PGN Nov. 18-24, 2011 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

“Billy” in Philly

Professional Portrait:

Barry Eichner

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Drexel student wins award for LGBT research work

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Nov. 18-24, 2011

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Vol. 35 No. 46

Equal-benefits bill passes Council committee In a 5-0 vote Wednesday, the Law and Government Committee approved the bill, introduced earlier this year by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. The bill must be read before the full City Council twice and is expected to see a final vote in December. By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A City Council committee this week unanimously approved a measure that would require some city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits for the same-sex partners of their employees. The measure would mandate that service contractors receiving more than $250,000 from the city must extend the same benefits they offer to heterosexual married partners of their employees to employees’ same-sex partners. The measure would apply only to companies that currently offer benefits plans. Businesses that fail to comply could be suspended or barred from bidding on future contracts for up to three years. “In the 21st century, the battle for equal rights needs to end with equality being the victor,” Reynolds Brown said in a statement. “We have an opportunity with this bill to take one more important step to ensure that all Philadelphians who are ‘created equal’ are treated equal. Judging one’s employment benefits due to gender of their life partner is not acceptable in this day and age. Period. We will change that standard through the Equal Benefits Bill.” Reynolds Brown was not able to be present for the vote because of a family emergency. Voting in favor of PAGE 20

The Scouts deal: What’s next? By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com With little or no support in Philadelphia City Council, a bill that would have facilitated the Boy Scouts building deal is expected to die in committee on Dec. 15, when Council adjourns its four-year session. Last December, City Councilmember Darrell L. Clarke introduced Bill 100876 to enable the sale of 231-251 N. 22nd St. to the Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty Council for $500,000 PAGE 5

City Hall recognizes LGBT homeless youth By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

BENEFITS BOOST: Members of City Council’s Law and Government Committee Frank DiCicco (from left), W. Wilson Goode, Jr., Bill Greenlee and Jack Kelly, along with Bill Green, voted in favor this week of a bill to require certain city contractors to offer domestic-partner benefits. The bill, sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, will come before the full council next month. Five LGBT advocates spoke in favor of the bill during a public hearing Wednesday, and it saw no opposition from the public or the councilmembers. Photo: Scott A. Drake

FBI: LGBT hate crimes double in PA By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com For the first time since 2004, Pennsylvania last year saw an increase in the number of hate crimes committed in the state — with the largest jump being incidents motivated by the victims’ sexual orientation. According to an annual report released this week by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were 57 total hatecrimes incidents in Pennsylvania in 2010, 10 of which were related to sexual orientation, compared with 46 total crimes the previous year, five of which were motivated by sexual orientation.

The increase amounts to a nearly 7percent spike in LGBT-related crimes between the two years and breaks a sixyear trend in which crimes motivated by sexual orientation either decreased or held steady. Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, noted an estimate that only about 10 percent of hate crimes are being properly reported as such and that, while any rise in actual crimes is unwanted, it could also reflect better reporting. “In a sick way, the fact that the number went up, while it’s disturbing, means that more people are reporting hate crimes, which is honPAGE 7

Youth advocates came together this week at City Hall to draw attention to the epidemic of homelessness among LGBT young people. For the first time ever, the city is formally recognizing November as Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness Month, marking the occasion with a proclamation that was read Tuesday at City Hall by Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs. “National Homeless Youth Awareness Month provides an opportunity to shed light on the issues of youth homelessness and the challenges [the youth] face daily,” Casarez read. “Along with losing their home, their community, their friends and their routines, as well as a sense of stability, many homeless young people are victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers with increasing likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood or depression.” These issues were examined through an LGBT lens at Tuesday’s PAGE 12

CONNECTED COALITION: Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs, presented a mayoral proclamation recognizing November as National Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness Month to members of Connect To Protect at a City Hall event Tuesday. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Oct. 31-Nov. 6. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — At 7 p.m. Oct. 31, someone approached the victim from behind in the 300 block of South Iseminger Street, punched the person in the face and stole an iPhone. The suspect was described as a black male, in his mid20s, 5-foot-8 and wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue jeans. — At 9:40 a.m. Nov. 1, a male grabbed an iPhone from a woman’s baby carriage while she was walking in the 1300 block of Lombard Street. The robber fled south on Juniper Street. He was described as black, 25 years old, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds, cleanshaven with a dark complexion and wearing a maroon windbreaker. — At 2:10 p.m. Nov. 4, a witness observed a male climb over a rear yard fence in the 300 block of South 11th Street. A resident of the building later found a window that had been forced open in the rear and laptops

and an Xbox were taken. The robber was described as a black man in his 40s, 5-foot10, 170 pounds with a mustache and glasses and wearing a green jacket and jeans. Sixth District Officer Chim attempted to lift fingerprints. — Between 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Nov. 5, someone entered an apartment in the 300 block of South 12th Street through a rear window and stole a laptop. Sixth District Officer Ditizio attempted to lift fingerprints. — At 3:40 a.m. Nov. 5, a man followed a woman from Club Voyeur at 1221 St. James St. to 300 S. Camac St. and asked to go home with her. She refused and the male punched her, took her purse and fled south on Camac. Items from the purse were recovered on the street. The assailant was described as a black or Hispanic male with a light complexion and beard, 6foot, medium build wearing a black hat and black pea coat. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 7:05 p.m. Oct. 31, 6th District Officer Kelly arrested a male wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court outside Juniper and Locust streets. The 35-year-old suspect with a Germantown address was charged with contempt of court. — At 10 p.m. Nov. 2, a male causing a

disturbance inside ICandy, 254 S. 12th St., refused to leave the area when ordered by 6th District bicycle patrol Officer Sprouls. The officer arrested the man, who alledgely was found to possess two crack rocks. The 28-year-old suspect with a Lindenwold, N.J., address was charged with possession of cocaine. — At 3:30 a.m. Nov. 3, in the 1200 block of Chancellor Street, complainant was in a domestic-related argument when the suspect fired one shot from a handgun, missing the complainant who called 911 and gave a description and direction of the suspect. Sixth District Officers Taylor and Sanford stopped the suspect at 13th and Chestnut streets, who was positively identified. Police recovered a loaded gun and charged the 21-year-old suspect with a West Philadelphia address with aggravated assault and related offenses. — At 6:20 p.m. Nov. 4, a woman was on a crowded SEPTA bus, heading south on Eighth Street at Locust, when three males pushed past her to exit. The bus driver told the female passenger to check her handbag and she discovered her wallet was missing. The woman ran after and caught up to the males and demanded her wallet and money back; one of the males threw the wallet to the ground, at which time two security officers assisted her and held the male until police arrived. The other two males did

not stop. The 46-year-old suspect with a Frankford address was charged with theft and related offenses. — At 1:30 a.m. Nov. 4, the owner of the Marathon Grill, 929 Walnut St., called police when he found a gun in the pocket of a coat checked by a guest attending a party at that location. Sixth District Officer Loggia responded and, while he was taking possession of the gun, a male returned to claim the coat. The 22-year-old suspect with a local address did not have a permit to carry a handgun and was arrested and charged with weapons offenses. SUMMARY-OFFENSE ARRESTS — Citation issued 5:40 p.m. Oct. 31 at 1200 Locust St. — Citations issued 6:25 p.m. Nov. 1 at 1200 Locust St. and 7:40 p.m. at 1324 Walnut St. — At 11:55 p.m. Nov. 4, an 18-yearold male with a West Philadelphia address was observed climbing over the wall to an enclosed rear yard of a residence in the 1300 block of Pine Street. The male was issued a citation charging him with defiant trespassing. — Citations issued 6:15 p.m. Nov. 5, 1217 Spruce St. and 6:20 p.m., 1314 Walnut St. — Citation issued 6:05 p.m. Nov. 6, 220 S. 11th St. ■

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

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

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CHECK, PLEASE!: Edgardo Bueser (from left) gladly accepts a $1,000 scholarship check from Sapphire Fund president Ryan Maxwell and IBA president Evan Urbania at La Fourno Trattoria on South Street. About 40 people turned out for the second annual business scholarship presentation. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

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As the lawsuits drag on, the possibilities and posturing increase from page 1

— much less than the property’s estimated value. In return, the Scouts would have dropped a federal suit against the city for allegedly violating its rights and asking the local council to renounce BSA’s antigay membership policy. Also, the Scouts would have stopped seeking from the city about $960,000 in legal fees purportedly incurred during litigation to fight eviction from city-owned property. The proposed deal sparked outrage among LGBTs and allies, who saw it as rewarding the Scouts for behavior that’s prohibited under the local Fair Practices Ordinance. Opponents of the deal also said it would set a bad precedent, paving the way for other discriminators to lease or purchase city property at a reduced rate. City Council members — including six new members scheduled to take office in January — apparently listened, because not one has publicly supported Clarke’s bill. Attorneys familiar with the case have noted that the Nutter administration could try to sell the property to the Scouts without City Council approval. But the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a quasi-governmental agency that Nutter wants to serve as an intermediary in the sale, has stated that it won’t facilitate the sale without City Council approval. Now, with Clarke’s bill seemingly dead in the water, city officials must decide their next move in resolving the dispute. The following potential solutions have been floated for discussion within the LGBT community. Sell the property through competitive bidding Supporters of competitive bidding say it’s the best way to determine the property’s fair-market value. They also point to a court

ruling allowing the city to sell the property to a person or entity other than the Scouts, as long as it does so in a constitutional manner. Local philanthropist and businessman Mel Heifetz has placed a bid of at least $1.5 million for the property. Heifetz also has stated publicly that he’s willing to pay more if necessary. He wants to turn over the building to a nonprofit that would operate it bias-free, possibly as an LGBT history museum. Proceeds from the sale could be used to pay legal fees assessed against the city, if any. However, if the Scouts refuse to cooperate with the sale, it remains to be seen how they would be evicted. Some have suggested that the city simply let the eviction problem fall onto the shoulders of the new owner. But that approach could expose the city to additional litigation from the Scouts. Alternately, the city could offer the Scouts a portion of the sale’s proceeds in return for agreeing to stop suing the city. The city routinely settles litigation with money. Since there doesn’t have to be any admission of wrongdoing, both sides save face. And the Scouts would have cash in hand to help with the purchase of a new headquarters on private property. Some might oppose any city funds going to an organization that discriminates. But

the Scouts have been in the building for more than 80 years (albeit rent-free), and reportedly have made expensive repairs to the building. Those points tend to resonate with the general public, perhaps justifying some type of cash payment to ease the way out for the Scouts. Create a nonprofit board to oversee the building Some community members have suggested the formation of a nonprofit board to oversee the property as its caretaker. The Scouts would be permitted representation on the board, as well as access to the building. But any programming that takes place inside would be strictly monitored to ensure equal opportunity for all. This concept reportedly was conveyed to the Scouts earlier this year, but the Scouts have been focused on passage of Clarke’s bill. As that becomes less likely, the BSA might do well to seriously consider participating in a new board. If the property is eventually sold to the private sector, safeguards would be in place to ensure that the Scouts didn’t unduly profit from the sale — thus avoiding another form of subsidized discrimination. Limit onsite activities to Learning for Life

In court papers, the Scouts said 80 percent of the activities inside the 22nd Street building are focused on Learning for Life, an educational and vocational program that’s open to all youths in the region — regardless of sexual orientation. If that’s accurate, an obvious solution would be for the Scouts to agree to limit their onsite activities to Learning for Life. Traditional Scouting programs could take place in the council’s other office building in Valley Forge. If national BSA leaders oppose this approach, they could be reminded that the local BSA council is headquartered on public property, so some concessions need to be made. The Scouts consistently have declined to comment on this option, perhaps worrying that the city would identify overlap between Learning for Life and traditional Scouting programs. But for years, the local council has administered the city’s Learning for Life programs in corrections and law enforcement — with no issue being made by the city about overlap with traditional Scouting programs. Others have posited that the Scouts exaggerated the size of Learning for Life to appear less discriminatory. In reality, Learning for Life on its own may not be large enough to sustain operations, pay staff and maintain the 22nd Street building. Appeal the federal-jury verdict In June 2010, a federal jury ruled that the local BSA council’s constitutional rights were violated when city officials allegedly asked it to renounce the national BSA’s antigay policy in order to stay on the property rent-free. While it’s debatable that city officials ever asked the council to do such a thing, many believe an appeal at this late date would be counterproductive. Opponents say it would give the impression that PAGE 18

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Drexel student awarded for LGBT research By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

TAKING THE INITIATIVE: Staffers of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Adolescent Initiative gathered at the program’s first annual fundraiser Nov. 10 at City Tap House. The initiative, founded in 1993, provides HIV medical care to adolescents with HIV and offers prevention services to more than 3,000 youth throughout the area. About 80 supporters turned out for the fundraiser, which brought in $1,400 for the initiative’s patient-emergency fund and employee-education fund. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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The American Public Health Association earlier this month honored a Drexel University doctoral student with an award named for a founder of its LGBT Caucus, who was also a pioneering Philadelphia health professional. At its conference earlier this month, the caucus presented Aleksandar Kecojevic with its Walter J. Lear Outstanding Student Research Award for his work on a study that investigated drug use by LGBT youth. Lear, Philadelphia’s first deputy health commissioner, was an LGBT-rights and health activist who helped launch the predecessors of the William Way LGBT Community Center and Mazzoni Center, among several other LGBT agencies. A native of Serbia, Kecojevic, 40, has been living in the United States for the past decade after spending several years in Canada. He moved to Philadelphia last year to begin his studies at Drexel and is now in his second year at the university’s School of Public Health. “I’ve pretty much always been interested in medical research,” he said. “When I was at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, I was working on HIV research and testing paradigms and that got me interested in drug-abuse research, which brought me to Drexel.” Kecojevic was matched with advisor Dr. Stephen Lankenau, a Drexel School of Public Health associate professor who at the time was working on a study of prescription-drug abuse among high-risk youth in New York City and Los Angeles. “In the last 10 years there’s really been a growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse in this county,” Kecojevic said. “But most of the research that’s been done about it has focused on college students or adult populations, so there really wasn’t much that looked specifically at prescription-drug abuse among high-risk youth populations.” Lankenau’s study began in 2008 and, by the time Kecojevic came on board, the datacollection process was near completion, so Kecojevic focused on analysis. The study sought to examine patterns of drug abuse, such as combinations of illicit and prescription-drug abuse, and Kecojevic noticed another pattern that emerged when analyzing the numbers. “I started to see that a lot of the youth identified as LGBT,” said Kecojevic, an LGBT community member himself. “About onethird of the sample ended up being LGBT youth. So I decided to use that information to look at differences between LGBT and heterosexual youth, and there were quite a few differences.” While rates of illicit drug use were comparable among the LGBT and heterosexual youth populations, LGBT youth reported higher rates of non-medical use of prescrip-

tion drugs (NMUPD). Kecojevic said LGBT young people were particularly drawn to opiates and tranquilizers. The LGBT youth reported more frequent prescriptions from physicians and began taking the prescription drugs for non-medical uses on average one year earlier than their heterosexual counterparts. LGBT youth also were more likely to report NMUPD by a family member and

PH.D. STUDENT ALEKSANDAR KECOJEVIC

were more likely than the heterosexual youth to have injected the drugs. The LGBT youth were also more likely to report a sexually transmitted disease or infection, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, but not Hepatitis C or scabies. Kecojevic noted that NMUPD among young people is an area that should merit much more research, considering that prescription drugs are the second-most commonly used by youth, following marijuana. While the Lear award will enhance attention given to the LGBT aspect of the NMUPD epidemic, Kecojevic said it also holds a personal significance for him because of its namesake. “He was a real LGBT icon in Philadelphia and did a lot of work on publicizing the health issues that matter to the LGBT community,” Kecojevic said. “So I certainly was very pleased and very honored to receive an award named for him.” Lear, who died last year, was a caucus founder and longtime chair, and the award has been given in his name since 2003. Kecojevic is the first Drexel student to receive the honor. ■

REGIONAL PGN from page 1

estly a good thing,” Martin said. “It means that more people are understanding what’s going on and police are able to better identify hate crimes. Pennsylvania has been notoriously bad at reporting hate crimes — we have a very low ratio when it comes to other states that surround us — so the increase could mean that more people are aware of hate crimes and willing to report them.” Sexual orientation was the second-mostcommon motivating factor in a hate crime in Pennsylvania, claiming that spot for the first time since 2004 over religious-based crimes, which fell to third. Thirty-three of the incidents were race-related, eight were motivated by the victims’ religion and six were related to ethnicity. In Philadelphia, eight hate crimes were reported in 2010, two of which were motivated by the victims’ sexual orientation, the same number as incidents related to race, religion and ethnicity. In 2009, Philadelphia reported six incidents, none of which were related to sexual orientation. Elsewhere in the state, two LGBTrelated crimes were reported each in Pittsburgh and at Penn State University, and one in Harrisburg, Reading, Lawrence County and at West Chester University. Nationally, there was a slight increase in the total number of hate crimes between 2009-10, from 6,604 to 6,628, as well as in the number of LGBT-related crimes,

Crowne-PHILAGAYNEWS-due8-26_typeOutlines.indd 1

from 1,223 to 1,277. Pennsylvania’s 2010 LGBT crimes comprised about 17.5 percent of the total number of incidents, putting it slightly below the national average of 19 percent. Of the national sexual orientationrelated crimes, about 58 percent were categorized as anti-male and 27 percent as anti-female. Most of the overall incidents were classified as “crimes against persons,” the bulk of which were simple assaults and acts of intimidation. Nationally, there were six hate-crimerelated murders and four rapes. Two of the murders and one rape were reported as LGBT-related. The majority of the LGBT crimes were simple assaults, followed by intimidation, vandalism and aggravated assault. Most of the incidents took place within a residence, followed by on the street, at an unnamed location, at a school, in a parking lot and at a bar. In the past few years, the number of lawenforcement agencies in Pennsylvania submitting data to the FBI varied, although higher participation did not necessarily correlate to greater numbers of reported crimes; for instance, in 2006, 27 agencies reported 97 total crimes, while in 2008, 31 agencies participated for a total of 68 crimes. In 2010, 31 agencies throughout Pennsylvania participated, an increase from the previous year’s 22. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

Hate crimes reported in Pennsylvania 2005-2010 118 13 4

2005

97 13 4

2006

83 13 3

2007

68 6 2

2008

46 5 0

2009

57 10 2

2010

2010 Pennsylvania hate-crimes breakdown

All Pennsylvania hate crimes PA LGBT hate crimes Philadelphia LGBT hate crimes

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

2010 National hate-crimes breakdown

8/22/11 11:19 PM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

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Going the distance By Sarah Blazucki sarah@epgn.com

been the issue,” she said. “It’s more that, like every adult woman I know, I’ve spent countless hours, which has added up into It wasn’t a sting by the toxic box jellyfish days and years, in negative monkey chatter — one of the most venomous animals in the — Why didn’t I stop the childhood sexual ocean — that forced famed distance swim- abuse? Why didn’t I save my marriage? — mer Diana Nyad to call off her third attempt instead of just a quick, intelligent probing, to cross the 103 miles of open water from an examination of the past, when you face Cuba to Florida in September. It was a sec- up to maybe mistakes you made, and then you march on.” ond potentially lethal sting. So, when she turned 60, Nyad adopted After 40 hours in the water and covering 82 miles, the 62-year-old called off her the mantra “Onward” and set her sights on third attempt; she had called off her second a difficult goal — “as something to dangle attempt in August after an 11-hour asthma in front of me that would be so difficult and so challenging it would take every bit of me, attack and shoulder pain. The openly lesbian Nyad, known also my best self, every waking minute of every for her years of sports commentary and day” to attain. “And there’s no other way to get it done. travel reporting on NPR, Fox and ABC, was recently in Philadelphia as part of GeoFest, There is no time for existential meandering about why you couldn’t an international food and do it better. It almost film festival sponsored by didn’t matter whether it the Geographical Society was the swim or someof Philadelphia, to talk thing else. about her swimming suc“It’s just gotten under cesses, setbacks — and my skin now; it’s not even when she’s going to a sporting event. It’s like attempt the swim again. it’s something I just don’t Nyad starting prepping want to give up.” for her recent efforts once And a difficult she turned 60, noting that endeavor it is. In prepashe started to reexamine ration for the swim next her life after that mileJuly, when the waters stone. are warm enough, she’ll “I have, my whole life, start her serious trainbeen pressured by how ing in January, undertaklittle time we have, how ing eight-hour swims and quickly it all goes by. You progressing to 24-hour know, you do something DISTANCE SWIMMER swims. important — raise a child, DIANA NYAD By April, she’ll be pursue a study, do a career Photo: Ron Baers doing four 10-14-hour that you like — whatever swims a week, with a day you do, it takes a decade or two. And how many decades are there? off in-between to recuperate: gain some You can barely count childhood ... and you weight back, allow her skin to heal from get into your 20s, your 30s, your 40s, your the salt-water abrasions, hypothermia and 50s, your 60s, and you say, What have I stomach difficulties. The vigorous training schedule builds done? “When I turned 60, I was just feeling like, both physical strength and mental stamina wow, how have I spent the quality of my — the discipline to keep going. “You just decide what you are going to do time?” For Nyad, she isn’t questioning her and you don’t quit. The mental comes with accomplishments. In 1975, she set a dis- the physical. You start putting in all those tance record for swimming from Bimini, long swims ... the body and shoulders start in the Bahamas, to Florida that still stands. getting strong, the strokes start getting way The same year, she set a world record for up on top of the water, and then your brain circling Manhattan Island in 7:57 hours is getting stronger too because you are conwithout a wetsuit. She was inducted into the fident — you know what you can do.” But for Nyad, distance swimming is more National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986 and into the International Swimming Hall than just a physical feat, or even mental toughness. of Fame in 2003. “There are moments when you feel the After her early swimming successes, she pursued a career in sports and travel jour- sea, you feel the tidal pull,” she said. “I’m nalism and became known for her insightful not religious, but I’m in awe of this planet. When you are out there in that vast ocean, commentaries and engaging storytelling. Instead, Nyad is referring to what she it’s the middle of the night and you are calls “negative monkey chatter,” the ongo- feeling the tide, and you are being tugged ing self-doubt and criticism that ultimately by the current and look up at the billions of stars — you are in a sense of sensory depriprove unproductive for so many. “I can’t beat myself up for being the vation and you are tired; the mind graviperson who’s been lounging around on tates more easily to these subjects — and the couch eating bonbons — that hasn’t it’s a high.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

DOMA repeal clears key hurdle By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The effort to overturn the federal ban on same-sex marriage saw a significant victory last week, although most pundits are not optimistic full repeal of the law will be achieved this session. In a 10-8 vote last Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Respect for Marriage Act, which would lift the Defense of Marriage Act that defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. A full Senate vote has not been scheduled. The bill was first introduced solely in the House last session, and the current House version remains in the Judiciary Committee. Last week’s vote, which split along party lines, marked the first vote the bill saw in either chamber of Congress. Prime sponsor Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who sits on the committee, said DOMA was “wrong” when it passed in 1996, and time has not changed that. “There are 131,000 legally married, samesex couples in this country who are denied more than 1,100 federal rights and protections because of this discriminatory law,” Feinstein said, acknowledging that her measure could face an uphill battle. “I don’t know how long the battle for full equality will take, but we are on the cusp of change.”

The day prior to the vote, Human Rights Campaign submitted a letter to committee members signed by governors and mayors from the jurisdictions that have sanctioned marriage equality in which the elected officials urged the passage of Respect for Marriage Act. “With marriage equality a reality in six states and the District of Columbia, state leaders in both parties are finding it strengthens families,” said HRC president Joe Solmonese. “DOMA is government-sanctioned discrimination, which causes real harm.” Ian Thompson, legislative representative at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the committee vote is an “important step forward” toward protecting the nation’s samesex couples. “These couples have made the commitment at the heart of marriage and exchanged vows under state law,” Thompson said. “For the federal government to exclude them from all federal protections for their marriage is unjust, unnecessary and unconstitutional. It’s time for Congress to join the president and the Department of Justice in rejecting this discriminatory law.” Earlier this year, DOJ announced it would no longer defend DOMA in court, withdrawing from several federal challenges of the law. The House Bi-Partisan Legal Advisory Group has stepped in to back DOMA and has capped associated legal fees at $1.5 million. ■

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News Briefing FIGHT remembers with gala Philadelphia FIGHT will host its annual We Remember Gala at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, 215 S. 16th St. The gala will feature a silent auction, live jazz ensemble and food and drinks. A portion of the AIDS Quilt will be on display. Tickets are $100, and VIP tickets, which include an open bar, are $150 or $250 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at www.fight. org/donate or by calling 215-525-8628.

Pomp and pageantry New Hope will celebrate the Miss Gay Pennsylvania USofA Pageant at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at the New Hope Eagle Firehouse ballroom, 46 N. Sugan Road. The pageant, now in its 20th year, is the preliminary to the national Miss Gay USofA Pageant, held in Texas in the spring.

The contestants will compete in talent, evening-gown and personal-interview categories. Dinner will be provided, along with a cash bar. Tickets, which are $70, also include admission to a contestant meet-and-greet at 9 p.m. Dec. 2 at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. A portion of the proceeds from the pageant will benefit Bucks County’s Fighting AIDS Continuously Together. Tickets can be purchased at www.missgaypausofa.com or by calling 215-8622588.

Health, housing and HIV The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing will host a forum about homelessness and HIV Nov. 18 at the Claire Fagin Hall Auditorium, 418 Curie Blvd. A free dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the discussion following at 7. The event will feature remarks by ACT UP Philadelphia, a representative of the city’s Department of Public Health and U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.). McDermott, who helped craft the federal Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program, will speak about his legislative work and the current challenges to adequate housing for those with HIV/AIDS. For more information, e-mail lro@mail. med.upenn.edu. ■

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

— Jen Colletta

Millennial Poz Aaron Stella

After 30 years of HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is impacting the next generation: the Millennials. Written by Aaron Stella, Millennial Poz gives a new voice to people with HIV/AIDS. Online and in print every second Friday.

Only in

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Jerry Cox

Editorial

Benefits of GSAs In a new study this week, researchers found that gay-straight alliances had a positive effect on the mental health and well-being of LGBT youth — the first of its kind showing that positive school-based support can result in long-term benefits for LGBT youth. The study, published in Applied Developmental Science, looked at the schoolrelated experiences of 245 LGBT adults, ages 21-25. Among the findings was that the positive impact of a GSA was particularly strong when students saw the GSA as effectively promoting a safer school environment. In particular, “High School Gay-Straight Alliances and Young Adult WellBeing” found that LGBT youth who attended middle or high schools with GSAs were more likely to have better mental health as young adults, were less likely to drop out of school and were more likely to attend college. Considering that previous research has found that LGBT students are more likely to experience negative mental health and violence than their heterosexual counterparts, the new findings are significant. Among the previous findings are that LGBT school bullying is related to compromised academic achievement; LGB youth and young adults report higher levels of depression and other mental-health issues; and LGBT youth are at greater risk for school victimization based on sexual orientation and/or gender expression. The study, conducted by researchers Russell B. Toomeya, Caitlin Ryanb, Rafael M. Diazb and Stephen T. Russell, analyzed surveys completed in the San Francisco Bay area through the Family Acceptance Project in 2005. Of the 245 participants, 86 reported that their high school had a GSA or similar club. Of these, 55 participated in their GSA. Researchers concluded that the mere presence of a GSA was “significantly associated with young adult psychosocial well-being and educational attainment.” Further, simply having a GSA at their school resulted in lower reports of depression and higher self-esteem. Presence of a GSA was also associated with less risk of dropout and increased college education attainment. Beyond the presence of a GSA, the research found that those who participated in a GSA had fewer problems with substance abuse in early adulthood. Further, the study found students who participated in GSAs at schools with low levels of LGBT victimization had less depression. However, for those who attended schools with high levels of LGBT victimization, researchers concluded that the benefits of GSA participation diminished as victimization increased. Thus, a GSA alone is not necessarily enough to overcome LGBT victimization and should be coupled with other efforts to combat anti-LGBT bias in schools, such as teacher training, antidiscrimination and antiharassment policies and an LGBTinclusive curriculum. ■

Newsflash: Homosexuality and pedophilia are not the same things. Equating the two makes as much sense as equating adopting a pet kitty from a shelter with luring a stray into your yard so you can torture and kill him. Surely anyone who thought the two were the same would be insane. Though they still might be invited to talk on Public Radio International, specifically the “To the Point” program, when the topics are the Penn State child-abuse scandal and same-sex couples adopting kids. Nice juxtaposition there, guys. The special guest on the program was Jerry Cox of the Arkansas Family Council, a group that tried like the dickens to prevent gays and lesbians from being foster parents in Arkansas to no avail. Cox seemed to equate gays wanting to foster or adopt children with alleged Penn State child-rapist Jerry Sandusky (who fostered kids in the past). Not that this comparison makes sense, but that’s not Cox’s job. His job is to spew antigay invective whenever a microphone gets near his face. “I find it interesting that we talk about the Penn State situation, and then when we talk about other situations where certain categories of people say it’s our right to adopt, it’s our right to be a foster parent, in both of those situations the rights of children seem to be put in second place,” Cox said. Let’s crack the code. “Certain categories of people” most certainly means gays. And when he says “in both of these situations” Cox is clearly equating letting a known child-rapist foster children with allowing gay people to foster children. In only one of these “situations” are the rights and needs of a child “in second place.” Hint: It’s the child being fostered by the child rapist — and second place is far too high of a finish. Last place is more like it. For Cox, the most important things to look for in a foster family are one penis and one vagina. “If you have a same-sex couple with an adopted child, what you’re in effect saying is that moms don’t matter or dads don’t

matter,” he said. “Little girls grow up, little boys grow up and they need both of those role models to grow up in a balanced way.” Mind you, Sandusky is a married-toa-woman man, which means his family structure meets these criteria. What Cox means by balanced, I don’t know. Perhaps he’s worried two moms will teach a boy to pee sitting down or two dads might teach a girl to pee standing up. When “To the Point” hosts suggested that children would perhaps be better off in a house with same-sex parents rather than languishing in the foster-care system, Cox rejected the notion. “Sometimes we sound as if those are the only two choices,” Cox said. “It’s like, child be institutionalized or be in a same-sex home or cohabiting home, or whatever. And I’d like to challenge this a little bit, to raise our sights a little bit, and say, you know, the state surely can do better than that.” Yeah, stupid state. Being stuck in an orphanage on one hand, living in a household with two stable and loving foster parents who happen to be gay on the other. It’s like Sophie’s choice! Of course, says Cox, those aren’t the only options. “With all the millions of stable homes that are out there, surely the state of California, the state of Pennsylvania, the state of Arkansas, wherever we are, surely we can find stable homes with a married mom and dad for these children,” he said. Got that? There are millions of homes with stable one-penis-one-vagina structures oh so perfect for foster children. The problem is they’re apparently very well hidden. We’re just not looking hard enough. So come out, come out wherever you are. Cox has a pick-up truck full of kids with your (heterosexual only, please) names all over it. ■

For Cox, the most important things to look for in a foster family are one penis and one vagina.

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

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

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

OP-ED PGN

Op-Ed

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Transmissions: Never forgotten Summer wanes, and the days get shorter. Blue skies give way to gray skies and the occasional rain shower. A slight chill now accompanies the sun’s warmth, not too long ago pervasive and penetrating. The change from summer to autumn has been a part of my life for as long as I’ve been alive, but in the last 13 years, it has taken on a new connotation: It reminds me that the Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming. Not that I could forget, mind you. You can tell from its very name that it isn’t here to be forgotten. For me, personally, it’s indelibly marked on me, as permanent as a scar. It’s not something that crops up in my calendar app, or that others need to remind me about. It’s not something I program around, like one might hang seasonal tinsel in anticipation of the holidays. It’s not the time I start to craft a carefully worded fundraising letter. In some ways, I dread even having to write about it at all. Not because — after all these years — I won’t have anything to say, but because there are still quite a few things left to speak about. Back in 1998, when I first had the notion to look at the state of anti-transgender murders, I did not think anyone would care. From anything I could tell, our dead were forgotten weeks after they perished. When Rita Hester died on Nov. 28 of that year, the trial of William Palmer — who had been accused of murdering Chanelle Pickett on Nov. 20 — had concluded roughly a year and a half prior. Yet some in Massachusetts, where both deaths occurred, could not recall Pickett’s case. So I began to chronicle these names. Not for the hope that anyone would pay attention, or that we’d have a big event every year, or what have you — but that at least someone was not forgetting. I recently talked with Ethan St. Pierre, who is the Squiggy to my Lenny when it comes to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. He and I discussed the difficulty in chronicling all these cases, how it changes you. You can’t look into the eyes of those we’ve lost lightly. It’s never just another murder: Each one is a person, each one could be you, your friend, your family. Each one you have a sort of kinship with. I think back to the Gwen Araujo murder. Seeing her in her coffin at the funeral home. Getting to know her family. Sitting in several courtrooms. Looking at forensic evidence. Watching her killers just a few feet from me, smiling and joking with their own families. Listening to eyewitness reports of what happened that night — and listening to defense attorneys try to claim that a several-hour beating was somehow a moment of “transgender panic.” I think back to other cases, and how each affected me. Looking at those photos

and hearing their stories, hearing the pleas from their parents and friends and watching the trials and legal machinations ... it all changes you. Then there are the new cases. You see, it doesn’t really stop, at least not yet. There are cases every couple weeks. There’s many more that we may never know of. Even with more than a decade of awareness, even with a lot of transgender victories in both the legal arena and the court of public opinion, we still die at a rate consistent to where we were in 1998. The cases are not any less brutal, either. Not that you’d expect them to be. Our murderers don’t typically kill us and go on their way: They attempt to obliterate us, to erase us fully from existence. Consider one of the most recent — as of this writing — cases, that of 19-yearold Shelly Moore in Detroit. Her mother, Lyniece Nelson, had reported her missing in October. Then Nelson had to identify her child solely from a charred torso. Moore’s killers did not just kill this teen. They dismembered her. They burned her. They dumped the remains along a service drive on the side of an interstate. They did all they could to make her a nonentity. This is why we don’t forget. They may kill us, but we won’t let these murderers get the chance to erase us from existence. We remember, and we fight to make a society where killing us is not an option, where maybe some day we can look at the Transgender Day of Remembrance as a curious part of our past, much like one might baffle over medical treatment in the days before sterilization. It’s not that we want to have a Transgender Day of Remembrance, it’s that we still need to have one. Our deaths, as I said above, continue to happen at the same rates they seemingly always have, from best we can tell. Some things have changed, but this remains an alarming constant. We still seem to lack the simple right to exist. With all this said, I urge you to go to your local Transgender Day of Remembrance event. Show your solidarity with your transgender family and friends. March, light a candle and be there for those we’ve not lost while you remember those we have. If you cannot make it to an event for whatever reason, take a moment to remember privately. Further, let us hope for an autumn in our future where we can remember when we had to remember, and when we can see that this brutality will no longer be tolerated. ■ Gwen Smith hopes everyone stays safe out there. You can find her at www.gwensmith. com. Mark My Words will return next week.

Street Talk Who should host the Oscars? “Billy Crystal. He’s a very charismatic figure. I love his parodies of the movies that are nominated. He also makes fun of the stars without being offensive. They all laugh

Amy Breckin business analyst Blackwood, N.J.

along with him.”

“Lil Wayne, the rap artist. It’s good to have racial diversity for that show, especially since he’ll be replacing a black man. In Dane Schultz my opinion, pet walker he’s the most Queen Village talented performer at this time — in the country. He’s a brilliant lyricist and crowd pleaser. I’d watch him.”

“Nicki Minaj. She’ll definitely energize the crowd. With her pink hair and unique personality, she’ll liven Jamie Morrison up the student Oscars. The Westampton, N.J. younger generation will definitely tune in if Nicki Minaj is the host.” “Ellen [DeGeneres]. She’s done it before. Her humor can’t be matched. She’ll crack everybody up. I also Dionna Sherrae think her salon manager presence Cherry Hill, N.J. will be an olive branch for the Academy Awards. It will help lessen any tension caused by the Eddie Murphy situation.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “LGBT orgs conflict over future of youth program,” Nov. 11-17: This seems to be a ridiculous, childish action on behalf of PSEC. Why does PSEC want Equality PA to shut down their youth program? They say it conflicts with their goals and undermines their organization, but they provide no specific example of how and why. Why can’t there be two or three or dozens of organizations out there like these? I admire and appreciate both groups’ efforts, but whatever happened to working together? Remember, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller — Steve Kasic Hey Steve, In response to your questions, take a look at the PSEC press release on the matter: pennsec.org/news-room-home/ Thanks for your thoughts, and hope this helps! — Ben S.

In response to “This is unacceptable,” Nov. 11-17: Mark, I heard at a party over the weekend that the PGN was going to expand its reporting to include exposing the shocking child sex-abuse allegations that very young orthodox and Hasidic boys [suffer] at the hands of their educators and clergy. Also, in light of the Cory Feldman shocking revelations that media and Hollywood moguls are habitual pedophiles and child rapists, which he says caused Cory Haim to kill himself. I hope this is true. We need more media insiders like you, Mark, with the chutzpah to shine the light on these organizations. You did a great job exposing the Catholic Church. Thank you. — Ken901 In response to “Penn State hit with sexabuse scandal,” Nov. 11-17: Why is this pedophilia case an LGBT news story? — Cei Bell

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

YOUTH from page 1

briefing, hosted by the Housing Committee of Connect To Protect, a coalition of youthserving agencies and advocates, organized by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who work on HIV-prevention efforts for young men who have sex with men. According to C2P, LGBT youth are disproportionately affected by homelessness, with an estimated one in five Philadelphia homeless youth identifying as LGBT. Last year, the National Runaway Switchboard fielded more than 1,000 calls from the Philadelphia area and, despite an estimated 6,500 homeless on the streets every night — an unknown number of whom are youth — the city only offers 14 crisis shelter beds for youth 17 and under who are not involved with the Department of Human Services, and there are only 45 beds available for those ages 18-21. Alison Lin, C2P community coordinator, noted that ideally the coalition wants to see an increase in the number of shelter beds for youth not in the child-welfare system as well as in the availability of youth transitional housing.

PGN

Lin noted that the coalition is also focusing on a partnership with DHS to work on homelessness-prevention, especially for those aging out of care; currently, almost half of youth who were discharged from the child-welfare system lacked housing for up to six months. Since its 2008 launch, the C2P Housing Committee and its affiliate supporters, including The Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center and Covenant House, have worked to put in place LGBT training for support staff at local shelters, instituted HIV testing at youth shelters and spearheaded clothing donations and laundry services, among other successes. Awareness-building is a key component of preventing LGBT youth homelessness, the advocates at Tuesday’s briefing said, with C2P project director Marné Castillo challenging attendees to each inform at least three people about the plight of LGBT homeless youth before the month is over. “We wanted to raise awareness and also have this at such a public place where we can talking about LGBT youth issues right here in City Hall,” Lin added. “Often peo-

ple will think about youth and think about the homeless but don’t really put together that LGBT youth are so overrepresented in the homeless population and really consider the unique support they need because of that.” To further communicate that idea, Kareem Mims, a youth trainer at The Attic’s Bryson Institute, shared his own story of homelessness with the crowd. At age 11, Mims ran away from home to escape an abusive father and slept for a week at a schoolyard, where he was approached for sex. Mims spent years in and out of the fostercare system and shelters and was met with homophobia by service providers after disclosing his burgeoning sexual orientation. He was eventually connected with The Attic, which he said was integral in helping him turn his life around. Mims noted that many homeless LGBT

KAREEM MIMS Photo: Scott A. Drake

youth are unaware that services like The Attic exist, and the city needs to invest in a concerted effort to connect such young people with providers to help them get off the street and onto the right path. “Just because you’re LGBT and live a certain lifestyle doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve to be loved, cared about and provided shelter,” he said. ■

Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 are the PGN annual Gift Guide issues. Get ready to don your gay apparel!

PGN

Gettin’ On

Jim Hart

Exercise and longevity: How to live to 100 As a personal trainer specializing in older, active adults, I am continually amazed by the effects of regular exercise on aging bodies. I have clients in their 70s who outperform people in their 30s, a client in his 80s who walks 50 miles a week and a 65-year-old client who competes in body-building shows. People who exercise have a better outlook on life, less depression, bounce back quicker from illness and have more energy to do fun and enjoyable activities. Exercise also contributes to a better sex life and can make people less susceptible to age-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Physical changes after 50 can be attributed to two things: normal aging and disease-related aging. Exercise has been shown to reduce the effects of both types. Here are a few reasons why. 1. Strength maintenance. Normal aging results in a gradual loss of muscle mass. This loss is about 1 percent per year once you reach your 40s. This loss is totally preventable by lifting weights on a regular basis. Having more muscle allows you to be more functional in everyday tasks. You have stronger legs and better balance, which helps to prevent falls that can lead to major fractures and even death among the elderly. 2. Cardiovascular health. Over time, artery walls become stiffer because their chemical composition changes. This stiffening causes changes in blood pressure that puts a strain on the heart. Regular aerobic exercise changes and can even reverse that process. If you can get off the couch, it may be possible to get off medication and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. 3. Diabetes risk. As we age, blood glucose control becomes less robust, making us more insulin-resistant and increasingly susceptible to diabetes. People tend to gain weight as they age, further increasing the risk of developing the disease. During aerobic exercise, muscles take up glucose from the blood and use it for fuel, keeping blood-sugar levels low. It also decreases the production of insulin, a major fat-storing hormone. 4. Inflammation control. This condition, blamed for almost every major modern disease, worsens as we age. It is worsened by extra weight, which is caused, in part, by our sugar- and starch-heavy diets. It

PGN

increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers immune-system function and paves the way for viruses and bad bacteria to take hold — even causing cancer cells to grow. Exercise reduces C-reactive protein, a marker for bad inflammation and for coronary disease/heart attack. A study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society showed that men and women ages 70-79 who exercised had lower markers of inflammation than their sedentary counterparts — and live longer as a result! 5. Brain health. A recent study from the Journal of Neuroradiology found that older adults who did a minimum of 180 minutes a week of activity — everything from walking to gardening to aerobic exercise — had more small-diameter blood vessels with less twisting than a less-active group who did 90 minutes or less of activity each week. The vessels of the more active group had a pattern similar to younger people. Brain function improves, memory is better and onset of dementia is significantly reduced in those people who do higher levels of intense exercise like running, cycling and calisthenics. Humans are creatures designed for movement and activity from cradle to grave. Our modern lifestyle has engineered the activity out of our lives with disastrous results. The statistics on obesity and ill health demonstrate that many of us are dying prematurely from totally preventable causes. Physical activity can only improve the quality of your life as well as extend your quantity of life. Find some type of activity that works for you and your lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be a gym or traditional exercise class. Just get out and hike, ride, walk, swim, do yoga or hire a personal trainer. Bottom line: Eat moderately, exercise mindfully and live whole-heartedly. ■ Jim Hart is a personal trainer and the author of “Personal Trainer Secrets for Men Over 40.” Download his book free of charge at www.hartbody.com. Terri Clark, MPH, CHES, prevention services coordinator for ActionAIDS, and Heshie Zinman, long-time community health activist, are co-chairs of the LGBT Elder Initiative. To comment on this article or for more information about the LGBTEI, visit www. lgbtelderinitiative.blogspot.com and watch for “Gettin’ On” each month in PGN.

Gay is our middle name.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

PGN

Obituary

Barbara Grier, publisher, activist By Victoria A. Brownworth Special to PGN

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

JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Friday, December 9, 8:00. Beth Ahavah Shabbat Services. Please join us for our monthly BA Shabbat Service followed by a sumptuous oneg (social hour). Dinner at a local restaurant at 6:00 PM precedes services. Please call or email for restaurant location and to RSVP. “SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, December 24th-Christmas Eve Food Fress” in Chinatown Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next light, Mt. Vernon St. Parking lot entrance on left.

Barbara Grier, groundbreaking lesbian publisher, activist, archivist and a cofounder of Naiad Press, died of lung cancer Nov. 10 in Tallahassee, where she had lived for decades with her partner of 40 years, Donna McBride. She was 78. I met Grier for the first time when I was 19 and interviewed her often over the years, first for the lesbian radio program “Amazon Country” at WXPN, and later for a range of queer and mainstream publications, including PGN, the Advocate, OUT, Curve and Ms. magazine. She chose me to be her “official” biographer — both a pleasure and a responsibility — for “Before Stonewall: Activists for Gay and Lesbian Rights in Historical Context,” edited by Vern L. Bullough. Grier came out early and never looked back. Grier asserted her mother had been reading “The Well of Loneliness” when she was pregnant with Grier and later gave her the book. It was Grier’s first lesbian novel. She told me she informed her mother she was a lesbian when she was 12 after investigating homosexuality at the local library. “Because mother and I were always open with each other, I told her immediately,” Grier said with a laugh. “Mother said since I was a woman, I wasn’t a homosexual, I was a lesbian. She also said I was a little young to make this decision and we should wait six months to tell the newspapers.” Grier’s life revolved around books, writing and libraries from the day she discovered herself as a “homosexual” until her death. At 18, she wooed the local librarian — 20 years her senior —and the two were partnered for nearly 20 years until Grier met McBride in 1971, with whom she spent the next 40 years. In 1956, Grier began writing for the first lesbian magazine in the U.S., The Ladder, with an emphasis on books. The Ladder was co-founded by Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, who also founded Daughters of Bilitis. In 1968, Grier took over as editor from Philadelphia activist Barbara Gittings. She grew the magazine to a mailing list of 3,800 and nearly doubled the page count of the mimeographed monthly to 48. In 1972, after internal strife over the feminist direction in which Grier was taking the magazine, The Ladder ceased publication. In 1973, she and McBride co-founded Naiad Books (later Naiad Press as it expanded to include audio books and videotapes) with Muriel Crawford and Crawford’s partner, Anyda Marchant, from Rehoboth, Del. Marchant’s book, “The Latecomer,” published under her pseudonym, Sarah Aldridge, was Naiad’s first publication. When Grier and McBride retired in 2003, selling their backlist to Bella Books, one of many lesbian presses to follow Naiad’s lead, the press had a stable of over 100 authors. Grier took a lot of risks as a publisher,

BARBARA GRIER (LEFT) AND DONNA MCBRIDE

although she never apologized for wanting to be a success at business and wanting to make money, both of which she achieved. Grier put many lesbian authors on the literary map, among them Katherine V. Forrest, whose intensely erotic romance and mystery novels took lesbian sexuality from behind closed doors and off the page, as in previous books, to the focal point. Her novel “Curious Wine” remained a best-seller for years and was also the first lesbian novel to be transferred to audio book. Also among Grier’s stable were Sarah Schulman, Lee Lynch, Sheila Ortiz, Karin Kallmaker and Valerie Taylor. Lesbian artist and photographer Tee Corinne did over 50 covers for the press. Reviving lesbian books was another passion of Grier’s. She reprinted some of the most important pulp novels of the 1940s and ’50s, including those by Ann Bannon and Gale Wilhelm as well as “The Price of Salt,” the lesbian novel by Patricia Highsmith published under her pseudonym, Claire Morgan. Grier also brought other lesbian writers of the past from anonymity, including 1920s Parisian poet Renee Vivien and novelist Margaret Anderson. One achievement she held dear was publishing Gertrude Stein’s book-length lesbian prose poem, “Lifting Belly.” Grier was not averse to controversy and in 1985 paid half a million dollars for the rights to Rosemary Kurb and Nancy Manahan’s groundbreaking collection of memoirs, “Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence.” The book was an immediate best-seller, but also raised enormous controversy, even in the feminist community when Grier chose to allow excerpts in Penthouse magazine. Grier was always proud of the book and that it had been “banned in Boston.” On her passing, Forrest noted, “It would be hard to imagine a more significant figure in the growth and development of lesbian publishing than Barbara Grier. Or a more towering and central figure in lesbian culture. We have lost a giant.” ■

PGN

International Australian PM to allow vote on gay marriage Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has confirmed she will allow Labor MPs a free vote on gay marriage, but it is not believed the bill will succeed. Gillard is on the record as opposed to marriage equality and sources said this did not mean she has changed her view. In the past, she has said Labor MPs will not be allowed a conscience vote on the issue if it is debated in parliament. The party will debate the issue at its upcoming December conference. Labor’s Queensland, Tasmania, West Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory branches have all passed motions in support of marriage equality. A recent poll has shown majority support among the electorate for the move to introduce gay marriage, with 80 percent of those aged 18-24 agreeing with the idea. But commentators say any gay-marriage bill would likely fail under such a free vote. Labor controls 72 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, with a further 72 organized as a four-party coalition. The coalition parties are predicted to vote solidly against a gay-marriage motion, and with Labor split on the issue, many believe a majority would be unattainable.

St. Petersburg lawmakers consider fines for ‘gay propaganda’ Legislators for the Russian city of St. Petersburg are considering new laws designed to prohibit gay “propaganda.” The draft law introduces fines for what it terms the “propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism, to minors” and “propaganda of pedophilia.” Fines range from a minimum of 1,000 rubles ($32) for an individual to 50,000 ($1,634) for a business. Polina Savchenko, general manager of LGBT organization Coming Out Russia, said, “By combining homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality into one law with sexual crimes against minors, members of the Legislative Assembly indulge in gross manipulations of public opinion. Their goal [is] to pass an anti-democratic law, directed at severely limiting human rights in St. Petersburg. This bill is absurd, both in terms of legal logic, and in terms of plain common sense. So what is the real goal? It is clear that adoption of this law would impose significant limitations on the activi-

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

ties of LGBT organizations.” Two other local legislatures introduced similar laws this year. According to a 2005 poll, 43.5 percent of Russians supported the re-criminalization of homosexual acts between consenting adults. In June of this year, Russian police arrested 14 gay-rights advocates in St. Petersburg. The city is Russia’s second largest, and its former capital.

Killer of Ugandan activist receives 30-year prison sentence

SENTENCED: A Ugandan court has sentenced Sydney Nsubuga (pictured) to 30 years in prison for the killing of prominent gay activist David Kato. Nsubuga is seen in police custody in this Feb. 3 photo taken in Kampala, Uganda. AP file photo: Michele Sibiloni

The killer of Ugandan gay-rights advocate David Kato, who was murdered earlier this year, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. The sentence was handed down to Sydney Nsubuga, also known by the name Enock, Nov. 9. Nsubuga, 22, pleaded guilty to the Jan. 26 murder of Kato at his home in the Mukono district of Uganda. Earlier this year, Nsubuga claimed Kato agreed to pay him for sex, but refused to hand over any money after the act. He says he did not intend to kill Kato, but was trying to defend himself. Police arrested Nsubuga on Feb. 2, and said he had been staying at Kato’s house after he had bailed Nsubuga out of prison. Speaking about the sentence, humanrights activist Peter Tatchell said: “It is good that justice has been done. The man jailed pleaded guilty, so we can assume that the police got the right person. It sends a signal that sometimes in Uganda, LGBT people get justice. Of course, many times they

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Ugandan lesbian rugby player granted �� asylum �� The former head of Uganda’s female rugby team has been granted �� asylum in Germany after facing harassment. Lilian Ikulmet, who was in charge of the She Cranes, said she had �� been raped, beaten and discriminated against by men for her sexuality. ��

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don’t. Homophobes often get away with violence. Not in this case. I hope it will encourage more LGBT Ugandans to report homophobic attacks and pursue the police until they too get justice.”

�� Thomas E. Hora Attorney-at-Law ��

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Ikulmet, a professional journalist, also worked as a writer at the Daily Monitor newspaper in her native Uganda. She said she now wants to leave the gay hostel where she is hiding at the end of the year and move into an apartment of her own. Ikulmet also expressed a desire to apply for a visa for her girlfriend, whom she hopes to marry. Earlier this year, Robert Segwanyi was granted leave to apply to remain in the United Kingdom as a result of his treatment in Uganda, following protracted questions over whether he was really gay. Segwanyi said he was harassed and burnt with molten plastic while in Uganda, and feared he would be killed or jailed on his return to the African country. The U.K. Border Authority agreed to reconsider his case at the last minute before his deportation.

Malaysian states consider new penalties for gays Two Malaysian states are considering a change in their Islamic laws to expand punishments for gay Muslims under federal and local state laws. New laws planned by Pahang and Malacca religious authorities would give the state governments power to punish gays in addition to national laws which provide for caning and 20 years imprisonment. It appears prison terms could run consecutively under the laws. Mohd Ali Rustam, chief minister of Malacca, said the state was reviewing its Islamic laws, with the effect that Muslim gays may be tried in court and punished with imprisonment or a fine. “So many people like to promote human rights, even up to the point they want to allow lesbian activities and homosexuality,” he said. “In Islam, we cannot do all this. It is against Islamic law.” He added that Muslim LGBT people would also be required to attend counseling and that anyone who supported homosexuality could be subject to similar penalties. About 60 percent of the country’s population of 28 million are Muslims. A gay arts festival was cancelled by police last week after criticism by politicians and religious leaders. Last year, Malaysia allowed gays to appear in films for the first time, so long as they turned straight at the end.

Gay clergy may prompt Church of Scotland resignations As many as 150 ministers in the Church of Scotland are threatening to resign over the church’s decision to allow openly gay clergy. The church’s general assembly, its governing body, opened the way to ordination of gay clergy in May, lifting a moratorium on appointment of gay and lesbian clergy that had been imposed after a gay man, Scott Rennie, became a minister in 2009. There will not be full inclusion of gay clergy until at least 2013, following completion of a study by church leaders. Still, senior sources estimate as many as 150 serving ministers are considering resignation, in the largest schism in the church since 474 ministers quit in 1843 to form the Free Church of Scotland. The dissatisfied clergy may form another breakaway denomination, some observers said, but a spokesperson for the church contended the objections to gay clergy are not so widespread. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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the city was hounding a local organization that wants to help all children, despite biased policies imposed by national BSA leaders. Additionally, there appears to be little support for appealing the verdict among key Nutter officials and City Council members. City Solicitor Shelley R. Smith has stated publicly that an appeal would be an inappropriate use of tax dollars, while the Scouts continue to discriminate inside a city facility. On the other hand, LGBTs and allies who support an appeal say it’s very likely that the city would prevail — noting a recent Supreme Court decision reinforcing the right of governments to condition subsidies on compliance with antibias rules. Advocates of an appeal also note that Philadelphia has a long history of promoting civil rights, and an appeal would be in keeping with that distinguished tradition. Additionally, an appeal might be necessary if the judge handling the federal case decides to issue a ruling on the pending post-trial motions, despite requests from both sides for more time to settle. This week, Nutter spokesperson Mark McDonald declined to comment on the possibility of an appeal. “As in the past, we hope City Council will take up [Clarke’s] legislation,” McDonald said. ■

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from any referendum challenge. Their effort began N ov. 1 4 w i t h a Bellevue news conference, with plans to come for a series of suburban town halls to show support for gay marriage outside of liberal Seattle.

Media Trail New push for gay marriage in Washington The Seattle Times reports a new effort has begun to legalize gay marriage in Washington state. Gay-marriage backers believe the time has come to take another step toward equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Two years ago, the Legislature passed the domestic-partnership law nicknamed “everything but marriage.” Now gay-marriage supporters want Washington to become the seventh state to legalize marriage of gay and lesbian couples. A coalition of dozens of gayrights, civil-liberties, labor and religious groups say they’ll pressure the Legislature to pass a marriage-equality law in 2012. They are prepared to defend it

Fire breaks out on Fire Island, destroys clubs The Advocate reports fires raged out of control on Fire Island for hours the night of Nov. 14, requiring the help of about 20 fire departments to fight them. Reportedly destroyed among the flames were popular destinations the Pavilion and La Fountaine. The blaze is believed to have started at Sip & Twirl, a dance club, and then spread quickly. Homes appear to be safe, though the complete scope of damage might not be visible until morning. The gay community reacted with shock to the news on social media.

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So far there are no reports of injuries.

Charlotte elects first gay council member WBTV.com reports for the first time in history, Charlotte, N.C., voters have elected an openly gay person to a seat on the city council. LaWana Mayfield won her seat Nov. 8 as part of a Democratic wave in North Carolina’s largest city. In addition to holding the mayor’s office, Democrats increased their margin on the city council, now holding 9 of 11 seats. Mayfield is a longtime community activist whose credentials range from supervising relief work after Hurricane Katrina to serving as a board of advisors member for the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund. She says she hopes her victory might pave the way for others, but says voters chose her based on years of community work rather than her identity. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

BILL from page 1

the measure were committee chair Councilman Bill Greenlee and Councilmen Frank DiCicco, W. Wilson Goode Jr., Bill Green and Jack Kelly. Committee vice chair James Kenney was absent. Greenlee, DiCicco and Kenney are cosponsors. The Councilmembers held a public hearing before the vote, with all testimony in favor of passage. Witnesses included Equality Pennsylvania board president Adrian Shanker, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations executive director Rue Landau, Liberty City Endorsement Committee chair Sara Jacobson, Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein and attorney and former City Council candidate Sherrie Cohen. Shanker encouraged the councilmembers to consider the basic tenets addressed in the bill. “We are talking about partner-based employee benefits such as access to medical coverage, FMLA [Family and Medical Leave Act] and bereavement leave,” he testified. “While good people may disagree on national social issues, I think it is pretty non-controversial to suggest that these benefits should be required for large city contractors to provide to same-sex partners of their employees. If we start with the basic idea that all people deserve equal treatment, equal benefits and in fact equal

rights, then there is no rational reason to oppose the Equal Benefits Bill.” Landau also addressed the theme of equality. “The purpose of this law is simple: equal treatment,” she said. “This truly is an issue of equal pay for equal work.” Jacobson urged the lawmakers to remember the promises many of them made to Liberty City membership to support the LGBT community when asking for the club’s endorsement in this year’s election. Shein noted that about 35 percent of Mazzoni’s clients are uninsured, and that expanding benefits opportunities for LGBTs in the area makes both economic sense for the city and can foster a better and more loyal workforce. The first law of this nature was instituted in San Francisco in 1996, and Cohen noted that 14,000 companies in the city have since complied, representing a combined workforce of about 2 million people. The enrollment rate in the domestic-partner program is very minimal — between 1 and 3 percent — Cohen said, and has had an “almost negligible” financial impact on the companies. No testimony was offered in opposition, and the councilmembers posed no questions for the witnesses — which, noted Greenlee, demonstrates the “long way” the city has come on LGBT issues. ■

AC ul t ure BILLY IDOLS rts

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PAGE 35

Bulletin Board Family Portrait Out & About Outward Bound Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

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36 27 34 29 31 25 30

KYLEND HETHERINGTON (clockwise from lower left) AS BILLY, PATRICK WETZEL AS MR. BRAITHWAITE AND HETHERINGTON (BILLY), BILLY LEAPS, LEX ISHIMOTO AS BILLY WITH MAXIMILIEN A. BAUD AS OLDER BILLY, RICH HEBERT (DAD) AND HETHERINGTON (BILLY) Photos: Kyle Froman except Billy with older Billy: Michael Brosilow

Award-winning musical dances back into Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The Tony Award-winning “Billy Elliot the Musical” is back in Philadelphia through Nov. 27 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music. Based on the popular film of the same name and featuring music by Elton John, the stage production follows a young boy seeking to transcend his blue-collar roots and become a dancer. “Billy Elliot” is brought to life by a cast of 45, a number of which play Billy in any given performance. Sean Kelly, the produc-

tion’s openly gay resident choreographer, said Billy’s age and the strenuous nature of the role necessitate having four actors who can take on the role. That, along with the dance-oriented nature of the overall show, makes for a challenging job. “Because I’m the resident choreographer — the original choreography was done by Peter Darling, who won the Tony for it — my primary responsibility is to take care of the integrity and the intention of the choreography,” Kelly said. “I would say that the biggest challenge is having four Billys. As talented as they are, they are all very young

men between 12 and 15. It takes a great deal of time to coach them to make sure they are physically conditioned and strong enough to do the show and really understand the story they are telling. A lot of it is told through them, so I find that to be challenging. It’s very rewarding but also very time consuming.” He added that part of what makes the show time consuming is that, as the production continues in its popularity and the actors get older, new age-appropriate actors have to be brought in for the role of Billy. “There’s typically four that are with us at

any given time and each of them will do — if things are running smoothly — two shows a week,” Kelly said. “Typically, because the boys get older, we’re often trying to get new boys and that process takes three months between training for acting, dancing, tap, classical ballet, vocals and dialect. The boys receive a great deal of training during those three months. That takes a great deal of time because there’s also the maintenance of keeping the show running on a day-to-day basis.” Actor Patrick Wetzel plays the role of Mr. Braithwaite, a rehearsal pianist who later shows his true disco colors.

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“He’s kind of a wannabe rocker,” Wetzel they don’t know anything about dance or the said of his character. “He’s holding on to arts. We all connect with that person. I think the past. He has a couple of surprises up his that’s what keeps people coming back. It’s sleeve. I don’t want to give too much away also about a community rallying around this but I do take my clothes off. How’s that for a young boy. We can all relate to needing each cliffhanger?” other, especially at this time when economiWetzel said while he understands the need cally we’re in such trouble.” “Kids are drawn to kids,” Wetzel added. for so many actors to play Billy, he had some “So it’s a story about children, so we have reservations about working with them all. “The reason they have some many different that age range. But then it’s also about famactors playing Billy and [his friend] Michael ily because it’s about this kid’s struggle with his family comis because the ing to terms with show is incredibly chalhim wanting to be l e n g i n g ,” h e a dancer. A huge explained. plot point is about “Billy has very this mining town little time off and the struggle stage and he with the huge has these huge issue that happened in Northern powerhouse England with the numbers that strike. The show he has to get touches a lot of through. That’s age ranges. It’s a why they have little bit of everyso many Billys, thing for everyone because it’s a here.” constant performance of using We t z e l a n d their bodies to Kelly also said dance. I thought that the topic of I was going to someone who hate working pursues his dream with a different and lives their life actor every perdespites it going formance but in against what society thinks is the the end I actually love it. It PATRICK WETZEL AS MR. BRAITHWAITE norm, resonates keeps the show Photo: Kyle Froman with LGBT audiences. very fresh. “ T h e r e ’s a When you are doing eight shows a week, it can get mundane and you can fall into a secondary plotline that touches on the gay trap of doing the same thing. Having a dif- issue,” Wetzel said. If you’re familiar with ferent Billy there for each performance alle- the movie, you’ll know what I’m talking viates that problem. Each of the boys brings about. They adapt that story to the stage in a something completely different to the role. great way. They just touch on and acknowlThey all have strengths and there’s a special edge that it’s there. It’s not too heavy-handed and is really touching.” moment with each one of them.” “What is quite beautiful in the story is that From the looks of it, “Billy Elliot: The Musical” is going to be a rite of passage Billy’s best friend likes to wear dresses. And for scores of young actors for quite some the way the story is told is there’s such a lack time: Since the show debuted in 2005, it has of judgment. Because in the community, remained popular with productions staged that’s not what one would have expected in in numerous countries the world over. In the a blue-collar community during the 1980s. States, it won 10 Tonys and 10 Drama Desk Billy has no issue with it and, ultimately at the end of the story, everybody is saying who awards, including Best Musical from both. “People keep coming back to the show cares if someone wears a dress. “Let’s be above judgment. I think that for some reason,” Kelly said. “I think it has something to do with the fact that the show is given what I see on the news, I’m trying to about family and a sense of community. One let young people know that it can be a tough thing is the boy is, for such a young man, so time during school, but ultimately it does get talented and so skilled. He’s singing, doing better. Just trust who you are and be who you classical ballet and acrobatics. I think people are and eventually you’ll grow up and you’ll are hard pressed not to walk away from the be able to enjoy and celebrate your life. In show saying ‘Wow, that kid is amazing.’ On my own journey, I think you get to a point top of that, you have a really powerful story where you say it doesn’t matter what people about what those miners went through in think of me. I just have to be true to myself England in the 1980s. There’s political unrest and there is a community that will enjoy and and the riots that ensued because of the strike. celebrate me.” “Billy Elliot: The Musical” runs through You’ve got a meaty story and a talented child. The two combined are really powerful and Nov. 27 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 very enjoyable. It’s also about the underdog: S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, This kid’s from this lower-class community visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com or call that rises above the ashes in a world where 215-790-5800. ■

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PROFILE PGN

Professional Portrait

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Suzi Nash

Barry Eichner: From trailer to social-media guru That great morning soothsayer Regis Philbin is known for saying, and I paraphrase, “This Internet stuff is just a fad, it’s not going to last. All this twitting and tweeting and Facebooking ... It’ll never last! Mark my words!” But in case Philbin is wrong, Barry Eichner is here to help. A social-media specialist, Eichner helps small businesses increase their virtual footprint through the use of media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Klout and Tumbler, just to name a few. A funny guy with a popular food blog on the side, Eichner has mastered the art of using unique, fun and creative approaches to marketing. He may even get me to tweet something one of these days ... PGN: I notice a slight accent; where are you from? BE: Right here in PA! Y’all heard the saying Pennsylvania is basically Philly and Pittsburgh, with Alabama in between? My family is from the coal region of PA, which is essentially the South. They’re very Southern-like: hard-working, beerdrinking, F-150-driving, NASCAR-loving, food-loving, country-music-listenin’ folks. I jokingly tell people I grew up in the heart of Mobile. I went to Shamokin High School, where we had 200 people in my graduating class. My great-grandfather and grandmother had a farm and housed the home my parents lived in when I was born. Well, home is being generous: It was actually a trailer. All of our neighbors were relatives — cousins, uncles and aunts or close friends of the family — which was a great way to grow up. PGN: Any siblings? BE: An older half-sister and two younger brothers. My half-sister is in North Carolina and has two girls, and my younger brother has two sons, and the youngest brother has a boy who’s 4 and absolutely amazing! I was hoping at least one of them would be gay, but so far nothing. PGN: What were you like as a kid? BE: [Laughs.] I was very heavy with acne trying to suppress my homosexuality in a small white-trash town, so there were some unhappy moments! PGN: What was your favorite thing to do? BE: Watch TV! I escaped reality by watching every nighttime television program I could cram in. I actually thought “Dynasty” was real — that if I traveled outside of my tiny little town, I would find Alex Carrington in the flesh. Thinking that life could be like television was my escape. PGN: Who would you want as your television daddy?

BE: Well, Blake Carrington, of course. But I always wanted to be Alexis Colby Carrington Dexter. I think a lot of gay men from my age group probably wanted the same thing. PGN: So, how many candles were on your last birthday cake? BE: Forty: That’s the last birthday I had a cake! PGN: What was an early sign you were gay? BE: I think it would probably be when I was playing on my dad’s Little League team. He was the coach. They put me in right field and — for anyone who knows anything about baseball — right field is where they put you when you have absolutely no skills in the sport. One time it was really, really hot and I came out in shorts — tiny little thigh-high short shorts. My dad just looked at me and stammered, “I can’t ... why ... I don’t ... (sigh) ...OK, fine, just get on the field.” So while everyone was out in traditional uniforms, I was in right field in my go-go shorts. PGN: You had an older sister; did you play dress up with her? BE: Well, my dad was married before he met my mom and had a daughter, but she didn’t live with us. I played dress up on my own, though! I had the most fabulous bedspread ensembles in Shamokin. They were amazing! PGN: Who was your favorite teacher? BE: Mrs. Fegley. She always encouraged me to do different things like public speaking and I’ve always been very good at that. I didn’t really have any classes that I excelled at but I had a good freshmen English teacher who introduced us to the classics — Shakespeare and stuff — and I really enjoyed that. PGN: Any extracurricular activities? BE: I played tuba in the band. Probably the uncoolest of all of the instruments, but I found a great group of friends who I felt comfortable with and they were all in band so I joined too. I sat next to a girl named Hannah who was the most genteel, prissy little girl I’ve ever met and it was hilarious to see her, Miss Priss, and me, who was probably more prissy than she was, sitting there in the stands with giant tubas! PGN: With Thanksgiving coming up, tell me about your turducken experience? BE: Well, I write a food blog called foodrulez and I recently had the turducken sandwich at Jake’s Sandwich Board. It was a limited-time thing, so I don’t know if they’re still serving it. [Editor’s note: Jake’s website states the turkey-stuffed-

with-duck-stuffed-with-chicken sandwich is available through November.] But the fat kid inside of me was transported back to my mom’s dinner table and her openfaced hot turkey and gravy sandwiches. Linda Louise would totally approve! Where we grew up, the food was Southern with a twist. We didn’t have fried chicken, we had chicken potpie. Instead of sweetpotato pie, we had shoofly pie. We had gravy and biscuits and chicken and waffles ... amazing, amazing food. There were always creative ways to use leftovers and, every Thanksgiving, you could count on hot turkey with gravy over white bread. The turducken sandwich brought me back to being at my mom’s kitchen table. PGN: What’s a favorite family memory? BE: Going camping with my family. A thing I realize as I look back was that my parents were amazing: Their whole lives revolved around us kids having a good,

PGN: Any incidents come to mind? BE: Oh God, this is so country, but my uncle was participating in a sawing contest, as in lumberjack stuff. The contest was to see who could cut through this giant log first. He went too fast and the saw went through the log and into his leg. I just remember everyone running around and rushing him to the hospital with blood everywhere. PGN: You know you’re a redneck when ... you’re related to someone injured by a chainsaw. BE: Exactly! PGN: Did you go on to higher learning? BE: Yes, that’s something that I’m really grateful for. My father wanted all of us to have advanced education: It was his No. 1 priority. Both of our parents worked a lot of hard jobs so that we could all go to college. They were committed to it. PGN: Where did you go? BE: I went to Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island to start with, but it was extraordinarily expensive and they were really struggling to afford it so I transferred to Bloomsburg University, which is a state university, and finished my degree in marketing and business administration with a minor in persuasive communication. PGN: Persuasive communication? Sounds like the debate team. BE: No, it’s learning to write in a persuasive manner.

PGN: Kind of like a spin doctor. BE: Yes. For instance, we had to write an article with a particular motivation and then we had to write a paper about the article and why it was written in the manner it was. I thought I Photo: Suzi Nash loving upbringing. They were only 23 was going to set the adverwhen they started a family and they tising world on fire and be a weren’t prepared for what they got: a massive copywriter, and I ended up going child with a disability — my brother has in another direction. Now it’s come full muscular dystrophy — and an effeminate circle and I’m writing for a living. I write gay son. They are blue-collar Republicans a blog and I write for clients. I get to help and yet they showed us love and support people market their businesses. and still do so today. But back to camping, we had so much fun. We had a trailer PGN: When did you come out? and we’d go all over the country to difBE: Oh boy, I just got a pain in my stomferent campsites and roast marshmallows ach just thinking about it. The first time I and explore. ever said I was gay, PAGE 32

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

PGN

PGN TRAVEL

Outward Bound

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

Jeff Guaracino

Practical tips for a trip to New Zealand How far away is New Zealand from Philadelphia? Far! Consider this: As I sip a local beer in the cozy S&M bar in the “Coolest Little Capital City” in the world — Wellington, New Zealand — owners Scotty and Mel welcome me to the closest gay bar to the South Pole, only 3,374 miles further south! Together for 20 years as business and life partners, they are among the leaders in New Zealand advocating for full-marriage equality in a campaign called “One Love.” Why am I starting a story about traveling to New Zealand with their story? Because the people of New Zealand

make a trip here worth every airline mile. According to New Zealand tourism officials, less than 1 percent of North American travelers who are actively considering a trip to New Zealand — 900 miles southeast of Australia — will actually go. Indeed, to make a journey to this part of the world is special and truly a trip of a lifetime. Here are a few practical tips on making your travel fabulous. Getting there This remote island nation is so far away that you will cross the International Date Line, which will make you about 18 hours (one day)

NEW ZEALAND’S COOLEST CAPITAL CITY, WELLINGTON (ABOVE), AND THE ICONIC SKY TOWER IN AUCKLAND. Photos: Courtesy Tourism New Zealand

ahead of your friends and family back home. You will lose one calendar day on your trip going to New Zealand but you gain that day back when returning home. (Your world clock on your phone will come in handy.) Prepare yourself for the 12-hour

overnight flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand. It’s a good idea to break up the trip with an overnight stop in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii or another West Coast destination. For intrepid travelers, you could go all the way without PAGE 31

TELEVISION PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

Worth Watching POPCORN & ‘PEANUTS’: Charlie Brown wants to do something special for the gang. However, the dinner he arranges is a disaster when caterers Snoopy and Woodstock prepare toast and popcorn as the main dish. Catch the classic special “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” 8 p.m. Nov. 24 on ABC.

GAGA-GIVING: Oh, this we have to see. Pop superstar Lady Gaga presents her 90minute special, “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving,” offering an intimate look inside her private life and a performance of eight songs in front of a small audience of her close friends and family. Also, Katie Couric interviews her and there’s a special guest appearance by Tony Bennett. 9:30 p.m. Nov. 24 on ABC.

THANKSGIVING CLASSIC: Personally, we plan to still be asleep at this time but if parades and pageantry are your thing, take part in a favorite holiday tradition and watch the 85th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 9 a.m. Nov. 24 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Ali

Photo: ABC/Sharief Ziyaday

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Q Puzzle God’s Memoir Across

1. Big name in foamy heads 6. Eagles, but not leather bars 10. Cabbage salad 14. When actors should come 15. Heterogeneous mixture 16. Common greeting 17. Hairy situation on Wall Street? 19. “Da Doo Ron Ron” opening 20. David Javerbaum’s book about God’s Memoir, with “The” 22. Aida, to the Egyptians 24. Particular

“Advocate,” e.g. 25. Straights, to PlanetOut? 26. One who goes both ways on the train? 29. Henry and June’s Anais 30. Centers of research 31. Message from God in 20-Across 38. Kind of line, on Broadway 39. Monopoly abbr. 40. Lick it 43. Crossed swords 46. “There’s ___ every crowd!” 47. Seaport of da Vinci’s land 48. What God is, since we’re created in God’s image, per 20-Across 52. Some promises

53. Hear here 56. Fairy tale bad guy 57. Leave out 58. Part of a fashion name 59. Financial aid criterion 60. Guitarist Townshend 61. Second name in cross-dressing Down 1. Choreographer Fosse 2. “Le Monde” article 3. Uncovering the head? 4. Parish priest 5. Cuts off from escape 6. Rich oral pleasure with nuts 7. “It’s Not the Size That Counts” star

Sommer 8. Bubbly drinks 9. “Today” co-host Lauer 10. Garb for Diana Nyad 11. Like the least convincing excuses 12. Q, in a theater 13. More like some dreams 18. Many P-town beach vehicles 21. Actress Anouk 22. Permission request 23. Went down (on) 26. Class clown 27. Adolph of publishing 28. “Boys of summer” org. 30. Emperor played by Charles Laughton 32. Towered over 33. “To ___ own self

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

be true” (“Hamlet”) 34. Lover that you can’t get over 35. Putting off coming 36. Steven’s opening 37. Decorate anew 40. It’s for skin 41. Liable to blow 42. “The Raven” maiden 43. Bulb unit 44. Bill Clinton’s number two 45. Got up like a stallion 47. Shoot off unseen 49. Grating sound 50. Vegetable dildo, for short 51. Cut 54. Hollywood’s Hagen 55. Put a scuff on SOLUTION, PAGE 31

�� from page 29

stopping. Godspeed! Reserve your hotel room the night before you actually arrive to guarantee an early check-in at your hotel, as most flights arrive in the morning. Keep all your travel documents handy throughout the trip, especially your return flight information. You will need to show proof of your citizenship and your return travel plans all along the way. Costs

��

While the U.S. dollar is approximately 20-percent stronger than the New Zealand dollar, prices there include a national tax on most purchases, which reduces your buying power. Hotel rooms, clothing and meals cost about the same, while some items cost significantly more than in the United States. Tipping is not necessary, but for exceptional service you can leave 10 percent. You don’t need a visa to make a trip to New Zealand but there is a $25 departure fee at the airport. It is sometimes included in your airfare, sometimes not. Ask the airline representative at checkin about this fee. If your airline ticket does not include the departure fee, you will have to get a sticker for your board-

ing pass at the currency exchange booth to leave New Zealand. If you are going to the other side of the world, what’s another three-and-ahalf-hour flight to Sydney, Australia? For American citizens, you will need to apply for an online visa at www.eta. immi.gov.au. The online application is quick and costs $20 (AUS). A tourist visa is good for up to three months but employment is prohibited. You must apply for this visa before you leave the United States. On a flight this long, it is important to rack up miles on one airline and you should definitely choose your carrier wisely. You will want a newer plane with a great international service. Air New Zealand now flies two new planes between Los Angeles and Auckland. Service is Kiwi friendly and the food is superior. The airline has a good sense of humor and is very gay-friendly. Fitness celebrity Richard Simmons stars in the onboard safety video “Mile-High Madness with Richard Simmons,” a hilarious take on safety. Check it out on YouTube. At last check, roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand in November cost $2,000 for economy,

slightly more for premium economy and about $8,000 for business premier. Visit www.airnewzealand.com for current prices. A roundtrip flight between New Zealand and Australia cost about $500. To search multiple airline websites at once, use www.kayak.com. If you have achieved gold status on any Star Alliance member airline, you are entitled to an array of premium services without additional cost, including access to the Air New Zealand international lounges regardless of your class of service. Check out the Star Alliance website for more information (www. staralliance.com). Be sure to check what you can bring back to the States by visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, www.cbp.gov. You can’t bring back too much wine! Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State, especially since earthquakes can and do happen in New Zealand. And be sure to understand your travel and health-insurance policies. What does a gay traveler need to know? Consider a travel agent or tour operator to book your trip. A trip to these two countries could be complicated and

you will want to plan a few organized or group tours. Check out www.iglta. org for gay-friendly and LGBT-owned businesses operating in New Zealand and Australia. There are also a number of U.S.- and Canadian-based tour companies that organize group trips to these destinations. Research destination itineraries and explore New Zealand at www. newzealand.com/us. For gay nightlife, spend the weekend in Sydney. You will find a number of gay bars (also called hotels) along Oxford Street. New Zealand’s LGBT scene is very, very small but you will find bars that cater to mostly men. Search the web for up-to-date information. Grinder is also a terrific travel app where you can ask the locals what is happening while you are there. ■ Jeff Guaracino is a vice president for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing” and vice chair for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. He has learned how to find the best deals and travel resources for the LGBT community. When traveling locally, check out visitphilly.com/gay and friend visitgayphilly.com/facebook.

PROFILE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

from page 27

I was 18 and I had a friend who was older. Well, at the time he was probably only 25, but that was older to me. He was openly gay and I used to hang around him because he was super cool. Not because he was gay, because I wasn’t gay, no sir. I did eventually tell him and moved about 1,000 miles away from home so I could come out. When I told my parents, I told them in a letter. I was such a chicken! In hindsight, not the best way to do it, but it did break the ice and got the conversation started. PGN: And how did the conversation go? BE: At first they were shocked, which I just didn’t understand because everybody who knew me knew. But OK, denial is a deep river. I get that. So it took them a while, but they eventually came around. PGN: What did they do? BE: They worked a lot of jobs, but my father is/was mainly a welder and my mom was a waitress at the VFW for a while. PGN: Did you get any artistic flair from your dad? BE: No, my artistic side is from my mom. She’s very creative. She loves crafts and baking. She does these elaborate four-tiered wedding cakes. I learned the love and art of cooking from her. PGN: What was the worst job you ever had? BE: As a kid, I was a dishwasher in a restaurant for a week. It was awful. I never liked anything that was mundane or monotonous. I can’t take lather, rinse, repeat. I constantly need new stimuli, something different, so when the dishes were just coming in one after the other without end, I couldn’t take it. That whole assembly-line feel just isn’t for me.

PGN: How old were you? BE: I was 16 and I needed to pay for my car insurance. I’ve always worked somewhere since I was 12 years old. I was a farmhand at my cousin’s farm, I put up hay and shoveled manure. I picked strawberries and ploughed the field. And when I got older, I worked at Knoebels Amusement Resorts like everybody else in the family. It became a family rite of passage to work there. I collected tickets and money, I ran rides and concessions, you name it. PGN: You were a carny! BE: Totally! PGN: So how did you get out? BE: When I went away to college, I could not get away fast enough. It was terrifying and liberating at the same time because I could finally be myself. I didn’t have to worry about someone finding out that I was gay, which was a terrifying fear for me back then. I ran away from my family and friends, my whole life, just so I could come out. I started a new life at college, which was amazing: I could finally explore being gay. PGN: A great college experience? BE: I was a waiter at a restaurant called BJ’s — I know, what a name, but it stood for Bob Junior, anyway — and I met some of the most amazing people there. They all knew I was gay and they all accepted me and encouraged me. I was one of the best waiters in the business and it gave me a lot of self-confidence. PGN: When did you move to Philly? BE: The day after I graduated from college. I was really motivated to get

out of Bloomsburg. I lined up a job and then drove here by myself, having never made the drive before, and found an apartment in one day — across the street from Woody’s. So I graduated on Saturday, drove here on Sunday and started my new job on Monday. I worked at Strawbridge and Clothier at Eighth and Market. PGN: Tell me about what you do now. BE: Barryeichner.com is a consulting company where I help companies, small businesses mostly, come up with a marketing plan, emphasizing social media. A lot of small businesses are good at their trade but forget that they have a whole other function, which is to get people to their business or service. I act like a marketing department but on a small scale so that it’s feasible for them. It’s so much fun for me, it’s like I’m not working. I have such a variety of clients — a Realtor, a psychotherapist, a restaurant, a DJ, you name it — so it’s different every day. I started Foodrulez a while back because I was kind of bored and I wanted something fun to do. I love the food scene in Philadelphia. I’ve been all over the East Coast and I think we have a great scene here. I try to make the columns fun and irreverent and as enjoyable as the food. PGN: What’s the most exotic thing you’ve eaten? BE: Trying to think, I’ve been all over and I’ve eaten some crazy stuff ... I think it would be sweetbreads. It’s a consistency thing; it was a little like eating a juicy sponge. PGN: How would you like to die? BE: In my sleep: I’m a pain pussy!

PGN: Any hobbies? BE: I work out a lot to make sure I don’t get obese from all the food I eat for the blog, and I love movies. I see a couple of films a week. PGN: What’s something you’d do if you weren’t afraid? BE: Ask out the boys I see at the gym! PGN: You spoke about being a fat kid. BE: In high school I was 240 pounds with a 42-inch waist. I attribute that to my mother’s cooking. She used to make us a breakfast where she would take lard and throw in flour and brown it, then add heavy milk and pour it over white bread. And I thank her for it because I loved it. PGN: If you could choose an object to come back as, what would it be? BE: Ryan Gosling’s bike seat! PGN: You’re single: How would someone woo you? BE: I’m a sucker for romance — there’s not enough between gay men. My friends always tease me because if we’re talking about porn, I’m always saying, “Can’t we get a porn film with romance?” and they’re like, “Barry. Just stop.” But seriously! PGN: What would your after-school special be called? BE: “Chasing Fabulous: Diary of a Gay Alcoholic.” PGN: Life is short, so remember to ... BE: Enjoy the moment you’re in, not one where you think everything will be as you wish. ■ To suggest a community member for “Professional Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

in Philadelphia CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA

TRIANGLE MEDICINE, 253 S. 10th St. 1st floor • 10TH ST. POUR HOUSE, 252 S. 10th St. • SANTE FE BURRITO, 212 S. 11th St. • BIKE STOP, 206 S. Quince St. MORE THAN JUST ICE CREAM, 1119 Locust St. • MIDTOWN II, 122 S. 11th St. • FUSION GYM, 105 S. 12th St. 2nd floor • 12th & Walnut St. • 13th & Walnut St. DANNY’S BOOKSTORE 133 S. 13th St. • SANSOM CINEMA, 120 S. 13th St. • I GOLDBERG 1300 Chestnut St. • MAZZONI CLINIC LOBBY, 21 S. 12th St. ETTORE SALON IN MARRIOTT, 1201 Market St. • WOMEN’S ANON. TEST SITE LOBBY, 1211 Chestnut St. • SAFEGUARDS LOBBY, 1211 Chestnut St. #610 PA AIDS LAW PROJECT LOBBY, 1211 Chestnut St. 12th fl. • Phila. Family Planning Commission, 260 S. Broad St. 10th fl. • City Hall NE Entrance • SCORPIO BOOKS, 202 S. Juniper St. • SISTERS, 1320 Chancellor St. • Paolo Pizzaria, 1336 Pine St.• DIGNITY/ST. LUKES, 330 S. 13th St. • GIOVANNI’S ROOM, 345 S. 12th St. • FOODERY, 10th & Pine St. • VALANNI RESTAURANT, 1229 Spruce St. • APT. & TOWNHOUSE RENTALS, 304 S. 12th St. • PARKER HOTEL LOBBY, 261 S. 13th St. • WESTBURY BAR, 261 S. 13th St. • BUMP, 13th & Locust Sts. • CLUB BODY CENTER, 1220 Chancellor St. • WOODY’S BAR, 202 S. 13th St. • CUT SALON, 204 S. 13TH ST. • 13TH STREET PIZZA, 209 S. 13th St. • Phila. Fight/Aids Library, 1233 Locust St. 5th floor • BIOSCRIPT PHARMACY, 1227 Locust St. • UNCLES BAR, 1220 Locust St. • SALON K, 1216 Locust St. • TAVERN ON CAMAC, 243 S. Camac St. • VENTURE INN, 255 S. Camac St. • PLANNED PARENTHOOD, 1144 Locust St. • TABU, 200 S. 12th St. • 12TH STREET GYM, 204 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • Brew Ha Ha Coffee Shop, 212 S. 12th St. • SPRUCE STREET VIDEO, 252 S. 12th St. • I Candy 254 S. 12th St. • WILLIAM WAY CENTER, 1325 Spruce St. • READING TERMINAL MARKET, 12th & Filbert St. • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • ASIAC, 1201 Chestnut St. 5th floor • AACO, 1101 Market St. 9th Floor • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St. 14th floor • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Packard Apartments, 317 N. Broad St. •HONOR BOXES 8th & Walnut St. • 10th & Locust St. • 10th & Spruce Sts. • 11th & Locust St. • 11th & Walnut St. • 13th & Sansom Sts. • 13th & Chestnut St. • Broad & Walnut Sts. • Juniper & Market • Broad & Chestnut St. • Broad & Spruce Sts. • 13th & Pine St. • 11th & Pine St. • 10th & Pine St. • 9th & Pine St. • 12th & Spruce Sts. • 13th & Spruce Sts. • 13th & Locust St. • 12th & Locust Sts. • 12th & Manning St. • 8th & Market St. • 9th & Market St. • 11th & Arch St. •12th & Filbert St. • Broad & Arch Sts.

FREE LIBRARY LOCATIONS

Andorra Branch, 705 E. Cathedral Road • Blanch A. Nixon Branch, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway • Bustleton Branch, 10199 Bustleton Ave. • Charles Santore Branch, 932 S. Seventh St. • Donatucci Branch, 1935 Shunk St. • Falls of Schuylkill, 3501 Midvale Ave. • Fishtown, 1217 E. Montgomery Ave. • Frankford, 4634 Frankford Ave. • Independence Branch, 18 S. Seventh St. • Joseph E. Coleman, 68 W. Chelten Ave. • Kingsessing Branch, 1201 S. 51st St. • Lehigh, 601 W. Lehigh Ave. • Logan Branch, 1333 Wagner Ave. • Lovett Branch, 6945 Germantown Ave. • Main Branch, 1901 Vine St. • McPherson Square, 601 E. Indiana Ave. • Northeast Regional, 2228 Cottman Ave. • Oak Lane Branch Library, 6614 N. 12th St. • Olney Branch, 5501 N. Fifth St. • Ogontz Branch, 6017 Ogontz Ave. • Paschalville Branch, 6942 Woodland Ave. • Richmond Branch, 2987 Almond St. • Rodriguez Branch, 600 W. Girard Ave. • Roxborough, 6245 Ridge Ave. • South Phila. Branch, 1700 S. Broad St. • Welsh Road, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd. • West Phila. Branch, 125 S. 52nd St. • Wynneﬁeld Branch, 5325 Overbrook Ave.

PGN

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Q PUZZLE, from page 31

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

James St.; www. stimulusphilly.com.

OUT & ABOUT

Sat. 11/19

The week ahead Fri. 11/18 HOLLER! An open-mic night 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Craig Robinson The comedian performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. U.S. Mr. Gay: Welcome Party and Q&A TruTV’s Scott Nevins, “NY Ink’s” Robear and Brittany Lynn will be on hand for the opening event of the U.S. Mr. Gay competition, 8-10:30 p.m. at Woody’s,

Babe The hit film starring a cute pig is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

202 S. 13th St.; 215-545-1893. The Music Box performs Genesis’ “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” The prog-rock classic is performed 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. Paint It RIGHT AxD Gallery will host a silent auction featuring works by local artists to benefit The RIGHT Foundation, a Philadelphia based nonprofit dedicated to bettering the lives of those afflicted by HIV/ AIDS, 8-11 p.m. at AxD Gallery, 265 S. 10th St.; www. paint-it-right.org.

CHATTY KATHY: Comedian and gay ally Kathy Grifﬁn is back with a new crop of jokes dishing on celebrities, performing and taping a new special 8 and 11 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. Get your tickets before they sell out. For more information, call 609-317-1000.

Stimulus’ third annual Black & White Affair: Birthday Bash for Morgan & Amber Stimulus hosts its

biggest party of the year with go-go dancers and DJs Kash, Jovi Baby and Jivey, 10 p.m.3:30 a.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St.

Catie Cutis The out singersongwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Glitter in the Air Concert Philadelphia Voices of Pride performs a concert of modern music from famed gay composers and singer/songwriters (Stephen Sondheim, Elton John), landmark musicals (“Rent”) and staunch allies (Lady Gaga), 8 p.m. at The Church

hard-rock band performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-336-3600. Kathy Griffin The comedian performs 8 and 11 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Sun. 11/20 The Killing The caper film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China Witness mind-boggling acts of contortion 3 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Still Black, Still Proud: An African Tribute to James Brown International talent celebrates the lasting legacy of the “Godfather of Soul” 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215898-3900.

Mon. 11/21 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid The Western film is screened 7:30 p.m. at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808. Groove Night Local musicians join forces to bring the R&B, soul, jazz and funk 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400.

Rodrigues host a weekly night of music and performers for the LGBT community 8 p.m., 6527 Roosevelt Blvd.; 215-533-5888.

Wed. 11/23 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-2221400.

Thu. 11/24 Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511. Thanksgiving Eve Dance Your Ass Off Scene hosts a pre-turkey-day

TOURING IN A LIMOUSINE: Out singersongwriter Catie Cutis is on the road supporting her newest CD, “Stretch Limousine on Fire.” Catch her when she performs 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, visit www. catiecurtis.com or call 215-222-1400.

of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St.; www. pvop.org. Peter Murphy and She Wants Revenge The modernrock artists perform 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Trans-Siberian Orchestra The holiday-themed

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey The documentary is screened 4:30 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Mastodon The critically acclaimed metal band performs 7 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

Tue. 11/22 The English Beat The English punk/reggae group performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 215-222-1400. TuesGAY Nights Lyrics Lounge and DJ June

blowout 9 p.m.3 a.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; www.facebook. com/ TLBTB Productions.

Fri. 11/25 Jill Scott The R&B star performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City,

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Opening Rowan’s Got Opera Rowan Opera Company presents an evening of scenes and selections from “Candide,” “Don Giovanni,” “Magic Flute,” “H.M.S. Pinafore,” “Madame Butterfly,” “Rigoletto” and more, 8 p.m. Nov. 18-19 at Rowan University’s Pfleeger Concert Hall, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, N.J.; 856-256-4545. Sound of Music Media Theater presents the musical Nov. 22-Jan. 15, 104 E. State St., Media; 610891-0100.

Continuing Billy Elliot: The Musical The show about a smalltown boy who wants to buck tradition to be a dancer is on stage through Nov. 27 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800. Beware the Lily Law Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a video installation on the experiences of trans prisoners through Nov. 30, 2027 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-5111. Blowing on a Hairy Shoulder/Grief Hunters The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania presents an exhibition of works by 20 artists from Israel, Greece, Germany, Belgium, Britain and America that examine the relationships between originality and origin with video, photography, drawing and sculpture through Dec. 4, 118 S. 36th St.; 215-898-7108.

Cultural Constructs Rowan University Art Gallery presents an exhibit blurring the lines between visual art and graphic design, featuring Philadelphia’s Andrea Gaydos Landau, through Dec. 14, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, N.J.; 856-256-4521. Gruesome Playground Injuries Theatre Exile presents a different kind of love story through Dec. 4 at Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, 2111 Sansom St.; 215-218-4022. Here and Now: Prints, Drawings and Photographs by 10 Philadelphia Artists Philadelphia Museum of Art presents the exhibition through Dec. 4, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Let Me Tell You About A Dream I Had Philadelphia Art Alliance presents an exhibition by The Miss Rockaway Armada, a collective of artists, teachers, sailors, activists, composers and clowns, through Dec. 30 at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St.; 215-545-4302. Molly Landreth/Aiden Simon William Way Community Center hosts an exhibition of the photographers’ work through Dec. 31 at the center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220.

Closing Motherhood: The Musical Society Hill Playhouse presents the musical comedy from the creators of “Menopause: The Musical” through Dec. 31, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0211. Tristin Lowe: Under the Influence Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition debuting works from the Philadelphia artist through Jan. 29, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Zaha Hadid: Form in Motion Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of product designs by architect Hadid, who in 2004 became the first female recipient of the renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize, through March 25, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Act a Lady Azuka Theatre presents the off-Broadway hit set in a Prohibition-era small town in

MAN ON THE STREET: Find out about Kevin Clash, the man behind the world-famous “Sesame Street” muppet in the documentary “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey,” screened 4:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. For more information, call 610-917-0223.

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

DON’T GET IT TWISTED: Direct from Beijing, the National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China unleash a dizzying and colorful performance 3 p.m. Nov. 20 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-7905800.

the American Midwest through Nov. 20 at First Baptist Church, 123 S. 17th St.; 215733-0255.

bending play through Nov. 19 at Ruba Club Studios, 414-416 Green St.; www.brownpapertickets.com/event/195146.

Chunky Move The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the Australian dance company that feasts on theatrical invention and high-tech special effects through Nov. 19 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.

The Philly Fan People’s Light & Theatre Company presents the one-man show where Tom McCarthy takes audiences on a journey through Philadelphia’s sports history of the last 50 years, through Nov. 20, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; 610-644-3500.

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

Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots The play follows the life of a wealthy family who have everything they need and are often preoccupied with superficial things, until they are forced to become involved with their poverty-stricken housekeeper, Nov. 15-20 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-732-1366. ■

Meanwhile ... Brat Productions presents a new gender-

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

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

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

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

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

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

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

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

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

12-step programs and support groups Al-Anon

■

Pennsylvania Al-Anon Alateen Family Groups: Events, meeting times and locations at pa-al-anon.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

■ Acceptance

meets 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets. ■ Meets daily 8:30-9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m-midnight and 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center. ■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St; 215-9859206. ■ Ties That Bind Us, a 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community, meets 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call 800-581-7883.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

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

Health

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

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

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

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

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

7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center.

■ Pink

Emotional Support

and Blues, a free peer-run mental health support group for sexual minorities, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-627-0424. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; 215-545-2242; www.phillysos.tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County meets 7:30 p.m. on second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; 215-545-2242; phillysos.tripod. com. ■ Strength

HIV/AIDS

In Numbers Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

Mondays: ■ Positive

Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6-8 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; 215-496-0330.

Tuesdays: ■A

support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., ﬁrst ﬂoor; 215- 7693561. bebashi.org

■ Encuentros

Positivos, a group for HIVpositive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on ﬁrst and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center; 215-563-0652 x 235. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets 11 a.m. every ﬁrst and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; 215-851-1898.

Wednesdays: ■ AIDS

Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group meets 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215629-2300. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, meets at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ﬁght.org. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets 5-7 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-9632432.

Thursdays: ■A

support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; (215) 769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55. N. Broad St.; call Zak, 215848-4380; azaklad@craftech.com.

Saturdays: ■ AIDS

Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets during the school year. Call 1-800-810-6776 for meeting location and time.

Debtors Anonymous

■ Meets

7-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

■ Open

meeting, Tuesdays, beginners meet 5:30 p.m., regular meeting 6 p.m., and 6 p.m. Friday, at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St., third ﬂoor; call Troy, 215-514-3065. ■ Meets at 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center. ■ Substance

S.A.R.A.

Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and evening hours; 215-563-0663 ext. 282.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous ■

Meets 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at All Saints Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 302-542-3279.

■ Safe

SEPCADD

space to meet and discuss substance abuse problems at the William Way Center.

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Classifieds PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances. All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

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HELP WANTED EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our new cars with ads. www. FreeCarDriver.com _______________________________35-46 Run with A Leader! Dry Van and Flatbed Freight! Offering Top Miles, Excellent Equipment, Beneﬁts After 90 Days and Regular Hometime. CDL-A, 6mo. OTR. 888-801-5295. _______________________________35-46 Tanker & Flatbed Independent Contractors! *TOP EARNINGS Potential *100% Fuel Surcharge - Own Your Own Business! CALL TODAY! 800-277-0212 or www.primeinc.com _______________________________35-46 Need CDL Drivers A or B with 2 yrs recent commercial experience to transfer motor homes, straight trucks, tractors and buses. www.mamotransportation.com 1-800-501-3783. _______________________________35-46 Top Pay On Excellent Runs! Regional Runs, Steady Miles, Frequent Hometime, New Equipment. Automatic Detention Pay! CDL-A, 6mo. Experience required. EEOE/AAP 866322-4039 www.Drive4Marten.com _______________________________35-46 STABLE CAREER, NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Sign On Bonuses Available! Top Industry pay & quality training, 100% Paid CDL Training. 800-326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com _______________________________35-46 Drivers: CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED! WE HAVE THE MILES! OTR positions available! TEAMS NEEDED!! Class A CDL & Hazmat Req’d. 800-942-2104 Ext. 7307 or 7308 www. totalms.com _______________________________35-46 Drivers - CDL-A Need Extra Cash for the Holidays? EXPERIENCE PAYS! Up to $3,000 Bonus. Sign-on Bonus! Get the money & respect you deserve! 6 mos. OTR exp. & CDL Req’d. CALL TODAY! 888-463-3962 www. usatruck.jobs _______________________________35-46 Satellite Technicians Needed throughout PA for large & growing Dish network subcontractor. No Experience Necessary! Background & drug screening. Independent Contractor. Weekly opportunity $750 to $1500. www.caotti.net for information. Call 864-852-0533. _______________________________35-46

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

REAL ESTATE

HELP WANTED

SALE

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED

ADOPTION

Listings for everything you need. Click on the resource button on the home page to start shopping today!

only on epgn.com

UNIQUE ADOPTIONS Let us help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial assistance, housing relocation and more. Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us ﬁrst! 1-888-637-8200 24-hours hotline. _______________________________35-46

PGN currently has an advertising sales position available for an energetic, self-motivated individual with outstanding communication skills. Our ideal candidate must have polished sales skills with experience in lead generation and cold calling, combined with a track record of closing the sale. QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of successful sales experience, preferably in print and/or online sales • Strong verbal and writing skills • Excellent at relationship building • Ability to work independently and part of a team • Knowledge of local media market and/or LGBT community a plus • Computer literacy a must

still going strong

Salary/Benefits: Salary plus commission. Our benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, vacation and a casual work environment. Qualified individuals interested in applying are encouraged to send their resume to dan@epgn.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 18-24, 2011

PGN