PGN Nov. 4-10, 2011 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Celebrating 10 years of personal art

Family Portrait: Joel Kaylor

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Three more historical figures you should know.

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PAGES 18-21

Nov. 4-10, 2011

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Vol. 35 No. 44

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Election round-up

Endorsements Mayor Michael Nutter

PGN Staff

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The House State Government Committee this week approved a bill that is part of a legislative trend said to stem the tide of illegal immigration, but that lacks protections for LGBTs among its nondiscrimination provisions. The committee on Tuesday advanced SB 637, proposed by Sen. Kim Ward (R-39th Dist.), which would require public-works contractors and subcontractors to participate in E-Verify, a federal program that allows employers to verify the eligibility status of employees in a national database. Ward’s measure includes a stipulation that employers cannot use E-Verify to discriminate based on a number of factors, including race, ethnicity, color and national origin. Pennsylvania Rep. Babette Josephs (D-

182nd Dist.) offered an amendment to add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression among the protected classes in SB 637, but Josephs’ motion was voted down. Josephs opposes the E-Verify legislation but said she offered the amendment after it became clear the measure would pass. “I figured I would try to make it better if I could,” she said. “No one should ever be discriminated against, so why should we allow an employer or anyone involved in this bad policy decision of E-Verify to discriminate against a group of people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression?” When the measure comes up for debate on the full floor, Josephs said she plans to again pursue the amendment. E-Verify authorizes employers to use a free government database to compare their employees’ I-9 forms to PAGE 14

Pennsylvania Superior Court David Wecht (D) Commonwealth Court Kathryn Boockvar (D)

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Sheriff Jewell Williams (D)

LGBT amendment defeated in worker-database bill By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

City Commissioner (vote for two) Anthony Clark (D) Stephanie Singer (D)

Court of Common Pleas Diana Anhalt (D) Jonathan Irvine (D) Angelo Foglietta (D) Barbara McDermott (D) Carolyn Nichols (D)

OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA Delaware County Council

Keith Collins (D) Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas

Dan Clifford (D)

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BEFORE THE VOTING BOOTH: About 70 people attended a fundraiser Tuesday night at Stir for Liberty City Democratic Club, including president Lee Carson (second from right), board member Micah Mahjoubian and member Tony Brooks. The LGBT political group plans to use $5,000 it raised to support its get-out-the-vote initiatives for the spring primary. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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Council Districts 1st: Mark Squilla 2nd: Kenyatta Johnson 6th: Bob Henon 7th: Maria Quiñones Sánchez 8th: Cindy M. Bass 10th: Bill Rubin

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On Nov. 8, the city of Philadelphia will head to the polls for Election Day. In the heavily Democratic town, many of the races were decided in the primary. But there are still a few races that are not set in stone. In the City Council District races, Democrat Bob Henon and Republican Sandra Stewart are battling for Democrat Joan Krajewski’s longheld 6th District seat. In the 10th, Democrat Bill Rubin is trying to unseat incumbent Republican Brian O’Neill. Some of races that are either no contest or close to it include the mayoral, the 1st District (Democrat Mark Squilla is running unopposed), the 2nd (Democratic state Rep. Kenyatta Johnson is expected to win), the 3rd (incumbent Jannie Blackwell is expected to win) and the 8th (Democrat Cindy Bass is expected to win). Democratic incumbents in District seats 4, 5, 7 and 9 are unopposed. Though low turnout might not impact many of these, there are a few races where votes will matter: at-large council seats, city commissioners and judiciary. For the at-large seats, the real contest will be who wins the two non-majority seats. In Philadelphia City Council, the top seven votegetters fill the at-large seats, with two held for non-majority members. Citizens can vote for five candidates, from any party. Thus, the first five seats will go to the top five candidates who won the Democratic primary in May. Assuming that Republicans will likely vote for their full slate of five candidates, it will be independents and Democrats who mix candidates who will decide this race, likely by slim margins. The other race to watch is for city commissioners, who oversee city elections. For this, there are three seats, and no party may hold more than two seats. In the primary, Democrat Stephanie Singer beat longtime commissioner Marge Tartaglione. The incumbents are Anthony Clark (D) and Joseph Duda (R). Both Singer and Republican candidate Al Schmidt are framing themselves as reformers, challenging the establishment. For our interviews this PAGE 8

City Council-at-Large (vote for five) Blondell Reynolds Brown (D) Bill Green (D) William K. Greenlee (D) James F. Kenney (D) Dennis H. O’Brien (R)

Doylestown Borough Council, Ward 1:

Marlene Pray (D)

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LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

is pleased to announce our writers placed in two award categories for the

2010 National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, out of some 2,700 U.S. publications. Our congratulations to:

Jen Colletta Second Place, Best Feature Story, Non-daily Division Kelly McGillis talks marriages, divorces and civil union Judge’s comments: “Excellent profile of Kelly McGillis. It can be difficult writing about a celebrity, difficult to get below the rehearsed answers. But this story feels like a real conversation and provides an intelligent look at a complicated life.”

Mark Segal Second Place, Best Serious Column, Non-daily Division Mosque issue is an LGBT issue Judge’s comments: “Terse argument that too few community newspapers offered — that Muslims had a right tobuild a cultural center and threatened no one.”

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Oct. 17-23. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS REPORTED — Between 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 17, someone entered two apartments in a building in the 1100 block of Spruce Street without force. The person(s) stole jewelry from one apartment and a laptop and a jar of change from the other. Sixth District Officer Maiorano lifted fingerprints. — Between 9 p.m. Oct. 19 and 5:30 a.m. Oct. 20, someone smashed the window of a 2007 Honda parked in the paid garage at Ninth and Locust streets and stole a GPS. The scene was cleaned up before police notification, so no fingerprints were lifted. — At 1 a.m. Oct. 20 (reported 11 a.m.), a man was leaving Fergie’s Pub, 1214 Sansom St., talking on his iPhone when a male grabbed it from his hand and ran west on Sansom. The victim did not get a good look at the suspect, who was described only as a black male. — Between 7:30-9 a.m. Oct. 20, someone forced open an apartment door in the 1300 block of Spruce Street and stole cash and liquor. Sixth District Officer Kelly attempted to lift fingerprints. — Between 5:45-11 p.m. Oct. 21, someone forced open an apartment door in the 1300 block of Pine Street and stole a laptop and bicycle. Sixth District Officer Colon attempted to lift fingerprints. — At 2:40 a.m. Oct. 23, a man was on the corner of Broad and Locust streets when a female asked him for $2. When he took out his money to give the $2, the female grabbed all his cash and fled. The suspect was described as a white female in her mid-30s, wearing a tan jacket and jeans. — At 4:07 a.m. Oct. 23, a man was walking in the 300 block of South 12th Street, near Pine, when three males accosted him with a handgun and took his wallet with $3 and credit cards. The suspects fled south on 12th and were described as black males; one was in his mid-40s, 6-foot tall with a medium build and scraggly beard, wearing a black hoody; another was in his mid-40s with a gray beard and wearing a gray sweatshirt and white sneakers; the third was in his late 40s and wearing dark clothing. — Between 3-6 p.m. Oct. 23, someone entered an apartment in the 1300 block of Pine Street through a window adjacent to the fire escape and stole a Playstation, camera and jar of change. Sixth District

Officer Savino attempted to lift fingerprints. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 7:55 p.m. Oct. 18, 6th District bicycle patrol Officers Ferrero and Blackburn arrested a male wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court outside 1124 Pine St. The 24-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address was charged with contempt of court. — On Oct. 19, 6th District Officer Loggia arrested a male for forcing open a locked gate to a yard of a residence in the 1300 block of Pine Street and stealing a bicycle. The 40-year-old suspect with an East Philadelphia address was charged with theft and related offenses. — On Oct. 19, 6th District plainclothes officers arrested two males for prostitution at 10:40 p.m., 260 S. 13th St., and 11 p.m., 1200 Locust St. — At 8:50 a.m. Oct. 22, 6th District bike patrol Officer McQue stooped a male for investigation in the 1100 block of Pine Street. The 54-year-old suspect with an East Philadelphia address was subsequently arrested for providing false identification to police. — At 12:50 p.m. Oct. 23, 6th District Officer DeLuca investigated a male in the 1300 block of Lombard Street and found that he was in wanted status for a probation/parole violation. The 63-year-old suspect with a homeless shelter address was charged with escape. — At 1:45 p.m. Oct. 23, 6th District Officers DeLuca and McQue arrested a male wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court outside 1222 Locust St. The 29-year-old suspect with an East Philadelphia address was charged with contempt of court. SUMMARY OFFENSE ARRESTS — Oct. 17: citations issued 4:25 p.m., 202 S. 12th St.; 5:25 p.m., 1100 Pine St.; 5:50 p.m., 1200 Chancellor St. (2); 5:05 p.m., 231 S. 13th St. (2). — Oct. 18: citations issued 4:25 p.m., 1201 Locust St.; 6:45 p.m., 1234 Locust St.; 7:10 p.m., 1323 Locust St.; 7:30 p.m., 261 S. 13th St.; 7:35 p.m., 1324 Walnut St.; 8 p.m., 1124 Pine St. (2); 8:55 p.m., 1200 Walnut St.; 9:50 p.m., 239 S. 13th St. — Oct. 19: citations issued 2:20 a.m., 400 S. 12th St.; 3 a.m., 1200 Locust St.; 10:55 a.m., 1222 Locust St.; 4:25 p.m., 201 S. 13th St. — Oct. 20: citations issued 1 a.m., 1200 Locust St.; 11 a.m., 1222 Locust St.; 10:20 p.m., 239 S. 13th St. (3). — Oct. 21: citations issued 7:50 p.m., 1301 Lombard St.; 8:15 p.m., 1200 Locust St.; 8:40 p.m., 1222 Locust St. (3); 9:40 p.m., 1200 Spruce St. — Oct. 22: citation issued 1:15 a.m., 1200 St. James St. — Oct. 23: citation issued 2:15 a.m., 1300 St. Chancellor St. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

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Contents NEWS

Crime Watch International Local Media Trail National News Briefing Regional

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EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2011 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Out Republican candidate under fire for photos By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com An openly gay Republican candidate for Bethlehem City Council is facing condemnation from fellow politicos for posting nude photos of himself on the Internet several years ago — criticism the candidate asserts stems from antigay animus. The Express-Times ran a story on candidate Tony Simao last week after being contacted by Northampton County Democratic Chair Walt Garvin in regard to the photos. Simao said he posted the photos between three and five years ago on two unnamed sites and has not recently accessed the sites on which they were posted. “I posted them when I was a private citizen and not running for City Council and I’d completely forgotten about it,” the 35year-old said, noting that one of the photos was from a vacation and is not objectionable. The photos were posted under a screenname — not Simao’s real name — and one that included full frontal nudity did not show his face. Simao said he removed the photos after the issue was brought to his attention. While Garvin brought the issue to the press, Simao said he believes the issue was also privately raised by one of his opponents in next week’s election, Democratic candidate Mike Recchiuti. Simao contends Recchiuti did an Internet search for the screenname Simao used, along with the words “gay,” “homosexual” and “PA.” Recchiuti said several people notified him that the photos existed and gave him the username to search. Recchiuti emailed the sites to a campaign advisor and to fellow Democratic candidate City Councilmember J. William Reynolds in September. Simao said he has a copy of an email in which Simao suggested Recchiuti considered whether or not the photos should be used as a campaign issue. “He said, ‘I don’t know how to use this but I’ll figure it out,’” Simao said. Recchiuti said he decided not to go public with the photos and his comment in the email was meant to reflect that notion. “I said something like, ‘I don’t know how we can use this information’ in the sense that I don’t think we can,” Recchiuti said. “I wasn’t looking to use this in the campaign because I didn’t think this was something that would help anyone.” Recchiuti said he forgot about the photos after sending the email out, and both Recchiuti and Reynolds said they do not know how the email made its way to Garvin. Garvin did not return a call for comment. Reynolds said he received “dozens” of

OPENLY GAY REPUBLICAN BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE TONY SIMEO

emails from individuals notifying him of the photos, but added he did not intend to draw attention to them. “This was something that lots and lots of people had emailed me about, but I was determined not to make a campaign issue of it,” Reynolds said. “I had nothing to do with the Northampton Democratic County chair bringing this to light or with this becoming public so I can only speak for myself, and sexual orientation should have nothing to do with a campaign. This was never a campaign issue for me. I have a very strong history in terms of equal rights for the gay community that I’m proud of.” Reynolds was influential in securing the passage of an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance earlier this year and is the only Bethlehem City Council candidate endorsed by Equality Pennsylvania. Now that the issue has been made public, Recchiuti said he doesn’t see Simao’s sexuality as playing a role in the situation. “The criticism is not of Mr. Simao’s sexual orientation. To put photos of yourself on the Internet like that just shows poor judgment,” Recchiuti said. “He wants to be a councilman and his first introduction to the public showed bad judgment.” Simao contended the criticism is meant to be a distraction from some of the serious fiscal issues facing Bethlehem. “I’m not talking about my personal life when I go out campaigning or bringing up salacious materials like this,” he said. “I’m running on issues.” In addition to Reynolds and Recchiuti, Simao is also facing off against incumbent Democratic Council president Robert Donchez and Republicans Al Bernotas and Tom Carroll for three open Council seats in the Nov. 8 election. Simao is a former Marine and healthinsurance client advocate. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

News Briefing City settles LGBT complaint for $10,500 The city has settled an LGBT antibias complaint with a $10,500 payment and an agreement to conduct diversity training for city workers that covers transgender issues. Dawn Dalpe, a member of the LGBT community, allegedly was terminated from her seasonal employment as a city lifeguard after complaining about physical and verbal abuse from coworkers. She worked for the city between 200205. In September 2005, Dalpe filed a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, alleging discrimination on the basis of several protected categories, including gender, race, color, sexual identity and sexual orientation. In one alleged incident, a coworker physically assaulted Dalpe, resulting in a herniated disc in Dalpe’s neck. Additionally, Dalpe allegedly was passed over for training and promotional opportunities, and denied a request to be transferred

LOCAL PGN

to a safer worksite. The PCHR closed Dalpe’s case this past September, after Dalpe received $7,588.30 in compensatory damages from the city. Mazzoni Center, which represented Dalpe, received $2,911.70 from the city for attorney’s fees and costs. The settlement money came from the city’s general fund. The city also agreed to conduct diversity training for employees at the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. The training will cover transgender issues, according to the settlement. Dalpe was transitioning from male to female at the time of her employment with the city. Today, she self-identifies as a lesbian, if she were to label herself, she said. She thanked Mazzoni Center, and also said she’s hoping to find work as a carpenter. Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for Mayor Nutter, had no comment on the settlement. David M. Rosenblum, legal director at Mazzoni Center, was pleased with the settlement. “We’re very excited that this case could be resolved without the need for any further protracted litigation,” Rosenblum said. “We’re particularly glad that city officials have agreed to train staff to ensure that all of their employees understand that discrimination on the basis of gender identity is illegal.” — Timothy Cwiek

Dems discuss campaign-finance reform The Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on campaign-finance reform from 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 4 at City Council Chambers, Room 400 of City Hall. T h e h e a r i n g wa s r e q u e s t e d b y Pennsylvania Rep. Babette Josephs (D182nd Dist.) and testimony will focus on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that lifted spending limits for corporations supporting or opposing political candidates.

World AIDS Day worship Centenary United Methodist Church, 149 S. White Horse Pike, in Berlin, N.J., will host a worship service in honor of the upcoming World AIDS Day at 9 a.m. Nov. 13. The one-hour service will be followed by refreshments and fellowship. Representatives of local HIV/AIDS organizations will be on hand and resources will be available. Worship leaders will be Charles Vandergrift and AnnLynn Benson, who serves on the faith committee of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays in Collingswood and sat on the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission. For more information, call 856-783-

0769 or 609-458-7821 or email works_ in_faith@yahoo.com.

Harvest hoedown to be held in York Gay square-dancing club DC Lambda Squares will host its annual Harvest Festival Hoedown Nov. 11-13 at Yorktowne Hotel, 48 E. Market St. in York. Square dancers of all skill sets are welcomed, and there will be an array of workshops and dances throughout the weekend, including a military-themed dance Nov. 12 in honor of Veteran’s Day. Registration is $100 and can be completed at www.dclambdasquares.org.

Hearing for benefits bill Members of the LGBT and ally community can contribute their thoughts on City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s proposed domestic-partner benefits bill in a public hearing next week. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 at City Council Chambers, Room 400 of City Hall. Reynolds Brown’s measure would require certain city contractors to offer their employees domestic-partner benefits for their same-sex partners. ■ — Jen Colletta

NATIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Servicemembers challenge DOMA By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The next stage in the fight for equality for LGBT servicemembers began last week. Eight married same-sex couples, represented by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, filed suit against the federal government Oct. 27, challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. The suit, which names as defendants Attorney General Eric Holder, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shineski, centers on the couples’ inability to access the same benefits from the military for their spouses as heterosexual married servicemembers. Among the benefits are medical and dental insurance, visitation rights in military hospitals and travel allowances. “This case is about one thing, plain and simple. It’s about justice for gay and lesbian servicemembers and their families in our armed forces rendering the same military services, making the same sacrifices and taking the same risks to keep our nation secure at home and abroad,” said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN. “These couples are in long-term, committed and legally recognized marriages, and the military should not be forced to turn its back on them because the federal government refused to recognize their families.” DOMA defines marriage as being

Crowne-PHILAGAYNEWS-due8-26_typeOutlines.indd 1

between one man and one woman and thus prevents federal agencies from recognizing legal same-sex marriages. The suit was filed in the District of Massachusetts, the same court that ruled a section of DOMA unconstitutional, a ruling currently under appeal by the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group. It is unclear if the federal government, which has said it would no longer defend DOMA in court, will contest the suit. The day after the suit was filed, DOD announced 14 benefits that will available to servicemembers regardless of sexual orientation, including casualty notification, escorts when a servicemember is killed or missing and active-duty death benefits. In a statement last week, DOD also said it was “engaged in a careful and deliberate review of the possibility of extending eligibility for benefits, when legally permitted, to other individuals, including same-sex partners.” The lawsuit comes one month after the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which banned openly LGBT servicemembers. The plaintiffs have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard. The lead plaintiff is Maj. Shannon McLaughlin, a Judge Advocate General with the Massachusetts National Guard who is married to her partner of three years in Massachusetts. The couple is raising 10month-old twins. ■

Media Trail Girl Scouts: Boy can join The Denver Post reports Girl Scouts of Colorado says it made a mistake when it denied a 7-year-old boy’s request to join. Bobby Montoya says he wanted to join his sister in the group and the rejection hurt. His mother says Bobby behaves like a girl. The Girl Scouts issued a statement saying a worker unfamiliar with the group’s policies gave the family wrong information. The group says requests for support of transgender kids have grown, and Girl Scouts of Colorado is working to support the children, their families and the volunteers who serve them.

Judge in Mo. hears suit on school website filters The Washington Examiner reports a federal judge is considering whether to bar a Missouri school district from using Internet filtering software that prevents automatic access to some websites with information about gay, lesbian and transgender issues.

U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey heard arguments Oct. 27 from attorneys for the Camdenton School District and the American Civil Liberties Union. The judge did not rule immediately on a request for a preliminary injunction against the district. The ACLU says Camdenton is one of only two school districts in the nation that did not change software after being contacted as part of a campaign to allow access to websites related to gay and lesbian issues. Camdenton officials say they have allowed access to the specific websites highlighted by the ACLU.

Gay hall of fame marks 20th anniversary The Daily Herald reports Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame is set to induct 11 individuals and four organizations at its 20th-anniversary induction ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Chicago History Museum. The individuals honored this year include a pioneer in early-20th-century popular music, a promoter of gay and transgender sports teams and an expert on promoting the health of gay youth. The Good Shepherd Parish Metropolitan Community Church and its Night Ministry program,which provides emergency housing for homeless youth, will be honored as a friend of the community. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

8/22/11 11:19 PM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

PGN LOCAL from page 1

election, PGN revisited the questionnaires we sent out in spring to mayoral, council and city commissioner candidates, and reached out to those who didn’t respond then. We received a few more responses and summarized the candidates’ answers. Interestingly, most of the Republican at-large council candidates responded to our inquiries. Mayor Michael Nutter (D) Mayor Nutter is seeking a second term after four years in which he says he made significant strides for LGBT equality. N u t t e r s u pported and recently signed a measure that revamped the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance, which facilitated the process for designating same-sex life partners in the city registry and heightened penalties for those found to be discriminating. He supported the LGBT-friendly Senior Housing Project and helped allocate funds for the initiative. Nutter has opposed the Boy Scouts’ rentfree agreement on account of the organization’s antigay policy and said the current pending settlement would be the best way to sever the city’s relationship with the organization. He supports the removal of SEPTA gender markers. During his time as a City Councilmember, Nutter wrote the legislation that created the city’s domestic-partner law. Nutter said he has been “responsive to and connected to the concerns of the LGBT community” in his first term and would continue that relationship moving forward. Nutter was endorsed by Liberty City Democratic Club. 2nd District Kenyatta Johnson (D) State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson supports efforts to require city contractors to provide domestic-partner benefits and to make SEPTA’s fare system gender-neutral. Johnson, who supports marriage equality, said he would work against the transfer of the Boy Scouts building to the organization because of its antigay policy and would support efforts to institute anti-LGBT bullying efforts in city schools. He would support funding housing opportunities for those with HIV/AIDS and would press for LGBT sensitivity training for all city workers and police, as well as

domestic-violence workers. Johnson was endorsed by Liberty City Democratic Club. 8th District Cindy Bass (D) Political policy advisor Cindy Bass is a former housing counselor who said she would work to find funding for housing for people with HIV/AIDS. Bass called the proposed Boy Scouts settlement “subsidized discrimination” and said she would lobby for the building to be sold at fair-market value. She also pledged to work for the elimination of SEPTA’s gender markers. A marriage-equality supporter, Bass said she would also work at the state level to press for legislation to mandate LGBT-inclusive anti-bullying policies at all schools. Bass was endorsed by Liberty City Democratic Club. Brian Rudnick (G) Green Party candidate and librarian Brian Rudnick said he would bring his party’s commitment to LGBT rights to City Council. Rudnick said he would seek an LGBT advocate for his administration and would “lobby, advocate and legislate” for the elimination of SEPTA’s gender markers. Rudnick supports the city’s efforts to evict the Boy Scouts based on the organization’s antigay policy and is also in favor of the proposed measure to require certain city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits. Rudnick said bullying can best be addressed through adequately funding schools, which he said could be furthered by his plan to collect $500 million in unpaid taxes, which he said could also support funding for libraries, parks and recreation centers. He supports city funding for housing opportunities for those with HIV/AIDS. 10th District Bill Rubin (D) Pension consultant Bill Rubin is looking to unseat the only Republican on Council who holds a district seat. Rubin said he supports the city pursuing a fair-market sale of the Boy Scouts

PGN LOCAL

building and would support the removal of gender markers from SEPTA transpasses. He would support low-interest collateralized loans for housing opportunities for residents with special needs, including those with HIV/AIDS. Rubin employs members of the LGBT community and said he would search for the most qualified candidates to staff his office if elected. He would support legislative efforts to address bullying based on all characteristics. At-Large Republicans Joe McColgan Finance executive Joe McColgan supports civil unions and said the Boy Scouts building should be sold at fair-market value “and not one penny less.” M c C o l g a n opposes SEPTA’s gender markers. He supports a private company’s right to offer domesticpartner benefits, but said the city should not mandate that all contractors offer such benefits as it could have a negative impact on the city’s finances. Antibullying efforts need the support of communities and neighborhoods, McColgan said, and he would support the creation of regional groups to examine the issue in city schools. David Oh Attorney David Oh supports civil unions and backs the city’s enforcement of its nondiscrimination law in terms of the Boy Scouts conflict. Oh does not sup-

port the effort to mandate certain city contractors offer domestic-partner benefits, but said he would be in favor of legislation to provide advantages to businesses with certain benefits policies, including domesticpartner plans. He said he would advocate for adequate funding for HIV/AIDS issues and would support funding housing opportunities for people with the disease. Oh supports increased education on LGBT-specific bullying and said administrators, teachers and other school staff need to be held accountable for enforcing antibullying policies. Al Taubenberger Republican ward leader and former mayoral candidate Taubenberger is in favor of civil unions. Ta u b e n b e r g e r opposes SEPTA’s gender markers and would work to find funding to support a new fare system. He opposes the proposed settlement between the city and the Boy Scouts. Taubenberger does not support legislation to mandate city contractors offer domestic-partner benefits and said such policies should be the result of collectivebargaining efforts. The school district needs to create a comprehensive campaign on diversity and bullying, Taubenberger said. The candidate pledged to work toward partnerships between public and private agencies to support social issues, and said he would support city funding for housing opportunities for those with HIV/AIDS if the budget allowed. Michael Untermeyer Attorney Michael Untermeyer is a marriage-equality supporter with 18 years of government experience in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

and New York. Untermeyer supports the city’s efforts to evict the Boy Scouts and is in favor of the current proposed settlement, as he said the city cannot afford to continue to pay the legal fees to fight the case. He opposes S E P TA’s g e n d e r markers and said he would introduce legislation to support their removal. Untermeyer said he would support the implementation of “strict rules with meaningful and substantial penalties” to contend with bullying in city schools. He would support the passage of nondiscrimination laws with significant financial penalties for violators. Untermeyer said he would also support city funding for housing opportunities for those with HIV/AIDS. City Commissioner Al Schmidt (R) A former senior analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Al Schmidt said he would make accountability a major player in the City Commissioners’ Office, which he said has long operated under “autonomy and anonymity.” Schmidt said he would make the o f f i c e ’s b u d g e t transparent, and work to make election results, nomination petitions and papers available to the public online, as well as an online polling-place locator. He would press for enhanced training on voter intimidation for Election Board workers and legislation to better regulate elec-

tioneering. Schmidt said voter turnout can be furthered through direct involvement by city commissioners, who should forge partnerships with nonprofits and host voter registration and education initiatives in different communities, including the LGBT community, across the city. “We need to assure the public that the City Commissioners are dedicated to honest government and fair elections — and that every vote will be counted,” he said. Schmidt said two of his campaign staff are openly LGBT and he is committed to hiring a diverse staff if elected. Stephanie Singer (D) Math professor and trained computer scientist Stephanie Singer promised to bring new technology and transparency to city elections. Singer said she would undertake a comprehensive audit and review of the Commissioners’ office practices and make the findings public. She pledged to put all of the office’s records online, from budget to election results. Singer said she would spearhead educational programs about the importance of voting and partner with civic agencies to promote voter participation. She also vowed to “keep politics out of the business of running elections and registering voters.” “As City Commissioner, I will modernize the office, bring transparency and work to increase voter participation,” she added. “I have been at the forefront of the fight for transparency in Philadelphia and have a proven record of leadership when it comes to election integrity.” Singer was endorsed by the Liberty City Democratic Club. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Linda Wall

Editorial

Endorsements For mayor, there really is no contest here — neither in the race itself nor who we as a community should support. Simply, Michael Nutter. While we disagree with the mayor on issues such as the Boy Scouts, he has shown an ability to be supportive of this community and treat it with equality. He has done so throughout his entire political career. It’s a vote you can cast with honor. For City Council at Large, this is more complex, and individual votes will matter more here. There are seven seats total and you can vote for five. However, the two non-majority candidates (currently Republicans) with the highest vote tally also get seats. That said, we endorse the following: Jim Kenney: He’s been the strongest voice on Council for the LGBT community for almost 20 years. Likewise, Blondell Reynolds Brown and first-termer Bill Green are great candidates. Sometimes overlooked is another strong ally, William Greenlee. If you’re counting and you’re going to vote for those four candidates, that leaves you with one more vote: one of the five Republicans, of which only two will be elected. Here’s where history serves us well. Republican Dennis O’Brien is first on our list since he was Speaker of the Pennsylvania House and, at that time, kept this community out of harm’s way. He’s an unabashed gay-rights advocate and we strongly endorse him. But there are two other candidates that deserve your attention, and maybe your vote. Originally, we would have printed David Oh’s name here without hesitation, but in recent months he has come under attack for embellishing his military record and, more seriously, for mishandling his gun on several occasions. Oh would be the first Asian on Council. There is one other choice among the Republicans: Al Taubenburger. Taubenburger has demonstrated an ability to bring the LGBT community into his work, outside of politics. When he was president of the Von Steuben Society, he was asked if it were true that von Steuben was gay. He responded, “Who should care?” We feel the same way: Who should care about Taubenburger’s heterosexuality? It’s a good vote. For city commissioners, you can vote for two. Stephanie Singer beat entrenched DROP program incumbent Marge Tartaglione in the primary. At that time, we did not endorse Singer because she handed out a ballot with a slate of council candidates that left off Sherrie Cohen, the only LGBT Democratic candidate. We’ll give her our backing as an olive branch and hope that she improves her LGBT credentials. We also support incumbent Democrat Anthony Clark. For Philadelphia sheriff, Jewell Williams has a stellar LGBT voting record in the State House. He deserves our support. ■

Once upon a time there was a lesbian gym teacher (shocking, I know). More specifically, that time was the early 1970s and that gym teacher was Linda Wall, who is now an independent candidate running for state office in Virginia. Mind you, Wall’s not gay any more. She’s traded in her lesbianism for Jesus and she is out and proud about it. “I’ve never tried to hide that I was in homosexuality. If anybody Googles me, they would find that out there,” Wall said. “When I went away to Longwood College, I allowed liberal professors to destroy my Judeo-Christian upbringing,” she writes on her campaign website. “I guess one could say I became the ‘prodigal daughter.’ But when my rebellious years came to a close, I knew it was the Lord that I needed.” Ah, yes. The old “liberal professors made me gay” line. College is tricky like that. Mind you, Wall’s “rebellious years” didn’t come to a close at graduation, if by “rebellious” she means “gay.” Apparently she sowed her wild oats with one of her students in a whirlwind scandalous gym teacher/gym student romance. Oh, and did I mention she taught junior high? Meaning this was one of her junior high students. Meaning no, no, no, bad. It’s the kind of revelation that would jettison most candidates’ prospects of ever being elected, and could, indeed, turn out to be the end of her candidacy. And yet she seems remarkably nonchalant about the whole thing. “Forty years ago, I was a different person,” Wall told The Associated Press. “I was a heavy pot smoker with ... impaired judgment and made some bad choices. You do that out of college sometimes. Some people do, some people don’t.” Got that? While in college the liberal professors made her gay. And right out of college, marijuana made her stay that way, or at least it “impaired” her judgment, allowing her to continuing to choose being a lesbian child predator. Look, I would just like to make clear here that the kind of “bad choices” people make while smoking pot include eating an entire bag of Cool Ranch Doritos in one sitting, or watching the Home Shopping Network for hours straight and cracking up every time there’s a close-up of a pair of

disembodied hands with manicured nails caressing the merchandise. Seeking out a little girl to statutorily rape is kind of worse than a “bad choice.” It’s, like, one of the worst ones. But look, Wall doesn’t want to live in the past — and not just because there’s no statute of limitations on felonies in Virginia. Wall wants to look forward — and win! — the future. And that means pushing hard against the gay past with an antigay present. On Wall’s campaign website she touts her antigay political history. She brags that she testified at House of Delegates committee hearings “in favor of family-friendly legislation and opposed legislation detrimental to traditional values.” Granted, that’s not especially specific, but the terms “family-friendly” and “traditional values” don’t conjure any gay-friendly vibes. Wall also spent years on an antigay Marriage Amendment to the Virginia Constitution. “For two years, I worked with groups in the state to help pass the Marriage Amendment to the Constitution of Virginia defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman,” she writes. “I will defend that amendment and oppose any legislation that attempts to create or recognize any other union, partnership or legal status to which is assigned the rights or benefits of marriage.” Ain’t no homo couple gonna get treated with any respect in these parts. And if there’s one thing Wall’s an expert in, it’s in healthy, normal relationships based on love and trust and mutual respect and Jesus. So don’t worry, antigay marriage foes. Linda “ex-gay statutory rapist” Wall has got your back. Y’all have the best friends. ■

On Wall’s campaign website she touts her antigay political history. She brags that she testified at House of Delegates committee hearings “in favor of familyfriendly legislation and opposed legislation detrimental to traditional values.”

D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

OP-ED PGN

Historians need to step up to the plate Was President Lincoln a gay man? Were hope for a future political career or work President Buchanan and Francis King partin government. And those are the children ners? Can we prove that lesbians and trans who will make the changes that will affect our future. people fought in the Revolutionary and This year’s National Gay History Project Civil wars? Was a gay man the founder of started out with a premise the U.S. military? Why is any of this important? stated by a member of the farA new passion has taken hold right-wing Republican Party. of me the last year or so and, if The quote was, “Our founding you’ve been reading these pages fathers did not have homosexuor those in LGBT publications als in mind when they created across the country, you’ve witthis country.” The project this nessed its intensity: LGBT hisyear proved that statement tory, especially LGBT people utterly false. in American history. It was in It was an ambitious project full bloom as part of our sixth and our writers delivered more annual National Gay History than what was expected of them. Project in October. If you hear that quote again, tell In the first year of the them about Baron von Steuben. National Gay History Project, Without von Steuben, a gay we asked Congressman Barney man, there would be no U.S.A. Mark Segal Benjamin Franklin was the Frank to write an essay on gay history. He wrote eloquently first U.S. official to recruit a about his early years in politics and his gay man for the military; at that time, the coming out as an openly gay member of Continental Army. Congress, and how difficult it was. He Did you know that one of the most patriotic songs, “America the Beautiful,” was explained very clearly how even in the liberal 1960s, under liberal presidents such written by a lesbian, Katharine Lee Bates? as Kennedy and then Johnson, antigay And thanks to our reporting, the official legislation was still being ushered through library and home of President Buchanan is the political system. The article showcases finally beginning to admit that it is possible a man who is passionate about politics that he was gay. Read about Buchanan, his and the system that makes change. Some partner William Rufus King and the rest at children grow up wanting to be doctors, www.epgn.com, under Special Coverage. lawyers or artists. There are also those So, we’ve done our work. Now it’s the who grow up wanting to be like Barney: time for historians to step up to the plate. a part of a system that will foster change My personal promise: That will happen. ■ and equality. For them to know that LGBT Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s people were a part of this system from the most-award-winning commentator in LGBT start and were founders of this country media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. gives them great pride in themselves and

Mark My Words

Letters and Feedback

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Street Talk Should Bert and Ernie get married? “No, that would be going too far for a children’s show. I’m all for LGBT rights. But Sesame Street is definitely not the forum to make that point. It’s not a platform for

Peter King artist Washington Square West

social issues.”

“Absolutely. Jump into it. It’s obvious Bert and Ernie are gay. And children need to be exposed to gay marriage. I have a 4Jason Wegman year-old son carpenter — I know he Lancaster could handle it fine.”

“Of course. I thought they already were. Sesame Street would be a great place for kids to learn about LGBT Marty Perkins issues. It’s a student progressive East Falls show. It’s educational, but also entertaining.” “Yes. Kids need a better understanding of diversity. They have to be informed about the facts of life. Gayness isn’t Jessica Wegman hairstylist something Lancaster you should be ashamed of. [Gay marriage] shouldn’t be hidden from children or downplayed."

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

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

Boockvar/Wecht winning ticket for the LGBT community It is an unfortunate reality that even among super voters, very few of us know the names of the people sitting in our state judicial seats. Yet the seats on the Commonwealth and Superior Courts of Pennsylvania, which are up for election this year, have a broad impact on the entire LGBT community across the state. A decade ago, it was the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court that upheld Allentown’s municipal nondiscrimination ordinance. That same case is now being invoked as antigay bigots seek to overturn similar laws in Conshohocken and Haverford. Should these cases advance to the state level, it is essential that we have fair-minded judges in place. Similarly, any LGBT-related law the state passes (whether positive or negative) could be challenged and referred to these courts.

Kathryn Boockvar and David Wecht, running for Commonwealth and Superior Courts, respectively, who have demonstrated their ability to be fair on the bench. This election will be very close and, in these judicial races, every vote will matter. Equality Pennsylvania has endorsed both Kathryn and David, and approximately 50 candidates throughout Pennsylvania, this election cycle. We strongly urge voters to support Kathryn, David and all our endorsed candidates on Nov. 8. For the full list, please visit www.equalitypa.org. Adrian Shanker President, Equality Pennsylvania In response to “Washington: Gay-friendly father of our country,” Oct. 28-Nov. 3: Very sparse on facts and heavy on base-

less opinion. Oh, and anarchists are far right leaning, not left leaning, as the author implies. — charlesriver Since when was Hamilton ever president? All sources, please. — knifeofice [Editor’s note: Alexander Hamilton’s position was clarified in the text.] Is it possible Washington took it easy on soldiers having relations with each other because he couldn’t afford to lose many trained soldiers and officers? As Ben Franklin put it, “Waste not, want not.” — esslar In response to “Tenika Watson: Living

beyond Pendergrass’ tragedy,” April 22-28: To AnnaRosa, Where in my post did I say that every woman should become a “transsexual fetish performance artist”? To the best of my recollection I have never endorsed this to anyone. I certainly did not mention it in my post, so why would you feel the need to admonish me on that? I also never said a quiet, normal life was not attainable. I did (and still do) advocate for pride and living “out” in society, as that is the best way that I have seen to make progress and positive change. I would ask you now please, if you want start an argument please have the decency to do so in private and not here. — DJmichellelove

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

PGN NATIONAL

Report details inequities for kids of gay parents By David Crary The Associated Press According to her dads, life is good for Carrigan Starling-Littlefield, a spunky 5year-old being raised by two gay men in South Carolina, which doesn’t recognize their out-of-state marriage. “We’ve found that being a family has created a lot of common ground with other families. We’ve not had many issues at all,” said Tommy Starling, a partner in a food brokerage. Yet he and his husband, Jeff Littlefield, remain wary as they contemplate Carrigan growing older and confronting challenges beyond their supportive community in Pawley’s Island, S.C. “We’re cautious about where we go, because we don’t want our daughter to see any negativity,” said Starling, 39. “We have some longer-term apprehensions that she’ll face issues as she gets older, and we’re trying to prepare her for that ... I feel she’s the type of person who will stand up for her family.” Carrigan is among a growing multitude of American children — possibly more than 1.2 million of them — being raised by gay and lesbian parents, often without all the legal protections afforded to mom-and-dad households. Increasingly, the welfare of these children will be a core part of gay-rights strategies,

as evidenced by a comprehensive report last month. Compiled by an alliance of advocacy and child-welfare groups, it summarizes how laws and social stigma create distinctive challenges for LGBT families. “There are myriad ways that our families are discounted by government at all levels, and children are hurt the most,” said Jennifer Chrisler of the Family Equality Council, one of the three groups authoring the report, titled “All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families.” The other groups are the liberal Center for American Progress and the Movement Advancement Project, a gay-rights think tank. Other participants in the project were the National Association of Social Workers and the Child Welfare League of America. The U.S. census does not attempt to count the number of children being raised by gays and lesbians. Demographer Gary Gates of the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute, who has been a consultant to the Census Bureau, estimates the number at 1.2 million, while the new report uses the figure of 2 million, including children with bisexual and transgender parents. Whatever their numbers, the families are striking for their diversity — encompassing many low-income and minority households, and spread across about 96 percent of America’s counties, according to data compiled by Gates and others.

Among the barriers and inequities they face, as detailed in the report: — Many government safety-net programs use definitions of family tied to marital status, which may exclude same-sex partners. — Because of lack of legal recognition for their unions, gay and lesbian parents can face heavier tax burdens, higher costs for health insurance and diminished financial protections in the event of death or disability. — When same-sex parents separate, one parent may lose custody or visitation rights, even in cases where he or she had been a child’s primary caregiver. Overshadowing all these problems is pervasive social stigma, according to the report. “Many of the challenges LGBT families face stem from a society that assumes that everyone is heterosexual and comes from a family with two married heterosexual parents,” it says. For opponents of same-sex marriage, the issue of children can prompt nuanced responses. “Certainly children in any household arrangement need to be protected — need full support and love,” said Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Maryland. But she said such protections should be provided without redefining the traditional concept of marriage as between a man and woman.

Many of the obstacles and inequities outlined in the new report would be addressed if same-sex marriage — now legal in six states and Washington, D.C. — were legalized nationwide and recognized by the federal government. However, the report includes numerous recommendations for less sweeping changes that would benefit children with gay parents, such as: — Broadening the definition of “family” to allow LGBT families to benefit fully from government safety-net programs, and revise the tax code to provide equitable treatment for these families. At present, even legally married same-sex couples who can file joint state tax returns must file separate federal returns. — Enacting state-level parental recognition laws that would allow joint adoption by LGBT parents. Even with about 110,000 children in foster care who are eligible for adoption, some states and agencies refuse to place children with same-sex couples. — Ensuring that LGBT families have access to health insurance on equal terms with heterosexual families, and eliminate inequitable taxation of these benefits. — Ensuring that hospital visitation and medical decision-making policies are inclusive of LGBT families. — Expanding education and training about LGBT families for social workers, health-care providers and other professionals. ■

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Obituary

Douglas Shaps, LGBT activist and financial analyst, 53 By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Longtime LGBT and political activist Douglas Shaps died of colon cancer Oct. 22. He was 53. While he most recently worked as a financial analyst, Shaps also invested significant energy into a number of local LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations. Shaps served as executive director of Outfront Philadelphia from 2000-06.

said. “That’s what he wanted to do to help his community.” Knight joked that Shaps, whom he met more than 10 years ago at The Bike Stop, pulled him into his political realm and, in turn, supported Knight’s passion for gay softball. Outside of his work in the LGBT-rights movement, Shaps was also an avid gardener, Knight said, and had a series of diverse positions throughout his career. Shaps, a native of Boston who lived in

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

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STATE SEN. SHIRLEY KITCHEN AND DOUG SHAPS IN 2006 PGN file photo

“He was an exceptional human being with a deep commitment to civil rights,” said Kathy Padilla, also a former director of the agency. During his tenure at Outfront, Shaps spearheaded successful efforts to amend nondiscrimination ordinances in Philadelphia and New Hope to include gender identity. Padilla said Shaps also successfully developed Outfront’s political-endorsement process and “raised the bar on inclusion of LGBT issues in the political process.” Shaps sat on the Philadelphia Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign from 2000-06, where he served as political chair and co-chair of the panel, and was elected to the national HRC board from 2006-08. He served as the executive director of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee from 1997-2000, a position that Padilla surmised helped shape his sharp political and lobbying skills. “He was very determined,” she said. “He was very knowledgeable on a lot of different issues and really understood how to get things done politically.” Shaps’ partner, Sherard Knight, said Shaps was a natural in the political world. “He wanted to fight for rights,” Knight

Lower Merion, earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Boston University in 1979 and went on to work as a manager for Pier One and Comp USA. Throughout the ’90s, Shaps worked as a development director and public-relations director at the AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey and later as director of operations for Thrift for AIDS. From 2002-04 he served as a special-project assistant in the Office of Special Services at the School District of Philadelphia and from 2004-08 as a student accounting coordinator in the district’s Office of Special Finance. He began work as a financial analyst at the Chester-Upland School District in 2008 but left in 2009 after his cancer diagnosis. Shaps was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth and brother Thomas and, in addition to Knight, is survived by father Richard and stepmother Patricia Shaps and brothers Jonathan and Matthew. A funeral was held Oct. 28, and Shaps was buried in Haym Salomon Memorial Park in Frazer. Memorial contributions can be made in Shaps’ name to the Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. ■

www.fbcphila1698.org

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government documents to determine if they are eligible to work in the United States. Josephs likened the measure to Real ID — which would mandate national identification cards for citizens — which she said isn’t likely to gain traction in the Pennsylvania legislature. “I think the legislature is being schizophrenic because I believe the Senate and the House will both reject Real ID, as a number of states have done, but this is just another form of Real ID,” she said. “It’s a way to get U.S. citizens and everyone here in a database that can have false positives, false negatives, people who have the same name. And in principle, I don’t think we should be subjecting citizens to this kind of privacy invasion.” The debate over SB 637 was one in a number of recent high-energy debates that have highlighted the large rifts between the parties in the committee and the legislature as a whole. Josephs called the atmosphere in her committee “contentious” and said committee chair Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-12th Dist.) recently brought in a security officer to be present for the meetings. “That doesn’t make for a very collegial atmosphere,” she said. Josephs surmised that progress is being halted in the state legislature because of the influence of extreme right-wing lawmakers. “There are people in the Republican caucus who are controlling the agenda, and some more moderate Republicans are going along with it because they’re afraid of a primary. Everybody has primaries but you still have to vote with your principles. I’m disappointed in the more-reasonable Republicans who don’t stand with us on civil rights, LGBT rights or on taking more reasonable steps toward people who are here without documents. So I think we really need to activate ourselves right now — every community, in Philadelphia and all right-thinking people across the state.” ■

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INTERNATIONAL PGN

International Pride parade draws 30,000 in Taipei With music, self-made signs and creative costumes, an estimated 30,000 people from across Taiwan and several other countries marched through the streets of Taipei Oct. 29 during the annual Taiwan LGBT Pride parade. Now in its ninth year, the parade calls for an end to discrimination against sexual minorities. Tens of thousands of people poured onto Ketagalan Boulevard, the departure and ending point of the parade, hours before 2 p.m., when the parade was scheduled to depart. Participants carried balloons and selfmade placards with slogans supporting gay rights and opposing discrimination, and many also dressed in special costumes to show their support for diversity. Although the atmosphere was festive, the objective of the parade was serious. “We are standing here together — whether you belong to the LGBT community or not — to fight back against discrimination against the LGBT community in this country,” organizer A-Cheng told the crowd. “Discrimination against LGBT people may seem to have decreased, but in fact it’s still there. It just changed its form and was ‘upgraded.’” He said that 10 years ago, LGBT com-

munities were confronted directly by people who called them all sorts of names, but “nowadays, people would tell you: ‘I don’t have any problems with gays, but ... ’ What comes after the ‘but’ could be: ‘I don’t think gays should be able to legally get married,’ ‘Students should not be taught about homosexuality at school,’ or something else that’s still discriminatory in nature.” J.J. Lai, co-founder of the first Taiwan LGBT Parade in 2003, said the situation may have improved a little, but discrimination from the general public and politicians still exists. “Nine years ago, we departed from the 228 Peace Park with only a few hundred people. Today, we’re on Ketagalan Boulevard with more than 30,000 people,” Lai said. “Nine years ago, there was only one Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade in Taipei, but this year parades are taking place in Taipei,

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien,” he added. “We can’t deny there have been changes. However, we should not overlook the threats posed by homophobic people and organizations.” Part of the parade marched through neighborhoods around National Taiwan Normal University, where many conservative families live, hoping that the residents would acquire a better understanding of LGBT communities through more contact, organizers said.

Irish presidential candidate concedes

David Norris had led polls early in the race to become Ireland’s president, before he dropped out and then jumped back in amid a scandal. But the senator, who could have become the world’s first openly gay president, conceded defeat last week. Early poll results show him finishing a distant fourth, and so Norris became the first candidate to congratulate Labor Party candidate Michael Higgins on his apparent win. A spokesperson for the Norris campaign criticized the media in reaction to the loss in an interview with the Irish Times. Paul IN THE NAVY: Participants march through the street Oct. Allen said Norris had 29 during the gay and lesbian parade in Taipei, Taiwan. endured “severe pressure” Thousands of gay rights supporters marched through Taiwan’s but “he never crumbled.” Norris was accused of capital, calling for increased tolerance and the enactment of favoring pedophilia based antidiscrimination legislation. AP Photo: Chiang Ying-ying

on an old newspaper interview that misquoted him, and then he quit the race when it was discovered he’d written a letter to authorities in Israel pleading for clemency for his then-partner Ezra Nawi in a statutory-rape case. The letter was written on official stationery in 1997 but had not surfaced until the presidential campaign. Norris later re-entered the race when polls indicated he could still win if he jumped back in. That hope didn’t materialize after voters went to the polls on Oct. 27. A message posted on the candidate’s Facebook page from his campaign claimed Norris was an example to others of what’s possible politically. “For anyone who ever feels that something is ever too difficult, they can look at David Norris as their inspiration, stand on the shoulders of this giant and reach for their dreams,” wrote Norris staffers.

Russian gay-rights advocate retires Nikolai Alekseev, the face of the gayrights movement in Russia, has retired. In an email sent to supporters last week, the 34-year-old said he would no longer head Moscow Pride and GayRussia.ru but gave little reason for his decision. Alekseev said, “It is true that I am fed up, and that is why I decided to step down. I also decided not to give any further comments on my decision.” Nikolay Baev, who will take over GayRussia.ru, said: “The reason [for Alekseev’s resignation] is totally personal. He just decided to change his activity and lifestyle, and he has a full right to this.” Alekseev, a former journalist, turned his PAGE 16 attention to full-time

Are you a community leader? Mark Mitchell, board president, Delaware Valley Legacy Fund Amber Hikes, co-founder, Stimulus Drew Becher, president, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Alison Lin, co-founder, HotPot! Zane Booker, founder and artistic director, Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative Wayne Knaub, commissioner, Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

from page 15

gay-rights advocacy in 2005, setting up GayRussia.ru and making plans for a Pride march in Moscow. He has appeared regularly on Russian television and has been honored for his work by LGBT organizations worldwide. He has been arrested on numerous occasions for holding illegal Pride marches and gay-rights demonstrations and launched lawsuits against Moscow authorities for banning the events. Last September, the campaigner was arrested at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow while boarding a plane to Geneva. He says he was kidnapped and possibly drugged by Russian security forces who detained him for more than two days and used his phone to send fake messages claiming he was dropping his legal challenges.

Welsh rugby captain comes out The captain of the Welsh rugby team, the Old Redcliffians, came out as gay after a potential suitor he met said he couldn’t date someone who was closeted. Jed Hooper, 22, told the Evening Post that the encounter was the catalyst for his big announcement. “Before that, I think I had already told about 10 friends and their reaction was very positive so that gave me an inkling of what might happen,” he said. “And I also thought

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if the crap really hits the fan, then at least there are 10 people on my side!” Hooper texted his contacts and also made the announcement on his Facebook page. After, he said, “I then cried my eyes out as I was thinking to myself, What have you done? but very quickly I must have had 40 replies and all of them were positive.” Hooper, who plays the position of back row forward, then consulted the team’s chairman, Ray Massey. “I said that if the club doesn’t want a gay man as its figurehead I would understand and step down,” Hooper said. “But he was brilliant and said, ‘You’re our captain and this doesn’t change anything.’ That support was massive to me.” The news comes after another star of Welsh rugby, Gareth Thomas, announced his retirement this week. Thomas, 37, said he could no longer commit all of his time to the sport, but a film is still in the works, shepherded by American actor Mickey Rourke.

Antigay Ugandan group opposes antigay bill The National Coalition Against Homosexuality and Sexual Abuse in Uganda has surprisingly come out against the 2009 “Kill Gays” bill after politicians recently resurrected the proposed legislation. The “Kill Gays” bill, which includes strict

penalties against homosexuals, including the death penalty for some, “is unrealistic and also diversionary,” NCAHSA leader Solomon Male said. The legislation would require people to report incidences of homosexuality, which Male believes will be impossible to enforce. The pastor also added that Uganda already criminalizes homosexuality and that the African nation hasn’t executed anyone since 1999, so a new death penalty charge would be meaningless.

Danish gay-rights pioneer Axel Axgil dies

AXGEL IN 2006 IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK AP file photo

Axel Axgil, who helped push Denmark to become the first country to introduce samesex unions, has died. He was 96. Axgil and his partner, Eigil Axgil, were the first Danes to enter into a civil union in 1989 and, in so doing, became the first gay couple to enter into a registered union anywhere in the world. Born Axel Lundahl-Madsen and Eigil Eskildsen, the couple fought for legislation for gay civil unions and was the first of 11 couples to tie the knot on Oct. 1, 1989. They formed the surname Axgil from their given names. The couple co-founded Forbundet af 1948 (The Association of 1948) following the UN Declaration of Human Rights. It became a pan-Scandinavian gay-rights movement and, as each country developed

its campaigning, returned to Denmark, eventually becoming LGBT Danmark, one of the oldest surviving gay-rights organizations in the world. Eigil Axgil died in 1995. He was 73. LGBT Danmark spokesperson Vivi Jelstrup said in a statement: “You have to be impressed by the colossal enthusiasm Axel Axgil has shown throughout his entire life for helping other homosexuals. Regardless of how hard they were hit themselves, he and Eigil tirelessly worked on.” Axgil, she said, had lived “a long life focused on creating something for other homosexuals, regardless of the price.” Axgil died Oct. 28. LGBT Danmark will hold a memorial ceremony for Axgil on Nov. 5 in the central Danish city of Aarhus. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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How members of the LGBT community helped create the USA Dr. Mary Edwards Walker: Civil War surgeon By Judd Proctor and Brian Burns Exclusively for PGN National Gay History Project Known for her determination and strength of conviction, Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919) is also remembered as the only woman to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor in the United States military, for her service during the Civil War. Born into the abolitionist family of Alvah and Vesta Whitcomb Walker in Oswego, N.Y., on Nov. 26, 1832, Walker’s future relied heavily on her experiences as a child and the encouragement of her father. He planned for all his children to be educated, even building the town’s first schoolhouse on his land. Also a self-taught country doctor, it would be his collection of medical books that first sparked Walker’s interest in pursuing a medical career. Walker was the youngest of five daughters and had a younger brother, Alvah. All in the Walker household provided labor for their farm, so their father did not require the girls to wear the women’s garb of the time but, instead, attire better suited to the labors of farming. Her parents believed tight-fitting women’s clothing items like corsets were unhealthy. This notion would follow Walker in her own pursuit of women’s rights and women’s dress reform. Early on, Walker challenged convention by attending medical school. She graduated in June of 1855 from Syracuse Medical College, the United States’ first medical

school to accept women and men equally. Medical training there consisted of three 13-week semesters, for which she paid $165. In 1856, Walker married former student Albert Miller while wearing a man’s coat and trousers. Keeping her last name, Walker and Miller moved to Rome, N.Y., where they began a joint medical practice. But it seemed people of the time were not receptive to seeing a woman physician, and their practice stalled. Their marriage also suffered since Miller was unfaithful. They separated four years later, and Walker struck out on her own and established her own practice. Unlike her failed attempt in Columbus, Ohio, before her marriage, this new practice seemed to be successful. One of her ads in the Rome Sentinel read, “Those ... who prefer the skill of a female physician ... have now an excellent opportunity to make their choice.” With her own beliefs grounded in her upbringing, Walker remained in Rome and began advocating for social reform and writing for the magazine Sybil in 1857. She believed women’s attire at the time restricted a woman’s freedom of movement and was a barrier to good physical and mental health. Corsets and hoop skirts, she asserted, restricted circulation to the legs and added too much weight for ease of movement. In 1871 she wrote, “The greatest sorrows from which women suffer to-day [sic], are those physical, moral and mental ones, that are caused by their unhy-

gienic manner of dressing!” Walker’s writing appeared in ReformDress Association Convention programs and, in 1860, she became one of nine vice presidents elected at the National Dress Reform Association Convention. With the Civil War’s start in 1861, Walker went to Washington, D.C., in the fall of that year in hopes of joining the Union Army as a medical officer. But a woman in trousers who could perform surgery and give medical examinations was unthinkable to those in command, and her enrollment was denied. So Walker volunteered with no compensation, serving under Dr. J.N. Green as an acting assistant surgeon. She performed many of his duties. Walker was appointed assistant surgeon to the 52nd Ohio Infantry in 1863 and wore

a modified version of an officer’s uniform. Here, her medical credentials were questioned. In April 1864, she was captured in uniform just south of the Georgia-Tennessee border, taken hostage and imprisoned at Castle Thunder near Richmond, Va., for four months. While there, her complaints of improper rations at the prison saw the addition of wheat bread and cabbage for the prisoners. In August 1864 she was released in a prisoner exchange. It wouldn’t be until Oct. 5, 1964, that Walker would finally be commissioned as acting assistant surgeon, earning $100 a month — thus becoming the first female surgeon commissioned in the Army. On Nov. 11, 1865, President Andrew Johnson — with the recommendation of Maj. Gens. William T. Sherman and George H. Thomas — signed a bill that gave Walker the Congressional Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service. The citation recognized her “valuable service to the government,” devoting “herself with much patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded soldiers, both in the field and hospitals, to the detriment of her own health,” and enduring “hardships as a prisoner of war.” The citation also stated that “by reason of her not being a commissioned officer in the military service, a brevet or honorary rank cannot, under existing laws, be conferred upon her” so therefore, “in the opinion of the president an honorable recognition of her services and sufferings should be made.” To this day, Walker remains the only woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service.

Walker’s service record reads: Dr. Mary E. Walker (1832-1919) Rank and organization: Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon (civilian), U.S. Army. Places and dates: Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861; Patent Office Hospital, Washington, D.C., October 1861; following Battle of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Tenn., September 1863; Prisoner of war, Richmond, Va., April 10, 1864-Aug. 12, 1864; Battle of Atlanta, September 1864; entered service at: Louisville, Ky.; born: 26 November 1832, Oswego County, N.Y.” After Walker’s war service, she wrote and lectured on topics on women’s rights, dress reform and temperance issues. In 1866 she was elected as president of the National Dress Reform Association. She dressed as a man, including top hat, bow tie and men’s pants and shoes. In 1866, she helped Susan B. Anthony and Lucy Stone create the Women’s Suffrage Association in Ohio. In 1917, the U.S. Congress changed the criteria for the Congressional Medal of Honor to include “actual combat with an enemy,” and Walker’s medal was revoked. That was the same year Walker’s health started to decline, after she fell on the Capitol steps in Washington, D.C. Walker refused to return the medal, and wore it illegally every day until her death in 1919. For years, friends and family lobbied to have Walker’s medal reinstated, and in 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed an order doing just that — citing Walker’s “distinguished gallantry, self-sacrifice, patriotism, dedication and unflinching loyalty to her country, despite the apparent discrimination because of her sex.” In 1982, the U.S. Postal Service issued a 20-cent, first-class stamp in commemoration of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, as a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor and the second woman to graduate from a medical school in the United States. Oddly enough, the full-color stamp portrays her wearing a fancy dress and curls. To the contrary, not only did she wear men’s clothes, but boasted she had been arrested for impersonating a man. A description of Walker comes from the U.S. Postal Service: “Dr. Mary Walker was a humanitarian devoted to the care and treatment of the sick and wounded during the Civil War, often at the risk of her own life. A patriot dedicated and loyal to her country, she successfully fought against the sex discrimination of her time. Her personal achievements, as much as her vocal support, significantly contributed to the struggle for women’s rights.” ■ Judd Proctor and Brian Burns host “The Rainbow Minute,” a community radio show devoted to LGBT history and culture, founded in 2006. Proctor is a retired elementary school teacher and staunch gay activist. Burns is an author and horticulturalist. The couple resides in Richmond, Va.

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Frederick Gotthold Enslin: An obscure military life By Maureen Renee Zieber Exclusively for PGN National Gay History Project As it entered the port of Philadelphia on Sept. 30, 1774, a ship called Union, commanded by Andrew Bryson, completed its long voyage that began in Rotterdam, Netherlands, some months before. The ship held 132 souls on board, but one man in particular was bound for new adventures. According to ship records, this man arrived in the colonies alone and in relative good health for a man in his late 20s to early 30s. On the ship’s roster, the name would appear as “Gotthold Fried. Enslin,” but he would be known as Frederick Gotthold Enslin in future, fractured accounts of his whereabouts. According to his military records with Valley Forge, Enslin (b. 1740) was living in New Jersey when he enlisted in the Continental Army in March 1777. A t t h e b eg i n n i n g o f t h e Revolutionary War, military companies were community-based militia that protected the boundaries of their towns and surrounding areas. To protect the fledging country, more companies were needed, and those who enlisted were more often than not sent from their villages to strategic areas of conflict. So when Enslin enlisted, he awaited his assignment and was mustered into Malcolm’s Regiment, June 1777, in Ramapo, N.J. The regiment made its way toward its temporary quarters in Valley Forge. The military rank and order during that time was slightly different than the military rank and order of today’s U.S. military. To become familiar with the rank and order of early colonial armies, it will help further explain the events which unfolded for Lt. Enslin in his last days in the military. One rank that was abolished from the United States Army in the early 19th century was the rank of ensign. This rank came about to designate the person holding the ensign of the military unit, also called the unit flag, token or symbol. The ensign was considered a junior rank of a commissioned officer. The ensign answered to a lieutenant, and a lieutenant position would answer to a captain. The captain would be in charge of the company and answer to the field officers with the rank of major, lieutenant colo-

nel and colonel. Little to nothing is known about the early life of Enslin, but is it believed he was educated and from a family of high standing in Europe, possibly southern Germany, due to reports that his command of the English language was outstanding and his penmanship was well formed. His approximate year of birth was 1740. When Enslin enlisted, he was given the appointment of lieutenant in the Continental Army. His assignment was under the command of Col. William Malcolm and Lt. Col. Aaron Burr. Malcolm’s regiment was formed in mid-1777, and placed into the 3rd Pennsylvania Brigade after a lengthy encampment at Valley Forge. Enslin’s life began to crumble in February 1778. Camp gossip started to circulate of suspicious behavior between Enslin and a private in the ranks. An official report was given by Ensign Anthony Maxwell to Malcolm on Feb. 27, stating that Enslin was caught in his quarters with a private, and Enslin was guilty of “attempted sodomy with a private.” Enslin tried to quell the rumors, calling the charges slander against his character. Thus, charges of slander were set against Maxwell, and brought before the commanding officer in charge of the issue, which was Burr, as Malcolm was in New York. Maxwell’s court-martial stated he was “propagating a scandalous report prejudicial to the character of Lt. Enslin.” After due diligence was made and a report filed, Burr acquitted Maxwell on March 10, 1778, once evidence was brought forward against Enslin. This began a persistent investigation on the report of sodomy against Enslin and the private. It was officially documented that the private entangled in the “attempted sodomy” charge was Pvt. John Monhort. The investigation was degrading to Enslin, and no matter what defense he took, he was ultimately found guilty for the charge of “attempting to commit sodomy.” Additionally, a second charge was placed against him, for perjury. The perjury charge found Enslin was guilty “in swearing to false accounts, found guilty of the charges exhibited against him, being breaches of 5th. Article 18th. Section of the Articles of

GAY HISTORY MONTH PGN — WE ARE AMERICA

War” (Library of Congress). Tried and convicted by Burr, the case was then brought before Gen. George Washington. On March 14, 1778, Washington’s secretary made a notation that Washington quickly looked over the charges, and sentenced Enslin to be dismissed from his post and the military service with “Infamy” (Library of Congress). Ensign’s humiliation didn’t stop there. The next morning, under watch from the field commanders, and in front of the entire regiment, Enslin was officially — literally — drummed out of camp to fife and drum. One diary entry, by Lt. James McMichael, described the ceremony. McMichael, a Scotland native, was enlisted the 13th Pennsylvania Regiment under the command of Col. Weedon. After Valley Forge, his diary was mailed home. After the war, his ship sank returning to Scotland. The diary entry is as follows: “March 15. — I this morning proceeded to the grand parade, where I was a spectator to the drumming out of Lieut. Enslin of Col. Malcom’s regiment. He was first drum’d from right to left of the parade, thence to the left wing of the army; from that to the centre, and lastly transported over the Schuylkill with orders never to be seen in Camp in the future. This shocking scene was performed by all the drums and fifes in the army — the coat of the delinquent was turned wrong side out.” Being drummed out ensured the guilty party would be recognized and not allowed to reenlist in the future. This was a major blow to now-private citizen Enslin. For the rest of his life — and to present day — he would become known as the first person to be dishonorably discharged due to his sexual orientation. If broken down to figure out the exact meaning of the charges, it reads that Enslin was being dismissed on a case of attempted rape of a soldier. The only other person there that could have detailed the event was Monhort. It is only known that Monhort received a court-martial after Enslin was drummed out. Nothing describes the severity of the court-martial, or whether Monhort was also dismissed from the military, jailed or fined. No other records have been found to ascertain the rest of Monhort’s life. After the war, the life of Enslin seems just as unclear as his early life before the war. Laws regarding sodomy charges at the time called for imprisonment, but in this case, Enslin was publicly dismissed from the military for his actions. His absence after that event is still perplexing. Some have theorized Enslin changed his name so that he could start his life over after his short military career. Another explanation would be his death, which would account for the lack of further information. Though the rest of his life may have been obscured by history, Enslin secured a place in American history — and gay history. ■ Maureen Renee Zieber has a bachelor’s degree in history and women’s studies from University of Delaware. She is interim managing director of Iron Hill Museum in Newark, Del.

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(Mary) Edmonia ‘Wildfire’ Lewis: A black lesbian who sculpted freedom and independence By Kevin Trimell Jones Exclusively for PGN National Gay History Project (Mary) Edmonia “Wildfire” Lewis (18431911) stands out for her courage and willingness to live a life defined by her own sense of agency and independence. Despite her mixed racial/ethnic heritage, she is considered one of a few African-American artists to develop a fan base that crossed racial, ethnic and national boundaries — and the first to develop a reputation as an acclaimed sculptor, which would later give her access to circles that generally excluded people of color and women. While many have speculated about her sexuality — given her close associations with women and her androgynous style of dress — Lewis was a transformational figure who used her art to capture the historical legacies of women, African Americans and other figures central to black culture and the American Civil War. Historians believe that Lewis was born near Albany, N.Y. Her mother was a Chippewa Indian; her father was a freeman of African descent. After her parents’ death, Lewis lived with two of her mother’s sisters in Niagara Falls and in other parts of New York. There, Lewis took full advantage of her surroundings, spending her time swimming, fishing and learning and participating in Native American customs and traditions. Lewis would later attend Oberlin College in Ohio with the help of her brother, a gold miner. By this time, Oberlin College had developed a reputation for promoting diversity and inclusion: It was the nation’s first coeducational and interracial college, and had enrolled African Americans since in 1835. Lewis is believed to have been a part of a few notable, possibly romantic and sexual incidents with other females. An early “peculiar episode” is described in “African American Art and Artist” as taking place at Oberlin College on the morning of Jan. 27, 1862. According to the story, Oberlin College was in recess. Two female friends of Lewis were preparing for an extended sleigh ride with two of their male friends. Before the departure, Lewis invited her female classmates to her room for a “drink of hot spiced wine, which medical testimony later indicated contained an aphrodisiac called cantharides.” After the classmates became ill, suffering from stomach and other physical ailments, Lewis was accused of “poisoning” her classmates. Her relationships with Oberlin College administrators preserved her from immediate arrest. During the night, however, Lewis was kidnapped, dragged to a field and brutally beaten. There was no official investigation into the beating, and this

nearly shattered the sense of racial harmony in the integrated town. Lewis was spared from criminal charges due to insufficient evidence: “... Most people believed that, if Edmonia had in fact served the drug to the young women, her intent was more likely to promote sexual stimulation than to poison.” After this incident, Lewis stayed at Oberlin College, finishing her coursework in 1864. When she left Ohio, Lewis found herself in Boston. Margaret Farrand Thorp, in The New England Quarterly (1959), describes Lewis’ early beginnings in Boston thusly: “The story goes that ... her eye was caught by Richard G r e e n o u g h ’s s t a t u r e o f Benjamin Franklin. A statue of the size of life was something that she had never seen or heard of. That a great man of the past could be made to live for her seemed very wonderful. Could she perhaps learn to perform such an act of creation?”

that she “was practically driven to Rome in order to obtain the opportunities for art-culture, and to find a social atmosphere where [she] was not constantly reminded of my color.” While living in Europe, Lewis further developed her international acclaim by learning Greco-Roman sculpting styles from renowned sculptors. This would influence her neoclassical-inspired pieces. In Rome, she joined the circle of American expatriates and artists, including American stage actress and sculptor Charlotte Cushman and sculptor Harriet Hosmer. Novelist Henry James referred to this group derogatorily as the “White Marmorean Flock,” as most in the circle were known for having samesex relationships, including Lewis. These women were highly influential on Lewis’ life. According to “Improper Bostonians: Lesbian and Gay History from the Puritans to Playland,” “Lewis emulated both the outward attributes of their unconventional, often masculine attire, as well as their aesthetic independence.” While abroad, Lewis received praise from many art critics. There, she began creating sculptures of her heroines, many of whom With letters of recommendation from were from the Bible. Lewis returned to the Oberlin College addressed to William Lloyd United States in 1874 with a great amount of Garrison and other abolitionists, she set out notoriety, especially for a woman of mixed to learn the art of sculpting. heritage and of African descent. Receptions While living in Boston, Lewis created were held in Boston and Philadelphia to notable pieces that today tell the struggles welcome her and to showcase her work. In of African Americans and women in varying 1876, she was one of a few women sculpquests for freedom and independence. For tors invited to participate and exhibit at the Centennial Exposition example, Lewis designed a in Philadelphia, which was medallion of John Brown, an the first official World Fair early abolitionist who advocated armed insurrections to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration against other whites to abolish slavery. In 1859, Brown of Independence. Her work and his interracial coalition “Death of Cleopatra” was of 21 men raided the arsedescribed as original, and nal at Harpers Ferry, W.V. unlike any other depictions Lewis was commissioned by of Cleopatra from other literary sculptures. Instead, Dr. Harriot K. Hunt, Boston’s her work captured “death” first woman physician, to and “beauty.” People often create a statue of Hygeia, referred to it as “absolutely the Greek goddess of health. repellent” despite being able This statue currently marks Hunt’s final resting place “DEATH OF to see the talent required to in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in CLEOPATRA” create the powerful piece. In 1877, she was commissioned Cambridge, Mass. Lewis also created a bust of Col. Robert Gould Shaw, by former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant who led the all-black Civil War unit known to develop a bust of his likeness. The historical record of the life and legas the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group of fighters was part acy of Lewis is still being discovered and of the first group of black men recruited in written. While the date and location of her the North, and made incredible sacrifices death are still debated, her legacy is unquesfor America’s independence. The regiment tionable. ■ experienced 272 casualties during an assault on Ft. Wagner in South Carolina, including Kevin Trimell Jones is founder and lead the life of Shaw. Lewis ultimately sold 100 curator for the Black LGBT Archivists copies of the Shaw bust during a Soldier’s Society of Philadelphia. He holds a bachRelief Fair held in Boston. The fundraiser elor of arts degree from the University of helped finance Lewis’ trip and eventual Michigan, and graduate degrees from the relocation from America to Rome. Lewis University of Massachusetts-Amherst and told The New York Times (Dec. 29, 1878) the University of Pennsylvania.

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Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

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

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 1800-662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

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

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 12-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 or 866-222-3871. www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing ■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn.org.

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 267-216-6606; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

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

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

Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; www.gammaphilly.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at the William Way Center; 610-277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; 215-496-0330.

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

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

Men

and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

Trans Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6-7 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St, eighth ﬂoor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215-5630658. T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second ﬂoor, 1201 Locust St.; 215-834-9063; tmanphilly.com.

Men of Standard Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432.

Transhealth Programming Committee Meets 5 p.m.the second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center.

Philly Dads An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets 7:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; 215-668-5239.

Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 21 S. 12th St., 10th ﬂoor; 215-568-2221.

Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-598-8005. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484354-2448. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/ Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609202-4622; pflagcollingswood@yahoo. com. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609683-5155. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-6542995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864; www.phillyfamilypride.org.

Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization; 215-732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. WeXist FTM support group meets 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; ﬁrst hour is open, second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; 267-250-1548. Young, Trans, and Uniﬁed! Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; 215-5454331.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group based in central Pennsylvania that organizes activities such as concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays, game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups.yahoo. com/group/howlofpa. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com. 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; queerconnect@yahoo. com. Sistah 2 Sistah A social/support group for lesbian youth of color, ages 13-24. The

group offers weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 112 N. Broad St. third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming Out Support Group Women who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome. Ages 18 and over. Meets third Thursday of every month, 7:30-9 p.m. at the Pride Center of NJ.

Youth 40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. You’re Not Alone A group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth that meets during the school year; sponsored by AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington. Call 800-810-6776 for more details. HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609683-5155; hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-6881861; info@myaonline.org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-7721107. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St.; 215-957-7981; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester office, 8 S. Wayne St.; 610692-1770. Young, Trans, and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.

AC ul t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Best-sellers Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page

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A DEC ADEOF FIRSTS

PAGE 29

R. ERIC THOMAS IN “WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS FRIEND REQUEST?” (LEFT); JOHN JARBOE AND THOMAS CHOINACKY IN “BEAUT” Photo: James Carminati

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com First Person Arts is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art, with events Nov. 10-20 throughout Old City. The offerings range from theater and storytelling to documentary screenings and workshops. Year-round this organization showcases the power of the personal narrative, most often with bimonthly Story Slams storytelling competitions that invite anyone and everyone to reveal true stories around a theme. A few gay performers are presenting their stories at this year’s festival. Two of them are combining their stories into one show. In “Beaut,” Philadelphia performers Thomas Choinacky and John Jarboe perform two one-man shows as one theatrical experience, telling their stories about growing up gay in conservative Midwestern families. Choinacky said he and Jarboe realized they had similar backgrounds when they worked together for a local theater company. “We are in another theater company together called Applied Mechanics and we met through that,” he said. “The original idea was us combining two separate stories and intertwining them together. It evolved over time. We realized the similarities that

we had between us in the stories that we told to each other. The relationships we talked about sounded so similar. So it kind of morphed and we realized we had to create something together.” In “Beaut” — the title is inspired by B.H. F a i r c h i l d ’s p o e m “Beauty” — Choinacky and Jarboe, separated by just a thin cloth, relate their experiences growing up in Catholic Midwestern households, attempting to come to terms with themselves as gay artists, and tackling the relationship between fa t h e r s a n d sons. Choinacky said the sheet at first isolates

the two and their performances but, as the play progresses, it functions as a conduit for them to interact. “We’re using a lot of lighting effects where a lot of times we will interact with the shadows, and then there are times where the cloth will be pulled away and moved aside for us to have scenes t o g e t h e r,” he said. “We wanted to develop a sense of aloneness that we felt growing up being gay from the Midwest, where you feel like you’re the only one at times. That cloth is that separation that we feel. Then, as the

show develops, there’s this merging and realizing you’re not the only one and you’re going through it similarly with other people.” Choinacky added that while his and Jarboe’s stories have similarities, there are significant differences. “They’re not totally parallel to each other. The show is not all dramatic sad things about our lives. One thing we have realized in the process is that there’s a strong age difference between my dad and his dad. You’ll find that in how they react to certain situations and to a different type of conservatism. I come from a larger family than he does, so I had more siblings that I could turn to. That had a bigger influence on my life than his. We’re learning about ourselves as well and we work on this together. The process of having this feeling separate and alone, and having [both stories] happen at the same time, make a stronger impact.” Another gay performer, playwright and storyteller R. Eric Thomas, flies solo on his new show, “Will You Accept This Friend Request?” In the show, Thomas weaves a tale of humor and heartbreak chronicling his attempts at making connections (and mistakes) while seeking friends and companions online. “It basically details my adventures in being popular on the Internet, but not so much in real life,” Thomas said. “I looked back at all the profiles PAGE 28

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

from page 27

I made for every website over the last 10 years and it’s this compendium of demographic information that, when combined, says to the world: ‘This is who I am. Is that OK with you?’ So I started asking myself how do I present myself to the world and how does anybody present themselves to the world using the Internet? I took a look at some specific experiences. I was on the gay softball league this past summer and that was kind of a disaster. I thought it was going to be like ‘A League of Their Own’ and it wasn’t. So I talk about that. And I talk about an experience when I was in college when I was mistaken for a white racist even though I’m black, because of something that I wrote on the Internet. It’s mostly funny but it has some touching moments in it as well.” While social media has made it easier for people to connect with each other, Thomas said it does occasionally have a down side. “I think it’s a double-edged sword,” he said. “I love the Internet and social media. I remember last summer I was dating somebody and we became Facebook official. It was the first time I had done that and that was extraordinary because I got all these likes and comments from people I hadn’t talked to in years. It was like I was starting an online engagement party. In that sense it’s extremely helpful. It’s also really helpful when I’m trying to stalk my exes. On the other hand, because I’m always connected, I have this expectation. It’s like constantly

FEATURE PGN

having a myself baromusing eter of profiles h o w and the people online f e e l c o m ponent. about It’s easy. you, perceived or I d o n ’t actual. spend a So my whole imagilot of nation time on takes Grindr that and but I do r u n s find that a w a y a lot of w i t h people i t . I t ’s on there always are trying to being m a k e a b l e friends. to get JARBOE AND CHOINACKY Photo: James Carminati F o r a attent i o n lot of through Tweeting or updating your status or LGBT people, the distance that social media messaging someone. It’s really easy to step places between each individual is a little up out of yourself, which usually is more bit of a safety net. I tend to eschew meetabout personal responsibility as opposed to ing people online as much. But some of my the Internet or social media being anything best friends I met on OK Cupid as well as most of the people that I’ve dated. But the particularly harmful.” He added that the Internet was a major person I’m dating right now I actually met component in his coming out. at the grocery store, which is astounding to “The first people I ever encountered were me. It’s so fascinating that I walked up to on chat rooms,” he said. “The first of any someone and asked him for his number. For admission I was able to make was online. So me, it’s retro. It’s like, this is fun. You can that sort of started the pattern of identifying actually speak to people.”

Thomas is no stranger to the world of First Person Arts, as he has performed at many Story Slams and won Best Presentation at two First Person Arts Grand Slams. He’s also hosted Slam Nation at the Kimmel Center for Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and teaches writing and storytelling workshops to high-school students and adults for First Person Arts. He said the organization has been integral to his development as a writer and performer. “It’s been completely life-changing,” said Thomas. “I went to a Story Slam just like every other person with a story to tell and I didn’t really know that my story was all that important. The organization, their whole idea, is that each person has something important to say because they experienced it. Over the last four years, I won a lot of slams and I’ve been asked to do certain projects by First Person and host different shows with them. They really shepherded this show and without them it would have been a lot harder for me to put on a show like this. And it would have been a lot harder for me to actually believe what I had to say was important.” First Person Arts presents “Will You Accept This Friend Request?” 7 p.m. Nov. 14-15 at Khyber Upstairs, 56 S. Second St., and “Beaut,” 8:30 p.m. Nov.14-15 at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St. For more information on the First Person Festival, performances and tickets, visit www.firstpersonarts.org or call 267-402-2055. ■

FILM PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Almodóvar brings psychological thriller to big screen By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor

Desire,” “Matador” and “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!”) But while Almodóvar provides his typical over-the-top flourishes as a filmmaker, and Banderas exudes a cool, In “The Skin I Live In,” opening at sinister calm as the mad-as-a-hatter doctor, Ritz Theatres today, out filmmaker Pedro “The Skin I Live In” is an ugly, unpleasant Almodóvar reteams with actor Antonio film. Almodóvar punishes his characters Banderas for the first time in 20-plus — and viewers — by having the females years. As a plastic surgeon named Robert raped, kidnapped and held hostage/imprisLedgard — who keeps Vera (Elena oned; the women are also in some cases Anaya) prisoner in his isolated house — Banderas plays another mentally unhinged insane, suicidal and murderous. None of them ever emerge as real human beings. Almodóvar character. (See also “Law of For a filmmaker who has often been described as a “woman’s director,” the Spanish bad boy seems to denigrate women as much as he supposedly loves them. To be fair, the two main male characters are both crazy, as well as thieves, kidnappers/hostage takers and murderers. At least Almodóvar is an equal-opportunity offender. “The Skin I Live In” opens in Toledo in 2012. Ledgard is experimenting with “transgenesis,” a radical — and illegal — artificial skin-graft treatment. Vera, his unwilling “patient,” is being kept captive in secret until a stranger, Fulgencio (Eduard Fernández), arrives. Fulgencio, in typical Almodóvarian plotANTONIO BANDERAS AS ROBERT LEDGARD (TOP) AND ting, is a jewel thief on BANDERAS AND ELENA ANAYA (AS VERA) the lam from police.

Almodóvar, Banderas on ‘mad scientist’ role In a recent press conference, Almodóvar and Banderas spoke about the narrative make-up of “The Skin I Live In.” Almodóvar explained that, despite the inclusion of familiar themes, “This [film] felt new. I don’t analyze my work. I approached a genre — horror movies — that I haven’t done before. I treat sexuality in an opposite way, too. Rather than have the characters struggle to become who they are, the identity theme was seen as a punishment — an awful nightmare. This is darker than my other work, but it’s not a point of departure for my career. I hope to surprise [viewers] with my next film.” Almodóvar continued, discussing his approach to the material, “I tried to fight against [using] a sense of humor. I tried to be austere. I think it’s good to have a few details of humor in the genre, but in every sequence/situation, humor can be present. I didn’t want to underline the gory or funny parts.” Banderas concurred. He talked about playing Robert in a “contained, specific way, with no limits. No winking, or judgment.” One of the trickiest scenes for the actor was one where he presents dildos to a character recovering from vaginal surgery. “I did this scene [with the dildos] like I was prescribing pills,” he explained. “I couldn’t play it as written; I had to be absolutely natural. In the mind of the character, he was making things better, and advancing science.” While some viewers will no doubt think of Robert as a Frankenstein kind of doctor or even a Pygmalion, Almodóvar acknowledged these references but said, “Both ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Prometheus’ influenced me. But I was especially [inspired by] the mad scientist character in ‘Eyes Without a Face.’” ■

He arrived in an animal costume disguise. Fulgencio wants to hide from the authorities who are on his tail (the tip of which comically resembles the head of a penis). Unbeknownst to him, however, Vera is already in hiding. When Fulgencio discovers this, he rapes her. It is one of the two rapes that set the story in motion. The other violation, as the film shows in an extended flashback sequence that takes place six years prior, involves Robert’s daughter, Norma (Blanca Suárez). She is an insecure young girl who is raped by Vincente (Jan Cornet) at a party. The consequences of this act lead to a series of plot twists that connect the characters and storylines in ways that should not be revealed. While Almodóvar lets “The Skin I Live In” unfold with his standard approach: curlicue plotting, vivid colors, striking camerawork and composition, the film is disappointing because the intricate plotting never satisfies. Fulgencio has a connection to Robert that is underdeveloped to the point of being unnecessary. It is a red herring. As Vera’s role in the story becomes clear, her character’s motivation makes sense, but knowing this drains the story of its dramatic tension and forcefulness. Had this reveal been a surprise — rather than telegraphed so early on — the film could have wowed audiences. Even when a female character does get the upper hand, the revenge element seems

uninspired. Almodóvar’s outrageousness needs to extend beyond his storytelling and shock value. The filmmaker appears to be all too impressed with himself, and he wants to extend that feeling to his diehard fans. Where “The Skin I Live In” does excel is in its commentaries about literally putting one’s own fingerprint on another human. From an identifying birthmark on Fulgencio’s ass to treating the skin of a burn victim and a character undergoing a sex change, the film examines the multiple layers of how bodies are used, abused and recycled. Vera is kept in a bodysuit that makes her look like a blank canvas. The marks on her skin represent her wounds, both visible and invisible. But they never seem anything other than superficial. And the way Robert spies on her nakedness with a large video screen in his bedroom is voyeurism at its creepiest. These images and moments are striking, but they only scratch the surface of what Almodóvar may be trying to say about the way people graph their lives on others, or how individuals need to be comfortable with who they are/in their own skin. The idea of taking responsibility for one’s actions is played for darkly comic effect, making it less potent a message than it could be. Ultimately, “The Skin I Live In” is just skin deep. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

MUSIC PGN

Out singer navigates post‘Voice’ stardom By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Millions of television viewers saw Nakia (pronounced nah-kee-uh) make a splash as a quarter-finalist on the hit reality competition “The Voice.” But the openly gay singersongwriter was already a star in his native Texas, where he’d garnered regional accolades and airplay with his soulful performances. On the vocal competition “The Voice,” Nakia’s talents earned him a spot on Cee Lo Green’s team and quickly made him a fan favorite. He eventually came in seventh on the show. Nakia talked to PGN about his heightened profile and what fans can expect when he comes through town for a performance at Tin Angel. PGN: How has being on “The Voice” affected you career as a musician? N: It certainly has changed a lot of things. My visibility is a lot higher and the exposure is priceless. But it also gave me access to fantastic songwriters and the ability to be able to interview a lot of great managers, and I ended up hiring a fantastic manager because of that. So it certainly has opened a lot of doors. I spent a lot time trying to figure out which one of those doors I wanted to walk through. PGN: What has it been like working with Cee Lo Green? N: Cee Lo is fantastic. He’s definitely on the top of his game. The best way I can put it is like spending time with a musical Buddha. He’s done so much and he’s been a part of so many types of music. With all the years that it’s taken him to get where he is, there’s a great deal of wisdom and knowledge he’s able to impart. You really have to cherish that and keep it close by. He was in at the Austin City Limits festival and asked me to sing with him in front of 55,000 people. He’s been very gracious and supportive. PGN: At what point on the show’s run did you know that things were going to be different for you? N: From the time they started airing the commercials. Once the buzz for the show was cemented and the reviews came in, it began to hit me. I felt like I was part of something unique and special from the getgo but, once the rest of the world started to see it, that’s when I knew this was a real good time to gain some exposure, hopefully see some sort of payoff for all the work that I’ve done. PGN: Have there been any downsides to gaining that much exposure that quickly? N: The only thing that can sometimes be negative is the people who maybe don’t

NAKIA TO PLAY TIN ANGEL NOV. 10

understand how shows like that work — or the ones that really do understand how show like that work. Everybody has an opinion whether it be a blog or a friend or somebody on the street, and they want to talk to you about it and tell you their way. Sometimes it can be negative because they have strong opinions but I feel like I’ve done a really good job of reaching out to people who have tweeted negative things and found a way to put that in a positive light. So there hasn’t been a downside to it yet. PGN: Shows like “American Idol” at some point start becoming all about the private lives and the sexuality of their contestants. Did you ever feel like there was that level of personal scrutiny on “The Voice”? N: They were concerned about what our voices sounded like and if we were good performers. It was all that mattered. It was never a matter of who we were as people. They were very focused on the talent aspect of the show and they wanted people who were colorful and had great personalities. PGN: When you come through Philadelphia, will you be performing solo or with a band? N: I’ll have my band with me, The Blues Drifters, that I play with here in Austin every week. It’s going to be a great night of music and a lot of fun. PGN: What are your plans for the future? N: The main thing I’m focused on is writing so we can get a record together and hopefully put out a single sometime in January or February. The touring will continue along the way and, by the time March rolls around, we should have a full-length record out. ■ Nakia performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St. For more information, visit www.nakia.net or call 215-9280770.

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Suzi Nash

Joel Kaylor: Potter and civil rights and arts activist OK, the only thing I know about working with clay is what I’ve seen in the movie “Ghost.” And while having a sensual, mudcovered experience with Patrick Swayze is not up my alley, I spoke to someone who knows a little more about the subject of clay. A ceramicist with a master of fine arts degree, Joel Kaylor has been an educator, an artist, a community volunteer and an activist since before many of you were born. When I asked, “Why clay?” he told me with a smirk it’s because he likes to get dirty. Maybe he knows something I don’t ... PGN: Where are you from? JK: I was born in Syracuse, N.Y., and my family moved to Chapel Hill, N.C., when I was 3. So I’m a kid from the South. I moved to Philadelphia in 1976 after graduate school. PGN: What was family life like? JK: I have a brother who still lives in North Carolina, and he’s a bit of a “good old boy” type. He’s a National Park forest ranger. My dad was a professor at University of North Carolina and my mom was a homemaker. It was a very-1950s “Ozzie and Harriet” kind of life: mom at home fretting over what to make for dinner and dad coming home after a hard day at work. PGN: What were you like? JK: Well, we lived out in the country so I had a very active interest in animals. We had chickens, we had a goat at one time, we had pigs and, for a while, we boarded a pony, and eventually my mother even bought a riding horse. I liked taking care of the chickens and farm animals. [Laughs.] I guess you don’t find many gay guys in Philadelphia who used to tend chickens! PGN: Not too many. Did you have fresh eggs every day? JK: You bet! My parents were “back to nature” people before “back to nature” was popular. They recycled everything and grew their own vegetables and fruits. We even had our own grapevines. They were really into nature and used to love bird watching. My father was also into fishing and hunting, but I never got into that. I did some target practicing with bows and arrows and guns, but I have never killed anything and I never want to ... PGN: Did you go to a regular school or were you home-schooled? JK: Regular grammar school, but the schools in the South didn’t have a lot to offer. I always loved art but there was nothing to encourage that. There really weren’t any arts or other enrichment programs and it was a segregated school system: one school for the black kids and one

for the white. I was an interior-designerwannabe when I was 10 but I never had the opportunity to explore it. I guess French and English and the languages were my favorites of the classes that were offered. PGN: Do you speak any languages now? JK: Oh yeah. I joined the Peace Corps after high school to avoid the Vietnam War. I served for two years in South America and became fluent in Spanish. It comes in handy at the oddest times. I was on SEPTA the other day and a young woman on the bus came up to me and asked me in Spanish if I spoke Spanish. She was lost and, between me and another woman who was Latina, we were able to help her get where she needed to go. PGN: What was one of your favorite moments in the Peace Corps? JK: When I ran into Mick Jagger face to face on the streets of Peru. I think he’d been busted for drug possession and was taking a hiatus in South America. We looked right at each other and his eyes said to me, “Don’t say a word ... ” so I just kept walking. PGN: What was the scariest? JK: When I thought I was going to be busted by federal agents for marijuana possession! [Laughs.] Peace Corps volunteers were pretty free and unsupervised, especially those of us who were in the areas not near the headquarters. The really remote ones who lived in the jungle areas grew their own pot! They would have big green garbage bags full of it! Once a month they’d come into Cuzco, Peru, where I was stationed, to pick up their paychecks and they’d bring a lawn-size garbage bag of marijuana with them and we’d have a big party. We almost got busted once and that was scary because we were government employees: The feds would not have taken a really good view of it. PGN: Tell me a little about your civilrights activism. JK: Well, the early 1960s started with the Freedom Rides and lunch-counter sit-ins to help end segregation. In North Carolina, the most famous one was in Greensboro when four black students from the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina sat down at the white’s only lunch counter inside the Woolworth’s store in Greensboro and ordered coffee. They were declined service but refused to leave and were later joined by other students. They became known as the “Greensboro Four.” Eventually students all over the state started protests and eventually many of the stores reversed their policies. In contrast, Chapel Hill was a liberal community in the midst of conservative counties, primarily because

it had a huge university, which brought in a lot of educated people from all over the world. It was a very multicultural and multi-national town, except for the public school system — I guess because that was under state jurisdiction. I don’t know. So while other areas were doing sit-ins, we had a voter-registration drive through my high school and I volunteered to go from house to house in the black communities to get people registered. Then in college at University of North Carolina, I was part of the Students for a Democratic Society movement and we were asked to join picketers at a cotton mill near Greensboro who were trying to unionize. It was just like the scene from that Sally Fields movie, “Norma Rae.” We were there with the workers holding up our signs and on the opposite side of the street were KKK members protesting as you can only imagine. PGN: I think people today don’t under-

rejected. And this was in my lifetime! I’m sad to say that things didn’t change in most of North Carolina until long after I left. PGN: How did it affect you? Because racism doesn’t just affect one race; everyone loses out. JK: Absolutely. I hate to use this, but the movie “The Help” kind of expresses that. There’s deep love between black and white people even in the midst of segregation. I felt that: I dated a black woman in high school. That was before I came out ... obviously! PGN: That much I figured! So how did you come out? JK: After I came back from the Peace Corps, I met a guy who was a Vietnam veteran. [Laughs.] He had a head of beautiful blond hair and I fell head over heels for him. [Sighs.] Unfortunately, his head was kind of messed up from the whole war experience but he was a gorgeous guy. We were living together and one day my father stopped by to pay a surprise visit and the surprise was on him. He caught us in the middle of having sex! So I didn’t come out, I was thrown out of the closet. PGN: How did the family handle it? JK: There were some tears and some vague references to getting some psychological help, which was what they knew at the time, but they ultimately came around. Soon after that, the gay-rights movement started in New York and once I caught wind of that, everything changed.

PGN: So you were still in Chapel Hill when you were caught in flagrante delicto? JK: Yes, after the Peace Corps I decided to go back to school and change my major so I could get a degree in art educaPhoto: Suzi Nash tion. Then I went to the stand the harm of segregation. University of Puget Sound JK: Well, not being black, it’s hard for me in Tacoma, Wash., to get my master of fine to speak, but every day of life in a segarts degree. regated community was difficult. Black PGN: That’s a jump! people weren’t allowed in the same movie theaters or restaurants or schools. They had JK: Yeah, a professor of mine at UNC their own “equivalent,” but they were never (who was gay) knew a woman in Tacoma who was a fantastic ceramicist and asked as good as the ones built for white people. if I wanted to go out there and be her The bus station had black and white water apprentice. I jumped at it. I was there for fountains and, in restaurants, some owners two years working in her studio learnwould carry baseball bats and if a black ing the trade. With person tried to come in they could be PAGE 32

PROFILE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

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Gift Guides ��

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from page 31

her recommendation, I was admitted into the master’s program at Puget Sound. At the time a friend of mine had moved to Philadelphia from North Carolina and was starting The Clay Studio. I moved here and became one of the first members. It was about 1976, which was not a good year. The country was going through a recession, not unlike what we are going through today. You were only allowed to buy gas on certain days, depending on if your license plate ended in an even or odd number, and there were long lines that you had to wait in at the pump. On the West Coast, a lot of the businesses were going bellyup, so there was nothing to keep me there. PGN: Why clay? JK: I guess I always liked working with my hands rather than with a paintbrush. I like getting dirty. I’m kind of like a kid playing in the mud. PGN: What piece of art would you like to own? JK: Michelangelo’s “David”! PGN: Any famous relatives? JK: When I was a teenager I remember reading Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass,” with great interest I might add. Later I’d heard rumors that we were related to him but kind of put it aside. For some reason in my 50s I picked up a biography of him and, as I was reading it, I realized that there were family names and places that were familiar. I asked my dad if we were really related and he said, “Yeah,” and that was about it. I think my extended family was very prudish and didn’t take well to those who flaunted the norm. So they didn’t really like to acknowledge Walt Whitman, but I did some research and found out that his grandmother and my grandmother were sisters. PGN: I was told you sometimes channel him? JK: [Laughs.] I think I sometimes am him! He was a dirty old man and so am I!

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PGN: Ever have any paranormal experiences? JK: Oh yes, right before my mother died, I was sleeping and woke up out of the blue like a lightning bolt had hit me. She appeared before me and told me she was going. I found out she’d died right after that. I also had two extremely vivid dreams after my lover died of AIDS. In the first he was very confused and didn’t know where he was supposed to go, then in the

next one he’d found his way and told me he was happy. It was uncanny. PGN: I understand you were one of the first people involved with Gay and Lesbian Artists — GALA. JK: I got involved in art activism — if there is such a thing — and in 1989 or so, a number of artists and I got together with Tommi Avicolli. He’d just been given a grant from the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts to do a gay and lesbian arts festival and we volunteered to be the artists shown. We did shows for 20 years. And a lot of the artists, including me, were HIVpositive so I count that as part of my AIDS activism. I’m positive, my partner is positive, almost everyone I know is positive! So, that’s it. PGN: What’s the worst antigay discrimination you’ve experienced? JK: Well, having people scream “fucking faggot” is not very pleasant and I’ve had that happen from here to Rehoboth. Luckily it hasn’t been more than that, but as an artist, I’ve experienced homophobia. I’ve had galleries or people not wanting to deal with my work because of me or the nature of the work. PGN: In a nutshell, explain the work of Joel Kaylor. JK: Well, my hero is Claes Oldenburg, of “Clothespin” fame. He did the giant statue across from City Hall. I do similar pop art. Currently, I’m doing ceramic shirts that you hang on the wall: Some of them have a Western theme, like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and some of them are tributes to people who have died from AIDS. PGN: How did you meet your partner, Kurt? JK: We met at The Bike Stop years ago. We were both into the leather community, him more than me. He once even ran for Mr. Philadelphia Leather: He didn’t win, but he was a great contestant. My, how things have changed, though: I stopped smoking, so going to bars became a chore so we haven’t gone for a while. I kind of miss them! PGN: Tell me something wonderful about Kurt. JK: He’s a great cook! And let me tell you, it’s true: The way to a man’s heart is most definitely through his stomach. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

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Worth Watching

IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY ON SATURDAY NIGHT: Charlie Day, star of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Horrible Bosses,” hosts a new episode of “Saturday Night Live” with musical guests Maroon 5, 11:30 p.m. Nov. 5 on NBC.

THE SEASON OF OZ: Wow, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and the cable stations are rolling out “The Wizard of Oz.” Catch the cinematic classic where Dorothy and her new buddies try to find their way home, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 on TBS.

THE ADVENTURES OF HOMER AND JANE: Out TV star Jane Lynch lends her voice to a new episode of “The Simpsons,” where she plays Homer’s new assistant at work — and who turns out to have a sinister streak, 8 p.m. Nov. 6 on Fox.

ROCK STARS: Mary J. Blige (pictured) Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and many more are set to perform on The Second Annual Black Girls Rock! awards show, celebrating the brilliance and beauty of black women., 8 p.m. Nov. 6 on BET.

Del., N.J., and N.Y. NEW JERSEY

COLLINGSWOOD • Garden State Equality, 583 Haddon Ave. • Groove Ground, 647 Haddon Ave. ª Honor Box, PATCO Collingswood Station • WESTMONT • Honor Box, PATCO Westmont Station • CAMDEN • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Avenue Station • LINDENWOLD • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station East • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station West • CHERRY HILL • Unitarian Church, 400 N. Kings Highway • Andriotti’s Viennese Café, 1442 E. Route 70 • BELLMAWR • AIDS Coalition of South Jersey, 100 Essex Ave. • BORDENTOWN • Shoppe 202, 202 Farnsworth Ave. • Mug & Mufﬁn, 210 Farnsworth Ave. • TRENTON • Café Ole, 126 S. Warren St. • ROSEMONT • Café at Rosemont, 88 Kingwood-Stockton Road • SOMERSET • The Den, 700 Hamilton Ave. • HIGHLAND PARK • Pride Center of New Jersey, 321 Raritan Ave., second ﬂoor • MORRISTOWN • Gay Activist Alliance, Unitarian Church, 29 Normandy Heights Road • SAYREVILLE • Deko Lounge, 1971 Highway 35 • ASBURY PARK • Paradise, in Empress Hotel, 101 Asbury Ave. • Georgie’s, 812 Fifth Ave. • ATLANTIC CITY • Westside Club, 511 Arkansas Ave. • Ocean House, 127 S. Ocean Ave. • Oasis, South Jersey AIDS Alliance, 32 S. Tennessee Ave. • Ritz Condo lobby, 2715 Boardwalk • MAYS LANDING • Border’s Books, 2200 Wranglebrook Road • CAPE MAY • Gables of Cape May, call 609-861-1848 for info. • HAMMONTON • Club In or Out, 19 N. Egg Harbor Road • VINELAND • J&J News, 729 N. Main St. •

DELAWARE

WILMINGTON • AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St. • Border’s Books, 4221 Concord Pike • Crimson Moon, 1909 S. Sixth St. • REHOBOTH BEACH • Canal Side Inn, 34 Sixth St. • Double L Bar, 622 Rehoboth Ave. • Proud Bookstore, 149 Rehoboth Ave. • Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave. • Rams Head Inn, 35006 Warrington Ave.

NEW YORK CITY

Lesbian and Gay Services Center, 208 W. 13th St.

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Q Puzzle Remembering Kameny Across

1. Dorothy Gale’s home 5. Like Heidi 10. Pull a boa behind you? 14. “Hey, sailor!” 15. Hoisting device 16. He shot off at O.K. Corral 17. Phi ___ Kappa 18. Judy Jetson’s brother 19. Muscle Marys’ hangouts 20. Kameny helped to get homosexuality declassified as this 23. Reid of “Josie and the Pussycats” 24. Bump off 25. Teahouse garb 28. Many a senator stuck it in him 32. “Six Feet Under”

creator Ball 33. Gay activist Kameny 37. Anna, to Jodie 38. Abominable snowman 39. Amounts left on nightstands 40. Biblical plot 41. Coming soon 43. T. Perry’s title 44. Lines through 45. Cruising locale 46. Crack pilot 48. N.Y. hrs. 50. St. Helens and others 51. Clergyman Bean 53. Flat-bottomed receptacle 55. Dick that isn’t a name? 58. The B of B.D. Wong 61. Chief Norse god 62. Margaret Mead topic 64. Composer Edouard

65. Came, to Caligula 66. Circuit party, for example 67. On their field 68. Words said by gazers into crystal balls 69. Roberts of “Charlie’s Angels” 70. “There ___ there there” (Stein)

Down

1. British sitcom “Ab ___ ” 2. “Um, pardon me” 3. Kind of learning 4. 1918 novel of 6-Down 5. Promise to give up 6. Author Cather 7. Letters over Mary’s son 8. Give a tonguelashing to 9. Shakespearean

usurer and others 10. Ellen, once of “These Friends of Mine” 11. What you can catch in South Beach 12. Venus de Milo’s lack 13. Family docs 21. Brown in a salon 22. Vardalos of “Connie & Carla” 25. Cold-cocks 26. “The L Word” creator Chaiken 27. Society that Kameny worked with for gay rights 29. Kameny helped to get these repealed 30. Alaskan tongue 31. Lets out 34. One way to have one’s meat 35. “You ___ what you eat”

36. Campbell of “The Company” 42. Average scores for Patty Sheehan 44. Pink Triangle Press publication 47. Many are out of it 49. Layers that got laid a long time ago 52. She got her gun on Broadway 54. Ike’s opponent 55. Rock’s Bon ___ 56. Tributes in verse 57. “Rag and Bone” author 58. Like an erection? 59. Sparkle 60. Toy that does tricks 63. Queens on a chessboard, ironically PAGE 38

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BOOKS PGN

Best-sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960; www.queerbooks.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales. Men’s Books 1. “We the Animals,” by Justin Torres ($18 hb, less 10 percent in the store). Perhaps the most talkedabout novel of the season by the best new writer. An intense little read. 2. “A Body on Pine,” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco ($18 pb). When Marco Fontana enters his friend’s spa on Pine Street, he doesn’t find the peaceful retreat he expected. DeMarco’s second Philadelphia mystery. 3. “The Stranger’s Child,” by Alan Hollinghurst ($27.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store). From the Man Booker Prizewinning author of “The Line of Beauty,” a magnificent, centuryspanning saga about a love triangle that spawns a myth — and a family mystery — across generations. 4. “Murder on Camac,” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco ($18 pb). DeMarco’s first mystery. 5. “XY Survival Guide 2: Everything You Need to Know About Being Young and Sexy,” edited by Peter Ian Cummings ($12.95 pb, cheaper than Amazon). The best guide for young gay men. 6. “Remembering Christmas,” three novellas by Tom Mendicino, Frank Anthony Polito and Michael Salvatore ($15 pb). Gay men go home for the holidays.

7. “No Brainer Variations,” by Jim Cory ($8 pb). “For years I have admired Jim Cory for his irreverent poems, for their brutal honesty and their brutal humor.” — David Trinidad 8. “Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist and Sexual Renegade,” by Justin Spring ($18 new in pb). “A sensational reconstruction of one of the more extraordinary hidden lives of the 20th century.” Trans Books 1. “Tango: My Childhood Backwards and in High Heels,” by Julian Vivian Bond ($16.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store). A moving and hilarious coming-of-age story about love, sex and attention deficit disorder. 2. “Almost Perfect,” by Brian Katcher ($8.99 pb). With his mother working long hours and in pain from a romantic breakup, 18-year-old Logan feels alone and unloved until a zany new student arrives at his smalltown Missouri high school, keeping a big secret. 3. “Transition: The Story of How I Became a Man,” by Chaz Bono ($25.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store). Bono’s groundbreaking and candid account of a 40-year struggle to match his gender identity with his physical body. 4. “Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex,” edited by Nat Smith and Eric A. Stanley ($24.95 pb). Former prisoners, activists and academics offer new ways for understanding how race, gender, ability and sexuality survive under the crushing weight of captivity.

5. “Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica,” edited by Tristan Taormino ($14.95 pb). Celebrates the pleasure, heat and diversity of transgender and genderqueer sexualities. Women’s Books 1 “Morning Haiku,” by Sonia Sanchez ($14 pb). A collection of haiku that celebrates the gifts of life and mourns the deaths of revered AfricanAmerican figures in the worlds of music, literature, art and activism. 2. “I’m Black When I’m Singing, I’m Blue When I Ain’t and Other Plays,” by Sonia Sanchez ($19.95 pb). Like her poetry, Sanchez’s plays voice her critique of the racism and sexism that she encountered as a young female writer in the black militant community in the late 1960s and early ’70s, her ongoing concern with the wellbeing of the black community and her commitment to social justice. 3. “Big Big Love: A Sex and Relationship Guide for People of Size (and Those Who Love Them),” revised, by Hanne Blank ($15.99 pb). One-stopshopping handbook on relationships, sexuality and big sexy confidence for people of all genders, sizes and sexual orientations who know that a fantastic love life doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the number on the bathroom scale. 4. “The Girls Club,” by Sally Bellerose ($14.95 pb). Set in the 1970s, the story revolves around

Cora Rose as she copes with her emerging sexuality, an illness her sisters refer to as “the dreaded bowel disease” and the conflicts created by the growing disparity between her desires and her Catholic upbringing. 5. “Half to Death,” by Robin Alexander ($16.95 pb). A romance of frozen hearts. 6. “Lesbian Sex: 101 LoveMaking Positions,” by Jude Schell ($16.99 hb, less 10 percent in the store). More than 100 positions for tonguing and grooving with this innovative and clever sex guide for women who love women. 7. “Dare Truth or Promise,” by Paula Boock ($6.99 pb). “[A] steamy, brilliant girl-on-girl romance,” says Kirkus. Willa and Louie could not be more different. Louie wants to be a lawyer and is an outstanding student. Willa lives in a pub and just wants to get through the year so she can graduate and become a chef. But they are completely attracted to one another. Men’s DVDs 1. “Finding Me: Truth,” directed by Roger S. Omeus, Jr. (2011, 100 min., $17.99). Who knew Jersey City could be such a hotbed of gay drama? 2. “Christopher Street: The Series,” directed by Evan Storey (2009, 90 min., $17.99). Through the lives of Chris and his diverse group of friends, we see the challenges faced by four young gay minority men. 3. “The One,” directed by Caytha Jentis (2011, 90 min., $24.99). This romantic comedy takes the conventions of the genre and gives them a stylishly queer twist — think “Philadelphia Story” meets “Latter Days.”

4. “Rent Boys,” directed by Rosa von Praunheim (2011, 84 min., $24.99). A frank and sympathetic chronicle of the historic causes and lasting effects of Berlin’s hustler trade. 5. “L.A. Zombie,” directed by Bruce LaBruce (2010, 62 min., $24.99). “This sexy horror film will get your adrenaline pumping all night.” — San Francisco Bay Guardian Women’s DVDs 1. “The Lovers and Friends Show, Season 4,” directed by Charmain Johnson (2010, 167 min., $19.95). Six minority lesbians navigate their way through life’s challenges with attitude and a fabulous sense of style! 2. “When Night Is Falling,” directed by Patricia Rozema (1995, 94 min., $19.95). Classic tale of a college professor who has a chance encounter with a young circus performer. 3. “Leading Ladies,” directed by Erica Randall Beahm and Daniel Beahm (2010, 102 min., $24.95). A tale of uplifting gay affirmation — and exceptional choreography — with one sister pregnant and the other coming out of the closet and falling in love. 4. “Baby Jane?” directed by Billy Clift (2010, 97 min., $29.95). Two twisted sisters live in their own self-made hell. Takes its cues from the original cult classic starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford ... but continually takes the audience down unexpected twists and turns. 5. Big Lesbian Love Collector’s Set (321 min., $34.95). Four films cheap: “Four-Faced Liar,” “My Normal,” “And Then Came Lola” and “Itty Bitty Titty Committee.” ■

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OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 11/04 LGBT Night at Terror Behind the Walls Eastern State Penitentiary hosts its annual LGBT Night 7-11:30 p.m., 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue; 215-236-2986. Teresa Bevin The author of “Papaya Suite” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Kinky Karnival Join Philadelphians MC as they host their trademark Kinky Karnival as part of the third annual Philadelphia Leather Pride Weekend, 8 p.m.-

1:30 a.m. at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; 215627-1662. Steven Wright The comedian performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Tony Bennett The singer performs 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. The Nightbreed The horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Sat. 11/05 Gregory G. Allen The author of “Well with My Soul” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Anthony Horowitz The author hosts a reading of his new book, “The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel” 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341. Rita Rudner The comedian performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Steven Brinberg is “Simply Barbra” The cabaret singer performs with Michael Ferreri

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

8:30 p.m. at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215862-5225. Philadelphia Leather Pride Night Voyeur hosts the featured fundraiser event with live auction, silent auction, fire show, a photo booth and bootblacks by the Bootblack Brigade, 7 p.m.-midnight, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772.

Sun. 11/06 Asphalt Jungle The caper film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Bob Mould The out musician and bandleader performs 6 p.m. at New Hope Winery,

... THAT ENDS “WELL”: Out author Gregory G. Allen hosts a reading and discussion of his new book, “Well with My Soul,” 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. For more information, visit www.ggallen.net or call 215-923-2960.

6123 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-794-2331.

Mon. 11/07 Monday Jazz Jam at World Cafe Live 5:30-7 p.m. at 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. Groove Night Local musicians join forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. Bronson The crime film is

screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Tue. 11/08 The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret Early Bird Special Martha turns it out 7 p.m. at L’Etage 624 S. Sixth St.; 215-592-0656. TuesGAY Nights Lyrics Lounge and DJ June Rodrigues hosts a weekly night of music and performers for the LGBT community at 8 p.m., 6527 Roosevelt Blvd.; 215-533-5888.

Rusted Root The rock band performs 8 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215232-2100.

Wed. 11/09 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.

Thu. 11/10 Foo Fighters with Bob Mould The rock band performs with the out musician DJing between sets 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-3363600. Anthrax The heavy metal band performs 8 p.m. at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

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

Fri. 11/11 Michael Ian Black The comedian performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. The Temptations The classic R&B group performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. The Warriors The campy action film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Q PUZZLE, from page 35

FUNNY GIRL: Usually you have to venture to Las Vegas or some highproﬁle event to see comedian and actress Rita Rudner perform, but lucky you: She’s coming to perform 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Act a Lady Azuka Theatre presents the off-Broadway hit set in a Prohibition-era small town in the American Midwest, Nov. 9-20 at First Baptist Church, 17th and Sansom streets; 215-733-0255. Molly Landreth/Aiden Simon The William Way Community Center hosts an exhibition of the photographers’ work Nov. 7-Dec. 31, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-7322220.

Continuing Beware the Lily Law Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a video installation on the experiences of trans prisoners, through November, 2027 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-5111. Blowing on a Hairy Shoulder/Grief Hunters The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania presents an

bition by The Miss Rockaway Armada, a collective of artists, teachers, sailors, activists, composers and clowns, through Dec. 30 at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St.; 215-545-4302.

The Diary of Anne Frank EgoPo Theater presents the classic play through Nov. 6 at The Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-5699700.

Meanwhile ... Brat Productions presents a new genderbending play through Nov. 19 at Ruba Club Studios, 414-416 Green St.; www. brownpapertickets.com/event/195146.

Motherhood: The Musical Society Hill Playhouse presents the musical comedy from the creators of “Menopause: The Musical,” through Nov. 13, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-9230211.

The Philly Fan People’s Light & Theatre Company presents the one-man show where Tom McCarthy takes audiences on a journey through Philadelphia’s sports history of the last 50 years, through Nov. 20, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; 610-644-3500. Tristin Lowe: Under the Influence Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition debuting works from the Philadelphia artist, through Jan. 29, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Zaha Hadid: Form in Motion Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of product designs by archi-

BOB ROCKS THE HOUSE, TWICE: Out musician, DJ and punk icon Bob Mould hits the area twice this week, performing solo 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at New Hope Winery, 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-794-2331, and DJing between bands at the Foo Fighters concert 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-336-3600. For more information, visit www. bobmould.com.

tect Hadid, who in 2004 became the first female recipient of the renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize, through March 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

The Fat Cat Killers Flashpoint Theatre Company presents Adam Szymkowicz’s vicious comedy about the hapless victims of corporate cutbacks, through Nov. 19, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-665-9720.

Chicago Media Theater presents the popular musical set in the prohibition era through Nov. 6, 104 E. State St., Media; 610891-0100.

Let Me Tell You About A Dream I Had Philadelphia Art Alliance presents an exhi-

Closing

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.

Our Class The Wilma Theater presents the U.S. premiere of the play chronicling the lives of 10 classmates from their childhood in the 1920s to the beginning of the new millennium, through Nov. 13, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824. PHILADANCO The celebrated dance troupe performs Nov. 4-6 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847. Red Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the 2010 Tony Award winner through Nov. 6 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. Turnarounds AxD Gallery hosts an exhibition of works by Annette Cords, through Nov. 5, 265 S. 10th St.; 215-627-6250. ■

exhibition of works by 20 artists from Israel, Greece, Germany, Belgium, Britain and America that examine the relationships between originality and origin with video, photography, drawing and sculpture through Dec. 4, 118 S. 36th St.; 215-8987108.

Here and Now: Prints, Drawings and Photographs by 10 Philadelphia Artists Philadelphia Museum of Art presents the exhibition through Dec. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

DANCE WITH HOPE: Renowned dance company Philadanco presents an evening of works entitled “For Your Pleasure,” including the Philadelphia premiere of a new work by acclaimed choreographer and former Philadanco member Hope Boykin, Nov. 4-6 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5847.

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

Barcrawlr Jim KileyZufelt

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

Only in

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

Classifieds 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.

Home of the Week

$1,050,000

�

This is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind carriage home originally designed by Frank Furness and completely renovated in 2006 to blend modern-day aesthetics and urban living with classic architecture. Amazing chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and the ﬁnest appliances. Massive living room with towering solid cherry doors decorated with custom cast iron and sophisticated and rich ﬁnishes throughout. There are 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 dens with a two-tiered roof deck, one car garage and a tax abatement until 2018.

��

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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

Featured property: 1315 Irving St.

PAGE 47

��

�� REAL ESTATE �� BRAND NEW�� CONDO FORECLOSURE! Southwest Florida Coast! 3BR/2BA, Only �� $139,900! (Similar unit sold for $325K) Stain�� less, granite, storage, covered parking, close to�� golf. 5 minutes - downtown & Gulf! Special �� Final weekend for special incentives. Call now �� (877) 888-7601. �� _______________________________35-44 �� NY State Land Liquidation Sale ends this �� Month! *Large Acreage *Waterfront *Lots w/

SALE

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Camps *TOP HUNTING LANDS !! Over 150 ��

tracts. ALL BARGAINS ! Call 800-229-7843 �� Or visit www.LandandCamps.com �� _______________________________35-44 �� NY LAND SALE �� 33 acres on bass lake $39,900. 5 acres borders �� Sandy Creek Forest with Deer Creek $19,900. �� 40 New Properties! www.LandFirstNY.com �� Call: 1-888-683-2626. �� _______________________________35-44 ��

ROOMMATES

�� PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DIS-

TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________35-49 Independence Place. GM to share 1 BR furn. condo. $900 incl. utils. Call 267-519-0091. �� _______________________________35-48

: pgn@epgn.com

��

ness Flats. Large 2 bed,ESTATE 1 bath. last REAL sirable building. Close to all Center City RENT taxes ................................�� 12TH & DICKINSON AREA

George T.Furnished Sale Condo” TownhouseUnique for rent: 3Garden levels. Living private entrance.. Low fees & Tax Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negoe 1 bd. inbath. areaVery ........................��. tiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215

686 3431 daytime. ��

_______________________________35-49 ew open styleRITTENHOUSE 2 bedroom,SQUARE 1 bathAREA condo Studiossmall & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability o fees. Great pet friendly building. (215) 735-8050. ..................................�� _______________________________36-03

wedes Court. New Listing Large 3 Garage, roof deck and hardwood ﬂoors. Queen Village ....................��

Realtor: Travis Rodgers

Direct: 215-790-5234

Company: Prudential Fox & Roach Realtor

Fax: 215-901-2154

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Email: travis.rodgers@prufoxroach.com

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

��

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOV. 6th 1-4PM English Tudor with Build-able Lot 217 RIVER AVE. • POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Bath Totally Renovated 126’x170’ Lot w/ detached 2 Car Garage NEW: Hardwood ﬂoors, Central AC, Kitchen w/ granite counters and SS Appliances, Fireplace, Ceilings, Walls, Windows, Doors, Plumbing, Electric, Fixtures, Washer/Dryer. Professionally Landscaped w/ irrigation system. Walking distance to NJ Transit, restaurants, shopping. Close to the beach and a just a few miles to Asbury Park and Ocean Grove.

Price Reduced... $699,000 Directions: I 195 E or Rt. 70E to Route 34 S to Route 35 S, Pass Gold’s Gym. House on right.

Contact Barry 732-239-3121 BarryMahoney1@verizon.net

Clayton & Clayton Realtors, Inc. “Purveyors of Fine Properties” 512 Main Avenue Bay Head, NJ 08742 732-295-2222 • www.claytonandclayton.com

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11/6 12-3pm • Outstanding eco-friendly industrial loft style carriage house • Completely renovated in 2005 w/ a 3rd floor addition • 3 separate outdoor areas, huge south facing roof deck on 3rd floor • Bathrooms on all three floors • Open layout on 2nd floor w/ incredible cook’s kitchen • Custom wrought iron floating stairs and original 100 year old pine floors • Exposed beams and ductwork • Huge open shower w/copper walls in master bathroom • 2 car parking garage with ample storage space

REALPGN ESTATE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ��

��

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

��

Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney 1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

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PGN’S COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

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215-735-1006

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Thomas E. Hora Attorney-at-Law ��

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Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

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REAL ESTATE

SALE

1315 Irving Street

$1,050,000

This is a Breathtaking and One- of- a- Kind carriage home originally designed by Frank Furness and completely renovated in 2006 to blend modern day aesthetics and urban living with classic architecture. Amazing chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and the finest appliances. Massive living room with towering solid cherry doors decorated with custom cast iron and sophisticated and rich finishes throughout. There are 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 dens with a two tiered roof deck, one car garage and a tax abatement until 2018.

1625 Waverly Street

$335,000

The perfect expanded trinity in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. Gorgeous living room with high ceilings, two wood-burning fireplaces, Schuykill pine h/w floors and a newly renovated kitchen. The architectural details throughout this home make it warm and inviting. The home features two large bedrooms and an over-sized full bathroom with pedestal sink and bathtub. There is a cute patio and third floor deck.

FOR

SERVICES AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715. _______________________________35-44 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 888-220-3984. www. CenturaOnline.com _______________________________35-44 DID YOU USE THE OSTEOPOROSIS DRUG FOSAMAX (Alendronate)? If you experienced femur fracture (upper leg), you may be entitled compensation. Contact Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. _______________________________35-44

EUGENE’S TAILOR SHOP 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Phila., PA 19103 215.790.5234 Direct 215.546.0550 Office

VACATION

RENTAL

WANTED TO

BUY

HILTON HEAD, SC 2br, 2ba Villa. Ocean-Tennis-Golf. Owner discount, renting monthly Jan-Feb-Mar-2012. Ideal for seniors. $1400 month includes utilities. 864-350-5567. _______________________________35-43

BUYING COINS Gold, Silver & ALL Coins, Stamps, Paper Money, Entire Collections worth $5,000 or more. Travel to your home. CASH paid. Call Marc 1-800-488-4175. _______________________________35-44

FRIENDS

MEN

HELP WANTED

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Custom Design & Tailoring for Men & Women Alterations

HELP WANTED

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(215) 923 - 8081 Monday - Friday 10 - 6 Saturday 10 - 5

242 South 17th Street Philadelphia PA 19103 www.eugenestailorshop.com eugenestailorshop@gmail.com

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Experienced Tanker/Flatbed Drivers! *Strong Freight Network *Stability *Great Pay. Every Second Counts! Call Today! 800-277-0212 or www.primeinc.com _______________________________35-44 Top Pay On Excellent Runs! Regional Runs, Steady Miles, Frequent Hometime, New Equipment. Automatic Detention Pay! CDL-A, 6mo. Experience required. EEOE/AAP 866-3224039 www.Drive4Marten.com _______________________________35-44 Driver-CDL-A: Experience Pays! *Up to $3,000 BONUS! *Up to $.50 Per Mile. *Regional Lanes. HOME MOST WEEKENDS! 888-4633962. 6mo. OTR exp. & CDL Req’d. www. usatruck.jobs _______________________________35-44 Attn: Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight Lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com _______________________________35-44 Drivers- No Experience ~No Problem. 100% Paid CDL Training. Immediate Beneﬁts. 20/10 program. Trainers Earn up to $.49 per mile! CRST VAN EXPEDITED 800-326-2778 www. JoinCRST.com _______________________________35-44 Satellite Technicians Needed throughout PA for large & growing Dish network subcontractor. No Experience Necessary! Background & drug screening. Independent Contractor. Weekly opportunity $750 to $1500. www.caotti.net for information. Call:864-852-0533 _______________________________35-44

FRIENDS

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PGN FRIENDS

MEN

FREAKY FRIDAY: PIN-XXX CELEBRATION

BARRONS URBAN WAREHOUSE PARTY

Friday, November 11th, 2011 TIME: 11pm-3:30am

Saturday, November 12th, 2011 TIME:11pm-6am

WHAT TO EXPECT: * DJ DUTCH * OPEN BAR * Men of Magnum Erotic Dancers * A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More...

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Sunday, November 20th, 2011 TIME: 3pm-6pm Boys will Be Boys- Awaken Your Spirit For More Information On Group: www.phillynakedguys.com/

- Always bringing in the Sexy Black & Latin Men For The NightMUST BE ON GUEST LIST TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO PARTY (PRIVATE EVENT: For More Information & to be put onto guest list email: badboi215@gmail.com)

Party Nights Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis. So Check In Early if you want a room...Check out our website for our HOT WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST to get the latest information on up coming events...

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

And if you are in A.C., please check out:

10 South Mt. Vernon Avenue •Atlantic City, NJ 08401

OPEN DAILY! Sunday- Thursday 4pm to 4am Friday & Saturday 4pm to 6am www.brassrailac.com

PGN

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

FRIENDS ��

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LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 �� y.o. with aGWM, smoothwarm, gymnast build looking Attractive sensitive, caring, for 48 other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for Iother live in NE Phila. I’mwho looking foringuys are GWM, 30-50, is also goodwho shape. also caring with a fun personality. If I live sensitive, in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are this interesting to you free to call alsosounds sensitive, caring with a funfeel personality. If me, David, 215-698-0215. this sounds interesting to you feel free to call _______________________________35-49 me, David, 215-698-0215. WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot _______________________________33-28 action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________35-45 If you are horse hung and like to pound talk to me! WM, 6’1”, 215 lbs. 215-732-2108 6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, 8-11 PM. french passive requires obedient slave for _______________________________35-44 training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected I’m Philip, a Brazilian guy, 46 y.o., a children’s and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call author. Live in NE Phila. and am looking for a Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. serious person to be my boyfriend or husband. _______________________________33-48 No smoke, drugs and not fat. Be between 28-45, Xdresswhite, sex party. CDorhouse orgy every Sat. black, Spanish Brazilian. Need to have nite.Email GWMme: couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for car. minotti2000@live.com 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, _______________________________35-45 etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856WM, 62, 5’8”, in shape, nice looking bottom 910-8303, for men Mark.only for LTR. Leave seeks top ask masc _______________________________33-24 message 215-264-1058. GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into _______________________________35-45 assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 4-10, 2011

P E N N S A U K E N BORDEAUX

CHATEAU DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU 2005 - $235.00 CHATEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU 2008 - $62.99 CHATEAU LAFON-ROCHET 2008 - $39.99 CHATEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET 2008 - $38.99 CHATEAU HAUT-SURGET LALANDE DE POMEROL 2009 - $19.99 CHATEAU LAROSE TRINTAUDON 2005 - $14.99

CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE

DOM PERIGNON 2002 ANDY WARHOL BOTTLE (Limited Supply!) - $133.19 DOMAINE CHANDON - Brut - $14.09 - 750ML SEGURA VIUDAS - Brut Reserva - $6.99 - 750ML

LIQUOR

ABSOLUT 80 Proof, Citron, Mandrin, Ruby Red Vodka - $29.09 - 1.75LT ABSOLUT San Francisco Limited Edition Flavor - $19.99 - 750ML

CIROC

80 Proof, Peach, Coconut, & Red Berry $29.09 - 750ML, $55.09 - 1.75LT

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE Scotch - $169.00 - 750ML

GREY GOOSE

Vodka 80 - $27.09 - 750ML, $49.09 - 1.75LT Food Network has partnered with America’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery to create ENTWINE. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, & Pinot Grigio -

$10.99 WINE BARGAINS

CARTA VIEJA - Sauv Blanc & Carmenere - $5.99 - Case price $65.88 ($5.49) CASTILLO DE FUENTE - Monastrell Red - $7.99 - Case price $83.88 ($6.99)

IMPORTED WINE

ALAMOS Argentina Malbec - $7.20 - 750ML ALICE WHITE All Types - $9.09 - 1.5LT BRANCOTT Sauvignon Blanc - $9.39 - 750ML CAVIT Pinot Grigio - $12.09 - 1.5LT JACOB’S CREEK All Non-Reserves - $6.19 - 750ML KIM CRAWFORD New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - $13.33 - 750ML LOUIS JADOT Beaujolais Villages - $9.09 - 750ML MARQUES DE CACERES Rioja Red - $11.39 - 750ML MICHELE CHIARLO Barbera d’Asti Le Orme - $9.69 - 750ML TRAPICHE OAK CASK Argentina Malbec - $8.79 - 750ML YELLOW TAIL All Types - $6.39 - 750ML, $10.39 - 1.5LT ZACCAGNINI Montepulciano d’Abruzzo - $10.99 - 750ML BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU COMING NOVEMBER 17TH!!!

BEER

LEINENKUGEL’S SUNSET WHEAT - 24-12OZ BOTTLES - $26.49 ROGUE DEAD GUY ALE - 22OZ BOTTLE - $5.99 ROLLING ROCK - 24-12OZ BOTTLES - $15.99 SAMICHLAUS HELLES - 750ML BOTTLE - $13.99 SAMUEL ADAMS LAGER, LIGHT, & WINTER ALE - 24-12OZ BTLS - $25.49 STONE SMOKED PORTER - 22OZ BOTTLE - $3.99 YARDS - 24-12OZ BOTTLES - $29.99

CANALS PENNSAUKEN LOCATION ONLY

Items and pricing are not available at all other locations.

5360 Route 38 (aka Kaighns Ave.) at Mansion Blvd. Pennsauken, NJ 08109 856-665-4202

VALID DATES 11/2/11 12/10/11

PINNACLE Vodka 80 - $18.09 - 1.75LT SKYY Vodka 80 Proof - $23.09 - 1.75LT SMIRNOFF TWIST Vodka Flavors - $19.09 - 1.75LT SVEDKA Vodka 80 Proof - $19.29 - 1.75LT STOLICHNAYA Vodka 80 - $29.09 - 1.75LT THREE OLIVES Vodka 80 Proof - $25.09 - 1.75LT THREE OLIVES Cake, Cherry, Grape Bubble Vodka - $28.09 - 1.75LT CAPTAIN MORGAN Spiced Rum - $18.09 - 750ML, $25.09 - 1.75LT BOMBAY Gin - $29.09 - 1.75LT JACK DANIELS Whiskey - $21.09 - 750ML, $40.09 - 1.75LT KNOB CREEK Bourbon - $30.09 - 750ML MAKER’S MARK Bourbon - $24.09 - 750ML, $44.09 - 1.75LT CROWN ROYAL Canadian Whiskey - $24.09 - 750ML, $43.09 - 1.75LT GLENLIVET 12 Year Old Scotch - $35.09 - 750ML GLENMORANGIE Original 10 Year Old Scotch - $34.49 - 750ML JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK Scotch - $31.09 - 750ML, $59.09 - 1.75LT LAGAVULIN 16 Year Old Scotch - $71.99 - 750ML JAMESON Irish Whiskey - $24.09 - 750ML, $43.09 - 1.75LT JOSE CUERVO Gold Tequila - $17.09 - 750ML, $32.09 - 1.75LT PATRON Silver Tequila - $37.10 - 750ML, $78.99 - 1.75LT COURVOSIER V.S. Cognac - $27.09 - 750ML BAILEY’S Irish Cream - $19.09 - 750ML, $38.09 - 1.75LT GRAND MARNIER Orange Liqueur - $30.49 - 750ML

DOMESTIC WINE

BAREFOOT All Types - $9.29 - 1.5LT BONTERRA Organic Sauvignon Blanc - $9.49 - 750ML CLINE Zinfandel - $8.29 - 750ML CLOS DU BOIS Chardonnay - $10.59 - 750ML, $18.67 - 1.5LT ESTANCIA Meritage - $19.99 - 750ML FAR NIENTE Napa Chardonnay - $42.09 - 750ML FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND Chard & Pinot Grigio - $11.09 - 750ML FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND Merlot & Cab Sauv - $13.09 - 750ML HESS SELECT Cabernet Sauvignon - $15.99 - 750ML HOGUE Gewurztraminer & Riesling - $8.09 - 750ML J. LOHR Riverstone Chardonnay - $9.79 - 750ML JORDAN Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - $33.34 - 750ML KENDALL JACKSON Vintners Chardonnay - $11.09 - 750ML KENDALL JACKSON Vintners Cab, Merlot, Pinot Noir - $14.09 - 750ML MARKHAM Chardonnay - $12.75 - 750ML MENAGE A TROIS Red & White Blends - $8.99 - 750ML REX GOLIATH All Types - $9.09 - 1.5LT RUTHERFORD HILL Merlot - $18.09 - 750ML ST. FRANCIS Chardonnay - $11.09 - 750ML WILD HORSE Central Coast Pinot Noir - $16.09 - 750ML

ship wine or browse our inventory at