narcotic sales. — At 2:10 a.m. Sept. 23, a woman was in her vehicle at 13th and Locust streets with the window down when a male reached in and took her handbag. A passenger in the vehicle chased the man and recovered the handbag. Sixth District police took the male into custody. The 59-year-old suspect with a West Philadelphia address was charged with theft from motor vehicle. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

International Marriage-equality defeat for Northern Ireland A motion calling for same-sex couples to be given the right to marry in Northern Ireland has been defeated in the Stormont Assembly. A joint proposal by Sinn Fein and the Green Party was defeated because the Democratic Unionists (DUP) ensured that it would have to obtain cross-community support in the parliament to succeed. The motion, which split largely along nationalist and unionist lines, was rejected by 45 votes to 50. Only three unionist assembly members out of 45 voted in favor of the motion. Under Stormont rules, any party can trigger a so-called petition of concern on a motion that then can only pass if the majority of nationalists and unionists back it together. LGBT campaigners held a rally outside the Stormont Assembly. Recently, the Presbyterian Church had written to all Northern Ireland Assembly

NEWS PGN

Malawi president drops pledge to decriminalize homosexuality

members stating its staunch opposition to equal marriage. The church warned that marriage for same-sex couples would “effectively demolish” generations and centuries of societal norms. The motion stressed that religious organizations would still be able to define and observe marriage as they saw fit, but said that same-sex couples should be allowed to have their unions recognized as marriage in the eyes of the state. Only half of the cross-community, liberal Alliance party turned up to vote. Even if the motion had passed, it would not have changed the law but rather just stated the opinion of the Assembly.

HK tycoon offers $65M dowry for gay daughter The daughter of a Hong Kong tycoon who has offered $65 million to any man who can woo her away from her lesbian partner says she’s not upset with her father. Still, it’s unlikely she will be accepting any of the marriage proposals flooding in. Gigi Chao says she’s on “very loving terms” with her father, Cecil Chao. He made world headlines this week when he offered the $500 million Hong Kong marriage bounty after learning that his daughter had eloped with her partner to France. Cecil Chao is the chairman of Hong Kong property developer Cheuk Nang Holdings

Gigi Chao (right), daughter of the Hong Kong property tycoon Cecil Chao, poses with her partner Sean Eav at an event in Hong Kong. The tycoon has offered $65 million to any man who can woo Chao away from her lesbian partner, but she says she is not upset with her father and is on “very loving terms” with him. Chao’s father made international headlines this week when he offered the money — which equates to $500 million American dollars — after he learned that his daughter had eloped with her partner to France. Photo: Associated Press

and has a reputation for being a playboy. He said Sept. 28 that he has received hundreds of offers from suitors while his daughter has had thousands.

Malawi President Joyce Banda is reneging a pledge to decriminalize homosexuality in her country, a promise she made in efforts to reform Malawi. Banda, who assumed the presidency after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika in April, said there isn’t enough public interest to change the law. “Where Malawi is and most African countries are, is maybe where America or the U.K. were about 100 years ago,” she said Sept. 26 after addressing the United Nations General Assembly. “The best thing the world can do is to allow each country to take its course, to allow each country to have that debate freely without the pressure of being pushed.” A month after becoming president, Banda told Malawi’s parliament that the so-called “unnatural acts” laws were unjust and had strained diplomatic relationships. Many global leaders criticized Malawi’s government for sentencing a same-sex couple to prison for 14 years for celebrating their engagement. The charges were eventually dropped. Following her address to parliament, Banda faced immense push-back from prominent religious figures. “Anyone who has listened to the debate in Malawi realizes that Malawians are not

NEWS PGN

ready to deal with that right now. I as a leader have no right to influence how people feel,” she added last week.

Sussex: Vicar has antigay ban lifted A gay vicar in Sussex who was banned from preaching by the Church of England has been told he can now resume work. The Rev. David Page of St. Thomas the Martyr in Winchelsea continued to conduct worship at the church after officials denied him permission because of his refusal to say whether his civil partnership was celibate. He had been allowed by the local parish council to preach despite the bishop of Lewes blocking him in 2008 when Page refused to clarify the nature of his relationship. In July of this year, Page described the ban as “homophobic” and that the line of questioning was “intrusive.” The church’s parochial church council invited him to lead worship again but the Diocese of Chichester took disciplinary action against him. However, on Oct. 1, the diocese said in a statement that the disciplinary matter had reached an “agreeable conclusion.” The Church of England allows for the ordination of gay priests, so long as they remain celibate.

Canada: University website tracks antigay Twitter comments A new Canadian social experiment has found that millions of antigay slurs have been used on Twitter in the past two months. The University of Alberta’s Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services is behind a new web-based project designed to act as a “social mirror” that reflects the use of homophobic language online. The department’s newly created website NoHomophobes.com has a daily counter on its home page that tracks the number of slurs tweeted. Figures show that the word “faggot” was

used more than 2.5 million times since July. Last week alone, it was in 219,000 tweets. Meanwhile, the phrase “so gay” was in 900,000 tweets, while another 800,000 had “no homo.” The word “dyke” came across in 350,000 comments. The institute’s associate director, Kristopher Wells, said his team “never imagined the scale of casual homophobia that actually exists on social media,” adding that it continues to be “one of the few acceptable forms of discrimination in our society.” Earlier this year, Stonewall revealed in its School Report of 2012 that 55 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils in Britain’s secondary schools experience homophobic bullying, while 99 percent hear the word “gay” used disparagingly.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Get the scoop on Philly’s LGBT nightlife in Barcrawlr, PGN’s biweekly take on not-to-miss events.

Only in Written by PGN’s intrepid reporter, Jim Kiley-Zufelt. Online and in print every other week.

— compiled by Larry Nichols

Barcrawlr Jim KileyZufelt

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

Sydney: Death of gay man ‘possible’ hate crime Police in the Australian city of Sydney are treating the death of a gay man in an apartment fire as “suspicious.” Ahmed Ghoniem, 27, was found last weekend and died later in hospital. Police say the Egyptian-born man had suffered several serious injuries before the fire was lit. Detective Inspector Angelo Memmolo said it was possible that Ghoniem was the victim of an antigay hate crime, although investigators are keeping an open mind about the motive. “We’re certainly following those lines of inquiry, looking at his background and appealing for people who may know him to come forward,” Memmolo said. He said Ghoniem had strong links with Sydney’s LGBT community. Police would not comment on details regarding the fire, including how or where in the apartment it was lit. They also declined to detail the nature of the injuries suffered by Ghoniem before the fire. However, detectives said it was likely that Ghoniem was dead before the blaze had started. His family, who are still in Egypt, have been notified of his death. ■

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Online and in print every second Friday.

Get out of town. No, really, we mean it. Find deals both near and far, along with travel tips from Philly’s own Jeff Guaracino.

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Read On Being Well every fourth week of the month

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LOCAL PGN REWARD from page 1

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Cordova featuring an interview with her mother in the coming weeks and post information on the case on its website. Casarez said she’s hopeful the reward will bring investigators closer to an arrest. “I see it as a huge boost to getting people’s attention and hopefully getting resolution on the case,” she said. “Anyone who has information who hasn’t come forward may have a reason to share what they know now.” Elicia Gonzales, executive director of Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative, where Cordova formerly worked as an HIV tester, said the reward shows that people are “fed up and will not take violent acts against our community any longer.” “Someone knows something and isn’t saying,” she said. “I hope this gives people the courage to tell the truth and bring justice for Kyra.” Police said this week that the case is moving forward. “We have good direction and are hoping to bring this one in soon,” said police spokesperson Lt. Ray Evers. Surveillance video from a nearby Wawa showed Cordova purchasing two drinks and two sandwiches but she was alone at the time. Evers declined to specify if the police have identified a specific suspect or person of interest. “We have some good direction in reference to the evidence that was recovered that could be leading us to a possible suspect,” he said. Supporters — including community leaders, city officials and friends and family of the victim — have held several Justice for Kyra meetings, which Gonzales said have been productive. “Considering the layers of complexity involved in Kyra’s murder, it’s been incredibly powerful and eye-opening to see the collaboration,” she said. “Folks are still healing, grieving and are sad and angry, but they’ve come together for this incredibly intense purpose and mission.” The group in the future plans to work to raise awareness about transrelated violence but, right now, is focusing solely on finding Cordova’s murderer. “Time is of the essence,” Gonzales said. “Our priority is working with police and making sure folks are spreading the word. There is still a killer out there.” Cordova’s family will participate in this Saturday’s Philly Trans* March, and special tributes will be shared in her honor. The march begins at 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Love Park. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

LOCAL PGN VOTER ID from page 1

partial injunction to block its enforcement until next year, when it will be enforced in full. It is unclear if the state will appeal Simpson’s ruling. Last spring, Republican lawmakers approved legislation that mandated all voters present appropriate state-issued identification. If the measure had been allowed to stand, it was expected to disproportionately affect low-income, minority and elderly voters, as well as transgender and gender non-conforming voters, whose presentation may not reflect the photo on their IDs. Jerome M. Mondesire, president of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said the law was “hatefully crafted.” “The idea that you could have a restriction on thousands of voters is wrong,” he said. Philadelphia City Commissioner Stephanie Singer considered the ruling a victory for democracy, one that she hopes will get people out to the polls next month. “We can disagree on whether we should have any voter-ID law but there is one thing we have to agree on, and that is that no one should be disenfranchised,” she said. “We have 1.1 million Philadelphians eligible to vote. I hope to see 1.1 million Philadelphians voting in November. We have to keep working because if we don’t go out and vote, we disenfranchise ourselves and our city.” Mazzoni Center legal director David Rosenblum, who advocated for the overturning of the law, noted that the judge’s injunction was partial, and that poll workers can still request ID — but voters need not present it, yet. “He put on hold the part where you need an ID in November. What he did say is that they can still ask you for your identification,” Rosenblum said. “Even if you go to the polls and they ask you for ID, you don’t have to show it and you will still be able to vote and have your vote counted.” He called the process a “soft roll-out” of the law, which will get people used to being asked for ID in future elections. Rosenblum noted, however, that it is still a huge victory. “It is a wonderful thing,” he said. “This is the only logical thing to do in this late stage of the game. This will make sure that everyone who wants to vote will have a chance to. I hope people won’t take this for granted. It is important to have our voices heard, especially in the LGBT community. We need to be a part of the discussion.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Congratulations

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

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PGN LOCAL WILLIAMS from page 1

after he beat Norwood to death with a tire iron and socket wrench. Prosecutors claimed the murder was committed in the commission of a robbery and had presented the case as a random stranger attack. Williams was 18 at the time of the slaying and has been in prison since the 1984 murder. He has been held on death row since 1986 and is still appealing his sentence. The emergency hearing was predicated on new evidence put forward by Williams’ current attorney, Shawn Nolan, that police and the former prosecutor in the case had kept information from the jury that Williams had been sexually assaulted by Norwood and that Norwood was a known pedophile who had been sexually abusing Williams since he was 13. Norwood’s widow had urged clemency for Williams at the hearing and in a plea to Gov. Tom Corbett. More than 360,000 signatures have been signed requesting clemency for Williams. In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty could no longer be applied to juveniles. At the end of June 2012, SCOTUS ruled that sentencing teenagers to life in prison was a violation of the Eighth Amendment and represented cruel and unusual punishment. Williams had already turned 18 at the time of the Norwood murder, so neither ruling is applicable, although those seeking clemency for Williams have cited both in their arguments. Sarmina gave a scathing recounting of events in a 45-minute statement from the bench on Sept. 28. She stipulated that prosecutors had deliberately withheld the evidence that Norwood had sex with minor boys, including Williams. Sarmina said she was staying Williams’ execution because, had the jury heard the complete evidence, they may have chosen a different verdict than the death penalty. Sarmina also ruled that the new evidence — which had been secreted in police files for the past 28 years that Williams has been incarcerated — was not enough to warrant a new trial. It was, however, reason to stay the execution and grant a new sentencing hearing. Sarmina concluded, “This court is granting a stay of execution and this court is granting a new penalty phase.” Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams (no relation to the prisoner) immediately rebuked Sarmina for her ruling and vowed to see Williams executed. DA Williams contended that the alleged abuse was just that — alleged — and that Williams is manipulating the court with this new information. He told reporters that Sarmina ignored the fact that Williams had not raised the issue of abuse at his original trial. But Williams’ attorney said Williams was 18 at the time and first met his attorney the day before his trial. Williams’ co-defendant in the case, Marc Draper, who is currently serving a life sentence for the crime, testified at the hearing before Sarmina that it was Norwood’s assaults on Williams that made him

kill Norwood. It was Draper who raised the abuse issue with the court, stating he was told not to mention it at the original trial. Nolan said, “Terry’s case is unique, and Terry is deserving of mercy. We hope that those with the power to prevent this injustice will agree that Terry’s death sentence should be commuted to life without the possibility of parole. Most Pennsylvanians would agree that the death penalty is the punishment for the worst of the worst offenders, not for traumatized victims of sexual abuse who strike back at their abusers. Terry Williams’ story is one of horrific childhood sexual and physical abuse. A victim of sexual abuse since the age of 6, Terry was preyed on repeatedly by older males throughout his childhood. Born into poverty, with a violently abusive mother and no father, Terry was vulnerable and victimized by a series of predators.” Nolan said that Williams was “deeply traumatized from the sexual and physical abuse,” and that was why he killed Norwood. Nolan added, “Terry is profoundly remorseful.” The National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women in Philadelphia has thrown its support behind Williams’ bid for clemency, stating, “Like other victims of abuse whom we assist, Mr. Williams’ victimization was not investigated or presented to the jury, nor did the jury know that the decedent sexually assaulted Mr. Williams many times, including violently raping him the night before the incident.” Several jurors have stated in affidavits that had they known about the abuse, they would not have voted to sentence Williams to death. That information was also presented at the hearing. Sexual abuse is considered a mitigating circumstance in the sentencing phase of perpetrators. DA Williams is appealing Sarmina’s ruling to the state Supreme Court. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court could still overturn Sarmina’s ruling, but in a statement on Sept. 28, Nolan, Williams’ attorney, said, “We do not believe that the court will tolerate the prosecutor’s actions in this case, especially when life or death are at issue.” Ron Castille, chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, was district attorney in Philadelphia during the period of Williams’ original trial in 1986 and, therefore, some have called for him to recuse himself from considering the Sarmina ruling due to a conflict of interest. Castille, however, has refused to do so. There have only been three executions in Pennsylvania since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. All three occurred during the administration of Gov. Tom Ridge (R), and all three prisoners had chosen to quit their appeals and be executed, the last in 1999. The last time a death-row inmate was executed against his will — before his appeals ran out — was in 1962 when Elmo Smith was executed for the grisly rape and murder of a Philadelphia high school sophomore, Mary Ann Mitchell. ■

In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty could no longer be applied to juveniles. At the end of June 2012, SCOTUS ruled that sentencing teenagers to life in prison was a violation of the Eighth Amendment and represented cruel and unusual punishment.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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INFORMATION STATEMENT ON ACCESS TO THE ELECTION PROCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA In accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Voter Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984, the City of Philadelphia does not discriminate against people with disabilities in providing access to its election process. According to these federal laws, the City of Philadelphia is required to ensure that its election process as a whole is accessible to people with disabilities in all elections. This means that polling places shall be accessible to people with disabilities to the extent that accessible locations are available within each election district. The City Commissioners designate and list polling place accessibility in varying degrees with separate codes for the building and parking. Polling places that fully meet all federal and state criteria are designated with an “F” for fully accessible building and an “H” for handicapped van parking. If a polling place location does not fully meet these federal and state criteria but provides relative accessibility with minor assistance in entry then that location will be designated with a “B” for substantial accessibility. If a fully accessible location that meets all federal and state criteria (designated as “FH”), or one that has been modified to provide accessibility, is not available for a polling place in your election Division, voting accessibility will be provided through the use of an Alternative Ballot in accordance with directives issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. If you are a registered voter who is disabled or age 65 or older and who is not assigned to a polling place that has been designated as “FH”, you are qualified to vote using an Alternative Ballot. ONLY THE FOLLOWING WARD AND DIVISION POLLING PLACES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS “FH” OR FULLY ACCESSIBLE. IF YOU ARE A REGISTERED VOTER IN ANY ELECTION DISTRICT IN PHILADELPHIA, EXCEPT FOR THOSE LISTED BELOW, AND YOU ARE DISABLED OR AGE 65 OR OLDER YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FROM HOME USING AN ALTERNATIVE BALLOT OR AT CITY HALL ROOM 142 ON ELECTION DAY USING AN EMERGENCY ALTERNATIVE BALLOT:

Ward

Division

Address

Ward

Facility

Division

Address

Facility

4400 FAIRMOUNT AVE.

ANGELA COURT NURSING HOME

4349 RIDGE AVE

FALLS RIDGE APTS COMM CENTER

9 ,11

4035 PARRISH ST

SARAH ALLEN SENIOR HOUSING

10, 19

501 JACKSON PLACE

JACKSON PLACE

167 W ALLEGHENY AVE

VILLAS DE CARIBE

7, 22

2600 MOORE ST

ST JOHN NEUMANN PL

13,17

200 E SOMERSET ST

SOMERSET VILLAS

11, 23

1905 VARE AVE

WORKFORCE DEL CENTER

3,4

1800 LOMBARD ST

PENN MEDICINE

3, 20

1300 W GODFREY AVE

COMM COLLEGE PHILA. NW

THE WATERMARK

2 FRANKLIN TOWN BLVD

11, 12

2600 BELMONT ST

INGLIS HOUSE FOUNDERS HALL

2400 CHESTNUT ST

2400 CHESTNUT ST BLDG 57

3, 13

2990 HOLME AVE

IMMACULATE MARY NURSING HOME

100 E MERMAID LANE

CHESTNUT HILL FRIENDS MEETING

1100 FAIRMOUNT AVE

GLADYS JACOBS APT BLDG

9, 13, 17

608 WELSH RD

ST THOMAS SYRO MALA CHURCH

1100 POPLAR ST

STREET COMM.CTR.

9896 BUSTLETON AVE

PAULS RUN

4400 BALTIMORE AVE

H M S SCHOOL

608 WELSH RD

ST THOMAS SYRO MALABAR CHURCH

10, 11, 25 RISING AVE & COMLY ST

LAWNCREST REC CENTER

8, 9, 10,13,14 3201 RYAN AVE

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

16, 17, 22 LANGDON & SANGER ST

NEW FELS HIGH SCHOOL

2,7

NORCOM COMM CENTER

10980 NORCOM RD

An Alternative Ballot may be obtained for any election, upon your advance request on an Alternative Ballot Application. In Philadelphia an application for an Alternative Ballot can be made on the regular Absentee Ballot Application by checking the box for “Handicapped or 65 years or older and who is assigned to an inaccessible polling place”. The applications may be obtained at the County Board of Elections in Room 142, City Hall or by contacting (215) 686-3469 VOICE, or TTY/TDD through the AT&T Relay System. TDD users may utilize this service by calling 1-800-654-5984 and telling the communications assistant they want to speak to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Elections at (717) 787-5280. Alternative Ballot Applications by mail must be submitted to the County Board of Elections not later than 7 days before the election. Alternative Ballots must be returned to the County Board of Elections no later than the close of the polls, at 8:00 P.M. on Election Day. Additionally, registered electors with disabilities may apply for an Emergency Alternative Ballot Application and cast their ballot in person at the County Board of Elections, in Room 142, City Hall, up to the close of the polls on Election Day. In addition, the City shall provide registration materials in large print at each registration facility, and voting instructions in large print at each polling place. Should you have any questions about your rights, or the City’s obligations under these laws, or if you need assistance in determining if your polling place fully meets federal and state criteria, please contact the Accessibility Compliance Office, or the County Board of Elections.

www.phillyelection.com City Commissioner’s Office City Hall, Rooms 130 - 134 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Stephanie Singer, Chair, City Commissioners Anthony Clark, City Commissioner Al Schmidt, City Commissioner

Carmelo Seminara, Acting Supervisor County Board of Elections Room 142, City Hall Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-686-3469 215-686-3943

Accessibility Compliance Office 1401 JFK Blvd, MSB 10th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 – 1677

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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DECLARACIÓN DE INFORMACIÓN SOBRE EL ACCESO AL PROCESO DE ELECCIONES PARA LAS PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES EN LA CIUDAD DE FILADELFIA De acuerdo con el Título II de la Ley de Norteamericanos con Discapacidades de 1990 y la Ley de Accesibilidad de Votante para los Ancianos y los Discapacitados de 1984, la Ciudad de Filadelfia no discrimina a la gente con discapacidades al suministrar acceso para el proceso de elecciones. Según estas leyes federales, se requiere que la Ciudad de Filadelfia asegure que su proceso de elecciones en conjunto sea accesible a la gente con discapacidades en todas las elecciones. Esto significa que los sitios de votación serán accesibles a los discapacitados de tal manera que haya locaciones accesibles disponibles dentro de cada distrito electoral. Los City Commissioners (Comisionados de la Ciudad) designan y enumeran la accesibilidad de los lugares de votación en grados variables. Los sitios de votación que cumplen en su totalidad con los criterios federales y estatales son designados con una “F” que indica que es un edificio totalmente accesible, y con una “H” que indica que es un parqueadero para discapacitados. Si un logar de votación no cumple en su totalidad con estos criterios federales y estatales, pero provee accesibilidad relativa con una pequeña ayuda en la entrada, entonces ese logar será designado con una “B” que indica que tiene una accesibilidad sustancial. Si no hay disponible un lugar totalmente accesible, que cumpla con todos los criterios federales y estatales (designados como “FH”), como sitio de votación en su División de elección, la accesibilidad para votar será proporcionada mediante el uso de una Boleta Alterna de acuerdo con las directrices expedidas por el Secretary of the Commonwealth (Secretario del Estado). Si usted es un votante registrado, que es discapacitado o tiene 65 años de edad o más, y no se le ha asignado un lugar de votación que haya sido designado como “FH”, entonces cumple con los requisitos para votar mediante una Boleta Alterna. SÓLO LOS CENTROS DE VOTACIÓN DE LOS DISTRITOS Y LAS DIVISIONES ELECTORALES QUE SE MENCIONAN A CONTINUACIÓN SE HAN DESIGNADO COMO “FH” O TOTALMENTE ACCESIBLES. SI USTED ES UN VOTANTE REGISTRADO EN CUALQUIER DISTRITO ELECTORAL DE PHILADELPHIA, SALVO EN AQUELLOS QUE SE ENUMERAN A CONTINUACIÓN, Y ES DISCAPACITADO O MAYOR DE 65 AÑOS, CUMPLE CON LOS REQUISITOS PARA VOTAR DESDE SU HOGAR MEDIANTE UNA BOLETA ALTERNATIVA O EN LA SALA 142 DEL AYUNTAMIENTO EL DÍA DE LA ELECCIÓN MEDIANTE UNA BOLETA ALTERNATIVA DE EMERGENCIA:

Distrito División electoral electoral

Domicilio

Centro de votación

Distrito División electoral electoral

Domicilio

Centro de votación

4400 FAIRMOUNT AVE.

ANGELA COURT NURSING HOME

16, 17,22 LANGDON & SANGER ST

NEW FELS HIGH SCHOOL

9 ,11

4035 PARRISH ST

SARAH ALLEN SENIOR HOUSING

4349 RIDGE AVE

FALLS RIDGE APTS COMM CENTER

167 W ALLEGHENY AVE

VILLAS DE CARIBE

10, 19

501 JACKSON ST

JACKSON PLACE

13,17

200 E SOMERSET ST

SOMERSET VILLAS

7,22

2600 MOORE ST

ST JOHN NEUMANN PL

3,4

1800 LOMBARD ST

PENN MEDICINE

3,20

1300 W GODFREY AVE

COMM COLLEGE PHIL NW

THE WATERMARK

2 FRANKLIN TOWN BLVD

11,12

2600 BELMONT ST

INGLIS HOUSE FOUNDERS HALL

2400 CHESTNUT ST

2400 CHESTNUT ST BLDG

3,13

2990 HOLME AVE

IMMACULATE MARY NURSING HOME

100 E MERMAID LANE

CHESTNUTHILL FRIENDS MEETING

9, 13,17

608 WELSH RD

ST THOMAS SYRO MALA CHURCH

1100 FAIRMOUNT AVE

GLADYS JACOBS APT BLDG

9896 BUSTLETON AVE

PAULS RUN

1100 POPLAR ST

STREET COMM. CTR.

608 WELSH RD

ST THOMAS SYRO MALABAR CHURCH

4400 BALTIMORE AVE

H M S SCHOOL

8,9,10,13,14 3201 RYAN AVE

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

10,11,25

RISING AVE & COMLY ST

LAWNCREST REC CENTER

2,7

NORCOM COMM CENTER

10980 NORCOM RD

Es posible obtener una Boleta Alterna para cualquier elección, a través de una petición por adelantado de una Solicitud de Boleta Alterna. En Filadelfia se puede pedir una Boleta Alterna en la solicitud corriente de Boleta para Votar en Ausencia, señalando la casilla de “Discapacitado, 65 años de edad o mayor y a quien se le ha asignado un lugar de votación inaccesible”. Las solicitudes se pueden obtener en la County Board of Elections (Junta de Elecciones del Condado) en Room 142, City Hall o llamando al teléfono (215) 686-3469 VOICE, o por TTY/TDD (Teletipo/Aparato de Telecomunicación para Sordos) a través del AT&T Relay System. Los usuarios de TDD pueden utilizar este servicio llamando al 1-800-654-5984 e informándole al asistente de comunicaciones que desean hablar con la Pennsylvania Bureau of Elections (Oficina de Elecciones de Pennsylvania) en el (717) 787-5280. Las Solicitudes de Boleta Alterna deben enviarse por correo a la County Board of Elections a más tardar siete días antes de la elección. Las Boletas Alternas deben devolverse a la County Board of Elections a más tardar al momento del cierre de elecciones, a las 8:00 p.m. del Día de Elecciones. Además, los electores registrados con discapacidades pueden pedir una Solicitud de Boleta Alterna de Emergencia y depositar la boleta personalmente en la County Board of Elections, in Room 142, City Hall, hasta el momento del cierre de elecciones durante el Día de Elecciones. También, la Ciudad proporcionará materiales de inscripción en letras grandes en cada instalación de inscripción, y suministrará las instrucciones en letras grandes sobre cómo votar en cada sitio de votación. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre sus derechos o sobre las obligaciones de la Ciudad según estas leyes, o si necesita ayuda para determinar si su lugar de votación cumple en su totalidad con los criterios federales y estatales, comuníquese con la Accessibility Compliance Office (Oficina de Cumplimiento con la Accesibilidad), o la County Board of Elections.

www.phillyelection.com Oficina del Comisionado de la Ciudad City Hall, Rooms 130-134 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Stephanie Singer, Presidenta, Comisionados Municipales Anthony Clark, Comisionado Municipal Al Schmidt, Comisionado Municipal

Carmelo Seminara Supervisor Interino Junta De Elecciones Del Condado Room 142, City Hall Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-686-3469 215-686-3943

Oficina de Cumplimiento con la Accesibilidad 1401 JFK Blvd, MSB 10th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 – 1677

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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

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Margaret Cho gets motherly in new tour By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Margaret Cho is back on the road with a new stand-up comedy tour, following her acclaimed appearances on TV shows like “Drop Dead Diva” and “30 Rock,” the latter of which garnered her an Emmy nomination. Her new comedy show, “Mother,” offers Cho’s untraditional look at motherhood, maternal figures and strong women in queer culture. Cho spoke to PGN about the state of politics and pop culture, and her new tour, which swings through Wilmington, Del., Oct. 9. PGN: What can you tell us about your new show, “Mother”? MC: It’s lots of stuff about my mom and about the idea that, as we get older, women in their 40s are often regarded as mother figures. That’s what I’m riffing on, but it’s also a very raunchy show and it’s smart. So I thought it would be funny to call the show “Mother” because you think of mothers as being very sacred and holy, but then, you don’t get to be a mother unless you have sex. Every mother knows about that. That’s what the show is. I talk about mother figures in pop culture like Madonna and Lady Gaga. It’s also my own take on motherhood. I don’t know if it’s going to be in my future, but I know I am kind of a mother to the world. PGN: We’re glad to hear the new show is edgy because your last tour was named “Beautiful,” and with “Mother” we were beginning to worry that you were getting into a warm, fuzzy phase, kind of

like when Mariah Carey was naming her albums stuff like “Rainbow,” “Unicorn” and “Pink Fuzzy Slippers.” MC: It’s even more so. It kind of makes it more provocative. I have posters of me on a motorcycle. It’s like motorcycle mama. PGN: Are you talking about the election in your new show? MC: I’m going more into political issues like the whole Chick-filA drama and gay marriage and even Paris Hilton and Grinder. Every day is something.

Whatever time I have, yes, it’s always going to be political. I worked for Obama in Philadelphia in 2008 on the campaign. So now I’m definitely going to be back to support him. There’s so much going on in pop culture and gay culture, so I’m trying to fit it all in. PGN: Do you find it shocking that there are people who still don’t know who they are going to vote for? MC: Yeah. It’s so crazy. Mitt Romney is so clueless. It’s such a bad idea. I don’t know why people think he’s going to solve anything. It’s really wrong. PGN: Do you have any opinion about Log Cabin Republicans, who continue to support Romney despite the fact that he supports antigay legislation? MC: It’s a very weird phenomenon. I don’t know exactly what makes them want to support an organization that denies them their rights and denies that they are equal in the eyes of the law and the government. It’s a very strange thing. I don’t understand them. PGN: Congratulations on your Emmy nomination for your appearances on “30 Rock.”

MC: Thank you. PGN: Did you have the opportunity to give Tracy Morgan the stink-eye when you were on the show? MC: Actually, when I worked with him, I did three episodes and the first one I did all with him, and this was before all that — when he talked about wanting to kill his son for being gay — happened. After that, I didn’t see him at all. The way I’m on the show, my scenes are on their own, so I didn’t get any contact with him and I don’t know him at all socially. It’s hard to believe that someone would be that homophobic and then work on a show that is very much kind of geared to a gay audience. Tina Fey is a big supporter of the gay community and always has been. And a lot of the people who work on that show are gay. So it seems odd to me that someone who works there and is in contact with gay people all the time would be able to be so homophobic like that. It’s so weird. PGN: Do you think his apology was sincere? MC: I don’t know. I’m sure it was a measure of trying to do damage control for the show and for himself. I think when

Photo: Austin Young

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FEATURE PGN

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people realize that, Oh, I didn’t realize homophobia was so deep within me, that’s a realization and they go through that. But at the same time, when you say, “I want to kill a gay person,” it’s hard to take that away. I don’t know how I can get over that you said you want to kill gay people. It’s a very deep, dark statement. It’s really frightening. Comedy is catching up in the way that we talk about gays. You used to not be able to keep up on when things like that happened because comedy is by nature a very homophobic, sexist and racist community. People like myself, we always want to try to laugh it off because for years we were insanely outnumbered. Now, the way that the media is, you can have everybody kind of listening to everything that happens. Then you have more people to back you up. It’s an odd situation for comics because a lot of things that are said on stage maybe weren’t meant for this world to see. Maybe it was meant for only people in that room to see. It’s negative and positive in the way that we can’t control the messages that are out there, but in this specific case it was a really strange one. I can’t imagine someone who is surrounded by gay people could be that homophobic. It’s very weird. PGN: Have you ever been in a position where someone criticized you for something you said on stage and wanted you to apologize? MC: No, not on stage. I have been confronted on stuff I did for a talking-head thing for CNN. The one time I did get in trouble was in 2003 for talking about George W. Bush. People were not angry at Bush just yet. Nobody had any problems with him, and I did. I was really threatened. It was the same conservatives who are so angry and they lash out in the form of homophobia, sexism and racism. It didn’t hurt me because it was invalid as an

argument. That I’m a lesbian is not a valid political argument. That’s not an argument. Bristol Palin’s argument to me was, “Why don’t you go to a k.d. lang concert?” To me, that’s not an insult, but to her it is. I’m not attacked in the same way as a lot of comedians. I am queer and I am a woman of color, and these are things that often get people in trouble. PGN: You perform in theaters for the most part but sometimes you go back to doing clubs. Which do you prefer? MC: I love both. I love the energy of a comedy club. There’s a different feeling. The best place for writing and making acts better is a comedy club. There’s no better environment to put your stuff together. I come from the era of Bill Hicks, who was a god in the comedy clubs. There’s something about doing multiple shows a Photo: missmissyphotography.net night in a more intimate space. I love theaters, of course, but I like to do a year of smaller clubs, then I’ll do a year of huge venues. PGN: We loved the cabaret show you did a few years back, “The Sensuous Woman.” Are you ever going to do a show like that again? MC: Maybe. That was a great experience but it was difficult to do physically. It was a little much for me but I did really enjoy it. If I were to do something like that it would be pretty isolated. I thought about doing something like that with a musician friend of mine, Peaches. She’s amazing. There’s always the possibility but I don’t have a set plan. There may be something along the lines of that, but not on the same scale. ■ Margaret Cho performs 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at DuPont Theatre, 1007 N. Market St. in Wilmington, Del. For more information or tickets, call 800-338-0881 or visit www. margaretcho.com.

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When it comes to diversity, we see color . . . and so much more. It’s about having your community reﬂected on the big screen and behind the scenes. It’s offering culturally relevant programming that entertains, but also informs and inspires dreams. At Comcast and NBCUniversal, we embrace the diversity of the communities we serve, the people we employ, the vendors with whom we partner, and the students we mentor. We see the full spectrum of possibilities. Comcast and NBCUniversal are proud to support LGBT History Month and OUTFEST 2012.

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Revisiting early days of AIDS activism By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Chronicling the empowerment of the gay community and its supporters as they came together to fight for rights for people with AIDS, “How to Survive a Plague” is a truly exceptional documentary. It opens at Ritz Theatres Oct. 12. The film’s pre-credit sequences, which depict protestors being dragged away, are powerful and often tearjerking. How can anyone do nothing — or worse, condemn those who are suffering — in an epidemic where millions of people are dying from neglect? Filmmaker David France effectively captures the activism — from kiss-ins to the wrapping of Sen. Jesse Helms’ house in a condom — that was meant to provoke a response from President George H.W. Bush, New York Archbishop John Cardinal O’Connor and big pharma, among others. It is impossible not to be moved by images of survivors of AIDS victims showering the White House lawn with the ashes of their loved ones. “How to Survive a Plague” showcases the efforts of unlikely activists, like oncecloseted bond trader Peter Staley and former senior public-relations executive Bob Rafsky, to mobilize and inspire a community — be it at a conference where support is being demanded or at a funeral for an AIDS victim. The testimony of these self-educated members is articulate, heartfelt and incredibly rousing. France also clearly unpacks the medical challenges that surrounded AIDS treatment in its early years, as well as how the gay community educated itself to work with scientists and the splintering of ACT UP. This film documents life during wartime, and watching the battles won and lost is truly heartening. In a recent phone interview, France spoke to PGN about his phenomenal film.

PGN: What was your experience during the heyday of ACT UP? DF: I was a journalist on the ground. I had been covering the epidemic for a number of years by the time ACT UP came along. I attended the meetings. It was the town square, where all info was exchanged. I was covering what they were doing, and I followed up on their discoveries.

and their advocates who fought to save their lives and interact with the scientists doing the work. It’s a great American story of triumph. It’s a story that has not been told before. PGN: What can you say about the interviews you did? They were quite impassioned. Were people generally interested in talking about their participation? It

FILMMAKER DAVID FRANCE (LEFT) AND ACTIVIST PETER STALEY

PGN: What made you want to tell this story of ACT UP now? DF: I wanted to enrich the record of those years because we have memorialized the plague years through plays, films and books produced in the middle of those years. They chronicled frankness when this mysterious killer invaded the community — not how HIV devastated us, but how we devastated HIV. In 1996 to 1997, the change in America — how drugs are tested, regulated and marketed — was created by AIDS activism. Ultimately, the virus was brought to its knees by the interactions and collaboration of activists, people with HIV

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seems some folks experienced survivor’s guilt. And you must have been dredging up old, painful memories. DF: I should say there was not a great eagerness to talk to me about those years. People who lived through them have chosen — in the sense of the soundness of mind — to put those ugly memories behind them. It was a challenge for me to get them to come, and a challenge to them to rewind their lives to 1987 and tell me what they saw. I was astonished by my own emotional collapse in the middle of the film. I cried in every interview, and it was sometimes impossible for me to ask the next question. It made me realize how profound the scars are for

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them, how much was invested in this tiny story in the middle of this epidemic. For me, it was a catharsis. PGN: You deliberately, and effectively, keep the identity of those who survived a mystery until the end. What was your decision for this approach? It is very dramatic and very rewarding. DF: Here’s the decision I made, and held to tenaciously: I wanted the viewer to have the same experience that we who survived that experience had and witnessed. You didn’t know who would live or die from minute to minute. There was absolute uncertainty. The goal and opportunity was that you could experience these events in real time through the archive footage. PGN: What, for you, was the most important or powerful moment — the “get,” as I call it? DF: I was stunned to see the tape of Larry Kramer in the middle of this divisive, cancerous moment where the activists turn on each other [at a meeting]. It was a piece of footage from that time that captured both the anxiety and dread among the combatants, and the camera held on Kramer’s face when he explodes into this speech trying to bring everyone back into the boat to keep this campaign going. It captures so brilliantly what Kramer’s power has been — to use a few words to grab the community by the collar and shake them up and remind them what the stakes are and what we’re after. The night we were sitting in the cutting room running the tape , it blew me away. ■ Mazzoni Center will present a free screening of "How to Survive a Plaque" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Ritz Five, 220 Walnut St. Seating is limited. RSVPto info@mazzonicenter.org.

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Suzi Nash

Karen Smith: The woman behind the curtain Back in the late 1970s and early ’80s, there were a lot of great black musicals on the stage — “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “The Wiz,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and, of course, “Dreamgirls.” These days, it’s hard to find something that’s not a Tyler Perry or Perryesque farce. Enter Karen Smith, writer, director and producer of “3 Divas 3,” a musical about three jazz artists — representing the past, present and future — as they face the struggles and triumphs of the music world. Smith says it’s a show about being true to yourself and finding your own voice. PGN spoke to the multi talented artist about life in front of and behind the scenes. PGN: As the song says, you’re a native New Yorker. KS: Yes, born in Brooklyn, I’m the youngest of eight kids. My older siblings were much older than me but I didn’t really feel like the youngest because I had nieces and nephews who were my age. I was very creative as a young kid. I loved to read and I loved to write. My grandmother wasn’t very well-educated but she could tell great stories and I would love to listen to her. She died when I was 10, and it inspired me to go on and listen to other storytellers until I became one myself. I also always knew there was something different about me. I wasn’t like the other kids; I played with boys but really enjoyed being around the other girls. I knew there was just something about them I liked better. Even back in kindergarten, I knew those feelings were there. I definitely struggled with growing up in a household and world where there were no gay role models. For sure, no positive gay role models back then. I think part of why I became an artist was so that I could create my own scenarios, my own world where I could express and understand what was going on with me. Fortunately, as a teenager I was able to escape to Manhattan and explore life and the theater world. PGN: What did the folks do? KS: My mom was a housewife and my father worked for the railroads. He was a porter for the Long Island Railroad and eventually moved up to some kind of supervisor before he died. I was 13 at the time he passed. He also coached basketball and was a professional referee. He did his first game at Madison Square Garden right before he died. PGN: So you were always a fan of literature. What was your favorite book as a kid? KS: “The Blueberry Pie Elf” [by Jane Thayer] and Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are.”

PGN: What spurred your interest in theater? KS: In elementary school, we did a spring play each year. You had to be in glee club to participate. I wasn’t a great singer but I loved musicals and live theater, so in fifth grade I auditioned and got in. My first play was “Fiddler on the Roof.” It was an allblack cast. We didn’t play it as a black version — we did the original script — but it just happened to have black actors playing Tevye and Golde and all the parts. PGN: What was the first play you ever saw that piqued your interest in theater? KS: It still sticks with me today: Geoffrey Holder’s “The Wiz.” I got to see it with the original cast. PGN: Me too! I saw it in Philadelphia before it went to Broadway. KS: Yeah, I forgot that Philly used to be the place where all the Broadway shows used to come to try out the shows and fix all the kinks before they went to New York. I wish they still did that. PGN: So where did you study theater? KS: I went to HB Studio in New York and studied there for a while. I also took courses at Brooklyn College and then after two years, I was like, Oh, I don’t need this. I want to get started doing theater. You don’t need a degree to be an actor, you just need to get out there. So I dropped out of school and started a career as an actor. Later on, I went back to school at Hunter College to study film and then left that after a year and got work doing theater in various positions, from onstage to backstage to the front of the house, dinner theater — whatever I could get my hands on trying to make it as an actor, then director, then writer, then all of the above. PGN: What was a favorite role? KS: There was a play we did at the 13th Street Playhouse in the Village called “The Mothers” about women having children out of wedlock, and I played one of the unwed mothers. Even though I wasn’t the oldest cast member, I played the oldest character and I got to wear a fake baby bump. I’ve never been pregnant so it was fun to do. To this day, I’ve still never been pregnant. PGN: So it wasn’t method acting? KS: [Laughs.] No, no. PGN: Biggest disaster? KS: Auditioning to do Shakespeare. My acting teacher told us that, to be an actor, you had to be versatile and do a little bit of everything so, naively, I went and auditioned for the New York Shakespeare Festival. I did one of the monologues from “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” and it

was a wreck. [Laughs.] I don’t think they even said anything when I was finished except, “Next!” PGN: What was the first play you wrote? KS: I did a gospel musical for my church, “I Go to the Rock,” which was the title of a song. PGN: Tell me about your current show. KS: It’s an original musical, jazz-influenced, about three divas trying to prove themselves in this crazy world of entertainment, trying to get to and stay at the top without being taken advantage of or losing their soul. There are seven main characters in the show. Alfie Pollitt and James Solomon did the music. PGN: What are the most rewarding and frustrating aspects of directing? KS: The most rewarding is seeing all the pieces come together ... eventually. You start with a mish-mosh of parts and they slowly gel into something better and then,

you have things like actors forgetting their lines, the music — which is on tape — going out, but no real big boo-boos so far. In one of my first plays, though, we brought in rented lights, which turned out to be too much for the theater’s power grid, and we blew a fuse. Knocked all the power out. We did a whole portion of the show in the dark, and then had to fix it during intermission. But that’s why I love live theater: You never know what’s going to happen. Working on Broadway, I’ve seen it all. PGN: You may have discovered something new: theater in the dark. They have dining in the dark now, so why not? KS: Yes, and there’s theater in the round and theater in the park, so why not in the dark? PGN: [Laughs.] We may have something. So, I mentioned at the top that the black musical seems to have died. What do you think happened? KS: I think the AIDS epidemic had a big effect on Broadway. A lot of creative folks died, and they hadn’t influenced or passed on the knowledge to enough people to keep it going. PGN: Hopefully you’ll be the one to get it started back. KS: And that’s funny because I wasn’t even intending to write a musical. I prefer writing regular plays. But I needed to tell this particular story and it needed music to tell it.

PGN: So if someone comes to see the show, what should they expect? KS: They should expect to have a good time. They should be dancing in their seats and leave the theater humming the songs. It’s a family show so people can bring their kids — not little, little ones — but young ones would enjoy it. We Photo: Suzi Nash in time, it blooms like a flower. As the have a young person in the show, about 11 years old. It director, you’re the one who plants the brings back that ’70s style of show where seed that hopefully turns into a beautiful musicals were fun and exciting. You didn’t rose bush. The worst part for me is wearing too many hats; I’m director, producer, need sex or trauma or special effects to writer, babysitter, coordinator, etc. I’d like enjoy them. to get to the point where all I do is playwright. PGN: That’s good to hear. Now for some abstract questions. If you could name the PGN: No crazy mishaps? street on which you live, what would you KS: Oh, we have those! We’ve been doing call it? KS: Trial and Error Boulevard. PAGE 80 presentations of the show and, of course,

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to see theater before. We had a large TV audience, which is fitting because the concept for the show is that it’s a TV cooking A few years ago, in the aftermath of a din- show.” When it came to inspiration, Falzone said ner party, married partners Jay Falzone and Stephen Smith, along with party host Dan all he and Smith had to do was dig into their Lavender, cooked up an idea that would backgrounds. “We were doing this as a love letter to our become a runaway stage hit: “Cooking With Italian upbringing but anyone can relate to the Calamari Sisters.” it,” he said. “We thought we’d aim it towards Well, actually they had a little help. “The inception of it was alcohol,” offbeat theater people and the lesbian and Falzone said. “Stephen, my partner, and gay community but it ended up being a lot Dan Lavender, our writing partner, were more universal than that. It just widened the working on another project. Dan had a din- appeal.” Falzone added that Delphine is his grandner party and Stephen and I went. By the end of the night, we were the only ones mother’s namesake. “My grandmother was a caterer for 35 left. We were going through aperitifs and going through ‘This goes with this dish.’ It years in real life,” he said. “The only reason she became a caterer was because the first catering job she did was for my mother’s wedding for 450 people. She just couldn’t find a caterer that she was happy with, so she said she’d do it herself. After my mother’s wedding, people came up to her asking her to do their sons’ and daughters’ weddings. So she became one of the busiest caterers in Corning, N.Y., for 35 years. Dan and I both DELPHINE (LEFT) AND CARMELA CALAMARI have strong Italian upbringings. So the led Dan to say, ‘I’ve always wanted to do inspirations come from all over.” Apparently there was enough inspiration a show about two Italian sisters cooking together. We just started talking and laugh- for the Calamari Sisters to branch out into ing about it because at that point we were different themed shows, like “Christmas drunk and talking about making the show with the Calamari Sisters” and “The happen and the concepts behind it and what Calamari Sisters’ Big Fat Italian Wedding.” Falzone said the newer Calamari shows it would be. Then we came back a week or two later and had a brainstorming session on came from audiences wanting to know more the show itself. Then we wrote it. It was a about the titular characters. “People started asking, ‘What’s next?’ really quick birthing process for the show.” Falzone and Smith portray Delphine “For ‘Christmas with the Calamari Sisters,’ and Carmela Calamari, the darlings of it seemed like the natural next step. We Brooklyn’s cable-access TV station WFAT, thought it would just be the two shows. which broadcasts their popular cooking With some of the plot lines we set up in show “Mangia Italiano.” Audience partici- ‘Christmas,’ people kept asking, ‘What’s pation abounds while the sisters sing and next? What’s going to happen after this?’ People wanted to know more about these dance to their favorite Italian tunes. Soon after the show opened, it caught on girls. That’s a very neat part of the show. with audiences, much to the amazement of The two characters have been created in a thorough, complex way that people the creators. “We thought it would be a cute little niche want to hang out with them. The audience show,” Falzone said. “It would be good, but would love to be friends with Delphine and it would have a cult following. We couldn’t Carmella. It’s very nice. We have people have been more surprised at how wrong we who saw the show 10 times.” ■ were. We opened in Rochester in late 2009 “Cooking with the Calamari Sisters” runs and it ran sold-out for almost a year. The first three weeks was a lighter audience but through Nov. 4 at Society Hill Playhouse, when word spread, we had a waiting list. 507 S. Eighth St. For more information or Our audience is very interesting because a tickets, call 215-923-0210 or visit www.thelot of them are people who had never gone calamarisisters.com.

Scott A. Drake 267.736.6743

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Luisita López Torregrosa has traveled to all corners of the world — the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Spain, Cuba — and her latest venture will bring her back to the City of Brotherly Love. Torregrosa will read from her new book, “Before the Rain: A Memoir of Love and Revolution,” Oct. 18 at Giovanni’s Room. The author served a s a s s i s t a n t f o reign editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1983-87, and the memoir explores LUISITA LÓPEZ her time working for TORREGROSA the Inky from the Philippines — tracing a tumultuous new romance amid the backdrop of the country’s revolution. Torregrosa is currently a columnist at the International Herald Tribune, and her journalism repertoire includes decades of reporting and editing at newspapers and magazines, including more than 10 years as a New York Times editor. Her first book, “Female Factor: Columns on Women’s Issues in the Americas,” was informed by Torregrosa’s vast journalistic endeavors. Transitioning from that realm to becoming an author was challenging, she said. “My first book I wrote while I was working as an editor at New York Times, so I would write on weekends and it took forever to switch my brain from being an editor into this other type of writing,” she said. “To work on a book, you really have to let your guard down and not let in all the rules that case you in journalism.” While journalism formed the basis of most of Torregrosa’s career, she said she favors book-writing — which motivated her to leave the Times to focus full-time on her writing. “I loved being an editor: I loved running a paper, getting a paper out, and I think I have tremendous drive and focus that helped with that. I’m very curious about the world and imbibe world news and politics,” she said. “Those skills are quite different from what I think is a talent for writing well. Both of my books are nonfiction but they have a literary quality, which is much different from the style in journalism. They become more like what we associate with novelistic writing.” The story in “Before the Rain” is one that was waiting for a book, she said. It tells the tale of Torregrosa’s unexpected relationship with Elizabeth, a married newspaper reporter, and its ups and downs as revolution rose up among them

following the fall of Ferdinand Marcos. Of all the locales from which she has worked, Torregrosa said the Philippines resonated most with her. “I didn’t have any political motivation with this; it was just a good story that I wanted to tell,” she said. “The life of a foreign correspondent — and I didn’t consider myself that, but I worked with a lot of them — has changed a lot because of electronic media, which has made things less romantic than they were in the 1980s. This was a story that was in my head and in my heart.” Torregrosa said she wasn’t attempting to rally LGBT support with the work, but “if it does help illuminate what same-sex relationships are like — obviously not all of them, but just one individual one — then that’s a good thing.” Delving into her past to pull together the story required her to balance introspection with objectivity. “Writing is always very difficult, there’s no question about it. And when you’re writing memoirs, you have to go deep inside and be honest and see things as clearly as possible,” she said. “With this book, I had perspective because so many years have passed since that time but it is difficult to go so deeply into your life and examine the people and times that were so important to you.” Torregrosa said she had the added challenge of excluding some details for privacy’s sake and incorporating those that were most meaningful to the overarching message. “There are parts of a relationship that don’t need to be graphically explained. Sometimes it’s not necessary, or even desirable, to be so explicit. I tried to present what I thought was necessary and essential to tell the real essence of the story.” Her next writing venture will not be a memoir but will be nonfiction, she said. While she’s unsure what shape the work will take, Torregrosa is certain her booklist will continue to grow. “Right now, I’m working to come up with ideas for another book. It’s a very long process because once you get the idea, you have to figure out how it will work, develop a proposal and get it to your literary agent and go from there. I haven’t settled yet on what it’ll be, but I’m very eager to start working and get going.” ■ Torregrosa will read from “Before the Rain: A Memoir of Love and Revolution” at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.

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Finding LGBT focus at festival By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor With more than 100 international shorts, documentaries and features, the Philadelphia Film Festival hits theaters Oct. 18-28. While there are only a handful of queer films, they are all worthwhile. One of the funniest comedies this year, “Gayby” (9:35 p.m. Oct. 19 and 7:15 p.m. Oct. 21 at Ritz East, 125 S. Second St.), is writer/director Jonathan Lisecki’s featurelength version of his fabulous short of the same name. Jenn (Jenn Harris) is a yoga instructor who is impregnated — the oldfashioned way — by her gay best friend Matt (Matthew Wilkas). After some comically awkward sex, “Gayby” focuses on

“GAYBY” STARS MIKE DOYLE (LEFT) AND MATTHEW WILKAS

Jenn and Matt’s experiences dating various men, as each struggles with having to save sex for baby-making purposes. This terrific film, full of smart situations and smartass one-liners, benefits from the knockout punch of Lisecki’s witty script and Harris’ brilliant comic timing. Wilkas kind of plays the comic straight man — er, gay guy — for Harris’ antics, but his potential romance with hunky Scott (Mike Doyle) is heart-stirring, and features a magical kiss. Lisecki wisely writes himself a memorable supporting turn as Matt’s sarcastic best friend, Nelson. “Gayby” thankfully resists diaper jokes — but includes a clever aside about kale — and reveals a nice heart underneath the characters’ amusingly neurotic and insecure exteriors. Another highlight of the fest is “Young & Wild” (9:50 p.m. Oct. 27 and 2:40 p.m. Oct. 28 at Ritz East), a funny and naughty Chilean drama about a horny 17-year-old girl, Daniela, who blogs about her sexual impulses. Told in a series of “gospels,” the film has terrific scenes of Daniela, who has ultra-religious parents, exploring her bisexuality. The scenes in which she fools around with a female coworker are erotic, and her explicit encounter with her boyfriend — who sports an impressive erection — will also set tongues wagging. Not since “Y Tu Mamá También” has there been such a perceptive and stylish LatinAmerican film about teenage sexuality. An inspiring documentary about Ugandan LGBT activists, “Call Me Kuchu” (2:50 p.m. Oct. 20 at Ritz Bourse, 400 Ranstead St.; noon Oct. 23 at Ritz East; and 5:20 p.m. Oct. 24 at Rave, 4012 Walnut St.) profiles David Kato, the first

openly gay man in Uganda, where homosexuality is illegal. Filmmakers Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malike Zouhali-Worrall offer a sense of his brightness when he describes his first time in a gay bar or attending a church for gays. The film focuses in part on a legal battle waged by Kato and lesbian human-rights activist Naome against Giles Muhame, managing editor of “Rolling Stone,” a local paper that publishes the contact information of LGBTs and calls for their hangings. “Kuchu” traces the court case through its decision, but it is what happens after the verdict — Kato is murdered and his activism is recognized internationally — that makes this film so powerful. “Yossi” (7:25 p.m. Oct. 19 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Ritz East), the sequel to queer classic “Yossi and Jagger” (also playing at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Ritz East), picks up 10 years after the original film. The bereft Yossi (Ohad Knoller) is now a heart specialist (heartache metaphor, anyone?) who jerks off to porn, eats bad take-out and uses old photos of himself to pick up guys on the ’net. He eventually finds the strength to tell Jagger’s mother about their relationship — in one of the most incredible, moving sequences captured on screen this year. What follows feels like a letdown.Yossi meets Tom (Oz Zehavi), but the relationship that develops isn’t quite believable. What Tom sees in this sad, older, overweight guy who reads “Death in Venice,” listens to “old” music and doesn’t like to be touched, never scans. Yet, Knoller gives an astonishing performance, and his quiet, introspective moments speak volumes. Knoller and writer/director Eytan Fox

“YOSSI” STARS OHAD KNOLLER (LEFT) AND OZ ZEHAVI

spoke with PGN about revisiting Yossi. Fox said, “I wanted to save Yossi and deal with stuff he and I have to deal with. We left him in such a terrible place in the former film.” Knoller had mixed reactions. “I was scared to touch the same character again,” he said. “I love the way ‘Yossi and Jagger’ ended. When you are doing a sequel, you are answering the questions that people who see the film have — you are ruining something. What was important for Eytan and I in doing this film was to justify doing a second film.” See you at the movies. ■ For more information about the Philadelphia Film Festival, visit www.filmadelphia.org.

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CDs

Established artists dig into influences By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Meshell Ndegeocello “Pour Une Âme Souveraine: A Dedication to Nina Simone” Naïve Records Tribute records are usually a tricky prospect, as it’s hard to find that balance between honoring the music of the artist and the vision of the performer. But Ndegeocello has done this kind of thing before, performing entire live sets by the likes of Prince. Here, she performs songs by legendary singer, songwriter and activist Nina Simone. Both Simone and Ndegeocello are influential artists and cross many genres in their music — including jazz, R&B, folk and blues. So this album would seem to be a natural fit for an artist like Ndegeocello. But, it turns out to be better than expected. Ndegeocello retains the spirit of the original songs but filters them through her own signature blend of soulful and folk-infused rock, R&B and blues. Ndegeocello goes the extra mile by bringing in guest artists, who add an extra flair to the songs. Sinéad O’Connor’s voice weaves well with Ndegeocello’s on the sparse “Don’t Take All Night.” Valerie June delivers an amazing performance of the bluesy thump of “Be My Husband.” Toshi Reagon is perfect for the gospel-like urgency of “House of the Rising Sun.” But, even when Ndegeocello isn’t giving guest artists the spotlight, she delivers a transcendent performance. Whether or not the listener is familiar with the source material, it is hard not to be impressed with Ndegeocello’s performance on this excellent record. It’s as vibrant, lush and sometimes funky as anything on her recent albums, but still keeps with the spirit of the artist to whom she is paying tribute. Nelly Furtado “The Spirit Indestructible” Interscope Records We know Furtado is a cut above the garden-variety divas out there, but on this album there’s almost a little too much of a pop gloss going on. On the surface, it seems like Furtado is still content to crank out thumping and often formulaic mechanized pop (“Big Hoops,” “Parking Lot,” “Waiting for The Night”), with none of them able to hold a candle to previous hits like “Maneater.” But there is some faint shadow of the more eclectic, soulful side of Furtado to be found in this new batch of songs. Selections like “Be Okay,” “End of the World” and “Bucket List” are the more organic tracks and offer a breath of fresh air after what seems like being locked inside a sweaty club far too long. And tracks like “Thought” and “The Most Beautiful Thing” bring some welcome, much-needed international influences to the table.

This record can be a polarizing listen but, depending on which Furtado you prefer, there are some moments on the album that make it worthwhile. Pink “The Truth About Love” RCA International pop superstar Pink has always had enough attitude and flair to cover a wide swath of styles without sounding like she was chasing trends — and her latest album is no exception. In the hands of a less-skilled or less-confident artist, this album could be just another producer-driven pop record. But Pink’s songwriting, personal lyrics and attitude are all over this album, elevating it above the pack. “Love” starts with guns blazing with anthemic tracks like “Are We All We Are” and “Blow Me (One Last Kiss).” But there have always been many sonic dimensions to Pink. She is best when she lets her guard down on tracks like the restrained rock piece “Try,” the laid-back and bluesy “Beam Me Up” and the soulful piano ballad “The Great Escape.” Equally rewarding is when Pink unleashes her unapologetically rocking brash side on tracks like “Slut Like You,” probably the best song on the album, and “How Come You’re Not Here.” Pink proves that we can handle the truth. Down “The Purple EP” For its latest release, metal super-group Down keeps things especially tight and focused. With just six songs, “The Purple EP” has no time to mess around, getting right to the point as this sludgy beast of a record comes trudging out of the swamp to crush everything in its path. It’s hard not to compare this effort to classic Black Sabbath: If Down is mixing its influences with anything else but the classic band (and possibly large pulls on a marijuanastuffed water pipe) on this outing, you’d be hard-pressed to find it. Luckily for the listener, Down is as much focused on the musicianship of Sabbath. Lesser bands would just cop the tone and the aesthetics, but the true excitement here comes from the care the group puts into the instrumentation. The explosive drumming and fluidly heavy bass line are especially and addictively Sabbath-inspired on tracks like “Levitation” and “Witchtripper.” The epic-in-length “The Fortune Teller” is especially ambitious in scope and worth repeated listens. If you’re not inspired to buy a black-light poster or get baked in a van decked out with shag carpeting after listening to the album, something is wrong. This is classic throwback metal of the highest caliber. ■

PGN SPORTS

Get Out and Play

Scott A. Drake

Ready. Set. GO! Athletes GO! Athletes is a Philadelphia-based national organization of LGBTQA high school, college and former student athletes that is shining a light on homophobia and discrimination in sports and encouraging athletes to recognize and accept all players, regardless of differences. The organization is holding a GO! re-launch event with soccer star Joanna Lohman 7-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at University of Pennsylvania’s Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St. Lohman played soccer for Philadelphia Independence and is currently a team member of D.C. United. Across the area, 44 other schools have been invited to participate in GO! and open dialogues among LGBT and straight athletes. GO! executive director Anna Aagenes said that, through local and national outreach groups like this, she hopes more athletes will be comfortable coming out, and that out students might be encouraged to join athletic programs and form new allies. Sponsorships for the event start at $100 are still available. Team Philadelphia is one of the sponsors, as is Penn Athletes and Allies Tackling Homophobia, which hosts Penn’s annual Pride Games. For more information, visit www.goathletes.org. Looking for a new look Team Philadelphia is looking for artists. The organization, which serves as the umbrella group for local LGBT sports clubs, is seeking a new logo to launch the agency into 2013 and on to the 2014 Gay Games IX in Cleveland/Akron. The logo should represent the city and LGBT diversity. Entries must be received by Nov. 9, and the sports clubs will decide the winner from among the top three. The winning artist will have his or her Gay Games IX registration fee paid, so get to work and show them your love. Gay Games registration fees go up Jan. 1. Attach your PDF in an email to scott@epgn.com. Revolutionary results The Gay Bowl in Denver, Colo., is the signature annual fall event for flag football, and our own Philadelphia Revolution garnered respect at the the event, Sept. 22-23. The Revs rumbled through three successive teams in tournament play, giving them their first tournament championship game ever. They kept up with the Michigan Panthers in the finals until the last minutes, when the Panthers scored twice and took the top spot. Congrats to the Revolution for making Philadelphia proud! Back here, the fall season began Sept. 29, with games every Saturday at Columbus Square Park, 13th and Wharton streets, through Nov. 17. If you want to chat them up about football or anything else, stop by

a game or go to an after-play brunch or happy hour. You can also meet the club at its next JOCKS party, Oct. 14 at ICandy. Spruce Street Sports OutFest, held Oct. 7 in the Gayborhood, is a prime opportunity to talk to Philly’s sports groups and get information about the ones you’re interested in. The sports arena will be on Spruce Street between the mechanical bull and Camac Street. With the 2014 Gay Games IX in Cleveland/Akron on the far horizon, it is not too early to get your game on and participate locally and internationally. If you are more inclined to be a spectator, consider being a supporter of your favorite group. All of them have expenses and gladly accept donations.

DIVE RIGHT IN: Philadelphia Fins Aquatic Club coaches Jacksen Callanan (left) and Lily Cavanaugh talk training tactics while swimmers hit the pool Oct. 2 at Friends Select School to prepare for their upcoming tournament. The Fins will host H2Out Swim Meet for East Coast LGBT swimmers 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Swarthmore College Ware Pool. The event rotates among Philadelphia, New York and Boston annually, and more than 100 participants and spectators are expected to join the Fins for this short-course yards meet that includes about a dozen events. If you’re just water-curious, join the Fins and their guests at the registration party, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Valanni, 1229 Spruce St.; www. philadelphia-fins.org. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Short stops • Gryphons Rugby Football Club battles Wilkes-Barre at home Oct. 6 at George Pepper Middle School; philadelphiagryphons.org. • Philadelphia Rollergirls are holding a workshop 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Millennium Skate World, 1900 Carman St., Camden, N.J. Tryouts for Rollergirls will be held during the same hours Nov. 11 at the same location; www.phillyrollerderby. com. ■ Countdown to Gay Games IX: 672 days. If you have an arm-wrestling or drinking challenge or couch-potato event for Get Out and Play, email scott@epgn.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Ethel, why are you wearing that strap-on!? Lucy, it’s time to come out and celebrate at Outfest, Sunday October 7th! Stop by Scorpio during Outfest and receive a free gift with any purchase of $25 or more.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

PGN

Principal Dancer: Arantxa Ochoa. Photo: Alexander Iziliaev.

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Best-sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960; www.queerbooks.com. Tenpercent off most hardcover in-store sales. Men’s Books 1. “How to be Gay” by David M. Halperin (Belknap, $35 hb, less 10 percent in the store). Gay men learn from each other how to be gay.

8. “We the Animals” by Justin Torres (Mariner, $12.95 new in pb). Intense episodes of three brothers and their struggling parents. One of our favorites. 9. “The Stranger’s Child” by Alan Hollinghurst (Vintage, $15.95 new in pb). Century-old family secrets threaten to be exposed. 10.”The Miles” by Robert Lennon (Kensington, $15 pb). A novel of New York City’s Frontrunners. Women’s and Trans Books 1. “Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama” by Alison Bechdel (HMH, $22 hb, less 10 percent in the store). From the bestselling author of “Fun Home,” a poignant and hilarious graphic memoir of Bechdel becoming the artist her gifted mother always wanted to be.

2. “The Scientists: A Family Romance” by Marco Roth (FSG, $23 hb, less 10 percent in the store). How did Dad get AIDS? 3. “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Hardwick (Back Bay, $14.99 new in pb). About a college baseball prodigy and his friends. 4. “Best Gay Stories 2012” edited by Peter Dube (Lethe, $15 pb). Love and longing are both subtle and protean. 5. “The Fall” by Ryan Quinn (AmazonEncore, $14.95 pb). Three college seniors in their pivotal year. 6. “Another Dead Republican: A Tom and Scott Mystery” by Mark Zubro (MLR, $14.99 pb). Political murder. 7. “Crimes on Latimer: From the Early Cases of Marco Fontana” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco (Lethe, $18 pb). The third volume in the mystery series set in Philadelphia.

2. “The Girls Club” by Sally Bellerose (Bywater, $15.95 pb). The comingof-age novel of a young, white, working-class woman. 3. “The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For” by Alison Bechdel (HMH, $25 hb, less 10 percent in the store). Gathers 60 of the newest strips. 4. “Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal?” by Jeanette Winterson (Grove, $25 hb, less 10 percent in the store). This memoir is a tough-minded search for belonging, love, an identity, a home and a mother by the author

of “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit.” 5. “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel (Mariner, $13.95 pb). Heartbreaking and funny account of Bechdel’s relationship with her dad. 6. “How to Be a Woman” by Caitlin Moran (Harper, $15.99 pb). Lays bare the reasons why female rights and empowerment are essential, with humor and verve. 7. “Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society and Neurosexism Create Difference” by Cordelia Fine (Norton, $16.95 pb). 8. “The Harder She Comes: Butch/Femme Erotica” edited by D.L. King (Cleis, $14.95 pb). Some butches worship at the altar of their femmes, and many adorable girls long for the embrace of their suave, sexy daddies. 9. “Happy Accidents” by Jane Lynch (Hyperion, $14.99 pb). The actor’s comic memoir, part inspirational narrative. You’ve seen her in “Glee,” “Best in Show” and “The 40Year-Old Virgin.” 10. “Oath of Honor: First Responders Novel” by Radclyffe (Bold Strokes, $16.95 pb). Navy M.D. and Secret Service agent in the White House. Men’s DVDs 1. “Leave It on the Floor” directed by Sheldon Larry (2011, 107 min., $24.95). An ode to the wild, funky and heartaching life of the “Paris Is

Gay is our middle name.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Burning” subculture. 2. “Weekend” directed by Andrew Haigh (2011, 97 min., $29.95). A one-nightstand that develops into a weekend-long idyll for two very different young men. 3. “August” directed by Eldar Rapaport (2011, 105 min., $24.95). A triangle of desire and emotion unfolds in the midst of a classic Hollywood heat wave. An irresistible gay romantic drama with a wonderful cast. 4. “Funkytown” directed by Daniel Roby (2011, 132 min., $24.95). Life in Montreal’s elite disco world. 5. “Nate & Margaret” directed by Nathan Adloff (2012, 78 min., $24.99). Troubles for a young Chicagoan and his 52-yearold woman friend. 6. “Gone: The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern” directed by John and Gretchen Morning (2012, 85 min., $24.99). Documentary of a mother’s search for the truth in the death of her gay son in Vienna.

7. “Private Romeo” directed by Alan Brown (2011, 98 min., $24.95). Takes us to a mysterious and tender place that only Shakespeare could have inspired. Women’s and Trans DVDs 1. “The Guest House” directed by Michael Baumgarten (2011, 84 min., $24.95). Teen and college grads.

2. “Sexing the Transman XXX, Volume 2” directed by Buck Angel (2012, $20). Interviews and sex scenes with FTMs. 3. “Sexing the Transman

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XXX, Volume 1” directed by Buck Angel (2012, $20). The groundbreaking original release. 4. “Pariah” directed by Dee Rees (2011, 87 min., $29.95). A 17-year-old African-American butch lesbian torn between the demands of her conservative family and the comfort of community among her friends. 5. “If Walls Could Talk 2” directed by Martha Coolidge, Jane Anderson and Anne Heche (2000, 96 min., $9.95). A trio of stories about lesbian couples in three different decades, starring Vanessa Redgrave, Sharon Stone, Ellen DeGeneres, Chloe Sevigny and Michelle Williams. 6. “The Real L Word: Complete Second Season” (2011, 504 min., $36.95). The totally unscripted Showtime reality series about being young, gay and out in L.A. 7. “Precious” directed by Lee Daniels (2009, 109 min., $9.95). Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Q Scopes

PGN MUSIC

Jack Fertig

Don’t worry, Cancer! Venus in Virgo and Mercury in Scorpio are in a long sextile now aspecting Pluto and Uranus, bringing shrewd insight to social and political problems. Pay close attention to the details of how things work if you really want to change them. ARIES (March 20 – April 19): If you get it into your head to try something new at work, consult with someone first. It will help you look like a better team player and could save you a lot of trouble. They might even improve on your ideas. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Looking creatively at new ideas can wake up some inner demons. Your partner will help you dispel those old monsters, but it may take a lot of discussion. Schedule time to discuss your worries and fears, but also your hopes. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Check into your family health history, especially

on mom’s side. Some community work can help you find new purpose in your life and make some very helpful connections. If you’re already there, you may need to work on better connections. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Worrying about your role and position in your family can make you sick. Don’t worry. If you’re feeling neglected, remember the telephone works both ways. Focus on your work, don’t obsess. Pace yourself, breathe, relax. LEO (July 23 – Aug. 22): Your playful impulses can be too enthusiastic and easily misunderstood. Think before speaking. The planets are conspiring to make a great fool of you. You can handle that, but stay alert to the time, the place and the consequences. VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Your partner needs a good listener right now, not just conversationally, but on other lev-

els. That could lead to novel fun in the bedroom, but be very aware of safety issues that might come up. LIBRA (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): The solution to your relationship problems is not in the bedroom. There are other kinds of creative play and challenges that can help you understand each other better. Like what? That’s the creative part. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Your mouth is liable to get you into trouble, especially at work. Keep your mind intrigued with new techniques and away from low amusements and gossip. If you can’t say anything nice, learn to say it in a different language. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 – Dec, 20): You may chafe at authority and discipline, but take the long view and see how you can use them to your advantage. Fun-loving friends who urge you to do crazy things are more than funloving and less than friends.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 – Jan. 19): Don’t beat yourself up for trouble with friends. You can work on solutions, find better friends or prefer quality to quantity. Perspectives that are new to you (perhaps old and foreign) can help resolve domestic troubles. Be willing to give in order to get. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Don’t let new positions or responsibilities tempt you to spending sprees, or into taking yourself too seriously. Someone who sees you naked on a regular basis will be happy to help you keep things in proportion. PISCES (Feb. 19 – March 19): The strength of your roots and history shouldn’t protect you from challenges, but help you adapt to them. When you’re juggling too much, take time out to meditate. Swallow your pride and reach out to friends. They’ll be glad to help.

Are you a community leader? Bia Vieira, longtime activist and vice president for community impact, Philadelphia Foundation Quincy Greene, founder, Educational Justice Coalition David Acosta, writer, poet, longtime HIV/ health activist, prevention coordinator for HIV programs at AIIDS Activities Coordinating Ofﬁce Joe Ippolito, founder/organizer of the Gender Reel multimedia festival Monica Bey-Clarke, author, entrepeneur, founder of My Family! books and products for LGBT families Sue Gildea, women’s commissioner, City of Brotherly Love Softball League

These people made the grade and were covered in PGN’s “Portrait” column by Suzi Nash. Every week, Suzi talks to people making a difference in Philadelphia. Has she talked to you yet?

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Q Puzzle Tops and Bottoms Down Under Across

1. Elton John wears them 6. Bringing up the rear 10. Suck (in) 14. Deck opening 15. Northern capital 16. Cocksure Aesop character 17. Colette’s “The ___ One” 18. Minimal tide 19. Club for Sheehan 20. Start of a riddle 23. Big initials in fashion 24. Caesar’s way 25. Frank acknowledgment

29. Dry, as wine 30. A volatile guy has a short one 32. Not in the pink 33. End of the riddle 38. Drag queen’s leg scraper 39. Hip-hopís Dr. 40. Bridge triumph 41. Start of the answer 46. John of Barrie’s land 47. TV trophy 48. Stooge with a bowl cut 49. “Bewitched” mother 51. Canning container 52. Barnyard male 55. End of the answer 59. It may come before 69 62. Early AIDS play 63. Tend with ten-

PORTRAIT from page 65

PGN: Who should play you in your life story? KS: Kimberly Elise. I love her. She starred in “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” among other things. PGN: Do you play any instruments? KS: Yes, I play the drums. I perform with poets and spoken-word artists at cafés and shows, and I run a drumming workshop. PGN: How did you get into it? KS: I always liked rhythm, and I always liked to bang on things. When I was 11, I wanted my mother to buy me a drum set but she told me that drums were a boy’s instrument and signed me up for piano lessons. I didn’t like taking lessons, but I used to drum on the piano. The one good thing, though, was that it taught me to learn music. I never did get that drum set, but my cousin, who is a professional drummer, would let me play his drums and eventually sold me a conga for $50. That was a lot of money back then but it turned out to be well worth it. Actually, thinking back, I’m not sure I ever paid him. PGN: Uh oh. Hopefully he won’t read this. What was a favorite performance? KS: Probably playing with Sonia

derness 64. Minor in astronomy 65. Russian singing duo 66. Home run, or home-fries source 67. Muff-diving area 68. Barely gets, with “out” 69. Gives a pink slip to

Down

1. Like a peacock 2. Wooded ways 3. Kind of alcohol 4. Reproduced without sex, for short 5. Respond to the cold 6. Ars ___, vita brevis 7. In midvoyage, maybe 8. More than tickle 9. Active seaman’s pole?

FUN PGN & GAMES 10. Sometime label of Dusty Springfield 11. Galley slave’s tool 12. Solidly behind 13. Shakespeare’s dusk 21. Rolled cubes 22. “If ___ I Would Leave You” 26. Author Cather 27. Box to Vidal 28. Andean pack animal 29. Order to Rex 30. Like a bear 31. Like hand-medowns 33. French composer Erik 34. Hawke of _Hamlet_ 35. Current fashion 36. Second fruit eater 37. R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World ___ Know It”

Sanchez. She is the first official poet laureate for Philadelphia. I love playing behind someone as they do their thing. I’m going to be playing with her again soon. PGN: What would you change about yourself? KS: Being idealistic. It’s a good thing but it can also get in the way of what’s really happening. And that can impede change, when you’re so idealistic you think it’s going to turn out OK, instead of facing reality and changing course. PGN: What was the dumbest argument you’ve ever had? KS: The dumbest argument I have ever had is one with myself, telling myself I couldn’t when I truly knew I could. PGN: Do you have a partner? KS: Yes, I do: Leslie, she’s in marketing. We’ve known each other for nine years and we’ve been together for seven. PGN: What’s a romantic moment you recall? KS: Probably when she kidnapped me and took me to a beautiful bed and breakfast. I thought we were just getting together for dinner, and she whisked me off for a romantic night. It was magical.

42. Gay cable network 43. Come out 44. Colorful computer 45. City of _Xtra_ 50. Winfrey of “The Color Purple” 51. “Superstar” title character 52. Wrongful acts, in law 53. First appearance 54. Austin Powers portrayer Mike 56. Writer Dinesen 57. “Marriage ___” (civil union, derogatorily) 58. Party after a Hawaiian wedding, perhaps 59. Long sandwich, for short 60. Broadway bio 61. Sex, crudely PAGE 83

PGN: What’s your day job? KS: I’m a counselor for a drug and alcohol program. PGN: You must hear a lot of crazy stories with that. KS: [Laughs.] That’s for sure. PGN: Is it hard to keep that optimistic side going when you hear so much? KS: Not really. I try to incorporate a lot of things that are important to me in what I do. I do a music-therapy group that helps clients deal with a lot of the pain that they are in or have experienced. We do a poetry café called “Too Live Tuesdays,” and it gives people a chance to vent their feelings. Everyone looks forward to it, even the ones who were resistant at first. PGN: What fashion from another period would you love to wear? KS: I love pinstripes and suspenders. And tweed. PGN: The best and worst parts of coming out? KS: The best thing about coming out, even today, is being true to myself. The scariest thing is still having males becoming attracted to me. PGN: Which historical event do you wish you could have witnessed? KS: Actually, I think about it all the time.

Harriet Tubman’s first trip north. [Laughs.] When she got to the point where she said, “Enough. We’re out of here! Who’s with me?” I would have loved to be there to see her lead. I’d be interested in those who were brave enough to go with her and those who didn’t go. And the last trip, that would have been interesting as well. But I wouldn’t want to stay there in between trips. PGN: Did you ever want to be the opposite gender? KS: To this day, I tend to think it would be easier for me to be a male than a female. I’m just not interested in having surgery for it. [Laughs.] I’m sure God will get it right the next time. PGN: Notable relatives? KS: Sammy Davis Jr. was supposed to be a distant cousin. PGN: What’s next? KS: I’m writing a play called “A Piece of a Man,” and it’s a tribute to Gil Scot-Heron. It’s not about him or any particular person, but about different time periods addressed in his music. But I have to get through “Divas” first! ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN

Worth Watching

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

PAGE 81

MONKEY BUSINESS: “Animal Practice” is a new comedy centering on Dr. George Coleman (played by Justin Kirk of “Weeds” and “Angels in America”), a veterinarian with an impressive list of famous animal patients at the Crane Animal Hospital — a bustling New York City practice where it often seems as if the patients are running the place. Along for the ride is Crystal the Monkey (pictured) as Dr. Rizzo. Watch it unfold 8 p.m. Oct. 10 on NBC.

ROYALE WITH CHEESE: Daniel Craig — 007 himself — takes on the monumental task of hosting “Saturday Night Live,” with musical guest Muse, 11:30 p.m. Oct. 6 on NBC

Photo: NBC/Neil Jacobs

PLAYGROUND DRAMA: Gay couple Mitch and Cam drop Lily off for the first day of kindergarten, but when she gets into a tussle with a little boy, they end up having a meeting with the boy’s confrontational lesbian parents on a new episode of “Modern Family,” 9 p.m. Oct. 10 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Peter “Hopper” Stone

Valley For ge

Tattoo

Hot Rod Show october 5th - 7th 2012 The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. 100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA 19456

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$20 a day, $40 for the weekend Show info 1-800-541-8239 ��

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DOWN IN THE PARK: “Brickleberry” is the latest boundary-pushing, comedic, animated half-hour series to come down the pike and follows a crazy bunch of park rangers as they do their worst to keep their failing park running. Watch the fun 10:30 p.m. Oct. 9 on Comedy Central. Photo: Comedy Central

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 10/05 Adam Ant The new-wave singer performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. ZZ Top The classic-rock band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Sat. 10/06 Aretha Franklin The iconic R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at Trump Taj Mahal, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-4416150.

Anthrax The metal band performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3434000. Wanda Sykes The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Sovereign Center, 700 Penn St., Reading; 610898-7200. H.L. Sudler The author and editor of the Rehoboth Beach Gayzette hosts a reading from his new book “Patriarch” 1-3 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220.

Sun. 10/07 Double Feature: “The Dark Mirror” and “A Stolen Life” The two dramas are screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. James Iha The former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Mon. 10/08 Groove Night Local musicians join forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Aliens The sci-fi action film is screened

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Barbra Streisand The singer performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543. Das Racist The party-rap duo performs 8 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. First Person StorySlam Spoken-word artists perform 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215862-2081.

BROADWAY TALENT COMES TO TOWN: The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the critically acclaimed Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, known for its lush choreography and musicality, Oct. 11-13 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-898-3900.

Tue. 10/09 Unlabeled: The Acoustic/ Electric Open Mic for Up-andComers Sign up and play 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Chris Ware The author of the award-winning graphic novel “Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215567-4341. Monique Costa The author of “When Leonard Lost His Spots: A Trans Parent Tail” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Mosquita y Maro The coming-ofage film about

the relationship between two young Chicanas is screened 7-9 p.m. at Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St.; 215-5450455.

Wed. 10/10 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Pete Townsend The Who guitarist and author of “Who I Am: A Memoir” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.

Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.

Fri. 10/12 Rush The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. Heart The rock band performs 8 p.m. at

Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-3522887. Los Lonely Boys The “Texican” rock band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650. Halloween III: Season of the Witch The horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Thu. 10/11 Public Image Limited The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

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.

READING THE (LAUGH) RIOT ACT: Out comedian Wanda Sykes returns to the area 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Sovereign Center, 700 Penn St. in Reading, For more information or tickets, call 610-898-7200.

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Opening Dancing and Romancing Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform Oct. 12-14 at Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Lar Lubovitch Dance Company The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the acclaimed dance company Oct. 11-13 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Learning from Frank Furness: Louis Sullivan in 1873 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and furniture by the famed architect Oct. 6-Dec. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Ronaldus Shamask: Form, Fashion, Reflection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and sketches by the fashion designer Oct. 6-March 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. West Side Story The Philadelphia Orchestra celebrates the 50th anniversary of this iconic film, performing its score Oct. 5-7 at Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor, through March, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Hairspray Media Theater presents the musical based on the classic John Waters film, through Nov. 4, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. Love Story, The Musical Walnut Street Theatre presents an adaptation of the popular novel, through Oct. 21, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895. Presidential Artifacts The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of artifacts from collections around the country, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895.

SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSLEVES: Heart, the most awesome of femalefronted rock bands, comes to town to blow out our eardrums 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St. in Upper Darby. For more information or tickets, call 610-352-2887.

Continuing Angels in America, Parts 1 and 2 Wilma Theater presents the Tony Awardwinning epic play, offering both parts on select dates, through Oct. 21, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824. Collab: Four Decades of Giving Modern and Contemporary Design Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition that includes some of the finest examples of European, American and Japanese design, through fall, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Cooking with the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through Nov. 4 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210.

Prom Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of photographs by Mary Ellen Mark, through Oct. 28, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. SOLUTION from page 80

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

PAGE 83

Shipwreck! Winslow Homer and The Life Line Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 33 paintings by American artist Homer, through Dec. 16, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. This is the Week That Is 1812 Productions present a special election edition of its smash political satire, through Nov. 4 at Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St., 215-5929560. To Stir, Inform and Inflame: The Art of Tony Auth The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition exploring the work of the noted Philadelphia Inquirer editorial cartoonist, through Oct. 21, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800.

Closing Chelsea Peretti The comedian from “Louie” performs through Oct. 6 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. La Bohème The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents a new production of Puccini’s ultra-romantic blockbuster, through Oct. 7 at Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. ■

STILL ON THE FREEWAY OF LOVE: The Queen of Soul and iconic R&B singer Aretha Franklin comes to town 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Trump Taj Mahal, 1000 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. For more information or tickets, call 609 441-6150.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Rent

Financial Services

Lake Property, NY: 6 acres Salmon River Lake $29,900. 7 acres 100’ on bass lake $39,900. 4 lake properties open house September 29-30 www.LandFirstNY.com 1-888-683-2626. ________________________________________36-40

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. ________________________________________36-49 PORT RICHMOND NEAR SUGAR HOUSE CASINO Lg 1 BR house w/sm encl yard. Spac.kit w/new D/W, hdwd ﬂrs in LR, walk in closets, new W/D in clean bsmt.Must see. Reply w/phone to kathy@paintingsbykathyjoy.com $695.00 plus utilities. ________________________________________39-40 HADDON TWP, NJ Safe, sunny 2 BR apt. 2nd ﬂ owner occ. duplex. 1000 sq.. ft., A/C, D/W, W/D, new carpet & paint. Pvt. ent. Close to speedline, bus, walk, bike to shops, parks, lakes, library. $900/mo. Call Brian, 12 PM-7 PM, 856-858-8620. ________________________________________36-44

Gold and Silver Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888-439-8212. ________________________________________36-40

SUNNY COLLINGSWOOD DUPLEX 3 BR, 2 Bath apt in a Victorian on 2nd & 3rd ﬂoors. Private. Freshly painted with own washer/dryer. Heat included. Has 2 parking spots. 10 mins to Ben Franklin & Walt Whitman. Can walk to speedline. Rent $1395 mo + gas/electric. Call 856 354-2178. ________________________________________39-40

COLLINGSWOOD RENTAL Large second ﬂoor 2 Bedroom Apt. Brand new kitchen complete with new dishwasher and new microwave. All new air conditioners, hardwood ﬂoors, private deck and laundry facilities in basement. $1250.00 monthly + plus utilities. Call 856-858-3079 or 609-519-5288. ________________________________________36-43 CENTER CITY: WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST Elegant three-level apartment in historic townhouse features dramatic spiral staircase; 1 bed + den; 1.5 baths, large eat-in kitchen w/laundry; small outdoor patio; 2 wood-burning fpls. $1,750/mo + ele. broker/owner email. kelwolf@verizon. net or call: 267-231-1974. ________________________________________36-41

Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Rent

PGN Adoption Are you pregnant? A married couple (in their 30s) seeks to adopt. Full-time mom & devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses Paid. Ann & Michael. 1-800-505-8452. ________________________________________36-40

Flawless Design Spectacular Grounds Year Round Entertaining Paradise Princeton, New Jersey �� $2,399,000

609.921.1050

Open Houses - Sunday October 7, 2012 12:00-2:30 PM 1808 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 3 Bedrooms, 2 full, 2 half Baths. Better than Brand New Construction in Quincy Court w/ GARAGE parking. $575,000 The Lenox Condominiums 250 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Condos from $165,000 3301 Cambridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Totally rehabbed 2 BR / 1.5 BA home in Art Museum area. Perfect for ﬁrsttime home buyer. $229,900

Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com Dan Tobey

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

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

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.

CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Roommates

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS

VOORHEES, NJ 1 mile from Speedline. Own BR, kitchen privl., A/C. $600/ mo. Be between 25-45. 856-236-0215. ________________________________________36-40 A room for rent in private home, Royal area, close to Richwood & Glassboro NJ, Rowan and Gloucester Co. College. Also Rt. 55 & Rt. 322. Utils. incl. $160/week. 856-478-0401. ________________________________________36-52

IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE

EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. _____________________________________________ $100 MONTHLY RENT For the guy who wants to share my life and house in N.E. Phila. 215-677-5610. ________________________________________36-40 A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE Share huge 1600’sq, fully furnished Olde City loft. Lg closets/storage, 16’ ceilings, tall windows on Chestnut St. W/D, cat ok, prof. décor/furn. Secure bldg., month to month. $900+ share util. Call 215-896-1300. ________________________________________26-42

Real Estate Sale

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

Help Wanted

PAGE 85

Help Wanted

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

Real Estate Sale

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

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

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

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

Drivers-CDL-A Experienced Drivers: Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! 6 mos. OTR exp. starts @ $.32/mile. New student pay & lease program. USA TRUCK 877-521-5775 www. USATruck.jobs ________________________________________36-40 AVERITT IS LOOKING FOR CDL-A DRIVERS! Weekly Hometime and Full Benefits Package. 4 months T/T Experience Required- Apply Now! 888-362-8608 Visit AVERITTcareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. ________________________________________36-40 CRST offers the best Lease Purchase Program *SIGN ON BONUS! *No down payment or credit check *Great Pay *Class A CDL required *Owner Operators Welcome. Call: 866-403-7044. ________________________________________36-40 Driver - Full or Part-time. $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Choose your hometime: Weekly, 7/ON-7/OFF, 14/ON-7/OFF, Requires 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com ________________________________________36-40 Driver: CDL-A Van & Flatbed *New Pay Package! *Very New Trucks *Benefits After 30-Days *Great Miles, Pay *Dependable Hometime *Start Immediately! CDL Graduates Needed! 877-917-2266 drivewithwestern.com ________________________________________36-40 CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED! $.50/mile for Hazmat Teams! Solos start @ $.36/mile. 1 yr. exp. req’d. 800-942-2104 Ext. 7308 or 7307 www. Drive4Total.com ________________________________________36-40 CDL-A Truck Drivers: Experienced Van Drivers Needed. Take Home More. Be Home More. Excellent Hometime. Award Winning Safety Program. Comprehensive Benefits Package! AA/EOE. 800-392-6109 www.goroehl.com ________________________________________36-40 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________36-40 Drivers- A. Duie Pyle Needs Owner Operators Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Mile. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________36-40

For Sale LOVE CAKE Celebrate your holidays with LOVE CAKE. Very nearly not quite, almost 100% ORGANIC ITALIAN APPLE CAKE. 16 slice/cake > FREE delivery in CC. (cash only) you’ll enjoy our delicious apple/cinnamon, w/belgium chocolate, w/ bitchin’ hot Italian pepper. Delicious organic ingredients: granny-smith apples, ﬂour, eggs, sugar, Ceylon Cinnamon, pure Bourbon Madagascar Vanilla. OK stuff: fresh orange juice, salt, baking powder, pure Canola Oil > zero trans fat, cholesterol free. NO PRESERVATIVES > NOT GLUTEN FREE. We only bake Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Put your celebration order in now! brooks.N.Mia’s bakery 215-887-3159. ________________________________________36-40 SAWMILLS From only $3,997.00- MAKE/ SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1800-578-1363 Ext.300N. ________________________________________36-40 VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement! Discreet Shipping. Save $500. Buy the Blue Pill Now! 1-800-491-8509. ________________________________________36-40

Services EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________36-40 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________36-40

goes mobile

Now you can read your favorite local LGBT news site on your Android or iPhone/iPad. Just go to epgn.com on your mobile device

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

Also check out our digital “ﬂipbook” of the full print edition at issuu.com/philagaynews with issuu’s Android app.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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. ________________________________________36-49 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________36-49 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________36-40 LOOKING For live-in companion and possible partner. 215-6775610. ________________________________________36-40 WM, 66 ISO WM, 18-40 for mutual gratiﬁcation. Compensation offered. Page at 610-418-1485 w/call back no. or text to 610-418-1485 at archwireless.net ________________________________________36-45 Gay male, 65 seeks same. John, 570-624-8538. ________________________________________36-43 I’m looking for a very well endowed top who is looking for a very nice white butt. 215-732-2108 8-11 PM. ________________________________________36-43

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Call 215-432-6030

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

STUDY BREAK!!!!

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

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

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

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

MANIC MONDAY

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

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

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

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Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the ﬁrst 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 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; www.gammaphilly.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at the William Way Center; 610-2776595; 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. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432. Philly Dads An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets 7:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; 215-668-5239.

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; 215-3489976. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484354-2448. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622; pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ 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. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ 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. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ 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; 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 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; 215-834-9063; tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Programming Committee Meets 5 p.m.the second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayThursday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 21 S. 12th St., 10th floor; 215-568-2221. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization; 215-732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. 1201 Locust street 4th floor. WeXist FTM support group meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; first hour is open, second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; 267-250-1548. Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7:15 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; 215-5454331.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group based in central Pennsylvania that organizes activities such as 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/. Sistah 2 Sistah A social/support group for lesbian

youth of color, ages 13-24. The group offers weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 112 N. Broad St., third ﬂoor; 215496-0330. Women Coming Out Support Group Women who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the comingout process are welcome. Ages 18 and over. Meets 7:30 p.m. ﬁrst Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of NJ.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215496-0330. You’re Not Alone A group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth that meets during the school year; sponsored by AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington. Call 800-810-6776 for more details. HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J. Call Connie at 609683-5155 (day); hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610688-1861; info@myaonline.org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August, 1315 Spruce St.; 215772-1107. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For 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. on Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester office, 8 S. Wayne St.; 610-692-1770. 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. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-9632432.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

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

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

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

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

Health

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

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

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2012

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