Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 34 No. 51
Honesty Integrity Professionalism
Dec. 17 - 23, 2010
OutFest video shows city’s rainbows to youth
Lower Merion bans LGBT discrimination By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Lower Merion last week became the 18th municipality in the state to ban LGBT discrimination. The township commission of the Main Line locale unanimously approved a measure Dec. 8 that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing and employment. The ordinance also created a human-relations commission to investigate discrimination complaints. The 12-0 vote came just two days after the mayor of Hatboro vetoed a similar ordinance that borough council had passed last month. Both municipalities are in Montgomery County but, because of the veto, Lower Merion will now be the first in the county to adopt an LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance. This week, the Haverford Township Commission voted to delay a vote on its proposed nondiscrimination ordinance. The 5-4 vote to table the measure came Monday
after debate among the commissioners about the possible costs associated with the bill. The Lower Merion law went into effect immediately, and applications for the human-relations commission are being accepted until Jan. 4, after which the township commission will select the panel. The measure was first addressed during a council meeting this past summer by Jason Landau Goodman, a University of Pennsylvania student and a lifelong Lower Merion resident. Goodman said last Tuesday’s meeting was the first time in which a small group of detractors surfaced, although they were outnumbered by the large contingent of LGBTs and allies who turned out in favor of the ordinance. “There were a few people who spoke against it but before that night not one Lower Merion resident had come before the board to speak in opposition to the ordinance,” Goodman said, noting that the measure has seen widespread support since its introduc-
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer
RIGHTEOUS RAGE: More than 60 supporters of Riders Against Gender Exclusion added their names to the SEPTA Rider’s Bill of Rights, which RAGE presented to the transit agency at its public meeting Dec. 15. In the document, RAGE outlined the protections to which all SEPTA riders are entitled, marking the first time a formal declaration is believed to have been drafted. RAGE has been calling on SEPTA to remove its gender markers from its transpasses, maintaining the passes are discriminatory against transgender and gender-variant individuals. SEPTA has said it cannot consider such a change until a new fare See ORDINANCE, Page 6 system is in place. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Hopes for DADT repeal enter final hours The U.S. House this week again passed a measure to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and all eyes have turned to the Senate as the end of the session closes in. Advocates are urging the Senate to approve the measure before Congress recesses for the holidays, or else it could face a tougher battle next year, when Republicans take control of the House. As of press time, a vote on repeal had not yet been scheduled in the Senate, but Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said this week he may ask legislators to return to session in the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and even work up until Jan. 4, if important measures still need to be addressed. The House voted 250-175 Dec.
15 in favor of the repeal legislation. Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th Dist.) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) introduced the bill the day before. The House bill was put forth under the header Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009, a measure the Senate already passed. By doing so, the House can now send the bill back to the Senate and circumvent a committee vote. Since the Senate already approved the business measure, the bill will be given “privileged status” and be considered before other measures. The House approved the same repeal measure, sponsored by Murphy, in May as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, 234-194.
However, the defense bill stalled in the Senate this month after procedural squabbling led to the failure of a cloture vote, with nearly all Republicans voting against proceeding on the measure, many of whom said the Senate must first address the taxcut proposal. Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the stand-alone repeal measure on Dec. 10. The Senate bill has 44 cosponsors, including Pennsylvania Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey. After voting on the tax-cuts measure Wednesday, the Senate voted to begin debate on the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. In the one-hour debate on the measure prior to Wednesday’s House vote, supporters and oppo-
nents picked apart the recent Pentagon report on the law, as well as remarks made by military leaders in Senate hearings. Several Republicans said Congress was rushing the repeal effort, and that there were more pressing issues lawmakers should focus on, while supporters of the bill commented on the importance and urgency of lifting the law. Murphy urged his fellow lawmakers to “do what’s right for national security.” “Enough of the games. Enough of the politics,” Murphy said. “Our troops are the best of the best and deserve a Congress that puts our safety and national security over rigid partisan interests and closedminded ideology.” ■
Following several highly publicized suicides by gay youth this fall, this year’s annual OutFest paid special tribute to LGBT young people, with dozens of students taking the stage to thunderous applause and choruses of “It gets better” from throughout the neighborhood. But thanks to a film crew on hand that day, that support will continue to reverberate far beyond the Gayborhood. “It Gets Better — Philly’s Video” hit the Internet last week and has thus far been viewed by nearly 2,000 YouTubers. The initiative was the brainchild of director/producer Mel Orpen and producers Brian Wigganton and Rudy Flesher, who collaborated with co-producers Matt Thompson and Brooke Jinheebae Boroughs. Out writer Dan Savage sparked the “It Gets Better” video effort this fall in response to a spate of youth suicides, encouraging LGBTs and allies to submit short videos to demonstrate to struggling youth that happiness is attainable. Orpen, an independent filmmaker and See VIDEO, Page 14
UN-ITING FOR RIGHTS: Bruce Knotts, openly gay chair of the United Nation’s Human Rights Committee, answers a question from the audience following his keynote speech at a Dec. 10 Human Rights Day celebration at the National Liberty Museum. The event, organized by the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia, this year focused on LGBT issues — a first for the local observance. In addition to the conversation with Knotts, the event, which drew about 75 people, featured a panel discussion with local LGBT leaders and a — Jen Colletta film screening. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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HOLIDAY HELPERS: The Bike Stop owner Robert Palmer (center) hosted Mazzoni Center case-management coordinator Ryan Goldner and executive director Nurit Shein at a Dec. 10 fundraiser at the club. The event, which featured Mazzoni Center staffers pouring drinks and selling baked goods, raised a total of $1,400 for the agency’s winter coat and toy drive, which benefits children affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS. Mazzoni will deliver coats and gifts to 160 area children. Additional supporters included Philly AIDS Thrift, BlueCross BlueShield, the Rainbow Rollers bowling team and The Bike Stop. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
LGBTs launch new theater company
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News Briefing Westboro to visit Philly
NEW ACT IN TOWN: Jeff Lesser (center), president and artistic director of Center City Theatre Works, and the other members of the board welcome supporters at the organization’s kickoff party Nov. 10 at The Panorama Club. The new theater company will open its first season in May at Upstairs at the Adrienne Theater with “The Shadow Box.” Photo: Scott A. Drake
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A theater company that will be largely guided by a group of LGBT theater aficionados will celebrate its opening season this spring, providing Philadelphia with a new outlet for both overlooked theatrical pieces and actors. Center City Theatre Works will launch its debut production, “The Shadow Box,” in May at the new Upstairs at the Adrienne Theater. Jeffrey Lesser, president and artistic director of the new nonprofit, said the endeavor began about a year ago in response to various negative encounters some of the founders had in the current theater community. “There are a group of us who each had different theater experiences but collectively felt that a lot of the different theater companies in the area just weren’t satisfying,” Lesser said. “So we thought we needed to bring in a company to the theater scene in Philadelphia that was professional, one that had a warm environment and one that was affordable to the public.” Founding members include Lesser, creative director Vivian Fineman, managing director Steve Kolbo, treasurer Stephen Markowski and secretary Jack Nixon — four of whom are gay.
The company plans to start with two productions a year — dramas, comedies or musicals — and eventually grow to three or four annual shows and the exploration of other realms, like a cabaret series. Lesser said the organization will concentrate on providing a stage for shows that some of the large, mainstream companies often shy away from, but whose artistic value is nevertheless high. “One of the things we really want to focus on is neglected plays, especially the smaller musicals that aren’t done very often,” he said. “Most of the companies here in Philadelphia do the really big musicals with casts of 20 or 30, but there are so many really lovely intimate musicals and plays that aren’t done very often but that are real jewels.” Depending on the content of the production, Lesser said the company also wants to reach out to the community that may be featured in the show’s subject matter to play a direct role in the production. LGBT topics will take front and center in Center City Theatre Works’ first production. “The Shadow Box” is a Tony Awardand Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that follows the lives of a group of terminally ill people living on the grounds of a hospital, two of whom are a gay couple — which Lesser noted was a bold statement for a
play that first hit Broadway in 1977. In addition to producing plays that are not frequently staged, the company will also work to give exposure to local actors who have struggled with Philadelphia’s tough theater market. “Philadelphia is kind of an incestuous theater community,” Lesser said. “The same people are used a lot of the time, so it’s a difficult place for actors to break into. One of our big things is that we’re going to be very, very open about new people coming in. We want people to be able to come to us, no matter if they’re new, and they can get their start with us.” As the organization itself is just getting started, it’s now looking for corporate sponsors to support its work. The company celebrated its opening with about 60 supporters at a fundraising event last month and marked a milestone this week with the launch of its website. Supporters can make tax-deductible donations to the organization on the website. Center City Theatre Works will host auditions for “The Shadow Box” in February, with rehearsals beginning this spring. For more information, visit www.centercitytheatreworks.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.
Antigay fringe group Westboro Baptist Church is set to visit Philadelphia next week to protest at two Catholic high schools and a Jewish community center. The Kansas-based organization headed by Fred Phelps gained notoriety for protesting the funeral of soldiers, whom members allege were killed because of the country’s tolerance of the LGBT community. WBC will begin the day’s protests with a stop at Archbishop Ryan High School, 11201 Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia, from 7:10-7:40 a.m. The group is scheduled to visit the Jewish Community Center from 12:30-1 p.m., and from 2-2:25 p.m. Father Judge High School, 3301 Solly Ave. in the Northeast. The WBC site states the group chose the high schools because the students are being taught that God loves everyone and that it’s OK to be gay — ideas that WBC espouses are false — and the community center to remind Jews of their “Christrejecting sins.” Both high schools are organizing counterprotests on Facebook, with the Father Judge event having surpassed more than 1,600 people who say they’ll attend.
PA LGBT business meeting The Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting Jan. 14 at The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Road in Hershey. The meeting, which is $65 for members and $75 for non-members, provides an opportunity for LGBT business owners to learn about the chamber’s progress and discuss the future of the LGBT business market with other professionals. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour, with entertainment and a cash bar, followed by the dinner and meeting. The night will conclude with a social that will feature a raffle and prizes. Discounts are available for those wishing to stay at the hotel. For more information, contact Seth Hamill at (717) 283-9063 or Seth. Hamill@gmail.com or visit www.cpglcc. org. The deadline for registration is Jan. 7.
National scholarship contest opens The Point Foundation’s 2011 application season opened last week, with a See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 13
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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ORDINANCE From Page 1 tion in September. “On our side, we were organized and coordinated and were working on this for over a year. We took the time to talk to each commissioner, had the support of the civic association and were supported completely by the board in the crafting of the ordinance. It was a great achievement for Lower Merion.” The fact that the vote was unanimous made the victory even sweeter, Goodman said.
“We knew the vote was coming and it was something we’d been working for and waiting for, but to have it be unanimous was just such a wonderful thing,” he said. “It really reflects that the commissioners truly value and respect all of the residents of Lower Merion and all of their neighbors.” Commission president Bruce Reed said Goodman first raised the possibility of the ordinance to him on Election Day in 2009, and he commended Goodman for his perseverance throughout the process.
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Reed said he saw little opposition from the public, many of whom he noted assumed such a law was already in place. “Within Lower Merion as a whole, there was almost completely uniform support,” Reed said. “The small opposition that did come up in the very last meeting was external to the township. People in Lower Merion saw this as something that was overdue. Many people I spoke with thought that, amongst the protected categories in anti-discrimination legislation, that gay people were already included. A lot of time people were shocked to find out that there wasn’t such a protection.” The measure that passed last week was the third draft of the bill. While the main thrust of the bill did not change since its inception, the scope of the human relations commission’s investigatory power was expanded to encompass the other state-protected characteristics, in addition to sexual orientation and gender identity.
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Goodman said he’s been in touch with several activists from throughout the state who are also spearheading similar local-level initiatives, despite the state legislature’s inability to advance a statewide nondiscrimination measure. “It’s really great that this is happening and that we’re all sharing ideas with one another. This is a local issue, so it’s great to see communities taking ownership of this issue on their own because the state and the U.S. Congress aren’t at the moment,” Goodman said. “We have state legislators in this area who have been champions for LGBT rights and we’d like for someday a nondiscrimination law to be put into place at the state level, but for now, more and more municipalities need to keep passing these ordinances to keep their residents safe.” Reed agreed and said that, while the adoption of the measure will ultimately benefit the residents of Lower Merion, he’s eager for it to also make an important state-
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ment to the state’s elected officials about the need for such legislation across Pennsylvania. “It’s so unfortunate that neither the federal nor the state government has extended nondiscrimination legislation to sexual orientation. So aside from us just wanting to provide this basic protection, we thought it was very important to send a message to our legislators in Harrisburg about the fact that an increasing number of communities believes this protection needs to be afforded and that they need to act on this on a statewide basis,” he said. “I said at the conclusion of the meeting that I hope the day comes where this statute falls into disuse because it won’t be needed anymore because it will have been superceded by the state.” Goodman said the effort to pass the bill has mobilized LGBT residents of Lower Merion, an area he said is uniquely different from other Pennsylvania locales that have adopted similar measures. “Lower Merion is not a large city or very small borough like places where this has passed before. It’s a very large suburb and, through this whole effort, we’ve really developed pride in that. People can have pride to live in the suburbs and in Lower Merion, where we’re now protected under law. It’s a wonderful feeling.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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National
Media Trail
Discharged gay veterans sue for reinstatement
DMV employee in privacy case suspended
By Lisa Leff The Associated Press
issued a worldwide injunction immediately stopping enforcement of the ban, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended Phillips’ order. SAN FRANCISCO — Three military The suit filed Monday makes the veterans who were discharged under same constitutional claims — rooted in the law that prohibits gays from serving a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court position — openly in uniform sued the government that private and consensual homosexual Monday to be reinstated and to pressure activity cannot be outlawed. lawmakers to repeal the “Don’t Ask, It also relies on a 2008 decision from Don’t Tell” law before a new Congress the 9th Circuit that the Air Force violated is sworn in. the civil rights The lawsuit filed of flight nurse in U.S. District Court Margaret Witt in San Francisco when it fired her also seeks to have under “Don’t the ban on openly Ask, Don’t gay troops declared Tell” without unconstitutional and demonstrating therefore unenforceshe needed to be able for any serviceremoved to promembers. tect her reserve “I don’t feel like unit’s cohesion I’m going up against or readiness. the military, I really Lawyers for don’t. I just feel the three plainlike this is a necestiffs in the latsary step for doing est suit plan to away with this polcontend that icy,” said former allowing gay Air Force Staff Sgt. servicememAnthony Loverde. bers to serve “I believe the miliopenly actually tary, the majority of strengthens the troops I’ve served armed forces with and those who have been studied to ASKING, TELLING, SUING: Sens. Mark Udall (D-Colo., from left), Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and by not requiring Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) listen to Maj. Mike Almy speak at a March 3 news conference them to keep death are with us.” The 31-year-old on Capitol Hill on the introduction of a bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on gays in t h e i r s e x u a l Loverde is working the military. Almy and two other discharged gay veterans filed a lawsuit Monday seeking orientations a secret. in Iraq for a private reinstatement. AP Photo: Harry Hamburg Almy, a decmilitary contractor that’s providing the Army with tech- ing the concerns of Defense Secretary orated officer who was in the Senate nical support. The lawsuit was also Robert Gates, a named defendant in the chambers last week when Republicans filed on behalf of former Air Force suit, along with the service chiefs of the refused to let the repeal measure advance, said he still hopes lawmakers Maj. Michael Almy, 40, and former Navy and Air Force. A Pentagon study unveiled this month can be persuaded to take up the standNavy Petty Officer Second Class Jason found that two-thirds of troops thought alone bill, even if it means postponing Knight, 28. The legal action came four days after repealing the gay ban would have little their vacations. The son of an Air Force officer who the U.S. Senate for the second time this effect on their units. Gates then joined year blocked a military spending bill President Obama in urging the Senate to did not know his son was gay, Almy was discharged in 2006 after another that also would have repealed the 17- end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He reiterated last Friday that if law- member of the Air Force searching his year-old ban on openly gay troops. Sens. Susan Collins and Joe Lieberman makers do not act, military leaders could computer files found a private e-mail have introduced a standalone measure, end up “at the mercy of the courts and Almy had written to another man when but it’s uncertain if it will be brought all of the lack of predictability that that he was in Iraq. His 13-year career ended with his being given a police escort off for a vote before the Senate and House entails.” A federal judge in Riverside, Calif., base. adjourn for the holidays. “I spent four Christmases deployed Servicemembers Legal Defense ruled in a different lawsuit in September Network director Aubrey Sarvis said the that the gay ban violates the due-pro- in the Middle East,” he said. “If we lawsuit was meant as a warning to law- cess and free-speech rights of gay can make that kind of sacrifice for our nation, certainly our senators can give makers that if they don’t act to repeal Americans. U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips up a Christmas to get this done.” ■ the military ban, the courts could step in and order an integration timetable that is less to the Pentagon’s liking. “If the Senate fails to act in the lameduck session, we are prepared to litigate this aggressively,” said Sarvis, whose group coordinated the lawsuit and prepared it with lawyers from a private law firm. “From my perspective, this is the first shot over the bow,” he said. The move also was aimed at validat-
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the California Department of Motor Vehicles suspended a clerk who allegedly used a state database to mail a letter to a transgender woman condemning her sex change. DMV spokesperson Michael Marando said Dec. 10 the unidentified employee was placed on administrative leave with pay in October, shortly after Amber Yust said she received the letter. The DMV is now investigating the clerk’s alleged misconduct. Yust says the letter came four days after the clerk processed her application for a new driver’s license with her female name. It identified the writer as the person who handled her application. Yust filed a claim this week against the state for damages.
School retains anti-bullying curriculum The San Jose Mercury News reports parents whose children attend classes in the Vallejo City Unified School District cannot opt them out of the anti-bullying curriculum, including short films featuring gay and lesbian families, being presented in the schools. The district’s board of trustees voted 4-1 last Thursday to retain the “Respect for All” curriculum, which has been the subject of heated debate in recent weeks. Some parents said they should have been notified about the lessons and be allowed to keep their children out of the classes. The curriculum stems from a settlement between the district and the ACLU, following complaints of harassment and bullying from a former high-school student.
Damage to Harvard gay books accidental Advocate.com reports a dean at Harvard University said that what initially appeared to be an act of vandalism in which urine was poured on almost 40 gay and lesbian books was instead an accident. Dean Evelynn Hammonds said on Dec. 13 that an investigation determined a library worker found a bottle of what appeared to be urine on a shelf in the Lamont Library and accidentally spilled it. Campus police had been investigating the incident as a hate crime. Some 36 books worth several thousand dollars were ruined in the Nov. 24 incident. It remains unclear why a bottle of urine was in the library. ■ — Larry Nichols
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Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between Nov. 29-Dec. 5. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. REPORT: Between 6 p.m. Nov. 28 and 9 a.m. Nov. 29, a fifth-floor office at 1315 Walnut St. had a glass door broken and a laptop taken. Central Detective Division responded and processed the scene for possible evidence. REPORT: Between noon and 4:15 p.m. Nov. 25 (incident reported Nov. 29), someone smashed the window of an out-of-towner’s 2001 Ford and stole a laptop from the vehicle, which was parked at a paid garage at 1201 Walnut St. The victim called the report into the DPR Unit; therefore, police were not dispatched to check for fingerprints. ARREST: At 1:55 a.m. Nov. 29, Sixth District officers arrested a
male for a summary offense outside 12th and Pine streets. REPORT: Between 2-11:15 a.m. Nov. 29, out-of-town complainant’s 2000 Saab, parked in the 1200 block of Panama Street, was stolen. REPORT: Between 10 p.m. Nov. 29 and midnight Nov. 30, someone stole a wallet from a 2006 BMW parked in the 300 block of South 10th Street. The driver of the vehicle reported the incident to police soem sever hours later, so investigators weren’t dispatched. REPORT: At 2 p.m. Nov. 29, complainant was sitting on a bench with her purse next to her at 1000 Market St. when a male stole the purse and ran east on Market. The offender was described as a black male, 35 years old, 6-foot-3 with a heavy build and a goatee, and wearing black sweat pants and a light-colored coat. ARREST: At 2:05 a.m. Nov. 30, Sixth District officers arrested a male for a summary offense at 12th and Spruce streets. REPORT: Between 4:40 p.m. Nov.
20 and 4:45 p.m. Dec. 4, complainant’s secured bicycle was stolen from 300 S. 13th St. REPORT: At 8 p.m. Nov. 29, a male entered the booth of the attendant of the Patriot Parking Lot, 1305 Sansom St., pointed a handgun at the employee and took money from the register. The male fled in a red SUV, west on Sansom Street, then north on Broad. The offender was described as a black male, 30-40 years old, 6foot-1 to -2, with a thin build and a medium complexion, wearing a black and red hoodie. The scene was processed for evidence and fingerprints by Central Detective Division. REPORT: At 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3, a male took a phone from the TMobile store, 1140 Market St., and left without paying. The suspect was described as a black male in his mid50s, 6-foot-2, wearing a black coat and black pants and carrying a black shopping bag. ARREST: At 10:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Sixth District plainclothes officers arrested a male for obstruction of a highway related to prostitution outside 261 S. 13th St.
ARREST: At 12:25 a.m. Dec. 5, an employee of Knock Bar, 225 S. 12th St., was punched and bitten by an intoxicated patron who was expelled for causing a disturbance and attempted to re-enter the bar. Sixth District Officer McGrath responded to a 911 call and took the suspect into custody. The 56-yearold offender with a local address was charged with aggravated assault and related offenses. REPORT: At 8:05 a.m. Dec. 5, complainant was about to swipe his SEPTA Trail Pass while entering the Market-Frankford station at 13th and Market streets when two males snatched the pass and ran. The sus-
pects were described as white males, about 25 years old. One was wearing a black knit cap and black puffy coat; the second was wearing a green hoodie. ARRESTS: At 11:25 a.m. Dec. 5, Sixth District Officers Green and Gonzales, working plainclothes detail in the Market East Corridor, observed an illegal drug sale taking place outside 1000 Market St. The officers apprehended the two suspected sellers and confiscated 54 pills identified as prescription narcotics and over $200 cash. The alleged offenders, a 44-year-old male and a 32-year-old female, were charged with illegal narcotic sales. ■
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Editorial
Bracing for the storm Though the election is more than a month behind us and the holidays are fast approaching, politics has been the dominant topic of late. Locally, there have been both some wins and losses, with the approval of the Lower Merion antidiscrimination law, including sexual orientation and gender identity, and the veto of similar legislation by Hatboro’s mayor after the township’s council had approved it. In Washington, D.C., repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has been at the forefront of activists’ efforts in recent weeks; they have worked to get legislation passed before the Congressional session ends and Republicans take over the House in January. After years of activism, concerted efforts for the past two years and a near-frenzy for the past two weeks, many are saying the repeal effort is at the “now or not for a long, long time” point. In the House, representatives approved a repeal amendment in May, which had been added to the National Defense Authorization Act. In the Senate, members have not been able to garner enough support to bring the legislation — the entire defense authorization act with the repeal amendment attached — to debate; threats of filibuster and procedural votes have blocked progress. Two weeks ago, Republicans vowed not to move on any legislation that was not related to reducing taxes or cutting spending through the end of the session, and are now focused on the deal that would extend President Bush’s tax cuts (which reduces taxes but adds to the deficit in the long-term). Democrats, unhappy with extending the tax cuts for wealthy Americans, aren’t keen on passing the compromise between President Obama and the Republicans. After failing to muster the cloture vote in the Senate last week, Democrats are trying a last-ditch effort to repeal the military ban. They introduced the repeal as a stand-alone bill last Friday; the House passed its version Wednesday. In his State of the Union address, President Obama said he would work with Congress and the military to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year, giving a more concrete timeline to his campaign promise. Over the summer, the administration and Congress was mostly mum on the subject, leading some pundits to suggest that Congressmembers were waiting until after the election to address a potential lightening rod. Instead, their (in)action may have driven supporters away — or failed to inspire them to come out and vote — and cost them their jobs. And now, it’s down to the wire. Republicans are dragging their feet, citing other issues as more important; Democrats are opposing the president’s tax-cut deal. If this doesn’t pass now, years of work is likely lost, and the repeal effort will rest soundly with the courts — an option the military really doesn’t like. ■
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
William Donohue If there’s one thing that makes America uncomfortable, it’s art. Because art is gay in a literal, serious and horrible way. It must be stopped. Especially if Jesus is involved. Which is why, on Nov. 30, the day before World AIDS Day, a short video segment by David Wojnarowicz, a gay artist who died of AIDS in 1992, was yanked from an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The exhibit, “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture,” was touted as “the first major museum exhibition to focus on sexual difference in the making of modern American portraiture,” which means, of course, H-O-M-O. Wojnarowicz’s piece, titled “Fire In My Belly,” contains a brief segment of a Hummel figurine-looking Jesus on the cross with live ants skittering all over it. Clearly, as far as Catholic League President Bill Donohue saw it, Wojnarowicz meant to offend Christians, especially Catholics, even though Donohue is to Catholics what Fred Phelps is to Baptists. Donohue is ardently antigay and believes that homosexuality and pedophilia are irrevocably linked. This is a guy who, while on CNN in March, called the Catholic sex-abuse scandal “a homosexual crisis” and
said, “They can’t keep their hands off the boys. Don’t you get it?” In his Nov. 30 press release, Donohue misrepresented the video as showing “large ants eating away at Jesus on a crucifix.” There is no eating happening. The figure is some kind of glazed ceramic. Not exactly the kind of thing you see ants carrying away from a picnic. There is one thing that Donohue and I agree on, however. “It is a sad commentary on the judgment exercised by Smithsonian officials that it took a pressure group like the Catholic League to send them a wake-up call,” he said. That Wojnarowicz’s work was pulled from display is, indeed, “a sad commentary on the judgment exercised by Smithsonian officials.” “The decision wasn’t caving in,” the museum’s director, Martin E. Sullivan, told The Washington Post. “We don’t want to shy away from anything that is controversial, but we want to focus on the museum’s and this show’s strengths.” But as Frank Rich pointed out in The New York Times, Dude, you totally caved. And caved for a guy whose opinion isn’t worth the kilowatt hours it took to post his press release to his organization’s website. “I regret that some reports about
the exhibit have created an impression that the video is intentionally sacrilegious,” Sullivan said. “In fact, the artist’s intention was to depict the suffering of an AIDS victim.” This explanation did little to quell the antigay fire in Donohue’s belly. They pulled the video and yet Donohue is still calling for a cut in federal funds for the museum. Never mind that the exhibit is privately funded. And Donohue has friends in high places — friends who will soon hold the Smithsonian’s purse strings. “If they’ve got money to squander like this, of a crucifix being eaten by ants, of Ellen DeGeneres grabbing her breasts, men in chains, naked brothers kissin, then I think we should look at their budget,” Georgia Rep. Jack Kingston told Fox News. Soon-to-be House Majority Leader Eric Cantor told Fox it was an “outrageous use of taxpayer money and an obvious attempt to offend Christians during the Christmas season.” Cantor is right. “Hide/Seek” is obviously just part of the War on Christmas. Thank Jesus the Republicans are going to be back in charge and we can start focusing on some real issues for a change. ■ D’Anne Witkowski is a Detroit-based freelance writer.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Mark My Words
Street Talk
Mark Segal
Political communication and education Every year, the second weekend before Christmas, Pennsylvania’s blue bloods, elected officials, hospital, museum, union and university presidents and those politically connected gather en mass in New York City and encamp at The Waldorf Astoria for what is known as the Pennsylvania Society weekend. Over the years, it has morphed from an organization of the blue bloods of Philadelphia and New York to the foremost lobbying weekend of the year. Almost every elected official who counts is there, to meet supporters and build new alliances. Everything is possible in politics. Three years ago, I finally decided to give it a try, and must admit how surprised I was at my reception: It was very welcoming. So last weekend, I embarked on my third trip to New York to join the powerbrokers of our state. This year was different than the previous two. It was obvious that Republicans had taken over Harrisburg for all intents and purposes. Moreover, those Republicans are mostly from the western part of the state — not a good sign for Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. So it was time to meet the new governor, senator and leaders of our House of Representatives and Senate — as well as hang out with our political friends. While there are a sprinkling of gay people at the event — which draws thousands and brings about $20 million to the New York City economy each year — it seems that Jason and I were the only obvious gay couple in attendance. And, after three years, hardly a notice. State Rep. Mike O’Brien (D-175th Dist.) loves to introduce me to Republicans. His line: “Meet my friend Mark Segal,” then very slowly so they hear
each word, “He’s publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News.” He shouts the word gay. His chief of staff, Mary Isaacson, makes it a point that I meet anyone running for statewide office. People kept coming up to Jason and me and asking what it was like dancing in the White House, or what was served for dinner. Others came over to chat about my favorite project, the LGBT-friendly senior residences. Those who helped us raise the $8 million in funding we now have came over and asked, “When am I cutting that ribbon?” Senators and House representatives were asking if there was anything else they could do — and these were Democrats and Republicans alike. I was smiling from ear to ear. Union leaders were thanking me for bringing union jobs to the city. Aging activists said they wanted to get involved, including the former state director of aging and our new city commission on aging. I ran into Sen. Bob Casey, who has been helping with the project, and he asked if my meetings in D.C. last Tuesday went well. It is, by far, the most positive project I’ve ever worked on. I also had a pleasant conversation with Sen.-elect Pat Toomey and congratulated Gov.-elect Tom Corbitt. These are people that we in the LGBT community will have to work with, so it is important to keep the lines of communication open. After all, it was keeping lines open that helped us get domestic-partnership rights in Philadelphia. Thacher Longstreth was the Republican vote that changed the thinking in City Council: That bill was the only piece of legislation not supported by the Council president to pass. That, my friends, is what fighting for true equal rights is all about: communication and education. ■
This is a sad day for Philly. No Gay Pride event in 2011. And why? Because Philly Pride Presents and Equality Forum organizers will not work together. This is a shame. And shameful. Big egos are preventing constructive dialog. Rarely, if ever, is this kind of situation one-sided. I would like to propose that both Malcolm Lazin and Franny Price/Mark Segal agree to enter into mediation with each other. Have them set their egos aside and work it out.
What do you look forward to most during the holidays?
Charles Andris student Washington Square West
Bradley Gibbs art student South Philadelphia
“Creating holiday decorations. I made miniature Santa Claus figurines out of oyster shells. They turned out quite well. Some of them will probably go to my friends this year. It was a delicate process of painting the shells, but worth the effort.”
“Making homemade cards. My friends appreciate the effort. I’m an illustrator; I enjoy designing cards with a personal touch. Each card is geared toward the individual recipient. It’s much better than sending a generic card.”
Daniel Resch graduate student South Philadelphia
Hillary Pierson server Washington Square West
“Searching for a Christmas tree. It’s fun to select among a variety of options. The excitement of finding just the right tree is gratifying. When I was younger, my family always had an artificial tree. But they’re lame in comparison to a real tree. There’s nothing like a real tree.”
“Traditional Christmas food: a nice ham, dessert could be pumpkin pie, fruitcake or flaming-brandy cake. The beverage would be a dark beer: stout or porter.”
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media, having recently received the 2010 Columnist of the Year Award from the 2,000-member Suburban Newspapers of America. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.
Letters and Feedback In response to “Pride dilemmas and position,” Dec. 10-16:
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Once that is done, maybe Philly can have both a weeklong series of educational workshops and a gay pride event. Gee, what a novel friggin idea! Mark my words: All of the gay community is tired of these politics, egos and posturing. We are all “putting up with it.” It’s a real drag. And frankly, those in charge of these events should start working together or we will all continue to wait for the leaders of these groups to grow old, move away or die. Seriously. The bitterness these ego battles have engendered in the community contributes to ill feel-
ing amongst the vast majority of gay Philadelphia. In other words, we’re sick of it. Really really really sick of it. And both are to blame. Period. — Anonynomdeplume Amen and amen. And I’m not a praying man. I agree 95 percent with Anondeplume (EF is more a weeklong series of parties with a smattering of educational workshops and discussions. In fact, See FEEDBACK, Page 13
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
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FEEDBACK From Page 11 when it was in the dead of winter years back, it was about education). But still, there is so much more this community deserves and wants than this BS. I’ll even go this far: If the embittered parties were to have an open-house forum where the community was invited to participate in the process — you’d have to have it over a three-day weekend at the Gershman to accommodate everyone — their ideas and the volunteer lists would be full. Then the Philadelphia area would eagerly anticipate Pride as a community event for a week. Maybe Latino Pride and Black Pride and the Dyke March could all be encompassed so that we are not continuing to further segregate ourselves. Please, you people are really driving us apart.
NEWS BRIEFING From Page 5 plethora of funding opportunities for LGBT students. Point, the nation’s largest LGBT scholarship agency, will award more than a dozen scholarships next year, including the Rand Skolnick Point Scholarship, named after the late New Hope businessman. Eligible students must be
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
And away. — Anonny too There will be “prideday” LGBT Pride Parade and Festival in 2011, Sunday, June 12. — philly pride Equality Forum promotes itself as the best-attended, annual “international” LGBT event, an unsubstantiated assertion as far as I can tell (two or three gay Russians does not an international conference make), but probably a useful one to understand this situation. As a “premier,” “global” player, it’s beneath Equality Forum to share credit with a local organization. Rather, everyone should be grateful to follow in its wake. The truth is that these organizations, both of which rely on regional funders to survive, offer our community almost iden-
enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in the 2010-11 school year to be considered. Point scholars must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement and financial need, with particular attention to students who’ve lost the support of their families as a result of their LGBT status. In addition to the tuition assistance, Point provides mentoring, leadership and media training to
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tical events. A practical solution for the current situation might be for the donors who support both organizations to withhold contributions until they agree to work together.
www.dignityphila.org Facebook – Dignity Philadelphia
— grandpajojo I have been a pride coordinator since 1994. From the very beginnings of Equality Forum as Pridefest, Philly Gay Pride has attempted time and time again to coordinate our two events, without success. We have now been forced to fight for our very existence by this questionable move to Penn’s Landing. Protestations should be addressed to Equality Forum at mlazin@equalityforum. com. Tell Malcolm Lazin it’s time to start thinking about Philadelphia’s LGBT community as a whole. ■ — Chuck Volz
the scholars, with an estimated total annual support of $22,000$31,000 for each student. For the first time, this year others can recommend students deserving of a scholarship. For more information or to apply, visit www.pointfoundation. org. The application deadline is Feb. 11. ■
Join us at St. Luke & the Epiphany Church 330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine streets, Philadelphia, PA
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Friday, December 24, 7:00 PM. Annual Erev Christmas Food Fress. Please join us at Charles Plaza, 234-236 North 10th Street, for one of BA’s most popular communal events. $30 per person, checks payable to “Congregation Rodeph Shalom” by December 21. Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are affiliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah affiliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues. Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next light, Mt. Vernon St. Parking lot entrance on left.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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VIDEO From Page 1 the creator of Aikifilm, said the organizers were eager for Philadelphians to get their own messages out in a unified way. “What we wanted to do was respond with one voice as a community to what we had been hearing in the media recently, but what we’ve been aware of going on in our community for so long, in terms of bullying and intolerance and violence, whether selfdestructive violence or violence against a queer-identified or presumed queer-identified person,” she said. “We wanted to respond in a positive, proactive way.” From the onset, the filmmakers knew they wanted to showcase all of the colors of the rainbow and communicate to young people the vast diversity that exists just within the LGBT community itself. Orpen said the group decided there was no better place to show
that range than at OutFest, which this year drew about 40,000 LGBTs and allies from all walks of life. “We felt we really had a responsibility to be inclusive and find a way to include the most members of our community as possible. We didn’t just want LGBTQ people, but also allies and people of every possible description, because people of every description are affected by this issue,” she said. “So we thought OutFest would be the best way to really do some outreach into the community.” The organizers sent out feelers prior to OutFest and pre-arranged many of the interviews that day, and by the end of OutFest had interviewed nearly 60 people. The interview subjects ran the gamut — from a 20-year-old college student who talked about life after coming out and his future career in the military to a young woman who stood with her three out female friends and talked
about life as an ally. While the faces showed the vast diversity of the city’s LGBT population, many of the messages were threaded together with the common idea that youth have the support and confidence of the wider LGBT community. “Don’t get lost in the valley of the lows because you’re going to come out the other side. We all do.” “Pick yourself up. Tomorrow’s a new day. Believe in yourself because I believe in you.” “You are who you are, and there’s a reason for that. You’re going to be amazing.” Mayor Nutter even chimed in with his own words of encouragement. The video features film of the mayor during October’s rainbow flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. “Here in the city of Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty, freedom and democracy in the United States of
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
America, we do not tolerate any discrimination against anyone for any reason,” the mayor said. “Be whomever you want to be, wherever you want to be it, here in the city of Philadelphia.” Orpen said Nutter wanted to be interviewed on scene at OutFest but his schedule was upended by President Obama’s visit to Philadelphia that day. The crew also extended an invitation to Obama but Orpen said they anticipated his schedule wouldn’t allow him, although they did receive a personal explanation from his staff. Orpen noted that, within a week of their request, the president had created his own “It Gets Better” video and, although they’ll never know if their urging played any role, if “even if the tiniest way we were one small grain of sand that helped tipped the scales in favor of him making his own video, we’re really proud. No president has ever offered such a public statement on this issue, and
I’m really glad that we allowed Philadelphia to speak out and be a part of this meaningful initiative.” “It Gets Better” now has its own YouTube channel that is populated with countless videos and, while the local video has its own Philly flair, it also offers something that some others don’t: resources. At the end of the video, Orpen provides practical advice for youth viewers, advising them to seek information and assistance from outlets like The Trevor Project, which works to stem the tide of LGBT suicide, gay-straight alliances and LGBT community centers. The video also encourages youth to contact their elected officials and urge them to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act, providing online resources to help them locate contact information for representatives and senators. “I think this is what really makes our project unique,” Orpen said. “I feel like what we offered was a very inclusive message that includes the voices of the community but also blends that with resources and information. We wanted to go beyond the personal messages and stories and really reach out. It’s always nice for the young people to hear words of kindness, but we wanted to be more than that and provide tangible resources. We wanted them to feel inspired and supported but also connected and to know what action they can take.” To view the video, search for “It Gets Better — Philly’s Video” on Facebook or YouTube. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News
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Detour
A departure from the ordinary
Bravo’s Hair Apparent
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Tabatha Coffey takes over a third season By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Out hairstylist and TV personality Tabatha Coffey is back for the third season of her reality show, “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.” A native of Surfer’s Paradise, Australia, Coffey has earned a reputation as a hairstyling industry badass in Australia, Great Britain and the United States, which led to Bravo casting her for the reality hair-styling competition “Shear Genius,” where she was voted a fan favorite. She is also an editorial stylist for fashion and beauty publications such as Seventeen, Marie
Claire and Mademoiselle, and leads her own stable of hairstylists at her salon, Industrie Hair Gurus, in Ridgewood, N.J. Coffey also works in Los Angeles at the Warren-Tricomi salon in West Hollywood. Given her impressive résumé and her no-nonsense attitude on “Shear Genius,” it didn’t take long for Bravo to come calling with its own show for Coffey where, every week, she tries to revamp lives and businesses of struggling salon owners across the country. And as the past seasons have proved, it’s never a walk in the park: Tabatha routinely has to deal with businesses that have questionable — and
oftentimes counterproductive — business practices. Coffey said this season is no different. “They’re all a little crazy in their own way, but my craziest salon this season was definitely when I went to Provincetown,” she said. “It had a lot of challenges and I have never in my life seen a stripper pole in the middle of a salon. My craziest moment of season three was walking into a salon that was 450 square feet — so it was incredibly small — and smack in the middle was a stripper pole where clients were encouraged to dance for dollars. For every minute they spent on the pole, they’d get a dollar off the haircut.”
Egad! And how did that promotion go? “It didn’t work as well as the owner anticipated, strangely enough,” she said. “I actually saw clients fleeing out of the salon when they were offered to get on the stripper pole and dance to get money off their product sales or haircuts. So it wasn’t a great marking tactic at all.” Other salons in previous seasons have displayed a somewhat disturbing tendency for employees to drink on the job. “I think what happens is a lot of salons serve alcohol to clients so there is alcohol on the premises where they are getting their hair services done,” she said. “And
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
obviously, having that alcohol around, sometimes people decide that they want to have a drink after work. Then liberties are taken and some of the staff are drinking during the day and thinking it’s OK to sit down and have a cocktail with their clients while they are working. It’s astounding to me sometimes at well how much alcohol is in the hairdressing salons and the fact that stylists are drinking at work.” Even more astounding are some of the attitudes that Coffey encounters on the show. The occasional disinterested, burned-out and borderline incompetent employees are to be expected but there have been times when the business owners have been downright hostile and inhospitable to the help and advice she is offering. “I don’t take it personally,” she said. “It frustrates me, as you all see. I don’t hide my frustration very well. I don’t take it personally because it is business and I am trying to help. I also understand that I have a very small window of time that I am with these people and there are a lot of problems that I need to get to the bottom of. So I don’t sugarcoat things. I’m very direct in my approach with people. So I don’t take it personally and I don’t want them to take it personally. It really is done in a tough-love way and a way of helping them see what they need to do to get back on track.” For the most part, Coffey says the
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
owners of these struggling salons have good intentions but are just in over their heads. “I think a lot of salon owners become overwhelmed and give up,” she said. “Any business that you have to manage and any time you’re in charge of people, it’s a constant reiteration of rules and constantly staying on top of things to make sure things are done the way you want them done in your business. I think a lot of owners consistently feel bad telling people how they want things done or they feel like they are babysitting and they don’t want to be active in their business. And that seems to be something that runs all the way through. So instead of being proactive and jumping in and getting their hands dirty or making sure people are following through, they kind of throw their hands up and give up a little bit and things spiral out of control from there.” She added it takes more than talent and passion to succeed in the salon business. “It’s really preparation,” she said. “Sometimes I think anyone that opens a business thinks, ‘I’m great at what I do and that’s enough to carry me through.’ But it’s really making sure that you have a solid business plan, that you have your finances in place, that you have a company statement and you’ve thought about the location and the demographic of your clients. That’s my biggest key
WHY USE A SCALPEL WHEN A SLEDGE HAMMER WILL DO: Coffey prepares for drastic measures on her Bravo show “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.” Photo: Bravo/Brian Kersey
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PRODUCT IS IMPORTANT: Coffey runs down a rainbow of hair-care products on Bravo’s “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.” Photo: Bravo/Brian Kersey
advice to anyone who opens a business. It’s great to have a skill and a passion for what you do, but you need to make sure that you’ve really laid it out on paper and have a true vision of what you want your business to be and what you want it to become so that you can sustain yourself all the way through.” Not all salons are the same and Coffey has used her knowledge to help many different kinds of salons, including ethnic, high-end and gay with an all-male clientele — and everything in between. Coffey said there isn’t any one-fix all solution that works for every salon. “The thing that I really love about the show is that it’s always fresh for me because every salon that I walk into is totally different and has its own set of issues. Every single salon I walk into has a new staff, a new personality, a new location, a new problem, a new feeling and vibe to it. So that just happens naturally. The way I handle it personally is every salon I walk into, I have to forget about the one that I was just in. It’s walking in with a fresh set of eyes to help that business that I’m walking into on that day and getting to the bottom of their problems and their issues. I’m looking at everything about that business: I’m looking at the demographic of the client. I’m looking at the location. I’m looking at the income level of the people that are coming into the salon.
So if I’m walking into an ethnic salon or a predominantly gay salon, I look at that as well and try to help them build a business model that caters to the clients that they are trying to attract and makes them the best that they can be for that demographic.” Coffey added that helping these salons get on track also has the added benefit of keeping her grounded in her own businesses. “I learn all the time,” she said. “When I walk into other people’s businesses I’m always fully aware that I need to make sure that I say thank you to my staff enough and make sure they feel valued or making sure clients are getting a great experience. Sometimes it’s just realizing that you need to step back for a minute and take a break so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. For me it’s always a learning experience and something that helps keep me on my toes and hopefully the rest of the business owners that I go and visit.” “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on Bravo. Coffey’s memoir, “It’s Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth About Life, Love and the Business of Beauty,” is due out in January. For more information, visit www.tabathacoffey.com. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Con man does it for love By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor After multiple distribution delays and rumors about the editing of “graphic homosexual sex” scenes, “I Love You Phillip Morris” finally opens at Ritz theatres. The big question is: Is the film worth the wait? The answer, for the most part, is yes. This queer — as in odd, as in gay — comedy is based on a strange but true story of Steven Russell, a con man who goes to great lengths to keep his lover — the Phillip Morris of the title (Ewan McGregor) — happy. And just like its hero, this wildly uneven film tries especially hard to please as well. A politically incorrect comedy, a gay love story, a character study and a Jim Carrey vehicle all in one, the film shouldn’t work,
eventually lands in jail. During a prison fight, Steven spots Phillip Morris and falls for him instantly. Their love, it seems, is “destiny,” and Steven starts manipulating the system to exchange love letters with Phillip. Eventually, he coordinates Phillip sharing a cell with him, and the lovers commit to sharing the rest of their lives together. Once Steven and Phillip are released, they continue their relationship and even get a house together. However, Steven supports their domestic happiness by secretly continuing his extravagant cons, bilking companies out of money. When he is sent back to jail, Steven orchestrates an escape. This pattern of conning and escaping prison continues, making Phillip unhappy with all of Steven’s lying.
MCGREGOR AND CARREY IN “I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS”
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but somehow it does. “I Love You Phillip Morris” opens with Steven as a young boy being told he is adopted. The news prompts him to become a cop as an adult to find his birth mother. However, Steven discovers that he is better manipulating the law from the criminal side than enforcing it. He is soon spurred to live a life of fraud and crime. But, as Steven is wont to do in narrating his remarkable story, this is getting ahead of things. Early in the film, Steven admits that he is a gay man. His decision to live openly and not lie about his life prompts him to divorce his God-loving wife (Leslie Mann), move to South Beach and get a hunky boyfriend (Rodrigo Santoro) and two cute dogs. But Steven soon acknowledges, “Being gay is really expensive.” So he initiates “slip and fall” suits to reap false insurance claims, and
“I Love You Phillip Morris” is a fantastic — as in unbelievable, as in terrific — story, and directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (of “Bad Santa” fame) tell it nimbly. The various comedic elements — from slapstick comic moments and sight gags to word play and double entendres — work because they are delivered at a fevered pitch. Likewise, Carrey is encouraged to act unhinged throughout. He throws himself down escalators with gleeful abandon, and when he scams his way into a high-paying job, his expression is priceless. Viewers may share a feeling of complicity with Steven when he succeeds in his deceit. His criminal character is admirable, if not lovable. Carrey, with his smarmy false charm and his outsized personality, is terrific in a role tailor-made for his talents. He is See REVIEW, Page 29
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Family Portraits
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Suzi Nash
Robert Keith Burns began to focus his energies around HIV/AIDS work when he was barely out of his teens. In the subsequent years, he has become a presenter, trainer and educator, both within academic and local/regional/national conference settings on cultural competency, LGBTQ of color identity, HIV/AIDS/STIs, effective behavioral intervention and public-health strategies. Burns is a fellow of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Institute on HIV Prevention Leadership, a founding member and treasurer of the Philadelphia Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council and current executive director for Colours Inc. He has received the “Leaders of Today and Tomorrow Award” from the NAACP and African American AIDS Policy and Training Institute, the “Vanguard Award” from the Brother Circle of Cleveland and the “Brother’s Excellence Award” for his work for the community. PGN spoke to the outspoken activist about his amazing journey. PGN: Tell me a little bit about growing up. RB: I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. I am one of three kids from my mother and one of 10 from my father’s side. So, we have a pretty big family. I was primarily raised by my mother, so I’m just starting to get to know more of my relatives on my dad’s side. There was a party this [past] summer for my twin brothers and it was the largest gathering of my father’s children in the same place at once that we’ve ever had. PGN: What was childhood like? RB: It was all about school. I was involved in major honors classes and school government from elementary school on. I was always a techie guy, so in junior high I got into a communications technology thematic program. I love computers or anything dealing with technology.
PGN: What did your mother do? RB: My mom was in the nursing field and she bartended on the side. PGN: She must be outgoing. RB: Oh yeah, she has a lot of personality. She’s one of the most popular bartenders in Cleveland. A lot of folks know her. My father managed a number of the clubs in Cleveland so that’s how they met. He was in and out of my life until I was about 13 and then I didn’t see much of him, but we’ve recently reconnected. I think I absorbed some of their entertainment enthusiasm because I’ve been a DJ on the side for the last 13 years. I’ve worked in bars and clubs across the country. PGN: What’s the most annoying thing people do? RB: When you play a song that someone requested and they miss it because they weren’t paying attention and they start pestering you to play it again. I pride myself on not repeating songs so that’s irritating. I like to try to play things that you don’t typically hear on the radio. PGN: Name three artists you like. RB: In the clubs I play a lot of house, but personally I’m a neo-soul kind of guy, so I listen to a lot of Jazmine Sullivan and Erykah Badu, artists like that. When I was younger, I was a bit of a DJ groupie and was able to see some of the old-school DJs from back in the day. I saw how they were able to move people through music and it really resonated with me. I wanted to get involved and finally was able to convince someone to let me carry his records so that I could learn the business. PGN: Any sports? RB: No, I was a big nerd. I was involved in yearbook, math club, computer club.
Scott A. Drake 267.736.6743
I was the kid you could always find in the computer lab. I was very interested in learning programming ... and hacking. A few friends and I were always challenging each other to see who could get the farthest past the firewalls. I once got to go “behind the scenes” of the Board of Education’s entire network. PGN: I’m assuming that “behind the scenes” means you hacked in. Did you change any grades? RB: Oh no, we were too scared to do anything. One of the things you learn early on is that everything is trackable. So we didn’t ever mess with anything; it was more about the challenge of getting in. PGN: Where did you go to college? RB: While I was still in high school, I went to Case Western Reserve University as part of the outward-bound program. I was interested in engineering and architecture. I’d hoped to design magnificent buildings and homes, but that changed when I started doing nonprofit work. PGN: What switched? RB: I got a job at the free clinic of Greater Cleveland and began working with men with STDs. I noticed how cyclical it was — we saw the same patients every three to six months — and decided that we needed to do more education. I began to teach preventative care and found it very rewarding. That was the start of my journey. Soon after that, I was working with homeless high-risk youth and, at age 22, my boss promoted me to be the coordinator for a new program working with AfricanAmerican men who have sex with men, which quickly grew and eventually got federal support. I left architecture behind for good. I did go on and get my master’s in human services from Lincoln University and I’ve started to pursue my Ph.D. in human development at Fielding Graduate University. PGN: A memorable moment from your line of work? RB: Any time someone tells me that I gave them information that helped change their life or the way that they live, it always has an impact on me. It moves me to continue what I’m doing.
“Gay Philly’s favorite photographer”
Fixit. I redid the home that I’m in now from top to bottom. And I watch all the home-improvement shows! “Design on a Dime,” “House Hunters,” “Yard Crashers,” “Holmes on Homes,” you name it.
PGN: Other than DJing, any hobbies? RB: I love to travel. I love to see new spaces and learn new cultures, experience new environments. I’m also a big Mr.
ROBERT BURNS Photo: Suzi Nash
PGN: What’s a conversation piece in your house? RB: Probably the number of records that I have. They take up whole walls. I have several thousand, though now I’m converting a lot of stuff to digital. It’s a lot easier on your back when you’re DJing. And I have an article framed on my wall that was written in the “Cleveland Scene” paper about my former partner and me. It was titled “Hell to Pay” and it was about the lives of black gay men and the church. He was not out at the time and the article had us as a couple on the front page and included a photo spread of us together and kissing each other. He came out to his family with the article. The paper was the equivalent of the City Paper, so there was one at every newsstand in town. His mother was a 911 dispatcher and when she walked into work all her coworkers were all asking if she’d seen the paper. She pretty much knew that he was gay, but they’d never spoken about it. His father was from the islands and definitely not happy, but we got through it. He was glad to have it out there. PGN: Tell me about coming out for you. RB: It was interesting. I didn’t come out until I was 17 or 18. I went into foster care when I was 16. My mother was dealing with some issues surrounding substance abuse. When I was getting ready to be discharged from the system at the age of
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
18, the therapist thought it would be a great thing to do a family session with me and my mother — that it would be a good chance for me to tell my mother about sexual abuse I’d suffered that she didn’t know about and also about my sexual orientation. It didn’t go so well. After I told my mother about being molested, she was very upset that I hadn’t told her before. I explained my reasons to her and then added that I was gay. She made some disparaging remarks and walked out. It happened in under 15 minutes and our relationship was never the same. Six months later, when I left the group home, I was on my own. I’m now 35 and have always taken care of myself. My father was a different story. I was 21 and DJing in a gay club in the evenings and running a health program for black gay men and working with the AIDS Taskforce by day. One evening, I walked into the club at 11 p.m. and I heard a voice say, “Hey, son.” I turned around and it was my father sitting at the bar with his girlfriend. I’d never come out to him, mostly because we hadn’t seen each other much, so I was shocked to see him there. I asked him how he knew where I worked, and he said, “I’m a man of many resources. Being in the bar business, it wasn’t hard to find you.” Then he told me, “I just want you to know that you’re my son and I love you and I don’t care who you love or who you’re going to be with, you’ll always be my son.” It was very affirming. We embraced and our relationship has been good ever since. My
Q Puzzle Isle Say! Across
1. They poke around in leather 5. Shakespeare sprite 9. P-town beach sights 14. One of the Huxtables 15. Auth. unknown 16. Bucky Beaver’s toothpaste 17. Anthropologist Margaret 18. “Aida” backdrop 19. Barber belt 20. Start of a question 23. Military cross-dresser of Arc 24. Sharers’ word 25. Narrows down 28. Study groups 33. CK One emanation 34. Bitches 35. Moo ___ pork 36. End of the question 40. U-turn from SSW 41. Network of “Wedding Wars” 42. Stallion’s supper 43. Alpha Chi Upsilon, for example 45. Type of fair 47. Von Trapp’s rank 48. Sow’s mate 49. Answer to the question 55. Hot stuff 56. O.K. Corral gunfighter 57. Got a little behind
mother later apologized for the words that she said but I’d already made the decision to live my life for Robert and not go back. She’s still in Cleveland, so we communicate occasionally but it’s from a distance. With acceptance on my father’s side, including my grandmother and my sisters, it was not hard coming out with the exception of the experience with my mother. PGN: How do you think some of the challenges you’ve faced — foster care, etc. — have had an impact on you and what you do? RB: It’s had a significant impact. I’ve had opportunities to see what I don’t want my life to look like and it’s helped me define what my life is now. PGN: What’s a historical event you wish you could have witnessed? RB: The first Million Man March. I’m really into the importance of civil-rights activism and the social-justice movement era; in fact, I wanted to go to Morehouse because that’s where Martin Luther King Jr. attended, though I never got there. There have been subsequent MM marches, but I don’t think they’ve ever captured the power and intensity of that first march. I think I would have felt like part of history. PGN: One thing you’d like to learn how to do? RB: Play an instrument, preferably the piano. And/or learn the studio side of making music. I love what I do with the
59. Composer Copland 60. Pay your share, with “up” 61. Don’t go straight 62. Quarterback Favre 63. Cowardly lion actor 64. Disturbance at a spa
Down
1. It swallows plastic 2. “That was close!” 3. “Starting Over” bisexual 4. One who serves drinks with foamy heads 5. Bear-like creatures 6. It could be civil 7. Revolver inventor 8. Felt in your bones 9. Drag outfit, in “Some Like It Hot”
records on the turntables, but I’d like to learn the creative and producing side. PGN: Do you have a partner? RB: Nope, single. PGN: Who would you contact in a séance? RB: My grandmother on my mother’s side. She was my protector. When she passed away in 1984, I was devastated: It was the most I’ve ever cried. I ran to her house when she was dying and held her in my arms so tightly the paramedics had to pull me off. I would love to be able to have a conversation with her again. PGN: What did she protect you from? RB: When my mother was having problems with substance abuse, she became physically abusive. PGN: Ever been in a car crash? RB: Well, coming from Ohio, we have a lot of sleet and snow, so I’ve had my share of sliding into bumpers and median barriers, but nothing major. PGN: Other than sliding on ice, what was your most dangerous stunt? RB: When I was 10 and 11 years old, I used to run away from home. The first time I left, I got 22 miles out of the city of Cleveland in the winter. I was picked up by police and they were baffled at how I made it that far in the snow. There was a lot of emotional stuff going on in my life at that time and I would just start walking.
10. Rise, after a fall 11. ___ a soul 12. Hazzard County deputy 13. Suck the energy from 21. Mountain top 22. Sex appeal 25. Cherry Grove and Ogunquit 26. Hersey’s bell town 27. Gondola guy 28. Broadway musical pet 29. Art Deco design name 30. Lake Nasser dam 31. “Gone with the Wind” character 32. Like soap operas 34. Relief of Lincoln 37. Makeup for one of the Village People 38. Cole Porter’s “Katie Went
to ___” 39. Checkers comment 44. Forest feline 45. Chris of “American Beauty” 46. Bonehead 48. Where to have a moving experience in bed? 49. “___ she blows!” 50. Put on the staff 51. Big top barker 52. Chloe’s role in “Boys Don’t Cry” 53. Blown away 54. Pine for 55. Where a trucker parks his bottom 58. In need of a lube
See SOLUTION, Page 28
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No destination in mind: I would just pick a direction and walk until someone, usually a cop, would stop me. PGN: And look at how far you’ve come now. What is your current title and what are you responsible for? RB: I’m the executive director of Colours Organization Inc., which focuses on building community among LGBT people of color and fighting HIV disease in communities of color. I’m responsible for funds development, advancing the mission of the organization and facilitating the coordination of programming. We do a lot of programming from initiatives like health workshops and intervention and testing to social programming like our Positive Brothers empowerment group for sexualminority men of color living with HIV/ AIDS to Sistah 2 Sistah, a social/support group for lesbian youth of color, ages 1324, and many, many more. PGN: And you’re doing a big event on Dec. 29? RB: Yes, we’ve partnered with 25 other LGBTQ groups to have a Kwanzaa Extravaganza at the African-American History Museum. It’s a free event and we’ll have light hors d’oeuvres, Kwanzaa education, music and lots of celebrating. I hope you’ll join us. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to portraits05@aol.com.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PRE-CHRISTMAS WARM-UP FLING Sun., Dec. 19, 2010 3 PM until 6 PM Guys of all ages (21 and over), sizes, shapes, ethnic backgrounds, etc., are very welcome $20 members, $25 non-members
Sansom Street Gym 2020 Sansom Street PANG P.O. Box 301, FAIRLESS HILLS, PA 19030 215-978-PANG • www.PhillyNakedGuys.org
Next party: Jan. 16, 2011 Food, Beverages and Beer Provided This is a MALE-ONLY Nude Event
PGN E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com Westbury Customer Appreciation Night Wednesday Dec. 22, 2010 $2.00 Donation at the door (Proceeds to benefit Manna) Holiday Buffet 5pm - 8pm All Taps $3.00 ALL NIGHT Drink Specials
Our Thank You for a Great Year 261 S 13th St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 546-5170
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Leather Lookout
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Jim Kiley-Zufelt
The Great White North and holidays too I’m writing this article while fighting my first big cold of the season. I caught it in Montreal at the beginning of the month and it was the only thing I could get back through customs (well, that and a Pet Shop Boys DVD). We went to Montreal to celebrate the husband’s birthday. He shares it with one of our camping buddies from Hillside who lives up there and bartends at popular bear bar Le Stud. It was a really big weekend in Montreal, and not just because of our birthday boys. Le Stud was celebrating its 15th anniversary and Tools was hosting a big fetish party called Black Knight. Every night we were there, the bars were packed, even with weather in the teens and persistent snow showers. We met some great guys and had a fantastic time. We also found time to catch a hockey game, explore an archaeology museum in the center of Old Montreal and, somehow, we even managed to bump into Rosie O’Donnell. She
was on the streets filming an upcoming episode of that celebrity genealogy show on NBC. The husband got on camera with her and had to sign a release, so in January we’ll find out if he made it through the editing process or not. BEER & CUPCAKES Last Friday, Mazzoni Center case managers hosted a holiday fundraiser at The Bike Stop featuring cheap beer, Jell-O shots and cupcakes! The first floor was packed to capacity by 9 p.m. with a huge crowd enjoying everything the Mazzoni Center elves had to offer. Along with the usual beer keg and JellO shots, they had homemade cupcakes, brownies, peppermint bark, penisshaped cookies and lots more goodies for sale. The event raised more than $1,300 and all proceeds will provide new winter coats, gifts and toys for area children affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. Many of Mazzoni’s clients live below the poverty level, so the gifts these kids receive from them are usually the only things they get. Congratulations and
thank you to everyone who participated and contributed! TRI-CEN XX UPDATE Due to low registration numbers, Philadelphians MC has unfortunately been forced to cancel Tri-Cen XX, originally scheduled for this New Year’s weekend. They found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place: Hold the event and incur a significant financial loss, or pull the plug and cancel it. Even considering the alternative, the club had a very hard time reaching the decision. But seeing as how 2010 has been a real bitch of a year, the club invites everyone to come help them slam the door on its ass on its way out. They are throwing an open-house New Year’s Eve party on the third floor of The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. The fun starts at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and will include a home-cooked Italian buffet, a live DJ, videos, special guest bartenders from back in the day and lots of other surprises. And don’t worry about Tri-Cen XX. It’s never been an annual event, so officially it’s only been postponed.
LOCAL CLUBS & EVENTS Due to the holidays, many of the clubs listed below are breaking from their usual meeting schedules in January. Please check each club’s website for more information. KEYSTONE BOYS OF LEATHER: Meetings every third Thursday at The Bike Stop, 7:30 p.m.; www.keystoneboysofleather.org. LIBERTY BEARS: Meetings (7-8 p.m.) and socials (8 p.m.-midnight) every first Saturday at The Bike Stop. Next meeting: Jan. 8; www.libertybears.net. PHILADELPHIANS MC: In February, the Philadelphians will go back to meeting every first and third Monday at The Bike Stop, 7:30 p.m. Next meeting: Jan. 24; www.philadelphiansmc.org. WOOF! PHILLY: Every Sunday at 5 p.m. at 1416 Chancellor St.; www.woofphilly. com. ■ Questions? Comments? Contact Jim at LeatherLookout@gmail.com.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
Diversions Your guide to arts and entertainment
Theater
Annie Media Theater presents the musical with out comedian and TV star Wanda Sykes starring as Miss Hannigan, Jan. 12-16, 104 E. State St., Media; (610) 8910100. Between Heaven and Hell: The Anthony Lawton Festival Lantern Theater Company presents the first-ever festival by the Philadelphia actor and playwright featuring works by C.S. Lewis, Shel Silverstein and Lawton, through Dec. 19 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; (215) 9223807. Black Nativity Theatre Double presents Langston Hughes’ holiday gospel play, through Dec. 31 at St. Mary’s Chapel, 1831 Bainbridge St.; (267) 575-4888.
Dralion Cirque du Soleil’s take on an ancient Chinese circus tradition hits town Dec. 21Jan. 2 at Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St.; (215) 204-2400. I Capture The Castle The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents the romantic comedy about 17-year-old budding writer Cassandra and her eccentric family, who live in a crumbling 17th-century English castle, through Jan. 2, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, N.J.; (973) 4085600. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Walnut Street Theatre presents an all-new production of the holiday Broadway musical, through Jan. 9, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
Jake Ehrenreich’s A Jew Grows in Brooklyn The multimedia comedy Blue Man Group runs Dec. 23-28 at The wildly popular musical Kimmel’s Perelman and visual show returns, Theatre, 280 S. Broad St.; Dec. 22-Jan. 2 at Merriam (215) 790-5847. Theatre, 250 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Merry F***ing Christmas and Other The Borrowers Plays About Holiday Arden Theatre Company Cheer presents an adaptation Plays & Players Theater of the beloved children’s presents an irreverent novel, through Jan. 30 on holiday production, through the F. Otto Haas Stage, 40 Dec. 18 at 1714 Delancey N. Second St.; (215) 922St.; (215) 735-0630. 1122. Once Upon a Matress Caesar’s Palace O’ Fun Actors’ NET presents a The Walnut Street Theatre musical-comedy version presents a musical variety of the beloved fairy tale show centered around “The Princess and the Pea,” an outrageous lounge through Dec. 19 at The lothario, through Jan. 2 at Heritage Center, 635 N. Independence Studio on 3, Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574- (215) 428-0217. 3550. Parenting 101: The Charles Dickens’ A Musical! Christmas Carol The musical comedy The Walnut Street Theatre about the various stages presents the classic of raising children is Christmas story, through produced through March Dec. 18, 825 Walnut St.; 6 at Kimmel’s Innovation (215) 574-3550. Studio, 240 S. Broad St.;
Jann Klose The out singer-songwriter Scrooge: The Musical opens for Annie Haslam The ghosts of Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18-19 at Past, Present and Future Sellersville Theater, 24 W. join to transform Ebenezer Temple Ave., Sellersville; Scrooge from the meanest (215) 257-5808. skinflint that ever lived to a warm and caring human Brian McKnight being in this holiday The R&B singer performs musical, through Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at at Ritz Theatre, 915 White Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Horse Pike, Haddon Keswick Ave., Glenside; Township, N.J.; (856) (215) 572-7650. 858-5230. Holiday Pops! The Santaland Diaries Peter Nero and the Philly Flashpoint Theatre Pops perform a holidayCompany presents themed selection of an adaptation of out songs, through Dec. 22 at humorist, David Sedaris’ Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 comedic look at the S. Broad St.; (215) 790holidays, through Dec. 19 5847. at Second Stage at The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Steph Hayes St.; (215) 568-8077. The out singer-songwriter opens for Prima Donna at This is the Week That 10:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Tin Is Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 1812 Productions presents (215) 928-0770. the smash news comedy returning for its fifth year, Messiah through Dec. 31 at Plays The Philadelphia Orchestra & Players Theatre, 1714 performs Handel’s holiday Delancey St.; (215) 592classic at 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at 9560. Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790The Very Merry 5847. Xmas Carol Holiday Adventure Show “It Came Upon a Theatre Horizon presents Midnight Beer” Rock & a comedic, nontraditional Roll Christmas Show vision of the holiday, Jesse Malin & The St. through Dec. 31, 208 Marks Social perform a Dekalb St., Norristown; holiday rock show at 7 p.m. (610) 283-2230. Dec. 19 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 2221400. (215) 790-5847.
Music
Glorious Sound of Christmas The Philadelphia Orchestra performs holiday classics at 7 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. Dweezil Zappa The guitarist performs the songs of his father, Frank Zappa, at 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
Rad Bromance: AllMale Lady Gaga Tribute Five guys rock out on Lady Gaga covers at 8 p.m. Dec. 22 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 2221400. Rock to the Future Christmas Benefit The Josh and Pete Band, Big Terrible, The New Motels and The Best Westerns perform to benefit the free after-school music education and youth development program, 8
If the myriad traditional performances of “The Nutcracker” aren’t lighting your candle this holiday season, you might want to catch up with Cabaret Red Light. The talented group of performers blends ballet, burlesque and vaudeville for a dark and saucy retelling of the original gothic Christmas story “The Nutcracker,” at 8 p.m. Dec. 17-19 at Painted Bride Arts Center, 230 Vine St. For more information, visit www.cabaretredlight.com/nutcracker.
p.m. Dec. 23 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.
Exhibits
Art of the American Soldier The National Constitution Center presents the worlddebut exhibition of over 15,000 paintings and sketches created by 1,300 American soldiers in the line of duty, through Jan. 10, 525 Arch St.; (215) 409-6895. Between Now & Then AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by Matthew Ostroff and Amber Dubois, through Jan. 8, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250. Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt The Franklin Institute presents an exhibition of 150 artifacts from Egypt, through Jan. 2, 20th Street
and the Parkway; (215) 448-1200. Eakins on Paper: Drawings and Watercolors from the Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 10 rarely seen drawings and watercolors that survey the early work of Thomas Eakins, through Jan. 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; (215) 763-8100. A Glimpse of Paradise: Gold in Islamic Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring the unique status of gold in Islam through a small group of objects drawn from the museum’s collection, through April 2011, 26th Street and the Parkway; (215) 763-8100. In My Body Wexler Gallery hosts a retrospective exhibition of works by photographer
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PGN
Pick
Film
I Love You Phillip Morris Jim Carrey stars in this gay romantic comedy opening Dec. 17 at Ritz Bourse, 400 Ramstead St.; (215) 925-7900. It’s a Wonderful Life The classic holiday film is screened at 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223. Gremlins The film about little beasties that run amok and ruin one small town’s holiday is screened at 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.
Books
GOT THE BLUES?: Catch The Blue Man Group when the mysterious trio returns for another string of shows featuring its unique blend of theatrics, comedy, music, technology and other crazy visual spectacles, Dec. 22-Jan. 2 at Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St. For more information, visit www. blueman.com or call (215) 790-5847.
and mixed-media artist Leah Macdonald, celebrating the diversity and beauty of the female form, through Dec. 31, 201 N. Third St.; (215) 9237030. John Folinsbee and American Modernism Woodmere Art Museum presents a fresh look at the New Hope painter’s life and work, revealing the artist’s move from impressionism toward modernism, through March 6, 9201 Germantown Ave.; (215) 247-0476. Listen to My Story, See Through My Eyes: Stories from the Robert R. Rosenbaum Oral History Project The William Way LGBT Community Center presents video recordings of over 40 oral histories from local activists, celebrities and everyday people in the LGBT community, through Dec. 25, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220. 100! AxD Gallery host a sale and exhibition of 100 sketches selected from the portfolio of openly gay comic/media artist Michael Broderick, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 17, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250.
Pleasures and Pastimes in Japanese Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of costumes, masks and poetry exploring the ways in which leisure time was interpreted across all social classes in Japanese art, through Jan. 3, 26th Street and the Parkway; (215) 763-8100.
Dance
Carols in Color Eleone Dance Theatre presents a holiday dance musical that retells the gospel according to St. Matthew using contemporary music, dance and narration, through Dec. 19 at Freedom Theatre, 1346 N. Broad St.; (800) 838-3006. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker The Pennsylvania Ballet performs the holiday-themed show through Dec. 31 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. Mummenschanz The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the world-famous abstract dance/ performance troupe, through Dec. 18 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 898-3900.
Alexander Kundera The author of “Fight for Your Long Day” hosts a reading at 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Moonstone Arts Center, 110A S. 13th St.; (215) 735-9598.
Cabaret
Nutcracker Cabaret Red Light performs a ballet and burlesque retelling of the original gothic Christmas story, through Dec. 19 at Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St.; www.cabaretredlight.com/ nutcracker. Judy Barnett’s “Jazz-A-Teria” The jazz singer performs at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 17 at Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Inn, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.
Etc.
Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway The holiday-themed quarter mile displays bustling model trains and buildings, through Jan. 2, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.; www. morrisarboretum.org. ■
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
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Triangle Medical General Practice Progressive HIV Care MARK T. WATKINS, DO JOHN DEL ROSSI, PA-C
(215) 829-0170 253 S. 10th St. First Floor Philadelphia
PGN Gay is our middle name.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations
Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3-6 p.m. Tuesday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 222-3871. Spanish/English. HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803.
Key numbers
HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; (215) 5630652. www.mazzonicenter.org.
Log Cabin Republican Club of Philadelphia Meets at 7 p.m. third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Community Center; (215) 4655677; www.phillylogcabin.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club Meets seasonally; (215) 760-7184; www. libertycity.org.
Arts
Gay Men’s Book Discussion Group Meets at 6:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month at the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. Library Book Club Meets to discuss a new book at 7 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center. New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus Chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in Princeton, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. Open-mic night An amateur poetry, music and storytelling event sponsored by The Pride Center of New Jersey, meets at 8 p.m. every third Friday at the George Street Playhouse, 1470 Jersey Ave., North Brunswick, N.J.; (732) 846-0715. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Chorus rehearses from 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays; (215) 731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org.
Philadelphia Voices of Pride Philadelphia’s first mixed GLBT chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; (888) 505-7464; www.pvop.org.
Women’s Book Group Meets first Thursday of the month at 6:45 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; brassygrrl@hotmail.com.
■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 592-1513
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833
■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212
■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: (215) 686-4670
■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633
■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: (215) 772-2000
■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555
Green Party of Philadelphia Holds general meetings fourth Tuesday of each month (except April) at 6:30 p.m., 4134 Lancaster Ave.; (215) 243-7103; www.gpop.org.
Queer Writer’s Collective Workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. on fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center.
■ Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658
■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK
Equality Advocates Philadelphia Holds a volunteer night second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; (215) 731-1447; www.equalitypa.org.
Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.
■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221
■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378
Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State Seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; (856) 863-3061; www.dvau.org.
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club Meets to share and listen to recordings at 6:30 p.m. on last Saturday of the month; (215) 224-6995.
■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377
■ Equality Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; www.equalitypa.org
ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) Meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at St. Luke and the Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 386-1981; www.critpath.org/actup.
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.
■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org. Legal Services: (215) 563-0657, (866) LGBT-LAW; legalservices@m azzonicenter.org
■ The COLOURS Organization Inc.: 112 N. Broad St., third floor; (215) 496-0330
Activism/Politics
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: (215) 683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (267) 216-6606; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
Recreation
Diversity Dancers Ballroom dancers meet the first Sunday of the month for tea dance and lessons. Other events scheduled throughout the year; (215) 922-2129; DiversityDancers@aol.com. Gay Bridge Club Non-beginners group meets Monday afternoons at the William Way Center; (215) 985-4835. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club Meets from 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; (215) 382-0789. Gay and Lesbian Scrabble Players in the tri-state area gather for socializing and friendly/competitive games; ScrabbleGroup@excite.com. Gay Opera Guys of Philly New group for opera appreciation meets last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/ Andorra area; (215) 483-1032. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists Meets second Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 985-1456; www. humboldtsociety.org. Indepedence Squares GLBT square dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 735-5812; www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010 Male group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape. Call (267) 230-6750 for more information. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social Activities for sexual-minority seniors are held every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. PhilaVentures Philadelphia’s GLBT outdoor group meets for a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park on Sundays at 2 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Café, 8701 Germantown Ave.; (215) 271-8822. Rainbow Bridge Group Congenial group meets for supper and to play bridge monthly on a Monday at 6:30 p.m. Members rotate serving as host. New players welcome. For information call Gerry at (215) 592-1174. Rainbow Room A meeting/activity night held for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their friends Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Rainbow Room of Planned Parenthood in Doylestown; (215) 348-0558.
Sports
Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club Meets for Tuesday and Thursday practice at Greene Field, Howell Street and Moore Road, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League GLBT softball league serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, in Fairmount Park; (215) 4622575; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners Running club meets Saturday mornings at 9:30 for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www.frontrunnersphila.org.
Etc.
AIDS Law Project Provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., suite 600; (215) 587-9377; www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity Philadelphia area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the William Way Center; www. biunity.org. Global A political, community and social group that also works to promote Bordentown as a gayfriendly community meets on the first Saturday of the month at Firehouse Gallery, 8 Walnut St., Bordentown, N.J.; jerseyglobal@yahoo.com. Delaware Pride Meets at 7 p.m. on first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., Newark, Del.; (800) 292-0429. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols For LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for self-defense; meets at 2 p.m. on third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southhampton; (267) 386-8907; www. pinkpistols.org. Friday Feast and Fun Dinner hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m. second Friday of the month, 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 576-8008. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance Open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; (610) 896-4938.
Gay and Lesbian Bowling League Bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays in the Norristown area; call Doug Schneidig; (716) 864-4393.
Latina/o Virtual Community Local listserv offers various information and resources; (215) 808-2493; Zorros_mail@yahoo. com; LatinPhillyLGBT@yahoogroups.com.
Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club GLBT and allied soccer club; practices Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at Edgeley Fields in Fairmount Park;www.falcons-soccer.org.
LGBTQ and Friends Activity Group Meets at 7 p.m. on third Friday of the month to plan outings and potlucks at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County.
Philadelphia Fins Swim Team Male and female swimmers meet at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays in Center City; (610) 564-6661; www. philadelphia-fins.org.
Long Yang Club Philadelphia Social organization for gay Asians and their friends holds monthly socials; P.O. Box 401, Philadelphia, Pa. 19105; www.longyangclub. org/philadelphia.
Philadelphia Gay Bowling League Meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September through April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; (856) 889-1434; www. philagaybowling.com.
Our Night Out A casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, allied communities, friends and colleagues meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, send email to OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; PhillyGayCalendar.com/org/OurNightOut.
Philadelphia Gay Flag Football New group forming. Contact Jered at gayflagfootball@gmail.com or (214) 770-5373. Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club Team seeks players; all skill levels welcome; (215) 913-7531; info@phillygryphons.org. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association Meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday at William Way Center; into@plta.us. Philadelphia Phoenix Women’s football team seeks players; (267) 6799535; www.philadelphiaphoenix.org. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; (917) 656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org.
Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice Offered from 5-8 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month; (215) 238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers Club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; (610) 344-0853; www. primetimersphiladelphia.org. Philadelphians MC Club for leather men and women meets 7:30 p.m. first and third Mondays of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; (215) 627-1662.
Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley Motorcycle club meets regularly; (215) 836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowridersdv/.
Philly Paw Pals Gay and lesbian dog owners and their dogs meet on first Saturday of the month at a dog park; (215) 618-5290; PhillyPawPals@aol.com.
Rainbow Rollers Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 9 p.m. on Tuesdays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467.
Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL affiliated; private; weekly HF nets, monthly newsletter, e-mail server; (302) 5392392; www.rara.org.
South Jersey Gay Bowling League Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7 p.m. on Fridays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467.
Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar Party A party for gay and lesbian rockers with host Psydde Delicious starts at 10 p.m. every second Wednesday at N. 3rd, Third and Brown streets; (215) 413-3666.
Spartan Wrestling Club The gay wresting team meets from 7-9 p.m. Mondays at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 732-4545; www.phillyspartans. com. Team Philadelphia Meets at 8 p.m. second Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center; www.teamphiladelphia.org. Women’s Table Tennis New group forming. Interested women are encouraged to e-mail michelesimone19144@yahoo. com.
Silver Foxes Social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older meets from 3-5 p.m. on fourth Sunday of the month at the William Way Center. Stonewall Model Railroad Club Meets monthly; (215) 769-4230; k3k@yahoo. com. Thirsty Third Tuesdays Collingswood Out in the Neighborhood meets at 7 p.m. on third Tuesday of the month for coffee, dessert and conversation at Three Beans, 40 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield N.J.; (215) 439-8337.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PAGE 27
worth watching:
WITCH, PLEASE! It just wouldn’t be the holidays without seeing Dorothy and her crew of misfits ease on down the ... oh, never mind. Catch “The Wizard of Oz” the way it was intended — on TV with tons of commercial interruptions — at 9 p.m. Dec 17 or 7 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 18 on TNT. The Talk Out actress Sara Gilbert hosts the talk show alongside Sharon Osbourne, Julie Chen, Leah Remeni and Holly Robinson Peete. 2 p.m. on CBS. The Nate Berkus Show Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on NBC. The Ellen DeGeneres Show Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC. FRIDAY Miracle on 34th Street The classic Oscar-winning holiday film. 8 p.m. on AMC. Frosty the Snowman The animated holiday classic. 8:30 p.m. on CBS. Fashion Police Joan Rivers and friends praise and lambaste the week’s notable fashion triumphs and mistakes. 10:30 p.m. on E! SATURDAY The Color Purple Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah star in this acclaimed film. 8 p.m. on TV One. Saturday Night Live This week, the show is hosted by Jeff Bridges and features musical guest Eminem. 11:30 p.m. on NBC.
Out actor Neil Patrick Harris stars as the womanizing Barney. This week, the gang helps his mother move out of her house. 8 p.m. on CBS. Skating with the Stars It’s week five of this ice-skating reality competition. 8 p.m. on ABC. TUESDAY Glee Out actress Jane Lynch stars in the acclaimed series. This week is a repeat. 8 p.m. on Fox. Fashion Show: The Ultimate Collection Out fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi and supermodel Iman host this fashion competition. 10 p.m. on Bravo. WEDNESDAY RuPaul’s Drag U Repeats from the show in which drag queens spice up the lives of ordinary women. 8 and 9 p.m. on Logo. Modern Family Look for gay couple Mitchell and Cameron in this repeat. 9 p.m. on ABC. Top Chef: All-Stars The reality competition featuring the best chefs from the past seasons, including two out competitors. 10 p.m. on Bravo.
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THURSDAY How the Grinch Stole Christmas The classic Dr. Seuss animated holiday special. 8 p.m. on ABC.
SUNDAY Grease The film version of the popular musical. 8 p.m. on Turner Classic Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Movies. Stole Chritmas The live-action version starring MONDAY ��� �� ��� Jim Carrey. 8:30 p.m. on� ABC. ■ How I Met Your Mother
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 28
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
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DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
REVIEW From Page 18 completely convincing as a con and a gay man, who is willing to risk it all for his beloved. That said, if viewers don’t like the actor’s manic antics or his sleazy character, “I Love You Phillip Morris” could feel like a prison sentence. Carrey is front and center the whole film, and he neither gives up nor lets up. Alas, McGregor, who is adorable here, is given too little screen time. The actor, who has a penchant for nudity, also keeps his clothes on, disappointing viewers hoping for a big gay sex scene between the leads. While the Steven-Phillip relationship is touching at times — especially when they are separated — their romance is not the plot; it only drives it. Their kisses — often shown in silhouette — are sweet, while their discreet sex scenes are used to hang
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
jokes. These can be amusing, as when the couple finally get some alone time and declare, “Enough romance — Let’s FUCK!” or tasteless, as when Phillip spits rather than swallows Steven’s semen after an offscreen blow job. Given that “I Love You Phillip Morris” focuses so much on the love Steven has for his boyfriend, it makes sense that the film keeps Phillip’s character mainly on the sidelines. However, when Steven lies to his lover and secretly implicates him in his crimes, it becomes tough to sympathize with the con man. But then the film sucker-punches viewers just as it does Phillip with an unexpected reveal that may change everyone’s opinion. All this manipulation is maddening for the characters and perhaps for the audience, but it actually serves the story. What makes “I Love You Phillip Morris” work is that it succumbs to its own crazy, Steven-ish
logic. In its weird way, the film actually explores issues of truth, trust and fidelity in gay relationships. It is noteworthy that Steven never cheats on Phillip, but he also keeps his sexuality a secret from his employers. He also has a surprisingly healthy relationship with his ex-wife. This shows that despite his issues involving abandonment, identity and honesty, Steven does have concerns for his loved ones. He just expresses them in a very outrageous — even unsettling — way. These tender sentiments help the film rise above its running dick jokes and a gay stereotype or two. The filmmakers ask audiences to care about and laugh both with and at these larger-than-life characters. Carrey’s strong performance and McGregor’s firm support allow this to happen. “I Love You Phillip Morris” is certainly going to polarize audiences, but it deserves to be seen — especially now that it is available. ■
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 30
Classifieds
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals
Borrowers wait for lower mortgage rates and lose By Janna Herron The Associated Press
Homeowners who delayed locking in super-low mortgage rates — think close to 4 percent for a 30-year fixed — may have waited too long. Rates are creeping back up, in part because of the tax-cut deal in Washington. Now those in the market to buy or refinance have to decide whether to take what’s available or wait — and run the risk that rates will keep rising. Freddie Mac, the governmentbacked company that buys and sells mortgages, said last Thursday that average rates on 15- and 30year fixed loans increased sharply from last week. It was the fourth straight weekly rise. Fixed rates had been the lowest in decades. “People thought for a while that rates would fall below 4 percent, and they hedged on that,” said New York mortgage broker and banker Andrew Toolin, who
had just been on the phone with a client who is paying 5.875 percent on his mortgage. A month ago, the client passed on what now looks like a once-ina-lifetime opportunity: the chance to refinance at 4.125 percent. That would have put $321 more in his pocket each month. He held out, thinking he could do even better. Now the rate is up to 4.75 percent. He could still shave money off his monthly mortgage payment, but not nearly as much — about $229. “He’s wondering if he should wait for rates to go back down,” Toolin said. “He’s talking to his wife tonight about what to do.” Rates are rising because they tend to follow the trends set by government bonds, like the 10year Treasury bond. Investors are selling those bonds, causing their interest rates to rise, because of the deal President Obama and Republicans reached to hold off tax increases in 2011 and 2012
and cut taxes for most Americans. Some economists think the deal, which would effectively put money in Americans’ pockets right away, will help the economy heal faster. A stronger economy would make stocks more attractive than bonds, which are a safer investment in rocky economic times. Even though they’re rising, mortgage rates remain at extraordinarily low levels by historical standards. The average rate on the 30-year mortgage rose to 4.61 percent from 4.46 percent last week. It hit 4.17 percent a month ago, the lowest level in the 40 years that comparable records have been kept. The rate on a 15-year fixed loan, a popular refinancing option, rose to 3.96 percent. Rates hit 3.57 percent last month, the lowest since 1991. The opportunity to refinance a home loan at a fixed rate of less than 5 percent is still a pretty good
deal, and even better for those who are trapped in an adjustable-rate mortgage. Still, for those homeowners who already have low rates or are thinking about a second refinancing, a quarter-point to halfpoint change over the month could be crucial. Many have already refinanced into lower rates in the last year or so at 5 percent or below. They would need rates to be at least 1 percentage point lower to make a refinance financially worthwhile. Some who missed their opportunity acknowledged they may have gambled — and miscalculated. Lisa Herman, a project manager at a financial institution in Philadelphia, said she learned from her mistake. She is trying to refinance her rowhouse in Center City, while also buying a 1950s cottage home near her family in Traverse City, Mich.
Four weeks ago, she could have gotten 4.25 percent on her refinance and 4.875 on her purchase. She waited, betting rates would go back down or at least stay flat. But they edged up. A week later, she folded and locked in at 4.378 percent and 5.125 percent. The price for her hesitation: about $50 a month. “I got a little greedy and I lost,” Herman said. For buyers, the calculus is different. Their buying power has eroded marginally. But with house prices on the decline again, homes are still cheap. But a sustained rise in mortgage rates will eventually sideline potential buyers who started to think of historically low rates as a given. “It’s all about negative psychology,” said Julie Longtin, a real-estate agent with RE/MAX Cityside in Providence, R.I. “Already my buyers are thinking about withdrawing until rates dip again.” ■
Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property
Beds: 4 Baths: 2.1 Cost: $298,500 Square footage: 1,934 Age of property: 55 years Realtor: Andrew J. Mariano Real-estate co.: RE/MAX Preferred Phone: (610) 325–4100 Phone: (610) 789–0982 Website: www.gayparealtor.com
Lawrence Park split on large corner lot. Three bedroom home with in-law quarters, fourth bedroom or home office. Main level: living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, large enclosed side porch.
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263 Lawrence Road, Broomall
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Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears. To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge. PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language. Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity. Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Real Estate REAL ESTATE
SALE
SOUTH PHILLY ROWHOUSE FOR SALE 3 BR Wider Rowhouse. Hardwood floors, 2 f/baths, new roof and newer appliances. Finished basement, deck, off street parking. $288,000. MAY 1 -856-889-8765. 7, 2009 _______________________________34-52 VENTNOR, NJ, FACING THE BAY ����������� House and Adjacent Lot (inground swimming pool). 1st floor 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, � dining room, kitchen, laundry room and deck. 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, bath, efficiency kitchen, living room, dining area and deck. Central Air. Corner Property. Call 215-468-9166 evenings only. $675,000.00. Also property for rent1500.00 month plus utilities. _______________________________34-52 AN EMBLEM OF SUCCESS.... Stately Single in Huntingdon East - NE 3 Bdrms, 2 Baths, Fireplace, 2 Car Garage, Hardwood Floors / High Ceilings / Granite Counters And So Much More... Visit Us Today. 1320 Grant Ave. at Krewstown. Price & Photos..Text: 32075 msg: Price1950 Keller Williams Real Estate - Langhorne Jim Downs - (215) 869-6194 / (215) 757-6100. _______________________________34-53 Potter County - 4 acres near Galeton, Pine Creek frontage, flat, wooded, utilities, in-ground perc. Close to Ski Denton, state forest. $59,900. Owner financing. 800-668-8679 _______________________________34-51
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RENTAL AFFORDABLE FORT LAUDERDALE All Gay Resort. Apts., full kit, 10 min Gay Nightlife, beaches, attractions. Clothing opt. pool, WiFi. 877-927-0090, www.LibertySuites.com _______________________________35-02
PAGE 31
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
SALE
SALE
Conrad Kuhn
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
SALE
SALE
12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. _______________________________34-53 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA ����������� Studios & 1 Bedrooms - Call for Availability � (215)735-8050. _______________________________34-53 QUEEN VILLAGE 3rd & Catharine. Perfect commercial/professional space. 2 floors, 2400 sq. ft. $1800 total. 215-687-8461, 215-336-4629. _______________________________34-53 JEFFERSONVILLE, NEAR K OF P, BLUE BELL ��������������������������������������� Large efficiency on private wing on home with ������������������ large yard. Private bath, entrance, kitchen. $495/mo. + elect. & sec. dep. Call 610-539���������������������������������������������������������� 6381, leave message. ����������������������������� _______________________________34-52 �����������������
SOUTH PHILA., 10TH & TASKER 2 BR, 1.5 BA, new carpet, hdwd flrs. Total rehab, brand new everything. C/A, all new appl. $1150. 267-278-0824. Must See! _______________________________34-53 PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Office: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 ����� Cell: 609.221.1196 www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com Washington Township Office 5070 Route 42 Turnersville, NJ 08012
PAGE 47
ROOMMATES ����������� ����� PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DIS-
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Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2009 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs
TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 ��������������������������� full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 �������� min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least ����������������������������������������������������� reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + ����������������������������� 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. ������������� _______________________________34-52
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PGN’S COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE
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Listings for E-mail everything you need. us: pgn@epgn.com Click the resource button on the home ��� page to start shopping today!
resOURce ������������������������������ �����������
���������������������. Furness Flats. Large 2 bed, 1 bath. last unit left in this highly desirable building. Close to all Center City Hospitals. Low fees and taxes ................................�������������
COMMUNITY
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������������������������ “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden level 1 bd, 1 ba. unit w/ private entrance.. Low fees & Tax Abatement. Lowest price 1 bd. in area ........................��������.
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����������������������. New open style 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo with low taxes and condo fees. Great small pet friendly building. .........................................................................�������� ������������������� Old Swedes Court. New Listing Large 3
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Gay is our middle name.
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New Listings New Listing! 513 Lombard Street
Contemporary 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms town home w/ one car deeded parking. Thoughtful floor plan, dramatic living room with 11’ceilings, spacious dining room with separate kitchen, large garden and sun deck. $719,000
New Listing! 440 S. Broad Street #2106
Spectacular 2 bedroom + den with 2 full bathrooms. Granite and stainless kitchen, balcony, southern exposure, one car garage parking and awesome views of the city. $865,000.
New Listing! 408 S. Camac Street
Beautiful 2 bedroom +den on one of the nicest blocks. Pretty living room with w/b fireplace, eat-in kitchen, large patio, h/w floors and great architectural details. $319,000
New Listing! 1108 Lombard Steet #45
Beautiful 2 bedroom/1.5 bath town home with h/w floors, 2 fireplaces, eat-in kitchen and big patio. 399,900 Also for rent for $1900.00 per month
2301 Cherry Street 4J -Just Reduced
Pretty 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bathrooms with eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, 2 fireplaces, roof deck and one car garage parking. 389,900.
FOR RENT 247 S. Warnock Street
Fantastic 3 bedroom/ 1 bathroom home in mint condition with open floor plan, H/W floors throughout, granite and stainless kitchen, tumble marble bathroom, straight staircase and outdoor space. $2,300.00 per month.
210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Phila., PA 19103 215.790.5234 Direct 215.546.0550 Office
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
PAGE 32
FOR SALE NEW Norwood SAWMILLS- LumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills. com/300N. 1-800-661-7746 Ext 300-N. _______________________________34-51
SERVICES Psychic Love Specialist. Helps reunite lovers, Restores happiness (free reading) 707-5007024 . _______________________________34-52 APARTMENTS CLEANED Apartment cleaned + laundry from Schuylkill to Delaware River, Spring Garden to South St. 20+ yrs experience. $12/hr or flat rate. (347) 367-6369. Refrences. _______________________________34-51 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________34-51 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical *Business *Paralegal *Computers *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-220-3984 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________34-51
HELP WANTED Drivers- 100% Tuition Paid CDL Training! Start your New Career. No Credit Check, No Experience required! Call: 888-417-7564 CRST EXPEDITED www.JoinCRST.com _______________________________34-51 Experienced Tanker Drivers Needed! Increased pay and home time! *Plenty of miles. *Steady Freight. Call Prime Today! 1-800-2770212 www.primeinc.com _______________________________34-51 Drivers- $1,000 Sign On Bonus!!! NE REGIONAL and OTR Freight Increase, Great Pay and Benefits! Class A CDL and 1 year experience required 800-677-5627 www. westsidetransport.com _______________________________34-51 Drivers- Flatbed Earn $1.85/mi or more! OWNER OPERATORS. Up to $1000 Sign on Bonus. No age restriction on tractors /trailers. CRST Malone 877-277-8756 www. JoinMalone.com _______________________________34-51 CDL-A Drivers: We’ve Never Looked Better! Our package of benefits is the best it’s ever been. Pay,Bonuses,Miles,Equipment. $500 Sign-On for Flatbed. CDL-A,6mo.OTR. Western Express. 888-801-5295 _______________________________34-51 SMITH TRANSPORT *CLASS A CDL DRIVERS *Excellent Equipment! *Consistent home time *Great pay/benefits. 877-432-0048 www. smithdrivers.com _______________________________34-51
BUSINESS
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OPORTUNITIES
IMPROVEMENT
Do you earn $800 in a day? Your Own Local Candy Route! 25 Machines and Candy All for $9995. 877-915-8222 All Major Credit Cards Accepted! _______________________________34-51 Frac Sand Haulers with complete rigs only. Tons of Runs in warm, flat, friendly and prosperous Texas! Great company, pay and working conditions. 817-769-7621, 817-769-7713. _______________________________34-51 BE YOUR OWN BOSS- START TODAY! OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY 1-800-518-3064 WWW. DRSS4.COM _______________________________34-51
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CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. _______________________________34-51 FREE DEBT CONSULTATION First 400 Callers! Help Reduce Your Credit Card or Unsecured Debt! Decrease Your Expenses/Help Lower Your Payments. Free Consultation/Info Call: 888-456-4551. _______________________________34-51
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ADOPTION ADOPT Happily married, creative couple promises love, cozy home & vacation cabin, stay-athome mom, big extended family. Expenses paid. www.CuddlyHome.com Marianne/ Dan 1-877-739-6889. _______________________________34-51 Adopt: A wonderful life filled with love, devotion and happiness awaits your newborn. Financially secure with extended family. Expenses paid. Please call Rosanne: 1-800-755-5002. _______________________________34-51
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
PAGE 33
SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY BOB’S
EXTERMINATING Fast service if you have any one of these problems and want service today.
1 NO HEAT 2 NO HOT WATER 3 SLOW DRAINS
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PAGE 34
HEALTH DIRECTORY APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
S
APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
Wills, Trusts, Estates and Probate
AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law
As a member of the LGBT community, Jeremy A. Wechsler can provide compassionate and sound solutions for all of your estate planning needs
Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney PAGE 110 APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008
CLASSIFIEDS Get In Touch:
www.JawAtLaw.com or (215) 706-0200.
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1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com
Offices in Willow Grove, PA. Flexible hours and home visits upon request.
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Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly Mark-Allen Taylor, Esq. Divorce Child Custody Support / Visitation Domestic Partnerships Wills & Powers of Attorney Name Changes and
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Looking for a new career? Want to be your own boss? Tired of the insecurity of today’s economic uncertainty? Learn how we’ve helped 1,000’s of individuals find a new and rewarding career. Call (215) 321-1963 to schedule a complimentary coaching session.
www.TheESource.com/LCsabay
Send us your wedding/civil union/ commitment ceremony announcement and we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love.
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Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today! Lou Csabay Self-employment Coach
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nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 ADULT PERSONALS PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out FRIENDS of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010
FRIENDS
MEN
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LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________34-53 Got a big torpedo? Fire it into a white butt. Call 8-11 PM, 215-732-2108. _______________________________34-53
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PAGE 36
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
DEC. 17 - 23, 2010