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Vol. 40 No. 46 Nov. 11-17, 2016 Family Portrait: Nefartari Sloan teaches people how to love PAGE 29
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Council bill would revoke business license for discrimination
Color of Love Production Studios jumps the groom with “Don’t Marry Griff”
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Trump wins in devastating loss By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
in the past decades. We know that LGBT Pennsylvanians are now fearful for their futures and their physical safety. Given the intense and often hateful rhetoric of the past several months we cannot blame them.” Martin noted that “if there ever were a community of people who have shown resilience in the face of adversity and discrimination — it is us. We know how to come together, and we will need to do that now, for ourselves and for future generations.” “Throughout our nation’s history, we’ve
faced devastating setbacks in our pursuit of a more perfect union,” added Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin. “But even in the darkest of moments, Americans have summoned the courage and persistence to fight on.” Republicans also retained control of Congress. Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey held his Senate seat after topping Democrat Katie McGinty 49-47 percent. Democrat Mary Ellen Balchunis was unable to oust Republican Congressman
In what is being called one of the biggest surprises in American political history, reality-television star Donald Trump was elected 45th president of the United States. Many pundits began forecasting Trump’s victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton after the Republican took Pennsylvania. As of presstime, Trump had captured 48.8 percent of Pennsylvania versus Clinton’s 47.6 percent. In Philadelphia, Clinton won more than 82 percent of the vote. As of presstime, Clinton was leading in the national popular vote by about 200,000, yet Trump crossed the 270 electoral-vote threshold early Wednesday morning. In a concession speech a few hours later, Clinton thanked her supporters. “Make sure your voices are heard going forward,” she said. “This loss hurts but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.” Trump’s election dealt a devastating blow to the LGBT community. Trump has pledged to support Supreme Court justices who would roll back marriage equality and backs the First Amendment Defense Act, which would give businesses a license to discriminate against LGBT people. His vice president, Mike Pence, gained notoriety for his support of Indiana’s “religious-freedom” law when he was governor. “[The] election result is a difficult blow to many in the LGBT community, women and people of color,” Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin said in a statement. “Many will see this as a back- THOUSANDS OF VOTERS WAITED IN LINES FOR HOURS ACROSS PHILADELPHIA lash against the progress that we have made TO NO AVAIL ON ELECTION DAY. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Patrick Meehan (Seventh Dist.), who won nearly 60 percent of the vote. Democrat Steven Santarsiero also lost his challenge to Republican Brian Fitzpatrick 54-46 percent for the Eighth Distrist Congressional seat. Democrats were more successful in state races. Josh Shapiro bested John Rafferty 51-49 percent to become Attorney General. Eugene DePasquale was elected Auditor General 50-45 percent over John Brown. Joe Torsella beat Otto Voit 51-44 percent to become the state’s Treasurer. n
Philadelphia residents turn out for Hillary Clinton By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com
Tarriem Burroughs was unable to make it to the other rallies supporting Hillary Clinton but on Monday night, he left work early to attend her rally at Independence Mall with more than 30,000 attendees. Burroughs said he was supporting Clinton because he does not want the rights he enjoys with his husband taken away. “I’m really excited to see all of the initiatives that Barack [Obama] started and hopefully Hillary continues on with all of them,” the 35-year-old Philadelphia resident said. “We have some rights but we need more rights. There’s still a lot of discrimination in the LGBT community and hopefully Hillary can take it another step forward to really break down those walls.” Support for Clinton continued at the polls on Election Day. Heshie Zinman voted for Clinton because he said she reflects his values and shares his PAGE 12 stances on certain issues.
Plea deals possible in murder of trans woman By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The District Attorney’s Office is weighing whether it will offer plea agreements for two people charged with the February murder of a local transgender woman. Attorneys for Jose Pena and Tiffany Floyd were back in court Tuesday for a pretrial hearing in the murder of Maya Young. Police found Young suffering from stab wounds to the neck and chest Feb. 20 in the 4900 block of Griscom Street in Frankford. The stabbing allegedly stemmed from an
argument over a man, according to statements from the defendants read in court this summer. DA spokesperson Cameron Kline told PGN this week that attorneys for Floyd and Pena requested potential plea agreements. “An offer was requested,” Kline told PGN in an email. “We are currently making the decision about if we will or will not make an offer.” Details about potential plea deals were not available by presstime. According to court dockets, “the Commonwealth will convey an offer on or
before” Dec. 1. A pre-trial conference is slated for 9 a.m. Dec. 6 in Room 1105 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. Senior Judge Kathryn Streeter Lewis will preside. Pena is charged with murder, conspiracy, firearms offenses and possession of an instrument of crime. Floyd is charged with murder, conspiracy and possession of an instrument of crime. Pena, 20, remains incarcerated at CurranFromhold Correctional Facility, while Floyd, 25, is incarcerated at Riverside Correctional Facility.
According to Pena’s statement, Floyd and Young had been feuding over a man and Floyd allegedly asked him to help her kill Young. After Floyd and Young smoked crack, Pena said Floyd stabbed Young at a Frankford park, prompting Young to flee. Pena said Floyd told him he had to “finish” the victim or she would have him killed, so he followed Young and also stabbed her. Floyd said in her statement that she did not intend to kill when they met to smoke crack. She contended that, after she stabbed Young, Pena decided on his own to follow her out of the park and stab her. n
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LOCAL PGN
Bill would revoke business license for discrimination By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
Income and Receipt Taxes that regulates commercial-activity licenses, which are regulated by the Department of Licenses Legislation was introduced last week & Inspections. Under the legislation, if the in Philadelphia City Council that seeks to PCHR, which enforces the Fair Practices further outlaw public-accommodations dis- Ordinance, finds that a business violated the law, it will send a notice to L&I, Green crimination in the city. Councilman Derek Green, along with said. Councilmembers Helen Gym and Mark “Upon receipt of this notice, L&I will Squilla, are backing a bill that would revoke begin their revocation hearing process,” a company’s commercial-activity license if Green explained. “Whenever L&I revokes it has been found to have violated the city’s the license of a business, they can appeal Fair Practices Ordinance. That law pro- the revocation to the L&I Review Board.” hibits discrimination in public accommo- PCHR executive director Rue Landau did not respond to requests dations and other areas for comment. based on sexual orienta- Councilman Derek Green said he is optition and gender identity, Green, along with mistic that the legislaalong with a number of Councilmembers Helen tion will move forward. other protected classes. “Due to the fact Green submit- Gym and Mark Squilla, that the Fair Practices ted the legislation folOrdinance was passed lowing a Philadelphia are backing a bill that a number of years ago, Commission on Human would revoke a comI believe that my colRelations hearing on leagues will support this reports of racist policies pany’s commercial-acbill and look forward to at local businesses and tivity license if it has it being passed,” he said. nonprofit organizations. been found to have Current law requires In a statement emailed that commercial-activity to PGN, Green said that violated the city’s Fair licenses are contingent “during the hearing, Practices Ordinance. upon a business being I learned that some of up to date on any money these issues and concerns are not new and have been felt by citizens and taxes owed to the city and refraining of our city for some time. It is unfortunate from selling, transferring, delivering or that in 2016 we have people that either live manufacturing drug paraphernalia; serving in or visit our city that feel that they are alcohol to minors or engaging in or promotbeing discriminated against in public busi- ing prostitution; being a public or private nuisance; and violating laws regulating the nesses. ” Green’s bill would update a section of protection of displaced contract workers, the Philadelphia Code entitled Business predatory lending and refuse collection. n
Case resolved against roommate of Tyler Clementi The criminal case against the roommate of a gay Rutgers University student who killed himself shortly after being the target of online bullying came to a close last month. On Oct. 27, Dharun Ravi pleaded guilty to one count of attempted invasion of privacy and was sentenced for time he already served and fines that have been paid. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped all other charges he faced. In 2010, Ravi was accused of setting up a webcam to catch his roommate, Tyler Clementi, in an embrace with another man, and encouraging others at the New Jersey college to watch. Days later, Clementi committed suicide. Ravi was found guilty of invasion-of-privacy and hate-crimes charges and served less than one month in prison. He appealed the convictions and this fall an appellate court found in his favor, tossing the bias charges because of a change to the state law and ordering a new trial. The plea deal was arranged to avoid a second trial. Clementi’s was one of several high-profile suicides of LGBT youth in the fall of 2010 and sparked a national discussion on bullying. Clementi’s death prompted the New Jersey legislation to adopt the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” and the introduction of the federal Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act, which was last introduced in Congress in early 2015. n — Jen Colletta
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10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Transmissions Mark My Words Street Talk 18 — Crime Watch News Briefing 19 — International News
“Hate trumped love and our country elected an individual who openly espouses racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and so much more. It was a stunning loss for decency, civility and hope.”
Columns
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PARADE OF HEROES: The second-annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade got underway last weekend with participation by a new LGBT contingent. Organized by Greg Seaney-Ariano (third from left) and Dante Austin (right), the new group was comprised of LGBT and ally servicemembers and veterans and their friends, family members and supporters. The Nov. 6 parade was held in conjunction with Veterans Day to honor the contributions of active-duty and former military members. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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LOCAL PGN
AGING IN COMMUNITY: Local older adults and service providers took in an afternoon of workshops, panels and discussions at “Caring for Our Community: Building Cultural Competence in Aging Services and Health Care” Nov. 3 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The summit was presented by LGBT Elder Initiative and Jefferson Health. In addition to a series of community discussions, the event featured a keynote address by Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne and was followed by the presentation of the first Edwin J. Bomba Memorial Award to Louis Colbert, vice president of operations at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Photo: Scott A. Drake
D.A. urges court to decertify Morris record By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office last week urged Commonwealth Court to decertify a computer-aided dispatch record associated with the Nizah Morris incident. In June, Common Pleas Judge Linda A. Carpenter ruled the D.A.’s Office certified the record in a 2015 affidavit. But in its Nov. 2 appellant’s brief, the D.A.’s Office said the affidavit’s language was based on information from PGN, which the agency didn’t independently substantiate. The brief also called into question the dispatch record’s connection to the Morris incident, comparing it to “Donald Trump’s tax returns and Hillary Clinton’s deleted emails.” Additionally, the brief noted that computer-aided dispatch records don’t originate at the D.A.’s Office. Thus, the agency isn’t required to certify such records in response to an open-records request. Morris was an African-American trans woman found with a fatal head wound in 2002, shortly after entering a police vehicle in the Gayborhood for a “courtesy ride.” Her homicide remains unsolved. Officer Elizabeth Skala gave the ride to Morris. Inexplicably, Skala initiated a traffic stop while assigned to Morris, who was inebriated. In 2009, PGN gave an incomplete dispatch record for Skala’s traffic stop to the D.A’s Office, hoping it could locate a complete record. PGN’s record doesn’t have a district-control number, priority level, initial time of occurrence or location.
Since 2013, the D.A.’s Office has submitted eight affidavits in the matter: Two indicate the agency doesn’t have any dispatch records for Skala’s traffic stop, one indicates the agency has a complete dispatch record for Skala’s traffic stop and others indicate the agency has an incomplete dispatch record for Skala’s traffic stop. In May 2015, to reconcile the conflicting affidavits, PGN requested a certified copy of dispatch records for Skala’s traffic stop from the D.A.’s Office. The D.A.’s Office didn’t conduct a new search. Instead, the agency said it already demonstrated that it doesn’t have any responsive records. But in June 2016, Carpenter ruled the D.A.’s Office certified PGN’s record as its only computer-aided dispatch record for Skala’s traffic stop. The D.A. certified the record in a February 2015 affidavit, according to Carpenter’s ruling. The judge also ruled the D.A.’s Office has assumed “some custodial control” over the document, in light of the police department’s questionable handling of Morris records. PGN supports Carpenter’s ruling, noting the D.A.’s Office is free to obtain assistance from state or federal investigators if the agency is concerned it certified a bogus record. In December 2003, the city’s Law Department compiled a list of Morris evidence generated during the D.A.’s investigation of Morris’ homicide. The list includes several items pertaining to Skala’s traffic stop, including a letter written by the D.A.’s Office. Thus, investigators should be able to rule out fraud, if that’s a concern, according to PGN. n
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY Gay-bashing victims deny self-defense
claim from defendant By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
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Phillip Williams did not act in self-defense when he took part in a 2014 Center City gay bashing, according to a brief submitted recently by attorneys for the two victims. In an Oct. 24 filing, attorneys for Zachary Hesse and Andrew Haught wrote that, “at no time was [Williams] under a real or perceived threat of bodily injury arising from the actions of [Hesse and Haught].” In a brief last month in a civil suit against Williams, Kevin Harrigan and Kathryn Knott, Williams’ attorneys argued that his actions on Sept. 11, 2014, were taken to defend himself from what they said was “the real and perceived threat of bodily injury arising from the action of plaintiffs and their friends.” Attorneys for Hesse and Haught also clarified that the couple was walking alone, not with friends, at 16th and Chancellor, when they encountered the trio and a group of their friends. “[Haught and Hesse] were alone and were not accompanied by friends when they were unjustifiably assaulted and/or placed in fear of immediate bodily harm by defendants,” the attorneys said. According to prosecutors, Harrigan made a derogatory comment about Haught and Hesse being a couple and then shoved Hesse, prompting Hesse to shove Harrigan back, who they say then punched Hesse multiple times. Prosecutors say Williams “bum rushed” Haught after someone in the group exclaimed that Haught hit one of the
females in the group. Williams, Harrigan and Knott were arrested in connection with the incident. Williams and Harrigan pleaded guilty to one felony count each and were sentenced to community service, probation and fines. Knott took her case to court and was found guilty of four misdemeanors, for which she served five months in prison. Haught and Hesse filed a civil suit against the three in the spring, seeking at least $500,000. In his brief last month, Williams also argued that Knott and Harrigan are responsible for any wrongdoing, not himself, a claim the victims’ attorneys opposed. “Plaintiffs’ injuries and damages were proximately caused by the conduct of all parties against whom plaintiffs have filed suit,” the attorneys wrote. A settlement conference is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 4, 2017, and, if no agreement is reached, the case is slated for trial Dec. 4, 2017. n
Lesbian financial dispute settled By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com
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A protracted financial dispute between two women who were domestic partners for many years has been settled. Notice of the settlement was filed Nov. 1 by Marcia M. Waldron, clerk of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Susan Simmons claimed that Gretchen Winterbottom owed her about $350,000 stemming from financial obligations incurred during their former domestic partnership. Winterbottom denied that she owed Simmons any money. Instead, she claimed Simmons owed her money from the sale of a condo the women jointly owned in Old City. Simmons’ federal complaint against Winterbottom was filed in May 2015. Simmons alleged breach of contract, unjust enrichment and related claims against Winterbottom. The women were in a relationship for about 18 years and purchased a condo in December
2002 for $829,000. In June 2015, the women’s condo was sold. Net proceeds from the condo sale totaled $526,691.30. Simmons contended she made a down payment of $554,696.96 for the condo from her own funds. She claimed she should receive all proceeds from the condo sale held in escrow, $526,691.30. Additionally, Simmons claimed Winterbottom owed her about $350,000, due to a business loan Simmons allegedly made to Winterbottom that wasn’t repaid, along with other obligations incurred by Winterbottom. For her part, Winterbottom claimed she should receive from the condo sale about $159,555 plus interest. Additionally, Winterbottom claimed she doesn’t owe any money to Simmons. Moreover, Winterbottom claimed Simmons should pay Winterbottom’s legal fees due to the litigation. A two-day bench trial was held before U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone on May 23-24. On May 24, Beetlestone
ruled that Winterbottom didn’t owe Simmons any money. Regarding the $526,691.30 currently held in escrow from the condo sale, Beetlestone ruled that $316,014.78 should go to Simmons and $210,676.52 should go to Winterbottom. Beetlestone also ruled that any accrued interest from the condo sale should be split 60-40, with 60 percent for Simmons and 40 percent for Winterbottom. Beetlestone didn’t award any legal fees to either party. Simmons appealed Beetlestone’s ruling in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, where a notice of the settlement was filed Nov. 1. Terms of the settlement weren’t publicly released, and neither side had a comment for this story. In a prior statement, Tiffany Palmer, an attorney for Winterbottom, called Beetlestone’s ruling “fair and well-reasoned and based in the law and the facts of the case.” n
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First Unitarian installs first sole female minister HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com “This city has wonderful justice work going on — but there’s a lot more work that needs to be done,” said the Rev. Abbey Tennis. That’s a goal of Tennis’ as she assumes the role of minister at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. Tennis, 35, is the first settled female minister at the 220-yearold congregation. She is also queer — though she’s not the congregation’s first out minister. “The previous minister was the first openly gay minster to lead the congregation and the interim minister in between us was queer,” she explained. “So we’re going on nine years of GLBT leadership, and even longer-standing ties to the community.” Despite being the first woman to lead the congregation as minister, Tennis noted that diverse leadership is prevalent throughout the congregation. “The chair of our board is a young woman; she’s 29. The head of our ministry leadership is a young gender-nonconforming person. Most of our staff is young queer women,” she said. “I’ve been a young woman in leadership before but it’s rare for a historic institution like this one to be run almost entirely by young women.” The Unitarian Universalist congregation operates out of 2125 Chestnut St.; the building itself is 120 years old and was built by the son of the congregation’s first settled minister, the Rev. Dr. William Henry Furness, an abolitionist. “This church has a 200-plusyear history as a place of open-mindedness,” Tennis said. “A lot of churches moved out to the suburbs in the time of white flight, but we remain downtown and I think we have an opportunity to rebuild what could be a powerful force in people’s lives and the world. It already is a powerful force, but I think it can be even more powerful in the city of Philadelphia.”
Promoting racial justice has been, and will continue to be, integral to the congregation’s focus, Tennis said. Earlier this year, the church unfurled a banner proclaiming support for the Black Lives Matter movement. “We’re now in the process of deepening our understanding of how we can support the movement and deepening our work in racial justice in general in the city,” Tennis said, noting that goal extends to the congregation’s ongoing work regarding
reforms in the educational and criminal-justice systems. “Racial justice is a big priority, and so is working for justice in the LGBTQ community.” Tennis was raised in the UU community, a religious upbringing that she said made her coming out as bisexual at 14 an empowering experience. “When I came out, I was not only completely loved and welcomed, I was invited into leadership in the congregation,” she said. “This was the mid-’90s and we were going through a process of deconstructing institutional homophobia and working on how we could be a welcoming congregation to LGBTQ people. Even
as a 14- or 15-year-old, my congregation honored who I was and welcomed me into having a voice as to how we could be a better people together. That was really powerful.” Tennis went on to serve as a lay representative in local and national UU circles. She was the first youth to sit on the UU Association’s national board and also served on the Ministerial Fellowship Committee, the denomination’s credentialing body. Tennis grew up in the Boston area and earned a master’s of business administration from the University of Massachusetts. She worked in the climate-change arena before pursuing her master’s of divinity from the Starr King School for the Ministry in California. “My MBA was in nonprofit management because I always felt in some way like it was important to devote my life to creating justice in the world,” she said, noting that her father’s battle with brain cancer followed by her divorce prompted her to reassess her career path. “I felt like the political side of justice work just wasn’t enough. I had been thinking of ministry on and off since I was in junior high and that call came back. And I followed it this time.” Tennis was ordained last year and served as an intern minister in Washington, D.C., before being unanimously called by the First Unitarian congregation after its year-long search. She began the post in August and was officially installed last month. Tennis now lives in West Philadelphia. “Philadelphia is exactly the place that felt right for me,” Tennis said. “I was moved by the possibility of building multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-generational community in an urban setting. We need spaces for people of all theological orientations to love each other and deepen their spirits together.” n For more information, visit www. philauu.org. First Unitarian holds worship services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 2125 Chestnut St.
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The holidays are on the way and we’ve got something special for you. The PGN gift guides, holiday entertainment ideas and survival tips will be online and in print in two special issues Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. Advertisers contact greg@epgn.com to be included in either or both of these issues. Ad deadlines are Nov. 23 for Dec. 2, and Dec. 2 for Dec. 9
KAREN SMITH OF WEEZ THE PEEPLE PERFORMS A DRUM PIECE BRINGING THE EVENING TO ORDER. Photo: Scott A. Drake
By Bobby Brier PGN Contributor The second-floor ballroom at William Way LGBT Community Center was filled with organized folding chairs in neat rows, a table of light refreshments in the back and a projector screen displaying an image of three black men marching, holding a banner that read “Black Men Loving Black Men Is a Revolutionary Act.” This was the setting Nov. 2 for Black Genius, a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the publication of Philadelphia native Joe Beam’s groundbreaking book, “In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology.” The Counter Narrative Project, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization committed to social justice that advocates for issues impacting black gay men, organized the event, along with cosponsors Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room (where Beam worked for a period of time), Philadelphia Black Pride and The Colours Organization and others. The event featured an eclectic mix of artistic expression. It began with a drum solo on bongos by well-known drummer Karen Smith of Weez the Peeple. The impressive performance was followed by poetry readings, one of which featured Ruja Ballard. A talented young poet, Ballard is part of the Philly Youth Poetry Movement. “I feel like there’s so many people that need to know about this, need to know about what’s going on here,” Ballard said. “It’s an amazing journey to just be here and experience what everyone else is experiencing.” The poetry reading was followed by an insightful panel discussion by William Way executive director Chris Bartlett; Tyrone Smith, a community activist and friend of the late Beam; the Rev. Jeffrey A. Haskins of the Unity Fellowship Christ Church of Philadelphia; and community activist
Sharon Cooks. The keynote speaker for the night was acclaimed science-fiction writer and former Temple University professor Samuel R. Delaney, whose work was among those featured in Beam’s book. Dr. Kevin M. Moseby, a sociology professor at Drexel University, was eager to hear Delaney speak. “Well, for me, [the event] meant a space to celebrate with others how important Joseph Beam’s work was, and also it was a thrill to me to be in the same room as another great black American gay writer-intellectual as Samuel Delaney,” Moseby said, “and to see how the work that had been so meaningful to me as a graduate student decades ago really affects so many others in a very similar way — as being a place for a confirmation of who you are and who we are is OK. It was just a really special moment for me.” Bartlett echoed Moseby’s words and added that, in addition to celebrating the groundbreaking writer and his work, the event was also a way to explore current events through the lens of history. “In the light of LGBT-community racism and the conversation that is going on in the community, [a goal was] to show that all these problems existed 30 years ago and Joe Beam and the writers he invited to contribute to ‘In The Life’ were already thinking about what needed to be done. Bartlett added that he hopes the event “created some new lovers of Joe Beam and lovers of his book and that through buying the book, reading the book [and] talking about the book with their friends, they’ll get new tools and new ideas for how to confront racism in the LGBT community and also how to build strong black LGBT communities. There’s no one who tells us how to do that better than Joe Beam.” n
PGN MENTAL HEALTH
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
How this election season will affect the mental health of Americans indefinitely as men do. Further still, what we do know is that sexual-assault survivors have been trig As a psychotherapist, I have never seen gered. From Trump’s 2005 recorded so many of my clients’ mental health conversation with Billy Bush where he affected by current events (with perhaps speaks about women in a shockingly lewd the exception of the Pulse shooting). Like manner, to the quick infamy that “grab many therapists and educators around the them by the p**sy” has gained, to his country have observed throughout this body shaming of a former Miss Universe election season, there has been a marked winner, to name a few incidents, many increase in anxiety among chilsexual-assault survivors, espedren and adults alike. To go cially those earlier on in their further, LGBT people, women, recovery processes, have been racial and ethnic minorities activated in a way that has set and sexual-assault survivors their mental health on a path of have been observed to expedecline. rience increased feelings of As we embark on an fear, shame and an overall loss undoubtedly necessary period of control. The season also of healing and respite, there are brought with it a surge of bulseveral elements of both selflying and aggressive behaviors, care and grassroots activism harassment and blatant hatethat we should all be considspeak, again in both children ering. First, take a rest from and adults. the news and social media for Thankfully, the election is a couple of days or maybe over. We will no longer be subeven a couple of weeks. This jected to article upon article and Kristina Furia often serves as a good way to news report upon news report recharge your battery after an of who said what and how it will affect the especially trying time in the country and/ polls and our country overall. We get to or world. Second, assess what your indireturn to our usual programing, if you will. vidual needs are. If you fall into any of the This will undoubtedly help many of us to categories mentioned above, do you need experience a decrease in anxiety because extra support? One study showed, in a anxiety is ultimately the result of fear of sample of 1,000 Americans, almost 45 perthe unknown. We now know who our next cent of individuals had been experiencing president will be, thereby reducing the emotional distress as a result of this elecdegree of what is yet to be known, albeit tion season. Therapy may be a good option not eradicating it. if you too fall into this category. There are still many questions about Once your own mental and emotional what the next four years and beyond will health are properly attended to, it might look like for this country and one major be a good time to ask yourself if you’re reason is because it won’t be easy to close someone who is invested in doing your the Pandora’s Box that Donald Trump has small part to help America bounce back opened with his overt and unapologetic and move towards an equitable society. So bigotry, racism, misogyny and homophomany of us have taken to social media to bia. He has normalized the verbalization share articles, to post opinions and even to of every hateful thing that could possibly fight against small-mindedness but is this exist within each of us, and the effects of something that you wanted to engage in that are potentially more dangerous than only prior to the election? If those of us we know at present. Both fortunately and who feel equipped to do so continue to be unfortunately, this is new territory for strong voices in a completely grassroots Americans within recent history, making way, we can help reverse the damage that research and/or data on the subject virtuhas been done to our country in these last ally nonexistent. months. What we do know is, if the uptick of As we gradually move towards a return racism doesn’t scale way back, it will con- to normalcy as a nation, let’s all try to be tinue to incite violence, increase feelings kind to one another, support each another of isolation and alienation for minorities and look towards the future with optiand set back the Black Lives Matter move- mism in spite of every temptation to do the ment. inverse. n What we also know is that if men conKristina Furia is a psychotherapist committed tinue to denigrate, disrespect and objecto working with LGBT individuals and coutify women at higher rates than they were before this election, our next generation of ples and owner of Emerge Wellness, an LGBT health and wellness center in Center City women will have to work twice as hard to (www.emergewellnessphilly.com). believe that they hold just as much value *Note: This column was written before the presidential-election results were finalized.
Thinking Queerly
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
EDITORIAL PGN
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Gordon Klingenschmitt
Editorial
What the fuck As a PGN staffer made his way into work Wednesday morning, a man on a bicycle rode by and yelled, “Trump won. Fuck all you Latinos!” That is the sobering reality of what happened in our country this week: Bigotry won. Living in a city like Philadelphia and working at an LGBT publication certainly lulled many of us here at PGN into a false sense of security. We celebrated with Hillary Clinton supporters who took over Center City on Election Eve. We were heartened by the lengthy lines at polling places, and the stories of women bringing their daughters with them into the voting booths to cast their vote for the first woman president. We shared photos on Facebook of elderly veterans proudly voting blue and of the thousands who amassed on Election Day at Susan B. Anthony’s grave. And then the unthinkable happened. Hate trumped love and our country elected an individual who openly espouses racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and so much more. It was a stunning loss for decency, civility and hope. The sting of this election goes beyond the ideology it affirmed. Substantial, significant, real progress was made in the last eight years. Gains were made for equality on every single front. And in one night, all of that was thrown into doubt. Many are advocating for hope and unity in the face of this disaster. But for some people, the anger, frustration, disappointment and fear are too palpable to find any positivity right now. There’s no wrong way to deal with a wrong as devastating as this. This election burst the blue bubble that maybe has blanketed us for too long. A significant swath of our country is racist. It is sexist. It is homophobic. It is tough to face this reality. But reality also includes a history that has illustrated the resilience of marginalized communities. We will overcome this. But for now, it sucks. n
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.
Whenever people ask me why I eral government’s decided to get breast cancer last year, I gonna study this. try to evade the question. Maybe I just Oh my gosh! As if like spending time in hospitals. Maybe we already didn’t I have a surgery fetish. What I never know.” admit is that I did it for the bonus pay. Right? You might be wondering, what’s this Everybody already “bonus pay” you speak of? Well, up knows that the until Oct. 28 it was definitely a TOP reason LGBTQ SECRET part of the Gay Agenda. people (or “the But then LGBTQ hate scholar Gordon gay crowd,” as Klingenschmitt had to go and reveal the Klingenschmitt plan to the world. says) get sick is because they’re It all started with an announcement sickos. End of study. Thanks, Dr. from the National Institute on Minority Klingenschmitt! Health and Health Disparities (part of Klingenschmitt’s focus on the “behavthe National Institutes of Health) that ior” is interesting, especially since they had formally designated “sexPérez-Stable wrote, “Progress has been ual and gender minorities (SGMs) as made in recent years, with gains in legal a health disparity population for NIH rights and changing social attitudes. research.” However, stigmatization, hate-violence “The term SGM encompasses lesbian, and discrimination are still major barrigay, bisexual and transgender popuers to the health and well-being of SGM lations, as well as those whose sexual populations. Research shows that sexual orientation, gender and gender minorities identity and expreswho live in commusions or reproductive “I always worry a little nities with high levels development varies bit when they say these of anti-SGM prejufrom traditional, dice die sooner — 12 people are undersocietal, cultural or years on average — physiological norms,” served because what than those living in wrote NIMHD more accepting comthat means is they’re Director Eliseo J. munities.” Pérez-Stable, M.D. Huh. It sure does going to start pouring seem “Mounting evilike somedence indicates that out more government one’s behavior SGM populations has something to handouts to people have less access do with it. Maybe to health care and Klingenschmitt who behave a certain higher burdens of should examine his certain diseases, such way. So now they’re own if he’s really as depression, cangoing to get bonus pay so concerned with cer and HIV/AIDS,” LGBTQ lives. to treat the diseases Pérez-Stable continKlingenschmitt ued. “But the extent continues, “I always which they bring on and causes of health worry a little bit due to their behavior.” when they say these disparities are not people are underfully understood, and served because what that means is research on how to close these gaps is they’re going to start pouring out more lacking.” government handouts to people who In other words, the SGM designation behave a certain way. So now they’re is fairly broad, intended to catch people who often fall through the cracks in the going to get bonus pay to treat the dishealth-care system and try to, you know, eases which they bring on due to their stop that from happening. Because a behavior. Your taxpayer dollars at work.” healthy country is a stronger country Take that, taxpayers! Getting sick and everyone deserves access to health to get that sweet bonus pay is the life! care, right? Granted, I haven’t gotten my check yet, Not so, believes Klingenschmitt, an but I’m sure it’ll be huge! I can’t wait! actual elected official in the Colorado (Seriously. I can’t wait. I couldn’t work House of Representatives. During his for nearly a year. Please send the check ASAP along with my Obama phone, Oct. 28 “news” program, he scoffed, thanks.) n “You mean they’re segmenting out, for study, an entire group of people D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and who behave a certain way that has corcomedian living in Michigan with her wife responded now to a decline in their and son. She has been writing about LGBT health? Could it be that their behavior politics for over a decade. Follow her on and their health are connected? The fed- Twitter at @MamaDWitkowski.
OP-ED PGN
Starting the dialogue Like many of you, watching the election someone from this community has to reach returns Tuesday night was a shock to the out to what will be the next presidential system. It did not turn out the way many of administration. us had hoped it would. Some in our commu That should be the Log Cabin Republicans, nity will blame those who didn’t do enough. or other LGBT Republicans who have those Others will say the strategies of the Human connections. They should do it quickly and Rights Campaign, Victory Fund we should not condemn them for or Gill Foundation set us on the doing so. If we do, we are as bad wrong path. as the Republicans who said after Stop right there. This is not the Barack Obama was elected that time for a blame game or to point their first political point was to fingers. It’s time to plan the future make him a one-term president. and do it with the little informaNo. It put them in a position with tion we have. their base, which created a posi Whatever you believe, there is tion that no Republican could something that cannot be denied: “compromise with Democrats.” Donald Trump tapped into someThat led to the stagnation that thing in the electorate, and he Washington became. Do we want knew how to sell it. Here’s what that again? I find to be an amazing point: The point is, we may not like Except in areas like Indiana and it, but Donald Trump has been North Carolina, the LGBT comelected. We get another chance in munity really wasn’t an issue in Mark Segal four years. We can start to put the this race. Or were we? pieces together for that battle, but We didn’t come up very much and while in the meantime there is a country, and a comHillary Clinton made it a point to speak to our munity — many of them — with needs. To community, Trump tried to voice some form paraphrase President Obama, “Don’t just get of support in his own strange way. His stateangry, get active.” ment that he’d allow Caitlyn Jenner to use any The fight for equality goes on, maybe even bathroom she wanted at Trump Tower cerstronger. n tainly was eye-opening. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most Our community’s issues are like almost award-winning commentator in LGBT media. You every other community’s: We really do not can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ know what Trump stands for and how he MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter.com/ will deal with our concerns. The point is that
Mark My Words
PhilaGayNews.
Transmissions
Gwendolyn Ann Smith
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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Street Talk Should the U.S. government pay reparations to LGBT people jailed due to anti-sodomy laws? "Absolutely. There should be reparations for LGBTs, blacks — all people who were systematically oppressed Benjamin and denied Deadwyler their rights server by the United Bella Vista States government. My heart goes out to them. They suffered needless indignity. Reparations are necessary."
"Yes, of course. That never should have happened, ever. It was completely unnecessary and outrageous Meghan Gerry that they dance instructor were jailed Queen Village in the first place. If there's something we can do that makes them whole again, then it has my full support."
"If they can prove loss of income due to their incarceration, sure. Why not? But as for pain and suffering, how would Patrick Hogan you quantify pharmaceutical that on a sales rep large scale? I Pennsport don't see that as being a practical option."
"Yes. I feel terrible that they would be in that position. They have my utmost sympathy. The federal government Caroline Oddo definitely tour guide should try to Queen Village remedy the injustice that took place. I say go for it."
Make the change A transgender woman, distraught with her life, walked out onto a U.S. highway to take her life. She was struck by a truck and killed. She left behind a suicide note. You may have immediately thought of Leelah Alcorn, who did this very same thing at the end of 2014. Alcorn, as you may recall, was raised in a strict, conservative Christian household, and had been sent to a conversion-therapy program. Later, her parents removed her from school and restricted her social-media contact. She committed suicide on Interstate 71, after leaving an impassioned note. “My death needs to mean something,” Alcorn wrote. “My death needs to be counted in the number of transgender people who commit suicide this year. I want someone to look at that number and say ‘That’s fucked up’ and fix it. Fix society. Please.” But my first paragraph was not about Alcorn, but Ashley Hallstrom. She took her life in mid-October, stepping in front of a dump truck on Interstate 89/91. She too left a letter that echoed Alcorn’s note.
“I believe my last words can help make the change that society needs to make so that one day there will be no others like me,” Hallstrom wrote. “Please help make this change because trans people are everywhere. You may never know who you’re hurting until it’s too late. Please help fix society.” Hallstrom is not the only transgender suicide in recent days. Gabriel Tinto was found dead a few days after she complained to her school about bullying around her gender identity. Cristan Williams also reported on her eponymous blog of two others, Viv and Sarah, who also took their lives in the last week or so. Last month, 14-year-old Kyler Prescott took his life after staff at a clinic repeatedly misgendered him while he was seeking care. The National Transgender Discrimination Survey, conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and National Center for Transgender Equality, showed that 41 percent of transgender people attempt to take their own lives. In comparison, the national average stands
at 4.6 percent, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The NTDS showed that those who faced discrimination in other areas were even more likely to commit suicide, but that has not stopped right-wing and anti-trans commentators from claiming that being transgender itself is what causes this high rate — implying that it is, therefore, better to ignore transgender identities overall. That is nonsense, and one need look no further than those listed above. Not one blamed their own transgender identity for their taking their own lives, but rather they blamed the society around them and the myriad of things that harmed them, hurt them and kept them down. We live in a society that is seeing positive steps for transgender people, including some incredible, Obama-era policies that benefit transgender people, as well as an overall increase in positive visibility for transgender people. At the same time, we’re seeing a huge backlash that is eroding these same rights, and is creating quite a lot of negativity towards transgender peo-
ple overall. While we have sterling role models like Laverne Cox, we also have the proponents of bills like North Carolina’s House Bill 2 that are painting transwomen as male sexual deviants out to harm other women in restrooms. All this scaremongering is not only harming us directly, but is contributing to an environment toxic to trans people overall. All of this toxicity has contributed to at least 23 anti-trans murders just in 2016 so far, topping last year’s record number of murders of transgender people. Violence against us is rampant, as are other forms of discrimination. Meanwhile, we have a president-elect who, among other things, said in his campaign that he would roll back the many protections we have gained in the last eight years, and install Supreme Court justices who will further erode trans rights. I look at all we have to face in this society and, much like Hallstrom or Alcorn, I find myself wondering how we can even PAGE 12 survive — let alone
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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Among these issues that Zinman supports are marriage equality and nondiscrimination for LGBT people. “Supporting a ticket where I know there’s a chance that they do support equal protections for LGBT people is very important for me and my community,” said Zinman, who serves on the LGBT Elder Initiative. Gregory Walker, vice chair of the Democratic Party in the Fifth Ward, Ninth Division, helped out at the polls at William Way LGBT Community Center and at The Church of St. Luke & the Epiphany. He compared the enthusiasm at the polls to the 2008 presidential election where Obama won the presidency. “The hype is up. The volume
operating officer at William Way, also recalled the 2008 election. She remembered taking the trolley home and seeing people with burning sticks of incense and drums to celebrate. “It was a magical moment,” Thompson said. “People were just celebrating in the street that we had the first AfricanAmerican president. I don’t know if the vibe is the same for the first woman president but I hope we have another one of those moments.” Though Donald Trump ultimately won the electoral-college vote, as of presstime Clinton won the popular vote, including 82 percent of Philadelphia. Thompson had the opportunity to observe that enthusiasm firsthand while walking to a trolley
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THOMPSON (FROM LEFT), WALKER AND ZINMAN. Photos: Scott A. Drake
is up. We are excited,” Walker said. “We have a ton of people here who are interested in casting their vote and obviously, this candidate, like the other candidates in the Democratic Party, are an inclusive group — an inclusive party. We’re really pleased to have so many people from this community here today to vote.” Candice Thompson, the chief
stop in West Philadelphia with her girlfriend. “We saw a number of friends at their own polling places. They [screamed, ‘Hey’] across the street. One of our [other] friends was driving down 52nd Street and stopped the car and honked and was hanging out the window pointing to their Hillary button. That’s just funny and delightful.” n
TRANSMISSIONS from page 11
thrive in such a world. Should any of us be surprised when Hallstrom or Viv or Sarah or so many others take their lives? One of my personal heroes is Harvey Milk. Like him, I believe in giving people hope. Hope is what keeps me fighting, even in my darkest times. We’ve got to have hope, but it’s getting damn hard in 2016 to keep that hope burning. I find I can’t fault those who have felt the need to check out early. So how do things “get better,” and how do we fix this society? In the wake of all this horribleness directed at trans people — as well as the rampant racism, sexism, xenophobia and such currently polluting the air — is it even possible to make it better? How do we improve this world, in the wake of all this anti-trans bias and hatred? How do we push back? It’s the hippie in me: I want a world that will embrace us as just another wonderful part of human diversity, and will allow us the space and freedom to be all we can be. I want the trans movement to be a movement of joy, of laughter and of music. I want this to be a harmony of voices, as my friend Lauren Wilson said more than two decades ago. She said that just months before taking her life, for all the same reasons as Alcorn and Hallstrom. Are we resigned for yet more trans people taking their own lonely walk out onto the highways — or will we fix this world? n Gwen Smith thinks it’s time for a change. You can find her at www. gwensmith.com.
LOCAL PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM: Enthusiasm for Hillary Clinton was high throughout the Gayborhood the past few days, before her crushing loss to Donald Trump. Over the weekend, actor Debra Messing (middle right) of “Will & Grace� joined Gov. Ed Rendell and other Democrats for a Gayborhood bar crawl, while scenes of Clinton excitement were played out at local bars and at a massive election-eve rally, whose line stretched miles through Old City and into South Philadelphia. On Election Day, voting lines were long at William Way LGBT Community Center (top left) and The Church of Saint Luke & The Epiphany (bottom right). Clinton ended up winning about 82 percent of the vote in Philadelphia. Ward information for Center City was not available by presstime. Photos: Scott A. Drake
FINANCES PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
Take the emotion out of investing with dollar-cost averaging Q: I recently inherited some money and would like to use it as a long-term investment, but I’m not sure when the right time would be to invest the money. I guess I’m worried that I might put all the money into the stock market at the wrong time. A: Thanks for this question. With the stock market being priced so high right now, I can understand why you may be unsure if now is the best time to invest. One approach that may help you feel more comfortable would be to consider Dollar-Cost Averaging as a strategy. Here’s what you need to know: One of the best ways to take emotion out of investing is to create a plan and stick with it. One way to do that is through a systematic investment plan called dollar-cost averaging (DCA).1 Dollar-cost averaging is a process that allows investors to slowly feed set amounts of money into the market at regular intervals.
“habit” helps encourage a long-term perspective, which can be soothing for people who might otherwise avoid the short-term volatility of the riskier, but potentially more profitable, investments such as stocks.2 And last, DCA may help you make savvy investment decisions if you stick with it. For instance, if your investment rises by 10 percent, you will likely post gains because of the shares you’ve accrued over time. But if your shares decline by the same amount, take comfort in knowing that your next investment will purchase more shares at a lower price per share. Lump-sum investing versus DCA
Although investing a regular amount each month may be a sound way to develop a regular investing habit, some experts say that it may not be the best way to manage a lump sum of money, such as a 401(k) distribution, a bonus or an inheritance. As an example, consider the following situation: Dollar-cost averaging: An example Jeremy If you are 65 years old and you receive a $300,000 401(k) distribution and immediately reinvest the entire As a long-term strategy, one potential benefit of Gussick sum, can you afford to take a chance that the marusing DCA is that it can help ensure that your money ket will drop shortly thereafter? If there’s a sustained purchases more shares when prices are low and fewer market decline, you might be left with a nest egg that is someshares when prices are high. Over time, the result could be that what smaller than you had originally planned on. Over time, you the average cost for the shares may be less than the average might recover your investment, but you have to weigh the conseshare price. quences of a potential loss before choosing lump-sum investing Consider the hypothetical example below, which assumes over DCA. Also, remember lump-sum investing the money does you invest $50 per month in an investment for 12 consecutive months, and every month the share price fluctuates a bit. You can not earn anything if it is not invested in the market. see that your $600 total would have bought you 42.5 shares. The Regular investing makes sense average price per share, as calculated by adding up the monthly prices and dividing by 12, would have been $14.25. However, As a long-term strategy, you may find DCA allows you to feel the average cost, as calculated by dividing the total amount more comfortable during uncertain markets than the lump-sum invested by the number of shares, would have been $14.12 per investing approach because it eliminates much of the guesswork share. Over the years, this method could potentially save you a — and emotion — associated with investing. In addition, DCA lot of money. can help investors take advantage of the market’s short-term price fluctuations in a systematic way — by automatically buying more shares when prices drop and fewer shares when prices rise. n
needs your input!
Out Money
1Dollar-cost averaging involves regular, periodic investments in securities regardless of price levels. You should consider your financial ability to continue purchasing shares through periods of high and low prices. This plan does not ensure a profit and does not protect against loss in any markets. 2Investing in stocks involves risks, including loss of principal. Jeremy R. Gussick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional affiliated with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning and retirement income needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2015 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager as mentioned in Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including DVLF and the Independence Business Alliance, the Philadelphia region’s LGBT chamber of commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via email at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Source: DST Systems, Inc. This example is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Some quantities are rounded. Your results will vary.
Other long-term benefits of DCA In addition, DCA can potentially offer the psychological comfort of easing into the market gradually instead of plunging in all at once. Although DCA does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets, its systematic investing
*As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2016, based on total revenues. **Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2015 Five Star Wealth Managers The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Oct. 24-30. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Crime Analyst Officer Robert Savino. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215686-TIPS. INCIDENTS — At 1 a.m. Oct. 24, a woman heard a noise inside her apartment in the 200 block of South 13th Street. When she went to investigate, she observed a woman fleeing her apartment with her laptop. A security person for the building chased the suspect to Broad and Walnut streets, where where she got into a cab. Central Detectives is investigating. The woman was described as Hispanic, in her late 20s, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, with black shoulder-length hair, glasses and wearing a black jacket and black jeans. — At 3:10 a.m. Oct. 24, a man was approached by two men, described only as black, in the 1100 block of Locust Street, one of whom pointed a gun at his head and stole the victim’s iPhone 7 and wallet.
— At 12:06 a.m. Oct. 27, the owner of Happily Ever After located at 1010 Pine St, was alerted that his alarm system was activated. An unknown person had pried open the front door and stolen money from the cash register. — There was one theft from a parked vehicle reported Oct. 24-30: in the 300 block of South 10th Street. — There was one theft of a bicycle reported Oct. 24-30: outside 201 S. Broad St. SUMMARY ARRESTS: — At 4:19 p.m. Oct. 24, police issued a summary citation to a 16-year-old female for fare evasion in the 1100 block of Market Street. — At 6:15 p.m. Oct. 24, police issued a summary citation to a 61-year-old man for drinking from an open container of alcohol outside 201 S. Broad St. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS: — At 4:30 a.m. Oct. 25, Sixth District Officers Dilworth and Coupas arrested a 27-year-old man for theft of a bicy-
cle outside the Wawa at 201 S. Broad St. — At 1:30 p.m. Oct. 26, SEPTA officers arrested a 23-year-old woman for assault on police, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct at 1234 Market St. — At 2:34 p.m. Oct. 26, police arrested a 40-year-old man for attempting to cash bad checks inside the Citizens Bank at 1234 Market St. — At 10:04 a.m. Oct. 28, Sixth District Officers Wenger and Seifert arrested a 25-year-old man for the theft of a cell phone in the 1200 block of Pine Street. — At 1 a.m. Oct. 29, Sixth District Officers Ferrero and Keenan arrested a 54-year-old man for selling marijuana in the 1300 block of Walnut Street. — At 5:42 a.m. Oct. 29, Sixth District Officers Witherspoon and Grier arrested a 52-year-old man in the 1300 block of Chancellor Street who was wanted on a warrant for a probation violation. — At 9:35 a.m. Oct. 29, Sixth District Officer McBaine arrested a 24-year-old man for aggravated assault after the man allegedly pointed a knife at another man and threatened to stab him inside Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 132 S. 10th St. n
News Briefing No anti-trans hate crimes reported by police this year
EXPIRES 8/31/16
The Philadelphia Police Department hasn’t reported any anti-trans hate crimes so far this year, but it has reported one antigay hate crime. The only anti-trans hate crime ever reported by Philadelphia police occurred in July 2015, according to the Pennsylvania State Police website. Some LGBT advocates urged police to report the killing of trans woman Keisha Jenkins in October 2015 as a hate crime. But police say there’s no evidence Jenkins was targeted due to her gender identity. Pedro Redding, a suspect in the Jenkins case, is scheduled to go on trial next year, while other suspects remain at large.
Trans-inclusion conference scheduled A trans-inclusion conference entitled “Kindness Counts: Moving Beyond the Gender Boxes” will take place this weekend at an Elkins Park synagogue.
PGN’s World AIDS Day special edition will be Dec. 2
The conference’s focus will be inclusion of trans and non-binary Jews and allies in synagogue communities. Numerous workshops will be offered, adding to “a rich day of learning and dialogue about inclusion,” according to a news release. The event is presented by Congregation Kol Ami and J. Proud Jewish Philly LGBTQ Consortium. It will take place 1-5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Congregation Kol Ami, 8201 High School Road in Elkins Park. Registration fees will vary according to age. “Nobody will be turned away,” said Phoenix Schneider, a conference co-chair. Go to https://kindnesscountsconference. eventbrite.com for more information and to preregister. — Timothy Cwiek
PGMC kicks off holiday season Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will stage its annual Gayborhood bar crawl this weekend. Starting at 8 p.m. Nov. 11, PGMC members will perform and organize games and contests at Destination Dogs, Boxers PHL, Tabu and Tavern on Camac. A $20 PGMC wristband gets supporters discounted Angry Orchard specials at all the participating bars as well as $5 off PGMC’s holiday concert next month. Proceeds from the wristband sales benefit PGMC. For more information, visit www.pgmc.org. n — Jen Colletta
PGN
International Romania: political dispute over anti-gay-marriage referendum The leader of Romania’s biggest party has asked two colleagues to withdraw a bill calling for an anti-gay-marriage referendum to be organized on the same day as parliamentary elections. Two Social Democratic Party senators submitted a draft bill to the Senate Nov. 3, calling for a referendum on changing the constitution to specify that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. The initiative is backed by a petition signed by almost 3-million people who fear Romania may legalize same-sex marriage. Liviu Dragnea, chairman of the Social Democrats, said Nov. 4 the two issues should not be mixed. If Parliament approves the bill in two weeks, there will be a referendum on Dec. 11, together with parliamentary elections. The current constitution says marriage is an act between spouses.
African nations seek to get rid of first U.N. LGBT expert African nations are seeking to initially suspend and then get rid of the first U.N. independent expert charged with investigating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Botswana’s U.N. Ambassador Charles Ntwaagae said Nov. 4 that African nations want the General Assembly to delay consideration of a Human Rights Council resolution adopted on June 30 that authorized the appointment of an expert to monitor LGBT rights in order to discuss “the legality of the creation of this mandate.” Ntwaagae told the 193-member world body that a General Assembly resolution introduced by African nations seeking a delay also calls for suspending the activities of the first expert, Vitit Muntarbhorn of Thailand, who was appointed on Sept. 30, pending a determination of the legality of the original resolution. The Human Rights Council resolution establishing the LGBT expert was adopted by a vote of 23-18 with six abstentions, reflecting the deep divisions internationally on gay rights. The U.N. has worked to improve the rights of the LGBT community in recent years but has repeatedly run into opposition from some member states, especially countries in the Middle East and
Africa as well as China and Russia. According to a U.N. human-rights report last year, at least 76 countries retain laws used to criminalize and harass people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, including laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships among adults. Ntwaagae said African nations “are alarmed” that the Human Rights Council is delving into national matters and attempting to focus on people “on the grounds of their sexual interests and behaviors, while ignoring that intolerance and discrimination regrettably exist in various parts of the world, be it on the basis of color, race, sex or religion, to mention only a few.” African nations are also concerned that sexual orientation and gender identity are being given attention “to the detriment of issues of paramount importance such as the right to development and the racism agenda,” he said. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Sarah Mendelson expressed deep concern about the African resolution, telling the assembly that the Human Rights Council has approved numerous resolutions on people experiencing violence and discrimination, including those belonging to minority groups.
Trans Muslim woman killed days after her wedding A Muslim transgender woman was killed in Russia three days after marrying her husband this week. Raina Aliev was left virtually unrecognizable, as her body was hacked into pieces. The incident allegedly took place after Aliev’s father, Alimshaikh Aliev, called for his daughter’s execution on a Russian TV station. “Let him be killed, I don’t want to see him,” Alimshaikh said. “Bring him here and kill him in front of my eyes.” A Dagestan mufti, a legal expert who interprets Muslim law, told Russian media that being transgender is banned in Islam: “Changing sex is totally forbidden, because it means that a man will be a woman,” they said. The exact motivation and cause behind Aliev’s death is still under investigation. Aliev’s family resides in Russia and after finishing her education, she moved to Moscow where she met her husband, Viktor. A neighbor of the deceased said the father has issued a “purman,” an invite for people to kill his child, after finding out she would be marrying Viktor, who embraced her trans identity. She worked in the nightlife industry and met her husband in KarachaevoCherkessiya, a primarily Muslim region in Russia. n — compiled by Larry Nichols
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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locations outside Pennsylvania DELAWARE Rehoboth Beach • Canal Side Inn, 34 Sixth St. • Proud Bookstore, 149 Rehoboth Ave. • Rigby’s Bar & Grill, 404 Rehoboth Ave. • Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave. • Wilmington • AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St. • Crimson Moon, 1909 S. Sixth St. •
NEW JERSEY Asbury Park • Georgie’s, 812 Fifth Ave. • Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave. • Atlantic City • Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way • Oasis, 32 S. Tennessee Ave. • Ocean House, 127 S. Ocean Ave. • Rainbow Room, 30 S. Florida Ave.• Ritz Condo lobby, 2715 Boardwalk • South Jersey AIDS Alliance. 10 Gordon’s Alley • Bordentown • Shoppe 202, 202 Farnsworth Ave. • Brigantine • Laguna Grill, 1400 Ocean Ave. • Camden • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Cherry Hill • The Bagel Spot, 600 N. Kings Hwy. • Collingswood • Honor Box, PATCO Collingswood Station • Groove Ground, Haddon Ave. • Egg Harbour City • Red Barn Books, 1204 White Horse Pike • Egg Harbour Twp. • Atlanticare, 6550 Delilah Ave. • Galloway • Pride Alliance Stockton College, 101 Vera King Farris Dr. suite 240 • Gloucester City • Red Barn Books, 600 Rt. 130 South • Haddonfield • Honor Box, PATCO Haddonfield Station, PATCO Woodcrest Station • Hammonton Club Revolution, 19 N. Egg Harbor Rd. • Highland Park • Pride Center of NJ, 85 Raritan Ave. • Lambertville • Buck’s Ice Cream, 25 Bridge St. • St. Andrews Church, 50 York St. Lebanon • LGBT of Hunterdon Co., 126 Petticoat Lane • Lindenwold • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station East • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station West • Mountainside • Rivendell Media, 1248 Rt. 22 West • Oaklyn • Sacred Green Earth, 511 Whitehorse Pike • Princeton • LGBT Center, Princeton University, 246 First Campus Center • Vineland • J&J News, 729 N. Main St. • West Berlin • Red Barn Books, 597 Route 73 North • West Cape May • Gables of Cape May, 600 Park Blcd. • Westmont • Honor Box, PATCO Westmont Station •
NEW YORK Blooming Grove • Help Inc., 48 Sylvan Trail • New York City • Lesbian and Gay Services Center, 208 W. 13th St.
honor box locations 2nd & Chestnut sts. • 2nd & Walnut sts. • 3rd & Chestnut sts. • 3rd & Market sts. • 3rd & Spruce sts. • 4th & Bainbridge sts. • 4th & Chestnut sts. • 4th St. bet. Arch & Market sts., by Holiday Inn • 5th & Spring Garden sts. • 5th & Spruce sts. • 6th St. & Washington Square West • 7th & Pine sts. • 8th & Market sts. • 8th & South sts. • 8th & Walnut sts. • 9th & Market sts. • 9th & Pine sts. • 10th & Market sts. • 10th & Pine sts. • 10th & South sts. • 10th & Spruce sts.• 10th & Reed sts. • 11th & Arch sts. • 11th & Locust sts. • 11th & Pine sts. • 11th & Walnut sts. • 12th & Filbert sts. • 12th & Locust sts. • 12th & Manning sts. •12th & Spruce sts. • 12th & Walnut sts. • 13th & Arch sts. • 13th & Chestnut sts. • 13th & Locust sts. • 13th & Pine sts. • 13th & Sansom sts. • 13th & Spruce sts. • 13th & Walnut sts. •15th & Spruce sts. • 16th St. & JFK Boulevard • 16th & Market sts. • 17th & Lombard sts. • 17th & Pine sts. • 17th & Spruce sts. • 18th St. & JFK Boulevard • 18th & Locust sts. • 18th & Market sts. • 19th & South sts. • 20th & Fitzwater sts. • 20th & Locust sts. • 20th & Pine sts. • 20th & Sansom sts. • 20th & Vine sts. • 21st & Walnut sts. • 22nd & Chestnut sts. • 22nd & Market sts. • 22nd & South sts. • 22nd & Walnut sts. • 23rd St. & Fairmount Avenue • 27th & Poplar sts. • 28th & Girard sts.• 29th & Girard sts. • 30th & Market sts. • 34th & Spruce sts. • 34th & Walnut sts. • 36th & Walnut sts. • 37th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Chestnut sts. • 38th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Spruce sts. • 63rd St. & City Ave. • 69th St. SEPTA station • 505 S. Fourth St. • Broad & Chestnut sts. • Broad & Ellsworth sts. • Broad & Race sts. • Broad & Spruce sts. • Broad & Walnut sts. • Front & Girard sts. • Germantown & Girard sts. • Juniper & Market sts. • Main & Cotton sts. • Main & Levering sts. • Passyunk Ave & 10th & Reed sts. • Passyunk & Mifflin sts. • University City SEPTA Station • Walnut & Dock sts., by Ritz Movies • Welsh Road & Roosevelt Boulevard • Wyndmoor SEPTA Station •
All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at
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News Always Sometimes Rarely Never Opinion Always Sometimes Rarely Never Arts Always Sometimes Rarely Never Event Listings Always Sometimes Rarely Never Please rank how important you find the following news categories. Community news National politics (updates on changes at LGBT organizations, Very important information on comSomewhat important munity events, etc.) Neutral Somewhat unimportant Very important Not important Somewhat important Neutral Human-interest stoSomewhat unimportant ries (features or proNot important files on local LGBT people or businesses) Legislative news (updates on LGBTVery important rights policies at the city Somewhat important and state levels) Neutral Somewhat unimportant Very important Not important Somewhat important Neutral Non-LGBT-specific Somewhat unimportant local news (updates Not important on citywide initiatives, such as the Court news (updates recent soda tax) on civil or criminal cases involving LGBT Very important defendants or LGBT Somewhat important victims, such as Neutral discrimination Somewhat unimportant complaints) Not important Very important Somewhat important Neutral Somewhat unimportant Not important
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newspaper. As an added incentive, we will offer readers who share their email addresses a chance to win a $100 Visa
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gift card.
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Please rank how important the following issues are to you in the context of the LGBT community: Support for youth
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AC ul t ure rts
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Groom
Out filmmaker talks new indie rom-com By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
Wedding-day jitters and a friendship-jeopardizing crush are at the heart of a new indie-romantic comedy. “Don’t Marry Griff” is the latest independent film by Color of Love Production Studios, an award-winning production company that specializes in creating stories about LGBTQ communities of color. The film tells the story of Lyodell and his best friend Sutton, whose friendship is tested when Sutton confesses his love to Lyodell — just as the latter is about to wed his fiancé, Griffith. Color of Love founder Steven L. Coard wrote and produced the film and stars as Lyodell. He said he never intended to be in front of the camera for this film. “Originally, I wasn’t going to play the role,” he said. “I had another actor but he quit on me two weeks before. I couldn’t take the risk of finding someone after I spent all that time working with the other actors. So I put my acting abilities back t o
work and I played the role.” Coard said he has a personal connection to the story, as one of the characters is based on some of his life experiences. “Griff is molded after my younger self,” he said. “I was in a relationship and I was a little bit of a hothead at the time. This was before I really became an adult and learned to get my emotions under control. I had a disagreement with my partner and I just kind of lunged at him. From that moment, I had a wake-up call that I need to put that in check. So that’s why it was important for me to bring Griff to life because there are people that have emotional issues.” Coard said writing that less-flattering side of his past into the script wasn’t challenging — but s e e ing it brought to life was. “It was easy writing it,” he said. “As far a s
the filming, I kind of got emotional a couple times because I saw an actor playing me when I was younger. It’s really weird to see yourself the way you used to behave. Just to see it in real time is an eye-opener.” As a filmmaker, Coard said he wants to put his own stylistic stamp on the kinds of films created by and featuring gay characters of color. “My style of producing and directing is very different,” he said. “I’m a big fan of Robert
Townsend and Christopher Guest. I’ve always wanted to create films in that mockumentary style. I feel my films are different because my characters actually sit there and talk to you in real time and you get the other side of their story. I want my audience to be connected with them. I also try to take a serious issue and play it over the top because I want to get that laughter in there. I don’t want to force it because a lot of time you take a serious issue and you put it in someone’s face and they are not really welcoming to it. I never wanted to be like anybody else. I don’t want to tell my stories like anybody else. I want to bring my own comedic twist. I don’t write my scripts in the traditional format. I write it the way that I want the actors to really get inside the head of the characters — as opposed to you’re getting the script and you have to pretend you’re this character. I definitely want to shake PAGE 24
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things up. I want to make it entertaining and engaging at the same time.” Coard added that the success and critical acclaim of movies like “Moonlight” and “Pariah,” which feature prominent LGBT characters of color who break the mold of stereotypes, suggests that the audience for a film like his is growing. “You have these stories that need to be told. We as gay individuals, we all have a story and I love going and seeing black stories with gay characters who I can identify with who are well-rounded and not your typical coming-out or ‘I’m on the DL [down low]’ characters,” Coard said. “I love stories that give that empowerment, not to just young black gay men, but to older ones too. Now is the time. Right now we see a lot that is changing. Watching shows like ‘Empire’ where you have a gay character who is black and isn’t put there for comedy relief … He has his funny moments. We’re seeing characters like this pop up, even when we had ‘Noah’s Arc.’
We’re not all just here to be the butt end of a joke or the overly flamboyant type of guy.” After “Don’t Marry Griff,” Coard will focus on the February release of “Raye,” about a struggling model who moves to New York City. “You see his rise to the top and you’ll see if he continues to keep his balance or if things take him down,” he said. “It’s a fun project.” He added that he hopes Color of Love Production Studios will attract other likeminded writers and filmmakers. “Right now I’m just solely focused on my projects,” he said. “I’m open to young writers and filmmakers, and collaborating because I believe, as Hillary [Clinton] is saying, ‘We’re stronger together.’ If I have the talent that is submitting to me, I will give it my attention. I’m open.” n “Don’t Marry Griff” will be released nationally Nov. 18. For more information, visit https://colorofloveproduction.com.
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DECEMBE R
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
Maestro Michael Krajewski conducts an all-new spectacular lineup of exciting musical arrangements, featuring over 300 remarkable musicians and singers, including the amazing 65-piece POPS
Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center
Michael Krajewski, conductor
The Philly POPS Festival Chorus
Tony DeSare, vocalist and piano
Philadelphia Boys Choir
Peter Richard Conte, organist
African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir
orchestra, internationally acclaimed pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare, organist Peter Richard Conte, and three choirs including the POPS Festival Chorus. This festive 10-show series is full of heartwarming surprises sure to delight your entire family! It just wouldn’t be Christmas in Philadelphia without this most treasured holiday musical tradition. Highlights include Let It Snow, Silver Bells, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and A Merry Christmas sing-along.
“A PHILLY POPS CHRISTMAS” ALBUM IS NOW AVAILABLE ON ITUNES!
GROUP RATES FOR 10 OR MORE PERSONS CALL: 215.546.3207 or GROUPS@PHILLYPOPS.ORG
Tickets: 215.893.1999 or PHILLYPOPS.ORG/XMAS
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
Enter to Win An American Airlines Paris Getaway at
KIMMELCENTER.ORG/PARIS
—The Wall Street Journal
He’s checking his list. Are you on it? PGN gift guides, holiday entertainment and survival tips will be online and in print for two special issues on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS MUSIC AND LYRICS BY
GEORGE GERSHWIN AND IRA GERSHWIN BOOK BY
CRAIG LUCAS DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY
CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON
NOV 22–27, 2016
KIMMELCENTER.ORG BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization.
PROUD SEASON SPONSOR
@KIMMELCENTER #BWYPHL
OFFICIAL AIRLINE
Advertisers, contact greg@epgn.com to be included in either or both of these issues.
PROFILE PGN
Family Portrait
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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Suzi Nash
Nefartari Sloan: Bringing the birds and the bees into Philly schools “Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know.” — Daniel J. Boorstin Love may be personal but learning “how to love” is a subject this week’s profile Nefartari Sloan knows something about. Sloan joined the education team at Mazzoni Center in January and, as part of a special in-school program, has been teaching the kids of Philadelphia about topics like consent, body positivity, sex and tech, sexual and gender identity, STD prevention and bullying. NS: Hey, I just found out that you interviewed one of my coworkers, Tasha Wirth, a while back. PGN: Oh yeah, with the Penn Jersey Roller Derby team. She went by the name Mar’ge Equality. She was fun. Do you derby too? NS: No, no, I don’t do anything remotely athletic. I’m not a sports fan: too dangerous and exerting for me. I support all forms of activity if someone is so inclined, it’s just not my lifestyle choice. PGN: So you’re the proverbial athletic supporter. NS: [Laughs] Yes!
if I was a regular teacher, but not when I’m there just for a class or two. [Laughs] I do have to check myself often. But I digress … I wanted to get into publishing. It’s a dying art now but I had a few interviews in New York with Simon & Shuster. Then I got to talk with some editors and I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted to do at all. It entails a lot of time alone and I’m a very social person; they have deadlines that they have to beat for books they might not enjoy and it becomes more of a chore than about the pleasure of reading. So I decided to just read my books on my own and find something else to do. I picked up an LGBT minor in the hopes of going to law school and took a class about detention centers for undocumented immigrants. I found that a lot of trans immigrants were being abused in the centers so I wanted to become an advocate for them. I took my LSAT and was all ready and life threw another curveball. I found I didn’t have the temperament for the competitive law-school environment. I was not going to steal books from the library so that others couldn’t study and do better than me. It wasn’t the type of battle I was ready or willing to fight. Then I got hired by Mazzoni, and it’s fantastic.
PGN: What made you choose to study English? NS: I loved books. I loved reading. I was a little bit of a grammar nazi in high school but I’m trying to step away from that.
PGN: What is it that you do with Mazzoni? NS: I’m a community health educator and my job is essentially to go to high schools and middle schools around Philadelphia and teach a program that we call “How to Love.” It’s basically sex-ed for youth 13-24. It covers a bunch of different topics in our healthy sexuality series such as anatomy, knowing their bodies, healthy relationships, reproduction and birth control, information on STDs, you name it. I essentially go into schools as a guest during a health period or social-studies class and do an hour-long presentation. Depending on the school, I may do all 10 sessions or just a few to focus on one particular area. I like when we’re able to do multiple programs so I can build a rapport with the kids. That way they feel comfortable about asking me questions as we get into it. It enables them to feel better about coming to me with any questions or problems they might have. I’m on several different platforms of social media like Instagram and Twitter so that they can reach me if they want. If you want to communicate with younger people, you have to meet them where they are.
PGN: Please don’t! We need more of that; too many of our kids don’t know basic grammar! NS: Yes, but I’ve learned that everyone is just not going to have the same verbal and vocabulary experience that you have, so it’s like, OK, I’m not going to yell at someone for not properly using a conjunction instead of trying to understand where they’re coming from. It might be different
PGN: What are some of the myths that kids have about sex that you have to debunk? NS: It’s very interesting because I go into schools and have situations that are varied: There may be students who have never engaged in sex at all to kids who are much more further along than their peers may be aware of. Most of the misconceptions are typical, things they hear from each other and pass on, that you can’t get pregnant
PGN: Your bio states “Born in Atlanta, Georgia, raised in Philadelphia, and a gleaming product of Bucks County Children & Youth Services.” I understand that you were an English major, so I’ll use my big word for you: Elucidate. NS: Sure! I didn’t spend much time in Georgia; I moved when I was about 4 and spent most of my youth in the Philadelphia area. My mother died of breast cancer when I was 4 and I ended up in what’s called Kinship Care: DHS’s first choice if you’re entering the system. They want to keep you as close to the family as possible. So, I stayed with my grandmother, I stayed with a couple of aunts and uncles and when that didn’t really work out, I got transferred into the foster-care system. I was in different youth shelters, group homes, foster homes, so on and so forth most of my life.
from having sex the first time or that you won’t get an STD from going to a tattoo party and sharing instruments. But I think the most jarring question I got was from a seventh-grade class. One of the students asked, “Why are women so afraid of getting pregnant when they can just get an abortion?” It was clear that there was someone in this child’s life who used it as a method of addressing a pregnancy and I had to go into the depth and difficulty that an abortion takes and the controversies around it. It wasn’t my place to say whether it was wrong or right but it was important to make them aware that it’s not an easy thing to do or choice to make. It’s very eye-opening. Another thing that happens is when they don’t realize that they’re using derogatory terms. Like when talking about sexual orientation and they’ll casually use “faggot” and “dyke” and I have to pause and say, “Hey guys, just so you know, this is not really a term that’s OK for you to use if you’re not a part of the community. Some people may identify that way themselves,
but it’s not OK for you to use.” But then I’ll use a word like “homosexual” and they’ll tell me that that’s a mean thing to say about a person. So it’s funny, culturally there are certain words they hear often so they think it’s OK, and often they don’t even mean to be offensive. PGN: It must be interesting talking to kids about such sensitive topics. Kids tend to deal with uncomfortable subjects through humor so I imagine there’s a lot of giggling.
NS: Yes, and that’s normal. I certainly don’t remember having someone talk to me about sex in school. There’s nothing mandatory in the state of Pennsylvania or nationwide, and there’s nothing to ensure that we’re medically accurate or inclusive of LGBT information. This program is unique. I don’t think anyone else in the city does it. A hard part is trying to make schools realize this program is for everyone, not just the LGBT students. There are times when I show up and the school nurse will have picked out kids she thinks are lesbian or gay or different and stuck them in a room and I have to explain that’s not the way it works. I’m there to talk to everyone. Or they think I’m there to set up a GSA and I’m like, “Nope, I’m happy to refer someone to do that but this is a presentation to help educate and create an inclusive environment for everyone.” PGN: What’s the most challenging question you’ve been asked? NS: Not a question but I had a student with a learning disability. She had a [teaching assistant] with her and was the only one who raised her hand with a question, which I appreciated. Her question was, “Why is sex so painful?” It was really jarring and my first instinct was to think that she was being taken advantage of, when the reality was that it was wrong to assume that certain people, just because they had handicaps, shouldn’t be seen as sexual beings. But of course what runs through your head is, OK, is this person able to consent? Are they a minor? Do I need to investigate this further? Am I feeling uncomfortable talking about it with this person because of my own personal biases? It’s a difficult thing to negotiate. PGN: I’m sure. So, when you’re not talking to the kids, what do you do? NS: I actually have a second job as a food runner at Morimoto’s. It’s a great gig but I end up working about 65-70 hours a week between the two. So in my time off, sleeping is a great hobby. I like to run so I’m training to do a 5k. And I like going out, being in the thick of things. The Gayborhood’s a fun place to be. Because of my history as a foster kid, I find my support is from my friend groups. PGN: Tell me more about your experience as a foster kid. PAGE 34
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
Doc tells personal, national ‘journey’ to marriage equality By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Even though marriage equality has been a nationwide right for nearly 18 months, “The Freedom to Marry” is a cogent, inspirational documentary about the historic fight for same-sex marriage. The film will screen 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Edward Rosenstein’s uplifting (and even tear-inducing) doc shows how Evan Wolfson, founder and president of the advocacy group Freedom to Marry, helped shape and change public opinion on the issue. His colleague, Marc Solomon, is also seen strategizing on how to engage people in a positive discussion of why same-sex marriage matters. In addition, Rosenstein chronicles the heroic efforts of Mary Bonauto, who argues the case in front of the Supreme Court, as well as April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, a Michigan couple seeking marriage equality in part to protect their adopted children. In a recent phone interview, the filmmaker, a straight ally, spoke with PGN about his stirring documentary. PGN: What prompted you to make “Freedom to Marry?” ER: There’s never one definitive reason. One of the things that lead me to do this is that I grew up with Evan Wolfson. Our families are close friends. So when the Supreme Court said they would take the [marriage-equality] case, I got in touch with him. When you make a doc, it’s a huge undertaking. It’s a betthe-farm risk. So you have to do soul searching. Why do this? I have teenage boys who feel unempowered. I said, “I want you to meet a guy I grew up with who did change the world.” It takes a lot of effort and perseverance, but regular people make great changes. PGN: You take micro and macro approaches to telling this story of marriage equality, focusing on both the personal stories and the larger struggle for LGBT rights. What informed your decision to make this film in this way? ER: It’s a film that I hope has a wide audience. As a straight ally, I had a different perspective than an LGBT person. History is important to know. That’s what gave Evan the strength of conviction. It was a 30-40-year ground game. He knew in law school [this case] could be won in court. That seems doable, but how do you get the court to take the case and prove that people are equal? It’s a door-to-door ground war. The story is not over. I don’t want kids to take this [ruling] for granted.
I want them to know where this came from, and provide a road map for social change. This film is a story about real people, it’s not a lecture. They face real challenges. The spine needed to be personal and emotionally resonant. PGN: You do that well, focusing on the Michigan case of April and Jayne, DeBoer v. Snyder, one of the four cases that were argued in front of the Supreme Court. How did that come about? ER: There are many cases in this one case, and I felt I had to choose to tell specifics and tell the story of individuals. They had a particularly beautiful story with very clear stakes. Their children’s emotional and physical safety was at stake. They needed to protect their kids. The crux of the opposition’s argument that was same-sex parents are not good for kids. April and Jayne were taking in foster children left in the hospital to die by opposite-sex parents. To say they are less worthy is such a difficult pill to swallow. April and Jayne asked why I chose them, I said it was because of Jayne. She’s so dyke-y, but when you hear her talk, you can’t help but see the softness inside. To know her is to love her. She’s charming, warm and beautiful; that’s great to bring to audiences with appearance preconceptions. PGN: You are squarely on the right side of history, but you give screen time to the Brian Brown of the National Organization of Marriage. How did you get his participation in the film? ER: I didn’t have an agenda with Brian Brown. It wasn’t hard to get him to talk. I wasn’t conning him. As a documentary filmmaker, if you can listen and understand where they are coming from, you can show their journey with a clear heart. I wasn’t looking at right/wrong, but letting him express what he wanted to express and let the audience hear it and let them decide. PGN: You created a historical timeline, included archival and news footage, interviews and observational documentary coverage. Can you talk about how you assembled the film and all these elements? ER: I don’t like to make talking-head films. I want a good story. The trick was providing the road map in the historical story that felt fresh yet concise, and there were people who know the story well — so what’s new? It’s the story of a movement. I would have liked to have done a five-hour edit, state by state, case by case, home by home. There are so many wonderful stories. But it is the essence of it that is important; it was a journey. n
Theater & Arts Bruce Nauman: Contrapposto Studies, I through VII Philadelphia Museum of Art presents the premiere of a new work by Bruce Nauman, which continues the artist’s exploration of video, sound and performance, through Jan. 8, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Classical Splendor: Painted Furniture for a Grand Philadelphia House Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of furniture designed in 1808 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe through Jan. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. A Christmas Story Media Theatre presents a stage play based on the beloved holiday film through Jan. 8, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore Amici Opera Company presents the opera 2:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale; Amiciopera company @gmail.com. Giordano’s Andrea Chenier Amici Opera company presents the opera 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at Redeemer U.M.C., 1128 Cottman Ave.; Amiciopera company@gmail. com.
WILD JOKER: Pioneering out comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer comes to town as part of her “Totally Inappropriate Comedy Tour,” performing 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at The Rrazz Room at the Prince, 1412 Chestnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-422-4580.
Found Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the new musical about a man obsessed with collecting the hundreds of irreverent, hilarious and weird notes that surround us every day, everywhere, through Dec. 11 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-9850420. Iliza Shlesinger The “Last Comic Standing” winner performs 8 and 10:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. In My Body Flying Bulldog Production presents the world-premiere musical telling body stories through song, spoken word, movement and photographic images, through Nov. 13 at Prince Theater’s Black Box, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-422-4580. Live and Life Will Give You Pictures: Masterworks of French Photography, 1890-1950 The Barnes Foundation
presents vintage prints of nearly 200 classic images by French photographers and photographers working extensively in France through Jan. 9, at the Roberts Gallery, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-278-7000. Look Again: Contemporary Perspectives on African Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition drawing from the Penn Museum’s esteemed African collections through Dec. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910–50 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Mexican masterpieces by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo and many others through Jan. 8, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.
The Rape of Lucretia The Prince Theater presents Benjamin Britten’s powerful tragedy set in ancient Rome Nov. 17-20, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-422-4580. Sausage Party The R-rated animated film is screened 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Sword of the Unicorn The gay-themed fantasy show that was a hit at Fringe is back 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675. The Wizard of Oz Walnut Street Theatre has a yellow-brick road running through it until Jan. 8, 825 Walnut St.; 215-5743550. Working: A musical The Tony-nominated musical based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book about our search for meaning and satisfaction in the daily grind, through Nov. 20 at Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St.; 215-785-0100.
PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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Out DJ takes LGBT music to the Philly airwaves
UP CLOSE AND ‘PERSON’-AL: First Person Arts Festival is in full swing this week with some notable gay-themed shows, including the Philadelphia premiere of “Hi, Are You Single?” The story follows Ryan J. Haddad, who has cerebral palsy, and his humorous and sometime heartbreaking search for sex, love and companionship via gay bars and Grindr, 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theater, 20 N. American St. Another show to watch out for is “White Like Me: A Honky Dory Puppet Show” by out puppeteer and political satirist Paul Zaloom, leading a cast of action figures, busted dolls, toys and other junk to tell the story of the archetypical character named White Man and his universe, 8 p.m. Nov. 16-17 at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theater, 20 N. American St. For more information, visit http://single.firstpersonarts.org/ or http://whitelikeme. firstpersonarts.org/.
Music Brendan James The out singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Pentatonix The vocal group performs 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St.; 215-2042400. Yellowcard The alt-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 215627-1332. Questlove Supreme The Roots drummer holds court and spins his favorite grooves 9:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at The Foundry, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-3090150. Dillinger Escape Plan The hard-rock band
performs 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-568-1616. Robert Randolph & The Family Band The roots-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.
Nightlife Life’s a Ball! Dusty Relix passes down her crown after a year as the first Miss Tabu 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Nov. 11 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215964-9675. Back 2 Basics: Fall Fling! The hottest, most diverse and inclusive monthly party in the Gayborhood with DJ Deluxx spinning returns 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Nov. 12 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215964-9675. This Little Piggy An evening of
comedy, burlesque, drag and more from the fantasies of Alejandro Morales and Rachel Fogletto, 11:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Good Good Comedy Theater, 215 N. 11th St.; 215339-1279. Clutch: A Mr. & Ms. Philadelphia Bar Night Leather and gear are encouraged but not required 11 p.m. Nov. 18 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; 215-627-1662.
Outta Town Girls Night: The Musical The musical comedy packed with your
favorite hits from the ’80s and ’90s, 6 and 9 p.m. Nov. 11 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808. Planes, Trains and Automobiles The comedy about holiday travel screens 9:45 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Cedric Gervais The Grammywinning French DJ and producer spins 10 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Borgata’s Premiere nightclub, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. n
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Out DJ and radio personality Ricky Paul (aka DJ K-Tell) has launched Sylver Alert, a new LGBT-themed radio show on WPPM FM that promises to “queer” the radio dial every Tuesday. “It’s nostalgic,” Paul said. “It’s a show with music from the 1960s through the 1990s, with a focus on 1975-85. It features the pioneers in gay movement and the icons: everything from Madonna and Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand to Bronski Beat and Erasure, even Joan Jett and people who came out later like George Michael, Elton John and Kylie Minogue. It’s great party music. It’s an upbeat show.” Paul said the show will also feature some of his own personal commentary sprinkled in among the tunes. “It’s going to feature oral histories by myself,” he said. “I’m 51 years old so I’ve been out in the clubs since the mid-1980s and I was a gay kid in the 1970s. I’m going to feature my own personal anecdotes and stories that are full of nuggets of wisdom reflecting on all of the things that we have seen: the great gay era of disco and sexual revolution and coming of age in the age of AIDS. We saw a lot and went through a lot so there is a lot to talk about. It’s going to be mostly a music show but
then there will be little stories here and there.” Paul said the show and WPPM’s mission are to make content for radio that is more personal and down to earth. “What interested me the most is the idea of re-humanizing radio, which is something that I feel is lacking in today’s commercial radio,” he said. “The DJs aren’t allowed to speak about anything. They’re not allowed to give any kind of reflection. They’re on and off the radio so quickly. It’s lacking something.” He added that his show will feature the iconic gay hits alongside some deeper cuts harkening back to the club days. “I’m going to do a mix of everything,” he said. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with K-Tell Records but I used to get those compilations that would have a rock song next to a Barry Manilow song next to a disco song. That’s the kind of mix I want to go with. I’ve DJed for 20 years so I definitely have some knowledge and got the input of a lot of DJs and drag performers in our community to get an idea of why a song like ‘Turn the Beat Around,’ instead of ‘Night Fever’ by the Bee Gees, is more of an LGBT song. It’s interesting to hear what people have to say.” n Sylver Alert hits the airwaves 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday on WPPM 106.5 FM. For more information, visit www.rickypaul.com or phillycam. org/radio/listen.
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Food and Drink Directory
The Center City IHOP located at 1320 Walnut St. is now open 24 Hrs on FRIDAY and SATURDAY
THANKS FOR MAKING IT A IHOP DAY
Spring Hollow Golf Club A venue as unique as you!
3350 Schuylkill Road (Route 724) Spring City, PA 19475
610-948-5566
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DINING PGNOUT
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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Sola serves up bold, classic flavors in Bryn Mawr
Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month
By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The bucolic Bryn Mawr is the perfect place for Sola, a cozy BYOB New American restaurant with a laidback, yet candle-lit and classy feel and a solid French- and Mediterranean-influenced menu thanks to its new executive chef, Scott Morozin. Monday through Thursday, diners can indulge in a special four-course prix-fixe menu ($39) that varies week to week, depending on what locally sourced items tickle Sola’s imagination. As tempted as we were to try it, we opted to go with dishes on their regular menu. The scallop crudo ($15) was so light, delicate and refreshing that it almost melts when it hits your tongue. The candied grapefruit and slivers of jalapeño and radish gave the dish a pleasantly flavorful depth. By contrast, the tenderloin tar tar ($14) was decadent, with a quail egg amping up the richness and silky texture, and capers and shallots giving the dish nice briny notes. As for entrées, we were heartbroken to find out Sola was out of vegetable ravioli
($26) the night we visited but the Alina duck breast ($34) more than made up for it. The duck was perfectly prepared, juicy and tender on the inside with a nice, crispy sear on the outside. The glazed carrots were a nice touch and a potato and leek cake that accompanied the dish was herbaceous and tasty. Dessert was surprisingly good in the form of a deep-fried apple pie ($8), with housemade salted-caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. It could have easily gone off the rails into overly sweet carnival-treat territory, but the crust was light and flaky and the piping-hot filling had the right amount of sweetness to blend well with the ice cream and the caramel. On its own it would be well worth the trek out to Bryn Mawr. Sola isn’t going to try and dazzle you with hip, ultra-modern décor and the most cutting-edge of menus — because it doesn’t have to. Its friendly and attentive staff and well-thought-out menu does all the convincing you’ll need to make you want to keep returning. n
If you go Sola BYOB 614 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr 610-526-0123 www.solabyob.com Mon.-Sat. 5:30-10 p.m.
- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.
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PORTRAIT from page 29
NS: I’ll say my experience was not typical. You hear about abuse and neglect but I don’t have any complaints. I think because Bucks County has more funds, there were better resources, more accountability and better follow-through once the child was placed. I did well in a structured environment, rules and a point system where if you do this you can get that. I did well academically and it was something I could take pride and refuge in. When home life wasn’t too great, I had school. I actually graduated high school two years early when I was 16. Normally at 18, you age out of the system and you’re on your own but in Bucks County, if you’re in secondary education maintaining a C average and working eight hours a week, they’ll help pay for your rent, your food and books; they even helped me get my first car. Unfortunately, I had friends who went through DHS in Philadelphia and as soon as they turned 18, they had to fend for themselves. At 21, I aged out but fortunately because I started early, I’d already graduated from college by then. Thanks to the Bucks County system and other scholarships and grants, I only had $1,600 in debt. That was it! By the time I graduated, I was set up for success. PGN: Were you primarily with one family? NS: No, I never stayed anywhere longer than one to two years. When I was 15, I moved out of my uncle’s house and stayed in a youth center in Warminster. After that, I stayed with an amazing foster family. She was an Italian woman who was just wonderful, a great listener. They took me to see colleges, helped me get my first job, they were really so supportive. When I went to college, I wasn’t allowed to live on campus because I was too young so I stayed at a group home nearby. PGN: Your mom died when you were 4. Where did you go first? NS: I lived with my grandmother for a couple of years, then with my dad, then with an aunt in Germantown for five years — that was the longest stay — but unfortunately her husband passed away and she already had three kids to support so I went to my maternal uncle’s home in Bucks County for two years. PGN: You’re almost like an Army brat, moving every few years with new friends and new schools. NS: Kind of, lots of changes of scenery and people for sure. PGN: How has that affected your persona? NS: It’s definitely made me adaptable. I’m good at problem solving. I’m a bit of a control freak and like knowing what the next move is going to be. Ultimately, it’s also given me a chance to meet a lot of different kinds of people from different ways of life and seeing that variety of humanity has been eye-opening and help-
PGN
ful. It puts things in perspective: There’s always someone who’s going through something worse than you. PGN: So what was your favorite toy as a kid? NS: I played the viola for about five months in ninth grade and when I moved, my aunt and uncle would not let me take lessons. There wasn’t enough time in the day. That winter, I got a little fake violin from my best friend and I loved it. All you did was put the bow on it and it played a tune. Someday I will learn to play for real! PGN: Color you like to wear? NS: Green! I look fabulous in green! PGN: The award for best actor goes to … NS: Gary Oldman. He’s incredible because he’s one of those guys that is in a film and you don’t know it’s him until the credits roll. He so inhabits the characters, he disappears. I think that’s the mark of a true actor. PGN: Did you have a blanket or stuffed animal? NS: Still do, Sleepy Bear. My cousin gave him to me and I’ve had him since I was 8 years old. I make sure to take him wherever I go. PGN: Early sign you were gay? NS: I actually did not identify as a lesbian until I was about 18. For a long time I was an ally. I was in all the queer student unions and groups, had gay friends, and at the time, in college, I had a boyfriend. All my friends were like, “Come on Tari, you’re gay, just come out already!” But I was like, “No, y’all are cool but that’s just not me.” And then I fell in love with a woman who was a customer at the Wawa where I worked the overnight shift. So I was like, “OK, y’all! I’m dating a girl!” and their response was, “Duh, we’ve been telling you all along you were gay.” I guess they knew before I did but at no point did I ever feel like I was in denial. I never felt any desire for women until that one person came into my life and flashed her pearly whites and I was done. PGN: What’s the farthest you’ve traveled? NS: Canada. I drove up with one of my best friends for a Bruno Mars concert and it was amazing. But next week I’m going to Thailand, which will be my first overseas trip. Me and some friends from high school are going together to celebrate our decade of friendship. I’m super-looking forward to it. When I go, I go big! n For more information about Mazzoni Center’s How to Love program, visit https://www.mazzonicenter.org/youth/ peer-support-and-leadership-development/ how-love. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.
Q Puzzle CoverGirl Boy Across
1. Olivier of “Marathon Man” 9. Pose for a Mapplethorpe photo, e.g. 16. Variety store 17. Prop for “I have a headache, honey...” 18. Start of a comment on representing CoverGirl as a gay male, per James Charles 20. Canadian oil company 21. State, to Renee Vivien 22. Word on either bride’s towel 25. Musical based on a John Waters’ film 30. “A Chorus Line” song 31. Muslim faith 34. Troy Perry and others 35. Dastardly deeds 37. Dakar’s nation 40. More of the comment 42. Removes (oneself) 43. Cause of shrinkage for skinny-dippers 45. Guilty or not guilty, to Perry Mason 46. Drags along 47. Early man’s
opening 48. AIDS awareness symbol 52. Pt. of DOS 53. Shakespeare’s “anon” updated 54. “Casablanca” role for Ingrid 57. End of the comment 65. Kane, for Orson Welles 66. Pious ejaculation 67. Advocate 68. Filling a crack
Down
1. Non-Judy garland 2. Six in., e.g. 3. AP rival 4. Pink shades 5. Sea eagles 6. Crabs residue 7. Stephen King’s killer canine 8. Meat source Down Under 9. Evita portrayer on stage 10. Dorian Gray creator Wilde 11. Dice markings 12. Curry of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” 13. Psychic Geller 14. ___ Tin Tin 15. E. John’s tongue 19. Line of clothing 22. The, to Socrates 23. Lend dignity to 24. Passed up 25. Diced meat
26. Pink Triangle ___ 27. Luxury hotel of San Francisco 28. Internet images 29. Big initials in fashion 31. “It’s showtime!” 32. Direction for Rick Rodgers 33. Mauresmo’s do-overs 36. Dangerous emission for Tin Man 37. James VI, e.g. 38. Gallic “she” 39. Moves the head 41. Subj. for John Nash 42. Mo. after March 44. Honey holder 46. Collette of “The Hours” 49. Mazda com-
petitor 50. Makes holes 51. It was good for Stein in Paris 52. “Sorry to say ...” 54. Queer spelling of an Alaskan dome 55. Gay tune 56. Leave in the text 57. Rudy Galindo’s milieu 58. They come between la’s do’s 59. Gas additive 60. Science course, for short 61. Break for Heather’s mommies 62. Aye, in Versailles 63. Come out on top 64. Will to Grace, or Grace to Will
PGN FILM
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
35
Queer Asian culture on screen at film fest By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor The ninth-annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is running at International House and various locations through Nov. 20. The festival will showcase 70 features, shorts and documentaries depicting Asian-American and PacificIslander life, food and culture. This year’s festival includes an LGBT shorts program that will screen at International House at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 12. “Núôc” (“Water/Homeland”) by Quyên Nguyen-Le is an excellent short about Julian (Rosi Vo), a queer Vietnamese-American teen who is in a darkroom with her girlfriend Jacqueline (Cynthia Callejas). When talk turns to Julian’s refugee mother, Hoa (My Le Ngheim), the dynamic between the two young girls changes. Julian reflects on her mother’s experiences of leaving her homeland and resettling in America. “Núôc” sensitively addresses the experiences of transnationalism using photos, trauma, food and history as touchstones for memory, comfort and unease. This is a lovely, powerful short that aims to debunk stereotypes and treat Vietnam as a country, not a war. The comedic short “Arranged” features Anita (Anita Kalathara), a young Indian woman whose parents are pressuring her to marry. In fact, they even force Indian suitors, like the charming Mayank (Mayank Bhattar), on her. Anita resists Mayank’s attentions until she discovers that he is gay, and concedes that she needs him to gain her inheritance. If “Arranged,” which was writ-
ten and developed by its leads, is crudely made and acted, it is still mildly amusing and a pointed commentary on arranged marriage. “Gaysians,” directed by Vicki Du, is a documentary short that examines AsianAmerican families as they face generational “dilution” as children of immigrants acclimate to America and lose some of their cultural ties. These American-born children often have no connection to their old-world grandparents and their heritage, except for the conduit that is their parents. Many of the subjects in the film seek to understand, empathize with and even look past their cultural and generational differences. One interviewee acknowledges that the tradition of having his aging mother move in with him will be tricky given that he wants to live in a queer commune. Another gay man does not want to come out to his traditional parents because of the difficulties he may face as a result. An Indian lesbian learns how to date outside her culture and the ramifications that entails, and a South-Asian transman discusses the shame he senses, only to discover something about his family when he visits his relatives in India. The five stories are all heartfelt and important. It is just disappointing that “Gaysians” is so short; viewers will want to see more fleshed-out portraits of these interesting LGBTQ individuals. Rounding out the program is the compelling documentary “It Runs in the Family,” which examines the queer members of an extended Filipino family. Vancouver-based director Joella Cabalu documents her gay
brother Jay and several of their queer cousins to show how homosexuality runs in the family. Joella and Jay first visit Monica and her wife Jolly in Oakland, Calif., and they share a close bond. When the siblings travel to Manila in the Philippines — where they have not been for two decades — they connect with Monica’s cousin, Carlo, who identifies as male but expresses his gender as Jazz, a female. Their visit is fascinating not only because of Jazz’s understanding of his gender and sexuality — he does not want to undergo surgery, preferring to dress in female clothes — but also because of how accepting Jazz’s father is. For a family that once spoke of homosexuality as being a “curse,” everyone is surprisingly accepting of Jazz, Monica and Jay. That idea is tested (but not challenged) as Joella and Jay visiting their other Manilabased uncles, Ronald and Kris. The former is Jay’s godfather, and the latter is a gay man in his 50s whose sexuality is known to family members, even though Kris never “came out.” When Ronald expresses his homophobia, which consists of his concerns about the possibility of raising a queer child, “It Runs in the Family”
addresses issues of the generational divide. Cabalu also asks her interview subjects about how they reconcile their RomanCatholic faith and their sexuality. The answers here are surprising, as Jay, Monica, Jazz and Kris all have different, but not dis-
similar, experiences. Joella observes that Manila is such a predominantly Catholic country, with churches in shopping malls, that attitudes towards sexuality are influenced by religion. “It Runs in the Family” ends with Jay and Jazz attending a Pride Parade in Manila, and it is an appropriately celebratory way for this gratifying film to express both the diversity and dignity the Cabalu family members have regarding their sexuality and identity. n The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival runs through Nov. 20 at area locations. For tickets, show times and additional information, visit http://phillyasianfilmfest.org/.
Brian Sanders bring his ‘JUNK’ to the Pennsylvania Ballet By Gary L. Day PGN Contributor “Yeah, I’m making them nervous.” Brian Sanders is referring to certain factions at the Pennsylvania Ballet who may be having second thoughts about commissioning a new piece from one of the city’s premier avant-garde performance artists. After all, the PA Ballet is one of the country’s most prestigious — and traditional — dance organizations. We’re talking about a company whose last performance was “Cinderella” and whose next is “The Nutcracker.” Sanders is well-known, and highly regarded, as the head of his own dance performance troupe, JUNK, a very popular cornerstone of the annual Fringe Festival. His work is known for its athleticism, its acrobatics, a bizarre sensibility that is both fascinating and endlessly imaginative — and a sensuality that often can be quite breathtaking. Sanders’ roots in dance and choreography include several years of touring with the famed Momix, as well as performing at the Painted Bride. But what helped develop
his outrageous sensibilities as a performance artist was his time spent as what he calls “an avant-garde go-go dancer at Shampoo during the 1990s.” Shampoo, for those too young to remember, was the trendy weekly gay dance party where attendance was de rigeur for the hip crowd whose goal it was to be seen at all the hottest venues. How did the out avant-garde performance artist/choreographer and former Shampoo go-goer hook up with the uber-traditional Pennsylvania Ballet? “Simple,” Sanders said. “Angel Corella [the Ballet’s artistic director] saw my piece ‘American Standard’ at the Fringe and approached me.” Sanders has also worked with PA Ballet dancers in the past on pieces for the “Shut Up and Dance” fundraising series. The title for the new piece he is creating is “Chicken Bone Brain,” an appropriately Fringe-esque turn of phrase that itself caused a bit of a ripple. “The title made the Ballet folks nervous, too,” Sanders said. “They kept asking, ‘Are you sure that’s the title you want?’” Which is not to say that it’s all worry
and resistance working with the Ballet. On the contrary, Sanders seems to be having the time of his life. He admits that it’s a bit of an adjustment — himself an avant-garde choreographer given to wild non-linear experimentation, and his group of classically trained dancers used to a much more orderly process. “We’re sort of meeting in the middle,” he said of the creative process he’s worked out between himself and his dancers. “But I couldn’t be happier with the results we’ve been getting.” Sanders defines “Chicken Bone Brain” as autobiographical — emotionally autobiographical, that is. “I had been going through something of a mid-life crisis, and I was finding myself in a dark place. ‘Chicken Bone Brain’ is about my thought processes as I was finding my way to a sense of internal nurturing.” Knowing that journey will include, among other things, flight harnesses and chicken bones, one suspects that the normal ballet audiences are going to experience something outside their comfort zone.
“I’m hoping that my usual JUNK audience will come, and they and the ballet’s audience will encounter each other and both come away with a whole new experience. That would be great, wouldn’t it?” Those who have experienced Sanders’ work with JUNK know that frank depictions and examinations of sexuality and gender issues are commonplace in his shows. Is this going to be another aspect of “Chicken Bone Brain” that will shake up the staid ballet crowd? “Sexuality — not so much,” Sanders conceded. “There’s so much else that I’m shaking up and exploring, with this I’m staying pretty neutral.” But in no way does Sanders feel he is being compromised making the leap to the so-called “legitimate” stage. “It’s what I’ve always done. I’m always trying to rethink the box — inside the box.” n The Pennsylvania Ballet will present “Revolution” (which will include the world premiere of “Chicken Bone Brain” by Brian Sanders) Nov. 10-15 at the Merriam Theater, Broad and Spruce streets. For more information, call 215-893-1955 or visit paballet.org.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
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Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St.; youth/ adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-7241702. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215922-1128. Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Congregation Rodeph Shalom Shabbat services every Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at 615 N. Broad St. ; 215-627-6747. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215546-2093, dignityphila@aol.com. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-563-3980, www.firstuu-philly. org. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays, with lunch to follow, at 6001 Germantown Ave.; 215438-3077, www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950, www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships 9 a.m. Sundays at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sanctuary; 215-567-3668, www.lc-hc.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays at 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267388-6081, www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215-764-6364, www.koltzedek.org.
Whosoever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Services 11 a.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-2942020, www.mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church
Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215922-4566, www.oldfirstucc.org. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234, www.philadelphiacathedral.org. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at William Way.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
Community Bulletin Board Community centers
■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.
■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Key numbers
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000, cpmm@afsc.org.
■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377
■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org
St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918, stlukeandtheepiphany.org.
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378
St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn.org.
■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Welcoming and diverse congregation with numerous outreach and fellowship groups holds services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at Third and Pine streets; 215-9255968; www.stpetersphila.org.
■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633
Tabernacle United Church Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100, tabunited.org. Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. and fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m. at 2212 Spruce St.; 215732-2515, trinityphiladelphia.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157, www. usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561, www. uurestoration.us. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, affirming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 a.m.; 215-387-2885, www. uniphila.org.
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■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851
■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080
n The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 215-496-0330
■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Office of LGBT Affairs — Director Nellie Fitzpatrick: 215-6860330; helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 ■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670
Health
Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www. actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871, www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly busi-
108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652, www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Philadelphia FIGHT Comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines; 1233 Locust St.; 215985-4448; www.fight.org. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, rapid HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups nesses and professionals; 215557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.org/ philly; philly@nlgja.org.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 11-17, 2016
PGN