PGN Dec. 13 - 19, 2013 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Not just another Tupperware party PAGE 35

Legal updates: Clemency hearing delayed Smithson denied retrial

PAGE 5 PAGE 9

Family Portrait: Someone’s in the kitchen with Nima

ENDA aided by GOP support

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Dec. 13-19, 2013

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Vol. 37 No. 50

Voyeur staffer charged in Gayborhood attack By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Two men were arrested last weekend in connection with the brutal attack of a gay man last month, and one of the suspects is an employee at Voyeur Nightclub. Matthew Morris, 27, and Miguel Maldonado, 32, were arrested Dec. 7 and charged with robbery, aggravated assault and related charges for the Nov. 10 attack on Nick Forte in the Gayborhood. LGBT Liaison Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel confirmed to PGN this week that Maldonado is employed by Voyeur. It has been reported that Maldonado is a bouncer at the establishment, but Bethel was unaware of his job title. Calls to Voyeur were not returned. The incident took place near the club in the 200 block of South Camac Street and was caught on the surveillance camera of a local attorney’s office, which led to the

capture of the two men. Morris lives in the 300 block of Springhill Avenue and Maldonado in the 4800 block of D Street. Bail was set at $50,000 for each suspect and, as of presstime, Morris had been released on bail and Maldonado remained in custody at Curran-Fromhold. Central Detectives last Wednesday released the video that shows Forte, 36, walking on the street at about 2 a.m. with a man walking next to him, allegedly Morris, appearing to engage him in conversation. A man, allegedly Maldonado, approaches from behind, carrying a flashlight, and strikes Forte on the head, knocking him to the ground and rendering him unconscious. The man who had engaged Forte in conversation then begins pummeling him while he’s unconscious. Both suspects fled, in different directions, on foot. Forte, a former PGN employee, told the

MATTHEW MORRIS (LEFT) AND VOYEUR STAFFER MIGUEL MALDONADO

paper he had left ICandy and was going to hail a cab when he was attacked. The suspects allegedly stole his wallet, cell phone and diamond cross pendant. Forte was left with extensive injuries, including broken facial bones, nose and eye sockets. Bethel said he was unsure if Morris and Maldonado were acquainted or what prompted the attack. The surveillance video was key in secur-

PA marriage campaign launches

ing the arrests, Bethel said. “The neighborhood was very upfront and this case ultimately came down to people coming forward with information that led to their arrests,” Bethel said. “Once the video went out, everybody jumped in and helped out.” Morris and Maldonado were charged with aggravated assault, robbery, conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and reckless endangerment. Four days after Forte’s attack, a 29-yearold woman was beaten, raped and robbed in the 1200 block of St. James Street, near the earlier incident. The victim described her attacker as a well-dressed black man with shoulder-length braids and a dark complexion. Bethel said the two incidents are not related, as was first suspected. Anyone with information about the Nov. 14 incident should contact Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251. ■

Gay teacher fired for marriage By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

A Philadelphia-area Catholic high school is feeling the heat after firing an openly gay teacher. Michael Griffin, a language teacher and alum of Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, was fired from the school after 12 years of teaching for applying for a marriage license with his partner of 12 years, Vincent Giannetto. Holy Ghost is an all-boy high school with about 475 students and a faculty of about 50. PAGE 24 Griffin, 35, who lives

Five months after the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed the first-ever lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, the agency is teaming up with a national organization to press for a marriage equality PAGE 22

Philly companies receive perfect score from HRC By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com This week, Human Rights Campaign released its 12th annual Corporate Equality Index — highlighting the top companies in the country for LGBT workplace equality — and this year, three companies in Philadelphia landed a perfect score. The largest and most successful U.S. employers are invited to participate in the PAGE 19 CEI every year and, in

CHORAL CHRISTMAS: Performers from the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus dazzled audiences with holiday tunes at their matinee show Dec. 7 at Prince Music Theater. The three-day run of “Cool Yule” brought in hundreds to each show, who took in PGMC’s version of holiday staples in big-band style, backed by a 10-piece jazz ensemble. The Christmas concert, which was what launched PGMC in the 1980s, is now in its 32nd year. PGMC will continue to spread holiday cheer with Christmas caroling, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 15 along East Passyunk Avenue. Photo: Scott A. Drake

GRIFFIN (LEFT) AND GIANNETTO

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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PGN

locations in Pa. outside of Philadelphia

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Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • MCCLV, 930 N. Fourth St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethel • Adult World, 341 Midway Road • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 Lancaster Ave. • TLA Video, 761 Lancaster Ave. • Chester • Harrah’s Chester Casino, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Widener University, 1 University Place • Collegeville • Adult World, 3975 Ridge Pike • Devon • Devon Station, Devon State Road & Lancaster Pike • Doylestown • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. • Gibson • Hillside Campground, 1 Creek Road • Glen Mills • Imago Dei MCC, 1223 Middletown Road • Glenside • Keswick Cycle, 408 N. Easton Road • Harrisburg • 704 Strawberry Café, 704 N. Third St. • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • Liquid 891, 891 Eisenhower Blvd. • Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Kutztown • Kutztown University, 15200 Main St. • Lancaster • Downtown Books, 227 N. Prince St. • Sundown Lounge, 429 N. Mulberry St. • Tally Ho Tavern, 201 W. Orange St. • Lansdale • Gwynedd Vet Hospital, 1615 W. Pointe Pike • Lehighton • Woods Campground, 845 Vaughn Acres Road • Levittown • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Malvern • Malvern Station, King St. & Warren Ave. • Media • Unitarian Universalist Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road • The Media Theater, 104 E. State St. • LGBT Alliance Group, Delaware Co. Campus, Penn State Univ., 901 Media Line Road • Moosic • 12 Penny Saloon, 3501 Birney Ave. • Narberth • Narberth Station, Haverford & Narberth avenues • New Hope • Café Europa, 11 Market Place • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • Havana, 105 S. Main St. • John & Peters, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St. • Havana Bar & Grill, 105 S. Main St. • The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Sandbar, 90 S. Main St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wildﬂowers, 8 W. Mechanic St. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Plains Township • Twist Bar, Fox Ridge Plaza, Rte. 315 • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berls Aid Network, 429 Walnut St. • Reading Adult Center, 316 Penn St. • Rosemont • Rosemont Station, Airdale Road & Montrose Ave. • Spring Grove • Atland’s Ranch, RR6, Box 6543 • Swarthmore • Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Parrish Hall • Temple • Naughty But Nice, 4502 N. Fifth St. • Upper Darby • Honor Box, 69th Street Station • Villanova • Villanova Station, Spring Mill Road near County Line Road • Warminster • Darkanyu, Bux Mont Unitarian Church, Street Road at Rt. 611 • Planned Parenthood of Bucks Co., 610 Louis Dr. • Wayne • Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave. • Stafford Station, Old Eagle School & Crestline roads • Wayne Station, N. Wayne & West Ave. • West Chester • Chester County Books, 975 Paoli Pike • Williamsport • Peachies, 144 E. Fourth St. • Willow Grove • Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave. • Wynnwood • Wynnwood Station, Wynnewood & Penn roads • ��

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free library and honor box locations FREE LIBRARY LOCATIONS

Andorra Branch, 705 E. Cathedral Road • Blanch A. Nixon Branch, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway • Bustleton Branch, 10199 Bustleton Ave. • Falls of Schuylkill Branch, 3501 Midvale Ave. • Fishtown Branch, 1217 E. Montgomery Ave. • Frankford Branch, 4634 Frankford Ave. • Independence Branch, 18 S. Seventh St. • Joseph E. Coleman Branch, 68 W. Chelten Ave. • Kingsessing Branch, 1201 S. 51st St. • Lehigh Branch, 601 W. Lehigh Ave. • Logan Branch, 1333 Wagner Ave. • Lovett Branch, 6945 Germantown Ave. • Main Branch, 1901 Vine St. • McPherson Square Branch, 601 E. Indiana Ave. • Northeast Regional, 2228 Cottman Ave. • Oak Lane Branch, 6614 N. 12th St. • Ogontz Branch, 6017 Ogontz Ave. • Olney Branch, 5501 N. Fifth St. • Passyunk Branch, 1935 Shunk St. • Richmond Branch, 2987 Almond St. • Rodriguez Branch, 600 W. Girard Ave. • Roxborough Branch, 6245 Ridge Ave. • South Phila. Branch, 1700 S. Broad St. • Southwark Branch, 932 S. Seventh St. • Welsh Road Branch, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd. • West Phila. Branch, 125 S. 52nd St. • Wynneﬁeld Branch, 5325 Overbrook Ave.

HONOR BOXES

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

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

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

1 year 12 months 52 issues Hundreds of stories What were the important stories for LGBT Philly in 2013? What had you talking this year?

Revisit 2013’s Top Stories Dec. 27

AWARDING AN ALLY: Supporters of Marriage Equality 4 Pennsylvania presented state Sen. Daylin Leach (center) with the organization’s Equality Award Dec. 6 at Leach’s King of Prussia office. Leach, the lead sponsor of the marriage-equality bill in the Senate and a longtime LGBT ally, was joined by Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes (fourth from right), who defied the state’s ban on same-sex marriage this past summer by issuing marriage licenses to samesex couples. Leach is running for the 13th Congressional District seat in this spring’s primary. Photo: Courtesy ME4PA NEWS

Crime Watch Local Media Trail Obituary Out Money

12 5 21 17 16

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11 11

How did you observe Giving Tuesday? Poll results from our online survey as of Dec. 11:

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

7% 6% 12% 0% 27% 48%

I gave to my favorite charity I gave at the ofﬁce I gave up I gave until it hurt I did nothing Never heard of it

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

Are you out at work?

On Jan. 3, see which photos captured our community and our imagination in 2013 Favorite Photos of 2013 Coming Jan. 3

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

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

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com

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

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

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

Publisher Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@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 greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com

Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2013 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Board delays decision in lesbian inmate case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com The state Board of Pardons has postponed a decision on the clemency request of Lois J. Farquharson, an 88-year-old lesbian who’s been incarcerated for murder for 40 years. On Dec. 6, the board held a public hearing on her request, then met in private session, and later announced it needed more time before taking a vote. A unanimous vote by the board is necessary if a clemency recommendation for Farquharson is to reach the desk of Gov. Tom Corbett. Authorities say Farquharson induced her then-lover, Gloria J. Burnette, to shoot Leon Weingrad, a physician, in August 1971. Weingrad reportedly didn’t approve of the women’s relationship. Weingrad and Farquharson were neighbors in the Society Hill Towers and colleagues at the old Byberry Mental Hospital. In 1974, Farquharson was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Burnette, who testified against Farquharson, was sentenced to 20 years and was paroled in 1978. At last week’s hearing, board members heard from several advocates for Farquharson. They also heard from a staffer at the state Office of the Victim Advocate, who read two letters from Weingrad’s family opposing clemency. Jane C. Keller, a longtime friend of Farquharson, was guardedly optimistic about Farquarson’s opportunity for clemency. “The board didn’t say no right away,” Keller told PGN. “So there’s reason for some optimism. Lt. Gov. Cawley and Attorney General Kane didn’t even want a public hearing for Lois. Now they want more time to consider her case. That does give me a glimmer of hope.” If Farquharson is granted clemency, Keller said she’ll provide housing for her, after Farquharson lives in a halfway house for a year, as required by law. “I hope the process moves forward as soon as possible, so Lois can get into a halfway house and then into my home. At this stage of her life, she probably has very little

time left.” Keller also expressed hope that board members realize Farquharson has memory lapses due to mild dementia. “Lois obviously has memory lapses,” Keller added. “She may not be able to clearly recall the events of 1971. Her life was chaotic back then, from everything I’ve been told.” Keller said Farquharson is keeping a positive attitude, despite her frail condition. “She’s a woman of integrity, and she’s adjusted to her situation. Lois has always tried to make a meaningful life for herself in prison.” In a related matter, PGN has learned that the board advertised Farquharson’s clemency hearing in The News of Delaware County, which has a weekly circulation of about 10 papers in Philadelphia. A replica of its print edition isn’t available online, so readers couldn’t see the ad by reading the paper in that format. According to state law, the board was required to advertise Farquharson’s hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in Philadelphia. Chad Saylor, a spokesperson for Cawley, said the board has a “longstanding practice” of advertising Philadelphia clemency cases in The News of Delaware County. The board members are Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, who chairs the board; state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane; Louise B. Williams, a victims’ representative; and Harris Gubernick, a corrections expert. Joseph C. Peters, a spokesperson for Kane, said she “would defer to Lt. Gov. Cawley, as chair of the board, for those procedural issues and responsibilities and requirements [relating to advertising].” Peters had no comment on whether Kane supports a review of the board’s advertising policies. The board is missing a mental-health expert due to the recent departure of Russell Walsh, a psychologist. Jay Pagni, a spokesperson for Corbett, said psychiatrist John P. Williams has been nominated by Corbett to fill the vacancy. Confirmation of Williams’ nomination is pending before the state Senate, Pagni added. ■

Philadelphia Gay News wishes all of our readers, advertisers, friends and allies the best holiday ever!

MOUNTAIN OF HOLIDAY CHEER: Volunteers from the University of Pennsylvania oversaw toy dropoffs at the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s TOY 2013, held Dec. 7 at Reading Terminal Market. About 400 people turned out with 350 toys and gift cards in hand that will be distributed to local kids affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. UPS employees, clad in Santa hats, picked up the goods near the end of the event, which also featured an open bar, food and a vast silent auction. “Once again, TOY was a fantastic event,” said DVLF executive director Samantha Giusti. “We were able to raise money for DVLF while collecting toys for two great organizations.” Photo: Scott A. Draket

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR NOW THROUGH DEC. 21

LOCAL PGN

CHURCH LADIES: Supporters of the Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia donned drag for a holiday-themed fundraising show Dec. 6 at University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation. The event raised money for the LGBT-affirming church and for transportation costs for a local community member to return home for the holidays. In addition to the show, guests were able to purchase holiday wreaths handcrafted by the Rev. Jeffrey Jordan, MCCP pastor. Photo: Scott A. Drake

PHILADELPHIA’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION is now bigger and better than ever with over 300 musicians on stage under the direction of internationally acclaimed guest conductor David Charles Abell, including vocalist Angela Brown, spectacular choirs, the largest concert hall organ in the nation, and a toe-tapping program. So hang the stockings, gather the family, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the Philly POPS! David Charles Abell, conductor

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The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir

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Groups of 15 or more call 215.546.3207

WINTER WONDERLAND: Experimental dance-theater company JUNK, helmed by out choreographer Brian Sanders, opened its holiday-themed “Snowball” show Dec. 4 at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The family-friendly show, set to ’80s music, is billed as a “frozen fantasia” and incorporates the use of found objects, which JUNK is known for. The show runs through Dec. 15. Photo: Patrick Hagerty

REGIONAL PGN

PA Republican urges support for ENDA By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A Republican Congressman from the Lehigh Valley last week continued to advocate for the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. ENDA, which the Senate passed in a 64-32 vote Nov. 7 with support from Pennsylvania’s Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, would protect LGBT Americans from workplace discrimination. U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent (15th Dist.) led four other Republicans and five Democrats in a letter to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, who has refused to bring ENDA to a House vote because it would “bring too many lawsuits.” The letter was signed by Democratic Congressmembers Sean Patrick Maloney (N.Y.), Ron Kind (Wisc.), Kurt Schrader (Ore.) and out Congressmembers Kristen Sinema (Ariz.) and Jared Polis (Colo.), along with Republicans Ileana Ros-Lehlinen (Fla.), Richard Hanna (N.Y.), Jon Runyan (N.J.) and Chris Gibson (N.Y.). The Congressmembers said a vote would “allow the members to vote as they see fit — and demonstrate to the American people that Congress can work in a bipartisan manner on an important issue of fairness.” Dent, who voted for ENDA when it came to the House floor in 2007, told PGN this week that ENDA should not be a partisan issue. “It is simply a matter of fairness,” he said. “We should prohibit discrimination in the workplace. Much of American industry has adopted these policies already, so it is time to pass this law.” ENDA has been introduced repeatedly since 1994, and this year marked its firstever Senate vote. Joining Dent as cosponsors on the House version are Pennsylvania Democratic

Congressmembers Robert Brady (First Dist.), Matt Cartwright (17th Dist.), Michael Doyle (14th Dist.), Chaka Fattah (Second Dist.) and Allyson Schwartz (13th Dist.). This is not the first time Dent, a moderate Republican, has supported LGBT-inclusive legislation. Dent voted for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and to extend the federal hatecrimes law to include the LGBT community. Dent has also cosponsored the United Americans Families Act, which seeks to equalize immigration laws for same-sex couples. Equality Pennsylvania executive director Ted Martin said Dent’s support, along with that of the four other Republicans, could help move the bill forward. “Any time that more people, specifically Republicans, see this is the right thing to do, once they publicly support these things, it proves to be incredibly important,” Martin said. Dent said he hopes Toomey’s support of the bill in the Senate influences his fellow House Republicans to also back the measure. “[Toomey] showed courage in supporting the bill,” he said. In addition to last week’s letter, Dent said he and fellow supporters have been pressing for support from their colleagues on an individual basis. Dent said the bill’s best chance of making it to the floor could be as an amendment to other legislation. “I don’t know if we will see the bill brought up as a stand-alone measure,” he said. “What I think may happen is that the language of the bill will be offered as an amendment to some other legislative vehicle. It is quite possible this bill will be considered but perhaps as an amendment to another bill.” ■

Bucks district moves towards benefits By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com After several weeks of discussions, Central Bucks School District appears to be moving towards providing benefits for the same-sex spouses of employees. On Oct. 22, an employee brought the issue of same-sex spousal benefits to the district’s board but was told that the wording used in the district’s benefits policy prevented it from including same-sex spouses. The employee and her spouse were legally married in Delaware. After a board meeting last month that drew a wealth of support for the policy change from the public, the board met again Dec. 2. According to Stephen Corr, the board’s vice president, the district is looking at moving towards including same-sex couples. “At the last meeting, we asked the superintendent to speak with insurance carriers on how and what we would need to do to

have benefits for same-sex married couples,” Corr said. Superintendent David P. Weitzel told PGN Wednesday that the district has reached out to “our two health-care providers and requested that they provide language to us that we believe would include same-sex legally married couples to be covered by health insurance.” Weitzel said the district is awaiting a response and expects the change could be implemented in the coming weeks. Former Equality Pennsylvania president and LGBT activist Adrian Shanker said providing benefits to same-sex couples who are legally married is preferential to domesticpartner benefits. “Typically, domestic-partner benefits require joint residency and a couple to have been together for a certain amount of time. It is a tougher standard to meet than getting a marriage license,” Shanker said. “[With a marriage license], you are making a comPAGE 9 mitment that is legal —

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

LONGTIME LEADER: Philadelphia FIGHT Deputy Director Michael Marisco (left) was among the FIGHT staffers and supporters who welcomed former Gov. Ed Rendell to the agency’s annual gala, Dec. 4 at the Union League of Philadelphia. The FIGHT for Life Gala drew about 250 guests and raised $50,000 for the HIV/AIDS service organization, which will support HIV primary medical care at the Jonathan Lax Treatment Center. Rendell accepted an award from the group for his years of commitment to equality for the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities during his tenure in Philadelphia city government and at the state level. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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The William Way LGBT Community Center’s board held its third and final public meeting of the year on Nov. 26. Executive director Chris Bartlett reported that the center, at 1315 Spruce St., is in the midst of its end-of-year fundraising campaign, with annual appeal letters already prepared and going into the mail. Bartlett said he has set up meetings with many major donors to help the center meet its goal of almost $90,000 by this month. Bartlett also reported that the center will co-sponsor “That’s So Gay: Outing Early America,” an exhibition featuring textual and visual material in the Library Company of Philadelphia’s collections that relate to gay history. The exhibition, part of the upcoming Reminder Day celebrations, will open in February. Also upcoming is the Annual Meeting and Cornerstone Brunch, on Jan. 11. The board will elect new members and officers at that time. Center development director Michael Pomante delivered the development report, which focused on the center’s end-of-year campaign. Last year’s initiative was highly successful, raising more than $80,000 for general-operating support, a significant increase of nearly $38,000 over the previous year’s effort. Pomante attributed last year’s achievement to a more aggressive,

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multi-faceted fundraising approach, and he said the current end-of-year campaign will mimic last year’s initiative. Board secretary Kim Keegan reported on the center’s finances. The center reported a total income of $76,927.97 for the month of October in comparison to a projected income of about $84,973, an income shortfall of $8,045.03. Building revenue, events, grants and individual giving were below expectations but program revenue was above expectations, which was attributed to revenue generated by the Stardust Women’s Dance and a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” event. Total expenses for the center for the month of October were reported at $55,599.25, slightly less than the expected expenses of $55,782, a difference of $182.75. Board co-chair Laurie Ward reported on nominations for new board members. Mandeep S. Jangi and Paul Steinke were presented for the two vacant appointment seats by unanimous vote. Nominations will be confirmed at next month’s meeting. In attendance at the meeting were board members Jocelyn Block, Steve Brando, Anh Dang, Chris Durr, Amber Hikes, Keegan, Brad Richards, Jeff Sotland, Ward, Rudy Flesher and Leona Thomas. David Cermak, Tricia Dressel, Adam Hymans, Kathy McLean and Marshall Siegel were absent. For more information, visit www.waygay.org. ■

PGN REGIONAL

Prosecutors: No new trial in murder case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com In a 49-page legal brief, Delaware County prosecutors last month urged a judge to deny William Smithson’s request for a new murder trial. Smithson is convicted of the 2006 strangulation death of coworker Jason Shephard inside Smithson’s home. Advocates for Smithson say there’s no direct evidence linking him to Shephard’s murder. They claim Smithson’s second-degree murder conviction was due largely to homophobia and that police failed to investigate F. Bruce Covington, who was inside Smithson’s home when Shephard died. But authorities say Smithson administered the date-rape drug gamma hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB, to Shephard and tried to rape him prior to strangling him. Covington was convicted of drug-related charges stemming from the incident, but prosecutors say he wasn’t Shephard’s killer. Covington couldn’t be reached for comment. Delaware County Common Pleas Judge Barry C. Dozor must decide if a new trial for Smithson is warranted. Smithson contends his trial attorney, G. Guy Smith, served him ineffectively. Smithson alleges Smith failed to ensure Smithson’s right to confront a serologist and DNA specialist who participated in the case; failed to properly investigate Covington; failed to cross-examine witness Dan Hall about his substance-abuse issues; and improperly had a state trooper read statements by Covington to jurors. But in a Nov. 22 court filing, prosecutor William Toal 3d said Smith served Smithson adequately. “[Smithson] has failed to demonstrate that trial counsel lacked sound strategic reasons for the alleged errors or omissions which [Smithson] claimed were instances of ineffective assistance,” the filing states. In addition, it also states that Smith made a reasonable decision to not call the serologist and DNA specialist as witnesses. If Smith had called those witnesses, it would have brought more attention to evidence damaging to Smithson, according to the filing. Hall, a former lover of Smithson, recently died. Hall allegedly told police that BUCKS from page 7

you don’t have prove that you have a joint bank account.” Shanker added that domestic-partnership benefits, although a good step forward, still hold the separate but equal stance. “There are people who believe domestic-partner benefits are better because they don’t have to get married. I don’t want domestic partnership for gay couples and marriage benefits for straight couples. They

Smithson admitted getting into a struggle with Shephard prior to his death. Hall also allegedly said that Smithson fantasized about drugging straight men and having his way with them sexually. But police lost their tape recording of Hall’s interview, and Smithson denies making the statements that Hall allegedly attributed to him. Smithson says Smith should have questioned Hall about his substance-abuse issues, to cast doubt on Hall’s credibility. But Toal’s filing states that Smith made a reasonable decision to not challenge Hall’s credibility. “Mr. Smith was concerned, based upon his own knowledge from conversations with Mr. Hall and from conversations with [Smithson], that an attempt to cross-examine Mr. Hall to discredit him would backfire, that Mr. Hall would appear to be more credible and would likely say something even more damaging to [Smithson] in the process,” the filing states. Covington declined to testify at Smithson’s trial, citing his fifth-amendment right to not incriminate himself. But he gave statements to police, and Toal’s filing states that Smith made a reasonable decision to allow a state trooper to read those statements to jurors. “Discovering a significant amount of evidence about Bruce Covington but not being able to put it before the jury was a very real problem, and yet Mr. Smith was largely able to overcome that problem [through the trooper’s participation],” Toal’s filing states. For his part, Smithson says he was heavily drugged by Covington, and passed out while Shephard was still alive. He claims that when he woke up the next morning, still groggy from the drugs, he discovered Shephard’s corpse in his home, panicked and tried to cover up the situation. Smithson, 48, remains incarcerated at the state prison in Huntingdon. Rob Nardello, an advocate for Smithson, expressed hope for a new trial. “Why don’t prosecutors want to reexamine what really happened that night?” Nardello posed. “Why do they keep looking at Dan Hall’s statements, when he wasn’t even there that night? Then they cover for Covington, who gave two conflicting statements that included lies to investigators.” A decision by Dozor is expected within the next few months. ■ are not the same, not equal.” Shanker added that, if the district moves ahead with the benefits change, it reflects a commitment to workplace equality, not even necessarily marriage equality. “It implies that they want to recruit and retain the best employees available to them and make sure employees are being treated equally,” he said. “It is about treating employees equally rather than the broader conversation about marriage equality.” ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

Editorial

An unholy spirit Last week, a local high-school teacher notified his employer he may be a bit late to work — and his honesty won him immediate termination. Michael Griffin, a longtime teacher at Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bucks County, was fired Dec. 6 after he told school officials he was applying for a marriage license with his partner in New Jersey, and thus may not be on time for class. “Unfortunately, this decision contradicts the terms of his teaching contract at our school, which requires all faculty and staff to follow the teachings of the Church,” said school president the Rev. James McCloskey in a statement. So, just like that, the 12 years Griffin invested in the school, not to mention the four he spent there as a student, were over. And, seemingly, there’s nothing he can do about it. There are no federal or state workplace protections for discrimination based on sexual orientation. But, since Griffin worked at a religious institution, such laws wouldn’t help him anyway, as employment nondiscrimination measures tend to have exemptions for religiously affiliated entities. Even though the school appears to be within its rights to fire Griffin for his same-sex marriage, the action is yet another stain on the Catholic Church. While the school president argued that Griffin’s marriage put him at odds with church teaching, he failed to note that school officials have known about his same-sex relationship for years; Griffin has stated that he brought his partner to school events, and a school administrator even attended their civil-

union ceremony. So having a same-sex relationship was permissible, but taking their relationship to the next level and recognizing it under law, and potentially in a church setting, was not? By all accounts, Griffin was an exemplary teacher. And this could have been a wonderful teaching moment. Having an out, partnered teacher in an allboys Catholic school could have done wonders for the young gay men who doubtlessly attend Holy Ghost and who may, or may not, yet be out. If pressed on Griffin’s marriage by opponents of equality, the school could have easily noted it does not condone his relationship but cited his long tenure and commitment to the school and its students. But, as has been echoed across the nation, the Catholic Church instead chose to turn back the clock. and summarily dismiss an otherwise capable and qualified teacher, days before Christmas. If Griffin’s marriage is in opposition to church teaching, does that mean the school is going to take the same pains to ensure every member of its faculty and staff are abiding by Catholic theology? What if a teacher donates to Planned Parenthood, another sworn enemy of the Church? Or a janitor’s child becomes an avowed atheist? Or a librarian stops going to Sunday Mass? While Griffin’s termination is likely devastating for him and his fiancé, the students are the real ones who lose out here. Again, the church has sacrificed its future to keep up with a past that should be relegated to the history books. If the Catholic Church is seeking to create a community lacking in diversity and free thought, it’s doing a damn good

What’s more powerful, Hollywood and Washington, D.C., or God? If you don’t believe in God, that’s easy: Hollywood and D.C., because, duh, they are populated by actual people. But if you believe in God, surely you think He has more sway than the cities that brought us “Brokeback Mountain” and Barney Frank, right? Maybe not, it turns out. At least when the issue at hand is marriage equality. On Nov. 29, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, had a heart to heart with David Gregory. The topic turned to all those gays getting married, and Gregory wondered what Dolan thought about the rapid advances equality has made in recent months. “I’d be a Pollyanna to say that there doesn’t seem to be kind of a stampede to [legalize same-sex marriage],” Dolan responded. “I regret that, I wish that were not the case.” Nice use of the word “stampede,” by the way. It brings to mind an image of gay and lesbian couples mowing down everybody in between them and legal marriage. As if the fight for marriage equality is akin to Walmart on Black Friday, with folks stomping on each other’s heads to get a discount flat-screen. David Gregory then asked, “But why do you think the Church is losing the argument on it, in effect?” Note that Gregory did not ask Dolan if the Church is losing the argument. He flatout said, “Dude, the Church is losing this shit. What gives?” Dolan’s answer is quite revelatory. “Well, I think maybe we’ve been out-marketed, sometimes,” he said. “I don’t know, when you have forces like Hollywood, when you have forces like politicians, when you have forces like some opinion-molders that are behind it, it’s a tough battle.” First of all, out-marketed? This isn’t

Coke v. Pepsi, pal. Secondly, did he just say that the forces of “Hollywood” and “politicians” are beating out the force of the Catholic Church? That God’s condemnation of homosexuality is no match for a bunch of celebrities and senators? Why, yes. Yes he did. And for what injustice are Hollywood and Washington, D.C., at fault? “We’ve been caricatured as being antigay,” Dolan said. Oh, now that’s rich, especially coming from a man who personally lobbied against marriage equality in New York and who once included homosexuality in a list of “contemporary threats to marriage,” including “polygamy, adultery [and] forced marriages.” As if there’s some giant conspiracy to make the Catholic Church seem like it doesn’t like gays. Because they sure don’t make any secret about their antigay lifestyle. Dolan likened the fight against marriage equality to the fight against abortion. “Back in 1973 with Roe v. Wade, everybody said this is a forgone conclusion, in a couple of years this issue is going to go away,” he said. “To this day, it remains probably the most divisive issue in American politics.” Gregory asked, “So you don’t think the gay-marriage debate is over?” “No. I don’t think it is,” Dolan responded. In other words, lesbians and gays may be winning the battle to have our families recognized as legal and loving, but people like Dolan will keep up the fight to turn back the clock to a time when our families were considered a crime and an abomination. ■

Lesbians and gays may be winning the battle to have our families recognized as legal and loving, but people like Dolan will keep up the fight to turn back the clock to a time when our families were considered a crime and an abomination.

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.

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

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

OP-ED PGN

Elevated success

Street Talk

This week, a milestone in LGBT hisfor an elevator. After lobbying, we received it. But those funds were used for other purtory was reached, and if my pride comes poses. Another request was made once the off the page at you, please forgive me but embarrassment had dissipated. That one it’s an achievement that this writer never for $100,000. By this time, the contractors thought he’d ever see, and could have only dreamed to be a part of. had discovered that the original designer As this column is being was off with the price and the written, the John C. Anderson $100,000 was not sufficient LGBT-Friendly Senior to build it. More funds were Affordable Apartments has required, plus other building issues needed to be addressed. passed all city, state and federal We then went back to the city regulations and inspections and with a large request. There was have our certificates in hand and ready for tenants. Heck, we a little tug of war but in timely even have our elevator certififashion there were Mayor John Street and Councilman Jim cates. That’s a personal favorite Kenney handing over a check for me since I’ve had issues for $390,000 to our community with elevators in LGBT buildings in the past ... a long story center. that deserves telling here since Yes, nearly a half-million dollars, but a drop in the bucket it explains something that our community needs to understand compared to what other commuin order for other cities to build Mark Segal nities get back for their tax dolcommunity centers, health cenlars. Our community deserves to be treated economically equal. But what it ters, youth and senior buildings. Very simply — economic empowerment. takes are powerful leaders backed by community leaders. Your city can have this sucWe fight for equal rights for marriage, cess; all it takes is to leave the in-fighting nondiscrimination, military, but very few LGBT communities around the country in the community and look like a united request economy development. Here, take community. Or leave those who are divia cue from Philadelphia, which is one of sive to mire in their own bitterness. Create the few cities that knows how to do it and a united, powerful community and demand do it well. Which brings me back to that your rights, including services, which takes economic funds — your tax dollars. ■ elevator. Our community center needed an elevaMark Segal, PGN publisher, is the tor to be compliant with the Americans for nation’s most-award-winning commentaDisabilities Act. After all, it’s a five-story tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at building. Some 15 years ago or so, we requested a grant from the city for $50,000 mark@epgn.com.

Mark My Words

Letters and Feedback If we are to end AIDS in Philadelphia, we need accountability from those charged with leading the efforts. In Philadelphia, a bulk of HIV-prevention funding is allocated by the Department of Public Health, and funding recommendations are made by the HIV Resource Allocations Advisory Committee (RAAC). RAAC is a group of individuals intended to be free from potential conflicts of interest in the outcomes of their recommendations. Half the committee members are persons living with HIV/AIDS and representative of the community and of the epidemic in and around Philadelphia. This committee’s recommendations have been criticized for disregarding the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in communities of color. Because the committee is confidential, its actions are not accountable to the individuals they are intending to serve. In the past, individuals have urged the health commissioner to increase the transparency of the funding-allocation process, but nothing has

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

been done. Earlier this year, I requested the minutes and membership of the RAAC committee through a Pennsylvania Right-To-Know Request. My request was denied by the city, citing the confidentiality of the members of the committee. The State Office of Open Records recognized that membership on this committee, much like any other city committee, has no legal basis for being confidential. The city is appealing that decision in court. I urge the health commissioner to dissolve the RAAC for the following reasons: A confidential committee decreases the city’s accountability to effectively work to decrease HIV/AIDS in our community; and the city has no legal means for protecting the confidentiality of individuals on the committee, potentially “outing” their HIV status. — Jacob Fyda Chicago, Ill.

What charitable cause merits support this holiday season? “Feeding the needy. You need food to live. And hunger is a major problem in the world. I support local food David Broughton banks, soup bartender kitchens, can Queen Village drives. Things like that, that get food into the mouths of people who really need it.”

“Organizations that assist with school and college readiness. The dropout rate in Philadelphia Lisa Hanfen public student schools North Philadelphia is very troubling. But there are groups that provide money and other resources to help young people remain in school. They also provide moral support for students who aren’t motivated to stay in school.”

“Any organization that shelters and protects animals from abuse. I have a huge affinity for animals. I grew up Drew Nugent with many musician animals. Fishtown Every single animal we’ve owned came from a rescue. We never bought from a puppy mill or pet shop. Those places are breeding grounds for abuse.”

“Cancer research. I’ve lost several friends and relatives to cancer, including my father. It’s a devastating Julia Redden disease. bartender I support South Philadelphia research that will improve a cancer sufferer’s quality of life, along with stopping the progression of the disease.”

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.

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

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

PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Nov. 25-Dec. 1. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686TIPS (8477).

251 S. 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 • (215) 437-3214

AC ul t ure rts

Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News

Film Reviews, Theater Reviews, Food Reviews, Book Reviews, Music Reviews, Nightlife, Sports and Travel

INCIDENTS — Between 6-10 p.m. Nov. 25, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1102 Chestnut St. — At 7 a.m. Nov. 26, a man was walking in the unit block of South Eighth Street when a male came up behind him, put him in a bear hug, and walked away west on Chestnut Street. The victim then discovered money was missing from his pocket. The suspect was described as a black male, 5-foot-10, thin, with a beard, wearing a blue and black jacket. — At 1:15 a.m. Nov. 27, a man was sleeping in the subway stairwell at Eighth Street when a male punched him and stole $6 and a cell phone, and fled west on Market Street. The suspect was described as black, 6-foot with a beard, a medium build and a medium complexion, wearing a dark hoodie and blue pants. — At 6:30 a.m. Nov. 28 (reported 3:15 p.m. Nov. 29), a man was outside his apartment building in the 200 block of South 13th Street talking to a male who then shoved him and stole his iPhone. The suspect was described as black, 5-foot-9, thin, wearing a skull cap and dark clothing. — At 3:15 a.m. Nov. 28, a resident was awakened by an intruder in the bedroom of a residence in the 1000 block of Addison Street. The suspect stole a handbag and an iPhone. Entry was gained through a window. The suspect was described as a black

female with a stocky build, wearing all dark clothing. Central Detectives processed the scene for evidence and fingerprints NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 9:10 p.m. Nov. 26, 6th District Officers Calhoun and Kovach arrested a male outside 203 S. 13th St. who was wanted on a warrant for probation violations. The 40-yearold suspect with a Northeast Philadelphia address was charged with escape. — At 2 a.m. Nov. 27, a man entered an apartment building in the 200 block of South 13th Street, assaulted the security officer and then banged on the door of an apartment. The resident opened the door and the male forced his way inside and started punching and indecently assaulting the complainant. The security officer called 911 and 6th District Officers Macchione and Hiller arrived, forced entry into the apartment and apprehended the male. The complainant sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 32-year-old suspect with a Tioga address was charged with aggravated and indecent assault, attempted rape and related offenses. — At noon Nov. 27, 6th District Officers Cash and Downey arrested a male outside 1201 Chestnut St. who was wanted on a warrant for probation violations. The 27year-old suspect with a Michigan address was charged with escape. SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 8:20 p.m. Nov. 26, 6th District officers issued a citation for a summary offense outside 200 S. Watts St. — On Nov. 29, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 9 and 10:15 a.m. outside 200 S. Juniper St. — On Nov. 30, 6th District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 12:55 a.m. outside 200 S. Camac St., 2:15 a.m. outside 252 S. 12th St., 9:50 a.m. outside 1300 Walnut St. and 10:05 p.m. outside 200 S. Watts St. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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FINANCES PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

It pays to plan ahead Q: Approaching the end of the year, is there anything I should be thinking about regarding my finances? Just trying to make sure I don’t miss out on any opportunities. A: As 2013 draws to a close, the last thing anyone wants to think about is taxes. But if you are looking for potential ways to minimize your tax bill, there’s no better time for planning than before year-end.

long-term capital losses.2 To the extent that losses exceed gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 in capital losses against ordinary income on that year’s tax return and carry forward any unused losses. Here are several actions you may want to consider: • Avoid short-term capital gains when possible, as these are taxed at higher ordinary rates. Unless you have shortterm capital losses to offset 2013 year-end tax planning them, try holding the assets for With the higher rates put in at least one year. place with the passage of the • Consider taking capital American Taxpayer Relief Act losses before capital gains, of 2012, being tax-efficient since unused losses may be caris more important than ever. ried forward for future years, Consider how the following while gains must be taken in strategies might help you to the year they are realized. lower your taxes. Jeremy • Consider sell or hold decicarefully. Keep in mind, Put losses to work Gussick sions a few down periods don’t mean Since stock and bond perforyou should sell simply to realmance tends to differ throughize a loss. Stocks in particular are longout the year, there is a chance that your term investments subject to ups and downs. target asset allocation has shifted, potenLikewise, a healthy, unrealized gain does tially exposing you to more risk than you not necessarily mean an investment is ripe originally intended.1 That is why now is for selling. Past performance is no indicaa good time to review your portfolio for tion of future results; it is expectations for gains and losses and make adjustments as future performance that count. Moreover, needed. taxes should only be one consideration in The IRS allows you to offset investment sell or held decisions. gains with losses, or tax-loss harvesting. Short-term gains (gains on assets held less Maximize the power of tax deferral than a year) are taxed at ordinary income Year-end is a good time to reevaluate tax rates, which range from 10-39.6 peremployer-sponsored benefits, such as qualcent, and can be offset with short-term ified retirement plans that offer tax deferral losses. Long-term gains (gains on assets and typically allow participants to make held longer than a year) are taxed at a top contributions on a pre-tax basis, thereby rate of 20 percent and can be reduced by

Out Money

lowering current taxable income. If you have not already done so, you may still have time to “max out” your 2013 contribution of $17,500 — with an additional $5,500 in “catch-up” contributions if you are 50 or older.3 Once you have contributed the maximum to your employer plan, consider doing the same with any IRA accounts you may have. Depending on your situation, you may be able to deduct all or a portion of this year’s contribution ($5,500 with an additional $1,000 in catch-up contributions) from your 2013 tax bill. Another important year-end consideration for older IRA holders is whether or not they’ve taken their required minimum distribution (RMD). Starting at age 70and-a-half, the IRS requires account-holders to withdraw specified amounts from their traditional IRAs each year. If you have not taken the required distribution in a given year, the IRS will impose a 50-percent tax on the shortfall. So make sure you take any required distributions by Dec. 31.

tions. Over time, these annual gifts could help shift considerable assets out of your taxable estate. These techniques are now available for the first time to LGBT legally married spouses since our marriages are now recognized in the eyes of the IRS. Another time-sensitive gifting strategy involves making a charitable gift from an IRA. The tax law passed in January granted IRA holders who are at least 70and-a-half years old an extension (through Dec. 31) for making contributions of up to $100,000 directly from an IRA to a charity of choice without having to treat the withdrawal as taxable income. While the gift is not tax-deductible, if done properly, it does help fulfill your RMD for the year. If you act fast, there is still time to reduce your tax bill before the books close on 2013. Contact your financial professional and tax advisor for assistance.

Income-shifting through gift-giving Year-end is also a time to make gifts. The annual gift-tax exclusion is currently $14,000 per individual ($28,000 for spouses combined). This technique works particularly well for individuals or couples who want to give away significant assets in a relatively short timeframe. For instance, assuming you and your same-sex spouse have one child who is married and two grandchildren, you could give $112,000 this year — $14,000 from each of you to each family member — without affecting your lifetime gift-tax or estate-tax exemp-

1 Investing in stocks involves risks, including the loss of principal. Bonds are subject to interest-rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bonds are subject to availability and change in price. Asset allocation does not assure a profit or protect against a loss. 2 Under certain circumstances, the IRS permits you to offset long-term gains with net short-term capital losses. See IRS Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses. 3 These are government maximums. Your employer may impose lower limits. Rules vary, so check with your benefits administrator to see if there is still time to increase your deferral rate for 2013.

As always, I wish all of our readers and your families and friends a very happy and healthy holiday season and New Year!

ALERT: With all of the exciting recent news coming from Washington, D.C., about same-sex marriage

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PGN LOCAL

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Obituary Patricia Fitzgerald, ActionAIDS staffer, 64 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Patricia Fitzgerald, coordinator of ActionAIDS’ Philadelphia Linkage Program, died Dec. 2 of complications from pneumonia and cancer. She was 64. Fitzgerald grew up in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and began working at ActionAIDS 12 years ago as a prison case manager for the Philadelphia Linkage Program, which provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS services to men and women during and after incarceration. Fitzgerald worked her way up and became coordinator of the program after it began to grow — something ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns attributed largely to Fitzgerald’s work. Fitzgerald held associate’s degrees in both alcohol and drug-abuse counseling and applied science from Community College of Philadelphia. She graduated with both degrees in 1996 and then transferred to Temple University the following year to pursue a degree in social work. Burns said that although she didn’t complete her coursework at Temple, Fitzgerald had the heart and mind of a social worker. “Pat was passionate about making sure people with AIDS, and particularly people who she served in the prison program, were treated with respect and had access to all the things they needed,” Burns said. “She had the ability to really connect with clients. recognition for certain federal benefit programs, I’m sure many of you have questions. Please feel free to contact me if I can offer any guidance on how these latest developments may impact you and your partner. And look for upcoming Out Money columns, which will address some of these issues as they continue to develop. Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent brokerdealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial-planning needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2013 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network, and the Independence Business Alliance. Out Money appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

She met face-to-face with every one of the clients assigned to the team. It was extraordinary that someone would go above and beyond like that.” Burns said he knew Fitzgerald before she started her work at the organization and was always impressed by her down-to-earth personality. “She was very personable and friendly. She was a ‘Kensington, down-home’ kind of gal, very accessible,” he said. ActionAIDS deputy executive director Beth Hagan encouraged Fitzgerald to initially apply for the organization. “I knew her as a friend before she worked at ActionAIDS. I thought she would be a perfect fit,” Hagan said. “She was loving but tough and able to set limits but in a caring way. She would look under every rock and stone for an answer to something. She really went the extra mile.” Outside of work, Fitzgerald was an avid Eagles fan and frequented the Jersey Shore in the summer. She also had a strong relationship with her daughter, Emma, which Burns said she cherished deeply. “She lived to be with Emma. Emma was her heart. When she would talk about Emma, her whole face would light up,” he said. Burns said the staff at ActionAIDS took the news of Fitzgerald’s passing hard. “She was easy to get along with. She was easy to work with and be around,” Burns said. “It is a huge loss for ActionAIDS. We will miss her dearly.” A memorial service was held Dec. 9 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Kensington. Fitzgerald is survived by her daughter Emma, sister Diane Davies, a brother and several nieces and nephews. ■ This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. This article was prepared by Wealth Management Systems Inc., and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Please consult me if you have any questions. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc., or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc., nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 19962013, based on total revenues. **2012-2013 Five Star Wealth Manager Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Prior to 2012, award was based on client satisfaction. Respondents evaluated criteria such as customer service, expertise, value for fee charge and overall satisfaction. The overall score is based on an average of all respondents and may not be representative of any one client’s experience.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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NEWS PGN HRC RATINGS from page 1

2013, a record 304 businesses achieved a top rating of 100, including Philadelphia’s Dechert LLP, Comcast Corp. and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. All three received perfect scores last year as well. Other Philadelphia companies scored high, with Aramark Corp., Ballard Spahr LLP, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Pepper Hamilton LLP and Saul Ewing LLP all receiving a 90. Duane Morris LLP received an 85 and Pep Boys scored a 65. All of the local companies’ scores were the same as last year. This year’s CEI saw 1,923 businesses invited to participate, with 734 businesses rated, compared to last year’s 688. To get a perfect score, businesses were required to meet such criteria as providing equal benefits for same-sex partners and spouses, banning benefits discrimination against transgender employees and their dependents, demonstrating firm-wide competency on LGBT issues and showing a public commitment to the LGBT community. Ninety-nine percent of CEI-rated employers provided employment protection for sexual orientation and 86 percent provided protection on the basis of gender identity. Eight-two percent had an employee resource group or diversity council that focuses on LGBT issues. Seventynine percent reported some form of public

engagement with the LGBT community, whether in marketing, advertising, recruitment efforts or contributions to LGBT organizations. Dechert LLP partner Katherine Burroughs said the firm was proud to have received a perfect score again from HRC. She said although the firm has always been welcoming to people of all backgrounds, Dechert completed a diversity

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Dechert LLP, was the founder of the LGBT affinity group, which was established in 2009, and which was expanded to include the European offices last January. She also served as the co-chair of the firm-wide diversity committee. Among its equality work, the firm offers health-care coverage specific to transgender employees, has performed LGBT-focused pro-bono work — including the filing of

To get a perfect score, businesses were required to meet such criteria as providing equal benefits for same-sex partners and spouses, banning benefits discrimination against transgender employees and their dependents, demonstrating firm-wide competency on LGBT issues and showing a public commitment to the LGBT community. assessment two years ago that revamped the way the firm addressed diversity within the workplace. “The firm did a top-to-bottom diversity/ inclusion assessment on U.S.-based offices looking at LGBT, women and attorneys of color and out of that developed comprehensive recommendations for addressing diversity issues across those groups,” she said. Burroughs, the first openly gay partner at

amicus briefs in the Defense of Marriage Act case in the U.S. Supreme Court — and has also done work with Mazzoni Center Legal Services. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP chair Francis M. Milone said the firm is proud of its rating and that the recognition reflects the firm’s commitment to inclusion of the LGBT community. “Building a diverse staff is a core value at the firm and is part of our broader mis-

sion to draw upon the strengths of individuals who represent a variety of viewpoints, experiences and backgrounds,” Milone said. “Our ultimate goal is to create a welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds with talent, energy and desire can succeed.” Klayton Fennell, vice president of government affairs and executive champion of Comcast’s OUT employee resource group, said his agency’s score “reflects that we are an employer and business of choice for the LGBT community thanks to our LGBTinclusive corporate culture, employee benefits, workforce engagement, community investments and programming and services.” The HRC has plans to revamp the CEI in 2016 and will be changing the criteria needed to achieve a perfect score. In order to receive a 100, businesses must have sexual-orientation and gender-identity protections in their nondiscrimination policies, both in the U.S. and globally. The HRC will also require that U.S. contractors follow the rules of the company’s existing nondiscrimination policies. Companies will also be required to instate policies to prevent philanthropic giving, on an international level, to non-religious organizations that have a discriminatory policy based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. For more information, visit www.hrc. org/campaigns/corporate-equality-index. ■

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PGN

NEWS PGN

Gay weddings 17 percent of Washington marriages

Media Trail Baker ordered to serve gays According to The Coloradoan, a Colorado judge ordered a baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex ceremony to serve gay couples despite his religious beliefs. The Dec. 6 order from administrative-law Judge Robert N. Spencer says Masterpiece Cakeshop in suburban Denver will face fines if it continues to turn away gay couples who want to buy cakes for their wedding celebrations. An attorney for Masterpiece Cakeshop did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Shop owner Jack Phillips had argued that making cakes for gay wedding ceremonies violates his Christian beliefs. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint against Phillips with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission last year on behalf of Charlie Craig and David Mullins. The couple was married in Massachusetts and wanted a wedding cake to celebrate in Colorado.

ABC News reports gay weddings made up 17 percent of marriages in Washington this past year, the first year gay marriages were legal in the state. State officials reported Dec. 4 more than 7,000 same-sex couples got married between December 6, 2012, and the most recent complete month of data, September 2013. So far, most of the state’s same-sex marriages, 62 percent, were between two women. There was only one county, Garfield County, where no same-sex marriages were performed. Washington’s gay-marriage law is also driving tourism. About a quarter of the gay couples who got married this past year in Washington were from another state. The biggest number came from Oregon.

Trans cop in Conn. files complaint According to the Worcester Telegram, a transgender police officer has filed a complaint with a state agency alleging her supervisors created a hostile work environment because of her gender identity. Francesca Quaranta says her colleagues were initially supportive of her transition, but she began to face hostility from some over time and the situation became so bad she took

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

paid leave. She’s asking the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to investigate her claims of discrimination and harassment. Quaranta says a lieutenant repeatedly referred to her as “Frank” and “him” and questioned whether she was fit for duty. She says she faced added scrutiny of her work performance and was ordered to remove her earrings even though female officers had been allowed to wear them.

Montana town drafting anti-bias law The Montana Standard reports the ButteSilver Bow Council of Commissioners has asked the county attorney to draft an ordinance that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The council approved the motion Dec. 4. The draft ordinance is expected to be similar to one approved in Missoula in 2010 to protect people who are LGBT from housing and hiring discrimination. Helena has a similar ordinance, but it includes a provision that says in restrooms or places like athletic club locker rooms, people should use facilities designated for their anatomical sex. Commissioner John Sorich suggested last week that the Butte ordinance include that provision, but the decision was made to work from Missoula’s ordinance. ■ — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

NEWS PGN ACLU from page 1

on a new front — public education. In a press conference Wednesday at City Hall, the ACLU and Freedom to Marry announced the launch of Why Marriage Matters Pennsylvania, an educational endeavor to build support for marriage equality in the Keystone State. The campaign, which will be spearheaded by Melissa Morris, will include initiatives like town-hall meetings and small-group trainings that will begin in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and spread statewide. “It is about getting those one-on-one conversations — rolling it out on personal levels,” Morris said. She said the campaign was inspired in part by the current litigation and also the growing support for same-sex marriage in the state. “Pennsylvania has become a state that is more and more supportive of same-sex marriage. There won’t be anything happening in the near future for marriage, but we wanted to find ways to put it into people’s hands,” Morris said. “We didn’t want it to just be about the litigation; we wanted people to have a voice and promote the idea of supporting these couples.” The new educational campaign will follow similar initiatives Freedom to Marry has been involved with in Ohio, New Mexico and Arizona. Morris said the national ACLU has also partnered with Freedom to Marry for other campaigns and said it seemed natural that the statewide ACLU partner with it as well for this campaign. “It seemed natural that we used their vast experience. It is a big campaign and is statewide and the more support and help we can get, the better,” she said. Why Marriage Matters Pennsylvania currently has 60 endorsements from businesses, organizations, legislators and faith-based communities throughout the state. Funding for the campaign has come from the state and national ACLU and Freedom to Marry. The initiative also will accept public donations. Morris’ work will be supported by several interns. While the ACLU case is set for a June trial, Morris said the campaign allows people to get more directly involved with the fight for marriage equality in Pennsylvania. “It is about having my voice heard and knowing I can talk to just one other person on why marriage is important. It gives me more power. I want to be helpful and find more ways to get the word out there,” she said. “It is about us taking back power and supporting the litigation. We want to empower Pennsylvanians.” And the face-to-face education will highlight the importance of marriage equality beyond the law. “It is important to understand why marriage matters to folks,” Morris said. “We should all have equal rights and show that marriage means the same thing to same-sex couples as it does to heterosexual couples.” For more information on the campaign, visit www.marriagematterspa.org or email Morris at equality@aclu.org. ■

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with Giannetto in Maple Shade, N.J., planned to go with his partner to apply for a marriage license last Friday. He emailed the school’s principal, Jeff Danilak, to let him know he would be late — but the response took him by surprise. That afternoon, Griffin was called into Danilak’s office, along with school president the Rev. James P. McCloskey, and was told he would be fired if he went through with the marriage. According to the school handbook, employees must abide by the rules and lifestyle of the Roman Catholic Church, which has traditionally been against same-sex marriage. There is no statewide law prohibiting workplace discrimination against LGBT people in Pennsylvania, nor is there a federal law; however, most nondiscrimination laws include exemptions for religious institutions. Griffin told PGN the school was previously aware of his sexual orientation and his relationship. “The school knew I was gay,” he said. “I’ve brought him to school events and talked about him in the faculty room. I’ve had people from the school at my house.” Griffin said the school did not offer him any severance pay and he has not had any further conversations with the administration. He said he is exploring his legal options. “I don’t know if what they did is legal but I am going to look into it.” With teaching certifications in two languages and administrative degrees, he said he is not “too worried” about finding another position. In the meantime, he said he hopes his situation can shed light on the broader issue of LGBT workplace discrimination. “I want to bring awareness to the fact that you can still be fired for being gay — religious institution or not — in Pennsylvania,” he said. “At the very least, I am bringing awareness that we still face this in 2013. We think the Northeast and Philly is an inclusive area, so you don’t think of something like that happening around here.” Since his firing, Griffin has gotten emails, texts and calls from former colleagues, students and alumni, as well as from strangers. Griffin initially posted about the firing on Facebook, a friend shared the story and it went viral. “All I wanted to do was have a little wedding. That’s the irony of it: We wanted something small and low-key and here it is, national news.” ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PAGE 48

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

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

44 41 40 46 50 39 48

Out writer keeps it fresh in drag By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com They say diamonds are forever. Apparently so is Tupperware, which is more within our gift-giving budget this holiday season. Luckily for us (and much to our surprise), Tupperware seems to be all the rage these days thanks in part, to drag queens. Out comedy performer, writer and New Jersey native Kurt Koehler makes the rounds nationally with as many as nine Tupperware parties a week as his alterego Aunt Cassie Rolle. Koehler, who hails from Haddon Township, said he was introduced to the fast-paced and lucrative world of drag Tupperware parties while working on the West Coast as a comedy writer and direc-

tor. “My business partner, he and another friend started doing it out in L.A. about three years ago,” Koehler said. “They started pushing me to do it and I finally got laid off, and I saw how much he was making and I decided to jump in. There are only about six or seven people in the country that are doing it in drag. It’s kind of a small niche, so we all know each other.” Everybody has had some experience with the unmistakable home product that is Tupperware at some point, and Koehler says there is some retro nostalgia driving his drag parties. “I think it’s a kitsch factor,” he said. “When I think of Tupperware, I think of the 1970s and polyester and my family. I feel like sometime you have to have a gimmick. And Tupperware parties have

been going on for 65 years. To get people to go to one now, you have to have something special to offer. That’s what we do. I sing a big Broadway medley. I tell jokes. Everybody tells jokes throughout the demo. It’s not your grandmother’s Tupperware party.” Well, actually ... “Sometimes we get really old ladies and I have to clean up my act a little bit,” Koehler said. “But then you get the ladies that want to hear the dirty jokes.” Kohler added that, while his shows do appeal to gay men, straight women are also a big part of his audiences. “There’s a mix,” he said. “There’s more women but the gay men show up because they hear about the drag. They always have gay cousins, a gay brother, gay friends and hairdressers that are coming to the show. For our shows that we

do on stage, it’s half gay and half straight women.” Koehler will be in the Philadelphia area doing a bunch of Tupperware parties this weekend. And, although they are private parties, you can always contact him ahead of time to see if it’s OK to crash one. You can also try to book a party of your own, but Koehler emphasizes these parties mean business — and the hosts have to understand a few things if they are planning to invite Aunt Cassie into their homes. “There are rules to our party which we give to the hosts,” he said. “We explain that this is how we make our living. It’s not a free show. We have to sell it or we won’t continue to do it. I have to say as a gay man, when a gay man wants to do a Tupperware party, I say, ‘OK, is it somebody’s birthPAGE 36

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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day? Because I’m not doing it. I’m not going to be your free clown for your party.’ So you always have to feel out why someone wants a Tupperware party. Do they just want to see a free drag queen at your house or do you want to try and earn some free Tupperware because that’s what the hostess does?” We know what you’re thinking: Drag queen in your living room aside, why go through the whole party thing when you can just run to the local superstore and load up on Tupperware? It turns out, Tupperware puts a lot of time and effort into staying relevant. “They keep inventing new items through the years so they can keep the patents on them,” Koehler said about the brand’s longevity. “There’s always a main catalog that changes throughout the year. They relive some products that you are going to recognize from the 1970s or 1980s but with better colors. They do that because the Tupperware is guaranteed for a lifetime. So they need to keep everything the same size. You can bring something back from

the 1960s and if it’s broken, Tupperware will replace it. So in that aspect, they keep the sizes the same because it works.” Koehler added that, despite what you see on TV about people wanting cars, flat-screen TVs or jewelry for Christmas, Tupperware is the hotness this holiday season. And the products at his parties are the real deal your grandmother used to buy, instead of the disposable knockoffs you find in stores. “They want it for themselves because a lot of people are cooking this time of year,” Koehler said about the parties’ enhanced appeal during the holidays. “You’ve got Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s in a row. So that’s a lot of leftovers. And Tupperware is an investment. The stuff that you buy at the chain stores most of the time is made in China. Those aren’t guaranteed for anything so you’re buying it again and again. Ours is made in the USA. When I started selling Tupperware, I didn’t realize all the stuff I grew up with in my mother’s house that lasted all my life was Tupperware.” ■ For more information on Aunt Cassie Rolle and her Tupperware parties, visit http://cassierolle. blogspot.com/ or contact her at cassie.rolleyahoo. com.

SHOPPING PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PGN’s Christmas Carol: A gift guide By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

For Men’s line of products, like pH-balanced Hair Removal Cream, which can be used in all of your most sensitive areas and won’t fade your tattoos, and the cleansing gels and shave creams. The company envisions a free-spirited world where all LGBTQ and their allies can live and thrive together. To that end, Axiom For Men directs money from the sale of their products to a number of LGBTQ charities. For more information, visit www.axiomformen.com.

The retail battle royal that is the holiday season is upon us. All kinds of products are vying for our attention this year — so many that we needed reinforcements to sort through them. So we turned to our indispensable and valued office manager and allaround Italian-pixie dynamo of morale here at PGN, Carol Giunta. Our Christmas Carol, if you will ... She is the glue that keeps Lifestyles offers some new PGN running like the wellproducts for the ladies this seaoiled machine filled with son with a museTM Personal screaming, petulant Veruca Pleasure Massager. Created Salts and Augustus Gloops for women by women, this disthat it is, and the staff would creet massager enhances stimbe lost without her ... until an ulation through quiet vibration, appropriate and equally highmassaging all external areas strung replacement could be of the body with five differfound. But we are dreading ent rhythms and three different that day. intensities in each rhythm. Anyway, between her normal mountain of office duties, CC: What am I supposed to do planning our annual Christmas PGN OFFICE MANAGER CAROL GIUNTA ON A VESPA 946. with that? picnic (“What flavor of Capri PHOTO: SCOTT A. DRAKE PGN: Well, we’re sure as hell Sun would you like?”) and not going to tell you. forcefully deflecting our desNothing says “Feliz Navidad” like perate pleas for raises and candy, she helped us sift through some tequila. And what better tequila to toast the of the products that could end up under- holidays than Pura Vida Tequila, a favorneath some trees this holiday season and ite at House of Blues locations all over the country and hyped by rock stars like chimed in when appropriate. Remember when you were a kid and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Sully Erna all you wanted to see under the Christmas of Godsmack. We had a chance to sample tree was a shiny new bike? This year the the brand’s Anejo Tequila, an ultra-predream and excitement can live again with mium version, aged for a minimum of one the brand-spanking new Vespa 946, the year in high-quality, American oak bourcompany’s first new model in six years. bon barrels. The aging process allows the These stylish handmade machines are tequila to darken and mature, resulting in not the Vespas your parents backpacked a flavor that’s smoother, richer and more around Europe on. These models are big- complex. For more information, visit ger, beefier and more powerful, splitting www.puravidatequila.com. the difference between their European counterparts and American motorcycles, PGN: Christmas Carol, do you like yet still classified as scooters. With a start- tequila? ing price hovering just under $10,000, CC: I used to be able The holidays are usually when we there is a bit of sticker shock, but you can to drink tequila. Now catch up on the TV shows and movies we tell where all the money goes with the I just stick to wine. didn’t have the time to catch all year. And new Vespa’s modern, but still cool, retro PGN: We can take to that end, we recommend season four of looks and an estimated 155 miles-to-the- a hint. More for us! the acclaimed sitcom “Modern Family,” gallon fuel economy. Plus, you will look Pass the salt. the second season of the tense spy drama like a million dollars tooling around the Any company that “Homeland,” the 16th season of “The city on one of these. Simpsons” and the outrageous girl-buddy We’d like to thank Manny at Vespa of wants to remove cop film “The Heat.” Philadelphia, 1001 N. Second St., for let- unwanted hair and Good luck with your shopping and ting us drool all over his fleet of attrac- intolerance has happy holidays! ■ tive two-wheelers. For more information got our attenor to try one out, visit www.vespaphilly. tion. If you �� like your percom or call 215-625-0101. sonal grooming and social CC: The Vespas make me wish I had consciousa driver’s license. I feel like “Sons of ness to interAnarchy” on one of these things! mingle, then PGN: You’d have to wear a helmet. CC: No thanks, it would ruin my hairdo. turn to Axiom

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PGN MUSIC

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

By Ray Simon PGN Contributor

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11th St. 4

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Out dynamic songstress stages benefit in Philly

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8. Giovanni’s Room 1145 Pine St. 215.923.2960 giovannisroom.com Oldest LGBT bookstore in the country 9. ICandy 254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com

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16. Scorpio Books 205 S. Juniper St. 10. Independent Hotel 215.525.2181 1234 Locust St. 17. Spruce Street 215.923.3535 Video theindependenthotel. 252 S. 12th St. com 215.546.6843 11. Knock 18. Stir Lounge 225 S. 12th St. 1705 Chancellor St. 215.925.1166 215.732.2700 knockphilly.com stirphilly.com

12. Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut St. (entr. on Juniper St.) 215.735.1114 optimalsporthealthclubs.com 13. Pleasure Chest 2039 Walnut St. 215.561.7480

•8

14. Sansom Street Cinema 120 S. 13th St. 215.545.9254

19. Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com 20. Tavern on Camac 243 S. Camac St. 215.545.0900 tavernoncamac.com

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Pine St. 4

21. U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660 22. Unite Fitness 105 S. 12th St. 215.733.0633 uniteﬁtnessstudios. com 23. Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 24. Voyeur 1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub. com 25. Westbury 261 S. 13th St. 215.546.5170 thewestburybar.net 26. William Way LGBT CC 1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org 27. Woody’s 202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com

Brandi Carlile has an early Christmas present for her local fans. The dynamic musician, whose work blends alt-country and indie rock, will appear Dec. 14 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Carlile and her longtime collaborators, Tim and Phil Hanseroth, affectionately known as The Twins, are here for a special performance billed as “Raise the Roof.” The show is a benefit for the Looking Out Foundation, which the trio founded in 2008. The arts-based charity was established to support organizations working to improve their communities. Philabundance is the local beneficiary on this occasion. Organizers hope to collect 450 pounds of canned food for the group, which feeds hungry families throughout the Delaware Valley. Among the evening’s highlights are a Q&A with the band hosted by WXPN disc jockey Bruce Warren and a showcase of homegrown talent, including soulful songwriter Vanida Gail and the folk collective Hezekiah Jones. Carlile will cap things off with a freewheeling set. According to Holly Zipperer, who helped arrange the show, the evening will be a mixture of good music and good deeds. “As an attendee, basically you are going to learn about all of the causes and things that the Looking Out Foundation has engaged in over the last year,” she said. “And it is also an opportunity for us to hear from Brandi herself how we as fans — and she’ll tell you in a minute that we collectively, the fan community, the people that are engaged in her music — are the foundation.” That is certainly true for Zipperer, who resides in the Philadelphia suburbs. She went from being a Brandi Carlile fan to sitting on the board of the Looking Out Foundation. Zipperer, an educator by training, works with special-needs children, but music is her passion. In 2005, she heard Carlile’s music on a CD sampler and soon after saw her play at Tin Angel. She was hooked by the performer’s down-to-earth presence and ability to switch comfortably among genres. “She’s been called singer-songwriter, she’s been called folk, she’s been called altcountry, and I like the idea that she’s not in a neat little package,” Zipperer said of Carlile. “She can sing Janis Joplin in one breath and Johnny Cash in another. Tammy Wynette, Stevie Nicks, she’s covered all this wide range of cover tunes, and it really allowed the fans to span across genres.” By 2006, Zipperer and Roberta Goschler, a friend and fellow music-lover, created a Brandi Carlile fan community online called AgainToday.com. Since 2009, the pair has organized five annual Raise the Roof ben-

efits, all right in Carlile’s backyard, Seattle. When the time came to bring this hootenanny to the East Coast, there was no doubt where it should take place. “As far as Philadelphia, that was Brandi’s choice,” Zipperer said. “She wanted it in Philly and at the World Cafe. That’s what the goal was. World Cafe and WXPN have been huge supporters of Brandi and the Hanseroth twins, and I think she really wanted to give back to the city for all that the city and its local radio stations have done to help her career.” Philadelphia fans have already returned the love. Tickets for the event sold out within a week. Fortunately for those who cannot be there in person, a $10 donation via AgainToday.com will provide access via live streaming. By any measure, Carlile’s career has been a success. The title track of her 2007 album “The Story” was used in a Chevrolet commercial that ran frequently during the 2008 Olympics. She’s also had three tunes featured in the popular television show “Grey’s Anatomy.” Along with that exposure, she’s had the opportunity to record with first-rate producers like Rick Rubin and to collaborate with both Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls and Sir Elton John. Things weren’t always so rosy. Growing up in rural Washington, Carlile was often the only gay student in the classroom, which led to the usual hassles. Thankfully, she persevered. Always out, she typically answers questions about her personal life thoughtfully and with candor. In 2012, she married her wife, Catherine, who was charity coordinator for Sir Paul McCartney. As Zipperer sees it, Carlile’s main message to fans is to be yourself, even if that means being different. The bandleader made that explicit at a Raise the Roof show in Seattle this fall. “When you’re given the opportunity next time — and you will get one every day — to be apathetic or ignore need or just to plain be mean, don’t,” Carlile said. “It’s that simple. Just be weird. Just keep it weird. Make a spectacle of yourself and the way that you love. And let’s try to be more like kids.” ■ To learn more about the causes Brandi Carlile and her fans support, visit www. lookingoutfoundation.org.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

SPORTS PGN

Get Out and Play

Scott A. Drake

Temple and the money changers The almighty dollar has spoken again and because basketball and football make money for Temple University, they get to stay. Gymnastics, crew, baseball? Sorry, you don’t, you’re out. It’s really that simple. It’s really that sad, also. Patrick McLaughlin, assistant men’s gymnastics coach, has been sharing letters and social-media updates that advocates of the axed Temple programs are using to bring awareness to the issue. Besides Facebook updates, the Temple University Gymnastics website (www.templegymnastics.com) has options to sign a petition, follow the group on Twitter and information on other ways to support the organization. I first got enthused about TUG when I met a member of the team in the fall of 2010. The following January, Jen Colletta and I went up to Temple to interview and photograph three out gymnasts: Evan Burke, John Gaffney and Dash Sears. The story was quite a hit and led to several other organizations writing about one, two or all three. Now, all have graduated and gone on to other things, but the news of the cut still stung. “Continuing down this road will be the death of sports like men’s gymnastics, rowing, wrestling, sports that people only care about when the Olympics come every four years. But what people don’t realize is that those sports don’t just stop after the Olympics,” Sears said. “No collegiate men’s gymnastics, so goes America’s relevance in an international sport, and an Olympic sport, which is just unfathomable to me.” When I asked McLaughlin about any current out members of the gymnastics program, he offered praise for the community. “We currently don’t have any gay members. It’s a bit more boring without Dash, Evan and John these days,” McLaughlin said, adding: “The warm and caring relationship you and the LGBT community have shown us in the past few years has been absolutely spectacular and it has made our team feel very special.” These are the kinds of sports hurdles going on every day across the country. LGBT athletes are hurt just as much as any other athlete when these cuts occur, because we are truly all part of the same team. I encourage all readers, posters, tweeters and signers to go to TUG’s website and show our friends at Temple that we still stand beside them. Unfathomable, Dash? It is unfathomable to me also.

Healthy giving Gifts for the athlete and sports enthusiast vary by degree of whether someone is a quarterback or an armchair quarterback. In other words, is this an athlete you’re buying for or an athletic supporter? Think about what 2014 may bring in your sports enthusiast’s world and shop accordingly. Often, things that are not on top of the list are really appreciated more because you thought it through. A gym membership, new or extension, is an old standby. Running shoes, cleats, bowling bag, tennis balls and such are satisfying, but what about some of the periphery items that we don’t always think about? Juicers are popular right now, and they’re great for knocking off some of those holiday pounds. My personal disagreement with them is I hate cleaning up and juicers can be high-maintenance. My blender works for most things and it’s easier on the cleanup. Memberships to gyms aren’t the only costs in participatory sports. Buy your person a league or team membership. Most have them to cover rental costs and such. Sign them up for the Gay Games in Cleveland. I’m sure quite a few people would appreciate saving that $100-plus. When in doubt, hit the sports store and get a gift certificate. Show the athlete in your life that you care about his/her happiness and health! Short stops • GPFFL held elections to fill board and officer positions on Dec. 9. Congrats to newly elected commissioner Herbie Sayles, assistant commissioner Brian Sell and treasurer Garrett Lierman , who join current secretary Chris Solano and Carmen A. Gervasio, board member at large. • The final roller-skating party of 2013 is Dec. 16 at the Cherry Hill Skating Center, 664 Deer Road, Cherry Hill, N.J. The bimonthly fundraiser rolls from 8:30-10:30 p.m.; philagayskating.com. • Archive items from the Philadelphia Frontrunners are on display at the William Way LGBT Community Center through the end of the year. ■ Countdown to Gay Games 9: 238 days. Are you having a sports fundraiser, holiday party, bar crawl or just hanging out under the mistletoe? Tell me about it at scott@epgn.com.

PROFILE PGN

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Suzi Nash

Nima Etemadi: Walking in a cupcake wonderland Google the words “cupcake sayings” and you’ll get a whole slew of responses: “Cupcakes don’t ask silly questions. Cupcakes understand”; “You can’t be sad when you’re holding a cupcake”; and a quote from actor Emma Stone, “You’re a human being. You live once and life is wonderful, so eat the damn red velvet cupcake.” Obviously cupcakes inspire a lot of passion, and who better to talk to about it than Nima Etemadi, co-owner of A Cupcake Wonderland, a Philadelphia-based company that has been featured (and won!) on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” PGN: So where did you cook up from? NE: I’m originally from Vancouver, British Columbia. I moved to the States to go to college and lived in New York for about 10 years. During that time, I traveled a lot back and forth to Philadelphia because this is where my business partner was, and now that I live here, I love it. I can finally stop being jealous of her enormous living space compared to my tiny New York apartment! PGN: What school did you go to? NE: Sarah Lawrence College. PGN: So what was life like growing up in Vancouver? NE: Well, I’m one of two; I have an older brother. We’re Persian and have a large extended family who all settled in Vancouver after the revolution. I feel really lucky to have grown up in a big Persian community with all four grandparents and lots of uncles and aunts and cousins. PGN: Any cool Persian traditions? NE: I love Persian New Year. My father’s family is Islamic but they’re not very religious — we never went to a mosque or anything — and my mother’s side is Bahá’í and they’re not very heavily into it either. One of the secular holidays in the Persian culture is New Year’s, also called Nowruz. I think it was originally Zoroastrian but it’s been adopted by the other religions that populated the area. It’s really wonderful. It happens at the spring equinox so it usually falls around March 21. They’re very particular about calculating exactly when the sun crosses the celestial equator and if it happens at 3 in the morning, we all get up to celebrate it then. PGN: As a night owl, that’s my kind of holiday! NE: Yeah, it’s been celebrated for over 3,000 years. They make all kinds of special sweets and have a great time. It’s a 12-day celebration and we get pulled out of school for the better part of a week so that you can visit everyone that’s important in your life. First, you visit the elders of the family,

then the rest of the family and finally your friends. On the 13th day, families leave their homes and picnic outdoors, as part of the Sizdah Be-dar ceremony. It’s one of the things that I miss when I’m not there. PGN: [Laughs.] Do you now wake people up at 3 a.m. to celebrate? NE: No, but my parents still wake me up! My mom once sent me “Persian New Year in a Box.” It was great. It had all the pieces I needed to set up a Haft Sin table. It has a lot of symbolic items that are about birth and renewal: a painted egg, a mirror, rose water, etc. It was really sweet of her. PGN: What was a favorite toy as a kid? NE: He-Man [laughs], much to the displeasure of my mother. I was really into action figures and things like that. And this is going to sound strange, but I really loved money. Counting it and stacking it. PGN: You’re not alone. I did too. I loved getting my parents’ bottles of change and putting all the coins in those little paper rolls. I didn’t care if it wasn’t my money, it was just fun. Now it’s all ruined by those stupid counting machines! NE: I know! I used to spend hours doing it. Now I see that it was really the joy of organizing things, so I try to apply it to other areas in my life.

PGN: How old were you when you went to college? NE: 14. PGN: Smartypants! NE: [Laughs.] I tried. I actually just never cared for high school so I tried to get out as soon as possible. Unfortunately, college wasn’t a good fit for me either, so I dropped out and enrolled in The Pacific Institute for Culinary Arts. It was a wonderful experience. I did a few years of catering but most of my friends were older than me and when they all started graduating, I decided maybe I should go back to school. While I was at school in New York, I worked as an assistant editor for Aperture Magazine. It was wonderful and the people were great but I found that, ultimately, I’m not made for a desk job. I missed working with my hands so I left to go to pastry school and graduated from the French Culinary Institute’s Classic Pastry Arts program. In the meantime — unbeknownst to me — my friend from college, Lily Fischer, had also decided to go to pastry school and had

PGN: Are you and your brother alike? NE: No, I tend to be more casual, the leftbrained creative type, whereas he’s more precise. He’s a doctor now and I bake cupcakes so that should give you an idea. But he’s always been gentle and good-hearted. PGN: What did your parents do? NE: My father had a construction company for many years and my mother was a homemaker. PGN: Did you pick up any building skills? NE: I wish. I think my father was the least handy person in his company. But he’s a very sociable character; a lot of his role was building the company, keeping everyone happy and bringing in new clients. He was like an ambassador for the company. PGN: Back to New York, what did you study at Sarah Lawrence? NE: I studied film theory, which I loved but quickly realized wasn’t going to lead to a job, unless I wanted to be a professor. I love teaching but the world of academia was not for me. PGN: Did you jump right into cupcakemaking? NE: I did not; I actually graduated high school a little early and tried university, but I was way too young and I dropped out and went to culinary school first.

started her own company, which had been featured on the TV show “Cupcake Wars.” After her business partner left, she got invited back on the show and called me to join her for the episode. We clicked really well and decided to go into business together. It didn’t make sense for the two of us to be doing the same thing at the same time and not join forces. I moved to Philly and here we are! PGN: Before we go whole cupcake, what was coming out like?

NE: I definitely came out to my parents in stages. There were all different levels of rebellion at first. Like, “I’m never going to get married” [laughs], then it was like, “OK, I’m never getting married to a guy ...” then it was, “I AM a guy.” I was really lucky that they were very liberal and open-minded, especially being from a Middle- Eastern background. They were very much of the mindset that their children’s health and happiness was of primary importance. So as much as I’m sure certain parts were confusing for them, they’ve done their best to adapt to it. So yeah, they’ve been really great. There were some family members who they were nervous about telling, like my grandmother, and she turned out to be the easiest to tell. She was like, “OK, great! I have another grandson!” PGN: It’s amazing how people can surprise you if you give them a chance. I think in most cases if you approach it positively and without shame or hesitation, most people can handle it. NE: Yeah, I transitioned while I was working for Aperture and they were really wonderful about it too. To acclimate them, I sent around an email to everybody saying, “Look, I’m going to be the same person you know ... just hairier.” I think being open to questions helped too. I think if you want to bring people with you, on any transition, you have to be willing to be open and honest and willing to talk. People are going to have natural curiosity and have things they don’t understand and if you don’t supply the answers, they’re going to go online or watch “Jerry Springer” for answers and that’s just going to create misunderstandings and misinformation. So far, I’ve had very few problems transitioning and I think part of what worked was being kind of mellow about it. Not taking a sledgehammer to people’s preconceived ideas, just letting it work out on its own by Photo: Suzi Nash being myself. PGN: OK, back to cupcakes. Who is the comic-book fan? I saw a lot of superheroes on the website. NE: Actually, a lot of that is customerdriven. The kids, especially little boys, tend to like superheroes, though sometimes people surprise you there too. We recently had a girl who last year was all frilly pinks and princesses and this year she wants Spiderman. PAGE 50

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Food & Drink

DINING PGN OUT

‘Feliz’ Navidad By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Having visited its predecessors, La Cantina Feliz in the ’burbs and La Calaca Feliz in the city, we were delighted to see a third Feliz location pop up in Manayunk. Like the other two locations, Taqueria Feliz has the usual suspects in its Mexican cantina fare, with the range of tacos and guacamole the clear favorites in quality and popularity. So for this visit, we steered away from those standards in favor of items that weren’t available at the other Feliz locations or those that had a different spin. The shrimp ceviche ($8.95) was deliciously spicy with sweet undertones. The perro caliente was street comfort food in its purest decadent form: a hot dog with refried beans, salsa, chorizo, bacon and pico de gallo. It might sound like overkill, but it was perfectly satisfying in its excessiveness. On the lighter side of things, the ensalada de jicama ($7.95) was a bounty of fresh flavors, with gala apples and pumpkin seeds giving the salad some great textures. The Cubana sandwich ($10.95) was a toasty orgy of pork and spicy peppers with carnitas, chorizo and pork belly held together with jack cheese and roasted jalapenos. But here’s where Taqueria Feliz really separated itself from its older brothers: There is a section on the menu call “comida loca: funky stuff.” We consider ourselves adventurous, so we ordered a couple things from

TACOS DE CHAPULINES

that section. The lamb-heart skewers ($6.95) were tender, juicy and tasty, resting on a dollop of refried beans, picked onion and cucumber. And that was the hard sell. For some reason that escapes us now, we could not wait to try the grasshopper tacos ($6.95). We thought ... they’re tacos. The chef probably finesses those grasshoppers and throws a bunch of other ingredients in so the result ends up being the best taco ever. It probably tastes like bacon-wrapped-chicken-fried onion rings when you cook it right. We watch “Bizarre Food with Andrew Zimmer.” This is probably a delicacy in Thailand. We got this! The plate hit the table and ... OK, wow! This is just roasted grasshoppers on a tortilla with a sprinkling of

onions. The chef really isn’t hiding the fact that you are eating grasshoppers. This has to be good, right? Maybe all you need is a sliver of onion and some salt or paprika and, oh, here’s a wedge of lime (squeeze, squeeze!) to awaken the flavor supernova of awesome that is hidden inside these ... insects. We dug in and took a bite. It got really quiet at the table after that. Two crystal-clear revelations became instantly apparent: We have never seen people chew as painfully slow as we were chewing at that moment, and our dumb first-world asses voluntarily ate bugs. Let’s be clear on this. The dish was not necessarily bad. We’re pretty sure it was not great. It consisted of

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PGN OUT DINING

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

roasted grasshoppers in a soft tortilla shell. Everything about texture and the flavor screamed grasshoppers: dry and crunchy to the point where we would swear that we could feel each bristly hair on each of their little hindlegs as they raggedly slid down ye olde esophagus. And while we commend the chef for standing behind his protein and not drowning it in salsa, cheese and sour cream ... damn! Needless to say, hindsight is a beast! But it’s not like somebody tricked us into it. We volunteered for this experience with all the excitement and energy of someone trying to become a contestant on “The Price is Right.” And we are probably stupid enough to do something like this again some other time, some other place. (Tarantula quesadillas? Hells yes! Let’s try it!) That one funky moment that was completely our fault aside, Taqueria Feliz is a welcome addition to the Feliz family. ■

If you go Taqueria Feliz

4410 Main St. Sun.-Thurs.: 4-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 4-11 p.m. 267-331-5874 www.taqueriafeliz.com

Happy New Years? If your bar or restaurant has plans for special Holiday meals or a New Years Eve package, its not too soon to start to get the word out.

CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP: Photos: Scott A. Drake

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 12/13 Hot Water Music The punk-rock band performs an all-ages show 7:30 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Cheech & Chong The comedy duo performs 8 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

“Gloriously Goofy!”

Rick Springfield The pop/rock singer performs a stripped-down concert 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

Daniel Gold , The New York Times

Antigone Rising The all-female rock band performs 8:30 p.m. at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; 215-928-0770. New Year’s Evil The 1980 horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Great holiday gift!

Special Family pricing on s Dec 10–20 performance

December 10– January 5

Sat. 12/14

Performances like Potted Potter are sponsored by: IP THE CLOUD SERVICES COMPANY

215-893-1999 PrinceMusicTheater.org 1412 CHESTNUT STREET AVENUE OF THE ARTS | PHILADELPHIA, PA 2013/2014 Season Sponsors:

Penny & Robert Fox Herb & Karen Lotman

Ira Lubert & Pamela Estadt

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Chaka Kahn The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at Harrah’s Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City; 609-4415501. The English Beat The U.K. ska group performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, 18960

Sun. 12/15 The Bells of St. Mary The holiday film starring Bing Crosby is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. The Beach Boys The band performs 7:30 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Peek-A-Boo Revue Holiday Show The Philadelphia burlesque revue performs 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.;

Despicable Me 2 The hit animated film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-9226888. Holiday LGBTQ and Friends Skating Party A night of fun and skating, 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Cherry Hill Skating Center, 664 Deer Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-795-1919. 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; 215862-2081.

Tue. 12/17 A Soulful Christmas: Shout for Joy Melba Moore and five gospel choirs perform an evening of spiritual, gospel and inspirational music selections, 7:30 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215790-5800.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Canadian hip-hop/R&B star Drake comes to town 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-389-9543.

Wed. 12/18 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. Drake The hip-hop/R&B artist performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

Thu. 12/19 Holiday Extravaganza with Latin Carols The William Way LGBT

Mon. 12/16

The Muppets Christmas Carol The holiday film starring Kermit and his Muppet crew is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

215-222-1400 A Very Quince Holiday Cabaret An evening of holiday music with a twist, 6-7:30 p.m. at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; http://quinceproductions.com.

Vienna Boys Choir The choir performs a holiday concert 4:30 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650.

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.

UNWRAPPED: Burlesque troupe Peek A Boo Revue has some busy, naughty elves this holiday season, performing 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., and 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets, visit www. peekaboorevue.com/.

Community Center hosts a festive holiday performance 6-8 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy The swing band performs a holiday concert 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Huggy Lowdown’s Holiday Comedy Showdown The radio personality hosts a comedy show 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

The English Beat The U.K. ska band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215222-1400.

Theatre OUTing: Gender Comedy, A Less Stupid Twelfth Night Gay Fantasia The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts Curio Theatre Company’s world-premiere play that skewers the absurdity of Shakespeare’s stories, 8-10 p.m., 1315 Spruce St.; 215-7322220.

The Burlesque Show The new event kicks off 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000.

MST3K: Santa Claus The 1956 Mexican horror film is screened and lampooned by sarcastic robots 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.

Fri. 12/20

Holiday Stimulus The LGBTQ dance party hosts its last event of the year, 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; 215-735-5772.

Tribe of Fools Holiday Burlesque: The Rise of Nasty Frosty Tribe of Fools hosts its fourth annual holiday burlesque show, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.

Kinky Christmas A holiday dance party, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Media Theatre presents the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical through Jan. 4, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100. Holiday POPS! Peter Nero and the Philly POPS! perform through Dec. 21 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

RAISE THE CHOIR!: The Kimmel Center hosts “A Soulful Christmas: Shout for Joy!” a holiday concert featuring R&B singer Melba Moore (pictured), musical director J. Donald Dumpson and ﬁve different choirs performing an evening of spiritual, gospel and inspirational music selection, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5800.

Opening The 4th Annual Nutcracker The Philadelphia Dance Academy performs the holiday classic Dec. 1314 at The Mandell Theater at Drexel University, 33rd and Chestnut streets; 215-922-2422. The Glorious Sounds of Christmas The Philadelphia Orchestra performs its annual holiday concert Dec. 19-21 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Live Cinema/Fiona Tan: Inventory Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a multi-projection installation inviting viewers to consider museum collections, as well as the human compulsion to capture the transience of time and lived experience, Dec. 14-March 23, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Continuing From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly, Beyond the Icon James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition tracing the unique path Grace Kelly took from Philadelphia to Monaco through Jan. 26, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Jersey Boys The Tony Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons hits the stage through Jan. 5 at Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; 215-923-1515.

Léger: Modern Art and the Metropolis Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 160 works and a multimedia exhibition of important paintings by the French painter Fernand Léger through Jan. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Marc Newson: At Home Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of furnishings by the influential designer through April 20, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red Hot Mamas Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of America’s queen of the double entendre through Dec. 29, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. The Surrealists: Works from the Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the museum’s unique collection of great masterpieces and lesserknown works of the movement through March 2, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Closing David Kim Plays Tchaikovsky The Philadelphia Orchestra and the famed violinist perform with Spanish conductor and phenom Pablo HerasCasado through Dec. 14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800. BodyVox The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the holiday show by the out choreographer through Dec. 15 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.

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! A SWINGING CHRISTMAS: Retro party band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy swings into town for the holidays 8 p.m. Dec 18 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. For more information or tickets, call 215-5727650.

10% most hardcovers, over 5 million books and 3 million eBooks available at queerbooks.com

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.

email: giovannis_room@verizon.net 345 S. 12th St. Philadelphia, Pa 19107 215-923-2960 Mon-Sat 11:30 - 7, Sun 1 - 7

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

Brian Sanders’ Snowball The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the multimedia, boundary-bending movement troupe through Dec. 14 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. The Enchanted World of German Romantic Prints Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of prints created by Austrian, German and Swiss artists through Dec. 15, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. ■

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

TELEVISION PGN

Worth Watching FALLOUT AND CHECKIN: A radiation leak at the nuclear power plant causes a strange phenomenon that makes Springfield the only place with snow for the holidays. When prices soar in town due to increased tourism, Marge opens the Simpson house as a bed and breakfast in a new episode of “The Simpsons,” 8 p.m. Dec. 15 on Fox. Photo: Fox

HONESTLY, WE’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT COOKIE MONSTER: Michael Bublé returns to NBC with another star-studded holiday Christmas special, joined by guest stars Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige, as well as Cookie Monster on “Michael Bublé’s 3rd Annual Christmas Special,” 10 p.m. Dec. 18 on NBC. Photo: NBC/ Chris Large

ZERO DARK CHRISTMAS: “Disney Prep & Landing,” ABC’s first television special produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, reveals the never-before-told tale of an elite unit of elves ensuring that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from the Big Guy, 8 p.m. Dec. 16 on ABC. Photo: Disney

FOR THE RECORD: Kathy Griffin’s latest comedy special, “Record Breaker,” which got her inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for most televised comedy specials, airs 8 p.m. Dec. 18 on Bravo.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

FUN PGN & GAMES

Q Puzzle Gee whiz, Liz Across

1. Top 5. Path through leaves of grass 10. In need of a massage 14. Just one of those things 15. Eagle on a par five 16. TV’s Trebek 17. “South Park” composer Shaiman 18. Lubricated 19. One who says, “Let us prey” 20. With 34Across, where sister Liz is 22. ___ Hari of espionage 23. Part of an IRS return 24. Type of fluid 26. _Love Songs_ poet Sara 30. Bounce on the knee 31. Stroke the ball gently

33. Rods’ partners 34. See 20Across 39. Error or erection 40. Short term employee 41. Susie Bright, to erotica 43. Game in which you bend over 49. Provides a seat for 51. What Garbo “vanted” to be 52. Bahrain biggie 53. Source of the quote 57. One with flaming pants? 58. Hurricanes of sports 59. Targets of men who make passes 60. Suffix with sermon 61. Banish from a flat 62. Buster Brown’s dog

PORTRAIT from page 41

PGN: It looks like you do a lot more than just cupcakes. NE: Yes, we’ve been really trying to expand our wedding and custom cake department and it’s really growing nicely. Our big news is that we’re getting ready to move into a storefront shop this spring. It’s going to be at 1306 Frankford Ave. and it’ll be called the Cake Life Bake Shop. In addition to cakes and cupcakes, we do cookies and scones — both sweet and savory. We’ll be making great biscuits too and pies, tarts, all kinds of things. PGN: There were some very beautifully decorated cupcakes pictured on the website, my favorite being a peacock design. Do you have to possess artistic skills in addition to culinary skills for this business? NE: Yes, I think cooking in general, but especially baking, requires a degree of artistry and creativity. I’ve seen some people who have wonderful cooking/baking skills but if they don’t have the right eye, the right aesthetic, the cakes look crazy. PGN: So you’ve now been on “Cupcake Wars” twice? NE: Yes, we’ve been featured three times but I wasn’t on the first one. I was on the episode where “Spiderman: Turn off the Dark” was the theme and also the “Celebrating the USO” show. They tend to rerun that one around the Fourth of July. They were both great experiences and being on “Cupcake Wars” has been really beneficial to the business. Especially since we don’t have a storefront yet, it helps legitimize us in people’s eyes. As soon as you step foot onto the Food Network, people

63. A Scout may do a good one 64. Piddle around 65. Sucker’s start?

Down

1. Tops 2. Monopoly square 3. Style expert Stewart 4. Emulates Paul Cadmus 5. Unload loads 6. Spin like a top 7. Alice’s Restaurant patron 8. Andrew Van de Camp, and others 9. Avoided commitment 10. “Giant” actor 11. Poisonous bush 12. How an a**hole behaves? 13. Blows out 21. Leno’s announcer Hall 25. Shopping area 27. Letters on love letters to GIs

28. Judy’s daughter Lorna 29. Merman of Broadway fame 32. What cons do 34. Anal type? 35. New member 36. Put off 37. Boy who shoots off arrows 38. Sweaty place 39. Cut at a slope 42. Just missed, on the green 44. “Poppycock!” 45. Commands of admirals 46. Bush predecessor’s nickname 47. Liable to blow 48. Yellowstone sight 50. Easily screwed 54. Train track 55. Village People hit 56. Place for Maupin’s tales

are impressed. We really made sure that we looked good and didn’t make any crazy mistakes. PGN: What was the task? NE: For “Spiderman,” in the first round they gave us six ingredients that weren’t very palatable together — currants, pumpkin, apricots, molasses, oats and kale — and we had to use them all. The other teams combined them all together and it was disgusting, the judges hated their cupcakes. We broke them down into three components. We made a kale, current and apricot cake with a pumpkin cream-cheese frosting and a decorative cookie on top using the oats and molasses for a spiderweb. We did well in the second round too and a lot of the flavors we created for the show are still on our menu. PGN: I noticed some interesting pairings, like your fresh fig cake with honey goat fig frosting. NE: Yeah, that frosting was from “Cupcake Wars.” It’s one of my favorites. We’re not big on shortcuts so if it’s not starting as a whole fruit, we’re not really interested in it. We want to work with things in season as much as possible. We do everything here. For instance, with our raspberry buttercream cupcake, we make the raspberry compote ourselves from scratch. I think it truly comes through in the flavor. I have a few for you to try. PGN: If you insist ... I’ll do it for research purposes only. Just joking, I’m definitely not an “Oh but I can’t” type of girl. Bring them on! What’s the weirdest or favorite custom order you’ve gotten?

NE: My favorite custom order came from Neal Santos from City Paper. They were having a goodbye party for their food editor, Drew Lazor, and they asked us to make them a Rhianna butt cake with a 3D butt. It was a logistical challenge; From the top it looks two-dimensional but from the side it pops up like that thing is coming right at you. But it was also a lot of fun. PGN: Well, if you do that again, I’d be glad to personally take Rhianna’s measurements for you to make sure it’s accurate! Back to you, let’s get to some random questions. What’s a conversation piece in your home? NE: Hmmm, I guess my books. I have a huge book collection accumulated from childhood through my time working at a book publisher, and now quite a collection of cookbooks that I’ve been racking up faster than I could possibly read them. PGN: Who was your favorite author as a young person? NE: I loved Roald Dahl, especially some of his lesser-known books like “Danny, the Champion of the World.” He also wrote an autobiography that was really good. I also went through an Agatha Christie phase. PGN: What movie makes you cry? NE: Pedro Almodóvar’s “All About My Mother.” That makes everyone cry. PGN: If you were undead, would you be a vampire, zombie or ghost? NE: I think I would be a zombie. I think they’re very food-motivated. PGN: Best store to walk/browse through? NE: Reading Terminal. If you’re interested

in food you can’t beat it. I think most of my money at this point goes to food-related things. PGN: Your favorite picture of yourself? NE: One Halloween, I was about to go out dressed in a full Viking costume when my father called and told me he had an unexpected layover and needed me to find him a hotel. I put on my glasses and got on the phone and the computer and was making calls trying to get him situated. My thengirlfriend took a funny picture of me and called it “Full Business Viking.” PGN: And now the Viking is out conquering the culinary world! NE: I hope so! ■ For more information, visit www.acwphilly. com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PGN

J A

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

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SECLUDED HISTORICAL DISTRICT OF LUMBERTON Beaut. rest. 1870’s home, 3 BR, 1.5 BA, 30 mins to Phila. 3 ﬂoors, all new HVAC, screened porch, 3/4 acre, mod. kit & baths, beaut. details. $285,000. 609-784-8324. _____________________________________________38-10 VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________38-01 TURNKEY FAMILY CAMP FOR SALE Beautifully Finished Cabin on 5 Acres, Woods and Nice Lawn, Quiet County Road, Stocked Fishing Pond & Guest Cabin. On Snowmobile Trail. Only $69,995. Call 800-2297843 Or visit www.LandandCamps.com ________________________________________37-50

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For Sale 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 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N ________________________________________27-50 FOR SALE Tom of Finland Retrospective, Tom of Finland Retrospective II. Collectable prints are 8x11, 200 pages. Call Jim, 215-462-0723, leave number and message. _____________________________________________24-50

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AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here - Get FAA approved Aviation Technician training. Financial Aid for qualiﬁed students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-888-834-9715. _____________________________________________37-50

Construction Bids. Statewide ezIQC, indeﬁnite quantity construction contracts. Prebids: December 9-13. Bid openings: January 3, 2014. Contact Keystone Purchasing Network for details: (888) 490-3182 or visit: www. theKPN.org _____________________________________________37-50

All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and ﬁnancing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color,

national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

Sweet but rambunctious 6 month old cat needs forever home with no small children in it. Super loveable and cuddly, a bit rough with little people. Fixed and has his shots. Please call (315.790.0756) to give Dexter a tryout. ________________________________________37-51

Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, November Term, 2013, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 19, 2013, the petition of Deyanira Dachira DeJesus was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Deyanira Dachira Dennis. The Court has fixed December 18, 2013 at 12:30pm, in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________37-50 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, September Term, 2013, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on October 21, 2013, the petition of Daria Alexandra Gerson was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Darius Alexander Gerson. The Court has fixed December 18, 2013 at 12:30pm, in Room No. 478, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________37-50 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, November Term, 2013, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 12, 2013 the petition of Akeem Addul Betts was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Mia Patrone. The Court has fixed December 18, 2013 at 12:30 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________37-50 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, October Term, 2013, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on October 10, 2013 the petition of Benjamin Joseph McIvor was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Venyamína Harmonella McIvor. The Court has fixed December 18, 2013 at 12:30 p.m., in Room No. 691, in Philadelphia City Hall for hearing. All persons interested may appear and show cause if they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted. ________________________________________37-50

Services

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PGN

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Ask about the After Midnight Special.

Call Mario anytime 24/7 at 215-490-7353 B24

AC ul t ure rts

Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News Film, Theater, Food, Books, Music Reviews, Nightlife, Sports and Travel

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

ICE ICE BABY Saturday, Dec. 14th - Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More.

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Sunday, Dec. 15th - Time: 3pm- 6pm BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT JOIN PANG FOR: • An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • DJ David Dutch • Special Guest Behind The Bar • Complimentary Food & Beverages & Much More.

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SEASON CELEBRATION Saturday, Dec. 21st - Time: 11pm-3:30am

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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 JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS for COMPLIMENTARY CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST with Fruit, Pastries & Coﬀee TO START YOUR MORNING OFF RIGHT....

MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

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

TUESDAYS

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

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

Religion/Spirituality Arch Street United Methodist Church Services 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 55 N. Broad St., youth/adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. prayer service; 215-568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 5091 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite D, Dover, Del.; 302-734-9350.

Metropolitan Community Church of Christ the Liberator Holds services 10:45 a.m. Sundays at the Pride Center of New Jersey; mccctl.com; 732-823-2193. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services 1 p.m. Sundays at the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St.; 215-294-2020; www. mccphiladelphia.com.

BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Services 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; 215-343-0406.

Old First Reformed Church Open and afﬁrming United Church worships at 11 a.m., summer services at 10 a.m, at 151 N. Fourth St.; 215-922-4566; www. oldﬁrstucc.org.

Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 801 S. 48th St.; 215-724-1702.

Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; 215-598-7601.

Central Baptist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m, at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-0664.

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Progressive and afﬁrming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays with Holy Eucharist at 3723 Chestnut St.; 215-386-0234; www.philadelphiacathedral.org.

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; 215-242-9321.

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group Meets 5 p.m. Sundays at the William Way Center.

Church of the Cruciﬁxion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Fridays at 620 S. Eighth St.; 215-922-1128.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships 11 a.m., summer services 10 a.m, Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; 215-241-7000; cpmm@afsc.org.

Church of the Epiphany A welcoming parish in the Episcopal tradition. Services are held on Sundays at 8 a.m. (no music) and at 10 a.m. (with music) at 209 S. 3rd St., Royersford, PA; www.EpiphanyStar.net.

Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; 215646-2597.

Church of the Holy Trinity Inclusive church holds services 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 1904 Walnut St.; 215-567-1267.

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

Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets the ﬁrst Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call 732-502-0305.

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

Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets 4 p.m. the ﬁrst and third Sundays of the month at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood; 973-509-0118.

St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; 215-646-2451; www. stjohnsambler.org.

Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com.

St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds fall liturgy 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays, summer sevices 10 a.m., at 330 S. 13th St.; 215-732-1918; stlukeandtheepiphany.org.

Drexel Hill Baptist Church Nonjudgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 4400 State Road, Drexel Hill; 610-259-2356; www.dhbaptist.com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:30 a.m., New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; 732-545-2673; www.emmanuelnb.org. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian counseling; 215-860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds prayer services 10:30 a.m. Sundays and community worship 11:30 a.m. at 123 S. 17th St.; 215-563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; 610-622-0800; www.lansdownepresbyterianchurch.com. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m., 2125 Chestnut St.; 215563-3980; www.firstuu-philly.org. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m., summer services 11 a.m., Sundays at 6001 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; 215-438-3077. www.fumcog.org. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy with services 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 224 E. Gowen Ave.; 215-248-2950. www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St. in the main sancturary; 215-567-3668; www.lc-hc.org. Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; 610-358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC.org. Living Water United Church of Christ An open and affirming congregation that meets for worship 11 a.m. on Sundays; 6250 Loretto Ave.; 267-388-6081; www.lwucc.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; 215764-6364; www.kol-tzedek.org. Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; 610-688-8332; www.mluc.org. Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Affirming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; 856-779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org.

St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; 610-566-1393; www. inclusivecatholics.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church celebrates the Eucharist 11 a.m. Sundays at 3916 Locust Walk; 215-386-3916; www. stmarysatpenn.org. St. Paul Episcopal Church Welcoming and inclusive church holds services 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood Drive, Levittown; 215-6881796; www.stpaullevittown.org. Tabernacle United Church Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; 215-386-4100; tabunited.org. Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church Sunday worship with nursery care, 10:30 a.m; Fourth Thursday of the month contemporary worship with Communion at 7 p.m.; 2212 Spruce St.; 215-732-2515; trinityphiladelphia.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 10:30 a.m., at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Interweave, a group for LGBT parishioners and allies, meets noon the ﬁrst Sunday of the month; 610-566-4853; www.uucdc.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive; 215-844-1157; www.usguu.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services 10:15 a.m. Interweave, a group of LGBT Unitarians and their allies, also meets at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 856-667-3618; uucch.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration Welcoming congregation holds services 11 a.m. Sundays at 6900 Stenton Ave.; 215-247-2561; www.uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township; 609-9659400; www.uucsjs.org. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services 10:30 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St.; 610-327-2662. www. uupottstown.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

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 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

■ 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. Monday through Thursday; 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 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. 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

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000

■ 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 ■ Parents, Families and Friends

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

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 through 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. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ 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 215-6279090; www.galloplaw.org.

Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, afﬁrming LGBT congregation holds services 2 p.m. Sundays at 55 N. Broad St.; 215-240-6106.

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city; www. gppn.org; 215-922-3377.

University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30; 215-3872885; www.uniphila.org.

■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT

United Christian Church Open, afﬁrming and welcoming congregation holds services 10:15 a.m. Sundays, summer services 9:15 a.m., at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; 215-946-6800.

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 chronic-disease 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, 1-5p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals; www. IndependenceBusinessAlliance. com; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ 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; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism. com; 215-840-2039.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Dec. 13-19, 2013

PGN