Philadelphia Gay News Federal judge halts Scouts eviction
Marriage push heats up in Garden State
By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The “lame-duck” legislative session in New Jersey began Monday and legislators now have just about seven weeks to pass a marriage-equality bill. Both chambers of the state legislature need to approve legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in the state before Gov. Jon Corzine’s last day in office, Jan. 19. Corzine has pledged to sign the bill, but Gov.-elect Chris Christie has said he would veto such a measure. Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37th Dist.), the prime sponsor of the Senate marriage-equality bill, told PGN earlier this month that she’d secured a commitment from the chairman of the Judiciary Committee that he would post the bill on the agenda for the first day of the lame-duck session, Nov. 23, but the measure did not come up for debate. In advance of a possible vote, statewide LGBT organization Garden State Equality has reenergized its efforts to mobilize marriageequality supporters and gathered about 300 LGBTs and allies Monday morning for a rally at the New Jersey Statehouse, where participants wore shirts with the slogan “Equality, the American Dream.” Garden State Equality executive director Steven Goldstein said last week that he had an idea when the legislation could be considered but couldn’t discuss the information. “The bill is going to be heard, and we’re confident that it’s going to pass,” he said. Garden State Equality recently revamped its Web site and launched an initiative encouraging supporters to donate just three minutes of their time each day to contacting their legislators and pressing them to vote for marriage equality. The organization took its efforts to the airwaves shortly before Election Day with a commercial that detailed how the state’s 2006 civil-union law fails to provide same-sex couples the same rights as marriage. The ad told the story of one New Jersey couple, Marsha and Louise, who’ve raised four children, two of whom are disabled, with the words, “It won’t affect your marriage, but it will mean everything to them” proclaimed at the end. The National Organization for Marriage, an antigay group based in Princeton, N.J., which raised considerable funds to oppose samesex marriage in Maine, California and other states, has also gone on the offensive in the
Vol. 33 No. 48
Honesty Integrity Professionalism
Nov. 27 - Dec. 3, 2009
KNOCK ABLAZE: A grease fire broke out Tuesday in the kitchen at Knock, 225 S. 12th St. The fire started on a grill and spread to the restaurant’s ventilation system, but was contained in the kitchen. Nearly a dozen fire trucks responded to the scene at approximately 2 p.m. Cook Andy Petruzelli said the patrons and employees inside at the time were quickly evacuated and there were no injuries. Petruzelli said he was unsure of the extent of the damage. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Syphilis among MSM continues to climb By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer
The Centers for Disease Control released its annual report on sexually transmitted diseases earlier this month and found that the number of cases of syphilis, which disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM), is at its highest in more than a decade. The CDC’s 2008 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance report found that syphilis was the third-mostreported STD in the country, with 13,500 cases reported last year, an increase of more than 15 percent since 2007. Rates of syphilis are at their highest since 1995. Approximately 63 percent of the reported syphilis cases last year were among MSM; in 2000, MSM accounted for only 4 percent of the syphilis cases. Nationally, white MSM reported the highest rate of primary and secondary syphilis, followed by African-American MSM. See NEW JERSEY, Page 9 African-American hetero-
sexual men and women, the next-highest demographic, contracted the disease at a rate of more than double that of white and Hispanic heterosexuals. Pennsylvania reported 902 cases of the disease and is ranked 30th on the list of states in terms of number of syphilis cases, with Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia taking the top three spots, respectively. Philadelphia County reported 150 syphilis cases last year and is ranked 19th out of 70 counties nationally, with Los Angeles County reporting the highest number of cases. Brian Green, executive director of The Safeguards Project, said that locally his organization, as well as the city health department’s syphilis taskforce — comprised of local LGBT organizations like Safeguards, COLOURS, The Attic Youth Center and Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative, as well as other mainstream health groups — have seen an See SYPHILIS, Page 18
A federal judge has prevented the eviction of a Scouts chapter from a city-owned building until it can be determined whether the Scouts’ constitutional rights would be violated by the action. In a Nov. 18 preliminary injunction, U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter said city officials might be punishing the Scouts unfairly for exercising their First Amendment right to oppose homosexuality. Since the constitutional issues need more litigation on the federal level, Buckwalter enjoined the city from pursuing its eviction case against the Scouts in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. Despite the injunction, Common Pleas Judge Mark I. Bernstein held a Nov. 20 court proceeding, affording the Scouts an opportunity to explain why he shouldn’t order their eviction. Jason P. Gosselin, an attorney for the Scouts’ Cradle of Liberty chapter, declined to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that Buckwalter’s injunction ren-
dered the opportunity pointless. Bernstein appeared visibly upset with the continued delays in the eviction case. At one point, he asked Gosselin whether he was pursuing “a right or a wrong” on behalf of his clients. Gosselin declined to respond. The eviction case against the Scouts was filed 18 months ago — a week after the Scouts filed a federal lawsuit claiming their constitutional rights were being violated by the city. The Cradle of Liberty chapter has occupied a city-owned building on the Ben Franklin Parkway near 22nd Street since 1928. But the chapter refuses to sign a lease containing anti-bias language mirroring the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance. That ordinance, enacted in 1982, forbids antigay discrimination in a variety of venues, including city-owned buildings. For several years, LGBT activists implored city officials to enforce the ordinance and remove the Scouts from the building, have them pay fair-market rent or have See SCOUTS, Page 18
WAR STORIES: Iraq War veteran Dan Choi (second from left) spoke to a group of students, faculty and staff at the University of Pennsylvania Nov. 19 about his experience of coming out in the military. Choi publicly came out on “The Rachel Maddow Show” last spring and the military summarily began his discharge under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Choi gathered with Penn students John Paul Farala (from left), Terrence Green, Lucia Xiong, Alex Lim and Asavari Gupte after the event, sponsored by Penn’s LGBT Center at the campus’ Houston Hall. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
THE REGION’S LEADING BMW DEALERSHIP FROM DOWNINGTOWN TO DOWNTOWN
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Memorial for Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado
New Hope celebrates second LGBT film festival
A candlelight vigil organized by Equality Forum was held at The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany.
New Hope movers and shakers gathered at the Bucks County Playhouse for the opening of “Embraceable You.”
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From where we sit, Christmas isn’t candy canes, toys, stockings and reindeer any more. Well, maybe reindeer. Holiday options abound this year. Page 20
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Carl Minster and David Facciolo
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The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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News Briefing
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Trans death ruled accidental The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday that the death of a transgender woman this summer following a voodoo ritual appears to have been accidental. Lucie Marie Hamilton, of Little Rock, Ark., died July 10 following a “spiritual cleansing” in the Gloucester Township home of Hector Salva. The prosecutor said her death was not suspicious and resulted from a combination of physical exhaustion, lack of food and ventilation and an “oxygen-depleted atmosphere.” Hamilton was one of seven participants who’d paid Salva to take part in a Lave Tet ceremony, which is supposed to cleanse the body and mind. According to the prosecutor’s office, there were no substances in Hamilton’s system besides cinnamon.
Spades tourney for homeless youth REMEMBERING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS: The Philadelphia LGBT community marked the third-annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance Nov. 20 at the William Way LGBT Community Center to honor transgender men and women who lost their lives to violence. Dionne Stallword (standing) was one of several speakers who led a prayer for the victims, and the crowd, which totaled about 80, also viewed a slideshow detailing crimes transgender people have faced. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Council reaffirms support for domestic-violence victims By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Philadelphia City Council approved a measure last week that will allow victims of domestic violence, including those who suffer abuse from a same-sex partner, to seek treatment without risking their jobs. The body unanimously approved “Entitlement to Leave Due to Domestic or Sexual Violence” on Nov. 19. Council had unanimously passed the measure in October 2008, and the law went into effect in January of this year; last year’s legislation, however, contained a “sunset” clause that mandates expiration on Jan. 5, 2010. The legislation, which has now been extended into perpetuity, requires employers with more than 50 staffers to provide up to eight weeks of unpaid leave, and those with fewer than 50 workers up to four weeks of leave, if an employee or his/her family member experiences domestic abuse, sexual abuse or stalking. Employees can take the leave to seek medical attention for physical injuries, undergo counseling or therapy, make safety plans, seek legal assistance or to get counsel from a domestic-violence agency and will
be able to retain their positions and benefits. The law further guards against employer retaliation. Family members are defined as “spouses or persons who have been spouses, persons living as spouses or who lived as spouses, parents and children, other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, current or former sexual or intimate partners, persons who share biological parenthood or ‘Life Partners,’” referring to the city’s Life Partner registry for same-sex couples, although couples do not need to be registered with the city to make a claim under the law. Councilman-at-Large Bill Greenlee (D), who spearheaded the legislation, said he saw no opposition to the inclusion of samesex couples in the bill’s provisions. “I never recall that being brought up,” Greenlee said. “The issue of same-sex partners was not a problem as far as I saw.” When the bill was introduced last year, it faced some opposition from the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the Nutter administration, who Greenlee said contended the bill could be taken advantage of by employees to the detriment of area businesses. “Originally, I wanted it to be perma-
nent right away, but because of the objections, some Council members decided to pretty much just call a bluff and do it for one year to prove that the fears expressed aren’t valid, and then we could enact it permanently,” Greenlee said. “That suggestion eventually turned out to be a good strategy, because this time around we saw no opposition from the chamber or the administration because there was no evidence that it was abused.” Greenlee said there was a “very small amount” of employees who took a leave under the law, which he said he expected. “We never thought it would be a ton of people. But for the occasional person who has to choose between taking care of their problem or keeping their job, we wanted that person protected. The fears about this were really unfounded, and we knew it wasn’t going to be affecting every business, but we thought it should be available for those people who need it. We felt from the beginning, and most domestic-violence advocates will agree, that the problem isn’t overreporting, but rather underreporting.” ■
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.
The organizers of OverTime, a new monthly lesbian party, will host a spades tournament at 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Smokin’ Betty’s, 116 S. 11th St., to raise money for local youth homeless agency Covenant House. The event, hosted by Miss Shara Dae, will feature music by DJ BeFree and food and drink specials. Twenty teams of two can register for the tournament, and the winners will walk away with half of the 50/50 pot. Registration is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, e-mail overtimephilly@gmail.com.
PAC seeks candidates The Police Advisory Commission, the city agency that provides oversight for the Philadelphia Police Department, is seeking individuals interested in joining the commission. The agency, which investigates police misconduct and fosters better relations among the police and local communities, is looking for volunteers 18 or older and who are residents of Philadelphia. Those with an interest in law enforcement may be given preference. Final appointments will be decided by Mayor Nutter and City Council. To apply, mail a résumé to Police Advisory Commission, P.O. Box 147, Philadelphia, PA 19107. For more information, visit www.phila.gov/Pac. ■ — Jen Colletta
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
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FALLING INTO FUNDS: LGBT grantmaking organization Sapphire Fund announced its list of 2009-10 beneficiaries during its Fall Fundraiser at Philadelphia Home Art Garden Nov. 20. Ted Faigle (left), program director of the Drexel University Program for LGBT Health, was on hand to represent his agency, which is one of the beneficiaries, as was Zane Booker, executive director of Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative, another grantee. Mountain Meadow and LGBTQ Womyn of Color are also beneficiaries. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Tourism group moves ahead with new plans, new board members By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer
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Members of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus convened earlier this month for their annual meeting, during which they discussed the organization’s progress and goals and chose new leaders to help steer the agency into the new year. There were six open spaces on the board, and the organization received six nominees, all of whom were approved by the nearly 50 PGTC members present during the Nov. 19 meeting. The PGTC’s new board members are Russell Kice, director of sales and marketing at the Pennsylvania Convention Center; Demetrio Celaya, front office manager at Hotel Palomar; Jim Evans, innkeeper at The Independent Hotel; Joey Conicella of Philadelphia Magazine; Tony Geistwite of Sofitel Philadelphia; and Desiree Hines, organizer of the GLBT Arts Festival. Tami Sortman, PGTC president, said the new additions, who bring the total board membership to 20, bring a diverse set of interests and backgrounds to the organization. “We haven’t had any hotel members on the board for the past year, so we’re pretty excited to have three hotel representatives moving forward,” Sortman said. “And we now have the
most diverse board we’ve ever had — straight, gay, transgender, Hispanic, black, white — it really runs the spectrum, which is really, really nice to have.” In addition to the election, PGTC updated its members on the organization’s continued successes over the past year. The group has experienced numerous organizational developments, such as joining the Gay & Lesbian Convention and Visitors Bureau and the introduction of designated networking time during its bimonthly meetings. To reach out to its own membership throughout the year, the agency brought in Tom Roth, president and founder of LGBT market-research agency Community Marketing Inc., for a membership-recruitment event in April and also held a membership event this summer to celebrate the opening of Hotel Palomar. To continue with its mission of heightening awareness about LGBT tourism among mainstream organizations, PGTC hosted a gay-sensitivity training program at Sesame Place this past summer that demonstrated to about 50 park employees how they can best serve the LGBT families that visit. Also in the summer, PGTC launched an internship program with Temple University. Two Temple students interned at the agency over the summer and
Sortman said at least one more student is set to work with PGTC next semester. Looking ahead to 2010, PGTC will continue to develop its internship program and plans to expand its sensitivity-training program to ensure that Philadelphia’s hospitality industry is well-equipped to meet the needs of LGBT tourists. Sortman said the agency will also host more membership events and will not increase membership fees in order to attract and retain the most LGBT and gay-friendly businesses and individuals as possible. Shortly after the New Year, PGTC will celebrate the launch of its annual Gay-Friendly Merchant Initiative, a book that details the gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses in the area. This year, the book, which is sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Center City District, also gained a new partner: Philadelphia Magazine. “Philly Mag is taking over the creative side, so they’re designing it and producing it for us,” Sortman said. “They’ll also have links on their Web site for gayfriendly or LGBT merchants, so it’s a really good partnership.” For more information on PGTC, visit www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
National
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Media Trail Lesbian wins stay of deportation
SOBERING SERVICE: Members of the LGBT community came together Nov. 20 at The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany to pay tribute to a gay teen found murdered last week in Puerto Rico. Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, 19, was found on the side of a road in Caguas. He had been decapitated, dismembered and partially burned. Puerto Rican police arrested Juan Martinez Matos for his murder, and LGBT-rights advocates are pushing for the murder to be classified as a hate crime. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Report: Sexual orientation not a factor in priest sex abuse By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Researchers released the preliminary results of a study on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church earlier this month, reporting that homosexuality did not play a role in the abuse cases. The full report, conducted by researchers at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, isn’t expected until December 2010, but Margaret Smith, a researcher working on the project, shared the early findings with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops during the organization’s 2009 Fall General Assembly meeting in Baltimore. The $2-million study was commissioned by the USCCB in 2002. “What we are suggesting is that the idea of sexual identity be separated from the problem of sexual abuse,” Smith said. “At this point, we do not find a connection between homosexual identity and the increased likelihood of subsequent abuse from the data that we have right now.” After the wide-ranging sex-abuse scandal within the church came to light in 2002, the Vatican employed a review of all its Catholic seminaries in the United States to analyze factors that could be fueling the abuse, including any “evidence of homosexuality” existing in the schools and their teachings. The Vatican also released a statement in 2005 that men with “deep-seated” same-sex attractions are not eligible for priesthood. The Associated Press reported that nearly
14,000 sex-abuse claims have been leveled against Catholic clergy members in the past 60 years, and according to a John Jay report released in 2004, more than 80 percent of the child victims were male. The findings announced earlier this month noted that incidents of abuse peaked in the 1960s and early ’70s and have been on the decline since 1985. The church has spent more than $2.3 billion in costs related to the complaints. In 2004, a national diocesan audit found that there had been 44 credible abuse accusations against clergy from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia between 1950-2003. At the time, Cardinal Justin Rigali said the archdiocese had spent approximately $125,000 on counseling for the victims in the previous 10 years. Archdiocesan spokesperson Donna Farrell said the diocese has had a “few settlements in recent years,” but declined to detail how much the cases cost. Farrell did note that the archdiocese, through its Victim Assistance Program, provided “direct payment for services to victims and family members” that totaled more than $1 million last year. This summer, the archdiocese donated $50,000 to the successful effort to overturn same-sex marriage in Maine, and Farrell continued to decline to comment on whether that funding was derived from church collections, individual donations or other sources. Also at this month’s conference, the bishops approved a policy paper, “Marriage:
Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” which reaffirms the church’s opposition to marriage equality. In the document, the authors wrote the idea of same-sex marriage is “one of the most troubling developments in contemporary culture” that will “harm both the intrinsic dignity of every human person and the common good of society.” The paper attempted to refute the contention that marriage equality is an issue of nondiscrimination, fairness and civil rights, proffering that “the union of one man and one woman is itself a matter of justice.” The authors went on to say that the Church “upholds the human dignity of homosexual persons, who are to be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity” but advises that “chaste friendships” with members of the same and opposite sex are to be the only proper relationships outside of marriage. The paper said that legalizing same-sex marriage would pose a “multifaceted threat to the very fabric of society,” and would impact “all people, married and not married, not only at the fundamental levels of the good of the spouses, the good of children, the intrinsic dignity of every human person and the common good, but also at the levels of education, cultural imagination and influence and religious freedom.” The 60-page paper was approved Nov. 17 by 180 bishops, while 45 were opposed and three abstained. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.
365gay.com reports Canada’s Federal Court said the country’s refugee board must reconsider the case of a lesbian who deserted the U.S. Army and fled to Canada. Judge Yves de Montigny said on Nov. 20 the board erred last February when it rejected Bethany Smith’s bid. Smith said she fled the Army instead of going to Afghanistan because she was harassed and threatened by fellow soldiers over her sexual orientation. The U.S. military has a policy of discharging openly gay members, but Smith claimed she was denied a discharge because soldiers were needed for Afghanistan. The judge said the board unfairly dismissed evidence suggesting that gays face harsher treatment in the American military justice system.
Pageant gives ad time to gay group MSNBC.com reports the Miss California USA pageant director who became embroiled in a war of words with former titleholder Carrie Prejean has donated 30 seconds of free ad time to the state’s largest gay-rights group. Equality California announced Nov. 19 that it would be airing a spot featuring a teenage girl with two mothers during the Nov. 22 contest airing on the CW and My Network TV. Keith Lewis, the pageant’s executive director, said he would give Prejean the same amount of time if she wanted to provide a pre-taped message. Lewis, who is gay, accused Prejean of violating her contract when she ignored his advice on how to handle the publicity after she said she opposed same-sex marriage during this year’s Miss USA pageant.
Charges in NYC transgender attack WCBSTV.com reports two men have been indicted on hate-crime charges in an assault on a transgender woman. Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said Nov. 20 that a grand jury indicted Gilberto Ortiz and Trinidad Tapia on second-degree assault as a hate crime and other charges in the June 19 attack. After pleading not guilty to the charges, both were released on their own recognizance. Brown says the two men spotted a transgender woman, thought she was gay and attacked her with a metal belt buckle. ■ — Larry Nichols
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DP benefit bill passes House comm. By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A bill that seeks to provide equal benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees passed an important test in Congress last
week. The Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act cleared the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in a 23-12 vote Nov. 18 and will now proceed to the House floor for a vote.
Jerilyn Goodman, spokesperson for the bill’s prime sponsor, openly gay U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), said the bill is anticipated to come up for a full House vote before Congress breaks for the holidays in December.
Baldwin introduced the bill in May with 64 cosponsors. The number of cosponsors has since more than doubled to 135. The measure would provide same-sex domestic partners of federal employees the same rights that married spouses currently enjoy — including long-term care, family and medical-leave and retirement benefits — as well as require them to follow the same procedures, such as abiding by anti-nepotism rules and financialdisclosure guidelines. Baldwin noted that the committee passage brings the federal government one step closer to falling in line with many corporate employers, including 57 percent of Fortune 500 companies that employ similar policies. “This vote marks another significant step in our march toward LGBT equality,” Baldwin said in a statement last week. “Extending benefits to the domestic partners of federal employees is more than a matter of fairness. As a majority of Fortune 500 companies have already demonstrated, equality and diversity in the workplace boost productivity and help attract and keep the most qualified employees.” Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese said the vote is an “important step toward guaranteeing equal compensation for lesbian and gay workers serving our government at home and abroad,” and that the bill recognizes that equal pay for equal work is a “value fundamental to American opportunity.” The committee vote was split along party lines, with all Democrats, including Pennsylvania Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-11th Dist.), voting in favor of it and all Republicans opposed. During the debate, several Republicans argued that the measure has the underlying goal of redefining marriage, and Rep. Darrell Issa (Calif.) contended the bill bestows “costly new benefits to a select class of federal employees.” T h e O ff i c e o f P e r s o n n e l Management previously released an estimate that the bill would cost approximately $56 million to implement, which works out to
PGN
about .2 percent of the total federal health-insurance program. However, Issa argued that the bill doesn’t just center on health benefits and could lead to other costs, but committee chairman Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.) contended the bill’s total price tag would be “relatively minor.” Towns went on to say that the committee “has a duty to oversee the federal workforce. The committee is fulfilling that role and taking an important step toward a better, strong and more inclusive workforce by advancing this legislation.” The committee made several amendments to the bill, including one proposed by conservative Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) that would require the Government Accountability Office to undertake a study two years after the measure’s implementation to analyze if the program increased healthcare premiums for federal employees not in domestic partnerships. The committee also approved an amendment offered by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) that mandates a similar report on the bill’s effect on employee recruiting and retention. The bill was voted out of the Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia Subcommittee in July. Included on the list of House cosponsors are U.S. Reps. from Pennsylvania Joe Sestak (D-7th Dist.), Allyson Schwartz (D-13th Dist.) and Michael Doyle (D-14th Dist.). Sen. Joseph Lieberman (IConn.) and Susan Collins (RMaine) introduced a companion bill in May in the Senate, which has 25 cosponsors. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing on the measure last month. U.S. Sens. from Pennsylvania Bob Casey (D) and Arlen Specter (D) are both cosponsors of the bill. Lieberman and Baldwin both introduced the bills in the last session, but both measures died in committee. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
Gay is our middle name.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
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New Hope boasts second film festival Triangle Medical By Jen Colletta that were already PGN Staff Writer
LGBT cinema will get top billing next week during the return of the New Hope Celebrates Film Showcase. The film festival — which runs Dec. 5 and 6 at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. — has been reformatted for its second year and is set to present the best of the best in new LGBT films. The inaugural festival last year included 18 films, a combination of feature-length works, shorts and documentaries. Stephen Stahl, chairman of the event, said the town’s LGBT organization New Hope Celebrates partnered with the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance and TLA Video to formulate a shorter, but more renowned, list of works for next weekend’s presentation. The seven films screened in the festival are all feature-length and were the top award-getters at LGBT festivals in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and this summer’s QFest in Philadelphia. The lineup includes “Fruit Fly,” “Shank,” “Hannah Free,” “The Big Gay Musical,” “And Then Came Lola,” “An Englishman in New York” and “Make the Yuletide Gay.” “I think there’s definitely an upgrade this year in what we’re presenting,” said Dan Brooks, president of New Hope Celebrates. “In our initial year, we were basically jurying films, but this year, in working with TLA, we are able to offer the top-rated films, ones
NEW JERSEY From Page 1 Garden State. NOM released a radio advertisement before the gubernatorial election urging voters to contact Corzine and their state representatives to tell them: “Don’t mess with marriage.” The ad features a child telling her father about how she learned in school about a prince who married a prince, and she then exclaims that she wants to marry a princess. The commercial then goes on to detail how legalizing same-sex marriage will lead to it being taught in schools and to opponents of marriage equality having to accept the institution “whether we like it or not.” “We understand how the National Organization for Marriage works,” Goldstein said. “We’ve stud-
award-winning in this past year.” Stahl said there is a good balance between films that center on lesbians and those that focus on gay men, adding he thinks the three women-focused features are the strongest of the set. However, he said EMBRACING IN NEW HOPE: “Embraceable the selections should You,” a new documentary about popular have a wider appeal LGBT destination New Hope, premiered to a to audiences that are sold-out crowd Nov. 17 in the riverside town. not members of the The documentary, produced by Geri Delevich (right), pictured with Cindy Beck (from left), LGBT community. co-producer Marilyn Cichowski and Rep. “I don’t think of Bernie O’Neill (R-29th Dist.), was unveiled in them just as gay a red-carpet ceremony at the Bucks County or lesbian films; I Playhouse. Photo: DTG Images think they all have will play to a sold-out crowd. a universal story to Tickets to each film are $5, and tell and all reach the heart. I think they’ll really captivate people.” a $25 package is available for Brooks said the organization admission to all of the movies. “We wanted to keep the prices decided to branch out from just LGBT media to advertise for affordable to keep the events the event in mainstream publica- attractive,” Stahl said. “If tickets tions, to garner interest from the are $10-$12, which you normally broad base of straight allies in the pay to go to the movies now, it regions surrounding New Hope. might hold some people back. “We wanted to spend money But we want as many people as locally, in the newspapers in New possible to be able to come in and Jersey and Bucks County and see the films and learn and underother areas, kind of the ‘every- stand more about different lifebody’ newspapers,” Brooks said. styles.” The festival will kick off with “We’re hoping that by doing that, we’ll not only reach the gay peo- a reception from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4 ple who live in these areas but at The Raven with light fare, film also straight people who would clips and a conversation with also enjoy these films.” Stahl. The Raven’s Oak Roam accomFor more information or to modates about 50 people, and purchase tickets, visit www. Stahl said he’s hoping each film NewHopeCelebrates.com. ■ ied the National Organization for Marriage’s methods in other states and we’re ready for them.” Goldstein said NOM and other groups opposed to the bill have tried to popularize the notion that it does not have enough legislative support, which he said is false. “It’s become part of our opponents’ strategy to portray this as having not enough votes in order to discourage members from voting,” he said. “That is completely, completely fabricated. I guess it’s a clever strategy, but it’s based on process more so than on substance. But the bill is moving forward, and there is going to be marriage equality in New Jersey.” Weinberg agreed, saying the bills chances of passing before Christie takes office are “excellent.” Christie, who has said marriage should be “exclusively between
one man and one woman,” supports posing the issue to the voters of New Jersey through a ballot initiative, but a poll released last week found that marriage equality appears to have the support of a majority of the state’s voters. The poll, conducted by RutgersEagleton between Nov. 6-10, found that 46 percent of New Jersey residents were in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, while 42 percent were opposed and 12 percent were undecided. “For the third time in a row this year, a poll has found that more people favor marriage equality than not,” Goldstein said. “New Jersey is a progressive state and we’re ready for our legislature to act on marriage equality.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
General Practice Progressive HIV Care MARK T. WATKINS, DO JOHN DEL ROSSI, PA-C
(215) 829-0170 253 S. 10th St. First Floor Philadelphia
PGN
Read it every week.
Joseph J. Buches Artistic Director
Friday, December 4, 2009 8 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2009 8 p.m.
Tickets available at Giovanni’s Room and PHAG, from Chorus members, online at www.pgmc.org, or by phone:1-87-PGMC-SING (1-877-462-7464) Tickets: $20, $30 in advance, $25, $30 at the door VIP tickets: $50 (includes pre-concert Lutheran reception)Church of the Holy Communion 2110 Chestnut Street Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion Philadelphia, PA 2110 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA
PAGE 10
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Editorial Double standards Singer Adam Lambert caused a flap this week when he kissed a male keyboardist and thrust a female dancer’s face into his crotch during his live “American Music Awards” performance Sunday night. The moves, which were reportedly unscripted, were edited from the West Coast broadcast. After the performance, Lambert said, “There’s a big double standard. Female pop artists have been doing things provocative like that for years, and the fact that I’m a male, and I’ll be edited and discriminated against, could be a problem.” For a little back story, Lambert came in second on the last season of “American Idol,” with some asserting his sexual orientation derailed his quest. After the competition, he came out publicly, has been photographed for Rolling Stone with a snake and a soda (both rather suggestively), as well as a naked woman for Details, and commented that he doesn’t want to have a “beard.” Lambert also said he’s been criticized for being too gay when he’s just being “sexual.” “Male sexuality is frightening to America [but] female sexuality is all over the place.” Let’s consider this for a moment. Feminists have long contended that women’s bodies are routinely used for titillation. But using female bodies to sell a product/service/ etc. isn’t an expression of “female sexuality,” it’s objectifying women. Which, arguably, was also a part of Lambert’s AMA performance. (He didn’t want oral sex from that woman; he just wanted oral sex.) And women aren’t the only rock stars who have flaunted their bodies (and sometimes their sexuality) to shock and sell records. (Thank you, Madonna, Britney, Christina, Pink, et al.) Men, too, have used their sex appeal to cause a ruckus: Think Elvis Presley, Steven Tyler, Mick Jagger, George Michael. Were the men less objectified? Perhaps. So here’s the next question. Is Lambert’s edgy sexuality (not sexual orientation) the very reason he was picked to close out the AMAs? Because, it should be noted, he just released his first record on Tuesday. And a year ago, he wasn’t a household name. And most likely, it was his edgy sexuality — and appeal to teenage girls (and boys) — that drove his “American Idol” success. (Lots of people can sing; it takes a performer to compete on “Idol.”) While Lambert is right that there is a double standard for men and women — not to mention gays and nongays — he may want to think about how and why it got there as he attempts to challenge it. ■
Correction In the article “Health study looks at local trans community,” Nov. 20-26, the name of the agency conducting the study was incorrectly stated. Public Health Management Corporation conducted the study. PGN regrets the error.
Op-Ed
Jesse Milan Jr.
Time to take stock of our health World AIDS Day has changed dramatically in the two decades since it began. When gay men in the U.S. first commemorated World AIDS Day, they mourned thousands of loved ones lost to a deadly virus. Since then, highly effective HIV treatments have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a serious disease in wealthy countries like ours, and now World AIDS Day seems focused on reminding the straight community about the global devastation of the disease. But the truth is that HIV is still a crisis for gay men. More than 56,000 new infections occur in the U.S. each year. We are the main U.S. population among whom new HIV infections are increasing: Gay men of all colors account for more than half of all new infections nationwide. Young black gay men are at greatest risk. I was one of them 27 years ago when I became infected at age 26. This World AIDS Day, I urge gay men to take stock of their health. So many of us work to look healthy on the outside: Let’s also spend time protecting our health on the inside. Too many gay men hope they are HIVnegative but don’t know for sure. Too many who are positive don’t know that they are, and may be infecting others. Too many of us worry alone. Gay men need all the allies we can
get in the fight against HIV, and doctors are key partners in the battle. Years ago, when my late partner was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, he did not let fear of his doctor’s judgment of his “lifestyle” keep him from getting the information and care he needed. And the prevention messages his doctor shared with us helped me avoid infecting others after he died in 1985. Today, doctors across America receive training in how to help keep gay men healthy. But doctors can only do their part if we do ours. This World AIDS Day, make your doctor an ally. — Make an appointment. If you don’t have a doctor, get a referral to someone who provides care to gay men. Ask your friends who they like and trust. The doctor does not have to be a specialist in HIV care, but he or she does have to be someone you feel you can speak with openly and who you will commit to seeing regularly. — Talk to your doctor about HIV risk behaviors. If your current doctor isn’t comfortable talking with you about sex or drugs, find one who is. Your life is too important to let any doctor intimidate you. — If you are sexually active, get tested for HIV at least once a year. Waiting until you have symptoms is too late. For example, many AfricanAmerican gay men develop AIDS
within a year of their HIV diagnosis because they waited too long to get the care they needed. If you test negative, talk with your doctor about maintaining safe behaviors and get clear advice about how to avoid becoming infected. If you test positive, have your doctor develop a treatment plan or connect you to a specialist who can. And talk with your doctor about how you can keep from infecting others. I have been living with HIV for 27 years and my medical providers have been key in helping me stay healthy. I see my doctor every three to four months. He reviews my CD-4 count and viral load. He reminds me about prevention — whether I want him to or not! But, I always appreciate the advice, because every ounce of prevention could help save another life. I urge you to observe World AIDS Day by taking care of your health. As we remember those around the world with the disease and those we have lost, let’s also remember to take care of ourselves. ■ Jesse Milan Jr., JD, is former director of the Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office, chair emeritus of the Black AIDS Institute and vice president for community health systems at Altarum Institute in Washington, D.C.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Mark My Words
Mark Segal
Calling Catholic Charities’ bluff It might surprise you to learn that, in recent weeks, the Mormon Church has become more liberal on LGBT rights than the Catholic Church. The Mormons supported an LGBT nondiscrimination bill in their home city of Salt Lake, which is now law. While the Mormons still do not support marriage equality, they now believe LGBT people should not be discriminated against in housing or employment. The same cannot be said about the Catholic Church, which has been fighting nondiscrimination legislation since the 1970s. But now, they’ve added a new twist and a bluff, and are getting themselves deeper entrenched in supporting discrimination. In Washington, D.C., where marriage-equality legislation is up for a vote in City Council, Catholic Charities — which receives millions of dollars in funding from the city to “assist the poor of Washington” with soup kitchens, recreation programs, shelters, etc. — has stated that if the legislation passes they might have to close and end services to the poor. Let’s not get into the hypocrisy of the church not serving the poor, charity and the name of the organization, but as the line goes, let’s follow the money. I’m sure Catholic Charities does a lot of great work. But the government funding it receives also serves to pay Catholic Charities’ employees, which includes the priests running many of those services,
and church officials themselves. Ever wonder where the church’s worker bees come from and how they are employed? Welcome to Catholic Charities. Along with other nonprofits, your tax dollars are supporting these organizations. That’s fine, until they begin to get involved in politics. Then, they’re receiving tax dollars for politics, not charity. Additionally, Catholic Charities rents facility space from the Catholic churches. If they lose these contracts — and the income — a lot of churches and schools would be closed. So, now that they have made the threat, let’s call their bluff: Closing Catholic Charities would hurt the church more than it would hurt the city. While no one wants unemployment to go up, if Catholic Charities closed, it might be an opportunity for other nonprofits in the area to receive these grants and deliver these services without a political agenda. Can we humbly suggest to the D.C. government that they take the threat seriously and set up an emergency committee to review the services that Catholic Charities delivers, the funding it receives and then send out a request to other D.C. nonprofits? Big Brothers Big Sisters, Police Athletic League and other churches are just a few that could replace Catholic Charities. Can you imagine the Catholic Church sending out what literally might be thousands of pink slips? They cannot afford this loss. Pull the plug on their discrimination. ■
PAGE 11
Street Talk What are you most thankful for in the past year?
Dustin Christofes barista manager Queen Village
Andre Stenton cashier South Philadelphia
“The bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets. I feel much safer biking in the city. In fact, I’m dreaming of the day when an entire street will be set aside for bikers. Cycling is wonderful and should be fully encouraged.”
“The departure of George W. Bush from the White House. He’s a warmonger that never should have stepped foot in the White House. A lot of people died senselessly because of him.”
Kerry Walls social worker Washington Square West
David Weiner graduate student Washington Square West
“I’m glad that universal healthcare is becoming a possibility. At last, it appears to be within reach. But the Stupak Amendment must be prevented. It’s totally unacceptable. There must be nothing in the law that impedes a woman’s right to choose.”
“Miracle on the Hudson. I love a good story with a happy ending. I was very relieved that nobody died in the [plane] crash. I’m also thankful the economy is improving. I don’t feel on the edge of disaster like I did last year.”
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.
Letters and Feedback Is race coverage coincidence? Dear Editor: It appears that the only time I’ve seen black/African-American people on the cover of your newspaper is for stories of crime. I’ve hesitated to write this letter, even after noticing the PGN’s headlines and front photo routinely featuring African-American gay men in a criminal light. I thought, “It’s just coincidence.” Now, it just seems, at best, sensationalism; at worst, racist criminalization and marginalization. Please consider writing something positive about communities of color within the gay community, with pictures. Please consider the implications of repeatedly showing black gay men as criminals and criminals only, especially on the cover of your newspaper for all the world to see. — Alex Smith Philadelphia
In response to “Local papers take a hit,” Nov. 20-26: The owners of the Blade have a moral responsibility to speak to the community and our media regarding the closing of these newspapers and the “murky” details. One would think people who ran newspapers would have a commitment to the truth and the communities they represented that extended beyond their merely fiduciary interests. — Kathy111 In response to “PA budget includes cuts, increases, for HIV/ AIDS funding,” Oct. 23-29: In this article, the author spoke with Joseph Pease, the state director of HIV/AIDS, to ask about the over $12-million decrease in funding to AIDS medications from Ryan White Part B funds. Mr.
Pease responded that this was due to drug-manufacturer rebates. It is important to compare Pennsylvania to the other 12 states affected by this rebate issue: Out of 12 states, Pennsylvania came in dead last in spending AIDS drug money. Additionally, what Mr. Pease did not mention is that for returning this money, we were actually penalized an additional $200,000. We paid to return money that we could have used in an innovative way to fight the AIDS crisis. At a time where there are budget crises at the federal, state and city level, why would we choose to return $11 million of money we were already given? We need an Office of HIV that is efficient, effective and forward-thinking, not one that explains away administrative errors. — Samantha Sitrin ACT UP Philly
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Work It Out
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 15
Jared Carter
Strategies for keeping off holiday weight So the holiday season is officially upon us. It is a great time of year. Unfortunately, some people dread it. They resign themselves to the fact that they will gain lots of weight and there is just nothing they can do about it. This could not be further from the truth. There are many ways that you can avoid gaining weight during the holidays — and maybe even lose some. Most people think that the big holiday meals are the worst for their waistlines. In my experience, this is not the case. After all, it is just one day and nobody can get fat in a day. I know there are lots of high-fat dishes and desserts, but you still can’t do that much damage in just one day. Leftovers can be a problem though. If you are hosting a meal, send your guests home with the leftover food. If you are a guest at someone else’s home, try not to leave with any of the extra food. This will help prevent a one-day event from becoming a four-day marathon. While you can’t get fat in a day, you certainly can gain weight if you are going to three or four holiday parties every week. Holiday parties are the biggest problems that my clients have. Your friend or coworker invites you to a party, you have to go and then you get there and there are no healthy
food options. We have all been there. But there are a few strategies to surviving holiday parties. The most obvious strategy is don’t go to parties that you don’t want to attend. I know that does not always work, thanks to office politics and such, but try to avoid them if you can. Holiday parties seem to always have two things in common: highfat foods and lots of alcoholic drinks. If you are trying to avoid weight gain or if you are trying to drop a few pounds before that New Year’s Eve party, you need to go easy on the high-fat foods. At all of the parties I’ve attended, there have been veggie trays. Vegetables are great for lowcalorie snacking. If you are really hungry, try to find low-fat options. Some examples are chicken kabobs, shrimp cocktail and fruit. While we all know that highfat foods can put on the pounds, I am amazed at how many people are oblivious to alcohol’s role in the process. This is where holiday parties start to wreak havoc on waistlines. Whenever we go to an event like this, one of the first questions is, “What do you want to drink?” I am not against having a few drinks and being social, but you need to understand the consequences. We like to think that alcohol doesn’t count toward our daily calories, or that it isn’t too bad. This couldn’t be further from the truth. And drinks can add weight faster than anything else because they don’t fill you up. As soon as your glass is empty you
CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH
at Rodeph Shalom
A GLBT synagogue welcoming people of all gender and sexual identities since 1975
JOIN US TWICE MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services
Saturday, December 12, 7:00 PM. Annual Chanukah Party! We’re having a Latke Cook-Off, so bring your pre-cooked latkes and we’ll warm them up to see who wins the title of Latke Chef of 5770! RSVP to bethahavah@rodephshalom.org or 215-923-2003 by December 9. Friday, December 18, 8:00 PM. Beth Ahavah Shabbat Services officiated by Rabbi Sue LeviElwell. Please join us for this special Shabbat evening followed by a sumptuous oneg (social hour). Thursday, December 24, 7:00 PM. Annual Erev Christmas Food Fress at Charles Plaza, 234-236 N.10th Street (SW corner 10th and Vine) in Chinatown. $30 per person includes tax and gratuity (check/money order payable to “Congregation Rodeph Shalom”). Free parking available at NW corner 10th and Vine in orange-painted area. RSVP to bethahavah@rodephshalom.org or 215-923-2003 by December 16. Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are affiliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah affiliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.
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.
can just fill it back up again. Contrary to popular opinion, it doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol you are having: You can gain weight from all kinds of alcohol, whether it is beer, wine, scotch or any other drink that you can come up with. And be careful of your mixers, which can really add in sugar and calories. Now in the spirit of the holidays, I would like to give you, my readers, a gift. As part of a group of personal trainers from around North America, we are preparing a very exciting fitness gift for our clients and friends — the 12 Days of Fitness. Every day you will receive an e-mail full of highvalue fitness information. Every day will be something different. One day may be healthy recipes and the next may be a kickboxing workout. There is no sales pitch involved, you simply get a ton of valuable info. If you would like sign up, simply send me an e-mail or sign up on my Web site. ■ Jared Carter, CSCS, is the owner of Move Forward Fitness, 1616 Walnut St. Visit www. moveforwardfitness.com to sign up for his newsletter, or reach him at (215) 399-3541 or jared@moveforwardfitness.com.
www.dignityphila.org Facebook – Dignity Philadelphia Join us at St. Luke & the Epiphany Church 330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine streets, Philadelphia, PA
Sunday Mass at 7:00 p.m.
Communion in the form of Consecrated bread, wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion available upon request.
Fi r st Ba p t i st C h u r c h SERVICES: Wednesdays Noontime Sundays 11a.m.
Contemporary Service: Last Sunday of month 17TH & SANSOM STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103
215.563.3853
Rev. Dr. Peter C. Wool www.fbcphila1698.org
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 16
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
On Being Well Judy Morrissey 8 tips for a stress-free holiday
PHILLIP R. REEVES, MD
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Well, if you’re topics as icebreakers at your next r e a d i n g holiday party! Oftentimes, the holiday season this article, you’ve made conjures up additional feelings of it through part stress, strain, anxiety, disappointPAGE 20 o n e o f t h e ment and loneliness. This can be especially true for holiday “pressure cooker” LGBTQ people, who may be conalready! Con- fronting the additional stress of gratulations! FOR strained family relationships. Too PSYCHIATRY LGBT COMMUNITY O n e d o w n , often, we are met with disapproval PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY two more big ones to go! or shame from the very people we AND PSYCH0THERAPY Despite the onslaught of adver- look to for love and support: our DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, HIV, Those types of judgtising, television, film and other families. CHRONIC PAIN media imploring us to “be happy” ments can turn what should be a joyous time 1128 into something decidduring the holiday season, OFFICES AT 1601for WALNUT ST., SUITE MONTGOMERY edly darker. many of us, thisAND is decidedly not COUNTY Other things to watch out for “the most wonderful time of the EVENING HOURS include fatigue, disappointment year.” AVAILABLE (215) 740-4311 Joblessness, homelessness, to resulting from unrealistic expecsay nothing of the fact that we are tations, becoming overwhelmed waging two wars abroad, and the by holiday commercialization, resulting sense of loss and long- feelings of loss over past relationing that so many Americans are ships, grief over the loss of someconfronting: Try tossing out these one near and dear or the pressure
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The Women’s Programming Committee will meetexpectations at 7:30 p.m. — Keep holiday at the William Way Community realistic. If your family dynamic Center. doesn’t normally resemble a � Youth in Transition, a support Norman Rockwell painting, then group for transgender and dressing it up with some holly and questioning youth ages 12-23, will garland isn’t going to meet fromprobably 7:30-9 p.m. at The Attic change it that dramatically. It may Youth Center. �
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of financial constraints. Sometimes to compensate or cope with these troubles, we look for comfort by drinking too much or eating more than our limit. For PHILADELPHIA NEWS those who already GAY struggle with drug or alcohol dependency or a UPCOMING weight issue, mounting holiday stressors can From Page 19cause us to falter and go back to old familiar habits, Alcoholics meeting even whenAnonymous we recognize themfor as the BDSM, leather and alternative destructive. sexuality community, will usebe What follows are some held from 7:30-9 p.m.you in cope Southif ful strategies to help Philadelphia. location, you’re feelingFor stressed duringcall the (800) 581-7883. next several weeks.
yourself. YouHIV-positive are in con�— APace support group for
trol of your schedule. You women will holiday meet from 9:30-11:30 don’tathave attendStreet everyUnited social a.m. thetoArch function. Church, Make aBroad list of Methodist andwhat’s Arch most important to you and pristreets; (215) 387-6055. �oritize The Gay and Lesbian Latino activities. You mayAIDS just Education Initiative will offer free, find the most enjoyment in planon-site HIV from ning a walk-in day that is testing completely 3-6 p.m. at 1233 St.; down (215) “unplanned,” justLocust for some 985-3382. time. � The library and reading room will be from 3-9 p.m. at the William —open Limit predictable sources of Way Community Center. stress. We all have that distant (or � Project Teach, a peer-education not-so-distant) family member and empowerment program for who make us debate answering the people living with HIV/AIDS, will phone when their name appears on meet from 3-5 p.m. at the William the caller ID. Should I, shouldn’t Way Community Center. I? If you have to ask yourself, you � A smoking-cessation support group probably know the answer. After for sexual minorities, conducted by all, you could always call back the Mazzoni Center, will meet at another you’re in 5:30 p.m. time. at theAgain, Washington West charge. 1201 If shopping, traffic, Project, Locust St.; (215)deco563rating and baking become over0663 ext. 242. whelming, discretion do � AIDS use Services in and Asian something else.weekly volunteer Communities’ work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at Suite 501; — 1201 AvoidChestnut the hype St., ... and the debt. (215) 563-2424 ext. 10. will have Despite what advertisers �you Coming Out, you a support group for believe, are not a bad gay, bisexual or questioning(fill men, spouse/partner/parent/child in will from 6-7:30 p.m. at AIDS the meet blank) if you don’t give them Delaware, 100There W. 10th this year’sSuite “it”315, item. are St., Wilmington; (800) love 292-0429. many ways to show without � A gay-friendly Scrabble Club will going into debt for it. Consider meet 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. doingfrom something thoughtful and Building, 42nd and Locust streets; creative that doesn’t cost too (215) 382-0789. much and is personal, like plan� The LGBT Discussion Group will ning a day trip together. meet from 6-8 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., — Enjoy time with friends and Newark, Del.; (800) 292-0429. loved ones. This is a � A meeting/activity tricky night one. will be held for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their friends from 6-8 p.m.
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Friends and family are a source of strength and love for many people, although we mustn’t assume family and friends are safe territory for all. As adults, we can build our own families, communities and support structures, and begin our own traditions. — Get involved. A great way to find meaning this time of year is to help others or to get involved in something new. Being around people taking part in activities helps combat feeling alone and isolated. Many organizations are eager for volunteers to get involved and contribute. It might lead to a new friend or new interest along the way. — Don’t abandon what works. If you are experiencing more stress than usual during the holidays, remember, it’s temporary and will be over soon. Be aware of the healthy habits you worked at all year long. Exercise, yoga, avoiding extra calories and other things you incorporate into your daily schedule will work for you now, too. — Holiday blues or depression? If your “blues” don’t go away or get worse, it could be a sign of depression. Symptoms of depression include persistent sad, anxious or empty moods, loss of pleasure and interest in activities that are usually enjoyed, feelings of guilt, hopelessness or helplessness, sleeping more or less than usual, fatigue, weight loss or gain, headaches, digestive problems, muscle or joint pain, difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, and/or thoughts of suicide. Depression is a treatable condition. If you or someone you care about is experiencing some of these symptoms, consult a mental health-professional or a crisisresponse center. ■
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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SCOUTS From Page 1 the Scouts end their discriminatory practices. In 2007, in response to those pleas, city officials told the Scouts they must begin paying $200,000 annual rent for the building by June 1, 2008, or vacate the premises. So far, the Scouts are in rental arrears of about $300,000. City attorneys haven’t requested that the Scouts place the back-rent sum in an escrow account, but they’ve filed legal papers reserving the right to seek the money at
a later time. Several courtroom observers at the Nov. 20 hearing thought Bernstein was poised to order the immediate eviction of the Scouts. However, due to Buckwalter’s injunction, Bernstein had little choice but to declare the state eviction matter concluded. “This case is over,” Bernstein noted solemnly, after the fiveminute proceeding. About an hour later, city attorneys filed a motion to withdraw the eviction proceeding in state court, reserving the right to refile at a later date. Buckwalter, in his preliminary injunction, stated that city offi-
cials haven’t scrutinized their other renters sufficiently to determine whether they, too, are discriminating against people. Due to this alleged lack of scrutiny, Buckwalter said it’s possible that the city is singling out the Scouts for punishment due to their viewpoint on homosexuality, which would be unconstitutional. City attorneys respond by noting the city has no interest in forcing the Scouts — or any other renter — to adhere to a particular viewpoint on homosexuality. But the city has a blanket policy requiring its renters to deliver services in a non-biased manner, and the Scouts refuse to adhere to that
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
policy. The Scouts’ employment applications state that “known or avowed homosexuals” cannot be hired, and openly gay Scouts and troop leaders aren’t permitted, according to court papers. After 18 months of litigation, the Scouts haven’t cited another city renter with similarly biased employment and membership policies, according to court papers. Buckwalter declined to comment for this story. Arthur M. Kaplan, an LGBT activist who’s worked on the Scouts issue for several years, expressed concern about Buckwalter’s injunction.
“It gives me great concern that we may lose the very same kind of case that other municipalities have won,” Kaplan said. “Courts have ruled that a municipality doesn’t have to subsidize an organization that blatantly discriminates. Maybe this [injunction] is a wake-up call, and perhaps the city will devote sufficient attention to this case from here on out.” The federal jury trial to determine if the Scouts’ constitutional rights were violated is scheduled for April. ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.
SYPHILIS From Page 1
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increase in syphilis among MSM. “The taskforce had been focusing a lot on syphilis specifically within the MSM community, but within the last year that focus has broadened a bit because there were increasing cases among heterosexual women, but just in the last quarter there’s been another uptick again of MSM cases,” Green said. “It’s something that we’re involved in, that we’re aware of and that we know that other cities are experiencing too.” The taskforce works to spread awareness about the disease among high-risk populations and healthcare providers, and Green said Safeguards has noticed that MSM seem to be more conscious of the epidemic, as it’s becoming more common for them to request a syphilis test. However, he noted, “more men are asking to be tested but, unfortunately, more of them are testing positive.” The rate of syphilis among MSM is of particular concern, as there is a high correlation between those who are positive for syphilis and for HIV. “It goes both directions. If you have syphilis and have an open sore, it increases the likelihood that you’d be infected if you were exposed to HIV,” Green said. “And if you’re already HIV-positive, you’re more susceptible to getting syphilis.” For the past two years, the CDC has recommended that sexually active MSM be screened for syphilis and other STDs every three months, which Green said is important, considering that syphi-
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
lis is sometimes hard to detect. “You can get infected with syphilis and not show symptoms. Not everyone has the hallmark open sore,” Green said. “When you first get infected, you may just have a rash that goes away quickly and people may not recognize what it is. That’s why the healthcare providers need to be more aware of this epidemic and
why people need to get tested every three months.” Chlamydia continued to be the most commonly reported STD in the country, followed by gonorrhea, both of which were reported at high rates in Philadelphia. Philadelphia County ranked fourth out of 54 counties in the country with 17,012 cases of chlamydia in 2008; Allegheny County
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was the only other Pennsylvania region included on the list, coming in at number 41. Philadelphia County had the sixth-highest number of gonorrhea cases out of 71 counties, with 4,950 reported cases last year. Allegheny County ranked 24th. Last year, there were more than 1.2-million cases of chlamydia reported nationwide, up from 1.1
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million the previous year, but CDC researchers estimated that there could be as many as 2.8million cases each year. Women ages 15-19 reported the highest incidence of chlamydia, but the CDC cautioned that the rate of the disease among men and women may be similar, as women have a higher rate of STD testing. The number of gonorrhea cases
slightly decreased between 200708, from 355,991 to 336,742. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea was also reported most frequently in women ages 15-19. For more information or to read the full report, visit www.cdc.gov. ■
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Holiday events plentiful this season in Philly By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer It’s that time of year again. The holidays: a special mixture of family, friends, love, drama, materialism, tradition, mayhem, pomp, unity, dysfunction, hope, depression, thankfulness and a thousand other feelings better left dulled with food, booze and entertainment. Luckily for us, Philadelphia has no shortage of things to keep the holidays a festive blur and worthy of keeping your relatives distracted and out of your business. Here is a rundown of events to keep the holidays interesting. A number of musicians are coming to Philadelphia with the holidays in mind. The Brian Setzer Orchestra gives the holidays a big-band/swing appeal when the Stray Cats guitarist performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650. Canadian jazz singer Holly Cole performs a special “Night Before Christmas” show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 2221400. Usually, burly men in heavy makeup and outlandish clothing screams gay. But not this time. The heavy-metal band Twisted Sister is coming to town for “A Twisted Christmas,” a holiday concert featuring the band’s greatest hits peppered with head-banging versions of holiday classics, 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Keswick Theatre. R&B singer Will Downing performs a holiday concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 19, also at Keswick. Grammy-nominated jazz group Fourplay follows suit at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Local musicians get into the holiday mix with “Autumn Falls: A Solstice Benefit Concert,” a seasonal show featuring some of Philly’s best folk musicians, at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at World Cafe Live. If you want your Christmas to rock without the shock, head over to Reading for “Rock’n Christmas with the King,” featuring Elvis tribute act Travis LeDoyt, performing timeless
Elvis hits as well as his take on some of the most time-honored Christmas tunes, at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Sovereign Performing Arts Center, 136 N. Sixth St., Reading; (610) 898-7200. A classic Christmas tale gets an old-school treatment when The Players Club of Swarthmore T h e a t e r p r e s e n t s “ I t ’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Nov. 27- 29 and Dec. 36 and 10-13, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore; (610) 328-4271. If your idea of what Christmas is supposed to be looks like something out of an old MGM film, shuffle on down to the visual feast that is “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” a brand-new musical telling the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain. How much do you want to bet that, despite being in a magical Vermont inn, the two “per-
ing “Rockwell’s America,” the largest 3-D Norman Rockwell exhibit where many of you will holiday shop, King of Prussia Mall’s Lower Level Plaza, 256 Mall Blvd.; (610) 768-0710. Want to relive (or fetishize) your old-school Catholic upbringing? Then head south to Delaware to catch “Sister’s Christmas Catechism,” the latest addition to the popular “Late Nite Catechism” series created by Maripat Donovan. The humorous stage show uses audience members as Sister attempts to discover the whereabouts of the Magi’s gold. Kind of like “CSI: Bethlehem,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Du Pont Theatre, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington; (302) 656-4401. You can keep the theatrical-biblical mojo going with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” A n d r e w L l o y d We b b e r ’s
fect” mates end up being women? Anyway, catch the holiday cheer through Dec. 3 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Another traditionally yuletide spectacle comes in the form of The Rockettes’ “Radio City Christmas,” a huge holidaythemed spectacular featuring high-kicking fun for the whole family, at 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (215) 336-2000. Nostalgia is also on the menu in King of Prussia which is featur-
musical retelling of the story of Joseph, his jealous brothers and one particularly rainbow-ish garment, through Dec. 13 at Devon Theatre, 6319 Frankford Ave.; (215) 338-6300. You probably won’t be able to find a holiday show more overthe-top than “Cirque Dreams: Holidaze,” through Dec. 11 at Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal, 1000 Boardwalk Ave., Atlantic City; (609) 449-5150. In the show, ornaments come to life as costumed characters, performed by an international
cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers and musicians sure to dazzle and amaze all who attend. Hanukkah enthusiasts can catch “World of Jewtopia,” the longest-running comedy in off-Broadway history, starring Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson in a mix of stand-up comedy, multimedia, audience participation and projected images, Dec. 24-27 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Comedian Jackie Mason keeps the Hanukkah comedy flowing when he performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Keswick Theatre. The Kimmel, meanwhile, has a slew of holiday-themed shows for all tastes. The Vienna Boys Choir keeps things traditional at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall. The Rock School presents “Nutcracker 1776,” a historical-Philly-based take on the classic Christmas story, at 2 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at Merriam Theater. The Pennsylvania Ballet does George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” Dec. 12-31 at the Academy of Music. Peter Nero and the Philly POPS get in the concert action Dec. 520 at Verizon Hall. Not to be outdone, the Philadelphia Orchestra has some holiday treats up its collective sleeve, including Handel’s “Messiah,” 2 p.m. Dec. 13, and “The Glorious Sounds of Christmas,” Dec. 17-19 at Verizon Hall. For something completely different, check out “TubaChristmas” (that’s right, tubas!), a free performance featuring more than 100 regional tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players, noon Dec. 19 at Kimmel’s Commonwealth Plaza. Got kids? Need to keep them occupied? You have our sympathies. Look no further than Enchantment Theatre’s adaptation of the classic children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” an eye-popping show with life-sized puppets, masked actors, a jazz score and magic, in “The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon,” Dec. 2-Jan. 3 at Prince Music Theater,
Detour
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
A departure from the ordinary
1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 8931999. The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts gets the holiday spirit swinging with two fami l y - f r i e n d l y, high-energy performances.“Irish Christmas in America” features Irish holiday carols and dancing at 8 p.m. D e c . 11 . T h e next night, the Annenberg gets down with the Big Easy with Preservation Hall Jazz Band performing holiday classics with a
twist of ragtime, blues and jazz in “A Creole Christmas,” at 8 p.m. Dec. 12, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 573-8537. The James A. Michener Art Museum invites the community to participate in free holiday-themed family activities and entertainment during “First
Friday,” 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800, with Central Bucks
West High School Choir performing seasonal favorites. Children and adults can decorate wrapping paper used to wrap the Children’s Gallery artwork, donated to Fighting AIDS Continuously To g e t h e r B u c k s County. The Michener also hosts a Holiday Gift Making Workshop in the Ann and Herman Silverman Pavilion, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 5, where participating children, their families and friends can create handmade gifts, wrap them and design original greeting cards to accompany their treasures. Michener’s Holiday Open House will be held 7-9 p.m. Dec. 8, inviting museum guests to explore the galleries, shop for holiday gifts and take in performances presented by area music groups. If you want to see some truly unique and pleasantly twisted takes on holiday decoration,
we highly recommend heading down to ArtStar Gallery for its Annual Holiday Show, an exhibition of handmade ornaments and holiday cards by select artists, through Dec. 31, 623 N. Second St.; (215) 2381557. Eleone Dance Company gets into the spirit with “Carols in Color,” a holiday dance musical directed by Patrick Crawford and executive-produced by Sheila A. Ward, retelling the gospel according to St. Matthew using contemporary music, dance and powerful narration, Dec. 17-20 at the John E. Allen Jr. Theater, 1346 N. Broad St.; (800) 838-3006. Walking Fish Theatre wants to know if you’re “tired of those
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presents “A Burlesque Carol!” a comedic take on the corruption and greed of the for-profit theater industry. When producer Sid Stigletz prepares to sell his last burlesque theater to Disney, employees Brick Horsepipe and Tiny Tim will be out of a job. When the ghost of his former partner visits him, you can kind of figure out what’s next. Now if that seems too highbrow for you, Walking Fish is also offering “High Dramma” [sic], which promises “dick jokes, violence and gallows humor” at 9 p.m. Dec. 18-19. Both shows are staged at 2509 Frankford Ave.; www.walkingfishtheatre.com. No one shines an unflattering light on the absurdities of life quite like out humorist David Sedaris, so we are happy Flashpoint Theatre
Company is staging a production based on his hit book “The Santaland Diaries,” Dec. 3-20 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 665-9720. The Dumpsta Players put irresponsible breeders on blast with their annual X-mess show, “Jon and Kate Plus HATE In Outer Space,” at 10 p.m. Dec. 16 at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; (215) 545-4511. Any show where Kate Gosselin fights Octomom has our money. Speaking of black comedies, “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues” has become somewhat of a perennial holi-
day treat, and is returning for a dysfunctional, player-hating run on Rudolph and Santa, Dec. 2-22 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 9230210. New Hope gets in on the irreverent holiday action with a show that dares to dress the Holy Mother in drag. In “Madonna’s Christmas Celebration,” the Vi r g i n M a r y sets the record straight in a musical retelling of the birth and life of the young Jesus Christ through original music, parodies of holiday favorites and Top-40 hits by the likes of Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé, Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Rihanna and the other, less virginal Madonna, 9 p.m. Dec. 19 at Harlans Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225. If those comedic offerings aren’t morbid enough for you, check out the festive happenings at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave.; (215) 2288200, which also offers holiday ornaments, books, apparel and novelties for the history buff on your list. That should be enough to keep you all occupied until you have to figure out what to do for New Year’s. Stay cheerful! ■
holiday shows that move you spiritually and make you think Larry Nichols can be reached at of those less fortunate.” larry@epgn.com. Um ... yeah. LEFT PAGE: “MADONNA’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION” (CLOCKWISE FROM To t h a t TOP OF TREE), “HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON,” “THE EIGHT: REINDEER end, the MONOLOGUES,” “WORLD OF JEWTOPIA,” “SANTALAND DIARIES,” “SISTER’S company CHRISTMAS CATECHISM,” “JON & KATE PLUS HATE” AND “CIRQUE DREAMS: is offering HOLIDAZE” two irreverent shows RIGHT PAGE: “IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA” (CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER this seaLEFT WITH GUITAR), “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY,” son. Revival “TWISTED SISTER,” “CAROLS IN COLOR” AND “TUBACHRISTMAS” Burlesque
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
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®
Ms. Behavior Meryl Cohn Protecting sobriety, dignity at all costs — or no? Dear Ms. Behavior: I’ve seen my new boyfriend Elliot go through some difficult times, mainly due to problems with drug addiction. He’s been clean and sober for nearly a year now and he just moved in with me. Elliot says being with me is good for him; his old friends were into hard drugs, that whole “party and play” thing. He really wants our relationship to work and says that this time his sobriety will stick. At his drug counselor’s suggestion, he got rid of his old cell number and e-mail address, and stays away from his old druggie friends. He is doing well, going to work, going to meetings and making new friends. The problem is that Elliot’s old friend, James, who got Elliot into crack and meth, is trying to get back in touch with him. He now e-mails and calls my cell phone incessantly, looking for him. Ordinarily, it would be a nobrainer — I’d do everything in my power to keep them apart — but James claims that he has a serious illness and that he needs to talk with Elliot and to settle their past. I have no way of knowing if this is true. Am I obligated to tell Elliot that James is looking for him? Or should I protect Elliot’s sobriety at all costs? — Confused Dear Confused: No one can totally protect Elliot. As soon as he walks out the door of your house, James or any other old crack-head friend can try to find him. Elliot’s fate with regard to drugs will depend on many factors, including the level of support he cultivates and his own daily decisions. Tell Elliot that James has been calling and claiming to have a serious illness. Ask Elliot what he wants to do about it; if he tells you that he has no interest in seeing him, you’ll be free to tell James to get lost. If Elliot decides to call James back, help him to muster up all the support he can get first: meetings, therapy, voodoo and, most of all, the advice and involvement of friends who
are clean and sober. You might want to check out Al-Anon too. Dear Ms. Behavior: My best friend, Sue, is marrying her girlfriend, Mary, and asked me to officiate at her nonreligious wedding. Sue is the most controlling person I know. She has my every word scripted and my every movement blocked. I know this is just her anxious personality, so I’m OK with following her orders. The problem is that she has been taking moderndance classes on the sly and plans to step out of her wedding dress when it’s her turn to say her vows and do a full-on dance to express her love for Mary. Of course no one knows anything about this but
me. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the dance and it is not good. Not good at all. I fear Sue will make a fool of herself, make all of her guests uncomfortable and, most of all, embarrass her bride-to-be. Is there anything I can say to her at this point? Am I being a jerk for wanting to squelch Sue’s selfexpression? Or am I saving my friend from an unseemly moment in an otherwise beautiful ceremony? — Rev. Joan Dear Rev. Joan: A bride unzipping and tossing off her dress and doing a dance to express the emotion behind
her vows does sound rather like a comedy skit, especially since she’ll be surrounded by people who’ve gathered to witness the sacred event. Of course, the level of hilarity will depend a lot on what the bride wears underneath the dress — a white unitard? Pasties and a g-string? — as well as on what kind of music accompanies her dance. An accordion? A French horn? A classical ensemble? It’s nice that you’d like to save your friend from being embarrassed, but it’s not your job to protect her. If you suggest that her wedding dance is absurd, she’ll feel you’re not supporting her. You can gently try to convince her to save the dance
for the reception, but it probably won’t work. Fortunately, your friend’s wedding isn’t an episode of “So You Think You Can Dance,” with a posse of harsh judges and a critical audience. Hopefully, the crowd of invited loved ones already adores the brides and will be charmed by Sue’s flailing attempts at grace. But do try to discourage people from videotaping the blessed event if possible. ■ Meryl Cohn is the author of “‘Do What I Say’: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette” (Houghton Mifflin). Email her at MsBehavior@aol.com or visit www.msbehavior.com.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Mombian
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Dana Rudolph
‘What is a family?’ Two new books explore LGBTQ parenting I’ve often heard LGBTQ parents complain about the dearth of books on our families. It seems an embarrassment of riches, then, to have two excellent new books that each take a different, yet complementary, look at LGBTQ parenting. The first is “Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children: Research on the Family Life Cycle” by Abbie Goldberg, an assistant professor of psychology at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. Goldberg has compiled and synthesized decades of research by herself and others into an academic work aimed in part at psychologists, social workers and similar professionals. It should also be read by every politician, judge and lawyer dealing with LGBTQ-related issues, for its conclusions both support the
notion that LGBTQ families are as good for children as any others, and show how equal parental rights and relationship recognition would give these families greater emotional, financial and legal stability. LGBTQ parents, too, will find much to ponder here about our relationships with each other and with our children. Goldberg structures the book around the “family life cycle,” beginning with the relationships of same-sex couples who are not yet parents, then looking at couples making the decision to become parents. Next, she examines the parental roles, concerns and values of those who are parents, and how parenting impacts their intimate relationships. After that, she turns to the children, first exploring whether having lesbian or gay parents affects the development, mental health or identity of young children, then looking at adults with lesbian and gay parents. With hindsight, how do they view their growing-up experiences? How do they come
out about their families? What are the experiences of those who come out as lesbian or gay themselves? Goldberg’s conclusions are heartening. The children of lesbian and gay parents “are developing normally.” Lesbian- and gay-parent families “are not, by virtue of their family structure, essentially different from heterosexual-parent families.” In fact, it is “family processes,” the relationships and dynamics among family members, that “are often more important than family structure in influencing the mental health and adjustment of family members.” Goldberg also asserts that future research should not simply judge gay and lesbian parents in comparison to heterosexual parents, an approach that maintains the latter as the ideal. If, instead, we study lesbian and gay families in their own right, we can open up the question of “What is a family?” and “significantly expand our understanding of par-
ents, families, roles, gender and sexuality.” That brings us to the second book, “Who’s Your Daddy? And Other Writings on Queer Parenting,” edited by Rachel Epstein, head of the LGBTQ Parenting Network at Sherbourne Health Centre in Toronto. The collection of nearly 40 essays, mostly from Canadian writers, covers a broad swath of the LGBTQ spectrum and serves, in a less academic way, to expand our understanding of family as Goldberg recommends. There are single parents, butch moms, a teenaged parent, an infertile mom, a mother parenting through open adoption and one in a polyamorous relationship. There are transgender men who became parents both before and after transitioning, several through pregnancy. Several of the writers examine how race and ethnicity are woven into other queer parenting issues. The authors ask tough ques-
tions: How does what we say about the limited importance of biological connections compare to what we actually do? What sort of masculine values does a butch mother convey to her son? Is it possible to “parent queerly” or is parenting itself a normalizing endeavor? How can we make space in the queer parenting community for those who want to incorporate elements of traditional parenting? No one book can capture the entire diversity of LGBTQ parenting. Nevertheless, “Who’s Your Daddy?” reveals many more facets of LGBTQ parenting than most works on the subject, deftly offering both personal and political insights. It is a rich and rewarding volume that every LGBTQ parent and prospective parent should read. ■ Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (www.mombian.com), a blog and resource directory for LGBT parents.
Thankful for a great LGBT bookstore in Philly? Consider buying a brick in someone’s name for the holidays!
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• Naked Chocolate: $20.00 Gift Cert. • Brew HaHa!: Free Breakfast for 10 • Venture Inn: Two $50 Gift Certs. • Flavor of Philly: Two Flavor of Philly Food Tours • Philadelphia Cinema Alliance: 10 Passes to Philadelphia Cinefest, 10 passes to Philadelphia QFest • Ritz 5 Theatre: 4 Free Passes to Ritz 5 • 15-Minute Workout: 6 Free Classes • Mixto: Two $50 Gift Certs. • Danny’s: Gift Cert. • Philadelphia Theatre Company: Two Complimentary Tickets • Absolute Abstract: One Art Block • Fusion: One 5 Group Cross-Training Sessions or Personal Coaching Session or Nutrition Counseling • Rapunzel’s Beauty Salon: $25 Haircut, $10 Eyebrow Wax • Spruce Street Video: 30 Rentals, 20 Rentals • Uncle’s Upstairs Inn: One Night Stay • Q Lounge: Brunch for 2 • Tommy D’s Café: 2 Brunches • Andre Richard Salon: Free Haircut (3) • Cut: Hair and Skin Studio: $70 Gift Cert. • 12th Street Gym: 3-Month Gym Membership • Soleil: 3-Month Tanning Membership • Lion’s Mane: Gift Cert. • Spring Mill Cafe: Gift Cert. • Charlie Salon: Gift Cert. • Mango Moon: Gift Cert. • Chabaa: Gift Cert. • Qdoba Mexican Grill: (10) Free Entrée Prize drawing will be held on Dec. 12. GREAT THANKS to our prize donors:
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND THE PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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World AIDS Day 2009: Universal Access By Kevin J. Burns Executive Director, ActionAIDS
This Dec. 1 marks the 21st year we will have commemorated World AIDS Day. It’s an opportunity to step back and view the progress we have made and the challenges we face both locally and as a global community, while raising funds, awareness and political will. This year, the theme for World AIDS Day is Universal Access and Human Rights. Global leaders have pledged to work toward universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care and are in agreement that violations of human rights fuel the spread of HIV/AIDS, placing marginalized groups at a higher risk of HIV infection. As part of this effort, many countries aspiring to expand treatment have set a goal of providing antiretroviral therapy to 80 percent of people living with AIDS who need therapy. This might seem like a modest goal — but, at the end of 2008, only 43 percent of people living with AIDS in developing and transitional countries who needed treatment received it. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 55,000 new HIV infections in the United States annually.
DINNER IS SERVED: Kevin Burns (far right), executive director of ActionAIDS, welcomes diners and special guests Nancy Becker (from left), media and marketing director of 15 Minutes Inc.; local restaurateur Stephen Starr; Laureno Farinas, president of the ActionAIDS board of directors; Tim Mahoney, president and chief marketing officer of Subaru of America; and Mayor Nutter to the April 30 Dining Out for Life at Parc in Rittenhouse Square. PGN file photo: Scott A. Drake
People in their 30s have the highest number of new infections. Over 500,000 people have died of AIDS in the United States. AIDS is the third-leading cause of death among black women ages 2534. Locally, there are 30,000 people living with HIV disease. Eighty percent of the most recent diagnoses of AIDS cases in the Philadelphia region are African Americans (69.6 percent) and Latinos (9.9 percent). Estimates now put the rate of HIV infection in Philadelphia at 114 infections for every 100,000 people! That translates to an infection rate in Philadelphia that is five times the national infection rate. Estimates are that 25 percent of people who are HIV-positive are unaware of their status. We must do better; we can do better! ActionAIDS has always been about the business of removing barriers to care for the clients we are privileged to serve. I invite you to join ActionAIDS in working toward the goals articulated on Dec. 1 for World AIDS Day. Help us to achieve universal access and advance human rights in Philadelphia. If all of us can think globally and act locally, we can have a tremendous impact. I urge you to take action, get tested, volunteer, donate, spread the word, advocate! ■
Federal HIV travel ban lifted By Yolanda French Lollis Managing Attorney, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania
A SONG OF HOPE: Members of the Bright Hope Baptist Celestial Choir joined in song last year on Dec. 1 at the Broad Street Ministry’s World AIDS Day event. The event brought together activists and artists to honor loved ones lost to AIDS and to celebrate those who continue to battle the disease. PGN file photo: Scott A. Drake
Starting in 1987, the federal government has banned HIV-positive people from visiting or immigrating to the United States. At the time, little was known about the virus that causes AIDS, and officials decided HIV was a “communicable disease of public health significance.” What a difference two decades makes. Earlier this month, the Obama administration — completing a process started under former President George W. Bush to lift the ban for HIV-positive temporary visitors to the United States — said it would completely remove HIV as a condition barring permanent resident status. This means medical screening for HIV will no longer be required for green cards. The decision goes into full effect on Jan. 4. The move has far-reaching effects on people with HIV/AIDS, including reuniting families, allowing refugees and permitting adoptions of HIV-positive children. As Dr. Arlene Bardeguez, outgoing president of the HIV Medicine Association, told the Associated Press, “This long-overdue move brings the U.S. in line with current
scientific and international standards of public health and will lessen the painful stigma and discrimination suffered by HIVpositive people.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention summed up the thinking behind the decision: “Immigrants and refugees with HIV infection do not pose a risk to the public’s health by entering the United States because HIV is preventable and is not spread through casual contact.” Before the change in the law, people who wanted to come to the United States as green-card holders had to submit to a medical examination and an HIV antibody test. Applicants who tested positive for HIV were ineligible for a green card unless the government granted a waiver. To obtain a waiver, the applicant had to prove she or he had enough money or health insurance to cover the cost of treatment. Until next year, HIV screening is still required. But federal customs and immigration officials will place on “administrative hold” all pending cases that would be denied if HIV infection were the only ground for denial. Cases with other grounds for denial will continue to be processed. Cases presently on administrative hold will be processed after Jan. 4, after new instructions from the CDC. ■
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Housing and HIV: more than just a roof over your head By Marcia Koetting Housing Program Manager, ActionAIDS
Secure and safe housing is the most important factor in whether people living with HIV/AIDS improve their health outcomes. People who have stable housing are more likely to keep routine medical appointments, remain adherent to medication regimes, take better care of themselves and maintain healthier lifestyles. In light of this, universal access for people living with HIV/AIDS must include discussions about the necessity of affordable housing. With the collapse of the housing market, much attention has been placed on foreclosure prevention and other issues related to home ownership. However, renter households still comprise onethird of the households in the United States. In Pennsylvania, the average rental fee for a twobedroom apartment is $799 per month. In order to afford rent and utilities, the household would have to earn $15.37 an hour working 40 hours a week for the full 52 weeks of the year. Yet, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the average Pennsylvania renter earns $13.40 an hour, $2 less than the necessary housing wage. At minimum wage, $7.25 in Pennsylvania, a single parent would need to work 86 hours per week to pay all of the housing costs for a two-bedroom apartment. Rental fees only increase in urban areas like Philadelphia, where gentrification and property development are driving property values and rental fees sky-high. The income versus housing cost burden hits some of the most vulnerable members of the population, including people living with HIV/AIDS. Housing is considered affordable if the total cost of rent and utilities is no more than 30 percent of the renter’s income. Individuals living on fixed incomes, such as those receiving Supplemental Security Income with HIV/AIDS, will experience housing instability at least once during the course of their illness. Those who lose their housing are
five times as likely to perish and are much more frequent users of expensive emergency care. Since 1991, ActionAIDS has assisted individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS to overcome homelessness or inadequate housing conditions and find greater self-sufficiency. Today, ActionAIDS’ six full-time housing specialists work at the agency’s four Philadelphia offices and serve approximately 650 individuals and families each year. Services include long-term housing plans, linkage with emergency shelter and/or transitional housing, assistance with applying for housing subsidies and grants, assistance with apartment searches, advocacy in tenants rights and landlord relations and rental-delinquency counseling. ActionAIDS’ Housing Department also operates a facility in North Philadelphia that consists of 12 two-bedroom apartments for formerly homeless families. Residents contribute 30 percent of their income toward the cost of rent and access a range of supportive services. The department also administers a rental-subsidy program, which supplies 20 permanent tenant-based subsidies to formerly homeless individuals and families. Want to get involved in the fight for affordable housing? Here are two groups to contact: National AIDS Housing Coalition nationalaidshousing.org (202) 347-0333 A national organization that works on AIDS housing issues. Its Web site has information about AIDS housing issues, including research about its role in maintaining the health of people living with HIV/ AIDS. ACT UP Philly actupp@critpath.org (215) 386-1981 ACT UP is working on a campaign to win more subsidized housing for people living with AIDS in Philadelphia. To get involved, come to a meeting — they’re held every Monday at 6 p.m. at The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St., in the basement. ■
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WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND THE PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
HIV treatment update 2009 By Jane Shull Executive Director, Philadelphia FIGHT We have come a long way. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, people learned of their HIV diagnosis when they were already sick, and they usually died within months. No one knew what this disease was, what to do about it or how to prevent it. All of this has changed and, in fact, it has changed so much that some activists and even doctors who were involved in combating HIV in the early 1980s are worried that those newer to the effort will not really understand what it was like. This, however, is the kind of problem you want to have. We will all be glad when the day comes that HIV has receded so far into the past that it will be like talking about plagues in the Middle Ages. What is important to keep in mind is this: That day will come. In the 28 years since HIV first appeared in North America, scientists have been able to develop nearly 30 drugs and drug combinations that attack HIV during different points in its lifecycle. Some of these drugs have been with us for many years now, including the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that included AZT, the first drug approved to treat AIDS. This was in 1987 and, for the first time, people living with HIV or AIDS had some reason to hope. By the mid-1990s, people were living for 10 years after diagnosis with these drugs. When the first protease inhibitors — drugs such as Crixivan, Viracept and Norvir — appeared around this time, we saw a second miracle. Many who had been near death were able to recover their energy and health and go on to live for many years. The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors became available around the same time — drugs such as Sustiva, approved in 1998, and Viramune approved in 1996 — and added more long-term hope. Most recently, two entirely new classes of drugs, entry inhibitors such as Fuzeon, approved in 2003, and integrase inhibitors such as Isentress, approved in 2007, have come on the market, enabling many who were unable to control their virus completely in the past to
control it now. Taking HIV drugs historically has been a challenge. People had to commit to taking up to dozens of pills, every day, while dealing with significant side effects and toxicities. When you knew you had to live with endless digestive upsets, or nightmares, or distressing changes in body shape as the cost of survival, it’s not surprising that many delayed starting therapy, or stopped it, often without informing their healthcare provider. But that is about to change as well. Already, we have drug regimens where you can take one pill once a day. For example, Atripla, approved in 2006, contains three drugs within one pill, and is taken once daily. This drug is also important as the first partnership between two drug companies — Gilead and Bristol Myers Squibb — to combine their drugs into one pill. At this moment, it is very likely that anyone living with HIV can find a drug regimen that will work for them, is at least reasonably convenient to take and has fewer side effects than even a few years ago. There is no longer any reason to put off discussing this with your doctor, and there is every reason to expect success. Data published this year indicated that average life expectancy is now 22.5 years from diagnosis — more than double the life expectancy in 1996. Through the hard work of scientists and clinicians, kept honest by legions of people living with HIV who insist that science remain focused on treatment and cure, HIV has become, for those of us in the West, a treatable disease. You can lead a normal life with HIV, and there is every reason to believe that, as lesstoxic drugs come onto the market, you can also expect to live a normal life span. There are new developments in prevention as well. Recently, we have seen the failure of some vaccine candidates and, this past fall, some confusing news about a combination vaccine that may, or may not, have actually helped some people. This is not particularly encouraging, especially for those of us who believe that if we fail to find a biological solution for HIV, we will fail ultimately to find a solution at all. Yet, the news is not all bad. After a hiatus to evaluate the implications of a major trial that failed two years
ago, new vaccine trials, building on what has been learned, are starting again. After the CDC learned that estimates of new HIV infections in the United States were probably underestimated by 40 percent, it seems that more thinking has gone into novel approaches. One of these is PrEP — which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, now in trials worldwide. The idea is to test HIV medications in a medically supervised environment to see if they can prevent the acquisition of HIV. This is a strategy similar to what is used in malaria. While this strategy is not ready for prime time yet — and don’t try it on your own — it offers hope that, for people who are unable to take other steps, HIV can be prevented. Finally, a strategy called Find Test Treat is being proposed. Its proponents claim, based on a statistical model, that it has the potential to wipe out HIV worldwide in 60 years. It calls for implementing universal HIV testing, encouraging treatment and treating all who are willing. The model does not assume that all will agree to be tested, nor does it assume that everyone will accept treatment. Nevertheless, its proponents claim that it could wipe out HIV because people who are being treated are less likely to pass the virus on to others. This strategy will be controversial, and will raise privacy issues. Nevertheless, as we increasingly normalize and destigmatize HIV testing, people will recognize that testing is not a death sentence nor a stigma, but life and hope. ■
JEFFREY CROWLEY, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL AIDS POLICY, AND JANE SHULL PGN file photo: Scott A. Drake
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Through the eyes of an inmate: HIV/AIDS By Louise Hall Prison Case Manager, ActionAIDS Imagine for a moment that you’ve made a mistake in your life; all of us, to some extent, have done so. Imagine that, because of this mistake, you are separated from family, friends and loved ones, and placed in a location where freedom is now a thing of the past. You walk the long halls of this new location each day in constant fear because you are not familiar with the environment or those in it. You have a secret that could lead to discrimination and worse. Although you have told no one about your secret besides those you feel need to know, slowly your secret is revealed. As time passes, it seeps through the enclosed walls of this location. Those who are supposed to protect you begin to ignore you and let others abuse you. Sometimes, even your protectors are abusing you. You feel trapped with no way out — and the only option you have is to try to survive. Welcome to the world of a prisoner living with HIV/AIDS. To date, the United States continues to have the highest prison population in the world. As of 2008, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that 2,310,984 prisoners were held in federal or state prisons or in local jails. This figured is expected to rise for 2009. Approximately 1.8 percent of the U.S. prison population is HIV-positive. In fact, it has been estimated that 25 percent of the general HIV population will be incarcerated at some point. As alarming as these numbers are,
there is something else needing drastic attention: the treatment people living with HIV face while they’re incarcerated. While law dictates that HIV status, as a disability, be treated as confidential, this is not always the case. “Get your AIDS-infected ass away from my desk!” These are the words stated to an HIV-positive inmate serving time in the Philadelphia area. The prisoner, whom we will call Joe, said he approached the officer’s desk to ask for a medicine box for his HIV medications during the lunch hour. Joe said the correction officer ignored him at first, so he waited, then asked again. It was after the third request that the officer shouted obscenities at him. “She just shouted my status all loud across the entire room. Everyone just looked at me. The officer had no right to out me.” Unfortunately, the incident did not stop with prison officials. Joe, who is now in the process of filing a complaint against the officer, said that, since the incident occurred, he has faced harassment from other inmates in regard to his HIV status. “I can’t even go through one day without being harassed or having someone make a reference to my HIV. It’s terrible. It gets me upset and causes a lot of stress for me. But it could be worse.” Joe, who stated he has only received verbal harassment in prison, has seen worse. Joe reported that he’s seen other prisoners get jumped because of their status, while officers stood by doing nothing. Given the advancements in HIV treatment since the disease first surfaced,
and the increase in awareness of HIV in the prison systems, one would assume that discrimination against those infected would have decreased. However, based on Joe’s story, and the stories of others like him, this does not appear to be the case. While informal reports of harassment from both fellow inmates and officials are common within the prison systems, official reporting seems to be low. There is limited data on the discrimination HIVpositive inmates face. There also seems to be a lack of response from prisons to inmate complaints. One commonly cited explanation for this lack of reporting is the associated risk. In the prison culture, there is a division between the prisoners and the officers. Prisoners are often stigmatized and treated as inferior since they are viewed as criminals, and thus seen as “bad” people. There is also a strong power dynamic between prisoners and officials. If a prisoner were to place a complaint that could get an official in trouble, the environment of the prisoner who filed the report can become a nightmare. The backlash from the official in question, along with other officials, could become unbearable. Due to HIV-positive inmates’ fear of receiving even worse treatment, they often remain silent. The acts of discrimination and violence faced by HIV-positive inmates are an injustice that needs to be addressed. Many have said that when it comes to the state of HIV/AIDS, silence is the ultimate killer. We as a community need to support one another and speak up for those who are afraid to do so: If we ever
plan to make it through the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we must realize now that no one can face HIV/AIDS alone. Have you experienced discrimination in prison because of your HIV status? Do you want to be involved in working to end this discrimination? Then contact the following groups. AIDS Law Project 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600 (215) 587-9377 www.aidslawpa.org A free local legal resource for people living with HIV/AIDS. If you need assistance in dealing with confidentiality issues while incarcerated, contact this agency. Support Center for Prison Advocacy (215) 985-4448 ext. 13 scpa@fight.org A group working in collaboration with individuals and organizations throughout Philadelphia who are concerned about our city’s prison reentry crisis. If you are interested in becoming involved in issues affecting the formerly incarcerated, contact the SCPA. Human Rights Coalition 4134 Lancaster Ave. (215) 387-6155 www.hrcoalition.com A group of families of prisoners, exprisoners and supporters who work to address issues of prison abuse. Contact them to get support or to get involved. ■
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World AIDS Day events Dec. 1
ActionAIDS 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1026 Arch St. Join the party: ActionAIDS is offering HIV education and FREE rapid testing. AIDS Fund, Broad Street Ministry and Sapphire Fund 5:30-7:30 p.m. 315 S. Broad St. Musical and dance performances, complimentary dinner and rapid HIV testing with at least 20 local organizations AIDS Delaware 7:30-9:30 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church 1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington. World AIDS Day Service Candlelight Vigil. AIDS Delaware will remember those who are living with HIV/AIDS
and those who have lost their battle with.
Check www.aidsfundphilly.org for viewing times.
BEBASHI and Chosen 300 Noon-4 p.m. 1116 Spring Garden St. HIV education and free rapid testing during its Learning Lunch program from noon-1 p.m. The first 50 people who get tested will receive a gift card.
Community Advisory Board to the Penn Center for AIDS Research 9-10:30 a.m. City Hall The Sixth Annual Red Ribbon Award The highest recognition for policy makers, researchers and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the fight against AIDS and to the health of citizens in our community.
The COLOURS Organization Inc. 6-10 p.m. 112 N. Broad St. Affirmation through Advocacy and Awareness: Open-house reception, including live entertainment and rapid HIV testing. AIDS Fund and The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany Dec. 1-13 AIDS Memorial Quilt Display
Philadelphia testing sites Center City ActionAIDS 1026 Arch St. (267) 940-5515 AIDS Fund, Broad Street Ministry 4-9:30 p.m. 315 S. Broad St. ASIAC 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205 (215) 629-2300 Attic Youth Center 55 S. 16th St. (215) 545-4331 Youth Health Empowerment Project 112 N. Broad St., ninth floor (215) 564-6388 ext. 11 Mazzoni Center 1201 Chestnut St., third floor (215) 563-0658
(215) 763-8870 ext. 1010
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children 3601 A St. (215) 427-3802 PHMC Health Connection 1035 W. Berks St. (215) 765-6690 Covenant House Health Services 251 E. Bringhurst St. (215) 844-0181 Eleventh Street Family Health Services at Drexel University 850 N. 11th St. (215) 769-1100 South/West Philly CHOP
3550 Market St., fourth floor (215) 590-3537
1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor (215) 851-1822
GALAEI
Urban Solutions 1408 S. Broad St., first floor (215) 755-0700
Family Planning Council 260 S. Broad St., Suite 1000 (215) 985-6828
Health Center #3 555 S. 43rd St. (215) 685-7504
North Philly Congreso 216 W. Somerset St.
Health Center #4 4400 Haverford Ave. (215) 685-7601/7651
School District of Philadelphia, The Red Cross and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 10 a.m.-noon Benjamin Franklin High School 550 N. Broad St.
Drexel University World AIDS Day week of events MONDAY Nesbitt Hall, 3125 Market St., 7-9:30 p.m. “America’s Shadows: HIV Risk in Black & Latino Youth”: This film looks at the socioeconomic risk factors that put black and Latino youth in New York City at risk for HIV/AIDS. TUESDAY Nesbitt Hall 111, 7-9:30 p.m. Devin T. Robinson “God did not give me HIV”: The one-man show is a series of confessional narratives that both educate and entertain ages 12-65 about HIV. The name of the show is refers to seven ways the virus can be spread without vulgarity or sexual inclinations. WEDNESDAY Bossone Auditorium, 3128 Market St., 8-10 p.m. Panel discussion with 10 individuals who make a difference in HIV prevention and education. A bake sale also will be held with proceeds going to a local organization dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness and community work. THURSDAY Bossone Auditorium, 8-11 p.m. Dessert and discussion with speaker Sheryl Lee Ralph (who played the stepmom on “Moesha”) on the the issues of HIV and black America. FRIDAY Bossone Auditorium, 8-10:30 p.m. World AIDS Day closing event, “Open Mic Night,” with poetry, singing, spoken word and much more.
An event for students and parents to remember those they have lost to the virus. Temple University 7-9:30 p.m. Underground in the Student Center 1755 N. 13th St. Red Lounge. An evening of educational and entertaining performances includes singing, dancing, poetry and spoken word. Free and open to the public. Y-HEP and Philadelphia FIGHT Noon-7 p.m. 112 N. Broad Street, ninth floor Remember to Remember: An all-day event with spoken-word performances from individuals ages 13-24, dance performances, a dinner for youth, games, other arts-related showcases and rapid HIV testing.
FREE HIV TEST ! √ Results in 20 minutes √ Oral Swab—No Blood √ Walk-in hours
ActionAIDS
FREE Testing…. World AIDS Day Tuesday Dec. 1st 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1026 Arch Street Call our hotline 267-940-5515 for other locations and times
Save the date: Dining Out for Life April 29
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Professional Portraits Carl J. Minster 3d and David J. Facciolo are two very passionate men — passionate about their work and about each other. I spoke to the two dedicated attorneys about their practice, Minster & Facciolo LLC, and the trials (pardon the pun) and tribulations of being business and life partners. PGN:Who got into practice first? DF: I’ve been a lawyer since
1980. I met Carl through a friend while volunteering for Rita Addessa at the Lesbian and Gay Task Force. CM: And I didn’t become a lawyer until 1997. With David’s urging and support, I went back to school later in life. My first job in the law field was in Harrisburg and he used to drive up every weekend to see me. DF: By our third or fourth date, I’d decided I was going to get him to go to law school. CM: In August, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our practice and we’re going on over 19 years together as a couple. DF: One of the things Carl wanted to do was become a lawyer to work for the LGBT community, but law school is so expensive we had to open a practice to recoup the loans. But we decided that we would be a general practice firm that served the community. Of course we don’t
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Suzi Nash
exclude anyone, but a focal point of the practice is helping people in our community. PGN: So tell me a little about
yourselves. DF: I was born in Delaware. My family used to come to Philly every weekend to go to different restaurants in Little Italy. I also went to Archmere Academy in Claymont, and we used to compete with all the Philadelphia schools, so I consider Philadelphia part of the Greater Wilmington area. My mother was a registered nurse who stopped her career to raise three kids and, after my dad passed away, she went back to nursing school at the tender age of 58. She’s in her 80s now and just retired a few years ago. My dad was a contractor with three engineering degrees. CM: I’m from Philadelphia. I was raised in Fox Chase and went to Northeast High School and did my undergraduate work at Drexel. I went to Widener University for law school. I started off in Harrisburg but then got transferred to the Wilmington campus. What’s interesting about that is that they don’t usually let anyone transfer from one campus to the other. The only exception is for marital issues. Since the school had a nondiscrimination
policy, I went in to the dean and told her that my life partner lived in Delaware and that I needed to transfer and reminded her about the nondiscrimination policy. She didn’t know what to do. She looked at me and asked me how serious it was. I responded, “Two turkeys every Thanksgiving,” meaning that we have to go to my family’s house and then his and eat two turkey dinners every year! She said, “That’s good enough for me” and they let me transfer. PGN: What made you want to go
to law school? DF: It was something I wanted to do since before first grade. My father’s closest friends and one of my mentors was A. James Gallo. He was the first Italian judge in Delaware. Both of my parents were very active in politics. During the civil-rights movement, I was very cognizant of Louis Redding, who was the first African-American attorney in Delaware and was one of the lawyers who argued the Brown v. Board of Education case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. So I had two terrific people that were talked about at the dinner table to inspire me. I kind of knew that lawyers helped people, but I didn’t know exactly how. In third grade, my parents had me in
CARL J. MINSTER 3D (LEFT) AND DAVID J. FACCIOLO Photo: Suzi Nash
speech classes so I wouldn’t be afraid to talk in front of people and that’s how I got started. I’m one of those few people who knew their calling early on. CM: I got tired of hiring attorneys. In the late ’80s, I worked in upper management for the IRS and got fired. I had investigators from the EEOC come in and they said that I was fired because they thought I was gay, and that there was nothing I could do about it because it was not a protected category, but I decided to sue
anyway.
DF: If Carl had not been a whis-
tleblower and known where a lot of the skeletons were hidden there, he would not have gotten the settlement that he did, which allowed him to go to school. That was under Bush the first. But even after it changed when Clinton was in office, several of the agencies never issued the administrative directive even though they’d been given an executive order by the time Bush II was in office. CM: Now I share office space with the attorney who represented me! He’s straight but does all sorts of employment issues. PGN: Any siblings? CM: I have one sister who is
three years older than me to the exact day. We were both born on April 8. Talk about family planning — two years after they had my sister, my parents moved into a house with a third bedroom. Exactly nine months after they moved in, I was born. PGN: So, I guess we know what
they did to christen the house. Tell me about coming out. DF: For me it wasn’t difficult. I was very close to my dad. We had a custom where every year he would build new bookshelves for the books we’d read the previous year. In the year between college and law school, some of the books I gave him to put up were gay related. I told my dad that I thought I might be gay and he said, “Don’t worry
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about it. Maybe it’s a phase. But either way, don’t worry about it.” Now this is an Italian, first/ second-generation gentleman. It was remarkable. What probably helped was that he was very involved in theater: We used to go to Broadway plays all the time. He also had friends in the theater who were gay so he was very open-minded. Interestingly, he never told my mother. When she did ask me about it, I gave her a book I bought on questions about homosexuality for straight people. She also handled it well after a few days. Now, she thinks the world of Carl. Publicly, I was forced out when they passed the Delaware version of the Defense of Marriage Act. Myself and about nine other lawyers went down to argue against it. At that point, I was in the public defender’s office and being publicly out was quite an endeavor. CM: I was about 30 when I came out. Living in Fox Chase, I didn’t think I knew any gay people. When I was working for the IRS, I traveled about 50 percent of the time, so I got to go to other towns and meet gay people there. Later, I moved to Philly and got involved with the LGBT community and organizations, at which point I came out to my family. At first they didn’t know what to do, but now my mother is great with it. Half the time if David and I have a fight, she’ll side with him. Her first words are, “What did you do wrong, Carl?” DF: And my mother takes his side! Our mothers get along really well: They’ll even occasionally do things together, which is nice. PGN: What’s an interesting case
you’ve worked on? CM: One of the things I’ve discovered is that a lot of LGBT people don’t know their rights, especially in relationships. They don’t know what they’re entitled to. We do a lot of estate planning
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
and a lot of people will come from all over to see us, because they know that we will understand the special needs of gay clients. One of the things I believe is important is to get LGBT cases into family court instead of going into civil court as contractual matters. Family court judges are much more understanding of the relationships and personal components as opposed to just the facts on paper. DF: I worked as a public defender in Delaware for many years and was able to argue the case that certified translators for nonEnglish-speaking people. To me, it’s the most important thing I’ve done in my career because it really guarantees fair access to the courts for all people. Many times even lawyers, if they’re not bilingual, will assume that the clients understand them, when the client might just be agreeing to be polite or respectful. I admire and respect diversity. It’s part of my lifeblood and to be able to help people in such a fashion was something I’m really proud of. The case has been cited in over 22 states. Currently, we do a lot of co-parent or second-parent adoptions in Delaware and that’s one of the most satisfying parts of the practice. One of the good things about our firm is that we cover so much territory. Delaware now has a protection-from-abuse order that includes same-gender couples — many other regions do not. A lawyer who’s not sensitive to the LGBT community might not be as aware of the issues and rights as we are. CM: For instance, in Philadelphia County, if you’re doing a second-parent adoption, you don’t need to have a home study done but in the surrounding counties you do. A home study can cost $3,000-$5,000, so if there’s a way to have the case heard in Philadelphia, you can save yourself a lot of money.
PGN: So what do you do when
you’re not practicing law? CM: We like to travel. When I was a kid, my parents would hop in the car and drive around the country. My goal is to see all 50 states. I have five left! DF: I’m into classical music. I’m a pretty good pianist and I used to play the organ in church during college. I also try to read three or four newspapers in French, Italian and English every day. I read a lot of nonfiction as well. On our last vacation I brought “1001 Hidden Tax Deductions.” I only got to about 700 of them. CM: I like nonfiction. I read about four to five books a week. I also do a lot of things in the garden and outside of the house, because he doesn’t like to ... DF: Ahem, I’m the decorator and he’s the gardener. He tends the grounds and I do the interior. CM: [Laughs.] Well, I didn’t have a choice. He said he wasn’t doing it, so I got stuck and it became my thing. DF: Yes, I carefully developed my allergies! CM: He has two chores: He’s the chauffer and he has to take care of the kitty box. DF: And run the practice in Delaware ... PGN: Switching to something more serious, you were a public defender for 28 years. What was the most difficult part? DF: Well, we did a number of capital-murder cases. It’s very stressful when you’re fighting for a person’s life. Even when you think it’s open and shut, you never know. When you have a death-qualified jury, it means they have to believe in the death penalty, and studies show that they are something like 85-percent more likely to side with the state even when they’re trying to be impartial. You rack up a lot of hours and have to work with See PORTRAITS, Page 45
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Q Puzzle The Pleasure of His Company Across
1. Circuit party, for some 6. “Lesbian Nation” author Johnston 10. Split in the skin 14. Colette’s love 15. Diva’s performance 16. Actress Merrill 17. Unexpected help 18. Hunter film of 1981 20. Small particles 21. Paid to play 22. Spring month for Debussy 23. Many millennia 25. Dykes on Bikes, e.g. 27. “Ed Wood” role 30. Some eat it semi-firm 32. J. Spahr and others 33. Christmas poem opener 35. Overhand stroke, for Mauresmo 39. From the top 40. Whale finder 42. Trojans’ org. 43. What the Scarecrow had instead of a heart 45. Drag role for John Travolta 46. Cheerleader’s routine 47. Tibetan capital 49. Between lovers 51. Field goal specialist 54. Romeo or Juliet 55. Gardner of “Show Boat” 56. Poetry muse 59. “The Seven Samurai” director Kurosawa 63. Hunter film of 1955 65. Like a queen 66. Ready to go in 67. Foe of Peter Pan 68. Take care of 69 Streisand, for short 70. Began like Sheehan, with “off” 71. First name in makeup
Down
1. Bankhead’s home, for short 2. “___ my wit’s end!”
3. Denial for Nanette 4. Hunter film of 1958 5. Used rubbers 6. Asian archipelago 7. Muscle Marys pump it 8. Light tune 9. Cake parts 10. Audiophile’s stack 11. “Another card” in S/Mspeak? 12. Lend ___ (listen) 13. City Porter loved in song 19. Prepares for press 24. Mouthful for a stallion 26. Hunter film of 1958 27. End of a favorite holiday 28. Fasting time 29. “If ___ I Would Leave You” 30. Bear-like mammal 31. Straight ___ arrow 34. Trials and tribulations 36. They’re good for tricks 37. It’ll spice up your meat 38. In the pink 41. Go lickety-split 44. Roulette spinner 48. Cop’s collar 50. “Six Feet Under” auto 51. Meat that gets stuck 52. An ex of the Donald 53. Provide food for 54. Played (with) 57. Top 58. Shoe holder 60. Response to a joke, with “it” 61. Assign stars to 62. It’s for skin 64. “The Pleasure of His Company” star Hunter
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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An early glance at the holiday offerings A John Waters Christmas The State Theatre in New Brunswick, N.J., will present a one-man show next month that looks at the holidays in a whole new light. Openly gay filmmaker John Waters, director of “Hairspray” and other cult flicks, will perform his yuletide extravaganza “A John Waters Christmas” at 8 p.m. Dec. 18. Waters will take the audience on a rollercoaster ride through modern art, true crime and exploitation films, where absolutely nothing is sacred. Niels Lind Larsen, head of programming for CPH:PIX, a film festival in Copenhagen that has hosted Waters’ standup performance, said the director is “brilliant, depraved and has an excellent sense of comic timing.” Tickets for the show range from $27-$47. For more information, visit www.statetheatrenj.org.
to get ready to host the in-laws are enough to make anyone forget about their own needs, but Philadelphians can take some “me time” at Ettoré to help the holiday season run more smoothly. A facial, massage or any of the spa’s other relaxing services can help holiday pressures dissipate and can also serve as the perfect gift for your overstressed loved ones. For more information, visit www.ettorespa.com or call (215) 928-9010. International House of Pancakes The International House of Pancakes at 1320 Walnut St. is the
chain’s newest area store, located in the heart of Center City and the Gayborhood. The gay-owned locale offers Center City residents and visitors a quick pick-me-up on the way to work, an affordable and delicious lunch or a tasty treat after a night out. The restaurant management understands the importance of giving back to the customers and communities it serves, and is committed to supporting and strengthening the local LGBT community, its organizations and businesses through its day-to-day operations and the culture of openness and acceptance it fosters among employees and patrons. IHOP is open every day from 7
a.m.-2 a.m. For more information, visit www.ihop.com or call (215) 7321626. New Hope Celebrates Film Take a weekend trip to visit your northern neighbors in New Hope as New Hope Celebrates Film presents “Take 2,” its second-annual LGBT film festival, Dec. 5 and 6. Held in the famed Oak Roam of The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., the festival will screen seven LGBT favorites from the past year, all of which were awardwinners in festivals throughout the country. Between films, take some time to do your holiday shopping in the
Ettoré Spa & Salon Ettoré Spa & Salon, 1201 Market St., wants to help you keep your stress levels down as the holidays approach. Countless trips to the mall, food preparations and house cleaning
PGN Welcome
anthropologists! Dec. 1: Readings with Mary L. Gray and Dr. Ellen Lewin
PGN
PGN
PGN
PGN
PGN
PGN
quaint and quirky specialty stores of New Hope, decked to the halls in gingerbread trim and sparkling tiny tree lights. The town’s clubs will roll out the red for caroling and dancing the night away. Gay films, shopping, drinking, dancing and dining — in the most gay-per-capita mecca on the East Coast. Lodging discounts are available at the Wishing Well Guesthouse (www.wishingwellguesthouse. com), and the entertainment schedule can be found at www. theravennewhope.com. For more information on the festival or to purchase tickets, which are $5 per film or $25 for all of the shows, visit www.newhopecelebrates.com. ■
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Lesbian on the scene
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Tracy Buchholz
Starting the holiday season off right Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season are here, and so are a ton of events to keep women out and about. If you’re like us and
put on a little extra weight after downing turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, you’re in luck: We’ve got a ton of events for your
Thanksgiving weekend that will keep you out and about, having a blast, all while making new friends and memories!
We’re not sure where you’ll be Wednesday night, but we’ll be at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St., starting our Thanksgiving eve off right. Hundreds of ladies gather each year at Philly’s only women’s bar to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The lounge opens at 5 p.m., and there’s no cover before 7. DJs Sandi and Steve will keep you dancing all night. Don’t miss this one. Check out www.sistersnightclub.com for more information. Recovered from your Thanksgiving and ready to get out of the house? On Nov. 28, we’ve got Philly’s finest, the Scene party, at Adobe Lounge, 1919 E. Passyunk Ave. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. with famed female
DJs Just Jess and Battleaxebaby. Just $5 gets you in, and the drink specials will keep you there all night. This party brings a hot mix of women looking to mingle, so you’ll want to check it out. Plus, there will be special giveaways throughout the night! This party has been killing it for the last year, so if you’ve missed it, you’ve got no excuse this month. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/tlbtbproductions. On Dec. 3, a new LGBTQ dance party kicks off at sexy bar Stir, 1705 Chancellor St. Stacey Vey and Holly Johnson teamed up with yours truly to produce the new weekly Play Thursdays. Play promises to be packed with dollar
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
drinks from 9-11 p.m. DJs will rotate weekly to keep the vibe fresh. If you haven’t been to Stir, you’ll definitely want to come out to support this women-owned bar! On Dec. 5, another new party launches. The producers of Fuse and Any Questions bring OverTime, a new bi-monthly
event, to the city and it promises to be big! Smokin’ Betty’s, 116 S. 11th St., is the home of this new dance party. December’s party also includes a spades tournament. Billed as a party for music lovers, OverTime boasts four DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., with reduced admission until 11. The 50/50 spades tournament pot will
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be donated to local homeless services. To sign up for the tournament or with questions, e-mail overtimephilly@gmail.com. Unwind takes over Q Lounge, 1234 Locust St., on Dec. 8. The producers of the Scene party have teamed up with the owners of Q to bring you this sexy, swanky monthly mixer. It starts at 7 p.m.
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with resident DJ The Baraness spinning until midnight. Last month, over 125 women celebrated the launch of Unwind, and the crowd is expected to be just as big this month. You definitely have a lot of choices over the next few weeks and, if the Stimulus party last Friday was any indication, the
women of Philadelphia are definitely in the mood to be social —these events promise to be packed. So grab some friends and check ’em out! ■ Tracy Buchholz is an LGBTQ party producer-promoter in Philadelphia. She can be reached at tracy.buchholz@gmail.com.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
SATURDAY U People A cast and crew of 30 women of different colors and sexualities band together in a Brooklyn brownstone to shoot Hanifah Walidah’s music video “Make a Move.” 8:30 p.m. on Logo.
Desperate Housewives Angie might be leaving Wisteria Lane. 9 p.m. on ABC.
Suze Orman Show The out money expert dispenses financial advice. Take it. 9 p.m. on CNBC.
ACTION!: Matthew Rhys (right), who stars as gay character Kevin Walker, alongside Scotty Wandell (Luke Macfarlane), makes his directorial debut on “Brothers & Sisters,” Nov. 29 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Eric McCandless
Queer TV you can always see: One Life to Live
Kyle and Fish are going to have sex at some point before the year is over, so stay tuned. MondayFriday, 2 p.m. on ABC.
Ellen
Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show
Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.
worth watching: FRIDAY Ugly Betty The fashion-friendly hour-long comedy heats up. 9 p.m. on ABC. Christina Aguilera: Back to Basics Tour The pop diva performs. 9 p.m. on Logo.
The Wanda Sykes Show The out comedian drinks, has a drag-queen sidekick and celebrity guests. 11 p.m. on Fox. Saturday Night Live It’s a rerun. 11:30 p.m. on NBC. SUNDAY The Amazing Race Gay brothers Sam and Dan compete in Prague. 8 p.m. on CBS. The Simpsons This should be good. The family gets introduced to witchcraft and moonshine. 8 p.m. on Fox.
Contestants face off in the high-energy dance show. 8 p.m. on Fox.
Brothers & Sisters Matthew Rhys makes his directing debut. 10 p.m. on ABC.
Melrose Place Heather Locklear is back to her old tricks as Amanda in this updated soapy drama. 9 p.m. on CW.
Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew Gay cast member, writer/ director Duncan Roy battles his addiction to porn. 10:30 p.m. on VH1.
WEDNESDAY Grammy Nominations Concert Live! Black Eyed Peas, Sugarland and Maxwell perform. 9 p.m. on CBS.
MONDAY House Bisexual team member 13 is back on board. 8 p.m. on Fox.
Glee Budget cuts find the club scheming about how to get into the yearbook. 9 p.m. on Fox.
How I Met Your Mother Openly gay Neil Patrick Harris stars as Barney in this repeat. 8 p.m. on CBS.
Modern Family This new sitcom features a gay couple with an adopted daughter. Tonight is repeats. 8 and 9 p.m. on ABC.
The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price The out design guru’s reality show. 10 p.m. on Logo.
Top Chef Contestants put their culinary skills to the test. 10 p.m. on Bravo.
TUESDAY So You Think You Can Dance
THURSDAY Survivor: Samoa Watch for lesbian contestant Shambo. 8 p.m. on CBS.
Scott Drake Photography 267.736.6743
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PORTRAITS From Page 37 experts in four or five different fields. I loved it and am proud to say I’ve never had a client go to death row, but it takes a toll. PGN: What kind of practice is M&F? CM: Kind of a general practice. We do a lot of family law, especially coming-out planning. We might have someone coming out who has had a family and wife or husband and needs our services. DF: A lot of times, we’re the second lawyer that they’ve seen because they go to a heterosexual lawyer first, who has the attitude that they should give everything away because they are the blameworthy party. The child-custody issues can be tricky too. We also do a lot of estate planning for LGBT couples. In Delaware, we do a lot of planning for heterosexual couples as well, but in Philly it’s more gay and lesbian couples. CM: We also do real-estate work, employment and discrimination
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
issues, small-business advising, nonprofit work — we cover a lot. DF: When I was a young attorney, I did a bit of nonprofit work. I incorporated AIDS Delaware and did some work for ActionAIDS. Carl has a business degree from Drexel, so we can really merge our talents in those areas. He was an efficiency expert with both the Navy and the IRS. PGN: OK, silly question: What kind of candy do you like or would you be? CM: My favorite is chocolatecovered pretzels. DF: And I would be a Three Musketeers. CM: Why? DF: [Laughs.] I’m going to decline to answer that. PGN: What’s the nicest gift you’ve received? DF: I think the nicest gift we’ve given each other is that on significant birthdays that end in zero, we treat each other to a vacation at our favorite guesthouse in Key West. It’s so funny: Just in case,
when one of us calls to make a reservation, they’ll say, “Shall we expect to see Mr. Minster?” if I call, and the opposite if he calls. It’s so cool. I guess they’ve learned over the years not to assume. PGN: How do you make it work after so many years? DF: I think both of our parents taught us that if you really think someone is the one, you allow yourself to become entwined with them in several areas including career and finances, so that if you ever did have the temptation to break it off, you’d have to at least give it a second thought before proceeding. CM: Even in my cohabitation agreements with couples, I always put in a 90-day cooling-off period, so that no one can make any rash decisions. PGN: Do you plan to get married? DF: I want to get married and think we need to make it legal. CM: I’m not worried so much about marriage as long as we can get the same rights as everyone
PAGE 45
else. We’ve come so far in the last 20 years that it’s going to happen, but let’s not worry about the word now. Let’s just concentrate on the legal rights first, and worry about what you call it when the older generation dies off! DF: I accept that as a practical reality, but I resent the fact that European countries, who started off behind us as far as gay rights are concerned, have marriage rights and we don’t. Also, as a student of “Brown vs. Board of Education,” I don’t believe in separate but equal. If I die, he’s not eligible for my pension. I worked for the state for many years so it’s a considerable amount. I did structure my paperwork so that it reserves a portion for a future spouse, so if we do get marriage rights granted it will apply, but I had to take a reduction in my pension to secure that. CM: And we have done all the documents we recommend to
everyone. PGN: My last question is for David: What’s with the bowtie? DF: [Laughs.] I started wearing it in 1980 when I worked at a small law firm. We used to do bowtie Fridays. When I became a public defender, I used a lot of books, even when I was making objections, and the bowtie just seemed to go with the whole bookish, intellectual part of my personality. It’s also kept me from being stereotyped. Later on I read a study that said that when you wear a bowtie, people see you as being authoritative, but also playful and able to bend the rules a little. It’s worked for me! ■ To suggest a community member for “Professional Portraits,” write to: Professional Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Diversions
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
Your guide to arts and entertainment
Theater
PGN
Angels in America BCKSEET Productions presents Tony Kushner’s Tony and Pulitzer awardwinning plays about the impact of AIDS on the national culture, through Nov. 28 at The Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 9230210.
Pick
Raphael Saadiq The R&B hit maker performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (215) 6271332.
The :nv:s:ble Play Philadelphia Theatre Workshop presents the world premiere of the story of people trying to hang on in the workplace, through Dec. 13 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The Devon Theatre presents a rainbow ride through biblical Egypt, through Dec. 13, 6319 Frankford Ave.; (215) 338-6300. The Life of John Henry One of the most famous American folk tales comes to life in a world-premiere drama, through Nov. 29 at Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown; (610) 2791013. Oliver! Walnut Street Theatre presents one of the world’s most-beloved musicals, through Jan. 10, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. On Golden Pond Act II Playhouse presents the now-classic drama, through Dec. 13, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; (215) 654-1011. Rabbit Hole The Arden Theatre presents the story of a family in crisis, facing the challenges of surviving great loss and making a life with the family that remains, through Dec. 20, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.
Holly Cole: A Night Before Christmas The Canadian jazz singer performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.
Steph Paynes, guitarist and spokesperson for Lez Zeppelin, an all-female Led Zeppelin cover band, won’t discuss the band members’ sexuality or their age, for that matter. Then again, the real Led Zeppelin was all about mystique, so we can’t fault them too much. Since forming in New York City in 2004, Paynes and company have earned the respect of the hard-rock royalty they emulate, having met John Paul Jones (who, we’re told, digs the group) at the original group one-off reunion show in 2008, as well as sharing festival bills with Robert Plant. Catch them in all their monolithic glory at 8 p.m. Nov. 27 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville. For more information, call (215) 257-5808.
Red, White & Tuna Walnut Street Theatre presents two comic masters bringing to life 24 characters from Tuna, Texas, through Jan. 3 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. The Santaland Diaries Flashpoint Theatre Company presents the holiday comedy based on the bestselling book by out humorist David Sedaris, Dec. 3-20 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 665-9720.
Music classical
Last Friday Classical Music Recital Philadelphia Art Alliance presents a collaboration with renowned string quartet Liebesfreud for a free performance at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 27, 251 S. 18th St.; (215) 545-4302.
Mozart and Bruckner The Philadelphia Orchestra presents one of the most gigantic symphonies in history, 8 p.m. Nov. 2728 and 2 p.m. Nov. 29 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Nézet-Séguin Conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Brahms’ D-minor Piano Concerto with the recently named music director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic, 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Music other
The Hooters The rock band (with out guitarist John Lilley)
1960s and 1970s The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition examining a critical period for the art of photography and for the Philadelphia art scene, through Jan. 31, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.
Twisted Sister presents “A Twisted Christmas” The heavily made-up rock band rocks out a holiday performance at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
Diana: A Celebration The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition exploring Diana’s childhood, her engagement to Prince Charles, their royal wedding and Diana’s life and work as a global humanitarian, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; (866) 917-1787.
Lady Gaga The pop singer performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; (856) 365-1300.
8x10 and Under: Small Landscapes Gallery 339 presents a new photography exhibition through Jan. 23, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530.
Exhibits
Agulhas Gallery 339 presents an performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 27 exhibition of works by at the Borgata Hotel Casino Edward Dimsdale, through and Spa Event Center, 1 Jan. 23, 339 S. 21st St., Borgata Way, Atlantic City, (215) 731-1530. N.J.; (609) 317-1000. Annual Holiday Show The Machine ArtStar Gallery hosts an The Pink Floyd tribute exhibition of handmade band performs at 8 p.m. ornaments and holiday Nov. 27 at Keswick cards by select artists, Theatre, 291 N. Keswick through Dec. 31, 623 N. Ave., Glenside; (215) 572- Second St.; (215) 238-1557. 7650. Body Worlds 2 & The Beatlemania Now! Brain The multi-media Beatles The Franklin Institute tribute show kicks off presents an eye-opening at 3 and 8 p.m. Nov. 28 journey through the inner at Sellersville Theatre workings of the human 1894, 24 W. Temple St., body through a broad Sellersville; (215) 257collection of authentic 5808. human specimens, through Feb. 20, 222 N. 20th St.; Meat Puppets (215) 448-1200. The alt-rock band performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at Common Ground: World Cafe Live, 3025 Eight Philadelphia Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. Photographers in the
Kaleidoscope Edge Gallery presents an exhibition featuring Philadelphia artist Tom Hlas and North Carolina artist Robert Langford, through Nov. 29, 72 N. Second St.; (215) 4137072. Lace in Translation The Design Center at Philadelphia University presents a new exhibition of contemporary work inspired by historic lace, through April 3, 4200 Henry Ave.; (215) 9512860. Paperboy with Pedestals AxD Gallery presents sculpture and works on paper by James Groody, through Dec. 5, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250. Ragas and Rajas: Musical Imagery of Courtly India
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a diverse selection of paintings and sculptures from across the subcontinent, through Feb. 28, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 7638100.
Dance
Radio City Christmas: Rockettes The world-famous dance troupe performs at 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (215) 336-2000.
Film
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory The classic 1971 film starring Gene Wilder is screened at 2 p.m. Nov. 28 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223. Funny People The Adam Sandler comedy is screened at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483. Harold and Maude Bryn Mawr Film Institute presents the classic black comedy, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Books
Ellen Lewin and Mary L. Gray The authors of “Gay Fatherhood: Narratives of Family and Citizenship in America” and “Out in the Country: Youth, Media and Queer Visibility in Rural America,” respectively, host a reading at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960. Lidia Bastianich The author of “Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 6865322. Leslie Caron The film star of MGM’s golden era and author of “Thank Heaven: A Memoir” hosts a reading at noon Dec. 2 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
Etc.
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze The holiday spectacular in which performers pull off astonishing feats runs through Dec. 11 at Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal, 1000 Boardwalk Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 4495150. Blue Redo Reprise The dance party benefiting
SEEING THE LIGHT: Sometimes you need gay men to tell the straight love story. Philadelphia Theatre Company presents “The Light in the Piazza,” a six-time Tony Award-winning romantic drama set in Italy. Margaret Johnson (Sherri Edelen, left), a woman escaping her crumbling marriage, is traveling in Tuscany with her daughter Clara (Whitney Bashor). When the handsome young Fabrizio (Matthew Scott) captures Clara’s heart, Margaret must decide if she’ll risk revealing truths that could threaten her daughter’s happiness. Written by gay playwright Craig Lucas and directed by out director Joe Calarco (who traveled to Italy to get a feel for the setting), “Piazza” is sure to warm the heart, through Dec. 6 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. For more information, call (215) 985-0420.
Mazzoni Center and the Sapphire Fund, featuring DJ Susan Morabito, kicks off at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 at Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483. Scene The monthly LGBTQ dance party sets it off 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Adobe Bar and Lounge, 1919 E. Passyunk Ave.; www.
PAGE 47
tlbtbproductions.com. “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m In Therapy” Comedian Steve Soloman impersonates the various characters that are his family, 3 p.m. Nov. 29 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; (215) 257-5808. ■
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
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Happy hour Mon.-Thur. 5-7, Brunch Saturday & Sunday 11-3
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
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This Turkish dish is the shish By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer As Ilker Ugur, proprietor of Divan Turkish Kitchen, 918 S. 22nd St., tells it, he was eager to take friends and relatives from his native Turkey for a night out in Philadelphia years ago, only to be embarrassed by the quality of what the city’s (supposedly) best Turkish restaurant had to offer. Well, hats off to whatever restaurant wounded his sense of national pride, because it inspired him to open Divan, a world-class establishment from the ground up. The décor is impeccably thought-out and gives the restaurant an upscale yet relaxing ambience. To be fair — and in the spirit of full disclosure — the fine selection of Turkish wines and beers helped a little with the relaxing. The appetizers kicked off the meal in fine style. We were tempted to jump on the hot appetizers but were steered toward the cold ones. We’re glad we took the advice. The Rus Salatasi (Russian salad, $4.95) may not be an attractive dish, but the pinkish mixture of carrots, chick peas, mayonnaise and pickled cucumbers is a threat to even the best homemade potato salad. The Enginar (artichoke with lima beans and dill, $4.95) delivered the goods as well, with great flavor and texture. For something a little more mainstream, the hummus ($4.95) and the Patlican Ezmesi (mashed eggplant, akin to baba ghanoush, $4.95) are also savory options. If dining with a number of friends, the Karisik Meze Tabagi (mixed appetizer plate,
PGN
$16.95) will give everyone a bit of everything, including spicy minced peppers, a wonderfully tasty eggplant with tomato sauce, mashed eggplant, artichoke, Russian salad, stuffed grape leaves and hummus. As good as the appetizers are, the entrées up the ante. We dare anyone to find a better cooked kabob anywhere within 100 miles of Philadelphia (yeah, that means New York City too). One of the house favorites, the Döner Kebab ($11.50), is the perfect combination of ground lamb and Turkish spices. The Tavuk Sis Kebab (chicken shish kebab, $11.25) is excellent as well. If you like your meat a little more solid, the Kuzu Pirzola (lamb chops, $16.95) are tender, juicy and irresistible. Of course, if you prefer to try each of them, the Karisik Izgara (mixed-grill platter, $19.90) has all of the above plus a wonderful Köfte (lamb and beef patty). The attention to detail on these platters was flawless. At lesser establishments, the sides and garnishes usually get treated as an afterthought, but the rice at Divan is cooked and seasoned to perfection. You’ll want to devour every grain on your plate. The grilled peppers accompanying the kabobs are also fresh and vibrant and add an indispensable flavor to an already-savory bit of fare. There’s a considerable amount of vegetarian offerings among the entrées. The Vegetable Sis Kebab ($10.90) features grilled marinated mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and eggplant. Ispanakli Kayseri Manti (spinach dumplings, $11.75) are delightfully tender, steamed and topped with garlic yogurt and mint.
DIVAN TURKISH KITCHEN EXTERIOR AND THE DINING ROOM
It also must be noted that Divan does a brisk lunch business, with pita sandwiches featuring your choice of kebab meats ($6.50). Also, be forewarned: Divan is a great place to feast, but you might want to leave your credit card at home; it’ll cost you anywhere from $1-$5 more per dish if you use plastic.
The end of the meal doesn’t let up on the Turkish goodness. You can’t go wrong with any of the desserts on the menu (all $4.25), which features an excellent baklava made by Ugur’s mother. No disrespect to her, but we were all about the Kazandibi (translation: bottom of pot), whose rich and creamy sweetness managed to edge out the baklava and Divan’s wonderful rice pudding as our favorite dessert. Thankfully, the desserts come with Turkish coffee to help ward off the food coma Divan
inspires. Take a bow, Ilker. You’ve done your country proud. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
If you go: Divan Turkish Kitchen 918 S. 22nd St. (215) 545-5790 www.divanturkishkitchen.com Open noon-11 p.m. daily
HUMMUS (CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT), SHEPHERD SALAD, MASHED EGGPLANT, ACILI EZME, RUSSIAN SALAD AND AND ENGINAR
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 50
Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations
Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 222-3871. Spanish/English. HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport; (570) 322-8448.
Key numbers
HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www. mazzonicenter.org. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.
Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377
■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221
■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658
■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 592-1513
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833
■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212
■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: (215) 686-4670
■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633
■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: (215) 772-2000
■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330. ■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW ■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria.
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
Professional groups ■ 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) 627-9090; 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. ■ 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) 5570190; 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.
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
12-step programs and support groups Adult Children of Alcoholics
Meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center. ■ Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Saturdays at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 4569129. ■
Al-Anon
Gay Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. Fridays at St. Andrew’s Church, 50 York St., Lambertville, N.J.; (215) 986-1029. ■
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Acceptance meets at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets. ■ Beginnings meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■ Community meets at 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 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 at 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets at 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Beginners meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2212 Spruce St. ■ Sober and Gay meets at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets at 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Ties That Bind Us is a12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community. Meetings are held from 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call (800) 581-7883. ■ Way Gay Young Peoples meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the William Way Center. ■
■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.
Wednesdays:
A support group for HIV-positive women will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; (215) 387-6055. ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; (215) 563-2424. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, will meet from 3-5 p.m. at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets from 5-7 p.m. at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432. ■
Thursdays:
A support group for HIV-positive men and women will meet from 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, (215) 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. ■
Saturdays:
AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets at 11 a.m. at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington; a social session will follow at 12:30 p.m.; (302) 652-6776. ■
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Meetings are at 2 p.m. Sunday through Saturday and at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center.
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
■
Emotional Support
■
Meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at the William Way Center.
■
■ 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.
Branch of the the Free Library, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets from 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; (215) 769-3561. ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIV-positive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St.; (215) 985-3382. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, begins at 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 will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets at 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; (215) 851-1898.
Healing After Loss has monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn. southjersey.com. ■ Pink and Blues is a free depression and bipolar support group for sexual minorities and meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 627-0424. ■ Pink and Blues Main Line, a peer-run mental health support group, meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at Bryn Mawr Consumer Center, 1001 W. Lancaster Ave.; (610) 527-1511. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets at 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 at 7:30 p.m. on second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Office Building; (215) 545-2242; www. phillysos.tripod.com. ■
Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
Open meeting, Tuesdays, beginners meet at 5:30 p.m., regular meeting at 6 p.m. at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St., third floor, room 3208; call Troy, (215) 514-3065.
S.A.R.A.
Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and evening hours; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
Mondays, 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 20 N. Route 9, Marmora, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. ■ Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 5423279. ■ Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean View Lodge, Metropolitan Community Church, 521 Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 945-5982. ■ Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ ■
HIV/AIDS
Strength In Numbers Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia. ■
Meeting Place rotates listings on a four week schedule.
Mondays:
Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets from 6-8 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330.
SEPCADD
■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance abuse problems with office in William Way Center; (215) 340-9995.
Smoking Cessation
■
Tuesdays:
■ AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence
FreshOUT!, Mazzoni Center’s free quitsmoking program, hosts individual sessions, classes and support groups and offers Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum and lozenges); (215) 563-0652 ext. 228 or e-mail quitsmoking@mazzonienter.org. ■
Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication.
Complete Meeting Place listings of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans, Youth groups can be found online @ www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 51
Classifieds
With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals
Foreclosures hitting more people with good credit By Alan Zibel The Associated Press The foreclosure crisis likely will persist well into next year as high unemployment pushes more people out of homes, pulls down housing prices and raises concerns about the broader economic recovery. The latest evidence was a report last Thursday that a rising proportion of fixed-rate home loans made to people with good credit is sinking into foreclosure. That’s a shift from last year, when riskier subprime loans drove the housing crisis. The report from the Mortgage Bankers Association also found that 14 percent of homeowners with a mortgage were either behind on payments or in foreclosure at the end of September. It was a recordhigh figure for the ninth-straight quarter. The data suggest the housing market and the broader recovery will remain under pressure from the surge in home-loan defaults, especially as unemployment keeps
rising. Lost jobs are the main reason homeowners are falling behind on their mortgages. After three years of plunging prices, the housing market started to rebound in the summer. That lifted hopes for the overall economy. But analysts say there are too many foreclosed homes that have yet to be dumped on the market and that they expect further price declines. Among states, the worst damage is still concentrated in the states hardest hit from the start: Florida, Nevada, California and Arizona. Together, they accounted for 43 percent of new foreclosures. One in four mortgages in Florida were either past due or in foreclosure, the most in the U.S. Nevada was close behind at 23 percent. “There’s no indication in this data that foreclosures are going to abate any time soon,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com, who projects that nationwide home prices will fall up to 10 percent before bottoming next fall.
Driven by rising unemployment, prime fixed-rate loans to borrowers with good credit accounted for nearly 33 percent of new foreclosures last quarter. That compares with 21 percent a year ago. Many laid-off homeowners might be able to survive on their savings for a while, but “the longer the economic situation stays in place, the less likely they are to hold on,” said Jay Brinkmann, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association. In markets where foreclosures already are high and still rising, prices likely will remain soft. That will cause developers to keep their bulldozers idle and prevent the industry from making a big contribution to the economy’s recovery. “Builders only start homes when they can make money,” said John Burns, an Irvine, Calif.-based realestate consultant. “In a lot of areas, until prices go back up, construction doesn’t make any sense.” The crisis has struck people like
Betty Wilson of San Diego. She was laid off a year ago from her job at an insurance company. Since then, Wilson has managed to pay her $1,090 mortgage bill from collecting unemployment benefits, renting out a room and dipping into savings. But money is running low. She fears she won’t make her payment for December. Wilson, 56, said she has tried to get her mortgage company, GMAC Mortgage, to lower her 6.25percent interest rate or give her a temporary break from payments. Many mortgage companies will let a borrower skip up to six months of payments, though they require that the money be paid back eventually. After The Associated Press inquired about her case, a GMAC spokesperson said last Thursday that the company would offer Wilson reduced payments for four months, “while we continue to review her financials for a permanent solution.” After a typical recession, foreclosures peak about six months after the unemployment rate does.
But the process could take longer this time, in part because loanmodification programs and new state laws have prolonged the process. Unemployment, now at 10.2 percent, isn’t expected to peak until next spring or summer. About 4-million homeowners were either in foreclosure or at least three months behind on their mortgage payments as of September, according to the mortgage-bankers’ group. Subprime loans with adjustable rates have fallen to 16 percent of new foreclosures, from 35 percent a year earlier. Loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration also show rising signs of trouble. More than 18 percent of FHA borrowers are at least one payment behind or in foreclosure. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s quarterly survey of 44.6-million loans is considered the most authoritative report on mortgage delinquencies. A separate report, issued monthly by foreclosurelisting service RealtyTrac Inc., is based on courthouse filings. ■
Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property
Beds: 7 Baths: 2.2 Square footage: 2,577 Age of property: 83 years Cost: $425,000 Realtor: Andrew J. Mariano Real-estate co.: RE/Max Preferred Phone: 610-325-4100 Direct: 610-789-0982 E-mail: andy@andymariano.com Web site: www.gayparealtor.com
Custom-built Mediterranean-style home. True 3-story 7-bedroom house with 2 working fireplaces, 185-year-old-plus ornate mantle, family room, 2-plus car garage, heated front porch and much more. Awesome location!
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Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears. To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge. PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language. Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity. Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
CLASSIFIEDS
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���������������������������� Available in time for summer fun. Located on the river in quiet Beachwood, NJ. Large home with 6 bed, 3.5 bath, water views from all rooms, 6 decks, inground pool, hot tub and much more. Priced at $899K. Call LBO Realty, ask for Elliott 732-674-3851 for info and for showing. _______________________________33-18 Warminster > 55 community. 2 BR, 2 BA with bsmt condo. $200K. dgr5162@verizon.net _______________________________33-18
������������ Condo 4 Sale, End Unit, 3rd Fl., 2 BD/1 BA, XL Kitchen-granice countertops, cherry wood cabinets, H/W wood floors t/o, Mstr. BD with w/i closet & loft, hi ceilings, 6ft. windows in $4 hund’s. Pet friendly. Doree Gitzes, Realtor, Long & Foster Real Estate, 215-348-0000, X-8015. Open House, Sunday May 3, 1-3 _______________________________33-18
Attention Hunters! 60 Acres- $99,900 Timber co. liquidating a hunting 20AC with Utilities & paradiseCountry loaded Road w/big was whitetail hardwood trails me$99,900 deer. Now All $69,900 BLMsetting, access. Deer & andering throughout, pristine mountain views. elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. Old state road frontage, just 20 minutes to town. Best buy in West Virginia! Easy owner _______________________________32-16 financing. Call now 1-877-526-3764. _______________________________33-18 Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished.
Real Estate
REAL ESTATE
SALE
GREAT BUILDING IN GAYBORHOOD GREAT INVESTMENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY NEAR 11TH & LOCUST, $599K Come see this wonderful bldg w/2 spacious rental apartments and large commercial space on 1st floor. In the heart of Center City. Currently a doctor’s office, zoned C-1. Could be made into condos or large single dwelling. Great condition, price, location. Call for appointment. JULIE WELKER COLDWELL BANKER WELKER REAL ESTATE 215-235-7800 _______________________________33-52 WOODED LAND & FARMS Riverfront & Ponds “Garage Sale” List Over 20 properties that must be sold now! Discounts as much as 50%. CALL NOW! 800-229-7843 www.LandandCamps.com _______________________________33-48 VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215 468 9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________33-52 Potter County- 5 acres in Hebron Township near Coudersport, adjacent to 4000 acre State Game Lands. Electric, perc, hard road frontage. $34,900. Owner financing. 800-668-8679. _______________________________33-48 30 WINDING WAY, GIBBSBORO, NJ Open House, Sun, Nov. 29th, 1-4 PM. Beautifully kept and energy efficient 3 BR bi level in excellent condition. Gorgeous landscaping, bordering green acres, spacious family rm, deck & patio. 5 mins. to Patco. Dir: Rt. 295 N. to Exit 32, turn right onto Rt. 561 towards Gibbsboro. Just past Eagle Plaza and Acme on right, take rigtht fork at Shell station to 1st right, then another quick right onto Winding Way to #30 on right. Dodd & Company, Realtors. 856-783-8400, 609-706-4931. _______________________________33-48
j Half-full or What’s ��� half-empty? Other Views.
PGN
REAL ESTATE
Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave
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_______________________________32-16 REAL ESTATE 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some open area, includes old hunting cabin, electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE.
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_______________________________32-16 Cozy studio�������������������������������������������������������������������� available Dec 1 with separate eat-in-kitchen and bath, French doors, hardwood floors, dishwasher, garbage disposal, central air, washer/dryer and stor�� ��������������������������������������������������������������������� �� ������������������������������������������������������������������ age space. Good credit history a must. 919 South 8th Street (8th and Montrose) �� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ cmorris@ssproperties.us �������
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Ideal Home just for you!
�������� One Bedroom with Fireplace, $810/mth ������������������������������������������������������������
Bright one bedroom available Jan 1 with fireplace, hardwood floors, garbage �������������������������������������������������������� disposal, washer/dryer & central air. Good credit history a must. 506 South 8th ��������������������� ������������� Street. cmorris@ssproperties.us ��������������������� ���������������� �������������� ��������������$1700/mth Large 2bdrm/2bth,
Ask about a free month! Brand new, largve, two bedroom, two bath in certified historic property on Washington Square with hardwood floors, BBQ area, large closets, SS appliances including dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, central air and laundry facility in building. Good credit history a must. 711 Walnut on the park.
SS Properties cmorris@ssproperties.us 267-402-8017
At 1095 Wilson Ave, Glen Mills, PA: 3 BR, 2.1 BA Contemporary abode is unique in every way & a must see to believe! Great oversized kitchen, dining room, 2 story family room with cathedrals ceilings with decorative fireplace. Wrap around deck on main floor and 2nd master bedroom. Private wooded homesite on 2.44 acres. MLS # 5614089
����������������� �������������������������������� Call Kathleen Kennedy, Realtor - 610-883-1818 ������������������������ or www.chestercountynewhomesales.com Keller Williams Real Estate Exton Market Center - 610-363-4300 ������������������������
Consider Packer Park for your next home? Suburbs in the City
PREMIER RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY Convenient to Sports Complex,International Airport, FDR Park, Walt Whitman Bridge & Much More. Safe, Beautiful, Welcoming, Convenient going on?a Wide Check Diversions. We have Varietyout of Sales & Rentals Something to fit any need
215 551 5100 bc@CapozziRealEstate.com
PGN
Gay is our middle name.
�������������������� ������������������������������������� SWARTHMORE $449,500 ������������������� CLOSE TO CITY... BUT IN THE COUNTRY! ������������������������������������ �������������������� ����������� ������������������ �������������� ����������� ������������ ����������������� ������������������
This lovely Arts & Crafts home is in pristine condition. 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, new kitchen, central air, hardwood floors, fireplace, garage, separate entrance to office and more! Call for your appointment.
D. Patrick Welsh RE 610-543-0560 www.dpwelsh.com
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 48
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NOV. 27 - �DEC. 3, 2009 ����
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Kuhn � � � �Broker/Sales �Conrad � � �Rep. � Since 1987 ��������������� NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2007 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs ����������������� ������������������������� Office: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 ������������Cell: 609.221.1196
www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com ������������������������
satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included. ������������������� WashingtonYou Township pay; gas Office cooking and electric. Subway ���������������������������� 42 door. $1,200 / month. and 5070 bus atRoute the front ������������������� 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a Turnersville, NJ 08012
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_______________________________32-18 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20
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3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! 5% down,Since 20 years Broker/Sales Rep. 1987 @8% apr! For listings ��������������������������������
Conrad Kuhn
�������������������� NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales �������������������������������� Award 1991- 2007 Art Museum Area-off 26th St. (800 N. _______________________________32-16 Weichert President’s Clubs Bambrey, 19130) Corner house on quiet & Ambassador’s �������������������������������� street, close to public transportation. Newly ������������������������� Office: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 renovated, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood ___________________________________ 609.221.1196 floors, AC, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. Cell: ����������������� ���������������� $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to kratzworks.Realtor856@aol.com Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split www.conradkuhn.com com for pix. level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 Lovely 3 W/D, bd. Offi 1upper ba. furnished home in Washingtonfull Township cefully _______________________________33-20 baths, and lower decks, use of beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to ���������������� kitchen. Property is 42 by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 5070 Route beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. Two bedroom split-level apartment on second min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least Turnersville, NJ 08012 floor of row home at 20th and Christian streets. reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + _______________________________32-17 LR, kitchen/dining, bath, small foyer. On-street 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. parking, pets okay. Utilities separate. $875+two _______________________________33-19 Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. months deposit. Scott 267.736.6743. NE Phila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, _______________________________32-19 _______________________________33-18 215-821-1062. ����������������� _______________________________33-18 Best selection�������������� 1 BR apts. avail. Various choices. $750 to 1:00 Noon PM of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. $1000/mo. Call soon, 215-901-0041. Beach blk. Share lovely 3 BR house w/senior Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online _______________________________33-21 citizen. Full townhouse house privileges.style Must bibe em927 Spruce St. Unit #3. Very large ployed. $950/mo. Call Jim at 609-458-3711 �������������������� _______________________________32-16 level condo with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, wood fl oors, skyline eld, Debordieu, The 3 room apartment, living room, kitchen, bath, to discuss details. Jewels of the South Carolina Coast. House/ views, possible ...............only $399,000 and bedroom (all Large deck rooms)and 2nd parking floor, _______________________________33-19 condo 2rentals. Beach start cable. here! Share BR apt. Uppervacations Darby, W/D, private entrance. $1000.00 month, includes www.lachicotte.com. For availability call 1$350. Call 610-352-1188. 927 Spruce St. Unit #1F. Large Jr. one bed room, utilities. Call 215 686-3431 or 215-468-9166 _______________________________33-21 _______________________________32-16 evenings. one bath, totally rehabbed condo with low fees and home taxes. Roommate wanted to share in Norris_______________________________33-24 town. $600/mo. + half utils. Ref. req. Must love Parking available. Reduced now only .................$199,900 ������������������ cats. call 610-270-0288. No drugs. _______________________________33-21 Entire 3rd floor apartment for rent has large 1:30 - 2:30 PM eat-in kitchen with ice maker, built in micro, d/w, garb disp. lots of counter storage. hallOne bedroom, one ba. newly 927 Spruce St. and Unit 1R. �������� closet, very large living room, rent includes all rehabbed condo. Private rear garden area. Low fees and channel Tevo. bathroom has a washer/dryer, � taxes. available. to SELL Reduced now only . another hall Parking closet and two bedrooms withPriced more closets. Heat and hot water is also included. ..............................................................................$199,900 ��������������������� $1,200.00/month. This is a non-smoking buildSuper-private 5 1/2 acres withone views, stream, 927 Spruce St. Unit #2F. Large one bedroom, ing. 215-416-5545. waterfall, 20’ X 36’ pool. Fully funished 3 _______________________________33-20 bath south facing unit. Total rehab with 3wood oors, bedrooms, baths, 4flTVs, 1 flatdeluxe screen, DSL, stereo, grand piano, eat-in kitchen. Vine-covkitchen. Super low fees and taxes. Parking available ............ ered dining deck. $5000 per month. June to .....................................................................now Sept. billwrite@aol.com $249,000 _______________________________33-23 �������������������� Search all Philadelphia area listingsBest @ www.thephillyrealtors.com selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Dan Tobey Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online The Curtis Center reservations www.holidayoc.com 170 W. Independence Mall , Suite L-44 _______________________________33-18 Philadelphia, PA 19106
Open Houses Sunday Nov. 22, 2009
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Gay is our middle name.
215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com
MAY 1 - 7, 2009
����������� CLASSIFIEDS
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Mystery shoppers, make up to $150 a day. REAL Undercover shoppersESTATE needed to judge retail and dining establishemnts. Experience not required. 877-280-7603. _______________________________33-19 Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 PM only. _______________________________33-19 �������������������������� No exp. necessary, will train. PT or FT. SJ shore area. Call 609-645-2010. _______________________________33-19 Travel, Travel, Travel! $500 Sign-on and $500 Performance bonuses. Seeking Sharp Guys/Gals, Blue Jean Environment, Music Lovers Welcome! Janelle #888-375-9795 Start Today! _______________________________33-18 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-18 ������������������������ Avg. Pay $21/hour or $54K annually including Federal Benefits and OT. Paid Training. Vacations. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. _______________________________33-18 ���������������� National Company Hiring 18-30 Sharp People. Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodging Furnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid Training. Over 18+ 866-734-5216. _______________________________33-18
Drive the Big Rigs! 30 Trainees Needed ASAP. REAL ESTATE $700-$800 per week, Benefits, No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem. GIT-R-DONE Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-18 Over 18? Between High School and College? Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful Business Group. No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________33-18 Now Hiring OTR Dry-Van Drivers! WESTERN EXPRESS *Regular Home-Time *Excellent Equipment *One-Day Orientation *BCBS Insurance *Stable,Growing Company, Must be 22Yrs. Old, Class-A CDL required 866863-4009. _______________________________33-18 Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131. _______________________________33-18 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment 3wk Training Program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. COULD QUALIFY FOR GI/VA BENEFITS. 866-3626497. _______________________________33-18 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-18
SALE
SALE
GREAT BUILDING GAYBORHOOD GREAT INVESTMENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
NEAR 11TH & LOCUST, $599K
Come see this wonderful bldg w/2 spacious rental apartments and large commercial space on 1st floor. In the heart of Center City. Currently a doctor’s office, zoned C-1. Could be used made into condo’s or large single dwelling. Great condition, price, location. Call for appointment.
JULIE WELKER
COLDWELL BANKER WELKER REAL ESTATE
215-235-7800
Seeking part-time editorial intern The Philadelphia Gay News is seeking a part-time editorial intern. As editorial intern, you will perform a variety of duties in support of the editorial staff. Duties might include writing short articles and weekly event listings, research, fact checking, ling, archiving data and special projects. Intern(s) may also have the opportunity (depending on level of interest and journalistic skills) to attend local events (press conferences, rallies, etc.) and write news and features articles. Intern(s) should be highly motivated with strong writing skills. A journalistic background is preferred but not required. Intern(s) must have the ability to stay focused while working independently. Intern(s) must be able to meet deadlines both on a daily and longer-term basis. This is an unpaid internship (academic credit available), 15-20 hours per week. Skills: Computer procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Photoshop a plus.) Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style Team player
Please send résumé, cover letter and three writing samples to Sarah Blazucki, Editor, Philadelphia Gay News, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Or e-mail, editor@epgn.com.
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���������� 2001 Toyota Celica GTS $2500! 2 door,custom made orange exterior, black interior, 96500 miles, 6 speed manual, 4 cyl. Contact info: corysmoore@gmail.com or call at (208) 977-9080. _______________________________33-18 �������������� Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted 1-866-912-GIVE _______________________________33-18
�������� Wishing to adopt newborn to nurture and adore. Will provide your baby with warm, loving, stable home. You will be treated with respect/ confidentiality. Expenses Paid. Please call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. _______________________________33-18 ����� Childless loving woman (teacher) wishes to adopt a newborn. Financially secure home with close extended family. Legal/Confidential. Expenses paid. Please call Denise: 1-866-2014602 Pin#01960. _______________________________33-18 Considering Adoption? A beautiful home, loving attorney and nurturing full-time mom awaits your baby. Expenses paid. Call Anne & Phyllis (ask for michelle/adam) 1-800-790-5260. _______________________________33-18
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�������� PAGE 53 ��������� REAL ESTATE From only $2,990.00--Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills.com/300n Free 12TH & DICKINSON AREA information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , _______________________________33-18 bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (nego���������������� tiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. Buspar or 215 Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, 686 3431 daytime. $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities. PRICE IN_______________________________33-48 CLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 meds MANAYUNK APTS $25 Coupon. Mention Offer: #21A31. 1-8881 BR 1BA $900 + utils 531-6744. 1 tri-pharmacy.info BR 1.5 BA $1200 + utils _______________________________33-18 1 BR 1.5 BA $1225 + utils ������������������������� EADEH.COM or 610-647-1776 _______________________________33-49 Call today for your Medicare approved Power CITY APT Wheelchairs &OLD Scooters. ABSOLUTELY NO 1 BRif1qualified! BA $1000 + utils COST TO YOU ELDERKARE MEDEADEH.COM or 610-647-1776 ICAL SUPPLIES 1-888-54-ELDER(35337) _______________________________33-49 _______________________________33-18 WILLOW GROVE Lg ������������������������������ 1 BR efficiency, 1 BA, basement storage, Limited Offer! distance Power Wheel Chairs Scooters W/D, walking to Septa rail&and bus, ACT NOW: 1-800-719-0024. shopping and mall. $750/mo. 215-659-1060. _______________________________33-17 _______________________________33-48 WEST MT. AIRY ������������������� Large, BR, HWfor flrs, gas F/P, patio, dog Kayak bright Pools1looking Demo Homesites to run, laundry $875/mo.free incl.Kayak utils. Pools. Avail. display new facil. maintenance immed. 215-233-5303 forUnique appointment. Save thousands of $$. opportunity! _______________________________33-48 100% financing available. 1-877-499-POOL. WEST MT. AIRY _______________________________33-18 Sale or lease partially renovated warehouse for commercial ����������� use. 5000 SF. 215-233-5303 Distributor must sell entire inventory of leftfor appointment. over 2008 Pools! HUGE 31’x19’ w/Sundeck, _______________________________33-48 MT. AIRY DIST. Fence,Filter ONLYBUSINESS $890! (Install. extra) 100% 3500 sq. ft. corner. appt. FINANCING! 3-Day215-233-5303 Installation! Callfor Us! 1-866_______________________________33-48 237-2217 sapphirepools.biz RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA _______________________________33-18 “ONE BEDROOM @ $995 - Small but well located, with a great view of St. Marks from �������� your French windows. Hot Water & Heat are included. Two Months Free on 15 month lease. Call now! (215)546-1424. _______________________________33-49 Insurance Agency for Sale: Major National STUDIO, RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Insurance has local for Hot water &Company Heat Included, Two agencies months free sale. Opportunity to run your$795+Elec own busion 15Great month lease! Great Deal! ness.546-1424. Please reply: Fax#866-296-7535 or (215) _______________________________33-50 agencyforsalepa@aol.com GRAD HOSPITAL AREA _______________________________33-18 Fabulous Bi Level Apt in Grad Hospital ���������������������� Ultra Modern bd/1.5inba. New ConstrucDo you earn2$800 a Brand day? Your own local tion! Central air, designer lighting, hardwood candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy floors, gourmet kitchen w/ stainless appliances, All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. exquisite tilework; simply gorgeous! Parking _______________________________33-18 available1600/m. Call Elliot 215-288-4519. �������������������������� _______________________________33-49 ��������� Commercial Office Cleaning. Operate a Business that YOU own! Since 1984, as low as $1500 down, Equipment, Support, Customers. Phone: 717-260-3678. PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DIS_______________________________33-16 TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split �������� level home 2 gay men. reasonable House is 4 prices. BR, 2 Painting andwith paper hanging, full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of 45 yrs experience. Neat and clean work. Sonny, kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 215-888-1099. min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least _______________________________33-18 reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils.��������������������� Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, _______________________________33-49 Daddy w/2 BR*Criminal sks M/F.Justice. 69th. 610-352-1188. *Computers, Job placement _______________________________34-02 assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid HIPSTER VEGETARIAN HOUSEMATE if qualified. Call 866-858-2121 www.Centura“Wanted. Poly/bi musician seeks to share Online.com NJ home. 1 br avail,lg house, private yard, _______________________________33-18 wireless. Artsy, veggie, non-smoking space. 5 mins from������������������� NJT, 15 mins from PATCO. $625. Train for high paying rebr2@comcast.net “ Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid _______________________________33-48 if qualified -Housing available. CALLSHARE Aviation HAMILTON/TRENTON GAY HOME Share nice bedroom home with 2 gay men. Institute of 4Maintenance (888)349-5387. $500. per month includes all utilities, full house _______________________________33-18 privileges, off street parking. Cable, wireless internet. Choose furnished or unfurnished room. Garage available for rent if you have storage needs. No smoking inside - outside o.k. Security deposit and reference please. 609-954-8763. ��������������������������� _______________________________33-50 Auction. Selling for the bank, Late Model SOUTH PHILLY Logging/Construction 80+ Pieces. Share private home Equipment, 1 block from Broad. May 14, 10BR, a.m.shared Rockingham, NC.house Iron Horse Furnished bath, full priv. Auction, 800-997-2248, No drugs. NCAL3936, Must be employed. $400/mo.,www. utils ironhorseauction.com incl. except phone. 215-551-7611. _______________________________33-50 _______________________________33-18 SPRING CITY, CHESTER CO. Room for rent, $500/mo, all utils incl. Call 702-277-6864. _______________________________33-50
RENT
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CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
SERVICES DIRECTORY ����������������
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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 CLASSIFIEDS
Want to let mom, dad all Yourand ad dollars go further when your youof target your audience exs know you’re tying the knot?
Is it time to look for a new doctor?
this space: only $25 per week*
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*when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks
Is it time to look for a new doctor?
Is it time to look for a ������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� new doctor?
Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today! HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
LIGHTING SALES POSITION Looking for someone who is well-organized, highly personable and professional, with an eye for design and attention to detail for an entry level position at one of Philadelphia’s premier lighting showrooms. People skills a must, design / architecture background a plus. Job is in Ardmore PA. Please send resume to info@rittenhouseelectric.com _______________________________33-49 COLONIAL LIFE Seeking licensed Life & Health agents to market voluntary employee benefit programs to employers. Register for our Informational Event. Call Trivonne Gilliam, 856-482-0218, ext.223. _______________________________33-47 ATTN: COMPUTER WORK Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/mo Full Time. Training provided. www.KTPGlobal.com or call 1-800330-8446. _______________________________33-48 Driver: COMPANY DRIVERS average $800+ per week. Immediate Benefits. Great Equipment. CDL-A with 1 year experience, 23 yoa. Call NFI Sunday or anytime: 877-888-8476. www.nficareers.com _______________________________33-48
Werner Enterprises. Drive the Big Rigs. 35 Driver Trainees Needed. $700 to $800 Week. No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem. Start ASAP. Call 800-961-4319. _______________________________33-48 Driver CDL-A: OTR Runs - Dry Van & Flatbed. Great Pay & Equipment. Must Have TWIC Card or Apply Within 30 days. Class A-CDL. Western Express 888-801-5295. _______________________________33-48
ADOPTION ADOPT Childless loving woman (teacher) wishes to adopt a newborn. Financially secure home with close extended family. Legal/Confidential. Expenses paid. Please call Denise: 1-866-2014602 Pin#0196. _______________________________33-48 ADOPTION Abundance of love and happiness awaits your Newborn with happily married, financially secure and fun couple. Expenses paid. Attorney retained. Eileen & Ed 1-800-266-5305. _______________________________33-48 Adoption: Loving parents and their 9 year old adopted daughter would love a baby brother or sister. Stay at home mom, professional dad. Expenses paid. Please call Becky/ Mike 800-472-1835. _______________________________33-48
Placing Classifieds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days
Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:
YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS • DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION
PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
All classified advertising must be in our office by 3 p.m. Friday for the next Friday’s paper. Ads arriving after that time will be held for the next available issue. PGN reserves the right to edit or rewrite ads as needed, to refuse any ad for any reason and to determine the final classification. Ads determined to be in bad taste, directed to or from persons under the legal age of consent or containing racially or sexually discriminatory language will be refused. We need your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number on the insertion order form for you ad. This information is confidential and will not appear in the paper. Any ads received without full information will be destroyed. Sexually explicit language will be edited or refused at the discretion of the management.
PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT
Classified ads may placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
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Send us your in wedding/civil union/ TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUEScommitment PREPAID edit 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20% CANCELLATION POLICY ceremony o All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first announcement issueWeekly the ad appearedFor in, along with the classification, name, address daytime phone number is required to Reach ���������������������������������������������������������������� Over 40,000 40,000 Readers Readers Weekly For As Little Asyour $25.00 A and Week. Reach Over As Little As $25.00 A Week. ���������������������������������������������������������������� (21 cancel your ad. and we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love.
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
PAGE 55
CLASSIFIEDS
SERVICES DIRECTORY
this space: only $25 per week*
Your ad dollars go further when you target your audience *when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks
Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!
Classifieds Liner Insertion Order
Select the TYPE STYLE you want from the examples below, and begin each line under the arrow to the left of the letter representing that style. Write to the end of the line (hyphenate words correctly. Do not stop at any other arrow, as each arrow represents a starting point. Allow one block for each letter, number, punctuation mark and space. Be sure to skip a space between words. PHONE NUMBER MUST INCLUDE AREA CODE. Be sure to circle one of the classifications and compute the cost of your ad. Liner advertising is on a PREPAY BASIS ONLY, and payment must accompany this form. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL.
A
Type STYLE A Type STYLE B TYPE STYLE C
B
HEADLINE (24 SPACES PER LINE) FREE WHEN PLACED ONLINE 40 spaces Per Line 36 spaces Per Line 24 SPACES PER LINE
C
7 point 7 point 7 POINT
NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE
PLEASE PRINT STATE
ZIP
AMEX • MASTERCARD • VISA • DISCOVER CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION SIGNATURE NAME ON CARD # # #
“A” LINES @ $5.50 - $ “B” LINES @ $7.50 - $ “C” LINES @ $10.00 - $ BOX YOUR AD $5.00
SUBTOTAL
NUMBER OF WEEKS X SUBTOTAL % TERM DISCOUNT AD TOTAL
CLASSIFICATION (CIRCLE ONE) REAL ESTATE FOR SALE • REAL ESTATE FOR RENT • ROOMMATES • SEASONAL RENTALS • SERVICES • FINANCIAL SERVICES HELP WANTED • JOBS WANTED • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • FOR SALE • AUTOMOTIVE • AUCTIONS • TRAVEL RESORTS ADOPTION • PERSONALS • FRIENDS MEN • FRIENDS BISEXUAL • FRIENDS TV/TS • FRIENDS WOMEN
TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED Return form and payment to: Masco Communications 505 S. Fourth St., Phila., PA 19147 or fax: 215-925-6437 or email: don@epgn.com
Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week.
PAGE 56
CLASSIFIEDS
PAGE 106
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009
HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY
Family owned and operated. Residential and commercial electricians. Licensed and insured.
Radio dispatched crews. Emergency service available. All credit cards accepted. 30 years of industry experience.
215-722-2988
• Custom Kitchens & Baths • Complete Home Remodeling • Interior/Exterior
877-K-Ridge-1 www.kridge1.com info@kridge1.com
LAUTERBORN ELECTRIC 100 to 400 AMP services House re-wiring Recessed and track lighting Troubleshooting For all your electrical needs call:
(215) 425-6693 (215) 688-8472
www.lauterbornelectric.com
Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!
CRC, CVE
bility
NOV. PAGE27 110- DEC. 3, 2009
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS / ADULT PERSONALS CLASSIFIEDS
APRIL APRIL25 25--MAY MAY1,1,2008 2008
LEGALHEALTH & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS
APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
57 APRIL 1,1,2008 APRIL2525- -MAY MAYPAGE 2008
FOR SALE Is Limescale Clogging your Appliances, spotting dishes, leaving residue? HYDROCARE Solves ALL of this and MORE! No Salts. No Magnets. Easily Clips to Main Water Pipe. Maintenance Free. Guaranteed! The Hard Water Solution 1-888-721-0129 www.goodwater411.com _______________________________33-47 Metal XB Standing Seam Roofing,18” W. 24 Ga. Kynar paint, M. Bronze, Reg. Price $1.61, Close-out “AS IS” price NOW $.96 SQ FT www. abmartin.net 800-373-3703. _______________________________33-48
SERVICES
James JamesM. M.Quesenberry, Quesenberry,MA, MA,CRC, CRC,CVE CVE Disability Consultant James M. Quesenberry, MA, Disability Consultant CRC, CVE Disability Consultant
James JamesM. M.Quesenberry, Quesenberry,MA, MA,CRC, CRC,CVE CVE Disability DisabilityConsultant Consultant
Social SocialSecurity SecurityDisability Disability Social Security Disability Claims Appeals Claims Appeals Claims Appeals 215-629-0585 215-629-0585 215-629-0585
Social Social Security SecurityDisability Disability Claims Appeals Claims Appeals
Suite Suite202 202 Suite 202 Rd. Oxford Valley Oxford Valley Rd. Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA Fairless Hills, PA19030 19030 Fairless Hills, PA 19030
215-629-0585 215-629-0585
Suite Suite202 202 Oxford OxfordValley ValleyRd. Rd. Fairless FairlessHills, Hills,PA PA19030 19030
PROVIDING DIRECT LEGAL SERVICES, EDUCATION & POLICY REFORM FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY. FREE LEGAL HOTLINE (215) 731-1477
ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-48 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________33-48
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________33-48 Insurance Agency for Sale. Affiliated with major national carrier. A great business opportunity! Upcoming Webinar November 12th. Please send inquires to: agencyforsalePA@aol.com or Fax: 866-296-7535. _______________________________33-48
FRIENDS
MEN Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625www.equalitypa.org Terence S. Brady, Esq. Legal Representation In New Jersey Drunk Driving, Speeding, All Traffic Cases, Family Matters, Divorce, Visitation, Custody Criminal Matters, Real Estate Purchases, Foreclosures
Mt. Holly, N.J. 609 504 6310
LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-48
Erotic Dungeon Master
6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________33-48 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-48 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________33-48 Slim, in shape GWM, 45 into safe J/O and ass-play, also am top/bottom. Central NJ area. 908-397-7194. _______________________________33-51 SEEKING WM in late 50’s seeks younger men, Latinos & Mexicans a +, for friendship & fun. Enjoy arts, travel & outdoors. 856-547-4163. No calls after 11. _______________________________34-02 SEEKS SPECIAL FRIEND Bi/gay male seeks special friend. Perfer Ch. Hill, Roxboro, Myk. area. No calls after 22 PM. Karl, 215-984-8881. _______________________________33-50 GW bottom, 55 y.o., br/bl, med. build (160), moderate to hairy body, DD free. Fun, romantic, interested in a Latino top, 50+ with the same qualfications. Must be discreet. I travel to you. 267-918-4440, John. _______________________________34-01 Muscular male, 62 seeks same. John Larish, 575 Laurel Terrace, Pottsville, PA 17901. _______________________________33-51
Reach Readers Over 40,000 Readers Weekly As Little As $25.00 Week. ach Over 40,000 Weekly For As Little For As $25.00 A Week. Call A 215-625-8501 Today!
me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-28
Erotic Dungeon Master
PAGE 58
6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________33-48 Xdress sex party. CD house orgy every Sat. nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at FRIENDS 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18
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11 PM. _______________________________33-19 ������������ You: big equipment! Me: real nice white butt. 215-732-2108, 8-11 PM. _______________________________33-20
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS ADULT PERSONALS
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E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com
PGN
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PAGE 59
FRIENDS
MEN
FRIENDS
MEN
PAGE 60
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
FULL PAGE FIND FRED!!! COLOR
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2009