PGN Dec. 14-20, 2012 by The Philadelphia Gay News

More holiday gift ideas from our entertainment center PAGE 33

Family Portrait: Morgan Levine

Former area resident leaves big legacy for HIV/AIDS groups

PAGE 35

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Dec. 14-20, 2012

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Vol. 36 No. 50

Ten years later, Morris family still grieving By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Ten years after the death of Nizah Morris, her family’s sense of outrage remains unabated. “The outrage is just the same,” said Roslyn Wilkins, her mother. “Here we are, 10 years later, a grieving family [that’s] still bewildered by the crazy story we’re getting [from officials].” The latest twist in the seemingly unending saga is a recent claim by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office that it doesn’t have any 911 recordings in its Morris investigative file. The Morris family has compact discs containing more than 100 911 transmissions related to Morris’ homicide. The family said it now hopes a criminaljustice agency that’s serious about the case will have a listen.

Morris was a 47-year-old transgender woman found lying in the street with a fatal head wound shortly after she received a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. The incident took place during the predawn hours of Dec. 22, 2002. She died two days later from complications of a fractured skull, and the case has never been solved. Police say they thought Morris lived at 15th and Walnut, and agreed to transport her there from the old Key West bar near 13th and Walnut — where Morris had been staggering out front, very intoxicated. “I’m still waiting to hear where exactly they thought Nizah lived,” Wilkins mused. “Nizah lived in West Philadelphia. Nobody lives at 15th and Walnut. We’re not buying any of it.” Police say they have no clue as to the identity of Morris’ killer or killers. But family members contend the police

need look no further than within their own ranks for the culprits. The family has long believed that police used excessive force when handling Morris, then dropped her off at 16th and Walnut, instead of transporting her immediately to a hospital. “An animal would have been treated better,” said Morris’ sister, Andrea Brunson. “We’re not saying the police set out to hurt Nizah. But something went terribly wrong.” Morris sustained a life-threatening subdural hematoma and needed emergency medical treatment if there was to be any chance of survival, Brunson said. Instead, she was left at the scene for about 40 minutes before finally being transported to Jefferson University Hospital at 4:13 a.m. Dec. 22, 2002. “[Police] closed her small window of opportunity to survive,” Brunson added.

Supreme Court to take on DOMA, Prop. 8

Out lawyer announces race for city controller

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Next year is set to be a momentous one for marriage equality, as the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the validity of federal and state bans on same-sex marriage. In a long-awaited decision Dec. 7, the nation’s top court PAGE 20

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

FBI: Hate crimes down in PA By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com New data out this week from the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that Pennsylvania saw fewer hate crimes in 2011, including those motivated by the victims’ sexual orientation. The FBI’s annual Hate Crimes Statistics report was released Monday and found an overall 6-percent decline in hate crimes PAGE 19 nationally from 2010-11,

“In my opinion, that’s murder.” Brunson’s formed that opinion after she heard the unsettling PAGE 6

FROM CUPCAKES TO COATS: Mazzoni Center staged its third annual Beer & Cupcakes event Dec. 7 at The Bike Stop. Mazzoni staff Heather Doughty (from left), Kate Redmond and Kira Manser displayed the array of baked goods that staff members made for the event. Proceeds helped the agency purchase coats and winter wear for clientele and their children, as well as for homeless LGBT youth in Philadelphia. The night netted $2,400 and enabled the agency to buy more than 200 coats and 150 toys. AIDS Fund will also contribute an additional 150 toys to the cause. “We were thrilled at the turnout, and the tremendous show of support from the community for this year’s event,” said Mazzoni casemanager coordinator Ryan Goldner (right), the primary organizer of the event. “We’re especially grateful to our friends at The Bike Stop for hosting us again.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

An openly gay lawyer will run for the office of Philadelphia city controller next year. Michael Williams announced Dec. 5 at the Reading Terminal Market that he plans to run for the Democratic nomination for the city’s top financial post in the May 21 primaries. Williams, 53, earned his undergraduate degree at Temple University and his law degree at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently chairman for the Forensic Auditing group at firm Picciotti & Schoenberg and previously worked for the City of Philadelphia’s law department as senior attorney for the Health and Human Services Unit. He is also a board member of Mission PAGE 23 Kids, Temple’s Ambler

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

REGIONAL PGN

LGBT youth organization elects new leaders, plans statewide conference By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A statewide LGBT youth organization has elected two new leaders who will help the group gear up for its second annual LGBT youth conference. The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition elected Ashish Kalani, 20, as convener and Faith Elmes, 19, as assistant convener earlier this month. According to PSEC executive director Jason Landau Goodman, both members are highly qualified. “They’re all very committed individuals with a great deal of experience with the coalition and the LGBTQ movement we’ve awakened in Pennsylvania,” he said. “I believe they will bring a great deal of insight and action to our program.” Kalani, a biology pre-med major at Villanova University, will graduate in spring of 2014. He was previously vice president of the coalition and got involved in LGBT advocacy this past summer when he interned in Washington, D.C., with OCA, a national organization that advances the political, social and economic wellbeing of Asian-Pacific Americans. He is a strong advocate for Pennsylvania’s Safe Schools Act, which PSEC drafted. Kalani said that as convener, he is in charge of overseeing the coordinating committee, and his duties include arranging meetings and keeping members involved and informed — something he plans to do

Elmes said she hopes to inspire youth in through weekly memos and emails. Although Kalani said he likes to conquer her work with PSEC. “I really like that PSEC was founded on tasks one by one, he already has goals for what he hopes to achieve in his new posi- the idea that youth can make a difference, tion. His first is to allow other members to and so I guess what I want youth across share in the responsibility and decision- the state to know is that they can do somemaking, and his second goal follows one thing important,” she said. “It is exciting of his favorite mottos from President John for a child to know they can do something F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country important.” According to Landau Goodman, PSEC can do for you, but what you can do for works as a grassroots your country.” organization and is “As a leader, I want completely youth-led. to make sure things The coalition consists are delegated. My of LGBT and ally future hope is to make high-school and colPSEC more of an lege leaders. organization that not The coordinating only forms a coalition committee, comprised of students but a coalition that means someof representatives of thing,” he said. “We LGBT youth organizations and gay-straight are not here to discuss things but do things ASHISH KALANI AND FAITH ELMES a l l i a n c e s t h a t a r e affiliated with PSEC, — I want to make us elected Kalani and Elmes to the positions. more of an action-oriented organization.” Elmes, a biochemistry major at Indiana They can be re-elected in six months. Landau Goodman said the coalition has University of Pennsylvania, was the school’s representative on the coordinating had a successful year so far and has been committee. Along with Kalani, she also active in advocating locally for policies. “We have assisted rural youth in startlobbied for the Pass Act. As assistant convener, she is in charge ing GSAs and held numerous statewide of making sure the annual Youth Action conferences and forums to coordinate and Conference is run smoothly. She will work build youth power in Pennsylvania. We closely with Kalani to ensure the coordi- have also worked in Harrisburg on safenating committee members are informed schools issues,” he said. of the goings-on in the coalition. The coalition will host the 2013

Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference from Feb. 1-3 at the University of Pittsburgh. The conference was held last year at the University of Pennsylvania and Landau Goodman said it was a huge success. Planning for the conference has gone well, Landau Goodman said, adding he expects double the attendance from last year’s conference, which drew100 students, including from locales like Erie, Pittsburgh and Scranton. The conference will offer a variety of events, sessions and speakers. Landau Goodman said he hopes the conference will help fortify the future of PSEC. “We hope to formally strategize the next steps as a coalition in terms of elevating our agenda in Harrisburg, as well as take a serious look at our local advocacy work in rural communities in Pennsylvania,” he said. The theme of the conference is “Let the Circle Be Unbroken,” which will link youth-led civil-rights movements from the past with the LGBT-equality movement in the present and future. Although the identities of this year’s speakers are still under wraps, Landau Goodman assured that the organization is seeking to secure high-profile, effective leaders. For more information on PSEC, visit www.pennsec.org; for more on the conference, go to www.yac2013.com. ■

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD

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

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. EAST OF BROAD

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

PHILADELPHIA — C.C. WEST OF BROAD

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

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ON THIS LIST? Contact Don at don@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 200 to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

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REPORTING FROM PHILLY: The Philadelphia chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association hosted panel discussion “What’s Next in LGBT Politics?” Dec. 9 at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Panelists included G Philly editor Natalie Hope McDonald (from left), University of Pennsylvania law professor Tobias Wolff, Mazzoni Center legal-services director David Rosenblum and Washington, D.C.-based Associated Press reporter Phil Elliott. The panel drew about 30 people for a lively discussion. “The fact that SCOTUS announced that they were hearing the Prop. 8 and DOMA cases made the panel even more topical,” Philadelphia chapter president Gary Kramer said. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

Crime Watch Local Media Trail Millennial Poz News Briefing Out Money

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Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

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Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2012 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Out lawyer moves office to Gayborhood By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Out local lawyer Angela Giampolo is gearing up to move into the Gayborhood. The new office of Giampolo Law Group, which has a heavy focus on LGBT law issues, later this month will move from 15th and Walnut streets to 319 S. 12th St. Giampolo, 32, received her law degree from Temple University’s School o f L a w, d u r i n g which she also studied abroad, resulting in a degree in Chinese law from Tsinghua University in Beijing. She received her undergraduate degree from La Salle University. Giampolo, who worked in a franchise boutique law firm and at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, returned home after earning her law degree, not sure what she wanted to do. “I knew I didn’t want to work at a firm anymore,” she said. After meeting with a gay couple that had had an uncomfortable encounter regarding their sexuality with an attorney, Giampolo decided to launch a business where LGBT

couples could feel welcomed. “There was no law firm out there serving people and creating a safe place where you could walk in with your partner,” she said. She opened her firm in 2008. Giampolo serves on several boards, including Equality Forum, Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, Victory Fund, the National Adoption Center and Philadelphia Inquirer’s International Visitors Council Board. She is board president of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia and writes a popular blog titled “PhillyGayLawyer.” She also writes monthly columns on legal advice for a variety of papers in the area, including an LGBT-focused piece for PGN. Giampolo handles issues of family law, civil rights, estate planning, business law, real estate and international law. She said that about 70 percent of her clientele is LGBT-identified. “When I opened my firm four years ago, I saw a need for a law firm that serviced the LGBT community and all of their legal needs, not just the obvious needs because of our lack of legal protections in this country like discrimination, proper estate planning and family planning and dissolution.” Giampolo said she has sought to create a safe spot for LGBT clients. “The attorney-client relationship is so critical that I think a disservice is done when a client doesn’t feel 100-percent com-

fortable with their attorney.” The move, Giampolo said, will further the mission of her law firm — to fully represent and serve the LGBT community. “I mean, it just makes sense that PhillyGayLawyer actually have an office in the Gayborhood,” she said. “This wasn’t just a typical office move. This was a strategic relocation based around and in order to fuel further growth.” The mission will be supported by a staff inclusive of LGBT community members. “I love that my landlord is gay, the maintenance man is gay and even the notary I’ll be using across the street is gay,” she said. Giampolo also will bring another LGBT attorney to the firm. “I’m thrilled to say that in February, a noteworthy lesbian attorney will be joining my firm, expanding the types of legal services that Giampolo Law Group provides its clients,” she said. She added that the new street-level office will be more accessible than her current skyscraper locale, which “leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a lot less intimate when you have to take an elevator 14 floors to visit your attorney.” Giampolo’s new space has been renovated both inside and outside: new hardwood floors, reclaimed wood trim and, her favorite, an entire wall designed as a dryerase board for brainstorming and litiga-

MOCK-UP OF GIAMPOLO’S NEW OFFICE-FRONT

tion-planning meetings. Giampolo said she’s excited to celebrate her fifth year in business in the new space. “If nothing else, the new location will be a huge success because of my energy around it. It just feels like everything has come into place,” she said. “I think it adds an integral component to an already very politically and commercially vibrant area.” Giampolo, however, will not be the first out attorney to occupy the space. “The owner told me that a gay attorney used to have his office in the space years ago and that it was really phenomenal for the LGBT individuals in the area,” she said. “It was a different era and people had closer relationships with their physicians and attorneys, and I want to bring that back.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

10 YEARS LATER from page 1

testimony at public hearings held by the Police Advisory Commission in 2006. Officer Elizabeth Skala, who initiated the ride, testified that to the best of her estimation, Morris was in her presence for 16 minutes, between 3:10 a.m.-3:26 a.m. Skala gave this startling testimony despite being reminded that a 911 call about Morris’ head injury came in at 3:27 a.m. Another shattering moment for the family was hearing a witness testify that Officer Thomas Berry placed a jacket over Morris’ face at 16th and Walnut as she was clinging to life. That testimony reinforced the family’s conviction that police know more about the incident than they have acknowledged. Kenneth Novak, another officer who was dispatched to investigate Morris outside Key West, has never publicly accounted for his actions during the critical time when Morris was injured — between 3:13-3:25 a.m. But Novak told a PAC investigator he tried to reach Morris from 3:10 a.m. until Skala put herself back into service for a new assignment — without specifying the time Skala did that. Skala told the PAC that she didn’t put herself back into service until 3:26 a.m. If Novak was searching for Morris from 3:10-3:26 a.m., there’s no documentation of that activity in his patrol log. Despite their continued outrage, relatives of Morris try to focus on the good times

LOCAL PGN

invisible bond between they shared with her. mother and child tug“We only had Nizah ging at her. for 47 years, but those The family filed a years were precious,” federal wrongful-death Wilkins said. civil suit against the She described Morris city in 2004, which was as a vivacious, gentle eventually settled out of soul who befriended court for $250,000. people from all walks of life. “I was ill-advised,” Morris handled the Wilkins said. “I wanted attention her transgento push forward with der status attracted with the lawsuit. I got very grace and dignity, fambad legal advice. The ily members said. lawyers got the bulk of “People just gravithe [settlement money]. NIZAH MORRIS’ MOTHER But money is nothing tated to Nizah,” Brunson ROSLYN WILKINS HOLDS 911 compared to the loss of said. “Even straight men RECORDINGS RELATING TO Nizah.” were in awe of her.” MORRIS’ HOMICIDE THAT LAWWilkins said never She said the settleENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES ment shouldn’t indicate a day goes by that she SAY THEY DON’T HAVE. that the family accepts doesn’t think of her Photo: Timothy Cwiek child. the official police story. She set up a memo“We’re not satisfied rial to Morris in her dining room, where with any of it,” she said. Morris’ ashes also repose. Lt. John Stanford, a Philadelphia police “I haven’t cooked a family dinner since spokesperson, had no comment for this Nizah passed away,” Wilkins continued. story. “Our Christmas holidays have never been A tentative interview with Homicide the same.” Capt. James Clark was postponed indefiRight around the time that Morris died nitely until he becomes more knowledge— at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 24 — Wilkins said she able about the case, Stanford said. Meanwhile, Morris’ mother and sister felt extremely weak, and soon took to her bed. expressed appreciation for the ongoing “I was completely washed out,” she said. investigation by the city’s PAC. “I couldn’t imagine what was wrong.” They said they look forward to receiving She said she now realizes that it was the a copy of the PAC’s final report on the case,

which is expected in the coming months. But the PAC is an administrative body, and the family is hoping for a serious criminal investigation. “We’d like to know who killed Nizah Morris,” Brunson said. The women also expressed full support for a federal investigation, if it gets to that point. “Bring in the feds,” Wilkins said. They’re particularly concerned that police and the D.A.’s Office have indicated to the PAC that they don’t have any 911 recordings related to the Morris case. Brunson said she occasionally prays that D.A. Seth Williams will be more forthcoming about the ongoing investigation. Family members also questioned why the D.A. refuses to account for a police log related to the case, which could help explain why Morris wasn’t transported to a hospital immediately after her head wound. They view the D.A.’s lack of candor about the log as more stonewalling. “And whatever happened to the videosurveillance tapes along Walnut Street that [investigators] got back in 2003?” Brunson posed. Tasha Jamerson, a spokesperson for Williams, had no comment for this story. The Morris family includes dozens of young people, and Wilkins said they’re all committed to pursuing justice for Morris. “This case will never go away,” she said with a sigh. ■

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Morris tapes raise questions about police story By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The family of Nizah Morris doesn’t have all the 911 transmissions related to the death of their loved one, because local authorities haven’t accounted for several key communications. But the transmissions they have raise the possibility that officers Elizabeth Skala, Thomas Berry and Kenneth Novak manipulated events that morning to keep the Morris incident based in the 9th police district — even though the ride originated in the 6th district. Keeping the incident based there paved the way for police paperwork depicting Morris as a slip-and-fall 9th-District hospital case, rather than a 6th-District courtesy-ride recipient and assault victim. The tapes also indicate that officers feigned confusion about Morris’ anatomical gender to stop their dispatcher from connecting Skala’s courtesy ride to Berry’s hospital case — a connection the dispatcher had been correctly making for about 30 minutes. Gender confusion in the 9th District Morris was anatomically male, and any police report written about her would be expected to reflect that fact, per police policy.

But at the 9th District post-injury scene on Walnut Street, Berry told the dispatcher that he was responding to a female. Berry’s female reference was in keeping with two 911 callers, who also reported that a female was lying on Walnut Street, bleeding and unconscious. But a third 911 caller, William Jackson, realized Morris was anatomically male, because he attended her drag performances at a local night spot. Jackson told investigators he informed Berry that Morris was a man. And the 911 tapes tend to confirm his story, because Jackson consistently refers to Morris in gender-neutral terms. Over the years, police have stated that Berry made an honest mistake when the officer did not inform the dispatcher of Morris’ correct anatomical gender. But it’s also possible that Berry declined to do so, because to make a point of it would require a police report to back up his assertion. And Berry evidently had no intention of writing a report, while Skala’s courtesyride job was still pending. If Berry initiated a police report of his hospital case while Skala’s courtesy-ride job was open and pending, documentation of the ride would be inevitable — because the incidents were linked by the dispatcher.

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“Save the Date! Annual Christmas Eve Food Fress”, Monday, December 24th at 7:00pm, at Charles Plaza in Chinatown, 234-236 N. 10th Street (SW corner of 10th and Vine Sts). Cost is $30.00 per person, including tax and gratuity. RSVP by December 19th to Marcia Biggs at 215-627-6747 and send in your payment by December 22nd. Make checks payable to “Congregation Rodeph Shalom.” Mail payments to: Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Attn: Marcia Biggs 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.

So Berry evidently waited until Skala told the dispatcher her job was unfounded, thus voiding Morris’ 6th District tracking numbers. Three minutes later, at 4:06 a.m. Dec. 22, 2002, Berry went over police radio and told the dispatcher to give Morris 9th District tracking numbers because she was a hospital case. The belated unfounded designation for the ride is apparently due to Skala’s misperception that Morris was neither the Key West 911 target nor the Walnut Street 911 target. The 911 tapes, however, show that Skala wasn’t confused at all about Morris’ status as a 911-target outside Key West. Skala can be heard telling the dispatcher that she located the drunk female, and that medics can be canceled because she’s giving the person a ride to 15th and Walnut. On the tapes, Skala said nothing about the incident being unfounded at that juncture. However, there may be other evidence in support of Skala’s belief that Morris wasn’t the 911 target at Key West, which hasn’t yet been released by local authorities. Morris is taken back to 6th District The tapes show that Berry remained in the vicinity of the crime scene for 37

minutes -— until 4:06 a.m., when medics began transporting a brain-dead Morris to Jefferson University Hospital, which is in the 6th District. Critics of the policework on this case have noted that it’s unusual for any officer to spend 37 minutes at a potential crime scene without writing an onsite report, or accompanying an unconscious person to a hospital for more information. No direct communication among Skala, Novak and/or Berry can be heard on the tapes during that time period. But later that morning, all three officers went to Jefferson, where they agreed that Morris probably was a hospital case, not a crime victim. Thus, the 9th District tracking numbers that Berry secured for her would suffice. Berry was tasked with the responsibility of writing a police report about the hospital case. Skala and Novak filled in their patrol logs to reflect that they spent varying amounts of time on the hospital case — both before and after the subject became unconscious. The structuring of their paperwork allows officers to convey pre-injury observations of Morris to supervisors and hospital staff — which bolster their slip-and-fall theory — without going into details about the ride. And the time periPAGE 26

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

REGIONAL PGN

Former Conshy resident leaves legacy for AIDS groups By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Thomas Dross, an out Pennsylvania native, died suddenly earlier this year — but made sure that his generosity did not pass with him. Dross, who was born and raised in Conshohocken and lived in California since the 1970s, stipulated in his will that most of his savings go to HIV/AIDS charities. His estate, managed by his longtime friends David Perry and Alfredo Casuso, earlier this month gave a $1-million gift to the AIDS Emergency Fund. The San Francisco-based agency provides vital funds to people living with the disease. Dross’ bequeath marks the organization’s largest-ever gift. Perry said Dross stipulated in his will that he wanted his money to support HIV/AIDS agencies and left the funding decisions up to him and Casuso. “He died so suddenly that we didn’t know quite what his plans were, and when we found the instructions in his will, we were just overwhelmed by his generosity in leaving so much to the community,” Perry said. “Tom donated to AIDS Emergency Fund over the years and that was one of his pet charities. It’s the best example of the ‘San Francisco model,’ with direct care and support to people living with

THOMAS DROSS

HIV/AIDS. He left the decisions up to us but luckily we’ve known him for 15 years and knew what charities he felt strongly about.” Over the next few months, Perry said he and Casuso will be making other funding announcements and expect a total of $2.5 million to go to HIV/AIDS groups. The pair is looking into directing some of Dross’ money into Philadelphia-area organizations. Dross was raised in Conshohocken and attended St. Matthew’s High School and Widener University (then-College) before earning a bachelor’s degree from University of Pennsylvania.

Dross moved to San Francisco in the ’70s and launched a career in the advertising and marketing field. He went on to open Upstairs, Downstairs, a popular restaurant in the city’s financial district. Perry said Dross did not forget his Pennsylvania roots as he found success on the West Coast. “He said that Conshohocken was a very blue-collar, working-class community and he loved the area very much,” Perry said. “His mom and his cousins were there. When he came to San Francisco, he remained in touch with all of his family back there.” Casuso and Dross met about 15 years ago and, when he and Perry became a couple in 1998, the three became quick friends. “I was coming back from a year-and-ahalf abroad and when Alfredo and I decided to move in together as a couple, I hadn’t found a place yet so Tom said, ‘I have an in-law unit in my house, why don’t you guys just live here for a while while you’re looking?’ So our first home together was in Tom’s house. And then our friendship grew from there.” Perry and Casuso married in California in 2008, before Proposition 8 was passed, and Dross hosted their wedding reception at his home. Dross helped take care of his sister who was battling cancer and who died last year, as well as his mom, who had moved out to

California and who died just four months after he did. Dross, who was 71, had a massive heart attack Jan. 7. Perry said his sudden passing was tough on all who knew him. “It was extremely shocking,” he said. “We were so close and we loved him very much.” Since his passing, Perry said he and Casuso have seen the full impact their friend had on others — and handling his estate has reinforced that point. “The thing about Tom that sticks out to me most was he was very kind, very generous,” Perry said. “He died so suddenly, and all of his tenants, his friends, everyone has said the same thing: He was just a kind, nice man. He literally gave a home to us when we were starting out as a couple. The fact he was generous didn’t surprise us, but the amount of his generosity has been kind of staggering.” Perry said that, as he and Casuso make funding decisions in the coming year, they’re looking forward to people learning about Dross’ life and legacy. “Tom was a very modest man. We want to make sure that family, friends and people who remember him from Conshohocken know that this local boy not only made good for himself, but was also making good for charity.” ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

UNDO THE WORKWEEK.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Bernard McGuirk

Editorial

The waiting game Nine people will make the difference between what could be one of the most significant advancements in the LGBT-rights movement — or what could be a crushing setback for LGBT progress. The U.S. Supreme Court last week announced that it would take up 83year-old Edie Windsor’s challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, which bans the federal government from recognizing same-sex unions. The court also announced that day that it would consider hearing a challenge to Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage. The Prop. 8 case has the potential to restore marriage equality to the nation’s most populous state, and could conceivably include an affirmation from the justices that gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry — a pronouncement that will forever change the game for marriage equality. Likewise, there are a range of possible outcomes for the DOMA case — including the court nullifying the law and allowing married gays and lesbians access to federal benefits like survivors’ rights, Social Security and joint tax filings, as well as the potential for the equalization of immigration laws. So the stakes are high — enormously high. There appears to be little LGBT and ally Americans can do in the next six months but wait for the nine justices to fall on either side of the marriage line. However, progress can still be made at the local and state levels for LGBT rights. Nondiscrimination laws can be pushed forward, measures that seek to restrict rights can be fought against and efforts can be undertaken to expand the number of states that will sanction same-sex marriage to beyond the current nine and Washington, D.C. Societal evolution may or may not play a role in how the justices come to the Prop. 8 and DOMA decisions. But the world can’t stop moving forward as the court considers these issues. Whether or not the justices side with LGBT rights, activists need to keep up their fight before, during and after the decisions. One person who could play an integral role in the outcome of the rulings is President Barack Obama. Again, the justices are not supposed to be influenced by party politics. However, having amicus briefs filed in these cases by the Obama administration — with a strong emphasis on the inherent right of gays and lesbians to marry — would be a strong indicator to the justices that the country, with the full might of the federal government, is and should be heading in this direction. This community turned out in force for the president last month, and we can only hope that his administration stands by its promises to work for equal rights for all Americans in its second term. ■

Christmas is upon us, dear readers. The halls are getting decked, gay apparel is being donned, people are striking harps and joining choruses, and a certain jolly bear of a man is making a list and checking it twice. The weather outside is getting frightful and the fire inside is getting delightful. That’s right, folks. It’s beginning to look a lot like the War on Christmas everywhere you go. That is, if the only place you go is Fox News. Still. ’Tis the season for battle. Now, it is totally possible that you did not even know there was a war on Christmas in the first place, much like how it’s easy for many of us to forget that there’s a war in Afghanistan because we don’t have to sacrifice a damn thing save tax money. But if you watch Fox News, then you know that the War on Christmas is the more important of the two wars because it’s happening on our own soil and is being waged by Americans. At least, they claim to be Americans. Except they apparently hate Christmas, specifically the baby Jesus. I mean, He’s a baby, for God’s sake! What kind of monsters are these people? It’s a good question, and one Bernard McGuirk, executive producer of “Imus in the Morning,” answered on a recent episode of “The O’Reilly Factor.” According to McGuirk, “The War on Christmas is very, very real, and if you ask me, in addition to some grouchy misanthropic heathen atheists, it has to do — at the root of it — with two things: abortion and the gay-rights agenda, because Christianity is against those things. It’s subtle but that’s why it’s so pronounced in recent years.” To this nonsense, O’Reilly enthusiastically responds, “Hundred-percent agree. I absolutely agree 100 percent that the diminishment of Christianity is the target and Christmas is the vehicle because the secularists know the opposition to their

agenda ... comes primarily from the JudeoChristian traditionalist people.” Now, blaming the War on Christmas on atheists is nothing new. After all, atheists are known for being very outspoken about what they don’t believe, unlike Christians who are known for being very timid about what they do believe. Christians in the United States are a persecuted majority, after all. They never know when they’ll walk into a Home Depot and see a 7-foot artificial Dunhill Fir maliciously labeled a “holiday tree” or have some Jesus-hating store clerk wish them “Happy holidays,” which is essentially the same thing as saying, “I wish Jesus had never been born.” But while “grouchy misanthropic heathen atheists” are foot soldiers on the frontlines, it’s the homosexuals and abortionists who are more of the masterminds, sitting up in a control center somewhere having gay sex and/or aborting babies. And definitely hatin’ on Christmas. According to one FoxNews.com opinion writer, “Atheists are combing every schoolhouse, statehouse and house of worship to destroy the spirit of Christmas.” And do you know why they’re doing this? They’re just following orders from their homosexual abortionist commanders who use Nativity figures confiscated from city-hall lawns across the country to build life-size Abortionplex scenes and gay dance-party mangers across this great land. Oh, and in case you’re thinking, But wait, I’m gay and I celebrate Christmas ... I have two words for you: undercover operative. Now hush and remember: Loose lips sink sleighs. ■

The War on Christmas is very, very real, and if you ask me, in addition to some grouchy misanthropic heathen atheists, it has to do — at the root of it — with two things: abortion and the gay-rights agenda, because Christianity is against those things.

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

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

OP-ED PGN

Picking the next governor This is not a political endorsement ... Schwartz has a strong Philadelphia-area Great way to start a column, but the truth is base and could possibly match Rendell’s high numbers from the area. we really want to make a point that seems Lastly, the question, why would she leave to be missing among Pennsylvania political Congress? The truth is that it might very pundits: Although most are writing her off, well be a while before the Democrats are the Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz would majority in the U.S. House again. most likely be one of the strongest candidates to challenge curAnd unless you’re in the majority rent Gov. Tom Corbett. Maybe party, there is not much out there pundits look at her as a liberal for you. Especially in a House that is so partisan. Jewish woman and see those As I said, this is not an attributes as a hindrance. Let’s look at each of those points. endorsement, especially since Religion is often used in there are many others in the describing Pennsylvania, which Democratic field. And many are is often characterized as a convery attractive candidates with impeccable credentials and résuservative Christian state. You’ve més. Ah, you might say, what heard the now-famous quote from CNN political pundit about the Republicans? Well, the James Carville: “Pennsylvania governor hasn’t announced if has Philadelphia on one side, he’ll run and if he does, it seems Pittsburgh on the other and like he might have a challenge in Alabama in the middle.” Mark Segal his own party, something unusual Well, that Christian state has for a sitting governor. That points not once but twice elected Jewish governors: out something about the current governor, Milton Shapp in the 1970s and Ed Rendell and why Democrats are lining up to challenge him. But I caution those challengers. just six years ago. And throughout the state, there are countless other Jewish elected offi- Rendell was also unpopular when he began cials. So much for that issue. his campaign for re-election. That conservative state elected Rendell If you think I’m off, remember it was this and recently went for a guy named Barack column that first predicted that presidential Obama, who many in that Alabama part of candidate Rick Santorum would not run the state might consider more than liberal. in the Pennsylvania primary against Mitt And as for being a woman, we’ve had Romney, no matter how strong his momentum was, thereby leaving the pathway clear a popular woman as lieutenant governor, for Romney’s nomination. Catherine Knoll, in office from 2003 until All of this might be a little premature her death five years later. When she ran for that post, she topped the field. Barbara Hafer since the race is a year off but, hey, it’s two weeks before Christmas and I needed a topic was state treasurer, and we just elected the to write about. ■ state’s first female attorney general. Anyone who knows Pennsylvania knows Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s that, in order for any Democrat to win, he most-award-winning commentator in LGBT or she has to really roll up the numbers in media. He can be reached at mark@epgn. the five-county Philadelphia area. The first com. serious woman candidate for governor,

Mark My Words

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Street Talk Is same-sex hand-holding a suitable punishment for high-school students? “Yes. It’s better than suspension. Suspension is a reward to some kids. It’s OK to show affection to someone of the same sex. Jacquelyn Blough It doesn’t student mean you’re West Philadelphia gay. I hug my girlfriends all the time. I love them. But I’m not a lesbian.”

“No. It’s inappropriate. It encourages people to look down on samesex relationships. There has to be a more creative Theresa Breslin cosmetologist way of Radnor disciplining someone, without resorting to homophobia. Suspension or in-school detention would be better than that.”

“No. It buys into the belief that it’s shameful to be gay. And it’s a catalyst for bullying that already exists. The recipients Michele Harris of that type esthetician of discipline South Philadelphia become more vulnerable to ostracism and bullying.”

“Yes. It helps break down the stigma. It’s something that students should experience. It helps break down barriers Marie McGranagh to public student displays of Kensington affection. Same-sex hand-holding isn’t a big deal. And it shouldn’t be treated like a big deal.”

about whether or not I’d vote for him (I tell him all the time, “not ’til you change your views on women’s rights to control their own bodies”). His good nature and ability to be friendly and thoughtful with everyone ... from his most conservative Christian constituents to his most liberal feminists ... is one of the things that has been on his side. I hope people here in the 81st District continue to support him.

on my side. I cannot pretend he doesn’t belong to the same party as Sarah Palin, Anne Coulter, Donald Trump, Mitt Romney and John McCain, not to mention the freak show of Tea Partiers. What is his standing on women’s right to choice? What is his record regarding immigration reform? What is he doing to improve HIV/AIDS issues? What is he doing about the General Assistance cuts? None of these issues are going to magically disappear from my mind just because he announced that he’s gay. It really is a hard sell to try to get me to think that just because the guy is gay he’s automatically on my side, caring about all the issues that the LGBT community faces and supporting all other non-LGBT issues and challenges we all face. My reply is: He’s gay, so what?

Letters and Feedback In response to “Public display of affection leads to alleged discrimination,” Nov. 23-29: I am tired of hearing about “sensitivity training” as a means to cure public officials of their bigotry. They have had decades to get used to LGBT people. The security guard who booted Raphael Perez from the park for kissing a guy needs to be reprimanded (if not fired) and ordered to apologize. The officer alleged that small children were present. I hope so, since it is appropriate for children to witness displays of human affection. — Rich Wilson Philadelphia In response to “PA’s gay Republican? A good thing,” Dec. 7-13: Mark, your commentary on this is so

correct. The LGBT community should be inclusive in every way. The truth is, we will never achieve full equality if we remain in the hip pocket of one political party, a party that has come to take our support for granted. In New York state we had four Republicans who voted with us on marriage equality, which got the bill passed. I loudly fought here for our LGBT community to strongly support and back those four Republicans. I felt if we turned our back on them, there would never be a reason for any Republicans in the future to ever side with us on any issues. Why should they? — Jerry Hoose New York Mark, thanks for the good article. Mike is a great guy and cares deeply about his constituents. He and I have joked for years

— Lynn Cockett “He’s conservative. Again, so what? In fact, this is the strongest argument to support him.” Hmm ... not really. To many of us, LGBT rights and inclusion are just some of the many issues we face. Some of us have to deal with appropriate health care, immigration reform, choice for women, to name a few. I cannot just think, Hey, he’s gay, he’s

— chris1976

FINANCE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Making your charitable gifts count Q: My partner and I are looking to make some charitable contributions before yearend. We just want to make sure we’re donating to appropriate charities and also deducting our donations properly on our taxes. Can you offer any suggestions? A: Thanks for your question and for your generosity. The greatest benefit of charitable giving is the knowledge that you’ve made a positive contribution to others. At the same time, charitable giving can also provide tax breaks, so long as you are aware of some rules and keep track of what you’ve donated. Making a charitable choice Choosing a charity The first step is to identify an organization you wish to support. There are thousands of charitable organizations to choose from that support such causes as environmental protection, curing illnesses, improving the lives of children and, of course, a variety of LGBT issues. Start by identifying what is most important to you. Next, you will want to do some research. If you want to claim a tax deduction for your gift, you’ll need to make sure you are dealing with a registered charity to satisfy IRS rules. Your local Better Business Bureau can provide information on charities. Once you have a short list of registered organizations, contact each one and ask for a copy of its annual report. This report explains the charity’s mission, lists its key personnel and provides a breakdown of how donations are spent. Pay careful attention to marketing and administrative expenses, which can vary widely among organizations. You will probably want the majority of your money to go to those who need it. Keep in mind, however, that high expenses related to awareness campaigns are designed to educate the public and increase donations, so they might not be cause for concern.

able to volunteer work, you will also need to obtain a written description of your gift. This description must contain an acknowledgement from the charity of your contribution, a description of non-cash items donated, a statement of whether the charity provided goods or services in exchange for the donation and — if goods or services were provided — a good-faith estimate of their value. The IRS has ruled that the fair-market value of goods and services should be deducted from any charitable contributions used to offset taxes. Keep in mind that fair-market value may differ from what you pay for the goods or services offered. A good example of this is the popular practice of selling candy bars. As an example, say that you pay $2 for a candy bar to benefit a local school. The fair-market value of the candy is actually $1, were you to purchase it at a local store. That $1 is deducted from your contribution, leaving you with a deduction of $1. To simplify Jeremy your tax reporting, it might be to turn down any goods or Gussick best services of more than nominal value that a charity offers in exchange for your gift.

Out Money

IRS rules for giving You are free to give as much to charity as you like. However, you will need to follow IRS rules and keep records of your gifts to claim tax deductions. Monetary contributions are the easiest to report. Always pay by check, and make the check payable directly to the charity. Ask for a receipt and save it along with your canceled check and your bank-account statements. A deduction is no longer allowed for monetary gifts unless accompanied by a bank record or a written receipt from the charity indicating the amount of the contribution, date of the donation and name of the charity. If your contribution exceeds $250, either in cash, certain property or out-of-pocket expenses that are attribut-

Non-cash gifts To declare charitable gifts of certain non-cash items worth more than $500 (such as used clothing or furniture), you must supply cost and acquisition information for the items given. When claiming single non-cash gifts worth more than $5,000 (excluding publicly traded stock), you must include an appraisal of the gift’s value with your tax return. Two such gifts to carefully consider are used items and time. Items such as computers and clothing are subject to depreciation over time, so you won’t be able to declare your purchase price as a deduction. Time spent volunteering typically isn’t deductible; however, expenses associated with volunteering, such as transportation and materials, are deductible. Appreciable gifts are best Items with the potential for appreciation are the best gifts for tax-conscious charitable givers. You can avoid capital gains taxes by donating assets that have appreciated in value. Outside of a charitable trust or foundation, this is one of the most effective ways to reduce taxes through charitable contributions. You can donate appreciated stock, artwork, antiques, collectibles or other non-cash items as long as you have owned them for at least one year. You can deduct the full fair-market value of the gift from your taxes, and any appreciation will escape taxation. Consider selling appreciable assets you have owned for a year that have lost PAGE 26 value, with the proceeds

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PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

We see the sick: We’re all in this together pain, as I experience it, is something good, not pathological. But maybe I’m messed How often have we redrafted our narup because I enjoy this pain, which smacks of the pain of my childhood. Maybe I feel ratives as one of invariable tragedy? How familiar with that kind of pain than I do often do we portend the passage of joy in the contentment with being a good writer. leave for eras of endless suffering? Why After all, I’ve spent more time with that must we rewrite our stories when our kind of pain than the feeling of being a epiphanies grant not blissful insight, but inerasable visions of self-made misery? writer. Misery of the past — in light of misery of Do I really identify with that? Is that part the present — that we’ve thrown in otherof my story? Ah! Even if it is, I don’t have ing upon others. to feel shitty about it. Can’t I just leave it Othering others begins with as it is and learn to cohabitate? I othering ourselves: What was learned to cohabitate with HIV, once an inseparable part of our and I’m plenty happy — even whole is now exiled to our ghetnow. toes of the damned; what was Yeah. I feel a little bit better once a foible occasioning our now that everything is out in expression is now defining vice the open. I still want to get betand foreign lord, ruling like a ter as a writer, but I’m OK with not being OK with the kind of tyrant we jettisoned to a crevice in the cosmos. writer I currently am. If change By setting at odds those parts in this way is meaningful for — those immortal persons that me, then I’ll take the necescannot help but be one with sary steps. If not, then I’ll learn us — we set at odds our inner to live with the pain, which realms with silent war and isn’t bad anyway. And I’m sure unending battle. Self-control, I’ll learn something from it self-mastery, renunciation and meaningful for me. I’ll Aaron Stella that’s change, nonetheless. Being a fasting become our lofty sciences, sobering us with promgood writer wouldn’t be the one ises to wipe out every cosmic crevice trait that makes me happy anyway. Lots populated with aliens we couldn’t bear to of things make me happy and make me myself. call family. “Alienation is the mother of pathology.” But at the end of the day, they cannot Ha! Who the hell do I think I am? Some help but to live immortally as our family — no matter where they go or what we call stuffy metaphysician of the Enlightenment them. Era? Ah, well, it’s fun, and the theatriWe are all the authors of alienation, cal baritone does suit me. It also makes it and we all share a proclivity for annihilaimpossible for anyone to take me seriously tion. That which we elect as alien must be when I get angry. consigned to the oblivion, or baptized in The sick? The healthy? You have cannuclear fire so it no longer resembles the cer, I don’t. I have HIV, you don’t. Where thing it was. does healthiness end and sickness begin? But life is immortal! And alienSomething is chemically off inside you. Of ation makes life hostile! Just as Victor course I understand. Don’t feel bad about Frankenstein made his creation a monster. it. Really. You’ve got a lot going on right Life turns against us when we try to now, but try to keep things in perspective, destroy it. Just as you turn against others all right? I’ll help you in any way I can, when you try to destroy yourself. and tell you not to get down on yourself Such is what makes alienation the along the way. mother of pathology, under which we unite But we have to work together, OK? to elect the sick and healthy. We’re all in this together, folks. Even Ugh. The way I’ve written this column when people say we’re not, we are, immormakes me feel sick. I wish I were a better tally, together. ■ writer — right now! Aaron Stella is former editor-in-chief of Wait, what, really? I’m fucking with Philly Broadcaster. He has written for myself, for no reason. But I’m aware that several publications in the city and now I’m fucking with myself, and I don’t have to let it bother me that I’m fucking with devotes his life to tackling the challenges myself and that I’m unhappy with myself of HIV in the 21st century. Millennial as a writer. Poz, which recently won first place for I’m gonna call my own bluff. If betterexcellence in opinion writing from the ing these things about myself really means National Lesbian and Gay Journalists something to me, then I’ll do so. But, if Association and best column writing from the pain I feel from my unhappiness outthe Local Media Association, appears in weighs my desire to better myself, then I PGN monthly. Aaron can be reached at millennialpoz@gmail.com. must find meaning in the pain. Then the Part three of a three-part series

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

HATE CRIMES from page 1

although there was a slight increase in LGBT-related crimes, from 1,277 to 1,293. This marks the first time that sexual orientation is the second-mostreported motivator of hate crimes, following race. Religion used to be the second-most-common factor. The total 6,222 hate-crime incidents marked the lowest figures since 1994, although the report’s methodology has been criticized, as law-enforcement agencies participate on a voluntary basis. Pennsylvania saw a 7-percent drop in hate crimes, from 57 in 2010 to 53 the following year. There was also a decrease in crimes motivated by sexual orientation, from 10 incidents to seven. There were 30 incidents relating to race, eight each relating to religion and ethnicity and no disability-related incidents. The seven LGBT incidents were spread across the state: three in Pittsburgh and one each in Cheltenham Township, Harrisburg, Penn State University’s main campus and West Chester University. Philadelphia reported no LGBTrelated crimes last year, compared to two in 2010. The city did experience seven crimes motivated by race, three by religion and three by ethnicity. In Pennsylvania, 15 cities, two universities and three state-police forces reported in 2011, compared with 21 cities, two universities and eight state-police departments. Nationally, there were 1,293 incidents relating to sexual orientation last year, compared with 1,277 the previous year. The majority of the crimes both years were categorized as anti-male. Pennsylvania’s LGBT-related crimes accounted for about 13 percent of its overall incidents, compared with the national figure of 21 percent. Of the national anti-LGBT crimes, the majority were categorized as simple assault, followed by intimidation and aggravated assault. For incidents motivated by race, religion and ethnicity, intimidation was the most common crime, followed by simple assault. There were four hate-related murders nationally last year — three of which were LGBT-related. The previous year, two of the six murders were classified as antiLGBT. The FBI does not currently collect data on crimes motivated by gender identity. With the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, however, such crimes will be counted in 2013 and reported the following year. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance bid farewell to its longtime chief executive officer Richard Keaveney (center) at a reception Dec. 5 at University of the Arts’ Hamilton Hall. Keaveney was sent off by newly appointed executive director Sue Daugherty and director of events and volunteer services Rob Saxon, as well as more than 100 well-wishing MANNA volunteers, staff and clients. MANNA provides nutritional meals to people in the region with lifethreatening illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS. Photo: Scott A. Drake PROP 8 from page 1

announced that it would take up two marriage-equality cases this term — one filed by Philadelphia native Edie Windsor against the federal Defense of Marriage Act and the long-embattled case of California’s Proposition 8. Arguments will be heard this spring and decisions will be rendered by June. Had the court declined to hear the Prop. 8 case, marriage equality would have again been legal in California. However, that the case will be resolved on a national level is welcomed news to LGBT advocates. “This is the first time the Supreme Court has taken on two cases like this, so that in and of itself is pretty remarkable,” said Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin. Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin — the co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which is sponsoring the Prop. 8 challenge — noted last Friday that “the passage of Proposition 8 caused heartbreak for so many Americans, but today’s announcement gives hope that we will see a landmark Supreme Court ruling for marriage this term.” He added that HRC is also “confident that the justices will find [DOMA] patently unconstitutional.” Martin was hesitant to speculate which way the justices may lean in both cases. However, he noted that the court historically favors widening, not restricting, rights. “The court has always agreed on the side of expanding rights, and it’s my hope that that is something they’ll consider,” he said. Recent progress made for marriage equality — including the president’s backing and voters approving marriage equality in three states — could also be a factor, he said. “Even though the court says it doesn’t react to popular culture, they do, they actually do eventually,” Martin said. “So I’m hoping some of the remarkable changes going on will have a way of impacting

this.” Prop. 8 was ruled unconstitutional by a district court in 2010, a finding upheld by an appellate court. The clause of DOMA that defines marriage as between one man and one woman has been struck down by a number of district and appellate courts. In the Prop. 8 case, the court could take a number of paths — including weighing in on whether gays and lesbians have a right to marry, which would mark a watershed moment in the LGBT-rights movement. Or, the decision could be narrowed to the constitutionality of California’s ban on samesex marriage. If the court finds Prop. 8 to be unconstitutional, marriage equality would again be the law of the land in California. The Windsor case looks at the federal DOMA, passed in 1996, which prevents married same-sex couples from receiving equal federal benefits as married heterosexual couples. Windsor, 83, is a Philadelphia native and current New York resident who was forced to pay more than $360,000 in inheritance taxes after the death of her same-sex spouse, Thea Spyer. In Windsor’s case, a New York district court and appellate court found DOMA to be unconstitutional. “When Thea and I met nearly 50 years ago, we never could have dreamed that the story of our life together would be before the Supreme Court as an example of why gay married couples should be treated equally and not like second-class citizens,” Windsor said in a statement last week. “While Thea is no longer alive, I know how proud she would have been to see this day. The truth is, I never expected any less from my country.” The justices selected Windsor’s DOMA case among eight potential challenges. The court could uphold or nullify the federal ban, which would pave the way for same-sex married couples to be granted the same federal rights as their heterosexual counterparts. ■

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News Briefing Scouts, city seek deadline extensions Both sides in the dispute involving a city-owned building that’s occupied by a local Boy Scouts council have requested an extension of their deadlines to file upcoming briefs in the dispute. For several years, the city has been trying to evict the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council from a city-owned building on 22nd Street near the Ben Franklin Parkway, because the group won’t pay rent nor accept openly gay participants. But a federal jury blocked the eviction in July 2010, and the city is appealing that ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Cradle was supposed to file a legal brief in the matter on Dec. 24. But on Dec. 6, Cradle and the city filed a joint motion requesting that Cradle get a 30-day extension until Jan. 23 to file a legal brief. In the motion, the city also requested a deadline-extension until Feb. 20 to reply to Cradle’s legal brief. The motion cited holiday-season conflicts

as a basis for requesting the extensions. The motion also requested that Cradle be permitted to exceed the word limit for its brief from 14,000 to 21,000. Similar permission was granted to the city before it filed its opening brief with the court. At presstime, the court hadn’t ruled on the requests. Palma Rasmussen, a disability-rights advocate, expressed hope that the court will deny the deadline extensions. “Every day this case drags on, discrimination continues to be subsidized by taxpayers,” she said. “Where’s the sense of urgency? Justice delayed is justice denied. There should be no discrimination in a public facility, end of story.”

Church temporarily spared from wrecker’s ball An 11th-hour appeal to spare an old Catholic church from the wrecker’s ball was granted this week by a city review board. Demolition of the Church of the Assumption, which was formerly owned by the AIDS agency Siloam, was scheduled to begin Dec. 11. But on the same day, the city’s Board of License and Inspection Review voted 5-0 to block the demolition, pending a follow-up hearing scheduled for next month. The Gothic-style church is located at 1133 Spring Garden St. Built in 1849, it has ties to two local saints, Katharine Drexel and John Neumann, and

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is on the city’s Register of Historic Places. But in October, Common Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox cleared the way for its demolition, ruling that it would be a hardship for Siloam to maintain the dilapidated structure. Three months prior, Siloam sold the property to MJ Central Investment LP. The Callowhill Neighborhood Association, which opposes the demolition, hopes a new buyer can be found. “This is a wonderful Philadelphia landmark, a very historic church,” said Samuel C. Stretton, an attorney for the CNA. “It enriches the Philadelphia community by its existence. It should not be torn down unless and until there’s a full and complete hearing on all the issues. It’s my position that once that hearing is held, it will never be torn down.” John Wei, of MJ Central Investment, couldn’t be reached for comment. Siloam continues to provide HIV/AIDS services in an old rectory next to the church while it searches for a new location. CNA’s request to block the demolition remains pending in state Commonwealth Court. The Board of License and Inspection Review will revisit the matter at 1:15 p.m. Jan. 8 at 1515 Arch St., 18th floor.

4:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 19 as they remember Philadelphians who are homeless or formerly homeless. ACT UP, Broad Street Ministry, the Philadelphia chapter of NAACP and several other organizations will recognize Homeless Memorial Day at Thomas Paine Plaza, 1401 JFK Blvd. For more information, contact Jennie Young at 215-232-7272 ext. 3106 or jennieyoung@projecthome.org.

Theater gives back

Remembering the homeless

People’s Light & Theatre in Malvern will expand its outreach to local charities this holiday season. Funds raised from performances of “Aladdin: A Musical Panto” and “This Wonderful Life” will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Chester County Food Bank, Home of the Sparrow and the regional chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. For the past decade, the company has supported Broadway Cares through its Panto series and this year wanted to add to the cause. “People’s Light is deeply rooted in the local community and welcomes opportunities to partner with charities that are providing such important services,” said artistic director Abigail Adams. For more information, visit www.peopleslight.org. ■

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Media Trail Name-change denied for lesbian West Virginia’s WSAZ Channel 3 reports that, for a year, waitress Cynthia Landis has legally been a Landis. Landis is the name on her Social Security card, the name on her District of Columbia marriage certificate and the name on her Virginia driver’s license. But the state of West Virginia won’t recognize it. The Division of Motor Vehicles won’t issue Landis a license in that name because she’s married to a woman. Deputy Commissioner Steve Dale says state law forbids the agency from recognizing the legality of any documents related to a same-sex marriage. He said Landis can seek a court order changing her name or she can get a license with her ex-husband’s surname. Landis called the state’s position ridiculous and discriminatory. She said she just wants the state to recognize her name, not her marriage.

Minn. gov to push domestic-partner benefit The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Gov. Mark Dayton says he plans to include samesex domestic-partner benefits

in Minnesota’s state employee contracts. Dayton, a gay-rights supporter, said in an interview Dec. 7 that he will put the benefits on the table in contract negotiations due to start in a few months. Minnesota briefly offered health benefits to employees’ domestic partners under Gov. Jesse Ventura, an independent. Republicans refused to ratify the deals, and GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty then negotiated contracts without the benefits. Dayton’s administration circulated an offer including domesticpartner benefits during talks this year, but Dayton said the provision was pulled late in negotiations to keep the contracts from certain defeat in the Republicancontrolled legislature. If the benefits are adopted, domestic partners of state employees would become eligible for family health and dental coverage. Democrats take over the legislature next month.

Merck stops giving to Boy Scouts ABC News reports Merck’s charitable foundation has stopped giving money to the Boy Scouts of America, saying the exclusion of gays from its ranks and leadership positions conflicts with the pharmaceutical company’s nondiscrimination policy. The Merck Foundation says it will reconsider giving money to the Boy Scouts if they change their policy on sexual orientation. Merck CEO Kenneth C. Frazier was a Scout in his youth. He received the “Good Scout” Award from the Philadelphia Cradle of

Liberty Boy Scouts Council in June. Records show the foundation gave $30,000 to the Boy Scouts of America in 2011 and $10,000 to the Cradle of Liberty Council. Merck is the maker of HIV drug Isentress, in addition to dozens of other medicines and vaccines. Other companies to end funding to the BSA include Verizon and UPS, while the CEOs of Ernst & Young and AT&T have urged the Boy Scouts to end their ban.

Mormon Church wants more compassion for gays Idaho’s KTVB.com reports the Mormon Church has undertaken a new campaign: to encourage its members to be more compassionate toward gays and lesbians. Church authorities insist they aren’t changing the Mormon teaching that same-sex relationships are sinful. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it wants to foster more understanding of homosexuality among Mormons and a more civil conversation about the issue. The LDS church is making the push through a new website leaders launched Dec. 6. Mormons faced intense criticism after church leaders helped fund the fight for California’s Proposition 8. The 2008 ballot measure put in place a ban on gay marriage. Church authorities said they were stunned by the backlash. Since then, the church has been trying to reach out to gays and lesbians to heal tensions. ■ — compiled by 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 6th Police District between Nov. 26-Dec. 1. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www. phillypolice.com or call 215-686TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — Between 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Nov. 27, someone removed the deadbolt lock from an apartment in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street and stole a laptop, iPad and a watch. Sixth District Officer Minnis lifted fingerprints from the scene. On Nov. 30, another unit was discovered with a forced door. Someone entered this unit between 2:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and midnight Nov. 30 and stole a laptop, iPod and jewelry. Sixth District Officer Colon lifted fingerprints. — At 7:15 p.m. Nov. 27, two males were inside the Last Drop Coffee Shop, 1300 Pine St., when one pulled a handgun and announced

a hold-up. Everyone inside was, one by one, told to give up their cell phones and laptops. When the sixth person was told to comply, he instead struck one of the males in the head with a glass. They fled on foot, going west on Pine Street. The suspects were described as black males, both 18-25. One was 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-1, 160 pounds, with scruffy facial hair, wearing a fitted blue puffy jacket and tan pants. The second was 6-foot2 to 6-foot-3, 160-170 pounds, wearing a dark hoodie and jeans. The scene was processed for evidence and fingerprints by Central Detective Division. — Between 11 p.m. Nov. 28 and 10 a.m. Nov. 29, someone smashed the window of a 2008 Ford, parked in the 800 block of Pine Street, and stole a GPS. — Between 4-10:45 p.m. Nov. 29, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 401 S. Broad St. — On Nov. 30, someone stole two iPads from Spring Board Media, 116 S. 13th St. Security video showed the suspects to be two black males. One was about 26, 5-foot-8, wearing a black vest and black hat; the other was about 26, 5-foot-9, wearing a gray jacket

CONTROLLER from page 1

campus and Washington Square West Civic Association, and helped lead the NAACP’s voter-registration and voter-empowerment operations for the election. “We registered about 2,500 people throughout the state to vote, which was the most rewarding part,” he said. Williams said he drove more than 400 miles to help transport people to vote on Nov. 6. “We didn’t care who they voted for, we just wanted people to vote.” If elected, Williams would be the city’s first openly gay controller. However, his sexual orientation isn’t something he considers a qualification for the job. “I think it is important to have good, competent people in city government and people who are committed to the city fully,” he said. “I just happen to be gay, black, Catholic and from Los Angeles. You just need candidates and people in government who want to do their jobs and who will do them well.” However, having out candidates is a positive, he said. “The fact that there are more LGBT community members running in Philadelphia and all over the nation is tremendous. It means that we are out there giving our service for our community.” Williams noted that, in the past decade, various leaders and groups in the city have urged him to run for City Council. “People might think I might be good at

and jeans. — At 5 a.m. Nov. 30, SEPTA Police took a report of a male who was accosted in the subway concourse, at Broad and Locust streets, by two males who took his bicycle. The suspects were described as black males. The first was about 40, 5-foot-7, with a light complexion, and the second was also about 40, 5-foot-9, with a dark complexion and a beard. — At 6:50 p.m. Nov. 30, someone stole an iPhone from a woman’s hand as she was walking in the 1000 block of Lombard Street. The suspect was described as a black male. — Between 7 p.m. Nov. 17 and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 1, someone stole a rear spoiler from a 2009 Honda that was parked in the 400 block of South 12th Street. — Between 12:30-5:20 p.m. Dec. 2, someone entered an apartment in the 1300 block of Lombard Street without force and stole laptops, jewelry and cash. Sixth District Officer Maiorano was unable to lift fingerprints. — At 3 p.m. Dec. 1, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1000 Chestnut St.

City Council but, by nature, I’m the nerdy accounting guy — the guy who wants to get the numbers and do the job,” he said. “I don’t want the glory. I just need to make sure the books are balanced.” Williams said as city controller, he would maintain a proper audit schedule for the city. “I am hard-pressed to figure out if the current controller has followed that schedule. He has a tendency to do ‘gotcha’ audits,” he said of current Controller Alan Butkovitz. Williams said he would be committed to cutting wasteful city spending. “The clear answer to this is just to do your job. One of my personal goals is to get the city controller’s office audited, which is a no-brainer but I am ready to find the last time that has happened.” If elected, Williams said, he would strive to make the office more transparent. “As city controller, you should publish your audit schedule and not sneak up on anyone. If money disappears, then you find it and work hard trying to find it. There should be no secrets on what goes on in the office.” Over the next few months, Williams said he will be working to show city voters that his background and education make him the right person for the job. “I am the person who will be able to do this job and work with the government and not disrupt it for my own political games,” he said. ■

NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 5:05 p.m. Nov. 29, 6th District Officers Solis and Stevens arrested a man outside 101 S. 11th St. who was wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court. The 39-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with contempt of court. — At 8:55 p.m. Nov. 29, someone took the tip jar from the counter of Capogiro, 119 S. 13th St., and fled with the manager in pursuit. Sixth District plainclothes Officers Calhoun and Kovach responded a the 911 call and apprehended the suspect at 1200 Sansom St. after he allegedly discarded the jar, which was returned to the store. The 22-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with theft. — At 8:35 p.m. Nov. 30, 6th District Officers Butler and Burrell arrested three males for prowling in the rear of an apartment building in the 1300 block of Waverly Street. — At 8:25 p.m. Dec. 1, 6th District plainclothes Officers Ferrero and Hill observed a male at the ATM at 1226 Walnut St. with two other males behind him, who were yelling at him to get money. The males were stopped and found to have the

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intoxicated complainant’s credit cards and wallet in their possession. A 36-year-old suspect with a Newark, Del., address and a 21year-old suspect with a New York City address were charged with robbery and related offenses. SUMMARY ARRESTS — On Nov. 28, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 1:10 a.m. outside 201 S. Broad St., at 10:30 p.m. outside 110 S. 13th St. and at 11:20 p.m. outside 1300 Walnut St. — At 10:35 a.m. Nov. 29, 6th District officers issued two citations for summary offenses outside 200 S. Juniper St. — On Nov. 30, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 7:45 p.m. outside 1300 Chestnut St., and at 10:50 and 11:15 p.m. outside 1200 Locust St. — On Dec. 1, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 11:05 a.m. outside 1322 Locust St., at 6:40 p.m. outside 233 S. 13th St. and 7:55 p.m. outside 200 S. Camac St. — At 5 p.m. Dec. 2, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1320 Walnut St. ■

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NIZAH TAPE from page 7

ods recorded in the logs give the impression that Berry spotted the hospital case first, rendering it understandable that he would be the officer to write the report. 911 recordings undermine Berry’s report In his report, Berry cited 911 caller William Jackson as a “witness” who caused him to believe Morris was probably a slip-andfall victim. But Jackson never expressed any such opinion about Morris on the 911 tape. To the contrary, Jackson clearly stated that he didn’t know what happened to Morris. The 911 recordings also corroborate Jackson’s statement to investigators that Oscar Padilla was the first person to show up at the Walnut Street scene. And Padilla told investigators

that a taxi cab was actually ahead of him, but didn’t stick around. To this day, Berry has never explained why he didn’t interview Padilla. Information about a possible hit-and-run taxi driver would necessitate a report, yet the timeline seems to suggest that Berry had no intention of writing one until well after Skala’s job was deemed unfounded. Berry’s report corrects gender mistake at Walnut Street Berry’s report describes Morris as a “John Doe” male, but it also indicates that Berry thought Morris was a post-operative “transsexual” female — before going to Jefferson and learning otherwise. That would explain Berry’s inaccurate statement over police radio about Morris being a female.

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But it also points to confusion Berry and Skala may have cited to investigators when explaining why Skala apparently indicated to their dispatcher at 4:03 a.m. that Berry’s hospital case wasn’t her ride recipient. The official police story is that Berry happened upon Skala and Morris at the ride’s conclusion. If Skala told Berry that Morris was transgender (thinking he understood she meant pre-operative) and Berry referred to his hospital case over police radio as a female (thinking Skala meant post-operative), that could explain why Skala didn’t make the connection. Fractured skull not documented Novak was in charge of the fact-gathering process at Jefferson because he was routinely assigned to the facility, and OUT MONEY from page 17

of the sale donated to charity. This allows you to remove the full fair-market value of the assets from your taxes while still claiming a capital loss on the depreciation. In addition to direct gifts to charity, other options include a charitable remainder or charitable lead trust or setting up a private foundation. However, complex rules govern the creation and maintenance of these vehicles. Thus, tax and legal advisors are necessary to determine if a trust or foundation is appropriate for your situation. Charitable donations are an excellent way to reduce your taxes and make a difference in the lives of others. And while it’s natural to consider charitable giving during the holidays or at tax time, it’s also important to remember that the need to help others lasts year-round. ■

hospital personnel didn’t call for a 9th District officer because they had no idea where Morris came from. But after summoning Berry and Skala for help in figuring out what happened to Morris, Novak apparently ceded his report-writing duty to Berry. He could do that because the officers concluded that Berry’s initial assessment was probably correct: Morris was a hospital case, not a crime victim. If Morris had been deemed a crime victim, a different approach to the paperwork would be needed. In that scenario, Novak would have to write a report, because the information he gathered at the hospital triggered Morris’ new status as a crime victim. Documentation of the courtesy ride would be inevitable, because the ride couldn’t be camouflaged Jeremy R. Gussick is a Financial Advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2012 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network, and the Independence Business Alliance. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via email at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/ SIPC. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996-2012, based on total revenues. **Award details can be found at www.fivestarprofessional.com.

with “hospital case” designations in the patrol logs any longer. But since the officers didn’t think Morris was a crime victim, there was no need for Novak to write a report, nor document any information he gathered about Morris’ head injury. And since Berry ostensibly didn’t know anything about Morris’ fractured skull at Walnut Street, he was under no obligation to document it in his report. So Berry wrote a very vague report, and Novak noted his time at Jefferson in his patrol log as meeting with a “complainant” whom Berry had already written a report about. Thus, the officers had no documentation of the courtesy ride and Morris’ subsequent assault. It is uncertain whether this was all due to a series of coincidences or deliberate manipulation remains. ■ This article was prepared with the assistance of S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor, or me, if you have any questions. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content.

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PGN Dec. 28: 2012 Top Stories and Favorite Photos Jan. 4: Person of the Year

Liberty City Press DEC. 9-16, 2012

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point

City Council’s Winter Break Reading

Pew Trust’s Actual Value Initiative: Overhauling Property Taxes in Philadelphia

he battle for the future of Philadelphia will begin next spring, when City Council debates, and most likely passes, the Actual Value Initiative (AVI). The AVI is a new property-tax system that reassesses every property in the city, applies a new taxation formula to these properties, and attempts to relieve the burden for those whose property tax will spike under the new system. To move the debate forward, the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative provides a primer to City Council and taxpay�� lutions available as City Council poises itself to fundamentally change for decades to come the way properties in Philadelphia are taxed. Perhaps the most enlightening areas of the report are found in the pas�� phia. While other major American cities have engaged in this process in the past few decades—most notably Pittsburgh, Boston, and Washington, �� that City Council would be wise to understand as it debates AVI. First, Philadelphia has the highest percentage of home ownership of any major city in America. The Pew report notes: “Another factor ��

has long been a community of homeowners. In 2010, 54 percent of homes in the city were owneroccupied, more than in any of the comparison cities. And that number was down from 59 percent in 2000.” As anyone who has lived in the city knows, Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, too, many of which are integrated into the main business corridor of Center City that stretches from Vine Street south to Washington Avenue. If AVI’s impact is to further drive down home ownership over the next decade, we will have traded off long-term economic stability for short-term revenue growth—a bad trade for a city teetering on the brink of

The Pew study noted that Phildelphia has more homeowners than other major cities. Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey, 2011

pension-fund collapse and chronic school-district underfunding. Second, Philadelphia is second highest among major American cities in the percentage of homes owned without a mortgage. The report states: “Most homeowners have mortgages, and for them, the property tax generally is included in the monthly payment. In Philadelphia, 40 percent of city homeowners do not have mortgages, a higher portion than any of the comparison cities except Pittsburgh. These owners receive tax bills for the full amount once a year.” ��

factors means that City Council must pay more attention to the property owner than the renter and be more sensitive to the unencumbered property owner than city councils in similarly situated cities. While the report lays out the issues that City Council will confront as it debates AVI, it also points to the appropriate mix of measures designed to provide relief to those who minimize the adverse impact of AVI on homeowners (read: large tax increases that force homeowners to sell �� Continued on page 2

DEC. 9-16, 2012

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

People

\\\ Liberty City Press

City Council...

Continued from page 1 �� line legislators must walk in passing AVI: “The challenge for local policy makers is to protect resi�� higher tax bills while, at the same time, creating a property tax system that is seen as more fair than �� the overall goals of AVI include transparency and simplicity, each added protection will make the system more complex. And each will cost money, in terms of revenue not collected from those getting the tax break. As a result, each relief measure that is enacted raises the overall tax ��

Still Tough

Continued from page 12 �� basketball than scoring. I see that so much more now.” Brown and point guard David Johnson are the team’s leaders

Jaw-Dropping Player Continued from page 12

last season. He broke his jaw at a preseason practice. But instead of sulking, he came to practice and games, and earned respect of his teammates, who made a run to the Final Four in the AAA playoffs. “He was like another coach out there,” said coach Lou Biester. “It was tough,” said Johnson. “But I wanted to be part of a team. It has taken a year to heal and I still can’t eat hard food like celery and car-

amount of revenue and results in other taxpayers paying more.” Provide no relief in AVI and you risk a taxpayer revolt— something no politician can tolerate. Provide too much relief and the loss in revenue generated will be borne by the wage earners and businesses that already shoulder 42 percent of the city tax burden—an imbalance that continues to hamper economic growth. And whatever the relief is, it will come with a cost in making the system less transparent and more complex. This is the legislative sausage-making that City Council has to look forward to when it reconvenes in the spring. The Pew report is the cookbook. Council would be wise to read it before they arrive in the kitchen. this year. Scoring will also come from Samir Doughty, a potential Division I player. “We’re going to be good,” said Brown. “Every team we play is going to get a competitive game. If we don’t get the win, the opponent is going to get a hard-fought win.” �� a full physical game now.” It’s amazing that Tech went so far last year. Tony Parker, the team’s best player, missed more than half the season with an injury. Top scorer Richard Hoskins left the team after his mother died in mid-January. “We’re just �� said Johnson. “It was an accomplishment,” said Biester. “It’s a testament to the kids we have.” JT

Shelly Yanoff and her husband, Gerry Kauffman, attend her going-away celebration held at the Moore College of Art. Yanoff is leaving her post as executive director of the Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY). Sarah J. Glover/Photographer

Singing the Praises of a Voice for Children Longtime advocate retires to crowd of well-wishers

by Sheila Simmons

ne day Shelly Yanoff came into the of�� pneumonia. When the region’s legendary children’s advocate stepped through the doorway of Public Citizens for Children Youth (PCCY) pale and sweat�� in disbelief. But we should not have—because one thing you can believe about Shelly Yanoff is that she lives to improve life’s chances for children. But after 26 years as executive director of PCCY, Yanoff is retiring. Surrounded by hundreds of well-wishers at her retirement party at Moore College of Art recently, she said, “It’s clear the work is not done. But step by step, we can and will make it better.”

�� ’90s when I was a Philadelphia Daily News education reporter. This was in the years of Constance Clayton, Rotan Lee and Judge Doris Smith overseeing a desegregation suit stretching into its 20th year. Too many public schools, much like now, were unsafe, under-resourced and under-performing. Yanoff always accepted my calls for comment. Under her watch, no news article, policy campaign or public education event occurred without citizens hearing its implications for the region’s children. “She’s been out there at the very forefront of making us live up to our responsibility to future generations,” Congressman Chaka Fattah told the crowd at the retirement event.

Indeed, Yanoff was instrumental in the securing of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), providing free public bus rides to school for Philadelphia children, getting full-day kindergarten offered, and saving children from lead poisoning. In 2005, I went to work for Yanoff, eventually becoming her Education Director. She knew how draining and frustrating education advocacy work could be. Some days, watching the school district re-introduce another failing school policy reminded us of the movie “Groundhog Day.” During a long state budget �� school in South Philadelphia that was hosting a Freedom Schools summer camp. The campers ended their day with rhythmic, spirited, highenergy chants about justice and self-pride. Pretty soon, I was tapping my foot. I left there with the students’ chants ringing in my ears and enough energy to keep �� those students’ schools needed. Many people have stories about Yanoff and her work. Former mayor W. Wilson Goode assured the crowd at the event that Yanoff was “causing trouble” for policy makers long before she took the helm at PCCY. “The lives of children and the future of children is much better because of Shelly Yanoff,” he said. Former governor Edward Rendell sent statements to the retirement party that perhaps best concluded what we’ve learned from Yanoff: “All of us have to get engaged.” I’m not sure how Yanoff will spend her retirement. But I know she’ll continue believing in her refrain to all of us: “Do what you can for kids.”

DEC. 9-16, 2012

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

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Liberty City Press \\\

Bundle Up

Enjoy the outdoors all winter long by Dana Ricci Staying cooped up indoors for most of the winter may keep you warm, but it won’t necessarily keep you healthy. Not only can the inactivity that goes along with staying in lead to weight gain, but spending more time inside breathing trapped indoor air

can cause more exposure to allergens, irritants and chemicals. The good news is that there are plenty of things that you can do outside during the winter. Philadelphia has one of the largest urban-park systems in the world, and you can still take

advantage of those green spaces in winter. Popular for its creek and miles of tree-shaded trails, the Wissahickon Valley Park is open year-round, and it’s particularly lovely after a snowfall. If that’s a little out of your way, head to the Parks and Recreation �� near you. Grab some blankets and thermoses of hot soup and have a winter picnic! One great thing about winter is that it’s the perfect time of year to go ice skating. The Blue

Cross River Rink at Market Street and Columbus Boulevard is a popular outdoor rink. You can also check the Parks and Recreation page for local rinks with free public skate sessions. And don’t let the lower temperatures keep your bike locked up all winter. When the roads are safe, head to the Schulylkill River trail for a winter ride. If you don’t have your own twowheeler, Wheel Fun Rentals, with locations on Boathouse Row and South Ferry Road, keeps their bike and surrey rent-

Pulse

al services open during weekends and holidays in winter. The surreys are great for families. While winter may make the outdoors seem a little intimidating, remember that there are still plenty of ways to enjoy yourself outside to avoid spending too much time indoors. Be sure to wear extra layers of clothing and the appropriate winter gear. To learn more about the health risks of breathing too much indoor air and other health tips, visit the Pulse page at Libertycitypress.com.

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

Pulse

\\\ Liberty City Press

Buddy up: Holly Waters (right), aquatics director and trainer at Sweat Fitness, and her best friend, Meredith Fish, attend an outdoor yoga event at the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties. Photo courtesy of Holly Waters

Fitness Gateway �� hooked on exercise by Dana Ricci

h, exercise. In addition to building muscles, helping with weight loss, and fending off cancer, diabetes and heart disease, it releases feelgood endorphins, lowers stress, helps produce antibodies and increases energy. Still, there are lots of reasons why people don’t exercise regularly: They don’t have time, they don’t know how to begin or, worse, they think they’re too out of shape to hit the gym. �� type of exercise for you—one �� schedule and that is something you actually enjoy.� �� ness pros have some solutions to these problems.

�� It sounds cliché, but starting with the basics—walking before running, covering short distances before long ones—is key for exercise newbies or more-experienced exercisers trying to pick up some new moves. “Starting simple and perfecting form will also inspire �� allow an inexperienced exerciser to build one step at a time,” says Roger Dickerman, personal trainer and owner of Relentless Fitness in Midtown Village. Find Something Fun Audrey McKenna Hasse, owner of A.M Fit on the Main Line, recommends choosing an activity that you like to do (i.e., running, biking, rowing, swim-

��ing a class or group that is already established and join in. “In a city like Philadelphia �� everyone,” McKenna Hasse says. �� here is constantly growing. “You �� like from spinning classes, to water aerobics, to yoga or Pilates. The options are endless,” she says. Use the Buddy System �� way to break in is by joining a �� out with you. “I think the group dynamic is really motivating for people,” says Meredith Magoon, manager and coach at Philly’s Fusion Cross Training. Even if you don’t know any�� make friends. Knowing they will be at sessions and expecting you to be there is a great incentive to get to class. Challenge Yourself While staying within bounds of what your body is capable of, working up to something and doing workouts that increase in �� motivated. �� respond well to having the feeling of achieving something,” says Phil Clark of the Training Station in Northern Liberties. So pick up the pace, add extra reps, or try something tougher if rewards are what you crave. Get Moving Ready to get started? Holly �� trainer at Sweat Fitness on Arch Street, recommends that people

try three different classes when they are new to working out to see what they like. Or create a goal-oriented workout that pushes the intensity minute by minute. You can start by walking for one minute, then running for one minute, then increasing to two minutes each, then three, and so on. You can do this with

other exercises, too, she says; try

�� and keep building on it.

Most importantly, remember

to remain positive and don’t get

discouraged if you don’t notice results immediately. As you

�� become more enjoyable.

Roger Dickerman is a personal trainer and the owner of Relentless Fitness in Midtown Village. Photo courtesy of Relentless Fitness

Real Workout

Get started with this sprint progression Roger Dickerman, personal trainer and owner of Relentless Fitness in Midtown Village, always starts by teaching proper form for push-ups, lunges, rows and planks, since these are fundamentals for building ��search it online. For cardio, Dickerman prefers sprints to long distances of ��ming, running or biking, and follow this progression: �� slowly for one minute. ��

DEC. 9-16, 2012

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

Liberty City Press \\\

Pulse

Anniversary Luncheon Breast cancer organization celebrates its 25th year by HughE Dillon The Linda Creed Breast Cancer Organization held its 25th Anniversary luncheon on Saturday at the Hilton Philadelphia on City Avenue. Nearly 500 people came out to support the organization that provides funding for clinical exams, screening mammograms, and breast-health education for uninsured and underinsured women. The organization was founded by Creed’s friend Lisa Brownstein one year after Creed’s death, in 1986. Creed was a Philadelphia songwriter who wrote many popular hits including “Betcha By Golly Wow” and “The Greatest Love of All.” 1. From left: Debbie Borie, Julia Borie, Jean Goldstein, Aimee Goldstein and Patty Walton sell rafﬂe tickets for the auction and 50/50. 2. Board president Patricia K. Bradley (left) gives the Suzanne H. Kaye Advocacy Award to Kim Hagerich for her outstanding volunteerism with Linda Creed Breast Cancer Awareness. Janet Jandura received the Gene Kaplan Volunteer of the Year Award, the Spirit of Hope Award went to Priscilla Havard-Jones, the Angel Awards went to Barbara Gilhool and Maryanne Crager, and the Elaine Ominsky Humanitarian Award went to Lilliam H. Sterns. 3. Delores Roberts (left) and Karen E. Wheeler volunteer for the Linda Creed organization. They enjoy going out in the community to educate women. 4. Writer Carol Saline (left) and Beverly Brownstein sit down for the luncheon. HughE Dillon/Photographer = DEC. 9-16, 2012

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

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Biester’s Move Coach takes on a new school

Terrence Brown (left) and David Johnson are seniors on the Communications Technology High School basketball team. Sarah J. Glover/Photographer

Still Tough

Though overlooked, Communications Tech basketball is strong

DEC. 9-16, 2012

Jaw-Dropping Player Johnson returns after surgery

Communications Tech’s David Johnson didn’t play a game Continued on page 2

Honored Coach

by Jeremy Treatman on’t count out Communications Technology High School! Every year, when “experts” predict which boys’ basketball teams in the Public League will be the best. Communications Tech is seldom mentioned. In fact, in four pre-season polls this year, pundits have chosen Imhotep Charter; Math, Civics and Sciences; Vaux; Constitution; Simon Gratz and Philadelphia Electric as favorites. Communications Tech is not playing this year, nor has it ever played, in the Sneaker Villa Classic, an event designed for the top teams in the city to take on the best New York teams. But don’t feel sorry for Tech. All this team does is win. Since the inception of its basketball program, in 2004-2005, Communications Tech �� “It’s very true that we get overlooked,” said coach Lou Biester, who coached nearby Bartram High from 1996 to 2004, winning a Public League title in 2003. “Every year at this time, people ask who is playing �� and they work very hard.” His players seem to agree. “I think its better sometimes to be underrated,” said Terrence Brown, one of the team’s two captains this year.

Communications Tech boys’ basketball coach Lou Biester switched Southwest Philadelphia high schools eight years ago when former school superintendent Paul Vallas made Bartram’s communications annex its own school. Biester had most of his players as students at the new Communications Tech anyway, so the decision was a no-brainer. Biester is a social-studies teacher at the school and had most of his players in the school so he “could keep an eye on them.” “It’s really interesting, what has happened,” he said. “The district was very ambitious and

thought money would last for all these new schools and supporting all these new sports programs. Now with money problems, some teams are already becoming combination of Bartram and Communication Tech kids. We’ll see where it leads. So far, we still have the two separate basketball programs. I have personally had a great time coaching at both schools. I have been very lucky.”

Speedy Morris nominated for Hall of Fame “I think it’s better to sneak up on people. I think we do it every season.” While many Public League school teams bring in new players for junior and senior seasons, Communications Tech succeeds �� classmen transfers. A school rule prohibits anyone from entering Communications Tech after the 10th grade. Biester’s coaching has a lot to do with the wins, too. He has averaged 20 wins a year at the helm of Bartram and Communications Tech. “He’s a very good coach,” said Brown. “He taught me a lot and has helped me grow. He showed me how to use picks and see the �� Continued on page 2

�� nominated Morris earlier this fall. �� And maybe a Hall of Famer. JT

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

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

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PGN

12/10/12 8:54 AM

A C ul t ure �� rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

PAGE 47

Wine, movies and songs make great stocking stuffers for everyone on your list By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Stocking stuffers are awesome. So much so that they are the only things we give around the holidays anymore. We’re either too cashstrapped or too lazy to drag huge items home to gift wrap and then later haul gingerly to our holiday gatherings. No thanks. We love gifts that require minimal amounts of wrapping paper. We love being able to stuff a dozen gifts into a reasonably sized backpack or satchel and being able to, if necessary, easily and lovingly toss said gifts across a crowded room to the recipients like grenades of yuletide happiness. So, here is a parade of amazing stocking stuffers most people would be glad to catch. If you like three-time Grammy nominee and twotime Emmy Award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin, you are in luck. All of Griffin’s Bravo special performances are presented together, uncensored and complete with unaired bonus footage, on new two-disc set “The Kathy Griffin Collection: Red, White & Raw.” Music lovers can revel in

the new DVD celebrating iconic actor, singer, director, writer, composer, producer, designer, author, photographer (Damn! How many titles does she have?) and activist Barbra Streisand. “A MusiCares Tribute to Barbra Streisand” was filmed Feb. 11, 2011, at a gala event in Los Angeles, where Babs and an allstar cast of guests including Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Diana Krall, Barry Manilow, Seal, Stevie Wonder and more performed many of the songs she made famous throughout her illustrious career. Tina Turner fans can get a glimpse into her early days with new DVD, “Ike & Tina: On The Road: 197172,” featuring vintage footage of the rock and soul music duo’s explosive stage show, complete with the highenergy dance choreography of Turner and the Ikettes. In the early ’70s, legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen and his wife Nadya toured with the Turners, filming them onstage

performing, on the road and behind the scenes. Now for the first time ever, this footage is available to the public. In addition to simply awesome renditions of several Ike and Tina classics, fans get to see the group at work in the recording studio, Tina and the Ikettes practicing their dance routines (and primping their wigs) and the entourage goofing around on airplanes and in airports. We missed a lot of great television this season but, luckily for us, series DVDs are hitting the shelves in time for the inevitable couchpotato funk we fall into during the cold days to come. There’s “The Simpsons 15th Season” newly released on DVD. Sure, these episodes are eight years old but, like always, they throw the community a bone. In this case, it’s the episode “Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples, Teens and Gays,” where Marge takes up those who are protesting having to accommodate families (including pay-

ing property taxes used to teach children they do not have) after a riot at a children’s concert. The funnier and edgier cousin of The Simpsons, “Futurama Vol. 7,” is also out, featuring the wacky exploits of the bizarre future dreamed up by “Simpsons” creator Matt Groenig. Another family we like to keep up with is “Modern Family,” which just released its third season on DVD. We’d probably never hang out with the family of the first season on “American Horror Story,” but that series is highly acclaimed and we can’t resist the crazy S&Mthemed DVD cover. Another highly acclaimed series whose first season is making it to DVD for the holidays is “Homeland,” a psychological thriller of political intrigue as a CIA agent tries to root out a former prisoner of war she thinks is a traitor. We also need to catch up on movies both old and new. Our inner geek rejoiced to see “The Princess Bride: 25th Anniversary PAGE 34

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

Page 41 Page 35 Page 46 Page 43 Page 37 Page 36 Page 44

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

GIFTS from page 33

Edition” had recently come out, as well as the intellectually unsatisfying but visually gorgeous “Alien” prequel “Prometheus.” A recent film that won tons of praise is out on DVD as well, “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” which whisks viewers into a surreal realm where little girls and mythical animals coexist in a bayou. Meanwhile, the pop starlets are lining up with new music products for the holidays, so warm up your media players. Thank goodness Christina Aguilera got over her I-have-to-compete-with-Gaga phase that was her last album (2010’s very transparent “Bionic”). With a voice like hers, she really shouldn’t be chasing anyone’s pop coattails. Her new album “Lotus,” is a welcome return to form for Aguilera, who seems to be

PGN FEATURE

having fun and singing her ass off on playful tracks like retro-ish “Make the World Move” and the dance-floor crushers “Your Body” and “Around the World.” The ballads (“Best of Me” and “Blank Page”) are great too. For an “American Idol” alum, Kelly Clarkson has had a solid showing of hits. Her fans probably have all of her albums already, but the three new tracks recorded for the compilation “Greatest Hits: Chapter One,” are worthy enough for newbies and longtime fans alike to come a-running. We’re still not convinced of Ke$ha’s staying power, but we are finding the singer a lot less grating than before. On her second full-length album, “Warrior,” she is settling into a respectably trashy, pop-party groove and roping in rock icons like Iggy Pop. Sure, she comes off as a clone of bigger stars—but she’s the Lady Gaga you can see a lot cheaper and more often. She’s the Rihanna who would give Chris

Brown a broken jaw. She’s also the Katy Perry you might end up getting drunk with on a Saturday — no, make that a Monday—night. Wine lovers have a lot to be happy about this holiday. Gift items from Cork Pop made us realize how much we like wine, as we tend to just rip out the cork (who are we kidding—unscrew the cap) and imbibe. Wine lovers, on the other hand, take their sips seriously, which is why they should love the vinOice, a rod containing a food-safe gel that freezes in 30 minutes and is encased in stainless steel with a sleek, drip-free pour spout. The vinOice is chilled in the freezer until required, then inserted into the neck of the wine bottle to ensure white wine maintains its justchilled freshness for up to an hour outside of the fridge. For more information on the vinOice, visit www. CorkPops. com. Another company catering to the wineobsessed is soiréehome, whose newest product, tilt, is a chilling sphere that is both flavorless

and iceless, so it won’t dilute drinks or interfere with the flavor. Store in your freezer until needed, then insert into your favorite beverage, wine glass or even a party dip (really?) to keep chilled. The tilt is center-weighted so it will always sit upright and is easily removed by an included retrieval hook. For something that comes across a bit less high-maintenance, soiréehome offers the stopair, a vacuum wine pump that also doubles as a bottle stopper. It fits into most bottles and can also be used for liquor and olive oil. This musthave wine accessory is also soiréehome namesake. The Soirée is an in-bottle wine decanter that allows you to aerate one glass at a time, and can be used on both red and white wine. For more information on these products, visit www. soireehome.com. ■

Are you a community leader? Bia Vieira, longtime activist and vice president for community impact, Philadelphia Foundation Quincy Greene, founder, Educational Justice Coalition David Acosta, writer, poet, longtime HIV/ health activist, prevention coordinator for HIV programs at AIIDS Activities Coordinating Ofﬁce Joe Ippolito, founder/organizer of the Gender Reel multimedia festival Monica Bey-Clarke, author, entrepeneur, founder of My Family! books and products for LGBT families Sue Gildea, women’s commissioner, City of Brotherly Love Softball League

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

PORTRAIT PGN

Professional Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Suzi Nash

Morgan Levine: From soaking up rays to stimulating Philly’s nightlife You may know Morgan Levine as one-half of the party duo (along with Amber Hikes) that runs the popular Stimulus and Arouse parties, but the multi-faceted blond with the ever-present smile is so much more. Levine has been cited in the Who’s Who segment of Philadelphia magazine and been voted a Women’s History Month HERO as well as a Business Hero by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund. She is a planner of the Dyke March and DVLF’s annual TOY, all while working as a marketing assistant at a law firm and pursuing a degree in psychology. Levine took time off between studying for finals and preparing for tonight’s Stimulus holiday party (I don’t know how she does it all) to talk to us about life on and off the party circuit. PGN: So, your name has become synonymous with Philadelphia parties. Are you a Philly gal? ML: No, I was born in Atlantic City, raised in Ventnor, like on the Monopoly board. My dad was the local cab driver and he used to deliver ice cream on the beach. So I was on the beach 12 hours a day. PGN: Did he have a bell? ML: Yeah, he was the crazy Jewish guy that would wear red trunks and a Santa Claus hat in July. He would order trinkets from a novelty company and give them out to the kids. PGN: He sounds like a generous guy. ML: [Laughs.] Um, no. It was good business. He was a good hustler. He always had something going on. PGN: And your mom? ML: She was the opposite, she was very laid-back. She was from a hippie kind of family and he was from a very conservative, Republican family. I grew up with a lot of partisan politics. He was overbearing and she was very hands-off, but they divorced when I was young, so they split the ticket. There was a big age difference too. He was 20 years older than her, so while he was off fighting in the Vietnam War, she was still a toddler and her parents — who were only two years older than him — were out protesting against it. PGN: Any siblings? ML: I have a younger sister who I’m really close to, and my father remarried at age 60 so he now has young kids again, including a son who is the same age as his only grandchild. PGN: That’s wild! Were you bookish or sporty as a kid? ML: Definitely bookish, but my parents always tried to get me involved in extra-curricular things. I did ballet, tap, jazz, softball and all sorts of things, but all I wanted to do was sit with a good book.

PGN: What was your favorite? ML: Oh, different books at different times, but I’d have to say Dr. Seuss was a favorite. I’ll say “Cat in the Hat” just because it was the most popular. PGN: I was a “One Fish, Two Fish” kid. ML: I was going to say that! That’s also a favorite. I’ve done nanny work since high school and that’s a favorite read. And I read a lot of Judy Bloom. I was an angsty teenager. PGN: What was a memorable moment from one of your activities? ML: Well, in truth, family life was pretty awful so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. I started writing poetry when I was young and one of my memorable moments was winning an award in eighth grade for a poem I wrote about my grandmother. I was really proud of that. I wrote all through high school but I’ve gotten away from it. I still read a lot of poetry, though, and enjoy hearing it.

PGN: Activities? ML: I was very involved in student government and things like the Diversity Club, where I was one of the only out students in the club. Around that time I also started coming to Philly to go to The Attic Youth Center. PGN: I didn’t know you were an Attic kid! ML: Yes, whenever I could get in town. I was part of a teenage women’s group. PGN: When did you come out? ML: I first told my mom that I liked kissing girls more than boys when I was 13 and I had my first girlfriend when I was in high school. The most traumatizing coming-out was telling my dad. I was in my 20s and, at first, he was fine with it, and then after it simmered for about a year he let loose all his stored homophobia on me. That was hard because I’d been out in the queer community for so long, it was hard to deal with someone who hated me just because I was gay. [Laughs.] Especially since it was my father.

PGN: What made family life so difficult? ML: My dad was not a particularly nice guy. He was very aggressive. He was ... is ... a Vietnam veteran and had a lot of anger. He is very stoic and doesn’t acknowledge PTSD or believe in therapy. It manifests itself in him being very demeaning and misogynistic and, as I got older, homophobic. So he was a veritable party of things that weren’t good. My mom developed some mental-heath issues as well so I pretty much raised myself with a lot of help from my grandparents. They were both professors and nurtured the inner nerd in me, and they loved to travel so we would get to travel with them during school breaks. PGN: What was a favorite travel adventure? ML: Every summer we would go camping at Lake George. [Laughs.] I was really into pioneer women and would read every book I could find on the subject. I loved “Little House on the Prairie,” so when we went camping I would pretend that I was a pioneer woman living off the land. My grandfather was a physiologist at Stockton so we got to go to Costa Rica several times, which was really cool too. PGN: Best teacher? ML: Peter Murphy. He was my poetry teacher for four years and really took me under his wing. He knew I had a rough time at home so if I didn’t want to go to a particular class, I could always go hang in his room, which helped a lot. He ran the Poetry Festival in New Jersey and was very inspirational.

PGN: Were your parents very religious? ML: My father was pretty hardcore conservative Jewish and my mother was more reform. My stepfather is Catholic and my mother’s been with him since I was 6, so I’ve always had a Christmas tree. Personally, I’m into Buddhism. I try to practice meditation and mindfulness. Our culture is so much on the go all the time and I’m definitely a product of that. I seem to feel comfortable in chaos so I’m trying to make an effort to stop,

be still and touch base with what’s going on in my head. PGN: So who was the troublemaker in the family? ML: [Laughs.] I prefer to say I was an independent spirit. I remember when I was 6 asking my grandmother, “When can I get a job and move out?” So I had that same mentality when I was a teenager and pretty much did what I wanted. I wasn’t really a troublemaker, just rebellious. PGN: What’s your involvement with Dyke March? ML: I’ve been a planner for years. I took a hiatus for a while after my friend Crystal took her life; it really set us all back a bit. But I’m very passionate about it. It only happens once a year and it’s a rare and special gathering. I don’t think anything in Philly brings the radical lesbian community together the way the Dyke March does. It’s very empowering. PGN: One thing I find puzzling is that most of the people I know that are involved — you, Amber, Samantha Giusti, Jen Anderson — are not who I’d imagine identifying with that term. ML: It’s something that we’ve been discussing. Historically, I would say that I’m a dyke, but it’s not necessarily the term that I would choose. I identify more often as queer or lesbian, but it’s more about taking a word that has been used against women, any woman, and reclaiming it. There’s power in taking back the word and making it ours to use as we choose. PGN: Ah, that makes it clear. So how did you start Stimulus? ML: It was actually started as a fundraiser for the Dyke March. Amber and I were both on the committee and were talking about the fact that we both liked to go Photo: Suzi Nash out dressed a certain way and socialize with a very diverse crowd, and we weren’t seeing that for women. Men in this city have so many options, different places to go depending on your mood and tastes, but women really didn’t. At the time, Obama had just enacted the stimulus package for the country and we decided to stimulate the nightlife in Philadelphia, so that seemed like a good name. And that’s pretty much how it came about. PAGE 43

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

PGN SPORTS

Get Out and Play

Scott A. Drake

Making sport-smart holiday choices Let’s start with an oldie but goodie: Watch what you eat. This isn’t PGN’s fitness column and I’m not a registered nutritionist, but use some common sense during the holiday stretch that usually continues into January. If you’re not burning as many calories because your sport isn’t active in the winter, you don’t need to take in as many calories, obviously, even if you’re just a weekend warrior. The trouble is, we are inundated with cookies, sweets, breads, cheeses and alcohol this time of year. Enjoying the holidays responsibly doesn’t mean refusing, it means choosing. All things in moderation and you won’t have to make that same old New Year’s resolution to get in shape. Besides the calorie intake, don’t stop with the gym trips by using the excuse of being too busy. More food, less exercise is a bad recipe, so if you’re like me and can’t go as frequently, at least go. We all know working out boosts everything from metabolism to mood. Gym memberships or related gear are great gifts too, and some offer member discounts to other venues and others are supportive of LGBT sports programs. Making smarter holiday decisions makes looking good in that swimsuit on your winter cruise that much easier.

CELEBRATING

DIVERSITY

TD Bank embraces diversity in our workplace, within our communities and with all our Customers. Fostering diversity is a journey. Join us.

Gay Games gear-up Beginning in January, I will be outlining the whos, whats, whens, wheres, whys and hows of the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland/ Akron. (And there is the first when and where tidbit for you.) Too early? Not at all. Early reduced-rate registration ends Dec. 31, 2012, for starters. To register now and save, go to gg9cle.com. I will cover all aspects of GG9, from the events to the ceremonies to the mission, culture and 2018 site awarding and more, each month, including interesting bits of info. For instance, did you know that organizers are actively searching for singers and musicians to perform at the games during the opening and closing ceremonies, around the venues and more? (Pay attention, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and Freedom Band!) Send me your questions or topics of interest and I’ll be happy to answer and pass the information on to others at the same time. You can also get some general info at gaygames.org or GG9-specific info at gg9cle.com. Hail to the chief Congratulations to Justin Dolci, the new commissioner of the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League. Justin is moving from his position as assistant commissioner into the top spot, as former commissioner Wayne Knobb moves into a position on the board of the National Gay Flag Football League.

GPFFL also slipped me another piece of information regarding its annual Super Bowl party and fundraiser for ActionAIDS. The party moves from West Philly to Old City this year. It’ll be held Feb. 3 at The Painted Bride Art Center. Mark your calendars now. Short stops • Philadelphia Gay Bowling League has its bi-monthly skate party 8:30-10:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Cherry Hill Skate Center, 664 Deer Road. Festive dress is not required, but why not? • Rainbow Rollers’ holiday party is Dec. 18 at Laurel Lanes in Maple Shade. Come say hi, check out information on the league and maybe throw a few frames.

POT LUCK FOR THE BIRDS: Members of the Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club gather around the table at their first holiday potluck Dec. 9 at the University of Pennsylvania LGBT Center. Photo: Scott A. Drake

• Sports and recreation contact people and website information is included in the PGN Community Bulletin Board every fourth Friday of the month on the inside back cover and can also be accessed at epgn.com. Correction: The GPFFL championship game touchdown photo had the incorrect name. The player’s name was Wes Coulter. My apologies. Countdown to Gay Games IX: 602 days. If you have any sports-related events happening over the holidays or in January, Gay Games questions or a donation to my Christmas club account, email scott@epgn.com. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

HOLIDAY LAMP SHADE SALE

FILM PGN

Out actor takes on gay role in adoption drama By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor

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PGN: How did you work on your rapport

with your co-stars Garret Dillahunt and Isaac Levya? AC: I just really felt incredibly comfortable with Garret. When you have to do something like this — where we’re going to be making out and weeping, and realistically portray a thunderbolt love affair — we just dove right in. I met him at the wig fitting, and we shot two days later. We just really got on. Never any awkwardness about the sex stuff or lovey-dovey stuff. He’s easygoing and open and lovey. And easy on the eyes. Isaac was just so lovely. He was excited to work with me, having seen me in “Spy Kids.” He was so excited to see Mr. Floop. I did fall in love with him. In a way, my relationship with Issac mirrors what’s

“Any Day Now” is a remarkable — and remarkably affecting — film about a gay couple in 1979 Los Angeles involved in a custody battle. Inspired by a true story, the film, which opens Dec. 14 at Ritz Theatres, sounds like a saccharine TV movie-of-the-week. Rudy (Alan Cumming) is a drag queen who quickly meets, mates and moves in with Paul (Garret Dillahunt), a closeted lawyer. Rudy does this because he wants to take care of Marco (Issac Levya), a teenager with Down Syndrome, who is abandoned when his mother is arrested. While Paul obtains emergency legal custody of Marco, the couple soon face court appearances and, eventually, scrutiny of their queer lives. “Any Day Now,” which has won numerous audience awards on the festival circuit, shows, without lecturing, just how hard obtaining legal rights were — and, in some places, still are — for same-sex couples. The film’s chronicle of justice will wring strong emotions from viewers. That is not to say the film is unbiased, but its points are cogent, compelling and never didactic. There are also many poignant moments — from Rudy’s reaction to watching his “son” Marco sing at school to a heartbreaking letter Paul reads (in voice-over) in the film’s most powerful scene. Cumming, who is fanGARRET DILLAHUNT (LEFT) AND ALAN CUMMING IN tastic here, also gets to “ANY DAY NOW” showcase his fabulous voice, especially when he movingly covers in the movie. My favorite thing about the Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released,” the song experience was meeting Isaac; he was a ray of light. Honest, real and in the moment. that gives this top-notch film its title. PGN spoke with the out actor about making “Any Day Now.” PGN: How did you work on the songs PGN: How did you make Rudy a character

and not a caricature? AC: Obviously, some of the anxieties I had about how to deal with things that could fall into stereotypes or be negative portrayals, or cloying. I was conscious of that — much more than a straight actor would be. The part was originally more effeminate. But I fought to resist that. Any drag queen I know has balls of steel to walk down the street in a wig and heels. I forgot Rudy is a drag queen. It’s a small part of the film, but it is the initial scene. So I was a drag queen with slightly hairy armpits. That was my concession. I wanted to be truthful and real. I wanted to be in the moment of the love story and not a distracting stereotype.

Rudy performs in the film?

AC: It’s always a matter of which songs

we have the rights to. And that changed all the time as we got nearer to shooting. What can we afford? But I thought that it was amazing that we got the Dylan song, a cri de couer. The songs are more about what’s happening in the story, they have a thematic contribution. I love that the film ends with a song. It’s concluded by a performance; the song says more than any scene could. But it’s hard because you have to pre-record them. So you have to remember where the song came [in the film] so you know the feeling. The day I had to perform it, I was so exhausted. I was in a state of distress throughout making this film, but I really wanted to give it my all.

PGN FILM

PGN: You did. It’s an incredible scene.

Speaking of performing, what can you say about the drag scenes? Do you enjoy doing that, or was it just part of the part? AC: I dreaded those scenes! I did a thing for BBC where I played transgender, and I never want to see a high heel ever again. I was sore! I have respect for women; it’s like bondage. I don’t have an inner drag queen. It’s not my thing. Androgynous works for me.

PGN: What research did you do on cus-

tody issues — both past and present — for same-sex couples? AC: I read a bit and talked to people and, over the years, I’ve had friends who have tried adopting, and the issues of adopting now through the state system is very hard as a gay couple. Your rights are vague.

PGN: What drives you as an advocate/ activist?

AC: I don’t like injustice. I want equality.

I’m Scottish, and I grew up with a sense of fighting injustice — it’s almost genetic. As a gay man, I feel more and more angry. It’s easy to get lackadaisical even though great strides are made. We’re still secondclass citizens.

PGN: Do you think you would make a

good parent? AC: Ha! I think so. I have two dogs, and that’s as far as it’s going to go. I was once obsessed about having a child. My novel [“Tommy’s Tale,” 2002] was a thinly veiled memoir and [I wrote about] wanting to be a parent. But now — after all the guys I dated — I am with someone whom it would be sensible to have a kid with, but we’re content and don’t want to.

PGN: Do you prefer to play gay characters/tell gay stories? AC: I feel a responsibility to take part in

things that are meaningful and can change minds that need to be changed, but I don’t think, Oh, I’ve not done my quota of gay characters. Travis [Fine, the director] spoke to my manager and she really pushed me to read “Any Day Now.” And sometimes when you read something like this, you think: That’s why you pay them! Mostly, I’m drawn to things that are interesting and that I’m passionate about. A lot of the time they are gay, and I get asked to play gay characters because I don’t have an issue with it. Doing something like this, the passion and energy is more about how I feel than the actual role — what the film can do to open minds if more people see it.

PGN: The characters discuss the issue of justice. Do you think the world is just? AC: [Laughs.]. No, I don’t think the world is just. I think there are heartening things in the world, like Obama being re-elected. And states voting not to oppress gay people’s rights. But there is a long way to go, and I hate when they throw us a bone to think it’s all lovely, but we don’t have equality yet. And when that happens, it will be a more just place. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

PGN

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DINING PGNOUT

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Avalon Pasta Bistro charms with food, atmosphere By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Anyone who can make us enjoy cauliflower, is working magic. Many have tried, but only Avalon Pasta Bistro succeeded. We never really got into the vegetable but felt like, if a restaurant pushed it enough, we should give it a try. So in our adventures around town, we’ve had everything from whipped and mashed cauliflower (meh!) to deep-fried cauliflower (ugh—Never again!). But Avalon, 78 W. Lancaster Lane, in Downingtown, finally cracked the code for us. Avalon’s escabeche ($8), made of roasted marinated autumn vegetables, made believers out of us. Sure enough, the dish included cauliflower and we gave it a shot, with the slim hope that this time we’d like the dreaded vegetable and we did! The marinade and steaming gave it both the texture and flavor that made all the difference. Now that we have that out of the way, Avalon Pasta Bistro is quite the quaint suburban restaurant and easily worth the haul to Downingtown. The aforementioned dish that blew our socks off wasn’t even the best thing we had when we visited. We’ll get to those dishes later. Oh, did we mention the complimentary glass of sangria? Was it tasty because it was free? Maybe, but we really don’t care

If you go Avalon Pasta Bistro

78 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown Wed.-Sat. 5-10 p.m. Sunday brunch: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday: 4-6 p.m. 610-873-4200 www.pastabistro.com

ESCABECHE converting anyone who isn’t already a fan of the veggie. But the small plate that was head and shoulders above the others was the mortadella mousse ($8), a pleasantly rich and decadent taste experience on toast with red-onion marmalade. As expected, Avalon Pasta Bistro offered a decent range of pasta dishes. But the one we had to try before anything else was the “Effin’ Hot Filet Tips” ($20). In our experience, when the menu says something is spicy, we usually feel as though the chef is still babying us in the

Dining Out

MORTADELLA MOUSSE to think too hard about it. Mussels have quickly become the dish that many venues say is among the best on their menu, and we have just as quickly become very bored and unimpressed with the mollusks. That is, until now. Avalon’s mussels ($11) were pleasantly plump and swimming in a tasty broth of pancetta, white wine and Gorgonzola. The tripe and trotter bruschetta ($9) were especially good too. While not essential, the buffalo-style cracklings ($9) were a crunchy, guilty pleasure. The caramelized brussels sprouts ($8) were decent enough but fell short of

spice department. So we asked the server to tell the chef not to hold back. The result was perfection. The combination of kale, pepper relish, orecchiette, poached egg and crispy shallots was just the right level of spicy, with a plethora of rustic Italian goodness. The dessert menu varies, but the night we were there, we had the excellent pear gelato with marinated pears ($6). If you are looking for an excellent dinner in a cozy setting for a night away from the city, Avalon Pasta Bistro is definitely the place to go. ■ ��

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

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FUN PGN & GAMES

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Q Puzzle Brazen Britches Across

1. Barrie’s getting on in years 5. Cop’s target 9. Isn’t quite straight 14. Chinese dynasty 15. Jump for Doug Mattis 16. Bear 17. Hump on the beach 18. Rowlands of film 19. “The Lion King” protagonist 20. Character of 22-/48-Across 22. With 48Across, “brazen britches,” or film comedy of 2012 23. Least of the litter 24. Halloween cry 26. Straddling 29. Stops to unzip and go 34. Pain in the neck 35. Get soft

36. Ron Howard role 37. Actor who plays 20-Across 40. Has debts 41. Ticks off 42. Pound poem part 43. Seamen running down the deck 45. Jude Law in _Sherlock Holmes_ 46. “That’s ___ quit!” 47. Woody Guthrie’s son 48. See 22-Across 52. Writer/director of 22-/48-Across 57. Spacey’s “The ___ Suspects” 58. Trials and tribulations 59. Milk go-with 60. Free, in France 61. Very much 62. What Israelis may shoot off 63. Stays hard 64. “Over my dead body!” and such 65. Sweater?

PORTRAIT from page 35

PGN: I heard the number-one question you get is, “Where do all these beautiful women come from?” So where do they come from? ML: Everywhere! I don’t know! Every time we have a party I see more people we’ve never met before. They come from New York and Delaware and all over. It’s kind of crazy. PGN: You do so many different things at the events — speed dating, talent showcases, movie screenings, happy hours and Gay Day at the Renaissance Faire. What’s a favorite? ML: Our movie screening of “Miss Representation” was really powerful and I had fun at the Renaissance Faire, but if I had to pick one I’d say the talent show. I’m so jealous of people who can do something, but it’s amazing to watch. PGN: I love the fact that in addition to the entertainment part of Stimulus, you also get people together for community service. ML: Yes, Stimulus Gives Back is an important side for us. Neither of us really identify as party promoters; we wanted to create a certain space for women to enjoy but never intended to be promoters. With SGB we are able to take the presence that we have in the community and show that we are not just lesbian or queer, we’re part of a greater population and we can do more than just party. So we have volunteered to sort food for families in need at Philabundance, packed care packages for children at Cradle to Crayons, lent

Down

1. Bi 2. “Not on a bet!” 3. Anderson of TV 4. Just treatment, to B.D. Wong on “SVU” 5. Socrates and Caesar 6. Bring to bear 7. Tear apart 8. Broadway souvenirs 9. Gay rodeo accessories 10. Film director Kazan 11. Cathedral of Hope collection 12. Important Brits 13. Go to and fro 21. Sled dog 25. Palindromic fellow 26. Sound of a sudden, involuntary discharge 27. Go on all fours 28. Het up 29. Practices voyeurism 30. Warhol subject 31. Responds like

welcoming thighs 32. Bicolor mount 33. ___ Hall University 35. Michael C. Hall on _Six Feet Under_ 38. Leave at the alter 39. Like snakeskin 44. Controversial paths for samesex partners 45. Snatches 47. Pewter or brass 48. Word on a door 49. Bangkok continent 50. Worn-down pencils 51. Pastry with fruit, perhaps 53. Earthenware pot 54. Soup pasta 55. Name in a will 56. What Sam twitched on “Bewitched” SOLUTION ON PAGE 46

wo-manpower to DVLF for their annual fundraiser TOY and cleaned up parks with Greater Philadelphia Cares. It’s fun! PGN: And currently you’re pursuing a degree in industrial/organizational psychology. What on earth is that? ML: Well, I’m really into mindfulness, knowing ourselves and our effect on other people. I’m not into clinical practice but I found that organizational psychology was really fascinating. We spend so much time in the workplace, especially in this economy where people have two and three jobs, so it’s the study of how organizations function and how we work within them. What makes the leaders, the team players and how do the people interact? PGN: Where do you work now? ML: Lundy Law firm. I kind of fell into it. Marvin Lundy passed away recently and they started a foundation in his name. Right before he died, he hired Tami Sortman and she helped bring me in to run the first project for them, which is the Lundy Law Library Express. I’m responsible for collecting donated books and coordinating everything. We’re doing things like if you want to wear jeans on casual Friday you have to bring in a new book. We’ll be launching it with Children’s Hospital in January. We’re going to have different celebrities come and read stories to the kids. It’s pretty cool. PGN: On another note, I read one of your tweets about “Supporting a queer workforce: Optimum practices and why it’s important.” Why is it important?

ML: There’s a tendency to whitewash in the corporate mentality. And queering a workforce is not just about being gay, it’s about accepting all differences and recognizing that everybody has something to contribute. You don’t have to just be white and male to be successful and offer something. And it’s important to not just assume that we’re all the same. PGN: So, not immediately assuming someone is going to have a wife and kids at home. ML: Exactly. Eliminating stereotypes and embracing differences. The most successful and creative teams are those that do so. PGN: Speaking of wives, are you partnered? ML: Yes, I’ve been dating someone for about two-and-a-half years now, she’s pretty awesome. Her name is Cameron and she’s a probation officer. Very lowkey and laid-back. PGN: OK, random questions. Other than Cameron, whom would you call to be bailed out of jail? ML: My best friend, CC. We’ve been best friends since we were about 3. She’s queer too, and that person who knows everything, but if you had a secret you didn’t want anyone to know, she’d take it to her grave. PGN: A gift you really wanted when you were a child but didn’t get? ML: New clothes! My dad was really cheap and always had us get second-hand

clothes. As soon as I became an adult, I fell in love with the feel of new jeans. PGN: Middle name? ML: Alexis. They thought I was going to be a boy. I was supposed to be named Taylor Alexis. PGN: I would have been Christopher had I been a boy. Any instruments? ML: I played the clarinet when I was a kid, but never kept up with it. PGN: If you could have the original of anything in the world, assuming you could never sell it, what would you want? ML: I just read that they’re discontinuing the Encyclopedia Britannicas so I’d like a set of them. I’m a nerd. PGN: I read that your motto was, “I do what I can to be all that I can and hope to inspire others to do the same.” ML: Yes, I kind of feel that I had a rough start, but I don’t want that to define me. So I do what I can ... PGN: [Laughs.] Well, that seems to be more than enough! ■ Holiday Stimulus will be held at 10 p.m. Dec. 14 at Square Peg, 929 Walnut St. In the spirit of giving back, Stimulus will collect items for the Community Women’s Education Project’s Kids Early Learning Center and Preschool — specifically school supplies such as construction paper, educational puzzles, games and toys, Pampers and pull-ups, craft supplies, multicultural dolls (large size), Elmer’s glue and washable paints.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

PGN TELEVISION

Worth Watching SO ... TECHNICALLY THIS IS A CHRISTMAS PREQUEL, RIGHT?: America’s favorite arctic herd is busy decorating for the holiday season in the annual return of “Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas,” 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17 on Fox.

I’LL BE HOMER FOR CHRISTMAS: While home alone, Homer becomes distracted by a super-addictive video game and loses the family dog in the process, much to the chagrin of the family on an all-new episode of “The Simpsons,” 8 p.m. Dec. 16 on Fox. Photo: Fox

ON THE WORST DAY OF CHRISTMAS ... : Legendary Christmas demon Minstrel Krampus (guest voice Danny Glover) punishes Steve for being naughty in the all-new holiday-themed episode of “American Dad,” 9:30 p.m. Dec. 16 on Fox. Photo: Fox

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DIVAS ASSEMBLE: Out pop star Adam Lambert hosts a new installment of “VH1 Divas” featuring performances by Ciara, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Jordin Sparks to pay homage to the greatest divas of dance music, such as Whitney Houston and Donna Summer, 9 p.m. Dec. 16 on VH1.

PGN

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Revisit the stories, the images, the people that shaped the year for LGBT Philly

��

1 year 12 months 52 issues Hundreds of stories Hundreds of photos What had you talking this year? ��

��

WATCH FOR THESE YEAR -IN-REVIEW ISSUES

Top Stories of the Year Dec. 28, 2012 Top Photos of the Year Dec. 28, 2012 Person of the Year Jan. 4, 2013

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

OUT & ABOUT

GONNA FIND OUT WHO’S NAUGHTY: Philadelphia gets a double dose of Peek-a-Boo Revue when the highly regarded neoburlesque troupe performs 9 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St., and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, visit www.peekaboorevue.com.

The week ahead Fri. 12/14 The Polyphonic Spree Holiday Show The psychedelic choral band performs 7 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Sharon Katz & The Peace Train The folk artist and LGBT ally performs 7:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215928-0770. Trans-Siberian Orchestra The orchestralrock band performs its annual holiday concert 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-336-3600.

Sat. 12/15 A Penny for Your Thoughts A guided discussion on all issues that impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women, 4-7 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. A Reading with John G. Culhane and Carrie Stone The authors of “Same-Sex Legal Kit for Dummies” host a reading 6:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215923-2960.

Concrete Blonde The rock band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Peek-a-Boo Revue The burlesque group performs 9 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Sophie B. Hawkins The singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. at New Hope Winery, 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope; 215-7942331.

Big Queer Book Sale The William Way LGBT Community Center clears out some of its library overflow, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220.

Sun. 12/16

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

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

A Rat Pack Christmas The tribute group performs 1 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Peek-a-Boo Revue Holiday Spectacular The burlesque group performs 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400. Monster Magnet The rock band performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Mon. 12/17 LGBTQ and friends Holiday Skate Party An all-ages event, 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Cherry Hill Skating Center, 664 Deer Road., Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-795-1919. Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Ted The comedy film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.

Tue. 12/18 Open Mic: The Best of What’s Next Sign up and play, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Wed. 12/19 Book Club “Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?” by Dan Bucatinsky is discussed 7 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220. 4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. It’s A Wonderful Life The holiday film is screened 7:30 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858.

ADIOS, AMIGOS!: According to interpretations of the Mayan calendar, it’s all (i.e., apocalypse) over Dec. 21. No speciﬁc time of day or location was given, so try to stay ready.

Tacky ’80s Kitschmas Showdown by Dumpsta Players Bawdy holiday fun, 10 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-5454511.

Thu. 12/20 HOLLER! Open-mic night, 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Kevin Hart The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11

p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-

Fri. 12/21 545-4511. Gillian Grassie The singer-songwriter and harpist performs 8:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215-928-0770. Estelle The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Kevin Hart The comedian performs a second night, 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543.

SOLUTION from page 43

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Opening Heavy Metal Dance Fag The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the chronicles of a tough independent, South Philly dockworker with a secret passion for tap-dancing— to 1980s hair metal, Dec. 14-15 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. The Glorious Sound of Christmas The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Dec. 20-22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

Continuing Cinderella Arden Children’s Theatre presents a new version of the classic Christmas tale through Jan. 27, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122. Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through Jan. 13 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210. Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor, through March, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Dave & Aaron Go To Work Plays & Players Theatre present the wordless comedy with music, through Dec. 31, 1714 Delancey St.; 215-5929560. Dr. Doolittle Media Theater presents the story of a veterinarian who can talk to animals, through Jan. 27, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker The Pennsylvania Ballet performs through Dec. 31 at the Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847.

Holiday POPS! Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform an evening of holiday classics through Dec. 22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Learning from Frank Furness: Louis Sullivan in 1873 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and furniture by the famed architect, through Dec. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Live Cinema/Manon de Boer: Resonating Surfaces — A Trilogy Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of a series of three cinematic portraits defined by narratives of time and memory, and structured around the relation between images and sounds, through Feb. 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge New City Stage presents the twisted Christmas tale through Dec. 23 at Adrienne Theatre Main Stage, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-563-7500. The Music Man Walnut Street Theatre presents the popular Broadway musical through Jan. 6, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Ronaldus Shamask: Form, Fashion, Reflection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and sketches by the fashion designer through March 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Closing Shipwreck! Winslow Homer and The Life Line Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 33 paintings by the American artist, through Dec. 16, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo The Annenberg Center presents the gender-bending dance company’s laugh-out-loud excursion into the world of classical ballet through Dec. 15 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Pete Holmes The comedian from Comedy Central performs through Dec. 15 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001. Tchaikovsky and a Genius The Philadelphia Orchestra performs the music of the famed composer through Dec. 15 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. ■

BACK IN THE MIX: The amazing and underrated alternative-rock group Concrete Blonde is back in action and on the road, 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

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

Plaid Tidings Guy group Forever Plaid performs songs from the 1950s-’60s through Dec. 30 at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Presidential Artifacts The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of artifacts from collections around the country through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895.

SOPHIE-STICATED: Bisexual singersongwriter Sophie B. Hawkins is in the area in support of her new album, “The Crossing,” 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at New Hope Winery, 6123 Lower York Road, in New Hope. For more information or tickets, call 215794-2331.

Philadelphia’s ﬁnest concert experience Become a Young Friend to experience the magniﬁcence and exquisite beauty of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra from the best seats starting at only $45 per ticket.

JOIN FOR FREE TODAY www.philorch.org/youngfriends

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

Open Houses - Sunday December 14, 2012 12:00-2:00 PM 3031 Cambridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Totally rehabbed 2BR/1.5BA home in Art Museum Area. Perfect for ﬁrst-time home buyer. $229,900 936 N.30th St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Just Listed! Beautiful 3BR/2.5BA home in Art Museum Area. $350,000 Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.phillyrealestateagents.com Dan Tobey

1401 Walnut St. • 8th Floor • Philadelphia, PA 19102

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.558.1063 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com

Help Wanted

PIANIST NEEDED Imago Dei MCC is in need of a pianist to play for Sunday service twice a month. Service begins at 10.30am; please call Marina on 484-885-8842 for further details if you are interested. ________________________________________36-52 Driver - $0.03 enhanced quarterly bonus. Get paid for any portion you qualify for: safety, production, MPG. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR exp. 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com ________________________________________36-50 GORDON TRUCKING, INC. CDL-A Drivers Needed! ..$1,500 SIGN ON BONUS.. Refrigerated Fleet & Great Miles. Pay Incentive & Beneﬁts! Recruiters available 7 days/wk! EOE. TeamGTI.com 866-554-7856. ________________________________________36-50 HIRING EXPERIENCED/INEXPERIENCED TANKER DRIVERS! Earn up to $.51/mile! New Fleet Volvo Tractors! 1 Year OTR Exp. Req.- Tanker Training Available. Call Today: 877-882-6537 www.OakleyTransport.com ________________________________________3650Drivers- Pyle Transport (A Division of A. Duie Pyle) Needs Owner Operators. Sign-on Bonus if you start on or before Dec. 19th! Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Mile. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________36-50

CRST offers the Best Lease Purchase Program! SIGN ON BONUS. No Down Payment or Credit Check. Great Pay. Class-A CDL required. Owner Operators Welcome! Call:866-403-7044. ________________________________________36-50 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________36-50 Driver: CDL-A Van & Flatbed *New Pay Package! *Very New Trucks *Beneﬁts After 30-Days *Great Miles, Pay *Dependable Hometime *Start Immediately! CDL Graduates Needed! 877-917-2266 drivewithwestern.com ________________________________________36-50

Roommates Rooms for rent in Salem, NJ. Small $600, MBR $700 and double, $800/mo. Includes utilities. Call 856-275-1001. ________________________________________36-51

Business Opportunity START NOW! OPEN RED HOT DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX, DISCOUNT PARTY, $10 CLOTHING STORE, TEEN STORE, FITNESS CENTER FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! WWW.DRSS19.COM 1-800-518-3064. ________________________________________36-50

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days

Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:

YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Real Estate Rent

Travel & Resorts

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. ________________________________________36-52 HADDON TWP, NJ Safe, sunny 2 BR apt. 2nd ﬂ owner occ. duplex. 1000 sq.. ft., A/C, D/W, W/D, new carpet & paint. Pvt. ent. Close to speedline, bus, walk, bike to shops, parks, lakes, library. $850-875/mo + bonus. Call Brian, 12 PM-7 PM, 856-858-8620. ________________________________________37-01 GORGEOUS PASSYUNK SQUARE HOME! 2-story, 800 sq. ft., 2 bdrm; c/a; fab kit w/stainless steel appl, micro; w/d in full bsmt; orig. hdwd ﬂrs; custom inlaid mosaic tiles in foyer and bthrm; custom paint and exp brick throuout; outdoor garden area; 1 blk. from “the fountain,” subways & pub. trans.; pet friendly. $1,700.00/mo w/one year lease Contact Dominic @ 267-315-0239. ________________________________________36-50 23XX S. COLORADO ST. 3br, 1 ba, completely redone, Wshr & Dryr. $995/month+, avail immediately. 215-292-5396. ________________________________________36-50

Men 609-345-8203 oceanhouseAC@yahoo.com ________________________________________37-05

Services EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________36-50 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________36-50 MEDICAL-BILLING-TRAINEES NEEDED! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you Job ready ASAP. HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888926-7882. ________________________________________36-50

All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

CANCELLATION POLICY All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad. PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

PGN

Real Estate Sale

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

Friends Men 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. ________________________________________36-50 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________36-50 I’m looking for a very well end. top (8 or more) who can appreciate a very nice white butt. 8-11 PM, 215-732-2108. ________________________________________37-01 Attractive GWM, 37, friendly, sweet, caring, funny, naughtyboy, brutally attacked in prison. Every guy I ever loved has abandoned me. I’m so very lonely. ISO guys to write to me. I will reply to all. Kenneth Houck #06743-015, Federal Medical Center, PO Box 1600, Butner NC 27509. ________________________________________36-52

Massage Massage on the Mainline. Affordable, professional. $60 per hour. Treat yourself! Appointments: 610-710-6213. ________________________________________36-51 David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________37-13

Friends Men

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

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

CLOSED: CHRISTMAS EVE RE-OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY @ 6pm

I SAW A DADDY KISSING SANTA CLAUS Saturday, December 15th, 2012 Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & Soo Much More.. Rooms go quickly and are on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis. So Check In Early if you want a room…

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Saturday, December 16th, 2012 Time: 3pm-6pm Boys will Be Boys- Awaken Your Spirit & Sit On Santa’s Lap Join P.A.N.G. for an afternoon of Naked Socializing & More... For More Information On Group:www.phillynakedguys.com/

ROOMS:

Members: $25.00 & Non-Members: $35.00

LOCKERS:

Members: $18.00 & Non-Members: $28.00

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

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

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

SATURDAY: AFTERNOON DELIGHT

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

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

MANIC MONDAY

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

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

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

PGN

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St., youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 5091 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite D, Dover, Del.; 302-734-9350. BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Services 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; 215-3430406. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-724-1702. Central Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m, at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-0664. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215-922-1128. Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267. Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call 732-502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets 4 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood; 973-509-0118. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com. Drexel Hill Baptist Church Nonjudgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 4400 State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356; www.dhbaptist.com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m., New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-545-2673; www.emmanuelnb.org. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-622-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterianchurch.com.

Jersey; mccctl.com; 732-823-2193. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020; www. mccphiladelphia.com. Old First Reformed Church Open and affirming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215-922-4566; www. oldfirstucc.org. Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-598-7601. Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and affirming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234; www.philadelphiacathedral.org. Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000; cpmm@afsc.org.

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451; www. stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-7321918; stlukeandtheepiphany.org. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-566-1393; www. inclusivecatholics.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www. stmarysatpenn.org. St. Paul Episcopal Church Welcoming and inclusive church holds services 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-6881796; www.stpaullevittown.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100; tabunited.org.

Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157; www.usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services 10:15 a.m. Interweave, a group of LGBT Unitarians and their allies, also meets at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-667-3618; uucch.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561; www.uurestoration.us.

Living Water United Church of Christ An open and afﬁrming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays; 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267-388-6081; www.lwucc.org.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township; 609-9659400; www.uucsjs.org.

Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St.; 610-327-2662. www.uupottstown.org.

Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Afﬁrming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org. Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator Holds services 10:45 a.m. Sundays at the Pride Center of New

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

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

Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 10:30 a.m., at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Interweave, a group for LGBT parishioners and allies, meets noon the ﬁrst Sunday of the month; 610-566-4853; www. uucdc.org.

Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332; www.mluc.org.

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

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

The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-afﬁrming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays at 6001 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; 215-438-3077. www.fumcog.org.

Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC.org.

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

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

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

Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m. Sundays. First Sunday of the month, 7 p.m. Mosaic: jazz with poetry and prose; 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515; trinityphiladelphia.org.

Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sancturary; 215-567-3668; www.lc-hc.org.

Community centers

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

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

St. Asaph’s Church Inclusive and progressive Episcopal church holds services 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd; 610-664-0966; www.saintasaphs.org.

United Christian Church Open, afﬁrming and welcoming congregation holds services 10:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215-946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, afﬁrming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30; 215-387-2885; www.uniphila.org.

Community Bulletin Board

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

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that afﬁrms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215563-3980; www.ﬁrstuu-philly.org.

Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950. www.grace-epi.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

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

Key numbers

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

Health

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

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 14-20, 2012

PGN