PGN Nov. 13 -19, 2009 edition

Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 33 No. 46

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Nov. 13 - 19, 2009

Archdiocese gives $50K to Maine marriage fight

Student wins national prize for gay video

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Local film student Jason Druss, like most college students, is always looking for new ways to pay down his ever-mounting school loans, and recently learned he had successfully fused his filmmaking talents with his support for marriage equality to do just that.

Druss, 20, a motion-picture and television student at the Academy of the Arts University, an online degree program, was selected by gay chatline Interactive Male as the winner of its “Big Gay Kiss” video contest and walked away with a prize of $10,000.

T h e c o ntest, which ran from AprilOctober, asked artists to submit vide o s o f t wo gay men kissing that would be judged on c r e a t i v i t y, o r i g i n a l i t y, composition, sexiness and fun in an ove r a r c h i n g effort to raise awareness of and funds for Marriage Equality USA’s efforts to legalize same-sex marriage.

Interactive Male brought in 414 video entries, as well as 2,528 photos that were judged in a monthly photo contest, donating $5 for each video entry and $1 for each photo to Marriage Equality for a total donation of $4,600.

Shantal Shave, public-relations manager for Interactive Male, said Druss’ “True Love in Love Park” exemplified the message that the competition was trying to communicate.

“Jason’s film is beautifully shot, sweet and affecting,” Shave said. “We had several great entries, but overall, the judges felt Jason’s most embodied the spirit of the contest: overcoming discrimination with a celebration of love.”

Druss, who is heterosexual, said he learned of the video contest while perusing

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

COURTROOM CONTRIBUTIONS: Joilet Harris (seated, from left), Nancy Giles, Dr. Robert M. Swenson (standing, from left), Alberta Bertolino, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania executive director Ronda Goldfein, William L. Banton, Justice Sandra Schultz Newman and Thomas R. Kline gather at the AIDS Law Project’s annual DECADES party Nov. 5. The individuals participated in a mock trial held during the agency’s annual gala, which drew about 175 supporters and raised about $70,000 for the group. This marked the first year that DECADES featured a mock trial, which Goldfein said she hoped was “both educational and entertaining.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

Marriage equality suffered a setback last week when voters in Maine overturned the state’s same-sex marriage law in a ballot initiative that drew intense debate and financial contributions from throughout the country — including from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

According to campaign finance reports, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland donated $553,608.27 toward the passage of Question 1, and $50,000 of that funding came from the Philadelphia archdiocese.

Donna Farrell, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, declined to comment on the source of the $50,000.

The Portland, Me., diocese was the second-largest contributor to the Yes on 1 effort, donations for which were organized under the umbrella agency Stand for Marriage Maine. New Jersey-based National Organization for Marriage took the top spot with donations totaling more than $1 million.

The Philadelphia archdiocese, which made the donation Aug. 26, is tied with the Archdiocese of Phoenix as the top contributor to the Portland diocese’s effort to specifically fight marriage equality; the diocese previously received an undesignated contribution of $100,000 from an individual donor, and chose to put the donation toward Yes on 1.

The next largest diocesan donation after Philadelphia and Phoenix was $10,000, given by the Diocese of Newark in New Jersey, as well as

Center interim director starts

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

’Dolph Ward Goldenburg, former executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center, served his last day in that position this week and expressed confidence that the center has chosen an interim leader who will effectively guide the organization through its transition period.

LAURIE WARD The center announced this week that Laurie Ward will take over as interim executive director beginning Nov. 16.

Ward, an open lesbian, most recently served as the interim executive director of the Center for Responsible Funding, and in the past several years has also worked in See FILMMAKER, Page 9 an interim-director capacity at other local

social-service agencies like Education and Training Determined by You and the Philadelphia Senior Center.

Prior to her interim work, Ward served for 12 years as the executive director of Youth Service, Inc., a child-welfare agency where, in addition to developing foster-care programs and prevention efforts, she said she worked to support the disproportionate amount of LGBT youth who came through the organization’s doors.

Ward left the agency about five years ago to retire, and although she took some time for leisure activities like learning to ski, she returned to the field to help lend her support to organizations undergoing organizational changes.

“I get to use my management skills, keep people on target and reassure them that they’ll have support through the transition time,” she said.

Ward, a native of Massachusetts, moved to the city in the 1970s to earn her master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and later attained her master’s in business administration from Drexel See WILLIAM WAY, Page 13

See ARCHDIOCESE, Page 9

HONORING DEDICATION: About 55 people came to the William Way LGBT Community Center Nov. 7 for the dedication of the John J. Wilcox Jr. Archive and Library. Wilcox, pictured with the Hon. Ann Butchart, is a longtime member and volunteer who’s served on the organization’s finance committee and made numerous contributions to the center, including $100,000 several years ago. Outgoing center executive director ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg noted, “He’s one of those folks who goes above and beyond. He is the one person who is reliably at every single public board meeting. He serves as the face and voice of the community, connecting them to the board.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

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PHILADELPHIA NEWS PHILADELPHIA GAY GAY NEWS

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News

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Editorial 10 International News 16 Letters/Feedback 11 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506 Phone: (215) 625-8501 Fax: (215) 925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Suburban sustenance

Street Talk

A carnivore-vs.-herbivore throwdown at Firecreek Restaurant and Bar in Downingtown Page 29

What’s your reaction to the reversal of same-sex-marriage rights in Maine?

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Detour Comics Dining Guide Diversions Meeting Place Portraits Q Puzzle Scene In Philly Worth Watching

mark@epgn.com

Editor Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206) sarah@epgn.com Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com

25 29 30 33 24 25 23 32

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

Much like his new film, director Lee Daniels edgy and sometimes over the top.

Family Portraits:

Dresden Doll Amanda Palmer is just killing us.

Ronni Rodriguez

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Columns Creep of the Week 10 29 Food Review Lesbian on the scene 26 20 Ms. Behavior 15 OutMoney

Classifieds Directories

Publisher

Mark Segal (ext. 204)

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Photographer/Graphic Artist Scott A. Drake (ext. 216) scott@epgn.com Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives David Augustine (ext. 219) david@epgn.com Morgan Levine (ext. 212) morgan@epgn.com Kelly Root (ext. 207) kelly@epgn.com

Reading Between the Lines One of a pair of fundraising events for Giovanni’s Room takes place this weekend at the William Way LGBT Community Center.

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emails

OutMoney

Ms. Behavior

Worth Watching

To convert or not to convert? That is the question.

Stay away from vampires and dates’ dads

All dressed up ...

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Poll results from our online survey as of Nov. 11:

Are you concerned about the swine flu?

Events: diversions@epgn.com

0% Yes, very much 40% A little bit 60% No more than any other flu 0% Already had it 0% I got the shot

News/story ideas: editor@epgn.com Letters/Opinions: editor@epgn.com These ain’t your mama’s puppeteers.

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

Who do you trust the least?

National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Office Manager/Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant Credit/Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press National Gay Newspaper Guild Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2009 Masco Communications Inc.

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

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Holiday spirit abounds at DVLF News Briefing DADT activist to speak at Penn The University of Pennsylvania will host a discussion next week with Lt. Daniel Choi, who is facing a discharge from the Army after he disclosed earlier this year that he is gay.

The lecture will take place at 5 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Penn’s Houston Hall, Hall of Flags, 3417 Spruce St. The Army began discharge proceedings against Choi, one of only eight in his graduating class at West Point to have majored in Arabic, last spring after he came out on “The Rachel Maddow Show.” Choi has since gone on to press for the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Dinner and a discussion will follow Choi’s speech.

The event is free.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS: 2008 co-chairs Heshie Zinman (left) and Joe Matthews are surrounded by some of the more-than 500 toys collected last year for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. File photo: Scott A. Drake

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s thirdannual TOY returns this year and is expected to draw a record number of guests, whose generosity will have a direct impact on local youth living with HIV/AIDS. The toy drive will be held from 7-10 p.m.

Dec. 4 in the Marc Phillips Showroom at Marketplace Design Center, 2400 Market St. Each guest is asked to bring one unwrapped non-plush toy, which will be donated to the pediatric HIV/AIDS Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

TOY committee co-chair Joseph Matthews said the toy drive, which also functions as a fundraiser for DVLF, has experienced big gains each year.

The inaugural 2007 event drew about 125 people, garnered 150 toys and raised $2,000 for DVLF, while last year’s drive attracted 400 people who brought 550 toys and raised $13,000. Matthews said he anticipates between 600-700 people will turn out for TOY 2009, and DVLF hopes to bring in about 1,000 toys and close to $30,000.

In an effort to heighten attendance, DVLF recently launched a public-service announcement on Comcast, and fliers and advertisements announcing the event will hit local storefronts and organizations within the next few days.

Matthews said he was initially worried that last month’s departure of DVLF executive director Perry Monastero could pose an obstacle to the event, but added the subsequent appointment of Sandra Thompson and Chris Bartlett as interim co-executive directors eased his mind.

“It did add a little stress because Perry played such a large role in terms of the administrative help for what DVLF provides for the event, but as soon as Sandra and Chris were given the jobs as interim executive directors, all of those worries went away.

They’re both extremely strong in where their talents lie, so I actually felt like we gained a person.”

The TOY committee began canvassing for sponsors and drumming up support for the 2009 event shortly after last year’s drive and are ahead of the game, Matthews said.

Last year’s TOY drew cash and in-kind sponsorships of more than $1,000 each from 35 organizations; already, the committee has garnered that same level of sponsorship from 60 groups.

Matthews said DVLF and CHOP are both very excited about the contribution of one sponsor, Sony PlayStation, who has agreed to donate a PlayStation 3 and more than a dozen video games to the HIV/AIDS Unit.

“That’s going to go right in the lobby of the unit so when the kids have to go there, this will be something fun for them to do, and it’ll be especially good for when the parents have to talk to the doctors to keep the kids occupied,” Matthews said. “That was a huge addition this year.”

This also marks the first year that TOY guests can purchase their toy donations directly through DVLF’s Web site. Matthews said the agency attempted to launch this feature last year but was thwarted by technical problems.

Guests who wish to purchase their donations online are taken to Target’s Web site to browse a wish list created by the staff at CHOP’s HIV/AIDS Unit.

“It’s a really good list developed by the people who actually know what the children need. There are a lot of fun, cute things that everybody has fun buying, but there are also things like clothes that people may not think to get but that these kids might need,” Matthews said.

The children served by the unit range to age 17, but Matthews said the hospital is most in need of gifts for infants and adolescents.

The items will be distributed at a holiday party Dec. 11.

“Unless you’ve seen the impact of HIV/ AIDS on families, it’s really hard to understand,” Thompson said. “Holidays are a very difficult time. Money’s short, but children still want what they want, and they don’t always understand that their parents may not have the money because they need it for some other purpose, like medication, rent or food.”

Thompson encouraged members of the LGBT community to come out for the event and do their part to ensure that children battling HIV/AIDS can still find joy in their holidays.

“Buying a toy and bringing it to this event means that a child will have a gift for Christmas that they may not otherwise have,” she said. “We’ll be coming together with a group of people who feel the same way, who are compassionate, interested and supportive of Children’s Hospital and the children and families supported through this.”

Tickets to TOY are $30 and can be purchased by visiting www.dvlf.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Men’s chorus set for showstopper The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will present its annual fundraising gala at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in Dorrance Hamilton Hall at the University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St. This year’s “Showstoppers!” concert will feature Broadway legend Andrea McArdle, a Philadelphia native who portrayed the original title character in Broadway’s “Annie.”

Tickets to the fundraising event are $100 and include a pre-concert reception. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at www. pgmc.org.

Women’s choir performs for fall The Anna Crusis Choir will come together for two performances of its fall concert, “Sing, My Sister, Sing,” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 3 p.m. Nov. 15.

Svityana, the Eastern European Women’s Vocal Ensemble, will perform both days. Anna Crusis will also host musician Alix Dobkin for its Saturday performance and Voices of a Different Dream on Sunday.

Both performances will be held at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Drive. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with a group rate of $15 each for 10 or more.

Advance tickets can be purchased at www.annacrusis.org or by calling (215) 864-5991. ■ — Jen Colletta

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New Jersey man fights for death benefits

By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large Thomas J. Bernardo, the surviving partner of a well-known AIDS physician in the area, is in a legal battle with his deceased partner’s ex-wife for close to a half-million dollars in death benefits.

Bernardo, 61, a Deptford hairstylist, was the lover of Dr. John Turner for about 28 years prior to Turner’s death of a neuromuscular disease in March 2008. Turner was 63 when he died.

Bernardo later received about $93,000 in death benefits from the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Funds, a financial-services company that’s administering Turner’s retirement plan.

However, the bulk of Turner’s death benefits — amounting to about $465,960 — are in dispute because his ex-wife, Pamela G. Turner, is claiming she’s entitled to the money.

TIAA-CREF is withholding the

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remaining funds until U.S. District Judge Stewart Dalzell decides who is the rightful recipient.

According to court papers f iled by TIAA-CREF, Turner didn’t complete the proper forms in 1981 when he attempted to remove his wife and replace her with Bernardo as his beneficiary.

If TIAA-CREF had distributed all the death benefits in question to Bernardo, it risked violating provisions of the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code, according to court papers filed on behalf of TIAA-CREF. Turner, an endocrinologist who was one of the first doctors to treat people with AIDS in the area, accrued the benefits while working for Temple University, nowdefunct Graduate Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to court papers.

TIAA-CREF already has distributed an undisclosed portion of the disputed proceeds to Pamela Turner, according to court papers

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filed on behalf of Bernardo.

After Turner died, his retirement benefits converted to death benefits, to be awarded in a lump sum to his designated beneficiary, according to court papers.

Since March 2008, the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania has been helping Bernardo obtain the proceeds in question.

“Our position is that Dr. Turner took all appropriate steps to designate Thom as his beneficiary,” said Ronda B. Goldfein, executive director of the law project, who also serves as an attorney for Bernardo.

Bernardo wasn’t available for comment.

However, he provided ample documentation to the law project, indicating that John Turner took the required steps to name him as beneficiary of all the funds, Goldfein added.

P a m e l a Tu r n e r , 6 5 , o f Collegeville, disputes that position.

In court papers, Pamela Turner stated her late ex-husband never

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removed her as the designated beneficiary for the funds in question.

Richard D. Linderman, an attorney for Pamela Turner, declined to comment for this story, citing the pending litigation.

In court papers he filed, he noted there was “a certain and easy way for Turner, a highly educated and intelligent man, to change his primary beneficiary.”

Since John Turner allegedly did not follow the correct procedures — and complete the correct forms — the remaining funds should go to Pamela Turner, according to court papers filed on her behalf.

The Turners divorced in October 1985 in what was described in court papers as an acrimonious break-up, after John Turner came out to his wife as gay.

John Turner made it amply clear to his employers that he did not want Pamela Turner to be the recipient of his retirement or death benefits, according to court papers filed on behalf of Bernardo.

Goldfein said the AIDS Law

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Project is pleased to help ensure that John Turner’s final wishes are fulfilled.

The initial court papers related to the dispute were filed by TIAACREF in March 2009, seeking guidance from Judge Dalzell on distribution of the disputed proceeds.

Dalzell is expected to render a decision in the next few weeks.

A spokesperson for TIAACREF denied any anti-LGBT bias on the part of the organization.

“We are a non-homophobic organization,” said John D. Spagnuolo, a spokesperson for TIAA-CREF. “I can’t comment on pending litigation, but I can say that our organization has shown nothing less than complete support for our LGBT employees and clients.

We conduct extensive online and in-person diversity training for approximately 7,000 employees.”

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Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

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National

Media Trail

ENDA comes before Senate committee

MLB gets first out owner

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A Senate committee last week held a hearing on a bill that seeks to ban employment discrimination against LGBT workers, which a representative of President Obama’s administration called a “top legislative priority” of the president.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions heard testimony Nov. 5 from seven witnesses on the proposed Employment Nondiscrimination Act, which would make it illegal for employers to hire, fire or promote workers based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The issue here could not be more simple,” said committee chairman Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) at the beginning of the hearing. “We are talking about a fundamental American value — equal treatment for all — a principle that citizens who work hard, pay their taxes and contribute to their communities deserve fair treatment and should not be discriminated against.”

Notably, there were no Republican members of the 23-member committee present for the hearing, with only three Democrats taking part. The proceeding also did not include oral testimony from any transgender witnesses, although Diane Schroer, a transgender woman who successfully sued the Library of Congress, and transgender advocate Earline Budd spoke at a press conference prior to the hearing, alongside ENDA prime sponsor Sen. Jeff Merkley (DOre.).

Tom Perez, whom the Senate recently confirmed as the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s civil-rights division, testified on behalf of the Obama administration, saying his division regularly receives inquiries from LGBT Americans about workplace discrimination.

“It is painfully disappointing to have to tell these working men and women that, in the United States of America in 2009, they may well be without redress because our federal employment antidiscrimination laws either exclude them or fail clearly to protect them,” Perez said.

He likened the f ight against LGBTemployment discrimination to the civilrights battle of the 1960s and postured that, in that fight, true, sustainable change originated with the federal government in the form of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Perez noted that 29 states, Pennsylvania included, do not offer employment protections for gay, lesbian and bisexual workers, and another 11 also do not ban discrimination against transgender employees.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan offered testimony on her state’s employment nondiscrimination law, which has

been LGBT-inclusive since 2006, and which she said helped created a uniform business standard for the state. She said the law has encountered little backlash from employers, had no effect on religious freedoms within the state — noting that only a handful of the sexual-orientation complaints have been filed against religious institutions — and that the legislation has helped to “promote tolerance, fundamental equality and common humanity of all individuals” in Illinois.

“Workplace discrimination impacts the lives of everyone. It deprives people of jobs and safe working conditions, robs the federal government of an exceptional pool of specialists and robs our citizens of services they would have received from talented and dedicated GLBT workers.”

MIKE CARNEY, police officer, Springfield, Mass.

Helen Norton, professor of law at the University of Colorado, presented a litany of examples of LGBT workplace discrimination and noted that, while some courts have held this type of discrimination can be included under the Civil Rights Act’s Title VII stipulation that bars discrimination based on sex, many courts do not interpret the law in this way, necessitating a comprehensive law that specifically bans LGBT discrimination.

More than 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, while a third of those organizations also ban gender-identity discrimination. Virginia Nguyen, a member of the diversity and inclusion team at athletic manufacturer Nike, said her company’s nondiscrimination policy has helped to attract and retain the best and brightest employees and foster a sense of tolerance and acceptance, which fuels workplace morale.

Mike Carney, a police off icer from Springfield, Mass., presented his own story of employment discrimination to the committee. Carney, a founder of Gay Officers Action League of New England, filed the

first complaint of sexual-orientation discrimination against a law-enforcement agency in Massachusetts. Carney resigned from the force early in his career because of the strong antigay sentiment he encountered, but several years later attempted to reapply and was denied numerous times.

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, which investigates bias claims based on such factors as sexual orientation and gender identity, found probable cause in his complaint, and he was later reinstated.

“Had I not been successful in fighting the bias that tried to prevent me from working, all the good that I have done for some of the most vulnerable people in my community would never have happened,” Carney said.

“Workplace discrimination impacts the lives of everyone. It deprives people of jobs and safe working conditions, robs the federal government of an exceptional pool of specialists and robs our citizens of services they would have received from talented and dedicated GLBT workers.”

Testifying against ENDA was Craig Parshall, vice president and general counsel of the National Religious Broadcasters Association, who proffered that, despite ENDA’s religious exemption, the bill “would impose a substantial, unconstitutional burden on religious organizations and would interfere with their ability to effectively pursue their mission.”

Employment attorney Camille Olson, of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, also testified that ENDA needs to provide further clarification to employers on the bill’s stipulation that companies would have to offer transgender individuals “reasonable access to adequate facilities,” namely restrooms.

Harkin responded to her comments that the bill should only offer “broad guidance” and that “no legislation can cover every conceivable” situation.

ENDA, which has been introduced in every Congressional session since 1994 besides one, last came before a Senate panel in 2002, although that version was not inclusive of gender identity.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved ENDA in November 2007 only after it had been stripped of gender-identity protections. That version of the bill died in the Senate.

Merkley introduced ENDA in August, and the bill currently has 42 cosponsors.

Harkin said he expects the Senate to take action on the bill in the spring.

Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.) introduced ENDA in the House in June, and it has so far garnered cosponsorship from 189 legislators. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

365gay.com reports the Chicago Cubs have become the first major-league team to have an openly gay owner.

On Oct. 30, the Ricketts family became the new owners of the Cubs, purchasing the team and Wrigley Field for $845 million.

Laura Ricketts, one of the purchasers, is an open lesbian who serves on the board for Lambda Legal, the nationwide advocacy organization for gay and lesbian rights.

“I came out to my family, I would say, early to mid-30s,” she said in a recent interview. “It took me a while to come out to myself and, not long after that, I came out to them. I think that it really couldn’t have been a better experience. They were all immediately supportive. I have been really, really fortunate in that regard.”

Ricketts, 42, is now the first out individual to own a professional sports team. She lives with her partner in Chicago and is one of four members serving on the board of directors for the Cubs.

R.I. guv mulls funeral rights for gays Boston.com reports Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri must decide soon whether he’ll allow legislation that expands funeralplanning rights to same-sex couples to become law.

Bills recently approved by the General Assembly would give gay couples the same right to plan the funerals of their late partners as married couples.

Rhode Island does not recognize gay marriage.

The Republican governor, a social conservative, opposes gay marriage but has not said whether he will veto the bills.

Democrats hold a veto-proof majority in the Rhode Island General Assembly.

K.C. Chiefs drop player after antigay comments The Kansas City Star reports the Kansas City Chiefs pro football team released controversial running back Larry Johnson on Nov. 9, the day he was due to return from a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Johnson was suspended for criticizing coach Todd Haley in a recent Twitter post and using a pair of gay slurs on his Twitter profile and, a day later, to a group of reporters.

He missed a Nov. 8 game at Jacksonville, Fla., and the suspension cost him about $330,000. He also ended his Chiefs career 74-yards short of the franchise rushing record, set by Priest Holmes. ■ — Larry Nichols

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ARCHDIOCESE From Page 1 several other Catholic dioceses throughout the country.

Stand for Marriage reported donations totaling about $2.5 million, while marriage-equality supporters, organized under No on 1, solicited about $4 million.

Voters approved the ballot question Nov. 3 by a 53-47-percent vote, nullifying the marriage-equality law approved by the legislature in the spring.

The local donation was made about a month-and-a-half before the archdiocese announced it was closing Northeast Catholic High School and Cardinal Dougherty High School, as it could no longer afford to keep the schools open with decreasing enrollment.

Farrell said the Maine contribution was made at the prompting of Bishop Richard Malone of Portland.

“The Archdiocese of Philadelphia did make a contribution to the Diocese of Portland’s efforts against the legalization of gay marriage in Maine,” Farrell said.

“The bishop of Portland requested a donation from all of the United States bishops to assist with education to help people understand the timeless teaching of the church that marriage is between one man and one woman.”

Sue Bernard, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Portland, confirmed Malone sent out a letter to dioceses throughout the

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country requesting assistance.

“We’re a pretty small diocese compared to other dioceses, and we simply didn’t have the resources to try to mount a campaign or help Stand for Marriage Maine in a way that would be effective on our own,” Bernard said.

The Portland diocese contributed approximately $155,500 from its own general treasury to Stand for Marriage, as well as the $100,00 donation, and another $41,000-plus brought in through special church collections. The diocese also made four payments of more than $7,612.98 each to Stand for Marriage to cover the salary of the “one-and-a-half ” diocesan employees working at the Stand for Marriage headquarters.

Bernard said representatives of the Portland diocese advocated for Yes on 1 through community discussions but contributed all of the donated money directly to Stand for Marriage Maine.

Besides the Philadelphia archdiocese, the Diocese of Pittsburgh contributed $5,000, the Diocese of Erie donated $1,000 and the dioceses of Scranton and AltoonaJohnstown both contributed $500. The Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., sent in $500, and the Diocese of Wilmington, Del., which recently filed for bankruptcy stemming from the long list of priest sex-abuse lawsuits pending against it, contributed $200. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

FILMMAKER From Page 1 a list of filmmaking competitions online and immediately got in touch with his best friend Derek, who is gay, and who, along with his boyfriend Mike, agreed to be the subjects in the video, which Druss decided to set in Love Park.

“When you think of locations around the city that resemble beauty and love, I think the park is really one of the big ones,” Druss said. “Aside from the iconic LOVE statue, the whole area is just very open and public, and I wanted to make a statement that there is nothing wrong with two men coming together in this public place to share their love.”

Just 12 hours before the shoot was to take place, however, Mike learned that he had mono — known as the “kissing disease” — and the couple had to bail out. Druss quickly made numerous phone calls, sent out e-mails and Facebook messages, and put an advertisement on Craigslist to try to find new subjects and received a response from another young local couple, Jay and Ron. Druss met the pair at Love Park and shot the video in less than an hour.

The final product runs just over a minute and shows the two smiling at one another from across the park and eventually walking hand in hand toward the LOVE statue, under which they share a more-than 30-second kiss.

Druss, whose girlfriend, Carly Bondra,

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composed the music that plays in the background of the film, said some passersby watching the filming appeared uncomfortable.

“There were a few people giving us some weird looks, like ‘Why are you filming this?’ and ‘Why do we have to see this when we’re strolling through the park on a Sunday afternoon?’” Druss said, noting the reactions only gave him more purpose to create a final version that demonstrated the beauty of the couple’s love. “I think Philadelphia’s always been an extremely equal-opportunity city.

And then in the midst of this mostly openminded city to have people who gave us these nasty looks — I just thought it was so ignorant and gave me even more motivation to finish it.”

Molly McKay, media director at Marriage Equality USA, said the organization was impressed with Druss’ film and noted that it meshed well with the agency’s mission.

“I thought it was very sweet and it captured an authentic moment where you can see the universal light of love in both of their eyes,” McKay said. “We believe in telling the stories of real-life couples who are impacted by marriage discrimination, and I think this campaign was a beautiful and touching way to show these stories and share our love with our f e l l ow h u m a n beings.”

Visit www.biggaykiss.com to see the video. ■

PAGE 10

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Editorial Keeping it local Organized religions have not historically embraced sexual minorities, nor advocated for their rights.

So, while it’s appalling that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia donated $50,000 to overturn marriage equality in Maine, it’s not surprising.

Nor is it surprising that, when contacted, an archdiocese spokesperson e-mailed PGN a standard statement and, for four days, dodged our questions about where the money actually comes from.

(Specifically, we wanted to know if the $50,000 is from Sunday collections or from another source.

We’d also like to know how much the archdiocese has spent on child-abuse scandals, but we aren’t holding our breath for that information either.)

Here’s the full statement: “The Archdiocese of Philadelphia did make a contribution to the Diocese of Portland’s efforts against the legalization of gay marriage in Maine. The Bishop of Portland requested a donation from all of the United States bishops to assist with education, to help people understand the timeless teaching of the Church that marriage is between one man and one woman.

“As part of the Universal Church, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia responds to various requests for donations which come from outside the diocese, in order to advance the mission of the Church by promoting and defending the teaching of Christ.

Examples of contributions which have been made by the Archdiocese for other purposes include those to feed the hungry and provide for the needy in mission countries; to assist victims of natural disasters; to support Catholic military chaplains and pastoral care for our men and women in uniform and to defend the dignity and sanctity of life from conception to natural death. The Archdiocese responds to such particular requests in addition to its ongoing commitment to provide tuition assistance for Catholic education, to sustain struggling parishes and to ensure that the Gospel message is known and realized.”

To be clear, the archdiocese just equated preventing gay marriage with feeding the hungry and assisting victims of natural disasters.

Perhaps we at PGN are misinformed, but it’s nice to know our archdiocese has an extra $50K sitting around: And good to know that all of Philadelphia’s hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered and the sick cared for. Now that Philadelphia’s poor, sick and hungry are accounted for, the archdiocese should certainly invest its resources — gleaned, we assume, from collection plates — to prevent loving couples from forging lives together in a state 400 miles away. ■

Clarification In “Election hangover,” Nov. 6-12, the race for which out lesbian and current Houston City Controller Annise Parker was the top vote-getter was omitted. Parker is running for mayor of Houston; she faces city attorney Gene Locke in the Dec. 12 runoff.

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Tony Perkins Unicorns. Yeti. The Loch Ness Monster. Bigfoot. UFOs. What do these things have in common? They’re all shrouded in mystery and folklore. Few have seen them, many have searched.

Some exist only in grainy photographs emerging from the woods or lake or sky. Well, now we can add another creature of fantasy to the list, thanks to Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council: gay senior citizens.

You see, on Oct. 21, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced plans to create a resource center for LGBT seniors.

According to HHS, “The LGBT Resource Center will help community-based organizations understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in implementing programs for local service providers, including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with health or other challenges.”

HHS cites a statistic that “as many as 1.5-4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older.”

On FRC’s Web site, under the heading “For HHS, a Senior Moment” (get it? Because seniors are senile and often do stupid things, so HHS is just as dumb as an old person), Perkins lambasted the Obama admin-

istration for wasting money on such a thing.

“In reality, HHS has no idea how many LGBT seniors exist. No one does! The movement is only a few decades old, and people who are 80 or 90 years old didn’t grow up in a culture where it was acceptable to identify with this lifestyle,” he said.

And we all know that the only way you can be gay is to grow up in a culture that accepts being gay, which is why so many kids are gay now: because they learn it in school, since America is all about homos and gay marriage is legal in all states and no one hates gay people any more.

Hooray!

In other words, Perkins is celebrating the good ol’ days, when the closet door was firmly shut and gay people had to live with a shroud of shame and secrecy.

“Of course, the real tragedy here — apart from the unnecessary spending — is that, given the risks of homosexual conduct, these people are less likely to live long enough to become senior citizens! Yet once again, the Obama administration is rushing to reward a lifestyle that poses one of the greatest public-health risks in America. If this is how HHS prioritizes, imagine what it could do with a trillion-dollar healthcare overhaul!”

The connection to universal health-

care is a nice touch. We get it, Tony.

Gays are bad, healthcare is bad. In fact, gays are so bad, they all die before they get old.

Well, tell that to Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, a lesbian couple together nearly 56 years. That makes them really old! Sadly, Martin passed away last year. No doubt Perkins would use this fact as proof that old gay people don’t exist. If you were to ask him how she died, I suspect his answer would be, “AIDS, probably.” Granted, Lyon is still alive, but since she’s single now, Perkins probably considers her an ex-gay.

Frank Kameny is another gay elder.

Granted, The Advocate mistakenly reported that he died a couple of years ago, but as far as I know, he’s an alive-and-kicking octogenarian.

But then, maybe Perkins doesn’t consider 80-plus old. I think a visit from a group of silver daddies might do him some good. And hey, don’t seniors love to get on the bus? I smell a road trip! ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Mark My Words

Mark Segal

An open letter to N.J. Gov. Corzine Dear Gov. Corzine: I hope you don’t mind me writing to you at a sensitive time when you’re dealing with your recent election loss, but your loss came in honor: You made tough decisions that benefited the citizens of New Jersey rather than improve your chances of re-election.

And that, sir, is what I write to you about today: honor.

Specifically, the honor of LGBT people. There are many items on your agenda before you leave Trenton, and you might believe that marriage equality is just a small one. The reality is that it is not, and here’s why it needs the attention of an honorable governor with strong leadership skills.

As President Obama has stated, the struggle for LGBT equality is to our time what the civil-rights movement was in the 1960s. The 1960s movement was brought on by visions of black Americans being blocked at every crossroad and being treated as second-class citizens.

One of those images is that of Alabama Gov. George Wallace standing in the doorway of a school so that black children could not enter and the schools would stay segregated. In those days, blacks and whites went to different schools in the Deep South. They were said to be “separate but equal.”

In the case of marriage equality, Gov.-elect Chris Christie is standing in the chapel doorway, blocking

equality. And, like Wallace, he proudly states that he’d veto any equality bill. Christie is that governor standing in that doorway. And for what?

The answer is nothing — except to keep LGBT people as second-class citizens. With all due respect, there is no logical debate against equality. The most-often-used argument is religion. Sir, we in the LGBT community respect the rights of all, including those of all religions. This legislation does not change the manner in which any religion practices its beliefs. No church, synagogue or mosque would be required to hold LGBT weddings. No religion would be forced to marry gay people in its house of worship, just as Catholic churches do not allow a non-Catholic to marry a Catholic with all the rights and privileges of the Church.

The reality is that, due to the current laws of New Jersey, only one thing will change: the wording that creates equality.

Before your term ends, I have one request: Urge the legislature to pass the marriage-equality bill for your signature.

Words are powerful. They can be used to show hate and contempt while standing in a doorway.

Or they can bring tears of joy to a couple and their friends and family while creating a bond that betters the community in which they live.

Governor, thank you for your leadership. New Jersey is truly a better state today, thanks to your management of the last four years. ■

PAGE 11

Street Talk What’s your reaction to the reversal of same-sex-marriage rights in Maine?

Jessica Bae law student Bella Vista

Daniel Boos student Kensington

“Unfortunately, there does seem to be a great silent majority of Americans out there who aren’t ready for same-sex marriages yet. It’s sad but not surprising, considering how California handled the issue.”

“I’m not focused on the movement for gay marriage. If there could be civil unions offering equivalent rights, that’s fine. I don’t really care about the word ‘marriage.’ I wouldn’t spin my wheels fighting for the word. I’d spin my wheels fighting for the rights.”

Jake Levering student Center City

Amber Simmons homemaker Northeast Philadelphia

“I’m disappointed because it’s a civil right that shouldn’t be denied. This country is based on freedom of beliefs and freedom of choice. I understand where the opponents [to same-sex marriage] are coming from. I’m not questioning their sincerity. But I disagree with them. They’re wrong.”

“We should treat everyone fairly. I think the LGBT community should push for a federal court ruling extending same-sexmarriage rights to everyone, rather than having these individual state battles. It should be legal everywhere in the country.”

Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

Letters and Feedback In response to “Trans library worker files federal-bias lawsuit,” Nov. 6-12: My heart goes out to Bobbie.

I was a victim of workplace bullying a few years back and it is a horrible experience for anyone! I can’t imagine how awful it must be for someone who is gay or transgendered as well. The most important thing, I found, is to take care of yourself and keep a good perspective on things. Mean people may demand and get your attention, but they certainly don’t deserve it. I wish only the best for Bobbie and thank her for shining a light on an awful, awful secret of many workplaces.

— Cwningen It’s extremely disheartening to hear that the Free Library, an organization that should uphold the values of inclusivity, diversity and equal access to information and service, did not effectively address the discriminatory

behaviors directed at this staff member. I hope that this case will serve to create awareness, support and the implementation of a no-tolerance policy for employees who engage in hostile and discriminatory behaviors against social and ethnic minorities.

— MLechuga

Time to wreck marriage once and for all. If gays can’t have it, let’s do it to str8s also.

It’s a joke anyway, with all the values voters getting divorced.

— SteveMD2

In response to “GOP gains, gay losses,” Nov. 6-12:

This is awesome! I have a few older gay friends who I worry about, in that I wonder how they will take care of themselves once they reach a point in their life when just moving around is hard to do. Good to know this is also being worked on. I’m 33 now but can’t help but think of what the future holds for me and my partner. I want to make sure we are well taken care of when we are elderly. Society in general and government funding need to catch up, and catch up fast, for my gay brothers and lesbian sisters that are of advanced age now.

— EMartinez2010

The Maine vote sent a clear message to the people of America: Marriage just isn’t necessary any more. The U.S. Census showed that marriage has declined over the last decade and when the issue of marriage comes to the ballot it is always voted down. People of America no longer think that marriage is the way to go. The benefits just don’t outweigh the hassles.

More than 50 percent end in divorce anyway. Marriage is dead and it’s time we realized it.

— NYCMike

In response to “HHS to create LGBT senior organization” Oct. 30-Nov. 5:

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 12

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

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By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Religious services and drag shows are two venues that don’t typically converge, but they will next week when residents at a local HIV/AIDS housing organization host a unique fundraiser.

Calcutta House will stage a fundraising Drag Gospel Show from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. David Milbourne, a resident at Calcutta’s Serenity Court, organized a similar show in the past and said that, in addition to the fundraising component, such an event also has other benefits for the LGBT community.

“Most of us have had experiences in mainly heterosexual

churches that probably weren’t very pleasant, so what this does is provides an atmosphere where the LGBTQ community is able to express their spirituality, without any looks or comments,” he said. “This creates somewhere where we can come together and acknowledge our spirituality — whether it’s Catholic, Muslim, whatever — and feel comfortable doing that.”

Six local drag performers will take part in the show: Ms. Latina Montgomery, Ms. Andrea LaMour, Lady Jaci Adams, Ms. India Sims, Ms. Adora LaMour and Ms. Kyra LaMour.

Milbourne said that while this is a different atmosphere than what the artists are used to, he hopes it can also be a learning experience for them, as well as for the audi-

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“As much as they’re helping people to understand the transgender community, I hope this helps them and others to understand their own spirituality,” he said. “It is just a show, but at the same time, I’m also trying to get people to understand that we can still have some kind of spiritual relationship.”

Heather Osborne, Calcutta director of development and communications, said the concept, design and planning for the show have been completely residentdriven. Calcutta House kicked in a minimal amount of funding to cover the rental fee for the space and small stipends for the performers, but Milbourne and other residents successfully canvassed for donations, including the food that will be served at the show.

Calcutta House was hard-hit by the summer’s state budget impasse and had to delay payments to its vendors and forego events like resident field trips to make ends meet.

“We’ve kept all of the essential services and really tried to make sure that our residents didn’t feel insecure when the budget caused so many problems, but some did sense it and this motivated some of them to pitch in and create this event,” Osborne said.

The funding brought in through the show will go to provide direct services for the residents.

Osborne noted the initiative shown by Milbourne and other residents who’ve helped with the show’s production demonstrates the wider mission of Calcutta House.

“We’re trying to move the residents to a place where they can be independent again,” she said. “We don’t want them to be relying on social workers but to be able to get back out on their own and be selfsufficient, and I think something like this can empower them.”

Milbourne agreed that while the fundraising is integral to the clients at Calcutta House, the sense of self-worth and self-confidence they gain from producing the show is equally important.

“It gives them a sense of being able to help, of knowing that this is something that’s being done that they’ve had a hand in,” he said.

“It’s important for them to be a part of it.”

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.calcuttahouse.org or by calling (215) 684-0480 ext.

102. ■

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WILLIAM WAY From Page 1 University, an educational mix that Goldenburg noted will serve the center well.

“That’s a remarkably unique combination that means she can keep her eye on the mission at the same time she keeps her eye on the bottom line,” he said.

Ward said she realized the difference that having a keen business sense can make in the social-work field and works to fuse both of her interests into her leadership positions.

“I was always interested in social work,” Ward said, noting that she grew up in a family that placed an emphasis on giving back to their community. “After I got into social work and got my MSW, I worked for a family-service agency, and I found that I was very interested in the management side of social work, so I thought that getting my MBA would be a good degree to combine.”

Ward spent some time living in the suburbs but moved back to the city about two years ago to, among other things, reconnect with the LGBT community.

She became an active member of the center, taking Way Gay U classes and participating in Philaventures’ Fairmount Park hikes, and also met with Goldenburg to share ideas about how the center can better serve the aging LGBT community.

“When I learned that ’Dolph was leaving, it seemed like a natural fit for me to go ahead and apply,” Ward said. “I’ve seen firsthand how important the services are that William Way provides.”

Goldenburg said the center interviewed 12 candidates before deciding on Ward.

The board will launch its national search for a permanent director soon, and it is expected to take up to eight months.

Ward said she’s eager to lend her talents to helping the center maintain its programs and services, and plans to work to heighten donor support this winter to secure funds for a bathroom renovation project and also to assist in the national search for a permanent director.

The center will host a farewell reception for Goldenburg after its next board meeting, at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the center, 1315 Spruce St. For more information, call (215) 732-2220. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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Out Money Jeremy Gussick Is a Roth IRA conversion in your future?

Q: A friend mentioned to me something about IRA conversion rules changing for 2010 and, honestly, I have no idea what she was talking about. Can you help?

A: I’m happy to help. And your friend is correct: 2010 may be a good year for many of us to revisit our IRA accounts to see if a conversion makes sense.

Up until now, retirement investors who wanted to convert monies in a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA could only do so if their modified adjusted gross income was $100,000 or less. Beginning in 2010, this restriction will be removed, permitting retirement investors at any income level to move assets in a traditional IRA over to a Roth IRA. As an additional incentive, the IRS is allowing those who con-

vert in 2010 to spread the federal income tax owed on the converted sum over two years, a provision designed to lessen the immediate tax bite.

To convert or not to convert?

The answer to this question will differ for every investor, depending on a number of factors including the amount of time you plan to leave the money invested, your estate-planning objectives and your willingness to pay the federal income-tax bill that a conversion will trigger. Here is a look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of converting.

Potential benefits ...

— A larger sum to bequeath to heirs. Since required minimum distributions do not apply for Roth IRAs as they do for traditional IRAs, investors who do not need the money may leave it invested as long as they choose, which may result in a larger bal-

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ance for heirs. After an accountowner’s death, beneficiaries are required to take distributions, although different rules apply for spouses as opposed to children and other non-spousal beneficiaries such as life partners.

— Tax-free withdrawals on qualified distributions. Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free for those who have had the money invested for five years or more and have reached the age of 591/2 or have attained another qualifying event.* ... and drawbacks — The tax bite. Investors who convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA are required to pay taxes on the amount that is rolled over. The full amount of the conversion is usually taxable at ordinary income-tax rates. If you have a nondeductible traditional IRA (i.e., your contributions did not qualify for a tax deduction because your income was not within the parameters established by the IRS), investment earnings will be taxed but the amount of your contributions will not. The conversion will not trigger the 10-percent penalty for

early withdrawals.

Which is right for you?

If you have a traditional IRA and are considering converting to a Roth IRA, here are a few factors to consider: — A conversion may be more attractive the further you are from retirement. The longer your earnings can grow, the more time you have to compensate for the associated tax bill.

— Your current and future tax brackets will affect which IRA is best for you. If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, sticking with a traditional IRA could be the best option because your required minimum distributions during retirement will be taxed at a correspondingly lower rate than amounts converted today. On the other hand, if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket, the ability to take tax-free distributions from a Roth IRA could be an attractive benefit.

There is no easy answer to the question: “Should I convert my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?”

As with any major financial consideration, careful consultation with a professional is a good idea before you make your choice. *IRA account holders (both traditional and Roth) may make qualified withdrawals before age 59-1/2 only if they meet specific criteria established by the IRS (disability, qualified first-time home buyer and others). Consult www.irs.gov for additional information. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial consultant with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent wealth management firm,* and specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community.

He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network and the Independence Business Alliance. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question, contact him at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com.

This article was prepared with the assistance of Standard & Poor’s Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy Gussick if you have any questions. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2009.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 16

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

International News Tasmania recognizes lesbian mothers Tasmania’s legislative council has granted lesbian mothers who are not the biological parents of their children legal recognition.

The move means they will be listed as parents on a child’s birth certificate, rather than having to go through costly adoption procedures.

The new right was granted in

Larry Nichols

a unanimous vote and has been extended to apply retrospectively to 2003.

Gay-rights advocates on the island have been campaigning for equal-parenting rights for years.

The bill was first introduced in 2003 but was struck down.

Rodney Croome, of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group, said the move would benefit children.

“It means those children will now have the benef its which

include, of course, greater legal, emotional and financial security of having two legal parents, both of them mothers, rather than just one legal parent that has been the case up until now, which, of course, has been their biological mother.”

In September, the law was changed to allow gay couples to hold official ceremonies to celebrate their Deed of Relationships, the Tasmanian version of civil partnerships.

The change, which went into effect Nov. 1, means they will be able to sign their Deed of Relationship in a ceremony presided over by a marriage celebrant and in front of their friends and families.

Sweden ordains first out lesbian bishop

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Eva Brunne, Sweden’s f irst openly lesbian bishop, has been sworn into her new role.

Brunne, 55, who is in a registered partnership and has a 3-yearold son, is also believed to be the world’s first lesbian bishop.

She was ordained Nov. 8 as bishop of Stockholm, two weeks after Sweden decided to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in church.

She has been praised for her natural authority, enthusiasm and sense of humor, telling one reporter who asked about her hobbies: “I read crime fiction. And I carve. The things you do to conform to Jesus, huh?”

Leaders’ kiss back on Berlin Wall The famous painting of the fraternal kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and his East German counterpart, Erich Honecker, has been restored on the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.

The stretch of wall, called the East Side Gallery, is an open-air gallery that extends 3/4 mile along the Spree River. It is a popular tourist attraction, with paintings made by artists in the euphoric days after the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989.

T h e G e r m a n g ove r n m e n t recently paid $3 million to restore the gallery and, over the past year, nearly 90 artists from around the

NOV. 13 -21 19,- 2009 MARCH 27, 2008

world again to repaint that thegathered mayor of the Athens suburb of Kessariani has agreed to perform their original creations.

the ceremony.

“I have no objection to celebrating this union so long as the law is respected,” Mayor Spyros Tzokas said.

It is Iranian uncertain whether Three men are believedthe to government will penalty recognize the be facing the death for havmarriage. ing homosexual relations.

The Greek government is The men, named as Nemat preparing to introduce civilSafavi, Mehdi P. and Moshen G., partnership legislation later this year, have beenlegal on death for three granting rights row to unmarried years and allegedly committed the couples. But, it has not said if samecrimes while under the age of 18. sex couples would be included.

Gay Iranians face death

Under Iranian law, homosexuality is “punishable by death so long as both the active and passive partGay men jailed in ners are mature, of sound mind and Morocco have acted of free will.”

Advocates claim this not only The Moroccan Association for conflicts with reports of the men Human Rights, along with Human being underage at the time of the Rights Watch, has alaunched offenses, but is also gross vio-a petition following the imprisonment lation of international law, which of six men for homosexuality. forbids the execution of juvenile Moroccan police arrested the men offenders. in November 2007 after a video While not is known about circulated onmuch the Internet showing the other twoparty men, Safavi’s case was a private in Ksar-el-Kbir, known to Amnesty International in Morocco, that the press claimed was September 2008ceremony. and he remains on a gay-marriage theThe organization’s minors code tried country’slist ofpenal and awaitingsexual execution in Iran. criminalizes conduct between It is thought P. and members of the that sameMehdi sex. Despite Moshen G. the denied charges the fact that videothe showed no evidencethem of sexual the six were men against and noacts, witnesses were convicted of committing “lewd found.

Safavi was arrested at the or unnatural with an tried individual age of 16 inacts 2006 and by a of theinsame sex” where and sentenced to court Ardebil, he is being between four and 10 months in held. prison.

A date has not been set for their The Moroccan Association for executions, but according to Human Rights Watch, their lawyers believe it could happen any day.

“Killing people for what they did as children is wrong and repellent, and killing them for alleged homosexual conduct is just as wrong and repellent,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The Iranian government has flouted its most basic humanrights obligations in allowing these cruel death sentences.”

According to Human Rights Watch, Iran executes more minors than any other country.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS NEWS PHILADELPHIA GAY

Smitherman a statement.

Human Rightssaid andinHuman Rights Watch are petitioning the Moroccan “It is where I was born, where I government foraacity fairthat trialhas forbeen the was raised. It’s and oftogreat protect their to amen source pride and right a place privacy.I’ve devoted a great deal of where groups are asking supporters myThe energy trying to help build a to show their oppositionToronto to Moroccan stronger community. has authorities by sending an of e-mail to had an amazing history, which petitionmaroc@hrw.org. we should all be proud. I believe it can have an even brighter future.”

He also said while some voters Cartoons draw will reject him solely because he is gay, others will vote for him.

Russian ire Smitherman and his partner, Christopher, attempting to adopt Protestant are groups in Moscow

a child.a cult following in Russia built despite gaining just 1.9 of His resignation is percent only the the share he in February. firstaudience step before can formally also announceMTV plansininRussia January to camshows “South Park,” but hasofyet paign for mayor.

A handful other to receive any criticism from the contenders have announced their Protestant group. candidacies since Mayor David Miller said he would not seek reelection in 2010.

Trans meeting Smitherman will continue his role asfor in parliament for Toronto set Berlin Centre “for the time being.” ■

It was announced March 14 that Larry Nichols canofbethe reached at the second meeting European larry@epgn.com.

Transgender Council will be held are trying to shut down a cartoon this year in Germany. channel because they claim it The council, comprised promotes homosexuality and of Transgender Europe, the religious intolerance.

Transgender Network Berlin and PSYCHIATRY FOR LGBT COMMUNITY Channel 2x2 broadcasts Western TransInterQueer Berlin, will meet PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY cartoons like “South Park,” which May 2-4 in Berlin. Their last event AND PSYCH0THERAPY some believe promotes “homosexual was held in Vienna in 2005.

HIV, propaganda.” DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, Representatives from international CHRONIC PAIN Vitaly Vlasenki, a spokesperson activist groups and experts such as for The Consultative Human Rights1128 Watch and Amnesty OFFICESCouncil AT 1601of Walnut St., Suite the Heads of Protestant Churches COUNTY International are expected to attend AND MONTGOMERY in Russia, said the group had sent the event and share their experiences EVENING HOURS a letter to Prosecutor General Yury in the eld of human rights and AVAILABLE (215)work.

740-4311 Chaika on March 12 accusing the transgender-related network of promoting “cruelty, The results of the Study of the violence, homosexual propaganda, Lives of Transgender people In religious hatred and intolerance.”

Europe, conducted by Press for Yekaterina Doglosheveva, head Change (U.K.), will be revealed, of corporate affairs for Prof-Media, which polled more than 2,000 dismissed the criticism from the transgender people. religious group.

Berlin has a diverse transgender “The Federal Culture and scene, and Wigstoeckel Transgender Cinematography Agency may be United is set to organize the city able to control the activities of our council’s ofcial show and party for channel, but the Protestants cannot,” the event. � Doglosheveva said.

Channel 2x2, which also Larry Nichols can be reached at broadcasts “The Simpsons,” has larry@epgn.com.

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Gay pol runs for mayor of Toronto Ontario, Canada’s deputy premier and cabinet minister of energy and infrastructure stepped down from his posts this week to run for mayor of Toronto.

George Smitherman, Canada’s first openly gay member of provincial parliament, officially notified Premier Dalton McGuinty of his resignation Nov. 8.

“I am a son of this city,”

PAGE 15 17 PAGE

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PAGE 28

PALMER From Page 21 said. “The videos were my idea along with [underground filmmaker] Michael Pope, because we understood at this point that these would never be on MTV. They would pretty much only be viewed on YouTube and on

PGN

Pretty Great Newspaper

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

DVD. We played to the medium and said this is specifically what it’s going to be.”

Palmer said she never bought into the standard model employed by most recording artists.

“One thing that I’ve found very confusing is artists who work on album cycles. It never made sense to me. In the early days of

the Dresden Dolls, people would be talking about the album, the album, the album. And [drummer] Brian [Viglione] and I were going like, sure, the album, but we’re going to be touring anyway.

People want to see ‘the band’ no matter what ‘the band’ is doing, whether we have an album out or not. I’ve never really followed a specific course of putting out an album, promoting it, touring and then stopping and starting that process over again. I look at my entire life as the artwork and touring with constant output and constant input.”

She added that her artistic endeavors come more from spurof-the-moment impulses rather than from some elaborate business plan.

“I just kind of have an existence mentality,” she said. “I mostly just want to do stuff.

It sometimes involves touring and sometimes involves making an album, but I don’t strategize that much. To the dismay of the managers and agents, I find myself saying, what I want to do is go to Singapore so let’s book some shows. What I want to do is make an album and put it out right away. What I want to do is go visit my family in L.A. so let’s book a show. I really try to plan my career around life instead of my life around my career. I realized it does not have to be that way. You can plan your life and make art on the way, and sort of invite people to the party as you want.”

Given that philosophy, it’s not surprising Palmer doesn’t have any answers regarding the future of the Dresden Dolls.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

She did say she doesn’t view Amanda Palmer the solo artist as an entity that has greater or lesser success than the Dolls.

“In the Dresden Dolls, I was functioning the same way and so was Brian. We were doing what we wanted. I think that’s the key ingredient to being a successful artist. You do what you want.

The Dresden Dolls was so much, in effect, about my relationship with Brian and, now that I’m solo, it has a lot to do with my relationship with the audience.”

Palmer performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at TLA, 334 South St. For more information, visit www. amandapalmer.net or call (215) 922-1011. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

PAGE 29

Veggie dishes surprise at Firecreek

By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer With its sleek, modern décor and upscale menu, who knew Firecreek Restaurant and Bar, 20 E. Lancaster Ave. in Downingtown, would be the arena for a culinary war of wills?

On our long drive out to suburbia, our inner carnivore was bouncing around the car anticipating the meaty goodness Firecreek’s menu promised (steaks, ribs and seafood ... oh my). The extensive wine menu didn’t hurt either.

By the time we hit the parking lot, inner carnivore was doing naked backflips and salivating at the promise of decadent displays of red meat.

Then out of left field comes the Tuesday-night chef’s table, a threecourse meal ($35 without wine, $50 with wine) that, this evening, followed a vegetarian theme. At that point, inner vegetarian, long dormant, woke up, slapped inner carnivore in the face with a glove and challenged it to a head-tohead.

Much to our surprise, the vegetarian tasting dishes beat out the carnivore menu selections hands down.

Chef Oscar Gay, a Northwest Philadelphia native and executive chef from establishments like The Golf Club in Everson, presented each dish personally. The vegetarian dishes got out the first shot with an amuse-bouche of an Asian-vegetable pancake that was pleasantly light and crisp. The greens that accompanied the pancakes were dressed delicately so their freshness was never overpowered.

Next up, the first course of black bean soup went head-to-head with the slow-roasted duck and poblano taco ($12). The black bean soup had a silky texture and a spicy kick accented by smoked habañero crema, salsa and tortilla slivers on top. The taco stepped up with perfectly seasoned, juicy shredded duck, further elevated by a side of papaya hot sauce.

The second course brought the

real excitement of the evening: The roasted butternut risotto went up against one of the house favorites, the New Orleans BBQ shrimp ($26).

Surprises abounded. The BBQ shrimp rested on a bed of spinach, red beans and rice, topped with crispy fried onions. The shrimp really should have been the star of the plate, with the other elements playing back up. But the red beans and rice were the most addictive part of the dish, with the well-seasoned beans accented with tender and plentiful pieces of applewood bacon, adding a smoky flavor and heat. The onions were a delight as well.

To be fair, the shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked, but the sauce didn’t assert itself as much as it should have. This turns out to be a trait shared by other meat dishes and, while a testament to the quality and freshness of the proteins, it does become a slight (but not insurmountable) distraction.

As good as that dish was, the true rock star of that course— and the whole evening — was the roasted butternut risotto. Not being the biggest devotee to most things butternut, we were pleasantly surprised to find the sweetness of the butternut tempered by the presence of garlic and dill for an ultra-creamy, savory and satisfying entrée that we could not stop eating. The same can be said for another house favorite, the roasted butternut and apple-cider bisque ($6) on the appetizer menu.

By this point, inner carnivore was taking a beating but holding out hope that steak would save the day. But the third course ended up a tie.

The wild-mushroom crepe took on the New York strip ($34). The strip was a healthy portion cooked to perfection and backed by haricots verts and a very tasty applewood bacon hash, which leads us to believe there isn’t anything Firecreek can’t make better with bacon. The steak was good, but like the sauce accompanying the shrimp, the cabernet demi-glace

Photos: Larry Nichols

didn’t assert itself as expected.

The wild-mushroom crepe delivered earthy goodness, allowing the full flavor of the three different kinds of mushrooms to come through.

With the vegetarian dishes being the clear winner of the evening, inner vegetarian and inner carnivore commiserated over dessert.

The bread pudding was a treat to the palette, as it was made from apple-cider donuts from a local orchard. The homemade cookie ice-cream sliders and the crème brûlée were also tasty ways to end a meal.

With its confident presentation, fresh local ingredients and attention to detail, Firecreek Restaurant and Bar is well worth the trek out of the city. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

If you go: Firecreek Restaurant and Bar 20 E. Lancaster Ave. Downingtown (610) 269-6000 www.firecreek-restaurant.com

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Diversions

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

Angels in America BCKSEET productions presents Tony Kushner’s Tony and Pulitzer awardwinning plays about the impact of AIDS on the national culture, through Nov. 28 at The Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 923-0210.

Boom Flashpoint Theatre Company presents the story of a biologist and a lab assistant who inadvertently change the course of humanity, through Nov. 21 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 665-9720.

Coming Home The Wilma Theater presents the tale of a South African mother’s return to her hometown in hope of building a new life for her and her son, through Nov. 15, 265 S. Broad St.; (215) 546-7824.

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity InterAct Theatre presents this 2008 Latino Playwrighting Awardwinning production set in the world of professional wrestling and hip-hop, through Nov. 22 at The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 568-8079.

Endgame EgoPo presents Samuel Beckett’s bizarre family comedy featuring torturous fleas and an elderly couple living in trash cans, through Nov. 15 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; (215) 829-9002.

The Long Christmas Ride Home Azuka Theatre begins its 10th-anniversary season with the Philadelphia

premiere of openly gay Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel’s story about three children and their parents taking what will turn out to be an ill-fated ride to grandmother’s house, through Nov. 15 at Mandell Theater, 3300 Chestnut St.; (215) 733-0255.

Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with Canadian violinist James Ehnes at 8 p.m. Nov. 13-14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

My Dear Disco The abstract dance music group performs at 11:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.

Kaleidoscope Edge Gallery presents an exhibition featuring Philadelphia artist Tom Hlas and North Carolina artist Robert Langford, through Nov. 29, 72 N. Second St.; (215) 4137072.

The Cranberries The hit alternative-rock group performs at 8 p.m.

Nov. 17 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (215) 627-1332.

On Golden Pond Act II Playhouse presents the now-classic drama, Nov. 17-Dec. 13, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; (215) 654-1011.

Music classical

(215) 238-1557.

Dionne Warwick The R&B singer performs at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.

Oliver!

Walnut Street Theatre presents one of the world’s most beloved musicals, through Jan. 10, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.

Rabbit Hole The Arden Theatre presents the story of a family in crisis facing the challenges of surviving great loss and making a life with the family that remains, through Dec. 20, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 9221122.

222-1400.

NEW DICKS ON THE BLOCK: After a nationwide search, the creators of “Puppetry of the Penis” have discovered the finest young talent to carry on the wildly successful stage show featuring the ancient Australian art of genital origami. Catch Rich Binning (seated) and Christopher J. Cannon (standing) when they go full frontal at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside. For more information, visit www.puppetryofthepenis.com or call (215) 572-7650.

Theater, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Mahler’s Seventh Symphony The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a harrowing symphonic journey containing some of the most scintillating The Christmas Music of instrumental effects of Mannheim Steamroller Mahler’s output, 8 p.m.

The yuletide concert begins Nov. 18 and 21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at Kimmel’s at 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 14 Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad at Kimmel’s Academy of St.; (215) 790-5847.

Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Tokyo Quartet The Philadelphia Chamber Chopin For Lovers Music Society presents the The Kimmel Center acclaimed string quartet at presents an evening of 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at Kimmel’s classical piano concertos, Perelman Theater, 240 S. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Broad St.; (215) 790-5847 Kimmel’s Perelman

Music other

Peaches The electro-rock genderbending diva performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at TLA, 334 South St.; (215) 922-1011.

Skinny Puppy The pioneering industrial group performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483.

Exhibits

Body Worlds 2 & The Brain The Franklin Institute presents an eye-opening journey through the inner workings of the human body through a broad collection of authentic human specimens, through Feb. 20, 222 N. 20th St.; (215) 448-1200.

Lace in Translation The Design Center at Philadelphia University presents a new exhibition of contemporary work inspired by historic lace, through April 3, 4200 Henry Ave.; (215) 9512860.

Paperboy with Pedestals AxD Gallery presents sculpture and works on paper by James Groody, through Dec. 5, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250.

Peaks of Faith: Buddhist Art of the Himalayas The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition encompassing nearly a millennium of art from across the Himalayan region, through Nov. 15, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

Ragas and Rajas: Musical Imagery of Courtly India Diana: A Celebration The Philadelphia Museum The National Constitution of Art presents a diverse Nneka Center presents an The Afro-German neo-soul exhibition exploring Diana’s selection of paintings and sculptures from across the singer performs at 10:30 childhood, her engagement subcontinent, through Feb. p.m. Nov. 13 at World Cafe to Prince Charles, their 28, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) royal wedding and Diana’s Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

222-1400. life and work as a global humanitarian, through Dec. That 1 Guy presents 31, 525 Arch St.; (866) 917- Transplant James Oliver Gallery Mustaches and Laser 1787. presents an exhibition Beams of works by painter Ron Classically trained musician Annual Holiday Show Johnson and sculptor and performance artist Mike ArtStar Gallery hosts an Steven Earl Weber, through Silverman performs an exhibition of handmade inventive one-man concert at ornaments and holiday cards Nov. 21, 723 Chestnut St., fourth floor; (215) 9239 p.m. Nov. 14 at World Cafe by select artists, through Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) Dec. 31, 623 N. Second St.; 1242.

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Dance

Philadanco The Kimmel Center presents the kick-off of the company’s 40th-anniversary season, through Nov. 15 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

Film

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Cabaret

Kelly King The singer-songwriter performs at 9 p.m. Nov. 14 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.

Etc.

Humor in the Hardbacks: A Comedy Benefit for Giovanni’s Room Liberty City Kings, Kelli Dunham, Neil McGarry and Cheryl Burke perform a comedy show from 7:30The Greening of Southie 9:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at William Bryn Mawr Film Institute Way LGBT Community presents the documentary Center, 1315 Spruce St.; about the construction of (215) 732-2220.

South Boston’s first certified residential green building, UniverSoul Circus The circus brings its all-new 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898.

Vertigo The Alfred Hitchcock classic is screened at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223.

Books

Joyce Angela Jellison The author of “Black Apple” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.

Thomas Glave The author of “The Torturer’s Wife” and editor of “Our Caribbean: A Gathering of Lesbian and Gay Writing from the Antilles” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.

George Packer The author of “Interesting Times: Writing from a Turbulent Decade” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 9256437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn.com.

Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

production, “The World in One Ring,” through Nov. 15 at Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; (800) 7453000.

PAGE 31

PGN

Pick

The Guy Fieri Road Show The Kimmel Center presents the star of three top-rated Food Network shows, including “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” for a two-hour live cooking event, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Kimmel’s Merriam Theater, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Sara Felder: Juggling Workshop The out master juggler teaches the basics in this workshop from 1:15-3 p.m.

Nov. 15 at the Gershman Y, 401 South Broad St.; (215) 545-4400. ■

Melissa Kolczynski (from left), Keith Kaczorowski and Tom Wilson Weinberg bring their talents together once again for “Reading Between the Lines,” a benefit show for Giovanni’s Room and its much-needed repairs, at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. The trio has appeared together in Weinberg’s “Bruhs & Gean” and “The Teachings of Chairman Rick,” as well as in their popular cabaret series. For more information, visit www.waygay.org or www. tomwilsonweinberg.com or call (215) 732-2220. Photos by Liz Reasey and John Whyte

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 32

PORTRAITS From Page 24 go if you wanted to meet people like you — if you wanted to be around your own kind. Now, you have huge, beautiful clubs that list in the city guide, you have ladies’ parties all over the place, you have dances for young kids — it’s amazing. I’m glad that I got to see it all, from then to now.

PGN: The only thing I hear, listening to some older folks, is that the camaraderie that was forged by the earlier challenges is not there anymore.

RR: That’s true. The last time I was in a club, I was watching the kids on the dance floor, and I thought, “Wow, I’m here with friends that I’ve known since back in the day when all we had was each other.” We all went through those times together and we bonded because of what was going on. To this day, we still all call each other, we go out and do things together. I wonder if any of these kids will still be close to the people they’re on the dance floor with 40 years from now.

PGN: So you started at Hideaway, but I met you when

you were the manager of the 2-4 Club, when they opened a women’s bar downstairs. It was one of the first “chic” women’s bars in Philly that I recall.

RR: Yeah, at that time I was managing a few clubs, mainly down at the shore and then I got into the DCA. I managed the whole place, not just the women’s bar. But there actually had been a very nice women’s bar upstairs at the DCA Club before that one, where I bartended for a bit.

PGN: So what’s a crazy bar incident?

RR: Hard to think. There was always something happening, which is what I like about the bar business; there’s always something new. OK. There used to be a men-only club at the top of the DCA called the Cellblock.

I don’t know if you remember Wayland Flowers but he used to have an act with a puppet named Madame. They were on all the talk shows and “Hollywood Squares,” etc. Anyway, he came into the club and had Madame with him. He wanted to go upstairs to the Cellblock and they refused to let Madame in because it was an all-men’s club. He ended up having to put her in the

worth watching: FRIDAY Ugly Betty Adam Rodriguez (“CSI: Miami”) guest-stars as Hilda’s bad-boy high-school flame and Betty’s schoolgirl crush. 9 p.m. on ABC. SATURDAY Suze Orman Show The out financial guru doles out financial advice. 9 p.m. on CNBC. LOGO’S TRANSFORMER: Designer Ambrose Price has managed to parlay his 2006 stint as a contestant on “HGTV’s Designer Superstar Challenge” into his own television show, appropriately titled “The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price.” This week, Price shows viewers how to transform something old into something fabulous and sell it for a profit. 10 p.m. Nov. 16 on Logo. Photo: Logo

The Wanda Sykes Show The out comedian is a welcome addition to the late-night landscape, even if it is only on Saturday. 11 p.m. on Fox. Saturday Night Live January Jones hosts and Black Eyed Peas perform. 11:30 p.m. on NBC. SUNDAY The Amazing Race Gay brothers Sam and Dan have a good chance of going the distance in this global race, which hits Estonia this week. 8 p.m. on CBS.

coat check!

PGN: Who was a disaster employee?

RR: I had one person whom I had to fire. He was a good friend of mine and I loved him as a person, but I had to let him go.

He would argue with the guests and bring his personal problems to work. [Laughs.] One day, I caught him kicking a guest and that was the final straw. I had to fire him on the spot. It broke my heart because he was a friend, but we still remain friends, so I guess he understood that business was business.

PGN: You worked in the bar business at the height of the AIDS crisis; what was that like?

RR: It was terrible. I lost a lot of employees and I lost a lot of friends. It was a very scary time for me. I think that’s when I started to think about getting out of the business. Not because I was afraid of AIDS: I was afraid of the pain of losing so many people. It just ripped your heart out each time. You’d see these nice boys, young men who would come in one day and have a good time and you’d hear the next week that they’d died. It was too The Prisoner Out actor Ian McKellen stars in the debut of this three-part mini-series remake of the 1960s sci-fi series. 8 p.m. on AMC. Desperate Housewives Shawn Pyfrom, who plays Bree’s gay son Andrew, recently announced he is leaving to pursue other interests. 9 p.m. on ABC. Family Guy Stewie, who creator Seth McFarlane said will be gay someday, clones himself in this episode. 9 p.m. on Fox. Brothers & Sisters Look for gay couple Kevin and Scotty. 10 p.m. on ABC. Ready? OK! Logo’s Fall Film Festival presents a story about a young boy who aspires to be on the cheerleading squad at his private school, much to his mother’s concern. 10 p.m. on Logo.

Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew There is a gay cast member among the musicians and porn stars: writer-director Duncan Roy. 10:30 p.m. on VH1.

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

much emotionally. I was getting old and I just couldn’t see it anymore, it was too much. I had to get away.

PGN: What did you do after that?

RR: I left Philadelphia and moved down the shore. I started doing work at the casinos in Atlantic City. I spent 10 years doing that, and recently I decided to retire and start a family.

PGN: That’s an interesting way to do it!

RR: Well, I always wanted a family. My employees were always like my children and I guess I missed that mothering thing. I decided to retire and adopt a child. “A” child, mind you — I was only planning on adopting one, but God sent me three! They’re siblings: I got them at 2-1/2, 1-1/2 and 3-1/2 months; they’re now 6, 5 and 4.

It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and the happiest I’ve ever been.

but I called my brother in Puerto Rico and he flew in and checked it out with me. We found a great little town with antique stores and a wooden bridge and a train that runs right down the middle of the town. I didn’t know anyone here, not a soul, but I loved the people and the school system and the open air and thought it would be a proper place for the children.

It turned out to be a wonderful place for me as well. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to: Family Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.

SOLUTION From Page 25

PGN: What prompted you to move down South?

RR: I’d heard that the South was a great place to raise kids.

I’d especially heard good things about North Carolina. I’d never been there or anywhere South, MONDAY Dancing with the Stars Week nine of this star-studded competition puts the moves on. 8 p.m. on ABC. How I Met Your Mother Openly gay Neil Patrick Harris stars in this wacky comedy as the über-straight Barney. This week, he breaks up with Robin. 8 p.m. on CBS. TUESDAY So You Think You Can Dance Contestants continue to hoof it for glory. 8 p.m. on Fox. Dancing with the Stars Catch the live results. 9 p.m. on ABC.

Queer TV you can always see: One Life to Live

Look for Kyle and Fish.

Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on ABC. Ellen

Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show

Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.

Melrose Place Heather Locklear reprises her role as Amanda Woodward. 9 p.m. on CW.

Modern Family This new sitcom features a gay couple with an adopted daughter. 9 p.m. on ABC.

WEDNESDAY The New Adventures of Old Christine Out comedian Wanda Sykes costars as Barb. 8 p.m. on CBS.

THURSDAY Survivor: Samoa Watch for lesbian contestant Shambo. 8 p.m. on CBS.

Glee Out actress Jane Lynch stars in this musical high-school comedy.

9 p.m. on Fox.

Grey’s Anatomy Look for lesbian characters Callie and Arizona in this medical drama. 9 p.m. on ABC.

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations

Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies.

Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m.

Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000.

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424.

Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 222-3871.

Spanish/English.

HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport; (570) 322-8448.

Key numbers

HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803.

Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219.

Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330.

Men of Standard Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 211; ruberte_ j@camden_ahec.org.

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

Parents/Families

Renaissance Transgender Assoc.

Meets at 8 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Into the Woods office complex in King of Prussia; (610) 975-9119 box 5; and 7:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; www.ren.org.

T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, agressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 834-9063; tman215@aol.com.

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

Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m.

Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (267) 549-6497.

Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization meets at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac.

WeXist FTM support group meets from 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; first hour is open; second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; (267) 2501548; www.wexist.org.

Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www. mazzonicenter.org.

Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Meets from 2-5 p.m. third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 572-1833.

Expressions Women’s Space Lesbian singles, family and coming-out groups meet at 1538 Church St.; (215) 535-3600.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; (609) 683-5155.

Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555

■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 592-1513

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633

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

■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria.

Men of All Colors Together Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Friday of the month September through June at the William Way Center; (610) 277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, non-judgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658.

African Asian Latina Lesbians United Social-issues discussion group meets fourth Thursday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658

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

Gay Married Men’s Association Meets at 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; (215) 483-1032.

Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Cape May, N.J. Meets at 2 p.m. third Sunday of the month in the Maruchi Room of Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, 2 Stone Harbor Blvd.; (609) 861-1848.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets at 7 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St., West Chester; (484) 354-2448.

HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077.

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

■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378

Delaware Valley 40-plus Club for Men Social group meets every other month; (215) 587-9933.

Young, Trans, and Unified!

Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; (215) 545-4331 ext. 24.

■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org

■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW

Boys Night Out A social gathering for gay men, meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Iron Hill Brewery, 30 E. State St., Media; BurbBoysNiteOut@aol.com.

Interweave New Jersey An organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian and their allies meets every third Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-8005.

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

■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330.

Men

PAGE 33

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ 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/Wilmington, Del. Meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; (302) 654-2995.

Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings are held monthly; (215) 844-3360; www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans

Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey A transgender civil-rights group meets first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

Women

Bucks County Lesbian Alliance Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbianalliance.org.

Lesbians and BiWomen in Heterosexual Marriages A support group meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville, PA 19460; http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com.

Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; (215) 468-1352; queerconnect@yahoo. com.

Republican Lesbians Meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on first Monday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

South Jersey Lesbians of Color Meetings are the first and third Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Starting Point, 215 Highland Ave., Suite C, Westmont, N.J.; (856) 824-0881; e-mail: SJLOC-owner@yahoogroups.com.

Women’s Coffee House for Lesbians A group for lesbian and bisexual women meets on first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

The Womyn’s Village The first womyn-owned and operated thinktank targeting black African, Asian, Latina and Native American LBT and two-spirited womyn.

Meets at 5 p.m. on third Thursday of the month at COLOURS Organization, 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 765-0121; the_womyns. village@yahoo.com.

Youth

40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330.

Drop-in Group For gay, lesbian and bisexual youth; meets at 11 a.m. Saturdays at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-6776.

HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets from 7-9 p.m.

Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; (610) 868-2153.

HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; (609) 683-5155.

Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-1861; info@myaonline. org.

Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 772-1107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org.

Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 3480558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330.

Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester office, 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester; (610) 692-1770 ext. 108 or thespot@ppccpa.org.

Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; (215) 542-2899.

Teen Support Group Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0658 ext. 319.

Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 500-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn.southjersey.com.

Youth in Transition A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the The Attic Youth Center.

Lesbians with Breast Cancer A support group meets from 6:30-8:30 on second Wednesday of the month at Gilda Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 4413290.

Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 13-24. Meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 205; gibbs_ d@camden-ahec.org.

Queer Connections

Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication.

Complete Meeting Place listings of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans, Youth groups can be found online @ www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com

Detour

PAGE 18

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

A departure from the ordinary

Pushy Daniels

‘PRECIOUS’ DIRECTOR LEE DANIELS Photo: Renaud Corlouer

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Director brings queer sensibility to ‘Precious’

By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Lee Daniels, the out — and outspoken — producer and director, recently met with PGN at the Palomar Hotel to discuss his searing new film, “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire.” He appeared suitably vibrant, dressed in a brightyellow shirt and blue jeans, as he emoted and effused about being a queer filmmaker.

The director began by recounting a particular exchange that gets his blood flowing, if not boiling: “A very powerful Hollywood producer told me [about ‘Precious’], ‘You can tell a gay man made this movie.’”

Daniels responds to the comment brashly. “It was a compliment, I think,” adding another, more sarcastic “I think” to emphasize his point. “All of my films have a queer sensibility, because my fingerprints are all over them.”

From “Monster’s Ball” and “The Woodsman,” which he produced, to his directorial debut, “Shadowboxer,” Daniels’ films are edgy, extraordinary and frequently over the top.

“Precious” is all of these things.

The story concerns an illiterate, pregnant-for-the-second time (by her father) African-American teenager named Clareece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe), who is mentored by a lesbian teacher. Full of wild, tense, emotional moments and dazzling performances, the film has won awards in Sundance and Toronto. Mo’Nique is already garnering Oscar buzz for her role as Precious’ abusive mother, Mary, and Sidibe is a strong contender for a nomination as well.

While “Precious,” along with the films Daniels produced, received accolades aplenty, his directorial debut, “Shadowboxer” — which starred Helen Mirren as a dying hitwoman in love with her stepson (Cuba Gooding Jr.) — received almost uniformly negative reaction from critics.

“Bastards! Bastards!” Daniels cries. “That’s my baby, too. I love my baby!” He gets himself under control, and continues, “I think that people were expecting something different from me after ‘Monster’s Ball’ and

‘The Woodsman.’ ‘Precious’ goes back to that world. But for me, ‘Shadowboxer’ was a fucking party. I have Dame Vivienne Westwood in to costume my movie in Philadelphia. C’mon!

I have Dame Helen Mirren! I’ve got Macy Gray ... ” As he recalls the film, he stops and admits, “I think I’m really humbled by the experience of ‘Shadowboxer,’ because I never got a bad review, ever. I grew up.

That [film] made me grow up, and I needed that as a filmmaker.

I had no perspective, except from the other two films I produced.”

Daniels more than answers his critics with “Precious.”

Reminded of the incendiary response the book had upon publication, the filmmaker said, “I stalked Sapphire for 10 years. Her book is a piece of brilliance. My reaction to it was guttural, absolutely guttural. Why I wanted to do this was to say, ‘Guess what?

The hero is a lesbian!’”

Daniels is all about provocation. He gets his ire up when he sidebars in the interview to address a surprising discovery he made doing research for the film. He recounts the episode with passion: “I got to the Gay Men’s Health Clinic, and I’m looking around to see all the boys — and there weren’t any.

The statistic is staggering that it’s black women. Honey, I’m like, I’m almost 50 and I don’t know this shit! I thought the boys were getting [HIV]. It’s not. The Gay Men’s Health Clinic is treating African-American women. The men are on the fucking down low. You got to get these men [on the down low] out of the closet.

Think about all these women infected with HIV. Well, they are infected because men on the down low are having sex with them.”

The filmmaker climbs off his soapbox and returns to the matter of discussing “Precious,” a project he says he wanted to bring to the screen even before he made “Monster’s Ball.”

Daniels’ latest film captures the very essence of the novel.

Viewers can smell the bucket of chicken Precious steals in one scene or the mustiness of the hallways and apartments where the characters eke out their lives.

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

The film features harsh scenes of Precious being raped by her father as well as flights of fancy, such as one in which Precious and Mary enact an homage to “Two Women.” The sequence, filmed in black and white and featuring the actresses speaking Italian, is a highlight.

“That was really funny,” recounted Sidibe, in a separate phone interview.

“We had three weeks of Italian training and not once did Mo’Nique say the lines correctly — until the camera rolled. We did two takes, the one in the film and one for safety.”

Daniels deflected criticism about this scene as well. “Somebody said to me, ‘Why would they be watching “Two Women,”’ and I said, ‘Because I am watching “Two Women,” and it’s my movie. You’re in my world!’” He calms down and adds, “I thought it was so truthful — so in-the-moment.”

The scene is truthful, and it is important in establishing the universality of these women struggling against oppression. How Sophia Loren and Eleonora Brown fared in World War II Italy is not that far removed from Precious and Mary’s experiences in Harlem, 1987.

And it is not that far removed from Daniels growing up in Southwest Philadelphia, where he says there was “zero tolerance” for gays.

He recalls, “I was beat up, and I went away to a white world that was more tolerant [of sexual minorities]. I don’t want to know what I would have become if I’d stayed where I was.

In our culture, homosexuality is so bashed, and I think that’s what fucked me up.” Parallels to Precious’ situation are entirely intentional.

In contrast, while Sidibe insisted that she can identify and empathize with her screen persona, she is nothing like the character she portrays. She said, “I felt like I knew Precious. She was such a real person to me. What makes her story universal is that she’s been ignored, neglected. I’ve felt that more times than I care to count in my life, but I’ve not been what she’s been through. [Daniels] reminded me that we’re getting a peek into her life. She can’t be completely sad or pathetic.

It’s just a Tuesday for her. It’s a bad day. But they’ve all been bad days.”

The student-turned-actor used her knowledge from being a psychology major to inform her character. Sidibe has always been interested in what she calls, “the anatomy of a victim and victimizer.” In the film, Precious’ body language is very telling, and the actress conveys more with a silent squint than with a whole page of dialogue.

She said “time and growth” helped her gain perspective on how to play

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Precious. “She’s a warrior. She’s getting things thrown at her, and she keeps getting up. I’m an adult, and she’s a teenager. I’ve grown up to accept my life and like it.”

Sidibe explained that her own selfworth enabled her to create the character. “Like I shouldn’t have confidence because I’m not skinny,” she joked.

“It’s important that people learn who they are and what makes them happy.

If I didn’t know myself, I [would not have] come out of ‘Precious’ so easily.

I like myself through playing her.”

Nevertheless, scenes of Precious being raped by her father were tough for the actress to film, and Sidibe broke down crying while blocking these scenes. The actress spoke with co-star Mo’Nique for hours to develop a coping technique for shooting those parts.

However, the screen newcomer admitted Mo’Nique intimidated her at first. “I didn’t talk to her because I was so scared I’d say something stupid.

But once I did, and the awkwardness was out there, it worked. Gabby and Mo are not in the fight Mary and Precious are in. It was tough to film scenes like [Mary] throwing a skillet at my head, but when Daniels said ‘Cut!’ we sang and danced together.”

Daniels has nothing but praise for his cast. He deemed Sidibe’s performance “phenomenal” and said Mo’Nique is equally revelatory in her role — especially when she gives an astonishing speech at the film’s end. Daniels has Mo’Nique as Mary wearing “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” powder on her face. He remembered informing her, “Mary’s going out in public, honey, she has to put powder on her face!” If the actress was initially reluctant, the moment pays off fabulously.

The filmmaker chose Mo’Nique to play Mary even though she’s cast against type because of his longstanding friendship with the comedian, who also appeared in “Shadowboxer.”

(Fun fact: Her character’s name was Precious).

“She cracks me up,” Daniels said before he launched into his theory about why Mo’Nique is able to surprise viewers with her dramatic talents: “Comedians have a third eye — they don’t see the world the way ordinary actors, or people, do. They are able to take a character and really twist the fuck out of them. Jim Carrey does it. Richard Pryor did it in ‘Lady Sings the Blues.’”

And yet Daniels, as a gay man, has the same ability to twist a character or a story and make it relatable. With “Precious,” he does an extraordinary job — and will fiercely debate anyone who argues with him. ■

PAGE 19

PRECIOUS (GABOUREY SIDIBE, LEFT) AND MARY (MO’NIQUE) IN “PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE” Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate

PRECIOUS (LEFT) AND MS. RAIN (PAULA PATTON) Photo: Anne Marie Fox

DANIELS (LEFT) WITH SIDIBE AND XOSHA ROQUEMORE (AS JOANN, RIGHT) ON THE SET Photo: Anne Marie Fox

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 20

Ms. Behavior

®

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Meryl Cohn

Don’t ditch beau for dad; bloody depressing Dear Ms. Behavior: I’m in my first year at college and still seeing my boyfriend Rafe, who lives about an hour away. Lately, Rafe’s father John e-mails me and sends me messages on Facebook.

I feel like the guy is flirting with me, and I’ve always liked him.

How can I find out if this is real?

I don’t want to ruin things with Rafe if his father is just playing with my head. Should I just come out and ask him what he has in

mind?

— Joe

Dear Joe: No, you shouldn’t ask Rafe’s father what he has in mind, because if he says, “Nothing, what do you mean?” you’ll feel like an idiot, and if it’s something else, like “I want to lick your body from head to toe,” you can’t do it. Technically, perhaps, you could sign up for licking, bondage, blowjobs or whatever tawdry act Rafe’s padre might be conjuring in his mind (or at least in yours), but it would be inadvisable.

If Rafe’s father really means to

seduce you, he’s enacting aggression toward his son, and you’re just the vehicle for that. In terms of your responsibility, pursuing Rafe’s father is probably the sneakiest and crappiest thing you can do to Rafe.

If there’s only one take-away from this column today, please at least remember this: Whether or not you believe in monogamy, whether or not you believe in God or Freud, or Passover or hell, or karma or martians, it is always a mistake to sleep with your boyfriend’s (or girlfriend’s) relative.

If you really need to ask why (and surely someone will), it’s because it’s confusing and melodramatic

and twisted. No matter how hot it may seem, it’s ultimately profoundly disturbing. Of course, such behavior is the foundation for cautionary literary myths and icky incestuous reality shows, but in your own precious little life, you don’t want to go there.

Dear Ms. Behavior: My girlfriend Cara is obsessed with vampires. She watches a vampire TV show and a teenybopper vampire movie over and over. I think she has a sexual fetish about the whole thing. I wish she’d turn her energy toward me, or at least spend her time looking for a job or pitching in

around the house. She’s defensive about it. Sometimes when we’re running late to go out and meet friends because she’s watching her movie (again), I complain.

But then Cara just refuses to go out at all and I end up having to go alone. I secretly suspect that she does it on purpose so she can stay home and watch more. It seems like some sort of addiction, but I don’t even know if that’s possible. What do you think?

— Sick of Vampires Dear Sick of Vampires: OK, maybe watching vampire movies isn’t a hobby that you want to cultivate, but try not to act too critical of Cara’s obsession, if only because your disdain will only make it easier for her to pull away. This doesn’t mean that you should support her habit — don’t bring her snacks or rub her toes while she watches the bloodsucking videos — but try to achieve an attitude of neutral detachment.

Detachment is hard to grasp at first. It doesn’t mean doling out punishing silence; it means going on with your life and avoiding throwing dishes or setting fire to your hair to get the attention of the person who is otherwise absorbed.

It sounds like Cara is really using the movies and television to separate herself from her life right now. And yes, it’s crappy that she’s shirking her responsibilities and using vampires to escape.

You haven’t mentioned how long Cara’s been caught up in her obsession, but whether or not her attraction to vampires is a fetish, it sounds like she’s avoidant and depressed.

So what can you do? Well, since you can’t prescribe Lexapro or Wellbutrin on your own, you can try to get Cara to a therapist.

If she’s too immobilized to go, try to at least get her into couple’s therapy with you, which is sometimes a back door into individual therapy.

If all else fails, try biting Cara’s neck to get her attention. ■ Meryl Cohn is the author of “‘Do What I Say’: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette” (Houghton Mifflin). Email her at MsBehavior@aol.com or visit www.msbehavior.com.

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 21

Amanda Palmer kills it

By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer The album is titled “Who Killed Amanda Palmer?”

But it really should be called “Amanda Palmer Killed It!” The bisexual Dresden Dolls singer-songwriter-pianist is pushing her own brand of dark-punk cabaret music and art on all fronts, more than a year after the release of her debut solo album.

When Palmer performed in Philadelphia last year, it was just her on piano, backed up by a ragtag band of Australian performance artists (who were working for tips) and the occasional sax player. Even with such a minimalist production, she blew the doors off TLA with a powerful yet artistically nuanced show.

Palmer said she had to make the most of what little resources she had, but that it was worth it to interact with her fans.

“The fact that we were touring on a shoestring meant that we had to do a lot of personal reaching-out to the fans for money and whatnot,” she said. “The general vibe — even at the biggest Dresden Dolls shows, where we were making tons of money and staying in hotels — that feeling has never gone away. I really like being down on the floor and connecting with everybody: That’s why I do this. The day I get yanked off stage and whisked off to some holding cell is the day I just quit.”

For her hotly anticipated East Coast tour, which finds her back at TLA Nov. 18, Palmer brings a healthier complement of musicians.

“I’m really excited,” she said.

“The opening band is going to stay on as my back-up band. I heard they’re incredible people but I haven’t met any of them yet.

We have two rehearsals before the show, so it’s going to be a kamikaze back-up-band experience.”

Palmer said working with a band this time around will affect how spontaneous she can be.

“It’s not like I can tell the band, ‘Let’s play one of the 80 songs that I’ve written,’” she said. “We’re going to practice a certain setlist and that’s what we’re going to have to draw from. But in terms of creativity, there’s a wonderful energy that only comes out of having a gang of freaks on stage that you just don’t get when it’s a girl at the piano. I don’t think there will be any overall lack of sponta-

neity.”

If you’re wondering why Palmer, who has a sizable cult following in addition to critical acclaim from her work with the Dresden Dolls, is solely footing the bill for her own tour, it’s because she isn’t seeing eye to eye with her label, Roadrunner Records. Actually, she is publicly feuding with Roadrunner because the label, whose roster is populated with hard-rock and metal bands, doesn’t know what to do with her unique brand of music, according to Palmer. But what really set her off, she said, is when the label wanted to edit her video for “Leeds United” because her exposed stomach in the video “looked fat.”

Palmer is campaigning to get dropped from the label and encour-

aging fans to buy her merchandise directly from her or her Web site.

“I would like to think that I’m winning,” she said of the feud.

“I feel very superstitious talking about it because I don’t want to fuck it up. I think I’m doing OK. It’s looking good. They do not have a vested interest in my success. If they had a vested interest in my success, they would be doing things differently.”

Doing things differently is a way of life for Palmer. Most artists are content to put out a record, tour and repeat for as long as humanly possible. Palmer is taking the road less traveled by creating a number of projects connected to “Who Killed Amanda Palmer?” including limited-edition “artisan scents” (that means perfume) and a DVD of songs on the album. There’s

also the book “Who Killed Amanda Palmer: A Collection of Photographic Evidence,” a 130page tome featuring more than 100 photographs of dead and sometimes-naked Amanda Palmers with stories written by her current boyfriend, acclaimed fantasy author Neil Gaiman.

“The book was sort of my pet project that I was working [on] on the side for a long time with my assistant,” Palmer See PALMER, Page 28

PALMER

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 22

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Win a weekend for two in the Gayborhood! ���������������������� ����������������

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������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

• Naked Chocolate: $20.00 Gift Cert. • Brew HaHa!: Free Breakfast for 10 • Venture Inn: Two $50 Gift Certs. • Flavor of Philly: Two Flavor of Philly Food Tours • Philadelphia Cinema Alliance: 10 Passes to Philadelphia Cinefest, 10 passes to Philadelphia QFest • Ritz 5 Theatre: 4 Free Passes to Ritz 5 • 15-Minute Workout: 6 Free Classes • Mixto: Two $50 Gift Certs. • Danny’s: Gift Cert. • Philadelphia Theatre Company: Two Complimentary Tickets • Absolute Abstract: One Art Block • Fusion: One 5 Group Cross-Training Sessions or Personal Coaching Session or Nutrition Counseling • Rapunzel’s Beauty Salon: $25 Haircut, $10 Eyebrow Wax • Spruce Street Video: 30 Rentals, 20 Rentals • Uncle’s Upstairs Inn: One Night Stay • Q Lounge: Brunch for 2 • Tommy D’s Café: 2 Brunches • Andre Richard Salon: Free Haircut (3) • Cut: Hair and Skin Studio: $70 Gift Cert. • 12th Street Gym: 3-Month Gym Membership • Soleil: 3-Month Tanning Membership • Lion’s Mane: Gift Cert. • Spring Mill TICKET PURCHASE OPTIONS: Cafe: Gift Cert. • Charlie Salon: Gift Cert. • Mango Moon: Gift Cert. • Chabaa: Gift Cert. • Qdoba Tickets can be purchased at Giovanni’s Mexican Grill: (10) Free Entrée Tickets • Sage Massage Therapy: One-Hour Massage Room at 345 S. 12th St., Philadelphia,

Pa. during regular business hours, author events, book signings or any special events held at the store.

Thank you to our growing list of prize donors: ���������

Bellezza DermaCenter MedSpa Clinic

Tickets can be purchased this weekend at the Comedy Show on Nov. 13 and the Cabaret Show on Nov. 14 at the William Way Community Center

ritz five

A special thanks to our ticket and media

Scott Drake Photography

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Your PGN advertising rep has a holiday gift for you!

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Call Us! Dave ext. 219 Greg ext. 201 Morgan ext. 212 Kelly ext. 207 Friday, November 20 FREE AD DEADLINE! Friday, November 27 - Week 1 Thanksgiving Issue!

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NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 23

-

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 24

Family Portraits Back in the day, there weren’t a lot of outlets for gay people to meet and mingle. Nightclubs were the core of social life and, at the center of that core, keeping things running smoothly was Ronni Rodriguez. She kicked off things in 1964, bartending at one of Philadelphia’s first gay bars — Hideaway — and spent the next several decades connected to the pulse of the LGBT community.

She still thinks of the many people who worked for her, including myself, as her kids, but these days, she’s raising three children of her own in the quiet town of Waxhaw, N.C. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself.

RR: Well, I was born in Puerto Rico but we came to Philadelphia in 1953 when I was 7 years old.

My parents both worked. My father did construction and wallpapering and that kind of stuff.

My mother was a factory worker;

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Suzi Nash she used to make sweaters in a factory down on Second and Allegheny.

PGN: Any siblings?

RR: I have two younger brothers.

PGN: What did you like to do as a kid?

RR: Believe it or not, I really liked to play outside. Skating, bicycling, chasing boys— I was a real tomboy.

PGN: Did you play any organized sports?

RR: Never. I don’t know why; I was never into sports at all. I still have no interest. I was more into reading.

PGN: What kind of books did you like?

RR: Light stuff, funny stuff. I actually have a book in my hand right now that I got for my kids but I’ve been reading it! It’s a copy of the original “Pinocchio”

that a teacher friend of mine gave me. It’s definitely not the Disney version: The originals of stories like “Pinocchio” and “Alice in Wonderland” are much darker and more adult.

PGN: And where did you go to school?

RR: Kensington High School for Girls. I think it’s mixed now, but back then it was all girls.

I don’t know what it’s like now, but back then it was a good school.

PGN: When did you come out?

RR: I guess it was when I was about 14. I fell in love with a girl at my school. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew what I felt.

PGN: So was it a good thing or a bad thing being a budding lesbian at an all-girls’ school?

RR: I think it was a good thing.

That’s where I met a lot of my good friends who I still am

RONNI RODRIGUEZ Photo: Suzi Nash

friends with today. We all still keep in touch.

PGN: And when did you come out to the family?

RR: I actually never have come out to them. They always knew, but there was never an official announcement. It wasn’t like now, where people come out, “Hey Mom, guess what? I’m gay!” It was a different time. I wasn’t sure my family would understand, but over the years, they’ve accepted all my girlfriends as family, though I never actually had to say anything.

They just knew.

PGN: Tell me about some early jobs.

RR: As a youngster, I worked for Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania, which I believe is now Verizon.

But I started tending bar when I was 18 years old when I wasn’t even supposed to be in a bar, and I have been primarily in that business ever since.

PGN: Where was it?

RR: It was at 13th and Locust, a little bar called the Hideaway.

PGN: Was Hideaway a women’s bar?

RR: It was a mixed bar, men and women. In those days it wasn’t so much separate men and women’s bars. It was just a gay bar that everyone went to, we all just hung out together. Except for Rusty’s, which was a women’s bar.

PGN: What are some of the dif-

ferences between then and now?

RR: Well, in those days, pretty much everyone was closeted, except for a few. The police were always barging in and raiding the place, dragging the kids out whenever they wanted. I remember as a woman, you had to make sure you had at least three articles of women’s clothing with you. Especially the women who dressed like men, I wasn’t one of them, but I was always told that no matter what, they needed to have those three pieces of women’s clothing in case there was a raid. I don’t know what they would do if you didn’t have them, or how they checked women in men’s suits to make sure they had on women’s underwear or something, but it was pretty scary. We were constantly harassed for living our lifestyle.

PGN: That must have been hard.

RR: Yes, it wasn’t like it is today, with the bars advertising in mainstream media. Back then, the bars were dingy and dark and usually unmarked. You had to know someone to find out where they were, and there were only a handful. I remember one women’s bar and the woman who ran it was big and scary. [Laughs.] I’m sure she had to travel with three articles of women’s clothing.

There was no “lesbian chic” back then. The place was small with a few tables covered with checkered tablecloths and a tiny bar.

It wasn’t like it is today. Those were the only places you could See PORTRAITS, Page 32

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Q Puzzle Amelia Across

1. Blues singer Smith 7. Becomes de-nuded?

14. Little green men or green card holders 15. Tinkerbell portrayer Julia 16. Crib toy 17. Ferrera of “Ugly Betty” 18. He plays George Putnam in “Amelia” 20. Rocker Brian 21. Soldier in “Over There” 22. Gov’t. security 26. DeGeneres’ “Finding ___ ” 28. Prepare to shoot off 30. Opera queen’s delight 31. This really sucks 34. Singer Cole 36. Suffix with profit 37. He plays Gene Vidal in “Amelia” 41. Fondle clumsily 42. “Get thee ___ nunnery” 43. Oral vote 44. Bisexual writer Murdoch 46. Org. for sweaty men in shorts 48. Two-master

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 25

52. “Iliad” and “Odyssey” 54. Paycheck abbr.

57. Seven on the sundial 58. She plays Amelia Earhart in “Amelia” 61. Member of the apostles?

64. Put on clean drawers 65. Like the tutees in “Anna and the King” 66. Edible seed 67. Pulls out 68. Real thing

Down

1. Fruitless 2. Julia’s role on “Seinfeld” 3. “Will & Grace” or “Ellen” 4. Adopted son of Adam and Steve?

5. Decorative work 6. Former NFL player Tuaolo 7. Impersonator of males 8. “Julius Caesar” setting 9. Film critic Roger 10. Samantha’s witchy cousin 11. Bombay title 12. Yadda-yadda-yadda ...

13. Fed. retirement gp.

19. Orientation determiner, some say 23. Chocolate sandwich

Scott A. Drake Photography

24. Stadium level 25. Copland capability 27. Cells for women only 29. Madonna, in a creche 32. Aardvark’s prey 33. “Move your butt!”

35. Supporter of Patty Sheehan 37. Tombstone lawman Wyatt 38. D-Day was its turning point 39. Amounts left on bedside tables 40. Like the “fruit loop” section of a city 41. Brown’s Sneaky

___ 45. Connive 47. Cause of inflation?

49. Ahead, in da Vinci’s land 50. Ad-lib on Broadway, e.g.

51. In the cards 53. Placed in position 55. Vehicle that may be bi?

56. White as a ghost 59. Add-on for Congo 60. Have the hots for 61. Puncture sound 62. Practice B&D, e.g.

63. D.C. lobby group See SOLUTION, Page 32

www.scottdrakephotos.com scottdrakephotos@gmail.com 267.736.6743

PGN

Gay is our middle name.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Lesbian on the scene Tracy Buchholz Put away the flannel and warm up on the town Ladies of Philadelphia.

I t ’s s t a r t ing to get cold outside.

And getting dark earlier.

For too long, women have spent their fall and winter hibernating with their partners and cats, holding out for warm summer weekends in Rehoboth or spring trips to Dinah Shore and Aqua Girl.

Girls, seriously, put away your flannel and mock turtlenecks and get ready to enjoy Philadelphia’s lesbian nightlife like never before!

Now, more than ever, women of

Philadelphia have so many choices of places to play and things to do, it’s hard to know what’s when and where. The next few weeks are chock full of events to enjoy, and here are some you need to check out.

On Nov. 13, performer Alix Dobkin will read excerpts from her new book, “My Red Blood: A Memoir of Growing Up Communist, Coming Onto The Greenwich Village Folk Scene, and Coming Out in The Feminist Movement,” at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. In 1973, this Germantown High and Temple alum was the first openly lesbian singer to record an album and has been praised by everyone from

Spin to New York Times Magazine.

Her views on postmodernism and transgenderism have been widely acclaimed. Her appearance is not to be missed.

Roller derby takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center this weekend, Nov. 13-15. Twelve top teams from across the country face off in the Declaration of Derby. Haven’t experienced roller derby yet? You’re missing hot girls, major in-your-face action and the best crowd-watching around. For tickets and bout times, visit www. declarationofderby.com.

Should you want to skip the action and just hit the party, Saturday night is Hanky Code’s queer party “Pants Off, Dance

Off!” at Adobe Café, 1919 E. Passyunk Ave. The party kicks off at 10 p.m. and promises a midnight burlesque show, spanking booth and appearances by some very sexy Derby women!

On Nov. 16, we’ll be attending the fundraiser for legendary female DJ Reenie Kane, at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St. Kane recently suffered a massive heart attack and has undergone subsequent surgeries. Chances are you’ve seen Kane spinning throughout the city over the last 30 years; this is a cause you should come out for. The fundraiser kicks off at 8 p.m. with multiple DJs, raffles and drink specials throughout the night. A $10 minimum donation is requested.

In the mood for a quick getaway before the holidays turn your life upside down? Ladies 2000, producers of women’s events in the area for the last 30 years, are hosting a Ladies Weekend from Nov. 20-22 at Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road, East Stroudsburg. Join them for the weekend as they play volleyball and the Newlywed Game, cut the rug at a Saturday-night dance party and enjoy a performance by Regina Sayles. For more information, visit www.ladies2000.com.

If you want to stay and play in Philadelphia next weekend, then check out the Stimulus party on Nov. 20. Stimulus is held every second Friday at Marathon Grill, 929 Walnut St., with rotating female DJs. The dress theme for November is black and white.

Stimulus brings out an amazing, diverse crowd of women from all over the city and suburbs. The party starts at 10 p.m., with a $5 cover and discounted drinks until midnight.

I’ll be back in a few weeks with more events to keep your nights sizzling, including Thanksgiving events for women, a new announcement on a women’s weekly party and much, much more! ■ Tracy Buchholz is an LGBTQ party producer-promoter in Philadelphia. She can be reached at tracy.buchholz@gmail.com.

Fundraisers

At the William Way: Nov. 13: Comedy Night with the Liberty City Kings & many more!

Nov. 14: “Reading Between the Lines” cabaret show!

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 27

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 34

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Classifieds With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Obama signs bill to help homebuyers, jobless

By Jim Abrams The Associated Press President Obama signed into law a $24-billion economic-stimulus bill providing tax incentives to prospective homebuyers and extending unemployment benefits to the longtime jobless who have been left behind as the U.S. economy veers toward recovery.

The bill-signing at the White House last Friday came a day after the House, displaying rare bipartisan agreement over the seriousness of the jobless situation, voted 403-12 for the measure. The Senate approved it unanimously last Wednesday.

The White House said the law, which also includes tax cuts for struggling businesses, builds on provisions in the $787-billion stimulus package enacted last February aimed at spurring job creation.

“The need for such a measure was made clear by the jobs report that we received this morning,” Obama said, citing last Friday’s government report that the jobless rate hit 10.2 percent last month, the highest since 1983. The rate was 9.8 percent in September.

The president called it a “sobering number that underscores the economic challenges that lie ahead” and pledged more work.

“I will not rest until all Americans who want work can find work,” he said during a Rose Garden appearance before reporters.

Lawmakers stressed that the fourth unemployment-benefit extension in the past 18 months was necessary because initial signs of economic recovery have not been reflected in the job market.

“The truth is that long-term unemployment remains at its highest rate since we began

measuring it in 1948,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat. About one-third of the 15-million people out of work have gone at least six months without a job.

The law provides another 14 weeks of benefits to all out-ofwork people who have exhausted their benefits or will do so by the end of the year, estimated at nearly 2 million. Those in states where the jobless rate is 8.5 percent or above get an additional six weeks.

The Labor Department announced last Friday that employers shed another 190,000 jobs in October. Obama said job creation traditionally lags behind economic growth, but added it is small comfort to those seeking work.

“So although it will take time and it will take patience, I am confident that our economy will recover,” he said. “I’m confident

that we’re moving in the right direction. And I promise that I won’t rest until America prospers once again.”

The extra 20 weeks could push the maximum a person in a highunemployment state could receive to 99 weeks, the most in history.

Unemployment checks generally total about $300 a week.

The tax credits, added by the Senate, center on extending the popular $8,000 credit for first-time homebuyers that was included in the stimulus package. The credit, which was to expire at the end of this month, will be available through next June as long as the buyer signs a binding contract by the end of April.

The program is expanded to include a $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who buy a new place after living in their current residence for at least five years.

The credit, said Democratic

Rep. Shelley Berkley of Nevada, a state particularly hard hit by the recession, “will allow more people to purchase a home in my district and help stop the continued downward spiral in housing prices caused by the foreclosure crisis.”

Prolonging the life of the homebuyer credit has been a priority of the real-estate industry, which says it has been instrumental in beginning to turn around a market that was a major cause of the economic downturn.

About 1.4-million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August, and the National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.

The other tax credit allows businesses that have lost money in 2008 or 2009 to get refunds on taxes paid on profits during the five previous years. ■

Location! Location! Location!

This week’s featured property

Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Square footage: 1,200 Age of property: 80 Cost: $299,900 Realtor: Nicole Zampitella Real-estate co.: Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors Phone: 215-546-0550 Cell: 609-929-6574 E-mail: nicolezamp@aol.com

OMG is all I could say when I first saw this home!

2 bedrms, 1 spacious bath w/balcony, Jacuzzi tub, huge 3rd floor w/endless possibilities, private fenced backyard, Gong kitchen, easy parking, many other magnificent upgrades.

Check your ad

PLACING ADS Using voicemail? Please be sure to have the following information ready when you call: • Your ad copy • The type of style you want • Desired abbreviations • American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA information • Your name and mailing

Pennsport

address • Daytime telephone number Having all this information ready will speed your order and help to avoid errors.

Phone calls can only be returned during business hours.

For more information, see the coupon page in this section.

Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears.

To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge.

PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language.

Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity.

Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.

CLASSIFIEDS

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

Real Estate ���������� PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

REAL ESTATE

SALE

GREAT BUILDING IN GAYBORHOOD GREAT INVESTMENT � ����������� BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY NEAR 11TH & LOCUST, $599K � Come see this wonderful bldg w/2 spacious rental apartments and large commercial space on 1st floor. In heart$99,900 of Center City.

Attention Hunters!

60the AcresTimber a doctor’s offi ce, zonedloaded C-1. Could co. liquidating a hunting w/big 20AC with Utilities & paradiseCountry Road was BD/1 BA, Currently be madedeer. intoAll condos or large single dwellwhitetail hardwood setting, trails me$99,900 Now $69,900 BLM access.

Deer & erry wood ing.

Great condition, price, location. for andering throughout, pristine mountainCall views. elk galore!

Call to view 877-229-7840 www. . BD with appointment.

Old state road frontage, just 20 minutes to JULIE WELKER Best buy in West Virginia! Easy owner ows in $4 town. _______________________________32-16 COLDWELL WELKER Call nowBANKER 1-877-526-3764. , Realtor, financing.

REAL ESTATE _______________________________33-18 348-0000, Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished.

215-235-7800 Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave 3, 1-3 _______________________________33-52 PETIT CHATEAU FOR SALE ONLY 159K ___33-18 _______________________________32-16 Unique 3br/1 Ba. In South Philly. Everything 72 acres along McKean/Potter line New! Victorian Details and custom County restoration. near to Shinglehouse.

MostlyMLS wooded, some Walk Cafes! Realtor.com # 5532838. open area, includes old hunting cabin, For Appt 215-285-1419. electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. _______________________________33-47 WOODED LAND & FARMS ���������������������������������������������������������������������� _______________________________32-16 Riverfront & Ponds “Garage Sale” List Over 20 ������������������������������������������ properties that must be sold now! Discounts ������������������������������������������������� as much as 50%. CALL NOW! 800-229-7843 ����������������������������������������������� www.LandandCamps.com ���������������������������������������������������������������������� _______________________________33-46 VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, ����������������������������������������������������� dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. ���������������������������������������������� 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, ��������������������� living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. ������������� Corner Property. Call 215 468 9166 evenings ���������������� ��������������������� only. $675,000.00.�������������� Also property for rent�������������� 1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________33-52 Potter County- 5 acres adjacent to Sate Game lands, Hebron Twp. Perc approved, mostly open with some woods, electric, road frontage. $34,900 Owner financing. 800-668-8679. _______________________________33-46

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PAGE 45

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

Bank Foreclosure! 4 Br 3 Ba $10,000! Only $225/Mo! More Homes from $199/Mo! 5% ����������� down 15 years @ 8% APR. For listings 800546-8656 ext 1482. � _______________________________33-46

FORECLOSED ONLINE HOME AUCTION 800+ Homes. BIDS OPEN 11/16. Open House: 11/7, 14����������� & 15. View Full Listings & Details Auction.com REDC/Brkr SB065259. � _______________________________33-46

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�������������������������� Areas include Shawnee, Camel Back, �������������������������� Mt. Airy������������� Casino and Rainbow Mt. Corners of Routes 390 & 447 • Candensis, PA 18325 ������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������� ��������������������

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Open Houses Sunday Nov. 1, 2009 Noon - 1:00 PM

����������������� 927 Spruce St. Unit #1F. LargeConrad Jr. one bedKuhn room, one bath, totally Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 �������������������������������� rehabbed NJAR condo wit low fees and taxes.

Parking Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2007 available..........

Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs ������������������������ ................................................................................only $199,900

$275,000

100 Braddock Lane Deptford, N.J. Corner lot, quiet cul-de-sac End-of-group townhouse with contemporary color scheme, 3-4 bds, 2.5 bath, LR/DR/great room, eat-in kitchen, full finished basement, W/W carpet, 2nd floor laundry. All appliances.

Nice upgrades and lots of space. Only 15 min. from downtown Philly! FSBO, brokers welcome.

Contact Sarah at (856) 853-0240 or sblazucki@gmail.com.

Visit zillow.com for more information and photos.

PGN

eck out Diversions.

Office:one 856.227.1950 ext.one 124 bath south bedroom, 927 Spruce St. Unit #2F. Large Cell: 609.221.1196 facing unit.

Total rehab with wood fl oors, deluxe kitchen. Super ������������������������ www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com low fees and taxes. Parking available ....................only $249,000 satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included. �������������������� WashingtonYou Township pay; gas Office and electric. Subway 1:30 - 2:30 PM thecooking 42 door. $1,200 / month. and 5070 bus atRoute front ������������������������������������� 215-416-5545.

Available May 2008. This is a NJ 08012 1222 Spruce St. Deluxe 2 bed,Turnersville, 1 ba. loft like condo, with high ������������������� _______________________________32-18 ceilings. Large open kitchen, living area with wood floors.

5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! marble bath. washer and dryer inPayments unit. SHORT SALE........$299,900 from $199/month!

5% down, 20 ������������������������������������ �����������

��������� _______________________________32-16 927 Spruce St. Unit 1R. One bedroom, one ba. newly rehabbed ����� �������������������� 3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! condo. Private rear garden area. 4Low fees2and Parking bedroom, bath taxes. home only $238/month! ����������� 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings available.

Priced to SELL...............................................$199,900 �������������������� ��������������������������������

Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. �������������������������������� 927 Spruce Unit #3.

Very large _______________________________32-16 townhouse style bi-level condo Bambrey, 19130)St.Corner house on quiet �������������������������������� street, to public transportation. ������������������������� withclose 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,Newly wood floors, skyline views, possible renovated, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood ___________________________________ deckAC,and parking.

All for under .........................$399,000 floors, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. $400K ����������������� ���������������� $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to kratzworks. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split Search @ www.thephillyrealtors.com com for pix. all Philadelphia area listingslevel home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 Lovely 3 W/D, bd. 1upper ba. fully furnished home in _______________________________33-20 full baths, and lower decks, use of beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to Dan Tobey ���������������� kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 beach, jitney at corner.

Long season-12,500.

The Curtisapartment Center on second min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least Two bedroom split-level W. Independence Mall , Suite L-44 floor of row home170 at 20th and Christian streets. reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + _______________________________32-17 Philadelphia, PAfoyer.

19106On-street 1/3 LR, kitchen/dining, bath, small utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215.

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct parking, pets okay. Utilities separate. $875+two _______________________________33-19 Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking.

215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728NE FaxPhila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, months deposit. Scott 267.736.6743. dtobey@cbpref.com _______________________________32-19 _______________________________33-18 215-821-1062. ����������������� _______________________________33-18 of affordable rentals. Full/partial 1 BR apts. avail. Various choices. $750 to Best selection�������������� weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. $1000/mo. Call soon, 215-901-0041.

Beach blk. Share lovely 3 BR house w/senior Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online _______________________________33-21 citizen. Full house privileges. Must be em-

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REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

RENT

GREAT BUILDING GAYBORHOOD GREAT INVESTMENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

NEAR 11TH & LOCUST, $599K Come see this wonderful bldg w/2 spacious rental apartments and large commercial space on 1st floor. In the heart of Center City. Currently a doctor’s office, zoned C-1. Could be used made into condo’s or large single dwelling. Great condition, price, location. Call for appointment.

JULIE WELKER

COLDWELL BANKER WELKER REAL ESTATE PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

215-235-7800

�����������

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Mystery shoppers, make up to $150 a day.

Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishemnts. Experience not required. 877-280-7603. _______________________________33-19 Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 PM only. _______________________________33-19 �������������������������� No exp. necessary, will train. PT or FT. SJ shore area. Call 609-645-2010. _______________________________33-19 Travel, Travel, Travel! $500 Sign-on and $500 Performance bonuses. Seeking Sharp Guys/Gals, Blue Jean Environment, Music Lovers Welcome! Janelle #888-375-9795 Start Today! _______________________________33-18 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours.

Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-18 ������������������������ Avg. Pay $21/hour or $54K annually including Federal Benefits and OT. Paid Training. Vacations. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. _______________________________33-18 ���������������� National Company Hiring 18-30 Sharp People.

Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodging Furnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid Training. Over 18+ 866-734-5216. _______________________________33-18

Drive the Big Rigs! 30 Trainees Needed ASAP. $700-$800 per week, Benefits, No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem. GIT-R-DONE Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-18 Over 18? Between High School and College?

Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful Business Group. No Experience Necessary.

2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________33-18 Now Hiring OTR Dry-Van Drivers! WESTERN EXPRESS *Regular Home-Time *Excellent Equipment *One-Day Orientation *BCBS Insurance *Stable,Growing Company, Must be 22Yrs. Old, Class-A CDL required 866863-4009. _______________________________33-18 Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131. _______________________________33-18 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment 3wk Training Program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. COULD QUALIFY FOR GI/VA BENEFITS. 866-3626497. _______________________________33-18 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-18

Seeking part-time editorial intern The Philadelphia Gay News is seeking a part-time editorial intern. As editorial intern, you will perform a variety of duties in support of the editorial staff. Duties might include writing short articles and weekly event listings, research, fact checking, ling, archiving data and special projects.

Intern(s) may also have the opportunity (depending on level of interest and journalistic skills) to attend local events (press conferences, rallies, etc.) and write news and features articles.

Intern(s) should be highly motivated with strong writing skills. A journalistic background is preferred but not required. Intern(s) must have the ability to stay focused while working independently. Intern(s) must be able to meet deadlines both on a daily and longer-term basis.

This is an unpaid internship (academic credit available), 15-20 hours per week.

Skills: Computer procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel.

Photoshop a plus.)

Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style

From on TO VALU portable able. ww informati _______

Buy Som $71.99/9 CLUDES $25 Cou 531-674 _______ �� Call toda Wheelch COST TO ICAL SU _______ ���� Limited O ACT NO _______

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CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 36

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

SALE

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY ~ NOVEMBER 15th ~ 1 - 4 PM 2634 Wassergass Rd. Lower Saucon Township, PA

$499,900

Consider Packer Park for your next home?

Suburbs in the City

PREMIER RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY Convenient to Sports Complex,International Airport, FDR Park, Walt Whitman Bridge & Much More.

Safe, Beautiful, Welcoming, Convenient We have a Wide Variety of Sales & Rentals Something to fit any need

215 551 5100 bc@CapozziRealEstate.com

Gay is our middle name.

PGN

Rt 78 to 412S (Hellertown Exit) to left onto Cherry St; left onto Easton Ave to right onto Lower Saucon, then left onto Wassergass.

House on right There is nothing more beautiful than a farmhouse in autumn seen from a country road. The road is Wassergass ~ among the most picturesque in the Lehigh Valley & within a few miles from the Bucks County border. The home is the old Wohlbach barn, lovingly transformed to a dwelling place of exquisite style and utility. Nearly 4000 square feet of stone walls (window sills nearly 28 deep), oak planked floors, soaring beamed ceilings, a hayloft landing, original barn doors, an octagonal screened porch overlooking the pond, a silo shaped bedroom, extended family living quarters complete with kitchen/livingroom/diningroom/full bath/2+ bedrooms/private entrance, a metal seemed roof, an expansive slate deck, an herb garden & meandering stream, all on 4.14 acres in Saucon Valley School District. This home is an experience of pure Pennsylvania pastoral romance ~ come explore for yourself! You could fall in love and stay forever.

Offered by:

RENT

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________33-48 RITT. SQ. AREA STUDIO & 1 BEDROOM STUDIO @ $815 - Great Location! - Convenient to stores, restaurants, and schools. Hot Water & Heat included. Twelve to Eighteen Month Lease, Up to Two Months Free. / ONE BEDROOM @ $995 - Small but well located, great view of St. Marks from your French windows. Hot Water & Heat are included. Twelve to Twenty Month Lease, Up to Two Months Free. (215) 546-1424. _______________________________33-47 QUEEN VILLAGE 2 BR, ultra modern, brand new, granite and total stainless steel kitchen, tile bath, C/A, W/D, G/D, hdwd flrs, architecht’s dream! $1250/mo.

Call 215-336-4629, cell: 215-687-8461. _______________________________33-46 SOUTH PHILADELPHIA APARTMENT 3rd flr 1 Bedroom located near 16th & South. $900/mo. Avail immed. Central heat/AC, fridge, gas cooking, dishwasher, W&D on site. Ref’s required. First/last/one mo. security required.

To make an apoint, Call 215-208-0699. Sorry No dogs / cat o.k. _______________________________33-46 MANAYUNK APTS 1 BR 1BA $900 + utils 1 BR 1.5 BA $1200 + utils 1 BR 1.5 BA $1225 + utils EADEH.COM or 610-647-1776 _______________________________33-49 WILLOW GROVE Lg 1 BR efficiency, 1 BA, basement storage, W/D, walking distance to Septa rail and bus, shopping and mall. $750/mo. 215-659-1060. _______________________________33-48

Rivercove

Laurie Shenkman Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate 4095 Tilghman St. Allentown, PA 18104 610-398-3112 cell: 610-217-1293 REAL ESTATE RENT

Now Leasing at

REAL ESTATE

... an Active Adult Community

Luxury suburban living -- just minutes from the city • Maintenance free, carefree lifestyle • With access to the acclaimed River Winds Community Center. Two state of the art gymnasiums, two swimming pools, indoor walking-running track, outdoor trails

• In-unit Bosch washer and dryer • Located within the desirable River Winds Adult Community • Optional secure underground parking and so much more...

For more information or to schedule a personal tour of our exclusive property please call 856-589-4001 Grove Avenue, West Deptford, NJ Visit us on the web: www.rivercoveapartments.com

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NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

SALE

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PAGE 37

CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES DIRECTORY

��������� ��������������� ����������������� �������������������������

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REAL ESTATE

QUEEN VILLAGE HOUSE W/PARKING Bi-Lv, 3 BR, 2 Bath, Eat-in Kit., D/W, W/D, C/A $1500+ incl. prkg. (2) 1st mo. FREE! 610-724-3661. _______________________________33-46 COLLINGSWOOD, NJ Beautiful 2 BR, 1st fl. apt. Brand new everything.

W/D, G/D, C/A, tile/WW carp. off st. parking.

Close to Speedline. Beautiful quiet neighborhood. Must see! $1100/mo. 856-745-3740. _______________________________33-46 WEST MT. AIRY Large, bright 1 BR, HW flrs, gas F/P, patio, dog run, laundry facil. $875/mo. incl. utils. Avail. immed. 215-233-5303 for appointment. _______________________________33-47

OLD CITY APT 1 BR 1 BA $1000 + utils EADEH.COM or 610-647-1776 _______________________________33-49 WEST MT. AIRY Sale or lease partially renovated warehouse for commercial use. 5000 SF. 215-233-5303 for appointment. _______________________________33-47 MT. AIRY BUSINESS DIST. 3500 sq. ft. corner. 215-233-5303 for appt. _______________________________33-47 3 BR 2Ba $199/Mo! 5bd only $335/Mo! Bank Foreclosures! 5% down 15 years @ 8% APR. For listings 800-546-8656 ext D843. _______________________________33-46

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Driver CDL-A: OTR Dry Van & Flatbed Positions Available. Great Pay, Benefits, Equipment. 1-Day Orientation. TWIC Card Holders Preferred. Class A-CDL, 22 YO, 1 yr. exp.

Western Express 888-801-5295 _______________________________33-46 Driver: COMPANY DRIVERS average $800+ per week. Immediate Benefits. Great Equipment. CDL-A with 1 year experience, 23 yoa.

Call NFI Sunday or anytime: 877-888-8476. www.nficareers.com _______________________________33-46

LIGHTING SALES POSITION Looking for someone who is well-organized, highly personable and professional, with an eye for design and attention to detail for an entry level position at one of Philadelphia’s premier lighting showrooms. People skills a must, design / architecture background a plus.

Job is in Ardmore PA. Please send resume to info@rittenhouseelectric.com _______________________________33-49

RENT

RENT

Adver tising Sales Representative

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week.

PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Gay and Lesbian publications, is looking for a special candidate to fill this position in our advertising sales department.

Applicants should have previous advertising sales experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written and verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market.

Most important, you should aspire to become an integral part of our successful sales team.

We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, as well as Health Insurance.

Applicants should call Greg Dennis at 215-6258501, ext. 219. Email resume to greg@epgn.com or send resume to:

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PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Attn.: Greg Dennis EOE

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

Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad: YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS • DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT Classified ads may placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila.

Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID

4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%

CANCELLATION POLICY

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

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week.

PAGE 38

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 106

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

• Custom Kitchens & Baths • Complete Home Remodeling • Interior/Exterior

877-K-Ridge-1 www.kridge1.com info@kridge1.com

Family owned and operated.

Residential and commercial electricians.

Licensed and insured.

Radio dispatched crews. Emergency service available.

All credit cards accepted. 30 years of industry experience.

215-722-2988

LAUTERBORN ELECTRIC 100 to 400 AMP services House re-wiring Recessed and track lighting Troubleshooting For all your electrical needs call:

(215) 425-6693 (215) 688-8472

www.lauterbornelectric.com

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

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

PAGE 108

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 39

SERVICES DIRECTORY ����������������

PAGE 108

PAGE 108 CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 CLASSIFIEDS

Want to let mom, dad all Yourand ad dollars go further when your youof target your audience exs know you’re tying the knot?

Is it time to look for a new doctor?

this space: only $25 per week*

W m a o ex

ty

*when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks

Is it time to look for a new doctor?

Is it time to look for a ������������������������������������������������������������� new doctor?

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

Classifieds Liner Insertion Order

Select the TYPE STYLE you want from the examples below, and begin each line under the arrow to the left of the letter representing that style. Write to the end of the line (hyphenate words correctly. Do not stop at any other arrow, as each arrow represents a starting point. Allow one block for each letter, number, punctuation mark and space. Be sure to skip a space between words. PHONE NUMBER MUST INCLUDE AREA CODE. Be sure to circle one of the classifications and compute the cost of your ad. Liner advertising is on a PREPAY BASIS ONLY, and payment must accompany this form. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL. Type STYLE A Type STYLE B TYPE STYLE C

A

B

HEADLINE (24 SPACES PER LINE) FREE WHEN PLACED ONLINE 40 spaces Per Line 36 spaces Per Line 24 SPACES PER LINE

C

7 point 7 point 7 POINT

NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE

PLEASE PRINT STATE

ZIP

AMEX • MASTERCARD • VISA • DISCOVER CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION SIGNATURE NAME ON CARD # # #

“A” LINES @ $5.50 - $ “B” LINES @ $7.50 - $ “C” LINES @ $10.00 - $ BOX YOUR AD $5.00 SUBTOTAL

S wedd c

an and wi Br

Send us your in wedding/civil % TERM DISCOUNT - union/ AD TOTAL commitment edit TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED ceremony Return form and payment to: CLASSIFICATION (CIRCLE ONE) o REAL ESTATE FOR SALE • REAL ESTATE FOR RENT • ROOMMATES • SEASONAL RENTALS • SERVICES • FINANCIAL SERVICES Masco announcement Communications HELP WANTED • JOBS WANTED •Over BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • FOR SALEWeekly • AUTOMOTIVEFor • AUCTIONS TRAVEL RESORTS S. Fourth St., Phila., PA 19147 Reach 40,000 Readers As •Little As $25.00 A505 Week. ���������������������������������������������������������������� ADOPTION • PERSONALS • FRIENDS MEN • FRIENDS BISEXUAL • FRIENDS TV/TS • FRIENDS WOMEN (21 or fax: 215-925-6437 or email: don@epgn.com and we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love.

NUMBER OF WEEKS X SUBTOTAL

RC, CVE

bility

PAGE 40 PAGE 110

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

APRIL APRIL25 25--MAY MAY1,1,2008 2008

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

LEGALHEALTH & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

HELP WANTED

Attorney-at-Law

Tired of Living Pay to Pay? Drive the Big Rigs 35 Driver Trainees Needed $700 to $800 Week.

No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem.

Start ASAP. Call 800-961-4319. _______________________________33-46

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR THE COMMUNITY

ROOMMATES

William A. Torchia, Esquire Estate & Tax Planning

• Estate Administration • Wills, Living Wills, Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Property Agreements • Accidents

• Domestic Relations • Adoption • Name Change • Guardianships • Real Estate

• Incorporation • Bankruptcy • Immigration • Social Security • Elder Law

1528 Walnut St. Suite 1220, Philadelphia, PA 19102

215-546-1950 (Voice)

215-546-8801 (Fax)

www.williamatorchiaesquire.vpweb.com

James JamesM. M.Quesenberry, Quesenberry,MA, MA,CRC, CRC,CVE CVE Disability Consultant James M. Quesenberry, MA, Disability Consultant CRC, CVE Disability Consultant

James JamesM. M.Quesenberry, Quesenberry,MA, MA,CRC, CRC,CVE CVE Disability DisabilityConsultant Consultant

Social SocialSecurity SecurityDisability Disability Social Security Disability Claims Appeals Claims Appeals Claims Appeals 215-629-0585 215-629-0585 215-629-0585

Social Social Security SecurityDisability Disability Claims Appeals Claims Appeals

Suite Suite202 202 Suite 202 Rd. Oxford Valley Oxford Valley Rd. Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA Fairless Hills, PA19030 19030 Fairless Hills, PA 19030

NOV. 13 -1,19, 2009 APRIL APRIL25 25- -MAY MAY 1,2008 2008

215-629-0585 215-629-0585

Suite Suite202 202 Oxford OxfordValley ValleyRd. Rd. Fairless FairlessHills, Hills,PA PA19030 19030

PROVIDING DIRECT LEGAL SERVICES, EDUCATION & POLICY REFORM FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY. FREE LEGAL HOTLINE (215) 731-1477

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-49 Daddy w/2 BR sks M/F. 69th. 610-352-1188. _______________________________34-02

FOR SALE SAWMILLS From Only $2,990.00--Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. norwoodsawmills.com/300n. Free information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________33-46 Is Limescale Clogging your Appliances, spotting dishes, leaving residue? HYDROCARE Solves ALL of this and MORE! No Salts. No Magnets. Easily Clips to Main Water Pipe.

Maintenance Free. Guaranteed! The Hard Water Solution 1-888-721-0129 www.goodwater411.com _______________________________33-46

SERVICES

FromA Home. *Medical, *Business, Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 Week.

Call*Paralegal, 215-625*Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement

www.equalitypa.org Terence S. Brady, Esq. Legal Representation In New Jersey Drunk Driving, Speeding, All Traffic Cases, Family Matters, Divorce, Visitation, Custody Criminal Matters, Real Estate Purchases, Foreclosures

Mt. Holly, N.J. 609 504 6310

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE

assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-46 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________33-46 TYING A BIG GAY KNOT? Brody O. Video is gay for GLBTQ weddings & commitment ceremonies! www.brodyovideo. com _______________________________33-46

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________33-46 Insurance Agency for Sale. Affiliated with major national carrier. A great business opportunity!

Upcoming Webinar November 12th. Please send inquires to: agencyforsalePA@aol.com or Fax: 866-296-7535. _______________________________33-46

ADOPTION ADOPT Childless loving woman (teacher) wishes to adopt a newborn. Financially secure home with close extended family. Legal/Confidential.

Expenses paid. Please call Denise: 1-866-2014602 Pin#0196 _______________________________33-46

AUTOS Buy Police Impounds! 02 Honda Civic $950! 99 Toyota Corolla $500! 99 Nissan Altima $900!

Hondas, Chevys, Jeeps & More! For listings 800-546-5204 ext 3553. _______________________________33-46

Reach Readers Over 40,000 Readers Weekly As Little As $25.00 Week. ach Over 40,000 Weekly For As Little For As $25.00 A Week.

Call A 215-625-8501 Today!

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

CLASSIFIEDS

BAR DIRECTORY SERVICES DIRECTORY

PAGE 41

Happy Hour M - F 5:30 - 7:30 $2 Domestics $3 Imports $3 Well Drinks

$2 Pabst 12oz bottles all day, every day

Happy Hour prices for all Eagles games

Dinner served nightly 5:30 - 11 p.m.

255 S. Camac St., Philadelphia, Pa. (215) 545-8731

SERVICES DIRECTORY

ReachPGN OverAD 40,000 Weekly For As $25.00 A Week.

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NOV. 13 - 19, 2009

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training, S&M, etc. Limits respected 6’, 165 lbs., 60B/D, yearW/S, old Master, greek active, and expanded. wanted. french passive Assistant requires Master obedient slaveCall for Dave at 215-729-6670, evening. training, S&M, B/D, W/S,day etc.or Limits respected _______________________________33-48 and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call GWM, top or bottom, cut. Also into Dave atItalian, 215-729-6670, day or7”evening. assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out _______________________________33-48 of towners or night.

Jeff at Xdress sexwelcome. party. CDDay house orgy Call every Sat. 215-850-7900. nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for _______________________________33-47 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, WM, NE Phila.

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11 PM. _______________________________33-24 _______________________________33-48 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into Slim, in shape GWM, 45 into safe J/O and assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out ass-play, also am top/bottom. Central NJ area. of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 908-397-7194.

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Incall/Outcall _______________________________33-18 Convenient to 7” Lower Bucks, NElooking Phila. for 60 y.o., 5’7”, 160, crossdresser casual sex.15Northern suburbs.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

THE REGION’S LEADING BMW DEALERSHIP FROM DOWNINGTOWN TO DOWNTOWN

Regina M Longo Client Advisor Devon Hill BMW Direct 484-654-1226 Email rlongo@devonhill.com

NOV. 13 - 19, 2009