PGN Dec. 10 - 16, 2010 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 34 No. 50

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Dec. 10 - 16, 2010

Scouts deal dead in the water

Hatboro mayor vetoes LGBT bill By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The mayor of Hatboro, which was poised to become the first municipality in Montgomery County to adopt an LGBTinclusive nondiscrimination law, vetoed the measure this week. Democratic Mayor Norman Hawkes exercised his veto power during the Hatboro Council meeting Monday night, quashing the ordinance that the council passed in a 43 vote last month. The measure would have banned LGBT discrimination and established a human-relations commission to investigate complaints based on a number of characteristics. The council could override the veto with a 5-2 vote in favor of the ordinance, meaning one of the three Republicans who voted against the bill would need to switch his vote. A special council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Hatboro Borough Hall, 414 S. York Road, where an override vote will be taken. The bill’s prime sponsor, Councilwoman Nancy Guenst, said she wasn’t very optimistic that the council would be able to override the veto, but urged LGBTs and allies to turn out in full force to demonstrate support for the measure. If the override vote is not successful, Guenst said the only other option would be the reintroduction of the measure in the future, with the hopes that Hawkes will have changed his mind at that time. Hawkes told PGN this week that the decision was not a personal one, but rather he felt the state has better resources to handle discrimination complaints. “I have no religious or moral issues with this ordinance; I just feel it could be much better handled on the state level than on the local level,” he said. “I understand there’s not currently a provision to cover [sexual orientation and gender identity] at the state level, but I would like to see that enacted. I just think the state is more qualified than the local government to handle this.” Guenst disagreed. “I think his reasoning has no merit, no merit whatsoever. The [LGBT-inclusive state nondiscrimination bill] has been sitting in committee for 10 years and he knows it,” she said, arguing that she believes the See HATBORO, Page 21

By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large

CONTINUING TO FIGHT: About 180 people gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Dec. 3 to pay tribute to Philadelphia FIGHT’s 20 years of service. The HIV/AIDS service organization’s annual We Remember Gala remembered those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, as well as those who helped fuel FIGHT’s development, including The American Foundation for AIDS Research, which provided FIGHT its initial grant and which received this year’s Jonathan Lax Award. Photo: Scott A. Drake

DADT gets Senate hearings, vote still unclear By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer With the lame-duck session waning, there were talks of the defense-authorization bill, to which the repeal measure is attached, coming up for a cloture vote Wednesday night, which would send it to the floor for debate. As of press time, however, the Senate had not yet began discussing the bill. The Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony from leaders from all branches of the military last week on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” who weighed in on the recent Pentagon study that found little harm in repealing the ban on openly gay servicemembers. The hearings, held Dec. 2 and 3, solicited testimony from all of the heads of the respective branches, as well as Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen. Throughout the two-day proceedings, the military leaders offered split opinions on whether the ban should be lifted summarily, with the heads of the Navy and Coast Guard voicing support for repealing the ban and the leaders of the Marines, Army and Air Force expressing varying concerns. Earlier last week, the Pentagon released its year-long study that evaluated the pos-

sible risks to military preparedness that openly gay servicemembers could pose and examined the attitudes of servicemembers toward the repeal of the 1993 law. The study found that a majority of servicemembers did not think lifting the ban would have an impact on military operations and concluded that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” could be repealed without damaging the military. The Army chief of staff, Gen. George Casey, said during the hearing he didn’t think the Army was ready for a change while two wars were being waged, but did remark that the study changed his mind on his previously held notion that openly gay servicemembers would be a detrimental distraction to unit cohesion. Marine Corps commandant Gen. James Amos noted that his branch of the military offered the most negative views toward repeal in the Pentagon survey and that he did not think that such a change should be implemented, while Air Force chief of staff Gen. Norton Schwartz advocated for full repeal to be held off until 2012, as the military undertook an education initiative to prepare for the change. Both Gates and Mullen testified last Thursday that repeal should happen immediately, before the end of the current See DADT, Page 21

Legislation enabling the sale of publicly owned land to a local Boy Scouts of America council isn’t expected to be introduced until early next year, if at all, a spokesperson for City Council said this week. “It’s extremely unlikely that any bill would be introduced into City Council this year,” said Anthony R. Radwanski, director of communications for Philadelphia City Council. He said City Councilman Darrell L. Clarke, whose district encompasses the property in question, is still gathering information on the matter. “Councilman Clarke is still gauging the feeling of the community,” Radwanski said. “Since Dec. 16 is our last City Council session this year, I don’t see how anything could be introduced until next year, if at all.” City Council will reconvene on Jan. 27. Clarke couldn’t be reached for comment. Officials Mayor Nutter’s administration want to sell the property at 231-251 N. 22nd St. to the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council to settle a federal lawsuit filed by the Scouts. But the sale requires approval from City Council. In June 2008, city attorneys filed suit in state court to evict the Scouts because they won’t pay fair-market rent or, in the alternative, permit openly gay participants. But 10 days earlier, the Scouts filed suit in federal court, alleging that their eviction would be unconstitutional. See SCOUT DEAL, Page 19

One of the most anticipated events of the season was packing them into the Design Marketplace on Dec. 4. More photos on Page 2. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

Holiday givers

PHILADELPHIA MOVERS, SHAKERS AND (TOY) PLAYERS: The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s fourth-annual TOY, held Dec. 4 at Marketplace Design, generated a host of gifts and games for children at the HIV/AIDS unit of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance. Organizers said the fundraiser drew about 550 guests, who donated more than 1,400 toys. Partygoers included Jason Landau Goodman (from left, clockwise), Matt Teter, Mark Seaman, Adam Hymans, Chris Hayes, Perry Monastero, Thom Cardwell, Stephen Glassman, Gloria Casarez, Mark Segal and Sherrie Cohen. Photos: Scott A. Drake

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Human Rights Day centers on LGBTs By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer December 10 marks the 62nd anniversary of the signing of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which laid out an international standard of rights to which all humans are entitled. This year, Philadelphia will examine that document — and the ensuing humanrights revolution it represented — through an LGBT lens. From 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia will host its annual Human Rights Day observance at the National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., this year focusing on LGBT rights. Christiaan Morssink, president of the local association, said the organization has hosted Human Rights Day events for a number of years, each centering on a different issue: However, this marks the first time LGBT issues are spotlighted. Marietta Tanner, a member of the Unitarian Society of Germantown and the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) envoy, first raised the idea about the topic to the association.

“I thought it was about time this was much neglected, ignored and even sometalked about,” Tanner said, noting she times abused in many parts of the world,” was especially motivated to raise aware- Morssink said. “We thought it was worthness about LGBT discrimination among while opening the discussion here in black communities of faith. “Personally, Philadelphia, and then hopefully other I’ve been very chapters throughout the country concerned about also begin the t h e wa y b l a c k “We are completely of the will same type of dischurches, like cussions.” the Baptist or opinion that the lesbian event will Pentecostal and gay community is very f e aThe t u r e a key churches, feel much neglected, ignored note address by about gays and lesbians. A lot of and even sometimes abused B r u c e K n o t t s , the openly gay these churches h a v e a d e n i a l in many parts of the world.” chair of the UN’s Human Rights going on about gays. And I think Christiaan Morssink, president of the United C o m m i t t e e , this topic needs to Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia who pressed for the inclusion of be pushed to the LGBT topics at front because it the UN’s Human is a human-rights Rights Conference in 2008 and, as execuissue.” Morssink said the association was eager tive director of the UU-UNO, launched to provide a forum for a broad conversa- a faith-based LGBT-advocacy program tion on the human-rights challenges the within the agency. LGBT community faces. The evening will also include the screen“We are completely of the opinion that ing of a documentary on LGBT persecuthe lesbian and gay community is very tion in Uganda and a panel discussion on

international LGBT issues, featuring panelists Dr. Marla Gold, dean of the Drexel University School of Public Health; filmmaker Peter Lien and University of Pennsylvania psychologist Jeanne Stanley, moderated by Jessica Lee. Morssink said he anticipates that his agency will continue to address LGBTrights issues beyond this week’s event. He said the organization previously met with a contingent of human-rights representatives from Egypt, and is planning a follow-up session with the group to discuss human-rights issues for LGBTs in the Middle East. The group also hopes to work with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign on this and other future programming. “We intend this to not just be a one-time event but we’re going to make this part of our list of topics that we need to keep talking about and that can’t be ignored,” he said. The Human Rights Day event is free, and wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. To RSVP, e-mail info@una-gp.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

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News Briefing HIV vaccine events

OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: LGBT professionals from around the area came out to the Hyatt at the Bellevue XIX Tuesday night for the monthly Our Night Out event. The LGBT social is held at a different bar or restaurant throughout the city each month and is meant to forge professional and personal relationships among a diverse group of local LGBTs. This month’s holiday-themed party was sponsored by the local chapter of the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association and drew about 120 people. Photo: Scott A. Drake

LGBT issues topic of statewide meetings By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to take part in an open discussion about the future of the LGBT-rights movement in the next month, with a traveling town-hall series hosted by a group of state and national civilrights agencies. The LGBT Equality Coalition kicked off its first public meeting Monday night in Bethlehem, followed by a similar event Dec. 9 in Wilkes-Barre. The series is sponsored by Equality Pennsylvania, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, the Human Rights Campaign and the Value All Families Coalition to enable LGBT residents to voice their concerns about issues important to them and participate directly in the planning process to advance LGBT rights in the state. The coalition will host the Philadelphia town-hall meeting Jan. 10 and a Harrisburg event Jan. 12, with meetings in Pittsburgh and Erie also in the works. Ted Martin, executive director of Equality PA, said his agency was eager to meet directly with members of the public in light of recent changes in the organization. “We thought this was a really good opportunity after all of the restructuring Equality PA has been going through in the last six months to get out there and talk to people,” he said. “We want to talk to them not just about the work we’ve been doing over the past few months, but also we need to discuss how this year’s election is going to be impacting the gay community over the next two years. It’s important for us to have these

conversations about what we think people can expect and find out what they suggest we should be doing.” Martin added that the two-way exchange that occurs at the meetings will be key to helping ideas and information flow effectively. “We obviously want to make this an opportunity for the community to talk and to voice what’s on its mind. But it’s also a chance for me and representatives of the other organizations to share our views on where things stand and what we think needs to be done, and then open that up to the public. We want everyone to talk and get their voices heard.” While the public commentary offered during the meetings will be influential in shaping future advocacy work, said Andy Hoover, legislative director at the ACLU of Pennsylvania, the meetings could also help generate a new base of citizen activists. “We, as advocates, don’t want to be in a bubble,” he said. “We want to be sure we’re constantly communicating with the community and recruiting people who are willing to get involved. Nonprofits like all of us have limited capacities, so it’s really helpful if we’re able to get in touch with people who are willing and passionate and want to get involved. So we need to hear what people are thinking and feeling and also need to engage them to get active.” In terms of the first leg of that mission, Hoover said discussions will likely run the gamut, with expected conversations about the future of LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination, relationship-recognition legislation and efforts to stave off a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

With Republicans set to control both the state House and Senate and an incoming Republican governor, many LGBTs have worried that progress in the state could be stymied in the foreseeable future. Hoover noted that while the advocates need to plan for the future realistically, they also should note that, significantly, LGBT collective concerns were not used as a wedge issue in last month’s election. “This election clearly was not about LGBT issues or about any other civil liberties in general. There was no mandate there that the new government is going to come in and try to restrict LGBT rights,” Hoover said. “We’re hopeful that the new governor and the state legislature understand these issues, and we’re going to have to have conversations with them about the importance of moving certain legislation forward.” Regardless of whether the new elected officials support LGBT issues, Hoover said equality organizations and the people they represent can work in tandem to formulate the best plans to achieve progress. “There’s always going to be work to do to advance equality for LGBT people regardless of who’s in power, whether in the state or federal government, Democrats or Republicans. We at the ACLU work to convince people from both parties why equality is important, and we want to have a conversation with people in the community about how we’re going to do that. We’re looking to see the community get focused and get engaged in advocating for civil rights.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

The HIV Vaccine Trial Unit at the University of Pennsylvania has teamed up with entertainment producer Simply Christopher for a series of events to recruit new participants in its latest vaccine trial. Information sessions will be held from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 10 at Shampoo, 417 N. Eighth St.; Dec. 12 at Heat, 112 Chestnut St.; and Dec. 18 at XO Lounge, 1437 South St. Trial organizers are looking for HIVnegative men to participate. Guests at the sessions must be over 21. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided. For more information, visit www. phillyvax.org.

BINGO goes red and green The last GayBINGO of 2010 will kick off at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St. The monthly games raise money for AIDS Fund, which distributes funding to HIV/AIDS service organizations around the city. December’s event will be holidaythemed, with the Bingo-Verifying Divas donned in their best Babes of Toyland garb. Guests are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the AIDS Fund holiday toy drive. The gifts will be donated to area children affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. Floor seating is $25 and balcony seats are $20. To reserve tickets, call (215) 731-9255.

LGBT businesses to celebrate holiday City LGBT chamber of commerce Independence Business Alliance and the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network will come together for a holiday celebration from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Pyramid Club, 1735 Market St. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, door prizes and a multitude of networking opportunities. Advance tickets are $25 for GPPN members and $20 for IBA members. Tickets are $35 at the door. To register, visit www.ibaphiladelphia. org/HolidayParty2010. — Jen Colletta

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DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

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Prop. 8 heads to appeals court By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A three-member panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California heard oral arguments from opponents and supporters of California’s ban on same-sex marriage this week, continuing the years-long Proposition 8 battle. The Ninth Circuit panel must first decide whether the plaintiffs, who do not represent the state, have legal standing to bring the appeal and, if so, whether Prop. 8 did violate the U.S. Constitution, as a lower court judge found this past summer. Prop. 8 was approved by 52 percent of California voters in 2008, limiting the definition of marriage in the state’s constitution to one man and one woman and overturning a previous California Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in August that Prop. 8 violated the due-process and equal-protection rights of gay and lesbian couples, clearing the way for marriage equality to again be legal. But shortly after Walker’s ruling, the Ninth Circuit imposed a stay, barring any new marriages taking place while the case was appealed. If the panel upholds Walker’s ruling, same-sex marriages could begin again in California. During the two-and-a-half-hour televised hearing, attorney Charles Cooper, who is representing the supporters of the Yes on 8 initiative — as both the state’s governor and attorney general declined to defend Prop. 8 — argued that the state had a legitimate basis for adopting the measure. Cooper suggested that the main purpose of marriage is procreation, and the state should restrict marriage to heterosexuals so as to encourage responsible procreation and stable family units. Judge Stephen Reinhardt, considered the most liberal judge on the panel, responded that Cooper appeared to have made a good argument for prohibiting divorce. Ted Olson, an attorney for the supporters of Prop. 8, argued the initiative “marginalized” gay and lesbian couples and stripped them of “access to what the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly characterized as the most important relationship in life. There can be no doubt that it is discriminatory and no doubt that it does great harm.” He continued that the state “has engraved discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual orientation into its fundamental governing charter” and that “cannot be justified under any standard of constitutional analysis.” Both Judges Reinhardt and Michael Hawkins referenced Romer v. Evans, a 1996 U.S. Supreme Court case that struck down an amendment to the Colorado state constitution that repealed an LGBT nondiscrimi-

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Fallen gay trooper’s partner sues for benefits The Kansas City Star reports the gay partner of a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper killed in the line of duty is suing for benefits denied him because the men are prohibited from marrying. The American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit Dec. 2 in Cole County Circuit Court. Cpl. Dennis Engelhard was hit and killed by a vehicle on Christmas Day 2009 while he was investigating an accident on Interstate 44 in Eureka. Under Missouri law, spouses of employees who are killed on duty are entitled to an annuity of 50 percent of the employee’s average salary. But Engelhard’s partner, Kelly Glossip, has no legal right to the survivor’s benefit, despite that he was named as beneficiary on other assets.

Senior Circuit Judge Michael Daly Hawkins (from left), Circuit Judge Stephen R. Reinhardt and Circuit Judge N. Randy Smith, listen to lead attorney for proponents of Proposition 8, Charles J. Cooper (standing, right), as he argues during a Dec. 6 hearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The federal appeals court heard two hours of arguments about the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage known as Prop. 8. A trial court judge overturned the measure as a violation of gay Californians’ civil rights in August. AP Photo: Eric Risberg

nation ordinance and banned any future LGBT-rights measures. Hawkins suggested that the two cases were similar, although Cooper argued that the Colorado case was much broader, while the Prop. 8 case applies only to marriage laws. Judge N. Randy Smith, thought to be the most conservative member of the panel, also questioned Cooper on the logic of California providing same-sex couples domestic-partner benefits, just without the word marriage. “What is the rational basis if homosexuals have all the rights heterosexual couples have?” Smith asked. “We’re left with a word: marriage.” Cooper responded that changing the definition of the word would change the concept of the institution of marriage, leading again to the traditional procreation argument. Reinhardt remarked that the panel may follow a narrow ruling, limiting its finding on the potential constitutional violations of marriage-equality bans just to California and not the entire country. This has led some critics to believe he may be leaning in favor of upholding Walker’s ruling. The question of the plaintiffs’ standing comprised the first half of the hearing, as the justices considered whether or not the plaintiffs had a direct interest in the question of marriage equality. Smith expressed concern that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown’s refusal to defend Prop. 8 was in

essence a veto of the ballot initiative, which is prohibited by law. Smith and Reinhardt both remarked that they could send the case to the California Supreme Court to decide whether the plaintiffs had standing. If that is the case and the state Supreme Court rules that the plaintiffs can bring the appeal, the case would then return to the Ninth Circuit panel for a finding on the constitutional question. After the panel delivers its ruling, the losing side can appeal to the full Ninth Circuit Court. The case is widely expected to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, said the plaintiffs continued to present the same dubious claims as in the lower-court proceedings, and he surmised their arguments may again be unsuccessful. “Today, unable to hide, these same opponents of equality stood before appellate judges and, this time, cameras and all the world could see what a majority of American people have already come to understand: There is no good reason for continuing to exclude committed loving couples from the legal commitment of marriage,” Wolfson said. “When the gavel came down, it was clear yet again that the antigay forces still have nothing.” The panel did not indicate when it would deliver its decision. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Million-dollar settlement for Atlanta bar raid Advocate.com reports the Atlanta City Council passed a resolution Dec. 6 to pay over a $1-million settlement in the dispute over its raid of the Atlanta Eagle gay bar last year. The council voted 14-0 to make the payment of $1,002,500 in the case of Calhoun v. Pennington. The city will also oversee police department reforms as part of the settlement. A federal judge must now approve the settlement. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 19 patrons of the Atlanta Eagle, who claimed police violated their federal and state constitutional rights by illegally detaining them in the September 2009 raid. They charged that officers did not present a search warrant for the raid and that officers used antigay slurs during the operation.

Seattle-area council swears in gay member Yahoo News reports King County, Wash. — home of Seattle — swore in its first openly gay council member Dec. 6 when Joe McDermott took the oath. “Today confirms King County believes in representative democracy and values diversity,” McDermott said. “I am honored that the voters have placed their trust in me and grateful for the LGBTQ community’s support throughout my career.” McDermott, a passionate supporter of gay rights in Washington, previously served in the state House and Senate. ■ — Larry Nichols

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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Nov. 22-28. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. REPORT UPDATE/ARREST:

Between 5 p.m. Sept. 25 and 8 a.m. Sept. 27, the AT&T store, 1206 Walnut St., was entered without force and copper pipes were removed from the basement and phone accessories taken from the storage area. Central Detective Division responded and processed the scene for evidence. As a result of a fingerprint match, a suspect was identified and an arrest warrant obtained. On Nov. 19, a 53year-old homeless suspect was arrested and charged with burglary and related offenses.

ARREST: At 4:55 p.m. Nov. 22, Sixth District plainclothes officers Green and Savino were walking in the 200 block of South 13th Street when they observed a male running after another male, swinging a bottle at him in an attempt to assault him. The officers disarmed the intoxicated male and ascertained that the complainant stopped the male from attacking a female motorist stopped at the traffic light. The 25-year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address was charged with assault and related offenses. ARREST: At 11 p.m. Nov. 23, Sixth District officers arrested a male for a summary offense outside 1222 Locust St. REPORT: Between 12:05-1:50 a.m. Nov. 24, out-of-town complainant’s vehicle was parked in a

paid lot at 1309 Locust St., when someone smashed one of the car windows and stole an iPod. This report was received by the DPR Unit via phone, thus police were not dispatched and no prints were lifted. REPORT: At 5 a.m. Nov. 24, complainant was in the 1300 block of Locust Street when a male ran past and took her cell phone from her hand, then ran south on Juniper. The offender was described as a black male in his 30s and 6-foot-2, 140 pounds with braids and a goatee and wearing army pants. REPORT: At 7:15 p.m. Nov. 24, complainant was in the 900 block of Locust Street when a male ran past and grabbed her iPhone from her hand, then headed north on Ninth. The offender was described as a male (race unknown), approximately 25 years old with a thin build and wearing dark clothing. ARREST: Between 7:30-9 p.m. Nov. 24, Sixth District officers arrested three males for summary offenses outside 200 S. 12th St. and 1201 Sansom St. ARREST: At 11:55 p.m. Nov. 25, complainant’s 1998 Mercedes, parked in the paid lot at 1309 Locust St., had a window smashed by a male who was observed by a witness and subsequently fled the scene. Sixth District Officer Washington stopped the male in the unit block of South 12th Street and the witness identified him. The 49-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with criminal mischief. ARREST: At 8:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Sixth District plainclothes officers arrested a male for obstruction of highway related to prostitution at 1200 Locust St.

ARRESTS: Between 9:05-10:20 p.m. Nov. 26, Sixth District plainclothes officers arrested two males for prostitution at 1312 Walnut St. and 1200 Locust St. ARREST: At 2:30 a.m. Nov. 27, Sixth District officers arrested a male for a summary offense outside 1201 Lombard St. REPORT: At 5:30 a.m. Nov. 27, complainant was waiting at the bus stop at 201 S. Broad St., when two males pushed him into an alley, took his cell phone and fled west on Walnut. The offenders were described as black males: One was 30 years old, 6foot-2, 190 pounds and wearing a gray jacket; the second was 25 years old, 5-foot-9, 150 pounds and wearing dark clothing. REPORT: At 12:30 p.m. Nov. 27, a bench, mirror, plant, table and two pictures were found to be missing from the 12th St. Gym, 204 S. 12th St. Security video showed a male taking the items out onto Camac Street and then heading north. The offender was described as a white male in his 30s, 6-foot tall, 210 pounds and wearing a white jacket, green shirt and jeans. ARRESTS: Between 10-10:45 p.m. Nov. 27, Sixth District plainclothes officers arrested three males for obstruction of highway related to prostitution at 1207 Spruce St. and 245 S. 13th St. ARREST: Between 12:55-3:25 a.m. Nov. 28, Sixth District officers arrested four males for summary offenses outside 1210 Pine St., 300 S. 12th St., 334 S. 12th St. and 13th and Locust. ARREST: At 6:20 p.m. Nov. 28, Sixth District officers arrested a male for a summary offense outside 300 S. Juniper St. ■

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CDC: HIV testing at highest level By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of people who have received HIV testing has reached an all-time high, although there are currently more than 200,000 Americans living with HIV who are unaware of the infection. These statistics are among several new findings in the CDC’s recent Vital Signs report, released last week, which analyzed national survey data that looked at testing trends and infection rates. The study, which utilized the National HIV Surveillance System, found that in 2009, 82.9 million adults between 18-64 were tested for HIV, an increase of 11.4 million from 2006, and the highest rate the CDC has ever seen. From 2001-06, the agency estimated that about 40 percent of Americans had been tested for HIV at least once in their lives, a figure it now puts at about 45 percent. The percentage of adults who were diagnosed late in their HIV infection, shortly before AIDS developed, had been steady at 37 percent from 2001-04 but decreased to 32 percent by 2007, when the most recent data was available. However, the CDC also reported that about 55 percent of adults, including more than 28 percent of those at risk for HIV, were unaware of their status. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, CDC director, said the study “shows that we have had progress increasing testing and that more progress is both necessary and possible. With most adults and with nearly a third of high-risk people having never been tested for HIV, we need to do more to ensure that all Americans have access to voluntary, routine and early HIV testing in order to save lives and reduce the spread of this terrible disease.” Geographically, the number of diagnoses was highest in

Northeastern and Southern states. The CDC looked at diagnosis data from 37 states, and Pennsylvania was not included, as the National HIV Surveillance System relies on a form of confidential name-based reporting that Pennsylvania does not yet employ. Demographic data continued to reveal that the majority of HIV diagnoses are among men who have sex with men, with approximately 55 percent of the diagnoses from 2008 found in MSM. About 51 percent of diagnoses were among African Americans, and about 62 percent of those who tested positive reported that they had previously been tested for HIV. Whites comprised about 29 percent of diagnoses, and about 41 percent

“We need to do more to ensure that all Americans have access to voluntary, routine and early HIV testing in order to save lives and reduce the spread of this terrible disease.” DR. THOMAS R. FRIEDEN, CDC director had undergone prior testing, while Latinos accounted for 17.4 percent of diagnoses, and 47.6 percent reported being tested before. The lowest testing rate — 37.6 percent — was among Asians, who comprised 1.1 percent of new diagnoses in 2008. “Despite the higher percentage of persons who report ever having been tested, the disproportionately high rates of diagnoses among African Americans or Latinos suggest that adults from these subpop-

ulations might benefit from more frequent testing to facilitate early diagnosis,” the report stated. It is recommended that MSM receive annual testing, and the CDC estimated that up to 60 percent of this population follows this recommendation. However, the CDC previously found that 45 percent of those newly diagnosed in the MSM community said they’d taken an HIV test in the preceding 12 months. “Taken together, these findings indicate that although progress has been made toward increasing testing rates among populations at risk, testing has not occurred at sufficient scale or repeated with enough frequency to identify all those with HIV,” the report concluded. Testing was least common in the youngest and oldest participants in the study. About 34 percent of those 18-24 who tested positive in 2008 reporting having taken an HIV test in the past, a figure that was put at 35 percent for those 4564. About 57 percent of adults 2534 and 35-44 reported having been previously tested. Diagnoses were most prevalent in those over 35. The study noted that early diagnosis “saves lives, reduces morbidity and mortality, prevents new infections and can reduce healthcare expenditures,” and that the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, announced earlier this year, provides an opportunity for the refocusing of testing efforts on the federal, state and local levels. This past year, the CDC allocated an increased amount of funding for a testing initiative targeting at-risk communities like MSM, and noted that collaboration is also needed from state and local government as well as the health-care sector, which can be key to pressing for HIV testing among those who’ve never been tested and regular testing for at-risk populations. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

Editorial Punishing gay youth A study published last week in the January edition of Pediatrics found that lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 40 percent more likely to receive punishment at the hands of school authorities, police and the courts. The study, conducted by Yale University, included 15,000 middle- and high-school students who were questioned in 1994-95 and again in 2001-02. Researchers found that “nonheterosexuality consistently predicted a higher risk for sanctions.” LGB youth were at greater odds for police stops, school expulsion, juvenile arrest and conviction and adult conviction. Lesbian and bisexual females were particularly at risk. The study is the first to document how LGB youth are singled out for punishment. Specifically, researchers found that LGB students were one to three times more likely to receive disproportionate punishments compared to their rates of transgressive behavior. The lead researchers, Kathryn E. W. Himmelstein and Hannah Brückner, noted several possible explanations for the findings, such as authority figures being less likely to consider mitigating factors including self-defense or immaturity. Another potential explanation researchers suggested for the disparity was homophobia in health-care and child-welfare systems, where youth could be punished instead of receiving support, therapy or services. Researchers also noted that youth “might report nonheterosexuality as part of a broad pattern of defiant behavior.” Considering how gay youth have a greater risk of being bullied and harassed, it would seem unlikely that youth would self-identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual merely as a “pattern of defiant behavior.” The study also asked students to differentiate samesex identification, behavior and attraction, and found that sanctions were higher for youth who reported same-sex behavior or attraction, compared to heterosexual peers. Some of the findings include the following: — Females who have experienced same-sex attraction are more than twice as likely to be arrested before the age of 18 compared to females who never experienced same-sex attraction. — Of the males who have been in a same-sex relationship, 41.6 percent reported being stopped by police, compared to 30.8 percent of males who had not been in a same-sex relationship. — Females who identified at lesbian or bisexual were more than three times as likely at their heterosexual peers to have been convicted as adults. The researchers concluded: “Nonheterosexual youth suffer disproportionate educational and criminal-justice punishments that are not explained by greater engagement in illegal or transgressive behaviors. Understanding these disparities might reduce school expulsions, arrests and incarceration and their dire social and health consequences.” ■

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Freedom Federation By the time you read this, no doubt “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be but a sad blip in our nation’s long and storied antigay history. No doubt Congress will have repealed this arcane and idiotic measure that keeps gays and lesbians out of the military and forces gays and lesbians in the armed forces deep into the closet. Wait, what’s that you say? Congress hasn’t done a damn thing? How can that be? The majority of the country supports repeal, even Republicans! Repealing “Don’t Ask” is a nobrainer. That is, unless Congress recently received a letter urging them to keep the ban in place. A letter signed by 40-million antigay constituents — or at least the leaders of nearly 90 antigay groups and organizations who claim to represent 40-million members. A letter from the so-called Freedom Federation, made up of Creeps like Tony Perkins, Lou Sheldon and Don Wildmon, was sent to Congress Dec. 2, urging them to keep the ban. “We ask that you delay consideration of the bill until January when the new Congress convenes,” the letter reads. Gosh, why ever would the Freedom Federation want Congress to wait until January? I don’t know. Total mystery. (Hint: Republican majority). The Freedom Federation, a who’s who of the blogosphere, argues that letting gays serve openly “would

change our military in ways we cannot yet measure or understand.” Really, FF? You can’t “measure or understand” what it’s like to be around a gay person, even one with a gun? This isn’t exactly uncharted territory here. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Spain and a good number of other countries let gays serve and none of their forces shriveled up and died once homos were allowed in. But the FF folks want to see more proof. “It is a serious risk to national security to repeal DADT without ﬁrst investigating thoroughly — in public hearings — the effect of the proposed repeal,” the letter reads. “Our troops are in harm’s way in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. This is no time to experiment with social engineering of the military.” Social engineering? To let people who are already serving our country come out of the closet if they wished is hardly social engineering. If you’ll recall, the military just released the results of a questionnaire it gave to thousands of servicemembers and their families. The results were that most folks in the military were ﬁne with repealing the ban. Well, the Freedom Federation knows why: Servicemembers were bullied by big bad gay supporters. “We are deeply concerned about the methodology of the DOD report

and survey. In view of ... Admiral Mullen’s and Secretary of Defense Gates’ unseemly cheerleading on this issue, we believe it behooves the next Congress to investigate whether proponents of repeal tried to create a climate of not-so-subtle intimidation in the Pentagon.” That’s right. FF wants an investigation launched into whether Mullen and Gates were strong-arming support for the gays. This would mean, of course, more delay. “The rush to repeal DADT by January of 2011 is a slap in the face of the American people who are tired of bully politics,” the letter reads, seemingly oblivious to the irony of sending this message while gay and lesbian servicemembers continue to get thrown out of the armed forces just for being gay. “Moreover, the consequences of repealing DADT will no doubt result in servicemembers leaving the military or refusing to join,” the letter continues. “We cannot afford attrition or demoralization of our military.” Yes, because it would be so demoralizing to have to look at a homo. Honestly, if military people are going to truly quit or leave in droves, then maybe gay people are not the ones with the problem. ■ D’Anne Witkowski is a Detroit-based freelance writer.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

Mark My Words

Street Talk

Mark Segal

Did we dance at the White House? When the White House invited me to one of its holiday receptions and dinners, my ﬁrst reaction was that I’ve already had enough face-time with the president and to let someone else go. The staff here at PGN persuaded me otherwise. They were right. All my meetings with the president have been community-business or politically related. This was a White House party. And there’s this list that I keep of things I’d like to do in my lifetime, and one of them is dancing ... with my boyfriend at the White House, so I began to wonder if that would ﬁnally come off the list. A White House party is what you’d expect: Elegant, glamorous, famous people walking about and ready to chat. But what is really impressive is that you actually get to use the building as it was intended — as a house. There are no rope lines and, with the exception of the private residence, you have the freedom to walk about the building. You actually get your food and sit on the furniture, stand by the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington and sip a cocktail. You can go to the library and take a few books out to read. Or just do what most people do: Take pictures of yourself with the White House Christmas tree, or one of hundreds of famous points in the building. There are Marines scattered around

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the building, ready to help take that photo of you and your spouse under the Presidential Seal or in the East Room, Red Room, Blue Room or anywhere else. As for food and drink, it was in abundance. The main entrées were ﬁlet mignon or salmon, but the main course did not match up to the desserts. The centerpiece of the dessert table was a white-chocolate White House, with two cut-in rooms with actual working chandeliers and the First Family’s dog sitting on the lawn. Very impressive. That, of course, was not to eat, but the White House bakery did not disappoint. Several kinds of pies, cakes, pastries, chocolates and cookies were available, including a cookie in the shape of the family dog, Bo. Of course, a party is not all food and drink, it’s also pleasant conversation. Or, in the White House, it’s political conversation. Of the many chats I had Tuesday night, two stood out. One was with an old friend I hadn’t seen or talked with since he took his job as Special Assistant to the President, David Axelrod. David in the past had managed several Philadelphia campaigns and, on occasion, we’d have lunch at Famous Fourth Street Deli. He and I talked about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — now, the rules of this event are that the comments of the administration are off the record, but my comments are not — and I gave him a friendly reminder that the president had promised to end the ban by the end of his ﬁrst term. Next up was by far my favorite conversation of the night, and I don’t think he’ll mind that I’m writing

Would you take a pill to reduce your risk of HIV infection?

Ryan Lohbauer architect Pennsauken, N.J.

Brittany Martin art student Center City

“Yes, it would be the responsible thing to do. It’s a step in the right direction — and sounds like it has the potential to curb the AIDS pandemic.”

“No. It would be an annoyance I could do without. I don’t put myself in high-risk situations, so it’s not really an issue for me. Also, I don’t like depending on meds. I’m more interested in taking a natural approach to health.”

Adam Murphy student Springfield

Olivia Thornton student Washington Square West

“No. I don’t believe it’s possible for a pill to prevent AIDS. My focus would be on condom use, and to limit the number of my sexual partners. And to be careful with the persons I’m with.”

“Not unless it had a proven track record of at least 10 years. I’m not going to put something into my body that has no credibility, and could actually do harm. But if I fell in love with a man who’s HIV-positive, I’d consider taking the pill — as long as its effectiveness was proven.”

See MARK MY WORDS, Page 16

Letter Pride dilemmas and position Open letter to the LGBT community from Philly Pride Presents: There will be two large gay events on Sunday, May 1, 2011. So as not to cause any additional confusion, we, the coordinators, the Pride committee and the staff of the Philadelphia Gay Pride organization, decided to inform our LGBT community of the dilemma we were facing and the decision we were compelled to make. For years, we have coordinated the two largest gay events in the City: the June Gay Pride Parade and Festival as well as OutFest in October. In the early 1990s, another group, originally called “PrideFest,” organized a weeklong series of events in May. We tried very hard, both privately and publicly, to have “PrideFest” move to June and culminate with our parade and festival. We believed, and still believe, that it would be a spectacular series of events for our community and really put Philadelphia on the gay map. Indeed, in 1994, we

moved our pride parade and festival to May to demonstrate how it could be done. That same year, we also created “OutFest,” the National Coming Out Day Block Party, and it was the largest attended community event ever organized in Philly. The following year we decided to return to June (Gay Pride Month), and “PrideFest” advertised a new event — Sunday Out — “because there would be no Gay Pride Parade and Festival.” Of course, that was a slight prevarication as there indeed was a parade and festival, albeit not in May. And, although we were promised that Sunday Out would only be a craft fair, it quickly became a copy of OutFest, and in the very same location as OutFest. It has long been a bone of contention between our two organizations that one month prior to our festival there is another festival with most of the same vendors and community groups. Philly Gay Pride had to contend itself with doing the two best events

we could as we could not convince “PrideFest,” now “Equality Forum,” that this was confusing to the LGBT community and vendors alike. We frequently had many ask, “Didn’t you already have your pride event in May?” when we sought their applications. This year, however, Equality Forum has outdone itself because, after our 20-plus years in making the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing the best Gay Pride Festival location in the United States, Equality Forum has decided to move Sunday Out to Penn’s Landing! We are now faced with an event that mimics our Gay Pride Festival — entertainment, community groups, vendors — in our long-established location ... and one month earlier. This could not be more catastrophic to Philly Gay Pride, as the festival is the event that pays for itself as well as the parade and, if any funds are left over, provides seed money for OutFest. See LETTER, Page 16

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Out Money Jeremy Gussick Top five investment mistakes Q: I’m a gay male in my 60s. I’ve been buying and selling stocks on my own for years. Sometimes I’ve done well, but sometimes I’ve also made some poor decisions. Can you offer any suggestions about managing a portfolio of individual stocks? A: I think it’s great that you take interest in the financial markets and spend time researching individual stocks you like to own. Trading stocks can be an emotional process. And like most investors, I’m sure at times your emotions can get the best of you when deciding to buy or sell. Here are a few tips to help you along the way. The most obvious clue that something is wrong with your investment strategy is that you are losing money. A loss of more than 10 percent on any one investment may be a signal that you have a problem. Believe it or not — when it comes to investment losses — most of the time, our worst enemy is ourselves. Here are five common mistakes made by individual investors, along with some tips for avoiding or correcting them. Mistake #1: Not selling losing stocks Failure to get out of losing positions early is one of the biggest mistakes investors make in managing their investment accounts. The reasons investors hold on to losing stocks are typically psychological. For instance, if you sell a stock after sustaining a loss, you might blame yourself for not having sold sooner. Others convince themselves that a losing stock will come back one day and are reluctant to “throw in the towel.” To keep your losses small, you need a plan before you buy your first stock. One rule of thumb to keep in mind is if you lose more than 10 percent on any one investment, consider selling it. You can put in a stop-loss order at 10 percent below the purchase price when you buy the stock, or you can make a mental note to watch it over time. The main point is that you should take action when your stock is losing money. Even if the company looks fundamentally strong, if the stock is going down (for reasons

that may not be immediately apparent), consider using the 10-percent rule. Mistake #2: Allowing winning stocks to turn into losers For many investors, it seems as if they can’t win no matter when they sell. For instance, if you sell a stock for a gain, you may be left with the lingering feeling that if you had held it a little longer, you’d have made more money. On the other hand, if you make a handsome profit on an investment only to watch it plummet in value, you no doubt feel helpless to stop the loss — and victimized by the market’s fickle ways. When faced with this painful situation, some investors may hold out hope that their favorite stock will eventually rebound to its previous highs. If you have a winning stock, you probably think it’s crazy to get out too early. That’s why you might want to adopt an incremental approach to selling winners. If, for example, your stock rises by more than 30 percent, consider selling 30 percent of your position. By selling a portion of your gains, you satisfy the twin emotions of fear and greed and — perhaps more importantly — you take an active role in maintaining an appropriate balance in your investment mix by not allowing your portfolio to become underweight or overweight in any one asset class. Mistake #3: Getting too emotional about stock picks The inability to control their emotions is the main reason why most people make mistakes when investing. In fact, becoming too emotional about investment decisions is a clue that you could be on track to lose money. A common problem — especially for those who have tasted success in the market — is overconfidence. Although some selfconfidence is necessary if you are going to invest in the market, allowing your ego to get in the way of your investment decisions is a dangerous thing. The most profitable traders and investors are unemotional about the stocks they buy. They don’t rely on fear, greed or hope when making trading decisions; instead, they look only at the facts — technical and fundamental. Mistake #4: Investing in only one or two stocks One of the problems with investing directly in the stock market is

that most people don’t have enough money to maintain a properly diversified portfolio. (In general, no one stock should make up more than 10 percent of your portfolio.) Although diversification limits your upside gains, it also protects you in case one of your investments does poorly. If you can’t afford to buy more than one or two stocks, you have several choices. Or, you can hire a financial advisor to help you manage and diversify your portfolio. Mistake #5: Not expecting the unexpected Before you get into the market, you should be prepared, not scared. Although you should always hope for the best, you should also be prepared for anything. The biggest mistake many investors make is thinking that their stocks will not go down. It is those investors who are blindsided by sudden market crashes, an extended bear market, a recession, deflation or any other unanticipated event that could have a negative impact on the market. While a little bit of fear keeps you on your toes, too much fear can cause you to miss out on investment opportunities. It is the fear of loss that prevents many people from buying at the bottom, and it is the fear of missing out on higher profits that prevents people from selling before it is too late. Typically, fear results from a lack of information. That is why it is important to work with a trusted financial advisor to create a plan based on information and knowledge — not emotions. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s leading independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financialplanning needs of the LGBT community. Out Money appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, email jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all individuals or will yield positive outcomes. General risks inherent to investments in stocks include fluctuation of market prices and dividend, loss of principal, market price at sell may be more or less than initial cost and potential liquidity of the investment in a falling market. This article was prepared with the assistance of Standard & Poor’s Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy Gussick if you have any questions. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. *Based on total revenues, as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2010.

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Friday, December 3, 8:00 PM. Shabbat Services - “College Night”. Please join us for Shabbat Services led by Evan Weiner as we welcome LGBT students from Temple University Hillel. Please join us for a sumptuous oneg (social hour) following services! Saturday, December 4, 7:00 PM. Annual Chaukah Party. We’re having a Latke Cook-Off! Bring your pre-cooked latkes and we’ll warm them up and see who wins the title of Latke Chef of 5771! We’ll have a variety of toppings. (Or bring your own toppings if it is really something only you can make!) Friday, December 24, 7:00 PM. Annual Erev Christmas Food Fress. Please join us at Charles Plaza, 234-236 North 10th Street, for one of BA’s most popular communal events. $30 per person, checks payable to “Congregation Rodeph Shalom” by December 21. 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.

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MARK MY WORDS From Page 11 about it. I went over to introduce myself to press secretary Robert Gibbs. I introduced myself, “Mark Segal, Philadelphia Gay News.” A big smile came to his face and he said, “You’re the guy who kicked our butt for 18 months.” We laughed and I said, “It was only four months and then, as I recall, we worked together.” The rest of the conversation, I think, falls under the “off-the-record” category, but the subject matter was about

LETTER From Page 11 June is officially National Gay Pride Month and we are not the only LGBT Pride event in the greater Philadelphia and tri-state area. People will want to go to D.C., Baltimore or Pittsburgh for their pride events on our date because they already “did” Philly’s pride festival at Penn’s Landing in May. The only way to have our traditional attendees, volunteers and vendors at our event in June is to make sure they are not participating at the same type of event and location (Penn’s Landing) in May. Therefore, on Sunday, May 1, we will be having a May Gay Day

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

LGBT media. I really like this guy. Last up was getting your picture taken with the president and first lady. And of course the pic, when we receive it in, say, six months or so, will be very animated since I never lose an opportunity when I have the president’s ear to mention LGBT issues or projects — and that was my only disappointment of the evening. The president and first lady were gracious, but they had been through a very busy and difficult political week. I was disappointed not with them, but with myself for giving them another block party in the Gayborhood. Our event will be free to participants (as is OutFest); however, it will also be free to community groups and vendors if they have applied for the Gay Pride Festival in June. It should be spectacularly successful, as OutFest 2010 drew approximately 40,000. Vendors are getting two events for the price of one, so they will certainly be present. The bars and various Gayborhood businesses will participate and will offer special events. We will have entertainment, a dance area, food, spirits, a pet zone, a family area and at least 20,000 celebrating Gay May Day in the Gayborhood. Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but we can ill

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item to think about. There are always better times. But the president was oh-so-polite. And yes, Jason and I did dance at the party. There’s even a video of it on my Facebook page. Cross that off my list. ■ Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media, having recently received the 2010 Columnist of the Year Award from Suburban Newspapers of America. He can be reached at mark@epgn. com. afford to be flattered into nonexistence. Our choice is either to have Gay May Day or be financially compromised, and we have all worked too hard for too long to not fight back. We look forward to our 80-plus community organizations and 50plus vendors joining with us on Gay May Day because we are an umbrella organization that depends on the full support of our community for the success of our events. We apologize for any confusion, but it was not a confusion of our making. For more details or an application, feel free to check our website, phillypride.org. Philly Pride Presents Inc.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

Pet Partners Dr. Claudia Casavecchia Beware holiday hazards for Fido and friends The holidays tend to be a time for us to celebrate with friends and family, which for many pet owners includes their fourlegged companions. What we sometimes overlook are the hazards associated with the holidays — from sharing the food we consume, letting our pets help us “redecorate” and giving them access to our presents under the tree. Some of the most common concerns of pet toxicities and tribulations are noted here for to help you prepare for your seasonal celebrations. Fresh greenery placed in your home brings not only the color and scent of the season but a potential hazard to your companion. A Christmas tree with its holiday decor can attract puppies and kittens to investigate what they see as a new “toy” for them. Extension cords and electric lights can be chewed on, causing not only electric burns in your pet’s mouth but potential electrocution. Holiday balls that look so beautiful on our trees become a “punching bag” for our playful pets. If they fall and break, they can cut our pets’ sensitive paw pads with their razorsharp edges or, if ingested, can cut his/her mouth, esophagus or stomach. Tinsel hanging from a tree presents a challenge

for our cats to catch and pull down. If ingested, a strand of tinsel can get caught in your cat’s intestines, leading to a possible obstruction or, worse yet, a perforation of the intestines. Other holiday plants also serve as a poisonous risk to our pets. Poinsettias are chosen most often to decorate our homes. If chewed on by our inquisitive companions, the milky sap can cause them to vomit and drool. Mistletoe is thankfully hung high for us to see, but if our pets ingest it, they can become very ill and it can even lead to death, especially if they eat the berries. Other seasonal plants, such as amaryllis and lilies, can also cause gastrointestinal upsets in our companions, but cats are at higher risk of damaging their kidneys. What hides under our trees can also be potentially harmful. The water bowl that we fill for our tree will also attract our pets if you add any sugar to the water. Drinking the sap-filled water can cause intestinal and stomach upsets for our friends. Use of aspirin in the water or other tree-life extenders is contraindicated, as this can be very toxic to cats. Presents under the tree may not be labeled

for our companions, but they don’t seem to pay attention to that detail. Cats, especially, find ribbons to be another fun toy to chew and pull on. If ingested, just like the tinsel, a ribbon can become a hazard to their digestive system where only surgery can help remove it. Dogs, with their amazing sense of smell, will sniff every gift to find that special chocolate surprise we wrapped so nicely. Ingestion of solid dark chocolates may be healthier for the dog’s human companions, but it’s the most toxic form of chocolate for them, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea, hyperexcitability and potential heartrhythm changes. The final concern is our holiday “feast” which tends to make us feel that all should share in consuming. Letting our dog chew the bone from our holiday ham can produce boney splinters that can lodge in intestines or obstruct bowel movements. Hard bones can also fracture their precious teeth. Giving them the “scraps,” which mainly are high in fat, can lead to severe gastrointestinal upsets and life-threatening pancreatitis. Letting them share in our holiday “cheer” can also lead to vomiting and dehydration but,

just like with people, overconsumption can lead to coma and death. Our post“cheer” headache cure, which typically consists of a form of pain reliever such as aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen), can be the final detriment to our furry companions. Ingestion of any of these can lead to gastric ulcers, bleeding issues or renal or liver failure. For this holiday season, share the spirit of celebration with your special companion but remember to stay vigilant of the hidden dangers. If your pet is exposed to any of these hazards, please seek immediate veterinary care. Recognize that many hospitals are closed for the holidays but local emergency hospitals remain open for holiday mishaps. If your pet ingests something that may be toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-8884ANI-HELP) for advice on whether emergency care is needed. Stay safe and healthy this holiday season and let Fido and his friends frolic and play. ■ Dr. Claudia Casavecchia, owner of Society Hill Veterinary Hospital, is vice president of the Pennsylvania SPCA.

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SCOUT DEAL From Page 1 The Scouts refuse to comply with local anti-bias rules, but if the building and land become private property, the Scouts would be free to discriminate without objections from the city. Robert A. Stuart, board member of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, said the group is eager to meet with Clarke to discuss the proposed deal. He said the association’s main focus is to ensure that the property isn’t developed into something out of scale with the residential character of the neighborhood. But Stuart also said the association strongly supports diversity and has many LGBT members — some of whom live on Spring Street across from the building. “We don’t want to be living anywhere near discrimination,” Stuart told PGN. In June, a federal jury ruled that the city’s eviction policy was reasonable and viewpointneutral, but that the policy was unfairly applied to the Scouts because the U.S. Supreme Court said the Scouts can discriminate against gays. The Scouts called the jury verdict a victory, and they want the city to pay almost $1 million in legal bills incurred by Drinker Biddle & Reath, the Scouts’ probono law firm. The judge has not yet ruled on their request. In September, after private negotiations between the city and Scouts, a tentative settlement was reached, allowing the Scouts to purchase the land and building for $500,000. In return, the Scouts would relinquish their right to seek almost $1 million in legal fees from the city. Members of the LGBT Working Group, which has been trying to resolve the dispute for years, want city officials to explore other settlement options. They’re also gearing up for the possibility of public hearings on the proposal. “We’re monitoring the situation and preparing for the possibility of City Council hearings,” said Andrew A. Chirls. “We’re hoping to get the word out to the community about it, and we’re exploring whether there’s something better that we can propose.” He said the Working Group is open to all suggestions. “I’m always scratching my head about

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it, we all are,” Chirls added. If Clarke introduces legislation, it would be referred to a City Council committee, where it would receive at least one public hearing. Then, if the bill receives a favorable vote in committee, it would receive at least two public hearings before the full City Council. Additionally, the City Planning Commission must be given 30 days to decide whether it wishes to make a recommendation about the proposed sale. When announcing the proposed settlement, both sides said the city would avoid the possibility of paying the Scouts’ $1-million legal bill. But Working Group members said the Scouts have little or no chance of prevailing on appeal, so there would be no need for the city to pay the Scouts’ legal fees. They said faulty jury instructions misled jurors into believing the city had no right to evict the Scouts if the city cited the Scouts’ antigay policy as a reason for the eviction. Thomas W. Ude Jr., senior staff attorney for Lambda Legal, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of the city, expressed optimism that the city would prevail if it chooses to appeal. “The jury found for the city on two of the three claims,” Ude told PGN. “The city didn’t discriminate based on the Scouts’ viewpoint, and the city didn’t deny equal protection of the law to the Scouts. The jury found against the city only on one claim: unconstitutional conditions. The city’s attorneys — correctly in my view — have explained why that part of the verdict should be set aside. Mainly for two reasons: First, problems with the questions submitted to the jury and, second, because the substantive law entitles the city to judgment in its favor. The city’s arguments bode well for the city’s chances of a successful appeal.” Mary Catherine Roper, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said the organization stands by its position that the city didn’t place an unconstitutional condition on the Scouts. “It wasn’t an unconstitutional condition because that’s a legal question and, under the law, the city gets to spend its money the way it wants to spend its money as long as it treats everyone the same,” Roper told PGN. ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

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HATBORO From Page 1 mayor has personal issues with the women and fellow Democrats on the council. “This had nothing to do with human rights or anything else. It was personal and I am just disgusted. I called for his resignation that night and told him he’s an embarrassment. The whole thing was an embarrassment.” Regardless of the motivation, Guenst said the veto upset many LGBTs in the area, rendering them “second-class citizens.” Ted Martin, executive director of Equality PA, said the mayor’s veto was an insult to LGBTs in Hatboro and the region. “Straight people have the ability to go to the state human-relations commission, not gay people,” he said. “What he did is nothing more than disenfranchise all the LGBT residents of Hatboro who were once again thrown to the wolves. He had an opportunity to say that Hatboro stands for equality and that Hatboro stands for what is right, and he completely ignored that.” Hawkes said at the meeting he received numerous e-mails in opposition to the measure, but also noted there was support for the bill. “Actually, most of the feedback I’ve gotten on the street has been positive,” he said. “Everyone agrees that no one should be dis-

DADT From Page 1 Congressional lame-duck session. “I believe this has become a matter of some urgency because, as we have seen this past year, the judicial branch is becoming involved in this issue and it is only a matter of time before the federal courts are drawn once more into the fray,” Gates testified, referring to the recent court decision that ruled the ban unconstitutional. The federal government is currently appealing the decision. In his testimony, Mullen rejected claims the military cannot handle the repeal during wartime. “I find the argument that war is

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criminated against. But it’s when you really get into the details is where there are some concerns.” Guenst said all of the public response she received was positive, except for a campaign launched by the American Family Association of Pennsylvania shortly before the vote that was directed from outside of Hatboro. Hawkes’ veto comes as another suburban municipality, Lower Merion, was preparing to pass its own LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance Wednesday night, which was expected to be approved. Pennsylvania currently has 17 municipalities that offer nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community. With several areas in the region now considering such measures, Martin advised that the Hatboro veto represents the challenges that some of those towns could face. “What this means is that we have a hard battle ahead of us. This is not going to be easy,” he said. “Like everything the LGBT community fights for, this is going to be tough. We have to redouble our efforts, we have to be damn sure that whatever we’re supporting is going to pass and we have to be prepared for surprises from all kinds of corners. Nothing we’ve gotten has come easily, and this is more proof.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com. not the time to change to be antithetical with our own experience since 2001,” Mullen said. “War does not stifle change, it demands it. It does not make change harder, it facilitates it.” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the ranking minority member on the committee, continued to oppose repeal through both days of the hearing, although he remarked previously he would follow military leadership and the results of the Pentagon study. This week, Sens. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and Mark Pryor (DArk.), both of whom voted against bringing the measure up for a vote earlier this year, came out in support of repeal. ■

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Detour

A departure from the ordinary

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MATERIALISM VS. ALTRUISM Holiday gift guide By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Huzzah! It’s gift-giving season and once again most of us have nary a clue what to give the people in our lives for Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza or Solstice. And we’re too cowardly to give them cash or gift cards. So this year, PGN’s 2010 Gift Guide is separating the seeds of holiday gift-buying inspiration into two camps: materialism (i.e., ﬁlling someone’s empty bottomless vacuum of a soul with an endless stream of material trinkets) and altruism (i.e., a more responsible ﬁlling of said vacuum with slightly more meaningful trinkets — or a noticeable absence of said trinkets). Now, gifts from either camp are great, but some of these tokens will make you a better person. Either way, some of us really want the whole shebang to be over with

quickly and painlessly — and that, dear readers, is the spirit of Christmas. Let’s get to it, shall we? The first thing we believe most of you out want to see poking out of your holiday stocking is the 35th-anniversary edition of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This new edition of the longest-running cult classic midnight movie features newly restored highdefinition visuals, enhanced audio and exclusive new content including “Rocky-oke: Sing It!,” a vintage callback track, photo galleries and deleted scenes. For a limited time, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 35th Anniversary” comes packaged with a collectible 24-page book featuring photography from Mick Rock, chief photographer on the film. Fishnets, lipstick and shiny gold hot pants not included. A number of other DVDs and CDs have caught our attention this season.

The first season of “Glee” and “Modern Family” hit the shelves recently. If you (or your loved ones) haven’t caught the acclaimed hit TV shows featuring gay characters, now is the time to catch up. Another acclaimed DVD available this season is “The Kids Are All Right,” from out director Lisa Cholodenko. The comedy-drama stars Julianne Moore and Annette Bening as a lesbian couple with two teenage children. The kids track down the bohemian, free-spirited sperm donor who fathered them both and they all spend the rest of the film navigating this new family dynamic. This is definitely a film worth owning. If you need some stellar holiday music, look no further than Annie Lennox’s “A Christmas Cornucopia.” While this collection isn’t as new-wave as holiday songs Lennox has done in the past, it’s still Annie Lennox, so it is

still excellent, note-perfect and at times quite haunting. Another uplifting CD now in stores is the 45th anniversary special edition of the soundtrack to “The Sound of Music.” This new CD features versions of songs found in the ﬁlm but not on the original soundtrack album, as well as a brand-new recording of “My Favorite Things” by Broadway star Lea Michele. The holidays usually see a glut of greatest-hits releases and this year is no different. Abba is releasing yet another new version of “Abba Gold: Greatest Hits” with this edition featuring a DVD comprised of newly remastered versions of all the group’s videos. Also in store are new greatest-hits collections by Robbie Williams,

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

Billy Joel, Nelly Furtado and comedian Dane Cook. Speaking of greatest hits, if the recent release of “Burlesque” has rekindled a passion for films starring Cher, you might want to pick up “Cher: The Ultimate Film Collection” ($49.98) for someone you know. This new boxed set features six films starring the pop diva including “Good Times,” “Silkwood,” “Chastity,” “Moonstruck,” “Mermaids” and “Tea With Mussolini.” You can’t sit at home watching movies and Abba videos without refreshments. Thankfully, Garces Trading Company (www.garcestradingcompany. com, 1111 Locust St.) is offering a selection of Food Lovers Gift Baskets this season. The gourmet bundles of goodness feature some of Chef Garces’ favorite items, offered in three different packages ranging from $75$120. The Paris basket ($75) features Dijon mustard, lentils, a sourdough boule, Pichouline olive oil and a decorative pourer, Artesano coffee, Rosette de Lyon pork sausage and Ossau Iraty cheese. The Rome basket ($90) features Servino pasta, balsamic vinegar, Lecino olive oil and two decorative pourers, Ciappine crackers, Rhodo honey, espresso, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, prosciutto, housemade fig and cherry marmalade and a sourdough boule. The Barcelona basket ($120) features black truffle oil and a decorative pourer, Hojiblanco olive oil, piquillo peppers,

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sardines, figs, Valenciano breadsticks, Reserva coffee, Chorizo Artesano pork sausage and Manchego cheese. Gift baskets can be purchased in person or over the phone at (215) 574-1099. They must be ordered 48 hours in advance, and are only available for pick up at the restaurant. The works of out comic artist Michael Broderick will be featured in a one-nightonly sale Dec. 17 at AxD Gallery, 265 S. 10th St. One hundred selected works from Broderick’s portfolio will be on sale for $100 each. Visit www.a-x-d.com for more information. If you have a game enthusiast on your list, consider gifting the Scruble Cube ($24.95), a portable game that combines the features of popular word games and puzzles but with a unique twist: It’s part Rubik’s Cube, Scrabble and Boggle, requiring players to line up the letters around the cube into high-scoring words, providing ample opportunity to show friends and family how much of a well-read smarty-pants they can be. Yeah, we know ... but this could come in handy if the power goes out and you can’t play Wii or Playstation. Visit www.scrublecube. com for more information. Outdoorsy types, grill enthusiasts and arsonists alike might enjoy the Looftlighter ($79.95), a brandnew fire starter from Sweden and (if you believe the hype) the cleanest, quickest, safest and easiest way to light your grills, smokers and fire pits. The gadget has a metal tube punctuated with holes

to allow airflow surrounding an interior heating unit. Touch the tip of it to wood or coals for 15 seconds, withdraw it about 6 inches to allow warm air to blow onto the glowing embers and, within a minute, a crackling fire will appear. Personally, we prefer the danger of lighter fluid and a book of matches, but we aren’t exactly the most responsible barbeque practitioners. Visit www. frontgate.com or www.looftusa. com, or call (877) 566-3860 for more details. Now, if you want your gift-giving to give something back, there are quite a few options that will make the world a better place in the process. Lush Cosmetics, 1428 Walnut St., is giving back this holiday season by donating all proceeds from the sales of its Charity Pot hand and body lotions to handpicked, grassroots charities. The charities include environmental, animal and humanitarian organizations like Operation Splash, a New York Citybased group that cleans shores and waterways, and PEARL, a group dedicated to advancing education and providing shelter for the under- privileged in Afghanistan. Charity Pot lotions are available in three va r i e t i e s , t h e most deluxe being the My Fair Lady package ($59.95), a hatbox featuring a charity pot a n d

some of Lush’s best beauty products. Visit www.lush.com for more information. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network recently launched the Safe Space Campaign, designed to promote visible support for LGBT

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students in American middle and high schools. The goal is to place a Safe Space Kit in every middle and high school in the United States. The kits cost $20 per school, but interested parties can donate however much they want, as well as choose which ZIP code or state will receive the kits. The kits contain Safe Space stickers and posters, along with a guide for steps that individual school staff members can take to build support for vulnerable students and reduce antigay bullying and harassment in their school. To order a Safe Space Kit and for more information, visit www. SafeSpaceKit.com. The

Philadelphia

Animal We l f a r e Society is offering gifts for people who donate to its efforts to save homeless, abandoned and unwanted animals. A $20 donation makes you eligible for a PAWS 2011 dog or cat calendar or a T-shirt. A donation of $250 or more makes you eligible for a PAWS fleece blanket, while $1,000 or more make you eligible for a 1GB iPod shuffle with an inscribed message from PAWS. For a gift that fights AIDS, there’s the John Wind AIDS Jewelry Project. Wind is known for his modern-vintage handcrafted jewelry designs, which have been featured in Country Living, InStyle and Oprah Magazine. This season, he’s offering two limitededition pieces, a keychain ($49) and a bracelet ($125), adorned with charms symbolizing the fight against AIDS. Fifty percent of the purchase price goes to support the essential services of local nonprofits ActionAIDS and Mazzoni Center. The jewelry is available for purchase at maximalart.com/aids.html. Happy shopping and try not to go into debt; it’s not good for you. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Film explores dark side of ballet By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Darren Aronofsky’s deliriously entertaining “Black Swan” chronicles a ballerina’s pas de deux with danger. This film is the cinematic equivalent of a funhouse — it is full of thrills and mirrors and a disdain for reality. Both serious and silly, audiences who give themselves over to this operatic fever dream will have a hell of a good time. Nina (Natalie Portman) is a young dancer in a New York City ballet company who dreams of playing the Swan Queen in Thomas Leroy’s (Vincent Cassel) new production of “Swan Lake.” Nina is — as her mother (Barbara Hershey, a good physical match for Portman) declares — “a sweet girl.” So while Thomas thinks she is perfect for the production’s White Swan, it will be a stretch for her to play the evil twin/Black Swan.

Viewers know that Nina won’t be very good for very long. She bites Thomas’ lip when he kisses her, which shows she has some moxie. But Nina does not truly “let go” until she meets Lily (Mila Kunis), a mysterious new dancer in the company who becomes her understudy and projects the “dark impulses” that both attract and repel Nina. Aronofsky’s film moves, like Lily does, imprecisely but effortlessly through the motions of Nina’s radical transformation. The dancer Nina slowly gives herself over to the dark side — stealing the lipstick from an aging, forced-to-retire ballerina, Beth (Winona Ryder). Then, she takes her smothering mother to task by

Clues are dropped throughout the film that something is not quite right, and that she is descending into a kind of madness. The film uses many visual cues — some real, some imagined — that show how this uptight ballet dancer is becoming unhinged. Viewers will have fun trying to catch all the signposts. Some, like the NATALIE PORTMAN IN “BLACK SWAN” stuffed animals and music box that poprebelling. When Lily offers to take Nina out one night, the pair takes ulate Nina’s childish bedroom, some drugs and has a passionate or the (swan?) wings tattooed on evening of lesbian sex that liber- Lily’s back, are obvious. But othates Nina. But the consequences ers, such as a portrait that comes of this pleasurable night only serve briefly to life in an early scene, to further fuel Nina’s jealousy and or a door that was locked — or wasn’t it? — are subtler. Nina’s self-destructive behavior. “Black Swan” creates its dra- visions, which get increasingly matic tension as Nina pursues her more disturbing, will have audiunrelenting quest to be “perfect.” ences guessing about what is really happening. Aronofsky is in complete control here. He uses elegant sounds, such as the fluttering of feathers, to ruffle viewers, and as Nina’s mind starts to crumble, there are some rather shocking scenes. There is much ado about fingers and toes — as well as fingernails and toenails — cracking, scratching and being cut, and much of it is unnerving. Despite a handful of ridiculous moments — which should not be revealed so as not to spoil the film’s very guilty pleasures — “Black Swan” is mesmerizing. This is mainly because Portman

gives an extraordinary performance. She convincingly portrays Nina’s struggles with sanity and gains viewers’ sympathy even as she succumbs to her many pressures. While the film is not very deep, it is immensely enjoyable. Watching Portman practice her ballet is hypnotic, but things get much more interesting and intense when Nina masturbates — Thomas tells Nina to “touch herself” to get in touch with her Black Swan — or when Nina falls under Lily’s sexual spell. Kunis is deliciously seductive in her role, and were it not for the strength of her bewitching performance, “Black Swan” would not work as well as it does. The two women are a deliberate study in contrasts, and that makes their professional rivalry and sexual relationships so compelling. When Nina spies Lily rehearsing to “her” music, Nina’s frisson escalates. There is even a fabulous knockdown, drag-out catfight — well, sort of. Aronofsky deliberately emphasizes mood over plot here. The story is, as Thomas says, “one we all know,” and “Black Swan” injects new life by making this backstage drama of love, seduction and death into something a bit naughty and uncomfortable. Is lesbian sex the key to Nina’s professional breakthrough? Does she have an overactive imagination? The truth hardly matters. Especially when “Black Swan” is so much fun, twirling itself until it — and viewers — become dizzy. ■

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Bruce Yelk

Big shows = big holiday fun Possibly more than any other time of year, I absolutely love the holidays in Philadelphia. Living in Center City, I can feel the energy building each time I head outside. With family trips, vacation days and New Year’s celebrations a couple of weeks away, there’s a lot to be excited about. In addition to traditional get-togethers with family, friends and colleagues, Philadelphians are fortunate that several special events are coming to the city. As you go on your “merry way” this holiday season, take in some of the exciting events — and make this a December to remember. Though Peter Nero and the Holiday POPS! is an annual tradition in Philadelphia, this year’s show takes it to a new level. I caught the debut at the Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., last Saturday, and I was floored by several impressive performances. The POPS holiday spectacular features over 250 musicians, including the Philly POPS, the POPS festival chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, organist Peter Conte and Broadway diva Rachel York. The show runs through Dec. 22. To check availability and show times, visit www.kimmelcenter.org. My second recommendation doesn’t necessarily have a holiday theme, but it’s no less extraordinary. The Blue Man Group returns to Philadelphia for a run from Dec. 22-30 at the Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St. If you’ve seen one of their performances, you know it’s challenging to articulate exactly why they’re so captivating. The Blue Man Group combines genrebending music, wild displays of color and a palpable and uplifting energy. This show is equally entertaining for adults and children, making it a perfect option to entertain nieces, nephews or your own little ones. Visit www.mer-

riam-theatre.com for tickets. One of the only live shows to rival Blue Man Group’s uniqueness and innovation is Cirque du Soleil, and Philadelphians can experience both this holiday season. Cirque is bringing its exceptional show “Dralion” to Temple University’s Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St., from Dec. 21-Jan. 2. “Dralion” is one of Cirque’s most popular touring shows, fusing the traditions of ancient Chinese circus performers with a progressive, artistic style. The show explores the intersection of man and nature, with acrobatic movement inspired by two animals for which the show is named: the dragon and the lion. For more information, go to www.liacourascenter.com. For many, the holidays are a time to give back to the less fortunate. If you’re still looking for an opportunity to spread a little holiday cheer, look no further than Babes in Toyland GayBINGO. On Dec. 11 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., the Bingo Verifying Divas will be in full holiday effect with their trademark humor and outrageous outfits. The December GayBINGO is one of the most popular, so check ticket availability at www.aidsfundphilly.org/gaybingo. And don’t forget about the firstever Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 18 at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River. Sponsored by the Independent Seaport Museum and featuring a variety of boats decked out in holiday lights, the parade will head north on the river, turn around at the Ben Franklin Bridge, then return to Penn’s Landing. The Jupiter, an early 1900s tugboat, will lead the parade. The Seaport Museum will host a viewing party with free hot chocolate on its second-floor balcony overlooking the Delaware. To learn more, check out www. phillyseaport.org. I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. If you have questions about any events featured here, e-mail byelk@nightlifegay.com. Until next time, get offline and see �� has � what your community ��to offer! ■

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Family Portraits

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Suzi Nash

We all know that reindeer can fly, but did you know that Santa could swim? It’s true and, this weekend, you can have breakfast with Scuba Santa at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J. To find out more about what’s going on at the aquarium, we spoke to Jenn Hutchins, who is used to working with the wet and wild — not just with her job as a biologist at the aquarium, but also at her part-time gig at Sisters nightclub. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. JH: Well, I’m 29. I was born in South Jersey, Rancocas Valley. I have a younger sister and we grew up right outside of a military base. We pretty much had a core group of friends that lived there but we also made friends with a number of military kids, so we got used to people coming and going a lot. As a result, I now have friends all over the world. PGN: Very cool. Were your parents in the military? JH: My dad was in the National Guard when he was young, but that was just for a short period. He was stationed in an area that was very sparsely developed and decided he liked the isolation, so right before I was born, he bought some land and built a house and the family has been there ever since. Both he and my mom worked as bus drivers. They wanted to have the same hours as us so they could spend time with the family. He also worked in a warehouse and got me a job there for a while. My mom also did home demonstrations back when they were popular. PGN: What was a favorite thing to do as a kid? JH: Climbing trees. I was a big tomboy. I also loved softball when I was young, but it’s kind of hard to play that when you’re by yourself out in the sticks. PGN: Favorite class? JH: I liked science and math. PGN: And what did you go to college for? JH: I have a bachelor of science in marine biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. PGN: How did you get into bartending? JH: Biology is not the most lucrative career, so while I was in college I also went to bartending school. I worked in a number of restaurants, like Chi Chi’s and Applebee’s,

before getting the gig at Sisters. I worked there steady for a few years and now I mostly fill in for people. PGN: What is the best thing about working at the club? JH: I enjoy a lot of the charitable things I get to do representing the club. We do a date auction to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I also participate in the dunk-a-dyke fundraiser that we do at Gay Pride each year. PGN: What was an early encounter with the fishies? JH: I did an internship for a short period of time in the dolphin and whale hospital at Mote Marine in Florida. I would do food prep or, if they needed anyone to get in the pool and walk an animal, I would volunteer to do it. PGN: How do you walk a dolphin? JH: You put on a wetsuit and get in the tank with them. Some are so sick they can’t swim on their own so we help them along. Kind of like rehab for people, you need to get them moving even if they are sick or injured. If it’s a small dolphin, it may take only one person to help them keep afloat, but if it’s a whale, it may take four or five people in the water. PGN: How do you prep food for a whale? JH: You get a flat of frozen fish, thaw it out, divvy it up and add whatever vitamins or medications are needed for each one.

JENN HUTCHINS Photo: Suzi Nash

I floated off the window and he swam past me without incident, but it was a bit unnerving seeing that many shark teeth coming right at you.

PGN: So were you ever able to get a date smelling like fish all the time? JH: [Laughs.] Actually, my girlfriend at the time moved down there with me. She got homesick and moved back and then my sister called to tell me she was pregnant so I moved home as well.

PGN: What else do you do there? JH: My primary responsibility is working with the penguins but, as part of the team, I do the seal shows and help feed and train the seals and I work with the parrots and other small mammals and reptiles. I’m also a diver and have been cleared to do a number of the exhibits, such as the ocean realm and the shark realm, so if we have a night event or special event and there’s a dive, I can do it.

PGN: What was the scariest encounter in the water? JH: Doing a dive show at the Adventure Aquarium: I was in the water in front of an audience and my dive buddy and I were at the window playing with guests. Suddenly I saw him peel off the window and start swimming backward. I was like, What’s he doing? And then I saw a sand tiger shark coming right toward my head and I thought, Holy cow, that’s a really big shark right coming my way. The way we position ourselves, we’re in the water with them, but never get that close to the sharks.

PGN: Did you have animals growing up? JH: We always had dogs when I was growing up and a fish tank for a period of time, hamsters and whatnot. I’ve always been interested in nature and animals and the environment. When I was about 6 years old, I told my mother that I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. For my eighth birthday, they took me to SeaWorld. I got randomly picked out of the audience to help the trainers during the Shamu show and that was it, I was hooked. In middle school and high

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school I informed all my guidance counselors that I was going to FDU to study marine biology. They were all like, “Well, let’s keep our options open.” But I knew what I wanted: FDU was the only school I applied to, I got in early and my parents said they would do whatever it took to make sure I could go. PGN: Why marine animals? Did you go to the shore a lot? JH: No, I was always fascinated by dolphins and how intelligent they are. They have a really complex social structure and advanced communication skills. They’re not just a friendly little animal: They have complex thoughts just like we do. PGN: Tell me three dolphin fun facts. JH: Well, most of my research was on dolphin aggression, so they’re not cuddly, cute anecdotes. PGN: That’s a fact right there — that they’re not always the friendly “Flipper” we imagine them to be. I’ve heard that male dolphins can be sexually aggressive with human females. JH: Yes, they can. I don’t know why, but a fact that people find interesting about the penguins is that they go to the bathroom every 10-15 minutes. The media seems to be fascinated with that! In real life, penguins and polar bears don’t ever coincide. Polar bears are from the north and penguins are from the south. Of the 17 species of penguins, only two live in the cold of Antarctica year-round. Most of them live in warm climates. PGN: What’s the goofiest question you’ve gotten? JH: Oh, that’s not fair: I can’t think of just one! People will ask me why we have so many ducks on exhibit when they’re actually penguins. We get people who harass us all summer for torturing the penguins because they think it’s too hot, when in actuality the penguins are from South Africa, so the heat is natural for them. PGN: What’s your favorite animal to work with? JH: So far, out of the ones I’ve been able to be up close and personal with, my favorites are the penguins and the walruses. I volunteered at the New York Aquarium and got to work with a walrus. She was blind and about 1,800 pounds and was the sweetest, most gentle animal I’ve ever met — keeping in mind that you have to be careful, because at any moment any animal could charge. But she was just a sweetheart. PGN: What’s the most intelligent animal you’ve worked with other than dolphins? JH: I’d have to say the octopus that we have at the Adventure Aquarium. At Halloween, we took a carved pumpkin and put a crab into it so that she’d have to figure out how to get it out. It was cool watching her figure out the puzzle to get her treat. PGN: What other animal enrichment things do you do? JH: The seals like Frisbees and all sorts of retrieval toys and we have a children’s toy slide that we use to give them fish. The penguins like See PORTRAIT, Page 34

Q Puzzle Comeback for Coming Out Across

1. Supporters in the bedroom 6. Bump off 10. Like someone blown away 15. Scroll at Beth Chayim Chadashim 16. Giggling Muppet 17. Capone rival 18. Capital of Ghana 19. Groups of games, to Mauresmo 20. Jodie Foster’s “ ___ Room” 21. Common insult 24. Carol, for example 25. Boy who shoots off arrows 26. Sault ___ Marie 29. Granny 31. Diana, to the Greeks 36. Running into overtime 38. Dottermans of “Antonia’s Line” 40. Rivera portrayer, in “Frida” 41. Start of a family response to the insult 45. Upright shaft 46. It’ll float your boat 47. Teen outbreak 48. Grabs greedily 50. Stole at the Oscars, e.g. 53. Boating pronoun 54. Stadium level 56. You might get dates from it 58. End of the response 66. Last letter from

PAGE 33

Socrates 67. Pita sandwich 68. Gertrude’s partner 69. Type of pole 70. Bus. school course 71. Cole Porter’s “___ I Kissed My Baby Goodbye” 72. Broadway whisper 73. ___ ex machina 74. Hot to trot

Down

1. Deer, or without a dear 2. Nuts 3. Curve and others 4. Fruit desserts 5. Stone of “If These Walls Could Talk 2” 6. Edith Head, e.g. 7. He did Jackie’s clothes 8. Cho’s “___ One That I Want” 9. “Our” to Pasolini 10. Fake 11. He took on a pair of bears 12. Composer Thomas 13. Play a mean sax 14. Env. fattener 22. Latina writer Castillo 23. Singer with an accent? 26. You don’t want to get pink ones 27. Bring to the auto repair 28. ___ Gay 30. “Uh-oh!” to Shelley 32. Lanchester of “Bride of Frankenstein” 33. David’s “Baywatch” role 34. Nuts 35. Pop singer Leo 37. Chug-a-lug 39. One way to cook fruit

42. Some heteros change it at the altar 43. Ancient Celt 44. Moby Dick stickers 49. Classified, informally

51. “That was good, honey!” 52. Tickle pink 55. Auto pioneer Henry 57. Sasha Obama’s big sister 58. “___ light?”

59. Tori who sang “I am not from your tribe” 60. Legendary Himalayan 61. Dated 62. Drop ___ (moon)

63. Rhames of “Holiday Heart” 64. Homo leader? 65. Not e’en once

See SOLUTION, Page 41

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 34

PORTRAIT From Page 33 playing with bubbles. They have fun chasing them around. PGN: Changing topics, tell me about coming out. JH: I was on a break in college and I told my ex-boyfriend first and he was really supportive. I told my sister after that and she said, “Yeah, who didn’t know

� � � ��

that?” My mom was next and she said, “It’s not the path I’d choose for you but I love you and nothing will change that.” She’s been supportive ever since and wouldn’t have me change for the world. My dad was pretty cool at first, but recently he’s become more involved in the church so it’s been a little harder for him to take. PGN: Did you ever play any

sports other than throwing the ball to yourself in the boonies? JH: [Laughs.] Yes, in high school I was active in softball, basketball and soccer. When I went to college, I stuck with softball. I play in three different leagues right now. PGN: What position? JH: I’m a utility player. In fast pitch, I’m a catcher. In slow pitch, I can play anything in the infield but pitcher. PGN: What was a great moment in sports for you? JH: Spring training in college. We’d go down to Florida and got to play just for the fun of it. We didn’t have to worry about standings or stats or going through to the next playoff: We could just practice and have fun. It was really cool because there were also a lot of the major-league players down there at the same time — guys from the Yankees, the Mets, the Braves. We were all at the same facilities, so they’d come over and watch our games. It was a great feeling when they’d come over and tell you what a great job you did or comment on a good play. It was amazing getting such positive feedback from the professional

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

players. PGN: Are you seeing anyone now? JH: Yes, her name is Erin. We met last year during softball and she’s fantastic. Very supportive: This [past] summer I did a 75mile bike ride for MS and she got up at three in the morning to make sure I had breakfast and dropped me off at the train station. And when I crossed the finish line, she was one of the first faces I saw waiting to congratulate me. PGN: The holidays are coming, what’s a gift you didn’t like getting? JH: My grandfather used to buy us sweaters for Christmas, but he wasn’t very fashion-forward. He would buy sweaters that my grandmother would wear, which was great for her, not so good for a 9-year-old child. PGN: What winter Olympic event would you want to compete in? JH: Probably the bobsled. The one where you have four people go down the track together. Either that or snowboarding on the big half-pipe. PGN: Are you a bit of a thrill-

seeker? JH: Absolutely. A little too much for my mother, so I have to be careful what I tell her. When I do things like the shark dive that I did in South Africa, I wait until after it’s over to tell her. I have a cool DVD of me on the boat after the dive saying, “Look mom! I still have all of my fingers!” PGN: Wow. Any other adventures? JH: I did sea turtle research with the University of Hawaii and there were a couple of times when we were snorkeling and we’d run into a few sharks in the open water. PGN: So are you excited about Santa visiting the aquarium? JH: Yes, they’ve revamped the show a bit so it’ll be fun to see what’s new. Breakfast with Scuba Santa Dec. 11-12 9-10:30 a.m. www.adventureaquarium.com Space is limited; reservations are recommended. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

It’s been 35 years ...

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DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 35

Fuel keeps it — and you — light and lively By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Chances are you’ll never see Fuel, 1225 Walnut St. (aka the space formerly known as Philadelphia Home and Garden), featured in an installment of “Eat This, Not That.” That’s because every dish on its West Coast-inspired New American menu is made fresh and clocks in under 500 calories — and everything’s under $10. One more bonus: All of the items on Fuel’s menu have a Weight Watchers points value assigned to them. (Note: Those prices and calorie counts go slightly out the window if you start racking up add-ons like chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc., on dishes that didn’t already have them.) And these aren’t the only things Fuel has going for it. With a sparse and modern décor, an impressive delivery area and a selection of coffee and juice drinks, there’s no reason Fuel can’t be the go-to place for Philly’s health-consciously peckish. Naturally, we were concerned that such welcome and wellneeded constraint meant that either the dishes were going to be small or lacking in flavor, but those fears were put to rest. The appetizers are particularly exciting. The tomato and goat cheese guacamole ($7.95) was thick, extremely chunky and satisfying. The black bean and tomato salsa ($6.95) was robust and the sweat pea wonton dip ($6.95) was a pleasant surprise, delivering bold texture and flavor. Other must-have appetizers included the hummus ($6.95), which came piled high with fresh, thick-cut vegetables, and the spicy Spanish skewered shrimp ($8.95), which was about as good a specimen as you will find anywhere in town, and served with crushed red pepper and cucumber yogurt. Without the complex and calorie-laden accoutrements and dressings of lesser salad menus, Fuel does a great job keeping its salads big, flavorful and filling. The deconstructed guacamole salad had a nice kick with a light citrus jalapeño dressing clinging to the arugula, avocado, red onion and tomatoes that filled the nicesized bowl. A little more subdued — but no less delicious — was the tuna and arugula salad ($8.95) with white beans, tomatoes, red

onion and olives in lemon vinaigrette. All the sandwiches on Fuel’s entrée menu have the option of being served panini style or in a wrap (whole wheat or white). The closest any diner will ever get to decadence on Fuel’s menu is the high-protein grilled cheese ($6.95). While it isn’t your mother’s grilled cheese, it does impress, hitting all the right comfort-food spots with the inclusion of lemon cream cheese among the mozzarella, provolone, spinach and tomato. The Thai chicken ($8.95) was also hearty, loaded with fresh cucumber, carrots, crunchy noodles and a veryessential spicy peanut sauce that made the sandwich sing. Even with the impressive food served up thus far, we were skeptical about dessert. And we were proven wrong again. Who needs death by chocolate when you can have an equally irresistible (and far more responsible) pistachio gelato ($4)? Also crave-worthy is the banana whip ($4), concocted of frozen bananas whipped into a sorbet-like consistency and served plain or with Nutella or strawberries to liven things up. Who knew eating responsibly could be so much fun? ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

FUEL FRONT DINING AREA Photo: Scott A. Drake

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DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

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Diversions

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

PGN

Pick

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

Annie Media Theater presents the musical starring out comedian and TV star Wanda Sykes, starring as Miss Hannigan through Dec. 12 and Jan. 12-16, 104 E. State St., Media; (610) 891-0100. The Borrowers Arden Theatre Company presents an adaptation of the beloved children’s novel, through Jan. 30 on the F. Otto Haas Stage, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 9221122. Caesar’s Palace O’ Fun The Walnut Street Theatre presents a musical variety show centered on an outrageous lounge lothario, through Jan. 2 at Independence Studio on 3. 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. I Capture The Castle The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents the romantic comedy about 17-year-old budding writer Cassandra and her eccentric family, who live in a crumbling 17th-century English castle, through Jan. 2, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, N.J.; (973) 4085600. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol The Walnut Street Theatre presents the classic Christmas story through Dec. 18, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Walnut Street Theatre presents an all-new production of the holiday Broadway musical, through Jan. 9, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Jersey Boys The Kimmel Center’s Broadway series presents the award-winning musical about Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of

Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi, through Dec. 12 at Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; (215) 790-5847. My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy Society Hill Playhouse presents the comedic oneman show through Dec. 12, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 923-0210. Parenting 101: The Musical! The musical comedy about the various stages of raising children, through March 6 at Kimmel’s Innovation Studio, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Scrooge: The Musical The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future join to transform Ebenezer Scrooge from the meanest skinﬂint that ever lived to a warm and caring human being in this holiday musical, through Dec. 19 at Ritz Theatre, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, N.J.; (856) 8585230. The Santaland Diaries Flashpoint Theatre Company presents an adaptation of out humorist David Sedaris’ comedic look at the holidays, through Dec. 19 at Second Stage at The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 568-8077. This is the Week That Is 1812 Productions presents the smash news comedy returning for its ﬁfth year, through Dec. 31 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; (215) 5929560.

Music

Nicole Reynolds The out singer-songwriter performs with out artists

Liz Kelly and Julia Read at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; (215) 928-0770. Holiday Pops! Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform a holidaythemed selection of songs, through Dec. 22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. Spano Conducts Sibelius The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 12 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Go Tell It on the Mountain The Blind Boys of Alabama perform a Christmas show at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650. John Grant The out singer-songwriter and former Czars singer performs at 10 p.m. Dec. 10 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. Lizanne Knott and Friends Fifth Annual Philabundance Beneﬁt The singer-songwriter performs at 9 p.m. Dec. 11 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. Comfort & Joy Holiday Jazz Concert Vocalist Mary Ellen Desmond performs a holiday concert to beneﬁt St. Luke’s Hospitality Center and the Fikelela AIDS Project of Capetown, 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 732-9346. Rufus Wainwright The out singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at The Grand Opera

Philadanco is back with “Xmas Philes,” the acclaimed dance troupe’s highly anticipated and expanded program of spirited holiday numbers and spectacular movements, through Dec. 12 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St. For more information, visit www. philadanco.org or call (215) 790-5847.

House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-5577. Glorious Sound of Christmas The Philadelphia Orchestra performs holiday classics at 7 p.m. Dec. 16-18 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. Usher The R&B/pop singer performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (800) 2984200.

Exhibits

Broad St.; (215) 717-6300.

everyday people in the LGBT community, through Dec. 25, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220.

Between Now & Then AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by Matthew Ostroff and Amber Pleasures and Dubois, through Jan. 8, 265 Pastimes in Japanese S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250. Art Philadelphia Museum of Cleopatra: The Search Art presents an exhibition for the Last Queen of of costumes, masks and Egypt poetry exploring the ways The Franklin Institute in which leisure time was interpreted across all social presents an exhibition of classes in Japanese art, 150 artifacts from Egypt, through Jan. 2, 20th Street through January, 26th Street and the Parkway; (215) and the Parkway; (215) 448-1200. 763-8100. Eakins on Paper: John Folinsbee and American Modernism Woodmere Art Museum presents a fresh look at the New Hope painter’s life and work, revealing the artist’s move from impressionism toward modernism, through March 6, 9201 Germantown Ave.; (215) 247-0476.

Art of the American Soldier The National Constitution Center presents the worlddebut exhibition of over 15,000 paintings and sketches created by 1,300 American soldiers in the line of duty, through Jan. 10, 525 Arch St.; (215) 409- Listen to My Story, 6895. See Through My Eyes: Stories from the Best of Show Robert R. Rosenbaum University of the Arts hosts Oral History Project an exhibition of The Photo The William Way LGBT Community Center presents Review 2010 Competition Prize Winners, through Dec. video recordings of over 10 at Gallery 1401, 14th 40 oral histories from local ﬂoor of Terra Hall, 211 S. activists, celebrities and

The Visionary State: A Journey Through California’s Spiritual Landscape University of the Arts hosts an exhibition by photographer Michael Rauner taking the viewer on a tour of California’s more eccentric religious movements, through Dec. 10 at Gallery 1401, 15th ﬂoor of Terra Hall, 211 S. Broad St.; (215) 717-6300.

Dance

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker The Pennsylvania Ballet performs the holidaythemed show through Dec. 31 at Kimmel’s Academy

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Mummenschanz The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the world-famous abstract dance/performance troupe, Dec. 16-18 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 898-3900.

Film

The Big Gay Musical The best example of truth in advertising is screened at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888. Inception The best movie we’ve seen all year is screened at 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.

Books

R. Tripp Evans

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

The author of “Grant Wood: A Life” hosts a discussion at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960. Rahiem Brooks The author of “Laugh Now” hosts a discussion at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960. Dean Marvin Lazerson The author of “Higher Education and the American Dream: Success and its Discontents” hosts a discussion at 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St.; (215) 898-7595.

Cabaret

Madame with an E! The bawdy puppet, along with Rick Skye, performs at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215)

862-5225. Eddie Bruce The cabaret singer performs at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.

Former bandleader breaks out on solo album

Michael Richard Kelly The cabaret singer performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225. A Bridezilla X-Mess DJ K-Tell & The Dumpsta Players present a raucous holiday themed-show, at 11 p.m. Dec. 15 at Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; (215) 545-4511. A “Lovely” Christmas Broadway veterans Kelly Briggs and Jerry Christakos perform their genderbending cabaret-style musical comedy at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.

Auditions

Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions for new members of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.; contact auditions@pgmc.org to schedule an audition time.

Etc.

Joan Rivers The legendary comedian performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Harrah’s Chester, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester; (484) 490-1800.

“BODY” OF WORK: Wexler Gallery hosts “In My Body,” a 20-year retrospective exhibition of works by photographer and mixed-media artist Leah Macdonald, through Dec. 31, 201 N. Third St. Macdonald has photographed the female form, keeping detailed visual diaries of her artistic experiences and ideas. She has documented the bodies of all walks of women, including mothers, daughters, pregnant women, suicidal women, women with broken legs, missing teeth, long scars, deep scars, breasts made larger and breasts removed. For more information, visit www. wexlergallery.com or call (215) 923-7030.

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First Person StorySlam Stories are told ... forcefully at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway The holiday-themed quarter mile displays bustling model trains and buildings, through Jan. 2, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.; www. morrisarboretum.org. ■

JOHN GRANT Photo: Jimmy Edgar

John Grant is no stranger to performing, but these days he’s doing it as a solo act. The out singer-songwriter formed The Czars in 1994 in Denver and, after a decade and a handful of albums, the rest of the group splintered, leaving Grant as the only original member. Grant soldiered on under the band name for a while before going finally solo and releasing his debut album, “The Queen of Denmark,” this year. “I just wanted to get rid of that memory and start something new,” he said about abandoning the group name. “For me, The Czars ended up being such an overwhelmingly negative experience that I just wanted to be done with it and move on. I kept the name for a while because I wanted to prove that I could because there were members of the band saying, ‘You can’t do this. I’ll sue you.’ Well, I formed the group, I made up that name and I can use it if I want to. So I think I did that out of stubbornness. It was a childish thing to do because it was important for me to move on.” And move on he did. “The Queen of Denmark” overflows with songs alternating between lush intimate balladry and pop-rock theatrics. “I can do whatever I want,” he said about the contrast between his work with The Czars and his solo effort. “It all revolves around me. It’s hard to talk about

Notices

personal stuff with a band because people are like, ‘Well, that has nothing to do with us.’ So I guess I felt uncomfortable saying a lot of things with The Czars. But I also didn’t know how to say a lot of things back then either. I guess the freedom of being on your own makes it possible to look at things that you couldn’t before.” One of those things was growing up gay in an antigay environment, which Grant sings about in “Jesus Hates Faggots.” “I grew up in a very strict Christian home and, when I came out, it was very difficult because I had been taught for a long, long time that people like me are sick and that they’re going to hell and they’re inferior as people,” he explained. “So that’s how I felt and it made me angry for years. It makes me angry that I took so long to realize I have the same rights as other people do and that I’m not inferior to other people because of this. I just started thinking about what religion means to a lot of people are just like [adopting a thick Southern drawl], ‘Well, you know, I don’t like Rice Crispies, so I guess Jesus doesn’t like Rice Crispies either. And I don’t like faggots neither, so he don’t.” Grant performs at 10 p.m. Dec. 10 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, visit www.myspace. com/johnwilliamgrant or call (215) 2221400. ■ — Larry Nichols

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

PAGE 40

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

Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3-6 p.m. Tuesday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 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; (215) 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 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.

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. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; (215) 5630652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care; 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.

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

■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: (215) 563-0657, (866) LGBT-LAW; legalservices@m azzonicenter.org

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

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

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

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

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

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

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

■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; (215) 496-0330 ■ Equality Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: (215) 683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (267) 216-6606; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (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)

Men

Boys Night Out A social gathering for gay men, meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Iron Hill Brewery, 30 E. State St., Media; BurbBoysNiteOut@aol.com. Delaware Valley 40-plus Club for Men Social group meets every other month; (215) 587-9933. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets at 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; (215) 483-1032. Men of All Colors Together Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Friday of the month September through June at the William Way Center; (610) 277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday at 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 211; ruberte_ j@camden_ahec.org. Philly DADS An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets at 7:30 p.m. fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 668-5239.

Parents/Families

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-8005. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Cape May, N.J. Meets at 2 p.m. third Sunday of the month in the Maruchi Room of Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, 2 Stone Harbor Blvd.; (609) 861-1848. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets at 7 p.m. ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St., West Chester; (484) 354-2448. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Collingswood, N.J. Meets from 6-8:30 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at the Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.; (856)345-9112; pﬂagcollingswood@yahoo.com. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Meets from 2-5 p.m. third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 572-1833. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; (609) 683-5155. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del. Meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; (302) 654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings are held monthly; (215) 844-3360; www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans

Gender Rights Advocacy Association of

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010 New Jersey A transgender civil-rights group meets first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Interweave New Jersey An organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian and their allies meets every third Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618. Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, non-judgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658. Renaissance Transgender Assoc. Meets at 8 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Into the Woods office complex in King of Prussia; (610) 975-9119 box 5; and 7:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; www.ren.org. T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, agressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 834-9063; tman215@aol.com.

Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; (215) 468-1352; queerconnect@yahoo. com. Republican Lesbians Meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on first Monday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. South Jersey Lesbians of Color Meetings are the first and third Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Starting Point, 215 Highland Ave., Suite C, Westmont, N.J.; (856) 824-0881; e-mail: SJLOC-owner@yahoogroups.com. Women’s Coffee House for Lesbians A group for lesbian and bisexual women meets on first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. The Womyn’s Village The first womyn-owned and operated thinktank targeting black African, Asian, Latina and Native American LBT and two-spirited womyn. Meets at 5 p.m. on third Thursday of the month at COLOURS Organization, 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 765-0121; the_womyns. village@yahoo.com.

Youth

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

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

Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (267) 549-6497.

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

Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization meets at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. WeXist FTM support group meets from 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; ﬁrst hour is open; second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; (267) 2501548; www.wexist.org. Young, Trans, and Uniﬁed! Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; (215) 545-4331 ext. 24.

Women

African Asian Latina Lesbians United Social-issues discussion group meets fourth Thursday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Bucks County Lesbian Alliance Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbianalliance.org. Expressions Women’s Space Lesbian singles, family and coming-out groups meet at 1538 Church St.; (215) 535-3600. Lesbians and BiWomen in Heterosexual Marriages A support group meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville, PA 19460; http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; (215) 542-2899. Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 1,000-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.LSNSJ.com. Lesbians with Breast Cancer A support group meets from 6:30-8:30 on second Wednesday of the month at Gilda Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 4413290.

HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; (610) 868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; (609) 683-5155. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-1861; info@myaonline. org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 772-1107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 3480558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester ofﬁce, 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester; (610) 692-1770 ext. 108 or thespot@ppccpa.org. Teen Support Group Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0658 ext. 319. Youth in Transition A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 13-24. Meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 205; gibbs_ d@camden-ahec.org.

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

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

worth watching: The Talk Out actress Sara Gilbert hosts the talk show alongside Sharon Osbourne, Julie Chen, Leah Remeni and Holly Robinson Peete. 2 p.m. on CBS. The Nate Berkus Show Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on NBC. The Ellen DeGeneres Show Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC. FRIDAY Hairspray The 2007 movie based on the musical that was based on the classic John Waters film. 8 p.m. on Bravo.

Fashion Police Joan Rivers and friends dish on the week’s notable fashions. 10:30 p.m. on E! SATURDAY It’s a Wonderful Life The holiday classic film. 8 p.m. on NBC. Saturday Night Live This week the show is hosted by Paul Rudd and features musical guest Paul McCartney. 11:30 p.m. on NBC. SUNDAY Brothers and Sisters Look for out characters Kevin and Scotty. 8 p.m. on ABC. Brokeback Mountain The Oscar-winning film about the longrunning affair between two gay cowboys. 9 p.m. on Logo. MONDAY How I Met Your Mother Out actor Neil Patrick Harris stars as the womanizing Barney. 8 p.m. on CBS.

SOLUTION From Page 33

PAGE 41

Skating with the Stars It’s week four of this reality competition on blades. 8 p.m. on ABC. TUESDAY Glee Out actress Jane Lynch stars in the acclaimed series. This week features back-to-back repeats. 8 p.m. on Fox. Biggest Loser Look for out trainer Jillian Michaels. This week, a winner is crowned. 9 p.m. on NBC.

HOLIDAY GLITTER: Mariah Carey gets into the holiday spirit with her music special, “Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You,” which finds the pop/R&B diva performing songs from her new holiday album, “Merry Christmas II You,” at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, 9 p.m. Dec. 13 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Danny Feld

WEDNESDAY Thelma & Louise Gal pals run afoul of the law in this film. 8 p.m. on Logo. Modern Family Look for gay couple Mitchell and Cameron, who are shopping for preschools for their adopted daughter Lily in this repeat. 9 p.m. on ABC.

Top Chef: All-Stars The reality competition features the best chefs from the past seasons, including two out competitors. 10 p.m. on Bravo. THURSDAY Charlie Brown Christmas The classic Peanuts animated holiday special. 8 p.m. on ABC.

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�� is proud to announce the celebration of our 35th Anniversary with our BIGGEST Celebration Issue Ever Publication date: February 18, 2011 — Call 215-625-8501 for more information today!

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 42

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

Classifieds With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Economy is making steady gains despite weak hiring By Paul Wiseman The Associated Press

The economy is starting to ﬁre on almost every cylinder these days but the one that matters most: job creation. Factories are busier. Incomes are rising. Autos are selling. The holiday shopping season is shaping up as the best in four years. Stock prices are surging. And many analysts are raising their forecasts for the economy’s growth. Goldman Sachs, for instance, just revised its gloomy prediction of a 2-percent increase in gross domestic product in 2011 to 2.7 percent and forecast 3.6-percent growth for 2012. “The upward momentum has more traction this time,” says James O’Sullivan, chief economist at MF Global. If only every major pillar of the economy were faring so well. Despite weeks of brighter economic news, employers still aren’t hiring freely. The economy added a net total of just 39,000 jobs in November, the government said last Friday. That’s far too few even to stabilize

the unemployment rate, which rose from 9.6 percent in October to 9.8 percent last month. Unemployment is widely expected to stay above 9 percent through next year, in part because of the still-depressed realestate industry. Job creation ultimately drives the economy, and it remains the most significant weak link. The meager job gains for November confounded economists. They’d expected net job growth to reach 145,000 and for the unemployment rate to stay at 9.6 percent. Some economists dismissed the November data as a technical fluke, a result of the government’s difficulty in adjusting the figures for seasonal factors. They think the number will be revised up later. Others saw the jobs report as a reminder that the economy is still struggling to emerge from an epic financial crisis that choked off credit, stifled spending and escalated a “normal” recession into the worst in 70 years. The depth of the financial crisis means the recovery will proceed more slowly than many had hoped or expected, they say. “The fits and starts are not sur-

prising,” says Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist at the National Retail Federation. “We’ve had a unique recession and therefore a unique recovery.” In the view of most economists, the direction of the overall economy remains positive — even if its pace feels agonizingly slow. The latest unemployment report was a setback, but likely a temporary one, they say. Among the encouraging signs: — Consumers, whose spending fuels about 70 percent of the economy, are regaining confidence. The Conference Board’s index of consumer confidence rose in November to the highest level since June as consumers expressed more optimism about business conditions and jobs. Consumers are suffering “austerity fatigue,” says Scott Minerd of Guggenheim Partners. They’re ready to replace old clothes, old appliances, old cars. — Family finances have improved. Personal income surged 0.5 percent in October. That put cash in shoppers’ wallets for the holiday shopping season. Households cut their debts to 122 percent of annual disposable income in the April-

June quarter, according to Haver Analytics. That was the lowest debt level since the end of 2004. — The holiday shopping season got off to a buoyant start. The National Retail Federation expects holiday retail sales to rise 2.3 percent this year, the best performance since 2006. One reason: Stock prices have surged. A 14-percent rally in the Dow Jones industrial average since late August has made households feel wealthier, Kleinhenz says. — Credit is starting to flow again. Banks have eased credit standards since July, making it easier for businesses to borrow, the Federal Reserve reports. Lending to businesses rose from July through September for the first quarterly increase in two years, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Even as unemployment remains at a crisis level, some encouraging signs about hiring have emerged: The private sector has added jobs for 11 straight months. The overall number each month hasn’t looked so good because of job cuts by financially ailing state and local governments. Small businesses appear to be a particular bright spot. A report by

the staffing firm Automatic Data Processing found that businesses with fewer than 500 employees have added 390,000 jobs this year, including 91,000 in November. “The virtuous cycle of more jobs creating more income creating more spending creating more jobs is still turning,” says Jerry Webman, chief economist for Oppenheimer Funds. Not quite fast enough, though. Unemployment could soon rise above November’s 9.8-percent rate, especially if an improving economy causes more out-of-work people who aren’t looking for jobs to start. People out of work aren’t counted as unemployed unless they’re looking for a job. Typically during a recession, some of the unemployed become discouraged and stop looking. One industry where they may not find a job for a while is real estate. Since the industry bubble burst three years ago, about 2.8 million realestate-related jobs have vanished. Until those people — ranging from builders, architects and appraisers to lenders and furniture sellers — find new work, the unemployment rate isn’t likely to dip much below 8 percent, economists say. ■

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

Beds: 4 Baths: 2.1 Cost: $298,500 Square footage: 1,934 Age of property: 55 years Realtor: Andrew J. Mariano Real-estate co.: RE/MAX Preferred Phone: (610) 325–4100 Phone: (610) 789–0982 Website: www.gayparealtor.com

Lawrence Park split on large corner lot. Three bedroom home with in-law quarters, fourth bedroom or home ofﬁce use, Main level: living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, large enclosed side porch.

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

263 Lawrence Road, Broomall

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.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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REAL ESTATE

Real Estate REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

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SALE

VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215-468-9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent- 1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________34-52

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. _______________________________34-52 HOUSE SHARE W. COLLINGSWOOD, NJ 2 BR avail in new 4 BR house. Share BR, kit, LR, W/D. $800/mo. + 1 mo. sec. Call Wendy at 215-266-7997, email: wmf69@comcast.net _______________________________34-49

VACATION

RENTAL AFFORDABLE FORT LAUDERDALE All Gay Resort. Apts., full kit, 10 min Gay Nightlife, beaches, attractions. Clothing opt. pool, WiFi. 877-927-0090, www.LibertySuites.com _______________________________35-02

REAL ESTATE

RENT

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________34-50 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability (215)735-8050. _______________________________34-53 QUEEN VILLAGE 3rd & Catharine. Perfect commercial/professional space. 2 floors, 2400 sq. ft. $1800 total. 215-687-8461, 215-336-4629. _______________________________34-53 JEFFERSONVILLE, NEAR K OF P, BLUE BELL Large efficiency on private wing on home with large yard. Private bath, entrance, kitchen. $495/mo. + elect. & sec. dep. Call 610-5396381, leave message. _______________________________34-52 ELFRETH’S ALLEY Fab 2 BR house. $1995. 917-501-9111. _______________________________34-50 SOUTH PHILA., 10TH & TASKER 2 BR, 1.5 BA, new carpet, hdwd flrs. Total rehab, brand new everything. C/A, all new appl. $1150. 267-278-0824. Must See! _______________________________34-53

FOR SALE STEEL ARCH BUILDINGS Huge Savings on some of our Winter Clearance Buildings. Selling for Balance Owed, Plus Repos. 16x20, 20x24, 25x30,etc. Supplies Won’t Last!!! 1-866-339-7449. _______________________________34-50

PGN

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 44

BUSINESS

HELP WANTED Drivers- 100% Tuition Paid CDL Training! Start your New Career. No Credit Check, No Experience required! Call: 888-417-7564 CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com _______________________________34-50 Drivers- Flatbed OWNER OPERATORS Up to $1000 Sign on Bonus. Earn $1.85/mi or more! No age restriction on tractors /trailers. CRST Malone 877-277-8756 www. JoinMalone.com _______________________________34-50 CDL-A Drivers: We’ve Never Looked Better! Our package of benefits is the best it’s ever been. Pay,Bonuses,Miles,Equipment. $500 Sign-On for Flatbed. CDL-A,6mo.OTR. Western Express. 888-801-5295. _______________________________34-50 CLASS A CDL DRIVERS *Excellent Equipment! *Consistent home time *Great pay/benefits. SMITH TRANSPORT, INC. Call 877-432-0048 www.smithdrivers. com _______________________________34-50 WANTED: LIFE AGENTS Earn $500 a Day, Great Agent Benefits. Commissions Paid Daily. Liberal Underwriting. Leads, Leads, Leads, LIFE INSURANCE, LICENSE REQUIRED. Call 1-888-713-6020. _______________________________34-50

SERVICES APARTMENTS CLEANED Apartment cleaned + laundry from Schuylkill to Delaware River, Spring Garden to South St. 20+ yrs experience. $12/hr or flat rate. (347) 367-6369. Refrences. _______________________________34-51 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. _______________________________34-50 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical *Business *Paralegal *Computers *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-220-3984 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________34-50 HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY If you had hip replacement surgery between 2003 - present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. _______________________________34-50

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

SERVICES DIRECTORY

HOME

OPORTUNITIES

IMPROVEMENT

ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE! Be Your Own Boss! 25 Machines + Candy All for $9995. 877-915-8222 All Major Credit Cards Accepted! _______________________________34-50 Creative Hobby: Start your own proﬁtable home business casting metal miniatures or give a wonderful Christmas gift! Complete starter set: $35.95 a $60 Value! www.webmolds.com _______________________________34-50 BE YOUR OWN BOSS- START TODAY! OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY 1-800-518-3064 WWW. DRSS4.COM _______________________________34-50

Filippone Electrical

dunbar painting

Our prices won’t shock you! Residential • Commercial Experts Licensed & Insured • FREE ESTIMATES

FALL SPECIAL

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Cell 215-715-7335

10% oﬀ with this ad

(must be presented at time of estimate)

Interior/Exterior Painting • Plaster/Drywall Repair • Wallpaper Removal • Finish Carpentry • Old House Specialist•

We will beat any estimate!

215.783.3844

Free Electric Inspections www.filipponeelectric.com

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

Excellent References - Photos of Work Available

FINANCIAL

SERVICES

CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. _______________________________34-50

AUTOS AAAA** Donation. Donate Your Car, Boat, or Real Estate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free PickUp/Tow. Any Model/Condition. Help Under Privileged Children. Outreachcenter.com 1-800-597-8311. _______________________________34-50 DONATE VEHICLE RECEIVE $1000 GROCERY COUPON. NOAH’S ARC SUPPORT NO KILL SHELTERS, RESEARCH TO ADVANCE VETERINARY TREATMENTS. FREE TOWING. TAX DEDUCTIBLE. NONRUNNERS ACCEPTED 1-866-912-GIVE. _______________________________34-50

Looking for an extra hand?

Services & Home Improvement Directory

SERVICES DIRECTORY �� TROUBLE LOSING WEIGHT? BOARD-CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN OFFERS SAFE & EFFECTIVE MEDICALLY SUPERVISED WEIGHT LOSS • PRESCRIPTION DIET MEDICATION • PROMOTE FAT BURNING • BOOST ENERGY

ADOPTION ARE YOU PREGNANT? Don’t know what to do? We have many families willing to adopt your child. Please call 1-800745-1210, ask for Marci or Gloria. _______________________________34-50 ADOPT Happily married, creative couple promises love, cozy home & vacation cabin, stay-athome mom, big extended family. Expenses paid. www.CuddlyHome.com Marianne/ Dan 1-877-739-6889. _______________________________34-50

Display Advertising Deadlines Reservation deadline is Friday, noon, prior to issue to appear. Camera ready ads must arrive by noon on Monday prior to issue. PGN deadlines

are strictly followed.

PGN

DR. ROBERT FORTINO

1913 S. BROAD STREET, PHILADELPHIA

(215) 336-8000

www.drfortino.com

PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES

Individual, Couples & Family Counseling

Relationship Issues-Addictions-Anxiety Stress Management-Depression-Trauma Most Insurances Accepted

250 South 17th Street Suite 101 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Dr. Marion Rudin Frank, Psychologist

215-545-7800 this space: only $25 per week*

Your ad dollars go further when massage • yoga • reiki you target yourFor As L studio Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly 1214 Moore Street 267-909-8007 audience Phila, PA 19148

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*when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks

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

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

PAGE 45

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY BOB’S

EXTERMINATING Fast service if you have any one of these problems and want service today.

1 NO HEAT 2 NO HOT WATER 3 SLOW DRAINS

215-467-1669

WWW.RIGHTNOWPHC.COM

Licensed by Dept. of Agriculture, Health & Safety Division for the past 43 years. We Are State Certiﬁed For Bed Bugs. Pet Friendly & Child Safe. Licensed & Insured.

215-465-8023 Lic. # (BU7515)

Looking to Buy, Sell or Just Clean Your Antiques?

We’ve been in business since 2000. We buy and sell antique’s and ﬁne furniture. But we don’t limit ourselves to just furniture. Liquidate Estates Take Donations Quick Pick-up Buy Vintage Item’s Period Liquidate Small Equipment, and Art Deco Tools Liquidation’s Hosting and Fine Upholstery Cleaning Auction’s Close-Outs And Clean-Outs

JOHN’S FIBER KLEEN

Call 215 726-6828 or 610 757 8207 www.JohnsFiberKleen.com

Philadelphia Pa and Tri-State Area

John Cardullo & Sons, Inc. 703 Christian Street • Philadelphia, PA 19147

215-925-8564 • 215-925-6586 • Fax: 215-925-8856

150

00 Service

Contract

For 1 Year • Most Oil Heaters

Present this ad as a coupon for

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100 gallons or more

Coupon good for cash or credit card purchases only and must be mentioned when order is placed and given to the driver at the time of delivery. Only one coupon per order. Expires 10/30/10

“DON’T CALL AN 800 NUMBER FOR YOUR LOCAL HEATING OIL NEEDS” WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

Philadelphia Gas Heating & Air Conditioning

HEATER SALE

Starting at $1195 Time is running out for the stimulus rebate - get up to $1,500!

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Heater check-up $80.00

Call Now 215.456.1300

FAST EMERGENCY SERVICE

To the point and done so they Yeager Carpentry can get the app in is the point. Custom your version overall is I•think Woodworking more effective for what they • Custom by Cabinetry needed being more concise. Kitchenshow you boiled down I•liked • Baths the points very much, actually. • Smaller Remodelling Projects

Warren Yeager 215-356-9185

Financing Available • Free Estimates • Fully Insured

Roofing Siding & Windows Ask About Our 15 Yr Guarantee

Family Owned & Operated for Over 44 Years

215.332.6600

KARIS ROOFING CO.

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

PAGE 46

HEALTH DIRECTORY APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

Wills, Trusts, Estates and Probate

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

As a member of the LGBT community, Jeremy A. Wechsler can provide compassionate and sound solutions for all of your estate planning needs

Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney PAGE 110 APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

CLASSIFIEDS Get In Touch:

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

www.JawAtLaw.com or (215) 706-0200.

215-735-1006

1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

Oﬃces in Willow Grove, PA. Flexible hours and home visits upon request.

THOMAS A. HARDY

this space: only $25 per week*

CRC, CVE A, CRC, CVE ant

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bility sability als 85

ATTORNEY AT LAW

CONCENTRATION

*when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks LEGAL SERVICES

Charles S. Frazier, Esq. James M. Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE Attorney at Law Disability Consultant

• General Practice • Wills and Trusts Social Security Disability • Living Wills Claims of Appeals • Powers Attorney • Probate 215-629-0585

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly Mark-Allen Taylor, Esq. Divorce Child Custody Support / Visitation Domestic Partnerships Wills & Powers of Attorney Name Changes and

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William A. Torchia, Esquire

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$25.00 A Week. Call 215-6

Phone: 215-546-1950 Fax: 215-546-8801

Looking for a new career? Want to be your own boss? Tired of the insecurity of today’s economic uncertainty? Learn how we’ve helped 1,000’s of individuals ﬁnd a new and rewarding career. Call (215) 321-1963 to schedule a complimentary coaching session.

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DEC. 10 - 16, 2010

ADULT PERSONALS PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FRIENDS

MEN

MASSAGE

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. _______________________________34-52 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________34-51 Got a big torpedo? Fire it into a white butt. Call 8-11 PM, 215-732-2108. _______________________________34-53

Erotic Dungeon Master

Man for Man Massage

MEN

Tall, attractive, muscular Sensual/Erotic Massage I will tailor your massage to suit your needs...

6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________35-15 Bi WM ISO WM who is interested in receiving oral pleasure. Call Jack at 856-761-7616. Please, New Jersey only. Thank you. _______________________________35-02

PGN

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

Incall/Outcall Convenient to Lower Bucks, NE Phila. 15 mins from CC & S.Jersey G12 Available to any Phila area Hotel

215-313-1010

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

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PAGE 47

Online. Anyti

PGN’S COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

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PAGE 48

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

DEC. 10 - 16, 2010