PGN Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012 by The Philadelphia Gay News

The Quince-essential event of the season

Family Portrait: Henco Espag

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The real broads in drag to hit Broad Street

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Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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Vol. 36 No. 48

Person of interest in Cordova case By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

SEASON’S GREETINGS: Members of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus welcomed the start of the holiday season Nov. 28 with a performance during the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s holiday extravaganza. The event featured the lighting of trees throughout the Great Stair Hall as about 200 guests enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies and took in PGMC’s holiday carols. PGMC will unveil its full holiday repertoire at its annual holiday concert, Dec. 6-8 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Kenney spearheads sweeping ‘LGBT-reform’ bill By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

Philadelphia City Councilman Jim Kenney this week introduced a measure that pledges widespread reform for the city’s LGBT residents. Among the provisions in the bill, introduced Thursday, is an “equality tax credit,” which would allow businesses who introduce domestic-partner benefits plans for samesex and unmarried heterosexual partners of

employees to deduct the cost of those benefits for tax purposes. Kenney legislative aide Chris Goy said the program, which would be the first of its kind in the country, would serve as an incentive for employers to equalize their benefits plans. “The idea here is to create something that no other city in America has tried,” Goy said. “We want to create an environment in which Philadelphia is the best place to look PAGE 17 for an LGBT-friendly

Out local judge makes history By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A Philadelphia judge has made history as the first out lesbian Latina ever to be nominated to the federal bench. This week, President Obama nominated Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “Prior to the Obama administration, only

one openly gay individual had been confirmed to serve with lifetime tenure on our federal judiciary,” said the Human Rights Campaign in a statement, noting that Obama has since nominated eight out candidates for life-tenured federal-judiciary roles. The White House announced the decision Nov. 27. It is unclear if the Senate will have enough time in the winding-down session to confirm Quiñones, so the nomination may need to be made again PAGE 17

Police announced this week that they have identified a person of interest in the killing of local transwoman Kyra Cordova. Cordova was gunned down Sept. 3 in Frankford. Her body was found in the early hours of Labor Day in a wooded area off the 1100 block of Adams Avenue. She had been shot in the head. Newly appointed LGBT liaison Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel said this week that progress is being made. “They believe they have identified a person of interest but there is still a lot of investigating to do. But they have moved in a more positive direction,” he said. “There are no witnesses or video, but they have made significant movement toward someone they believe may have committed this crime.” The person’s identity or details about the motive were not being released at presstime. Surveillance video captured Cordova, 27, at a nearby Wawa shortly before the killing, purchasing two drinks and sandwiches. She was alone at the time.

Cordova’s mother, Dawn Maher, and her family met with Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and other police officials last month about the case. Also in October, a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer was launched. Maher said she’s eager for the reward money to move the case forward. “I’m just hoping that’ll encourage people to do what’s right and tell what they know,” she said. “Hopefully it’ll help us catch the person.” Elicia Gonzales, executive director of Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative, where Cordova used to work, said she and other members of the Justice for Kyra coalition recently laid a memorial at the area where Cordova’s body was found and distributed information in the neighborhood. “We went door to door and asked people around the neighborhood if they’d heard anything, and they seemed cooperative and eager to help,” she said. “Some were actually alarmed because they hadn’t heard about it but many others had. It seems like the police are reaching out to folks up there PAGE 6 who could have seen or

Philly rated top in nation for LGBT equality By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com IN THEIR MEMORY: William Way LGBT Community Center’s Nov. 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance event included Tammyrae Barr (from left), Miayanna Brooks, the Rev. Celestine Brooks, L’Oréal McCollum, Kyra Cordova’s aunt Rhonda Herold, Sadé Ali and Cordova’s mother, Dawn Maher. The vigil, which drew about 60 participants, paid tribute to Cordova, who was killed in September, and a number of other local and national transgender victims. Photo: Scott A. Drake

The Human Rights Campaign unveiled its first-ever scorecard of LGBT-conducive cities this week — and ranked Philadelphia among the top in the nation for its LGBTfriendly policies and practices. Of 137 cities evaluated for LGBT policies and practices in the Municipal Equality Index, Philadelphia was the only one to receive a baseline perfect score. The city achieved the maximum 100 points plus an additional nine bonus points out of a potential 20 PAGE 18

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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LGBTs and allies file briefs in support of Cradle’s eviction By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A coalition of six LGBT groups this week filed a proposed “friend-of-the-court” brief in support of the city’s efforts to evict a local Boy Scouts of America council from a city-owned building. “We think we have information that can help the court render a just decision in this matter,” said David M. Rosenblum, legal director of Mazzoni Center. “So we’re delighted to file this brief, and hope the court will accept it for consideration.” The parties in the brief are Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc.; Mazzoni Center; Equality Forum; Equality Pennsylvania; Human Rights Campaign; and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Philadelphia. The city has tried to evict the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council from a city-owned building near the Ben Franklin Parkway because Cradle won’t pay rent or allow openly gay participants. A federal jury in 2010 found that the city placed an “unconstitutional condition” on Cradle’s First Amendment right to exclude gays during the eviction attempt. The city is appealing that verdict in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The ACLU of Pennsylvania — and a coalition of 15 religious organizations,

civil-rights groups and faith leaders — also filed proposed friend-of-the-court briefs with the appeals court Nov. 26, expressing support for Cradle’s eviction. LGBT groups emphasize harm of discrimination In their brief, the LGBT groups emphasized the damaging effects of antigay discrimination, noting that at times it has even led to suicide. “The pernicious effects of Cradle’s policies hit particularly hard on young people, who are meant to benefit from Scouting,” the brief states. Rosenblum said Cradle appears unwilling to address the harm its conduct causes gay youth. “Cradle’s court filings focus on their purported right to exclude gay adults,” Rosenblum said. “Cradle apparently doesn’t realize that gay youths are coming out at a young age — often as early as 10. And it’s important to give them the right to be themselves in Scouting, too.” Remaining in the closet isn’t an acceptable option, he said. Closeted individuals could be “subject to serious mental-health consequences should they attempt to remain in Scouting by concealing their sexual orientation,” the brief states. The brief also notes that Cradle’s behavior causes harm to the entire community.

“The segregation of straight youth and adults from gay peers creates barriers to healthy interaction between them and causes harm to the community as a whole,” it states. By refusing to subsidize Cradle’s discrimination, the city “can help strengthen individuals’ feelings of safety and belonging; this, in turn, can prevent harm and health problems caused by discrimination.” Forced subsidization of Cradle’s discrimination sets a bad precedent, Rosenblum added. “If you allow Cradle to get away with this, what’s to stop any discriminatory organization from demanding a similar arrangement from the city?” he posed.

efforts of the LGBT advocates. The brief stresses that the city has acted reasonably in trying to distance itself from Cradle’s discrimination. “The city has not denied [Cradle] a generally available benefit; it has instead terminated a unique and preferential rental arrangement,” the brief states. “The city’s interest in avoiding the financing of an organization with a very public policy of discrimination overbalances any harm to [Cradle’s] right of association.” The ACLU also notes that the city gave Cradle the option of discriminating in the building if it paid rent — another indication that the city is focused on ending the subsidy.

ACLU focuses on LGBT-advocacy rights The brief filed by the ACLU of Pennsylvania emphasized that lobbying efforts by LGBT advocates during the eviction attempt were proper, despite negative characterizations by the trial judge, Ronald L. Buckwalter. “The same [First] Amendment that protects Cradle’s right of association guarantees everyone, including gay people, the right to petition the government for redress of grievances,” the ACLU brief notes. The language of the brief urges the appeals court to clear the way for Cradle’s eviction or, in the alternative, order a new trial that views as irrelevant the lobbying

Religious groups raise Establishment Clause issue The brief filed by the religious coalition questions whether the city’s continued subsidy of Cradle violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which forbids governments from endorsing a particular religious viewpoint. “Cradle takes a particular religious viewpoint, and excludes those who disagree,” said Seth M. Marnin, a co-author of the brief. “Forcing the city to subsidize Cradle puts it in a position of adopting that viewpoint, which violates the Establishment Clause.” Marnin is senior staff PAGE 16

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD

12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • ASIAC, 1201 Chestnut St., 5th floor • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • Fusion Gym, 105 S. 12th St., 2nd floor • Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • I Goldberg, 1300 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Pa. AIDS Law Project, 1211 Chestnut St., 12th floor • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • Parker Hotel Lobby, 261 S. 13th St. • Phila. FIGHT/Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 5th floor • Phila. Family Planning Commission, 260 S. Broad St., 10th floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St., basement • Santa Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Scorpio Books, 202 S. Juniper St. • Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Packard Apartments, 317 N. Broad St. • Safeguards lobby, 1211 Chestnut St. #610 • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St. • Sante Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • Uncles, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • Voyeur, 1220 St. James St. • Westbury, 261 S. 13th St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St. • Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. EAST OF BROAD

Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Chocolate Works Condo lobby, 321 N. Third St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, Sixth & Market sts. • Old City Ironworks Gym, 141 N. Second St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • PGN ofﬁces, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. •

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. WEST OF BROAD

Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 1610 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 1622 Chestnut St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Book Bin, 22nd & Market sts. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • L-2 Restaurant, 22nd & South sts. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Titan Room, 22nd & Market sts. • Touraine Building lobby, 1520 Spruce St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, 17th & Race sts. •

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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HAVE CAPE, WILL CRAWL: Hundreds of Thanksgiving-eve partiers joined Bruce Yelk on the annual Pink Pub Crawl Nov. 21 at ICandy, Tabu, Woody’s and Voyeur. As long as you wore something pink, you got a discounted drink at each venue. Photos: Scott A. Drake

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A first: Mummers invite LGBT drag group to march By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

up Broad Street to City Hall, starting at Washington Avenue. Later in the day, the Drag Mafia will perThe Philadelphia Mummers Parade is form at the Convention Center in between a century-plus New Year’s Day tradition, the Fancy Brigade acts. Lynn said it was a big honor to be asked and this year organizers plan to drag things to perform both in the parade and at the a little further with new performances. Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia will be the indoor show, and sends a good message first LGBT drag group to ever take part in about the Philadelphia icon. “It is a longstanding Philly tradition. A the Mummers Parade. The Mafia has performed at LGBT locales throughout the lot of the times, [the Mummers] are seen as homophobic and they just want to send city for more than a decade Lynn, a former editorial assistant for the message out that they are not,” she PGN, Temple University alum and South said. The performers, however, will be putPhiladelphia native, is excited for the ting on a different show for the Mummers opportunity. Lynn lived on “Two Street,” where most Parade than they would in a club. “We have certain guidelines that we of the Mummers’ production clubhouses are located, and a common meeting spot have to follow. We are performing for an for Mummers participants after the parade, audience that ranges from newborns to the which also includes an informal march elderly. We can’t do provocative dancing like we could in a club,” she explained. down Second Street on Jan. 1. Lynn said she has been involved throughLynn said several members of the out the rehearsal process, making sure the girls’ music fits to the theme, is on time and that each performer’s costume is appropriate. “We are coming out singularly. I won’t be the first one out. This is our first time performing at the Mummers Parade; we are a league of our own girls,” she said. Lynn added she BRITTANY LYNN (CENTER) AND MEMBERS OF THE DRAG MAFIA picked the entertainers based on Mummers Brigade Association raised the their talent and believes the audience will idea of performing this year. She held a be impressed by their talent, although she meeting with association president James is getting performance jitters. “We really want to push our first perforJulia and board president Rocco Gallelli. “They contacted me because I have done mance and get as much support as possisome stuff, mostly fundraisers, in the past ble. I know we will be entertaining and put and they asked me to put this all together,” on a great show, but this is still a longtime tradition,” she said. Lynn said. As many of the girls are still young, The first Mummers Parade was held in 1901. Women were not allowed to par- Lynn said they don’t all fully appreciate ticipate until the 1970s, resulting in men how significant of an opportunity performing in the Mummers Parade is — both perdressing in drag to fill the female roles. The 2013 parade will open a new era sonally and for the LGBT community. “I grew up in South Philly — I know with the inclusion of performers who entertain audiences in drag throughout the how big this is. Two of the other girls grew up there as well,” she said. “I think once it year. Lynn said she made sure to pick the top gets closer, and we do our walk-through on Dec. 30, they will begin to grasp how drag performers in the city. Fellow performers Crystal Electra, big of an opportunity this is.” The Mummers have expressed interest Alexis Cartier, Misses P., Porcelain, Bridgette Jones, Stella D’Oro, Mary in having the Drag Brigade every year, D’Knight, Navaya Shay and Cherry Pop Lynn said. “It is going to be a great event for us and will be part of the act. The group will lead the string bands it will be a legacy.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH A GLBT synagogue welcoming people of all gender and sexual identities since 1975 JOIN US MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Sunday, December 2&9 from 10:15 -11:15 AM. Please join us for Sunday Seminar: “Breaking the Glass In More Ways Than One: Marriage Equality & Jewish Traditions” with Nurit Shein, Executive Director of the Mazzoni Center for LGBT Health and BA member. This will be a thought provoking two-session seminar. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions if possible to gain a full perspective. Friday, December 7, 8:00 PM. Beth Ahavah Shabbat Services. Please join us for our monthly BA Shabbat Service followed by a sumptuous oneg (social hour). Dinner at a local restaurant at 6:00 PM precedes services. Please call or email for restaurant location and to RSVP.

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.

TIME FOR THANKS: Members and supporters of The Attic Youth Center enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the fixings Nov. 20 at the center. The Thanksgiving Eve (Eve) feast, cooked by Attic staff and volunteers, brought in a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 Attic youth, family, friends and community members for food and fun before the agency closed for several days for the holiday break. Photo: Scott A. Drake

community in the last three months. “It’s been very hard but I really enjoyed heard something, so right now on the one hand it’s frustrating given the fact that Kyra attending all the events,” she said. “People was such a remarkable person, but on the have been very supportive, and it’s nice to other hand, I feel like people are doing what know my child was loved and cared about by so many.” they can do.” She added that a mayoral proclamation Bethel said he’s confident investigators recognizing TDOR and naming Cordova are proceeding properly. “They talk about how the early hours and other local victims — which was read after an incident are when the environment by city director of LGBT affairs Gloria is most fertile to grab information, but we Casarez at William Way LGBT Community have a fantastic homicide unit that has a fan- Center and The Colours Organization — tastic clearance rate, even on cases that go “was just amazing.” Gonzales said community members way back,” he said. “Sometimes these jobs take a while; they require the collection of should continue to circulate information a significant amount of evidence. We want about the murder to help catch the killer. “People can join the Justice for Kyra to do it right to make sure we have a great case so a person cannot only be arrested but page on Facebook, can help flyer; we’re definitely always looking for more hands to convicted.” Bethel acknowledged that the lack of an help,” she said. “This is about finding her arrest is hard for loved ones and the com- killer but it’s also about honoring her and munity, but emphasized that investigators her life and keeping her memory alive.” ■ are invested in the case. “I understand that it can be frustrating if a case doesn’t resolve quickly, especially for people on the outside, not knowing. But it has to be done properly.” M a h e r a n d fa m i l y participated in a number of Transgender Day of Remembrance events last week, during which Cordova was often referenced. While the spirit behind TDOR hit too close to home for her, Maher A TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE VIGIL AT WILLIAM said she appreciates the WAY LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER NOV. 20 HIGHLIGHTED THE constant support she has UNSOLVED LOCAL MURDERS OF CORDOVA (FROM RIGHT), received from the LGBT STACEY BLAHNIK AND NIZAH MORRIS. Photo: Scott A. Drake CORDOVA from page 1

LOCAL PGN

News Briefing Illinois court closes Farley estate An Illinois probate court recently closed the estate of the late Sarah Ellyn Farley, after recognizing Farley’s 2006 Canadian marriage to Jennifer Tobits and declaring Tobits to be Farley’s sole heir and legal representative — the latest chapter in a legal battle that has made its way to Pennsylvania. Farley’s parents continue to seek their daughter’s workplace death benefit, which hasn’t been paid to Tobits. Farley worked as an attorney for the law firm Cozen O’Connor, which is based in Philadelphia. Cozen claims the federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents the firm from recognizing Tobits as Farley’s surviving spouse for purposes of the death benefit, which totals about $41,000. The firm is seeking guidance from U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones 2d prior to allowing anyone to access the benefit. Jones recently held the death-benefit dispute in abeyance, pending the outcome of other relevant cases. “Judge Jones presumably is waiting for the U. S. Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the federal DOMA,” said Benjamin L. Jerner, an attorney for Tobits. The high court isn’t expected to rule on that issue until at least June. Nothing in DOMA prevents a private employer from recognizing same-sex marriages when paying death benefits, said Christopher F. Stoll, another attorney for Tobits. H. Robert Fiebach, an attorney for Cozen, said the probate matter has no bearing on the death-benefit dispute. “We’ll do what the court tells us to do,” Fiebach told PGN. “We want the court to tell us who gets the money. We can’t make that determination, because we have two competing interests claiming it. Let the court tell us who gets it. We’ve never taken a position as to one [potential beneficiary] over the other.” But Stoll called it “significant” that the Illinois court recognized Tobits as Farley’s sole heir and legal representative. “It’s totally consistent with the argument we’re making in the dispute over the death benefit,” Stoll said. “The Illinois court recognized that their marriage was real, and Jennifer needs to be recognized as Ellyn’s surviving spouse.” Stoll expressed optimism that Tobits will receive the money in due time. “This is the one remaining piece, and we’re very eager to move forward and

have the court rule that Jennifer is entitled to receive this last piece of her inheritance,” Stoll added. “We’re confident that the court will recognize that Jennifer is entitled to receive the death benefit.” Randall L. Wenger, an attorney for the Farleys, declined to comment.

Schneller appeals to Superior Court Anti-LGBT activist James Schneller filed an appeal in state Superior Court Nov. 13, continuing his quest to overturn Conshohocken’s LGBT ordinance. Schneller, who lives in Radnor, is cofounder of Philadelphia Metro Task Force, an anti-LGBT group with about 75 members representing some 20 municipalities in the state. He claims Conshohocken officials discriminated against him as a Christian when they enacted the ordinance in April 2011. Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Bernard A. Moore has dismissed various court filings by Schneller over the past year. His most recent ruling was issued Nov. 19, when he denied Schneller’s request to reconsider an earlier dismissal of one of his court filings. Meanwhile, the borough wants Moore to bar Schneller from filing additional challenges to the ordinance, but Moore hadn’t ruled on that request by presstime. The ordinance challenged by Schneller grants civil-rights protections to LGBTs and other groups in the areas of housing, commercial property, employment, public education and public accommodations and establishes a commission to investigate antibias complaints. “Suffice it to say that the borough is disappointed that Mr. Schneller continues to perpetuate this foolhardly litigation,” said borough solicitor Michal J. Savona. Schneller couldn’t be reached for comment. — Timothy Cwiek

NLGJA hosts political panel Now that the election is over, many in the LGBT community may wonder what is coming down the pike in the fight for equality. The local chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association will explore that topic next week. The group will host a panel discussion from 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., titled “What’s Next in LGBT Politics?” The panel will feature Mazzoni Center legal director David Rosenblum, G Philly editor Natalie Hope McDonald, University of Pennsylvania law professor Tobias Wolff and Associated Press reporter Phil Elliott. The panel is free and open to the public. ■

— Angela Thomas

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Mazzoni offers holiday help BROADWAY MUSICAL ® THE TONY AWARD-WINNING

ING TRUE STORY INSPIRED BY THE ELECTRIFY

ELVIS

Photo by Joan

PRESLEY

JOHNNY CARL LEWIS PERKINS CASH JERRY LEE

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Sweets and cocktails will abound next week at a holiday fundraiser to benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. The third annual “Beer & Cupcakes” will be held 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 7 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. Mazzoni will use all proceeds to buy toys, new coats and other winter apparel for local children. In 2011, Mazzoni was able to provide coats and toys to 180 children affected by HIV/AIDS and coats and winter apparel, as well as hygiene kits, to 70 LGBT homeless youth. According to Ryan Goldner, case-management coordinator, the event started as a toy drive 10 years ago. “As the years went on, kids were coming into the office with their parents and they wouldn’t have a coat on,” he said. Goldner said the event’s affordability makes it unique from other Philadelphia fundraisers. The event is free to enter, with a wealth of drink specials and $2 cupcakes. With the cut to a state public-assistance fund that provided some of those affected

NE church reaches out to LGBT youth

Photo by Joan

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

December 11 - 16 Forrest Theatre �

�

�� A CO-PRESENTATION OF THE

Kimmel Center for the performing arts

with HIV/AIDS and other terminal illnesses a monthly stipend, Goldner said Mazzoni clients are struggling even to provide holiday gifts to their families this year. He also noted that Mazzoni’s clientele base is growing because of the increase in the number of programs the health center provides, such as its expanded hours for the youth drop-in center. Beer & Cupcakes has raised $4,000 in the past three years, including $1,400 last year. This year, Goldner said Mazzoni hopes to break the $2,000 mark. “It is the last-ditch effort of our fundraising before we go shopping for kids. We have 70-80 homeless LGBT youth we serve,” he said. “It’s fun because the Monday following the event, we rent out a U-Haul and go to Target and Walmart and buy a ton of coats and toys with the money we raised. It’s a cool fundraiser because it gets a lot of people involved.” This year will feature a new segment called “The Golden Cupcake Award,” honoring Philly AIDS Thrift, The Philadelphians Motorcycle Club and The Bike Stop for their hard work and dedication to bring attention to LGBT homeless youth. For more information, visit www.mazzonicenter.org. ■

LGBT youth have increasingly come into the spotlight in recent years with stories of intense pressure at school, as well as from their peers, their families and even their faith-based affiliations. But one pastor in Northeast Philadelphia hopes to relieve that pressure and welcome LGBT youth to an affirming and inclusive faith environment. St. Luke’s United Church of Christ started an LGBT youth group, Rainbow Café, in September, and will host its official launch event, a holiday dance, Dec. 7. The event will be held 7-10 p.m. at the church, 11080 Knights Road. The group is overseen by St. Luke’s out pastor, the Rev. Trent Williams, who said he was inspired by a friend’s similar effort. “I have a friend who is a pastor in Northern New Jersey and they started an LGBT organization a few years back because they saw a need for one,” he said. “We saw the same need. There was a young man in our congregation who had recently come out and there wasn’t a lot in our area, so we thought our congregation could do the same good as my friend’s did.” Williams grew up in Central Texas and understands how LGBT youth can feel about the frightening coming-out process. “Being a high-school student in the early ’90s and having my own coming-out delayed for a long time, I wanted to make sure that for this generation, there was a safe space where they could be themselves and

explore all the issues. If I had had something like that, it would have made a huge difference,” he said. Williams said that to get the word out about The Rainbow Café, he and his team have been reaching out to Gay-Straight Alliances at area high schools and working closely with high-school counselors and launched a Facebook page. The group plans to meet 4-6 p.m. the second Sunday of the month, with its first meeting on Jan. 13. Williams said the organization hopes to have movie nights and bring in various speakers to talk about LGBT-related issues with the youth. Williams said the LGBT-affirming congregation is an uncommon entity in the Far Northeast. “From talking with some of the parents in our congregation, we got the sense that it could be a difficult area to grow up in. It is heavily Catholic and we are one of the only congregations that is open and affirming,” Williams said. “We’ve become a safe space for a lot of people.” The immediate goal is to get the group and its members established and then spread the idea to other congregations. “We want to create a bond, have some good experiences together, good discussions and some social time. Hopefully that will be a kind of model for another community,” the pastor said. “The reason we are doing this is because another church paved the way. We hope it will spread and more of these programs will be around.” For more information, visit www.facebook.com/RainbowCafePhiladelphia. ■

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Nov. 12-18. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www. phillypolice.com or call 215686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 4-6 p.m. Nov. 12, someone stole a bicycle from a locked rear gated area in the 1000 block of Spruce Street. — At 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12, a male snatched a man’s iPhone in the 1100 block of Market Street. The suspect was described as a black male, about 35, 5-foot-10 with a beard and wearing a dark hoodie and jeans. — At 2:30 a.m. Nov. 13, three males punched a man in the 200

block of South Juniper Street and stole his wallet. The suspects were described as black males with thin builds wearing dark clothing. — Between 2-4:10 p.m. Nov. 15, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 124 S. 13th St. — At 5:20 p.m. Nov. 15, a man had his earphones snatched from around his neck in the 1100 block of Market Street by a male, 5foot-7, wearing a blue jacket. — At 2 p.m. Nov. 18, a man grabbed a gold chain from a woman’s neck at 12th and Market streets. The suspect, who was on a red bike, was described as a black male in his 20s, 5foot-8, wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. — Between 10 p.m. Nov. 13 and 8 a.m. Nov. 14, someone stole a bicycle from the rear yard of a residence in the 400 block of South 10th Street.

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 2:20 a.m. Nov. 13, a man was sitting at a bus stop at 800 Market St. when three males accosted him and stole his cell phone and wallet. The victim alerted a passing police officer, who broadcast the suspects’ descriptions over police radio. Sixth District Officers Stone and Erwin stopped three males at Eighth and Willow streets and they were positively identified by the victim, whose wallet was recovered. The suspects, ages 20, 25 and 30, all with North Philadelphia addresses, were charged with robbery and related offenses. — On Nov. 13, members of the Citywide Vice Unit made arrests for prostitution at 9:30 p.m. at 1200 Locust St.; 10:10 p.m. at 200 S. 12th St.; 10:30 p.m. at 100 S. 12th St.; 10:50 p.m. at 1200 Locust St.; and 11:15 p.m. at 100 S. 13th St.

floor inside Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St., while she used the restroom and, upon her return, it was missing. She notified 911. The premises was checked, and a witness found a male in the men’s room with the bag. The suspect fled the property, and 6th District Officer Loggia responded to the 911 call and engaged in a foot pursuit. He apprehended the suspect and recovered the woman’s handbag. The 46-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address was charged with theft and related offenses. — At 4:05 p.m. Nov. 16, a man’s iPhone was snatched from his hand while he was walking on the northbound subway platform at 201 S. Broad St. SEPTA police chased and apprehended a 17-year-old suspect with a Brewerytown address, who was charged with theft and related offenses. SUMMARY ARRESTS

— At 1:20 a.m. Nov. 14, a — On Nov. 12, 6th District offiwoman left her handbag on the cers issued citations for summary Holiday Ad_2_final.ai 1 11/21/2012 8:49:01 AM

offenses at 1:45 p.m. outside 1215 Walnut St. and 9:15 p.m. outside 13th and Walnut streets. — At 8:45 p.m. Nov. 14, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1302 Walnut St. — At 12:10 a.m. Nov. 17, five teenagers, ages 16 and 17, were stopped in the 1000 block of Market Street and found to be in violation of curfew. The three males and two females, all from Wilmington, Del., were taken to the 6th District, issued citations and released to their parents. — On Nov. 17, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 3:15 p.m. outside 1101 Market St., 5:30 p.m. outside 135 S. 13th St. and three at 10 p.m. outside 233 S. 13th St. — On Nov. 18, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 8:10 p.m. outside 1300 Walnut St. and 10 p.m. at 121 S. Broad St. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Trade Union of Russian Citizens

Editorial

Bravo, Philly! This was a banner week for the City of Brotherly Love. No, the Eagles’ losing streak wasn’t broken — but, for the LGBT community, this week was a win. Philadelphia came in near the very top of the Human Rights Campaign’s firstever Municipal Equality Index, scoring 109 of a possible 120 points, second only to Seattle’s 111 points. When the scores are more closely examined, however, Philadelphia was the only one of the more-than 130 municipalities included to receive the full 100 points in its regular score, with the additional coming in as bonus points. How did we get the A grade? For years, Philadelphia has had LGBTinclusive laws, including a nondiscrimination measure and domestic-partner recognition. LGBT city employees have access to domestic-partner benefits and equal family leave, and we have an active Human Relations Commission that investigates incidents of discrimination, as well as an LGBT-inclusive antibullying policy to weed out harassment in its earliest years. Aside from offering a basic LGBTinclusiveness in its laws, Philadelphia pulled ahead of other cities in the MEI by going the extra step to not just mandate that LGBTs are equal, but also to vigorously promote that idea to the city and beyond. We have an LGBT Police Liaison Committee to offer input and assistance on safety and security issues; we have a mayor and a sea of elected officials who regularly participate in LGBT community events; we have an active Office of LGBT Affairs within the Mayor’s Office, raising the profile of

LGBT issues within city government and connecting the community with its leaders. Our praiseworthy score doesn’t, however, mean that the city has reached its maximum potential for LGBT-friendliness. There are still issues — such as ensuring the city’s health-care program is fully transgender-inclusive and that the city grosses up domestic-partner benefits for tax purposes — that Philadelphia can and should strive for. The MEI is a good opportunity for the city to do some welldeserved back-patting — and then get to work to make sure we stay at the top of the leader board. That goal is one step closer to fruition with this week’s introduction of Councilman Jim Kenney’s LGBTreforms bill. Among its provisions, the bill would allow for a first-of-its-kind tax-incentive program for employers who offer domestic-partner plans and a sea of revisions to bring registered life partners on equal footing with married couples. If passed, the bill would not only be a boon for LGBTs but would go one more extra step in branding the city as a leader on LGBT issues — and could help encourage new protections for LGBTs throughout the region or country. As a final feather in Philly’s cap, local Court of Common Pleas Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro was one of three people nominated to the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania this week by President Obama — and the first lesbian Latina ever nominated to the federal bench. Her nomination and hopeful selection is a testament to Philadelphia’s emerging image as a mecca for LGBT success. ■

Do not fuck with Madonna. Not many court opinions can be summarized in five words, but when it comes to a favorable ruling for Madonna after a rightwing group in Russia sued her for not hating gay people, I think this about does it. If you aren’t familiar with the case, in August an antigay and pro-Kremlin group calling itself the Trade Union of Russian Citizens sued Madonna for more than $10 million for daring to speak in favor of gay rights during a St. Petersburg concert. Madonna and her band waved rainbow flags on stage and handed out pink bracelets, T-shirts and rainbow banners reading “No Fear” to the crowd. Now, if you know anything about Madonna, you’ll notice that this sounds pretty tame. What’s the big deal? Is being pro-gay illegal in St. Petersburg? Why, yes, it is. At least since March, when a law was passed banning “propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism and pedophilia to minors,” and now waving rainbow flags is apparently hard-core gay propaganda in this part of Russia. And so a bunch of antigay nuts sued. And lost. According to the Associated Press, during a court hearing, the Trade Union of Russian Citizens “claimed that Madonna’s so-called ‘propaganda of perversion’ would negatively affect Russia’s birthrate and erode the nation’s defense capability by depriving the country of future soldiers.” That’s right. One day you’re a young Russian man or woman at a Madonna concert, the next you’re renouncing procreative sex in order to subvert the military. The AP also reported that the judge almost kicked journalists out of the courtroom for laughing too much. And you kind of have to laugh when you get a load of some of the crazy testimony heard.

“Who will children grow up to be if they hear about the equal rights of the lesbian lobby and manly love with traditional sexual relations?” one plaintiff testified. “The death rate prevails over the birth rate in the West; young guys are becoming genderneutral.” Ah, yes, the children. Just who will these children learning about “manly love” from Madonna grow up to be? Androgynous and dead, I suppose. The plaintiffs even submitted, as evidence, articles from Wikipedia “claiming that a real encyclopedia could not have articles about homosexuality,” according to the AP. You can’t even use Wikipedia as evidence in a freshman comp paper, by the way. “We aren’t against homosexual people, but we are against the propaganda of perversion among minors,” plaintiff testimony continued. “We want to defend the values of a traditional family, which are currently in crisis in this country. Madonna violated our laws and she should be punished.” But it was not to be, as the judge called bullshit on it all and sent the Trade Union of Russian Citizens packing. As for this “we aren’t against homosexual people” stuff? That’s bullshit too. Anyone who passes or supports laws that make support for LGBT equality illegal is definitely against people. And while this might seem like something far removed from the United States, we forget at our peril that there are plenty of folks who see antigay laws like St. Petersburg’s as a model for what should be happening right here. We’ve made a lot of progress, but there is still much work to be done. Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it. ■

One day you’re a young Russian man or woman at a Madonna concert, the next you’re renouncing procreative sex in order to subvert the military.

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

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: (215) 925-6437. Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

OP-ED PGN

A victory lap for LGBT Philly This column usually tackles national we are not isolated in it. We work with LGBT issues, like why the Log Cabin the community at large. There is not an Republicans and their counterpart, industry in Philly where the LGBT community is not in a leadership position. You GOProud, have no real clout in the name it, we are there — out and proud. We Republican Party, how historians try to embrace diversity in and out of our comkeep LGBTs in the closet or why Ken munity. We have churches, synagogues, Mehlman thinks he can buy his way back sports teams, health centers, youth ceninto good graces with the community. But ters, community centers and, soon, an this week’s column is one of congratulations to Human Rights Campaign, which affordable senior LGBT-friendly apartment building. Philly even has the nation’s this week issued a scorecard of municipalities on LGBT issues. It’s more a local- largest trans-health conference. And let’s based column since we’re going not forget we set the national to boast, as we have in the past, tourism market ablaze with our “Get your history straight and that Philadelphia is the nation’s your nightlife gay” campaign. most gay-friendly city — better And I’d be remiss in not menthan New York City, better than tioning PGN, the most awarded Los Angeles, better than D.C. newspaper in the national and, yes, better than even San LGBT community. Francisco. There is one problem that we’ll touch on later in Now to that slight problem. the column. When it came to bonus points, our good friends in Seattle got First, let’s give it up for HRC, a few extras. Those issues are as this was a herculean task that in the process of being taken up produced an excellent index with real criteria that must by the city, and legislation was be taken seriously by anyone introduced this week that would involved with equality work. allow the city to far-exceed any Politics is local. Therefore, Mark Segal other in legal protections for LGBT people. Expect that by let’s really give a hand to the people of Philadelphia, espenext year’s survey, any areas cially members of the LGBT community, where Philadelphia missed opportunities will be corrected. who have understood how to win friends At the same time, a question needs to be and influence a city. What Philly has done added to the report: How much investment is provide a lesson in equality other cities does your city make in the LGBT comcan emulate. But it’s not an easy study; it took us about 40 years. munity? We deserve our tax dollars helpOf 137 cities researched, only we got ing our community like any other. In that a score of 100 on the base issues, which regard, Philly also will be tops. focused on how the community is proPhilly is a city of many firsts — from tected in laws and how the city governits 1960s marches on Independence Hall ment interacts with the community. This to having the first active and fully serviceis a good start but, in future studies, HRC minded LGBT community in the nation. should also look at living conditions of the Well done, HRC, and well done, Philly! ■ LGBT community. After all, since 1969, we have worked to create community Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the where there was none. nation’s most-award-winning commentaAnd that is where Philly excels, and tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at most of the other cities fail. We have our mark@epgn.com. own ghetto called the Gayborhood, but

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Street Talk Will Obama appoint an LGBT person as a cabinet member? “Yes, he needs that expertise and help. He’s straight. He doesn’t have the experience to understand all the Capacinea Greenissues facing Barclay the LGBT security guard Kensington community. But he realizes that he should do it, and I think he will.”

“He’s looking for the most qualified person. He’s not looking for re-election. I don’t think he’ll be unduly Paul MacDonald influenced bartender by political Washington Square pressure. If he West does appoint an LGBT person, we probably won’t even know about it. It will just remain private.”

“He won’t target a member of the LGBT community to be in his cabinet. He won’t base his selection Kelso on someone’s Julie artist gender South Philadelphia identity or sexual preference. He’ll choose the candidate with the best qualifications. He won’t pander to the LGBT community when making his decisions.”

“Yes. It would be a big step for civil rights. There’s a lot more acceptance for the LGBT community. Nicole Sivieri But it would student still be a Queen Village heroic thing for Obama to do. There are many qualified LGBT people to choose from. He’ll certainly be able to meet — if not exceed — people’s expectations.”

We want to know! If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

Staying safe this season Police Liaison Committee The holiday season is upon us, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets and other holiday grinches. Nothing can ruin the holiday spirit faster that becoming the victim of a crime. Below are some basic crime-prevention tips that can help you enjoy a safe holiday season. But, if you are a crime victim, call 911. • If you’re out and about, be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be engrossed in texting or talking on your cell phone — it can be easily snatched out of your hand. And don’t leave your phone out while having a meal or drink at a bar or club.

• Don’t leave unattended packages while you go to a restroom. Have a friend, not a stranger, watch them for you. Better yet, if you drive, take the packages to your car and lock them in your trunk. • Don’t flash cash when you’re standing in line to make your purchase. Better yet, use your credit or debit card when making a purchase. Shop before dark, park your car in a well-lit area and have your keys ready when you arrive at your car. • We like to wear our best when out and about during the holidays, but don’t wear expensive jewelry when out drinking with friends. When you leave the bar or restau-

rant, the criminal element will see you and you could become a target of opportunity. • While a lot of us have cell phones these days, we still have the old-fashioned answering machine at home. If you go away for the holidays, don’t advertise it on your answering machine. • Be extra-cautious about locking doors and windows in your home and apartment, even if you are gone for just a few minutes. • Don’t openly display your Christmas tree and packages in your front window. It’s very tempting for a smash-and-grab, or for someone to plan a future break-in. • If you’re leaving a bar or club alone at

closing when you’ve had a few drinks too much, wait for a cab. Take that cab ride, even if it’s just for a few blocks. • Try not to invite strangers into your home. We understand that is hard to ask sometimes, but at least get some basic information from anyone you do invite. These tips are a guide for you. Bad things happen, but if they do, remember to call 911. Enjoy the holiday season, safely! ■ The Liaison Committee can be reached at 215-760-3686 or on Facebook at Philly Police LGBT Committee.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

LOCAL PGN

Obituary

Ray Duval, theater expert, 74 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Ray Duval, former house manager of the Prince Music Theater, died Oct. 14 of a heart attack. He was 74. Duval, born on Sept. 18, 1938, was a long-time Philadelphia resident. Before he moved into the theater world, he studied child development, earning a certificate in 1980 from Temple University’s College of Health Professionals and Social Work and a bachelor’s in childcare and training from Temple in 1986. At the time of his death, Duval was not working for a particular company but was an on-call house manager for a number of theaters. According to his lifemate of 46 years, Ron Hunter, Duval was heavily involved in film and theater and would volunteer for any such efforts throughout the area, including film and theater festivals. He was an avid reader and, according to fellow Barrymore judge and longtime friend Dr. Henrik Eger, “he read one book after another, the foundation of a life-

long passion for literature. To his last day, Ray always carried at least one book with him.” Hunter said Duval had a huge library, and Duval’s friends and relatives left his memorial at the Prince packed with books from his collection, his farewell gift.

He added that Duval was adamant in what he believed and never backed down. “He never wavered and he would argue. He wasn’t offensive, he just kind of stuck to his guns.” Hunter said if Duval liked someone, that person was in Duval’s “corner” forever. “He liked a lot of young people and he always did everything he could to make sure they got to do whatever they wanted to do,” Hunter said. “He would try and get them more work in theater. If you were good, he wanted people to know that you were good and he wanted people to see that.” Duval had a passion for helping people and joined the fight for all voices to be heard. Hunter said Duval lobbied in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., on behalf of underprivileged people and was active in a number of social-justice issues, including during his time volunteering with the Philadelphia Unemployment Project. “In the early 1980s, the group went to Harrisburg on behalf of voiceless, disenfranchised sections of the population.

Ray, continuing within the tradition of his social-activist Jewish family, became one of PUP’s front men and fearlessly spoke up against the often-brutal injustices minorities faced,” Eger said. “Throughout his life, Ray was as actively involved in social reform as he was in good theater.” According to Hunter, Duval helped cofound and direct the Red Lion Day Care/ Day Camp and helped produce children’s shows with the company. “He presented cut-down versions of Broadway shows for the Red Lion kids at the end of each season. Later, he scripted his own shows, with the staff performing for the children and their families. The parents loved both Ray and his shows,” Hunter said. In addition to Hunter, Duval is survived by his sister, Marian; brother, Herman; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a cousin, Dr. Alan Shapiro. “People of all ages loved and admired him for his kindness, his engagement and his boundless energy and generosity. Ray, a modern Renaissance man, will be greatly missed,” Eger said. ■

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NATIONAL PGN

Media Trail

unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has a closed-door conference scheduled to review an appeal filed by Republican lawmakers in the case.

Knights’ anti-gaymarriage funding sparks petition

Judge dismisses transgender student’s lawsuit

The Boston Herald reports a Catholic advocacy group has delivered a petition with about 7,500 signatures to the Knights of Columbus, asking the Catholic fraternal organization to stop using its money to oppose samesex marriage. Catholics United Education Fund submitted the petition Nov. 20 to the Knights’ New Haven headquarters. The advocacy group, which claims 45,000 members, says the Knights spent more than $600,000 opposing same-sex marriage in the last election cycle. The group says the effort drives younger Catholics away from the faith and the Knights should focus on serving the poor and vulnerable. The Knights said they support Catholic social teaching, including on moral issues. The group says its first concern has always been charity, and over the past decade has donated more than $1.4 billion and 664 million hours to charitable causes.

The Bangor Daily News reports a Maine judge has ruled against the parents of a transgender child who was barred from using the girls’ bathroom at school. The district was sued in 2009 after a fifth-grade boy, who identifies as a girl, was denied access to the girls’ bathroom at the elementary school. The family also claimed the school failed to stop other students from harassing the transgender student. Justice William Anderson ruled Nov. 20 that the school acted within its authority in barring the �� child from the girls’ restroom, didn’t harass the child and wasn’t deliberately indifferent to the harassment subjected by others. The Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, representing the student, said it will appeal.

Benefits fight brings lesbian couple to high court CBS News reports a San Francisco couple is waiting to find out if the U.S. Supreme Court will take their case, which challenges the 1996 law that prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. Karen Golinski and Amy Cunninghis got married during the brief window in 2008 when gay and lesbian couples could tie the knot in California. Golinski immediately tried to add her wife to her employersponsored health-care plan. But because she is married to another woman and works for the U.S. government, her otherwise routine request was denied. But a federal judge earlier this year ordered the government to process Golinski’s application for benefits, ruling that the federal Defense of Marriage Act is

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UM, MSU students want gender-identity protection The Montana Standard reports University of Montana and Montana State University students want the state Board of Regents to add sexual orientation and gender identity to its nondiscrimination policy. The board didn’t take action on the request at its meeting last week in Missoula. Officials in the Commissioner of Higher Education’s office say the proposal needs to be studied for its effects at all the Montana university-system campuses. UM and MSU policies include sexual orientation, but do not include gender identity. If that were added, associate commissioner Kevin McRae says the schools could be required to provide separate bathrooms and showers for transgender students. Student senates at both UM and MSU urged regents to change the policy to ensure all students, faculty and staff feel welcome on campus. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

International Uganda’s antigay bill advances

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Uganda’s infamous Anti-Homosexuality Bill was approved by a parliamentary committee Nov. 23 and is moving toward a vote by the full Parliament. The Committee of Jurisdiction OK’d the legislation, which would mandate harsh punishments for homosexual acts and progay activism, and it is likely to come to the floor of Parliament before the body adjourns Dec. 14. A clause that would have allowed for the death penalty in certain cases, such as for multiple offenses or sex with an HIVpositive person, was reportedly replaced by a sentence of life in prison. Mark Bromley, chair of the Council for Global Equality, said it’s too early to tell if the death-penalty mandate will really be absent from the legislation. “I heard before that they took the deathpenalty provision out, and it turns out that wasn’t in fact the case — or that the way they did it, the wording was still ambiguous,” Bromely said. “My guess is — if they really bring this up for a vote, which it looks like they’re going to — given the international condemnation, they probably will take out the death penalty, but I just think it’s a little early to say definitively that they have taken it out until we see what they’re going to vote on.” Homosexuality is already criminalized in Uganda, but this legislation would make matters much worse in the nation, activists say.

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Kenya: Gay political candidate warned of ‘revolt’ if elected A Kenyan anti-poverty campaigner has become the country’s first openly gay man to run for political office. However, David Kuria Mbote faces a difficult path as he tries to dispel taboos in the largely conservative Christian nation in a race for a senate seat. If elected to the senate, the 40-year-old would become Africa’s first openly gay black man to hold national office, according to the Kaleidoscope Trust, a global LGBTrights group based in London. Kenyan Trade Minister Moses Wetangula has warned there would be a “revolt” if voters elected Mbote, telling the BBC that homosexuality “simply doesn’t fly” in Kenya. He went on to say that gay people should not “have an opportunity or privilege to lead a country that is founded on religious morality.” In May of this year, Kenya’s National Human Rights Commission published a report calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality and prostitution in the east African state. Homosexual offenses in Kenya currently carry penalties of between five and 14 years’ imprisonment.

Indian parade demands greater tolerance Hundreds of gay-rights supporters are marching through New Delhi to demand that they be allowed to lead lives of dignity in India’s deeply conservative society. Dozens of activists on Nov. 25 carried a nearly 50-foot-long rainbow-colored banner and waved placards demanding that the government extend the scope of antidiscrimination laws to schools and offices. Activists said that three years after the

Delhi High Court made changes in India’s colonial-era law that made gay sex a crime, homosexuals are still not socially accepted in India. In some big cities, homosexuality is slowly gaining acceptance and a few highprofile Bollywood films have dealt with gay issues. Still, many marchers covered their faces with scarves or wore masks because they had not told their friends and families about their sexuality.

Thousands rally for marriage equality in Sydney A thousand people turned up to rally for equal marriage rights on Nov. 25 in Sydney, in a bid to urge the government to legalize same-sex marriage. Speakers at the rally included New South Wales Greens MP Cate Faehrmann and Australian Marriage Equality national convener Rodney Croome. Co-Convenor of Community Action Against Homophobia Bryn Hutchinson said, “This was the first marriage-equality rally since the federal government failed to pass legislation that would have given us full citizenship. It was great to see such a turnout of supporters and members of the community. “It sends a strong message that we will not be giving up or going away just because Parliament refused to give us the equal rights we are entitled to. We already know politicians are trailing behind the rest of the Australian public on this issue, with 65 percent of Australians supporting equality. It is simply a matter of time before we have equal marriage in Australia.” Recently, marriage-equality advocates in Australia welcomed a new draft a national antidiscrimination law that aims to protect gay Australians from unfair treatment in employment and services.

France to open world’s first gay mosque According to the Jerusalem Post, a gay French-Algerian man, Muhammad Ludovic Lütfi Zahed, is planning to open the first gay mosque in France at the end of November. The mosque will not have the gender exclusions that other mosques do. “In normal mosques, women have to sit in the back seats and wear a headscarf and gay men are afraid of both verbal and physical aggression,” Zahed said. “After performing the Hajj, I realized that a mosque for gays was a must for gay Muslims who want to perform their prayers.” The new mosque, says Zahed, will not segregate women, even during prayers. Zahed’s marriage to Qiyam al-Din earlier this year was reportedly approved by an imam and made national headlines after they married (legally) in South Africa, but France refused to acknowledge it. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

LOCAL PGN CRADLE from page 2

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attorney with the national AntiDefamation League, based in New York City. “Cradle views gays as spiritually unclean outsiders, and favors members of the faith community who are conservative — while excluding liberal or progressive folks,” Marnin continued. “Those two things make Cradle’s subsidy unconstitutional, because it puts the city in a position of endorsing a particular religious viewpoint.” Marnin added: “Not only does Cradle exclude atheists and agnostics, it also expects its members to view those individuals as secondclass citizens. In my opinion, the city has a right to end its support of that mistreatment. If it doesn’t do so, it would be adopting a particular religious viewpoint, which is unconstitutional.” The BSA also excludes Buddhists who do not believe in God, which means that under BSA policy, the Dalai Lama would be “unfit to work with youth,” Marnin noted. He also said the Cradle’s subsidy “makes gay youth and adults feel like outsiders in their own city.” Future items on agenda Last week, the city filed its opening appellate brief that seeks Cradle’s eviction or, alternately, a new trial. If those requests aren’t granted, the city wants guidance from the court as to how it can extricate itself from Cradle’s discrimination. Cradle has until Dec. 24 to respond to the city. Then, a three-judge panel will have the option of holding arguments prior to issuing a ruling. Thomas W. Ude Jr., senior staff attorney with Lambda Legal, expressed hope that an end to the dispute is within sight. “This dispute has dragged on, and on and on,” Ude said. “While it does, the city continues to involuntarily subsidize an organization’s damaging discrimination. I fervently hope this appeal will bring closure, so the city can end its subsidy.” ■

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PGN REFORM from page 1

workplace in America. By reminding businesses of the saved costs they’re already getting through the employee-benefits process, and going further and reminding them that 96 percent of businesses that have adopted LGBT-favorable health plans have seen no increases in costs or negligible increases, we can do that.” The tax credit would be available for two years and, if a business were to rescind domestic-partner plans in the following three years, it would be required to pay back the tax credit. The bill would also clarify that life partners are guaranteed hospital-visitation and medical decision-making rights, and are exempt from the real-estate transfer tax. New couples who register as life partners will be given necessary forms and explanations to help them create living wills and powers of attorney. Language would be added to mandate that life partners be included in pension and survivor benefits for city employees, as well as in Fallen Hero awards and service-connected health-care benefits. Goy noted that a court precedent paved the way for life partners to be eligible for such benefits, but this measure would codify that decision in law. “While city employees were and are qualifying for this, it’s through a legal patchwork that we weren’t comfortable with,” he said. “We felt it was basically being done through an extension of one city solicitor’s opinion, and that’s a level of legal certainty that we weren’t comfortable with; we want it to be ironclad JUDGE from page 1

next year. Quiñones has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas since 1991, overseeing both civil and criminal matters. She has also served as an attorney in the federal departments of Veteran Affairs and Health and Human Services. Obama said this week that he is exceptionally confident in Quiñones and two other Pennsylvania nominees, U.S. Magistrate Judge L. Felipe Restrepo and Berks President Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl. “These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honored to ask them to continue their work as judges on the federal bench,” Obama said. “They will serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

so that if anyone tries to discriminate in the future, they’re not going to be able to go under the radar.” Kenney’s measure would also change all city documents to include a “self-identify” option for gender-related questions and Parent 1 and Parent 2 designations on family-related documents. Goy said the city typically updates its forms on a yearly basis, so the reforms would occur then and not necessitate additional costs. Kenney said the reforms would mark the next chapter for LGBT rights in Philadelphia. “All Philadelphians deserve nothing less than dignified and equal treatment at work, at the hospital or doctor and from their government — regardless of marital status, gender identity or sexual orientation,” Kenney said. “Until now, because of restrictive state laws and court rulings, life partnerships only provided substantive benefits for same-sex couples employed by the City of Philadelphia. But as a result of this landmark legislation, the LGBT community and committed unmarried couples — straight and gay alike — will now benefit immensely.” Goy expects City Council to hold hearings on the measure in December and to potentially vote on the bill the following month. “I don’t anticipate this being a controversial bill but I do anticipate it being a widely talked-about bill, which might add some time to the hearing process, but beyond that I don’t see any reason why we can’t get this wide array of rights and protections locked in at some point in January,” he said. ■ Quiñones’ nomination was strongly recommended and advocated by U.S. Sens. from Pennsylvania Bob Casey (D) and Pat Toomey (R). Toomey said in a statement that Quiñones “has presided over many cases incorporating different facts of the law. In addition to her extensive experience in the courtroom, she has also remained active in her community through her work with schools and mentoring summer-law interns.” Casey said he was “proud to work in a bipartisan fashion” with Toomey to nominate Quiñones and the other candidates and is eager for the Senate to work “in a constructive manner” to confirm them to the bench. Quiñones received a bachelor’s of business administration and ultimately a law degree from the University of Puerto Rico. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

LOCAL PGN HRC from page 1

bonus points. Seattle was the only city with an overall higher score; it achieved a total of 111 points, with a base score of 96 plus 15 bonus points. Next in line was San Francisco, which earned 108 points, with a base score of 95 plus 13 bonus points. HRC legislative counsel of state and municipal advocacy Cathryn Oakley said The Only Gay Casino Nightclub in Atlantic City! the report was designed to shed light on the often under-addressed LGBT municipal work being done — and not being done. “One of the things that’s really incredible about municipal work is how much can Live Entertainment & Drinks be accomplished, and it’s not necessarily MONDAY 6PM - 11PM the most glamorous stuff that gets talked FRIDAY & SATURDAY 9PM - 1AM about,” Oakley said. “We wanted to highlight the great work people are doing at the municipal level and for cities that have room to improve, show them the path forward.” Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs, said the city was grateful for SPECIAL HOLIDAY the well-deserved ranking. SHOWS NOW PLAYING! “We’re really proud of this honor and of CELEBRITY AND FEMALE IMPERSONATORS the hard work we’ve done to make sure we For tickets to shows visit the Resorts Box have these policies in place,” she said. �� Other cities that received an over-100 score because of bonus points include, from the highest: New York City (106), Cambridge, Mass. (104), Long Beach, Calif. (102), San Diego, Calif. (102), Boston, Mass. (102), St. Louis, Mo. (102), Los Angeles (101) and Portland, Ore. (100). FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Philadelphia was far ahead of other cities in the region: In Pennsylvania, Harrisburg REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 7PM received a 76 and New Hope a 48, while BINGO STARTS AT 8PM New Jersey scores included Asbury SUPERSTAR THEATER Park with a 59, Jersey City with an 83, Play BINGO hosted by Atlantic City’s Favorite Lambertville with a 74, Ocean Grove with a Divas! Come dressed up in the theme and you 65 and Trenton with a 57. could win great prizes. Included municipalities were identified for their size, as well as for having high concentrations of same-sex couples, according to the most recent U.S. Census. Among the criteria were the cities’ nondiscrimination and relationship-recognition laws; the LGBT-friendliness of their $49 ROOM RATE employment policies, services and proLARGEST STANDARD ROOMS IN AC! grams; law-enforcement practices and relaReserve online at ResortsAC.com tionship with the LGBT community. Several cities known for their LGBTfriendliness reported less-than-stellar scores: Rehoboth Beach, Del. (53), Provincetown, NEW BENEFITS ARE WAITING FOR Mass. (59) and Northampton, Mass. (64). YOU WHEN YOU PLAY WITH YOUR Philadelphia and St. Louis, as well as STAR CARD AT RESORTS! other locales like Austin and Forth Worth, You are able to redeem your comp dollars

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Texas, were singled out in the study for their high scores, despite not having a wealth of LGBT-inclusive laws at the state level. “There’s been wonderful municipal work going on in Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia is clearly leading the way,” Oakley said. “That indicates that there’s momentum and passion for this work, and it’s something that the state might want to take notice of.” The city missed bonus points for failing to offer fully transgender-inclusive health benefits and for not “grossing up” benefits to meet the tax burden for same-sex couples, and also did not earn bonus points in two sections for not having had to overcome a restrictive state law. The city is examining grossing-up and trans benefits, Casarez said. “These are things people here are looking into, things we’re interested in getting in place while [the Nutter administration is] still here,” she said. “These are things I think we definitely have a lot of ability to get traction on, if not to get in place.” In addition to its nondiscrimination and domestic-partner laws, the city received full marks for its employment policies — including its nondiscrimination policy for city employees and contractors, domesticpartner and legal-dependent benefits, equivalent family-leave and the recent measure that mandates domestic-partner benefits for employees of some city contractors. Philadelphia received credit for having a human-relations commission, a mayor’s office of LGBT affairs, an enumerated antibullying policy, an LGBT Police Liaison Committee, for reporting hate-crimes statistics to the FBI and for having leadership that has taken public pro-LGBT positions and pushed for pro-equality policies. The city earned bonus marks for its LGBT recruitment efforts, for city services tailored to meet the needs of vulnerable LGBT populations, for openly LGBT city leadership and for the city’s work to engage with the LGBT community at community events. Next year’s MEI will be different, Oakley said. “One of the things we want to do, to keep cities like Philadelphia on their toes and so they don’t rest on their laurels, is to expand the criteria to continue to challenge cities that have earned 100 points to continue the incredible work they’re doing and inspire other cities to take on some of these wonderful initiatives,” she said. ■

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Liberty City Press NOV. 25-DEC. 2, 2012

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point

The Art of the Loss How Mitt Romney and Andy Reid explain failure

ou can learn a lot about a man when he tries to explain the circumstances that led to one of the greatest losses in his professional career. The words speak to the character of the man; they tell us far more than all of the rhetoric leading up to the loss. These past two weeks give us the opportunity to look at two “postmortem” anlyses: one by Mitt Romney in the wake of his loss to President Barack Obama the other by Andy Reid in the wake of his sixth NFL loss in a row—a blowout to the Eagles’ NFC rival Washington Redskins. Their approaches could not be more different but they share one thing in common—each failed miserably. Mitt Romney’s failure is the far more classic one—blame everyone but yourself for the mistakes of your campaign. In a his post-election analysis, Romney spoke to Obama’s use of the “old playbook” providing “big policy ‘gifts’” to targeted special interest groups “especially the African-American, the Hispanic community, and young people.” Romney, in a post-election conference call to his big donors, blamed his loss on free college loans to grab the young vote, free contraceptives to get the women’s vote, and support of the Dream Act to capture the Hispanic vote. If there was any failure in the Romney campaign it was that he was “talking about big issues for the whole country: military strategy, foreign policy, a strong economy, creating jobs and so forth.” The Romney post-mortem strategy is clear: If you blame the loss on the tactical mistake—in this case speaking about big things and fundamental change while Obama bought and paid for his election one interest group at a time—then you don’t have to address the far more fundamental problem: that your message of change could not trump Barack Obama’s

message of moving forward. Compare Romney’s postmortem to that of Philadelphia Eagle’s coach, Andy Reid, in the aftermath of the worst loss in the worst season of his career as head coach of an NFL team. They are diametrically different in approach. While Romney looks everywhere else to place blame, Andy Reid looks nowhere else. I cannot listen to another Andy Reid post-game press conference because I think I could give the Reid-answers better than he could. The best drinking game in America is the one in which you watch an Andy Reid post-game conference and drink when he says “that’s my responsibility” or “we as coaches have to do a better job.” Here’s a snippet of Reid’s last one: “As far as the game goes, obviously that’s not good enough the way that we’re playing. I take full responsibility for that. I know we’re letting the fans down and the city down. I completely understand that. I completely understand how they feel on this. I feel it from the football team, our coaches and players. There are no excuses for it. We have to continue to get better, and that’s eliminating the mistakes, and as coaches making sure that we are putting guys in the right position, and when we’re in the right posi-

At a private fundraiser in May, Romney explained to a small group of contributors that 47 percent of the American people will vote for President Obama no matter what, and those voters are not his concern. Image courtesy of YouTube.

tion, that we are making plays. Again, that’s my responsibility to get that done.” While some may admire Reid for taking responsibility �� are intellectually dishonest. Acceptance of total responsibility is just as much a cop out as accepting no responsibility.

While Romney’s funders should rightfully chastise their candidate for placing the blame for his loss on everything but his campaign, Eagles fans should rightfully chastise their coach for not being willing to place blame on any player or coach other than himself. Both approaches are equally dishonest. N O V. 2 5 - D E C . 2 , 2 0 1 2

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

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Jada Lowery, 10, and her mother, Renonia Lowery, enjoy a Thanksgiving meal made by Small Fry, a kids cooking class at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center. Sarah J. Glover/Photographer

‘Small Fry’ Lessons Make Big Impact Child-parent cooking class brings families together at South Philly rec center by Sheila Simmons

n a Saturday afternoon at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 11-year-old Rakim Perry digs his fork into a serving of corn��claims, “I helped make this!” Indeed he did—alongside two dozen other children who prepared a full Thanksgiving dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, apple pie and pumpkin pie as part of the weekly Small Fry child-parent cooking class. In its tenth week, the program at the recreation center on 17th and Fitzwater streets has covered not only preparing meals, but also coupon usage, healthy food choices, making multiple meals out of one lean meat, and budgeting. ��

�� a way that was economical and that also met our needs,” says Alissa McLaughlin, who runs the program. She grew up in a family that prepared and ate family dinners together. “It created a closeness,” she says. Exposing children in today’s on-the-go families to the nutritional and personal value of homecooking is McLaughlin’s goal for the program. Small Fry scores high with both parents and children. “It’s very nice,” says grandmother Joyce Phillips-Graves, of South Philadelphia. “They use real ingredients. And they do measurements!” As Renonia Long takes a seat next to her 10-year-old daughter, Jada, she confesses, “With the hectic schedules parents have

�� cook.” But the class offers a fun opportunity for the two to interact. Jada has discovered she’s good at cooking, particularly apple pie. McLaughlin tops off the day’s lessons by sending each family home with a bag full of ingredients—onions, potatoes, �� turkey—so they can try out the day’s lessons at home. The bill for such a program seems steep for a young entrepreneur like McLaughlin, who runs a South Philadelphia-based meeting and event-planning company called Radiant Matter. She takes 10 percent of her �� the program. But McLaughlin seems to sincerely get as much from the program as she gives. “This is something I really believe in,” she says. Attracting adult volunteers on a Saturday afternoon would also seem a challenge. But the room is full of adults, explaining recipes, demonstrating how to chop vegetables, overseeing the ovens and showing students how to properly set a table. The adults include McLaughlin’s mom Donna and dad Tom, whom the kids have nicknamed “Turkey Tom.” He agreed to pitch in one day and has shown up every week since. “When Alissa started her business, she said she wanted to give back to the community. Well, a lot of people say that,” he says. But each week, he sees the proof is in the pudding: “She reaches out and touches these kids’ lives.”

Frosty Air

Avoid the temptation to stay inside this winter by Dana Ricci

Let’s face it: When the weather gets rough, people try avoid it. While all that time inside can and cause anyone to catch some serious cabin fever, it’s not so great for one’s physical health either. “The whole lifestyle in the winter months, it’s a much more hermetic lifestyle,” said Mani Kavuru, MD, director of the division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Jefferson University Hospital. “It keeps the air more stale and contained.” As it is, urban living isn’t exactly applauded for its great ventilation. Since people generally keep their windows tightly shut in the winter, anything that gets inside can linger in the air unless it is somehow removed. Kavuru says that cigarette smoke is one of the biggest of��lem. If you or someone in your household is a smoker, you face the risk of increased exposure to second- and third-hand smoke (the remnants of tobacco and chemicals that remain embedded in surfaces after secondhand smoke has cleared.) This exposure puts one at risk for lung cancer, so smokers should limit smoking to outdoor areas. Aside from smoke, dust, mold and dander from cockroaches are in the air in most homes, and many people are affected by them. These are worse in poorly ventilated spaces and put the one-

third of folks who experience mild allergy symptoms at a greater risk of developing asthma. Preexisting conditions like bronchitis and emphysema, can be irritated by these triggers as well. Also, we’re getting into cold �� viruses throughout the day and depositing them on surfaces in your home without even knowing it. Occupants become more susceptible to catching something the more time they spend inside, especially if there are multiple people living in the house. The good news? There are �� lungs with too much trapped indoor air. Since dampness and humidity fosters dust and mold, Kavuru recommends keeping the ��ing the winter months. On days when the weather is mild or when you know you won’t be home for awhile, it’s a good idea to open the windows and let the air in your house circulate. Also, be mindful of the extra inside time you’re clocking and be sure to regularly wipe down surfaces that gather dust and bacteria. Of course, there are other unhealthy consequences that come with staying cooped up inside. Spending too much time indoors can cut off your body’s supply of healthy gut bacteria, which can throw you off in a number of ways. And time spent avoiding the weather by eating snacks in front of the TV can pack on the pounds. But just because it’s not sunny T-shirt weather out there, doesn’t mean that you should forget about the great outdoors until the ground thaws.

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Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

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DEC. 1, 2012

WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Social services key to fighting AIDS epidemic ‘Sequestration’ of federal dollars threatens local HIV services By David Webber Senior Development Specialist, ActionAIDS Se • ques • tra • tion : 1. To cause to withdraw into seclusion. 2. To remove or set apart; segregate. 3. To drive the United States over a fiscal cliff.

POINTED PERFORMANCE : Youth from Straight to the Pointe! performed at “Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Obstacles” Nov. 24 at the African American Museum, an event designed to raise awareness of domestic violence and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Founded by Sabrina Hugh, CEO of God’s Blessing, the event, which drew about 75 people, paid tribute to Dorothy Johnson-Speight, founder and executive director of Mothers in Charge, with keynote speaker Maria Davis, hip-hop promoter and HIV/ AIDS activist. It featured an array of performances and addresses, as well as a balloon release in memory of those lost to the disease. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Bringing lessons from International AIDS Conference home to Philly By Dan Hajdo Volunteer, AIDS Policy Project It’s early fall in Philadelphia and a man stands up on the Market-Frankford El in a way familiar to frequent riders. He tells his fellow passengers that he is homeless, he needs help — and that he has AIDS. Some believe him, most don’t. Some give money, most don’t. Whatever his situation, his story is a reminder that, in Philadelphia, often the fight against AIDS means looking to those pushed to the margins of society. Three months earlier, and about 140 miles away, the International AIDS Conference, the largest of its kind in the world, took place in Washington, D.C. The conference drew thousands of attendees, star power and the top figures from around the world in research, nonprofit and government sectors. Now, the challenge is to find and address the connection between the IAC 2012 and the fight against AIDS in Philadelphia. In September, the Black Treatment Advocates Network and the Black AIDS Institute organized a post-conference Hub with Philadelphia-area organizations to make that connection. PAGE 6 Health Federation of

Just a month from now, we face an ominous fiscal crisis resulting from the “sequestration,” or withholding of federal funds, for a wide host of programs. While you’ve very likely heard about this “fiscal cliff” and the potentially devastating effect it will have on federal programs and the U.S. economy overall, it will also significantly reduce funding for local HIV/AIDS services. Because funds for HIV services are already stretched very thin, these additional reductions in funding will have a significant impact. The background You may recall the debt-ceiling crisis of about a year ago, when Congress and President Obama could not agree on how to fix the federal deficit. Without legislation resolving this budgetary impasse, the United States was put at risk of financial default. Congress avoided this outcome by adopting a budget at current levels,

and then turning the debt-ceiling issue over to a Congressional committee. The idea here was that this so-called “Super Committee” would negotiate an end to the impasse and adopt a plan to reduce the national debt. But in the event the Super Committee failed in its assignment, Congress mandated that as of Jan. 3, 2013, the debt-reduction process would begin with across-the-board cuts intended to reduce the national debt by $1.2 trillion. As it turned out, the Super Committee did fail to reach an agreement and, as a result, the consequence — which was something that was not supposed to happen — is now what will happen if Congress and the president do not resolve the federal deficit-ceiling issue. The national impact • AIDS programs will be affected nationally as well, with a real impact on individuals with HIV, as estimated by the Foundation for AIDS Research: • 15,700 people will lose AIDS Drug Assistance Program support for HIV treatment. • 5,000 households that include people living with HIV/AIDS will lose support Equivalent of 460 AIDS research grants will be eliminated. • $196 million will be eliminated from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program in PAGE 4 the next year.

Until it’s over By Kevin J. Burns Executive Director, ActionAIDS

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The new Marshall’s department store on Market Street donated $5,000 to AIDS Fund earlier this month in one of its first philanthropic ventures since opening the Center City location. Agency executive director Robb Reichard accepted the check Nov. 15 from Marshall’s staffer Marlene Brown. AIDS Fund distributes funding to HIV/AIDS agencies throughout the area. Photo: Scott A. Drake

In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, grassroots AIDS-service organizations were formed because existing systems were unwilling and, in some cases, unable to provide services to people with HIV/AIDS. There were significant myths about how the disease was spread and significant stigma attached to the behaviors that caused infections. Judgments about people living with HIV/AIDS were rampant and destructive. All of these factors created significant barriers to services for people living with HIV/ AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS had a difficult time accessing social services, medical care, public services and accommodations. AIDS-service organizations were born out of the community to take care of our friends, partners, brothers, sisters, children, fathers and mothers. Communitybased AIDS-service organizations worked with people living with HIV to hold public and private PAGE 7

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WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 1, 2012

A QUILT OF WALKERS: For more than 20 years, people of all ages, ethnicities, belifs, backgrounds and gender identifcations have walked, volunteered or donated to the AIDS Fund through the annual October AIDS Walk. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Before... By Ronald Hoskins Director of Volunteers, ActionAIDS Before there were medications for it, before there were community-based organizations founded to address it, before there were case managers with caseloads of clients infected with it, before there were walks to financially fight it, before men and women wore red ribbons to symbolize it and even before there was an acronym to name it ... there were volunteers giving their time, attention, confidentiality and hope to people living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers were there in the very beginning before everything else, back before it had a name, back when it was called the “gay cancer” or “gay-related immune deficiency.” And, believe it or not, volunteers are still around today. Their mission has not changed over the past 30 years — to “be there” for someone living with the virus — even though practically everything else has changed about HIV/AIDS in the past three decades. In my lifetime, I have never heard anyone say they have too much support. No one has ever complained to me that they had too many people wanting to listen to them, take them out or wanted to spend time with them. In fact, the various growing avenues of social media would suggest that people still want to reach out and touch someone more than ever before. Interaction is longed for by anyone and everyone today. And now that AIDS has become more manageable with newer medications, and more chronic than it was years ago, volunteers are still necessary and vital, but perhaps no longer doing the original grunt work of practical tasks and no longer having to act as nurses, social workers or sometimes even ministers. But they are

still needed today to do the listening, the companioning, the visiting, the getting out and the spending time with, always providing that lift, that hope and, yes, even today, providing that confidentiality that some still need and sadly,require. In fact, now that HIV/AIDS exhibits a more chronic nature, volunteers are still needed for the long run — when others may have expressed an interest initially to support but, over time, seem to dwindle, or might appear to have run out of patience listening to medical issues they have heard before, or when still others have just moved on with their lives and written off some of their past friendships. That is when a volunteer can be so important — providing nonjudgmental emotional support on the phone or face to face, getting together because everyone else seems so busy, or being sensitive to the discretionary needs of the person in front of them. Let’s face it: Most people can be pretty empathetic with someone who is experiencing an illness for a while. But, eventually, like most things and with most people, they get distracted about other things in their own lives, sometimes fail to ask about it for whatever reason, or simply just “forget.” So, if you have some time on your hands, there are still people out there living every day with HIV/AIDS, who are faced with not having a cure yet but who are doing pretty well with all things considered, and who look forward to connecting with that person willing to offer support, understanding, knowledge and that same commitment that volunteers have always brought to this fight. Volunteer for that one-on-one connection. It will change your life. Great volunteers have provided it before, and they will continue to provide it still. ■

DEC. 1, 2012

WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Be not afraid By Aaron Stella PGN Columnist

HIV plays a relatively small role in my health concerns. HIV is in me, but not of me. It is part of my interior scenery, but not a primary actor. That said, HIV doesn’t threaten my life or happiness as much as broken relationships do. Familial, fraternal, romantic, communal — these interpersonal relationships define my relationship with myself and, ultimately, my love of self. If I were to neglect care for these relationships — indelibly bound to my love of self — then I, in turn, would neglect my health; for why would I care about my health if I don’t care about myself? People create health habits in response to their integrated selves, not ones that target body, mind or spirit individually. No single health paradigm is objectively best for everyone: The very diversity of our differences warrants a diversity of health paradigms. So despite models that health-care professionals endorse as objectively better for people over others, people at heart seek meaningful health in a diversity of ways that often depart from the status quo. This reality explains why people aren’t plastic-wrapping their genitals every time they have sex, despite imperatives espoused by mainstream HIV-prevention campaigns. Which brings me to my point. The LGBT community’s health-care models, fashioned after trends and conventions in the mainstream, need innovation. The objective: to grow our monolithic healthcare models into a comprehensive paradigm — a pluralistic culture of wellness based in a continuum of celebration, openness and engagement that increases the community’s awareness about the diversity of health issues that exist, not just HIV. By increasing awareness, we create a space where people can displace fantasy with fact and fear with fortitude. In that same breath, awareness alone won’t eradicate denial, but it empowers our compassionate sensibilities to understand denial as it exists in others and ourselves. The LGBT community’s history is characterized by traditions of creating awareness. Through tireless efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic, our community inserted HIV into the national health dialogue, further dispelled bigoted stereotypes and lethal untruths and eventually deposed the virus from a death sentence to a manageable illness, so long that people stay aware of their sero-status. Despite these advancements, some health-care professionals in the national LGBT community continue to combat HIV with countermeasures that have remained unchanged for 30 years — making HIV the poster-boy disease in the LGBT community and spreading fear-based, crisis-driven messaging to suppress not viral load but people’s affinity for unsafe sex.

These countermeasures have massive, community-wide side effects that create more problems than they solve. And I’ve witnessed these side effects prior to and post-sero-conversion. Overemphasizing HIV as a gay man’s primary health issue made my mental and spiritual health concerns seem trivial, which the scantiness of the community’s mental and spiritual health offerings further reflected. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control ranks smoking, depression and alcohol/drug abuse higher than HIV on the leading causes of death in gay men. With this in mind, why aren’t LGBT health leaders emphasizing the importance of these issues instead of continuing to promote crises surrounding HIV? Furthermore, why aren’t LGBT health leaders aware of the detriments that arise from prevention campaigns that promote crisis? “Use a condom every time” crisis-driven modes of messaging, propagated by mainstream prevention campaigns, sought to scare others and myself into having safe sex. For many people, this kind of messaging actually increases the appeal and occurrence of unsafe sex, as well as the secrecy under which it is done. The CDC reports that approximately 50,000 new HIV infections have occurred each year from 2006 to present. Instead of recognizing the need to innovate HIVprevention messaging, some LGBT health leaders attribute this statistic to popular suppositions of promiscuity and deviance amongst gay men, which, ironically, are the very bigoted stereotypes the LGBT community has long sought to dispel. This kind of blinked rhetoric creates divisions and hostilities in the community while utterly ignoring the possibility that gay men find meaning in commingling semen. Just as people have a choice to get tested and discover the reality of their sero-status, so do we have a choice to face the realities of our community’s sero-status — the issues we face together. Life doesn’t end with HIV, and neither does our potential to develop better, more compassionate models of awareness in our community. Our test results are in, folks ... But be not afraid! We are discovering our real selves, unblinded by fear, so that we may learn how to care for our health and love ourselves better. I ask you: How is this not exciting? We’re all in this together, folks. Now get out there and talk about it. ■ Aaron Stella is former editor-in-chief of Philly Broadcaster. He has written for several publications in the city, and now devotes his life to tackling the challenges of HIV in the 21st century. Millennial Poz recently won first place for excellence in opinion writing from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association and best column writing from the Local Media Association. Aaron can be reached at millennialpoz@gmail.com.

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WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 1, 2012

Taking action with ActionAIDS: Take the test By Terri Clark Prevention-Services Coordinator, ActionAIDS At ActionAIDS, our prevention staff provides 20-minute rapid HIV testing for anyone at no cost. We offer testing in English and Spanish. During the 20 minutes, our HIV test counselor will talk the client through the testing process and answer any questions he/she may have. The test counselor is there for support, information and referrals. The test counselor works together with the client to make a plan to reduce a client’s risk for HIV transmission. If the client tests positive, our trained staff will assist with linkages to medical care and case management. Getting tested for HIV can be an intimidating experience; however, our trained staff is here for support. Anyone who is having or has ever had sex (anal, vaginal or oral) or who has ever used injection drugs should be tested for HIV. Anyone and everyone is welcomed to get tested. We generally recommend getting tested every six months, but the counselor and client can determine a regular testing schedule during the session. Making regular HIV testing a healthy habit and encouraging risk-reduction behavior is something that the prevention staff at ActionAIDS strives to do. So, why should anyone get tested for HIV, anyway? There are not really any symptoms for HIV. The only way to know is to get tested. Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms (fever, aches, diarrhea, headache, etc.) initially after infection, but not everyone does. After those go away, there are not any symptoms for an extended period of

SPENDING CUTS page 1

The local impact The debate about tax policy and spending limits in D.C. may seem far removed from our day-to-day lives, yet the impact of that debate, and the failure to resolve the sequestration issue, will cause tremendous hardship on individuals and families affected by HIV in the Philadelphia area. And even if the issue is resolved before the January deadline, it has already had an impact on nonprofits such as ActionAIDS, as these organizations begin planning for potential funding cuts. City of Philadelphia officials anticipate an 8-percent cut across various federal programs; HIV-prevention programs, for example, could be reduced by $648,000. Because federal funding makes up about 19 percent of the ActionAIDS’ $6 million budget, a significant portion of the the organization’s budget is threatened. A study by U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-

time. For some, this may be five years; for others, upwards of 15 years. Getting tested is the only way that an individual can know his or her HIV status. Treatment for HIV will help to slow the disease’s spread and keep an individual’s immune system working and fighting off illnesses. ActionAIDS’ walk-in hours at 1026 Arch St. are: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays, noon-2 p.m. Thursdays and by appointment Fridays. HIV-testing appointments can also be made by calling our Testing Hotline at 267-940-5515. Our staff will gladly answer any questions regarding HIV. We work to help clients have healthier lives. Testimonials from our clients : “The staff at ActionAIDS were so friendly and informative. I came away more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS than I thought I was. The testing was quick and easy and I felt safe.” “The staff were very helpful and personable. My partner and I felt more comfortable. The environment was calming, and I was able to receive advice on lowering my risk.” “Very professional environment with a warm and courteous staff made this a very positive experience. Thanks!” “The staff at ActionAIDS were more than kind to me. They took the time out to hear exactly what I was going through. I recommend anyone to come here and get tested. These people were amazing!” ■

Iowa) estimated these losses for services locally: • 393 fewer patients will receive life-saving drugs in PA • 10,279 fewer people will be tested for HIV statewide in PA • 14,197 fewer people will be tested for HIV in Philadelphia alone What you can do: Call or write your federal legislators and President Obama and make two points: We need agreement in Congress that prevents sequestration and instead addresses the federal deficit without reducing critical non-defense discretionary programs and other programs critical to people with HIV. Raising revenue must be a crucial part of deficit reduction. Also, go to actionaids.org/take-action to make your voice heard. ■

DEC. 1, 2012

WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Fighting for justice, fighting for health By Ronda B. Goldfein Executive director, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania Sarah R. Schalman-Bergen By Of Counsel, ALP of PA

and economic barriers that contribute to infection rates and poor health. People with HIV face a number of economic barriers that impact their health, such as their ability to secure housing, Social Security benefits or health insurance. Despite the All lawyers seek justice for their clients, advances in treatment and the shift of the but certain vulnerable populations need disease from a sure death sentence to a more than just legal justice. Populations chronic, manageable illness (for those that have endured animus, inequality or who are able to access the treatment), HIV indifference have a need for social justice, continues to stand as a unique disease in greater than what can be accomplished in the ways in which it impacts so many fara courthouse or by a contract. The need for reaching areas besides personal health. But make no mistake: HIV discriminasocial justice is the impetus for dedicated, holistic legal services like those offered by tion still occurs in all areas of society, and interferes with an individual’s employthe AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania. Although people with HIV may not face ment, housing or access to medical care the same level of hostility as they did in and other public services. The AIDS Law the early days of the epidemic, social stig- Project of Pennsylvania has represented ma and other legal challenges persist and lawyers, doctors, truck drivers, clergy, continue to interfere with clients’ health barbers, executives, food-service workneeds. Stigmatizing attitudes are strongly ers and even a gymnastics instructor in related to misunderstanding how HIV is employment-discrimination cases. Clients transmitted and overestimating the risks of have been denied services by dentists, casual contact, and with negative attitudes surgeons, bikini-waxers, tattoo parlors, towards social groups disproportionately funeral homes, fertility clinics and adopaffected by the epidemic, especially gay tion agencies. They have been excluded from high-school football teams, personalmen and injection-drug users. care homes, health clubs, cosmetology classes and medical-assistance training programs. When people living with HIV/AIDS challenge discrimination, it helps the citizenry at large. In some ways, HIV/AIDS presents unique challenges to those it affects. At base, however, the AIDS activist movement that was born in the early 1980s and gave birth to organizations like the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania represented a funPIERRE ROBERT AND RHONDA GOLDFEIN AT THE CINCO damental shift in DE MAYO AIDS LAW FUNDRAISER Photo: Scott A. Drake the way health was understood. AIDS Studies have shown that the existence of activists pushed for a holistic understandAIDS stigma is a barrier to seeking HIV ing of health, and stressed that positive testing and treatment. HIV-related stigma- health outcomes could best be achieved tization has also been found to be associ- if interventions included a communityated with depressive symptoms and poorer based understanding of the social, cultural health status. Such stigma is experienced and political forces that affect the lives of more commonly among people who dis- persons at heightened risk. For this approach to achieve success, close their HIV status to a broad range of communities must be empowered to fight social contacts. Moreover, the stark racial disparities for their own health. ■ that characterize the more recent years of the epidemic reflect a continued need for This article was condensed and modified legal interventions to combat the social from a previously published article.

SPOT ON: Monthly Gay BINGO parties to raise money for the AIDS Fund have been one of the more popular event fundraisers for HIV/AIDS in the Philadelphia region. Every month, hundreds descend on the Gershman Y and pledge “to continue to play Gay Bingo until this crisis is over.” For more information, go to www.aidsfundphilly. org/gaybingo/schedule.php. Photo: Scott A. Drake

HIV Risk Take Action, Know Your Risks

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267-940-5515 ActionAIDS.org ��:

1-800-985-2437

It’s not just who you do, but what you do. TAKE ACTION. Get Tested. ��

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WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS CONFERENCE page 1 Philadelphia training specialist Zupenda Davis said bringing clinical updates from the conference to those who could not attend is important for clinicians and other prevention and treatment providers in the Philadelphia area. For example, Davis said greater awareness of the latest developments can provide “another strategy to build in” when discussing prevention or treatment preparation with a high-risk client who may continue to engage in risky behavior. The conference offered a sense of inspiration and energy from people around the world but, for some, offered little new information specifically to meet the particular needs seen in Philadelphia. But we can learn from what was missing, as well as what was presented.

PROTESTS, MARCHES, SIT-INS, DIE-INS AND OTHER PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS ARE STILL PART OF THE PHILADELPHIA LANDSCAPE FOR HIV/AIDS AWARENESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Coping with GA cuts By Beth Hagan Deputy Executive Director, ActionAIDS Community-based medical case managers have been working with consumers to find creative ways to fill the gaps left from General Assistance cuts made Aug. 1. First, medical case managers needed to clearly communicate to clients that they cannot be denied medical care or medications due to an inability to pay their co-pays. This was a simple resolution in comparison to other needs. The loss of General Assistance funds has significantly impacted individuals’ ability to access transportation to a variety of necessary services. For example, the importance of balanced nutrition has been well documented and, although people continue to receive food stamps, their ability to maximize the nutritional potential of this benefit has been undermined by difficulties getting to grocery stores. Many of the people impacted live in neighborhoods that lack a major grocery store and often have small convenience stores that charge much higher prices. Lack of funds for public transportation makes it difficult for people to leave their neighborhoods to grocery shop. Consumers are encouraged to access local food cupboards and the SHARE food program in their neighborhoods. In addition, a lack of funds for transportation has made it difficult for people to access 12-step recovery meetings, which support them to establish and sustain sobriety. Case managers are encouraging clients to maximize use of the day passes issued by the Medical Assistance Transportation Program for medical appointments by going to the grocery store, 12-step meetings, etc., on the same day. Although people are able to obtain

transportation via the Medical Assistance Transportation Program, this is not realistically available for urgent or unscheduled appointments due to the timeframes needed to access this service. Homeless individuals are often sent to shelters that are realistically too far to walk to, especially at times social services are no longer available for the day. Also, individuals who are actively seeking employment no longer have the resources needed to access public transportation to job interviews and the initial days of employment. This continues to be problematic and solutions are being sought. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase other necessities, such as toiletries, cleaning products, toilet paper, clothing, etc. Because ActionAIDS has access to unrestricted funds and donations, we were able to provide a limited amount of assistance in the form of gift cards to individuals who were affected by the GA cuts. Individuals fortunate enough to have a rent subsidy no longer have the means to pay for utilities, which jeopardizes their housing. We are diligently encouraging all consumers to apply to utility-assistance programs that continue to have access to emergency funds. However, this is not a long-term solution. Community-based organizations continue to remain very important for our consumers for many reasons. Agencies with multiple sites typically have a presence in consumers’ neighborhoods. Therefore, there are options available for consumers to meet with their medical case managers without having to travel far. ActionAIDS, in collaboration with other organizations, continues to advocate on behalf of our clients to find more permanent resolutions to life inequities. ■

What was there, what was missing Sometimes it’s not what’s new and innovative elsewhere that counts. It’s what’s being done here, right now. For Dr. Pablo Tebas, professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the conference was “a meeting more about policy and what to do about HIV” internationally, rather than scientific research on the virus itself. Tebas noted that there are many HIV/AIDS conferences that focus on research, and that Philadelphia already has a number of lines of promising research, particularly focusing on a cure. One such approach alters CD4 cells with a molecule called Zinc-finger nuclease that makes them resistant to HIV infection. Patients enrolled in these clinical trials are doing well. Tebas said another study using low-dose chemotherapy will also open shortly at Penn. Tebas encouraged those who are HIV-positive and doing well to consider participating. For others, the conference did not have enough content on HIV policy. Dr. Lisa Bowleg, associate professor in the Department of Public Health at Drexel University, found “nothing for me in terms of things I’m interested in, in my work.” There was, she said, “nothing really on black [men who have sex with men],” riskreduction strategies or efforts to reduce incarceration. Bowleg did note some of the limitations of a large conference, such as panels with 10 or 12 presenters who must rush through data with little context. This made it difficult, Bowleg said, to get the “so what?” behind the statistics. Instead of “data, data, data,” Bowleg would like to see a “multi-disciplinary approach,” such as she saw in one panel that involved academic researchers, health-department officials and non-governmental representatives. This approach would be one way to focus more on the “structural-level interventions that are working.” Another limitation of the conference, however, was beyond the power of its organizers. The recent lifting of the travel ban imposed by the United States on people who are HIVpositive was an exciting victory and enabled the conference to be held in the country for the first time in more than two decades. Unfortunately, the government still found

DEC. 1, 2012

a back door to exclusion by denying travel visas to many sex workers and drug users, said Institute for Community Justice director Hannah Zellman. This meant an “incredible absence of those voices,” which Zellman said need to be heard because they represent “communities very much at the center of the epidemic” with “the power to move” society forward in the fight against AIDS. Likewise, Davis found few panels at the IAC concerning issues around heterosexual men of color, an important omission as she said “there is a desperate need to take HIV prevention to black heterosexual men” who generally feel they are not at risk. Taking the next step, the post-conference Hub was one opportunity to provide some of what the IAC missed. Break-out groups on heterosexual men and women of color, HIVrelated disparities among black MSM, youth, sex workers and intravenous drug users provided exciting dialogue. The take-aways In the end, it may be that a conference that provides energy and inspiration, even with few new specifics, provides a lot. One presentation on the criminalization of condoms in Los Angeles and New York City struck Zellman. In those cities, police officers use some version of “stop and frisk” to search suspected sex workers. Then, they use possession of condoms as evidence of solicitation, which makes many workers reluctant to carry condoms. That was, for Zellman, a reminder “to be vigilant” and reinforce the idea that advocates have to “fight every day for folks that are [the most] marginalized.” Likewise, Tebas singled out a presentation that took place at a two-day symposium on the cure just before the conference, in which two more people were revealed to possibly have been cured by a bone-marrow transplant, similar to the story of the “Berlin Patient,” Timothy Ray Brown. To advance closer to a cure, Tebas said the research field needs to develop a test for levels of HIV eradication similar to the one developed to test for viral loads. But that kind of research, just like clinical trials and the symposium itself, only gets done when groups push for a cure. The conference provided a forum for those groups and others to make themselves heard. One of the most powerful moments for many at the IAC took place outside the convention at the March to End AIDS. Approximately 5,000 people marched to the White House demanding structural change, including a tax on Wall Street, ending the war on women and protecting human rights. Zellman found the march “very powerful,” as it demonstrated unity despite a wide range of issues and even wider diversity. Bowleg said she was moved that the sense of community carried into the post-conference Hub, which she said had “the power of bringing people together from all walks of life.” So, the take-away for Philadelphia might be this: We have our work cut out for us. We have a good idea of what needs to be done. So let’s get to it. ■

WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

ment office 27. HIV activist organization 29. HIV attacks the body’s _____ system. 30. Virus that causes AIDS 32. Percentage of people infected with HIV that don’t know 33. ____, sexual fluids and breast milk can transmit HIV. Down 1. Curable bacterial STD 2. PA’s largest HIV organization 3. Annual 12k fundraising event 6. Cost of an HIV test in Philadelphia 8. At-home HIV test 9. Philly’s free condom program 11. Blood cells

destroyed by HIV infection 12. Federal public health agency 13. Philadelphia’s only syringe-exchange program 16. Famous singer/ songwriter who died of AIDS in 1991 18. Acquired Immunodeficiency ____ 19. Unclean _____ can transmit HIV. 20. Philadelphia mayor who started funding AIDS organizations 21. Medication used to treat HIV infection 23. Fluid in your mouth that does not transmit HIV 28. Philadelphia mayor who legalized syringe exchange 31. Color of HIV-awareness ribbons

KEY

29. 30. 32. 33.

Immune HIV Twenty Blood

White CDC PreventionPoint FreddieMercury Syndrome Needles Goode Antiretroviral Saliva Rendell Red

April 25, 2013

Across 4. Vaccine-preventable STD 5. Prevents HIV infection 7. Scientist who revolutionized AIDS medications in 1996 10. Indiana teenager who inspired federal AIDS funding in 1991 14. Eye fluid that does not transmit HIV 15. You should do this every 3-6 months 17. Human Immunodeficiency _____ 22. Many people with HIV are at risk for _____. 25. Annual international AIDS fundraising event that began in Philly in 1991 26. Philadelphia’s AIDS prevention and treat-

11. 12. 13. 16. 18. 19. 20. 21. 23. 28. 31.

Join us next year for Dining Out For Life:

HIV/AIDS Crossword Puzzle

Down: 1. Syphilis 2. ActionAIDS 3. AIDSWalk 6. Free 8. Orasure 9. TakeControlPhilly

access in their homes, and many struggle institutions accountable. We advocated for to keep the electricity on. Imagine what it would be like to have a equal access for PLWH/A, and we became experts at pushing the envelope, increas- case manager who knew the “inside tract” ing accountability and enhancing the ser- and was actually able to speak to a human vice delivery system. While things have being on your behalf? Someone who could improved, stigma still exists. HIV stigma make the system work for you, instead of continues to be a significant barrier to test- the system making you work. Someone who could help schedule an appointment, ing, treatment, services and equality. That core function of removing barriers get your medications, help you apply for is as vital today as it was in the beginning entitlements or find resources for food, of the epidemic. Any of us who have had clothing and housing. Fortunately, you the need to navigate large systems appre- don’t have to imagine, because The AIDS ciate how challenging it can be and how Law Project, BEBASHI, GALAEI, ASIAC, helpful it is to have an advocate from out- ActionAIDS and other community-based side the “system” to help us get what we organizations are here to help you take need. We have come a long way in achiev- action. Independent community-based organiing equal access to services for people living with HIV, and yet there is still con- zations, with independent volunteer boards siderable value in having an independent of directors and volunteers and staff, have advocate, case manager, health navigator, the freedom and institutional support they social worker or whatever you call them, need to challenge the “system” to provide to help maneuver the many hurdles built better services to our clients and the cominto the system. Some of the barriers we face today are the same ones we faced early in the epidemic: homophobia, racism, sexism, poverty, addiction and ignorance. We continue to fight the barriers of shame, guilt and embarrassment about sex and continue to struggle to provide adequate and sufficient age-appropriate sex education for our youth in our schools and at home. In addition, we face SPEAKING OUT FOR LIFE: Mayor Michael Nutter (from newer barriers. While right), with onlookers Action AIDS executive director Kevin technology presents Burns and senior vice president and chief marketing officer many advantages for Dean Evans, reads a city proclamation during the 2012 those in the communi- kickoff dinner for Dining Out For Life April 26 at Route 6. ty with access to it, it Photo: Scott A. Drake can also be a barrier to information and services. How technology munity at large. Our organizations are is utilized can increase or decrease access driven by the needs of the community, to services. Consider the endless voice with significant consumer and community prompts on answering systems that we input. We have the freedom to speak the have all experienced. I have often been left truth about what is working and what is feeling frustrated, insignificant, diverted or not working. Community-based services for people avoided by the voicemail maze. How about you? I was recently struck by a voicemail living with HIV/AIDS are located in your message about how to access information communities, your neighborhood and, if about emergency service that told the caller needed, your homes. We work to empower to visit the company’s website, making the your community, your neighborhood and assumption that the caller had a computer, your family and to provide culturally senaccess to the Internet or even electricity to sitive services to access care and treatment operate a computer. Ninety-eight percent for people living with HIV and to help of the clients we serve at ActionAIDS are prevent new infections. Our commitment living below the poverty level. Most of is that we will continue to be there “until it them do not have computers or Internet is over.” ■ UNTIL IT’S OVER page 1

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Across: 4. HPV 5. Condoms 7. DavidHo 10. RyanWhite 14. Tears 15. Gettested 17. Virus 22. Homelessness 25. DiningOutForLife 26. AACO 27. ACTUP

DEC. 1, 2012

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RESOURCES HIV CASE MANAGEMENT

HIV EDUCATION / OUTREACH

YOUTH AND FAMILY

ActionAIDS The Attic Youth Center 215-981-0088 www.actionaids.org 215-545-4331 www.atticyouthcenter. AIDS Fact Line org ASIAC (Pennsylvania) 215-269-2300 1-800-662-6080 Children’s Hospital www.asiac.org of Philadelphia CHOICE 215-590-1000 BEBASHI 215-985-3300 www.chop.edu 215-769-3561 www.choice-phila. www.bebashi.org St. Christopher’s org Pediatric AIDS Congreso de Program Colours Inc. Latinos Unidos 215-427-5284 Programa Esfuerzo 215-496-0330 www.coloursorgani- www.stchristopher215-763-8870 shospital.com zation.org www.congreso.net ActionAIDS 215-981-0088 www.actionaids.org

Gay and Lesbian Philadelphia FIGHT Latino AIDS Education Initiative 215-985-4448 215-851-1822 www.fight.org www.galaei.org Prevention Point Philadelphia Mazzoni Center 215-634-5272 215-563-0652 www.mazzonicenter. www.preventionpointphilly.org org Philadelphia FIGHT 215-985-4448 www.fight.org

Youth Health Empowerment Project 215-564-6388 www.y-hep.org

World AIDS Day 2012 events “1981-Until It’s Over ... ”

AIDS Fund Various dates, locations AIDS Fund will feature its timeline exhibit of the HIV/AIDS epidemic at several upcoming events. It will be on display from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 3 at Temple University’s Ambler campus; 10 a.m.3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Friends Central High School; and 6-9:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Student Center at Temple’s main campus. All displays are open to the public.

Health fair

South Jersey AIDS Alliance 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 30 Rock of Salvation, 513 E. Grape St., Vineland, N.J. The South Jersey AIDS Alliance, with a variety of health and medical organizations, will do its part to create an AIDS-free generation with a free health fair. The fair will include HIV testing, education and information, free flu vaccines and blood-pressure screenings. Refreshments will be provided.

Project Safe 866-509-SAFE AIDS Library www.safephila.org 215-985-4851 aidslibrary.org Safeguards Project AIDS Law Project 215-985-6873 aidslawpa.org www.safeguards.org 215-587-9377

annual Red Ribbon Awards to recognize influential leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Honorees include Jose Benitez, Dr. Amy Nunn, Kevin Burns, Nasima Mannon and the Rev. Arlene Mills, with emcee Desiree Neal and guest speaker Ronda Goldfein.

Prayer breakfast

Philadelphia FIGHT 8-10 a.m. Dec. 1 Radisson-Warwick Hotel, 220 S. 17th St. Philadelphia faith leaders will gather for a World AIDS Day prayer breakfast to remember those who died of AIDS and to lead a discussion with faith leaders on how to incorporate messages about HIV/AIDS into their work.

Day With(out) Art: Ribbon Bee @ ICA

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St. Join local LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations and supporters to make red ribbons and discuss the struggles and history of HIV/AIDS activism. Coffee and snacks will be served.

World AIDS Day Vigil

Rapid HIV testing

LEGAL/ RESOURCES

DEC. 1, 2012

Mazzoni Center 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 30 Philly AIDS Thrift, 710 S. Fifth St. Mazzoni Center will provide free rapid HIV testing and counseling outside of Philly AIDS Thrift in its Mobile Testing Unit. The unit will then travel to Temple University, Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, from 2-7 p.m.

Annual Red Ribbon Awards

Penn Center for AIDS Research 5-8 p.m. Nov. 30 Philadelphia City Hall The Community Advisory Board hosts the ninth

FACT Bucks County 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 The Lambertville Station, 11 Bridge St., Lambertville, N.J. Join FACT Bucks County supporters as they host the Lambertville & New Hope World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil and Walk to honor the occasion. The vigil will be officiated by the Rev. Michael Ruk of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in New Hope, and will include the reading of names of locals who died of AIDS. The walk will take participants over the bridge to New Hope and end with a wine-and-cheese reception at Gallery Piquel, 30 N. Main St.

Philadelphia testing sites Center City ActionAIDS 1026 Arch St. 267-940-5515 Mon. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tues. 10 a.m.-noon Wed. 1-4 p.m. Thur. noon.-2 p.m. ActionAIDS North Office 2641 N. Sixth St. 215-291-9700 Third Tuesdays 1-4 p.m. ASIAC 1711 S. Broad St. 215-629-2300

The Attic Youth Center 55 S. 16th St. 215-545-4331 GALAEI 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor 215-851-1822 Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mazzoni Center and GALAEI’s Washington West Project 1201 Locust St. Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-midnight Sat. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 215-985-9206

Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Office 1211 Chestnut St. Suite 405 215-496-9696 Mon-Wed 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs 10 a.m.-5p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Planned Parenthood Locust Office 1144 Locust St. 215-351-5560 Mon. 8 a.m.-6p.m. Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St. 215-732-2220 Mon. 4-7 p.m. Youth Health Empowerment Project 1417 Locust St., third floor 215-564-6388

North Philadelphia Congreso 216 W. Somerset St. 215-763-8870 Walk-in hours Wednesdays and Thursdays Covenant House Health Services 251 E. Bringhurst St. 215-844-1020 Maria de los Santos Health Center 425 W. Allegheny Ave. 215-291-2500

PHMC Health Connection 1035 W. Berks St. 215-765-6690 Planned Parenthood Far Northeast 2751 Comly Road 215-464-2225 Mon. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues. and Thur. 9 a.m.4 p.m. Wed. and Fri. noon-3 p.m. Sat. noon-2 p.m. St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children 3601 A. St. 215-427-5000

South/West Philadelphia CHOP 3550 Market St., fourth floor 215-590-3537 Health Center #3 555 S. 43rd St. 215-685-7504 Health Center #4 4400 Haverford Ave. 215-685-7601/7654 Urban Solutions 1408 S. Broad St., first floor 215-755-0700

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Pulse

\\\ Liberty City Press

Four-Legged Fashion Dogs get all dolled up for a good cause by HughE Dillon

The 2nd Annual Philadelphia Dog Fashion Show was held on Nov. 16 at Sigma Sound in Center City. A portion of the proceeds beneﬁt the law-enforcement arm of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 1. Kacie McDonnell of Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia, and one of the event creators, Antoine Johnson of House of Talent. 2. From left: Antoine Johnson, Stop CAID founder Lisa Moreno Dickinson, Kharisma McIlwaine of CW57, DJ Hollywood, event co-creator Greta Russo of Lotus Events, and Mike Jerrick of Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia. HughE Dillon/Photographer

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Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

play

\\\ Liberty City Press

Rysheed Decision

Mike Eiﬂe (center left, holding plaque) and his La Salle teammates celebrate their championship win. Sarah J. Glover/Photographer

Frankford’s Dream Ends La Salle prevails in City Championship by Jeremy Treatman

rankford High School was the best AAAA high school football team in the city limits this year. But when La Salle College High School kept scoring touchdowns in the second quarter of its easy 37-20 win over Frankford in the District 12 AAAA City Championship on Nov. 17, the Pioneers’ players were shell-shocked. “I think getting behind had a bad effect on us,” said Quinton Ellis, Frankford’s junior tailback. “They kept scoring and scoring, and we got �� about next year. We are going to go further.” Despite a slow start, La Salle had taken a 37-0 halftime lead after touchdowns by Jimmy Harron, Jordan Meachum, Sean Coleman, Jon �� “We just hung our heads and were taken [mentally] out of it, it seems,” said Ellis. Ellis, Rene Herrera and Denzel Turbeville all scored touchdowns for Frankford in the second half, as La Salle coach Drew Gordon pulled his starters after halftime. For Ellis, his 47-yard run was �� played better,” he said. “I think we could have played better. La Salle was the best football team we played this year,” added Frankford coach William Doggett. “We really had to talk up our guys at halftime to get motivated enough to try �� that. It was very hard for our players to handle.” Until next season, Frankford’s playoff dreams are over.

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Almost 20 years ago, the Philadelphia area was waiting on Rasheed’s decision. Now, we are waiting on Rysheed’s decision. Rysheed Jordan is arguably the top point guard prospect in the country who is not signed with a college. He may wait until after the season now, according to his AAU coach, Kamal Yard. Jordan’s high school coach at Vaux said he is considering Rutgers, St. John’s, Syracuse, Temple, Xavier and UCLA. Despite some schools taking perimeter commitments, they are all under consideration as Jordan ponders his next step. “It will be very interesting to see,” said Amauro Austin, a Philadelphia native who runs Philadelphia Prep Hoops Report, a local

high school guide for coaches. “Temple still has a shot. He’s exactly what they need as they move to the Big East. But these other schools are great, too.” JT

Coach Moves

Frankford High School football coach William Doggett upset La Salle coach Drew Gordon a bit by calling a timeout after the Pioneers cut the score to 37-20 late in the fourth quarter and were driving, looking for a fourth score. “We had already pulled our starters, there really wasn’t a reason to call a timeout,” Gordon said. “I understand their need to try and score but we [didn’t run up the score or anything.]” But if there was friction, one would never know. The two men shook hands after the game. JT

Bok Goes Down

Archbishop Wood won its �� football title by beating Bok Technical High School 49-28 on Nov. 16. Larry Pelzer and Antoine Whitney were involved in all three scores for Bok. JT

Hoops Starts

The PIAA allowed basketball practice to begin on Nov. 16, and tryouts began for every city team. Imhotep Charter, Neumann-Goretti, Communications Tech, St. Joseph’s Prep, Roman Catholic, La Salle, Math Civics and Sciences, and Vaux are expected to be among the city’s best boys’ teams this year. JT

Prize Lineman

La Salle’s two-way lineman excels after recovering from surgery �� Senior Tom Spiteri showed a lot �� of improvement this season. �� Sarah J. Glover/Photographer �� JT

Liberty City Press is a collaborative publication effort of the Philadelphia Multicultural Media Network.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

PAGE 29

Family Portrait Get Out and Play Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page 27 Page 26 Page 28 Page 30 Page 25 Page 26

CRYSTAL WHY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT), DEBORAH BILLUPS, SARAH J. GAFGEN AND LT ZERONE

Holiday cabaret gets naughty and nice By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Quince Productions will get into the spirit of the season with its annual “A Very Quince Holiday Cabaret,” Dec. 3 at Tabu. The event serves as a fundraiser for the theater company, known for producing offbeat, challenging and oftentimes LGBT productions. The cabaret will feature veterans of Quince productions, such as this year’s GayFest, as well as stars of its annual “Full House: A Series of Cabarets,” “Vanities,” “Educating

Rita” and “Mister, Mister.” Scheduled performers for the show include Shannon Agnew, Deborah Billups, Carly Bodnar, Kristine L. Bonaventura, Sarah J. Gafgen, John Hodges, Michael L. Medvidik, Alexis Newbauer, Brendan Norton, Harrison Post, Eileen Tarquinio, Elizabeth Maura Toal, Jordi Wallen, Crystal Why and LT Zerone. Each alum will perform a holiday-related song ranging from traditional holiday tunes to humorous, gender-bending, over-the-top numbers. “The Holiday Cabaret is going to be a little bit tamer,” Zerone said, comparing

Quince’s holiday show to “Full House,” Quince’s other large annual cabaret event. “It’s going to be holiday standards and a couple of fun songs. This is sort of a little taste of ‘Full House,’ so a lot of performers who have been in last year’s show or been in shows from the beginning are tapped and asked if they are available and want to do a song. Everybody just takes a song. It’s put together as a benefit to raise money for Quince. The idea, of course, is to heighten awareness of Quince and hype up what the next season will be like.” Zerone said the upcoming show will pack

the energy of past performances into one night. “‘Full House’ is usually one of Quince’s staples because it’s for four or five nights, but there are a number of shows each night and they tend to bring in varied audiences. If you have a two-week run of shows, it’s a consistent audience. What I like about ‘Full House’ is it really runs the gamut. People use the cabaret term somewhat loosely. Sometimes it’s more like performance art. But I’m a die-hard cabaret person. I like the formula and telling a story. For me, it’s PAGE 24 important to involve the audience. They

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

PGN FEATURE

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, 6pm-8pm

Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and some hysterically funny entertainment provided by Philadelphia’s legendary diva, Brittany Lynn and the Doll*Stars, to support Jim Kenney. First elected to City Council in 1991, Jim is currently serving his sixth term in ofﬁce as Democratic Councilman-at-Large. Jim is a longtime ally of the LGBTQ community and one of our strongest voices on City Council. WHERE: Voyeur: 1221 Saint James St. (Just off of 13th St. between Walnut and Locust streets) 215-735-5772 WHEN: Wednesday, December 5, 6pm-8pm CONTRIBUTION: $50 per person. Checks payable to Kenney for Council, PO Box 60065, Philadelphia PA 19102 John O’Connor, Treasurer

RSVP: 215-520-6953 or email kenneyforcouncil@gmail.com

Dining Out

Only in

Tired of eating at the same old dives? Thinking about hitting a new hot spot? We’ll tell you what we liked — and didn’t

Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

t y p i c a l l y l e av e laughing.” “I think it will be a healthy mixture of loose and traditional,” added Medvidik, who will make his holiday cabaret debut as an accompanying musician for a number of the performers. “I have worked with the artists I’m accompanying before for the most part. I’m meeting with some of the singers one-on-one prior to rehearsals so we can work out the nitty-gritty of each piece. Some people are doing holiday numbers that are geared towards something a little bit naughty. Then you have the traditional numbers like ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas.’” Quince vet Gafgen said her performance falls on the traditional side of things. “I will be performing two songs; one is a solo from the show ‘Nuncrackers’ and the other is the classic Christmas duet ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside,’” she said. Gafgen added that, if this year’s show is anything like last year’s, it will be a resounding success. “We had a great turnout,” she said. “We had a lot of fun performers and everyone seemed to have a good time. We had a lot of performers who worked with Quince in a whole lot of different capacities. We had people who maybe had been in straight plays who were now showing off their vocal prowess. So that was really fun to see people in a different element than when we had seen them throughout the season.” Zerone’s performance will probably land on the other side of the spectrum, as Quince artistic director Rich Rubin described Zerone’s contribution to the show as the “very gayest song” in the cabaret. “I tend to test my audience a little and I sort of go on the border in terms of challenging the audience,” the performer said. “Sometimes I’m a little risqué in terms of content. I’ve done this holiday cabaret with them and it’s going to be at a bar, so it’s not like it’s in Society Hill or some other place. The song that I’m going to be doing is a children’s song through the eyes of a child, but it has more risqué language to it.” Zerone added that Quince has been an

avenue for him to dsplay his skills as a cabaret performer. “A number of years ago I was trying to get back into cabaret singing and Quince was doing ‘Full House,’” he recounted. “So in 2009, they did the first ‘Full House’ in June, and in 2010 I did a show, and then in 2011 I did a double show. I actually skipped this year but I’m hoping to get back together in 2013. The mission of Quince is what I really like. Rich is all about an eclectic collection of theater music and art. It fits what I like to do. I’m a chorus and solo-cabaret performer. But I don’t do it for a living, I do it for the fun of it.” In addition to the show, guests at the cabaret have an opportunity to get some holiday shopping done early through raffles featuring prizes like two nights at the Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale, Ariz. “There are a number of local businesses that have contributed to our raffle,” Gafgen said. “Rich posts new teasers on the Facebook page each day when he confirms a new raffle prize. Local theater companies have donated tickets. Local business es have donated things like couch cleanings, massages, haircuts and things like that. There’s a little something for everyone and if you win, you can give people really nice Christmas gifts.” Medvidik said that beyond the fundraising and prizes, the holiday cabaret is a way for the company to show its appreciation for the support audiences and local businesses have given. “It shows the Quince audience that Quince is thinking about them outside of their normal season,” he said. “It shows during the holidays that Quince is still there and working to meet their entertainment needs yearround.” ■ Quince Productions presents “A Very Quince Holiday Cabaret” 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Tabu’s Upstairs Lounge, 200 S. 12th St. For more information and tickets, call 215-627-1088 or visit www.quinceproductions.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Get Out and Play

PGN

Scott A. Drake

Dramatic end to the outdoor sports season As is the case in many a game, the final score tells only a small part of the story — who won. And, as I predicted two weeks ago, the final match-up of the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League 2012 fall season was spectacular. Consider that the season-undefeated Steel Magnolias went into the second half of the game having turned the ball over twice, including once in the end zone; quarterback Andre Dionne had been sacked, their best receiver was injured and they were down 13-0. The Navy Seals were sealing the fate of these delicate flowers, mostly through the Magnolias’ own sacrifice. Consider that END ZONE ELATION: two outstanding Justin Coulter shows drives by Dionne the thrill of victorious in the second half play as he scores a took the Steel touchdown. One of four down the field touchdowns that day, twice, once for a the game had all of the score by co-cappredicted excitement tain Wes Coulter and energy times two. with a Greenberg Photos: Scott A. Drake conversion and wobbly Enrique Trevino coming in to tough it out for the second touchdown, making the extra point, unlike the Seals. Score: 14-13. But that wasn’t dramatic enough for these two never-say-die teams. The Navy Seals marched solidly down the field and into scoring range again. The two-minute warning sounds and they were still battling towards the end zone for a game-winning last-minute touchdown. Indeed, with three seconds left on the clock, Terrance Doran threw into the corner to Nick Kirkstadt, who was able to catch the ball—but stepped out of bounds as he did. Final score: Steel Magnolias 14, Navy Seals 13. Great game, guys! I am already looking forward to spring. Political track and field Congratulations to Anna Aagenes of Go! Athletes and well wishes to her in her new capacity as district-office director for state Rep.-elect Brian Sims. She will provide some of the district constituent services and direct community outreach and engagement with the people and organizations in Sims’ district. Prior to this appointment, Aagenes worked at Children’s Hospital doing clinical research with HIV-positive youth, and recently participated in the first Nike LGBT Sports Summit.

Aagenes can be found in her free time running marathons and getting ready for the 2013 Gay Games in Cleveland. Play with me! If being the last guys of the entire LGBT sports spectrum still out on the field in November isn’t enough, the fun fundraising guys of GPFFL are also volunteering time and talents at Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s annual TOY, Dec. 1 at Reading Terminal Market. This event is one of Philadelphia’s finest examples of philanthropy and good will combined. Stop by one of the bars (as if you need to be told COLLISION COURSE: Enrique Trevino (right) to!) and thank the left the field injured people helping in the first half after make this mona jarring encounter ster fundraiser with Nick Kirkstadt in and Children’s the end zone. Trevino Hospital toy drive r e t u r n e d a n d wa s a huge success instrumental in the again this year. Food, drink, toys, Magnolias’ success. football players — it’s the perfect way to get out and play!

Worth Watching THE VIEW FROM HERE: Comedian and actress Whoopi Goldberg guest stars as Carmen on a new episode of “Glee,” where out character Kurt (Chris Colfer) begs for another chance to audition at NYADA, 9 p.m. Dec. 6 on FOX. Photo: FOX/Eddy Chen

REZA-LUTIONS: “Shahs of Sunset” returns for second season following the lives of six young PersianAmerican friends in Beverly Hills, including openly gay Reza Farahan (pictured), a 38-year-old prominent player in the Los Angeles real-estate world. Season two finds Farahan in a full-blown self-proclaimed “gay-life crisis.” He is reevaluating everything — his commitment to his boyfriend, his friendships and his lifelong resentment towards his grandmother. Watch what happens 10 p.m. Dec. 2 on Bravo. Photo: Bravo/Tommy Garcia

Short stops • Tennis anyone? Liberty City Tennis Association is actively recruiting players for the winter season at Athena Gibson Community Education and Tennis Center, at the corner of 10th Street and Girard Avenue. For more information, visit www.philadelphialibertytennis.com. • Sports and recreation information is included in the PGN Community Bulletin Board every fourth Friday of the month and also can be accessed at epgn.com. ■

THICKER THAN WATER: Catch Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst and Tom Cruise in the classic vampire movie “Interview with a Vampire,” 10 p.m. Dec. 2 on Logo.

Countdown to Gay Games IX: 616 days. Email information on winter leagues and all off-seasons events to scott@epgn.com.

STEEL TURNED GOLD: The undefeated Steel Magnolias took the season all the way to the top step on the medals platform when they defeated the Navy Seals 14-13 in the championship game Nov. 17.

GONNA FIND OUT WHO’S NAUGHTY: Blake Shelton (NBC’s “The Voice”) jumpstarts the season hosting his first Christmas special, “Blake Shelton’s Not-SoFamily Christmas.” He will be joined by special guest stars Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Larry the Cable Guy, Jay Leno and Reba and perform holiday classics along with new music and a number of comedy bits, 10 p.m. Dec. 3 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Jordn Althaus

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Suzi Nash

Henco Espag: Making music, from S. African farm to Philly Sometimes I wish there was a way you could hear as well as read this column — especially when I’m interviewing people who have distinctive ways of speaking or lovely accents that could make me rethink my lesbianism (or, in the case of female interviewees, cause me to blurt out unexpected marriage proposals). This week’s interview, cutie-pie Henco Espag, is a native of South Africa. In addition to charming Philadelphians with his accent, Espag has worked as a composer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, accompanist, music director and session musician. He has been commissioned to write music that has received international acclaim and won a scholarship for outstanding achievement in film scoring, along with two bursaries from the South African National Arts Council. And, as the artistic director of our very own Philadelphia Freedom Band, Espag will conduct the Holiday Concert Dec. 1 at The Academy of Natural Sciences. Along with the great music and a fun sing-along, you can bid on a number of fantastic gingerbread houses created by the band and its supporters. I made one last year and almost all of the candy made it onto the house. (I swear ... ) PGN: Growing up in South Africa, what kind of kid were you? HE: I was always a bit on the quiet side. I did not grow up in a big family. I grew up with a brother and later we adopted a sister. My family lived on a small holding in the farming community, so growing up there were lots of animals around me. That was something that was hard for me to adjust to here, not having my animals around. I do miss the nature. PGN: What was your favorite animal? HE: I loved them all. We had eight Great Danes, hedgehogs and all the farm animals you could think of. Once we had about 20 tortoises in the yard eating my mother’s plants. We even had a little lamb that lived with us because her mother kicked her out. She wore diapers around the house. PGN: That’s so cute! Most unusual pet? HE: [Laughs.] Those would be the ones that I’ve acquired since I’ve been here. At the moment, I have a short-tailed possum and two degus. PGN: Degus? HE: Yes, they’re very similar to chinchillas, and in fact come from the same region of Chile, but they’re a little smaller. They have a very thick, soft coat and you have to give them dust baths and all of that. PGN: What’s a fun childhood memory? HE: Oh gosh, well the first thing that popped into my head was that we had one of those things you’d hook up to the

car and a tent pops out from the back and you’d live in it. We call it a caravan but I think you call it a trailer. Anyway, we’d take random camping trips and it was great fun. PGN: What did the parents do? HE: My mother is a musician as well. She teaches guitar, voice and piano, and my father is a pharmacist. He used to specialize in hearing aids and acoustics. PGN: What was a favorite class? HE: In which school? University? PGN: No, grade school or elementary. HE: [Laughs.] Ah yes, we call that primary school. It seems like so long ago. I enjoyed math and biology. I always thought if I didn’t go into music I’d become a veterinarian, but I found I couldn’t stand to see animals in pain or deal with blood very well, so that didn’t work out. Fortunately, the music did. PGN: And do you play instruments as well as conduct? HE: Yes, my passion and training was in piano. I did play viola back in South Africa just to get more orchestral experience to help me with my composition, but at the moment I just don’t have time to play.

OK, I guess people don’t greet each other here. My husband is a musician also and in May we went to Nashville, Tenn., so he could study. It was so friendly, it was like being at home in some ways. My husband is from Texas and I think that’s why we get along so well, similar cultural styles. PGN: So how did you end up in Philadelphia? HE: After graduation, I ended up in New York City, not knowing what the heck I was going to do, and ended up meeting a South African family through a random connection in Oxford [England]. I lived with them and got a job in South Jersey, my current job. I’m an accompanist and vocal coach for the Musical Theatre Department at Westminster College of the Arts. Then through [my husband] Eric, I got involved with the Freedom Band, and when they needed a conductor I applied and got the job. PGN: How did you meet your husband?

PGN: Are you out to the family? HE: Yes, and like most people I thought the absolute worst was going to happen, but they were all perfectly fine with it. It was ... well, for example, I left my brother for last because he’s the most conservative of the family, yet he was the one who broke down crying, saying, “Why didn’t you tell me? It’s not a problem at all!” PGN: When were you home last and what do you miss the most? HE: I try to go every two years, and I miss my family of course, but outside of them, I guess the food. And nature. On the farm, you’d wake up every morning to the sound of animals and drumming and singing in the distance. I could just immerse myself in all the animals around me. And traveling through the countryside, it was amazing how the landscape could change so drastically for such a small country. South Africa is about the size of Texas and yet you could go from desert to bush to lush in one drive.

PGN: Where did you study? HE: I studied composition at Berkley College of Music in Boston. That’s why I came to the States. I’ve always been intrigued by writing for movies and visual media. My degree is actually in film scoring. Berkley was the only school that offered a four-year degree in that field. PGN: What was the biggest culture shock moving here? HE: Oh gosh, the Boston accent was just terrible. And also the people were, I don’t know how to say it, they weren’t very open or welcoming on the East Coast. I’m used to a very warm and compassionate culture where people are very friendly. Everyone is aware of everyone’s feelings, where here in the Northeast everyone is just on a mission. You go over and past everyone to get to your path and that was hard for me, that fast, no-nonsense pace. PGN: My cousin moved to Atlanta and was freaked out at first. People would say hello and he’d practically jump into a karate stance, “What do you want?” It took him a while to get used to strangers coming up and asking how his day was. HE: I know. It’s the strangest thing. When I first came here, I would be in a grocery store or at a pit stop and I would always greet people and say, “G’day! How are you doing?” and they would look at me like I was totally bonkers. I finally realized,

tion, corrective rape, etc., and some about a thriving, gay party community with amazing-looking bars and clubs, with mostly gay white men. HE: Yes, there are still very distinctive cultural differences. But things have changed so much in just the five years I’ve been here, I almost feel like I don’t know my country anymore. Certainly if you go to areas like Cape Town or Pretoria, there’s a thriving gay community. Cape Town is considered one of the gay meccas. But honestly, when I was living there I was not out yet, so I never explored any of these things. But I’ve heard about them. Hopefully after the next time I return, I’ll be able to tell you a bit more.

HE: Ha! Online, which was the strangest thing. Back home, online dating just doesn’t exist, so I never thought I’d meet anyone decent online. I still sometimes have a hard time imagining that that was really how it happened, but it did. PGN: A few years ago there were a lot of films at Qfest from South Africa. There were two distinct types of films, some about the mostly black and lesbian community, which faced a lot of discrimina-

PGN: I think a lot of people think of “Africa” and pictures of shanty towns with Photo: Suzi Nash starving kids covered in flies come to mind, not the modern cities and beauty of the country. HE: It’s true. It’s amazing how many people won’t believe I’m from South Africa because I’m not black and then they presume I live in a hut with elephants stampeding by and that we don’t have running water. It baffles me how little people know about the country or that it even is a country. I’ll say I’m from South Africa and they’ll ask me what PAGE 30

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Franklin Pkwy; www.philadelphiafreedomband.com.

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 11/30 Loretta Lynn The country-music icon performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. Public Enemy The rap group performs 8 p.m. at Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St.; 215-204-2400. Christine Havrilla The out singersongwriter performs 8:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215928-0978. Sisters Sirens Auditions The house-dance troupe holds auditions for all types

of looks and personalities. Arrive by 9:45 p.m. with a solo audition piece and music. Auditions start at 10:30 p.m. at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735. Stimulus’ 4th Annual Black and White Affair The monthly LGBTQ party, 10 p.m. at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772.

Sat. 12/01 Philadelphia Freedom Band The LGBT concert band performs its annual holiday concert 7 p.m. at The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin

Bobby Brown The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Dianne Reeves The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the Grammy-winning jazz singer 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Hall & Oates The pop duo performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. TOY 2012 The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s annual

holiday fundraising event, 8-11 p.m. at Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch streets; www. dvlf.org. Sugar Town The monthly show of lady DJs and rockers features a performance by Rainbow Destroyer celebrating the release of itsnew EP, 10 p.m. at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St.; 215291-4919.

Sun. 12/02 The Bishop’s Wife The 1947 film starring Cary Grant is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Chikara Pro Wrestling The comedic pro wrestlers throw down 4 p.m. at the

goes mobile Now you can read your favorite local LGBT news site on your Android or iPhone/iPad Just go to epgn.com on your mobile device

Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

ATTENTION, CLAYMATES: Out pop singer Clay Aiken comes to the area as part of his Joyful Noise 2012 tour, performing 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609449-5150.

Pink Martini The orchestral band performs 7:30 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

Mon. 12/03 A Very Quince Holiday Cabaret Performers from GayFest! and other Quince shows sing holiday songs, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; www.quinceproductions.com. Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Restore the Shore: A Benefit Concert for Hurricane Sandy Relief A benefit concert featuring the UArts Studio One Ensemble, the Matt McAndrew Band, Lucy Stone, Marcus Myers’ Ode to Omni and Swift Technique, along with special guest speakers and first responders, 7-10 p.m. at Levitt Auditorium, 401 S. Broad St.; http:// uarts.edu/events/ alumni/2012/12/ restore-shore-benefit-concert-hurricane-sandy-relief.

stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Bieber perform 6 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543.

Tue. 12/04

4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Open Mic: The Best of What’s Next Sign up and play 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. EL VEZ - MEXmas! The Latin singer performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Wed. 12/05 Q102 Jingle Ball Top pop acts including Justin

Thu. 12/06 The Faint The punk-rock band performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. X and The Reverend Horton Heat The punk/rockabilly bands perform 8 p.m. at

TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.

Fri. 12/07 Keith Sweat The R&B singer performs 7:30 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650. Black Christmas The horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Die Hard The action film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Also check out our digital “ﬂipbook” of the full print edition at issuu.com/philagaynews with issuu’s Android app.

Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the

MOVES LIKE SWAGGER: World-renowned local dance company Philadanco is home for the holidays, performing Dec. 7-9 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5847.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Marlene and the Machine The Wilma Theater presents the German Expressionist Cabaret by The Bearded Ladies, Dec. 5-15, 265 S. Broad St.; 215893-9456. PGMC Home for the Holidays Concert Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performs Dec. 6-8 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.; www. pgmc.org. PHILADANCO The local dance company performs Dec. 7-9 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Continuing Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through Jan. 13 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210. Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor, through March, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Dr. Doolittle Media Theater presents the story of a veterinarian who can talk to animals, through Jan. 27, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100. Learning from Frank Furness: Louis Sullivan in 1873 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and furniture by the famed architect, through Dec. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Live Cinema/Manon de Boer: Resonating Surfaces — A Trilogy Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of three cinematic portraits defined by narratives of time and memory, and structured around the relation between images and sounds, through Feb. 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Hal Sparks The comedian from “Queer as Folk” performs through Dec.1 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895.

John Pinette The comedian performs through Dec. 1 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

Presidential Artifacts The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of artifacts from collections around the country, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895.

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

Ronaldus Shamask: Form, Fashion, Reflection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and sketches by the fashion designer, through March 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Shipwreck! Winslow Homer and The Life Line Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 33 paintings by The American artist, through Dec. 16, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Closing The English Bride Theatre Exile presents the story of a series of interrogations after a bombing attempt on a flight out of London, through Dec. 2 at Studio X, 1340 S. Third St.; 215-2184022.

LET’S GET READY TO TUMBLE: The men of Philadelphia’s Chikara Pro Wrestling battle it out for our amusement and entertainment 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets, call 215-9226888.

The Music Man Walnut Street Theatre presents the popular Broadway musical through Jan. 6, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Plaid Tidings Guy group Forever Plaid performs songs from the 1950s and 1960s, through Dec. 30 at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

STIRRING IT UP: The eclectic jazzpop band Pink Martini performs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. For more information or tickets, call 215-572-7650.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

The Lair Lantern Theater Company presents an adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s clas-

sic French comedy, through Dec. 2 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 10th and Ludlow streets; 215-829-0395. Wagner’s Ring The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through Dec. 1 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. War Horse The dramatic story of a boy and his horse during World War I, through Dec. 2 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

FUN FUN & PGN & GAMES GAMES

Q Puzzle Outcast Anthems Across

1. Loose woman, in the land of Joe Orton 5. Bit of Astroglide, e.g. 9. Rock group? 13. Tick off 14. Star quality 15. Wolfe of fiction 16. Swallow alternative 17. Russian river to the Caspian 18. Pull out your shooter 19. Outcast anthem of Kelly Clarkson 22. The lowdown 23. Face defacer 24. Outcast anthem of Katy Perry 29. Running game 32. Woman of La Mancha 33. Title for a brother 36. Home st. of Harper Lee 37. Male companion 38. Bagel topping 39. Came out slowly 41. Triangular treat 43. Prick 44. Little green edibles 48. Six feet under 49. With 56-Across, outcast anthem of Lady Gaga

52. Kind of will 55. Fruit jelly stuff 56. See 49-Across 59. Outcast anthem of P!nk 62. Lesbos, for one 63. Seaside bird 64. Position at sea 65 Where to catch a ferry underground 66. “Caught in the headlights” animal 67. Have the lead

Down

1. AARP members 2. Painting Fra of Florence 3. One coming from Uranus, e.g. 4. Enjoy in a sexual way, with “on” 5. Conquest of Caesar’s 6. Try to seduce 7. By word of mouth 8. South Pacific island 9. Next to bat, to Billy Bean 10. “The L Word” episode, e.g. 11. Remove a slip? 12. Spill one’s seed 20. Ready for action 21. Solid gold measures 25. Lawyer’s thing 26. SASE, e.g.

PORTRAIT from page 27

country that’s in. [Laughs.] I have fun with it, but it’s crazy. PGN: I don’t know if you know the term “poverty porn,” but it’s the practice of media and organizations exploiting poor people and/or countries in order to gain sympathy to sell newspapers or increase donations or support for a given cause — i.e., using pictures of kids in wretched conditions or circumstances and letting that be the only representation shown. Kind of like showing pictures of the worst neighborhoods in Philly and letting that be the only impression that people have of the city. HE: Yes, it’s a beautiful country but people don’t know that here. It’s an amazing array of climates, from the Kalahari Desert, where the Bushmen still live and hunt, to the Northeast where it’s almost forest-like, where the canopy of the trees is so tight the sun barely shines through. It’s amazing. PGN: So back to the States, how long have you been with the Freedom Band? HE: I think I’m in the second year with them. This will be my fourth concert. PGN: Yes, you have a holiday concert coming up. What can we look forward to? HE: A lot of fun. [PGN publisher] Mark Segal will be playing with us. Mark and Councilman Mark Squilla will do a little percussion duel-off. It’s a piece I arranged based on “The Little Drummer Boy,” and it will be quite comedic and fun. The first half will be a little untraditional because we are featuring composers that have the look of Santa Claus, or Father Christmas

27. Put the moves on 28. Bruin Bobby 29. Retreat for D.H. Lawrence 30. Loads 31. Strip in the Middle East 33. You might see a polar bear there 34. First name in gossip 35. Circumcised clumsily? 40. Flow out 42. Portfolio parts, briefly 44. Was a chicken hawk 45. “More! More!” on Broadway 46. Bring into accord 47. Journalist/writer William 50. Uncork, to Shakespeare 51. Having one sharp, to Bernstein 52. Bisexual writer Murdoch 53. Bringing up the rear 54. Celluloid Closet_ narrator Tomlin 56. Poet Whitman 57. Where to find Moby Dick 58. North Sea feeder 60. Sarah Jessica Parker’s “city” activity 61. Singer’s syllables

as we call him, with photos being projected through the pieces to make it fun. PGN: What do you think of Thanksgiving? [Laughs.] Obviously it’s not exactly a South African tradition. HE: No, no, not at all. We don’t even eat turkey as a rule because it’s very expensive there and the turkeys are very small. I love Thanksgiving. I’d never had or known about pumpkin pie or green-bean casseroles and cranberry sauce, but I’ve discovered I really like them. When Eric came to South Africa with me for the first time, we made turkey for the family and everyone was in absolute awe. PGN: What are some foods that someone should try when visiting South Africa? HE: You’d definitely have to try biltong or droëwors, which are a kind of dried meat. You’d call it jerky here, but it’s not the same. I’m sorry but what I’ve had here is just ... awful. Ours is thicker and much better. It’s so common there, you can buy it at any grocery store. But we don’t have the variety of vegetables that you have here, especially since you have the root vegetables that come in from Latin America. We don’t have any of that, but we do have a lot of fruit. Guava and mangoes and papaya, lychees, that sort of thing. PGN: What are your big holidays? HE: We don’t have any big family gathering/eating holidays like Thanksgiving. The biggest holidays are Easter and Christmas. We also celebrate things like the end of the Anglo-Boer War or Freedom Day, which celebrates the first post-apartheid elections.

PGN: When did you first come out? HE: In high school, I informally came out to a couple of friends for about two months and then went back in. I didn’t officially come out fully until my final year of college. I guess I knew all along but especially in my culture where it’s a big no-no, and you get oppressed and all that, I didn’t see the need when I was living there. PGN: What was the first music you ever purchased? HE: I think the first thing I ever bought was a soundtrack. I also used to listen to a lot of Afrikaans children’s stories. There was a famous series called “Liewe Heksie,” which means “dear little witch” in Afrikaans. She was an incompetent, forgetful witch who lived with her friends the elves in Blommeland (Flower Land) and was always getting into funny situations. PGN: What was the historical moment that you remember best? HE: I guess for me it was the day President Obama took office. I was in the U.S. and it was a huge deal. I was alive for the end of apartheid but I was so little I don’t remember it. But the Obama thing was big. Especially coming from a country where we were used to black leaders, to see a black president in America was great. PGN: Biggest mishap in your musical career? HE: Oh, well, it’s happened more than one time, but in the excitement of conducting I’ve had the baton fly out of my hand in the middle of a piece. I think I hit someone in the head once.

PGN: And what’s on the horizon? HE: Well, my first love is composing and conducting. I’m currently working on a musical that we’re developing for Broadway. My husband Eric is writing the lyrics and I’m doing the music. It’s called “The Last Days of Pompeii,” and we have a producer in New York and a director and choreographer attached already, so it’s coming along nicely. Hopefully by this time next year we’ll be opening. PGN: You’ll be the new Rodgers and Hammerstein! HE: Now that would be nice. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com. SOLUTION

BOOKS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Schulman to visit Philly with timely new political book By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Out author and activist Sarah Schulman writes about changing her consciousness about Palestine in her provocative new book, “Israel/Palestine and the Queer International.” A Jewish lesbian, Schulman understands oppression but wrote the book, as she eloquently says in her introduction, “to confront and expose my own denial in a way that will be helpful to others.” Over the phone from New York, Schulman spoke passionately about political issues and about how her book urges readers to think for themselves, and become more aware of the Israel/Palestine situation. “In the particular case of Israel, the main obstacle is that most Americans have no information. If you just read the New York Times and watch American television, you can’t understand what’s happening. Once you start the process of trying to understand what’s happening, the truth is very powerful. You have to face how safe we are, and how uninformed we are.” She mentioned the bombing of Gaza “is happening while we speak” and that “Israel is the number-one recipient of military aid from the U.S. It’s important for Americans to understand our complicity. There are a number of Americans who want to change Israel receiving military aid from the U.S., which is like $8.5 million a day.” Schulman said “Israel/Palestine and the

her book, including horrific hate Queer International” addresses mail. the fact that Israel is promoting “They never say, ‘On page 3, itself as a queer-friendly nation I disagree with this point,’” she while it denies human rights to vented. “It’s always a very crazy, Palestinians. As such, Schulman apocalyptic, annihilating landeclined an invitation to speak at guage.” an LGBT conference in Tel Aviv, Schulman’s frustration is paland embarked on a solidarity mission in the Middle East. The book pable. She is trying to educate chronicles her emerging conpeople about a tense political sitsciousness and experiences meet- AUTHOR SARAH uation and encourage them to see SCHULMAN the points from different perspecing other activists, learning more tives — which they might not be about the complex political situation and even facing backlash. comfortable with at first. But the through line of the book is her “You have to be a grown-up and do personal story. She eloquently and cogently research. The strategy is B/D/S: Boycott/ describes how her awareness and trans- Divestment/Sanctions. Jewish Voice for formation happened. She presents inter- Peace is running a campaign to divest comesting stories about the queer Palestinians panies that profit from the occupation. she meets, and bonds with, including anti- Sabra hummus is a product connected to occupation activists, as well as details settlement. It’s not difficult to find out how about the unique coming-out process for to be active, and many of the people I mention in the book are very, very available.” Palestinians. In addition to Jewish Voice for Peace, Schulman explained, “I think a lot of Schulman mentioned Students for Americans, especially Jews, are Justice for Palestine and the queer afraid of going through the process I went through. I wanted Pink Watching. to show them what it’s like. It’s “This is a new movement. It’s OK to not understand things, and really starting now,” she enthused, see that one has made mistakes. describing a paradigm that has It’s emotionally difficult, but not resonance to her activist background. “I was involved in AIDS impossible to do.” [activism] from the beginning. One of the most painful things When you look at the two comSchulman has encountered is munities, you see people prointensely negative reactions to

foundly oppressed, and they are depicted in the media as predators. That was familiar to me. We had the international premiere of [ACT UP documentary] ‘United in Anger’ and showed the film to Palestinians. The [ACT UP folks] were inspiring people, they fought until they died, and they had to change their strategy constantly. There was enormous identification.” While Schulman enourages people to become more aware and politically active, she acknowledged that there are times and places to boycott effectively. “You have to pick and choose. If we, who are safe, have to miss a few experiences, or are made uncomfortable — it’s fine. We as Americans are used to having everything we want. If we have to be uncomfortable to make a huge social change, that’s OK. “If there’s going to be a huge campaign, the conditions have to be there for the campaign to be effective. I wouldn’t boycott all queer film fests [that receive money from Israel], but if there’s one where you can take a stand with key filmmakers, it’s worth it to make a campaign. This is the moral issue of our day. It’s like the AIDS crisis. Every person has to make a decision about that they are going to do, or stand by and do nothing.” ■ Sarah Schulman will hold a conversation with Rabbi Linda Holtzman at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.

Come see what’s new at your local, non-corporate, gluten-free historic queer bookshop! Browse, chat, and support the oldest continuously operating LGBT book store in the USA!

10% most hardcovers, over 5 million books and 3 million eBooks available at queerbooks.com email: giovannis_room@verizon.net 345 S. 12th St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107 215-923-2960 Mon-Sat 11:30 - 7, Sun 1 - 7

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Classifieds Help Wanted

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Entertainment

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PGN

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 be placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%

CANCELLATION POLICY

All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad. All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

PGN

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

Real Estate Sale

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

PGN

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Gay is our middle name. B-7

STAY WARM WITH US!!! DRY SUANA & STEAM ROOM ARE AVAILBLE...

NAUGHTY & NICE Saturday, December 8th, 2012 Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More..

I SAW A DADDY KISSING SANTA CLAUS Saturday, November 18th, 2012 Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More..

Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. So Check In Early if you want a room…

ROOMS:

Members: $25.00 & Non-Members: $35.00

LOCKERS:

Members: $18.00 & Non-Members: $28.00

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people comeMONDAY thru FRIDAY: Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm)

Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00 (This Special Not Eﬀective During Party Nights)

SATURDAY: AFTERNOON DELIGHT

4 hour Lockers (8am – 4pm) Members/Students: $5.00 & Non-Members: $15.00

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members/Students: $12.50 & Non-Members: $22.50

MANIC MONDAY

5 for 5 ($5 Lockers for 5Hrs) Members/Students: $5.00 Non-Members: $15.00 (4pm to 12 )

Check out our website for our HOT NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events.... Also, RENOVATIONS are being done, So swing by & Check Out The Transformation!

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

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

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■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

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

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

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Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-8 p.m. MondayFriday; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331.

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

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Community Bulletin Board i

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; 215-496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

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

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 or 866-222-3871. www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ 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 email notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

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

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org.

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

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

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

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

students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladelphia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism.com. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities, 856857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2012

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