BEST LGBT OF
2014
Family Portrait: Amy Hollaman makes prison even scarier PAGE 33
Philadelphia
Voting ends Oct. 19 Ballot, page 26
Reading steps up to the LGBT plate PAGE 5
Oct. 17-23, 2014
Since 1976
PGN Philadelphia Gay News HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Vol. 38 No. 42
Time almost out for hatecrimes bill
Locals respond to shift in Catholic language By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com In what is being called a seismic shift in tone, the Vatican this week released a report in which it seemed to, for the first time ever, address same-sex relationships in a somewhat-positive light. An interim report released Monday from the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, a Vatican meeting of more than 200 Catholic leaders, noted that the Catholic Church should not equate heterosexual and same-sex relationships, but that, “without denying the moral problems connected to homosexual unions, it has to be noted that there are cases in which mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of partners.” The document also noted that “homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community” and went on to question, “Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a church that offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?” Reaction to the report was swift, with progressives praising the evolving tone and more conservative Catholics blasting shifts on LGBT inclusion, as well as the Vatican shifting positions on topics like divorce and unmarried cohabitation. On Tuesday, the Vatican issued a statement cautioning that the report was a “working document” and does not indicate a “positive evaluation” of same-sex relationships. In a statement provided to PGN Tuesday, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia noted that “portions of the text have drawn immediate and premature reaction.” “While important questions involving marriage and sexuality PAGE 22
By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com
MaRCHing FoRWaRD: Hundreds of transgender folks and allies marched down Broad Street Oct. 11 calling for transgender equality. The fourth-annual Philly Trans* March took participants from Love Park through the heart of Center City and the Gayborhood, where they called for respect and acceptance for transgender individuals and mobilized for equal rights for all, regardless of gender identity or expression. The march came on the fourth anniversary of the murder of local transwoman Stacey Blahnik, whose unsolved homicide prompted the first event in 2011. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Tuesday and Wednesday were likely the last voting days of the current state legislative session, and the LGBT-inclusive hatecrimes bill was not among the measures called to a vote in either chamber. Another voting session could be scheduled, but many pundits are predicting that to be unlikely. House Bill 177 had gained momentum in the House following last month’s gay-bashing incident in Philadelphia, and cleared the House Judiciary Committee last week. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-170th Dist.) introduced the bill and said he worked aggressively to push it to the House floor, but came up against more roadblocks. PAGE 22 “Republican leader-
Record crowds, peaceful afternoon at OutFest By Ryan Kasley ryan@epgn.com Perfect weather and flawless organization helped make this year’s annual celebration of National Coming Out Day a huge success. Last weekend’s OutFest broke attendance records with organizers estimating that around 50,000 people made their way to the Gayborhood Sunday afternoon. “This was the best OutFest ever,” said Franny Price, event director. The event also had 150 vendors this year, the most ever, Price said. The crowds packed in for performances on the main stage at 13th and Locust streets and, despite the record attendance,
Meet this month’s “Day in the Life Of” subject: Kelly Harris PAGE 12
there were no major issues, Price said. There were a few antigay protesters throughout the festival, but event volunteers worked to block them from guests’ view. “There were no issues, no complaints, only a few protesters and, all in all, another beautiful day in the Gayborhood,” Price said. Next year, the festival will celebrate is 25th anniversary. With crowds continuing to expand each year, Price said, organizers are already looking to expand the space for next year’s milestone celebration. “We’re running out of space” said Price, “but we have the perRainBoW Flag CReaToR gilBeRT BaKeR (leFT) mits to expand to Broad Street, PReSenTS THe naMeSaKe gilBeRT BaKeR oUTPRoUD so we’re already considering that aWaRD To aClU VolUnTeeR laRRY FelZeR anD option for next year in anticipa- eXeCUTiVe DiReCToR Reggie SHUFoRD. MoRe oUTFeST PHoToS on PageS 8-9. Photo: Scott A. Drake tion of even more growth.” n
National LGBT History Month Project
LGBT athletes: page 20 Moms Mabley: page 21 Whitman play: page 23