PGN Dec. 21-27, 2012 by The Philadelphia Gay News

O Holi Night

Family Portrait: Monique Costa PAGE 23

Homeless LGBT youth program in dire straits

PAGE 29

PAGE 6

Dec. 21-27, 2012

Vol. 36 No. 51

Antigay rep to intro marriage amendment

Second alleged assailant of gay inmate identified By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Justin O’Brien, an inmate at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, was named by the government last week as the alleged initiator of last year’s brutal assault on fellow inmate Kenneth Houck. O’Brien’s alleged role in the assault was detailed in a Dec. 12 motion filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that opposes bail for Kevin Hannig — another man who allegedly participated in the assault. On Nov. 10, 2011, Houck was reading a gay novel in his cell at the center when O’Brien and Hannig allegedly beat Houck and stomped on and kicked his leg, breaking it. “Less than one minute after entering Houck’s cell, O’Brien came out of the cell and motioned for PAGE 12

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

GAY BLADES: Kenny Gambone (left) and Zeus Kain took to the ice Dec. 15 at Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing for the second annual Qventures ice-skating outing. About two-dozen LGBT skaters laced up their blades for the occasion. Qventures offers the LGBT community social alternatives to the bar scene, and the ice-skating event marked its last of the year. Photo: Scott A. Drake

EQPA joins boycott against Amway By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

HOLIDAY BUSINESS: Independence Business Alliance president Evan Urbania (left) mingled with fellow members of IBA and the Greater Philadelphia Professionals Network at the groups’ Dec. 19 holiday party at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. About 100 LGBT professionals participated in the celebration, which honored accomplishments in the organizations and community this year. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Pennsylvania’s statewide LGBT organization has gotten on board with a growing boycott of a global marketing agency whose leader made a major donation to a group that fights against LGBT rights. Equality Pennsylvania this month backed the boycott of American Way Corporation, a direct-selling company whose product line includes health and beauty items such as Artistry cosmetics and cleaning products such as Legacy of Clean items. Amway’s North American operation, based in Michigan, is bolstered by a number of subsidiaries and does most of its business overseas. Forbes named it among the 30 largest private companies in the nation. This past summer, blogger Zach Ford revealed that company president Doug DeVos made a personal donation of $500,000 to the National Organization for Marriage, which has led the fight for antigay-marriage amendments in a number of states, among other initiatives. In August, Rights Equal Rights, led by former out Republican presidential candidate Fred

Karger, launched a boycott of the company, which has since drawn support from everyday LGBTs and allies to elected officials to out celebs such as Jane Lynch. Karger said he’s ultimately hoping Amway will donate an equivalent amount to an LGBT cause, which has happened in previous boycotts he has led. “This is now our fifth boycott and we’ve been successful in two, so it is our hope to sit down with Doug DeVos and try to work out an amicable resolution for both parties in this debate,” said Karger. EQPA is the first statewide organization to endorse the campaign. EQPA president Adrian Shanker hopes the organization’s support educates LGBT consumers. “Amway has been worse than many companies in being active against gay rights,” Shanker said. “Amway has a presence in Pennsylvania, so we want to make sure our members know where to spend their money.” Karger said DeVos’ contribution to NOM is thought to be the agency’s largest single family donation ever. While he acknowlPAGE 13

The long-proposed Marriage Protection Amendment will rear its head in the Pennsylvania state legislature again next year. In a Dec. 12 memo, state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-12th Dist.) announced his plan to introduce an amendment next legislative session that would define marriage in the Pennsylvania constitution as being between one man and one woman. Metcalfe first introduced the bill in 2011 and rallied 35 cosponsors, but it died in committee. Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate the previous two sessions but failed. The bill had previously been in the House in 2006, where it was approved. The Senate also approved a similar measure that year, but the effort to conjoin the legislation for final approval failed. Pennsylvania adopted a law in 1996 REP. DARYL that defines marriage METCALFE as between one man and one woman, but the constitutional amendment would make that statute even firmer. Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, said that Metcalfe’s proposal is based on fear. “He is a tenacious man,” Martin said. “I think people who believe in what he believes in see that they are losing this fight, especially with this past election and four states supporting marriage equality.” Metcalfe did not respond to a request for comment from PGN. In his memo, Metcalfe said it was important to defend “traditional” marriage. “Marriage is a common good, not a special interest. Special interests should not have the right to redefine marriage for all of us,” he wrote. Martin said Equality PA has worked to inform its network about PAGE 12

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

PGN

Philly’s community college launches GSA By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Students at the Community College of Philadelphia now have the option of a safe, LGBT-welcoming environment with the launch of the college’s Gay-Straight Alliance. CCP student SharRon L. Cooks has attended the college for two years and said she found it hard to find support for LGBT students after she had some problems. “My first year at CCP, I had some issues and there wasn’t a place I could go to for faculty or peer support,” said Cooks. “When I came back this year, I wanted to be more involved as a student, and I decided to create this group so we could have some safe space and resources available to students.” Cooks has been involved with the Trans Health Conference and also serves as a volunteer and peer counselor at the William Way LGBT Community Center. Currently, the group, which was started at the beginning of the fall semester, has

65 members. The college offered a GSA years ago, but it has long been defunct. According to Cooks, in order to establish the organization, 10 students had to sign up. Cooks and a few other interested students had to ask students if they were interested in creating the GSA on campus, where some 39,500 students take classes. Interested members had to have a minimum of a 2.0 grade-point average or have a 2.5 GPA to be a member of the executive board. Members could be full-time or part-time, as long as they’re currently enrolled in classes. The process to activate the club took two-and-a-half months to complete. Cooks said the organization had to submit its paperwork three different times because some students who initially signed up did not meet the requirements. Cooks said that although there was much interest in the group, staff members who are in charge of helping students bring new organizations onto campus or reactivate old ones weren’t particularly helpful in the process.

According to Cooks, the group has a lot of silent supporters among staff. “Their level of advocacy is limited to some degree,” she said. As for the college’s overall LGBTfriendliness, Cooks said it could do with a few improvements. “From what I gather, CCP is not an LGBT-friendly campus. I think because of people and their religious beliefs, they don’t know about us and they haven’t learned about our culture and community,” she said. Cooks ran into one issue involving the organization’s cubicle space, which is granted after a club is established. She said the GSA chose to make its space a resource center, where students could collect guides that would help them with issues relating to gender identity and sexual orientation. “Someone actually left an Islamic bible on our gender-identity guide,” she said. “You run into these types of issues. Everybody needs to be respected and that was one of our major challenges.” While there were no other major issues,

Cooks said the club intends to turn any challenges or future incidents into educational tools. The GSA has not yet hosted any formal events, but it has forged relationships with faculty and participated in World AIDS Day. “The faculty and staff set up a table for World AIDS Day and we gave out information on HIV/AIDS along with them,” Cooks said. Over the break, students involved in the organization will get together to create a list of safe spaces around the Greater Philadelphia region that will be available for students. Cooks also plans to press for the installation of a gender-neutral bathroom on campus. She also wants to continue to foster education about transgender people there. “I want to move CCP to make an environment that is more LGBT-friendly, especially with the trans community. I want to get more trans people on campus and get them educated and empowered to make more of a difference,” she said. ■

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — NORTH OF C.C.

1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beehive Hair Salon, 2319 Fairmount Ave. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Crooked Frame Café, 2545 Brown St. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Filter Coffee House, 331 Race St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st ﬂoor • Shampoo, Seventh & Willow sts. • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •

PHILADELPHIA — SOUTH OF C.C.

Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Carmen’s Country Kitchen, 11th & Wharton sts. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Equal, 1516 Snyder Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Expressive Hand, 622 S. Ninth St. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Hideaway, Days Inn, 2015 Penrose Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Kris Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • South Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — UNIVERSITY CITY

Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER

Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Coffee Junction, 7210 Cresheim Road • Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • GWHS Beacon Center, 10175 Bustleton Ave. • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Prevention Point, 166 W. Lehigh Ave. • Today’s Videos, 9255 Roosevelt Blvd. • Touch of Class Books, 3342 Kensington Ave. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •

All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at

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

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

COCKTAILS, DANCING & GOURMET CUISINE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013 ��PHILLYAUTOSHOW.COM

CUISINE

GRAND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

S T E P H E N S T A R R E V E N T S Gaytimes.indd 5

12/3/12 1:50 PM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

PGN

STAGE OF STARS: Josh Schonewolf (center), the blogger behind “Josh Can’t Cook,” gathered with the host of drag performers who stole the show at his fundraising drag event Dec. 9 at ICandy. About 100 people attended “Josh’s Drag Ball,” which raised about $1,500 for The Attic Youth Center. Performers included Milan from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season four (back row, second from left), as well as a host of drag stars from throughout the region. Photo: Scott A. Drake NEWS

Crime Watch Local News Briefing Gettin’ On

9 2 8 7

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Op-Ed Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11 11

What is a must for Christmas?

Poll results from our online survey as of Dec. 19:

34% 23% 17% 15% 6% 0% 4%

Tree/Lights/Decorations Cooking/Baking/Eating Friends Family Spiked eggnog Macy’s/Nutcracker/other event None of the above

Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

Assuming the world didn’t end and you’re reading this, would you change how you live if you did know when the world would end?

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

For advertising inquiries: advertising@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 218.

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

Advertising Director Dan Calhoun (ext. 218) dan@epgn.com

Publisher

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

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com Staff Writers Angela Thomas (ext. 215) angela@epgn.com Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

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

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

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

ADL figure visits Philly, talks hate-crimes progress By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The Anti-Defamation League hosted a special guest last week in its Philadelphia office. Michael Lieberman serves as ADL’s Washington Counsel and director of the agency’s Civil Rights Policy Planning Center, and played an instrumental role in getting the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed. While Lieberman was in the City of Brotherly Love Dec. 14, he sat down with PGN to discuss, among other issues, the passage of the bill and the progress of the LGBT-rights movement. ADL was founded in 1913 for two purposes: to stop the defamation of Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Lieberman got involved with ADL after learning about the organization through a classmate’s father, who was the Southern Counsel for the agency. “He was somebody who I thought just had a really cool job,” Lieberman said. “I’ve always been very interested in civilrights issues, Jewish community issues, support for the state of Israel and a range of equality issues, and so when I went to

law school, I knew this is what I wanted to do.” Lieberman worked at Capitol Hill for several different members of Congress and started at ADL 30 years ago — a move he said started a “fantastic career path.” He said ADL plays a significant leadership role in a range of equality issues, including LGBT work. “In this city, the ADL is especially known for their ‘No Place For Hate’ programs and anti-bias programs. There are 28 regional offices and every single one of them is committed to trying to make it ‘brotherhood and sisterhood week’ every week,” he said. “Our definition of brotherhood and sisterhood is inclusive.” Lieberman has also served as chair of the Hate Crimes Coalition in Washington, D.C., which worked on the LGBT-inclusive hate-crimes law. It took 13 years to achieve passage of the Matthew Shepard Act. Lieberman said the ongoing veto threat from former President George W. Bush was a significant challenge, and the process was also impeded by two words that were within the legislation: sexual orientation. “We adamantly refused to allow those in Congress that wanted to pass the bill way earlier than 13 years, who had one precondition. They would say to us, ‘All you

have to do is take out two words that recur in the Matthew Shepard Act.’ We were not going to let sexual orientation be pulled out of the Matthew Shepard Act,” he said. Congress eventually passed the legislation in late 2009. The measure was not a stand-alone but was attached to a defensespending bill that was “must-pass” legislation. “The only way to get it done was on this must-pass legislation. That bill is passed every year for the last 50 years and it was courageous for the Democratic House and Senate at the time to put this bill in that must-pass legislation. They took a lot of heat for it,” Lieberman said. “But it was the right thing to do.” Lieberman said the real meaning behind the act was never forgotten. “It is so tragic that the bill is named after people who had to be thought of because they had been murdered because of who they were, so nobody was forgetting that. The fact the bill is named The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act underscores that what we’re talking about is real people and real lives and we don’t forget that,” he said. Lieberman described the moment when President Obama signed the bill into law in October 2009 as “spectacular but somber.”

The day after the bill was signed, Lieberman said work began on implementing it. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hate Crimes Statistics report released Dec. 10, national LGBTrelated crimes in 2011 stood at a total 1,293. Lieberman said race has always been the most common motivating factor for a hate crime, followed by religion — until this most recent report, when sexual orientation rose from third to second. On Jan. 1, the next stage of the effort will begin — including the tracking of hate crimes motivated by gender identity and other categories incorporated by the Matthew Shepard Act. “I don’t think people who live in cities across the country that work for police forces necessarily know what a gender nonconforming hate crime is,” he said. “It is going to really require a considerable amount of outreach, and not just by cops and organizations, but it is very essential for people in the transgender community to know it is critically important to report these crimes. If an individual is a victim of a crime, they really have to take it seriously and the only way they’re going to make the police take it seriously is to report.” ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

LOCAL

LGBT homeless youth program in jeopardy By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

Every Wednesday night 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. you can get a free conﬁdential HIV test at

Philadelphia FIGHT

and receive free admission to Woody’s dance ﬂoor, a free slice of pizza from 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, and a chance to win great prizes.

Philadelphia FIGHT 1233 Locust St., 3rd ﬂoor

www.ﬁght.org 215.985.4448

A Philadelphia-area homeless and runaway youth housing organization is facing a funding gap that could potentially shut down its LGBT youth program. Valley Youth House provides services, counseling, life skills and a variety of programs for homeless and runaway youth in Philadelphia. Its PRIDE Program, founded in January 2010, is geared towards LGBT youth, ages 18-21, whose needs are often different from heterosexual and cisgendered individuals. However, the program may be terminated if new funding cannot be secured. According to grant writer Kathi Krablin, the PRIDE Program received a start-up $200,000 grant through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act’s Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, which expired in September 2011. The program receives an additional $40,000 from the Homeless Assistance Fund, Inc., which has helped it sustain itself for now. Its base program budget is $90,000. The organization has applied for and been denied grants from Calamus Foundation, Claniel Foundation amd Samuel P. Mandell

Foundation and has a pending application with the Spruce Foundation. Krablin said the program will reapply for the HAFI funding and will likely make a decision on the future of the program by the summer. According to PRIDE Program life-skills counselor Sarah Morrison, the initiative was founded after Valley Youth recognized a real need for resources for the growing number of LGBT homeless and runaway youth in Philadelphia. “We wanted to create a place where LGBT youth could go, feel embraced, supported and encouraged. There are so many youth who were not in foster care that were in need of housing and support,” she said. Valley Youth House traditionally works with youth in Philly who have been connected to the foster-care program. Morrison said the LGBT youth come from a variety of situations, including abusive households. “Sometimes the youth have been kicked out of their homes because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and sometimes their families cannot afford to house them anymore,” she said. When LGBT youth are accepted into the PRIDE Program, they are offered a curriculum that includes courses on housing and

counseling to evaluate preparedness for independent living. Youth learn about budgeting, banking, credit, how to find a roommate and how to talk to a landlord. Originally, the program was able to pay for costs associated with the young people’s new housing; however, because of the discontinuation of the federal grant, it struggles to continue that service. “In the beginning, we could pay moving costs and an additional four months’ rent,” Morrison said. “It was a good chance to allow the youth to save up some money. Now, we can only afford to pay first and security to move them in.” The program currently serves 22 youth with Morrison as the only staff member. Krablin said that, if the program is terminated, the youth will be referred to other programs, but resources are limited. Morrison added that the PRIDE Program offers a unique service for youth in need who will be adversely affected if the program is terminated. “We are the only homeless and runaway program that focuses on LGBT youth,” she said. “There are no other programs like us in the area.” For more information on Valley Youth House, go to www.valleyyouthhouse.org. ■

REGIONAL

New marriage bill hits the NJ legislature By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com New Jersey’s efforts to secure marriage equality took a new turn last week. Out Assemblyman Reed Gusciora introduced legislation that would put marriage equality on the ballot for voters to decide. Gusciora introduced his bill weeks after unprecedented LGBT success at the ballot last month, where voters in three states approved marriage-equality laws and in one state defeated a ban on same-sex marriage. While Gusciora previously opposed the notion of a voter referendum to decide marriage equality, he told PGN this week that a number of factors changed his mind. In February, the New Jersey legislature for the first time approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, a bill led by Gusciora. Republican Gov. Chris Christie, however, vetoed the measure. Proponents have until January 2014 to muster enough votes to override the veto. Gusciora said that, in order to achieve an override, advocates would need to generate three new votes in the Senate and 12 in the Assembly — all from Republicans. “Out of the 66 affirmative votes we got in the Assembly and Senate, two were from Republicans,” Gusciora said. “If you really think you can muster 15 Republican votes during Christie’s re-election year, I think

that’s just not going to work too well.” Gusciora said that advocates pushing for the veto override, including LGBT-rights group Garden State Equality, have “boxed themselves in” in not considering the possibility that voters could approve marriage equality. “I’m the first one to agree that civil rights should not be on the ballot. But I think we at least have a fighting chance doing it this way,” he said. “I also think we need to look at the younger generation. College and high-school students are very enthusiastic about this issue, and I think we’re missing the opportunity to have young people engaged in the political process. If you look at Garden State Equality’s talking points, they say that the majority of people in New Jersey are in favor of marriage equality. I think we should stand up to that and prove it.” Gusciora’s new plan was not well received by Garden State Equality and fellow Democrats. In a joint statement with Freedom to Marry and Human Rights Campaign, Garden State Equality reiterated its opposition to a ballot initiative, saying such efforts are “offensive to the rights of minorities and hold unspeakable potential for divisiveness.” Senate President Stephen Sweeney — who previously abstained from voting on a

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

marriage-equality bill but earlier this year cast a vote in support — said he would not allow Gusciora’s new bill to progress through the Senate. Fellow lawmaker Sen. Raymond Lesniak and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg have also come out against Gusciora’s proposal. Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, also a proponent of marriage equality, has not confirmed if she will actively block the measure from coming up for debate. In vetoing the measure, Christie said he supported letting voters decide the issue. His office did not respond to a request for comment from PGN this week. While his proposal got a mixed response, Gusciora urged advocates to consider all possibilities for achieving marriage equality. “The gay movement is not monolithic with one organization with one viewpoint, but represents many faces and many different views,” he said. “Yes, I think we should try to override the veto of my bill, but we need to do all of it — continue the court challenge, put it on the ballot and attempt to override, which has the least chance of success. We need all options on the table. We need to rise to the challenge like many other civil-rights activists have done over history; for us to go back in the closet sets a poor example.” ■

AGING PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

The LGBT Elder Agenda 2013 As a result of the November elections, we no longer have to fear that a new president will repeal or revoke the rights that we have gained over the past four and more years. The election means that we can move forward, rather than having to spend all of our efforts fighting to protect the rights we have already won. For the LGBT community, old and young alike, much energy will be needed to secure the additional rights and resources that we need to live safely, healthfully and successfully as we age. The Obama administration has helped to ensure access to services and fair, equal and respectful care and treatment for LGBT elders. This has been accomplished through executive orders and policy directives. Now, legislation and judicial rulings are necessary to help protect these rights. As it stands, Ed a president, on his or her own, could take away many of our rights. That is what we would have faced had the election results been different. Among the top agenda items for LGBT people in 2013 is congressional action on national nondiscrimination legislation. In most of this country — and in 70 percent of Pennsylvania — it is legal to discriminate against someone based on sexual orientation and gender identity. You can be denied entry to some nursing facilities or life-care communities because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. You can be refused a mortgage or your application for a rental apartment can be turned down. You can be denied a job. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is a first step toward comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation. ENDA has been introduced in Congress many times, without success. It is now time to try again. Also on the agenda is repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. Ending this law, either by a ruling from the Supreme Court or action by Congress, would open the doors to equal rights for same-sex couples. On the federal level, that amounts to more than 1,100 rights, including access to Social Security survivor benefits, pension benefits, health-care benefits and veterans’ benefits. Ending DOMA would also hasten the end of the inheritance-tax discrimination in Pennsylvania and several other states. For seniors, and future generations, the U.S. Senate is considering legislation that would, for the first time, list LGBT people as a “vulnerable population with greatest social need.” This means that the latest version of the 47-year-old Older Americans Act, if passed, would help increase access to services and resources for LGBT older adults. In Pennsylvania, access to senior services will continue to lag for LGBT seniors. The state has failed to specifically

include LGBT people in the State Plan on Aging. This plan addresses the availability of senior services over the next four years. As a result, LGBT older adults will continue to be underserved by the agingservices organizations that are supposed to help all older Pennsylvanians age successfully. Implementing legislation that has already been passed by Congress will help LGBT people in the future. The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) has provisions that will improve the health care that is received by LGBT people of all ages. Significantly, data is going to be collected that will identify what improvements need to be made in health services for LGBT people. ObamaCare will also promote the training of health-care professionals so they are more sensitive to, and aware of, the Bomba unique needs and issues facing LGBT people. As part of this effort, the LGBT Elder Initiative has launched “The Silver Rainbow Project.” The project trains aging-service providers to be aware of, and sensitive to, the unique needs and issues of LGBT older adults. Progress is slowly being made in the movement for the rights of LGBT older adults, access to services, increased resources and breaking down the barriers of past stigma and discrimination. If you want equal rights, access to resources and services, equal protections under the law and an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, tell your elected representatives. Tell them you want them to: • pass ENDA and all legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; • repeal DOMA; • add language to the federal Older Americans Act and to Pennsylvania’s State Plan on Aging that specifically identifies LGBT people and people living with HIV/ AIDS as “vulnerable populations of greatest social need” and; • end inheritance-tax discrimination in Pennsylvania for unmarried couples.

Gettin’ On

SALES WITH SANTA: Santa surprised thrifters at the Philly AIDS Thrift on South Fifth Street Dec. 15. After he arrived atop a horse and carriage, shoppers of all ages were able to get their photo with Santa and score some great deals at the shop — despite whether they have been naughty or nice during the year. PAT staff raffled off two airline tickets to a lucky shopper. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Craig T. Wakefield, DDS is happy to welcome

ISAAC BAR, D.M.D. to the dental practice!

• Cosmetic dentistry • Veneers • Crowns • Whitening • Implants

Dr Bar is a participating provider with most insurances including United Concordia, Delta Dental, Aetna, Metlife, and Guardian.

Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 255 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19103 (215) 732-8080 • cwakefielddds@msn.com Proudly serving the LGBT community and PWA for over 20 years. • Evening hours available.

Find out how to contact your elected representatives at www.usa.gov/Contact/ Elected.shtml. ■ Ed Bomba is communications chair of the LGBT Elder Initiative. The LGBTEI fosters and advocates for services and resources that are competent, culturally sensitive, inclusive and responsive to the needs of LGBT older adults. To comment on this article, suggest topics for future articles or for more information, visit www.lgbtei. org or call the LGBTEI at 267-546-3448 and watch for “Gettin’ On” each month in PGN.

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

1417 Locust St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

LOCAL PGN

News Briefing Lawsuit against 12th Street Gym settles

HOLIDAY HELPERS: The William Way LGBT Community Center hosted “Whisker Wonderland” Dec. 8, which featured adoptable animals from Finding Shelter Animal Rescue. About 40 people turned out to play with and learn about the dozen dogs on hand, have pet photos with Santa and peruse the animal-themed gifts and “Ask a Vet” table. Finding Shelter founders Grace Kelly Herbert (left) and Santa (her husband, Steve) posed with two shelter favorites, Abby and Bentley. Photo: Scott A. Drake

A lawsuit filed by Joseph Montgomery, a former member of the 12th Street Gym who claimed he was permanently disfigured there when a framed picture fell on him, has been settled. Terms of the settlement, reached on Dec. 14, are confidential. Montgomery, who no longer patronizes the gym, filed the suit in November 2011. “On Dec. 7, 2010, plaintiff was working out in an acceptable manner when a framed glass picture fell off a wall and on top of plaintiff’s head, and subsequently shattered, causing pieces of glass to be lodged into plaintiff’s head, neck and shoulder,” Montgomery’s lawsuit alleged. The Center City gym, which has a predominantly LGBT clientele, denied any liability for Montgomery’s alleged injuries, according to court records. Montgomery reportedly suffered a disfiguring scar to his right shoulder, which limited his ability to earn money by participating in body-building contests. He was seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages, according to his lawsuit. Kevin R. McNulty, an attorney for the gym, declined to comment. “We will not be making any comment about the settlement,” McNulty said in an email. C y r u s B . S h aw, a n a t t o r n ey f o r Montgomery, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Court accepts LGBT groups’ brief in Scouts case A federal appeals court has accepted for consideration a friend-of-the-court brief filed by six LGBT groups in support of the city’s efforts to evict a local Boy Scouts of America council from a city building. The groups are Mazzoni Center, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Human Rights Campaign, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Philadelphia, Equality Forum and Equality Pennsylvania. The city wants the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council to vacate a city-owned building on 22nd Street near the Ben Franklin Parkway because Cradle won’t pay rent, nor will it accept openly gay participants. In June 2010, a federal jury ruled that the city violated Cradle’s constitutional right to exclude gays during the eviction attempt — a ruling the city is appealing in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. On Nov. 29, the LGBT groups filed a brief in support of Cradle’s eviction.

On Dec. 12, Third Circuit Judge D. Michael Fisher issued a one-page ruling, accepting their brief for consideration. “Our brief stresses the emotional impact of anti-LGBT discrimination,” said David M. Rosenblum, legal director of Mazzoni Center. “We’re excited that the court will give our viewpoint due consideration.” At presstime, the court hadn’t ruled on whether proposed friend-of-the-court briefs filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania — and a coalition of 15 religious organizations, civil-rights groups and faith leaders that all support the eviction — will be accepted for consideration. A ruling also remains pending on Cradle’s request for an extension to file a brief, which is tentatively due Dec. 24, to Jan. 23, because of holiday conflicts. — Timothy Cwiek

Comedy show for Sandy Mayhem and Madness presents a comedy show featuring Philadelphia native Christina Meehan and national star Thomas Dale, Dec. 21 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Proceeds from the Apocalypse Comedy Show will benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include a free Clique Vodka Cocktail. To RSVP, call 855-623-6377 or go to www. mayhemandmadnesscomedy.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door. — Angela Thomas

Former Miss PA to pay $5 million

A judge this week ordered former Miss Pennsylvania Sheena Monnin to pay Donald Trump $5 million in a defamation suit. Monnin, who relinquished her crown earlier this year, accused the Miss USA contest, run by Trump, of being rigged. However, critics contend Monnin was actually dismayed that the pageant’s Canadian counterpart allowed a transgender woman to compete. Monnin called the pageant “fraudulent, lacking in morals, inconsistent and in many ways trashy.” “While I feel very badly for Sheena, she did the wrong thing,” Trump said in a statement after Tuesday’s ruling. “She was really nasty, and we had no choice. It is an expensive lesson for her.”

Potluck at the center William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., will host its annual potluck dinner next week. From 2-4 p.m. Dec. 25, community members and allies are invited to meet new friends and old at the ninth-annual Holiday Potluck dinner. The event is free, but guests are asked to bring a dish to share with the group. To RSVP, call 215-732-2220 and confirm what food you will bring. ■ — Jen Colletta

LOCAL PGN

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Dec. 3-9. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — At 4:10 a.m. Dec. 7, the driver of a white Toyota Corolla got out of his car at 13th and Lombard streets and pointed a handgun at the driver of another car whose driver beeped at the Corolla at a traffic light at 12th and Pine streets. The complainant reported the incident to 9th District officers. The suspect was described as an Hispanic male with a dark complexion and goatee, wearing a white shirt. — At 11:50 a.m. Dec. 7, a man approached an employee of the CVS at 1046 Market St. and announced a robbery. No weapon was shown and the employee walked away. The suspect, who fled empty-handed, was described as a black male about 40, 5foot-9, with a medium build and medium complexion, wearing a black puffy vest over a gray hoodie and white sneakers. — Between 1-8 a.m. Dec. 8, someone smashed the window of a 1995 Volvo that was parked in the 300 block of South Ninth Street and stole a laptop. Officer Braceland was unable to lift fingerprints. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 10:45 a.m. Dec. 3, Center City Officers Moore and Bates observed an illegal narcotics sale outside 901 Market St. and arrested a 33-year-old male with a Germantown address. The suspect was charged with illegal narcotics sales. The officers recovered prescription narcotics pills and cash from the suspect. — At 10:40 a.m. Dec. 5, Center City Officers Moore and Bates observed an

illegal narcotics sale outside 940 Market St. and arrested a 32-year-old male with a homeless-shelter address. The suspect was charged with illegal narcotics sales. The officers recovered and confiscated heroin, marijuana and cash from the suspect. — At 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 6th District plainclothes Officers Ferrero and Hill arrested a female who was wanted for forgery of a prescription used at a pharmacy at 800 Spruce St. in October. The suspect was at this location when she was observed by the officers. The 37-year-old woman with a Germantown address was charged with forgery and related offenses. — At 4:05 a.m. Dec. 7, 6th District Officers Macchione and Cifelli arrested a man outside 111 S. 11th St. who was wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear for court. The 38-year-old suspect with an Olney address was charged with contempt of court. — On Dec. 8, 6th District plainclothes Officers Green and Romanczuk were in line inside McDonald’s, 948 Market St., when a man offered to sell them “Zanties” (Zantac pills). The officers went outside with the male, who showed them a bottle of prescription medication and wanted $30 for six pills. The officers took the man into custody and confiscated the bottle, which contained 43 pills. The 32-yearold suspect with a Port Richmond address was charged with illegal narcotics sales. — On Dec. 8, 6th District plainclothes Officers Green and Romanczuk set up a surveillance inside McDonald’s, 948 Market St., due to recent thefts in the area. At 1 p.m., a female stole one of the officer’s iPhones from a table and exited the restaurant. The 42-year-old suspect with a Germantown address was apprehended and charged with theft. — At 9:05 a.m. Dec. 9, 6th District Officers Braceland and Barthelemy responded to the paid parking lot at 1301 Locust St., where an employee stated a non-employee was charging patrons to park in the lot. Police arrested a 28-yearold homeless man and charged him with theft by deception. ■

Coming here is not his idea of fun At Pet Health Center, we understand that

But we also understand that preventative care keeps your pet healthier. It can save you from the added anxiety and expense of avoidable illnesses. Your commitment to regular annual exams means happier pets, fewer unplanned visits, and ultimately less money spent.

Pet Health Center 3365 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia

(215) 739-6401

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

R E P RO D U C T I V E M E D I C I N E A S S O C I AT E S of Philadelphia

Trying to build a family? The doctors of RMA of Philadelphia are devoted to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood. Our doctors are highly experienced, board-certiﬁed fertility specialists with some of the highest success rates in the area. At RMA of Philadelphia, we are proud to serve the LGBT community.

The Fertility Specialists. RMAphiladelphia.com | 855-RMA-PHIL (855-762-7445) Philadelphia � King of Prussia � Willow Grove � Langhorne � Harrisburg

RMA 12102 futilityFertility_GayNewsQuarterPg_4C_parenthood.indd 1

7/16/12 9:43 AM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Antonin Scalia

Editorial

What is your holiday wish? Angela: My Christmas wish is to never have a school shooting again in the world and to end violence in our schools. Brooke: World peace ... and “The L Word” complete series box set. Carol: My Christmas wish is that I continue to have my health and that of my entire family and friends. And, of course, that Santa brings me a lot of surprises because I was a good girl this year. Dan: I’m fortunate to have everything that I need: My wonderful partner, Kasey, my amazing goldendoodle (child), Mack, a loving family, a roof over my head and food on the table. So my wish is simple: for television producers to partner together to ban Taylor Swift from singing live. Don: I wish for good winds and good weather for the New Year. Greg: Health and happiness for my friends and family and continued success for the PGN. Jen: I hope that the coming year helps all of my family members and friends find their right path. And that our country becomes a more just and safe place for all. Larry: I’d like to see a lot less frothing, raging bigotry and violent insanity in American culture.

Mark: I almost feel guilty making a wish this year since 2012 was such an incredible year. But may Philadelphia continue to lead the way in creating an LGBT community and continue to be rated as the nation’s most LGBTfriendly city in America. On a personal level, I wish health and happiness to my friends and family and the tolerance to withstand hearing about my next project and its pitfalls. Got to love them, and I do. Prab: Love, joy and continued success for both my PGN family and my biological one. Sandy: I’m asking Santa and especially the Baby Jesus for one gift: a moratorium on death. All death — natural, accidental, violent, sickness-resulting, self-induced. Nobody dies. For a good, long while. Scott: That 2013 brings many more freelance opportunities and an art show. Oh, and world peace. Sean: My holiday wish is for health, safety and stability for all my loved ones. And for my dog to learn to walk himself, or at least be less of a spazz. Tim: That the Kennedy Library open the remaining oral-history tape made by Jacqueline Onassis, which isn’t scheduled to be released until 2067. I don’t think I can make it that long. ■

A famous Italian-Catholic has had a big change of heart regarding marriage equality after publicly saying some pretty nasty things about gays. “I’m upset about the way I was portrayed,” this public figure said. “What you see in the media is not the real me. Gay people should be married. I should be allowed to change my mind on this.” I couldn’t agree more. People should be allowed to change their minds, especially when they move from an uninformed to an informed opinion. And with the announcement that the United States Supreme Court will hear cases regarding the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s antigay Proposition 8, I have to say I almost wish that Angelina Pivarnick of “Jersey Shore,” who made the above comments, was an Associate Justice. Granted, part of the reasoning that Pivarnick gave for her (allegedly changed) belief that gays shouldn’t get married was “I don’t want a girl’s mouth on my pussy, sorry,” but I would certainly choose her over Antonin Scalia, an actual Associate Justice who has a long history of animus towards gay people and whose arguments make about as much sense as Pivarnick’s. Take what Scalia said on Dec. 10 during a talk given to students at Princeton, for example: “If we cannot have moral feelings against homosexuality, can we have it against murder?” Ah, yes. The old “homosexuality to murder” comparison. Actually, comparing homosexuality to things that are truly terrible is one of Scalia’s specialties. And a gay freshman at Princeton called him out on it. Duncan Hosie asked about Scalia’s dissents in gay-rights cases, specifically “his mentions of murder, polygamy, cruelty to animals and bestiality,” according to a story on Princeton’s website. Hosie, not surprisingly, “found the comparisons offensive.” “Do you think it’s necessary to draw these comparisons, to use this specific language, to make the point that the Constitution doesn’t protect gay rights?” Hosie asked Scalia during a Q&A following the talk. “I don’t think it’s necessary, but I think it’s effective,” Scalia said. “It’s a type of

argument that I thought you would have known, which is called a reduction to the absurd. And to say that if we cannot have moral feelings against homosexuality, can we have it against murder, can we have it against these other things? Of course we can. I don’t apologize for the things I raised. I’m not comparing homosexuality to murder. I’m comparing the principle that a society may not adopt moral sanctions, moral views, against certain conduct. I’m comparing that with respect to murder and that with respect to homosexuality.” First of all, gotta love how Scalia talks down to this kid: “It’s a type of argument that I thought you would have known.” This is especially dickish because Hosie didn’t ask what category of argument Scalia was working in, he asked why Scalia unleashes such invective when talking about gay people. Second of all, I love how Scalia claims he’s not comparing homosexuality to murder, he’s just comparing feelings about homosexuality to feelings about murder. And he thinks both things are horrible, thank you very much. Scalia’s prejudice against gay/lesbianrights issues and gay and lesbian people is well documented and long. In fact, some folks are even calling for Scalia to recuse himself from the DOMA and Prop. 8 cases. I’m not going to hold my breath. Scalia doesn’t see gays and lesbians as human beings, he sees them as people who do sex stuff he thinks is gross. Recusing himself would be the right thing to do, and I doubt Scalia is all of a sudden going to do what is right when it comes to gays. ■ D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

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

OP-ED PGN

A holiday wish for ENDA progress Usually, Christmas-week columnists sure Republican leadership. So thanks to Republicans, we are stalled in Congress. wax poetic about the holidays or what So, until we get to a point where religion means to humanity, but let’s talk Congress will act, the only other move is ENDA and the possible executive order on nondiscrimination by President Obama an executive order from the president. That until Congress passes such legislation. Oh, order will do little for most Americans; it’s and for good measure, let’s add in the fismore symbolic. It’s something rather than cal cliff and Republicans. All of nothing but, like Congress, the president will use some of his this is related in passing nondiscrimination for the more-than good will (political capital) with half of all U.S. LGBT citizens some members of Congress. So the timing needs to be correct — like most Pennsylvanians and activists don’t like waiting. — who live in places where LGBT discrimination is still But hey, activists need somelegal. And this little gem, which thing to complain about, so why not go after the president rather I hope will give you conversation as you go from one holiday than the real culprits? event or family gathering to There are a few points here another, will serve as my gift to that should be clear. It’s the you. Republicans who have stalled First, the governance immigration reform, but unlike drill. The Employment the Latino community, our Nondiscrimination Act must activists, and specifically our Mark Segal Republican activists, don’t have pass both houses of Congress, the clout that the Latino comthen be signed into law by the munity seems to have. But there’s another president. While ENDA is overwhelmingly supported by Democrats, it will need issue. Part of the reason for that is the Hispanic community has focused on that Republican votes in Congress as well. It one issue — immigration reform — and is generally believed that it can pass the won over public support. Our community Senate, but the House is a different story. activists have focused on marriage equalFirst, you need the Republican votes, then you need the Republican leadership of the ity, and therefore most elected officials and House to agree to bring the legislation up the public think of that as our legislative for possible hearings, a vote out of compriority. mittee and then a full vote. And this is With marriage equality now before the where that problem lies. U.S. Supreme Court, maybe our friends Have you watched Majority Leader John in what is sometimes referred to as Gay Boehner (R) attempt to deal with his cauInc. — and I mean no disrespect — could cus over the fiscal cliff? Well, imagine him try to employ a focus similar to that of the Hispanic community and concentrate on on ENDA. He’d have to be a strong supporter of the legislation in order to use his one issue: on an issue that literally leaves political capital on ENDA. Another leader at least 1-million LGBT Americans with the possibility of the loss of homes and is Rep. Eric Cantor from Virginia, but he’s livelihoods. more aligned with his Tea Party members. Merry ENDA holiday to all. ■ And who can make them move? Well, the natural thought would be an LGBT Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the Republican organization that has communications with the Republican leadership, nation’s most-award-winning commentabut sadly Log Cabin and GOProud don’t tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. seem to have the influence needed to pres-

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

N.J. Assemblyman Reed Gusciora

Civil rights delayed is civil rights denied I still believe that civil-rights issues are not appropriate for the ballot. In moving my bill to grant same-sex couples the right to marry, I was steadfast on that point. I am reminded of James Madison’s warning: “It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers but to guard one part of society against the injustice of the other part.” Indeed, imagine if Southern voters in the 1960s were permitted to vote on whether lunch counters or schools should be desegregated. Nonetheless, gays and lesbians today are at a crossroads. In light of Gov.

Christie’s veto of my marriage-equality bill earlier this year, there are few options left for same-sex couples who are relegated to second-class citizenship by the state’s denial of their right to be married. These are the same gay and lesbian couples who are in long-standing relationships, who pay taxes in the state like everyone else, who raise families and call this state their home. And as long as marriage is a legal status recognized by the state, it should be granted on an equitable basis. Yet while my marriage-equality bill won approval in the N.J. Senate by a

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 11

Street Talk Is the makeup of the Supreme Court conducive to marriage equality? “No, I see them as politicians. They won’t risk the public backlash of legalizing it nationally. But they’ll Daniel Anderson let it stand musician in California. West Philadelphia That in itself will be pivotal. Other states will move in that direction. Eventually, it will be the law of the land. But not in this decade, unfortunately.”

“I’m an optimistic person, so I’ll say yes. I have faith they’ll do the right thing. They’ll adopt a modern Christopher perspective Carney on the issue. law student I believe Washington Square West that people are born gay. Same-sex marriage is a fundamental civil right. The court will understand that.”

“Yes. They’ll be influenced by big cities and states like New York and California, which tend to accept diversity. Jacquelyne All of that Pierson acceptance photographer Washington Square will have a West cumulative effect. The South will be dragged along, kicking and screaming. But so be it. We’re living in modern times.”

“They won’t take away marriage equality in California. If they did that, the government would Jeremie Wimbrow have less student credibility. Washington Square There would West be a huge amount of civil unrest. People would be less trusting of their government. But they won’t make it legal in all 50 states.”

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437.

vote of 24-16 and in the Assembly 4233, we have to live with the governor’s veto unless advocates can muster a two-thirds majority to override. Three more affirmative votes are needed in the Senate and 12 votes are needed in the Assembly. The task is harder to achieve when one recognizes that out of the 66 affirmative votes in both houses on the issue, only two were cast by Republican members. It begs the question whether it is realistic to think there will be any additional cross-party votes in a gubernatorial election year. The secondary question, then is what’s next?

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Advocates have been buoyed by the ballot victories for marriage equality in the states of Washington, Maine and Maryland. A ballot measure to deny same-sex couples such rights was defeated in Minnesota. Equally compelling has been President Obama’s “evolution” on the subject, the ending of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the likelihood that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act will soon be history. Additionally, on any college campus, straight and gay students equally believe that allowing samesex marriage will have little effect on the institution of marriage. PAGE 19

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

METCALFE from page 1

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

Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

“Save the Date! Annual Christmas Eve Food Fress”, Monday, December 24th at 7:00pm, at Charles Plaza in Chinatown, 234-236 N. 10th Street (SW corner of 10th and Vine Sts). Cost is $30.00 per person, including tax and gratuity. RSVP by December 19th to Marcia Biggs at 215-627-6747 and send in your payment by December 22nd. Make checks payable to “Congregation Rodeph Shalom.” Mail payments to: Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Attn: Marcia Biggs Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues. Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions 615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org Free secure parking: Cross Spring Garden at 13th St., left at next light, Mt. Vernon St. Parking lot entrance on left.

You’ve chosen to live your life together, so why not arrange to be

TOGETHER FOR ETERNITY Reserve a space in our beautiful cemetery minutes away from Center City. We will make certain your wishes to be together forever will not be denied. TWO BURIAL RIGHTS FOR ONLY $36.87 PER MONTH

Down payment of $400 required. No credit veriﬁcation. Westminster is a non-denominational cemetery.

OFFER EXPIRES 1/1/13 CALL JANEEN AT 610-667-0550

Mention PGN and receive a complimentary Personal Planning Guide. Traditional and cremation options available either above or below ground.

WESTMINSTER CEMETERY 701 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19008

the amendment. “We sent out an email as soon as we heard about it. It is very important for the community to know about this,” he said. “He has tried to introduce this amendment before, and we are ready for him this time.” Metcalfe wrote in the memo that he planned to introduce the amendment in the “near future,” although no specific timeline was given. “This constitutional amendment will eliminate confusion as to what constitutes a legal marriage, and it will also designate marriage as the only type of union that will be legally recognized in Pennsylvania,” Metcalfe wrote. He will base the language in the amendment on Florida’s marriageprotection amendment. PRISON ASSAULT from page 1

Hannig,” the motion states. “Hannig and O’Brien then entered Houck’s cell together. They kicked, punched and stomped on Houck’s leg, breaking it.” Advocates for Houck have expressed concern that O’Brien hasn’t been indicted for his role in the alleged assault. “If there’s some type of plea bargain going on, we should be informed of that,” said David Cooper, an advocate for Houck. “I can’t serve effectively as Kenny’s advocate if I don’t have accurate information.” Cooper said Houck continues to recover from his injuries at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, N.C. At the time of the Houck incident, O’Brien, 25, was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to robbing three banks in Philadelphia. Hannig was detained at the center because he violated terms of supervised release stemming from an unrelated bank-robbery conviction. On Dec. 6, attorneys for Hannig filed a motion seeking his release on bail pending his Jan. 22 jury trial for the Houck incident. But last week, the motion was withdrawn. W. Christopher Montoya, an attorney for Hannig, couldn’t be reached for comment. Hannig, 35, faces up to 10 years in federal lock-up if found guilty of assaulting Houck. According to federal law, assaults motivated by anti-LGBT animus on federal property may be prosecuted as hate crimes, thus increasing penalties for perpetrators. Cooper said the alleged assault against Houck should be prosecuted as a hate crime, because O’Brien and Hannig targeted Houck on the basis of his sexual orientation. “There’s no doubt in my mind that this was a hate crime,” Cooper said. “It shouldn’t

Martin said that although he would never bet against Metcalfe’s success, he is optimistic that legislators will vote against this. Martin encouraged the LGBT community to contact their state legislators before the next term starts in January. “Right now, they are out of the office and are in their separate communities, at holiday parties and preparing for their terms. We need to call them and let them know about this amendment,” he said. Martin encouraged face-to-face communication with state representatives, which he said could be more effective than writing or calling. “If you see them out somewhere, let them know about this amendment,” he said. ■

be plea-bargained away. I’m concerned that the government isn’t prosecuting these characters to the fullest extent of the law.” He said both men allegedly hurled antiLGBT slurs at Houck during the incident. Patricia Hartman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, declined to comment about the case. “We cannot provide any further details, or comment at this time, beyond the publicly filed documents,” Hartman said in an email. In March 2011, O’Brien allegedly stole a total of $3,185 from three banks in Northeast Philadelphia. According to court records, O’Brien has negotiated a plea agreement with the government for those crimes, but the details of the agreement are under court seal. The plea agreement must be approved by U.S. District Judge Jan E. DuBois before it can be implemented. O’Brien’s attorney, Paul J. Hetznecker, declined to comment for this story. O’Brien’s sentencing is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Jan. 23 in Courtroom 12-B of the U.S. Court House, 601 Market St. Hannig’s jury trial for the Houck incident is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 22 in Courtroom 14-B of the U.S. Court House, with U.S. District Judge William H. Yohn presiding. At the time of his alleged assault, Houck, 37, was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. In February, U.S. District Judge Gregory M. Sleet sentenced Houck to 97 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Houck’s projected release date is March 3, 2018, if he doesn’t commit any infractions while in custody. Cooper said Houck has undergone surgery to avoid amputation of his leg, and he continues to suffer physically, mentally and emotionally due to the alleged assault. ■

Our best holiday wishes to all our readers, advertisers and supporters!

PGN

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 13

AMWAY from page 1

edged that DeVos can support causes of his choice, he said the LGBT community also has a right to know about those donations. “One of our sub themes is, you can give, but you can’t hide. It’s important that full disclosure happens. He’s entitled to make contributions but there are consequences to contributions,” Karger said. “He gave half amillion to NOM, and it’s our right as supporters of marriage equality and LGBT civil rights to not support businesses like that. I’m hoping this boycott will discourage some of the mega-donors from giving to NOM.” Karger said private donations such as DeVos’ can have a real impact on LGBT rights. In last month’s election, LGBT advocates for the first time far outspent antigay proponents in the four states where marriage equality was on the ballot — and won in each. About 65 percent of the funding for the antigay side came from NOM, Knights of Columbus and Catholic dioceses, Karger said. “I think the measure of success we just saw in November shows that, while there was great campaigning done and while the tide is turning toward marriage equality, when you can outraise your opponent, you can win. It’s a huge advantage having two, three or four times the amount of money.” Shanker noted that the boycott also is raising awareness about the attitudes of Amway leadership. Amway founder and former CEO Richard DeVos, who also owns NBA team Orlando Magic, said in an interview that the LGBT community has criticized him for his approach to victims of HIV/ AIDS while he was on a presidential commission convened by Ronald Reagan. “I listened to 300 witnesses tell us it was everybody else’s fault but their own. I put into the document that was the conclusion of the commission that actions have consequences. You are responsible for yours. AIDS is a disease people gain because of their actions,” he said. Shanker noted that the community this year lambasted Chickfil-A CEO Dan Cathy for his opposition to same-sex marriage and donations to antigay causes. “With the outrage over Chickfil-A, we thought it was necessary to remind people that one company doesn’t have a monopoly on antigay financial contributions; there are other companies that need to be watched as well,” Shanker said. “If people were upset about Chick-filA, they’re going to be really upset about Amway.” ■

��

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 19

OP-ED from page 11

Standing firm on the issue, however, Gov. Christie feels the issue is best left up to the voters. We should take the governor up on his challenge and place the question on the ballot in 2013: “Do you want to allow the state of New Jersey to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?” In the alternative, we can wait for the next governor or a final resolution by the courts, both expected no time soon. By having a ballot measure in place, there would be a viable alternative in the event the legislature cannot muster the support to override Gov. Christie’s veto. While I still believe civil-rights issues are not appropriate for the ballot, I am encouraged by shifting public sentiment more favorable to the principles of marriage equality. I also believe that civil rights delayed is civil rights denied. Indeed, there are now nine states that extend the rights of marriage to same-sex couples, and there is no reason why New Jersey can’t be the 10th. I do understand some advocates’ misgivings on holding a referendum in an election year. However, both sides should concede it would be a “wild card” that could go either way. And while there are equal misgivings about the prospects of outside monies flooding the state, there would be hundreds of young persons in New Jersey wanting to take part in the political process, as we saw in Maine. I am also encouraged by people who have reached out to me since my bill was dropped and asked, “Why don’t we try?” After all, Robert Kennedy once stated, “There are those who look at things the way they are and ask, why? I dream of things that never were and ask, why not?” In the end, we have to trust the people of this state to recognize that all persons deserve the right to marry the person they choose. To share in the bonds of marriage and ensure that civil rights are upheld in the Garden State. I hope the advocates who want to wait for another day will change their minds and welcome this cause for what is right. ■

��

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

��

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

��

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

215-735-1006

��

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

Dan Miller, Full Moon Under, color woodcut, 11 1/4 x 12 in.

Master Classes and Workshops Woodblock Printing with Dan Miller >> February 23 & 24 Figure Drawing with Bruce Samuelson >> March 16 & 17 Master Class with Stuart Shils and Ken Kewley >> April 5, 6 & 7 REGISTER: pafa.edu/CE | 215-972-7632 | continuinged@pafa.edu Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

SEE FOR YOURSELF

PAFA.EDU

T:10.125”

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 21

UNDO THE WORKWEEK.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

��

Check Off Your Holiday To-Do List Before Guests Arrive Gen3 Electricians are trained to always respect your home & be mindful of your time, ensuring your 100% satisfaction. Schedule your appointment today: Lighting Upgrades Extra Outlets Hang Chandeliers Ceiling & Bathroom Fans

��

215-478-6442

generation3electric.com Licensed & Bonded PA015898

��

215-478-6442 G3EPGN.1112

��

AC ul t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 23

PAGE 28

Barcrawlr Family Portrait Out & About Outward Bound Scene in Philly Q Puzzle Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

27 29 34 32 25 36 32

Out musician returns to Philly with annual holiday concert By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The Mothership must have connected with the North Pole at some point because “Holidelic,” the brainchild of singer-songwriter Everett Bradley, is coming back to Philadelphia Dec. 23. Mission: to inject the holidays with a healthy dose of fun and retro funkiness in the vein of classic groundbreaking funk groups like Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone and The Ohio Players. Actually, it is somewhat of a Christmas miracle that Bradley has time to do his annual run of Holidelic shows at all. Bradley is currently a member of the E Street Band, performing as a percussionist and singer on Bruce Springsteen’s massive world tour for his new album, “Wrecking Ball.” Bradley

is also a playwright, having co-created the Broadway show “Swing.” He was also nominated for a Grammy Award for his work with “Stomp.” Bradley said keeping up with so many creative endeavors is quite the challenge. “It is difficult, but it does help that Christmas only comes once a year, so I don’t have to delve into it until September,” he said. “This tour this past year, to add that to the list of other things going on, is difficult but manageable. What helps me get through is that it is all inspiring to me. It feels right. It feels like people and music that I want and need to be a part of, and that helps me get through every day.” When PGN caught up with Bradley, it was the day after he had performed with Springsteen on “12-12-12: The Concert For

Sandy Relief,” which featured a star-studded roster of performers including Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones and The Who. Surprisingly enough, even with all those superstars milling about all night, Bradley opted to watch a lot of the six-hour concert from home. “I actually left and came home to watch the rest, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open,” he said. “Holidelic” is celebrating its 10th year, and Bradley explained the shows came out of songs he wrote in reaction to the events of 9/11. “I wrote a Christmas record called ‘Toy,’” he recounted. “It was inspired by the events of 9/11. Along with a friend of mine, we decided to write a PAGE 24

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

Haute Mexican? Haute Mexican! After ten successful years in northeast Philadelphia, Paloma is serving to-die-for French-Mexican cuisine in Bella Vista. ��

a semifinalist for the 2011 James Beard Foundation awards 763 South 8th Street (corner of 8th & Fulton) www.palomafinedining.com www.facebook.com/palomarestaurant 215.928.9500

loose enough to accommodate guest perChristmas song to heal ourselves from the formers. “We always have guest artists from the event. It just flowed naturally. I got inspired, and I wrote 14 new songs. It was released in community that we’re playing in,” he said. 2002 and we would perform the Christmas “We want it to feel like a community when songs every year and people would line up we play and embrace all that is around us. around the block to see it. Then a drum- So that helps the show change and I always mer friend of mine knew that I had a pas- write new material every year and I always sion for Parliament Funkadelic and he said have new costumes. People expect it. They I should do a P-Funk-style show. So the know I’m going to wear something stufourth year of the Christmas show I re-titled pid. What I offer is the alternative to the it ‘Holidelic’ and I transformed on stage. I Rockettes. It’s a downtown dirty version of had a Christmas package on stage and I had what you may see uptown. But it still has a fur coat inside, a white fro, glasses, spar- the warm fuzziness. The meaning is still kly 6-inch platform boots and a new atti- there but you have this incredible need to shake your ass.” tude.” The straightforward, blue-collar everyWe’re going to pause and get the young people reading caught up on P-Funk, just in man vibe of Springsteen and the E Street Band and the flamcase we lost you. boyant freakiness of P a r l i a m e n t Parliament might seem Funkadelic, basically on two opposite ends two bands founded by of the spectrum, but George Clinton, pretty considering the essence much made the 1970s of both groups, they’re very entertaining for good-time bands with a generation of music music and a message that fans with their outrareaches across all social geous fashions, psylines. It is a vibe that chedelic stage shows, Bradley said is imporsly lyrics and massive tant to “Holidelic.” booty-shaking grooves. “All-inclusiveness is There may have been an underlying theme in some recreational drug their music,” Bradley use thrown in the mix said. “I promote allas well. OK, there was inclusiveness. That is a staggering amount of the reason why the band recreational drugs. It is so eclectic and why was the ’70s. we dress so outlandAnyway, the music ish. We want everyone went on to be highly to feel at home. And influential in the hipwhen we say everyhop realm, and people one we mean black, who were around in white, straight, gay, theatperiod still rave big, small and all ages about how legendary as well. We get a lot of the shows were. the older demographic Bradley carries because they remember the musical torch lit by Clinton in his EVERETT BRADLEY, ON STAGE this music, but kids are “Holidelic” show, but AND OFF enjoying it too because of the dance aspect of it. in his travels and work They are used to hearin the music industry, he has never had the ing this stuff on the radio but not used to opportunity to meet the living legend. “I haven’t and I’m dying to meet him hearing it for Christmas.” Bradley added that a lot of the younger so bad,” he said. “First of all, because he’s inspired so much. But I’m such a fan and I fans he sees at “Holidelic” shows were do really think he would enjoy this, espe- introduced to funk by their parents. “Some of them have parents that have cially since someone is continuing his legbeen spoon-feeding them this music. But I acy of the funk.” When asked about Clinton’s influence on do feel like I’m introducing this music,” he popular music, Bradley said you can still said. “They get the ‘Holidelic’ album and find newer artists who have the same vibe they also discover Sly and the Family Stone and Funkadelic because I do talk about it in as Parliament had in the 1970s. “I just saw Janelle [Monáe] and felt like the show. I think there is a bit of that going she kind of gets it,” he said. “She’s got this on, probably not as much as parents educatgroove thing going and giving you a little ing them about that era of music and what James Brown and she has horns in her live that meant to them and what it means now.” show. I feel like she, out of the ones I’ve ■ seen, embraced that era. I feel a little of that with Beyonce too because her band is grow- Everett Bradley brings “Holidelic” to town 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at World Cafe Live, 3025 ing and getting bigger and funkier too.” The “Holidelic” show changes from year Walnut St. For more information or tickets, to year as Bradley likes to write and incor- visit www.holidelic.com or call 215-222porate new songs, as well as keep the show 1400. HOLIDELIC from page 23

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 25

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

��

PGN

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

��

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

��

WATCH FOR THESE YEAR -IN-REVIEW ISSUES

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

NIGHTLIFE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 27

Dancing ’til the world ends ... and I feel fine If the Mayans were correct, then Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. nobody’s reading this right now because A $15 cover gets you in the door and the world ended sometime on Dec. 21. access to some great drink specials, plus Cheery thought, right? the comedy show featuring Christine But what are the chances of that hapMeehan and Rich Shultis, along with pening? From Y2K to the Rapture, headliner Thomas Dale, who has we’ve all lived through way appeared on VH1 and “The more than our share of crazy Late Late Show with Craig predictions about the end of Ferguson.” days, especially in the last decade. It seemed like every End of the World Party time you turned around, someIf you want to go out with a real bang, then be there one was screaming that the from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 21 at end was upon us. Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. Screw that — let’s party! A $5 cover gets you in the Whether it’s the end of the door, with drink specials and year or the end of the world, a free door pass you can use it’s the perfect time to celebrate life and the loved on a future date. See? They’re ones around us. You have to so confident the world’s not Jim Kiley- going to end, they’re givremember how important this is. As the song goes, life is so Zufelt ing you a two-for-one deal! brief and time is a thief, so Either that or they’re convinced it is going to end and take a few extra moments to they know they’ve got nothing to lose. give people a hug and tell them that you Hmmm ... Is it too late to start hoardlove them. You never really know how ing Pop-Tarts and other nonperishable much time you have with the people in your life. essentials? Wherever you are, to everyone readThe Night Before the Night Before ing this, I hope you and yours have a Christmas peaceful, happy and wonderful holiday. If we do make it past the 21st, then Comedy Apocalypse you’ve got to be there from 10 p.m.If the threat of impending doom 1 a.m. Dec. 23 at Venture Inn, 255 S. makes you sad, then girl, you need to Camac St., for its annual holiday party lighten things up at the apocalyptic com- and staff drag show. It’s a Gayborhood edy show from 8-11 p.m. Dec. 21 at tradition and a highlight of the season!

Barcrawlr

Drag Boylesque and Burly-Q Extend your holiday season with a great show starting 9 p.m. Dec. 28 at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. A $6 cover gets you a night of sexy shenanigans, dancing, partying and hysterical hi-jinks from Tammy Famous, Nino, Brettzo, Melissa Bang Bang, Timaree and everybody’s favorite, the Notorious OMG. Doors open at 9 and the show starts at 11. Mummers Day Parade Don’t miss your chance to watch history in the making when a troupe of gorgeous drag queens joins the Mummers Parade in the march up Broad Street for the first time ever. While the Mummers have always featured men in drag over their more-than 100-year history, this is the first time the organization extended an invitation to a group of full-time drag queens from the LGBT community to perform in featured roles with them. This is epic! None other than Brittany Lynn and her Drag Mafia will escort the string bands during the parade. Later in the afternoon, they’ll perform at the Convention Center in between the Fancy Brigade acts. The parade starts at Oregon Avenue and Washington Avenue at 10 a.m. and runs until the early evening. Meanwhile, the Fancy Brigade finales are ticketed events held at the Convention Center with two performances, at noon and 5 p.m. The girls performing with Brittany include Crystal Electra, Alexis Cartier,

Mrs. P., Porcelain, Bridgette Jones, Stella D’Oro, Mary D’Knight, Navaya Shay and Cherry Pop. For more information, go to www.visitphilly.com. PINK Pub Crawl — New Year’s Day Edition Make sure you wear pink to the parade so you can shift gears later and join in on the first Pink Pub Crawl of 2013. It starts at 2 p.m. at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St., then crawls around the Gayborhood according to the following schedule: 3:15 p.m. at Tavern, 243 S. Camac St.; 4:30 p.m. at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St.; and wrapping things up at 5:30 p.m. at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. Tickets for the crawl are $25 if you’re dressed in pink or $30 if not, which includes one drink ticket at the first three venues and dance-floor admission at both ICandy and Woody’s. For more information and tickets, see www.nightlifegay. com. ■ This column is dedicated to the memory of my dad, Jack Zufelt, who came further than any other conservative Midwestern man of his generation when it came to accepting his big gay son. Dad, you helped make me the man I am today and I’ll always love you! Questions? Comments? Contact Jim at barcrawlr@gmail.com or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and bitchin’ old pop-music videos!

We want to know!

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

STAGE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ star Deborah Cox talks dual career By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS!

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is sure to be even more exciting as multi-platinum singer and actor Deborah Cox stars in “Jekyll & Hyde,” Dec. 26-30 at Forrest Theatre. The Canadian singer is used to success on the charts and the stage, having had a number of R&B, dance and pop hits and the lead role in Elton John and Tim Rice’s Broadway musical “Aida.” In “Jekyll & Hyde,” Cox plays Lucy, alongside Tony Award nominee and rock singer Constantine Maroulis in the title dual role of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde. Cox is also slated to star in “Josephine” as Josephine Baker in 2014. Cox talked to PGN about the show and how she balances her career in the music and theater worlds. PGN: How did you come to be cast in this production of “Jekyll & Hyde”? DC: The producer of the show approached me and asked me if I would consider playing the role of Lucy in the new production. Initially, I didn’t understand it

because I wasn’t aware of any central female characters in the original story of ‘Jekyll & Hyde.’ I then had a meeting in New York with the key executives. I then had a short work/jam session with Frank Wildhorn to go over the range and keys of a few songs. I was hooked by those melodies instantly. PGN: What changes, if any, are in the DEBORAH COX AS LUCY IN “JEKYLL & HYDE” stage version of this story compared to PGN: Does this version of ‘Jekyll & the original? Hyde’ come across as horror/thriller or is it DC: I’ve never seen the original so I don’t more of a dramatic/romantic story? know for sure. However, the setting with DC: I think it’s more of a tragic thriller. this production is modern steampunk and With Jekyll, you get a conflicted man Victorian. It’s dark and sexy. The songs who’s torn between two worlds, and with were also arranged slightly different to Hyde you get the thriller, the danger and suit Constantine’s voice and mine and give darkness. Amidst all of that you have my us liberty to put our own vocal style into character, Lucy, fighting her way through these songs. to find love.

Dahling, I can’t bear another year of watching that damn ball drop...

PGN: What do you like about playing the role of Lucy? DC: What I love most about playing the role of Lucy is the challenge. Lucy is nothing like me so I have no safety nets. I have to make her come to life every night, every performance, even though I don’t have her life experiences to pull from. In her own way, Lucy has a duality issue. Her dreams and her reality are in constant conflict. PGN: You and co-star Constantine Maroulis have careers as musicians and singers. Does that add an extra dimension of showmanship or

PAGE 31

Don’t miss

Creation Station DECEMBER 26-31 215.448.1200 | www.fi.edu 20th & The Benjamin Franklin Parkway

LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF 6TH & BAINBRIDGE STS. 215-592-0656

www.creperie-beaumonde.com

CONSTANTINE MAROULIS AND DEBORAH COX Photos: Chris Bennion

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 29

Suzi Nash

Monique Costa: Leaping into the trans world with children’s book This week we interview a real housewife of New Jersey — not from the TV show, but the real deal. Monique Costa is a wife and mother of two boys and the author of “How Leonard Lost his Spots,” a children’s book about a transgender leopard. Hint: It makes a great Christmas present for that trans person in your life. PGN: Born in Jersey? MC: No, I was born in South Philly and moved in third grade. We moved to Exton, so I grew up in the suburbs, but the minute I graduated high school, I moved back to Philly. I got a journalism degree, then moved to the shore for 15 years and now live in Mullica Hill, N.J. PGN: Fifteen years at the shore, you must be a water baby. MC: I love the beach. I’d move back there in a heartbeat. PGN: Favorite beach memory? MC: We grew up at Ventnor beach and my favorite memory was staying late at the beach with all my friends and extended family. When the sky starting turning blue and everyone had left, we’d put sweatshirts on and order dinner and have the beach to ourselves. I still love that, being the last one left. PGN: Only child? MC: I was, and then I gained three step siblings. PGN: What were you like as a child? MC: I started out as a tomboy and then got into the creative arts. I especially loved to write. I would write stories from the time I learned how to spell. I think my parents always thought that I would be a lawyer because I was always arguing my points. [Laughs.] If I got punished for something and was sent to my room, I’d write a five-page brief about why they were wrong for taking action against me. PGN: Tell me about your parents. MC: My mom was a hairdresser and my dad was a businessman. My mom’s hair studio was in the basement, so we always had lots of people around. We lived across the street from a country club so people would always stop in after going to the club. They’d bring friends along with them, so between the clients, my friends, my parents’ friends, relatives, there was never an empty house. It was a great way to grow up, a lot of fun. I try to implement the same atmosphere in my house: There are always people over for dinner or to hang out.

PGN: I think I may have gone the opposite and looked for solitude. MC: No, not me. In fact, if the house is empty, I get crazy. I love to cook. That’s my thing. I cook for my kids and all their friends and then we meet the kids’ parents and make more friends. It’s great. PGN: When do you write? MC: Well, now that my kids are in school all day, it gives me a chance to have quiet time. I’ll go to the beach alone, early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and use that quiet moment to think and to write. The ocean calms and inspires me. PGN: What other activities did you participate in as a young person? MC: I played field hockey, lacrosse and softball. I played the clarinet and I was in the chorus. I can’t sing a lick, but it was fun. PGN: Favorite sports moment? MC: Probably playing lacrosse. The position I played was closed to the goal so I got to score a lot even though I didn’t have anything to do with getting the ball down the field. With each goal you scored you got a colored piece of tape to put on your stick. It looked so cool to have your whole stick covered. I still remember the last goal I scored that got my stripes all the way to the top of my stick. PGN: What was a fun thing about being in Philly? MC: I just love it, love it, love it. I hated when we moved to the suburbs. As soon as school was over on a Friday I’d go straight back to South Philly to my grandmother’s house. I just always felt alive in the city [laughs], so I don’t know how I ended up in the suburbs of New Jersey now! My husband is from Philly and we’re both beach people, so it doesn’t make sense that we now live surrounded by cornfields and farms. My favorite thing to do in the city is just sit by the window in a restaurant and watch people go by or to just walk around. I love being among people. I love a crowd. PGN: Tell me about your poetry business. MC: I have a company called Le Poème Shoppe. I write personalized poems for people for Valentine’s Day or engagements or other occasions. PGN: And how did you come to write the book? MC: Well, Cheril N. Clarke and Monica Bey-Clarke from My Family put out a call for submissions. I was a creative copy writer for many years, doing advertisements and billboards and radio spots, then I got married and had kids but I always wanted to get into writing children’s books. So when My Family put out a call, it was perfect. I wanted to write something that was dif-

ferent, that addressed a different need. The world didn’t need another children’s book about sharing. PGN: Give me a quick synopsis. MC: It’s a story written from the point of view of a leopard cub. His dad Leonard realizes he was born into the wrong body, and that he’s really a beautiful lioness. He wants to transition and he tells the family what he’s planning to do. It’s about the cub coming to terms with it in a positive way. PGN: How did you learn about the trans community? MC: I read everything I could get my hands on and combed the Internet. I’m certainly not an expert, I don’t pretend to be, but I’m a mom and I feel the story has a universal message for parents. Open communication, no matter how hard the subject might be, is key. When Leonard tells his son, “Let’s talk about your feelings about what’s going on,” I think that’s a lesson for all parents. No matter what the subject — divorce, relocation, any big change — you need to talk with

PGN: What was something that surprised you in your research? MC: I was surprised to learn how young kids were coming out as trans, that toddlers were looking at themselves in the mirror and using opposite-gender pronouns. I was a little shocked at that. I’d assumed it was something that came more with adolescence. I didn’t realize kids seem to know who they are from birth. PGN: Has it made you a better mother? MC: As a mother in today’s world you really, really need to preach to your kids that you don’t judge people by their color, their religion, their sexuality or gender identity — you judge people by how they treat you and you make your decisions from your interactions with them. My kids are 5 and 8 and I might not have thought it necessary to start teaching those lessons until they were a little older, but now I realize that it starts now.

PGN: Where did you get your openminded nature? MC: It’s funny, if you looked at me from the outside, you might think, OK, she’s a typical housewife from Mullica Hill with two kids and a picket fence, but I don’t think in reality anyone’s really typical. I’m certainly not. I get bored with people who are, if there is such a thing. I’ve always had a yen for people and friends who were unique and different. We should be celebrating people’s differences, it’s what makes the world fun. Who would want to be around people who are just like you all the time? I think it’s because we enjoy life so much, I like to be happy and as long as you’re not hurting anybody, I think everyone should have the right to enjoy their lives as they see fit and with whomever they choose. There’s so much horrible stuff going on in the world, why do Photo: Barry Cox Photography people worry themselves with trying to stop other them and respect their feelings. Children are people’s happiness? very resilient and as long as a child knows that he or she is loved, they can thrive in any PGN: Did your mother’s hair salon expose situation. you to gay culture? MC: Probably; there were always a lot of PGN: You recently did a book reading at gay people around and they were always Giovanni’s Room. How did it go? the most fun. My husband, Frank, was a MC: It was awesome. I was really nervous quarterback at the University of Miami, since this was my first book, but we had a so he’s a real tough guy, but he has gay great turnout and it was really fun. One of friends, I have gay friends. It’s never been the best nights of my life. an issue. PAGE 36

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

PGN

Food & Drink K O S H E R

K O S H E R

SINGAPORE

Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant

TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE • “Excellent” - Zagat Survey 1997 - 2009 • “Best vegetarian restaurant” - Seven Arts 1997 • “Excellent vegetarian artistry” - Gerald Etter 1995 • “Unbeatable breathless feasting” - Elaine Tait 1993 • Best of Philly 1993 • Best Kosher Restaurant in Chinatown Reservations Recommended

KAROKE NIGHT EVERY FRIDAY BYOB • All Major Credit Cards Accepted Banquets & Catering Available Including Bar & Bat Mitzvahs

1006 Race St. Phila • 215-922-3288

Parking at 929 Race Free Delivery in Center City (Minimum $20)

Free

Bananas Foster ﬂambéed tableside for the entire table with this ad! 515 Rt. 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

856-662-3838 www.steak38cafe.com

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 31

COX from page 28

competition to your performances? DC: Naturally, because of our backgrounds, we’re going to bring that additional level of showmanship. Competition no, collaboration yes. Constantine and I are out front but we have an incredible and talented cast and crew that we lean on for every performance and they also deliver for us. PGN: Who would you rather date, Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? DC: What girl doesn’t appreciate a ride on the wild side? I would date Hyde for a little bit but definitely marry Jekyll. PGN: How do you like performing and singing in a show such as “Jekyll & Hyde” compared to performing in concert? DC: I love performing with an orchestra every night. I’m a sucker for strings. I also love the intimacy and involvement of the audience. Sometimes I do miss the intensity and energy that I get from my concert crowd. PGN: What can you tell us about your upcoming stage role as Josephine Baker? Is it at all intimidating to portray such an iconic entertainer? DC: There’s not much to tell right now. They’re looking for a theater for the show. Yes, it’s intimidating to play such an iconic figure, but I have gotten the blessings from many people who knew her and were very close to her. They saw the work that I did and were very supportive. PGN: Do you have any plans for a new album or singles for 2013 and, if so, what can your fans expect as far as the direction of the new music? DC: I haven’t been able to focus on music as much as I’d like because of the touring schedule of “Jekyll & Hyde.” I’d like to release a pop/R&B album and a dance CD or EP in 2013. There will definitely be a few dance singles in 2013. PGN: You have been a longtime supporter of LGBT events. Will you be performing at any Pride festivals in 2013? DC: I would love to do some Pride festivals in 2013 but given the schedule of the show, I’m not sure that I’ll be able to make that happen. Stay tuned. ■ The Kimmel Center presents “Jekyll & Hyde” Dec. 26-30 at Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-923-1515.

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

TV &PGN TRAVEL

Outward Bound

Worth Watching

Jeff Guaracino

Destination of the Year: Key West, Fla. WARM, FUZZY HOLIDAY FARE, PART 1: Catch the musical film following the adventures of the von Trapp family in “The Sound of Music,” 7p.m. Dec. 23 on ABC.

WARM, FUZZY HOLIDAY FARE, PART 2: The Peanuts gang will ring in the New Year with the half-hour animated special “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” 8 p.m. Dec. 27 on ABC.

IF WE TOOK A HOLIDAY: It’s not all sappy cartoons and movies for Christmas, as you can catch Madonna and Rosanna Arquette starring in the 1985 comic drama “Desperately Seeking Susan,” 6 p.m. Dec. 25 on Logo.

HERE COME THE GRINCHES: Catch the original animated “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” followed by the big-budget liveaction film starring Jim Carrey at 8 and 8:30 p.m., respectively, Dec. 25 on ABC. Photo: Universal Studios/Melinda Sue Gordon

After all these years and so many destinations have “come out” as gay-friendly, Key West retains the title of the quintessential LGBT travel experience. Key West is simply fabulous — an island utopia that welcomes everyone, and a destination where a bicycle and a sarong are all that you could need for a week of relaxation. To understand why Key West is the destination of the year, all you really need to do is go back to its roots: guesthouses, water and sunsets. Navigating your trip to rediscover Key West could be a challenge. Key West has indeed changed over the years. There are more cruise ships, larger airplanes, fewer gay bars and the drag scene is missing the “World’s Oldest Living Drag Queen”— Margo, or David Feldstein —who died in 2006. The Key West Business Guild is a terrific resource for LGBT travelers planning their trip. Here are three ways I rediscovered Key West:

Gary is part teacher and part fun-seeker. Dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed on every trip and a sighting is where the fun begins. A three-plus-hour trip costs $89 plus tax and gratuity per person. The dock is located at the Banana Bay Resort and Marina and includes free parking. Trips are offered each morning and afternoon. To find out more, visit www.safaricharters. com. Celebrate the sunset Of course, Mallory Square is the place to toast another perfect day and sunset in Key West. Danger Charters Wind & Wine Sunset Sail is a perfect way to celebrate Key West’s legendary sunsets. Danger Charter boats are custom-built replicas of a type of American sailing craft called a Skipjack. Simply catch the boat at Westin Hotel on Mallory Square for a twohour sail into a romantic sunset. For about $95 per person (including a generous tip), the ship’s exceptional and friendly crew share with guests an impressive wine and beer selection from around the world. To book your voyage, visit www.dangercharters.com.

Stay at a guesthouse To experience the true spirit of Key West hospitality, stay at a Key West guesthouse. The island does offer super-exclusive accommodations and upscale international hotel chains. This destination prides itself on good service to the guest, and there are exceptional guesthouses in Key West. Alexander’s Guesthouse and Big Ruby’s are terrific choices for gays and lesbians, especially when traveling together. New Orleans House, Equator Resort and Eden House are just a few of the great choices for the gay, LGBT and all-welcoming guests. AN LGBT-THEMED TROLLEY TOUR OF KEY WEST The Best Gay Guesthouse Photo: Courtesy of Key West Business Guild in 2012 is the Island House. Always offering top-notch service with a consistent and Mark your calendars well-trained staff, Island House retains the Gay Spring Break takes place this March allure of gay-male travel. It is a destination and April. Visit www.gayspringbreak.com. within a destination. Offering an all-male Key West Womenfest is held Sept. 4-9. environment and luxury rooms, fine dinVisit www.womenfest.org. ing, entertainment and great conversations, Island House delivers superior service. The Getting there resort offers great deals for free stays offIt is getting easier to get to Key West. season when you buy a winter escape. See Cape Air, US Airways, Delta, Southwest www.islandhousekeywest.com for more and American Airlines offer service from information and to book your stay. key gateway cities. According to Kayak. com, fares range between $300-$600 Explore the water and sea life roundtrip to Key West. ■ Dolphin Safari Charters is the perfect Jeff Guaracino is the author of “Gay and small-ship excursion. Super friendly and handsome Captain Gary (originally from Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide South Africa) leads this voyage into Key for Marketing” and the co-chair of the West’s pristine waters. Offering a very International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. private and VIP trip experience, Captain

TRAVEL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 33

In winter, Toronto is a wonderland By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com As the biggest city in Canada, Toronto has a wealth of culture and arts to offer, as well as a large and active LGBT community. Summers in Toronto are a nobrainer for travel because the city’s Pride draws somewhere in the neighborhood of a million tourists, and people are so happy that the weather is nice that activities and attractions abound. But we suggest you not wait until the warm weather and visit the city during the winter months, as there is a lot to experience during the brisk season that makes Toronto a premiere destination. Where to stay The Delta Chelsea, 33 Gerrard St. West, is Canada’s largest hotel, located in the heart of Toronto’s downtown. That puts it within walking distance of shopping districts like the Toronto Eaton Centre and Bloor Street, as well as the theater district and Toronto’s gay village, located around the intersection of Church and Wellesley streets. The hotel is family-friendly and offers a lot of activities and facilities, including a Kid Center aimed at keeping the young ones entertained as well as a teen lounge, a family pool and an indoor waterslide. There are four restaurants on site, including the excellent Bb33 Bistro, where you should try to have breakfast in at least once during your trip. For more information, visit www.deltahotels.ca/en/ hotels/ontario/delta-chelsea. The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. West, may be a bit to the west of the heart of downtown, but it is at the heart of the city’s arts and design district. Each room is unique, as the hotel had a different designer or artist decorate each space, so that they range in look and theme from lavishly ornate to ultra-modern and austere. Check out the teen-idol room if you want to live like a teenage girl circa 1978. For something equally as arts-intensive but a little more conventional (The

GLADSTONE HOTEL’S TEEN-IDOL ROOM Photo: Courtesy of Gladstone Hotel

Gladstone can get quite spirited on the weekend, which is probably why they provide many complimentary earplugs with each room), you can stay a few blocks further east at The Drake, 1150 Queen St. West. It has fewer rooms available but is

slightly more upscale than The Gladstone and features some impressive art installations. If you really want to get into the arts scene in Toronto, The Gladstone and The Drake are the places to stay. The shopping districts of downtown are amazing but, if you want to peruse the more independentminded boutiques and galleries, this is the area you want to be in. Also, bring an extra suitcase for all the cool stuff you will want to take home. For more information, visit www.gladstonehotel.com or www.thedrakehotel.ca. Speaking of walking ... What to do Wear comfortable shoes because there is a plethora of walking tours to take part in while in Toronto. If you want to see the best of the Queen West arts district, Betty Ann Jordan of Arts InSite, a Toronto arts writer and educator, knows the ins and outs of the neighborhood — from high-end stores and art galleries to unique small businesses and alleys lined with the works for street artists. For more information, visit www.artinsite.net. If you want to go on a fascinating tour of a historic location in Toronto, the man to see is Bruce Bell, who conducts walking, eating and exploring tours of the city. He’ll regale you with all the tidbits of Canadian and Toronto history while showing you historic sites and the city’s amazingly eclectic St. Lawrence Market. His vast knowledge of all things Toronto, along with acumen for self-promotion (he has a few plaques in his honor around town, which his tours seem to pass by often), makes for a delightfully informative morning or afternoon. For more information, visit www.brucebelltours.ca or www.stlawrencemarket.com. If you want an education in the history of Toronto’s gay village, Rainbow High Travel, 200 and 506 Church St., is a fine place to start. Liz Devine, the company president, gave us an interesting look into the history of LGBT rights and landmarks. One of them was the Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives, 34 Isabella St. It’s usually only open evenings but it’s worth a visit to meet with CLGA Vice President Dennis Findlay and to see the archive, which is impressive and overflowing with documents, books and items from Canada’s rich history. For more information on Rainbow High Travel and the CLGA, visit www.rainbow.travel or www. clga.ca. Where to eat A brisk walk to the north of the shops on Bloor Street and west of the gay village is the Yorkville area, where you will find Sassafraz, 100 Cumberland St., tucked into a picturesque square of Victorian rowhouses, restaurants and bars. The elegant décor of the restaurant is a perfect backdrop for the fine French-Canadian cuisine

it serves. For more information, visit www.sassafraz.ca. Close to the gay village is Wish Restaurant, 3 Charles St. East, which has a more artful décor and more laid-back menu of comfort food. That said, it is still a cozy place to dine and drink with friends or a date. Also stop by the Church Street Community Center, 519 Church St., which is a lot like the William Way LGBT Community Center— except that it’s home to a restaurant. Fabarnak is an eatery that provides a training environment ST. LAWRENCE MARKET Photo: Tourism Toronto to help people with employment barriers gain experience under a For more detailed information on things team of professional chefs and restaurant staff. The food is pretty good too. For more to do and see in Toronto, visit www.seetorontonow.com. ■ information, visit www.fabarnak.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 12/21 Gillian Grassie The singer-songwriter and harpist performs 8:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215928-0770. Mayhem & Madness Presents: The Apocalypse Comedy Show Christine Meehan hosts a night featuring Rich Shultis and Thomas Dale (VH1, Comedy Cellar, “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”), 811 p.m. at Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar, 200 S. 12th St.; www. mayhemand madnesscomedy. com.

End of the World Party Because they have faith, anyone who comes to our End of the World party gets a free door Pass to use on the following night, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735. HOLLER! The open mic starts 7 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215923-2960. Badfish The Sublime tribute band performs 8 p.m. at Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

Estelle The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Kevin Hart The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Sat. 12/22 A Christmas Story The holiday classic is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. A Reading with Darien K. Marshall, RScP and Darius L. Jones, ISA The authors of “Don’t Just Dream About It ... Wake Up! Awaken Your Inner and Outer New World” host a

reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. Laura Mann The Philadelphiabased singer-songwriter performs and collects clothing and canned goods for Hurricane Sandy victims and The Salvation Army, 7:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215928-0770. Dave Matthews Band The jam band performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Sun. 12/23 Messiah The Philadelphia Orchestra performs the holiday concert 2 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5847.

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

HOUSE PARTY: Electronic and housemusic superstar David Guetta is set to have rumps shaking when he performs 8 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information or tickets, call 609-317-1000.

Holidelic: Snowglobe The funk holiday concert band performs 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215-545-4511.

Wed. 12/26

Halestorm The hard-rock band performs 8 p.m. at Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

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

Thu. 12/27 World Cafe Live’s 5th annual Winter Beer festival You had us at “beer,” 5 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Pack the House Entertainment & Gravity Given Productions presents Laughs & Jams Bands and comedians perform 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Fri. 12/28 Chaka Kahn The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at Harrah’s Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City; 609-4415000.

Live Wire The AC/DC tribute group performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Sing-along: “The Sound of Music” Audience members participate in this screening of the

beloved musical, 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. The Roots The hip-hop band performs 9 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000. Naughty List 2 — Electric Boogaloo DJ Cool Hand Luke and TVC 15, a David Bowie tribute band, performs 8 p.m. at North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St.; 215-787-0488.

David Guetta The electronicdance music star performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. BOYLESQUE, DRAG and BURLYQ! Burlesque Showcase presents Drag Queen Tammy Famous,

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

Drag King Nino, Brettzo, Melissa Bang Bang and Timaree of the Sisters Sirens, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735.

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

SHE’S EVERY WOMAN: Legendary R&B singer Chaka Kahn takes fans on a trip through her hits when she performs 8 p.m. Dec. 28 at Harrah’s Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City. For more information or tickets, call 609-441-5000.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Opening Cirque Éloize The urban modern circus performs Dec. 26-30 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. It’s A Wonderful Life The holiday classic is screened Dec. 2223 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223. Jekyll & Hyde The Kimmel Center presents the classic tale of good and evil, Dec. 26-30 at Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; 215923-1515. Kanye West The rapper performs Dec. 28-30 at Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. For more information or tickets, call 855-348-0500.

Continuing Cinderella Arden Children’s Theatre presents a new version of the classic tale through Jan. 27, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122. Cooking With the Calamari Sisters The all-singing, all-dancing, all-cooking hit musical comedy, through Jan. 13 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; 215-923-0210.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 35

narian who can talk to animals, through Jan. 27, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. Learning from Frank Furness: Louis Sullivan in 1873 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and furniture by the famed architect, through Dec. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Live Cinema/Manon de Boer: Resonating Surfaces — A Trilogy Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of a series of three cinematic portraits defined by narratives of time and memory, and structured around the relation between images and sounds, through Feb. 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. The Music Man Walnut Street Theatre presents the popular Broadway musical through Jan. 6, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition highlighting the history, contributions and traditions of Girl Scouts, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and civic engagement, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895. Plaid Tidings Guy group Forever Plaid performs songs from the 1950s-’60s through Dec. 30 at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550.

POST-HOLIDAY FLIP-OUT: Cirque Éloize, the urban modern circus featuring acrobats, break dancers and contortionists who perform against a kaleidoscope of eye-popping video projections, is coming Dec. 26-30 to Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215893-1999. Photo: Valerie Remise

Closing The Glorious Sound of Christmas The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through Dec. 22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Holiday POPS! Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform an

evening of holiday classics through Dec. 22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge New City Stage presents the twisted Christmas tale through Dec. 23 at Adrienne Theatre Main Stage, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-563-7500. ■

EXPERIENCE THE NEW RESORTS CASINO HOTEL JIMMY JAM: Grammy-winning Philadelphia hippop group The Roots take a break from holding it down on late-night television “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” when they perform 9 p.m. Dec. 28 at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. For more information, call 609-343-4000.

CELEBRATE 2013 AT PRO BAR & PIANO BAR NEW YORK CITY DJ SIR ARI GOLD WILL SPIN ALL NIGHT & PERFORM LIVE AT PRO BAR. Tickets are $75 to party all night. Includes open bar to both venues from 9-11pm. Or cover is $25 after 11 p.m. Call 609.340.7701 to reserve a table.

COUNTDOWN TO 2013 WITH DIVAS DO AC SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PERFORMANCE & NYE COUNTDOWN ON DECEMBER 31 Tickets are $30 at ticketmaster.com

RATES STARTING AT $49! Cy Twombly: Sculptures Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the Swiss sculptor, through March, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Dave & Aaron Go To Work Plays & Players Theatre presents the wordless comedy with music, through Dec. 31, 1714 Delancey St.; 215-592-9560. Dr. Doolittle Media Theater presents the story of a veteri-

Presidential Artifacts The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition of artifacts from collections around the country through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6895. Ronaldus Shamask: Form, Fashion, Reflection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of drawings and sketches by the fashion designer through March 10, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

EXTEND YOUR SUMMER WITH $49 ROOM RATE LARGEST STANDARD ROOMS IN AC! Reserve online at ResortsAC.com

NEW BENEFITS ARE WAITING FOR YOU WHEN YOU PLAY WITH YOUR STAR CARD AT RESORTS! You are able to redeem your comp dollars earned at Resorts on your Star Card at both Mohegan Sun in CT and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in PA. Visit the Promotions Booth for details. Based on availability. Room rates exclude taxes, occupancy and resort fees. Show schedules subject to change. Must be 21 or older. Certain restrictions may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.Gambler.

ResortsAC.com/lgbt Facebook.com/ProBarAC 1133 Boardwalk | Atlantic City, NJ | 08401 | 1.800.772.9000

FUN & GAMES PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

Q Puzzle Takei Home Pay Across

1. Word used to stop seamen 6. Biters of Caesar’s girlfriend 10. “Now!” in a hospital 14. Oscar winner Marisa 15. _Starting Over_ bisexual 16. Frau’s spouse 17. Condom size claimed by most 19. Start to climax 20. Start of Lawrence O’Donnell’s description of George Takei’s support for Obama’s policy 22. Follower of Jim Buchanan 25. “Fourscore and seven years ___”

26. Elroy Jetson stroked him 27. Opera tenor Enrico 29. Politico Panetta 32. Gay guy, to Brits 33. Cry before getting off 34. Teeny-weeny 36. More of the description 41. Dinah on a beach? 42. Balls of brass 44. Maple fluid 47. Behind 48. Nutty as a fruitcake, e.g. 50. Gertrude’s partner 52. Howe’er 53. “___ Feet Under” 54. End of the description 59. On the ocean 60. Pop art icon 64. Aussie bound-

ers 65. Men behaving badly 66. Screw (up) 67. Hathaway of “Brokeback Mountain” 68. Star-___ tuna 69. It might have a Phillips head

Down

1. Had a Twinkie 2. ___ populi 3. Invoice fig. 4. One in bondage 5. Queen toppers 6. You must remember this 7. Balkan dweller 8. Work under Barney Frank 9. Where the Mets waved their sticks 10. Pillow covers 11. Catechism content 12. Conductor Toscanini

13. Guy with a “third leg” 18. HRC’s equal sign 21. Devilfish 22. ___ UP 23. Luggage 24. Mabius of “The L Word” 28. Elusive craft 29. Metric measure 30. Name that rhymes with a dick? 31. Not closetbound 34. Vidal’s Breckinridge 35. Vet, of a sort, for short 37. Number of sides to a gay symbol 38. Foot fetish digit 39. Apples with chips 40. Of grades 1-12 43. Kevin’s

“Superman Returns” role 44. African desert 45. Cartoonist Bechdel 46. Easy mark, in slang 48. Tobacco wad 49. They’re not out-of-towners 51. Climax at the end of an action film 52. No-tell motel meeting 55. Spice holder 56. Sons of, at Beth Chayim Chadashim 57. Says further 58. Fast food pioneer 61. Heston’s “Ben ___” 62. Fruit sugar ending 63. 61-Down author Wallace

PORTRAIT from page 29

PGN: Any pets? MC: I do, I have an obnoxious English bulldog named Bruno Vincent.

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

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

PGN Gay is our middle name.

PGN: If Bruno could talk, what would you ask him? MC: I’d ask him what was up with him lately. He’s going through an emotional time right now where when he’s up on the couch — even though he’s not supposed to be on the couch — and when my sons climb up he gets upset. He doesn’t want them around me. I don’t know if he’s jealous or if he thinks they’re hurting me because they’ll jump over and hug me like kids do. I’d also ask him if he wants a companion. I’m dying to get a female. I had one, Sophie, who was my baby for 10 years and when she passed away I wanted to get a female, but my boys saw Bruno first and fell in love. I was outvoted. PGN: What winter sport would you compete in? MC: Skiing. I don’t do it now but when I was in school, I was in the ski club. And I was pretty good! They’d run a bus every week from Exton to the Poconos. It’s amazing how fearless you are as a kid. I’d go down Black Diamond and over the jumps. I went skiing again a few years ago for the first time in ages and it was a different story, I was much more nervous; it was like, “I could break a leg doing this!” But it was fun, anything that gets me outside. PGN: Best Christmas gift? MC: Well, one year right after Thanksgiving, we were at a restaurant. I should have known something was up because Frank invited a bunch of my friends and family. They had a person going around to tables asking people what they were thankful for (I didn’t notice until later that it was our video camera and

everyone was in on it). When they got to Frank, he got down on one knee and said, “I’m thankful for my beautiful girlfriend and would be very thankful if she agreed to marry me.” Everybody clapped and it was a lot of fun. And we have it all on tape! PGN: You said you spent a lot of time with your grandparents. Tell me about them. MC: My grandmother — mom’s mom — just passed away this October. She was 94 and one of my favorite people in the world. She was a typical Italian-American little old lady. Never learned how to drive and didn’t need to because at that time everything she wanted was in her neighborhood — your corner store, your butcher and baker. I was the youngest of the grandchildren at that time and I was her baby. She’d talk Italian to me and I loved it. It was a time when South Philly was great to live in, a place where the families stayed in one place for generations and everyone looked after each other. I hate it that I can’t let my kids just go out and play by themselves. I wish they could have had that part of my childhood that was so free. PGN: As a tomboy, did you ever want to be a boy? MC: Yeah, there were a lot of years that I did. Being a hair dresser, my mom was very feminine. My older sister was a girly girl too and very much like my mom. I remember going Christmas shopping and my sister wanted a pink coat with a lot of frou-frou on it and I wanted a Pittsburgh Steelers jacket. My mom was so upset, they were trying to talk me out of it but I wasn’t having it. I didn’t want anything to do with makeup or hair, and now I love all that but for a time I didn’t want anything to do with girly stuff. PGN: Are you prepared if one of your kids came out to you?

MC: I don’t know about prepared, they’re young so it’s not something I’ve prepared for yet, but would I be open and accepting? Yes. As long as my kids are happy and healthy, I’m happy. PGN: What’s next for your book? MC: Outside of everyone buying a copy for Christmas, I have a friend who runs the Lucky Nickel Children’s Theater Company in New Jersey and we’re meeting to talk about making “When Leonard Lost His Spots” into a play. PGN: And what legacy do you want to leave? MC: I love that this is the first book of its kind and I hope that it will help kids take a complex issue and make it into a simple tale about love. ■ “When Leonard Lost His Spots: A Trans Parent Tail” is available at Giovanni’s Room or through www.myfamilyproducts. net. To suggest a community member for “Family Portrait,” write to portraits05@aol.com.

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 37

Classifieds Real Estate Rent

Help Wanted

12TH & DICKINSON AREA Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (negotiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. ________________________________________36-52 HADDON TWP, NJ Safe, sunny 2 BR apt. 2nd ﬂ owner occ. duplex. 1000 sq.. ft., A/C, D/W, W/D, new carpet & paint. Pvt. ent. Close to speedline, bus, walk, bike to shops, parks, lakes, library. $850-875/mo + bonus. Call Brian, 12 PM-7 PM, 856-858-8620. ________________________________________37-01

PIANIST NEEDED Imago Dei MCC is in need of a pianist to play for Sunday service twice a month. Service begins at 10.30am; please call Marina on 484-885-8842 for further details if you are interested. ________________________________________36-52 Company Drivers: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and team drivers. Excellent hometime options. CDL-A required. Students with CDL-A welcome. Call 888691-4472, or apply online at www.superservicellc.com ________________________________________36-51 Driver - $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months and 12 months. Choose your hometime. $0.03 Quarterly Bonus. Requires 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569 www. driveknight.com ________________________________________36-51 Drivers: CDL-A STAR OF THE ROAD. Tuition reimbursement up to $5000. New Student Pay & Lease Program. UP TO $5000 SIGN ON BONUS! 877-521-5775 www. USATruck.jobs ________________________________________36-51 Drivers: CDL-A NO GIMMICKS! Just great pay, Miles, hometime & beneﬁts. $.50/mile for Hazmat Teams. Solos start at $.36/mile. 1 yr. exp. req’d. 800-942-2104 Ext. 7308 or 7307 www.TotalMS.com ________________________________________36-51 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com ________________________________________36-51 GORDON TRUCKING, INC. CDL-A Drivers Needed! ..$1,500 SIGN ON BONUS.. Refrigerated Fleet & Great Miles. Pay Incentive & Beneﬁts! Recruiters available 7 days/wk! EOE. TeamGTI.com 866-554-7856. ________________________________________36-51 CRST offers the Best Lease Purchase Program! SIGN ON BONUS. No Down Payment or Credit Check. Great Pay. Class-A CDL required. Owner Operators Welcome! Call: 866-403-7044. ________________________________________36-51 Drivers- Pyle Transport (A Division of A. Duie Pyle) Needs Owner Operators. Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.84/Mile. Steady, Year-Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Yrs. Exp. Call Dan: 877-910-7711 www.DriveForPyle.com ________________________________________36-51 DRIVERS REGIONAL FLATBED HOME Every Weekend, 40-45 CPM. Class A CDL Required. Flatbed Load Training Available. 1st Seat Sign On Bonus. 1-800-992-7863 ext. 160 www.mcelroytrucklines.com ________________________________________36-51

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

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

Services EXP RELIABLE HOUSECLEANER Let me free up your valuable time by cleaning your house or apt. Weekly biweekly monthly. I have 10+ years exp. FREE estimates. Call Wayne 215-422-2654. Ref’s upon request. ________________________________________37-01 EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________36-51 AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________36-51 MEDICAL-BILLING-TRAINEES NEEDED! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you Job ready ASAP. HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888926-7882. ________________________________________36-51

Real Estate Sale

PGN’S COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

resOURce COMMUNITY

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

www.epgn.com

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS PGN

Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________36-52 BM, 60 looking for British gent, 35-45 for intimate encounters. 215-763-3391, 6PM-Midnight. ________________________________________36-52 I’m looking for a very well end. top (8 or more) who can appreciate a very nice white butt. 8-11 PM, 215-732-2108. ________________________________________37-01 Attractive GWM, 37, friendly, sweet, caring, funny, naughtyboy, brutally attacked in prison. Every guy I ever loved has abandoned me. I’m so very lonely. ISO guys to write to me. I will reply to all. Kenneth Houck #06743-015, Federal Medical Center, PO Box 1600, Butner NC 27509. ________________________________________36-52 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________37-02

Handsome Certified Therapist

Massage Massage on the Mainline. Affordable, professional. $60 per hour. Treat yourself! Appointments: 610-710-6213. ________________________________________36-51 David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., educated. 215-569-4949. ________________________________________37-13 BLACK JOCK Black jock. $75, muslc, hot, 5’7””,175#, Mark 610-9310485. ________________________________________37-51

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

Call 215-432-6030

PGN

B-7

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

ROOMS:

CLOSED: CHRISTMAS EVE

Members: $25.00 & Non-Members: $35.00

RE-OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY @ 6pm

Members: $18.00 & Non-Members: $28.00

LOCKERS:

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

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

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

SATURDAY: AFTERNOON DELIGHT

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

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

MANIC MONDAY

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

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

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

PGN

12-step programs and support groups Al-Anon

■

Pennsylvania Al-Anon Alateen Family Groups: Events, meeting times and locations at pa-al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

■ Acceptance meets 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at

Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets.

■ Community meets 8 p.m. on Thursdays at

Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian, but all are welcome. ■ Early Night Out meets 5:30 p.m. daily at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St., second ﬂoor; 215-985-9206. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; 484-529-9504. ■ Living Sober meets 8:30 p.m. Saturdays at the William Way Center. ■ No Other Way Out meets 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets 11:30 p.m. daily at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the William Way Center. ■ Sober and Gay meets 8:30 p.m. SundayFriday at the William Way Center. ■ Young People’s meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mark’s Church, 1625 Locust St.

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■ Meets 7 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday,

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center.

Emotional Support

■ Pink and Blues, a free peer-run mental-health

support group for LGBT people, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-627-0424. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; 215-545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County, meets 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; 215-545-2242; phillysos.tripod.com.

HIV/AIDS

■ Strength In Numbers

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

Mondays: ■ Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets 6 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; 215-496-0330. Tuesdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; 215-769-3561. bebashi.org. ■ Encuentros, a group for HIV-negative Latino men who have sex with men, meets 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1201 Locust St. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, meets 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; 215-3872885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meets 6:30-8 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center; 215-563-0652 ext. 235. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women,

meets 11 a.m. every ﬁrst and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; 215851-1898. Wednesdays: ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group meets 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; 215-629-2300. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, meets at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St.; ﬁght.org. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets 5-7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432. Thursdays: ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; 215-769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; call Zak, 215-848-4380; azaklad@craftech.com. Saturdays: ■ AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets during the school year. Call 800-810-6776 for meeting location and time.

Debtors Anonymous

■ Meets 7-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the

William Way Center.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

■ Open meeting, Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m., and

7 p.m. Fridays, at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St.; call Troy for ﬂoor/ room number, 215-514-3065; www.oa.org. ■ Meets 11 a.m.-noon at the William Way Center.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012 39

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-8 p.m. MondayFriday; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

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

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

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

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

Key numbers

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

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

■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851

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

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

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

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 215-772-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson: 215-683-2840 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686; ppd. lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

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

S.A.R.A.

■ Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and

evening hours; 215-563-0663 ext. 282.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

■ Meets 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at All Saints

Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 302-542-3279.

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance

abuse problems at the William Way Center.

Health

Alder Health Services provides LGBT health services on a sliding-fee scale; 100 N. Cameron St., Ste. 301 East, Harrisburg; 717-233-7190 or 800-867-1550; www.alderhealth.org. Anonymous, free HIV testing with Spanish/ English counselors, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 3439 N. Hutchinson St.; 215-763-8870 ext. 6000. HIV treatment: Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents available 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1803. HIV health insurance help: Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610586-9077. Philadelphia FIGHT provides HIV primary care, on-site lab services, clinical trials, case management, mental-health services and support groups for people living with HIV regardless of insurance status or ability to pay; 1233 Locust St., fifth floor; 215-985-4448; www. fight.org.

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

Health

AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 1711 South Broad Street; 215-629-2300. www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St. 215851-1822 or 866-222-3871. www.galaei.org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing ■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 6279090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and events; www.gppn.org.

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

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

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

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

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 21-27, 2012

THE MUSICAL LEGEND ��

��

kimmelcenter.org/broadway Presented by

Kimmel Center for the performing arts

*For tickets to Jekyll & Hyde, please call 1.800.477.7400 or visit telecharge.com

215.731.3333* &