PGN Dec. 4-10 2009 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News LGBT census effort advances

Hate crimes rise nationally, fall locally By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

Leaders in the local LGBT community came together this week for the first training of the LGBT Complete Count Committee, an ongoing effort to heighten awareness and understanding of the role LGBT individuals will play in the upcoming U.S. Census. This marks the first year that the city, which organizes Complete Count Committees to reach numerous other minority populations, has launched a committee to represent the LGBT population. The training, held at the offices of the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, brought together about 15 local residents to provide them with the tools and information necessary to explain to their respective communities why LGBT participation in the 2010 census is essential. The Economic Development Committee of the mayor’s LGBT Advisory Board, which was formed last fall, worked in conjunction with Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT Affairs, and Lanette Swopes, U.S. Census LGBT partnership specialist, to create the committee. “The census work falls under the Economic Development Committee, and they’ve really taken a strong interest in this issue and worked to move it forward,” Casarez said. “The seeds for this effort really started with them.” Bill Gehrman, chair of the Economic Development Committee, said the group decided to focus on the census because heightened participation could eventually mean significant economic gains for the city and the LGBT community. “The census shows the population and the vibrancy of our city, which could mean more federal funds,” he said. “And it can show

Vol. 33 No. 49

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Dec. 4 - 10, 2009

FIGHT AND A PRAYER: Bishop Audrey Bronson, pastor of the Sanctuary Church of the Open Door, gave the keynote address at the Philadelphia FIGHT first annual prayer breakfast on World AIDS Day. Bronson became the first woman president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity in June. About 50 clergy and laypeople attended the breakfast at the Doubletree Hotel on South Broad Street. Photo: Scott A. Drake

D.C. votes for marriage equality By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

The City Council of Washington, D.C., overwhelmingly approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the district this week. The council voted 11-2 Dec. 1 to approve legislation introduced in October by openly gay Councilmember David Catania that would extend full marriage rights and benefits to same-sex couples. As per normal procedure, the council will have to vote a second time on the legislation, which is expected to take place Dec. 15, and the bill will then be sent to D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, a marriage-equality advocate. Congress then would have a 30-day period to enact a joint resolution disapproving the law, which would have to be signed by President Obama in order to thwart the legislation. Without a Congressional resolution, the bill will automatically become law. If the bill passes, D.C. will become the first jurisdiction below the Mason-Dixon line to allow same-sex marriage. See CENSUS, Page 16 Such unions are currently legal

in Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Iowa, and will begin in New Hampshire Jan. 1. “Today’s vote is an important victory not only for the gay and lesbian community but for everyone who supports equal rights,” Catania said in a statement Tuesday. “Gays and lesbians bear every burden of citizenship and are entitled to every benefit and protection that the law allows. Whenever 11 out of 13 councilmembers vote to support any issue, it indicates that there is strong support for the issue among our constituents.” The only councilmembers opposed to the bill were Yvette Alexander and Marion Barry, the thrice-divorced former mayor of D.C. The council passed legislation in the spring that allowed D.C. to recognize same-sex marriages performed legally in other jurisdictions. The marriage-equality measure drew intense national debate in the past few weeks after the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of D.C. announced it would put a stop to its social services if the bill See D.C., Page 17

The number of hate crimes, including those motivated by victims’ sexual orientation, rose nationwide last year but dropped in Pennsylvania. The FBI released its 2008 Hate Crimes Statistics late last month and found a 2-percent increase in the total number of bias-motivated incidents, from 7,624 to 7,783 from 2007-08. In 2007, there were 1,265 incidents stemming from the victims’ sexual orientation, while last year 1,297 were reported. There were 68 hate-crime incidents in Pennsylvania last year, compared with 83 the previous year. In 2008, there were six crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation, while the majority stemmed from race — 43, and religion —14 — with five incidents motivated by the victim’s ethnicity. In 2007, race was also the top motivating factor, followed by religion and then sexual orientation, which spurred 13 hate crimes. Nationally, of the nearly 1,300 incidents of sexual-orientation bias, 58.6 percent were against gay men and 12 percent against lesbians, while 25.7 percent were

categorized as “anti-homosexual,” 2 percent as “anti-heterosexual” and 1.7 motivated by the victims’ bisexuality, statistics that were on par with the previous year. Of the six LGBT hate crimes reported in Pennsylvania last year, two occurred in Philadelphia, while one each took place in Pittsburgh, Pike County, Patton Township and Middletown. Pennsylvania had 1,241 agencies participating in the data collection — including city police districts, state police, university security and other organizations — the most out of any state; however, only 31 agencies reported a hate crime had occurred within their jurisdictions in 2008. The Keystone State ranked in the bottom half of the country in terms of number of hate-crime incidences, at number 26. Steve Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, surmised the actual number of hate crimes could be far higher than the FBI reported. “I don’t think they’re reliable statistics,” he said. “The FBI has notoriously underreported hate crimes, and many people in the field believe that the FBI numbers are only the tip of the iceberg.” See HATE CRIMES, Page 15

NO DYING OF THE LIGHT: Volunteers at COLOURS lead a candlelight remembrance on World AIDS Day for those lost to HIV/AIDS. About 75 African-American men and women participated in the event on North Broad Street. Additional World AIDS Day photos on page 5. Photo: Scott A. Drake

PAGE 2

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 3

Local merchants honored in national LGBT competition By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A lesbian couple from Philadelphia was named runnersup for a national award that recognizes the best of the best in LGBT businesses. Tracy and Mia Levesque, coowners of Web-design company YIKES, were one of three finalists in the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce/Wells Fargo LGBT Business of the Year Award. Also making it into the top 20 were Philadelphia-based John McManaman and David White from Absolute Abstract and David Jeffreys from marketing agency Altus Group, who, along with YIKES, are all members of the city’s LGBT chamber of commerce Independence Business Alliance. The Levesques and Bill Rodman, owner of inVision Consultants, LCC, a Seattle-based aerospace engineering consulting firm, were recognized alongside the eventual winner, Joy Silver, president and CEO of RainbowVision

Properties, during the NGLCC’s National Dinner Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C. Silver, who operates a chain of LGBT retirement communities, is a native of Northeast Philadelphia. Kate Karasmeighan, NGLCC chief of staff, said she couldn’t release the number of applicants but did say it was record-breaking. The Levesques, who have been together for 17 years and married for six, founded YIKES in 1996. The company, headquartered in Northern Liberties, provides an array of Web-based services, such as custom Web design, maintenance and podcasting. The couple employs six staffers; Tracy works on the front-end design for the company’s clients, while Mia focuses more on project management. YIKES is a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and has been committed to operating as a “green” company since its inception, even before the term became popular. “We started with these kinds

TRACY (LEFT) AND MIA LEVESQUE Photo: Stuart Goldenberg

of sustainability business principles that now have a name and are becoming a lot more commonplace in the vernacular of the business world,” Mia said. “The whole concept of being sustainable is becoming more familiar to people and a lot more companies are looking to find ways to achieve a more green perspective, but we started based on this even though there wasn’t necessarily a

real definition of it at that time.” The company uses 100-percent renewable electricity, promotional materials printed on recycled paper with soy ink and uses only green cleaning and paper products. “We come from a nonprofit and activist background and, unfortunately, we’ve seen the way things are run when ethical decisions are in the hands of corporations,” Tracy said. “We wanted to create a business where people are treated fairly and where our business did well by doing good.” Tracy noted that YIKES is unique not only in its “green” focus, but also in the fact that it’s lesbian-owned. “Men still really dominate the technology industry. It’s even rare when you call a Web company and get a woman tech support person,” Tracy said, noting that she knows of one another lesbianowned green Web company based in Oregon. “We do see some women in the field here and there, but usually not as business owners.” Tracy said earlier this year an

NGLCC employee contacted local grantmaking organization Bread and Roses Community Fund for suggestions of local businesses they could encourage to apply, and agency executive director Casey Cook suggested YIKES. “We were applying anyway, and then we got a call personally from someone at the chamber who asked us if we were planning to apply, so that gave us a little extra motivation to get it done,” she said. Tracy said the company’s green business principles were key to their success in the competition. “We were told that the reason we made it so far was really because of our commitment to sustainability,” she said. “By being at the event and seeing the leaders of the NGLCC, we were able to see that the chamber really seems to be in line with our beliefs about sustainability and about being a socially responsible business, so that really made us happy.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

FINAL WEEK! Santa draws the winners on Dec. 12 Wouldn’t you like to WIN a Christmas gift for someone?

*Grand Prize Package includes two nights at The Independent Philadelphia with light breakfast, two 3-day passes to 12th Street Gym, $100 gift certiﬁcate for dinner at Knock and two 1-hour massages at Value Massage PLUS a $100 gift certiﬁcate from Giovanni’s Room!

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

GREAT THANKS to our prize donors:

MANGOMOON

Bellezza DermaCenter MedSpa Clinic

ritz five

Purchase tickets at Giovanni’s Room at 345 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa. during regular business hours, author events, book signings or any special events held at the store. A special thanks to our ticket and media sponsors: Scott Drake Photography

PHILADELPHIA NEWS PHILADELPHIA GAY GAY NEWS

PAGE 4

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

News

PGN 10 11 11 7 5 7 11

Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Media Trail News Briefing National News Street Talk

505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

Palm Springs mayor wants to change seats

Phone: (215) 625-8501 Fax: (215) 925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Thanks to MANNA

Steve Pougnet is seeking a seat as Congress’ ﬁrst gay dad.

Thanksgiving dinner has a special meaning for those giving and receiving every year.

Page 7

Page 8

Detour Comics Diversions Meeting Place Portraits Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Publisher

Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com

Editor Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206) sarah@epgn.com Art Director Scott A. Drake (ext. 216) scott@epgn.com Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com

27 34 37 26 27 25 36

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208)

Christmas goodies for under your tree — or for going over the top.

Family Portraits:

Do you “Dare”? Screenwriter David Brind does ...

Michelle Pollino

Page 18

Page 26

Page 29

Columns

Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives David Augustine (ext. 219) david@epgn.com

Creep of the Week 10 Offline 28

Morgan Levine (ext. 212) morgan@epgn.com Kelly Root (ext. 207) kelly@epgn.com

Classifieds Directories

38 42

Offline

Tom Judson

127 steps

Erin Mckeown

Worth Watching

More holiday events

From porn star to ham

How to become a man

Singer-songwriter tames “Lions”

“Ugly Betty” gets gay

Page 28

Page 36

emails

Page 35

Page 34

Page 36

Poll results from our online survey as of Dec. 2: How much will you spend this holiday compared to last year? 43% A lot less 16% A little less 23% About the same 14% A little more 3% A lot more

Events: diversions@epgn.com News/story ideas: editor@epgn.com Letters/Opinions: editor@epgn.com

Scene in Philly

Page 25

Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question: Who will be the queen of daytime TV when Oprah leaves?

National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Office Manager/Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant Credit/Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press National Gay Newspaper Guild Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2009 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 5

Marking World AIDS Day in Philly News Briefing Porn director arrested for break-in, assault

The Penn Center for AIDS Research presented its annual Red Ribbon Awards at City Hall on World AIDS Day to J. Mason, educational specialist at The Attic Youth Center’s Bryson Institute (left) and Philadelphia FIGHT executive director Jane Shull (third from left). Joining the award recipients were Delaware Valley Legacy Fund interim co-executive director Chris Bartlett (from left), Mayor Nutter, Penn CFAR Community Advisory Board president Rick Britt, the event’s sign-language specialist Carol Finkle and state Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-7th Dist.).

Unknown HIV/AIDS activists plastered messages on the SEPTA bus shelter at Broad and Arch streets to remind commuters and passersby on World AIDS Day of the epidemic’s global scourge.

ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns (from left), board member Rick Britt, director of business development and communications Michael Byrne and board president Laureto Farinas gather in front of materials for the agency’s newly unveiled “Take Action” campaign at the organization’s World AIDS Day event Tuesday evening, which drew about 125 people. The new six-month campaign features photos of real ActionAIDS staffers, volunteers and clients and encourages the community to take an active role in the organization and a proactive role in their own health. “This campaign puts out a call to action for the Philadelphia community to get tested and know their status so that if they’re HIV negative, we can help them stay negative, and if they’re positive, they can get into care early,” Burns said.

A gay-porn director was arrested last month in Philadelphia after allegedly breaking into the home of his former partner. Charlot Aime, 28, was arrested Nov. 9 in the 1500 block of Sellers Street, in the city’s Frankford section. Philadelphia Police spokesperson Sgt. Ray Evers said Aime allegedly forced open his ex-boyfriend’s front door at 2:40 a.m. and entered his bedroom, where the former partner was asleep with his current boyfriend. “The complainant awoke to see his ex-boyfriend standing at the side foot of the bed with a knife in one hand and a cooking fork in the other, threatening to kill both of them,” Evers said. Evers said Aime ran out of the house when the complainant and his boyfriend got out of bed and a fight ensued outside, in which Aime allegedly picked up a baseball bat and struck his ex in the head and chest. Evers said a witness pulled the bat from Aime and kept it away from him until police arrived. The victim suffered contusions on his chest, knees and head. Aime, who was released on bail, faces charges of burglary, criminal trespassing, possession of an instrument of crime, terroristic threats, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. Aime is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Feb. 12. A stay-away order was issued Nov. 17.

Party for HIV/AIDS community Photos: Scott A. Drake

Attendees browsed resource tables of local HIV/AIDS, LGBT and mainstream health organizations, took advantage of free HIV testing and enjoyed dinner at a World AIDS Day event organized by faith-based social-service agency Broad Street Ministries on Tuesday.

LGBT club Albert’s Second Story, 3180 Grant Ave. in the Northeast, will launch a monthly meet-up event for HIVpositive people and their supporters, with the first party kicking off at 8 p.m. Dec. 6. “PoZitive Encounters” will allow those with the disease and those who have been affected by it to enjoy a night out with others who face similar issues, said Dan Mangini, one of the creators of the event. In lieu of a cover charge, attendees are asked to contribute to a scholarship fund that will eventually go to an individual in Northeast Philadelphia with HIV/AIDS. The parties will be held the first Sunday of every month. For more information, call Mangini at (267) 319-4262 or contact Albert’s at (267) 339-1579. ■ — Jen Colletta

EWS

Russia cent of ry. o yet m the

14 that uropean be held

mprised , the in and ll meet st event

national such as mnesty o attend eriences hts and

of the ople In ess for vealed, 2,000

sgender sgender he city arty for

ched at

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 6

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

GALAEI names new director By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative recently completed its search for a permanent director, who will take the helm of the organization next week. Elicia Gonzales, who most recently served as the manager of HIV/AIDS prevention and education agency The Collective, a joint project among GALAEI, Mazzoni Center and AIDS Services in Asian Communities, will start as executive director of GALAEI Dec. 7. Gonzales, 35, who is openly queer, is a native of Denver, Colo., and moved to the Philadelphia area in 2004 to attain her master’s degree in social work and humansexuality education from Widener Your city, your life, your newspaper PAGE 15 University. A founding board member of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, Gonzales also became an active member of the local Latina community after her move, working at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, as well as lending her time to the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. Gonzales said she’s always been drawn to the social-work field and felt especially connected to working with Latino populations. “I think it’s just kind of in my blood,” she said. “My parents were somewhat of activists in their time, and it just always appealed to me on some sort of innate level. And as I began to gain a sense of who I was as a person and learn more about my Latina identity and my culture, working with that community became even more important to me.” Spring Cleaning Gonzales said she first learned of GALAEI during her first and Maintenance OutFest in Philadelphia and was surprised at the diverse communiFind help in the Home ties the organization works with. Improvement Directory “When I first moved to Philadelphia, I went to OutFest and came across GALAEI’s table. They had this really great marketing device, this fold-out ARK ATKINS DO pamphlet that catered to youth,

PGN

Triangle Medical

PGN General Practice Progressive HIV Care

M T. W , JOHN DEL ROSSI, PA-C

(215) 829-0170 253 S. 10th St. First Floor Philadelphia

Craig T. Wakefield DDS A committed and caring dentist who has

about this fascinating program RAVE [Reaching Adolescents Via Education],” she said. “Coming from Colorado, this was really my first exposure to an agency that catered to both Latinos and LGBTs. I always thought those two had to be compartmentalized, and this was the first time that I found an agency that really spoke to me on a personal level and identified with the various parts of who I am.” Gonzales called GALAEI to inquire about a part-time position, but was told there were none. “And cut to me five years later, and I’m now working as the ED,” she joked. She has been working tangentially with GALAEI for the past two years through her position with The Collective, which she said she’ll remain involved with, although now in a different role. Gonzales noted that her time at The Collective showed her how important organizational partnerships are to social-service agencies. “It sounds cliché, but it really does take a village,” she said. “[The Collective] definitely was a true collaboration in every sense of the word. Each agency was involved, had an equal say in the process and we went through some good times and some bad times together, but together were able to recognize that this project was all about serving the community.” Gonzales said she plans to focus on heightening GALAEI’s community connections, as this can help the agency to further assess and meet the needs of the local Latino population, which is disproportionately affected by HIV. “I want to continue on the path I was taking as The Collective manager, strengthening community relations. I want us to be able to collaborate more with different agencies, like Congreso, Mazzoni, SafeGuards, Prevention Point and other local groups to maintain and strengthen those relationships and work with one another.” She said she’s also looking to

ELICIA GONZALES

strengthen the internal relationships at GALAEI, which has experienced a bevy of leadership changes in the past year-and-ahalf. Gonzales will take over for GALAEI board member Tiffany Thompson, who’s served as interim executive director since the summer, when former executive director Louis Bonilla stepped down after about 10 months on the job. Bonilla replaced Gloria Casarez, who left GALAEI to take on the role of the city’s director of LGBT affairs. “I want to get in there and make it as smooth a transition as possible. The agency has seen Gloria leave and then the last ED, so my short-term goal is really to provide some stability to the organization. I want to boost staff morale within that transition and help to cut down on people not knowing what’s going on or not knowing who they should lean or for support or go to for answers.” Glenn Martin, chair of the agency’s board, said Gonzales will be a welcomed, and well-equipped, addition to the GALAEI team. “We look forward to serving with Elicia,” he said. “Her community experience, working skills and professionalism will enhance the organization greatly.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PGN Meeting Place

Find out what’s going on.

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 7

National

Media Trail

Calif. mayor looks to become first gay parent in Congress

Cleveland approves trans protections

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer There are currently three openly gay legislators in Congress, but the mayor of Palm Springs, Calif., is seeking to boost that number to four. Mayor Steve Pougnet is so far running unopposed in June’s Democratic primary, but is looking to unseat incumbent Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R), who’s represented California’s 45th District in the House for more than 10 years, in next fall’s election. Pougnet, 46, has served as the mayor of Palm Springs since 2007 and sat on City Council for four years prior to his election. If elected, Pougnet would become the first married gay Congressmember and the first out parent in Congress; he married his partner of 18 years, Christopher Green, last year and the couple is raising 3-year-old adopted twins, Julia and Beckham. Pougnet, formerly a university executive in Colorado and Michigan, was elected to City Council from a pool of nine potential candidates in 2003 after having lived in the area for just two years. “I’ve always had the ability to bring people together,” he said. “Before I came to City Council here in Palm Springs, I saw that they didn’t really have a strategy; they were very reactionary to issues, but had no real strategic plan. I love putting the pieces of a puzzle together and I have the ability to lead, so I thought that my talents could be well served here in Palm Springs in the political environment.” Pougnet, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Michigan State University, said he’s always been committed to being out in the workplace and, throughout his career, employed a policy that his supervisor and any employees he managed would know his orientation. “I wanted to make sure that people knew who I was, completely,” he said. “And it’s always been received extremely well. I’ve seen that it’s really how you interact with people that they’re going to ultimately judge you on.” Pougnet was elected alongside two other openly gay councilmembers in 2003, and another was appointed to the body, making the city the largest in the nation to be governed by an LGBT majority. “I know that for a very, very brief time, some folks thought there was this gay takeover of the city and were thinking, ‘Here comes the gay agenda.’ But I was thinking, ‘Well, I don’t keep a gay agenda in my back pocket,’” he said. “I tried to make it clear that I was representing the entire population of the city of Palm Springs. To me, it’s

MAYOR STEVE POUGNET

always been very important to communicate with everybody. Some issues are universal to everyone.” Pougnet won 70 percent of the vote in the 2007 mayoral election and said that one of the most integral periods of his mayoral career came last summer, when he was able to perform 118 same-sex marriages when it was legally allowable in California, the largest number of gay weddings performed by a mayor in the state. “Each and every one was very, very emotional,” Pougnet said. “You’ve got folks who’ve loved one another for so many years — one couple had been together for 52 years.” Pougnet and Green married in September, about a month-and-a-half before voters approved Proposition 8, which overturned the state’s same-sex marriage law. Pougnet said he first started considering moving up the political ladder shortly after the election, when California’s 45th was one of eight Republican-led districts in the state that went to President Obama. While the majority of voters in the 45th District are Republican, the margin of difference between Republicans and Democrats has shrunk from nearly 10 percentage points to about 4 in the past two years. Andrew Stone, Western press secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said the 45th District is one of several Republican-controlled districts in the state that his agency is focusing on for next year’s election. “The 45th District is changing dramatically,” Stone said. “We’ve seen voter registration changing, we’ve seen demographics changing and Mary Bono Mack is just out

of touch with her district.” Stone noted that, as mayor, Pougnet helped create more than 1,000 jobs in Palm Springs through his hotel renovation and creation initiatives and worked to expand economic opportunities through sustainability projects. If elected to Congress, Pougnet said he will continue to strive for economic gains through renewable-energy initiatives and will support efforts to continue healthcare reform. Pougnet said he will be a strong advocate for a variety of pro-LGBT bills, such as legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” for which he’s posted a petition on his Web site and met with the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Patrick Murphy (DPa.). Jordan Marks, Pougnet’s campaign manager and a Philadelphia native, said that the mayor’s election to Congress could help further the public’s consciousness toward marriage equality. “There’s something very special I think in electing a gay dad to Congress,” Marks said. “I think it legitimizes marriage equality in a way we weren’t able to do in Maine or in California. If you elect a gay dad to Congress, you’re showing that this person represents a real segment of the population. We’ve had gay people elected before, but electing someone who’s married with kids I think changes the ballgame.” Bono Mack opposes marriage equality and favors civil unions, but has voted twice against a bill to ban same-sex marriage in the U.S. Constitution. In 1999, however, she voted in favor of legislation to prohibit same-sex adoption in Washington, D.C., which Pougnet called “unconscionable.” Bono Mack succeeded her husband Sonny Bono, who also previously served as mayor of Palm Springs, in Congress after his 1998 death. Even though the election is nearly a year out, Pougnet has already raised more than $500,000 — roughly the same amount that Bono Mack’s most recent Democratic challenger Julie Bornstein had accumulated throughout her entire campaign. Pougnet has been endorsed by The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and has received support from such legislators as Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and out Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Jared Polis (D-Colo.). “This is going to be intense,” Pougnet said, “and it’s going to be tough, but I think this will be the race to watch for in the LGBT community.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Advocate.com reports the Cleveland City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on Nov. 30 adding protections for transgender people in employment and housing to its antidiscrimination laws. Openly gay City Councilmember Joe Santiago, who recently lost his bid for a second four-year term, introduced the ordinance last year, at the same time the council considered a domestic-partnership registry for same-sex couples. The registry passed by a vote of 13-7. Next year, Council may consider expanding the nondiscrimination ordinance to allow transgender citizens to use either a men’s or women’s public restroom.

Mass. bishop OKs same-sex marriages The Boston Herald reports the Episcopal bishop of Massachusetts has given priests in his diocese permission to officiate at same-sex weddings. Bishop M. Thomas Shaw III said gay and lesbian couples deserve the “same sacrament of fidelity” as heterosexual couples. Shaw has been a long-term supporter of gay marriage, but previously cited the Episcopal Church’s canons and prayer book in barring local priests from officiating at same-sex marriages, even after they became legal in Massachusetts in 2004. Shaw said in a letter released on Nov. 29 that priests can decline to officiate at samesex weddings if they so choose. His decision only affects eastern Massachusetts.

Movement underway to ban divorce The San Francisco Chronicle reports Web designer John Marcotte is pushing to put a measure on the ballot next year to ban divorce in California. The effort is meant to be a satirical statement after California voters outlawed gay marriage in 2008, largely on the argument that a ban is needed to protect the sanctity of traditional marriage. “Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more,” the 38-year-old married father of two said. Marcotte said he has collected dozens of signatures, including one from his wife of seven years. Marcotte needs 694,354 valid signatures by March 22. ■ — Larry Nichols

Online. Anytime.

PAGE 8

WWW.EPGN.COM

Robert Metzger

PLUMBING

Registered Master Plumber License No. 3647 Repairs, Renovations and New Construction

P.O. Box 31697 467-3335 Philadelphia, PA 19147

Philadelphia custom Gas Heating & Air Conditioning portraits

Graham Nolan as seen by

HEATER SALE $1195

A/C Sales Starting at

$1695

Heater check-up $80.00

jasonsmithCall .comNow 215.456.1300 FAST EMERGENCY SERVICE

scussion g with ddictive m. at The

ormation n center -11 p.m. oor;

gay and ill meet am Way 12-step

��

0663 ext. 242. AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at PHILADELPHIA 1201 Chestnut St., Suite 501; GAY NEWS (215) 563-2424 ext. 10. � Coming Out, a support group for gay, bisexual or questioning men, will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. at AIDS Delaware, Suite 315, 100 W. 10th By Scott(800) A. Drake St., Wilmington; 292-0429. PGN Contributor � A gay-friendly Scrabble Club will meet from 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. The M e t r oand p o Locust l i t a n streets; Area Building, 42nd Neighborhood (215) 382-0789.Nutrition Alliance is approaching its 20thGroup anniver� The LGBT Discussion will sary preparing meet of from 6-8 p.m.and at delivering the United meals Church to of homebound Christ, 300 E.individuMain St., als with Del.; life-threatening illnesses Newark, (800) 292-0429. � A meeting/activity night throughout Philadelphia, andwill its be heldThanksgiving for gay, lesbian, bisexual, annual dinner traditransgender andmuch questioning tion is not that younger.youth and M atheir n y friends a r e f a from m i l i a6-8 r wp.m. ith at the Rainbow Room of Planned MANNA’s day-to-day commitParenthood in Doylestown; ment to the region, but some(215) very 348-0558people ext. 65.donate time, sacspecial � A men’s support group for those rifice sleep and sometimes even with HIV/AIDS will tomeet from drive great distances volunteer 6-7:30 p.m. at Mercer County for this annual celebration. Area Early Intervention Services What’s special about this meal? in Trenton, N.J. For location, call �

at 986 S. Broad St., Trenton, N.J.; United Methodist Church, Broad and Arch streets; call Zak, (215) (609) 638-7264. � The Women’s Center of 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. Montgomery County’s lesbian � The Men’s Peer Support Group DEC.discussion 4 - 10, 2009 at support group will meet from 7- will meet for topical 9 p.m. at 101 Washington Lane, 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Jenkintown; (215) 885-8440. � A men’s coming-out group will � Rainbow Adult Children of and Alcoholics meet at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride Alcoholics Anonymous will hold a 12-step Center m o r n iofn New g aJersey. t the � Survivors M A N N A of k i tSuicide c h e n , Inc. Chester meeting at 7 p.m. at Limestone County,Ranstead a support group, Church, 3201 2323 St. will meet Presbyterian at 7:30 p.m. at Paoli Memorial Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del.; Kitchen staff started Hospital,last Thursday Willistown Room, (302) 456-9129. arriving Medical Ofce Building, Lancaster � The Humboldt Society, a gay and at 4 a.m., while volunPike, Paoli; (215) 545-2242; Web lesbian naturalist club, will meet teers from as far away at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way site: phillysostripod.com. as Connecticut came � Under the Rainbow, a discussion Community Center. in three-hour shifts andfor social group for 18-25-year-old � Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, beginning at 6 a.m. gays and lesbians, willIt meet at 7:30 a 12-step program, will meet at 7:30 takes p.m. atabout The 300 Pridestaff, Center of New p.m. at All Saints Church, 18 Olive volunteers and drivAve., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) Jersey. ers to the RANDY � Thecomplete Gay Married Men’sFOX542-3279. (LEFT) AND GERRY LIPSKI AT entire process and, groupMANNA’S The Women’s PeerScott Support Association support will � KITCHEN Photo: A. Group Drake this all of theWilliam Way will meet at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride meet year, at 8 p.m. at the Dist.) stopped by volunteer were (610) 626- Evans Center (D-203rd of New Jersey. Communityspots Center; support. MANNA � show The theirBisexual/Gay/Lesbian 2577. about two weeks before to filled � The steering committee Alliance at Rutgers University will Richard Keaveney called Thanksgiving, according of to Team Meg CEO Philadelphia, a gay sports league, meetcrowd at 9:30together p.m. in Murray Hall, and joked, Rider, the agency’s director of the will meet 8 p.m. at the William Room is211, St., New the 13 onlyGeorge time during the events andatcommunications. Rider “This � Way Community Center.annual Pie day Brunswick, N.J.; (732) is 932-1306. when everyone going to added that MANNA’s

MANNA gives thanks

Everything. The Thanksgiving dinner, for clients who subsist on MANNA’s regular deliveries, is a complete dinner for four with turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, gravy, vegetables, salad, cranberry sauce, bread and dessert. This year, MANNA prepared and delivered 2,100 pounds of turkey, 750 pounds of stuffing, 1,200 pounds of sweet potatoes, 800 pounds of vegetables, 75 gallons of gravy and 600 pies along with cranberry sauce, rolls and salad — enough to feed 600 families. Cooking preparations began a week prior to the big day with the culmination on Thanksgiving

in the Sky sales were 25 percent less than they had expected. Gerry Lipski and Randy Fox, who will celebrate their 20-year anniversary this month, have been volunteering at MANNA for 17 years — when there were only 17 clients. “We remember when some of these [volunteers] were only 6 or 7 years old when they first came with their parents, and they keep coming back to show their support,” Lipski said. “Everything went more smoothly than ever and the last drivers left before noon.” The only break in the morning was when Mayor Nutter, his wife Lisa and state Rep. Dwight

PGN

get to stop for two minutes before getting back to it, so savor it.” Keaveney praised the workers and announced that, thanks to funding work by Evans, regular meal deliveries will increase from 800 to 1,000 clients per week early next year. This year ’s holiday tradition was dedicated in memory of David Regnery for his support of MANNA’s nutrition program. Regnery, who died earlier this year, became involved with MANNA through his stepson Rob Saxon, MANNA director of volunteers and resource development. ■

Craig T. Wakefield DDS A committed and caring dentist who has built his practice on referrals from patients.

High Quality Dental Treatment Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers Crowns Whitening Implants Evenings Hours PWA’s Welcome

Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 255 South17th Street • Philadelphia, PA 19103

Preventive Care

215

732-8080

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Editorial Count your blessings As the holiday season starts and the end of the year approaches, it’s a good time to take stock of where we’ve been and what we have; to count our blessings, if you will. Some folks do this at Thanksgiving, some at Christmas, and others at New Year’s. Though this editor will no doubt have an end-of-year wrap-up, it’s not too early to start compiling thoughts. For many, this has been an extremely tough year — nearly everyone knows someone who is unemployed, many know folks who are facing mortgage and housing issues or who have lost their life savings. Compounding that are the relationships that break under the ﬁnancial strain, the health issues exacerbated by inadequate insurance and increased stress levels all around. The holiday season — and whatever holiday you celebrate, be it Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or none of the above — is a great time to think about friends and neighbors, family and coworkers. To think about what they mean to you and let them know that you appreciate them. (We’ll talk about what to do if they’re jerks some other time.) Because the truth is, none of us can thrive in a vacuum. We need friends, family and colleagues to collaborate with us, to serve as a sounding board, to inspire us, to tell us when we screw up, to congratulate us when we succeed. Beyond the personal sphere, we need this at the community level as well. Certainly, there is no “community” if we only act alone and in our own selfinterests. So this is also a time to consider what your community means to you — how do you beneﬁt from it and how do you give back? In some ways, it’s like communism: From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. We all bring strengths and skills to the table; we all have assets to share. Life is hard, there’s no doubt about it. And this year particularly so. But it could be worse. You could live in a country that has no freedom of speech or that criminalizes homosexuality. You could live in a city that doesn’t offer protections for LGBT people. And while sexual minorities aren’t afforded equal rights yet, change is coming. So as 2009 comes to an end, who and what are you thankful for this holiday season? And how will you let them know? ■

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.

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri Since gays and lesbians aren’t allowed to legally vow “’til death do us part” in Rhode Island, it’s only fitting that they not be allowed to take care of each other after death. So says Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri, who vetoed a bill that allowed domestic partners to make funeral arrangements for each other. A domestic partner, as defined by the bill, is a couple who have at least a one-year relationship and proof of financial “interdependence,” such as joint mortgages, checking accounts or credit cards. This reminds me of a bit by lesbian stand-up comic Leslie Thompson. Upon being told by a telephone solicitor hawking burial plots that the offer is for married couples, Thompson responds, “First we can’t get married, and now we can’t get buried?” Of course, it’s not that gay Rhode Islanders can’t get buried; it’s just that their partners can’t make that decision for them since they’re not, you know, real family. “A one-year time period for any relationship is not a sufficient length of duration to establish a serious, lasting bond between two individuals to supplant the surviving individual over traditional family members relative to the sensitive personal traditions and

issues regarding funeral arrangements, burial rights and disposal of human remains,” Carcieri, a longtime opponent of marriage equality, wrote in his veto letter. “Many casual relationships last longer than a year.” True. And many one-man-onewoman marriages last less than a year. Yet they’re allowed to make decisions based on “sensitive personal traditions” and are entrusted with the “disposal of human remains,” which you apparently have to do yourself in Rhode Island. No, it’s better to let blood relatives take care of everything, since all families are accepting of their gay or lesbian offspring and no one would dare go against his or her wishes while at the same time forbidding his or her partner from even coming to the funeral. That’d never happen in this day and age. Except when it does. So you’ll have to excuse homos for being a little sensitive about this issue. A big part of Carcieri’s problem with the bill was the whole domesticpartner thing. Rhode Island has no DP law. So Carcieri found the DP provision to be “vague and ill-deﬁned.” Hey, you know what isn’t “vague and ill-deﬁned?” Marriage. If gays could legally marry each other, there’d be no reason to assemble rights they

should rightfully be afforded patchwork-quilt style. But that doesn’t look likely to happen in Carcieri’s Rhode Island. “This bill represents a disturbing trend over the past few years of the incremental erosion of the principles surrounding traditional marriage, which is not the preferred way to approach this issue,” Carcieri wrote. I think what he meant was, “This bill represents a disturbing trend of treating gays like actual people with feelings.” “If the General Assembly believes it would like to address the issue of domestic partnerships,” he continued, “it should place the issue on the ballot and let the people of the state of Rhode Island decide.” Because if there’s one thing the majority should be allowed to vote on, it’s the funeral arrangements of the minority. Hey, if you don’t like it, don’t die! Or at least don’t die gay. ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches writing at the University of Michigan.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Mark My Words Mark Segal How to use a ‘lifeline’ I think I’ve broken my record for the number of meetings, events and fundraisers in one week. Then my editor peeks her head in my ofﬁce doorway and asks — rather, states —“Where’s your column? You’re on deadline.” Since I’ve been out of the ofﬁce so often in the last couple of weeks, the paperwork on my desk is now like a paper Mt. Everest. So I decided to enlist my friends from Facebook. I asked what I should write about this week. Here’s some of what I received. My only point is that when shopping for the holidays, try to do it in the Gayborhood when possible and visit our advertisers. Allison Dinsmore: Mark, you could write about John James being honored by FIGHT today for his work founding AIDS Treatment News. He’s tirelessly and brilliantly connected the treatment dots for researchers, doctors and people living with HIV/ AIDS for many decades. He’s worked in greater obscurity since leaving San Francisco, where he has a huge number of grateful fans. His former newsletter was read across the world for 20 years. He’s at jjames@critpath.org

Terry Keith Veitenheimer: Maybe how to shop cheap for the holidays since our recession is in full bloom. It’s no joke. My family is at a loss. I found that going to places like a dollar store or such and ﬁlling baskets is a wonderful treat or maybe handmade items ... Everyone needs to be reminded that Christmas is about sharing your life and love with friends and not about how much you pay for a gift or even if the gift is really necessary!

PAGE 11

Street Talk Should LGBT-specific senior housing be a goal for the future?

Matthew Thomas Patton: Terry: That would be a really useful article. Gene Blum: Commitment ceremonies! Deb Murray: Meredith Baxter’s recent coming out. Christopher Bartlett: Fabulous: The San Francisco LGBT Historical Society and the Bay Area Reporter make all of their AIDS obituaries available online, searchable and with the possibility for adding remembrances. Fabulous. Bravo. http://bit. ly/4r2v5J #BAR #SFLGBTHistory. Mark Segal, can we do this with the PGN obituaries? It would be a GREAT service.

rank X. Custer: Or how Joe Hoeffel is the only gubernatorial candidate that cares about LGBT issues.

I love when the community comes together and communicates its views. I’ll try to do this once every few months. And be assured that over the next few weeks, we’ll touch on these and other subjects affecting our very special community. ■

Matthew Ray: Which “Real Housewife” do you think is most likely to lose her home?

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

Shawn Phelps server Center City

Amanda Robles student Washington Square West

“Yes, it should be an option for people. I don’t see how it would hurt anyone. And it could help people thrive in their environment. They’d be with likeminded individuals. But it shouldn’t be mandatory.”

“No, it’s not necessary. Older people are mature enough to not care if someone’s gay. True, some people get old and crotchety. But they’d be miserable to everyone. They wouldn’t single out a gay person and give them a hard time.”

Archibald Samuelson painter South Philadelphia

Angeline Simononis dog walker Washington Square West

“No, there needs to be total equality. Nothing should be segregated. Why create more divisions in society? That’s too narrow of a focus, to put all gay people together in an old-folks' home.”

“No. There are more urgent needs to be addressed within the LGBT community. I’m not against it conceptually. But I’d like to think society is moving in the other direction — toward full integration and full community acceptance.”

Letters and Feedback In response to “Federal judge halts Scouts eviction,” Nov. 27Dec. 3: There’s a constitutional right to get subsidized rent? —Renﬁeld In response to “War Stories,” Nov. 27-Dec. 3: Why should the military in

this nation, where the civil-rights movement began and an entire war against slavery began, have to kick out someone based on how different they are? — anonymous In response to “The Philadelphia LGBT community marked the third-annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance ...” Nov. 27-

Dec. 3: Why didn’t PGN cover Malcolm Lazin’s vigil for the murdered gay man in Puerto Rico? — Jack McNair Mr. McNair, “the murdered gay man” was in drag, so it was a transgender murder. — Lisa Drake

Philadelphia

Your city

Gay

Your life

News

Your newpaper

PAGE 12

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 15

HATE CRIMES From Page 1 T h e F B I r e p o r t i s c o mpiled from data volunteered by state and local agencies, and Glassman noted the voluntary nature — coupled with the lack of statewide LGBT-inclusive hate-crimes laws in many states, like Pennsylvania — could skew data. “If you don’t have police, sheriffs or law-enforcement officials categorizing crimes as hate crimes at the scene and bringing that back to the district attorneys, you’re going to get tremendous underreporting. In Pennsylvania, we don’t have a hate-crimes law in place that provides LGBT protections, so there’s very, very little voluntary reporting of such crimes, even in local jurisdictions that have sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in their laws.” The Commonwealth Court here ruled in 2007 to strike sexual orientation and gender identity, among other classes, from the state’s hate-crimes law, a ruling upheld by the state Supreme Court the following year. The courts found that the method by which those classifications were added to the law in 2002 — as an amendment to an agricultural bill — was unconstitutional. There are new bills in the state Senate and House to re-extend hate-crimes protections to the LGBT community, the latter of which was recently approved by a bipartisan committee vote and expected to come to the full House floor early next year. In October, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act as an amendment to a defense-authorization bill. The law incorporates sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the federal hate-crimes law, provides funding for state and local agencies to investigate hate crimes and expands the federal government’s jurisdiction over such crimes. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PGN

Located Near Rittenhouse Square General & Aesthetic Dentistry Now Accepting New Patients Early Morning Appointments Available 248 South 21st St., Phila, PA 19103

www.dignityphila.org Facebook – Dignity Philadelphia

215.732.3350

www.yourphillydentist.com

Join us at St. Luke & the Epiphany Church 330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine streets, Philadelphia, PA

Sunday Mass at 7:00 p.m.

Communion in the form of Consecrated bread, wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion available upon request.

First Ba p t i st C h u r c h SERVICES: Wednesdays Noontime Sundays 11a.m.

Anthony Petchalonis, D.M.D

Ira Sheres, DMD ~ Now Accepting New Patients ~

• General and Specialized Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Early Morning and Evening Hours • Education

Contemporary Service: Last Sunday of month 17TH & SANSOM STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103

215.563.3853

Cornell University, B.S., 1986 U of P School of Dental Medicine, DMD, 1990 Temple University, Residency in Prosthodontics, 1992

Rev. Dr. Peter C. Wool www.fbcphila1698.org

CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH

at Rodeph Shalom

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

JOIN US TWICE MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Saturday, December 12, 7:00 PM. Annual Chanukah Party! We’re having a Latke Cook-Off, so bring your pre-cooked latkes and we’ll warm them up to see who wins the title of Latke Chef of 5770! RSVP to bethahavah@rodephshalom.org or 215-923-2003 by December 9. Friday, December 18, 8:00 PM. Beth Ahavah Shabbat Services officiated by Rabbi Sue LeviElwell. Please join us for this special Shabbat evening followed by a sumptuous oneg (social hour). Thursday, December 24, 7:00 PM. Annual Erev Christmas Food Fress at Charles Plaza, 234-236 N.10th Street (SW corner 10th and Vine) in Chinatown. $30 per person includes tax and gratuity (check/money order payable to “Congregation Rodeph Shalom”). Free parking available at NW corner 10th and Vine in orange-painted area. RSVP to bethahavah@rodephshalom.org or 215-923-2003 by December 16. Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are affiliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah affiliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions

615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org

Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next light, Mt. Vernon St. Parking lot entrance on left.

Featuring One Hour Teeth Whitening

Dr. Ira Sheres (right) with his life partner and their children

WE HAVE MOVED!

248 S. 21st Street • Phila, PA 19103 Call 215-546-6111

PHILLIP R. REEVES, MD

PSYCHIATRY FOR LGBT COMMUNITY PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND PSYCH0THERAPY DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, HIV, CHRONIC PAIN OFFICES AT 1601 Walnut St., Suite 1128 AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY

EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE

(215) 740-4311

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 16

CENSUS From Page 1 corporations and businesses what our communities look like and that we have a market for them, which really can only help the city’s economic development.” The Complete Count Committee’s first initiative came in the fall with the launch of ICountPhilly.com, created in partnership with PhillyGayCalendar. com, which provides basic information about how LGBT people will be counted in the census. The committee also distributed about 5,000 stickers at OutFest that directed LGBTs to visit the site to learn more about the effort. The community is invited to an information session with Gary Gates, a demographer from the

Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy and a U.S. Census consultant, from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Casarez noted the session was spurred by the “questions and frustrations” the committee heard from LGBTs who were unsure how they would be counted in the census. Same-sex couples were counted in the 2000 Census, although those who indicated they were married were recorded as “unmarried partners,” a policy that will not be followed this year. The 2008 American Community Survey, a product of the U.S. Census Bureau distributed to a certain percentage of households every year, marked the first time

same-sex married couples were officially counted. The survey found an estimated 149,956 samesex married couples and 414,787 unmarried same-sex couples. Casarez said there is no question regarding sexual orientation or gender identity on the 10-question document, an item many in the LGBT community is encouraging for in the next census. “At the end of the day, even though the entire LGBT population will not be counted this time around, it will give us some sense of the number of same-sex couples,” she said. Gehrman said that during Mayor Nutter’s kickoff event to promote census awareness a few weeks ago, he cited statistics that Philadelphia was well below the state and national average of cen-

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

sus participation. “I was really shocked to hear that,” Gehrman said. “It’s important for everyone to be aware of what the census is, what to expect and, especially for the LGBT community, to understand the truth. Even if they are imperfect truths, the community needs to see the value and importance of the census.” Casarez said the Complete Count Committee will work in the coming months to create “consistent messaging” and printed materials that will help explain census procedures to the community and also provide feedback to the Census Bureau on the need for expanded measurements of the entire LGBT population. Beyond its census work, Casarez said the full LGBT

Consumer Research Council’s top dentist 2007, 2008, and 2009. Rainbow Award best dentist who contributes to his community 2007 and 2008.

Medical Arts Bldg. 1601 Walnut St. , Suite 1302 Phila. PA 19102

215-568-6222

www.philadelphiadentist.com

Advisory Board, with some 20 members divided into several committees, has met twice this year. “The original thought was that the full advisory board would meet anywhere from one to four times a year, but it is a big group of really busy people,” she said. “There probably won’t be another big group meeting before the year’s out, but I would like to have them meet more often next year.” Many of the committees have not met since the summer, Casarez said, although some initiatives have been moving forward. For instance, Casarez and members of the School District of Philadelphia’s LGBT Advisory Committee, comprised of some members of the LGBT Advisory Board, recently launched an LGBT School Resource Guide and secured a letter from the superintendent to all school principals that reiterates the district’s LGBT-supportive policies. Casarez recently met with representatives from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who are examining issues of sexual health and housing needs of local youth, while city agencies like the Department of Human Services have also undertaken efforts to expand their LGBT services. She said the work already being conducted by these organizations will need to be taken into consideration when the committees ultimately reunite. “We have the opportunity to plug into existing work that’s already being done, which we’re very eager to team up with other agencies to do,” Casarez said. “There’s a lot of work being done right now, so we don’t necessarily want to reinvent the wheel, but we need to find the right balance.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

‘tis the season to see NAUGHTY

with over 30 original drawings & prints of sexy Ol’ Saint Nick with plenty of packages that don’t come in boxes

in first U.S. solo show by Michael Broderick OPENING RECEPTION Friday, Dec 11th from 5 to 8 pm continues through Dec 31st, noon - 6pm, Wed - Sat. plus, in studio gallery: photographs by Butch Cordora of syndicated TV show In Bed with Butch and at 8:15 pm, Victor Rodriguez and Carla Mariani of Sunday Musicale present Holiday Hoopla Cabaret ($10 tickets for cabaret available at the door)

AxD Gallery

265 S. 10th Street Philadelphia, PA

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

D.C. From Page 1 passed. The legislation contains a religious-exemption clause that would allow churches to refrain from participating in same-sex unions, but the archdiocese’s Catholic Charities agency, which provides programming for some 68,000 poor and homeless people in the region, receives city funding,

LOOK BETTER NAKED! One Hour Fitness Seminar Learn to:

Lose Weight! Increase Muscle Tone! Drop Inches! 215-399-3541 • MoveForwardFitness.com Only 10 seats available – call today to register

PAGE 17

meaning it would have to follow city law. The archdiocese contends that church doctrine prevents it from recognizing same-sex couples as married and thus would prohibit it from providing benefits to same-sex spouses of its employees or authorizing same-sex married couples as adoptive parents. D.C. Archdiocese spokesperson Susan Gibbs did not return calls for comment. “The separation of church and

state is one of the founding principles of our democracy,” Catania said this week. “However, I have always believed that our public space is large enough to accommodate and respect religious freedoms while ensuring civil equality under the law for all citizens. This bill successfully balances these requirements.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

A departure from the ordinary

Detour

PAGE 18

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

to Better give

than to receive

Wonderful and strange stocking stuffers for the holidays By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Gift-giving season is underway and so many choices are kick-ass — while others are just plain ass. The line that separates “whoo-hoo!” and “what the f@%k?” on Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Solstice is a slim one. We’re not going to tell you into which categories the following gift items fall, so just ﬁgure it out for yourself. Who doesn’t love some part of David Bowie’s career? Whether you’re more of a Ziggy Stardust, a Thin White Duke or a 1980s rock-starera fan, “Bowie: A Biography,” by noted author and rock journalist Marc Spitz, is sure to be a captivating read. Another welcome

addition to the ol’ bookshelf could be “POP: Art Inspired by New York’s Own Subcultures From Celebrity to Subway” by out artist Olan Montgomery. In its pages, Montgomery combines digital art, photography and hand-painting. The book also celebrates queer icons such as Alan Cumming, Rufus Wainwright and Amanda Lepore. If our supply of petty cash were healthier (or even existent), when Amanda Palmer blew through town on her recent tour, we’d have her self-published coffeetable book, “Who Killed A m a n d a Palmer: A Collection of

Photographic Evidence.” The 130-page book features more than 100 photographs depicting the bisexual singer-pianist as dead (and sometimes naked), with accompanying stories by her current boyfriend, Neil Gaiman (“The Sandman”). Speaking of pop icons, George Michael releases his “Live in London” DVD just in time for the holidays. The special 23-song concert is the ﬁrst live DVD of Michael’s 30-plus-year career, recorded and ﬁlmed in London’s Earls Court arena during his 25 Live Tour. And yes, he does perform Wham!-era hits like “Careless Whisper” and “Everything She Wants” alongside his solo hits. Extras include three bonus tracks and a special behind-the-scenes bonus documentary. Dance diva Kristine W also gets in on the DVD action with “Kristine W: The Ultimate Video Hits Collection,” a two-

disc set featuring all of her hits. Holiday-themed musical offerings usually are trite and sappy, but not when rock stalwart Joan Jett is at the helm. Her Blackheart Records label recently issued “A Blackheart Christmas,” featuring punkedup and rocking holiday standards, original tunes performed by the likes of Girl in a Coma, The Vacancies and The Dollyrots, among others. There’s also Jett’s rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” and The Blackhearts’ take on “Silent Night.” If you prefer more dance-floor-friendly holiday music, check out D1 Music’s “Club Christmas 3” and “Ultimate Club Christmas” collections by hit producers Peter McLean and Keith Kemper.

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

“Club Christmas 3” features instrumental dance versions of “Away in a Manger” and “O C o m e , All Ye Faithful.” “Ultimate C l u b Christmas” collects all the best dance-music tracks from “Club Christmas,” “Club Christmas 2” and “Club Christmas 3,” including remixed takes on popular classics like “O Holy Night” and “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” If you want a little ha-haha with your ho-ho-ho, Kathy Grifﬁn has a new CD out, “Suckin’ It for the Holidays.” While the title is the only thing remotely holiday-themed about the CD, it was recorded live during one of her recent sold-out shows at the Borgata in Atlantic City, and she does her usual no-holds-barred dishing on celebrities including Justin Timberlake, Oprah and Taylor Swift. Concert tickets aren’t anything to sneeze at as far as gifts go, and The Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, has some superstar concerts coming up in its Event Center in January. R&B sensation John Legend kicks off the year Jan. 1, followed by über-diva Mariah Carey Jan. 2. Lady Gaga sold out her Jan. 16 concert in record time, but maybe your Santa knows a good ticket broker or is friends with whoever welds together her outﬁts. If you want to laugh, Borgata’s Music Box is offering up riotously raunchy laughs in the form of Jim Norton Jan. 1516 and Lisa Lampanelli Jan. 17. While you’re in Atlantic City, you might want to pick up the gift of relaxation for yourself or someone you know you annoy the hell out of. Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Atlantic

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

City, 2100 Pacific Ave., is offering Joy, Peace and Harmony treatments at special prices during the months of December and January. A mere $180 can get you a Joy Intensify Facial, a Peace Back and Foot Ritual or a Harmony Back and Scalp Ritual, each clocking in at a stress-melting 75 minutes. For more information, visit quabathsandspa. com. While we’re on the subject of beautification, the ladies, gents and drag queens in your life might appreciate a gift package from LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, 1428 Walnut St. The company, which creates organic products with little or no preservatives and absolutely no animal testing, has a fine selection of gifts, from the inexpensive Sexy Boy Massage Bar ($7.95) and Rehab Shampoo ($12.65) to the more-elaborate Fairy Tale Gift box ($64.95) full of bath and body treats. For more information, visit www.lushusa. com. Need some (not really real) bling-bling to go with your new face? The National Constitution Center, in conjunction with the “Diana: A Celebration” exhibit, is offering jewelry inspired by Princess Diana, including a sterling-silver and cubic-zirconia crown necklace with matching earrings, as well as a limited-edition reproduction of the elegant choker necklace Princess Diana wore to a White House reception, where she danced with John Travolta. The necklace is comprised of 35 flawless cubic zirconia and a 9-carat sparkling Austrian deepblue crystal sapphire, set on seven strands of faux pearls. Aspiring princesses (drag queens, pay attention: this might be for you) may enjoy a Decorate Your Own Tiara kit, featuring a wooden crown and name plaque to decorate with glitter, glue and jewels. The Constitution Center’s store also boasts a large assortment of Diana-related gifts, including a selection of books and CDs inspired by the royal and fash-

ion icon. What good are accessories without the proper attire? LA’s Revenge Is..., a Californiabased eco T-shirt company, supports the drive for marriage equality in its home state with the launch of its “All Love Is Equal” tees for men and women. Considering the state of marriage equality in most of the other states, we’re going to need more shirts. Order one today at www.revengeis. com. Need something to wear downstairs? Jason Sutherland, the man who helped launch the fun-underwear industry with Ginch G o n c h , recently launched his new line, Piss & Vinegar. Think about that for a second. Somebody started an underwear company with the word “piss” in the title. Was “skid mark” already taken? The edgier and more grownup line includes “I Love Boys” briefs and the sure-to-be-controversial “I Love Jesus” briefs. It may seem like sacrilege having God’s son emblazoned on bikini briefs but, then again, it could be a welcome gut-check to have Jesus staring back at whomever is there when your pants come off. The briefs are also available with Buddha and “I Love Girls” on the front. Nothing, and we mean nothing, protects your digital information like the 35tha n n i versary collection of Hello Kitty/MIMOBOT ﬂash drives. The high-speed and cute-as-abutton gadgets are Mac and PC compatible and preloaded with wallpapers, icons and screensavers starring the Japanese icon. Hello Kitty is a billion-dollar-a-

PAGE 19

year industry, so who are we to judge? For more information, visit www.mimoco.com/shop/ hkteddybear.html. Looking for something in a local gift? How about booze? Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant recently launched the Afternoon Delight Imperial Coffee Porter, the latest in its Iron Hill Bottled Reserves line of tasty brews. Available in festive gift packaging, the beer is a variation on the acclaimed Pig Iron Porter that is higher in alcohol and was brewed with locally roasted Nicaraguan coffee beans. That’s right, coffee beer! The next best thing to a Jagerbomb. Anyway, 750 mL bottles of Afternoon Delight sell for $19.50, but guests can also purchase a gift pack containing a bottle and two logo snifter glasses in a two-bottle carrier for $28. For more information, visit www.ironhillbrewery. com. Another h o m e g r o w n gift idea is “black./ womyn.: conversations with lesbians of African Descent,” the DVD release of the award-winning independent documentary by tiona.m. Order online at https://www.paypal. com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ s-xclick&hosted_button_ id=10063069 by Dec. 4 to guarantee delivery before the end of the year. For more information, visit www. myspace. com/tionamproductions. Looking for some 2010 eye candy? Two new calendars should ﬁt the bill. Out bodybuilder and former Mr. Georgia, Bo Dixon, releases his ﬁrst solo cal-

endar, “Reinvented.” For a little more variety, check out Rentboy’s “Working Men” calendar. Either one should be easy enough to ﬁnd at Giovanni’s Room (www.giovannisroom.com) or online. If you don’t want to go the PlayStation/Wii/X-Box route for the kids this season (which is something they will hate you for), try the new board game Jishaku ($19.95), a game of strategy and concentration using round magnetic stones on the egg-crate like game board. Learning Express named it 2009’s Best Toy of the Year. Jishaku is the Japanese word for magnet. A guy named Steve invented the game in Florida. Give your kids those nuggets of data to chew on to distract them from thinking about why they aren’t killing zombies with their friends in “Left 4 Dead 2.” For more information, visit www.playjishaku. com. Last (and probably least) in our parade of gifts is Cigotine. The technological gadget has been referred to as “an iPod for smokers.” Um ... yeah. For $79.95, this device allows smokers to light up in public spaces. We hope no one has his or her life savings tied up in this product. It’s an electronic cigarette that s u p posedly looks, feels a n d tastes like a tobacco cigarette, but without all the tar, chemicals and negative societal effects associated with smoking. At the tip is an operating-mode indicator that glows red when used, simulating the burning of a cigarette. It then releases a water mist that resembles smoke but evaporates within seconds, leaving no residue. We’re all for plausible alternatives to smoking, but if this thing takes off, electronic crack pipes and digital heroin needles can’t be too far behind. www.cigotine.com. Happy holidays! ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

PAGE 20

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 25

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 26

Family Portraits Michelle Pollino is an Emmynominated producer, writer and director with nearly 15 years in the entertainment industry. After getting her start in California as a journalism major at San Diego State, then doing a turn in radio, Pollino finally found her true calling in film. In 2007, she started a production company, “Chicken & Stars,” with fellow filmmaker Nikki Stella. The company focuses on movies and videos about and for women with an emphasis on the LGBT community. Along with a third partner, editor Doreen Mosher, they are currently in pre-production for their first feature film, “Birding 101.” This past summer, Pollino’s short film “Looking For ... ” received the Qfest Audience Award for Best Short Film. PGN: You moved here from California; where are you originally from? MP: I was actually born and raised in Upper Darby. I left for a short time to go to San Diego State for college. When I was out in San Diego I started doing radio. I was a traffic reporter. A full-fledged flying-through-theair-in-a-helicopter reporter. PGN: What brought you back? MP: I ran into some kids I’d gone to school with in Upper Darby and they kept asking me, “Don’t you miss home?” and I realized, yeah, I did. So I came back here and started working here. I was an on-air radio personality at a few radio stations and then got into television and films. I did some reality-show work at Banyon Productions and I was the producer of “Philly Live,” which was an award-winning series on WYBE. PGN: Brothers and sisters? MP: I was an only child until I was about 15 and then, from my father’s second marriage, I got three instant brothers and four more siblings from my mother’s marriage. So on one hand, I’m an “only” from my mother and father; on the other hand, I’m the oldest of eight! PGN: What did your parents do? MP: My mother is a mortgage broker and my real father was a used-car salesman. PGN: What were you like as a

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Suzi Nash kid? MP: Shy. Very shy. As an only child, I kept to myself most of the time. I used to read a lot. And I would play Twister ... [laughs] by myself. I just liked the colors and twirling the wheel! I loved the game because it was really social and I wasn’t. So I’d pretend there were other people and make up the spots they would land on. PGN: A favorite teacher or class? MP: I had a favorite teacher. You’ll think this is funny: Her name was Mrs. Nash. She was my fifth-grade teacher and I had a huge crush on her. I mean your fifth-grade teacher, how could I not be crushing on her? PGN: I’m doing a documentary right now in part about the fact that I had a crush on my thirdgrade teacher and tried to buy her a negligee for Christmas. MP: That’s fucking fabulous! I never tried to buy her presents, but at any moment at any time, if she wanted me to do something, I was right there. I had a sixth-grade gym teacher who was obviously gay. I wasn’t into her ’cause she was too dykey for me, but I liked her because I instinctively knew she was one of me. In my mind I was like, “OK, we’re in the same tribe, I’m going to have to protect this bitch.” PGN: So what was the comingout experience like for you? MP: It was difficult. I was that girl in school who was always chasing the boys. I was really confused about my sexuality. I joke and say that, in my 20s, I chased all the boys and, in my 30s, I chased all the girls — and lived with at least half of them. I didn’t come out until my 30s. I was on air as a radio personality on Star 104.5 in Philadelphia, so it was hard for me. But I fell in love with a woman and broke up with the guy I was dating so I could figure it out. Two years later, I came out to my mom and of course she had to adjust, but she’s one of those amazing moms and now she’ll ask me about different women. But I’m sure it was tough for her. I’m her only biological daughter, her flesh and blood, and she expected one thing from me and got something totally different. I love the fact that she was able to grow and change and deal with it.

PGN: What was San Diego like? MP: It was an amazing city. Unbelievably beautiful, a real special place to live. I’d like to go back there, but it just wasn’t home. But it’s really cool, so unpretentious. The only thing it’s lacking and that I missed about Philly was the diversity and the neighborhoods. It’s kind of weird there, you’re either Mexican or white, there’s not too much else around and that’s kind of boring. Other than that, 74 and sunny year-round is hard to beat! PGN: So why Chicken & Stars? MP: My last name is Pollino, which means little chicken, and the friend who I started the company with is Nikki Stella: Stella means star in Italian. So Chicken & Stars was just a natural. PGN: Your Web site says you foster a “more environmentally nurturing way of making films, commercials and music videos.” What does that mean? MP: Well, there’s a lot of waste on a film set, and we just try to be cognizant of that and find ways to be more environmentally friendly. A small example would be, on most sets, at the end of the day you usually have trash bags full of plastic water bottles. Instead of using individual water bottles, we might have a large cooler with water. There are a lot of things like that you can do to lower your environmental damage while filmmaking. PGN: Did you always want to go into movies? MP: No, my childhood was not one that nurtured creative thought. I wasn’t lucky in that sense. Where I grew up, you were raised to become a wife and mother. I went to school for journalism, but it didn’t really do it for me. It wasn’t until later that I found my calling. I was on my first film set in my mid-30s and that was it. You can say that I found the love of my life at 35. PGN: Speaking of movies, what was the first R-rated movie you ever saw? MP: “Carrie.” That freaked me out for forever. “Goodfellas” is another film that stays with you. When it’s over you’re like, “Really? That’s just sick, but it’s good.”

MICHELLE POLLINO Photo: Suzi Nash PGN: What historical figure would you most identify with? MP: It would probably be Amelia Earhart, because number one, I like to fly, I have a license and I truly do fly planes. And two, because she was amazingly adventurous and I’d like to see myself like that. PGN: What traits have you inherited from your parents and/ or what’s the best advice they gave you? MP: Unfortunately, they didn’t give out very good advice, but they did hand down some magnificent traits. Both of them gave me the tenacity to keep on going no matter what. I would never give up on a dream. I would rather die trying than give up and fail. It’s not even in my realm of possibility. PGN: What’s something memorable attached to your film work? MP: After we were finished filming “Looking For ... ” one of the production assistants, Matt, came up to me and said, “Thank you for letting me be involved in this project. I was really proud to be a part of it. So proud, in fact, that I came out to my parents. I realized that all the lead people in this film were gay — you, the director, the star and executive producer, TJ, some of the other actors and a large number of the crew people. It made me feel like, ‘Wow, these are awesome people and they are all proud of who they are and don’t hide it.’ I went home with such a good

feeling that I came out to my parents.” I told him, ‘What you just said to me — I don’t care where this film goes or how it does — that just made the whole project worthwhile.” That was the most memorable moment. PGN: So outside of flying, any other hobbies? MP: Landscaping. I love it. I have an obsession with trees. I bought a house that was a blank canvas when I got it. Now it’s an oasis; I’m really proud of it. PGN: What book would you choose for Oprah’s book club? MP: “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway. It’s all about the struggle. PGN: What was a favorite book when you were a kid? MP: One of the greatest stories of my childhood was “Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain. As a city kid, it was an escape. It allowed me to go to a world that was different, but felt free. PGN: What toy would you not want to have? MP: A Slinky. They can hurt. PGN: You have a new project you’re working on about human guinea pigs. What’s that? MP: It’s about people who make a living being guinea pigs — people who sell themselves to the medical community to be experimented on. There are people who do it as a full-time job and it’s fascinating.

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PGN: I did a sleep study once when I was just out of college. It was only to study sleep patterns, no medication involved, but it was fun and definitely lucrative. It was $1,400 for three weekends of sleep. And that was some time ago. MP: Right, it’s insane the amount of money people can make. PGN: What’s your zodiac sign? MP: Pisces. PGN: And is it accurate? MP: [Laughs.] Not at all. I’d say I’m more like a Scorpio. PGN: As a filmmaker, what do you think about the state of gay film? MP: It’s a very difficult path. Very difficult. There are so many hurdles. Let’s face it: We are a minority, which means we have a small number. So to make a minority film, you need to find someone who will fund a minority film knowing that it’s only a minor number of people who are going to see it. It’s not going to be something that you are going to make money from. It’s going to be something that you do from your heart. You are going to throw away possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars just to tell a story. So raising money for a gay film is one of the hardest things you can ever do. You just have to go to people and basically say, “OK, you’re gay, I’m gay. I’m going to ask you to throw a whole lot of money just to prove a point. Are you in?” PGN: What films have moved or provoked you? MP: I’d have to say “High Art.” It’s the most amazing gay film

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

I’ve seen. I think “Half Nelson” and “Junebug” were independent films made on a really low budget that were really great examples of storytelling. PGN: Any phobias? MP: Not really. I’m very lucky in my life that I don’t have any fears. The only thing that scares me is forgetting people’s names. I feel like such a jerkoff if I don’t remember a name. It makes me fear that they’d think that I don’t care enough to remember someone’s name, and that makes me feel bad. PGN: What misconception do you think people might have about you? MP: I think some people think I’m a dick, but I’m just very straightforward: “Who are you and what do you want from me?” I’m very trepidatious when it comes to people: That’s just who I am. PGN: What would be your dream project? MP: If I had the money, with all the films that I have on my plate, if I could do anything I wanted to, I would do the life story of singer, songwriter and civilrights activist Nina Simone. She lived in Philadelphia when she was 17 and used to play piano and sing in Atlantic City. She was a talented, feisty and fascinating woman. ■ Pollino’s film “Looking For ... ” will be screened during the “Who’s Got Short Shorts?” fundraiser for Giovanni’s Room, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Sisters Nightclub, 1320 Chancellor St. Admission to the night of short films is free.

PAGE 27

Q Puzzle Right, Reverend! Across 1. Get straight 6. “Hedwig and the Angry ___ ” 10. Stuff stuffed in G-strings 14. Get down on your knees in front of 15. Singer Amos 16. Golden rule word 17. Piano adjuster 18. Start of a prayer by 61-Across 20. Chows down 22. Dietrich of “Blue Angel” 23. More of the prayer 26. Possible result of unsafe sex 27. Cybersex system 28. Ward of the state Mississippi 29. Japanese coin 31. Deck foursome 33. Masculine side 35. Portia de ___ 39. Trojans’ org. 40. More of the prayer 42. Palindromic comics dog 43. With parsley, e.g. 45. Russian ruler of yore 46. Straight, in a bar 47. Horny African animal 49. Off-rd. transports 51. Links letters 52. Simile center 55. End of the prayer 58. South Beach danger 60. Denials 61. Founder of Metropolitan Community Church 64. Held in reserve 67. Enjoy the scenery at a gay bar 68. Auld lang ___ 69. Fruit drink 70. Cincinnati team 71. HIV exam, e.g. 72. Drag spikes

Down 1. Squealer 2. College web address suffix 3. Sweet, hairy guy? 4. ’Hoods 5. Ocean beds? 6. “The Addams Family” cousin 7. Tokyo stage show 8. Doughnut filler 9. “Boys Don’t Cry” Oscar winner Swank 10. Resist going straight? 11. South American range 12. Time on the job 13. Cheated, slangily 19. Words to a waiter 21. “So long!” 23. Much-visited place 24. Man-eater in “Little Shop of Horrors” 25. Carpenter’s tool 27. Computer company’s erection? 30. Climax time in a Gary Cooper film

32. Imitated k.d. lang 34. Mountain passes 36. “___; I’ll know his grievance, or be much denied” (Shakespeare) 37. Overly theatrical 38. Sappho’s “I” 41. Nixon nemesis Sam 44. Replenish, as a stamp pad 48. Disturbance at Stonewall 50. Lock lips 52. John Jacob, who went to the bottom with the Titanic 53. Computer hazard 54. “You can’t teach ___ dog ... ” 56. Way to serve your meat 57. It may come out after some rubbing 59. Seeds often get them 62. Hospital pros 63. To date 65. “Beauty and the Beast” film frame 66. Hems and haws

SOLUTION

PGNPGNPGNPGNPGNPGN

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 28

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Offline Bruce Yelk Holiday fun ’til it’s done As my close friends and family members can attest, I absolutely adore the holiday season. I love every tradition — from parties and family visits to festive foods and gifts galore. This is the ultimate time of year to celebrate and reflect with the people closest to us. With so many holiday attractions and events in our city, Philadelphia is a wonderful place to live or work during this time of year. In that spirit, I’ve prepared my top holiday recommendations for your reading pleasure. These are the seasonal events and attractions that have the city buzzing with excitement. If my list isn’t enough to keep you busy, visit gophila.com for a daily calendar and searchable database of seasonal events and attractions. Happy holidays!

PGN

Features you want.

— The Comcast Holiday Spectacular in 3-D: The Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., and its “Winter Garden” lobby features the world’s largest HD, LED-lit video wall. The Comcast Experience features spectacular images and shows projected on the HD video wall all year-round, but the Holiday Spectacular in 3-D is a jaw-dropping, 19-minute video that runs at the top of each hour

from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. The show runs through New Year’s Day. — Christmas Village in Philadelphia: A few blocks east of the Comcast Center is Philadelphia’s City Hall, which is hosting the Christmas Village — an outdoor holiday market open through Christmas Eve. Located on the west side of City Hall, the Christmas Village features over 50 vendors in wooden booths and timber houses selling Europeaninspired food and drinks, as well as holiday gifts, arts and crafts. The village is open daily from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Visit philachristmas. com for more information. — Peter Nero and the Philly Pops: Holiday POPS!: From Dec. 5-20, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops will present their annual Holiday POPS performance at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St. Arguably the Pops’ most popular annual concert event, the Holiday POPS will feature Broadway star Lauren Kennedy, the 150-person Pops Festival Chorus, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and organist Peter Conte. Visit kimmelcenter.org for information. — Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus: A Vintage Holiday Concert: This weekend, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus

presents its annual holiday concert at the Lutheran Church of Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St. Beginning 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5, the performance will include the world premiere of “A Very Special Christmas Special,” a nostalgic journey through holiday favorites and television features of yesteryear. Tickets, $20-$50, can be purchased at pgmc.org. — A Longwood Gardens Christmas: Located just 30 miles outside of downtown, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, is one of the region’s most beautiful scenic attractions. Every holiday season, Longwood Gardens is transformed into a holiday paradise with special events, performances and light displays. This year’s event runs through Jan. 10, but make sure to visit tickets. longwoodgardens.org to begin planning your trip today! — 2009 PAFA Holiday Student Print Sale: Taking place tonight, Dec. 4, from 5:30-8:30 at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118 N. Broad St., the school’s Printmaking Department will hold its Annual Holiday Print Sale. These original works are all available for under $100, and they make excellent holiday gifts for family and friends. To learn more, visit pafa.org. — Caroling by the UPENN Glee Club: The University of Pennsylvania Glee Club will kick off the final countdown to Dec. 25 at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13, with a musical montage guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. Taking place in the beautiful Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania, 100 Northwestern Ave., the glee club will perform holiday favorites as guests mix and mingle throughout the arboretum’s holiday light and foliage displays. Adult tickets to the arboretum are only $14. I hope these recommendations will help you get in the spirit of the season. To keep the list growing, please send your favorite holiday events to Bruce@nightlifegay.com, and I’ll post them on my blog, Nightlifegay.com. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer! ■

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 29

Daring to be understood By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor A hit on the gay film festival circuit back in 2005, the short “Dare,” written by openly gay native Philadelphian David Brind and directed by straight Adam Salky, captured an intense sexual encounter between high-schoolers Ben (Adam Fleming) and Johnny (Michael Cassidy). Now, a featurefilm version of “Dare” is opening at the Ritz Theatres. Although the centerpiece seduction scene from the short is mostly recreated in the new film, Brind and Salky recast the leads. In the feature, Ashley Springer and Zach Gilford play Ben and Johnny, respectively, while Emmy Rossum assumes the role of Alexa, a straight girl who had a small part in the short. In a recent interview at the Prince Music Theater, where a scene of the entertaining film was shot, Brind admitted, “There was no plan to make this into a feature,” though he conceded he kept developing scenes, such as Ben’s coming-out speech, and characters, particularly Alexa. He continued describing his inspiration for the feature: “There is a moment of unspoken communication in the end of the short where Alexa knows something’s happened [to] Ben, but he doesn’t tell her what. I know this wasn’t the thrust of the short, but this moment is so important. That set something off in my brain about Alexa.” Brind said Alexa is actually the character he “is most like,” which may explain why he told her backstory along with Ben and Johnny’s. “Dare” unfolds as a triptych, with audiences getting a glimpse into each teen’s individual life before they all converge under the covers in the last reel. “My interest in [writing] the feature was to take this high-school film genre that I love, and take the archetypal characters and unpeel and unmask them in a way I had not seen before,” Brind explained about his storytelling strategy. “The idea of the triptych felt right to me, to be in one character’s world so completely that you see something through their eyes. If you revisit it through another character — someone else’s eyes — their moment, it feels differently and I like that. It’s uncomfortable.” If the writer is interested in provoking audiences, “Dare” has var-

ious characters provoking Alexa, Ben and Johnny in each of their episodes. Alexa has an encounter with an actor (Alan Cumming), a gay man who teaches her how to be a woman. Ben is hit on by a guy (Brind, in a cute cameo) in a coffee shop who urges him to act on his desires. And Johnny has a session with his therapist (queer icon Sandra Bernhard) that prompts him to seek affection from Ben and Alexa, who are attracted to this vulnerable, sensitive loner. Brind explained how he built the “dares” that Alexa and Ben act upon around their desires: “Alexa uses her sexuality strategically. It feels more heightened because she’s doing it in such a deliberate, ambitious way. Ben just wants to connect with someone he finds beautiful and, in his mind, that seems impossible.” By having both of these characters seduce or be seduced by Johnny, these virginal outsiders suddenly start experiencing sexual empowerment, or what one character in the film calls “the power of a dick.” “That’s an exciting feeling. I remember it being exciting, and fleeting. It doesn’t necessarily lead to what you want,” Brind recalled. “I remember being that age. You want what you want, and you go after it.” Then he added, “As if we as men — particularly gay men — are driven by our sexual desire and don’t think about anything else.” As the film’s gay character, Ben’s struggle with the shame he

An Evening with Local Women Authors: William Way Comm. Center Dec. 4 from 7:30-9:30 MON. - SAT. 11:30 - 7p.m. SUNDAY 1:00 - 7p.m. email: giovannis_room@verizon.net

feels about his sexuality — evidenced in a coded talk with his mother (Ana Gasteyer) — may feel underdeveloped to some viewers. Yet Brind defended his portrait of the character. “He feels completely undesirable and disconnected. The idea that someone would desire him feels so impossible that he shuts it off. What I went after in his story was telling his anger. He gets so angry that Alexa is able to experience [her sexuality] and be free with it, and do it openly, and he is infuriated. I felt that growing up. I did. My girlfriends were dating people openly and I couldn’t do that. It didn’t seem possible at the time. That repressing feeling, you feel angry, and want to act out on it.” In high school —Friends Central — the writer definitely fit in, he said, because “I worked hard at it. I thought popularity was important. My closest friends were the cool, pretty girls in my class. I knew that I was gay. It was

this odd combination of being part of the mainstream and, at the same time, feeling exceptionally different on the inside.” He came out after graduation, although he told some girlfriends he was gay during high school. Like Brind’s experiences, “Dare” is more concerned with how the characters measure their status in class and popularity than their sexuality. “No one ever asked me to tone [the film] down,” insisted the writer, who also co-produced the under-$2-million indie. “The [characters’] sexuality is the big driving force behind them, but it is not the sum total of who these people are — especially Johnny. I think we’ve all experienced that.” Now that “Dare” is done, Brind reflected on the process as a whole: “The point was not to exorcise some demons. The point was to share it with other people and hopefully affect someone.”

ASHLEY SPRINGER (FROM LEFT), EMMY ROSSUM AND ZACH GILFORD IN “DARE” If his film offers young viewers the opportunity to connect with straight, gay and bi-curious characters, the message of “Dare” is to “be who you are.” Brind emphasized this sentiment, and added, “Although you might fight that to the death, that’s what you’ve got to work with. Even if it doesn’t seem connection is possible, there is hope.” ■

PAGE 30

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 5:30 - 7:30

$2 Domestics $3 Imports $3 Well Drinks $2 Pabst 12oz bottles all day, every day

Rainbow Award Best Bar and Bartender 2008, 2009 Fox Philly Best Gay and Lesbian Bar 2008, 2009

Happy Hour prices for all Eagles games Dinner served nightly 5:30 - 11 p.m. 255 S. Camac St., Philadelphia, Pa. (215) 545-8731

Happy hour Mon.-Thur. 5-7, Brunch Saturday & Sunday 11-3

Contact your PGN advertising representative:

(215) 625-8501 Greg, ext. 201 Kelly, ext. 207 Morgan, ext. 212 David, ext. 219

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PAGE 31

’Tis the season to be gifting 11th Street Auto Repair The only thing harder to find than a politician you trust is a mechanic you trust. But the good people at 11th Street Auto, 82022 S. 11th St., continue to win over customers every day with their expert automotive skills, friendly demeanor and ability to make you feel like you’re in good hands every step of the way. Plus, they won Philadelphia Magazine’s 2009 “Best of Philly” and PGN’s Pink Penny Award for Best Place to Get Auto Repair. For more information, call (215) 928-0376. 110over70 Don’t miss 110over70, 1100 S. Broad St., and this one-time offer: a three-month membership for only $99. This offer is only valid

through Dec. 31, so don’t miss out. Located in the Marine Club, this full-service fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, nutrition services, innovative group-exercise classes and specialty programs. And if you join now, you can take part in the 110 Fitness Challenge starting Jan. 2 for a New Year and a new you. For more information, visit www.110over70.com or call (215) 790-1025. Twenty-Two Gallery Since 2003, Twenty-Two Gallery, 236 S. 22nd St., has been showcasing local and national emerging and established artists’ work. The gallery represents 22 artist members who work in many media, including oil, pastel,

Saturday & Sunday Vegan Brunch BYOB

218 S. 16th St., Phila. 215-732-8888

Plan your New Year’s Eve dinner with us. Four courses for $45 per person. www.milahvegetarian.com

Gift Cards Available

watercolor, photography, sculpture and various printing processes, as well as mixed media. The gallery’s bright, well-lit space, nestled in Philadelphia’s premier Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, hosts monthly “Second Friday” art openings, which include a wine-and-cheese artist’s reception from 6-9 p.m. While the majority of the space is reserved for a solo artist’s show, the back area of the gallery offers a sampling of the other members’ work. Twenty-Two Gallery prides itself in showing a variety of quality artwork appealing to all tastes. For more information, call (215) 772-1911 or visit www. twenty-twogallery.com. A John Waters Christmas The State Theatre in New

Brunswick, N.J., will present a one-man show that looks at the holidays in a whole new light. Openly gay filmmaker John Waters, director of “Hairspray” and other cult flicks, will perform his yuletide extravaganza “A John Waters Christmas” at 8 p.m. Dec. 18. Waters will take the audience on a rollercoaster ride through modern art, true crime and exploitation films, where absolutely nothing is sacred. Niels Lind Larsen, head of programming for CPH:PIX, a film festival in Copenhagen that has hosted Waters’ standup performance, said Waters is “brilliant, depraved and has an excellent sense of comic timing.” Tickets for the show range from $27-$47. For more information, visit www.statetheatrenj.org.

The Art Shop at Moore The Art Shop at Moore College of Art and Design, 20th Street and the Parkway, sells the unique creations of the artists of Moore. The shop is comprised of the works of current students getting their feet wet in the business of art, emerging alumnae trying to make a name for themselves here in Philadelphia. They sell handmade crafts, apparel, jewelry, paintings, prints, ceramics and ornaments. Even the Moore Gear apparel is alumnae-made. Support local artists at The Art Shop at Moore College. For more information, call (215) 965-8586 or e-mail theartshop@moore.edu. See GIFT GUIDE, Page 32

Gay is our middle name.

PGN

Fresh and Healthy Food

Dine In, Take Out, Free Delivery, BYOB Philadelphia, PA

Lunch Special, Dinner Special 3 courses - until 6 p.m.

2028 Chestnut St.,

between 20th and 21st sts.

215-568-7058

Winter accessories, jewelry, books, original artworks; handmade gifts by Moore Artists & Designers Through December 24, 2009, bring in this ad to receive a 10% discount on purchases of $50 or more.

Shop online at www.moore.edu/artshop Online Code: ART_09

PAGE 32

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Protect your ASSets....BUY GOLD The government is printing money like crazy. Gold cannot be printed! History will repeat! – It always does! Why blow your wad on the stock market? Real estate can be like throwing money down a hole!

WE BUY and SELL GOLD BULLION & COINS No sales tax on Coins or Bullion

Krugerrands

Eagles Maples Credit Swiss Foreign Exchange

Sansom Coin Exchange 215 629 8898 721 Sansom Street Jewelers Row

PGN

Support the advertisers who support our community.

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

GIFT GUIDE From Page 31 New Hope Celebrates Film Take a weekend trip to visit your northern neighbors in New Hope as New Hope Celebrates Film presents “Take 2,” its second-annual LGBT film festival, Dec. 5 and 6. Held in the famed Oak Roam of The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., the festival will screen seven LGBT favorites from the past year, all of which won awards in festivals throughout the country. Between films, take some time to do your holiday shopping in the quaint and quirky specialty stores of New Hope, decked to the halls in gingerbread trim and sparkling tiny tree lights. The town’s clubs will roll out the red carpet for caroling and dancing the night away. Gay films, shopping, drinking, dancing and dining — in the most gay per-capita mecca on the East Coast. Lodging discounts are available at the Wishing Well Guesthouse (www.wishingwellguesthouse. com), and the entertainment schedule can be found at www. theravennewhope.com. For more information on the festival or to purchase tickets, which are $5 per film or $25 for all of the shows, visit www. newhopecelebrates.com. Sansom Coin Exchange Established in New York City in 1979, Sansom Coin Exchange recently relocated to 721 Sansom St., in the heart of Jewelers’ Row. The company deals with coins, bullion and paper money from all over the world. Malcolm Kurin is the chief numismatist and a renowned gold-coin expert, with over 30 years of experience. Joe Gustino is the senior numismatist of the firm and an acclaimed expert, with more than 40 years’ experience with world coins and paper money. The firm buys and sells coins and paper money and is quite active in foreign exchange. An important consideration is that there is no sales tax on coins and bullion in the City of Philadelphia. Contact Sansom Coin Exchange at (215) 629-8898 for more information.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Scott A. Drake Photography Scott A. Drake Photography is a great resource for art-portrait photography for the LGBT individual. Drake’s photographs have been seen in the gallery at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, the Sketch Club and at numerous fundraising events throughout the city. From artistic representations of emotions to historic and iconic images of Philadelphia to intimate and erotic photographs of men, nearly all needs and tastes can be fulfilled. Intimate and formal portraits are two regularly requested services of Drake Photography. Drake offers everything from the simple headshot to specialized intimate photography. Getting a solo shot done as a gift or enjoying a photo shoot with your partner are only two of many ways to go with these ideas. Commemorate a special event with a professional behind the camera by getting candid and professionally posed photos of your holiday, anniversary party,

PAGE 33

birthday or other party. Local and regional events are always a consideration and many community leaders and activists have come to expect Drake at large events. Drake has been shooting around Philadelphia for over 20 years. Large collages of historic places, one-of-a-kind images of Philadelphia’s icons and special and commissioned works are also available. For more information, visit www.scottdrakephotos.com or call (267) 736-6743. VIX Emporium One of the more unique shopping experiences in the city, VIX Emporium, 5009 Baltimore Ave., boasts a historic storefront built in the early 1900s featuring beautiful built-in cabinetry The store carries an eclectic mix of jewelry, apparel and other gifts, mostly handmade by local artisans. Visit the store or shop online at www.vixemporioum.com. For more information, call (215) 471-7700. ■

Looking for an extra hand?

Services Directory

STREET Specializing in formal or intimate portraits, special events and art photography.

Scott A. Drake Photography 267.736.6743

Domestic & Foreign Care State Inspection & Emissions Inspection

News you want.

215-928-0376

PGN

820-22 S. 11th Street at Christian

PAGE 34

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Diversions

Your guide to arts and entertainment Theater

A Christmas Carol and The Christmas Carol Conspiracy: Scrooge’s Revenge Both plays - one a faithful production of the holiday classic and the other a dark farce - run on alternating nights through Dec. 20 at the Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; (215) 295-3694.

The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon The classic children’s book comes to life through Jan. 3 at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 893-1999.

Dec. 23 at the Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 9230210.

The :nv:s:ble Play Philadelphia Theatre Workshop presents the world premiere of the story The Eight: Reindeer of people trying to hang on Monologues in the workplace, through BCKSEET Productions Dec. 13 at Walnut Street presents the return of this Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 holiday black comedy where Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. eight reindeer vent about Santa and Rudolph, through It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play The classic Christmas tale is told Dec. 4-6 and 10-13, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore; (610) 3284271.

Magic of Christmas Parade 11 a.m.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The Devon Theatre presents a rainbow ride through biblical Egypt, through Dec. 13, 6319 Frankford Ave.; (215) 3386300. The Light in the Piazza Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the love story set in Italy, through Dec. 13 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 9850420. Nutcracker 1776 The Rock School

presents a historical Phillybased take on the classic Christmas story, at 2 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

PGN

Pick

Oliver! Walnut Street Theatre presents one of the world’s most beloved musicals, through Jan. 10, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Rabbit Hole The Arden Theatre presents the story of a family in crisis, facing the challenges of surviving great loss and making a life with the family that remains, through Dec. 20, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122. Red, White & Tuna Walnut Street Theatre presents two comic masters bringing to life 24 characters from Tuna, Texas, through Jan. 3 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. The Santaland Diaries Flashpoint Theatre Company presents the holiday comedy based on the best-selling book by out humorist David Sedaris, through Dec. 20 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 6659720. Scapin Lantern Theater Company presents Molière’s classic farce, through Jan. 3 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; (215) 829-0395.

The worlds of comedy, acrobatics and multimedia storytelling come together when Painted Bride Arts center presents “Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps,” the latest work by award-winning theater artist Scott Turner Schofield at 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 230 Vine St. Drawing from his personal experiences to illuminate issues of gender, sex and identity, Schofield moves beyond the expected transgender narrative by exploring the drama and hilarity of living a new life in the “opposite” gender. The one-person show explores the deep questions and locker-room jokes about what it means to be a man with a “choose your own adventure” format, allowing the audience to decide which stories they will see out of the 127 possibilities. For more information, www.paintedbride.org or call (215) 925-9914.

The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Brahms’ Dminor Piano Concerto with Nézet-Séguin, recently named music director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic, at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Holiday POPS! Peter Nero and the Philly This Is the Week That Is POPS perform a series of 1812 Productions presents holiday-themed shows Dec. its signature take on 5-20 at Verizon Hall, 240 S. political satire, through Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Jan. 3 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; The Ring-Orchestral (215) 592-9560. Adventure The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform the world Nézet-Séguin Conducts premiere of the Violin

Music classical

Concerto by George Walker at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 and 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Music other

Vienna Boys Choir The world-renowned group performs at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. PGMC: A Vintage Holiday Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performs a holiday concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St.; www.pgmc.org.

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn. com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

examining a critical period for the art of photography and for the Philadelphia art scene, through Jan. 31, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100. Diana: A Celebration The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition exploring Diana’s childhood, her engagement to Prince Charles, their royal wedding and Diana’s life and work as a global humanitarian, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; (866) 9171787. 8x10 and Under: Small Landscapes Gallery 339 presents a new photography exhibition through Jan. 23, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530.

Sophisticated Lady Sheila Jordan The jazz singer performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, Lace in Translation 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790- The Design Center at 5847. Philadelphia University presents a new exhibition of Rainbow Chorale of contemporary work inspired Delaware by historic lace, through The chorus performs a April 3, 4200 Henry Ave.; holiday-themed show at (215) 951-2860. 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at First & Central Paperboy with Presbyterian Church, 1101 Pedestals Market St., Wilmington, AxD Gallery presents Del.; (888) 512-5093 sculpture and works on paper by James Groody, through Dec. 5, 265 S. 10th Agulhas St.; (215) 627-6250. Gallery 339 presents an exhibition of works by Ragas and Rajas: Edward Dimsdale through Musical Imagery of Jan. 23, 339 S. 21st St., Courtly India (215) 731-1530. The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a diverse Annual Holiday Show selection of paintings and ArtStar Gallery hosts an sculptures from across the exhibition of handmade subcontinent, through Feb. ornaments and holiday cards 28, 2600 Benjamin Franklin by select artists, through Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100. Dec. 31, 623 N. Second St.; (215) 238-1557. Rockwell’s America The largest 3-D Norman Body Worlds 2 & The Rockwell exhibit in the Brain world takes visitors on The Franklin Institute a unique journey that presents an eye-opening includes segments from the journey through the inner Academy Award-winning workings of the human body ﬁlm “Norman Rockwell’s through a broad collection World,” 20 theatrical of authentic human environments, 35 threespecimens, through Feb. 20, dimensional life-sized 222 N. 20th St.; (215) 448- depictions of Rockwell’s 1200. characters and dozens of interactive educational Common Ground: experiences, through March Eight Philadelphia 14 at King of Prussia Mall’s Photographers in the Lower Level Plaza, 256 1960s and 1970s Mall Blvd.; (610) 768-0710. The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition Step Right Up

Bahdeebahdu presents an exhibition featuring the mixed-media work of Ryan Wilson Kelly, Melissa Stern and Ricky Boscarino, each bound by a circle of light to produce a single circus theme, through Jan. 30, 1522 N. American St.; (215) 627-5002.

Dance

Radio City Christmas: Rockettes The world-famous dance troupe performs at 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (215) 336-2000.

Film

Who’s Got Short Shorts? A Program of Short Films Local ﬁlmmakers show their shorts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Sisters Nightclub,

1320 Chancellor St.; SNzebra@aol.com. Last Tango in Paris Bryn Mawr Film Institute presents the film starring Marlon Brando at 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898. The Next Up Short Film Showcase Reelblack, Philadelphia’s No. 1 promoter of AfricanAmerican films, presents some of the best films from across the country and by area filmmakers, 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at International House, 3701 Chestnut St.; (215) 387-5125. True Romance Bryn Mawr Film Institute presents the story of two lovers on the run at

Exhibits

GIRL KISSERS INC.: On the heels of her latest CD, “Hundreds of Lions,” out singersongwriter and Righteous Babe recording artist Erin McKeown performs on a bill that also features hit singer/songwriter Jill Sobule, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For the new album, McKeown retreated to a farmhouse studio in rural New England where she experimented with synthesizers, programmed electronics and orchestral strings. For more information, visit www.erinmckeown.com or call (215) 222-1400. Photo: Michael Weintrob

PAGE 35

7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898.

Books

Writing for Our Lives: An Evening with Local Women Authors Victoria A. Brownworth, Becky Birtha, Cheril Clarke, Janet Mason and Ann Shade host a reading at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 9232960. Deborah Willis The author of “Posing Beauty: African American Images from the 1890s to the Present” hosts a reading a 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322. Richard Dolan The author of “UFOs and

the National Security State: The Cover Up Exposed” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 6865322.

Cabaret

Andy Prescott The local piano bar entertainer performs from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 7, 21 and 28 at Bowman’s Tavern, 1600 River Road, New Hope; (215) 862-2972.

Etc.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze The holiday spectacular in which performers pull off astonishing feats runs through Dec. 11 at Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal, 1000 Boardwalk Ave., Atlantic City; (609) 449-

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 36

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

‘Ham’ explores performer’s many careers By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer So exactly how does one go from composing music for film and television to traveling with Broadway productions like “Cabaret” and “42nd Street” to starring in gay porn before moving on to house flipping? No need to ask, as Tom Judson answers all of those questions in his new one-man show, “Canned Ham,” which lands in New Hope on Dec. 5 at Harlans Cabaret. In his show, Judson recalls working with show-business greats and reveals what it’s really like on the set of a porn movie, all while being accompanied by an accordion. Yes, we asked too. Accordion? “I’ve always loved the accordion,” he said. “It’s a guaranteed laugh-getter. You just mention the accordion and people just laugh. If you’ve ever heard an accordion played by a master, which I am not, it’s a remarkable instrument. Even more so than a piano, it’s an orchestra in this little self-contained box. The self-contained part

TOM JUDSON AND HIS ACCORDIAN Photo: Hudson Wright

and the portable part also have a lot to do with it. I bought an accordion at the Salvation Army in New York in the mid-1980s and that enabled me to start accompanying friends at different venues around

town where there might not necessarily be a piano. They’re so evocative. You can play a polka and it has this fun, campy sound. But you can play a little French music and it’s so beautiful and tender.” The openly gay Judson, 49, took “Canned Ham” on the road this year and documented the results on a blog for The Advocate. He was pleasantly surprised that the small venues he was booked at had to turn away people because they were sold out. Judson said he is sure they weren’t there because of his skill on the accordion. “I’m going to have to credit it to Gus Mattox,” he said of his award-winning porn alter ego. “Why would you come to see Tom Judson play the accordion? Who knows who that is? The idea of this porn star playing the accordion, what’s that about? In fact, this is first time ever I’ve agreed to use the name Gus Mattox on a mainstream project that I was working on. I’ve turned down a couple of jobs because the producers, understandably so, wanted me to appear

worth watching:

BAHAMA DRAMA: Love triangles abound in “Ugly Betty” when the fashionistas head down to the Bahamas in an episode featuring guest star Shakira and a love interest for gay character Marc (played by Michael Urie, pictured), 9 p.m. Dec. 4 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Joshua Yentis

Queer TV you can always see: One Life to Live

Kyle and Fish are going to have sex at some point before the year is over, so stay tuned. MondayFriday, 2 p.m. on ABC.

Ellen

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

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

in them as Gus Mattox. I’ve never wanted the two worlds to intersect because they were two different things. I’ve always acknowledged them both in both worlds where I was working. For me, they were two different personas. But here it’s the first time they logically intersect. It’s pertinent in this case.” Judson said that people should expect his show to be the standard ex-porn-star, one-man show that other performers have done. “Even close friends of mine said they weren’t sure what to expect,” he said. “I honestly don’t think people know what it’s going to be about. The music throws people off. There have been a couple of former porn stars that have done shows. I haven’t seen much of them, but from what I hear, they really just get up and talk about making movies, whereas this covers so much more ground than that. I’d say the show is rollicking. It hits many different notes and many different moods, from pretty darn funny to pretty touching in some spots.” Judson said that while he

TUESDAY Kate Clinton: 25th Anniversary Tour The out comedian celebrates 25 years in comedy. Desperate Housewives 7 p.m. on Logo. A plane crashes on FRIDAY Charlie Brown Wisteria Lane. Really? 9 Eye Candy: The Christmas p.m. on ABC. Crazy World Of David This holiday favorite still LaChappelle holds up. 8 p.m. on ABC. This documentary explores Brothers & Sisters the man behind the camera Matthew Rhys plays a gay character. 10 p.m. on ABC. So You Think You Can lens and his creative proDance cess for shooting celebriThe top eight dancers perSex Rehab with Dr. ties including Madonna, form. 8 p.m. on Fox. Drew Paris Hilton, Amanda Lepore, Jim Carrey, Drew Look for gay cast member, Suzanne writer-director Duncan Barrymore, Shakira, Westenhoefer: Live at Jennifer Lopez and more. 9 Roy. 10 p.m. on VH1. the Village p.m. on Logo. The out comedian performs MONDAY Carrie Underwood All- for a straight audience. 8 Ugly Betty p.m. on Logo. Star Holiday Special Look for gay character Yeehaw! Dolly Parton is Marc. 9 p.m. on ABC. on the guest list. 8 p.m. on Melrose Place Heather Locklear is back Fox. SATURDAY as the scheming Amanda. 9 Suze Orman Show p.m. on CW. The out money expert gives How I Met Your Mother advice. 9 p.m. on CNBC. WEDNESDAY Openly gay Neil Patrick Harris stars as skirt-chaser The New Adventures of The Wanda Sykes Old Christine Barney. 8 p.m. on CBS. Show Out comedian Wanda Sykes The out comedian has a plays Christine’s best friend The Decorating drag-queen sidekick, an Barb. 8 p.m. on CBS. Adventures of open bar and celebrity Ambrose Price guests. 11 p.m. on Fox. The out design guru’s real- So You Think You Can ity show spruces things up. Dance SUNDAY Two contestants are elimi10 p.m. on Logo. The Amazing Race The finale finds gay brothers Sam and Dan racing to the finish in Las Vegas. 8 p.m. on CBS.

immensely enjoys traveling the country doing his solo show, part of him misses being part of a huge touring Broadway production. “I suppose, just in terms of satisfaction that I get from it, it would be doing a solo piece,” he said of his preference. “But I’ve been in a few big musicals and they are really fun to do. One thing I’m missing from a solo show is a sense of camaraderie and the company because it’s just me. Be when you’re in a big show like ‘42nd Street’ or ‘Cabaret,’ you really do feel like a cog in the machine. And you are because that’s how they work. What I’m doing with ‘Canned Ham,’ the entire weight of the thing is on my shoulders, which is both scary and exhilarating at the same time. But being in a big show has its pluses as well.” Tom Judson performs at 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information, call (215) 862-5225. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com. nated this episode. 8 p.m. on Fox. Glee The club’s unity is threatened. 9 p.m. on Fox. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Look for out actor B.D. Wong in a supporting role. 9 p.m. on NBC. Modern Family Gay couple Mitchell and Cameron take their adopted daughter to her first picture with Santa. 9 p.m. on ABC. Barbara Walters Special Walters interviews Lady Gaga as part of the “10 Most Fascinating People of 2009.” 10 p.m. on ABC. Top Chef The finale! 10 p.m. on Bravo. THURSDAY Survivor: Samoa Watch for lesbian contestant Shambo. 8 p.m. on CBS. Grey’s Anatomy Gay-friendly and a repeat this week. 9 p.m. on ABC.

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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

Community centers

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. at Broad and Arch streets; (215) 568-6250.

First United Methodist Church of Philadelphia Inclusive, welcoming and progressive congregation worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave. Lunch follows; childcare is provided; (215) 438-3677.

Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3847 N. Dupont Hwy., Kent Plaza Suite #2, Dover, Del.; (302) 734-9350.

Gay Christian Singles Philly Burbs Provides support and fellowship for GLBT singles through discussion groups and social events; (610) 457-2081; gcsphillyburbs@aol.com.

BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Hold services at 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; (215) 343-0406.

Global Heart Spiritual Center Holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 1812 HaddonﬁeldBerlin Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (609) 868-2372.

Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue; (215) 724-1702.

Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy, holds services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, at 224 E. Gowen Ave., Mt. Airy; (215) 248-2950; www.grace-epi.org.

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

Central Baptist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-0664.

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

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services at 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, at 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; (215) 242-9321.

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

Church of the Cruciﬁxion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sundays at Eighth and Bainbridge streets; (215) 922-1128.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 222-3871. Spanish/English. HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport; (570) 322-8448.

Key numbers

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

Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass at 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com.

Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.

Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555 ■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org

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

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

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

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

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

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

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

■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW ■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria.

Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets ﬁrst Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call (732) 502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets at 4 p.m. Sundays at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, N.J.; (973) 857-4040.

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

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

Church of the Trinity Lutheran Reconciling in Christ parish holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 18th and Wolf streets; (215) 334-6656.

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.

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

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

PAGE 37

Holy Communion Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-1840; www. centercitylutheran.org. Hope Ministry Family Fellowship Afﬁrming Christ-centered church meets at 11 a.m. Sundays in Allentown; (610) 791-0716; hmff2001@aol.com. Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; (610) 358-1716; www. ImagoDeiMCC.org.

St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 646-2451; www.stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds liturgy at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays fall through winter and “Prayer Around the Cross” at 7 p.m. ﬁrst Friday of the month at 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 732-1918. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass at 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; (610) 566-1393; www. inclusivecatholics.org.

Tabernacle United Church Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; (215) 3864100.

Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist Synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; (215) 764-6364; www. kol-tzedek.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Children’s program (pre-8th) 10:30 a.m.; youth programming 6 p.m. Sunday; (610) 566-4853; www.uucdc.org.

Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Afﬁrming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org.

Episcopal Church of St. Paul Welcoming and inclusive church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; (215) 945-2886; www.saint-paulslevittown.org.

Metropolitan Community Church Holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays preceded by a 9:30 a.m. Bible study at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian group meets at 2 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month; (215) 860-7445.

Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 735-MCC3; www.mccphiladelphia.com.

The First United Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-afﬁrming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; (215) 438-3677.

St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal Church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays, with a contemplative communion at 8 a.m. at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; (610) 664-0966; www. saintasaphs.org.

LC/NA Delaware Valley chapter A group for Lutherans who are not out in their own congregations meets at 7 p.m. fourth Sunday of the month at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St.; (215) 387-2885.

Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; (732) 545-2673; www. emmanuelnb.org.

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that afﬁrms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m. at 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-3980; www.ﬁrstuuphilly.org.

Silverside Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 478-5921.

St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church, with openly gay rector, celebrates Eucharist at 11 a.m. Sundays; adult forum is held at 9:30 a.m.; and evening prayer is at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 3916 Locust Walk; (215) 386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn. org.

Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; (610) 688-8332; www. mluc.org.

First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; (610) 622-0800; www. lansdownepresbyterian.org.

Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; (215) 646-2597.

Interweave Organization of LGBT Unitarians and allies meets monthly at Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill, N.J., 401 N. Kings Highway; (856) 667-3618; www.uucinch.org.

Drexel Hill Baptist Church Non-judgmental Christian congregation afﬁliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at Childs Avenue and State Road, Drexel Hill; (610) 259-2356; www. adhbaptist.com.

First Baptist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 123 S. 17th St.; (215) 563-3853.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; (215) 241-7260; cpmm@afsc.org.

New Thought Spiritual Community Nondenominational service is offered at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Cradle of Liberty Council, 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne; (610) 962-9923. Old First Reformed Church Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m. Sundays September through June, and 10 a.m. June through August at 151 N. Fourth St.; (215) 922-4566; www.oldfirstucc.org. Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-7601. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets at 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center.

Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive (West Mt. Airy); (215) 844-1158; www.usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services at 10:15 a.m. at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, Mt. Airy Welcoming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays September through June at 6900 Stenton Ave.; (215) 836-1812; www.uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township, N.J.; (609) 926-8890; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services at 10 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St., Pottstown; (610) 327-2662. United Christian Church Open, afﬁrming and welcoming congregation holds servies at 11 a.m. Sundays at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; (215) 946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, afﬁrming GLBT congregation holds services at 2 p.m. Sundays at Broad and Arch streets; (215) 222-3180. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 discussing religious alienation and struggles of faith; (215) 387-2885.

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

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

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 38

Classifieds

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Few signposts mark the road to economic recovery By Tom Raum The Associated Press The road from recession to recovery is rarely smooth, straight or short. It comes with detours, forks and even dead ends. And sometimes surprises. While each American recession is different, most major ones end with pessimism heavy in the air. As the U.S. economy claws its way out of the deepest downturn in decades, jobs are still being lost, consumers are jittery and banks are reluctant to resume lending, even though stocks have rallied and corporate proﬁts seem to be slowly returning. The bleak outlook recalls the early 1980s. A slump from January to July 1980 was followed by a brutal 16-month recession that lasted from July 1981 to November 1982. Unemployment soared to 10.8 percent. President Ronald Reagan’s Republicans lost 26 House seats in the 1982 elections.

It’s a bit of history that President Obama and his Democratic colleagues on Capitol Hill would rather not see repeated. Right now, the odds are not with them. The party that controls the White House traditionally loses congressional seats in midterm elections, even when the economy is healthy. Federal Reserve ofﬁcials expect the jobless rate to hover between 8.6 percent and 10.2 percent next year after rising to 10.2 percent last month, and ease only to a 6.8to 7.5-percent range by the end of 2012. In all, they predict it could be ﬁve or six years before economic activity returns to normal. In 1982, as now, headlines were bleak. Many economists were forecasting a long, anemic recovery. The usual engines of job growth seemed idled. The U.S. was losing its industrial edge to an emerging Japan. People were hoarding gold. The downturn was called the worst recession since the Great Depression. Sound familiar?

Yet all the grim warnings turned out to be misplaced. By 1984, the economy was humming. Reagan was re-elected in a landslide. One of the longest economic expansions in U.S. history was under way, lasting for nearly two decades — with a few bumps. Right now, economic policymakers are unsure of the road ahead and they lack a good map. Will the recession be followed by a strong recovery, as in the 1980s and 1990s? Or will the recovery be shallow and bumpy, as many economists suggest? Or will the economy, which grew at a 2.8-percent rate from July through September after four quarters of contraction, fall back into a “double-dip” recession? Economic data are mixed and open to different interpretations. You can tell that by just listening to our leaders. President Obama, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, Treasury Secretary Timothy

Geithner and congressional leaders have mixed expressions of optimism with warnings of much pain ahead. “I will not rest until businesses are investing again and businesses are hiring again and people have work again,” Obama said after welcoming data that indicated the economy was growing for the ﬁrst time in more than a year. Geithner said at a recent congressional hearing that “this is a very tough economy still. It is going to take us a while to work through these problems.” The huge Wall Street rally since March has been good for investors. A year ago, both the economy and the stock market were in free fall. The stock market is usually a great economic forecasting machine. But bad economic news can make stocks rise because it signals that the Fed will keep interest rates low. Manufacturers are becoming proﬁtable again. So far, however, they are doing so by cutting jobs

and not replacing workers. The housing market is showing signs of life. But one in four U.S. homeowners owes more on his or her mortgage than the properties are worth. And a gathering storm of commercial real-estate foreclosures could deal another major blow to the ﬁnancial system. With the holiday season under way, consumers do not appear to be reaching for their wallets. Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the economy. “I think the most prudent and appropriate forecast is that the economy is going to be a slog, at least through much of next year,” said Mark Zandi, head of Moody’s Economy.com and a regular adviser to congressional Democrats. While those preaching doom and gloom may be overly pessimistic, “There really are good reasons to be cautious as to how quickly the economy is going to come back,” Zandi said. ■

Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property

1810 Rittenhouse Square, Unit 711

Beds: 1 Baths: 1 Square footage: 722 Age of property: 50 years Cost: $263,500 Realtor: Chas Hendricksen Real-estate co.: Elfant Wissahickon Rittenhouse Square Phone: 215-893-9920 Direct: 215-300-1682 Web site: www.housechas.com

Check your ad

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

Spacious one-bedroom condominium on the Square at a below-market value. A perfect opportunity to live in a signature Rittenhouse Square residence. Sunset views and low association fees at the Savoy.

address • Daytime telephone number Having all this information ready will speed your order and help to avoid errors. Phone calls can only be returned during business hours. For more information, see the coupon page in this section.

Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears. To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge. PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language. Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity. Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.

MAY 1 - 7, 2009 PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS PAGE 45

PAGE 47

�� PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 39

�� Real Estate

�

DEC. �� 4 - 10, 2009

��

�� REAL ESTATE �SALE ��

GREATHunters! BUILDING IN GAYBORHOOD Attention 60 Acres$99,900 Timber INVESTMENT co. liquidating a hunting 20AC withGREAT Utilities & paradiseCountry loaded Road w/big was OPPORTUNITY whitetail deer. hardwood trails me$99,900BUSINESS Now All $69,900 BLMsetting, access. Deer & NEAR 11TH LOCUST, $599K views. andering throughout, pristine mountain elk galore! Call to & view 877-229-7840 www. Come see road this wonderful bldg20 w/2minutes spacious Old state frontage, just to rental apartments andVirginia! large commercial town. Best buy in West Easy owner _______________________________32-16 space on 1st floor. the heart of Center City. financing. Call nowIn1-877-526-3764. Currently a doctor’s office, zoned C-1. Could _______________________________33-18 Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. be made into condos or large single dwellMountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave ing. Great condition, price, location. Call for appointment. _______________________________32-16 JULIE WELKER 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line COLDWELL BANKER WELKER near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some REAL ESTATE open area, includes old hunting cabin, 215-235-7800 electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. _______________________________33-52 Smithville, NJ - 55+ FOUR SEASONS - Large �� _______________________________32-16 MULBURY Model, handicap accessible, 2 �� sunrooms, premium lot. Near AC and shore. �� Owner Financing 3% 609-748-2988, 609�� 335-5124. �� _______________________________33-49 WOODED LAND & FARMS Riverfront & Ponds “Garage Sale” List Over 20 properties that must be sold now! Discounts �� as much as 50%. CALL NOW! 800-229-7843 �� www.LandandCamps.com _______________________________33-49 �� VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY �� House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming �� pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215 468 9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________33-52 A Bank Repo! 4Br 3Ba $205/Mo! More Homes from $199/Mo! 5% down 15 years @ 8% APR. For listings 800-546-8656 ext R944. _______________________________33-49 Cameron County- 9.8 acres in Portage Twp with 500’ of trout stream frontage and state forest frontage, electric, Perc, hard road. $89,000 owner financing. 800-668-8679. _______________________________33-49

BD/1 BA, erry wood . BD with ows in $4 , Realtor, 348-0000, 3, 1-3 ___33-18

��

CHESTNUT HILL

Superb, renovated 1, 2 and 3 bedroom residences set in a charming collection of 18th, 19th and early 20th century historic buildings. Too many amenities and incentives to mention here, so visit us at www.bpltd.postlets.com then call Jessica or Lynne for a private tour.

eck out Diversions. 215-247-2770

��

�� REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE ��

�� SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

��

�� PAGE 48

��

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

�� E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com ��

��

Cozy Studio, $675/mth

�� Cozy studio available Dec 1 with separate eat-in-kitchen and bath, French doors, hardwood ﬂoors, dishwasher, garbage disposal, central air, washer/dryer and stor�� Conrad age space. Good credit history a must. 919 South 8thKuhn Street (8th and Montrose) �� Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 �� cmorris@ssproperties.us NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2007 ��. Furness Flats. Large 2 bed, 1 bath. last Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs �� unit left in this highly desirable Close to all Center City One Bedroom withbuilding. Fireplace, $810/mth

Office: ext. 124floors, garbage Hospitals. Low fees andJan taxes ................................�� Bright one bedroom available 1 with856.227.1950 fireplace, hardwood Cell: 609.221.1196 disposal, washer/dryer & central air. Good credit history a must. 506 South 8th �� “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com Street. cmorris@ssproperties.us level 1 bd, 1 ba. unit w/ private entrance.. Lowand fees & Taxall included. satellite TV, heat hot water,

�� Washington Township pay;........................��. gas Office cooking and electric. Subway Abatement.Large Lowest 2bdrm/2bth, price 1 bd. inYou area $1700/mth 42 door. $1,200 / month. and 5070 bus atRoute the front �� 215-416-5545. Available May Turnersville, NJ 08012 Ask about a free month! Brand new, largve, two bedroom, two bath in 2008. certifiThis ed is a �� historic property on Washington Square with hardwood floors, BBQ area, large _______________________________32-18 ��. New open style 2 bedroom, bathonly condo 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank1Repo $45,000! closets, SS appliances including dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, central Payments frompet $199/month! 5% down, 20 �� with�� low taxes and condo fees. Great small friendly building. air and laundry facility in building. Good credit�� history a must. 711 Walnut on the .........................................................................�� _______________________________32-16 �� park. 3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! �� Old Swedes Court. New2 Listing Large 3 4 bedroom, bath home only $238/month! �� 5% down, years @8% apr! For listings Properties Bedroom 2.5 Bath with SS Garage, roof deck20and hardwood floors. ��

Art Museum Area-- off fees 26th in St. Queen (800 N. Village �� Low association ....................�� _______________________________32-16 Bambrey, 19130) Corner house on quiet �� street, close to public transportation. Newly �� . NEW LISTING. Large update 4 bd. 2 ba. with renovated, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood ___________________________________ huge garden and wonderfully roof deck with city skyline views. floors, AC, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. �� .................................................................................�� $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to kratzworks. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split com for pix. level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 Lovely 3 W/D, bd. 1upper ba. fully furnished home in _______________________________33-20 full baths, and lower decks, use of �� beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to �� kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. Two bedroom split-level apartment on second min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least �� floor of row home�� at 20th and Christian streets. reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + _______________________________32-17 LR, kitchen/dining, bath, small foyer. On-street 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. �� parking, pets okay. Utilities separate. $875+two _______________________________33-19 �� Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. months deposit.�� Scott 267.736.6743. NE Phila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, _______________________________32-19 �� _______________________________33-18 215-821-1062. �� _______________________________33-18 of affordable rentals. Full/partial 1 BR apts. avail. Various choices. $750 to Best selection�� weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. $1000/mo. Call soon, 215-901-0041. Beach blk. Share lovely 3 BR house w/senior Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online _______________________________33-21 citizen. Full house privileges. Must be employed. $950/mo. Call Jim at 609-458-3711 �� _______________________________32-16 eld, Debordieu, The 3 room apartment, living room, kitchen, bath, to discuss details. Jewels of the South Carolina Coast. House/ and bedroom (all Large rooms) 2nd floor, _______________________________33-19 condo 2rentals. Beach start cable. here! Share BR apt. Uppervacations Darby, W/D, private entrance. $1000.00 month, includes

cmorris@ssproperties.us �� 267-402-8017 ��

��

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS ��

�� Mystery shoppers, make up to $150 a day. Drive the Big Rigs! 30 Trainees Needed ASAP. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail $700-$800 per week, Benefits, No CDL, No and dining establishemnts. Experience not Problem. No Credit, No Problem. GIT-R-DONE required. 877-280-7603. Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-19 _______________________________33-18 Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 Over 18? Between High School and College? PM only. Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful _______________________________33-19 Business Group. No Experience Necessary. �� 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation No exp. necessary, will train. PT or FT. SJ Provided. 1-877-646-5050. shore area. Call 609-645-2010. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-19 Now Hiring OTR Dry-Van Drivers! WESTERN Travel, Travel, Travel! $500 Sign-on and EXPRESS *Regular Home-Time *Excellent $500 Performance bonuses. Seeking Sharp Equipment *One-Day Orientation *BCBS Guys/Gals, Blue Jean Environment, Music Insurance *Stable,Growing Company, Must Lovers Welcome! Janelle #888-375-9795 be 22Yrs. Old, Class-A CDL required 866Start Today! 863-4009. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Sup$500-$1000/month or more. hours. PA: At 1095 Wilson Ave, Flexible Glen Mills, 3 BR, 2.1 BA Contemporary plies furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Training No selling abodeprovided. is unique in required. every FREE way &Now! a must see to believe! Great 1-800-307-7131. details. www.K348.com oversized kitchen, dining room, 2 story family room with _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18 cathedrals ceilings with decorative fireplace. Wrap around deck “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment 3wk �� onPay main floororand master bedroom. homesite TrainingPrivate Program.wooded Backhoes, Bulldozers, Avg. $21/hour $54K2nd annually including on 2.44 acres. MLS 5614089 Federal Benefits and OT. Paid#Training. Vaca- Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. COULD QUALIFY FOR GI/VA BENEFITS. 866-362tions. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. 6497. Call Kathleen Kennedy, Realtor - 610-883-1818 _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18 �� or www.chestercountynewhomesales.com National Company Hiring 18-30 Sharp People. NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodging $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINFurnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid ING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. Training. Over 18+ 866-734-5216. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18

Ideal Home just for you!

Keller Williams Real Estate Exton Market Center - 610-363-4300

GREAT BUILDING GAYBORHOOD Seeking part-time editorial intern GREAT INVESTMENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

NEAR 11TH & LOCUST, $599K Come see this wonderful bldg w/2 spacious

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

on 1st ﬂoor. In the heart of Center City. Currently

Intern(s) should be highly motivated with strong writing skills. A a doctor’s oﬃisce, zonedbutC-1. CouldIntern(s) be used journalistic background preferred not required. must have the ability to stay focused while working independently. Intern(s) made into condo’s or large single dwelling. Great must be able to meet deadlines both on a daily and longer-term basis.

condition, price, location. Call for appointment.

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

JULIE WELKER

Skills: COLDWELL BANKER WELKER cient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Computer pro Photoshop a plus.) REAL ESTATE Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style Team player

215-235-7800

Please send résumé, cover letter and three writing samples to Sarah Blazucki, Editor, Philadelphia Gay News, 505 S. Fourth St.,

From on TO VALU portable able. ww informati _______

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

Kayak P display n Save tho 100% ﬁn _______

Distribut over 200 Fence,F FINANCI 237-221 _______

��

Insuranc Insuranc sale. Gre ness. P agencyfo _______ � Do you e candy ro All for $9 _______ ��

Commer ness tha $1500 do Phone: 7 _______

�

Painting a 45 yrs ex

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 40

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Consider Packer Park for your next home? Suburbs in the City

PREMIER RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY Convenient to Sports Complex,International Airport, FDR Park, Walt Whitman Bridge & Much More. Safe, Beautiful, Welcoming, Convenient We have a Wide Variety of Sales & Rentals Something to ﬁt any need

215 551 5100 bc@CapozziRealEstate.com

PGN

Gay is our middle name.

REAL ESTATE

RENT

E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com

PGN

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________33-52 MANAYUNK APTS 1 BR 1BA $900 + utils 1 BR 1.5 BA $1200 + utils 1 BR 1.5 BA $1225 + utils EADEH.COM or 610-647-1776 _______________________________33-49 OLD CITY APT 1 BR 1 BA $1000 + utils EADEH.COM or 610-647-1776 _______________________________33-49 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA “ONE BEDROOM @ $995 - Small but well located, with a great view of St. Marks from your French windows. Hot Water & Heat are included. Two Months Free on 15 month lease. Call now! (215)546-1424. _______________________________33-49 STUDIO, RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Hot water & Heat Included, Two months free on 15 month lease! Great Deal! $795+Elec (215) 546-1424. _______________________________33-50 GRAD HOSPITAL AREA Fabulous Bi Level Apt in Grad Hospital Ultra Modern 2 bd/1.5 ba. Brand New Construction! Central air, designer lighting, hardwood ﬂoors, gourmet kitchen w/ stainless appliances, exquisite tilework; simply gorgeous! Parking available- 1600/m. Call Elliot 215-288-4519. _______________________________33-49 FLORENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ Share townhouse with GM. Pvt. BR. Near Riverlink rail line. Pet friendly. $650, utils. incl. Call Dave, 609-306-7846.. _______________________________33-50

ROOMMATES PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-52 Daddy w/2 BR sks M/F. 69th. 610-352-1188. _______________________________34-02 HAMILTON/TRENTON GAY HOME SHARE Share nice 4 bedroom home with 2 gay men. $500. per month includes all utilities, full house privileges, off street parking. Cable, wireless internet. Choose furnished or unfurnished room. Garage available for rent if you have storage needs. No smoking inside - outside o.k. Security deposit and reference please. 609-954-8763. _______________________________33-50 SOUTH PHILLY Share private home 1 block from Broad. Furnished BR, shared bath, full house priv. No drugs. Must be employed. $400/mo., utils incl. except phone. 215-551-7611. _______________________________33-50 SPRING CITY, CHESTER CO. Room for rent, $500/mo, all utils incl. Call 702-277-6864. _______________________________33-50 FLORENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ Share townhouse with GM, Pvt. BR. Near Riverlink rail line. Pet friendly. $650, utils. incl. Call Dave, 609-306-7846. _______________________________33-50

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

Want to let mom, dad and all of your exs know you’re tying the knot?

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES

ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________33-49

Insurance Agency for Sale. Afﬁliated with major national carrier. A great business opportunity! Upcoming Webinar November 12th. Please send inquires to: agencyforsalePA@aol.com or Fax: 866-296-7535. _______________________________33-49

ADULT VIDEO & TOY STORE FOR SALE WITH 8 VIDEO BOOTHS. LOCATED IN STRATFORD, NJ. FOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL TED 215-694-0060

FOR SALE

ADOPTION

SEX TOY EMPORIUM ONLINE Low Price Guarantee. Private and Discreet. Free Shipping. www.RedHotandYOU.com _______________________________33-50 Metal XB Standing Seam Rooﬁng,18” W. 24 Ga. Kynar paint, M. Bronze, Reg. Price $1.61, Close-out “AS IS” price NOW $.96 SQ FT www. abmartin.net 800-373-3703. _______________________________33-49

ADOPT Childless loving woman (teacher) wishes to adopt a newborn. Financially secure home with close extended family. Legal/Conﬁdential. Expenses paid. Please call Denise: 1-866-2014602 Pin#0196. _______________________________33-49 Adoption: Loving parents and their 9 year old adopted daughter would love a baby brother or sister. Stay at home mom, professional dad. Expenses paid. Please call Becky/ Mike 800-472-1835. _______________________________33-49 ADOPT Childless loving woman (teacher) wishes to adopt a newborn. Financially secure home with close extended family. Legal/Conﬁdential. Expenses paid. Please call Denise: 1-866-2014602 Pin#0196. _______________________________33-49

SERVICES

Send us your wedding/civil union/ commitment ceremony announcement and we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love.

E-mail information to editor@epgn.com or fax us at (215) 925-6437.

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-49 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________33-49

RELIGIOUS

GROUPS GAY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF S. J. For info write to PO Box 760, Elmer, NJ 08318. _______________________________34-04

AUTOS Buy Police Impounds! 01 Honda Accord $500! 99 Toyota Corolla $450! 00 Nissan Sentra $800! Hondas, Chevys, Jeeps & More! For listings 800-546-5204 ext 3553. _______________________________33-49

Looking for something you saw in PGN last week?

Find all the content, all the photos, all the ads. Even pages that ﬂip.

Only on the new EPGN.com. Go ahead, play with it.

PAGE 41

HELP WANTED

ATTN: COMPUTER WORK Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/mo Full Time. Training provided. www.KTPGlobal.com or call 1-800330-8446. _______________________________33-49 Werner Enterprises. Drive the Big Rigs. 35 Driver Trainees Needed. $700 to $800 Week. No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem. Start ASAP. Call 800-961-4319. _______________________________33-49 Driver: COMPANY DRIVERS average $800+ per week. Immediate Beneﬁts. Great Equipment. CDL-A with 1 year experience, 23 yoa. Call NFI Sunday or anytime: 877-888-8476. www.nﬁcareers.com _______________________________33-49

LIGHTING SALES POSITION Looking for someone who is well-organized, highly personable and professional, with an eye for design and attention to detail for an entry level position at one of Philadelphia’s premier lighting showrooms. People skills a must, design / architecture background a plus. Job is in Ardmore PA. Please send resume to info@rittenhouseelectric.com _______________________________33-49 KNIGHT REFRIGERATED We have 4 openings for Exceptional OTR Drivers. Apply online at: www.knightrefrigerated.com 6 months OTR experience required. Class-A CDL, No Felonies, NO DUI’s, or call 888-668-0829. _______________________________33-49

Position at Reading Terminal Market Part Time Christmas Help Heavy Sales Experience Required High End Sophisticated Person Dress Well Likes to Talk to People May Turn Into a Permanent Position

Call for Appointment 610-306-4507 Advertising Sales Representative PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Gay and Lesbian publications, is looking for a special candidate to fill this position in our advertising sales department. Applicants should have previous advertising sales experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written and verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market. Most important, you should aspire to become an integral part of our successful sales team. We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, as well as Health Insurance. Applicants should call Greg Dennis at 215-6258501, ext. 219. Email resume to greg@epgn.com or send resume to: PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Attn.: Greg Dennis EOE

PAGE 108

PAGE 42

CLASSIFIEDS

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

SERVICES DIRECTORY ��

PAGE 108

PAGE 108 CLASSIFIEDS

W m APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 CLASSIFIEDS

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

Is it time to look for a new doctor?

this space: only $25 per week*

o ex

*when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks

Is it time to look for a new doctor?

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

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

Classiﬁeds Liner Insertion Order

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

Type STYLE A Type STYLE B TYPE STYLE C

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

7 point 7 point 7 POINT

NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE

PLEASE PRINT STATE

ZIP

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

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

SUBTOTAL

S wed c

a an w Br

Send us your in %wedding/civil TERM DISCOUNT - union/ AD TOTAL commitment edit TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED ceremony CLASSIFICATION (CIRCLE ONE) o Return form and payment to: Masco Communications REAL ESTATE FOR SALE • REAL ESTATE FOR RENT • ROOMMATES • SEASONAL RENTALS • SERVICES • FINANCIAL SERVICES announcement 505 S. Fourth St., Phila., PA 19147 Reach Over 40,000 Readers For As• Little LittleRESORTS As $25.00 $25.00orA A Week. Reach Over Readers As As Week. HELP WANTED • JOBS WANTED •�� BUSINESS40,000 OPPORTUNITIES • FOR SALE Weekly •Weekly AUTOMOTIVEFor • AUCTIONS TRAVEL �� (21 fax: 215-925-6437 don@epgn.com ADOPTION • PERSONALS • FRIENDS MEN • FRIENDS BISEXUAL • FRIENDS TV/TS • FRIENDS WOMEN andor email: we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love. NUMBER OF WEEKS X SUBTOTAL

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 43

SERVICES DIRECTORY

this space: only $25 per week*

Your ad dollars go further when you target your audience *when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today! 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: 215-9256437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

CANCELLATION POLICY

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

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

CRC, CVE

bility

PAGE PAGE 44 110

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

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

LEGALHEALTH & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

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

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

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

Social Social Security SecurityDisability Disability Claims Appeals Claims Appeals

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

DEC. 4 -1,10, 2009 APRIL - -MAY APRIL2525 MAY 1,2008 2008

215-629-0585 215-629-0585

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

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

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625www.equalitypa.org Terence S. Brady, Esq. Legal Representation In New Jersey Drunk Driving, Speeding, All TraďŹ&#x192;c Cases, Family Matters, Divorce, Visitation, Custody Criminal Matters, Real Estate Purchases, Foreclosures

Mt. Holly, N.J. 609 504 6310

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

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 106

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

Family owned and operated. Residential and commercial electricians. Licensed and insured.

Radio dispatched crews. Emergency service available. All credit cards accepted. 30 years of industry experience.

215-722-2988

PAGE 45

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

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

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

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

www.lauterbornelectric.com

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

PGN

Massage & More

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS Cory ADULT PERSONALS

assage PAGE 46 massage

g /out

Let Let my my strong strong hands hands release release all all your your tensions. tensions. FULLBODY FULLBODY •• SENSUAL SENSUAL •• EROTIC EROTIC “Ask “Ask about about my my specials” specials”

378

com/ com/

Have Have car car and and will will travel travel •• City/Suburb/Jersey City/Suburb/Jersey Shore Shore

(215)465-2427

G-01 G-01 G-01

G-02 G-02 G-02

y Advertising eadlines

FRIENDS

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-52 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-52 Muscular male, 62 seeks same. John Larish, 575 Laurel Terrace, Pottsville, PA 17901. _______________________________33-51 SEEKS SPECIAL FRIEND Bi/gay male seeks special friend. Perfer Ch. Hill, Roxboro, Myk. area. No calls after 22 PM. Karl, 215-984-8881. _______________________________33-50

Slim, in shape GWM, 45 into safe J/O and ass-play, also am top/bottom. Central NJ area. 908-397-7194. _______________________________33-51 SEEKING WM in late 50’s seeks younger men, Latinos & Mexicans a +, for friendship & fun. Enjoy arts, travel & outdoors. 856-547-4163. No calls after 11. _______________________________34-02 GW bottom, 55 y.o., br/bl, med. build (160), moderate to hairy body, DD free. Fun, romantic, interested in a Latino top, 50+ with the same qualﬁcations. Must be discreet. I travel to you. 267-918-4440, John. _______________________________34-01 WEEKEND LOVER B-7 B-7 Philly or burbs weekend lover wanted. HbgB-7 Amtrak. I am masc, nice, NS, ND, DDF, 42, oral, vers, mostly btm, not sub tho. Dan 717930-0219. _______________________________33-52

MEN

dlines are followed.

Forrest

Adult/Personals

FRIENDS

adline , prior ppear. y ads must y noon on r to issue.

Erotic Dungeon Master

MEN

Handsome Certified Therapist

6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

MODELS

ESCORTS

Serving

PREMIER

S i n c e 19 8 7

Reliable, Safe, Honest & Discreet

6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for DEC. 4 - 10, 2009 training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________33-48 Xdress sex party. CD house orgy every Sat. nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at FRIENDS 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18

You: big 215-732_______

MEN

Marcello

Jon-Jon

30 Others Available On Our Website o w =I nNew Our Philly's Premium Escort Service P Awww.PremierEscorts.com , NJ & DE - Black NBox

2 2 n d Ye a r !

�

www.PremierEscorts.comOr Always Phila. 215.733.9779 Hiring Toll Free 888.765.6665 215-733-9779

��

Hours:11AM 2AM Hiring 11AM til 2AM til - Always

Our Special Guests OurSpecial SpecialGuests Guests Our Work Out Exclusively at WorkOut OutExclusively Exclusively at at Work 12th Street Gym 12thStreet StreetGym Gym 12th

FRIENDS

MEN

For All Your Adult Needs

TEASERSVIDEO.COM Over 10,000 Items - Check it out

Are You Ready to Enter the Web’s Biggest and Best Adult Shopping Site?

Toys & Novelites Lubes & Lotions DVD’s Apparel Fun & Games Bachelor & Bachelorette Gifts Costumes & Holiday Items All Transactions Safe and Discrete

PGN

Gay is our middle CERTIFIED name. MASSAGE

��

Advertising works.

PGN

Handsome Certified Therapist 6’, 195 lbs, Muscle Gives Sensual / Therapeutic Massage

Call 215-432-6030

B-7

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS ADULT PERSONALS

MASSAGE

Submit and Surrender

SENSUAL NUDE MASSAGE

Strong Hands

• Full Body • Deep Tissue • Sensual

Deep tissue/Erotic massage BDSM training Body shaving in/out

• Erotic

FOR DISCREET MEN Good Looking 46yo 5’10 well endowed OUTCALLS ONLY Michael 609-238-6247

www.kbmassage.com

DEEP TISSUE • SENSUAL • EROTIC Have car and will travel

G-01

mrldj@hotmail.com

D99

(215)465-2427

G-02

Cody Carson

Visiting the 7th through the 10th

202-714-3030

5’7” 205 lbs Hairy 53 inch chest 8” hung Pixx at rentmen.com/codycarson

Make waves. Write a letter.

PGN MEN

A-55

City/Suburbs/Jersey Shore/Hotels

FRIENDS

MASSAGE

Massage & More

KEN 215-317-8378 B-2

PAGE 47

C-51

FRIENDS

MEN

FRIENDS

MEN

PGN

FRIENDS

MEN

FRIENDS

MEN

PAGE 48

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

THE REGION’S LEADING BMW DEALERSHIP FROM DOWNINGTOWN TO DOWNTOWN

Regina M Longo Client Advisor Devon Hill BMW Direct 484-654-1226 Email rlongo@devonhill.com

DEC. 4 - 10, 2009