pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976 Art is Mom’s business
Vol. 42 No. 40 Oct. 5-11, 2018 Love after tragedy
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Outwod brings fitness and fundraising
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
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Queer, POC and trans truckers
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Farnese vows to reintroduce LGBT panic-defense bill
Preaching to the choir By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com
The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus is rebranding ahead of its 37th season, with changes to its annual fundraiser, a new logo and a refocused mission to use music as a form of social-justice activism. PGMC, one of the oldest choruses in the United States, has launched its new logo with a “p” in the center of a square that emits sound vibrations. The new website, meanwhile, displays a much-needed revamp from the “outdated” look, said PGMC president Adam Funck. “The old logo didn’t have any kind of modern feel to it; it was purely musicbased and didn’t really hint towards any of the other aspects of the organization,” he said. “The ‘p’ of the new logo represents Philadelphia, but it is also a speaker with sound coming out because we are a vocal organization. You can also look at it as a protest sign with someone yelling about something. It embodies that we’re activists through music.” The group also made changes to its annual Fall Ball fundraiser, which is now in its seventh year. The gala, now called the Masquerade, will be the first PGMC event of the season. This year, “Cirque Masquerade” is a black-tie-optional masked ball. “We’re partnering up with the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and bringing in circus artists as the performers along with our select ensemble, Brotherly Love,” Funck said. “We restructured the event and eliminated the VIP reception. Before, the VIP reception had the entertainment and the main event didn’t have PAGE 37
Family Portrait: Joe Gates takes a bow
Latinx art on the cutting edge
By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com
ROLL OUT THE BARREL: Oktoberfest brought out the beer lovers to Camac Street Sept. 29 for games, guzzling and getting reacquainted after a season of vacations, shore visits and camping trips. The event was hosted by the Tavern Group and located near U Bar and Tavern on Camac. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Pennsylvania Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) last week vowed to reintroduce a bill that would ban LGBT-panic defenses in criminal cases across the state after acknowledging that a vote on the bill isn’t expected before the end of the current legislative session. “If the bill doesn’t move, it will be introduced in the next session, which begins in January,” Farnese told PGN. “It’s the first thing I’m going to do.” Senate Bill 1244, introduced Sept. 6, would ban criminal defendants in Pennsylvania from claiming they were provoked into assaulting or killing someone due to the “discovery, knowledge or potential disclosure of a victim’s actual or perceived gender identity or expression or sexual orientation, including circumstances
in which the victim made an unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advance toward the defendant or if the defendant and victim had a romantic or sexual relationship.” Although there is no defined version of gay-panic or trans-panic defenses in any Pennsylvania statute, some homicide defendants in Pennsylvania have cited a victim’s LGBT status in an effort to lessen their criminal penalties. “This bill is necessary because the existence of this defense in Pennsylvania is offensive and further victimizes those who have suffered violence — and the LGBT community as a whole,” Farnese told PGN. “I look forward to reintroducing the bill and pursuing a debate on the floor of the senate in the next legislative session.” The bill’s cosponsors are Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), W a y n e PAGE 42
Meet the recipients of this year’s OutProud Awards The OutProud Awards are part of OutFest, the annual block-party celebration in honor of National Coming Out Day. The awards recognize those who are doing notable work within and for LGBTQ equality. This year’s honorees are:
Jaci Adams OutProud Transgender Award: Nick and Sibil Mae Greiner
OutProud Award: Anh Dang, Philly Fins and Philadelphia Falcons member; C.C. Tellez, Founder of Lez Run
Outstanding Youth Award: Manny Pabon, The Attic Youth Center member
Gilbert Baker National OutProud Award: Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca, creator of The Gran Varones
LGBT History Month
OutProud Couple: The Rev. Jeffrey H. Jordan and David E. Pickett
OutProud Friend: Sen. Sharif Street, Third District
The early gay-rights crusaders: The Mattachine Society PAGE 15
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Defining lesbianism, part one PAGE 18
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OUTFEST
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
Resource listings Legal resources • ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215-592-1513; aclupa.org • AIDS Law Project of PA: 215-587-9377; aidslawpa.org • AIDS Law Project of South Jersey: 856-784-8532; aidslawsnj.org/ • Equality PA: equalitypa. org; 215-731-1447
• Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations — Rue Landau: 215-686-4670 • Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-7603686; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com • SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-920-9537
OUTPROUD from page 1
“I’ve been in service to the LGBTQ community in the city for a long time. I wanted to help other LGBTQ people of color on their journeys after coming out and be of service to a community that has given me so much. I helped to create the Pride Run, which is now a prominent part of Philly Pride, and I hope that legacy can live on.” — Ahn Dang
• Office of LGBT Affairs — Amber Hikes: 215-686-0330; amber.hikes@phila.gov
Community centers • The Attic Youth Center; 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. • LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania; 3907 Spruce
St.; 215-898-5044, center@dolphin.upenn.edu.
• Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center
Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.
• William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org.
“To be recognized at an event that means so much to me is huge. I started Lez Run in 2013 to provide a safe space specifically for lesbians in the running community. Every Wednesday we meet to run, train and talk about things going on in the community. Not only do we run and compete, but we also keep an eye on each other against discrimination and unfair play in athletics.”
Health and HIV testing • Action Wellness: 1216 Arch St.; 215981-0088, actionwellness.org
• AIDS Library:
1233 Locust St.; aidslibrary.org/
• AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800-6626080
• Bebashi-Transition to Hope: 1235 Spring Garden St.; 215769-3561; bebashi.org
• COLOURS: coloursorganization.org, 215832-0100 • Congreso de Latinos Unidos;
216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870
• GALAEI: 149 W. Susquehanna Ave.; 267-457-3912, galaei.org. Spanish/ English
• Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad
St.; 215-685-1821
• Mazzoni Center:
1348 Bainbridge St.; 215-563-0652, mazzonicenter.org
• Philadelphia FIGHT: 1233 Locust St.; 215-985-4448, fight.org
• Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center:
1201 Locust St.; 215985-9206
• Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207
Other • Independence Branch Library Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection: 215-685-1633 • Independence Business Alliance; 215-557-0190, IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com
• LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK • PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 • Philly Pride Presents: 215-875-9288
— C.C. Tellez “I saw that there was a lack of spaces for queer Latino men. I wanted to get stories from people from the ’hood, or from Latinos who were never invited to sit on panels or at the table because they weren’t ‘eloquent’ or their stories didn’t have great, inspiring endings to them. I wanted to paint a complete picture of what it’s like to be queer and Latino.” — Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca
“We serve the community at the Whosever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia the same way the church served us when we needed it. Seeing a ‘Jesus loves you’ sign at my first Pride parade in 1993 held by the former pastor of the church set me on the path that ultimately led me to my husband.” — The Rev. Jeffrey H. Jordan “It’s great to see that even kids my age can have an impact on the community. I hope to inspire other youth in the LGBTQ community that their experiences are valid and that they matter.” — Manny Pabon “It’s an honor to be an ally to the LGBT community. For the past two years, I’ve worked to pass a resolution in the Senate recognizing the month of June as LGBT Pride Month in Pennsylvania in celebration of the LGBT community’s accomplishments and contributions to this commonweath. I’ve been working towards making a strong recommitment to fight for LGBT equality. This is one step of many in support of a resilient community that has always supported me.” — Sen. Sharif Street
“We are continuing to advocate for trans people, especially those who may not have any support. I was fortunate to have a supportive family and a parent who transitioned right after I did.”
The OutProud Awards will be presented on the main stage at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 during OutFest..
pgn P
— Nick Greiner
LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976
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News & Opinion 10 — Critical Conversations Editorial Op-Ed 11 — Mark My Words OUTPour Street Talk 12 — News Briefing 27 — Weddings 30 — Obituary 34 — Media Trail 35 — International News
Columns 12 — Out Law: What is a postnuptial? 23 — Body U: Seven questions on workouts 65 — Off the Shelf: “My Brother’s Husband”
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Arts & Culture
“I think ‘Love Is Intersectional,’ for us, means that love comes in various forms, various shapes, various colors, but always remembering that there are often these intersectional identities that get forgotten. We want people to be aware of that in order for us to be a harmonious community.” ~ Nu’Rodney Prad, on Temple’s National Coming Out Week celebration, page 7
51 — Feature: Manga artist in Philly 57 — Scene in Philly 63 — Family Portrait 64 — Films 68 — Design 70 — Out & About 71 — Theater 74 — Q Puzzle
Next week: Our post-OutFest scrapbook of photos and festival recap PGN 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506 Phone: 215-625-8501 Fax: 215-925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com
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LOCAL OUTFEST
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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Indigo Ball to honor LGBT seniors By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com William Way LGBT Community Center is looking to raise $100,000 at its annual fundraising gala, which this year is honoring LGBTQ seniors. Indigo Ball, the center’s biggest fundraiser of the year, chose the theme “Golden Years” because “senior programs are a huge focus at the center,” said Chris Bartlett, William Way’s executive director. “Seniors — whether they are volunteers, program participants or senior organizations — have had a major impact on the center,” he said. “We wanted to acknowledge the people and organizations that keep those programs thriving and help us to keep our doors open.” Erin Busbee, the center’s interim development director, said Indigo Ball guests are encouraged to wear silver and gold at the black-tie-optional event to represent “the best years of life.” “The Golden theme adds to the aesthetics of the event but, more importantly, it’s a reflection of the people within our community who have impacted change, been a part of history and impart knowledge to those doing work after them,” said Busbee. The Indigo Ball debuted in 1999 and was developed by the center’s second executive director, Claire Baker. The event originally was intended to support women in the LGBTQ community. In 2003, then-executive director Dolph Ward Goldenburg revived the event to fundraise for the
center. Proceeds typically go toward operating expenses and programming. Each year, the center honors individuals and organizations in service to the community. Past honorees include The Attic Youth Center, LGBTQ activist Mel Heifetz and Stevie Martin-Chester of Men of All Colors Together-Philadelphia. This year’s Indigo Ball honorees are: Lifetime Achievement: Les Harrison, legendary drag performer Humanitarian: John Cunningham, LGBTQ activist and cofounder of the AIDS Library of Philadelphia Community Partners: AARP and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging John J. Wilcox, Jr. Leadership and Service: Steve Brando, former William Way board member Unsung Hero: Marty Sellers, founder and CEO of Sellers Dorsey Live entertainment will include a special performance by Les Harrison, Philadelphia’s first African-American drag performer. DJ Robert Drake will provide the music. ■ The 2018 Indigo Ball: Golden Years will be held at the Academy of the Fine Arts 6-11:30 p.m. Oct. 13. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.picatic.com/Indigo2018.
HIGH FIVE: A historical marker identifying the site of Dewey’s Lunch Counter (and then Little Pete’s), where a group of LGBT protesters participated in a sit-in in 1965, was unveiled Oct. 1 on S. 17th St, near Chancellor Street. The state marker is the fifth one installed in Philadelphia denoting events from 1965 through the present. The other markers are for the Annual Reminder Days at Fifth and Chestnut streets, Giovanni’s Room for the oldest LGBT bookstore in the country at 12th and Pine streets, Dr. John (Dr. Henry Anonymous) Fryer at 13th and Locust streets and the Barbara Gittings residence at 21st and Locust streets. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY REV. DR. NADINE
ROSECHILD SULLIVAN, PH.D.
Spiritual Counseling drsullivan@rosechild.org
215.704.4264
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SPIRITUALITY • SEXUALITY • RELATIONSHIPS • SELF-ESTEEM
LOCAL OUTFEST
Summit targets better care, services for LGBTQ elderly By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com More than 250 participants are expected to attend the inaugural statewide aging summit for LGBTQ residents in Harrisburg to provide more education and cultural competency for healthcare providers. The LGBT Elder Initiative is hosting the LGBTQ Aging Summit Oct. 9-10 to address the specific needs of LGBTQ seniors and connect them directly with providers. The event is a large-scale version of the aging summit that the Elder Initiative hosted in Philadelphia in 2016.
LEI’s board chairman Heshie Zinman said he saw a need for a statewide aging conference because “the needs of LGBTQ seniors in Philly look a lot different, or maybe similar, to those in the other parts of the state.” The summit is about assessing “what our needs are and how best to connect and build bridges within the aging-services world,” Zinman said. Zinman added that most LGBT older adults live alone, are not married and don’t have children, so the resources for care within families are limited. David Griffin, LEI’s director of programs and outreach, said
the summit will discuss different types of care accessible to seniors who may have experienced discrimination. “Older adults in the community have, in many cases, experienced a lot of discrimination throughout their lives, so they may be more distrustful of social services system and the healthcare system,” he said. The event’s keynote speakers include Kathy Greenlee, former assistant secretary of aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Michael Adams, chief executive officer at SAGE, the advocacy group for LGBT elders. ■
Penn Medicine taking inclusiveness a step further By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com Penn Medicine will celebrate National Coming Out Day with a series of panel discussions led by out hospital staff to address ways to support LGBTQ-identified medical professionals. The events will take place at three of the University of Pennsylvania’s hospital locations throughout the city. Employees are encouraged to “hear a panel of peers discuss their experiences being out as LGBTQ people and the importance of an inclusive, diverse and supportive work community.” Penn Medicine established the LGBT-health program in 2013 to provide the community with specialized primary care. Since then, Penn has incorporated preferred sexual-orientation and gender-identity data into medical charts used throughout its entire healthcare system. This month, healthcare professionals will provide education to increase competency around language and assist with raising awareness around LGBTQ patients and their needs. Rosemary Thomas, associate director of Penn Medicine’s program for LGBT health, said LGBTQ competency is vital when assisting patients. Penn is making more of an effort to support LGBTQ employees, she added. “In the last year, we started to shift some of our work on how we can support employees. We’ll continue to do all the work that we do to increase access to care, quality of care and patient satisfaction, but I think this is a component that’s also really important,” said Thomas. “Allies and people who don’t identify as allies can come in and learn from their colleagues from their experiences about what they can do to continue to improve and create a supportive and inclusive environment.” Kurt Palumbo, a physician’s assistant at the
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, will be a featured panelist. Penn is an open place, especially for queer people, he said. “At my old job, something like this would have never taken place. I’m able to be my most authentic self and it takes away any barriers that I might be feeling at work. I’m able to function at my best,” he said. “This will show other people that they can be open and out, that it’s OK to be queer and be out at your job. We want to promote that narrative, especially in this political climate.” The Penn Pride group was also established in 2013 to increase LGBT visibility within the hospital. Penn Medicine’s transgender patient-advo-
cate program, for example, assists trans-identifying patients with finding appropriate providers, scheduling appointments and ensuring trans competency in patient care. Lauren Iannotte, clinical-research coordinator at the Perelman School of Medicine who identifies as nonbinary, said it’s important for hospital workers “to see that their colleagues are also LGBTQ.” To know someone from the community automatically reduces the instances of discrimination, Iannotte said. “This can be the first step to show actionable ways people can support queer and trans people and what being an ally really looks like.” ■ The panel discussions will take place at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Oct. 10, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Oct. 18 and Pennsylvania Hospital Oct. 19.
LOCAL OUTFEST
CCP unveils first local community-college LGBTQ center By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com Community College of Philadelphia is seeking to improve student engagement, retention and graduation rates with its newest initiative: an LGBT center — and the first of its kind to be established at a two-year academic institution in the region. CCP will officially unveil the MarcDavid LGBT Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Winnet Student Life Building, 502 N. 17th St. It was funded by, and named after, the Marc David Foundation, an independent organization that recognizes academic success and advocacy in the LGBT community. Vincent Scarfo, coordinator of the college’s newest center, said CCP is providing necessary resources such as academic support, education on sexual and mental health and an affirming space for marginalized students. As its first official order of business, the cen-
Temple University is celebrating its 10th annual National Coming Out Week this month with a series of events examining the theme “Love Is Intersectional.” This year’s theme considers the multifaceted identities — from race to class to gender — that make up the LGBTQIA+ community, said Nu’Rodney Prad, director of student engagement for the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL). A transparent X will serve as the theme’s logo, signifying both intersectionality and the Roman numeral 10 for NCOW’s 10th year. “I think ‘Love Is Intersectional,’ for us, means that love comes in various forms, various shapes, various colors, but always remembering that there are often these intersectional identities that get forgotten. We want people to be aware of that in order for us to be a harmonious community,” said Prad. IDEAL has eight events planned for NCOW, each an opportunity for attendees to
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY
ter will host an interactive drag show 7-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Great Hall on CCP’s main campus in celebration of National Coming Out Day. The “coming-out night” will feature local drag performers, a drag king and queen contest and a lip-synching battle. In addition to providing entertainment, the event is intended to dispel misconceptions about drag culture, Scarfo said. “Some people feel like drag is misogynistic and transphobic and many don’t like that it’s a part of the community. Drag is an art form that explores and expresses gender and it creates commentary on the fluidity of gender.” Even before it officially opened, the center was already working to support LGBTQ students. Scarfo assisted with recruiting students to the executive board of the LGBTQ+ club — one that was inactive in the 2017-18 school year due to low student attendance. The club held its first meeting of the academic year last month, with more than 25 students in attendance. ■
Temple’s National Coming Out Week celebrates mulitple identities By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
socialize while they learn. Prad said he’s most excited for the annual drag show. “It’s entertaining, but it’s also educational because we’re able to talk about the ball community as well, so it supports our intersectional approach.” The drag show will be a riff on “Pose,” the FX show that explores the underground LGBTQ culture of 1980s New York, where youth would join “houses” to compete in “balls” — drag or dance events where participants would imitate different classes and genders. Cory Wade, the first openly gay contestant on “America’s Next Top Model,” is hosting. Next on Prad’s list of favorites is a community forum with featured speaker Amber Hikes, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs. The town-hall talk will discuss race and LGBTQIA+ identity. “So we’ll speak about, ‘What is the experience of being a gay black trans woman,’ for instance,” he said. IDEAL is revisiting the discussion about race because it’s topical, Prad added. “To be honest, [choosing race] was in response to various articles cov-
ering issues of racism, systemic issues that may have occurred within the LGBTQIA+ community in Philadelphia and around the country as well.” Philadelphia has been one of several U.S. cities experiencing increased rates of violence against transgender women. Early last month, Shantee Tucker, 30, was one of three black transgender women killed in the United States in one week, and one of five transgender women of color killed in Philadelphia since 2013. Reaching the larger Philadelphia community is one of IDEAL’s priorities for its growing programming. A tabling event Oct. 7 in the Gayborhood will present IDEAL’s resources to Center City residents. A fundraising gala, open to students and non-students, will round out the festivities on Oct. 12. The gala will commemorate NCOW’s inaugural organizers and feature performances, food and drinks. Sixty percent of funds raised will be donated to a yet-to-be-determined organization benefiting the LGBTQIA+ community. ■ Temple University’s NCOW runs Oct. 5-12. For event information, visit https:// sites.temple.edu/ncowequality/events/.
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The Southeastern Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Project is an initiative of Health Promotion Council.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
LOCAL OUTFEST
A market for LGBTQ business owners By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com The organizer of a recent market showcasing handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing and creative-arts services by local LGBTQ business owners and artists said she will host more such events after a promising turnout and positive feedback. More than 100 people visited the third Philly Queer Bazaar Sept. 29 at Tattooed Mom. Event organizer Kisha Robinson is already planning the fourth event for December. Gabe Loredo, a first-time vendor, said she was encouraged by the atmosphere and the response to her handmade food-inspired jewelry and illustrated prints. “The bazaar’s welcoming environment for LGBTQ business owners made me feel comfortable to take a shot with vending and selling my art,” said Loredo, who sold a pair of pretzel-shaped earrings while a visitor spoke with her. “For a long time, I’ve been thinking of creating an Etsy page, but this was a perfect opportunity to commit myself to creating work that I could eventually sell. I don’t know if I would have felt confident in selling my work at other vending events.” Fame Neal, owner of the Lezcronymz T-shirt company, isn’t new to vending, but said the queer bazaar helped spread her mission of dispelling gay stereotypes and supporting LGBTQ youth empowerment. Her shirts display off-color, attention-grabbing acronyms
Photo: Adriana Fraser
with positive meanings, like COOCH — Courageously Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges. “I know that a lot of our acronyms are over the top, but I’m creating a colorful and creative T-shirt brand that would deliver deeper messages when you actually take a closer look at what each letter means,” said Neal. “I want to send the message that there’s a family waiting for young people struggling to come out or struggling to understand their sexual identity.” Similarly, The Starfruit Project aims to provide “radical healing and growth” through creative writing and performance programs for queer and trans people of color, said founder and director Briyana Clarel. Clarel set up a “healing space” at the market that featured Play-Doh for stress relief and an affirmation station, where visitors are encouraged to leave a positive message and take one written by someone else. “There aren’t many spaces to provide healing services for people of color in the community. I’m fostering an environment that addresses trauma and positive ways of working through it while building community.” Robinson, herself a crafter, noticed a lack of LGBTQidentified vendors and events that exclusively featured queer business owners. “I attended a few vending events and felt out of place,” she said. “I tried to find events that not only welcomed what I was selling, but also welcomed me as a queer person. I want this to be a regular thing for our community of creators.” ■
T:10.125”
LOCAL OUTFEST
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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T:11.35”
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL OUTFEST
Critical Conversations
Johnathan Gilmore
A letter to Christians who love us because Jesus would
Editorial
Media: Stop enabling discrimination On Monday, the State Department began requiring all employees to be married in order to receive family benefits and, for overseas staff, diplomatic passports and immunity. This is a rollback from a policy that permitted full benefits for domestic partners. The next day, State Department officials announced that G-category visas — used for diplomats and employees of international organizations operating in the United States, such as the United Nations — will not be issued to same-sex partners of those employees. Amid the media coverage of the attack on LGBTQ rights not only in the United States but now on any non-American wishing to work here is plenty of outrage from advocates blasting the overt discrimination — but not a whole lot of explanation. State Department officials briefed journalists on Tuesday on condition of anonymity. These officials were unveiling a major new policy — so why exactly, do they have to be anonymous? And, more importantly, why did the press go along with it? Why does the State Department get to dictate to journalists the terms of the rollout of a bigoted, and quite possibly illegal, policy? Simply put, because of a lack of resistance. That briefing appears to have been rather short on information, because nowhere in the coverage is a coherent explanation of why these policies are now in place. The stenographers present at the briefing dutifully took the scraps they were given, and filled in the gaps with articulate opponents who rightfully noted how ignorant and dangerous these policies are, particularly for couples from countries where homosexuality is a crime. This is not journalism. The media must understand that its role is serving and informing the public, not maintaining friendly relations with insiders. It would have made a more powerful statement to refuse to cover the event and to report why — because the policy is yet another step in delegitimizing LGBTQ relationships. And if you can’t own it publicly, then that is a big part of the story. ■
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.
In the midst of a dark and twisted time for LGBT individuals, with hate crimes at an all-time high, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric spewing like fountains, openly gay conservatives like Milo Yiannopoulos and Guy Benson joining the ranks of our persecutors and my own family advocating for a “new America” that Trump will bring, it can all seem hopeless. Sometimes the hate doesn’t come to you in a direct form, like someone screaming in your face. For example, my own family member, in an attempt to show support, tagged me in a Facebook meme. The meme was of a pastor who said that, basically, Christians must love gay people and accept them as their neighbors because that’s what Jesus would do. Seems sweet on the surface, but the message it sends us is clear: You only love us because Jesus wants you to. But what about our heterosexual counterparts? Why do you just naturally love them? Why is it so fucking hard to just love other people because you should love them? The reason is clear: The Bible has historically been used as a tool to segregate and divide this nation. It has been used as an excuse for slavery, and now it’s used to propagate anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.
Op-Ed
It’s interesting that even to this day, my family can’t recognize the damage their rhetoric has done to me. They often feel as if I’m holding onto stuff in an unhealthy manner. They feel as though I’m persecuting them for their beliefs — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When I left for the Marines at 19 years old, I was immediately immersed into a world full of different kinds of people. Perhaps one of the most profound moments happened within my first six months in the back of a 7-ton military vehicle during a training event. About 10 men, including me, were smooshed together and decided to talk about race. One Marine said, “Well I don’t care if they have rights, but blacks shouldn’t marry whites.” Baffled, I said, “That’s a fucking joke, right?” I honestly thought that he was spewing off some racist joke that would be alleviated with a distasteful punchline or, at the very least, he would state that he didn’t actually believe that. But he wasn’t kidding, and many of the other Marines were in agreement. Later I would learn the word “jigaboo,” and I would learn that the South truly does believe it will “rise PAGE 42 again.”
Dr. Daniel Kaser
Your path to parenthood I tell friends I found two loves during medical school: My husband was the first and the field of infertility, my current specialty, was the second. It was clear the two were not mutually exclusive; I’d need help from a doctor like myself to have a child with my husband one day. As a reproductive endocrinologist at the Marlton office of Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ), I’m often asked — both by patients and friends — what the process entails. My answer? It depends on your situation, but there is a path to parenthood for everyone. The first thing many LGBTQ folks will tackle before entering into assisted-reproductive care is the associated cost. IVF can be expensive, and insurance coverage for gay, lesbian and trans couples is limited at best. This is because insurance ties benefits based on the definition of infertility — the inability to get pregnant naturally after a set amount of time. Gay, lesbian and trans couples simply can’t meet this requirement, and thus are at a disadvantage from the get-go. Lesbians, for example, must usually pay out of pocket for six to 12 rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) — or when sperm is placed inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization — before they can be considered infertile and receive insurance benefits. Single men and gay male couples, however, have trouble meeting the
infertility requirement at all, and usually end up paying out of pocket for all services. The good news is that many companies are beginning to adopt more progressive health-insurance policies that provide infertility coverage for LGBTQ couples, and advocacy groups are actively pushing for changes to state-insurance laws. For many couples, cost is a big challenge, but never a complete deterrent; many couples I meet see the cost as a necessary means to an end. So how does it work? If you are a lesbian couple, your first choice is whether to use a known or anonymous sperm donor. Once you’ve decided that, both IUI and IVF are available for pregnancy. In an IUI, the woman who is going to carry the pregnancy will take medication to help her ovulate, and doctors will place thawed sperm into her uterus. If that doesn’t work, IVF is an option, and allows both women to take part in the pregnancy. One of the partners can use her eggs to be fertilized with sperm (after the eggs are retrieved through a simple outpatient procedure), while the other partner can have the newly created embryo transferred into her uterus and carry the baby to term. Through this co-IVF process, both women can participate PAGE 42
OP-ED OUTFEST
On excellence “General excellence.” zations amazes me. This year, I sat with Upon hearing we’d won this category, member newspapers from Mississippi and my thoughts were, Just another award. Texas. Their questions were, shall we say, Now that might sound jaded, but these enlightening. But it’s an education for both days that seems to be the road we’re on, sides. And it seems we always leave with a and I should have done my homework. new appreciation for the other. I soon discovered that the award I’m At the awards ceremony, many of the about to accept on behalf of the entire other newspapers were surprised to witPGN team is one of the highest honors ness one of the LGBT newspapers taking a newspaper could be awarded by the top honors. And that was all I expected, 2,300 newspaper members but then a surprise: The last of the National Newspaper three awards were labeled Association. “General Excellence” and I But another thought came to assumed they were just like mind at that emotional moment: any other award — but then My friends who, like me, were the presenters read the criteria: among the first as OUT people “General excellence, among all to attend mainstream profesdailies and non-dailies, of all sional organizational meetings circulations, across the nation.” and conventions. On many Of the 2,300 member newspaoccasions, these were the first pers, we were one of only three LGBT people some non-LGBT to be awarded this prestigious people ever met, and thus honor. The significance of that were their first impression of moment had me in an emoour community. My thoughts tional state. Then I thought, went to Ann Butchart and Dan If only I would have done my Mark Segal homework, I would have been Anders, who attended organizations for judges; Leon King, prepared for such a high honor. who attended law-enforcement conferThis is breaking barriers — not just for ences as the first out black commissioner PGN and our staff that earned this honor, of corrections in America; and my friend but for all LGBT media. Our community Klay, who walked into meetings of the should take pride as well, since one of its cable and broadcast organizations. own was judged by professional peers to This year, we were awarded many be one of the best in the nation. The comhonors from the National Newspaper munity’s support through the years is why Association. That’s an organization of we have reached that pinnacle. some 2,300 daily and weekly newspaFor a moment, my mind wandered to pers around the country, and we felt honour beginning years and the hardships, the or-bound to attend. So, when no one in the death threats, the destruction of our offices office wanted to go, I decided to be the and even being put on the Thunderbolt designated attendee. Newspaper hit list (that was the newspaThis is something I’ve gotten used per of the KKK and white supremacists). to over the years: being among the first Thanks to all the staff through the years LGBT newspapers to win major journalthat endured. That, I hope, is a message to ism awards, or being the first LGBT news- anyone who wonders, What can I do? paper applying for membership, or attendImagine, dream and never give up or in. ■ ing meetings of mainstream journalism or Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s mostprofessional organizations. award-winning commentator in LGBT media. You One journalism organization refused our can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ membership for 15 years. So the reaction MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter.com/ of some of the members of these organiPhilaGayNews.
Mark My Words
OUTPour
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
PAGE 11
Street Talk What's your reaction to Brett Kavanaugh's testimony? "He was too aggressive and emotional. People who are innocent don't have to act that way. Christine Ford was Gina Bondarenko levelgift-shop manager headed and Queen Village reasonable when she presented her story. If Kavanaugh were innocent, there would be no need for such histrionics. I'm not buying any of his testimony."
“Everything Kavanaugh said was total garbage. He threw himself a pity party because someone called him Deborah Drubin out. His tears pet sitter were all a Queen Village show to gain sympathy. But he’s not the true victim in the scenario. He pointed the finger at everyone else but himself.”
"Kavanaugh doesn't belong on any court, let alone the Supreme Court. He seemed totally unhinged. Lily Medosch But I think student that was Walnut Hill intentional, to derive sympathy. I didn't feel an ounce of sympathy for him. He caused his own problems."
"It's terrifying to think someone like that could hold such a powerful position in our country. He was Emily Moylan incredibly theater artist disrespectful Queen Village to the Senate, particularly the female senators. His testimony reinforced my belief that he's a misogynist. The evidence against him is damning. If anything, his testimony solidified my support for Christine Ford."
Antar T. Bush
Rooting for all the black queers! It is great to celebrate how far black LGBTQ people have come, but to see us on screen, we must recognize that not all representations are good. Quality, not just quantity, matters, because 84 percent of Americans only learn about black LGBQ folks through the images they see in the media. Journalist Kevin Fallon says, “When you grow up LGBT in America, or wondering whether you might be gay, you search for yourself in any way you can…” The media industry has a long history of underrepresentation for LGBTQ char-
acters, and it’s even worse if you’re an LGBTQ person of color. The few black LGBTQ characters that do manage to make an appearance are often minor characters, terrible stereotypes and made fun of or abused for being queer. Although progress has been made in recent years with a number of critically acclaimed and fan-favorite movies and TV shows, not everything is moving forward. After years of neglect, black LGBTQ fans have had enough. We are demanding that this systematic cinematic shutout stop now. With shows like “Pose,” “Transparent”
and “Drag Race,” Hollywood is finally taking notice of this untapped market. All these media projects give the point of view of a black queer artist. Traditional film projects made for, and often by, black LGBTQ folks have fallen into a narrow definition of our lived experience for fear of not being green-lit. Twentyfive years ago, black queers were made out to be campy. To wit: “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” the Men on Film segment of “In Living Color,” and “A Low Down Dirty Shame.” This is one of the reasons I created
OUTPour — to change and complicate the narrative of black queers in media across the country. OUTPour wants to open up opportunities and go far beyond talking about pop-culture and social-justice issues. We understand at OUTPour that black queers are not a monolith and that visibility matters in all media outlets. ■ Antar Bush is a public-health advocate, professor at West Chester University and executive producer of OUTPour LGBTQ. He is committed to advocating for health equity in all communities. Follow him on Instagram @antarbushmswmph.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
LEGAL OUTFEST
Postnuptial agreements gaining favor in PA Most people are familiar with premarital als, and could not enter into a contract with agreements, designed to protect individuals itself. entering a legal marriage. LGBTQ commuTo make a postnuptial agreement valid nity members find themselves in an interand enforceable, it has basic requirements esting position as it relates to premarital established by law. It needs to be written; agreements because of the staggered way — oral agreements are not enforceable. It in which marriage equality came needs to be voluntarily agreed about. First, we had federal to by both married participants. recognition in 2013, then state Any indication of coercion recognition in Pennsylvania in invalidates the agreement. Full 2014 and, finally, nationwide disclosure of every element recognition in 2015. As happy within the postnuptial agreeas we were to win the fight for ment must be made. At the marriage equality, the quickness time of the signing, all assets with which it was ushered in did and liabilities must be fully not necessarily allow for careful described with clear stipulations planning; hence considering a of how those will be handled. postnuptial agreement. If one spouse is unaware of the A postnuptial agreement is full financial picture, the agreeentered after the marriage and ment will be declared unenAngela forceable. In some states, such establishes how a couple’s assets are to be handled in the event Giampolo as Pennsylvania, the “fairness” of a legal separation. It’s a concriterion is not necessary, and tract between the individuals stipulating not a one-sided agreement with a large imbaljust how assets would be distributed, but ance of asset distribution will be enforced. also answers questions such as, Who stays Lastly, the postnuptial agreement must be in the marital home? How long does that validly executed, usually by having both person have to refinance, and if refinancparties’ signatures notarized. ing isn’t possible, when can the house be Courts do not view postnuptial agreesold? Pre- and postnuptial agreements often ments the same in every state, but in afford more protection and assurance than Pennsylvania, there is a trend of courts the default state divorce code would prefavoring and enforcing postnuptial agreescribe. ments. The idea behind that is the individuals in the marriage know best how to fairly What is a postnuptial agreement? distribute assets in the event of a legal separation, and a fairly negotiated and exePostnuptial agreements became more cuted agreement to that effect should take reliably enforced by the courts in the precedent over default state laws that were 1970s, when divorces became more comnot designed for that particular couple. mon, along with no-fault divorces, where one spouse does not have to provide a reaWhy have a postnuptial agreement? son for wanting to dissolve the marriage. Prior to that, a marriage was considered a Protections within a marriage can be single legal unit, rather than two individujust as important as those set up before a
Out Law
News Briefing LGBT biz council partners with start-up The 1776 at Ambler Yards shared workspace has partnered with the Montgomery County LGBT business council to create an antidiscrimination policy. The building, in the suburb of Ambler, has several locations in the Philadelphia region, but the policy applies only to its newest space at Ambler Yards. The new policy states: “Ambler Yards follows a policy of not discriminating against anyone based on: age, marital
status, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity or religious background, descent or nationality, disability, HIV/AIDS status, military status, physical stature, pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth or any other factor deemed unlawful by respective federal, state or local laws.” Richard Buttacavoli, cofounder and president of the LGBT business council, said diversity and inclusion are essential to an organization’s success, and the partnership with 1776 at Ambler Yards was a necessary step. “The next generation of talent recruiters and marketers have embraced inclusive core principles that attract great employees as well as sophisticated, loyal customers,” he said. The workspace is home to an extensive network of mentors that assists start-up companies in connecting with potential investors.
marriage takes place, and the reasons for them are not always financial. For example, if a couple finds their marriage in jeopardy due to infidelity but have come to an agreement to mend the relationship, a postnuptial agreement can be drawn up to include a stipulation that if the infidelity hasn’t ended or is ever repeated, the spouse who broke the marriage vows faces a penalty in a divorce. Moreover, financial pictures can change quickly through incurring debt, an unexpected windfall or inheritance, or if a venture with a business partner becomes wildly successful and you want to protect the company assets from a potential divorce. Other common provisions in a postnuptial agreement deal with contributions made towards real estate, the payment and duration of spousal support, the division of liabilities and marital debts and how assets will be passed on in the event of a spouse’s death. For couples who have made the decision for one of them to leave their career path to raise children, a postnuptial agreement can protect the spouse who becomes the
That safety net for the caretaker spouse can ease dread and uncertainty, and even strengthen a marriage. caretaker if, after years or decades out of the workforce, they decide to divorce. The caretaker has chosen to forego the investment in building a successful career and contributing into a retirement account in pursuit of raising a family and supporting the working spouse in their career. Reentering the workforce after such a gap is a challenge, and the lost earning
power can make it difficult to start over. That safety net for the caretaker spouse can ease dread and uncertainty, and even strengthen a marriage. There are situations when it is not prudent to sign a postnuptial agreement; namely, if adequate time has not been provided to review the postnuptial agreement, it is wise not to sign until and unless both parties have reviewed and fully understand all the terms of the contract. Postnuptial agreements are contracts, making them legally binding and enforceable by the courts. Some people say it’s not romantic to think of marriage as a legally binding contract, but it is one. People are offended by a two-year Comcast contract but enter into a marriage, which is a contract that lasts in perpetuity, without anything in writing. You already have one! Keep in mind, everyone has a pre or postnuptial agreement. It’s whether you and your partner wrote it, or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania did. Particularly for LGBTQ individuals, who typically marry later in life, the default state divorce code may not effectively provide for your relationship. Crafting one of these agreements can be an empowering process that benefits the relationship and provides stability around the legal and financial aspects of marriage, and that benefits both parties. ■ Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law Group, maintains offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and specializes in LGBT law, family law, business law, real-estate law and civil rights. Her website is www.giampololaw.com, and she maintains a blog at www.phillygaylawyer.com. Reach out to Angela with your legal questions at 215-645-2415 or angela@giampololaw.com.
Nightclub hosts first-ever LGBT event for OutFest
Laurel Hill Cemetery holds 10th-annual run
Nina Flowers of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and professional host Alan T will perform and host an OutFest celebration on Oct. 7 from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. “Harmonic Distortion” will be held in the Not of the Ordinary nightclub at 1209 Vine St. This will be NOTO’s first LGBTQ event. Additional performances include DJs KRK and June Rodriguez, as well as the Adonis Men of NYC. The event will focus on blending local music with performance art. Organizer Thomas Westerfer, Jr. hopes this will help expand LGBT territory in Philadelphia, and has chosen NOTO as Harmonic Distortion’s venue to bring OutFest out of the Gayborhood. “I want to let everyone know [NOTO] is an LGBT-friendly place,” Westerfer said.
The Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery will host its 10th-annual Rest In Peace 5K Run Oct. 6 starting at 5 p.m., with a party following in the cemetery courtyard. Runners and spectators alike are encouraged to come dressed in costume or to bring costumed pets, as prizes will be awarded. The event will be emceed and feature a performance by Brittany Lynn of the Philly Drag Mafia. Music and free beer will be on hand. All proceeds go to the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the grounds of the Victorian burial ground. ■ — compiled by Miranda Lankas and Adriana Fraser
OUTFEST
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OUTFEST
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HISTORY OUTFEST
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LGBT History Month
Mattachine members: early crusaders for queer rights By John McDonald Lost in the celebrations of this year’s Pride was the death of a historical crusader for LGBT rights. The passing of Dick Leitsch was a reminder of the role secret societies played in mid-20th-century America. Leitsch, who died June 22, led the New York chapter of the Mattachine Society, which represented the beginning of LGBT advocacy and support in the United States. Founded in 1950 in Los Angeles, pre-Stonewall Riots, Mattachine DICK LEITSCH grew from an underground social gathering into a public-service agency that’s now celebrated through modern-dance parties. Harry Hay, a man of many tastes and orientations, led the society at its inception. The Mattachine Society existed during a time in America when it was not possible to be openly gay. In the time before the Stonewall riots of the late 1960s, many gay men and women were living double lives in opposite-sex relationships. It took a radical fairy like Hay to establish the Mattachine Society as an important and viable networking group. Under his reign, Mattachine’s existence was characterized as a masquerading society of fools. “In those days, the late Sen. McCarthy was carrying on in Washington and seemed
AN AD FOR THE MATTACHINE SOCIETY. PHOTO VIA @LGBT_HISTORY, INSTAGRAM
to be unable to differentiate between a homosexual and a communist, and many reacted very strongly to this,” Leitsch said in a 1969 radio interview with WNYC. Leitsch died of liver cancer at a Manhattan hospice. He was 83. Mattachine Society members were groundbreaking activists. They were brave men willing to organize in secret, knowing they could face disastrous outcomes if their sexuality was made known to the public. “Mattachines were court jesters of the 13th century,” Leitsch told WNYC. “And they wore funny masks and they acted silly, but underneath the silliness, they were speaking truth to the king and sometimes they were the only people in the kingdom who could get away with it.” Archival documents and notes of the group’s membership are still rather difficult to obtain. Papers on the Mattachine Society can be found at the One Archives at the University of Southern California. The archives — the largest repository of LGBT materials worldwide — have credible and extensive documentation of this once-secret society. Documents include notes from business- and planning-committee meetings. There is also a photograph from a holiday party showing Hay — one of the partici- HARRY HAY pants in Alfred C. Kinsey’s famous study of sexuality — and seven other men sitting around a decorated tree. Another file contains audio from a 1961 hearing on homosexual rights in Los Angeles. Martin Meeker, 47, is the director at the Oral History Center at UC-Berkeley. He has researched the Mattachine Society under the leadership of Hal Call and Don Lucas. “Mattachine Society was run by people who recognized that the greatest problem faced by gay men and lesbians was their lack of access to information and their isolation from one another,” Meeker said. “Under the leadership of Hal Call and Don Lucas, the Mattachine Society sought to spread objective information about homosexuality and end the isolation of gay people across the country.” Hay, an avowed Communist, led the Mattachine Society in 1952. “By 1954, Hal Call was allowing his name to be printed in the San Francisco Chronicle as the head of this homosexual organization,” Meeker said. “He was a publicly out gay man, probably one of the first in the country’s history. To me, that is the
definition of a radical act.” As the Mattachine Society raised its profile with magazine publications and social services, the 1960s arrived with winds of change. On the East Coast, it gained recognition with the 1966 “Sip-In,” in which members challenged bars that refused service to gay people. The bars justified this practice as refusing to serve “disorderly” patrons. The Sip-In was a challenge to the State Liquor Authority’s discriminatory policy of revoking the licenses of bars that served gays and lesbians. “At the time, being homosexual was, in itself, seen as disorderly,” Leitsch told The
of the famous Sip-In. Leitsch led the Sip-In protest on April 21, 1966, telling the bartender at Julius that they were homosexuals and wanted a drink. There is a famous picture showing the bartender with his hand covering the glass as Leitsch places his order. “That photograph was in the Village Voice and led to the end of that bar,” said acclaimed screenwriter and director John Cameron Mitchell, speaking to Mirror Magazine before Leitsch’s death and calling the Mattachine leader “an inspiration.” Julius’ rich history is rightfully acknowledged once a month at a night set aside for the Mattachine. These parties are the brainchild of Cameron Mitchell and PJ DeBoy, collaborators on the 2006 feature film “Shortbus.” Crafted out of a three-floor stucco building, Julius took its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. “It’s the only building in Manhattan I’ve seen stucco on,” Cameron Mitchell said. “It’s now a National Landmark building, which is sad, because the exterior is still ugly.” Cameron Mitchell said today’s Julius is modeled after an old pub and still serves burgers. It’s his neighborhood bar — “my living room,” he said. At one time, (UPPER LEFT) WITH MEMBERS OF THE MATTACHINE however, Julius was known SOCIETY IN 1951 Photo: Wikimedia as a place where young guys met older men. New York Times in April 2016. The Sip-In “It was a hustler bar in the ’80s and ’90s. is widely regarded as a precursor to the And then those hustlers got as old as their Stonewall Riots. customers.” Meeker’s work and papers on Mattachine The 55-year-old Tony Award-winning focus on the 1950s, when two men joined director could not resist dismissing former forces to wrestle control away from Hay and New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. move the Society in a different direction. “Giuliani came in and, in his view, “Hay was a communist,” Meeker said. ‘cleaned these up,’” Cameron Mitchell “He was more politically and econom- said. “When really he was just a bully and ically radical than Hal Call and Don homophobe and he tried to shut down a Lucas.” bunch of dance parties … just because he’s Meeker said Call and Lucas were “Cold like that.” War liberals” adding that some historians Still, Julius has endured. The oldest gay have mistaken the pair as “conservatives.” bar in New York City is the site of celebraThe tension between Hay’s adminis- tions and parties. And thanks to pioneers tration of Mattachine — what Meeker like Leitsch and the Mattachine Society, no termed a “foundation” — and Call and one will be refused a drink based solely on Lucas’ tenure is still reflected in today’s their sexual desires. n philosophies. John Cameron Mitchell organizes the “They both believed in some version monthly Mattachine party with Angela of progressive social change, but their DiCarlo and Amber Martin. He collabovisions of how to bring about progressive rates with bar owner Helen Buford for the social change were profoundly different,” annual Sip-In celebration. Julius New York Meeker said. is at 159 W. 10th St. in Manhattan. ■ In New York, a more modern way of recognizing Mattachine unfolds every month Jake Lewis and David Altermatt contributed to this at Julius, the city’s oldest gay bar and site report.
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Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-7241702. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215922-1128. Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Congregation Rodeph Shalom Shabbat services every Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at 615 N. Broad St. ; 215-627-6747. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-5462093, dignityphila@aol.com. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980, www.firstuu-philly. org. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays, with lunch to follow, at 6001 Germantown Ave.; 215-438-3077, www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950, www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships 9 a.m. Sundays at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sanctuary; 215-567-3668, www. lc-hc.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays at 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267388-6081, www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215-764-6364, www.kol-tzedek. org. Whosoever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia
HISTORY OUTFEST
Services 11 a.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-2942020, www.mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church
Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215922-4566, www.oldfirstucc.org. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 19 S. 38th St.; 215386-0234, www.philadelphiacathedral.org. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Open and welcoming meeting 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays at William Way; 267-939-2705, pmquay1@yahoo.com. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m. Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000, cpmm@ afsc.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918, stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn.org. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Welcoming and diverse congregation with numerous outreach and fellowship groups holds services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at Third and Pine streets; 215-9255968; www.stpetersphila.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100, tabunited. org. Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. and fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m. at 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515, trinityphiladelphia.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157, www. usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561, www.uurestoration. us. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 a.m.; 215-387-2885, www.uniphila. org.
LGBT History Month
Part one: Defining lesbianism By Victoria A. Brownworth Lesbians exist. Lesbians, like gay men, have always existed. If there is a singular lesson to be learned this LGBT History Month, it is that lesbians didn’t just appear suddenly in the 20th century as anomalous figures with no antecedents. Lesbians have lived and loved and had bodice-ripping passionate sex for millennia. One of the most contradictory aspects of modern queer culture is the premise that any woman who has kissed a girl and liked it (and perhaps made millions singing about it) gets to claim queer status like a Girl Scout badge, while millions of women who lived quiet-yet-obvious lesbian lives for decades in previous centuries have had their lesbianism erased and their sexuality — their very-real, passionate, physical sexuality — neutered. In a brutal irony, the erasing of lesbian sexuality has been done most effectively by female academics who hesitate to define same-sex relationships between women as sexual, for reasons that are wholly rooted in male contrivance of female sexuality and the male gaze on it. The theory that women never performed sexual acts together before the 20th century is appallingly smug, and not a little homophobic. And yet that theory persists. There are points to be argued for why this is wrong, and which lead us from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century. The fear of uncontrolled female sexuality has raged throughout history. And throughout the world, corrective rape of lesbians is endemic — including in the USA. The emergence of the #MeToo movement has overlooked lesbians, but they are its shadow victims. Within this construct of controlling women’s bodies and sexuality, lesbian orientation is the most fearsome of all sexualities because men are wholly elided from it. If a woman doesn’t need a man for sexual pleasure, then the driving societal function of maleness — heterosexual sex — is thrown into question. So, too, is the predicate for enforcing compulsory heterosexuality upon
women. Every woman, regardless of her orientation, knows from a young age that lesbians are a trigger for men. The most common retort when a woman rejects a man’s advances or catcalls is to call her a “dyke” or “lesbo.” It happens every day, everywhere. This lesbophobic, misogynist and blatantly ahistorical erasure of lesbian sexuality is similar to the erasure of all autonomous female sexuality: Women’s sexual desire has always been viewed, discussed and portrayed within the construct and purview of the male gaze and, as such, has never seemed complete without the intrusion of a male into that space of wholly female desire. The trope of a male entering onto the scene of a lesbian sexual coupling just in time to “complete” the sex has been recorded in erotica and pornography since at least the 17th century in the West, and far earlier in Asian erotic art. One of the most notorious depictions of lesbian sexuality occurs in John Cleland’s infamous erotic novel, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, more commonly known by its smutty name, Fanny Hill, published in 1748. (In British slang, “Fanny” means vulva, hence Fanny Hill was a cheeky play on mons veneris.) In Cleland’s novel, Fanny engages in lesbian sex with Phoebe, a bisexual prostitute. Fanny also witnesses — and describes vividly — other lesbian sex scenes. The novel was first banned in the U.S. in 1821 in Boston, and may have been a progenitor for the term “banned in Boston.” Heterosexuals have questioned, “Who is the man?” in lesbian relationships, as if there must be a male-female dynamic for the sex and the relationship itself to be fully functional. Butch lesbians have been described and dismissed as pseudo-men, when in fact butch lesbianism is nothing of the sort. In medicalizing texts in the 19th century, there were attempts — failed — to determine whether the genitalia of butch lesbians differed from that of femme-presenting lesbians. Of course there was no difference. In recent revisionist history, some butch
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lesbians have been rewritten as trans men when they were lifelong gender-nonconforming butches who identified as female. Conversely, femme-presenting lesbians have had their sexuality written off in Freudian terms as unevolved and infantile. In literature and popular culture, femme-presenting lesbians have most frequently had their sexuality conflated with bisexuality, a wholly separate orientation. This common conflation has served to erase both lesbians and bisexual women in so many different ways. Initially, the colonies had sought to imprison lesbians. The criminalization of same-sex female relationships followed that of English common law. How often it was actually enforced is unclear. But in the U.S. alone, there were laws as early as the 17th century against lesbianism. If there hadn’t been examples of lesbians and lesbian sex, why the laws prohibiting it? In 1636, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Cotten proposed a law prohibiting sex between two women, punishable by death. The law read: “Unnatural filthiness, to be punished with death, whether sodomy, which is carnal fellowship of man with man, or woman with woman, or buggery, which is carnal fellowship of man or woman with beasts or fowls.” There is no record of this law being enacted. In 1649, in Plymouth Colony, Sarah White Norman and Mary Vincent Hammon were prosecuted for “lewd behavior with each other upon a bed.” The trial documents are the only known record of sex between female English colonists in North America in the 17th century. Hammon, who was the younger of the two, was given a formal admonition, but Norman was convicted. As part of her punishment, she had to allocute publicly to her “unchaste behavior” with Hammon. In 1655, the Connecticut colony passed a law criminalizing sodomy between women (and men). In 1779, Thomas Jefferson proposed a federal law that included lesbian and gay sex. The law read: “Whosoever shall be guilty of rape, polygamy, or sodomy with man or woman shall be punished. If a man, by castration, if a woman, by cutting thro’ the cartilage of her nose a hole of one half inch diameter at the least.” Lesbianism has been perceived by many — and Sigmund Freud perpetuated this misperception — as a phase of female sexuality that women grow out of. Freud wrote about schoolgirl crushes and teenage experimentation with lesbian relationships
as a stepping stone to “true adult female sexuality” — heterosexuality. (Ironically or not, Freud’s daughter, Dr. Anna Freud, was in a lesbian relationship with child psychoanalyst Dr. Dorothy Tiffany-Burlingham for more than 50 years.) Is language the problem? It’s true that the terminology itself is fairly recent. “Homosexual” was first coined in the mid-19th century in an 1869 pamphlet written by Karl-Maria Kertbeny to decry anti-sodomy laws in Germany. In 1886, Richard Krafft-Ebing, the noted German psychiatrist, coined the terms “heterosexuality” and “homosexuality” in his work Psychopathia Sexualis. The term “lesbian” was first seen in poems by men in the 1860s, and then more commonly as a medical term for lesbian sex in 1890. The term “Sapphist” occurs earlier, in early 19th-century poetry and literature. But without the examples of actual lesbians, where would the language come from? The Greek poet, Sappho, whose birthplace of Lesbos spawned the term “lesbianism” and whose name has become synonymous with female homosexuals — Sapphists — was born in 630 B.C. The relationship of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible and Talmud, the oft-cited verses in Leviticus as well as St. Paul’s comments on same-sex relationships in Corinthians all signal lesbianism as a real — and definitively sexual — fact. At the turn of the last century, ToulouseLautrec and other French and German post-Impressionists incorporated lesbians into their work as denizens of a Bohemian demi-monde. In Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin, communities of lesbians were thriving, albeit in underground communities, which by the turn into the 20th century would include large enclaves of American women — expatriates whose names are now revived each year during LGBT History Month as veritable monoliths in our compendia of writers and artists: Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, Romaine Brooks, Djuna Barnes, Natalie Barney, Josephine Baker, Renée Vivien, Ida Rubenstein and more. While these women fled the U.S. and the mores that made it difficult for them to live the openly — some would claim flagrantly — lesbian lives they led in the U.S., there remained hundreds of thousands of lesbians in America, leading very different lesbian lives, yet not the neutered lives we have been led to believe. ■
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Health Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth. org. AIDS Care Group/Sharon Hill Medical provides comprehensive HIV services in Delaware County, including primary and preventative medicine, dental care, STI and HIV screenings and treatments, women’s health care, drug and alcohol counseling and treatment and mental health counseling and treatment at 907 Chester Pike in Sharon Hill and 2304 Edgmont Ave. in Chester; 610-5831177 or 610-872-9101; aidscaregroup.org or sharonhillmedical.org. Congreso de Latinos Unidos provides anonymous, free HIV testing with Spanish/English counselors, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help: Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 13-19 MacDade Blvd., Suite 109, Collingdale, N.J., no appointment needed; 610-586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448, www.fight.org.
12-step programs and support groups Al-Anon
■
Pennsylvania Al-Anon Alateen Family Groups: Events, meeting times and locations at pa-al-anon.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
■ Acceptance meets 7:30 p.m. Fridays and
Mondays at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets. ■ Community meets 8 p.m. Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian, but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. Sundays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 610-374-7914. ■ Living Sober meets 8:30 p.m. Saturdays at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. ■ No Other Way Out meets 11 a.m. Sundays at William Way. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. daily at the William Way. ■ Sober and Gay meets 8:30 p.m. SundayFriday at William Way. Young People’s AA meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mark’s Church, 1625 Locust St.; 215-735-1416.
PAGE 19
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
■ Meets 7 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Thursday at William Way.
Mental-Health Support
■ Pink and Blues, a free peer-run mental-
health support group for LGBT people, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215627-0424. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037 and the second Wednesday at Paoli Memorial Hospital, 225 W. Lancaster Ave.; 215-545-2242, www. phillysos.tripod.com.
HIV/AIDS Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a self-help, support and empowerment group for sexual-minority men of color with HIV/AIDS meets 6-8 p.m. at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI: Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215-769-3561; bebashi.org. ■ Feast Incarnate, a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Mazzoni Center, 21 S. 12th St.; 215563-0652 ext. 235. Wednesdays:
■ Project Teach, a peer-education and
empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, meets 3-5 p.m. at Philadelphia FIGHT, 1233 Locust St.; fight. org.
Thursdays:
■ A support group for HIV-positive men
and women meets 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI: Transition to Hope; 215-769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for those infected or affected, meets from 5-7 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; 267-549-3676, fowallace@yahoo.com. Saturdays:
n AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth
support group meets during the school year at varying times and locations; 800-8106776.
Debtors Anonymous
■ Meets 7-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday at
the William Way Center.
Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
■ Meets 11 a.m.-noon at William Way.
S.A.R.A.
■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment, day
and evening hours; 215-563-0663 ext. 282.
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
■ Meets 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at All Saints
Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 302-542-3279.
PAGE 20
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If you live in west Philadelphia or you’re hanging out there, you can find a copy of PGN at these convenient locations: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Metropolitan Community Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Saturn Club, 3430 Sansom St. • Saxby’s Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •
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Intensive Outpatient Services now available at Mazzoni Center
T Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for substance abuse
TO LEARN MORE CONTACT:
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For every hopeful parent, the path to building a family is different. We understand. Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey and Philadelphia offers a comprehensive approach and proven path to having a family in the shortest time necessary. As a recognized leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, we take great pride in our nearly 20 years of successfully helping Moms and Moms or Dads and Dads be parents.
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Montgomery County • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Glenside Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads • Would you like to be on our distribution list?
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
PAGE 23
Seven FAQs from new gym rats 1. Should I work out every day?
3. Should I eat before working out?
Yes, with a properly constructed plan. Eating a balanced meal two to three However, working the same hours before your workmuscle groups every day for out is important to fuel. a long period of time can be However, some people do problematic, and can lead to require an extra boost before overtraining. This can cause their workouts. Foods such injury or exhaustion. The as almonds, rice cakes with body does need rest; taking a peanut butter, string cheese, weekend or a week off once a protein shake, or a small in a while is beneficial for serving of chicken with vegproper recovery. Working out gies or sweet potatoes can every day is a good option if give one the boost needed to a person is specifically traintrain. It’s important to keep ing a different muscle group, this meal light unless the or if there is a change in training regimen requires Megan Niño more calories. loads (amount of weight carried) every few weeks. 4. How long until I see results? 2. What’s the difference between losing body fat and losing body For a person who has been sedenweight? tary most of their life, with an exercise and diet plan, a person can start seeing Body weight includes fat, muscle, results by as soon as week four and as late as week six. Someone who is bones, waste and fluids. Fat loss is changing their regimen might start seeabout maintaining muscle mass while cutting down on fat. Many people know ing results immediately or within two months. This only works if a person is fat loss as “leaning out.” This usually 100 percent committed. requires careful meal planning that coordinates with your training regimen.
Body U
5. How should I eat? Are carbs really bad? This is the most common question that people ask. Food intake varies per person. Generally, it is important to include a balanced variety of carbs, fats and proteins. For most people, 40 percent protein, 30 percent carbs, and 30 percent fats is a good breakdown. Remember, many carbs, such as beans and peas, have protein and fats in them. Limit foods with flour and white sugar and try not to eat too late at night. Carbs are not inherently bad. The carbs that get the bad rap are anything with grains and processed sugar. Choose complex and dense foods such as lean meats, good fats like avocados and coconut oil and olive oils, and good carbs such as quinoa and leafy greens. Choose wisely, season appropriately, and have fun with your food options. 6. Can I get away with just doing cardio? It depends on your goals. If your goal is to run a race, then yes. However, it is important to strengthen the muscles that stabilize your joints and core. If your
goal is to build muscle, no. Cardio will not promote muscle growth because different muscle fibers are used. Adding cardio into your regimen can be beneficial to stay lean, improve cardiovascular health, and provide variety to your workout. Sprinting, sled pushing or power rowing, on the other hand, are great forms of cardio that incorporate power and do promote muscle growth. 7. Will doing crunches give me a sixpack? Fat loss is not specific; it’s general. Therefore, doing a million crunches will not cut fat in your abdominal area. Just like any other strength training exercise, doing ab work will generally build your abdominal muscles. However those muscles won’t be seen without proper dieting, activating your core during every workout and a variety of specific core exercises. ■ Megan Niño is a kinesiologist and personal trainer through her business Vigor Vida Fitness & Wellness. She is an energetic and positive person who prides herself on teaching others to find empowerment in their lives through fitness. She offers in-home training in Philadelphia and on the Main Line.
PAGE 24
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Every late-night fever. Every good-morning hug. We’re with you every step. As one of the nation’s leading children’s health systems, Nemours has made a promise to bring you the care you need — where and when you need it. So whether you need a trusted primary care pediatrician, a renowned pediatric specialist, even surgical or therapy services close to home, Nemours is here for you.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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Wedding
Finding ‘The One’ By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com Charise Brown and her partner Rosa Torres started planning their wedding two weeks after their first date. Brown never imagined that she would fall in love after a string of longterm relationships, losing twins in utero and then becoming a single mom to a newborn. When Torres came into her life, Brown said, she knew she was the missing component.
Photo: Michael Crawford Photography
Seven months after their first date, they tied the knot. “It’s cliché but when you know, you know,” said Brown. “Even though I was in longterm relationships before, I had never
been in love before meeting her. I never knew what love was until she came along.” Brown didn’t know that posting on Facebook about a pair of tickets she was selling for Power 99’s Powerhouse concert would lead her to Torres. Shortly after the two attended the concert — Brown with a previous partner and Torres with a friend — the two began sending messages back and forth that eventually led to a love affair. “She was patient with me from the very beginning,” Brown recounted. “Once she found out that I was no longer with my partner, she began asking me out on dates. I shot down all of her requests; told her that I don’t date outside my race and wasn’t planning on it.” Torres finally landed a date with Brown after the two made a bet on this year’s Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots. Brown proposed that Torres buy two copies of her book, “Pushing Through,” if the Patriots won; if the Eagles were victorious, the deal was a date. And so Brown treated Torres to dinner after the Eagles made history. “We started dating and I fell for her quickly,” Brown said. “It was a lot of firsts for me with this relationship: my first time interracially dating, dating someone with children and falling in love. She was patient with me and always finding ways to make me smile and not be down. She was that listening ear that I needed her to be, but I knew she was it for me.” Despite concerns from family and friends about the expedited wedding, Brown said there was no need to wait: She had found her true partner in life. The couple exchanged vows Aug. 18 and mutually changed their last names to Brown-Torres. Between them are five children, ages 1 to 25. And with a relationship full of firsts, Brown said, she knows this will be her last. “God placed Rosa in my life when I needed her the most. She’s been there for me through every obstacle and she’s shown me a version of love that I never knew before.” ■
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
LOCAL OUTFEST
Obituary Florence Ward Garvin, saved Mazzoni Center from closure By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com
Together we celebrate that being yourself is just being human. Be yourself. Be Human. #ForeverProud. Working together for a more inclusive future. Learn more at td.com/thereadycommitment.
Florence Ward Garvin, a former board president of Mazzoni Center who helped the agency avoid closure in the 1990s, died Sept. 8 of a heart attack. She was 89 and lived in Media. Ward Garvin served as president from 1994-96. She stepped into the role after then-executive director Francis Stoffa Jr. resigned under a cloud of corruption. Stoffa was accused of embezzling about $200,000 from the healthcare agency and subsequently was convicted of multiple charges, including theft by deception, tampering with public records, misuse of credit cards and related offenses. City officials threatened to cut off funding for Mazzoni Center due to the controversy. Ward Garvin’s skillset and influential connections were instrumental in maintaining the agency’s funding and propelling it forward, said Paul Scoles, who succeeded her as board president. “Florence was a barracuda with pearls,” recalled Scoles of his friend and colleague. “She defended the agency like a bulldog. But she was always very pleasant, even with the people she was at loggerheads with. The city was ready to close the agency down. Without Florence, there would not be a Mazzoni Center today. No question about it.” Scoles said Mazzoni was heavily in debt when Ward Garvin arrived on the scene and helped stabilize the agency. She reconstituted the board with talented people who restored its credibility, he added. “Florence was the calvary that rode over the hill and saved the organization. Regaining the confidence of city officials was necessary to ensure the agency’s future. The city held the purse strings. With Florence as board president, city officials felt [Mazzoni Center] was in hands they could trust.” Ward Garvin also helped raise significant private donations, Scoles said. “She helped raise a great deal of money for the organization, which at that point
was technically bankrupt. It had bills in excess of its assets. She was the person who brought the team together who turned it around.” With Ward Garvin at the board’s helm, Mazzoni Center had an annual budget of about $400,000 and nine employees, and was serving around 5,000 patients. Today, the agency has a yearly budget of about $18.5 million and 170 full- and part-time employees, serving some 35,000 patients. “I believe Florence could take great pride in what she did for the organization,” Scoles said. “She’d be delighted [with its growth]. I was a little apprehensive to step into her shoes and succeed her as board president. I couldn’t have done it without her. She was there when I needed her.” Ward Garvin’s death is a great loss for the community, he said. “She was a charming person. We remained friendly long after she left the board. It was a pleasure to know her.” According to published reports, Ward Garvin was born into an Army family and grew up in Japan. She graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. She held numerous jobs in the fields of chemistry, education and advertising throughout her professional career. She also served on the boards of several other nonprofit agencies, in addition to Mazzoni Center. She married twice and is survived by a son and a daughter. ■
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Fabulous Fashion
From Dior’s New Look to Now Opens Oct 16 Experience the drama and the glamour Balenciaga. Cardin. Miyake. See some of the most creative fashions ever designed, from romantic ball gowns to audacious contemporary ensembles, and everything in between.
Woman’s Evening Dress, c. 1994, designed by Pierre Cardin © Archives Pierre Cardin This exhibition has been made possible by The Annenberg Foundation Fund for Major Exhibitions, The Kathleen C. and John J. F. Sherrerd Fund for Exhibitions, The Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Exhibition Fund, Barbara B. and Theodore R. Aronson, The Davenport Family Foundation, The Gloria and Jack Drosdick Fund for Special Exhibitions, Amy A. Fox and Daniel H. Wheeler, Augusta Y. Leininger, Lyn M. Ross, and an anonymous donor. Additional support was provided by Annette Y. Friedland. Credits as of September 24, 2018
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Men Delco Dudes
A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco. dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association
Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www.meetup.com/GAMMAGay-Married-Mens-SupportGroup-in-Philadelphia-PA. Men of All Colors Together
Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-2776595, 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. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330.
Parents/Families Family & Community Service of Delaware County
Provides comprehensive care serving Delaware County and Philadelphia. Services include behavioral health and addiction counseling; HIV/AIDS medical case management/prevention; housing, food and transportation assistance. Offices in Media and Clifton Heights, the Ralph Moses House in Chester and in other community locations. Insurances accepted. Hours are 8:30 a.m.4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and evenings by appointment; 610566-7540 or www.fcsdc.org. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County
Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County
Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J.
Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media
Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021. PFLAG/Philadelphia
Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833. PFLAG/Princeton, N.J.
Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-6835155. PFLAG/Wilmington, Del.
Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302654-2995.
Philadelphia Family Pride
Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, info@phillyfamilypride.org, www.phillyfamilypride.org.
Trans
Evolutions
A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine
Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. 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, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215632-3028, tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Information Project
Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822. Transgender Health Action Coalition
Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207. Young, Trans and Unified
Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.
Women Hanging Out With Lesbians
A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups. yahoo.com/group/howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley
Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County
Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club
For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup. com/mtairylesbiansocial/. Queer Connections
Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ queerconnections/. Sisters United
A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming-Out Support Group
Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet
7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www.pridecenter.org.
Youth
Media Trail
40 Acres of Change
Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. GLBT Group of Hunterdon County
Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058. HAVEN
LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS
A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance
Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org. Project Keeping it Safe
LGBT youth drop-in center offers meetings, HIV and STD prevention and testing, counseling and other services on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432, camden-ahec.org/. PRYSM Youth Center
Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948. Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center
Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks. org. Social X Change
Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-8511975. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together
Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648. Young, Trans and Unified
A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-545-4331, www.atticyouthcenter.org.
LGBT group endorses Kim Davis challenger in Kentucky The Post Bulletin reports an LGBT advocacy group has endorsed a Democrat running against a Kentucky clerk who was jailed in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The Committee for Fairness and Individual Rights endorsed Elwood Caudill Jr. on Sept. 27 in his race against Republican Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis. Committee chairman Eric Graninger said Caudill has repeatedly said he will treat all Rowan County residents equally, making him “a refreshing alternative to Kim Davis.” Caudill defeated David Ermold in the Democratic primary in May to face Davis. Ermold is a gay man who was denied a marriage license by Davis in 2015. Ermold has since called Caudill a bigot and said he will not support either candidate in the election. Caudill has said Ermold is spreading lies about him.
Library moves ‘Drag Queen Story Time’ to bigger venue KNOE.com reports interest in a Louisiana library’s planned “Drag Queen Story Time” is so high that the event is moving to a community-college auditorium. A notice on the Lafayette Public Library’s webpage states that it’s moving the Oct. 6 event from the library to South Louisiana Community College because of safety concerns resulting from an expected overflow crowd. Libraries and book stores around the country have held programs in which men in drag read stories to children. Some drew protests. The Lafayette event is being presented by members of a University of LouisianaLafayette chapter of Delta Lambda Phi, a fraternity of “gay, bisexual and progressive men.” Public comments at a city-parish coun-
cil meeting last month were overwhelmingly supportive. Yet, at a library board meeting last week, opponents appeared to outnumber supporters.
Chicago archbishop removes priest who burned rainbow banner The Chicago Tribune reports the archbishop of Chicago has removed a priest as head of a North Side church after he burned a rainbow banner, angering the LGBT community. Cardinal Blase Cupich announced The Rev. Paul Kalchik’s removal in a recent letter to parishioners and staff at Resurrection Catholic Church. Cupich said he acted “out of concern” for Kalchik and parishioners. He said the 56-year-old priest needed “time away from the parish to receive pastoral support.” Kalchik told the newspaper on Sept. 28 that he’s not antigay and that he was “about as much of a gay basher as Mother Teresa.” An archdiocese spokeswoman told the paper Sept. 29 that the priest’s removal wasn’t “directly due” to the banner’s destruction and had been “in the works.”
Dem AG candidate: Adoption law discriminates against gays The Detroit Free Press reports the Democratic candidate for Michigan attorney general says she probably wouldn’t defend a law that allows faith-based groups to reject same-sex couples who want to adopt children. Dana Nessel, who is gay, said the law discriminates against gay people. The 2015 law is being challenged in court by critics who argue that it’s unconstitutional. Faith-based groups are paid by the state to place children from troubled families with new families. But they aren’t required to provide services that conflict with their beliefs. Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office is defending the law in court. If elected, Nessel said she’d probably tell the legislature to hire its own lawyers. Nessel said the law is discriminatory and has “no viable defense.” She was part of the legal team that overturned Michigan’s ban on gay marriage. ■
You’re Not Alone
Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776. Youth Making a Difference
A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.
Media Trail
— compiled by Larry Nichols
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International Romania live TV debate on same-sex marriage interrupted Romania’s national broadcaster has apologized after a studio camera operator interrupted a live TV debate on a referendum seeking to ban same-sex marriage. TVR1 said sorry to viewers Sept. 29 after a broadcast was interrupted when a technical staff member used “inappropriate language” during a Sept. 28 evening discussion between a spokesman supporting the referendum and a gay-rights activist. There is heated debate in Romania before the Oct. 6-7 referendum, which is seeking to limit the constitutional definition of family to heterosexual, married couples. Romania doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage or grant legal protection to same-sex couples. But the Constitutional Court ruled on Sept. 27 that gay couples should have the same family and legal rights as heterosexuals. The referendum, backed by the Romanian Orthodox Church, needs a 30-percent turnout to be valid.
‘Huge win’ as banned Kenyan film is allowed limited showings The first Kenyan feature film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival has received overwhelming audience support since a court temporarily lifted a ban imposed by censors over the film’s gay content, a lawyer said Sept. 28. “Rafiki” went from being screened once a day in one theater in Nairobi on Sept. 22 to three daily screenings at theaters in three of Kenya’s largest cities as of Sept. 28, said Sofia Leteipan, who represents director Wanuri Kahiu. The court ruled that the film, a love story featuring two women, could be viewed locally for one week to make it eligible for Oscar contention. The ban was scheduled to resume Sept. 30 after showings. Ezekiel Mutua, the head of the Kenya Film Classification Board, has said that only “a small portion” of the country’s population has seen it. “There is no market for homosexual
movies in Kenya. Is there value for money in making a homosexual movie that will be watched by 300 out of 44-million people?” Mutua said in a recent interview on Citizen Television. It is illegal to have same-gender sex in Kenya. Gays and lesbians in many parts of Africa face severe harassment, physical threats and judicial punishment. Kenya’s National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission is currently in court arguing that sections of the penal code violate the constitution and deny basic rights by criminalizing consensual samesex relations between adults. Leteipan said that although “Rafiki” in the end wasn’t nominated for an Oscar, its screening across Kenya is a “huge win for the articulation of freedom of expression.” She said that after the ban resumes, “we’ll still be in court pursuing the original petition to have the ban permanently lifted and strike out provisions of Films and Stage Plays Act which restrict freedom of expression and constrain creativity.” After watching the film, gay activist Immah Reid called it a “well-structured conversation starter for sexuality in Kenya ... how gender appears and the violence people who don’t conform to gender rules end up going through.” Maureen Nyambura, a university student, said it is progress that “Rafiki” is being seen in a society that often doesn’t tolerate different sexualities. “You don’t have to be a woman to fall in love with a man and vice versa. It’s time Kenya embraces sexual diversity,” she said.
1 in 4 French employees suffers discrimination The French government’s human-rights watchdog says one out of four employees has experienced discrimination at work because of their race, sexual orientation, religion, skin color, gender, poor health or disability. The study, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization, found similar results in both the public sector and in privately owned companies. The report, released on Sept. 27, states that discrimination against employees is often “minimized in working environments, especially when trying to be justified by humor.” Among women aged 18-44 and “perceived as non-white,” 54 percent said they have been victims of discriminatory speech or behavior, while 40 percent of bisexual or homosexual men said they experienced it. The study was based on data from 5,117 people. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols
International
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
Activism/Politics
ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) meets 6-9 p.m. Mondays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-386-1981, www.actupphilly.org. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; www.dvau.org. Equality Pennsylvania holds a volunteer night 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; 215-731-1447, www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia holds general meetings 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month, except August and December; 215-243-7103, www.gpop.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club meets seasonally; www.libertycity.org.
Arts
Library Book Club meets to discuss a new book 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at William Way. Men On Tap, an LGBT group that performs with choirs, organizations and at the Fringe Festival, rehearses 8 p.m. Mondays at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; dale@ magicalfantasies.com. Philadelphia Freedom Band, an audition-free LGBT band that does concerts and parades, rehearses 7-9:30 p.m. Mondays; philadelphiafreedomband.com. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 215-731-9230, auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia’s first mixed LGBT chorus, rehearses 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at William Way; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective workshop and discussion group meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at William Way. Reading Queerly, open to all women and genderqueer/ trans people, meets 6:45 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.
Recreation
Gay Bridge Club non-beginners group meets Monday 2-5 p.m. at William Way; reservations required. Call 215732-2220. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club meets 5:30-10:30 p.m. at Abner’s Steaks, 38th and Chester streets; 215-382-0789. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists meets 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at William Way; 215-985-1456, www.humboldtsociety.org. Independence Squares LGBT square-dance club, modern Western square dancing hosts an open house and Tuesday classes in the fall at Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; philadances@gmail.com, www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape; 267-2306750. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social activities for senior gay men are held 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at William Way. PhilaVentures, Philadelphia’s LGBT outdoor group, meets for hikes in Wissahickon Valley and Valley Forge Park; philaventures.org.
Sports
Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club meets for practice at p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Greenfield Park, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area with games on Sundays, beginning in April, at the Dairy and Edgeley Fields in Fairmount Park; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners running club meets 9:30 a.m. Saturdays for a run and brunch at Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www.philadelphiafrontrunners.org. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club, open to LGBT and allies, practices 8-10 p.m. Mondays and 2-4 p.m. Saturdays; www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team, open to male and female swimmers, meets 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Friends Select School and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; www.philadelphia-fins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League meets 8 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at South Bowl, 19 E. Oregon Ave.; 856-889-1434, philagaybowling@yahoo.com. Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League plays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at FDR Park; www.phillyflagfootball.com
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Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club, open to players of all skill levels, meets 7:45 p.m. Thursdays at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; 215-913-7531, philadelphiagryphons.org, becomeagryphon@gmail.com. Philadelphia Liberty Belles women’s semi-pro full-tackle football league holds fall tryouts; phillybelles.com. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association plays yearround, all skill levels welcome; philadelphialibertytennis. com. Philadelphia Firebirds women’s football team seeks players; www.philadelphiafirebirds.com. Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League seeks players, all skill levels and ages. Practice is 7 p.m. Thursdays at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater streets, with games at 2:30 p.m. Sundays; 215-991-5995 (day), 301-919-1194 (evening), phillywomensbaseball. com. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; 917-656-1936, phury@gayhockey.org. Philly QCycle LGBT bicycling club promotes organized recreational riding for all levels in the Greater Philadelphia region; contact the organization via Facebook. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley motorcycle club meets regularly; 215-836-0440, www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Boulevard Lanes in Northeast Philadelphia; rainbowrollers.com. Spartan Wrestling Club gay wrestling team meets 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-732-4545, www.phillyspartans.com.
Etc.
AIDS Law Project provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing at 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600; 215587-9377, www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity, Philadelphia-area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends; http://biunity. org. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols, for LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for self-defense, meets 1 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at The Gun Range, 542 N. Percy St.; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistolsdelval.org. Delaware Pride holds planning meetings 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 Main St., Newark; 302-265-3020, delawarepride.org. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance holds open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays during the school year in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; 610-896-4938. Men and Women for Human Excellence support group meets from noon-2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month at 26th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue; 267-2733513, cmoore8300@yahoo.com. Long Yang Club Philadelphia, social organization for gay Asians and their friends, holds monthly socials; www. longyangclub.org/philadelphia. Our Night Out, a casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, friends and colleagues, meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, email OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; more information on Facebook. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice offered 5-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month; 215-238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; primetimersofphiladelphia@yahoo.com. Philadelphians MC Club, for leather men and women, meets 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; philadelphiansmc.org. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL-affiliated, weekly HF nets, quarterly newsletter; www.rara.org. Silver Foxes, a social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older, meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month at William Way; 215-732-2220. SNJ Queers meets monthly for queer/queer-friendly folks in South Jersey to mix and mingle; 856-375-3708, wmf69@comast.net.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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PAGE 37
PGMC from page 1
anything other than background music. We wanted to make it where everyone could enjoy the full experience.” The proceeds will go toward PGMC’s outreach program. The chorus travels to seven to nine schools in the area during the school year, performing concerts for students. Inspired by the Los Angeles Gay Men’s Chorus, PGMC is developing a music curriculum for school visits. Joe Buches, PGMC’s artistic director, said the group is “in the process of working on the curriculum we’ll send out to the schools ahead of time. There’s a wide range of everything from LGBT terminology to more anti-bullying. A lot of the time our chorus members really get emotional when they go to these schools because none of us had something like this growing up.” Funck added that part of the outreach program is providing students with free tickets to PGMC’s concerts in an effort “to make sure the arts are accessible to youth.” Along with school visits, PGMC plans to perform at local senior centers, Buches said. “The chorus is growing, so that’s on our radar. It’s nice to bring the arts to people where it’s not as easily accessible to them financially, or if they’re unable to travel to our concerts. We’re bringing our concerts to them.” ■
Men of All Colors Together Philadelphia
Equality - Diversity - Justice
The Cirque Masquerade will be hosted at the Lowes Philadelphia Hotel 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 20. For more information on the fundraiser and to purchase tickets, visit www.pgmc.org/event/7th-annual-cirque-masquerade/.
yougotthis UNTIL EVERY CANCER IS CURED. STARTING WITH YOURS.
1-800-JEFF-NOW JeffersonHealth.org/Cancer
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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Thinking Queerly
Kristina Furia
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Thinking Queerly explores the psychological and social experiences of being LGBT in America and sheds light on the importance of LGBT community members prioritizing their mental health.
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PAGE 39
Roaming LGBT fitness popup to fundraise in Manayunk By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor Outwod, an LGBTQ-inclusive fitness program with a CrossFit core, comes to Ma-nayunk Athletics Oct. 6 with a 90-minute class welcoming beginners and beyond. As with all Outwod workouts, the event doubles as a fundraiser, with 30 percent of the $30-per-person, perclass cost donated to an organization that benefits the LGBTQ+ community. The Manayunk event’s proceeds will be donated to William Way LGBT Community Center. The “wod” in Outwod stands for Workout of the Day, a CrossFit term describing a series of core-strengthening exercises that uses kettlebells, dumbbells, ropes and body weight to provide a varied, full-body workout. Registration for this weekend’s workout is accessible on Outwod’s website and open to the public. “You don’t have to have done CrossFit to participate,” said Outwod organizer Will Lanier. “We create a workout and scaling abilities for anyone who comes . Like our youngest person who has ever come was 11. Our oldest guy was 76. Everyone has a great time. It’s for the novice. It’s for the 100-percent competitive athlete. Everyone gets their fix and their fill.” Lanier said the cool thing about these events is the community style. Classes focus as much on providing a good workout as on helping participants build connections with other fitminded folks. To spark these conversations, Outwod supplements each event with a post-workout gathering. “It’s usually going to brunch or to a
bar down the street, or we’ve got people com-ing to cater,” said Lanier. This weekend’s aftermath event will be announced following the workout. Outwod’s roots are in community-building. When Lanier was working as a Cross-Fit instructor in New York City a few years ago, he noticed other CrossFitters be-coming devotees of a single gym. “My whole goal was to rid our community of that clique vibe and be like, All right, everyone is coming from around the city to do this. It’s not just this gym.” To bring people out of their home gyms, Lanier began hosting events at different gyms throughout the city. “We would have one in Brooklyn, we’d have one in Queens, we’d have one in Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea, Upper East Side, Upper West Side. And every month it would change, so people would feel included no matter where they were.” One year in, workouts have grown from “six or seven gay guys at a gym” to 120-people events. “At that moment, I was like, OK, there’s something building here,” said Lanier. “How can I use this community now to do good for our own community?” Lanier began charging a fee for workouts, between $25-$35, and donating a per-centage to a different LGBT charity in New York City each month. As Outwod bounced among gyms, sessions brought in non-New Yorkers who loved his program and wanted to bring it to their cities. “I remember our first non-New York event was in Chicago and it was this kid who was 20 at the time and he reached out,” said Lanier. “I flew out
event and travel photography
Photo: The Out Foundation
and we did an event. We had about 65 people and it was the start of our nationwide takeover.” Now Outwod works on a full schedule of 120 events per year. Late last year, Outwod obtained 501(c)(3) status as The Out Foundation, a non-profit with a host of goals in its five-year plan. Year one’s benchmarks are devel-oping an Outwod certification program that will give gyms a seal of approval as a 100-percent LGBTinclusive space, and hosting a weekly podcast that will feature LGBT athletes. In September, Outwod announced New York University’s Langone Health Center as its official transgender ser-
vice partner. The partnership includes a fund that aides transgender patients in need of ancillary services who lack insurance cover-age. Outwod is also funding six gender-affirmation surgeries through its partnership with NYU Langone. “Once the NYU partnership goes well and we’ve developed the framework for that, our goal is to take that to other communities and other markets and push for-ward from there,” said Lanier. ■ Outwod Philly is Saturday, October 6, from 10 AM 11:30 AM at Manayunk Athletics/Crossfit Manayunk, 126, Entrance on Baker Street, Leverington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19127. For tickets visit https:// www.outwod.com/events/outphiladelphia.
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be invoked in federal courts. The federal Fontana (D-Allegheny), Sharif Street bill remains pending in the U.S. Senate (D-Philadelphia), Christine Tartaglione Judiciary Committee. Like Congress, the Pennsylvania legisla(D-Philadelphia), Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Patrick Stefano (R-Fayette). The pro- ture is controlled by Republicans. In August posed measure is currently pending in the 2015, state Rep. Michael H. Schlossberg state Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired (D-Allentown) introduced legislation to by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). prohibit LGBT-panic defenses for the crime A spokesperson for Greenleaf said he of voluntary manslaughter in Pennsylvania. has no plans to hold a vote on the measure The bill died in the state House Judiciary prior to the end of the senate’s legislative Committee the following year. D’Arcy Kemnitz, chair of the National session Nov. 14. As a result, the bill must LGBT Bar be reintroduced in January if sup- “These defenses tell us that Association, said the group is moniporters continue to seek its enactment. our lives are worth less than toring the progress of S.B. 1244. Gov. Tom Wolf’s others and that we deserve “Legislation spokesperson said banning gayhe supports the violence committed against and trans-panic idea of the bill. us. They must be banned defenses is criti“We strongly supcal to ensuring the port the concept in both federal and state security and equalbut we still need to courtrooms. ity of LGBTQ peoreview the specific ple,” Kemnitz told language of the PGN. “These defenses tell us that our bill,” said J.J. Abbott in a Sept. 28 email. On a federal scale, U.S. Sen. Edward lives are worth less than others and that Markey (D-Mass.) and U.S. Rep. Joe we deserve violence committed against us. Kennedy (D-Mass.) introduced legislation They must be banned in both federal and in July that would limit the use of the state courtrooms. “We hope that Pennsylvania will protect LGBT-panic defense in federal trials for homicide and aggravated assault. The states and support LGBTQ people by becoming of California, Illinois and Rhode Island the fourth state in the nation to ban gay- and already ban the defense but it can still trans-panic defenses,” she added. ■
Fall is
PANIC from page 1
CHRISTIANS from page 10
If there’s one thing my mom did right, it was to raise us outside racism to the extent that I was almost completely unaware that it was a real thing. Education in Idaho didn’t teach us much about slavery or current racial problems, and there weren’t any people of color around me, for the most part. To this day, I’m perplexed by my mom’s fervent approach to teaching us skin-color acceptance while staunchly warning us of the lurking homosexual. The line was very clear, and when this line is drawn and enforced in a family, the “other” is excluded from respect and honor. When I began to go through puberty, my “deviant” sexuality became the focus of my mom’s discontent. It spiraled down into very dark places, where I was to blame for my own desires. To her, I was choosing to be gay, and regardless of choice, I was a safety risk to my own siblings. It became OK to be a little more mean to me, to treat me as less than and to disregard my emotions and ideas. This treatment, when reinforced for years, doesn’t go away overnight. It’s never reconciled, and the only way to mitigate the damage, or attempt to, is to recognize that it happened in the first place, which we all know is incredibly challenging for those with strongly held religious beliefs. When the root of the treatment stems in saving one’s soul, one’s actions seem glorious or, at the very least, wellintended. This point was reinforced in
a conversation with my mother during Thanksgiving three years ago when I was in college post-Marines. “Mom, how you treated me growing up, how you taught the other kids to see me, fucked me up. It told everyone in the family that I was less than them. It told them that I wasn’t equal, and that my life was sinful.” “But honey, I can’t help but think that if I didn’t raise you the way I had, you wouldn’t be the man you are today.” And maybe there’s truth in that. Maybe I wouldn’t have become as resilient. Maybe I wouldn’t be so vocal about the wrongs I see in society. Maybe I wouldn’t have graduated college.
To this day, I’m perplexed by my mom’s fervent approach to teaching us skin-color acceptance while staunchly warning us of the lurking homosexual. But then, maybe — just maybe — I’d be better. Maybe I wouldn’t have had to go through therapy. Maybe I wouldn’t have felt the need to join the Marines to become a man. Maybe my relationship with my family would be healthy. Then again, if I were straight, maybe the same could be said, but I’m not. I’ll never be, and so I’ll never be an equal in their eyes.
here! Take
a bite out of it.
Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month Implicit bias is impossible to fix if we don’t recognize it in the first place, and even then it is a constant battle. I have my privileges. I’m a white male after all, but recognizing the privilege and actively fighting against bias is the best I can do. But I have no idea how to help fix that in my own family, let alone an entire community of evangelicals. To this day, my family believes I’m a drama queen. They believe I talk too much about my sexuality, and that I should just focus on living my life, but to this I have an answer: Until every young queer person from Idaho feels comfortable coming out, until every young queer kid in the U.S. feels safe and accepted, until we are treated as equals not only in law but in all social circles, and until the love you have for us is rooted deeply within your heart and not in a pastor’s demand, I will not stop talking about it. It will be the quintessential essence of my being because I refuse to stand idly by while more kids are treated the way I was treated. You are not kind and loving because you think Jesus would have accepted us. You are still a bigot, and the children of this country will look down on you with shame for the way you’ve treated us. ■ Johnathan Gilmore was a combat Marine deployed to Afghanistan who writes about masculinity, veteran awareness and LGBT issues. Gilmore graduated from Cornell University with a degree in communications. Read more on his blog: https://jtg237.wixsite.com/ johnathan.
- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com. PREGNANT from page 10
in the pregnancy. Gay male couples can also begin their family through IVF. They will need to find a known or anonymous egg donor, as well as a gestational surrogate to carry their child. Once an egg donor is chosen, one or both of the male partners can provide a semen sample to fertilize the donor eggs during IVF. The resulting embryo can then be transferred to the surrogate. If you are a member of the trans community and froze your eggs or sperm before transitioning, you can use the sperm and eggs to conceive either with a partner or with a donor through IVF. And if you didn’t freeze your eggs or sperm before transitioning, treatment is still available depending on your specific situation. What about if you are single or just not ready to start a family yet? Freezing is your best bet. Egg freezing is available for women and trans men who have not completed their transition. The process is simple and involves taking hormonal medication over several weeks before having your eggs removed and frozen. For men and trans women, the process is even simpler: Give several sperm samples for freezing. You can also have a child on your own with the help of a donor. So, rest assured, whether you are gay, lesbian or trans, there are promising options to start your family. ■ Dr. Daniel Kaser, M.D., FACOG, is director of Third Party Reproduction and LGBTQ Services at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, the state’s largest infertility clinic.
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Family Portrait Off the Shelf Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly
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Renowned Japanese manga artist debuts at OutFest By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor For more than 30 years, Gengoroh Tagame, the celebrated gay Japanese manga artist, created bara-themed erotica: manga made for gay men by a gay man, stylized by bear-ish characters engaged in BDSM. In 2014, his work took a sharp turn to focus on family life. With the publication of the serialized manga “My Brother’s Husband,” Tagame sidelined erotica to explore homosexuality in a family setting. Volume one of the two-part series follows protagonist Yaichi and his daughter Kana as they field an unexpected visit from Mike, a Canadian stranger, and the husband of Yaichi’s recently deceased brother, Ryoji. Translated to English by Anne Ishii, volume one follows Yaichi’s journey towards acceptance as he gets to know Mike and, through him, Ryoji. Volume two of the series hit bookstores Sept. 18. We caught up with Tagame and his translator and agent, Ishii, to discuss his transition from erotica to family drama and what fans can anticipate from volume two ahead of his appearance at Giovanni’s Room for OutFest. PGN: Before you wrote “My Brother’s Husband,” you had a successful career making sexy, bear-laden and often violent manga. Why did you decide it was time to explore other stories? GT: I’ve never actually stopped doing gay erotic manga for adults, and I think working in both contexts has enriched both styles. How I got to write “My Brother’s Husband” is that I’d been thinking about what would make compelling gay manga for a non-gay audience when, by happenstance, an editor
from a young-adult magazine asked if I’d be interested in starting a serialization. It was fortuitous timing, and they approved my storyline [for “My Brother’s Husband”], which brings me to today. PGN: You’ve said the idea for “My Brother’s Husband” stemmed from wanting to write a gay-themed story for a straight audience. Why did you want to write that type of story? GT: I think I always knew that a nongay audience could get excited about gay stories, and I really wanted to challenge myself to do it well. I realized the story needed straight characters, but I also wanted those characters to feel the impact of issues related to being queer. Marriage equality was a big item in the global news, and that is something I know affects everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. PGN: Volume one of “My Brother’s Husband” ends with Yaichi still working through his reservations about homosexuality. Where do we find the characters in volume two? GT: In volume two, we find Yaichi continuing to
negotiate with his fears and concerns about what it means to have a nontraditional family, and potentially what it would mean for Kana to be gay herself. Natsuki, his ex-wife, plays a bigger role in this volume, and I think readers will realize family is more complicated than it seems — and there isn’t much about any family that is actually traditional. PGN: Volume one deals heavily with the themes of connection and family. How are these themes expanded in volume two? Are there new themes that surface? GT: Much of the themes of family and connection persist, and as the story progresses, the characters gain a deeper understanding of nuances of different family dynamics. Not only because there is a gay marriage implied between Ryoji and Mike, but the fact that Natsuki and Yaichi are divorced and clearly still share kinship and parental responsibilities. The fact that Yaichi is the primary caregiver is also unorthodox. PGN: How have fans responded to volume two and the series’ ending? AI: I can tell you as one of his editors and as his agent that readers have been really excited about this story from many levels. Our own editor and art director for the English edition, Chip Kidd, has said that as a recently widowed husband himself,
the books have been devastating and beautiful. Many people have commented that they feel seen by the story and represented for how unique a loving family can look — not just “traditional” or “nuclear.” PGN: Will Tagame continue to create family dramas? Is this a new period for your manga? AI: As a matter of fact, Tagame is currently serializing his second family manga series for the same YA magazine that ran “My Brother’s Husband.” It’s called “Our Colors” and is about a highschool boy who is starting to come into his gay identity. He uses his passion for visual art and painting in beautiful hues to parse his emotions. Tagame also continues to work concurrently on adult-oriented hard-core erotica for Badi magazine and with us at MASSIVE. PGN: You’re attending a meet-and-greet event hosted by Philly AIDS Thrift during OutFest. What will your appearance include? AI: We will be giving a short talk on Tagame’s work, as well as showing some work, but mostly using the opportunity to converse about the themes of “My Brother’s Husband” and answer questions from fans. PGN: Have you been to OutFest or Philly before? What parts of either are you excited to explore? AI: This is Tagame’s second time in Philadelphia but first time at OutFest, and I have recently moved to Philadelphia myself to start a new job as executive director of the Asian Arts Initiative, so I’m excited to show him this gorgeous city. ■ Gengoroh Tagame will be at Philly AIDS Thrift’s Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. Oct. 7 at 2 p.m.
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Stylish documentary showcases queer fashion illustrator By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor
on. Still unable to get it right, Lopez went out and found a hustler with the perfect body to wear the dress in a way that would Bisexual fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez allow him to sketch it properly. Such was his achieved fame in the late 1960s and early vision and talent. ’70s with his vivid images of prominent His sketches of Hall, described as “the ultimodels, including Jessica Lange, Grace mate Antonio girl,” support this characterizaJones, Tina Chow Jane Forth, Donna Jordan tion. Viewers may want to see even more of and Jerry Hall, whom he discovered. And Lopez’s work, as the film focuses as much on he kept company with The New York Times his life as it does his art. That life unfolds during the heady, early style section’s Bill Cunningham and designer days of gay liberation. Max’s Kansas City Karl Lagerfeld. was a place to be seen and Now the man described as dance, and Lopez and his sensual, seductive, romantic entourage, which included and ahead of his time will the models and makeup artbe on the big screen. ist Corey Tippin, rivaled the James Crump’s buoyant, clique that was Andy Warhol if skin-deep, documentary, and his followers. As Lopez’s “Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex, various friends recount their Fashion & Disco,” opens experiences — begging to get Oct. 5 at the Landmark into the club or observing wild Ritz at the Bourse. The behavior (if not performing it film effectively captures themselves) — the film genthe magic of this magnetic, erates a nostalgia for the precharming and flirtatious figAIDS, pre-Instagram era. ure in the fashion industry. Crump reveals that Lopez was Crump features hundreds attractive to everyone he met. of dazzling photographs and film clips of his subject, making it easy to He slept with both women and men, but presee Lopez’s appeal. The images of him draw- ferred men. He also maintained a five-year ing, posing and even mugging for the camera relationship with Juan Ramos, whom he met communicate his larger-than-life personality. at F.I.T. The two students quit school together When someone exclaims that Lopez “looked and embarked on a professional career that like a pimp,” photos of the artist sporting a outlived their relationship. Ramos was refined red hat, jacket and pants, along with a cane, and intellectual, and a formidable partner for illustrate that image. He also loves to dance, the mercurial Lopez. “Antonio Lopez 1970” gives Ramos his as evidenced by a series of photos that bring due, emphasizing his importance in their colhis body language to life. “Antonio Lopez 1970” showcases much of laboration. Ramos’ role in Lopez’s life and the artist’s work using big, beautiful images career was interesting enough to merit even full of sensuality and sexuality. Joan Juliet more prominence in the film. There are discussions of Lopez being hypBuck, the former editor-in-chief of French Vogue, describes the difference between notized to cure his inability to work; his “rendering” and “recording,” noting that near-marriage to Hall; his dancing at Club Lopez’s work is so extraordinary because he Sept in Paris and going off to Saint Tropez. There is little about did the former. his family. His father Frustratingly, several was a psychic and his of the interviewees are mother had difficulties not seen while they are with her son’s sexuspeaking. This makes ality. One interviewee it difficult to deterdescribes Lopez as mine the source of being addicted to sex. certain stories except He eventually conthrough voice recognitracted AIDS and died tion. Many anecdotes in 1987. (Ramos died are relayed by noted eight years later, also raconteurs, including of AIDS.) Lange, who provides Despite all an amusing account of ANTONIO LOPEZ IN “ANTONIO the fond memohow she reconnected LOPEZ 1970” Photos: Film Movement ries, “Antonio Lopez with Lopez after he 1970” never delves lost her phone number. Patty D’Arbanville recounts with infectious very deep. Lopez’s life looks mostly fun and enthusiasm how she danced and drank too exciting. But Crump never really connects the dots to provide a greater understanding of the much with Lopez. Cunningham is particularly revealing in importance of the illustrator’s contributions to his storytelling: He recounts a night Lopez fashion and culture. He just seems to revel in was unable to find the right model for a its superficial beauty. For some, that may be enough. ■ dress — even forcing Cunningham to try it
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Exhibit brings thought-provoking queer Latinx art By Ray Simon PGN Contributor Art lovers who climb the three flights of steps to the Vox Populi gallery will find a thoughtful, timely exhibit called “Buenas Vibras: A Celebration of LGBTQ Latinx Artists.” The display features roughly 40 works by seven artists, including Nicole Olivieri Pagan and Noél Puéllo. The show is the third installment in “En Comunidad,” a series begun by curator Wit López in 2016. The phrase means “in community,” explained López, a disabled, nonbinary trans performer and visual artist. López originally conceived of it as a way to call attention to artists whose work was overlooked. “Part of the reason why I do these shows is so that people know how many Latinx artists exist, and that they exist in multiple genders, and multiple sexualities and from multiple countries,” said López. The artists in “Buenas Vibras” are certainly diverse. The painter Genesis Pizarro, for example, is a Colombian-American
nonbinary queer, whereas fabian romero, a poet and filmmaker who prefers the pronoun “they” and uses lower-case letters, identifies as a two-spirit indigenous person born in Mexico. López’s approach to curating “Buenas Vibras” was to encourage artists to submit pieces they felt best represented them. When hanging the art, López deliberately omitted explanatory notes and titles. “I like to do things that increase dialogue or increase the chance of dialogue,” they said. The exhibit is a metaphorical dialogue that takes place in two ways. On the one hand, the works of art, which complement or contrast one another, are engaged in a kind of conversation. On the other, viewers become part of that conversation as they form opinions about what they’re looking at. One might notice, for example, imagery involving hair. In Jairo Rodriguez’s photographs, notions of beards and chest hair — usually fixed marks of gender — shift when combined with makeup and gender nonconformity. There’s also an unexpected tuft of hair at the base of the phallic protrusion on an otherwise abstract sculpture by fabric artist Puéllo.
Space is another theme that emerges: “Three Routes,” by romero, is a brief, poetic meditation on identity and place. By combining still photographs and archival film clips, the series raises questions of what happens while traveling from Mexico to the United States. “Borders eat memories,” the narrator says at one point. Andrew González approaches space from a different angle in one pensive black-andwhite photo. It depicts an androgynous figure standing between two buildings with a third edifice in the background. Despite being surrounded, the figure doesn’t appear to be hemmed in or confined. And with the figure looking back across the right shoulder and shadows falling in a diagonal in the background, there’s actually a feeling of dynamism. For López, it’s important for LGBTQ Latinx artists and audiences to have a space of their own. As López explained, people from multiple marginalized identities sometimes feel compelled to choose between their queerness and their Latinx identity. “For those of us who are part of these
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identities, these are always conversations for us. And sometimes it’s hard for us to find space to have these conversations with people, with other people who are like us, or even to find spaces that are welcoming.” Although “Buenas Vibras” addresses serious issues, it also has moments of levity. Look closely at Pizarro’s oil painting of a figure floating in a pool; you might be surprised to find a disembodied phallus popping up unexpectedly. Carnality is front and center in six colorful, cartoonish illustrations by Vanessa Tejada, a pansexual queer Dominicana whose work combines food and sex. These images, including a papaya with a ball gag and a Cubano sandwich “stuffed” with a vulva, are both hilarious. For her part, Tejada thinks “Buenas Vibras” is an excellent showcase for LGBT Latinx artists. “We’re kind of nudging our way through, and I love seeing that,” she said. “That is inspiring — to show that all this hard work is getting somewhere.” ■ “Buenas Vibras” runs at Vox Populi, 319 N. 11th St., until Oct. 20. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.voxpopuligallery.org/ exhibitions/buenas-vibras.
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TICKETS START AT $35!
special guest HUGH PANARO
Tony and Grammy winner, R&B hitmaker, and international singing sensation Heather Headley comes to Philadelphia for a onenight-only show with The Philly POPS BIG Band at the Kimmel Center. Heather is the original Nala from The Lion King King on Broadway, the Tony-winning star of Aida of Aida and Aida and of Aida and the Laurence Olivier Award nominee for her star turn in The Bodyguard Musical. Bodyguard Musical. She’s a Grammy winner and Billboard chart topper for her R&B and Gospel albums. She has recently toured with Andrea Bocelli — POPS audiences saw her last December at the Wells Fargo Center. Heather also performed at July 3’s POPS 3’s POPS on Independence with Independence with the full POPS orchestra and July 4’s POPS on the Parkway Parkway with the BIG Band. These free, large-scale Salute large-scale Salute Series shows Series shows previewed this special show at the Kimmel Center on October 12.
Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center featuring Ron Colvard, conductor
TICKETS: 215.893.1999 OR PHILLYPOPS.ORG
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
OUTFEST
Scorn in the USA: Kathy Griffin makes triumphant return to Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Kathy Griffin is back from celebrity exile. The comedian and dish queen has been in virtual timeout since that satirical depiction of her holding the severed, bloody head of President Trump, which drew the fiery and somewhat-hypocritical wrath of the political establishment, media and entertainment industry last year. In the quick and decisive aftermath, venues and networks cut ties and canceled upcoming gigs. Griffin, not one to sit around idly, wrote some new material and took her act and story overseas, performing in venues from Europe to Australia and New Zealand. Now she’s back on American soil for her “Laugh Your Head Off” tour, which rolls into Philadelphia Oct. 6. Griffin has always been an unfiltered comedian, but we had to wonder if going through a year-long crucible of being investigated by the Secret Service, placed on Interpol watch lists, getting death threats from the right and drawing the ire of the president and the GOP had humbled or dampened her spirit. “I want to talk to a lesbian, goddammit!” Griffin exclaimed loudly the minute we got connected on the phone. “If you want a job done right, you get a lesbian. I’m sick of you gay boys.” OK, business as usual. Griffin used to specialize in insider stories, jokes and barbs aimed at her run-ins and interactions with celebrities. But now that she’s locked horns with the Trump administration and its army of sycophants, she has turned her comedic commentary toward politics. “I do pose this question to the audience,” she said. “God knows I love my gay men. But what if we did an experiment as a nation where men would just let women run shit for two years, and then we’ll give it back? I am pitching Wanda Sykes 2020. Lesbians of color need to take over this country for two years.” (That gets our vote!) Griffin is still all about the jokes, but said her new tour has a serious undercurrent: that America seems hellbent on going backwards and diving headlong into fascism. “I started out in Auckland, New Zealand, because I couldn’t get a show in my country of origin even though I didn’t break the law,” she noted. “The First Amendment is the first for a reason. I didn’t pull my dick out and rub anybody, ever. I may have one, but I’m not going to reveal that on this call. I don’t know if it’s a gift from the comedy gods because the country is in turmoil right now, but I’m so grateful that I prevailed over the president and the Department of Justice. They thought they were
going to decimate me and now I get to go town to town and country to country telling this story.” People have an idea that once Trump is out of office, things will be fine, Griffin said. “If I hear one more person say, ‘Well, Mike Pence would be an improvement … ’ No. We’re not praying the gay away. Jeff Sessions, I think he’s a down-low member of the community. People think he’s this harmless elf, but he’s a busy little bee working to take away LGBT rights day after day after day. “Yes, we all have to keep up on everything,” she added. “What’s it going to take for you fuckers to get rid of [Republican Pennsylvania U.S. Sen.] Pat Toomey? Fuck that guy! For god’s sake, keep [Democractic Pennsylvania U.S. Sen.] Bob Casey in. When it comes to LGBT issues, I enjoy [touring] and talking about the ground battle.” When scandals derailed the careers of famed comedians Louis C.K., Bill Cosby and Roseanne, more than a few peers came to their defense in the press. Griffin said nothing like that happened in her case.
“To this day, it hurts,” she said. “I’m going to be 58 Nov. 4. I’ve been doing standup for decades. Everybody just headed for the hills. I did get support and an encouraging phone call from Jim Carrey. I talk about that in the act because I don’t know Jim very well but at least he understood the weight and the magnitude.” Griffin said the fallout from the photo
promises to be a standup-comedy performance of epic length. “I walk the audience through the parts of the story that I haven’t said publicly, like the interrogations. My mom got death threats in her retirement home. It’s a three-hour show, so wear your colostomy bag. Parts of the show are a little bit heavy. There are parts of the show where you can hear people gasping because I understand they know I’m not bullshitting. Everything I say in the show is backed up with documentation. When you put it all together, they targeted a 57-yearold female comedian. Obviously, this is an administration that thinks LGBT people, women and people of color shouldn’t have the right to make a living or be responded to in the case of sexual assault.” Americans are distracted by everything, Griffin said. “There are these gay kids who grew up in a world where they say, ‘I came out when I was 6.’ Well, good for you. But part of your job now that you have that privilege is that you have to hear about the struggle and listen to Aunt Kathy about everything from Stonewall to what this current administration is doing, because they are not fucking around about turning the clock back.” The comedian said she’s self-funding the taping of this tour for an upcoming special, in the hopes that the TV-network powers-that-be approach her again. ‘I’m just now becoming less toxic in the television community, meaning that the six white dudes who control every check in Hollywood are still afraid of me. I really feel like I have an explosive story on my hands that is really fucking funny. I like to make a point: I’m not just any comic. I don’t do 45 minutes of hacky jokes that somebody else wrote. I do three hours of material, every word I wrote myself. I’m battered and bruised, but I’m not down yet. I want the audience to be laughing, but I also want to tell them, ‘Be alert, motherfuckers!’” ■ Kathy Griffin’s “Laugh Your Head Off World Tour” lands in Philly for two shows: 3 and 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-893-1999 or visit www.kathygriffin.com.
PROFILE OUTFEST
Family Portrait
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Suzi Nash
Joe Gates: Opening the door to fun These days, we could all use a good belly laugh. Add a little music to it — even better. Throw in a few pumpkins and you have “The Halloween Comedy Show Gates” with impresario Joe Gates. If you’re not hip to it, Gates has been active in the Philly theater and comedy scene as a member of Yeti Detective, Scary Mofos — winners of PHIT’s VS Improv Championship Spring 2018 — and Rintersplit, which won first place in the South Jersey Comedy Festival. A man of many talents, Gates is a performer, producer and director and has written and produced several live-action role-plays for various production groups. He keeps it light as a company member of the award-winning Philly Improv Theater’s (PHIT) house team. PGN: Where do you hail from? JG: I was born in Boise, Idaho, the Gem State. PGN: Really? I thought it was the Potato State. JG: No, Idaho is known for its opals, rubies and sapphires. PGN: So much better than potatoes. JG: Yes, but I have to admit my dad did send me a potato for Christmas a few years ago and I was like, “Really, Dad?” But it was great. They’re just not the same from anywhere else. My parents divorced when I was young, so I grew up with my mom and brother and sister in Oxford. I’m the middle child. I like to think of myself as the peacekeeper; the linchpin. PGN: How old were you when you left Boise? JG: About 4. Oxford is pretty rural — I’d say at most 2,500 people. We moved in with my mom’s uncle. That’s where I truly learned to be an outdoor kid. In summertime, we’d have breakfast and then they’d just let us loose. I learned to spot poison ivy and to pick fresh mint and wild berries. I have a lot of fond memories. PGN: I understand that you have hearing problems. Is that recent? JG: No, it’s congenital. I’ve worn hearing aids and had speech therapy since I was young. PGN: How do you think the hearing loss affected you? JG: There’s an element of isolation, especially when I was younger. I was a skinny kid with hearing aids and glasses and kids can be mean, but I learned quickly that you can control the negative narrative and turn it into a positive one. I remember someone once pointing to my hearing aid and saying, “What are those?” I responded, “Oh, it’s a special transmitter so I can contact the
aliens.” When he said, “Cool, man!” I realized I had something. Later on, I realized that I was a pretty good writer and concentrated on that. I was shy as a kid and the hearing problems actually made me a pretty good listener. Eventually I realized that I had a voice too, and went from speech therapy to voice lessons and then opera lessons. I sang all through school. I did opera and medieval music. Then in Philly, I really got into acting and improv and, ironically, when I coach for improv, I tend to be the guy people come to when they’re having difficulty with listening. PGN: What brought you to Philly? JG: I came here after graduating from Washington College in Maryland. I chose to come to Philly because I didn’t feel brave enough for New York City. I found my niche here in the improv and role-playing worlds. PGN: And now you’re running the comedy showcase. JG: Yes, it’s something I’m really passionate about. Often people get into performance because of their egos. They want the audience to validate them, but I believe that the people putting on the show and in the show are there to serve the audience. I got some people together and started doing shows at Tabu, and now we’re at L’Etage. It’s an all-musical comedy show. There’s an element of music and comedy in every act. We have two alternating teams who participate: The first is “The Scary Mofos,” who will be there Oct. 5, and the other is “Sabotage,” a group I performed with at Philly Improv Theater. For Halloween, we’ll also have a group called “Cat & Vegas and the Temple of Boom.” Dottie Riot will be doing spooky burlesque, John Deary will be doing standup and there will be much more. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are only $10, but you must be 21 to enter. PGN: What do you do off stage? JG: I do a lot of writing — gothic horror. I currently am helping a Philadelphia-based live-action group. I’m writing something for an RPG convention for them. PGN: RPG? JG: Role Playing Game. They asked me to play a scripted character within the story at a convention in Atlantic City. They are a high-level game division. They’re called the Winding Path Initiative. I’m playing a mystical Viking character based on Icelandic folklore. I also do Renaissance fairs. I got to play the best friend to Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, the actor who plays The Mountain in “Game of Thrones.” He’s huge and plays a big scary dude, but he’s actually a pussycat. Such a nice guy. The past couple of years I’ve also done the New Jersey Renaissance Faire. I just finished the one for this summer. [Laughing] I seem to always get cast as a slightly evil Viking.
PGN: What was the last picture you took? JG: It was right after a show I did last night called “Wavelength” with a couple of improvisers. PGN: Do you have any tattoos? JG: That’s awesome! Yes, the show actually inspired me to go to the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention and get another one last year. I only have two, but they’re big. This last one took seven hours. PGN: Yikes! Ever run away from home? JG: I don’t think so. I threatened to once and my mom was like, “Go ahead … ” I ended up going into the woods and playing with some friends. PGN: Name something very popular that you feel is totally overrated. JG: I actually feel like vampires aren’t as sexy as modern movies are making them out to be. Just my opinion … PGN: If you could go back in time,
PGN: Three celebs you want in your improv group (alive or dead)? JG: Oooh! Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Stuart, Judi Dench. Mainly Chris Hemsworth. They all have a certain playfulness about them that I adore. I’d definitely game with them too. I heard Judi Dench played D&D with Vin Diesel between scenes of a movie they did together. That’s so awesome. PGN: What movie could you watch over and over? JG: Probably “Thor Ragnarok.” Yeah, I know, Chris Hemsworth again! But it’s definitely the best out of the whole bunch and it’s my absolute favorite superhero movie. It’s got everything I love: Norse mythology, superheroes, giant wolves, Valkyries … and the vibe is so retro. I love it. PGN: What’s your hidden talent? JG: Oddly enough, Helen Keller jokes. [Laughing] I know far too many of them. Seriously, though, I’m great on a Quizzo team because I know random bits of trivia and folklore. And I’ve taken enough Zumba classes that I can surprise people when I take to the dance floor.
PGN: Since Halloween is approaching, if you were undead, would you want to be a vampire, zombie or ghost and why? JG: Probably ghosts over vampires, honestly. I feel like vampires and zombies have had their run. Of course, I love reading and writing gothic horror. Actually, growing up I read a lot of the Scottish and Irish myths and folklore about the Sidhe. It always struck me as interesting how fluid the categories of ghost and otherworldly spirits could be. But whatever they were, they still needed that human connection, whether they were trying to complete a quest or some deed in life that was left undone. I don’t really believe in ghosts, but I find their stories captivating. I’d much rather be the glimmerPhoto: Suzi Nash what’s the one thing you would change ing spirit that walks along the about your life? shore of the lake, leading you JG: That’s an interesting question. I towards the ruins of a once-opulent mansion don’t think I’d change anything. So as a bell distantly tolls. Once there, I’d turn to much of my successes and failures you, point down towards the rubble and place were so important in making me who my finger to my lips as I vanish into the mist. I am today. If I really had to choose, I feel that is so much more engaging than the I’d probably get away from the counsensuality of the vampire and the desperate tryside and into the city sooner, or per- violence zombie stories have. It’s all about haps even attend a city college rather mystery for me, connecting the past with the than a rural one. That and drink more present. And it’s also about finding your voice water, definitely. and bringing that mystery to light. ■
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OUTFEST
Gay filmmaking team brings “Colette” to the screen By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor
Colette has three mentors in the film. Her mother, Sido (out actress Fiona Shaw), who was an early feminist, is her “bedrock,” according to Westmoreland. Sido imbued her daughter with a keen sense of self. Willy, her husband, recognizes Colette’s specialness and develops it, but he also exploits it in the ways that men with power can. Her third mentor is Missy, who, Westmoreland explained, “is very supportive of Colette’s talent and creativity in a giving and loving way. She’s a character who
“Colette” is a handsomely mounted and engaging biopic of “the most celebrated female author in the history of French literature.” The film, which opens Oct. 5 in Philadelphia, recounts French country girl Sidonie-Gabrielle Collete (Kiera Knightley) marrying writer and publisher Henry Gauthier-Villars, known as Willy (Dominic West). Their relationship is rocky. He is a philanderer, and the couple frequently teeters on the edge of bankruptcy. However, when Willy encourages his wife to write, she produces stories from her childhood about a character named Claudine that eventually becomes the toast of Parisian society. But the books are published under Willy’s name, not her pen name, Colette. As she becomes more independent, taking on female lovers — includWASH WESTMORELAND DIRECTING KEIRA ing Georgie Raoul-Duval (Eleanor KNIGHTLEY IN “COLETTE” Photo: Bleecker Street Tomlinson), a Louisiana transplant, and Missy (Denise Gough), a woman of nobility who dresses as a man is in touch with her authentic self.” Westmoreland makes it a point in his work — Colette fights to make her name and work to “break the conventional rules of the genre known. The film was directed by Wash and show things in a less-conventional light.” Westmoreland and cowritten with his late The filmmaker did this in his 2006 Sundance husband, Richard Glatzer, and Rebecca D. award-winning film “Quinceañera,” about Lenkiewicz. Westmoreland told PGN that gentrification, class and racial differences in after the success of their 2014 film, “Still the gay community. He even did this in his Alice” — which won Julianne Moore a Best early career as an adult filmmaker with “The Actress Oscar — the couple could do almost Hole,” but that’s another story. “Colette” breaks tradition in several ways. any project they wanted. When Westmoreland asked his husband Westmoreland uses a fluid camera, which about their πnext project, Glatzer, who died allows Colette to “control” the story and drive from ALS in 2015, typed the word “Colette” the narrative by just entering a salon in Paris. into an iPad with his big toe. Glatzer had writ- The filmmaker shifts from the atmosphere ten the script back in 2001 in 10 days, and had of the time into revealing Colette’s attitudes subsequently rewritten it “20 or 30 times over and personal relationships in a single camera the last 16 years,” according to his partner. movement. He also emphasizes the LGBTQ elements Westmoreland said he was happy “after coming out of the darkest time of grief to make in the story to show how Colette’s liberation something for Richard, continue his legacy came through her affairs with two women: the feminine Georgie and the masculine Missy. and get his name up on the big screen.” “Colette” is a film about identity and Colette’s story was about “modern sexuality belonging. The title character finds her place and gender coming into focus,” Westmoreland said. in the world through challenging it. “Colette was the first to write about a wom“I’m not interested in making a hagiography,” Westmoreland said. “Colette was a com- an’s sexual pleasure with honesty. She wrote plex, interesting character. She had an egotism about a queer milieu around the turn of the which drove her to break new ground, but she century, so the seeds of sexual identity were in had tremendous self-involvement too. She was that time at the beginning of the modern age.” The filmmaker, who grew up gay in the a feminist — but wouldn’t claim the rights of that. She didn’t see social contexts — e.g., north of England, acknowledged that he is class — but rather, in her own life, she did not drawn to stories about “underdogs who have allow the social restrictions around her gender to break some barriers.” Colette had the bravto stop her from doing what she wanted. Her ery and courage to push through and do extraordinary things, he added. activism was more individual that societal.” “That’s a good example for anyone. Don’t Colette remains an inspiration for the current age, the director said. “She had no guilt let anything get in your way of your dreams. with her sex. Whatever felt natural was a feel- Her imagination and tenacity are something ing Colette had that overrode the moral rules we can learn from. She did things 100 years ago that still shock people today.” ■ of the time around sex and sexuality.”
OUTFEST
Off the Shelf
Scott A. Drake
Using manga to frame the normalization of gayness My Brother’s Husband Gengoroh Tagame and Anne Ishii Graphic Novel This sequel and conclusion to the story started in volume one adeptly offers a series of adventures and events to effectively convey how being LGBTQ is harmless and widely being accepted. It’s quite an edge-pushing book for conservative Japan and the relatively non-accepting social climate that prevails there. Openly gay author Gengorah Tagame takes a stance and a chance with these works challenging the status quo. Manga is a comic style that is popular the world over, but the Japanese get credit for originating and mastering it. This book is strictly black and white and many of the pages have no dialogue. But to illustrate interactions and emotions requires an adept hand, and Tagame and Ishii accomplish it admirably. The trick for us Westerners is, of course, the way books are laid out in Japan. You have to get used to flipping the pages from the back towards the front and reading the panels on each page right to left, but still top to bottom. It takes some getting used to. Broadly, the story revolves around Yaichi, his daughter Kana and how their lives gradually change and incorporate Mike Flanagan, Yaichi’s gay brother-in-law. There are several moments of revelation
and learning in the book through the slow process of realizing that Mike is really just an ordinary guy — something most Japanese might consider a radical idea. A favorite moment for me is when they go for ice cream. I love the idea of wasabi ice cream and I find it a great analogy for how every one of us is unique within our loves, our tastes and our preferences. But there are other equally compelling chapters as well. It’s also fascinating to find Japanese characters occasionally embedded within the art, to bring us back to the sense of place. This is a great book for children and young adults alike — and an interesting and entertaining read even for this middle-aged gay guy. ■ Gengoroh Tagame and Anne Ishii will be at the Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room table for greeting and book signing beginning at 2 p.m. at Sunday’s OutFest.
Trending on Queerbooks.com: “Proper Cuppa Tea” by K. G. MacGregor (L) “Semi Queer: Inside the World of Gay, and Black Truck Drivers” by Anne Balay (G, T) “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green (B) “Open Earth” by Sarah Mirk (LGBT) “Now I’m Here” by Jim Provenzano (G) *(B) Bisexual (F) Feminist (G) Gay (L) Lesbian (T) Trans Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room is at the corner of 12th and Pine streets. All proceeds from purchase there or online at Queerbooks.com benefit AIDS agencies.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Robert W. Fieseler, author of “Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation,” talks to a group of about 20 people before reading excerpts and signing copies of his book Sept. 27 at William Way LGBT Community Center. The event was cohosted by Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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OUTFEST
Wanda Sykes: a deeper look By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Wanda Sykes has been in the entertainment business more than 30 years, performing for world leaders and working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. It being LGBT History Month, we asked Sykes . PGN: You’ve had a long and impressive career as a comedian, writer and actress. Which moments stand out as the most pivotal in your career? WS: Winning my first Emmy as a writer for “The Chris Rock Show.” Doing the White House Correspondents Association Dinner with President Obama. That was his first one. My HBO special, “Im’a Be Me.” There have been a lot of great moments and projects but those are the really huge things.
career when you came out. Did that have any effect, positive or negative, on your career? WS: I think it’s been all positive for me. If there was anything negative, no one has ever told me. No one has ever said, “Oh, man, you could have had that part.” I think coming out improved my comedy immensely because I’m on stage now not trying to hide behind anything or wondering if I’m going to be outed on stage.
PGN: You were well established in your
PGN: Do you think you coming out had any impact on the industry or inspired other comedians and performers to come out? WS: I don’t know about other comics. Ellen [DeGeneres] helped open the door for me. A couple of comics have told me that I’ve helped them to come out. When people see
Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month
- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.
someone else living their life and thriving at it, it’s encouraging. PGN: As one of the head writers, you were the first person involved with the revival of “Roseanne” to quit the show after the scandal of Roseanne Barr’s racist tweets. Do you think you started the dominoes falling on the demise of that show or was it all going to fall apart anyway? WS: I don’t know. I just had to do what’s right for me. For me, I just couldn’t be a part of it. If I did, it would look like: “Oh, Wanda is OK with that. She’s condoning that.” And I just could not sit in that room and be a part of that after that tweet. The thing is, honestly I don’t believe Roseanne is a racist. She wasn’t anything like that in our relationship. We worked together on “Last Comic Standing” and she was very supportive of all the comics. I just think she has some other issues going on and definitely social media does not help those issues. PGN: Were you asked to come back to “The Connors,” and do you think it was right for the network to continue with the show without Roseanne? WS: Yes and yes. PGN: You have a deal for your upcoming special with Netflix. Did the controversy and issues brought to light by Mo’Nique about how women of color get paid by Netflix help you in your negotiations? WS: I threw my name into that discussion because I though Mo’Nique had a valid point. I though Netflix had low-balled her. However, I just went and found another buyer because my point was that even if you feel that one place isn’t treating you fairly, there are other options. But I was not for the boycott of Netflix, and I don’t think that hurt the deal I did with them. Netflix is a major player worldwide, so I never had a bone to pick with them. It’s just business. This is what they offered me and Epix was offering me a better deal, so I went with Epix. This time around they stepped up, so I said, “Cool, I can work with this.” PGN: Are there any plateaus you haven’t reached with your career yet or have all of Wanda Sykes’ dreams come true? WS: I wouldn’t say all of my dreams have come true. I am looking and probably will write a movie or a screenplay. PGN: Do you think the success of films like “Black Panther” and “Crazy Rich Asians” will make Hollywood more open to diversity in their films and the talent they put on screen? WS: Yes, because those films are wildly successful. It’s all about the dollars. They are making money. ■ For more information about Wanda Sykes, visit www. wandasykes.com.
OUTFEST
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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OUTFEST
Couple teaches aspiring designers the business By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor
clients that now includes Phillies manager Gabe Kaplan and 93.3 WMMR personality Kathy Romano. In the past year, the couple has expanded its business model with a course for beginning designers called Aspiring Designers Academy.
Lauren and Wendy Nolan-Sellers readily admitted they were scared when they quit their day jobs in 2012 to launch a home-design company. Until then, Lauren, a Philadelphia public-school teacher, had only dabbled in design. While she and wife Wendy were searching for a house, she developed an affinity for HGTV. Once they settled on a home, she channeled what she’d learned into redesigning it. The first time the couple entertained in their new home, the feedback was incredible. “People were saying like, “When we initially jumped out there and ‘How did you do this?’ and ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe the changes you’ve made!’” we didn’t know what we were doing, we made tons of mistakes,” said Lauren. “And said Lauren. And their friends wanted to pick her when we were looking for a mentor or someone to help us, we couldn’t really find brain. “So, it started off just with friends infor- anything that was comprehensive.” Aspiring Designers Academy offers what mally asking for advice,” Lauren recalled. “And then that morphed into, ‘I hear you do the couple calls a systematic business prodesign and I’d be willing to pay you.’ So at cess: a step-by-step guide to realizing a that point I was like, Wait a minute, there’s client’s goals. “What we’re trying to do is save people an opportunity here. “We sort of jumped out there with no time and money and help them get to where experience, no know-how. It wasn’t like a they want to be — faster,” said Wendy. Lauren admitted that, as green entrepreplanned thing. It was like, Should we do this? And then the opportunity presented neurs, she and Wendy repeatedly made the mistake of undervaluing their services and itself.” thus undercharging clients. And they seized it. It wasn’t until a client confessed that her In the six years that followed, the NolanSellers have become the self-made own- redesigned bedroom had potentially saved ers of Trust the Vision Decor, an interi- her marriage that Lauren understood the or-decorating firm that renovates homes impact of her work. “We realized that’s what we’re bringing for Philadelphia-area clients. Lauren is the designer, Wendy handles the finances and, to the table. It’s not just a pretty space. If since 2015, they’ve managed to rack up five we have the ability to help people spend “Best of” awards from home-design site more time together, to help people rebuild relationships — that’s the optimum. It Houzz. makes you look at Once the couwhat you do and ple decided to how you value it make a go of the totally differently.” business, Lauren The couple’s latenrolled in an est project is their online design own new home: a course. She fixer-upper they booked her first bought in South client — a New Jersey that they’re York executive currently gutting with a Lancaster and renovating condo — through while raising their an ad online. LAUREN AND WENDY NOLAN-SELLERS two children — an “Again, we Photo: Plush Image Photography 8-month-old son didn’t know and a 6-year-old anything about business at all. It’s really hilarious,” said daughter. “We’re showing our kids what’s possible Lauren. “So we thought, Where do we look with hard work and determination,” said for stuff? Oh — let’s check Craigslist.” Since the company’s first redesign, Trust Wendy. “If you don’t know if you want the Vision has completed more than 75 to do something or not, we just say, ‘Why renovations for a growing list of celebrity not?’” ■
OUTFEST
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS OUTFEST
New book looks at queer, trans and POC truck drivers By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor The career trajectory of out author Anne Balay is flush with detours. It starts with an English Ph.D., shifts to car mechanic and transitions back to teaching. Then, there’s a book written, tenure denied — and a sharp turn to professional truck driver. As of 2018, Balay is back to academia. She teaches gender and sexuality studies at both Haverford College and Temple University and has written a new book. “Semi-Queer: Inside the World of Gay, Trans, and Black Truck Drivers,” published in August, merges academic scholarship with Balay’s lived and learned experiences on the road. Balay began interviews, informally, while she was still trucking. But after a family medical emergency arose and she informed her company she would be unable to deliver her load, she was abruptly fired. To finish her interviews, Balay frequented trucker hangouts: bars, truck stops and line-dancing at Woody’s. The process took her four years from start to publication. The book synthesizes the oral histories of 66 non-straight, non-white, non-male truck drivers. “Burt Reynolds just died and everybody was talking about ‘Smokey and the Bandit.’ That’s what people still think truckers look like, and it’s not true at all,” said Balay. “Look at truckers in California: You hardly see a white person. Women and queers and trans people are becoming incredibly widespread throughout the industry.” The author said the job is especially attractive to queer and trans people because it offers an autonomy of appearance, identity, schedule and workspace that mainstream society doesn’t afford. The trucking profession also “takes some desperation, right? Like, you wind up in trucking because your first plan didn’t work out. And it’s some way to then have freedom and independence and control out there. It’s hard to describe how good it feels.” As freeing as the advantages can be, the regulations are substantial. Truckers operate under the Department of Transportation’s regulations, in addition to the rules of their trucking company and of the multiple states they’ll pass through on a route. Truckers can work a total of 14 hours in a day, 11 of them driving, but they must take a 30-minute break within their
first eight hours. If they exceed driving limits, they’ll face fines, but if they fail to deliver a load on time, they could lose their licenses. There’s the truck’s computer to learn and navigate, while cameras are watching their route — and them. Plus, parking is tight. “So, if you still have eight hours on your time clock, you could drive that far, but that’s going to leave you having to stop anywhere in southern California,
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: Enduring out folk/rock duo Indigo Girls return for two intimate performances Oct. 11-12 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. in Glenside. For more information or tickets, call 215-572-7650.
Theater & Arts
for example, between 3-8 p.m. You’re not going to be able to get a spot,” Balay recounted. “So, then you have to think to yourself, Well, should I stop now, even though that’s depriving me of income, so that I can get a spot? Because if you are in violation of your hours, then you’ll get a ticket and you have to pay that personally and you could lose your license.” And there’s the lack of safety. “I met so many trans women who are subject to huge amounts violence out there and are so vulnerable in public space,” said Balay. Rape or the threat of rape is very common, the author added. “Reporting violations is just not possible. I mean, truckers know that if they report rape or attempted rape, they’re not going to work again.” Regardless, the truckers Balay interviewed routinely accepted the threat or actuality of violence as part of the job — a trade-off for the inflated salaries of a male-oriented workplace. “Semi-Queer” covers the thematic violence on the road, but Balay doesn’t think putting it in writing will increase truckers’ safety. “What I think it will do is make people see them.” ■ Balay will hold a reading and discussion of “Semi Queer: Inside the Worlds of Gay, Trans, and Black Truck Drivers” 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at Penn Book Center, 130 S. 34th St.
Agnes Martin: The Untroubled Mind/ Works from the Daniel W. Dietrich II Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents paintings and drawings exploring the ideas that shaped Martin’s minimalist art, through Oct. 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. John Cena The wrestler reads from his new picture book, “Elbow Grease,” 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215567-4341. The Duchamp Family Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition highlighting the close-knit family of artistic innovators and the many connections linking their groundbreaking works, through August, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Face to Face: Portraits of Artists Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an
exhibition exploring how photographers helped craft the public personas of their creative subjects in this stunning collection of rare photographs from the museum’s collection, through Oct. 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Flying Steps presents Flying Bach The award-winning and globally recognized German dance crew combines hip-hop with modern ballet, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Garden Bouquet Still-life artists Ian Shiver and Barbara Sosson present an exhibition of art featuring colorful live horticulture designs, through Nov. 3 at Hot Bed Gallery, 723 Chestnut St., second floor, 267-918-7432. THE GLOW: A Jack O’Lantern Experience A family-friendly, immersive Halloween stroll along a trail illuminated by more than 5,000 hand-carved jack o’
lanterns, weekends through Oct. 28, 4160 Horticultural Drive in Fairmount Park; www. theglowjackolantern. com. ICON William Way LGBT Community Center Art Gallery presents a new installation by Natalie Hope McDonald that showcases the diverse iconography of the LGBT community, through Oct. 26, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Walnut Street Theatre presents the musical based on the classic Universal Pictures film, through Oct. 21, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. John Kerry The former Democratic presidential nominee participates in a live
Q&A, 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215567-4341. Kathy Griffin: Laugh Your Head Off World Tour The comedian performs 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215893-1999. Mimi Imfurst Presents Drag Diva Brunch Mimi Imfurst, Bev, Vinchelle, Sutton Fearce and special guests perform 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 6 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555. South American Sounds The Philadelphia Orchestra explores the music of South America with pieces by Argentinian and Peruvian composers, through Oct. 6 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS OUTFEST
Gorillaz The multimedia rock band with the animated cartoon alter ego performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-3899543. Ja Rule and Method Man & Redman The rappers perform 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000. A STALK IN THE PARK: The Phantom is back, having escaped to a new life in New York in “Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s colorful sequel to “The Phantom of the Opera.” Catch the romantic thrills and chills through Oct. 7 at Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-893-1999.
Yael Bartana: And Europe Will Be Stunned Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition blurring fact and fiction, with the artist reimagining historical narratives to spur a dialogue about urgent social and geopolitical issues of our time, through Jan. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.
Music Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Music & Food Philly band Conjunto performs 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. Kansas The classic-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215572-7650. Liz Phair The alternative-rock singer performs 8:30
p.m. Oct. 5 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-2322100. Simple Minds The new-wave band performs 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets; 610352-2887. Rock Allegiance The music festival featuring performances by Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Insane Clown Posse and more kicks off 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609365-1300. Thrice The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000. Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators The hard-rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Maroon 5 The pop band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. Goo Goo Dolls The rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215625-3681. Talib Kweli The rapper performs 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
Nightlife Paul’s Drag Kitchen Paula Deen White hosts a drag show featuring her friends 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215-592-0656. Bearlesque The bear-themed burlesque show starts 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215964-9675. GOLDLUST Philadelphia’s biggest, hottest gay dance party shines with DJ Stephen Durkin, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Philadelphia Battle Burlesque Royale Philly’s best
burlesque performers turn up 9 p.m. Oct. 11 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675. Happy Bear The bear-themed happy hour runs 5-9 p.m. Oct. 12 at Tabu, 200 S.12th St.; 215964-9675.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
PAGE 71
People’s Light reexamines Dracula — as queer and conscientious
Escape from NYC New York drag performers head south to Philly, 9 p.m. Oct. 12 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.
Outta Town Nicholas King The Broadway actor and singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-596-1027. Halloween The classic slasher film is screened 9:45 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-9171228. Betty The rock band and Philly Pride regulars perform 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-5961027. 2001: A Space Odyssey The classic sci-fi film is screened Oct. 7-8 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Lewis Black The comedian seen on “The Daily Show” performs Oct. 12-13 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Los Lobos The band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. ■
CRYSTAL LUCAS-PERRY AND ISA ARCINIEGAS Photo: Mark Garvin By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor A guitarist in blood-red Chelsea boots strums a duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh as a front woman decked in Brit punk plaid struts to the front row and belts out: “We are The Preventers! And we are here to save youuuuuuuu!” The play is “Such Things as Vampires,” a musical adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” refitted with a queer, female love story and set to a punk-folk soundtrack. And the rock-concert performance is People’s Light’s first production of the 2018-19 season. The story centers on star-crossed protagonists Mina and Lucy, who are fighting for their identities against a host of male oppressors. Creators Zak Berkman, Stuart Caren, Jessie Fisher and Philadelphia theater darling Mary Tuomanen first drafted the script as a feminist read of “Dracula.” “That word was part of what brought me into the project,” said Tuomanen, “writing a feminist take on Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula,’ which, in its legacy, has not been super feminist.” Tuomanen remembered, post-college, performing a rendition of the original at Actors Theatre of Louisville, where the script was mainly interested in “stabbing women in the chest who have very low-cut dresses.” Rather than using violence against women for camp or porn, Tuomanen said her script portrays the violence as something “very acutely felt and dark.” She wanted to build on it. “It’s not enough just to avoid being tasteless, but rather [you have] to push things into an intersectional feminist world, which for me meant celebrating queerness, rather than a more gender-binary look at feminism.” People’s Light cast a wide net to fill the play’s six roles. Each actor had to be a multitalented musician who identified as a person of color, queer or a nonbinary performer. The
six actors selected for the performance are all making their People’s Light debut. Meanwhile, the team of writers worked to unravel a novel built on glorified sexual violence. In Stoker’s version of “Dracula,” Mina’s friend Lucy is turned into a vampire, then destroyed by Dr. Van Helsing. He stakes her heart, beheads her, then fills her mouth with garlic. “So that sets you up for all the tropes of doomed queer love,” said Tuomanen. To skirt that cliché, the writers maneuvered what Tuomanen called a tricky revision. Lucy is kept alive, or at least undead, to fully explore her relationship with Mina. “The same problems that everyone has when they’re queering a narrative are: How do you bend stories we are familiar with to our will and make them gesture toward the world we want, as opposed to the world that has been oppressive, isolating and shameful?” “Such Things As Vampires” tackled the problem from all sides. The production brought in Amelia Parenteau and Terrell Green, two equity, diversity and inclusion advocates who spent each day in rehearsal watching for cultural blindspots in the writing as they guided the cast through unfamiliar or uncomfortable topics. The cast also held affinity meetings — talks about material that felt problematic and how to diversify the writing. The efforts were worth it, Tuomanen said. “I can’t speak for the cast, but I think they’ve really loved being taken care of in this way and having so much internal vocabulary to use when difficult situations come up. If you’re going to do brave political material, then you have to go to certain places.” ■ “Such Things As Vampires” runs at People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, through Oct. 31. LGBTQ Night is Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. For ticket information, visit https://www.peopleslight.org/whatson/2018-2019-season/such-things-as-vampires/.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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Classifieds All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
Real Estate Sale
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1 Like Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” 5 Beachwear for a hunk 10 Fruity drinks 14 Auto dash dial 15 Greek poet who didn’t look at porn 16 “___ l’amour!” 17 Start to climax 18 “___ there yet?” 19 Kind of stimulating 20 Start of a quip 22 More of the quip 24 Mardi Gras, e.g. 25 Nook at the Cathedral of Hope 27 Hustler’s stick 28 NNW’s opposite 29 Albee’s “Fam and ___” 32 Bygone nuclear agcy. 33 Billy Budd, for one 34 Pears and Cameron 36 Portable beds 37 More of the quip 41 Really big tale 42 Tennessee Williams title critter 43 33 1/3, for a Johnny Mathis LP 44 “In Cold Blood” writer, briefly 46 Sweaty guy on a sweaty guy on a
wrestling mat 47 Symbol of punishment 50 “Xanadu” band, for short 51 Source of Mary’s fleece 53 Speedy train 55 End of the quip 57 Burt, the source of the quip (19362018) 60 Alternative to “Go straight” 61 1996 Madonna movie 63 Second year student, for short 64 Like hand-medowns 65 Word that may follow sperm or organ 66 Stable female 67 Like hotties in a gay bar 68 Burke or Close 69 Nose activator
Down
1 Everyone can go down on them 2 What knights stick in their foes 3 The song “Do Re Mi” explains this 4 Cry over spilt milk 5 Ethnic cuisine ype 6 Game-ending sound, for Sue Wicks 7 Last letter on Lesbos 8 Like a crescent moon 9 Film directed by
Randal Kleiser 10 Declare openly 11 Gus Van Sant, for one 12 Compare online stats, e.g. 13 Wall Street bears 21 More like a cunning linguist 23 Premature ejaculation meas. 26 Say “No, thanks” to 30 Went down on 31 One way to cook your meat 34 GI under a corporal 35 Scrap of cloth 36 USA spies 37 Appreciation expression on Broadway 38 Porn star also known as Dirt Nasty
39 Rink star Babilonia 40 Kofi of the UN 41 Homo ___ 44 Pampering, briefly 45 Like “Finding Nemo” 47 Get ready to shoot off again 48 Experienced hand 49 One of Santa’s reindeer 52 It leaves a salty taste in your mouth 54 Burt posed for an iconic centerfold for this mag 56 Warhol, who was shot in a film title 58 Thames school 59 Craft store bundle 62 Button you use to turn down REM
PACKER PARK Large 1 BR apt, pvt entrance & parking, W/D, microwave, D/W, refrig. 8 mins to CC. Gas, water, elec. incl. Pet friendly. No smokers please. Call 267-588-7430. _____________________________________________42-40
Travel / Resorts Rooms 4 men: oceanhouseatlanticcity.com ________________________________________42-40
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.
Help Wanted HANDYMAN/HOUSEKEEPER Newly moved in, I need assistance with setup and light cleaning/yard work on monthly basis. Valid ID and 3 references. Non smoker. Fairmount section. 215-845-5117. _____________________________________________42-40 PART TIME HELP WANTED For Adonis Cinema. Cashier and cleaner. Apply in person M/F 8 AM-4 PM. Ask for Darnell. _____________________________________________42-40
For Sale SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com 800-567-0404 Ext.300N ________________________________________42-40
Wanted to Buy FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. (312) 291-9169; www. refrigerantfinders.com ________________________________________42-40
Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, September Term, 2018, No. 180901396. NOTICE is hereby given that on September 12th, 2018, the petition of Shawn M Annable was filed, praying for a decree to change petitioner’s name to Shawna Michelle Annable. The Court has fixed October 19th, 2018 at 9:30am, in Courtroom No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall as the time and place for the hearing of said petition. All persons interested may appear then and there and show cause, if they have any, why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________42-40 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, August Term, 2018, No. 5982. Notice is hereby given that on August 29, 2018, the petition of Dyamond Aliyah Puriefoy Carter was filed, praying for a decree to change petitioner’s name to Geoffrey Levar Carter. The Court has fixed October 19, 2018 at 9:30 A.M., in Room No. 691, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if any they have, why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________42-4
Friends Men WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________42-41 Bi romantic man, 57 seeks couple or sensitive man for loving relationship. Should drive. Atlantic City, NJ 609-428-7095. ________________________________________42-40 Good looking WM, 60, looks 40’s, fit 5’7”, seeks boyish, THIN, smooth, cln. shaven, (cut), 135lb. Bi or GWM, 35-45, for friendship & ongoing fun, that includes: Body contact, safe oral & making out at my place in NW suburbs. Nothing more. Please leave a detailed msg. @ 484-213-6987. ________________________________________42-40 Nick’s buttnaked birthday / orgybash sat Oct 13 i p until in cherry hill nj nudity required jockstraps or thongs anything goes all welcomed the nastier the better bring friends spread the word there will be a stripper there for entertainment as well contact nick for further details 609 254 1398. ________________________________________42-40
Massage M4M Massage in the Burbs. Convenient Mainline location. 610-710-6213 or email: mainlinefun@gmail.com. ____________________________________________42-43
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Every home is a masterpiece! 'PYTIJSF %SJWF t -BODBTUFS 1" t t XXX "OOF-VTL DPN
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1292 Glatco Lodge Road Hanover, PA
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319 E Walnut Street Lancaster, PA
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Rehoboth Beach’s Bed and Breakfast Bewitched & BEDazzled is on the market
Well-established and award-winning B&B, Bewitched and Bedazzled, located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach and consisting of two downtown properties, 65 and 67 Lake Avenue with a total of 13 guest rooms, 11.5 bathrooms, plus an owner’s apartment with a separate bath, kitchen and living room with off-street parking for 14 vehicles. Each property features a spacious common area living room with fireplace. Large deck with outdoor seating, hot tub and outdoor showers. Easy access to shops, restaurants, night life, boardwalk, and beach. Furnishings and dÊcor, including collectible memorabilia items are included.  Commercially zoned. Many possibilities.
1. Continue to run as a B&B 2. Operate as a weekly rental compound (14 bedrooms, 12.5 baths) 3. Team up with family or friends and collectively purchase and own a downtown Rehoboth Beach compound for a fraction of the costs If you would like more information on this property or to schedule a showing, please call or email Walt Cassel at (302) 426-2082 or walt@reinrb.com Listing Agent:
Dave McCarthy 302.650.0820 (cell) dave@reinrb.com
Dave McCarthy & associates www.RealEstateInRehoboth.com
Mann & Sons, Inc. | www.mannandsons.com | 414 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 | 302.227.9477
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SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY
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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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Helping you make your Home Dreams come true in Pennsylvania
Riverfront Not Just For Boaters
Buying or Selling Rentals Investments
Chuck Snyder REALTOR®
The Condello Team
Fox & Roach, REALTOR® 904 Moore Drive Spring House, PA 19477 Bus 215.542.1770 Fax 215.628.4317 Cell 610.761.0932 Dir 215.642.2456
chuck.snyder@foxroach.com
112 Riverbank, Beverly, NJDelaware Riverfront private road, 3,943 square feet of living space, 6 Bedrooms, 2 full baths, finished basement, in-ground pool, and astonishing scenic views 24/7. Deeded Riparian Rights, deck, dock, 30’ ramp with additional floating docks. $624,900
200 Riverbank, Beverly, NJ 2 Bedroom rancher on the Delaware River; central air, 2 fireplaces, 2 car garage, full basement, Deeded Riparian Rights. $399,900
Candid Realty, Inc.
212 W. Route 38, Suite 200 - Moorestown, NJ 08057
Robertina “Robbi” Kinniebrew, Broker of Record (609) 265-3921 Office (609) 531-5334 Direct
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Oct. 5-11, 2018
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