Pgn 040414 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Music to your ears

Family Portrait: Tammy Peay delivers the laughs PAGE 35

PAGE 27

I’m From Driftwood marks five years with a Philly fundraising brunch

PAGE 5

Apr. 4-10, 2014

��

Vol. 38 No. 14

Lib City releases first-ever lawmaker rating By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

COMMUNITY IN ACTION: Assistant District Attorney Nellie Fitzpatrick, the D.A.’s liaison to the LGBT community, addressed a crowd of about 50 LGBTs and allies April 1 at the D.A.’s Office LGBTQ Forum. The event focused on crime prevention and public safety in the community and featured remarks from D.A. Seth Williams, as well as several top law-enforcement officials. Members of the Police LGBT Liaison Committee were on hand, as well as LGBT Liaison Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel and the captains of the Sixth and Ninth districts, Center City District and Central Detectives Division. Photo: Patrick Hagerty

Casey among original cosponsors of Clementi bill By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Pennsylvania’s Sen. Bob Casey (D) is among a handful of original backers of anti-bullying legislation named for a gay Rutgers student who took his own life. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (DWisc.) and Patty Murray (DWash.) last Thursday introduced t h e Ty l e r C l e m e n t i H i g h e r Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2014 with five cosponsors: Casey and Sens. Richard Blumenthal (Ct.), Al Franken (Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) and Ron Wyden (Ore.), all Democrats. The bill would require federally funded colleges and universities to instate policies banning harassment, including cyberbullying, of students based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. Clementi, a Rutgers freshman, committed suicide in September

2010 after his roommate, Dharun Ravi, used a webcam to spy on him in a sexual encounter with another man and disseminated the images to other students. Ravi spent 20 days in jail and served three years in probation for invasion of privacy and other charges. The Senate legislation, introduced in the last three sessions of Congress, had previously been spearheaded by the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.). Those versions died in committee. Casey, a first-time cosponsor of the bill, told PGN in a statement he was “proud” to sign on. “Bullying and harassment affect millions of students each year, and I believe students of all ages deserve to receive a quality education without fear of bullying,” he said. “This legislation will provide students and institutions with resources to address and prevent harassment, and assist those who have been victim to bullying in the past.” ■

Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club this week released its firstever LGBT Legislative Scorecard, which evaluated all state lawmakers from Southeastern Pennsylvania on their positions on LGBT equality. Scores were based on legislators’ cosponsorship of current LGBT-related bills. Lawmakers scoring 100 include Sens. Larry Farnese (D-First Dist.), Michael Stack (D-Fifth Dist.) and Daylin Leach (D-27th Dist.), as well as Reps. Ed Neilson (D-169th Dist.), Kevin Boyle (D172nd Dist.), Mike O’Brien (D175th Dist.), Michelle Brownlee (D-195th Dist.), Cherelle Parker (D-200th Dist.), Stephen Kinsey (201st Dist.), Mark Cohen (202nd Dist.), Mark Painter (D-146th

Dist.) and Steve McCarter (D154th Dist.). Lawmakers were scored based on their support for a bill to ban LGBT discrimination, a measure to include LGBTs in the hatecrimes law, a measure allowing for marriage equality and a bill to ban conversion therapy for minors — all of which have been introduced in both the House and Senate. House members were also rated on the anti-bullying PASS Act and a measure to repeal the state’s ban on marriage equality, neither of which have been introduced in the Senate; senators were also scored based on their support for legislation that would revamp the namechange process. Senators scoring an 80, meaning they cosponsored all but one bill, include Vincent Hughes (D-Seventh Dist.) and Anthony Williams (D-Eighth Dist.), while

House members with an 83, who are lacking cosponsorship of one bill, include Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-170th Dist.), Curtis Thomas (D-181st Dist.), Brian Sims (D182nd Dist.), Jordan Harris (D186th Dist.), Vanessa Lowery Brown (D-190th Dist.) and Matthew Bradford (D-70th Dist.). The scorecard was spearheaded by Liberty City’s Policy & Advocacy Committee, led by co-chairs Micah Mahjoubian and Jordan Gwendolyn Davis. Mahjoubian said the organization last year released an Issues Agenda — centering on the topics important to its members — which helped inform the legislation that formed the basis for the scorecard. “We’ve had a long history of endorsing Democrats who we believed are strong on LGBT PAGE 21 issues but

Mazzoni gets large legacy gift By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

TWO TO TANGO: Gerald Feigin (left) and Jonathan Cabrera showed off their tango talent during the matinee competition of the Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge March 29 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The eighth-annual event brought hundreds of competitors and spectators to witness dance competitions ranging from waltz to merengue to foxtrot. All skill levels were welcomed. The matinee portion of the day was followed by a grand ball, which included general dancing and the finals for the Level A dancers, the highest-trained group. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Mazzoni Center received one of its biggest donations earlier this year from the estate of a late Pennsylvania native. Thomas Dross, an out Conshohocken native, died in 2012, and committed to leaving a legacy for HIV/AIDS and LGBT organizations. Longtime friends and managers of Dross’ estate, David Perry and Alfredo Casuso, gave a $1-million gift last year to the AIDS Emergency Fund, a San Francisco-based organization, and this year Mazzoni Center also benefited from Dross’ generosity. Mazzoni Center received a $100,000 gift from the Dross estate. Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein said the money will support the center’s legal-services program, as well as its HIV/AIDS PAGE 23 and youth programs.

REGIONAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

News Briefing Nominate revolutionary leaders GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization is gearing up for is fifthannual David Acosta Revolutionary Leader Awards this spring and is accepting community nominations for this year’s honoree. Eligible awardees must be over age 25 and live in the five-county metropolitan area. Nominees should exhibit a passion for community improvement, strong work ethic, integrity and leadership skills. Nominees must be able to attend the award ceremony, May 9 at William Way LGBT Community Center. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.galaei.org. All nominations are due April 15.

Trial scheduled in Gayborhood attack Two men accused of attacking another man in the Gayborhood this past fall have been scheduled for trial. At a pre-trial conference last month, Judge Michael Erdos scheduled Miguel Maldonado and Matthew Morris for trial at 9 a.m. June 16 in Room 904 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. Common Pleas Court Judge Giovanni Campbell will preside.

The pair is accused of beating Nick Forte Nov. 10 near Voyeur. Morris was a Voyeur patron and Maldonado was a bouncer at the club; he has since been let go from his position. Both men are charged with aggravated and simple assault, conspiracy and recklessly endangering another person. They had been charged with robbery and related charges, but they were dropped in January. Morris was freed on bail shortly after his arrest in November, while Maldonado’s bail was posted in February. Videotape captures Maldonado allegedly striking Forte on the back of the head with what appears to be a flashlight, while Morris allegedly pummeled Forte, who was unconscious on the ground. It is unclear what led to the altercation. Forte suffered broken eye sockets and cheekbones, a broken nose, other facial fractures and a broken rib.

our society and on our campus. It is the goal of WCU to create a campus climate where everyone can succeed and be supported on our campus.” Schneller said the new council has 25 members — including several members of the LGBT community — and will meet this month. Other groups represented on the council include women, racial minorities, veterans, the disabled and collective-bargaining units. “Many members of the council bring an intersection of identities and a passion for social justice to this work, which will help to improve the campus for all and avoid polarization,” Schneller added. “The plan will be shared with the [WCU] president, council of trustees and the entire campus community. Diversity, inclusion and academic excellence are part of everyone’s job at WCU.” The timeframe for completion of the plan is fall 2015, Schneller said.

had him transferred to an undesirable night shift, according to Jones’ suit. Coworkers accused Jones of having sex in public restrooms. Additionally, he was sent out on patrol without proper attire and weaponry, according to the suit. In January 2010, while Jones was out on sick leave, Castro circulated a staff memo identifying Jones as “Mel Cums Jones,” according to the suit. Castro no longer works for the city. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion in an unrelated matter and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A non-jury trial is tentatively scheduled for October. Neither side had a comment for this story.

WCU forms diversity council

Pre-trial conference set in gay cop dispute

West Chester University recently established a campuswide council to promote diversity, inclusion and academic excellence. “The council has been charged to develop, provide to the WCU campus and begin implementation of a plan to advance diversity, inclusion and equity goals to improve campus climate and make these an integral part of academic performance and excellence and to assess the university’s progress in these areas,” said Barbara Schneller, WCU’s director of social equity. She added: “WCU recognizes that historically marginalized groups face challenges in

A pre-trial conference has been scheduled in the case of N. Melville Jones, a gay police officer who claims pervasive workplace bias due to his LGBT status. The city denies any wrongdoing in the matter. The pre-trial conference is tentatively set for Sept. 2 in City Hall Courtroom 243. Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox is scheduled to preside. In his suit, Jones contends that Daniel Castro, a former high-ranking police official, routinely harassed him at work. Castro disseminated Jones’ sexual orientation throughout the police department and

William Way LGBT Community Center will next week host a networking affair in conjunction with Philly Tech Week. The social will be held from 5-8 p.m. April 7 at 1315 Spruce St. The event will bring together LGBTs and allies within the tech world to discuss the importance of diversity in tech communities. It will include food, drinks, music, games, prizes and networking opportunities. The fourth-annual Philly Tech Week, presented by AT&T, includes events through April 12 celebrating the latest in technology and innovation. For more information, visit yikesinc.com or call 215-238-8801. ■

— Jen Colletta

— Timothy Cwiek

William Way celebrates tech week

— Angela Thomas

��

�� locations outside of Pennsylvania

DELAWARE Wilmington • AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St. • Crimson Moon, 1909 S. Sixth St. • Rehoboth Beach • Canal Side Inn, 34 Sixth St. • Proud Bookstore, 149 Rehoboth Ave. • Rams Head Inn, 35006 Warrington Ave. • Rigby’s Bar & Grill, 404 Rehoboth Ave. • Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave. •

NEW JERSEY

Asbury Park • Georgie’s, 812 Fifth Ave. • Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave. • Atlantic City • Oasis, 32 S. Tennessee Ave. • Ocean House, 127 S. Ocean Ave. • Ritz Condo lobby, 2715 Boardwalk • Bordentown • Shoppe 202, 202 Farnsworth Ave. • Camden • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Cape May • Sunshine News, 7 Gurney St. • Cherry Hill • Unitarian Church, 400 N. Kings Hwy. • Collingswood • Honor Box, PATCO Collingswood Station • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Egg Harbour City • Red Barn Books, 1204 White Horse Pike • Galloway • Pride Alliance Stockton College, 101 Vera King Farris Dr. suite 240 • Gloucester City • Red Barn Books, 600 Rt. 130 South • Haddonﬁeld • Honor Box, PATCO Haddonﬁeld Station, PATCO Westmont Station, PATCO Woodcrest Station • Hammonton Club Revolution, 19 N. Egg Harbor Rd. • Highland Park • Pride Center of NJ, 85 Raritan Ave. • Lebanon • GLBT of Hunterdon Co., 126 Petticoat Lane • Lindenwold • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station East • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station West • Morristown • Gay Activist Alliance, Unitarian Church, 29 Normandy Heights Road • Oaklyn • Sacred Green Earth, 511 Whitehorse Pike • Princeton • LGBT Center, Princeton University, 246 First Campus Center • Somerset • The Den, 700 Hamilton Ave. • Stratford • White Horse Books, 906 White Horse Pike • Vineland • J&J News, 729 N. Main St. • West Berlin • Red Barn Books, 597 Route 73 North • Williamstown • Book Bin, 3852 S. Black Horse Pike • Atlanticare, 6550 Delilah Road • Buck’s Ice Cream, 25 Bridge St.

NEW YORK

Blooming Grove • Help Inc., 48 Sylvan Trail • New York City • Lesbian and Gay Services Center, 208 W. 13th St.

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 Apr. 4-10, 2014

Rob Vahey Local agent

Great Homeowners Rates

��

CONTENTS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Weekly features

News&Opinion 2 7 8 10

— News Briefing — Crime Watch — Obituary — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Op-Ed Street Talk

This month’s best-selling books and DVDs in the Gayborhood, courtesy of Giovanni’s Room.

31 32 35 36 38 39

— — — — — —

Scene in Philly Best-sellers Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Worth Watching

13 — Before the Bells: Start with the ‘B’ word

C o 18 — Out Law: l What are your where you u rights want to live? m n 29 — Get Out and The local pro s Play: sports gay nights

and the Gay Games

Classifieds 41 — Real Estate 45 — Personals 47 — Bulletin Board

WEEKEND WELLNESS: Beck Davis (from right) and Jonathan Vo sampled the dishes Nino Marino of Diet-to-Go offered during the second annual Pride Fit at William Way LGBT Community Center March 29. The daylong summit featured several-dozen vendors — focusing on nutrition, exercise and overall well-being — as well as healthfocused discussions led by representatives of Mazzoni Center, Thomas Jefferson University and Optimal Sport Health Clubs. Photo: Scott A. Drake

This week in PGN The Real Estate Issue: 17 — LGBTs are still pioneers when it comes to homes 18 — Condominium considerations 27 — Arts & Culture cover story: Oldies are goodies again 30 — The Sounds should be seen 40 — Delaware Art Museum hosts photo show

“We’re all looking for the same thing: We want to feel comfortable and safe and feel like we have good people around us.” ~ Travis Rodgers, on LGBTs choosing a neighborhood and purchasing a home, page 17

Next week Barcrawlr Dining Out Out Money

Two weeks Home Improvement issue: April 18

PGN 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506 Phone: 215-625-8501 Fax: 215-925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Publisher Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com

Editor

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

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-2426863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

“Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton” screens at International House at 7 p.m. April 5.

Neil Simon + Marvin Hamlish = “They’re Playing Our Song” at The Adrienne Theatre’s Skybox.

Art Director/ Photographer

Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com

Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America

Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” col umn. 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

OUT WITH THE OWLS: About 40 Temple University alums gathered at Pennsylvania 6 March 27 for a happy hour organized by the university’s LGBTQ Alumni Society. The alumni group relaunched in 2012 after a several-year hiatus. Last week’s social served as a jumping-off for Homecoming Weekend later this month, which will feature an appearance and discussion led by Edie Windsor, the Philly native and Temple alum whose lawsuit led to the dismantling of the federal ban on samesex marriage. Guests at the happy hour were entered into a contest for VIP tickets to the Windsor event. Photo: Scott A. Drake

On fifth anniversary, storytelling group with Philly ties returns to city By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A national video project with strong Philadelphia ties is celebrating its fifth year of telling LGBT stories from all corners of our country. I’m From Driftwood was launched in March 2009 to help the LGBT community understand more about its own people, and to educate allies about their neighbors. The project was founded by Nathan Manske in March 2009. Originally used to promote written stories from LGBT individuals, the project slowly became video-focused when Philadelphia resident Marquise Lee helped create the “I’m From Driftwood Video Stories” in 2010. Lee, who is originally of Garland, Texas, wrote one of the original 13 stories that helped launch the project and suggested to Manske that the stories could have more impact through the lens of a camera. “With written stories you use your imagination because, when reading written stories, the authors don’t describe themselves in depth,” he said. “With video stories, you see the person and that is also a way of connecting. For people to see someone that looks like them from the same place, that is powerful. People tend to see that person in themselves through the videos. Manske and Lee quickly filmed the first two videos and had them edited within one weekend.

The pair set off on a four-month, crosscountry tour in 2010. The effort evolved into a book, and I’m From Driftwood has gone on to amass more than 850 stories. Over the years, they have collected stories from all across the world, aiming to show different perspectives that were not necessarily of the norm in the LGBT community. “From the start, the sense of the project was to show that a lot of LGBT people in Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco come from everywhere,” Lee said. “We live in these cities but come from those rural places and from our own communities.” Lee said his favorite story to film came from a man named Jake Conway from West Hartford, Conn. In the video, Conway says, “Even if I chose to live this life — what’s wrong with that? For me, it’s the ultimate sense of pride. “ “Jake was ambitious and he was coming out and in that process of realization that he loves being gay and the idea of, if it was a choice, he would still choose it,” Lee said. “It is the essence behind it: ‘Even if it was a choice, this is the choice I would make, I love my life, I like who I am.’ Once you have pride in yourself and who you are, that is very powerful.” Organizers of I’m From Driftwood will stage a fundraising spring brunch at 1 p.m. April 13 at the John C. Anderson Apartments, 249 S. 13th St. The brunch will feature music, food, an open bar, raffle PAGE 23 prizes and a silent auction.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

NEVER GET INTO A COLD CAR AGAIN ****REMOTE STARTER SPECIALS***

617 South 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

CAR AUDIO • CAR ALARMS • IPOD INTEGRATION

215-545-5293 email: GK@allthatjazzphilly.com

HID LITES • GPS • TINT • LOGO VANITY PLATES & KEY CHAINS

Philadelphia Gay News EPGN.COM

HARNESSING THEIR SUPERPOWERS: About 150 people turned out to pay tribute to community pioneers at the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s HEROES celebration March 30 at Hotel Monaco. DVLF executive director Samantha Giusti said the eighth-annual event was the highest-grossing HEROES fundraiser yet. “It was a fantastic event, and we were honored to recognize such inspirational heroes,” she said. This year’s HEROES awardees included: Community Hero state Rep. Brian Sims (from right); Lifetime Legacy Hero Mel Heifetz; Business Hero Giovanni’s Room, accepted by owner Ed Hermance; Ally Hero Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes; Nonprofit Organization Hero City of Brotherly Love Softball League, accepted by commissioner Steve Mast and women’s commissioner Jen Brown; and Youth Hero Donald Jackson. Photo: Angela Thomas

’s Wedding Services Directory can help you plan for a special day that is as unique as you are.

ADVERTISERS: CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between March 15-23. 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). Follow the 6th District on Twitter @PPDBrianKorn. INCIDENTS — At 5:30 p.m. March 15, three males attempted to snatch a woman’s handbag at 11th and Chestnut streets. She resisted and one of the males brandished a handgun. The males fled in different directions and were only described as black males wearing hoodies. — Between 5:30-5:35 p.m. March 17, a man locked his bicycle with a U-lock, but without a stationary object, outside 135 S. 13th St. and it was stolen. — At 11 p.m. March 17 (reported at noon March 18), a man was in the 900 block of Market Street using his Galaxy phone when a male snatched it from his hand and fled. The suspect was described as a 5foot-8 white male with scruffy facial hair wearing a hoodie. — At 2 a.m. March 18, a man was leaving Bru Bar, 1316 Chestnut St., when a male punched him in the face for no apparent reason. The victim suffered a facial fracture. The suspect was described as a 6foot-1 white male wearing a plaid shirt. — At 2:30 a.m. March 10 (reported to police March 20 after victim contacted PGN), an out-of-town man was inside Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., when he was grabbed from behind by two males and ejected from the premises, causing a fractured clavicle. The suspects were only described as a white male and an unknown person, possibly a bouncer. — At 8:25 p.m. March 21, a male armed with a handgun held up Scorpio Adult Boutique, 205 S. Juniper St. The suspect was described as a 5-foot-11 black male in his late 30s wearing a black mask, purple latex gloves, a tan vest, two-toned boots and dark jeans. He is believed to be the same man who held up Scorpio March 10. — Between 2:30-2:40 p.m. March 22, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1107 Walnut St. — At 6:25 p.m. March 23, someone stole a woman’s handbag from inside Hard Rock Cafe, 1131 Market St. Security video showed the suspect to be a black female in his 40s, 5-foot-8, with a medium build and dreadlocks and wearing white scrubs. — Between 8:30-8:45 p.m. March 23, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 11th and Chestnut streets. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 8:10 p.m. March 18, SEPTA police

arrested a male outside 1330 Spruce St. who was wanted for failure to appear for court. The 46-year-old suspect with a West Philadelphia address was charged with contempt of court. — At 8:15 p.m. March 18, Sixth District Officers Ferrero and Grant arrested a female outside 306 S. Camac St. who was wanted for failure to appear for court. The 47-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with contempt of court. — At 10 p.m. March 18, Sixth District Officer Brown arrested a male outside 1300 Spruce St. who was wanted on a warrant for probation violations. The 45year-old suspect with a North Philadelphia address was charged with escape. — At 10:15 p.m. March 18, employees of ICandy, 254 S. 12th St., escorted an unruly patron from the bar and one of them suffered a facial injury as the male kicked and punched him after being ejected. Sixth District Officer Sprouls arrested the 24-year-old offender with a Drexel Hill address and he was charged with assault. — At 9:15 p.m. March 19, a Sixth District Narcotics Enforcement Team assigned to the Washington Square West and Midtown Village area conducted an investigation in the 1300 block of Chancellor Street. As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine. — On March 19, Sixth District uniform patrol Officers Butler and Burrell responded to a disturbance outside 207 S. 13th St. A 50-year-old male with a Trenton address was arrested and found to be in possession of and charged with possession of marijuana. — At 9:40 p.m. March 20, officers assigned to the Sixth District Narcotic Enforcement Team descended the PATCO stairway at 1300 Locust St. and observed a male and female loading a glass pipe with crack cocaine. The 43-year-old male with a homeless-shelter address was charged with possession of narcotics. The 35-yearold female with a homeless-shelter address was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. — At 11 p.m. March 20, outside Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St., a male approached a man and asked for money and cigarettes. The man declined, identified himself as an off-duty police officer and instructed the male to leave. Instead, the male assaulted the officer, stabbing him multiple times in the torso and leg. An employee of Venture Inn intervened and was cut on his face. The suspect fled. Central Detectives investigated the assault and obtained an identification of the suspect; all patrol officers were alerted. On March 21, Sixth District Officers Solis and Reid saw the male in the bushes at 11th and Pine streets, where he was taken into custody. The 38-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with attempted murder and

related offenses. — At 2:20 p.m. March 21, Sixth District Officer Brown stopped a vehicle at Ninth and Walnut streets for traffic violations. The 23-year-old driver was arrested for DUI, and a 23- and 25-year-old passenger were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. All three had Ohio addresses. — At 9:20 p.m. March 23, a domesticabuse assault was reported inside Broad Street Ministry, and a description was provided to responding police. Sixth District Officer Solis apprehend the offender outside 251 S. 13th St. The 36-year-old suspect with a homeless-shelter address was charged with assault and related offenses. SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 7:20 p.m. March 19, Sixth District officers responded to M Restaurant, 231 S. Eighth St., where a 41-year-old male with a West Philadelphia address failed to pay for food and drink. The suspect was charged with theft of services. — On March 21, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 11:30 p.m. outside 1200 Manning St. and 11:45 p.m. outside 13th and Locust streets. — At 12:05 a.m. March 23, Sixth District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 1200 Manning St. ■

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

Keeping Connected Seniors & Technology A free workshop to help LGBT older adults usecomputer technologies to age more successfully

Saturday, April 12, 2014

10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Are you tech-savvy, a tech virgin or somewhere in between? This workshop for LGBT older adults will help you navigate the cyber-world to become better connected with friends, family, resources, and services. You will also learn how to keep your private information safe and secure. Free and open to the public at the United Way, 1709 Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. A. light breakfast will be served Register now at 267-546-3448 or at info@lgbtei.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

LOCAL PGN

Obituary Cheri “Sheddy” Rollins Sanchez, organizer, 28 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

QDF @QCKDRR NE XNTQ @AH KH SX SN O@X

Cheri “Sheddy” Rollins Sanchez, a former organizer for Philadelphia Student Union, died March 12 in Miami, Fla. They were 28. Sanchez was described as a jack-of-all-trades, with interests and talents including art, photography, music, writing, gourmet cooking, activism and community education. Sanchez, a Philadelphia native, was described by friends as a “loving parent, loyal family member, friend and healer.” Sanchez was a graduate of Philadelphia Girls High School and worked for Philly Student Union, which offers resources to and advocates for area students, as an organizer from 200405. Sanchez was co-director from 2005-06, the organization’s youngest-ever director. Sanchez also worked at Detroit Summer from 2005-2008. Sanchez also worked as a freelancer at nonprofit organizations in the education and advocacy realms and was raising an 8-yearold son. Most recently, Sanchez worked in child-care. Sanchez was visiting Miami at the time of their death. Sanchez was an active member of Philadelphia’s LGBT community. Friend Kim Murray said Sanchez was the first out LGBT person she met. “Sheddy was the first queer person that I knew,” Murray said. “Sheddy taught me so much about love, resilience and what it means to live your truth. Sheddy cared deeply about young people and believed in their brilliance and intelligence. They mentored and loved many of us as we came out and came into ourselves.” Murray met Sanchez in high school, and they got to know each other more through their time at Philadelphia Student Union. “We worked on issues of school funding, education for liberation, fighting homophobia in our high school and connecting the struggles of communities,” Murray said. “Sheddy was also my dance partner, pernil cooker, tomato picker and co-conspirator in the life.” Talia Young met Sanchez at the second U.S. Social Forum in Detroit in 2010. Young said Sanchez was an approachable person with a great sense of style. “Sheddy was way too fashionable for me,” Young said. “But they were interest-

ing, open and not intimidating once we started talking.” Sanchez was a lover of food, especially pork, and enjoyed fishing, writing prose, photography and mentoring youth. Murray said Sanchez was someone who was well-versed on an array of topics. “Sheddy loved all kinds of things and had such an interesting and expansive mind,” Murray said. “We could start out on a conversation about something like yellow-belly finches and end up in a conversation about colonialism and diaspora.” Sanchez also had a way of bringing people from different worlds together — even now, as people from all over joined to fundraise for Sanchez’s final arrangements. “Even in the absolute heartbreak of this moment, Sheddy is doing what they do best, bringing people together,” Murray said. “Even though I have physically lost a family member, I have gained a number of others who mobilized to bring Sheddy back to Philly so they could be laid to rest here. We were thoughtful, kind and generous with each other even in a really hard moment. That is Sheddy’s gift to me, the ability to see past the current difficult moment to the person underneath.” Among the lessons Sanchez left, Murray said they gave her a reason to be proud of her queer identity and helped her be brave in her life choices. “They taught me what it means to really have someone’s back,” Murray said. “Sheddy gave me language for queerness and polyamory and modeled how to parent in a way that respects your child as a fully actualized human being. Sheddy challenged me to brave and go for it, whether that meant sliding down the secret water slide near Wilkes-Barre or honoring my path towards midwifery.” Young said Sanchez showed her to always think positively. “Sheddy is the best model for doing your best with the contradictions of the world we live in,” Young said. Sanchez is survived by mother, Francisca; brother, Miguel; grandmother, Vinicia; aunts Frances and Nelly; son, Alejandro; co-parent, Mely; and many friends. A funeral service was held March 20, and memorial contributions can be sent through PayPal to http://destroitsummer.wordpress. com/sheddy/. ■

Philadelphia Gay News 251 S. 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 • (215) 735-5656

epgn.com

PGN

PRESENTED BY ACTIONAIDS

ART MUSEUM/FAIRMOUNT

CHESTNUT HILL/MOUNT AIRY

Alla Spina Jack’s Firehouse London Grill* Rembrandt’s Rose Tattoo Cafe* Route 6

Bacio* Geechee Girl Rice Cafe

(215) 600-0017 (215) 232-9000 (215) 978-4545 (215) 763-2228 (215) 569-8939 (215) 391-4600

CENTER CITY EAST

Dine at a participating restaurant or food truck on April 24, and 33% of your food bill will benefit local services in the fight against AIDS. EVENT BENEFITS HIV/AIDS PROGRAMS AT ActionAIDS • AIDS Delaware Family & Community Service of Delaware County Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania Camden Area Health Education Center

New restaurants added everyday please check the website. * Make an additional donation of $25 or more on April 24 and you will receive a 20% Off Tuesdays card with your thank you letter. This card entitles you to 20% off of your table’s food bill on Tuesday evenings** throughout the year at participating 20% Off Tuesdays Restaurants. Listings with an asterisk* are 20% off Tuesdays participants. **Excluding holidays. Not to be combined with other offers.

b e n e fi t s g r o u p

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Amis (215) 732-2647 Barbuzzo (215) 546-9300 Caribou Cafe* (215) 625-9535 El Vez (215) 928-9800 Garces Trading (215) 574-1099 Company Giorgio on the Pine* (215) 545-6265 (215) 545-4633 IndeBlue Jamonera (215) 922-6061 Jones (215) 223-5663 Kanella (215) 922-1773 Knock (215) 925-1166 Little Nonna’s (215) 546-2100 Lolita (215) 546-7100 Mercato (215) 985-2962 More Than Just (215) 574-0586 Ice Cream (215) 413-9070 Morimoto New Harmony (215) 627-4520 Vegetarian Restaurant Nomad Pizza (215) 644-9287 Company Opa (215) 545-0170 Pennsylvania 6 (267) 639-5606 Perch Pub* (215) 546-4090 Rosa Blanca (215) 925-5555 (215) 732-3501 Sampan Stella Rosa (610) 269-6000 (215) 964-9675 Tabu (215) 592-6555 Talula’s Daily (215) 592-7787 Talula’s Garden Tashan (267) 687-2170 The Tavern* (215) 545-1102 Time (215) 985-4800 (215) 629-9200 Tria Wash West (215) 790-9494 Valanni* (215) 546-6800 Varalli* Varga Bar (215) 627-5200 Vedge (215) 320-7500 Venture Inn* (215) 545-8731 (215) 922-3095 Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro (215) 546-5170 Westbury Bar Zinc Bistro a Vins* (215) 351-9901

CENTER CITY WEST 10 Arts Bistro and Lounge Alma de Cuba Audrey Claire Barclay Prime Bellini Grill Butcher and Singer Continental Midtown The Dandelion Day by Day El Rey Friday, Saturday, Sunday* Good Dog Il Pittore Matyson Metropolitan Cafe My Thai* Oyster House Parc The Prime Rib Seafood Unlimited Square 1682 Tinto Tria Rittenhouse Twenty Manning Village Whiskey XIX Restaurant

(215) 523-8273 (215) 988-1799 (215) 731-1222 (215 )732-7560 (215) 545-1191 (215) 732-4444 (215) 567-1800 (215) 558-2500 (215) 564-5540 (215) 563-3330 (215) 546-4232 (215) 985-9600 (215) 391-4900 (215) 564-2925 (215) 545-6655 (215) 985-1878 (215) 567-7683 (215) 545-2262 (215) 772-1701 (215) 732-3663 (215) 563-5008 (215) 665-9150 (215) 972-8742 (215) 731-0900 (215) 665-1088 (215) 790-1919

(215) 248-2740 (215) 843-8113

MANAYUNK Adobe Cafe Manayunk*

(215) 483-3947

(215) 391-4888 (215) 634-3338 (215) 739-9684 (215) 413-3666 (215) 592-8838

OLD CITY Amada (215) 625-2450 (215) 574-9440 Buddakan Continental Restaurant(215) 923-6069 DiNardo’s Famous (215) 925-5115 Seafood Fork (215) 625-9425 (215) 625-9425 High Street Cafe Positano Coast (215) 238-0499 by Aldo Lamberti Race Street Cafe (215) 627-6181 (215) 923-2267 Red Owl Tavern Spasso (215) 592-7661 (215) 625-8800 Zahav

SOCIETY HILL/SOUTH PHILADELPHIA Adobe Cafe* (215) 551-2246 August (215) 468-5926 Beau Monde (215) 592-0656 (215) 925-8880 Bistro Romano* Bistrot La Minette (215) 925-8000 Cafe Nola (215) 574-1687 Cochon* (215) 923-7675 Copabanana (215) 923-6180 Izumi (215) 271-1222 Le Virtu (215) 271-5626 Nomad Pizza (215) 238-0900 Company* (267) 909-9704 Noord Paloma Mexican (215) 928-9500 Haute Cuisine (215) 271-2066 Paradiso Percy Street Barbecue (215) 625-8510 Pizzeria Stella (215) 320-8000 Redwood (215) 238-1512 Redwood Restaurant (215) 238-1512 Serpico (215) 925-3001 Southwark (215) 238-1888 The Industry (215) 271-9500 Ulivo (215) 351-1550 (215) 592-1295 Villa Di Roma

UNIVERSITY CITY/WEST PHILADELPHIA Distrito (215) 222-1657 The Gold Standard (215) 727-8247 Cafe* (215) 222-2363 JG Domestic Lemon Grass Thai (215) 222-8042 Pod (215) 387-1803 The Restaurant School (215) 222-4200 @ Walnut Hill College x3005/3024

BUCKS COUNTY Poco’s Restaurant Rick’s Restaurant* The Raven

(215) 348-3424 (609) 397-0051 (215) 862-2081

CHESTER COUNTY Avalon Restaurant (610) 436-4100 Market Street Grille (610) 429-5328 Side Bar & Restaurant (610) 429-8297

PhillyGayCalendar.com

(610) 918-1272 (610) 296-9006 (610) 429-4046 (610) 696-7435

DELAWARE COUNTY

NORTHERN LIBERTIES/ FISHTOWN Fette Sau Frankford Hall Johnny Brenda’s North 3rd Restaurant* Silk City Diner*

Three Little Pigs Cedar Hollow Inn Restaurant and Bar Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House* High Street Caffe/ Vudu Lounge

2312 Garrett Bar (610) 626-9900 (610) 293-7500 Asiana Garden* Diego’s Cantina and (484) 442-8741 Tequila Bar (610) 566-6808 La Belle Epoque Wine Bistro Lotus Farm to Table (610) 565-5554 (610) 789-5983 Nais Cuisine (610) 891-9600 Picasso Restaurant & Bar Pinocchio’s Restaurant (610) 566-4870 (610) 565-7803 Spasso Italian Grill Susanna Foo (610) 688-8808 Gourmet Kitchen (610) 623-9537 The Original Clam Tavern (610) 688-7646 The Silverspoon Restaurant Verdad Restaurant & (610) 520-9100 Tequila Bar

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Roberto’s Trattoria Spring Mill Cafe Trax Restaurant and Cafe Viggiano’s BYOB* White Elephant Restaurant*

(215) 233-9955 (610) 828-2550 (215) 591-9777 (484) 344-5561 (215) 663-1495

DELAWARE Greenville (302) 655-3785 BBC Tavern & Grill Cromwell’s American (302) 571-0561 Tavern and Taqueria (302) 888-4200 Krazy Kat’s Hockessin The Back Burner (302) 239-2314 Middletown (302) 376-7956 1861 Restaurant New Castle Traders Cove Coffee (302) 322-6334 Shop at Penn’s Place* Newark (302) 455-1101 Soffritto Italian Grill Timothy’s of Newark (302) 738-9915 Wilmington (302) 655-8990 Blue Parrot Bar and Grille Melting Pot Restaurant(302) 652-6358 Santa Fe Wilmington (302) 425-5200 (302) 762-9094 Tutto Fresco Union City Grille (302) 654-9780

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY Barnsboro Inn (856) 468-3557 (856) 858-1700 Bistro di Marino* Casa Bella Trattoria (856) 429-2885 (856) 854-4633 Indeblue Keg & Kitchen (856) 833-9800 Marlene Mangia Bene*(856) 848-8488 Nunzio Ristorante (856) 858-9840 Rustico (856) 869-0111 The Pop Shop (856) 869-3345 The Tortilla Press Tortilla Press Cantina (856) 356-2020 Tre Famiglia (856) 429-1447 Ristorante* (856) 858-2999 Villa Barone (856) 854-7220 Westmont Diner*

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Bill Schuette

Editorial

Equality on the spot Nobody likes a pop quiz. The phrase alone may hearken some back to the sweaty palms and craning necks of middle school, as unannounced tests of our knowledge are a daunting, alwaysunwelcome endeavor. But, this week, a different kind of pop quiz was published — and this one has the potential to earn much more than a gold star. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club published its first-ever LGBT Legislative Scorecard this week, rating more than 100 state lawmakers serving Southeastern Pennsylvania. Twelve among the group received top scores of 100 — meaning they are currently cosponsoring every piece of LGBT-related legislation included: nondiscrimination, marriage equality, hate crimes and conversion therapy, as well as anti-bullying and the repeal of the state marriage-equality ban in the House and a name-change bill in the Senate. Essentially, the scorecard calls out our lawmakers. It’s easy for a legislator, especially on the campaign, to say he or she is LGBT-friendly, but pledges of support are a lot different from actions of support. So this is one way to easily illustrate to the community, and to voters — who likely don’t make a practice of combing through co-sponsorship lists on the state legislative website — which lawmakers are following through on their promises, which are not and which need to be targeted with education and outreach to move them closer to supporting LGBT equality. The first group deserves a pat on the back. They include both longtime and newer lawmakers, and their support and leadership may be crucial to enlisting even greater numbers of cosponsors.

The second group may be the most important — those who have campaigned on pledges of LGBT equality but whose scores don’t reflect a full commitment to that principle. While there were nine perfect scores among the 40 Philadelphia-based representatives and senators, all of whom but one are Democrats, other scores ranged from 17-83. The Philadelphia delegation is largely considered to be leading the way on progressive issues in the state capital — any number that is not a 100 detracts from that. Whether the lack of complete support stems from personal or political reasons, or an actual lack of awareness, these legislators must be expected to meet higher standards on LGBT equality. Finally, there are the legislators whose scores reflect little to no support for LGBT equality, most of whom hail from the suburbs — although hat-tips must be given to Sen. Daylin Leach (D-17th Dist.) and Reps. Mark Painter (D-146th) and Steve McCarter (D-154th), who all earned a 100. Of the remaining eight senators, six scored a 0, and the other two a 20. Scores like 0 and 17 were also prevalent among Delaware and Chester county representatives, with slightly higher marks in Bucks and Montgomery. The bills included on the scorecard are not Democratic or Republican, or city or suburban — they are concerning issues of basic human rights: the right to a job, a home, to not be attacked for one’s orientation or identity. These are rights all Pennsylvanians deserve, and all lawmakers need to be expected to fight for these rights — and held accountable when they are not. ■

In 2004 when voters passed the so-called Michigan Marriage Amendment, I had been “married” for a little over a year. My wife and I had a wedding on the eve of our six-year anniversary. We both wore white dresses. Each of our six bridesmaids wore a dress corresponding to the colors of the rainbow. Because, you know, gay. Some people close to us urged us not to call it a “wedding.” They were more comfortable with “commitment ceremony.” Because, after all, it wasn’t like we were really getting married. Except we were. Granted, we knew full well that our marriage wouldn’t be legally recognized in Michigan or, for that matter, in the entire United States. But when I slipped that ring on my wife’s finger and promised in front of my friends and family that I would love her forever, I meant it. I meant it so much that I cried really hard and embarrassed myself. Still, I wasn’t “pretending” to get married. As far as my wife and I were concerned, this was it. So it was especially shitty when nearly 60 percent of folks going to the polls voted against my right to be legally married. Not to mention the fact that George W. Bush got elected again. Michigan’s Democratic leaders were largely silent on the amendment. Gov. Jennifer Granholm tepidly rejected it late in the game. Most said nothing. They were too chicken shit. But a lot has changed in 10 years. The Democratic Party is a vocal supporter of equal rights. Antigay-marriage amendments have been falling like dominoes to legal challenges. More states have legalized marriage equality. And when my wife and I went to California last summer, we made our “marriage” into a marriage at the San Diego courthouse. Attending that wedding was our 4-year-old son. Our son is a really lucky kid. He’s got two parents who love him and each other. But because Michigan doesn’t recognize our marriage, he only has one legal parent. Which also feels pretty shitty.

So far, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to defend the law that kept my son from having two legal parents, and he based that defense on the very premise that gays and lesbians were bad moms and dads. And he lost. Badly. U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman didn’t just strike the law down, he smacked it down, saying it “impermissibly discriminates against same-sex couples in violation of the Equal Protection Clause because the provision does not advance any conceivable legitimate state interest.” But that doesn’t mean anything to Schuette, who is hot to appeal the ruling — to keep fighting against Michigan families like mine. He’s also running for reelection in November. Running against him is Democrat Mark Totten, who said of the ruling, “There was never a doubt that Schuette’s crusade to deny a loving home to some of Michigan’s most vulnerable children was morally repugnant. Today, the courts confirmed it was also unconstitutional. Children should never be sacrificed to score political points.” My son, my wife and I deserve to have someone like Totten defending us. Not someone like Schuette trying to hurt us. Schuette claims that he is a defender of the constitution. But really he’s an ideological hack, whether it’s fighting against marriage equality, contraceptive access for women or Obamacare. If you’re a rich conservative, Schuette is your man. Because he doesn’t give a shit about anyone else. Learn more about Totten at www. marktotten.com. Let’s fire Schuette in November. ■

Granted, we knew full well that our marriage wouldn’t be legally recognized in Michigan or, for that matter, in the entire United States. But when I slipped that ring on my wife’s finger and promised in front of my friends and family that I would love her forever, I meant it.

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.

Correction In “Having a ball in Center City” in the March 31-April 3 edition of PGN, we listed incorrect contact information for Marabella Meatball Co.

The restaurant is located at 1211 Walnut St. It is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. MondaySaturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 215-238-1833 or visit www.marabellameatballco.com.

OP-ED PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

A formula for print-media success Over the last few years, we have all cation. As a publication, you can meet read about the perils of print media, or any challenge, with the exception of “old media” as some like to call it, and being out there instantly. Then again, we I’ve done numerous columns on the sub- in print will have to at some point make ject. The bottom line for media outlets is a change to the ’net. PGN already has a that you need to report on events, issues web presence at www.epgn.com, where and topics that you as a pubyou can read our digital verlication own, and have a prosion or go through PGN page fessional staff that knows how by page. But soon more will to publish that information in be required; we know that, and a way the community can get so does the rest of traditional its hands around it. Oh, one media. And we are all searchmore important point: Don’t ing for that formula. be afraid to be controversial Those who have a good or write something that someproduct and good business one or some organization or model will prosper. We here business might not like. at PGN are proud to be the The web, which most tranation’s most-award-winning ditional media see as the publication for the LGBT enemy, only has two factors community. And we’re even that print does not. It can be more proud that you as a coman instantaneous forum, satismunity feel as strongly as you fying those who need instant about us, as every area of Mark Segal do gratification (but that at times PGN’s business is on the rise. can lead to misinformation or If you look at what we wrote personal venom) and it is cheap to run. in our first edition, you’d see we haven’t Those advantages are easily met by a changed that much. I’ll paraphrase: “We print publication that has a professional intend to be a forum for communication staff that can take the time to get the in this community. You won’t always story right, and also through its letters agree with us, but we’ll give you the to the editor and op-ed pieces, which space to disagree with us when you feel provide a forum for those who want to compelled to. What we intend to do is comment on the story. Here is where the earn your trust.” difference should be seen: In print, we From your support, we believe we’ve should not allow personal attacks but done just that. only those that add to the discussion of That, we here at PGN believe, is the issues. true meaning of success. ■ Our named opinion columns should be where we are somewhat controverMark Segal, PGN publisher, is the sial. Allow your columnist to give his nation’s most-award-winning commenor her opinions. Also allow those who tator in LGBT media. He can be reached disagree to do so in print in your publiat mark@epgn.com.

Mark My Words

Transmissions

Street Talk Does the term “homosexual” have a negative connotation? “No. It’s not negative, just like heterosexual isn’t negative. It’s not a word that would be used as a rallying cry for LGBT rights. But it’s useful as a descriptive term.”

Tashina Byrd guest-services representative Upper Darby

“Unfortunately, yes. It still has the historical baggage of being used as a put-down of the LGBT community. Grace Delaney Until it dog walker doesn’t South Philadelphia have that historical baggage, it should be used with caution.”

“No. The word is scientific, and I don’t think it’s offensive. There are so many worse things you could be called. Brady Kilgannon If someone student feels offended Antique Row by the word, they’re not being sensitive to other people’s perspective — which isn’t necessarily hostile.”

“No. It’s a perfectly fine word. If people attribute negative connotations to ‘homosexual,’ it Marilyn MacGregor has more artist to do with South Philadelphia their attitude rather than the word itself.”

I wish he would have said, ‘F you, you tranny jerk!’” RuPaul said. The term “tranny,” which does have its roots as a catty term in drag circles, is often viewed as an insult in trans circles. I should note that “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has also had transgender-identified contestants, which is a step in the right direction. I find myself unsure, though, how much outreach their presence can truly have. It may be hard to clearly define yourself on a show whose host once stated that the only difference between a trans woman and a drag queen was “$25,000 and a good surgeon.” The issue has raised ire on both sides, reinforcing another stereotype of transgender activists as oversensitive, humorless and “drag-phobic.” It has also further reinforced the belief that the gay community — particularly amongst those who practice

drag — are transphobic. I need to give a history lesson of sorts. In the earliest days of the modern LGBT movement, the divisions were different. For many, the term “drag” was used as we might use “trans” today: an umbrella term consisting of a great many diverse gender identities and expressions, including both those we would call “drag queens” and others we may call “transgender” today. Many in the trans community have come out of the drag community, being a part of it as a step out of their own closet. Some have continued to keep a foot in both camps. Many transgender people have had their own “drag moms.” There is a lot of cross-over between the world of drag and the transgender community. Nevertheless, there is a lot of misunderstanding, confusion and hurt between drag and trans identities PAGE 19

Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Female or ’phobe On the seventh season opener of “RulPaul’s Drag Race,” the popular reality TV program on Logo, contestants were given a challenge: They were shown close-up photos of parties of the bodies of several pop-culture celebrities and asked to determine if they belonged to, to quote RuPaul, “a biological woman or a psychological woman.” Of course, with photos of people such as Patricia “Tan Mom” Krentcil and former pro wrestler Chyna tossed in the mix to try and confuse the contestants, the game is all played for laughs. We get to all gape and joke about women who do not seem to measure up to the contestants’ standards of femininity and marvel about those who fooled the players. Oh, and this challenge was called “Female or Shemale.” Needless to say, transgender activists

are up in arms. Terms such as “shemale” are often used to objectify and misgender transfolks. It’s a popular word in transthemed pornography and has been viewed as a slur in a lot of trans culture since at least the 1990s. Even beyond the use of “shemale,” the notion of making a somewhat mean-spirited game out of determining if someone is “woman enough” to be viewed as female is also harmful to transgender people. Dealing with this sort of controversy is nothing new for RuPaul. In the past, RuPaul has defended the use of the term “tranny,” not only by him and the show, but other celebrities. “I love the word ‘tranny,’” said RuPaul when interviewed by Michelangelo Signorile about former ‘N Sync member Lance Bass’ use of the term. “I hate the fact that he’s apologized.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Mad or mid CENTURY Hemlock Collection Sofa 84”W x 36”D x 35”H Starting at $2,249 NEW INTRO SPECIAL $1,459*

modern?

Holly Sofa Starting at $2,469 NEW INTRO SPECIAL $1,599* Wood Base

We know we are! Pairing mid-century silhouettes with sophisticated appeal, this captivating collecTulip Chair 36”W x 36”D x 32”H tion brings inspired design to your home. Create Starting at $1,599 a chic seating group with sleek sofas, eye-catching NEW INTRO SPECIAL $1,029 accent chairs, and contemporary cocktail tables, then let bold rugs, abstract wall art, and statementmaking lighting infuse your home with retro style! Visit our fresh, NEW website...www.danedecor.com *Available in 100's of fabric options. New Intro Special Price above applies to Grade B-C fabrics. All Fabric Grades available at NEW INTRO SPECIAL prices.

STORE $100 GIFT

WIDE SALE

ON NOW!

CERTIFICATE Use toward any purchase. Expires 4/27/14

dane decor furniture for the modern mind

Philadelphia 315 Arch St. 19106 ph. 215.922.2104 Downingtown 216 E. Lancaster Ave. 19335 ph. 610.269.2991 Offer valid on regular priced merchandise only. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Excludes prior sales, One per household email. Must have coupon for $100 FREE. Clearance items, Ekornes, BDI, JPR, and all Best/dane Sale Price items. See store for details. GN

Congratulations

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.

PGN WEDDING

Before the Bells

Jen Colletta

Making the big decisions Congrats, you’re engaged! Now what? Making the decision to get married seems to set off a torrent of new decisions that need to be made: What? When? Where? How? (Hopefully you have the “Why?” already figured out.) While the task list can be overwhelming, there are a few big choices you can make upfront (and making them early can eliminate some stress later on). First, the scale. Do you want an intimate ceremony with just you and your beloved? Or a large gathering of family and friends to celebrate with after the “I do’s?” Among the factors that may go into that choice are the level of support among family and friends, timing and budget. According to a 2013 study by Community Marketing & Insights and the Gay Wedding Institute, same-sex couples are increasingly having larger wedding celebrations. Of surveyed couples who were already married, 26 percent had a simple City Hall ceremony, and 8 percent had no ceremony at all. But just 11 percent of newly engaged couples were planning a City Hall marriage, and all were planning to have a ceremony of some sort. For already-married couples who did mark the occasion with a celebration with guests, 19 percent had a reception for 25-99 people and 14 percent invited more than 100 people; newly engaged couples, however, were planning bigger ceremonies, with 28 percent intending to invite 25-99 people and 28 percent inviting more than 100 guests. The timeline you’re looking at may also impact the scale — a longer engagement may lend itself well to planning, and saving, for a bigger affair. The average engagement for heterosexual couples is about 14 months, while there is no hard and fast data yet for same-sex couples. Figuring out the type of wedding you want, and when you want it, will be integral in coming up with your budget. Just as with size, same-sex couples are increasingly spending more on weddings. About half of married couples included in the CMI report spent less than $6,000 on

their weddings, compared with 34 percent of engaged couples; about a quarter of engaged couples instead are planning to spend more than $20,000. Heterosexual couples spend, on average, between $25,000-$30,000 on weddings. The dreaded B-word is easily one of the most stress-inducing aspects of weddingplanning, but, as long as the couple commits ahead of time to what type of wedding they want, and how long they want to take to plan, budgets can be designed to fit couples of all lifestyles (more next month). Another early decision may be where to marry, a particular concern for samesex couples. While Pennsylvania remains the only Northeast state without marriage equality, locals can travel to New Jersey, New York, Delaware, D.C. or Maryland to tie the knot; Pennsylvania couples marrying out of state will be granted federal recognition but not (yet) state recognition. First research each state’s laws, and talk to a legal professional, as each state has varying marriage and divorce laws. Once you’ve selected the state from which you’ll receive your marriage license, then comes the decision of where to hold a reception (if you’re having one). While many couples may want to give their wedding dollars to a state that sanctions their union, proximity of wedding guests or attraction to a particular venue might also be a consideration. For my partner and me, the majority of our guests are in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York area; we’ll have a small, legal ceremony in New Jersey and a quasi-traditional ceremony and reception in Pennsylvania. Tying the knot ultimately comes down to just you, your partner and the “why” of your engagement. Understanding (and being on the same page about) why you both want to take the plunge may be one overarching theme to keep in mind when making decisions about your scale. Making these big decisions early on, and staying committed to them, is a good way to keep yourselves organized and on track as the big day approaches. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

NEWS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Media Trail Prosecutor: Mom killed son she perceived to be gay According to the Oregonian, an Oregon woman on trial for the murder of her 4year-old son believed the boy was gay and that was a motive behind her deadly beatings, a prosecutor said. Jessica Dutro’s son, Zachary, died in August 2012, days after collapsing at the homeless shelter where his family was living southwest of Portland. Washington County Judge Don Letourneau ruled March 26, after jurors were released for the day, that a Facebook message from Dutro to her boyfriend was admissible as evidence. In the message, Dutro told her boyfriend, Brian Canady, that Zachary was “facing the wall” because he had made her angry. Her son was going to be gay, she wrote, using a slur. “He walks and talks like it. Ugh.”

Canady would have to “work on” Zachary, she wrote. The message established Dutro’s motive for inflicting a pattern of abuse, prosecutor Megan Johnson said. Dutro assaulted three of her children, but Zachary received the harshest treatment, authorities said. The judge ruled additional web searches done by Dutro were also admissible. On Aug. 16, 2012, the day her son’s life support was terminated, Dutro searched terms such as anger management and parenting classes, prosecutors said. She also searched listings for free stuff and sex with strangers, they said. Earlier this month, Canady pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault for his role in the homicide. The boy died of blunt-force trauma to his abdomen and a delay in medical treatment, prosecutors said. Dutro, 25, is charged with murder, murder by abuse and second-degree assault.

Ohio couple drops suit over marriage ban The Akron Beacon Journal reports a gay married couple who had trouble getting family coverage under the federal health-care law has dropped their lawsuit seeking to overturn Ohio’s ban on marriage equality.

Al Cowger Jr. and Tony Wesley Jr. married in New York in 2012 and live in suburban Cleveland. They had said Ohio’s ban was preventing them and their 8-year-old daughter from enrolling in a family policy. They sued Ohio and the U.S. government last month after hours-long phone calls and months of trying to get a family plan through the federal insurance marketplace. Cowger’s attorney said March 28 the couple obtained such coverage this week. It comes after President Barack Obama’s administration told insurers that if they offer spousal coverage to heterosexual couples, they can’t deny it to legally married same-sex couples.

Bill to stop trans discrimination approved According to the Washington Post, a measure to prevent discrimination against people who are transgender has cleared the Maryland General Assembly. The House of Delegates passed the measure 82-57 on March 27. That sends a bill already passed by the Senate to Gov. Martin O’Malley. Nina Smith, an O’Malley spokeswoman, says he will sign the measure. The bill aims to stop discrimination on matters relating to housing, employment, credit and use of public accommodations.

Passage came after long debate. Supporters contend some of the state’s largest counties already have similar rules on the books, and they have not reported problems.

Missouri Dem proposes end to gay-marriage ban Missouri’s News Press Now reports a Missouri House Democrat has introduced legislation that would repeal the state’s ban on same-sex marriage Mike Colona, an openly gay House member from St. Louis, filed a proposed constitutional amendment recently that would go before voters in November. Colona was joined by 30 of his Democratic colleagues as co-sponsors. Missouri in 2004 became the first state to enact a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage after the Massachusetts high court permitted gay marriage there. The Missouri measure passed with 70 percent of the vote. With only a few weeks left in the legislative session, Colona’s proposal is unlikely to gain traction. And Missouri Republicans, who control both legislative chambers, remain opposed to overturning the state’s ban. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

��

�� AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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

215-735-1006

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

��

Home Improvement Issue Coming April 18.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PET SHOP BOYS ELECTRIC April 25, 2014 | Ovation Hall

Whoopi Goldberg | April 5, 2014

Buy tickets today at www.ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

89 ROOMS! *

Enjoy luxury on a budget. Every room has an Ocean View. Book now at hoteldiscounts.revelresorts.com.

revelcasino.com

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ, 08401 *Rate valid Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday and based on availability.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PGN

Serving Bucks County for over 20 yrs. License PA#009390

Rooﬁng Repairs Installation & Maintenance Gutters • Siding & Windows Professional Courteous Staﬀ

www.abrooksconstruction.com

PGN REAL ESTATE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

An LGBT real-estate outlook By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com As LGBT acceptance among mainstream communities trends higher and higher, LGBT people are increasingly being represented in all areas of the city — but that doesn’t mean the city’s primary LGBT enclave, the Gayborhood, has lost any relevance. Several years ago, the boom of LGBT residents in the East Passyunk Avenue section of South Philadelphia led to its nickname as the “New Gayborhood.” Now, LGBT people are among those gobbling up real estate in gentrifying neighborhoods like Point Breeze and Kensington, as well as in Fishtown, which Paul Fontaine, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach, noted has already quickly surpassed the “up-and-coming” label to become an active and stable neighborhood. “GLBT tend to be a little more open to ‘developing areas’ as I call them,” Fontaine said. “Either they have vision and like to renovate old, grandma-type homes or they want to get a great value and buy a brandnew or renovated home for a much lower price than the more stable neighborhood next door. It’s all about the flower boxes.” Travis Rodgers, also a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach, said

the river wards’ popularity continues to flourish. “There’s so much new construction in places like Fishtown and Port Richmond. It’s really exciting. People can really get more bang for their buck and a better price per square footage, with parking,” Rodgers said. “And there’s an amazing lack of inventory in those areas right now. There’s a lot of people all competing for the same couple houses. I just did a search for a couple looking there, and it’s amazing how little there is out there. It’s definitely a really big area right now.” Rodgers added that, in addition to East Passyunk, he’s also seen great LGBT interest in neighborhoods like Northern Liberties and Newbold. “We’re so diversified now, we go everywhere,” he said, adding that he hasn’t seen many differences among priorities of his LGBT and heterosexual clients. “People both gay and straight are looking for a house with good resale value, in a good neighborhood, with everything close by. We’re all looking for the same thing: We want to feel comfortable and safe and feel like we have good people around us.” But LGBT people finding those needs met in areas outside of the Gayborhood doesn’t necessarily point to a decrease in the appeal of the Gayborhood, Rodgers added.

R o d g e r s , w h o h a s l ive d i n t h e Gayborhood for nearly two decades, said the Center City section has become increasingly popular with families with children, who have blended well with the LGBT residents. “More families have moved in and the neighborhood’s becoming even more interesting in some ways,” he said. “We all live together and get along really well.” The Gayborhood wasn’t always the vibrant, bustling spot it is today; for instance, Tria used to be home to a laundromat and Valanni a take-out beer store, Rodgers noted. But the commercial real-estate renaissance in the area is largely owed to LGBT people, Rodgers added. “Historically, LGBT people have helped this neighborhood a lot. There were many buildings and stores that were vacant or a little questionable that have now become businesses and restaurants,” he said, adding that restaurateurs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran have been among those leading the Gayborhood real-estate renaissance in recent years. “The neighborhood has totally evolved with new restaurants. And I do think it’s going to continue. Our neighborhood is so centrally located; I think there will always be great resale value.”

Fontaine agreed that the Gayborhood will continue to be a hub for LGBT businesses, residents and visitors, noting that the budding LGBT presence in other neighborhoods supplements, not detracts, from the area. “Personally, I think Philly’s Gayborhood is here to stay and we even see it growing with hopefully the new Boxers sports bar at 13th and Walnut streets,” he said. “I do think that it’s fun to have different options outside of the Gayborhood and we will continue to see that happening, especially in Passyunk Square, which has hosted many GLBT events and parties.” While Fontaine added that some property owners need a dose of LGBT-sensitivity, he’s largely seen the landscape for LGBT buyers and renters in all areas of the city to be welcoming. “I do have many GLBT people who request specifically a gay Realtor, as they are more comfortable with someone who is similar and may understand their needs better,” he said. “I’m happy to say I haven’t experienced much homophobia in any of my dealings with clients’ buying, selling or renting. Sometimes you might get a little double-take or a confused question from an owner when two guys are looking at a one-bedroom, but, overall, Philly is pretty OK with things.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

REAL PGN ESTATE

Navigating real estate without rights Home may be where the heart is, but promising as the strong language of the having a roof over one’s head is one of FHA is, discrimination based on sexual the most basic of human needs. Article 25 orientation or gender identity is NOT protected under the FHA. In July 2012, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes “housing” on its list of the U.S. District Court had the opportuessentials that everyone should nity to step up and set a new have access to, alongside food, precedent in Cruz v. Seton medicine and social services. Hall University, but it chose to uphold the discrimination that Federal law in the United States has plagued our community largely agrees. Title VIII of for years. Until new legislation the Civil Rights act of 1968, is passed at the federal level known as the Fair Housing Act, to amend Title VIII to include states that “it shall be unlawful to refuse to sell or rent ... or LGBT people under the protecotherwise make unavailable or tion of the FHA, federal law will be of no help to LGBT deny, a dwelling to any person people who face housing disbecause of race, color, religion, crimination. sex, familial status or national State and municipal jurisorigin.” Great! That means that Angela dictions have luckily taken up no landlord or Realtor can ever discriminate against a person Giampolo some of the slack left by the federal government’s failure seeking a place to live based to protect LGBT people from housing on who they are and what they look like ... right? But what about LGBT people? discrimination. Seventeen states and the Could a landlord or Realtor discriminate District of Columbia ban housing disagainst a potential tenant or buyer based on crimination based on sexual orientation his or her sexual orientation? What about and gender identity, and an additional four based on gender identity? The answer in states ban discrimination based on sexual more than half of America — including in orientation alone. Pennsylvania does not most of Pennsylvania — is, unfortunately, have a statewide ban on LGBT housing yes. This is a real problem. discrimination, but the Philadelphia Fair A 2013 study of properties offered for Practices Ordinance states that it is illegal rent found that landlords were signifito deny housing to someone “based on cantly less likely to respond positively (or his or her race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, at all) to inquiries from same-sex couples. national origin, ancestry, disability, marital Unfortunately, federal law is no help. As

Out Law

status, age, source of income, familial status, or domestic or sexual violence victim status.” This means that, in Philadelphia at least, landlords and Realtors cannot discriminate against LGBT people. If they do, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations may order them to stop and, in some cases, even to pay punitive damages, and a victim of a violation may sue the violator. So as long as you want to live in Philadelphia or one of the other cities or states that guarantee that right, you can safely find a place to live without fear of discrimination. But then what? If you don’t plan on living on your own, and you’re not legally married or in a civil union (for those who live in places that recognize those ... we’re STILL waiting, PA), you might want to consider a cohabitation agreement. Married couples are usually financially interdependent and hold valuable and complicated assets as a couple. That’s why it’s often a good idea for couples to enter into a prenuptial agreement, or prenup, before they tie the knot. But unmarried people who live together — whether they’re partners, dating or just roommates — are often just as financially interdependent and may even own property together. That’s why it might not be a bad idea to consider a cohabitation agreement, which is basically a prenup for unmarried folks. Like a prenup, a cohabitation agreement can settle a lot of issues before they arise,

such as who gets what. This might actually be relatively straightforward for things like cars and real estate because those are both “titled assets,” which means there is a legally binding record of who owns what already. But it might otherwise get really complicated for things like furniture, appliances, DVD collections and household items, which are called “untitled personal property” because no such legally binding record exists. Not everyone owns a car or a home, but pretty much everyone owns furniture, toasters and teapots. A cohabitation agreement can decide in advance who gets what by making a record of which things belong to whom before your move-in date, and what your intentions are for the things that you buy together. Housing is a very serious issue because it is a necessary human right that affects everyone. Equal access to housing is an important civil right that has been legally recognized for many groups for more than 40 years, but until that right is guaranteed to everyone, including the LGBT community, there is progress left to be made. ■ Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law Group, maintains offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and specializes in LGBT law, business law, real-estate law and civil rights. Her website is www.giampololaw.com and she maintains two blogs, www.phillygaylawyer.com and www.lifeinhouse.com. Send Angela your legal questions at angela@giampololaw.com.

Four things to consider when buying a condominium By Mark Wade PGN Contributor Buying your first home is not unlike tying your shoe for the first time: a source of great frustration, joy and accomplishment and pretty much a simple rite of passage. When your first home happens to be in a shared living environment, a.k.a. a condominium, there certainly are additional factors that most buyers should take into account to help come to a rational, well-thought-out purchase decision. 1. Condo fees: What amenities are you willing to pay for? Condo fees are common to all condominium buildings and can pay for a variety of items like swimming pool, staff, elevators, roof repairs, windows, insurance, management and snow removal. The questions many buyers will ask themselves is: What is the level of service they require and what is the level of monthly fees that they are willing to pay? I know of no doormen who work for free, nor am I familiar with elevators that run on magic pixie dust. You have to pay for common services and the plethora of services vary from building to building. One easy way to think of condo fees is

to consider the size of the building. The bigger the building, the higher the condo fees because now we are talking about a variety of amenities that may even extend to parking, a chauffeur, a gym and trash removal. Smaller brownstone/low-rise loft buildings may not offer much in the way of services or amenities, and the condo fees reflect such. 2. Rules and regulations: Are you a good fit for this building? Most states will allow for a condo-document review period so that potential buyers may further investigate the rule and regulations, the by-laws, the description and layout of the common areas, as well as the unit configurations. This review period is the time where a potential buyer may also learn about the insurance requirements of the condo association, the composite of the board and rental policies as well as the pet policies of the association. 3. Budget: Is the association well-heeled or flat broke? During the condo-doc review period, many buyers will want to take a closer look at the financial information and operation of that particular condo association.

The budget will reflect current expenditures (planned vs. actual), as well as will reveal the financial stability of the condo association. The overall strength and stability of the condo association is often a reflection of how much money it has managed to save over the years. Condo buildings are like hair-dos and automobiles: They need to be maintained and kept up in order to retain the values of the individual units. Roofs do leak after a number of years and a condo association that has put money away for a rainy day is something most buyers look for in the review of the budget. 4. Valuation: What are some of the factors that drive value? Though many condos may be similar in size within the same building, their pricing may be as different as night and day. There are upgrades that a buyer may want to take into consideration when making an offer on a condominium, and sometimes comparable sales — even within the building — might not tell the whole story. Floor height can greatly affect value, as can the view and layout of a particular condominium. Bed and bath count can affect the sale price as well, but the true driving force of value is usually found

in not only the overall size of the condominium, but more importantly the interior condition and the “je ne sais quoi” or overall feeling and impression that the condominium exudes. Many buyers don’t just want to buy the steak — they want the sizzle that accompanies their purchase, and that somewhat-undefinable characteristic does drive value. Living in a shared environment in an urban area is nothing new and is often a preferred way of life for many, who favor the overall lack of responsibility in maintaining aspects like the yard and the roof, as well as the sense of community and security. The factors to consider when buying a condominium should reflect not only your tastes, but your priorities as well. Not all condominiums are created equally, and the monthly fees differ from building to building. Buying into the association that suits your needs may take a little more homework but, for many, the idea of shared living is the preferred route to take through life. ■ Mark Wade is a licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Society Hill and owns and operates www.CenterCityCondos.com.

NEWS PGN OP-ED from page 11

— and while I personally prefer to cast the biggest tent over our communities, even I am not sure that we can work through all of our issues and end up unified. It’s not even close to easy. Things like “Female or Shemale” don’t help. I don’t think that all of drag is transphobic any more than I think that the trans community is “drag-phobic” — but I do feel that “RuPaul’s Drag Race” may be harming transwomen. I also feel that the show and its producers are tone-deaf to their critics. I worry that the view that transgender activists are hostile and oversensitive — whether true or not — causes people to not listen. I also think that ability to “turn off” the rising voices of transgender people is itself a transphobic reaction. It’s easy to ignore those whom you view as unworthy of being listened to, those whose opinions you consider worthless in the first place. Of course, the more one ignores, the louder people get — which perpetuates these views on transgender activists. I worry too that the actions of RuPaul Charles — who I think we can indeed argue is tranphobic and insensitive — not only harm transgender people directly, but also continue to drive a wedge through our community. I simply cannot assume that the whole of the drag community is nearly as toxic as RuPaul is turning out to be. The executive producers of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” released a statement in response to the controversy around “Female or Shemale.” “We delight in celebrating every color in the LGBT rainbow,” read the statement, attributed to RuPaul Charles, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Steven Corfe and Mandy Salangsang. “When it comes to the movement of our trans sisters and trans brothers, we are newly sensitized and more committed than ever to help spread love, acceptance and understanding.” You’ll note that there was no apology for “Female or Shemale” in the above statement. Not even a “we’re sorry if you were offended” non-apology apology. I’m sure they want this to all go away, to be positive and to rise above. Yet without directly addressing the issue, without at least an attempt to understand what was done wrong, no one can move forward. Rather than serving as a cure, this is only papering over the cracks. They need to do better — for us and for them. ■ Gwen Smith is kind of a drag. You can find her at www.gwensmith.com.

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PGN

Wedding Services Directory

Inﬁnity Jewelers Buy here & get 100% Inﬁnity lifetime trade-in value toward your next diamond Our specialty is custom design: Wedding bands Engagement rings Anniversary bands

215-708-1700 3526 & 3528 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia PA 19149

WOODCREST COUNTRY CLUB

The Premier Venue f or all Event Needs. Set amidst 178 acres, our beautifully manicured course and elegant clubhouse will leave your guests speechless... 300 East Evesham Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

856-429-4300

events@woodcrestcountryclub.com /WoodcrestCountryClub /WoodcrestCC

NEWS PGN LAWMAKERS from page 1

we’ve always felt that the next step was to begin to work with them more proactively to make sure that, after they answer our questionnaires, they follow through and enact legislation,” he said. “Last year, with the Issues Agenda, we talked about the values and issues we should be supporting and then this year, we wanted to focus on evaluating legislators so we knew where everyone stood and who we need to work with more to move these issues forward.” There were 64 representatives rated overall. Of the 38 suburban lawmakers, nine, all Republicans, scored a 0. There were 16 senators included, and six of the nine suburban senators scored a 0, also all Republicans. No Philadelphia-based lawmaker in either chamber rated a 0; the lowest-rated Philadelphia senator was Sen. Shirley

“We weren’t surprised to see we had a group of Philadelphians who were 100-percent supportive, but the biggest eyeopener was how much work we have to do out in the suburbs.” Kitchen (D-Third Dist.) with a 40 and the lowest in the House was a tie at 17 among Reps. Bill Keller (D-184th Dist.), Ron Waters (D-191st Dist.), J.P. Miranda (D197th Dist.) and Dwight Evans (D-203rd Dist.). “We weren’t surprised to see we had a group of Philadelphians who were 100-percent supportive, but the biggest eye-opener was how much work we have to do out in the suburbs,” Mahjoubian said. “On the first page of the scorecard there’s lots of check marks for all the Philadelphians, and then you turn the page and there’s much fewer, even among Democrats.” Mahjoubian said this initial scorecard should serve as a platform for enhanced discussion about LGBT issues among lawmakers and ideally will encourage increased cosponsorships and legislative movement. “It was almost like a pop quiz for legislators; we didn’t inform any of them we were doing this, so it gives us a snapshot of what’s going on right now,” Mahjoubian said. “There are nine months left of the session and we want to get as many Democrats as close to 100 as possible.” Liberty City is going to be setting up meetings with lawmakers to press them on bills they haven’t yet cosponsored and will issue another scorecard at the end of the year. “When the new session starts in January with new members, we will let them know ahead of time that these are the issues we care about, and that we’ll be scoring them on these pieces of legislation and that we encourage them all to sign on.” To view the scorecard, visit www.libertycity.org/scorecard. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PGN

PGN NEWS MAZZONI from page 1

Shein said Dross’ gift ranks among the largest from a single contributor. “It is definitely one of the biggest donations in the last few years and the biggest from someone within the state,” she said. Perry and Casuso told PGN that $2.3 million was distributed among 11 organizations, including Mazzoni Center. Dross was raised in Conshohocken and received his bachelor’s degree at University of Pennsylvania. In early 2012, he died of a heart attack at age 71. He was living in California at the time of his death. Casuso and Perry, a couple since 1998, were friends of Dross’ for about 15 years. The couple said Dross’ gift reflects his kind spirit. “Tom was a kind and generous man and of that generation which had seen so many die from HIV/AIDS before their time,” they said. “He truly wanted to give back to his community.” Shein said donations like Dross’ help promote the need for funding for HIV/ AIDS causes, especially for efforts to connect underprivileged communities with care.

DRIFTWOOD from page 5

“We do a fundraiser barbecue in New York every year and it has gone over really well and Philly is our second home,” Lee said. “Outside of New York, Philly is the largest concentration of stories. We had people requesting that we do it in Philly.” The event will feature live music by performers who will appear at the OutBeat festival in September, the nation’s first LGBTQ jazz festival that will be staged at William Way LGBT Community Center. Lee said the IFD staff hopes to collect several stories from jazz performers and release those videos prior to the festival. Lee said the Anderson Apartments complex is the perfect fit for the fundraiser.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

“HIV/AIDS is not over and we are seeing very much a shift in government funding for HIV,” she said. “Even though the Affordable Care Act will have many more Americans insured, Pennsylvania still does not have Medicaid expansion. Many HIV-positive uninsured individuals are young people who make some money but not enough and can’t buy health insurance. So I think keeping HIV awareness up, and not just for prevention but for payment for care, is important.” Perry and Casuso said they are eager for Dross’ donations to help both current and future generations. “We hope that these donations will not only help people currently living with HIV/AIDS but also raise awareness and remind people that the fight against this disease is far from over,” they said. Other beneficiaries include the AIDS Emergency Fund, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, The Richmond-Ermet AIDS Foundation, Openhouse, FamilyLink, the AIDS Interfaith Chapel at Grace Cathedral, Clinica Esperanza, LGBT Senior Study, Food for Thought and the Desert AIDS Project. For more information on Mazzoni Center, visit www.mazzoni.org. ■

“Fundraisers tend to skew to a younger crowd,” he said. “We liked the idea of intersecting different generations. We are hoping that residents of the apartments will come down and enjoy the festivities. We are about sharing our own stories and we like the idea of setting up the situations where you can communicate and share. At these events, we wear name tags that say, ‘Hello I’m From ... ’ and you would be amazed by the conversations had from them.” For more information on I’m From Driftwood, visit http://imfromdriftwood. com. For more information or tickets for the brunch fundraiser, visit www.imfromdriftwood.com/brunch. ■

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

• Cosmetic dentistry • Veneers • Crowns • Whitening • Implants

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

Upcoming Special Issues

April 18: Home Improvement April 25: Summer Concerts May 2: Northern Liberties Issue May 16: Visit Bucks County May 23: Summer Reading

June 6: Pride Only in

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PGN

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 • 11AM – 8PM Sign up for an Xclub card April 1 – 27 for your chance to win!

COMING UP AT FRIDAY, APRIL 4 9PM 10PM

Amish Outlaws DJ Sev One

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 3PM 9PM 10PM

Sensational Soul Cruisers Goodman Fiske DJ Eric Vanderslice

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 3PM

Showcase Sunday

Visit parxcasino.com/calendar for full schedule.

FIRST PITCH FREE SLOT PLAY GIVEAWAY SUNDAY, APRIL 6 NOON – 8PM

PARX LUCKY HOUR EVERY FRIDAY 7PM – 9PM

One winner every 15 minutes plays Parx Baseball Toss to win free slot play or sports tickets!

CRACK THE EGG THURSDAYS EVERY THURSDAY IN APRIL 2PM – 10PM Earn 40 entries and win up to $5,000 free slot play!

Get Lucky Slots! $50 free slot play winner every 60 seconds! Get Lucky Drink Specials! Available at 360, Jax Bar & Parxgrill Bar.

Did you get lucky at Parx? Share your story for the chance to win great daily prizes! Visit

IGOTLUCKY.COM to enter!

PARXCASINO.COM • MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR CANCEL THESE PROMOTIONS AT ANY TIME. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. VISIT XCLUB FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS, RULES & REGULATIONS. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1.800.GAMBLER

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

M A R 19 - A PR 12� �� AC A DE MY OF MUSIC TICK ETS NOW ON SA LE Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization.

kimmelcenter.org/broadway 215.731.3333

BY A R R A NGE M EN T W IT H T HE R E A L LY USEF U L GROU P

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

��

AC ul t ure rts

PGN FEATURE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PAGE 30

Best-sellers Family Portrait Get Out and Play Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

32 35 29 36 38 31 39

Veteran rock and pop performers deliver new releases for spring By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Boy George “This Is What I Do” Very Me Records If you are hoping for the new-wave leanings of Culture Club or the danceable electronic pop of his early solo albums, you will not find that Boy George on this album ... and that is kind of a good

thing. On his new album, Boy George forgoes the smooth pop-vocal styling of his pop heyday and gets more into a raspy low-key register that is as compelling and soulful as anything he has ever done — and has him, at times, sounding more like Oasis or latter-day George Michael than the painted glittering pop provocateur we know and love.

But this more-mature, less-tumultuous and more-at-ease Boy George will grow on you. The album’s opening track, “King of Everything,” and other tracks like “My God” are tastefully done and lushly orchestrated Beatles-esque rock tracks that set the tone for the rest of the album. There is no pop bombast here — just laidback, textured, simmering tracks that lay the foundation for George’s unhurried vocals. Tracks like “Bigger Than War” and “It’s Easy” are pleasantly breezy and lighthearted, while selections like “Death

of Samantha” and “Make You Feel My Love” are somber and folksy. Many of the remaining tracks harken back to the reggae influences that were always bubbling underneath Culture Club’s sound. But here they are stripped down and less pop-oriented, especially on “Love and Danger,” “Nice and Slow” and “Live Your Life.” Boy George definitely makes a great case for pop artists aging gracefully and remaining compelling and interesting with his new album. But then, that is what he does. PAGE 28

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Triangle Medical General Practice Progressive HIV Care MARK T. WATKINS, DO REBECCA CALDER PA-C

(215) 829-0170

253 S. 10th St., 1st Floor Philadelphia

JEFFREY E. GOLDMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW SPECIALIZING IN PARTNERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT LAW Proven track record of recovering millions of dollars for wrongfully treated employees!* Experience litigating: • Partnership & business disputes • Non-competes • Executive compensation • Employment discrimination • Real Estate Litigation Jeffrey E. Goldman, Esq. 100 S. Broad St. Suite 1330 Philadelphia, PA 19110

Also handle: • Wills, Living Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

Jeff.Goldman@verizon.net

*Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Put 18 years of experience to work for you!

NEW RELEASES from page 27

Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Deluxe Edition” Mercury Records

This classicalbum-turning-20-30-or-40-years-old-thing is getting depressing. That just had to be said. Anyway ... “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is an undisputed classic album, so with the 40th-anniversary deluxe edition, the album itself doesn’t need any debate; it’s the extras that make this collection quite interesting. Instead of padding this release with demo versions and unreleased songs from that era, Sir Elton includes a number of songs from the album covered by a wide range of contemporary artists, and then sweetens the deal with live tracks from a 1973 concert at Hammersmith Odeon. Fallout Boy’s version of “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” is just that — alright. They try a bit too hard and it’s a bit busy and over-thought. Ed Sheeran’s acoustic-folk version of “Candle in the Wind” comes across as heartfelt and solid, but still feels somewhat obvious and by-the-numbers. Other artists surprise with their renditions. Emile Sandé does a great job on her ethereal electro-drenched version of “All the Girls Love Alice.” We might like this version better than the original. The Band Perry does a brilliant job on its rollicking country version of “Grey Seal.” Miguel, with the help of Wale, delivers a beefy modern take on “Bennie and the Jets” that beats the odds and actually does the song justice. As for the live tracks, Elton John delivering his early hits like “Rocket Man,” “Crocodile Rock” and “Honky Cat” in full circa-early 1970s-glory is always a treat. This is definitely a road old and new fans alike should ease on down. KXM “KXM” Rat Pack Records

Repairs, Renovations and Remodeling

(215) 467-3335 Pa. HIC #026545 Phila. Lic. #17895

“Our” Family Plumber for over 30 years

This new power-trio rock super group is comprised of respected modern and classic rock musicians: openly gay singer and bassist Doug Pinnick (King’s X), guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and Ray Luzier (Korn, Army of Anyone, David Lee Roth). The result is an excellent blend of all the

sounds their famous bands are known for. Yes, two of the members, Pinnick and Lynch, were members of notable 1980s rock bands known for their big riffs and big hair, while Luzier got his start backing someone who pioneered that genre of music — but this group delivers a bold, eclectic and muscular rock album. Pinnick’s soulful, bluesy voice fits very well with his pounding and fluid bass lines, Luzier’s thunderous and frenetic drumming and Lynch’s inventive hero-worthy guitar-playing. Fans of Luzier’s band Korn will dig tracks like “Burn” and “Gun Fight,” which are snarling sonic beasts that will have fists in the air rocking out. Fans of Pinnick’s band, King’s X, will dig the vocal harmonies, the deeply personal lyrics and soaring instrumentation on tracks like “Never Stop” and “Sleep.” And while Lynch’s guitar-playing shines on this album, thankfully it’s geared more toward a modern-rock sound instead of the indulgent shredding 1980s hair metal he was once famous for. But Lynch still delivers a brilliant performance, lending some eerie and ominous tones to tracks like “Human Friction” and “Stars.” “KXM” is a brilliant debut from a group of seasoned and unique rock veterans and is definitely worth checking out. Kylie Minogue “Kiss Me Once” Warner Bros./ Parlophone The international pop star/diva queen is back in pop mode after going orchestral with 2012’s “The Abbey Road Sessions.” She hasn’t missed a beat (no pun intended), as “Kiss Me Once” is full of the kind of supercharged infectious dance pop that she is famous for. And, much like the singer, the formula she follows doesn’t seem to get old. The dance-pop bangers on “Kiss Me Once,” like “Million Miles” and “Les Sex,” can go toe-to-toe with the likes of anything getting cranked out by Katy Perry or Rihanna. We’d include Lady Gaga on that list but, really, who has the energy to compete with that circus spectacle? Minogue also keeps her Europop boots on and, in the process, gives the likes of Daft Punk a run for their throwback disco money on immensely fun tracks like “I Was Gonna Cancel,” “Fine” and the funky “Sexy Love.” Minogue even veers into some more aggressive and darker sounds with grittier tracks like the grinding “Sexercise” and hauntingly dense “If Only.” “Kiss Me Once” is more than capable of keeping Minogue’s fans happy and dancing. ■

SPORTS PGN

Get Out and Play

Scott A. Drake

Go all out for Gay Games 9 Let’s start right off with the incentive. Use code GOALLOUT when you register at 2014GayGames.com by May 31 and save $30 off your registration. All registration ends July 15. The games start in almost exactly four months. I’ve been telling you to get prepped for over a year now, so maybe no one needs this information, but I bet otherwise. It’s time to make preparations for accommodations and travel — don’t wait until after Pride and then hope you can get a room near the stadium or fields or pool at the last minute. Here are a couple links for getting direct info for some things without surfing the entire website: Event schedules: gg9cle.com/plan-myvisit/event-schedule Lodging: gg9cle.com/plan-my-visit/lodging. Planning for a group of 10 or more? Grab a block of rooms with no financial obligation! Contact Casey Gwin at housi ng@positivelycleveland.com or call 800321-1001 ext. 6621. There are also some gg9 special events that have limited space. The Cleveland Skyline Cruise (goodtimeiii.com/site) takes guests on a sunset cruise along Lake Erie with the Cleveland skyline as a backdrop. The trip is $25 with a cash bar, multiple decks and top DJs. The dock is near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which rightly should have been in Philadelphia, but now’s your chance to see it. A couple events engage some culture. “My Mother’s Lesbian, Jewish, Wiccan Wedding” is being performed by Actors Summit Theatre at Greystone Hall, 103 High St. in Akron, every weeknight during the games. The Friday night before the opening ceremonies is a spectacular “Night Before 9; Out in Art” gala at the Cleveland Museum of Art. For $25, you get in for this private museum-wide party with food and drinks. More than 20,000 participants and visitors are expected from more than 40 countries to join in the competitions, parties and events. The next time it will even be possible to have the games in North America is 2022, so go and take pride in welcoming athletes and allies this August. It’s going to be THE sports-event week of the year, so get out and play! Got Soul? Another Philadelphia sports team is going for the rainbow with LGBT night, “Out with the Soul.” Indoor-football team Philadelphia Soul is hosting a colorful evening of gayness May 10, including

rally towels distributed in a stadium rainbow manner and having the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus perform the national anthem. Your $20 ticket gets you all this plus the game and pre-game flag-football exhibition games featuring our own Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League in 15-minute matches. After the Soul finishes off the visiting team, hit the parking lot for a GPFFL and Gay Bowl tailgate party! Order tickets online at philadelphiasoul. com for this first-time event. Portions of the proceeds will go to the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Out to the ballgame Gay Community Night has been announced. Get your tickets for this annual event early to ensure the best seats and price. Game night is Aug. 5 this year, meaning you have gay night at the Phillies on Tuesday and then take off for Cleveland on Thursday or Friday. This year the Phillies are playing the Astros, so we have a decent chance of improving the Gay Community Night record of 1-10. Tickets for sections 201206 are $26 and sections 301-305 are $17. Promotion code GCN gets you these seats at this price only until July 5 or until the seats are sold out. If you’re going with friends, buy them together and pick your own seats. It’s also Country-Western theme night at the ballpark so grab your boots and let’s see some hot cowboys and cowgirls! Short stops • Inclement weather and an overpopulated field house mean the QPenn annual PATH Pride Games are still on for April 6. Same plot, less mud. • Liberty Belle Invitational Tournament’s next gay roller-skating party is April 21 at Cherry Hill Skating Center, 664 Deer Road, Cherry Hill. For directions, go to www.cherryhillskatingcenter.com • Philly Roller Girls host a double-header night of fierceness 5 p.m. April 12 at Class of 1923 Ice Rink, just off South Street Bridge in University City. • Falcons soccer moves back outside to Edgely Fields mid-April for pick-up play, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays until dark. ■ Countdown to Gay Games 9: 126 days, Got a spring fling? Share it with everyone. Email scott@epgn.com.

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

MUSIC PGN

The Sounds return for U.S. tour recently won six awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association. PGN is the most award-winning LGBT newspaper in the country.

Angela Thomas Thomas Angela

Honorable Mention, Mention, General General News: News: LGBT LGBT equality equality bill bill Honorable

Angela Thomas Thomas Angela

Second Place, Place, Ongoing Ongoing News News Coverage: Coverage: Russian Russian sister sister city city Second

Jen Colletta Colletta Jen

Second Place, Place, Editorial Editorial Second

Victoria Brownworth Brownworth Victoria

Second Place, Place, Series: Series: Trans Trans sex sex workers workers Second

Scott Drake Drake Scott

Second Place, Place, News News Photo: Photo: Exposed Exposed to to the the elements elements Second

Scott Drake Drake Scott

Honorable Mention, Mention, Sports Sports Photo: Photo: Spartans Spartans tournament tournament Honorable

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The Sounds are back in the United States on a headlining tour in support of their latest album, “Weekend,” after a short and successful North American tour in the fall. The indie Swedish dance-rock group will perform April 8 at Union Transfer. The group’s bisexual lead singer, Maja Ivarsson, said the U.S. tour has some perks that touring in Europe or South America didn’t have. “The tour buses over here are better,” she said. “They are more comfy. But basically the people are great and that’s a beautiful thing. Our fans are great wherever we go in the world, and that is a great thing to realize that we’re pretty much the same, all of us.” Previous tours have seen the band opening for huge rock bands like Foo Fighters, No Doubt and Panic! at the Disco. Ivarsson said that while those gigs are great for the massive audiences they attract, the group is enjoying doing its own headlining tours. “If I could, I would like to be the biggest on earth all the time and play massive gigs every day,” she said. “But of course it’s really nice to do shows in smaller venues as well. We’re doing a lot of headlining tours and it’s just fun to do the smaller venues. But I would love to perform in the biggest amphitheaters.” After 15 years as a band and five albums under its belt, Ivarsson said the group has to balance the new material with older songs when it performs live. “There is definitely a bunch of songs we have to play from the older albums that we have to play every show because for us it’s always fun to play them, as well as for the crowd,” she said. “I think it’s important to remember what it’s like to be a fan of the band and not only play the latest cuts. Obviously, you like the band because of the stuff you heard in the past. The show we’re doing is not for me personally. We’re doing it for the people in the crowd and

they want to hear their favorite songs from over the years. We mix it up and play new songs and some of the older songs. The new songs are always more fun to play because you have to concentrate a little bit and it’s not so much of a routine.” When asked if her sexuality affects how the press views her and her group, Ivarsson said it’s something she considers but isn’t too concerned about. “It’s not something I’ve been very eager to talk about,” she said. “I think it’s important to be open about it and say what you feel. But then again, that is not my profession. I’m a singer in a rock band. That’s what I do and who I fuck is not your business. But at the same time, I understand that there’s a good reason to show other girls that it is possible to be like this and it’s not something that you should be ashamed about and something you can be proud of and open about. But that’s not the only thing that makes me who I am.” It’s rare these days for a band around for 15 years to still have the same lineup as when it started, but The Sounds is one of those groups. Ivarsson said the secret to that stability is respect and sharing mutual goals, which have been crucial to the band’s continued success. “The key is all of us have very different personalities and we have a lot more respect for each other now than when we first started,” she said. “We know each other so well and we know when to back off or when to step in and help out. It’s hard work and you have to be able to put up with a lot of stuff. I don’t know; maybe we were just really lucky to find each other that early on. All of us have been very involved in the songwriting. That makes us what we are with everyone helping out. We’re just very good friends with the same goals and vision.” ■ Catch The Sounds when they perform 8 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. For more information or tickets, call 215232-2100 or visit www.the-sounds.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

BOOKS PGN & DVDS

Best-sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960; www.queerbooks.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales. Women’s and Trans Books 1. “Nevada” by Imogen Binnie (Topside, $17.95 pb). The darkly comedic story of Maria Griffiths, a young transwoman living in New York City and trying to stay true to her punk values while working retail. 2. “Are You My Mother?” by Alison Bechdel (Mariner, $15.95 pb). From the best-selling author of “Fun Home,” Time magazine’s Book of the Year, a poignant and hilarious graphic memoir of Bechdel becoming the artist her gifted mother always wanted to be. 3. “The Summer We Got Free” by Mia McKenzie (Black Girl Dangerous Press, $14 pb). At one time a wild young girl and a brilliant artist, Ava Delaney changes dramatically after a violent event that rocks her entire family. Once loved and respected in their community and in their church, the Delaneys are ostracized by their neighbors, led by their church leader,

and a 17-year feud ensues. 4. “Pregnant Butch: Nine Long Months Spent in Drag” by A.K. Summers (Soft Skull, $17.95 pb). The author explores, in graphic-novel memoir format, her adventures of being a butch/dyke and becoming pregnant, while dealing with the stereotypes and judgment of those around her. 5. “Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love, & So Much More” by Janet Mock (Atria, $24.95 hb, less 10 percent in the store; $12.99 eBook). Mock offers a bold and inspiring perspective on being young, multicultural, economically challenged and transgender in America. 6. “Living Out Islam: Voices of Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Muslims” by Scott Siraj Al Haqq Kugle (NYU, $25 pb, $16.19 eBook). Documents the rarely heard voices of Muslims who live in secular democratic countries and who are gay, lesbian and transgender. 7. “Blue Is the Warmest Color” by Julie Maroh (Arsenal Pulp, $19.95 pb; $19.95 DVD). The original graphic novel that was adapted into the film of the same name, winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. 8. “My New Gender Workbook: A Stepby-Step Guide to Achieving World Peace Through Gender Anarchy and Sex Positivity” by Kate Bornstein (Routledge, $39.95 pb, $31.99 eBook). Using a unique,

deceptively simple and always entertaining workbook format, complete with quizzes, exercises and puzzles, Bornstein gently but firmly guides readers toward discovering their own unique gender identity. 9. “Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue” by Leslie Feinberg (Beacon, $16 pb). A collection of speeches on trans liberation and its essential connection to the liberation of all people. Women’s and Trans DVD 1. “Mr. Angel,” directed by Dan Hunt (2013, $24.99). The incredible true story of transgender porn star Buck Angel, his arduous struggle with addiction and homelessness and his emergence as a respected advocate in the LGBT community. 2. “Blue Is the Warmest Color,” directed by Abdellatif Kechiche (2003, 179 min., $19.95). This passionate lesbian romance (and the film’s legendary explicit six-minute sex scene) is an epic and absolute mustsee movie. 3. “Cloudburst,” directed by Thom Fitzgerald (2011, 93 min., $24.95). A crackerjack lesbian couple on the run from a nursing home. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll cry. 4. “Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement,” directed by Greta Olafsdottie and Susan Muska (61 min., $24.95). Documentary of the couple whose case overturned DOMA. 5. “Itty Bitty Titty Committee,” directed by Jamie Babbit (2007, 87 min., $14.95). A smart script, rockin’ soundtrack and terrific ensemble cast that includes sexy young Melonie Diaz as the new dyke on the block who falls in with a great gang of feminist troublemakers called Clits in Action. Men’s Books 1. “The Days of Anna Madrigal” by Armistead Maupin (Harper, $26.99 hb, less 10 percent in the store, and $14.99 eBook). The ninth and final novel in Maupin’s classic “Tales of the City” series, “The Days of Anna Madrigal” is the triumphant resolution to a saga of urban family life that has enchanted and enlightened readers around the world since 1976. 2. “Blowing Off Class: Gay College Erotica,” edited by Winston Gieseke (Gmuender, $17.99 pb, $12.99 eBook). Steamy tales of students hitting the sheets as often as they hit the books. 3. “A Warning in Blood” by Joseph R.G.

DeMarco (Lethe, $18 pb, $6.99 eBook). Step into the shadows with the first of a series that blends deduction with suspense ... and blood. 4. “In Bed with Gore Vidal” by Tim Teeman (Magnus, $19.99 pb, $9.99 eBook). Vidal claimed there was no such thing as “gay,” only gay sexual acts. But what was the truth about his sex life and sexuality — and how did it affect and influence his writing and public life? 5. “Murder on Camac” by Joseph R.G. DeMarco (Lethe, $20 pb, $3.99 eBook). Gunned down in the street, author Helmut Brandt’s life ebbs away and puts P.I. Marco Fontana on a collision course with the church and local community. 6. “The Music Teacher” by Bob Sennett (Lethe, $20 pb). A young Irishman enlists in the British Army, only to be swept into the First World War, with its emotional and physical chaos. 7. “Popcorn” by Mioki (Gmuender, $19.99 hb). Do you call a book that tells its story through cartoons a graphic novel? We didn’t used to. This local author is very talented in depicting his handsome heroes. 8. “The Heavens Rise” by Christopher Rice (Gallery, $26 hb, $12.99 eBook). Conjures the shadowed terrors of the Louisiana Bayou — where three friends confront a deadly, ancient evil rising to the surface — in this intense and atmospheric new supernatural thriller. 9. “The City of Palaces” by Michael Nava (U. of Wisconsin, $26.98 hb). One of our favorite novelists tells a story set before and during the Mexican Revolution and includes a secondary “sodomite.” Men’s DVDs 1. “Leather,” directed by Patrick McGuinn (2013, 101 min., $24.99). Birch captivates Andrew and Kyle, bringing back old feelings and complicating their relationship. 2. “Geography Club,” directed by Gary Entin (2013, 80 min., $24.99). Sixteen-year-old Russell is going on dates with girls while nurturing a secret relationship with star quarterback Kevin, who will do anything to prevent his teammates from finding out. 3. “Capital Games,” directed by Ilo Orleans (2013, 97 min., $24.99). Will love or hate prevail in this relationship? 4. “The Passenger,” directed by Tor Iben (2013, 70 min., $24.95). Sexual and moral boundaries are put to the test when a handsome stranger begins to infiltrate the lives of two artists. German with subtitles. 5. “Pit Stop,” directed by Yen Tan (2013, 80 min., $24.95). Openly gay Ernesto and closeted Gabe grapple with the sad tribulations of being gay in a small, workingclass Texas town. ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Food and Drink Directory

��

Reservastions for Easter Brunch? Try Food and Drink Directories in PGN.

FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PGN

Planned Parenthood Keystone® Presents:

Featuring an afternoon with

3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014 - Rrazz Room, New Hope, PA SOLAP benefits Planned Parenthood Keystone’s programs for LGBTQA youth. Tickets available at planitpa.org or by calling 610.709.6061.

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Suzi Nash

Tammy Peay: Finding the funny, on stage and on screen “Laughter is an instant vacation.” — Milton Berle If Uncle Milty is right, get ready to go on holiday. I met Tammy Peay (pronounced “P.A.”) at the second-season premier of “Finding Me,” the hit online TV series based on the popular film. The talented comedian pretty much stole the show whenever she appeared on screen (more about the show later when I interview the show’s creator and director, Roger S. Omeus, Jr.). An openly lesbian black standup comedian — long before Ms. Sykes — the hilarious Ms. Peay took a moment to sit down with PGN and talk about her life and career. PGN: Where are you from? TP: I’m a native New Yorker but I moved to Pennsylvania about 12 years ago. I live in the Lehigh Valley area. PGN: What part of New York did you grow up in? TP: I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens and Long Island. PGN: [Laughs.] OK, when you said “Lawng GuyIsland” I heard the accent! I understand you’re from a big family. PGN: I’m the youngest of seven. My dad was self-employed — he owned a metal-recycling business, a restaurant and a bar, and my mother was a nurse practitioner. PGN: Sounds like he might be where you got your entrepreneurial spirit? TP: A lot. I don’t find peace on the job, I hate working for people. I have to run my own thing. PGN: Life with seven kids? TP: It was good. It taught me a lot about life, things like sharing and friendships. It was an enriching environment. I had three sisters and three brothers. I gravitated more to my brothers but everyone was a lot of fun, a lot of jokes, a lot of laughs. It was a good childhood. PGN: Who was your partner in crime and what was the worst trouble you got into? TP: My brother, Kenny. When got his driver’s license and his first car, we cut school to go to Jones Beach. We stayed at the beach all day long. I’d just gone to the beauty parlor and had had my hair done, but after being at the beach all day I came home and my hair was a giant afro. My mom was like, “What’s wrong with your hair?” After seeing sand fall out, my mother figured out what was up. After that we weren’t allowed to drive to school in the morning anymore, we had to take the bus. PGN: What were you like as a child? Bookish? Athletic? Theatrical? TP: A little bit of everything. I danced and did gymnastics as a kid. I was always in accelerated classes but got in trouble because I liked to make people laugh.

PGN: What was a particular time you remember when you got in trouble? TP: I had one teacher who used to pull my chair up right next to her desk. I was like “Why does she always want me to sit next to her?” She said, “That’s so I can hear the joke too! “ I always liked to have a good time, as long as it was fun and not hurting or making fun of anyone. PGN: I guess being the baby of the bunch helped. TP: Yeah, I grew up with a lot of attention from all my siblings. I think that set me up to be a little spoiled for attention. PGN: What were some of your other extracurricular activities? TP: I did cheerleading for a minute until I realized I hated it, I played the clarinet and was a flag girl in the marching band but I didn’t like the inclement weather thing, so I decided to move indoors and do drama and I was in a few plays in school. I always found my happiness on stage. I started out doing public speaking when I was really young. The family attended an international church and we traveled a lot. The first time I spoke was for the church was when I was 7 years old and it was in front of an audience of about 3,000 people. I got a standing ovation and I enjoyed the attention and the high that I got from it. Even at that age I wasn’t scared — I don’t know why but I wasn’t. To this day, I’m more comfortable speaking to thousands of people on a stage then having to speak to someone one-on-one. PGN: How old were you when you came out? TP: Wow, I don’t remember ever being in. All my friends were gay so I think everyone had a pretty good idea but, when I was about 15, someone told my mother that she saw me hugging on some girl and that’s how she officially knew. I’d already told my father when I was about 14. My aunt always had these turbulent relationships with men and I told my Dad, “I’m never going to go through that. I’m going to live with a woman, and we’re going to pay our bills on time and we’ll have a nice car and a nice house.” He looked at me and said, “Whatever floats your boat.” And that was it, he never said anything negative about it. PGN: Who was your first crush? TP: Oh my God, her name was Dumasani Griff but she went by Liz. She just passed away about three weeks ago. PGN: How did you meet your current partner, Cynthia? TP: We met in 2012 on a cruise ship. I was performing and she was vacationing. We had a good time. PGN: I guess so! She obviously liked your show. How did you get into standup?

TP: It happened by accident. A friend of mine was singing at a place called, Don’t Tell Mama. She was running late and said to me “I need you to go out there and talk to the people while I get ready.” I said to her, “Talk to them about what?” She said, “I don’t know! Just go talk!” So I went out on stage and just started talking, the crowd went wild and I got a huge ovation. There were some industry people in the audience and the next time I was onstage it was at Carolines in New York and then I went on the road with a comedy group. I didn’t plan it, it just happened. People always told me I was funny but I never really accepted it. I certainly never thought of it as a profession. But once I had that experience making people laugh, I realized that that was what I wanted to do.

est moment was one night as I was walking past a cell, I don’t know what made me look inside — maybe because it was my job — but I glanced inside and I saw my friend’s husband having sex with another man. Awkward! I never said anything to her because she was so head over heels in love with him, I don’t think she would’ve believed me. I could hardly believe it because he was extremely homophobic — he hated gay people, me and anyone else we knew that was gay. So it was mindblowing for me to catch him like that ... and he was pretty good at what he was doing!

PGN: As a comedian you must run into some crazy situations too. TP: Oh yes, One time, I got booked to play out of town. They sent me my confirmations for the flight, hotel, etc. But when I PGN: What were you doing prior to that got to the hotel there was no reservation moment? for me, so I called the promoter to see TP: I was working for the state of New what was going on. She said, “Oh, well York as a corrections officer. I hated every just come to my house and I’ll take care of minute of it but I didn’t know quite what I it.” I said, “I’m not going to anybody’s house, that’s not acceptable.” She kept on insisting that I could stay at her house. I just said “Why don’t you come here and we’ll get something to eat and straighten this out?” When I got to the bottom of it, it turned out there was no event, there was no show, there was no hotel. She’d concocted all of it just to get me to her house! I knew something was up because when we were driving she stopped at the house of every person she knew. One of her friend’s girlfriends said to me, “Yeah, she said she met you online and that you were coming to spend the weekend.” It was crazy. We had a contract signed and I thought I had a show booked. Little did I know, the show was me. I should have known something was up when she showed up at the hotel all dressed up like she was going on a date. Photo: Suzi Nash After that, I was reluctant to wanted to do next, I just knew I wanted travel alone again. to find something that would bring me joy and would make me feel good about PGN: You were a mail-order bride! going to work. [Laughs.] I guess it was flattering in a psycho-stalkerish way? PGN: What was the most dangerous and TP: Yeah, I don’t know how she thought the craziest situation you faced? she was going to pull it off, how she was TP: The most dangerous was in 1990. I going to explain why there was no show. was there when they had a full-out riot in I guess she thought once she wooed me, I the prison. There were hundreds of people would forget all about why I was supposed fighting and bashing each other in the to be there! head, it scared me half to death. My craziPAGE 35

PGN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

OUT & ABOUT

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN?: Quince Productions hosts a special LGBT and Friends preview and reception for its latest production, “Three Days of Rain,” 7 p.m. April 9. The Richard Greenberg-penned tale of parents and children, art and love, expectations and reality runs through April 26 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-267-1088 or visit www.quinceproductions.com.

The week ahead Fri. 04/04 Back to the ’80s show with Jessie’s Girl The ’80s tribute band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Eating Out Should Be Fun!

Scott Stapp The Creed frontman performs 8:30 p.m. at TLA, 334 South St.; 215922-1011.

��

Breastmilk: The Movie The documentary film is screened 10 a.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

��

Oliver The musical film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Child’s Play The horror/slasher film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Marc Silver Band The out singersongwriter performs with his band 8:30 p.m. March 28 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; 215928-0978.

Sat. 04/05

Combichrist and William Control The electro/goth groups perform 8 p.m. at TLA, 334 South St.; 215922-2599.

Jerry Seinfeld The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Whoopi Goldberg The actor and comedian performs 8 p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk; 855348-0500. Burlesque-APades The Potani Sisters perform a burlesque show 8:30 p.m. upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-2221400. Amy Ray The out singer-songwriter and Indigo Girl performs 9 p.m. downstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-2221400. Dieselboy and Downlink The dance-music artists perform 9 p.m. at Starlight Ballroom, 460 N.

Photo: John Donges

Ninth St.; 215-7691530. Her HRC 2014 A nationwide event celebrating women in cities across the country featuring DJ Jovi Baby spinning all night long, plus special performances by Brooklyn Ford, Satine Harlow and Bev, 10 p.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James St.; 215-735-5772.

Sun. 04/06 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes The comedy film starring Marilyn Monroe is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223.

Mon. 04/07 Free Quizzo & Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Philly Rising Showcase Local artists perform 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Say Anything The 1980s romantic comedy film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

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

Tue. 04/-08 The Sounds The electro/rock band with an out singer performs 8 p.m. at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100. Hurray for the Riff Raff Folk singer-songwriter Alynda Lee Segarra performs 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Wed. 04/09 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.

TENDER MOMENTS: Out singer-songwriter and Indigo Girl Amy Ray is coming to town in support of her solo album “Goodnight Tender” performing 9 p.m. April 5 downstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

tion and performances, 5-9 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Dustin Kidd The author of “Pop Culture Freaks: Identity, Mass Media, and Society” hosts a reading 5:30 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. The Burlesque Show The new event kicks off 9 p.m. at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.

Fri. 04/11

Thu. 04/10

Godflesh The industrialrock group performs 8 p.m. at TLA, 334 South St. 215-922-2599.

Whipped 2.0 The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an introduction to kink for a womenidentified audience with demonstra-

Dracula’s Ball DJ Kangol, Bella Morte and Rasputina perform at the gothic night out 9 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Invented Surface A new exhibition of works by Natalie Hope McDonald, on display April 4-May 15 at Bluestone Fine Art Gallery, 142 N. Second St.; 856-979-7588. Looking Back at the Future Drag performers Joey Arias and Sherry Vine join forces April 11-12 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-5961027. Three Days of Rain Quince Productions presents a tale of parents and children, art and love, expectations and reality, April 9-26 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; www.quinceproductions.com.

Continuing Arsenic and Old Lace Walnut Street Theatre presents the classic dark comedy April 27, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. In a Relationship: Art, Science & Medicine The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of works by Richard E. Goldberg, M.D., joined by works from renowned sports photographer Howard Schatz and stained-glass artist Kenneth Leap, through April 13, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Marc Newson: At Home Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of furnishings by the influential

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

designer through April 20, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Michael Snow: Photo-Centric Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works from the experimental filmmaker through April 27, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Paul Evans: Crossing Boundaries and Crafting Modernism The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of works from the designer and craftsman, through June 1, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-3409800. The Phantom of the Opera The thrilling classic horror story runs through April 13 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847. That’s So Gay: Outing Early America The Library Company of Philadelphia presents the exhibition exploring gay culture through Oct. 17, 1314 Locust St.; 215-546-3181. Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392-1910 Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition devoted to art of the celebrated Joseon dynasty through May 26, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Where Children Sleep The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition of photographs by James Mollison through June 29, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800.

TIMELESS DRAG DIVAS: Drag stars Joey Arias and Sherry Vine (pictured) join forces for their outrageous show “Looking Back at the Future” April 11-12 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information or tickets, call 888-596-1027.

Timelines: Queer Circus, Theater by Tangle Movement Arts The performance-arts troupe featuring aerial acrobats performs April 5 at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St.; www.tangle-arts.com.

LGBT DEMOCRATIC CLUB

The Magical Music of John Williams The Philly POPS perform through April 6 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

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

Spring 2014 Fundraiser

Thursday April 10, 2014 5:30-8:30 PM

Closing

BODYTRAFFIC The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the Los Angeles-based dance company April 5 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Playwright Christopher Durang’s awardwinning comedic work centering on Chekhov themes, with a gay element, March 27-April 10 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. ■

LIBERTY CITY

Beethoven’s Seventh The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through April 5 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.

LOVE (SONGS) WILL KEEP US TOGETHER : Center City Theatre Works presents “They’re Playing Our Song” — the musical written by Neil Simon about a composer and the rocky budding relationship he has with an off-beat singer, featuring music by Marvin Hamlisch — opening April 9 and running through April 26 at The Adrienne Theatre’s Skybox, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-732-3797.

Woody’s Bar

202 S. 13th St. Philadelphia

Sponsor Levels: Platinum- $1,000 Gold-$500 Silver-$250 Host Committee$100 General Donation$20 Young Professional Donation-$10 (must be over 21)

Sponsors: Platinum PA State Representative- Ed Neilson Silver PA State Representative- Mike O’Brien Host Committee:

(Please contact us to sponsor or host- info@libertycity.org)

Mike Marsico Wade Albert Esq. Micah Mahjoubian* David Feldman* Angela Giampolo* Tony Campisi* Gary Hines (Board Co-Chair)* * Board Members

Refreshments and Drink Specials

Please join us to meet candidates, network and connect with other politically-minded citizens. Please visit www.libertycity.org for more information and to donate.

FUN PGN & GAMES

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Q Puzzle Christian name Across

1. Provincetown mementos 5. Boxers are visible here 9. Place for hay 13. Some guys do it nocturnally 14. CÙte d’___ 15. Memo starter 16. “Tales of the City” character 17. Blast furnace fuel 18. Rip Torn’s voice role in “Hercules” 19. With 37-Across, Christian Campbell musical comedy 22. Mar. basketball tourney 23. “See ya” 24. Destination of the Bounty 26. Tarzan portrayer Ron 27. Stats from “A League of Their Own”

31. Harry Potter’s field 32. Bone to pick 33. Lucy’s gal pal 34. Small rum cake 37. See 19-Across 39. Verb of Verlaine 40. On the ball 42. Skirt, as an issue 44. “Iron Mike” of football 45. Broadway light 46. Granola lesbian’s bit 49. Official messenger 51. “The Family of Max Desir” author Robert 53. Latina writer Castillo 54. Campbell movie about a DC lobbyist 58. Birch of Indiana 60. End of Caesar’s boast 61. Series ender 62. One at a checkout 63. Ryan of porn 64. Ending for Copland 65. Dancer Shawn and

PORTRAIT from page 35

PGN: So how did you get involved with “Finding Me”? TP: I met Roger at a party and really liked him and the crew. I gave my booking manager a copy of the DVD and he was really impressed with them. He booked them on the next cruise event that we did. They did a screening of the movie and everyone loved it. I invited them to my show on the ship and told them, “If you ever have any role available, I would love to be part of the show.” They managed to find a part for me in the second season and I had a blast. I really love those kids. They’re really great to work with and they really work hard. I admire their drive. PGN: Tell me about your character. TP: I play the main female lead’s older sister. She’s bossy and loud and takes no prisoners. She cusses everyone out and it’s a lot of fun. When I left after doing her for the first time I was like, “Oh, that feels good!” PGN: I watched some of your standup and noticed that you don’t curse a lot. TP: No, I don’t generally. It depends on the crowd; sometimes they really want that but overall I feel when you curse, or when you just pick on the crowd and humiliate people, it seems like you’re not prepared. PGN: What made a New York comic move to Pennsylvania? TP: I had been gigging here and after a show I went out shopping and got lost. I saw house and I bought it. I’ve been here for 12 years now. PGN: What would you tell a New Yorker visiting Philadelphia? TP: Enjoy the food and the people here. Philadelphia is really nice. It’s a great cul-

others 66. Animal abodes 67. Three of Frida’s family

Down

1. Part of the head 2. Lacking family values 3. Low A 4. Tennessee, but not Williams 5. Like many Mae West quotes 6. Shirt brand 7. Zap in the microwave 8. Alexander, with “the” 9. Nickname that Taylor disliked 10. Campbell movie of 2007 11. More gay? 12. Ball 20. Shoe holder 21. Title for Edna or Judi 25. Couldn’t stomach

28. Gas station abbr. 29. For the birds 30. Start something with Mauresmo 32. Hooded jacket 34. Compulsive masturbation, e.g. 35. Cause hostility in 36. With “The,” Campbell mystery movie of 2008 38. Gielgud’s john 41. It might go right to the bottom 43. The lowdown 46. One with a gifted tongue 47. Game room 48. Stein steady 50. Michelangelo masterpiece 52. Tape deck button 55. “West ___ Story” 56. Windows’ picture 57. Zips 59. “___ Pinafore”

tural center and the hub of so much stuff — history, architecture, the arts. It’s Philly you need to be concerned about! Stay away from the dark corners. PGN: Tell me about being a mom. TP: My son David is 18. Oh God, he’ll be 19 in June. He’s my reason for everything. He’s in college. He’s smart as hell and works two jobs. I don’t know who his mother is but I’m glad they made the switch! PGN: You talk about him being gay in your act. When did he come out to you? TP: When he was about 14. I have gay friends who don’t want gay kids. What they don’t realize is that as long as kids have support and good role models, people who are successful and responsible and live a healthy life, it’s a different gay child. I’ve seen what happens when children are thrown out into the street. I’ve housed homeless teens in my house — kids who were thrown out not because they were bad or disrespectful, but just because they were gay. To me, you’re not a bad parent because you have a gay child, you’re a bad parent when you fail to support that child. PGN: Let’s go for some random questions. People are always telling me I need to stop ... TP: Being funny at inappropriate times. I was doing standup at my dad’s funeral. But you have to laugh. PGN: What’s something you do when no one’s watching? TP: Pick the nuts out of my butter pecan ice cream. PGN: A story about a grandparent ... TP: My mother’s mother was a churchgoing Christian woman and also a slumlord.

PAGE 27

That’s awful to say, but it’s true. She would rent places where she wouldn’t live. She was extremely frugal; she had a brand-new car and refused to turn on the air conditioning in the summer. It could be 1,000 degrees out and she would be terrified she would lose a penny in gas money if she turned the air on. In the winter time she would give us blankets in the car so she didn’t have to turn on the heat. PGN: Your worst outfit ever? TP: It was for the “OUTMusic Awards.” It was a black and silver dress that made me look like a pig wrapped in foil. It was horrible. But the designer for the dress was in the audience so I had to wear it because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. PGN: If you could ask God a question what would it be? TP: Why does he take the good people and leave the bad people down here to make everyone miserable? PGN: So what’s on your plate for the near future? TP: I’m so excited, there’s season two of “Finding Me” and, this summer, I’m going to be hosting an amazing event! Tona Brown is a transgender violinist-vocalist and she’s on a mission to be the first African-American violinist to perform at Carnegie Hall. She recently performed for President Obama, and this is going to make history. There’s never been a transgender person and a lesbian of color at Carnegie Hall. There’s never been an LGBT event of any kind at Carnegie Hall. PGN: Wow! How did that come about? TP: We were out shoe-shopping and decided to collaborate on something that’s never been done before. Tona said, “What’s the biggest thing you can dream

of?” I said, “I’m a New Yorker and I’ve never played on a major stage before. Just once, I want to do Carnegie Hall.” We’ve raised about half the money so we’re almost there but we need more support from the community to make this happen. And it’s really important that we support the trans community. We often forget about the T in LGBT; we push the T to the side and many times discriminate against them. This is a chance to do something beautiful and good. I hope people will go to http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/helpget-tona-brown-to-carnegie-hall and contribute. And help spread the word through articles like this one. We’re partnering with GLAAD and are hoping to do the concert in June for Pride week in New York. PGN: And I hope to be in the front row! ■ For more information on Tammy Peay, visit www.facebook.com/tammy.peay.7. For more information on “Finding Me,” visit www.findingmetheseries.com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.

TV PGN & FILM

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Reliving the ‘joy’ of James Broughton

Worth Watching

By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor The fabulous documentary “Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton” screens at International House at 7 p.m. April 5, along with “Dreamwood,” one of the pioneering pansexual poet and filmmaker’s shorts. Broughton and his work are ripe for rediscovery. Broughton, a poet in pre-Beat era San Francisco, is described in the film as a Bohemian, a visionary and a prankster — whose philosophy was “follow the weird.” It is Broughton’s “seize the moment” and “seize the joy” attitude that makes him such a magical personality. He gives witty poetry readings. He makes surreal, sexy and amusing short films — one of which, “The Pleasure Garden,” won a prize at Cannes in 1953. He had a relationship and a child with Pauline Kael in the years before she was the famous “New Yorker” film critic. He also had a relationship with Kermit Sheets, who founded Centaur Press and published Broughton’s poetry in an era when it was risky to be openly gay. As the documentary shows, Broughton eventually broke up with Sheets, married a woman named Suzanna Hart, had two more kids, discovered Jungian psychology and eventually met Joel Singer, 35 years his junior, his partner for the rest of his life. “Big Joy” elegantly and eloquently captures the language and visual style of Broughton’s work. Vignettes featuring performance artist Keith Hennessy are especially strong at contextualizing the poet/ filmmaker’s work, and co-directors Stephen Silha, Eric Slade and Dawn Logsdon deftly weave together interviews, home-movie footage, film clips, photographs and text to create an enchanting documentary. Silha, who will introduce the film and do a post-screening Q&A, spoke to PGN about Broughton and his film.

DO YOU WANNA BUMP?: Stewie’s teacher and classmates are taken by surprise when they learn he’s contracted an STD in the all-new episode of “Family Guy” 8:30 p.m. April 6 on Fox. Photo: Fox

A KILLER SHOW: Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) makes a shocking discovery on a new episode of “The Following,” 9 p.m. April 7 on Fox. Photo: Fox/Sarah Shatz

STAR SEARCH: Blaine (Darren Criss) looks for Kurt in a new episode of “Glee,” 8 p.m. April 8 on Fox. Photo: Fox/Mike Yarish

JACK-ED UP: Christopher Meloni stars as the titular eccentric overbearing dad on “Surviving Jack,” 9:30 p.m. April 10 on Fox. Photo: Fox/Mike Yarish

PGN: How and where did you discover Broughton and his work? SS: I first discovered his work at MOMA [Museum of Modern Art] in 1979. There was an exhibit of his films curated by Jon Gartenberg (who curates the experimental shorts at the Tribeca Film Festival). I sat down and was in awe. Then, 10 years later, I was assigned to the same cabin as James and Joel at a Radical Fairies gathering in Oregon. We became friends and he became a mentor. He was working on his memoir at the time but said writing prose was so prosaic. We helped each other with writing projects. I wanted to write a book on him, but realized it had to be a film. That’s when I reached out to Eric [Slade]. Four-and-ahalf years later, we have a film. PGN: How did you access and compile all of the archival photos, film clips, interviews, etc. to tell the story? SS: We had four researchers looking for archival footage. There’s not much of Broughton himself talking about his films on camera but we had lots of audio. Joel

is the executor of the estate and he gave us complete carte blanche to all the films and books [journals]. PGN: How did you work on telling the story, narratively and visually? The spirit of Broughton seems to infect the film. SS: We started out by doing interviews, since we were afraid some of his contemporaries would not be around much longer. Dawn [who edited] had the idea of using the journals as the spine of the film, because they gave you insight into the artist. He journaled from age 13-85, when he died. We went to Kent State and looked for entries that were most relevant to his story. PGN: What surprised you most about Broughton? SS: I knew him for the last 10 years of his life, where he was an embodiment of “Big Joy.” There were many surprises, though. What surprised me was how depressed he got in his teens, 20s and 30s, and his struggle with his sexuality in his early years and into his 40s. He was 61 when he met Joel and they were together 25 years. I wanted to show you could find your soulmate at any age and still have a great relationship. Another thing that surprised me was his integral role in the San Francisco renaissance. Lawrence Ferlinghetti said that he came into the era in 1951, but Broughton and his friends were already here. PGN: What can you say about the importance of recounting Broughton’s history? How can we relate to him today? SS: We’ve always seen this as a multimedia project since Broughton was multimedia before the word existed. If he were alive today, he would be doing YouTube videos. He was ahead of his time. Keith Hennessy said he feels he is standing on Broughton’s shoulders every time he walks on stage. Gus Van Sant told me he learned and stole a lot from Broughton. PGN: Where can people see Broughton’s work/films? SS: There is a 3-DVD set issued by Facets video in 2005 and still available in limited qualities. It’s likely going out of print, but we are hoping to put out a new package of Broughton films. We have a James Broughton channel on YouTube. A few films are there and through Netflix. We are bringing his work back. ■ Catch “Big Joy” and “Dreamwood” at 7 p.m. April 5 at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. For more information or tickets, visit www.ihousephilly.org or call 215387-5125.

ART PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

’80s fashion and photography come alive in Delaware By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The Delaware Art Museum is taking photography and fashion enthusiasts back to the 1980s with its latest exhibition. “Fashion, Circus, Spectacle: Photographs by Scott Heiser,” on view through June 1, presents black-and0white prints and rarely seen color photographs by Heiser documenting the striking culture of art, fashion and photography in New York in the 1970s and ’80s. This is the first retrospective exhibition dedicated to Heiser, a Wilmington, Del., native who died at age 44 in 1993 from complications of AIDS. “I think photography has broadened since he started making his works so his works look fresh and current, even thought the show is from the 1990s and fashions featured are from the 1980s,” said exhibition curator Heather Campbell Coyle. “The reinterest in that period helps in getting people interested. He worked mostly in black and white, and that loud, jarring 1980s look ends up becoming very timeless in his photographs. You might get a sense of ’80s silhouette but it doesn’t look like bubblegum, popcorn bright colors. His color photographs are colorful but, even there, he has a great eye for composition that is timeless.” Coyle said that, at first, she saw the exhibition as geared towards the interest of photographers but has found that it has piqued the interest of people, younger and older, who like the clothes of the era.

��

Photos: Scott A. Drake

’s Get Out and Play All the action with Philly’s jocks

Every other week in PGN

“It’s definitely brought some people in for fashion and interest the 1980s,” she said. “It’s surprising because the audience is skewing more female than I expected. We’ve definitely gotten photography people in but the fashion angle has brought people in. I think the decade you’re born in but didn’t get to participate in is always fascinating. You look at things from 20 or 30 years ago and they start to look interesting again.” To accentuate the exhibition, the Delaware Art Museum is hosting an Art is After Dark event for the exhibition April 11 with live music and special performances by Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. “When they’ve come before they’ve come in vintage turn-of-the-century clothes,” Coyle said. “This AN ANDY WARHOL PORTRAIT BY SCOTT HEISER time, they are going to be “Fashion, Circus, Spectacle: Photographs in 1980s outfits inspired the by Scott Heiser” runs through June 1 and show.” Among the guest models is Corey Wade the Art is After Dark event runs from 6-10 Hindorff, openly gay Philadelphian who p.m. April 11 at Delaware Art Museum, was a finalist on “America’s Next Top 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del. For more information, call 302-351-8558 Model,” as well as burlesque performer or visit www.delart.org. ■ Kiki Berlin.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

For Sale

Services

VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________38-15 New York State Land Sale: LAND - GETAWAY BARGAINS 10 Acres, Salmon River & Pulaski Area: $13,995. 71 Acres, Oneida Lake Timberlands: $69,995. New Cabins Starting @ $200/month! Call Christmas & Associates: 1-800-2297843. Owner/Broker ________________________________________38-14 Pinehurst, NC Area, 2 Bedroom Condo, Originally $186k, now $99,500.00 with Owner Financing, In a 100 year old Cotton Mill, with all amenities. Call Marc at Iron Horse Properties, 910-206-1881. ________________________________________38-14

WATERFRONT LOTS Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Was $325k, Now From $65,000 -Community Center/Pool, 1 acre+ Lots, Bay & Ocean Access, Great Fishing, Crabbing, Kayaking. Custom Homes. www.oldemillpointe.com 757-824-0808. ________________________________________38-14

SAWMILLS from only $4897.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1800-578-1363 Ext.300N ________________________________________38-14

Travel & Resorts

Autos

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________38-14

CA$H FOR CAR$! Any Car, Any Condition! We Pay Top Dollar - Fast FREE Pick-Up! Get Cash Today! 215-600-1104 Sell Your Car Now! ________________________________________38-14

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here - Get FAA approved Aviation Technician training. Financial Aid for qualiﬁed students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1888-834-9715. ________________________________________38-14 LESS WORK FOR YOU. ENJOY YOUR PARTY Let our experienced staff set up, serve, and clean up. Serving Society Hill and surrounding areas. 267 973 1835. ________________________________________38-14

Dutch Colonial Revival home brings back memories of a by-gone era Just a short walk to the R3 Septa train station and everything else this ‘Classic Town’ has to offer: seasonal outdoor Farmer’s Market, Lansdowne Symphony, Folk Club, Art Festivals, historic Lansdowne Theatre (slated for restoration), Regency Cafe, Avenue Deli, Sycamore BYOB & more. Easy access to Center City Philadelphia. Become part of this terriﬁc community today!

11 E. Greenwood Avenue Lansdowne $275,000 original architectural details

Amy Sullivan

O: 610.520.0100 C: 610.331.4245 amy@agsullivan.com www.GreaterPhillyHomes.com

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

PGN

��

Thinking it’s about time for some professional help with the home repairs? PGN’s Services and Home Improvement Directory is a great place to get started when looking for contractors that know and proudly serve our community.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

��

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Help Wanted Heating And Air Conditioning Technician Training! Fast Track, Hands On, National Certification Program. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-877-994-9904. ________________________________________38-14 Can You Dig It? Bulldozers, Backhoes, and Excavators. 3 Weeks Hands On Training Provided. Become Nationally Certified. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. GI Bill Eligible! 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________38-14 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or driveforprime.com ________________________________________38-14 PICKUP TRUCKS NEEDED NOW! Move RV trailers from Indiana and deliver all over the USA and CANADA. Many trips headed EAST! Go to: horizontransport.com ________________________________________38-14 Daily Express needs Contractors for regional and OTR Stepdeck and Lowboy hauls! Daily Expedited, Heavy Haul and Specialized Divisions available. FREE Trailers! www. dailyrecruiting.com or 1-800-669-6414. ________________________________________38-14 EXPERIENCED DRIVER OR RECENT GRAD? With Swift, you can grow to be an award-winning Class-A CDL driver. We help you achieve Diamond Driver status with the best support there is. As a Diamond Driver, you earn additional pay on top of all the competitive incentives we offer. The very best, choose Swift. *Great Miles=Great Pay *Late-Model Equipment Available *Regional Opportunities *Great Career Path *Paid Vacation *Excellent Benefits *Please Call: (866) 271-7613. ________________________________________38-14 EARN $500.A-DAY Insurance Agents Needed; Leads, No Cold Calls; Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health & Dental Insurance; Life License Required. Call: 1-888-713-6020. ________________________________________38-14 Hiring OTR Professionals who want Consistent Milesaverage 2,700+; consistent pay- average $51,400 per year; 2011 or newer trucks; Call Fischer Trucking today at 1-800-486-8660. ________________________________________38-14 CDL-A Truck Drivers: Swift Transportation is Hiring! Dedicated Refrigerated Run with great home time & pay. 100% No Touch freight. Sign on Bonus. Call: 866-459-0721. ________________________________________38-14

PGN

Do you have very particular requirements for your dream home?

Legal Notices February Term, 2014, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 28, 2014, the petition of Carolyn Danielle Peters was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Treyson Michael Dunlap. The Court has fixed April 7, 2014 at 12:00 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing on the petition. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________38-14 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, February Term, 2014, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 28, 2014, the petition of Christian Jaramillo was filed, praying for a decree to change their name to Jara Krys. The Court has fixed April 7, 2014 at 12:00 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing on the petition. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________38-14 Notice is hereby given that an application was made to the Dept of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, PA on 02/24/2014 by National Center for Transgender Equality, a foreign corporation formed under the laws of the state of Washington, DC where its principal office is located at 1325 Massachusetts Ave, NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20005 for a Certificate of Authority to do business in Pennsylvania under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. The proposed registered office in Pennsylvania will be 1207 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107. ________________________________________38-14

��

Give PGN’s Real Estate listings a try. FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Pre-construction pricing

Conrad Kuhn

Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2011 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs

Ofﬁce: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Cell: 609.221.1196 www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com Washington Township Ofﬁce 5070 Route 42 Turnersville, NJ 08012

river views! new townhomes from the mid $200s

Thinking about changing your living situation?

Give PGN’s Real Estate listings a try. FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501

View from waterside park

Your new urban oasis has arrived on the Delaware River in Bensalem! Enjoy urban townhome living in a one-of-a-kind setting: ��

Call 215.394.0990

WatersideLiving.com ��

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

ADONIS CINEMA “THE ONLY ALL MALE ADULT THEATER IN THE CITY”

2026 Sansom St (located 3 doors up from Sansom St Gym)

215-557-9319 4 Small Theaters with Video & Dark Room Area

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Thursday

7am-6am

(closed an hour for cleaning)

Friday- Sunday:

Open 24hrs

ADMISSION: $12.00

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. ________________________________________38-16 BM with 8.5 tool wants bottom for pleasure. Must be uncut and Arabian or from India or Latino with big tool also. Must squirt more times than the law allows! Call me 12 Noon to 4 PM daily. 215-763-3391. No games, just sex. ________________________________________38-14 Philly boy looking for mail correspondence with guys in Philly while I ﬁnish my incarceration. 6’3”, blond hair, hazel eyes. Lots to discuss. Will reply to every letter. Give this a try, I guarantee you’ll have fun. Kenneth Houck, #06743-015, Englewood FCE, 9595 W. Quincy Ave., Littleton CO 80123. ________________________________________38-14 YOUNGER ASIAN Wanted to be a companion to an older Caucasian man. 215-677-5610. ________________________________________38-16 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________38-14 ORAL PLEASURE BM, late 60’s seeks to physically and orally pleasure uncut Hispanics and Caucasians over 25 with fat tits at your house, not mine. 609-332-5808 text or call. ________________________________________38-16 SOUTH OF THE BORDER GWM seeking men south of the border: Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans, also Asians for friendship and more. Social drinker, no drugs and pefer non smoker. Ole! 856-547-4163. ________________________________________38-2

Massage David, 64, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________38-28

THE BIGGER, BETTER & CLEANER CLUB IN THE CITY...

FOOLING AROUND

Saturday, April 12th 15th • Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More

SPRING FLING

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people come-

SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

SUNDAY RELIEF

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

MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

Sunday, April 26th • Time: 11pm-3:30am

Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More

Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

ROOMS: Members: $25.00 & Non-Members: $35.00 LOCKERS: Members: $18.00 & Non-Members: $28.00 - ROOMS GO QUICKLY SO CHECK IN EARLY -

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE

$12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight) Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....

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

PGN

Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the ﬁrst and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco. dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www. gammaphilly.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-277-6595, www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330. Men of Standard A place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern meets 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432.

Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021.

Trans

40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third ﬂoor; 215-851-1975.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658.

GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058.

T-MAN People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:309:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215-632-3028, tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215851-1822. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207. Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.

Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups. yahoo.com/group/howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup. com/mtairylesbiansocial/.

PFLAG/Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833.

Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ queerconnections/.

PFLAG/Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-6835155.

Sisters United A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 1324, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third ﬂoor; 215-496-0330.

PFLAG/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Youth

Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth ﬂoor; 215563-0652 ext. 235.

Women Coming-Out Support Group Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the ﬁrst Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www.pridecenter.org.

HAVEN LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org. PRYSM Youth Center Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610357-9948. Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 68 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648. Young, Trans and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-5454331, www.atticyouthcenter.org. You’re Not Alone Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800-810-6776. Youth Making a Difference A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Community Bulletin Board Community centers

■ The Attic Youth Center 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 4-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday-Friday. ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044, center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ 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.: 215-496-0330 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison: Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-6869980, helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov

■ Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Activities held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday Library: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Volunteers: New Orientation, first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org

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

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-686-3318

■ GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization: 215-8511822 ■ LGBT Elder Initiative: 267-5463448; info@LGBTEI.org ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658

■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); 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)

■ Parents, Families and Friends

Health

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/ AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088, www.actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 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 (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821.

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-627-9090, www.galloplaw.org. ■ 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; 215-

HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, 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 chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups 557-0190, www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja. org/philly; philly@nlgja.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus

Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 215-8402039, www.philadelphiagaytourism.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Apr. 4-10, 2014

Actual view from The Residences at Dockside

There’s a lot to love about The Residences at Dockside. The extraordinary river and city views. The sheer elegance. The obvious luxury. The simple convenience. The envied lifestyle. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a unique, exceptional way of life at Philadelphia’s ﬁnest private waterfront enclave. Gym/Fitness center

24/7 Concierge

Heated indoor pool

Indoor parking

Private shuttle

1 BRs from the upper-$200s 2 BRs from the low-$400s 3 BRs from the low - $800s

215.925.3000

DocksideCondominiums.com

SALES CENTER: 717 South Christopher Columbus Blvd., in Philadelphia. Open Mon. – Sat. from 10am – 5pm; Sun. 12pm– 5pm. Private Appointments Recommended. Another Fine Property from The DePaul Group. Broker Cooperation Invited. Prices and offers subject to change without notice. See Sales Associate for details.