Family Portrait:
Marriage: Auditor General talks money PAGE 22 Beyond love to legalities PAGE 50
Mimi Imfurst, before she hits the Pride stage PAGE 83
A wedding wish and dream come true PAGE 8
The Village People are here! PAGE 67
June 6-12, 2014
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Vol. 38 No. 23
Pride to celebrate progress in PA
Two years later, no leads in Fox murder
By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com
By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Nearly two years ago, Michael Fox, an openly gay man, was murdered in his South Philadelphia apartment, and his parents are still searching for justice. Fox, 30, was found June 22, 2012, in his apartment at Eighth and Christian streets. He died of blunt-force trauma to the head. “It is hard,” said Fox’s mother, Diane. “I think the first year, you are in a cloud, so in shock that this happened. We really would like an answer now.” Philadelphia Police Lt. Norman Davenport said there are no suspects, but investigators believe Fox knew his killer. “We haven’t gotten one tip, so clearly this is someone who was known to the victim. It happened inside the home, where there were no witnesses,” Davenport said. “There didn’t appear to be forced entry. The victim was beaten pretty badly, and the place was left in a condition where there was a robbery done afterwards.” Diane said her family has been working to keep the case alive. “On Michael’s birthday in October, my husband and I walked from Michael’s apartment to Center City and hung up 3040 posters to keep his story out there,” she said. The city and Citizens Crime Commission are offering a $21,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Fox’s killer. Diane said investigators have kept in touch with the family. “We wish we had an answer but I think we knew after the first few months it would be longer than we wanted it to be,” she said. “We do believe they are working hard on the case and one day they will get PAGE 38 a break.”
FASHION-FORWARD: Drag star Brittany Lynn (from left) and designers Terese Sydonna, Leah Delfiner and Sherrill Mosee welcomed guests to a celebration of the late famed designer Patrick Kelly at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Perelman Building May 30. The event was held in conjunction with “Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love” at the museum, which features a wealth of Kelly’s creations on display through the end of November. Kelly, who was openly gay, died of complications from AIDS in 1990. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Philly Archdiocese only one in nation to sponsor antigay D.C. event By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Local Catholics are heading to Washington, D.C., later this month to mobilize against marriage equality. The National Organization for Marriage is hosting its second annual March for Marriage on June 19, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia remains the only listed archdiocesan sponsor in the country. The event was conceived last year and held on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in California’s Proposition 8 case. Earlier this week, the archdiocese was not initially listed as a sponsor on the march website; after calls to NOM from PGN, the organization said the sponsorship omission was a mistake. “That was simply an oversight,” said NOM director of communi-
cations Joseph Grabowski. The archdiocese’s logo was listed on the march website’s sponsor list later in the week. No other diocese or archdiocese in the nation is listed. The archdiocese is running five buses to D.C., as it did last year, one leaving from a church in each of the local five counties. The buses were contracted through a $5,000 private donation, said Ken Gavin, director of the archdiocese’s Office for Communications. Gavin said he expects about 200 local Catholics to participate, on par with last year’s numbers. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference was also listed as a sponsor last year, but Grabowski noted that the sponsorship system had been restructured to denote organizations that are supporting monetarily and those, like the archdiocese, that are running buses to the PAGE 38
Organizers of Philadelphia Pride are expecting this weekend’s festivities to draw up to 15,000 people, the biggest in its history. The parade will kick off at noon June 8 at 13th and Locust streets, and the festival at Penn’s Landing will run until 6 p.m. An expected highlight of the celebration will be the wedding of 10 same-sex couples in front of Independence Hall during the parade, an effort planned after Pennsylvania legalized marriage equality last month. “It is exciting and something I didn’t think was going to happen for years in Pennsylvania,” said Philly Pride Presents executive director Franny Price. The Hon. Dan Anders, the city’s first openly gay male judge, will
officiate. So far, 65 groups are set to march in the parade, including newcomers like the Republican Party of Philadelphia. About 100 volunteers are signed up to keep the parade and festival organized and flowing. Vendor spaces are sold out, with 130 spots taken. But, as long as a vendor arrives that day with a cash or check, Price said she will find them a spot. Philly Pride Presents senior advisor Chuck Volz said this year the organizers decided to maximize the usage of the area at Penn’s Landing by including new features such as a climbing obstacle and a wrecking ball. Volz said nine food vendors have also been added. The stage will be a focal point of the festival, with The Village People headPAGE 27
MARCHING ORDERS: Philly Pride Presents senior advisor Chuck Volz (standing, left) and executive director Franny Price delegated duties to about 75 volunteers who turned out for a Pride orientation June 2 at Penn’s Landing. The volunteers help keep the parade on time and orderly, assist vendors in finding and setting up their spaces at the festival, work the admission line and direct traffic within the festival. The parade kicks off at noon June 8 at 13th and Locust streets and proceeds through the Gayborhood down to Seventh Street, over to Market and on to Penn’s Landing, where the festival runs until 6 p.m. Photo: Scott A. Drake
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
News Briefing
dismissal of their lawsuit. “We want to make sure we’ve taken every step necessary to protect our clients and ensure that recognition of their marriage is fully achieved,” Banks told PGN. He said a decision about possibly dismissing the case will be made before the June 20 deadline.
Marriage recognition case still active
Schneller involved in Montco dispute
Attorneys for two women who want their out-of-state marriage recognized in Pennsylvania say they’ll decide by June 20 whether their clients’ federal lawsuit should be dismissed. Cara Palladino and Isabelle Barker filed suit in 2013, seeking to have their 2005 marriage in Massachusetts recognized in Pennsylvania. On May 20, in another federal case known as Whitewood v. Wolf, the state’s same-sex marriage ban was overturned, and Gov. Tom Corbett said he won’t appeal. Two days later, U.S. District Judge Mary A. McLaughlin gave attorneys for Palladino and Barker until May 29 to explain why their case shouldn’t be dismissed as moot. But the women’s attorneys said they needed more time, and McLaughlin recently extended the deadline to June 20. Michael L. Banks, an attorney for the women, said he wants to ensure that his clients’ rights are fully protected, prior to
Anti-LGBT activist James D. Schneller wants to deliver an oral argument in a marriage-equality dispute pending in state Supreme Court. The validity of 124 marriages resulting from marriage licenses issued last year by Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes remains contested by state officials. The dispute is pending in state Supreme Court, and oral arguments may be held in Harrisburg in November. Schneller, who lives in Radnor, recently asked to deliver an oral argument as a “friend-of the court.” At presstime, the court hadn’t ruled on Schneller’s request. State officials say the 124 couples should get new marriage licenses bearing dates after May 20, 2014, when same-sex marriage became legal in Pennsylvania. But county officials maintain the validity of the 124 marriages, so the case is ongoing. — Timothy Cwiek
PGMC teams up with Oregon chorus The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will celebrate two marriage-equality victories in Rehoboth Beach this month. PGMC is gearing up for “Let’s Do It: The Music of Cole Porter,” in partnership with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. Both groups are celebrating last month’s marriage-equality victories in their respective states. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. June 21 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave. Both choruses will perform songs from iconic Broadway star Cole Porter, such as “Anything Goes” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” This will be the first time PGMC has performed in Rehoboth Beach in more than 10 years. Artistic director Joseph Buches said the chorus was eager to reach out to a different demographic. “It is a new audience that we don’t perform for quite often. It is nice to branch into a new community,” he said. “We want to get our chorus out there. The music will be fun, we have a great host in Cashetta and we have a great band accompanying us. It is going to be exciting.” This will be the first major performance from both choruses since Pennsylvania and Oregon legalized marriage equality. Buches said the timing makes the event even more special. “Both choruses are excited and with the
two states legalizing same-sex marriage, it will provide a different and powerful feeling,” he said. Buches said performances like these help PGMC build relationships with other LGBT choruses. “It makes us more visible in the community and with all the choruses around the nation and the world. It’s nice to have that comradery with other groups.” Tickets for the concert range from $25$50. A sign-language interpreter will be present for the hearing-impaired. For more information, visit www.pgmc. org.
DVLF accepting grant apps LGBT grantmaking organization Delaware Valley Legacy Fund is now accepting applications for its 2014 Emerging Needs grant. DVLF will accept applications from 501(c)3 organizations that are working to meet emerging needs in the LGBT community. At least 75 percent of the organization’s constituency must identify as LGBT. Applicants can be based in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, or in Burlington, Camden, Cumberland or Gloucester counties in New Jersey. DVLF will accept applications until July 2. For more information or application materials, visit www.dvlf.org. ■ — Angela Thomas
Gayborhood Crime Watch The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between May 19-25. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). Follow the Sixth District on Twitter @PPDBrianKorn. INCIDENTS — At 12:30 a.m. May 19, a man was approached in the 900 block of Walnut Street by a male who demanded his cell phone. The victim refused and said the male punched him, then fled emptyhanded. The suspect was described as a black male, between 20-40. — At 12:05 p.m. May 20, a woman was on a westbound Market-Frankford train when a male grabbed a shopping bag from her lap and exited at 11th Street. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 40s, 5-foot-6, thin, with a scruffy beard. — Between 8 p.m. May 15 and 8 a.m.
May 19, someone entered an apartment in the 100 block of South 13th Street without force and stole jewelry. Sixth District Officer Minnis attempted to lift fingerprints. — Between 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 21, someone forced open the door of an apartment in the 1300 block of Pine Street and stole a laptop, headphones, backpack and change. Sixth District Officer Romanczuk attempted to lift fingerprints. — At 1:30 a.m. May 24 (reported 1:30 p.m. in the Ninth District), a man approached another man near the 1300 block of Locust Street and asked for his bag, which contained prescription medications. The victim gave it to him and the suspect fled south on 13th Street. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a dark hoodie. — At 3:15 a.m. May 24, a male attempted to snatch a man’s phone from his hand outside the 100 block of South 12th Street. The victim resisted and the man and a woman punched him. The suspects stole the phone and fled south on 12th Street. They were described as a black male between 30-40, 5-foot-8, wearing a white T-shirt and gray sweatpants, and a black woman between 30-40. — At 5:25 a.m. May 24, a man got into
a fight with another man in the 200 block of South Camac Street, during which time his cell phone was stolen. The suspect was described as a black male between 30-40, 5-foot-11, with a mustache and wearing a baseball cap and dark clothing. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 6:55 p.m. May 23, Sixth District Officer Stevens arrested a male outside 1300 Market St. who was wanted for failure to appear for court. The 59-year-old suspect with a Germantown address was charged with contempt of court. — At 8:05 a.m. May 24, Sixth District Officers Thornton and Stevens arrested a male outside 261 S. 13th St. who was wanted on a warrant for probation violations. The 43-year-old suspect with a homeless-shelter address was charged with escape. — UPDATE: At 5:30 p.m. May 11, a complainant was knocked down outside 1315 Spruce St. and punched and kicked by two known suspects, who stole a handbag. Central Detective Division arrested a suspect May 22. The 25-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with robbery and related offenses.
The other suspect was cleared by investigators and is not being charged. SUMMARY ARRESTS — At 12:55 p.m. May 20, Center City District officers issued citations for summary offenses outside 1100 Market St. — On May 21, Center City District officers issued a citation for a summary offense at noon outside 1200 Chestnut St., and Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 8:45 p.m. outside 1207 Chestnut St. and at 9:25 p.m. outside 1101 Pine St. — On May 22, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 12:55 a.m. outside 1300 Spruce St., at 2 a.m. outside 1200 Chancellor St. and at 9:05 p.m. outside 300 S. 12th St. — On May 23, Sixth District officers issued citations for summary offenses at 12:55 a.m. outside 201 S. Camac St., at 1:30 a.m. outside 202 S. 13th St., at 4:10 a.m. outside 13th and St. James streets and at 7:55 p.m. outside Broad and Pine streets. — At 1 a.m. May 24, Sixth District officers issued a citation for summary offense outside 231 S. 13th St. ■
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Weekly features
News&Opinion 2 — Crime Watch News Briefing 10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Op-Ed Street Talk
AC
Activist Janet Mock brings her voice to Philadelphia as a keynote speaker at the upcoming Trans-Health Conference.
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75 83 92 94 95
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Scene in Philly Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Worth Watching
46 — Before the Bells: Location shopping for your “I do’s”
C o 51 — OutLaw: l What is next for equality u marriage in the country? m n 74 — Barcrawlr: and fares Goodbye well Classifieds 96 — Real Estate 101 — Personals 103 — Bulletin Board
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEXX: About 125 people turned out for SEXx Philly, a standingroom-only sex-positive event at William Way LGBT Community Center on May 29. The discussion, styled after TEDx talks, was held in celebration of National Masturbation Month and walked participants through the ins and outs of certain sex acts, attitudes and approaches. The event raised money for William Way and GALAEI: A Latin@ Social Justice Organization. Photo: Scott A. Drake
This week in PGN 7 — Officer pursues anti-LGBT case against police 12 — Senior center to play host for Homecoming 15 — Activism and orientation at Trans-Health Conference 22 — Noted educator leads talk on Jewish, trans issues 67 79 81 90
Where to have your wedding ceremony and reception is one of the first big decisions of many.
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— Arts & Culture cover story: It takes a Village, People! — John Waters hits the road — Philadelphia’s changing queer literary culture — CD reviews 91 — Movie reviews
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PIONEER IN PHILLY: The Wistar Institute’s Dr. Luis J. Montaner (left) and Philadelphia FIGHT executive director Jane Shull (right) presented Dr. Françoise Barré-Sinoussi with the Kiyoshi Kuromiya Award for Prevention, Treatment and Justice this week. Barré-Sinoussi is crediting with discovering the HIV virus and won a Nobel Prize for her research. The award was given during the opening reception of FIGHT’s AIDS Education Month June 3 at the Independence Visitor Center. The 20th AEM runs through the end of June, with summits, workshops and social events geared toward heightening awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic; www.aidseducationmonth.org. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Republican Congressman supports marriage equality By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-15th Dist.) became Pennsylvania’s first Republican Congressman to come out in support of same-sex marriage this week, and only the sixth in the nation. In an interview with PGN last Thursday, Dent, who voted for Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act banning same-sex marriage in 1996 as a state representative, said his views have been evolving. He previously stated his support of civil unions and said last week’s court ruling overturning Pennsylvania’s ban on marriage equality motivated him to fully back same-sex marriage. “I thought of making a statement last year after the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act but I felt the state should have some say on this,” he said. “After [U.S. District Court] Judge Jones ruled, he made a compelling case that the 14th Amendment outweighed the 10th Amendment states’-rights provision and I thought that was a pretty strong case, and I felt it was important to speak up now.” Dent said his family, and the changing public views on the issue, also influenced his shift. “I have had conversations with my own family and they see this issue differently than when I did in 1996 when I first voted on the state law,” he said. “At the time, a strong majority was in support of that legislation and I felt that I was representing my constit-
uents. It is clear the times have changed and attitudes have moved on and so have I on this issue.” Dent said a personal encounter he had just last weekend reinforced the normalcy of same-sex relationships. “I took my wife to the movies over the weekend and I saw a guy I hadn’t seen in 20 years and we were chatting before the movie began and then this other fellow walked up and my friend introduced me to his spouse. And those kind of encounters are pretty normal,” he said. “It is not that big of a deal and probably in another 20 years or so, people will look back at this and think, What was the big deal?” Dent has been supportive of myriad LGBT issues, including voting to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and co-sponsoring the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, the Uniting American Families Act and the Safe Schools Act. There are only five other Republican members of Congress who publicly support marriage equality: Lisa Murkowski (Ala.), Rob Portman (Ohio), Ilena Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.), Mark Kirk (Ill.) and Richard Hanna (N.Y.). Dent said that, with the rapidly changing societal acceptance of marriage equality, he expects the country will see more Republicans coming out in support of LGBT issues. “There are plenty of Republicans who support marriage equality,” he said. “Fewer currently serve as elected officials but many prominent Republicans around the country are quite comfortable with marriage equality. I think it is a matter of more elected officials catching up to where Republican voters are.” ■
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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More than marriage equality in PA By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Last month, Pennsylvania legalized marriage equality. While LGBTs and allies have been rejoicing, many advocates are cautioning the community not to put down the torch after the momentous victory, with a number of LGBTfocused pieces of legislation still stalled. LGBT Nondiscrimination House and Senate Bill 300 would a m e n d t h e P e n n s y l va n i a H u m a n Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The bills were re-introduced last year with record support and, earlier this year, Republican Gov. Tom Corbett expressed his support of the measure. Reps. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.) and Chris Ross (R-158th Dist.) introduced the House measure with 77 cosponsors. Sen. Pat Browne’s (R-16th Dist.) bill has 24 cosponsors. Frankel told PGN this week that the House version currently had 97 cosponsors and noted there is bipartisan support in both chambers of the legislature. Last August, HB 300 was referred to
the state government committee, which is chaired by anti-LGBT Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-12th Dist.). Frankel said the best chance for success would be for the Senate to approve and send over the bill or for the House speaker to reassign the measure to a different committee, such as the education or judiciary committees. “We are working along those lines and actively discussing other legislative maneuvers to force the bill onto a House floor,” he said. “We’ve been working with Equality Pennsylvania and the ACLU in terms of how to proceed and advocate to get this done.” Equality PA executive director Ted Martin said that, in light of the recent marriage ruling, it is even more pertinent to get a nondiscrimination law passed. “The interesting thing is that the marriage decision has made nondiscrimination a lot more real for people,” he said. “You can be fired for putting your wedding picture on your desk at work. That has really hit home for folks.” Frankel said he is optimistic that the bill will be approved by the end of this session. “The opposition has been chipped away at and crumbling as we speak,” he said.
Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act Rep. Dan Truitt (R-156th Dist.) introduced the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act in January 2013, legislation largely fueled by the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition. The PASS Act would create a structure for educators and staff to report and intervene in incidents of bullying and would include definitions of bullying and cyber bullying. The bill would specifically protect LGBT students. P S E C exe c u t ive d i r e c t o r J a s o n Goodman said the legislation has more support than ever, with 105 cosponsors, including 50 Republicans. “We are working with many other education and community organizations in support of the legislation but given the schedule of the legislature, we are unsure if they will address it,” Goodman said. HB 156 is currently before the education committee. HB 156 cosponsor Rep. Mike O’Brien (D-175th Dist.) said he has had conversations with education committee chair Rep. Paul Clymer (R-145th Dist.) to move the bill but said it may take some time to get it to the House floor. O’Brien commended Truitt for his work in bringing the measure this far.
“Truitt has done a very good job on the bill. Truitt being a conservative Republican went places with this that I as a Democrat couldn’t. He has crafted the bill well with inclusive language but because of internal issues, it lingers.” Conversion Therapy Last year, a bill was introduced for the first time into both the House and Senate to prohibit mental-health professionals from engaging in sexual-orientation change efforts for individuals under 18. State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Eighth Dist.) introduced the bill in April, and state Rep. Brian Sims (D-182nd Dist.) submitted the House version in October. The House bill was referred to the human-services committee and the Senate version to the consumer protection and professional licensure committee. The House bill has 32 cosponsors, and the Senate bill has seven. Sims’ deputy chief of staff Anna Aagenes said there has not been much movement on the bill and that the legislature is focusing on the budget this month. She noted that, if any movement happens, it would be after the summer recess. ■
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City: Cop can’t get Morris records By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com N. Melville Jones, an openly gay Philadelphia police officer, believes he’s been victimized by pervasive anti-LGBT workplace bias. He filed suit against the city last year, seeking an unspecified amount in monetary damages. To buttress his complaint, he’s requested a copy of the Police Internal Affairs Division’s investigation into the Nizah Morris incident. Jones believes the requested records will help prove his point that anti-LGBT bias within the police department isn’t investigated properly. Morris was a transgender woman who sustained a fractured skull, shortly after
entering a police vehicle for a Center City “courtesy ride” in 2002. The homicide remains unsolved Portions of the Internal Affairs Morris investigation, which was conducted in 2004-05, were released to the public in 2008. But some documents from the Internal Affairs Morris file appear to be withheld, including those relating to Sgt. Michael Dougherty’s reported claim that he gave permission for the courtesy ride. In court papers, city attorneys contend the Internal Affairs Morris file cannot be disclosed in its entirety, citing state laws protecting ongoing criminal investigations. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office says it’s actively investigating the Morris homicide. Attorneys for Jones have asked Common
Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox to compel the city to produce the Internal Affairs Morris file in its entirety. “The [Jones] suit concerns discrimination against a Philadelphia police officer who identifies as gay and suffered severe and pervasive harassment as a result of his orientation. Therefore the requested records are highly relevant,” the motion states. Jones’ lawyers also blast the city’s position that the Internal Affairs Morris file cannot be disclosed in its entirety due to state laws protecting ongoing criminal investigations. “The requested files are supposed to be open to public review, and are not considered private and/or privileged,” the motion states. Jones also cites an executive order issued by Mayor Nutter in 2011, stating that
Internal Affairs investigative files are to be released in their entirety, once police have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for the Nutter administration, had no comment for this story. In the past, Nutter has expressed support for transparency in the Morris case. Fox is scheduled to hear from both sides in the dispute at 9 a.m. June 12 in City Hall Courtroom 243. In a related matter, on May 29 Fox said she’ll rule on whether Jones must turn over his medical records to the city after she reads Jones’ deposition in the case. Attorneys for Jones say turning over his medical records would be a privacy invasion. But city attorneys say they’re entitled to them. A non-jury trial in the case is expected in October. ■
PSEC fundraises for youth-advocacy house By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition launched a campaign late last month to raise funds and awareness for an emerging need of the LGBT student activism organization. PSEC launched Time to Rise, a campaign to help fundraise for the Bayard Rustin House, planned as a physical center for Pennsylvania LGBTQ youth in Harrisburg. The Bayard Rustin House will serve as the location for youth to plan campaigns, host leadership meetings and advocacy trainings and as housing for youth traveling from all corners of the state. The building PSEC is looking to purchase, which dates to 1901, is at the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets in Harrisburg, right across the street from the Capitol. “We recognized the urgent need to have an advocacy center in Harrisburg that is used every single day to plan actions and hold state leadership meetings,” said PSEC executive director Jason Landau Goodman. “In order to win on nondiscrimination and hate-crimes legislation and to bring attention to youth homelessness and foster care, we need a place to meet and strategize and for advocates to stay for the night before they advocate in Harrisburg.” The three-floor structure most recently served as the home to an elderly couple who ran a boutique shop on the first floor for 40 years. It was recently renovated. PSEC would use the large open space on the first floor as a work space, while the second floor would host leadership meetings and the third would be designated for apartment space. The house would allow living space for up to three PSEC staff and temporary living space for up to 25. The Bayard Rustin House would be staffed from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays and select weekend hours.
PSEC needs $30,000 for a downpayment on the house by the end of June. As of presstime, it had raised $4,061. Landau Goodman said that, as youth activists come to Harrisburg from throughout the state, they often have to stay in area dormitories and find places to store their luggage. He said some legislators have let them store their belongings and said the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania has been a great resource, but that the new house would provide a central, stable location. “The criss-crossing from dorm rooms to Harrisburg has been tough. We need a place to stay and work and this will greatly increase the capacity to get work done.” In planning for the house, Landau Goodman said the organization wanted to honor someone whose work influenced PSEC’s mission — and Rustin, a Pennsylvania native who served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s righthand man, seemed the perfect fit. “[Rustin] is a leader who has had a profound effect on how we have run our organization,” he said. “We’ve looked to him and many other civil-rights leaders for their wisdom but he is someone who holds a deep place in our hearts and led an effective movement and one with integrity.” While Pennsylvania recently saw a major victory with marriage equality, Landau Goodman noted that the LGBT-rights movement in the state still has a long way to go. “This house will allow us in the long term to continue this work we’ve seen many states not continue,” he said. “Sometimes after states secure marriage equality, the LGBT movement disengages, except for in states where they have led the foundation for more LGBT equality. This is part of the development in Pennsylvania for us — to not just work on major policy issues but a vast array of issues as well.” For more information or to donate to the Time to Rise campaign, visit timetorise. pennsec.org. ■
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
Couple facing terminal cancer gets wedding wish
KELLY (LEFT) AND MICHELLE MEDINA AT THEIR MAY 28 WEDDING ABOARD THE MOSHULU Photo: BG Photography
By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Kelly and Michelle Medina have gotten a lot of bad news in the last few years — the loss of a parent, a car accident and a cancer diagnosis. But, earlier this year, the Lehigh Valley couple got some much-needed good news: They had been chosen as the beneficiaries of Wish Upon a Wedding. The national program, with a local chapter, provides weddings for couples facing terminal illness and life-threatening conditions, regardless of sexual orientation. Unfortunately, the Medinas fit this bill. Last year, after a car accident, Kelly, 50, learned she had a brain tumor. “I kept myself together,” she said about the diagnosis. “I didn’t cry or anything. It was just like, OK, this is what I have to do. This is our life from now on. It’s kind of just ... ” “Just an adjustment,” added Michelle. Kelly ended up in intensive care for almost a week after the diagnosis, undergoing three sets of radiation treatment immediately, as well as beginning chemotherapy. During a body scan, she learned she had stage-four breast cancer that had metastasized to her brain, lung, bone and, more recently, her liver. She underwent a lumpectomy of her breast and more chemo, but learned at the beginning of this year that the tumors in her brain had spread. Her prognosis is terminal. Together, the couple has three children — a 10-year-old daughter Michelle, 40, adopted before the couple met, and Kelly’s 15-year-old son and 27-year-old daughter, who has a 5-year-old daughter herself, their grandchild. The couple was set up covertly by a friend in 2009. “I was home one night and my friend Janet called and asked what I was doing and
said I had to come see her. I had been falling asleep on the couch, but she said I had to come see her, so I did,” Michelle said. “I got there and 10 minutes later, she goes, ‘OK, I have to work tomorrow, this is my friend, Kelly.’ And she did the same thing to Kelly. She left us there and we’ve been together ever since.” The blending of their families was relatively seamless, Michelle said. “The kids were wonderful,” she said. “My daughter only knows Kelly as her other mom.” It was largely for their children that the couple began thinking about marrying, in the midst of Kelly’s health struggles. “At that time, it wasn’t legal in Pennsylvania, but we didn’t know what was going to happen with me and with the kids, and we wanted to make sure everything was settled,” Kelly said. Amid trying to juggle their medical and family stress with wedding planning, Michelle happened upon the website for Wish Upon a Wedding. “I was like, ‘Oh, that’s nice. I wish they could do that for a couple like us.’ But then I saw that they actually don’t discriminate based on sexual orientation, and I was impressed. That’s the whole reason I put in the application,” Michelle said. They were notified two days later that they had been selected. “I was shocked. I was like to Michelle, ‘You did what?’” Kelly said. “And I thought, Who in Pennsylvania gives a same-sex couple a wedding? I was totally dumfounded. I was like, We really matter.” Chad Weldon, of the Philadelphia chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding, said the Medinas were a natural fit for their organization. “We truly loved their story and unanimously all voted ‘yes’ to take on their wish and give them a wedding of their dreams,” PAGE 34 Weldon said.
PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Dr. Robi Ludwig
Editorial What are you proud of this Pride season? Angela: What I am most proud of this Pride season is the PGN staff. We conquered closing LGBT bookstores, the primary election and marriage equality, all while keeping our cool and putting out a quality issue week after week. I am also proud of my girlfriend for putting up with me during these momentous occasions.
Larry: I’m proud to be a part of a team of consummate and cheerful professionals who show up every week and give 110 percent.
Carol: I’m proud to be an ally of the LGBT community during this historic time.
Prab: I’m proud that marriage equality is here just in time for Pride! Time to find myself a husband!
Don: I’m proud of all the advances we have made and that I could marry my partner of 38 years and have it recognized right here in Pennsylvania!
Sandy: Now I’m only semi-ashamed to say I’m from Pennsylvania. When all citizens of the commonwealth have equal rights and protections, I’ll be mostly unashamed. Does that count as pride?
Greg: I’m proud that we have more businesses than ever, both local and national, supporting PGN during Pride season. Jen: I’m proud of my home state for letting me legally marry my fiancé next year. And I’m proud of the kick-ass staff at PGN who have dealt with the last few weeks of craziness amazingly, and who all helped make this year’s Pride issue one of the biggest and best yet. Jen G.: Joining the PGN staff and gaining marriage equality are the two things I am most proud of. I no longer feel like “the person who works at the gay paper, looking forward to getting ‘domestically partnered.’” Instead, I am just a person, working at a newspaper, anticipating the day my partner and I choose to obtain a 100-percent legal Pennsylvania marriage license.
Mark: This year is a special Pride as we get to watch the pride and joy you see on faces as couples are finally able to plan a lifetime with marriage.
Scott: I’m proud that my boyfriend, Micheal, stopped smoking and stayed stopped through this past month of challenges and crises. I also take personal pride in our Pride issue, which looks fantastic again this year. And that I didn’t want to kill myself or someone else during the process. Sean: I’m proud that Pennsylvania is no longer one of the most backwards states in the union on marriage. I’m less proud that it still hasn’t passed a statewide nondiscrimination bill. Tim: Incredible strides have been made, as Philly’s LGBT community moves forward. Diversity and unity enrich the community. While efforts continue for a more egalitarian, eco-friendly society, public infighting has been kept to a minimum. That bodes well for a great Pride celebration! ■
Another day, another terrible thing happening in this world — and another person trying to pin it on the gays. Piece-of-shit garbage person Elliot Rodger murdered six people in Isla Vista, Calif., stabbing three to death in his apartment and shooting three others. He injured a bunch more. He also killed himself. Unlike so many mass killings, where we are left wondering why the killer did what he did, Rodger left behind a very detailed explanation via YouTube videos and a written manifesto. Rodger made clear that he hated women because they would not fuck him even though he, in his own word, was “beautiful.” He felt entitled to all the pussy in the world and because women are withholding bitches, he had to kill them. He then methodically planned what he called “The Day of Retribution,” which he carried out May 23. If you have had the displeasure of reading Rodger’s writing or watching his videos, then it is abundantly clear to you why women rejected him. There was clearly something very wrong with him. He was creepy as fuck. Unfortunately, he did not see himself as the problem. “The Day of Retribution,” he wrote in his manifesto, “is mainly my war against women for rejecting me and depriving me of sex and love. If only one girl had given me a chance, tried to get to know me, let me take her out on a date ... ” Clearly women and girls brought this, like all of the violence they face, on themselves. Rodger also wrote, “I will destroy all women because I can never have them. I will make them all suffer for rejecting me. I will arm myself with deadly weapons and wage a war against all women and the men they are attracted to. And I will slaughter them like the animals they are.” Clearly this guy was fucked up. Any armchair psychotherapist could tell you that. But it takes a special kind of psychotherapist to look at this evidence and declare that Rodger was probably a repressed homo. But that’s just what Dr. Robi Ludwig did
just two days after the murders during her appearance on Fox News. “When I was first listening to him, I was like, ‘Oh, he’s angry with women for rejecting him,’” Ludwig said on Fox. “And then I started to have a different idea: Is this somebody who is trying to fight against his homosexual impulses?” What gave her this idea? She doesn’t say. Then she asked, “Was he angry with women because they were taking away men from him?” It’s a novel theory. And by novel I mean “out of the fucking blue.” There’s no evidence that Rodger was gay. So for Ludwig to suggest such a thing and offer absolutely no support suggests that her primary interest is in throwing red meat to Fox News viewers. “Was he angry at the men for not choosing him?” she continued. “This is a kid who was just angry in general and probably felt rejected, he couldn’t connect, he couldn’t feel loved, he couldn’t feel successful. Maybe he didn’t feel like a real man.” Ah, yes. Maybe he didn’t feel like a real man, because he wasn’t. He was a terrible human being. Sexist, racist, entitled, narcissistic. But what Ludwig seems to be suggesting here is that real men aren’t gay. On May 26 Ludwig took to Twitter to defend herself, claiming she “was misunderstood.” “I in NO way meant to indicate being a homosexual or having homosexual impulses is a cause for spree killing,” she wrote. And while that might not have been her intention, that’s exactly what she did. As if only something truly heinous like homosexuality would drive someone to go on a mass-murder spree. As if raging misogyny isn’t enough cause. ■
“I in NO way meant to indicate being a homosexual or having homosexual impulses is a cause for spree killing.”
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.
PRIDE
Pride with a new perspective This Pride season, I’m beaming on so as soon as the court allowed. And it now almost every level, and there is so much is no secret that his office was staffed on a that could be listed here. Let me start with primary-election day to handle the samea call I received this past Tuesday. It was sex couples who began arriving shortly from the man in charge of issuing marafter the ruling was announced. riage licenses in Philadelphia: Register This is personal pride for me since my of Wills Ron Donatucci. The Pride battle has always been, reason for his call? He wanted now for over 45 years, to create to personally let me know that a relationship between governPhiladelphia had just issued ment and our community. And its 200th marriage license to what a joy it is to see governa same-sex couple. You could ment as happy as we are with hear the personal pride in his our equality victory. In those early days of this struggle, we voice as he told me this. could only count on our own His assistant, Guy Sabelli, LGBT community. But today then told me that many of the we have non-LGBT allies — 200 couples wanted to tell their stories to the clerks who that is what this year means to me. It also means taking pride were filling out the informain our community and all those tion. Most have been together who stood fast for marriage 20 years or more and never equality. expected to see this day. Donatucci’s office has been Mark Segal Take a bow, and take pride. ■ so touched by the stories they Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the are hearing that they now are coordinating nation’s most-award-winning commentawith judges to help speed the system. This tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at is gay Pride by our allies. mark@epgn.com. Many of you recall this column explaining why Donatucci couldn’t hand out licenses earlier, but noting his desire to do
Mark My Words
We want to know! If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.
Op-Ed
Wendy Davis, Resources for Human Development
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PAGE 11
Street Talk Were you surprised that Gov. Corbett didn’t appeal the marriage-equality ruling? “Yes, because he’s known to be antiLGBT. But he’s obviously doing it for the votes. He thinks he’ll gain more votes Ashish Ahlawat than he’ll hairstylist lose by not Washington Square appealing. It West was purely a political decision.”
“Yes. I thought that he was going to fight it. He’s not a people person. Maybe he’s trying to Brittany Koch soften his membership image. I coordinator suppose he Pennsport wants to appease people, now that he’s up for re-election.”
“No. Corbett is looking at it from a business perspective. He knows that gay marriages will bring revenue into Tracy Neal the state. student Most of the Southwest Philadelphia states don’t allow gay marriages, so people will come here to get married. They’ll spend money here. Corbett realizes this. Money can be very persuasive.”
“Nothing surprises me about Corbett. He goes with the wind. He doesn’t seem to have any deeply held Anne Payne convictions. hairstylist He just wants Fishtown people to like him, so he can get votes and remain in office.”
Marriage equality means more Pennsylvanians have access to health insurance The struggle for same-sex couples to access health-insurance benefits has been long-standing. Despite some employers offering same-sex benefits, Pennsylvania same-sex couples could not access the Affordable Care Act Marketplace as a family unless they were married in another state that allowed same-sex marriage. The federal District Court’s recent decision to overturn the ban on marriage equality now allows same-sex spouses in Pennsylvania immediate access to health care through the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, established a series of changes to health care that have greatly benefited Americans. Insurers are no longer allowed to charge more for preexisting conditions. Free preventative care is mandated. Individuals under 26 are allowed
to continue being on their parents’ insurance. Insurance companies are being held responsible for rate increases. And the Health Insurance Marketplace was established, allowing people to shop for affordable health insurance, qualifying for tax credits and other financial assistance based on their income. Now that Pennsylvania allows samesex couples to be legally married, they are able to access the same rights under the Affordable Care Act that they deserve. For too long, benefits have been difficult to obtain or piecemeal for same-sex couples. Even though open enrollment is over, getting married qualifies someone to enroll in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. This means any newly married same-sex couples have the ability to get quality, affordable health insurance
as a family, with possible financial help — even if they have not had insurance before. When a couple marries, this can result in a Qualifying Life Event. Having a Qualified Life Event could allow you to enroll in health insurance through healthcare.gov as long as you do not have access to other affordable health insurance through your employer or your partner’s employer, and are not receiving or are eligible to receive Medicare, Medicaid or other health benefits. Depending on your income, you may qualify for financial help to pay for premiums and out-of-pocket costs (co-pays and deductibles). Couples have within 60 days from the official date of the marriage to report the change in status and enroll.
Resources for Human Development is a comprehensive human-services organization based in Philadelphia. Our mission is to empower the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society as they build the highest level of independence possible. Our Health Insurance Navigators provide impartial, one-on-one assistance to consumers enrolling in the Marketplace. Contact a navigator at 855668-9536 or healthinsurance@rhd.org if you or someone you know may qualify. Newly married couples may no longer have to wait another day to gain access to health care. Consumers may also enroll themselves online by logging on to www. healthcare.gov. ■ Wendy Davis is director of RHD’s Health Insurance Navigator Program.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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PRIDE
SOUNDS OF PRIDE: Passersby in Center City Tuesday evening got into the Pride spirit, thanks to a free concert celebrating the start of Pride month. Philadelphia Voices of Pride, the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware, Anna Crusis Women’s Choir and Sharon Katz and the Peace Train, pictured here doing their only group number, each put their own spin on empowering songs celebrating diversity. The event, staged at Commonwealth Plaza in front of Kimmel Center, is a lead-up to Kimmel’s November staging of “It Gets Better,” a musical version of the anti-LGBT bullying effort featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Community welcomed ‘home’ at new senior building By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com William Way LGBT Community Center will stage its annual Homecoming celebration in a new space this year, one whose mission is fitting with the event title. Homecoming will be held 7-10 p.m. June 6 at the John C. Anderson Apartments, 249 S. 13th St., the affordable, LGBT-friendly senior-living facility that opened earlier this year. The celebration will be held in the JCAA courtyard, with dinner by Giorgio on Pine, as well as an open wine and beer bar, cocktails, a silent auction and live entertainment. Chris Bartlett, executive director of the center, said the new space was a perfect fit for the fourth-annual fundraiser. “Since John C. Anderson Apartments opened this year and since the center is doing the senior programming at the apartments, we wanted to invite the community into the fabulous courtyard and allow people to have the Homecoming experience in this wonderful new space,” Bartlett said. Performers will include Dena Underwood, who Bartlett said will give guests a preview of the jazz stylings they’ll be treated to at this fall’s OutBeat festival, the nation’s first LGBT jazz festival, hosted by the center. “It’ll be an early taste of the LGBT jazz festival in September that we’re gearing up for,” Bartlett said. The event will also include the unveil-
ing of the 2014 Homecoming Court. This year’s court includes Eric Ashton, Heather Coutts aka Lascivious Jane, Jasper Liem, Meg Rider, Jeff Shablin and Elizabeth Coffey Williams. The community leaders were nominated and selected by a Homecoming planning committee. Bartlett said all have committed significant time and energy to both the community and the center. “The court represents community members who have been really invested in the community and at William Way, and who have been making a difference in what the planning committee deemed to be powerful ways,” Bartlett said. “Whether it’s in the business world or the nonprofit world or as a volunteer, this particular court represents individuals who have shown real dedication.” Bartlett added that this year’s new location will make for a particularly festive celebration for Homecoming, held the night before the Pride festivities. “This is the first time we’ve done a garden party so I think it’s going to be a wonderful expression of community on Pride weekend,” Bartlett said. “We’re going to be celebrating William Way and John C. Anderson Apartments and we’ll have a really diverse representation of community members to help us do that.” Tickets are $50 for general admission or $35 for seniors, students or non-drinkers. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.waygay.org. ■
PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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PRIDE
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FINAL PERFORMANCE: About 215 people gathered to remember late Mazzoni Center director of legal services David Rosenblum June 3 at Prince Music Theater, including Savoy Company musical director and conductor Dan Rothermel (right), who spoke about Rosenblum before leading a company performance in his honor. Rosenblum performed in eight Savoy productions from 1999-2007 and served on the board of directors of the organization, the nation’s oldest Gilbert and Sullivan society, from 2002-05. He met his husband, Stephan Stoeckl, through Savoy in 2000. Rosenblum, a longtime LGBT advocate and activist who was influential in the founding of a number of area LGBT groups and credited with helping bring about a wealth of LGBT reforms in the region, died last month after suffering a heart attack. Photo: Elisabeth Flynn
LGBT estate planning topic of Bucks social By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A Bucks County firm is hosting an event later this month focused on the unique estate-planning needs of LGBT people in Pennsylvania. Flood Masiuk LLC will host a free wine tasting and estate-planning seminar at 6:30 p.m. June 19 at The Rosebank Winery, 258 Durham Road in Newtown. Guests will be treated to wine and appetizers followed by a discussion with firm partner Joe Masiuk. “It’ll be more social; there is a seminar part to it but it’s lighthearted, certainly not law school,” said firm marketing coordinator Theresa Keenan-Flite. Keenan-Flite said the firm, which specializes in LGBT and special-needs estate planning, has delivered a number of similar seminars to targeted audiences. “Joe really wants to get the information out there. He’s seen so much unfairness throughout the years, and he wants to level the playing field and knows that you can use legal documents to do that,” Keenan-Flite said. With Pennsylvania legalizing same-sex marriage last month, Keenan-Flite said Masiuk’s talk will be timely. While the new law changes the legal landscape for same-sex couples, it’s still imperative that couples put in place all the protections they can, Keenan-Flite said.
“Initially, we used planning so that samesex couples could gain as much equal footing under the law that they could. Before, the state didn’t recognize your partner in any way, and now that you have a spouse, they will be recognized, so it does change a bit,” she said. “But, I think what we find is that, with many clients, especially those who may be up in age, or who may have lived a straight lifestyle at one point and have children from a previous relationship or a family of origin they want to leave their assets to, there is a need for planning. And there is still prejudice out there, so any way you can strengthen your legal bond, you should strengthen it. When marriage equality became legal in Pennsylvania, we were all so excited, but then it was like, wait a minute; now what? It’s a great thing, but you still always need to plan.” Keenan-Flite said that, while the firm expects guests to be in the mid-40s, midcareer crowd, they would like to see younger folks starting to think about estate planning. “This will probably draw mostly people who have established themselves, who have something to protect. But we would love everybody to be concerned about the future. We don’t call it estate planning as much as a life plan — thinking about what could happen, what may happen or what will happen and getting ahead of it.” For more information, call 215-322-6330 or email Theresa@floodmasiuk.com. ■
PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Trans activist Janet Mock brings message to Philly By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com In the last few years, Janet Mock has become one of the nation’s most visible and outspoken advocates and activists for transgender communities, and next week she is bringing her experiences to Philadelphia. Mock will serve as one of the keynote speakers for the 13th annual Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, taking the stage at 1 p.m. June 12 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 108 A. Mock, a writer and public speaker, made headlines when she came out publicly as a transwoman in a Marie Claire article in 2011, going on to use her platform to fight for trans rights, specifically for trans women of color. She was named to Out Magazine’s OUT100 last year and penned the book “Redefining Realness” earlier this year. Mock has been traveling for six months promoting her book and said she has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, including making the New York Times’ Best Sellers list.
During a press visit on “Piers Morgan Live” to promote the book, Piers asked Mock several invasive questions about her dating life and anatomy and referred to Mock as someone who used to be a boy, while a show description referred to Mock as having been a “boy until age 18.” Mock reiterated the message that she had always been a woman and that her journey began long before gender-reassignment surgery. Shortly before Mock’s interview, transgender actor Laverne Cox from Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” and model Carmen Carrera of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” were on the “Katie Couric Show” and were asked similar questions pertaining to their bodies. Mock said such experiences show the media ignorance towards transgender people’s lives and stories. “I don’t want to demonize these journalists but it is important that people don’t think and frame understanding trans people in those specific ways,” she said. “It is something I don’t want to shut down, but challenge.”
Mock did challenge those questions with a pretend interview with Alicia Menendez of “Alicia Menendez Tonight” three weeks ago, asking her invasive questions pertaining to her own cisgender identity. “It was a demonstration and we tried to use our resources to show what would happen if the tables were turned and cis people were asked those kind of questions,” she said. “We wanted to show people through that experience that it is not OK to ask people about their bodies in an invasive way and stress definitions of labels and definitions of people without giving them a chance to
New orientation offered for trans conference By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Pa r t i c i p a n t s i n t h e 1 3 t h a n n u a l Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference will have a new opportunity to learn about the event and its offerings before diving in. The event will launch June 12 at Pennsylvania Convention Center with a welcoming orientation at 8:45 a.m. “Usually first thing in the morning, we start our workshops and then have the keynote speaker present but this time we wanted to keep the morning free,” said conference coordinator Samantha Jo Dato. “We’ll have Mayor Michael Nutter there and myself, going through the conference, telling people where things are, what new stuff is happening. This is for anyone, first-timers or repeat attendees.” The conference, a program of Mazzoni Center, welcomes more than 3,200 transgender individuals and allies every year to attend workshops on a myriad of topics including education, health care, employment, safety, housing and social support. This year’s event will include participation by more than 500 speakers and panelists during the three-day conference. Keynote speakers are writer and advocate Janet Mock and National Center for
Transgender Equality director of policy Harper Jean Tobin, who will speak at 1 p.m. June 12 and 1 p.m. June 13, respectively. Dato said individuals of all backgrounds can draw inspiration from Mock. “Janet Mock is an amazing activist in the trans community,” she said. “The Planning Committee put together their top picks and we voted and she was the person who would have had an impact and leave the audience feeling empowered and wanting more.” In addition to the multitude of daytime workshops and discussions, the conference will also include nighttime events like Blender Trans* Performance Showcase from 8-11 p.m. June 14 in Room 103C, and youth open-mic night Applause from 7:3010 p.m. June 14 in Room 103A. Dato said she hopes the conference leaves attendees feeling empowered and supported. “I believe when people attend, they are looking for something different than basic 101 Hormones,” she said. “People find out that allies are in all shapes, colors and forms and under the trans umbrella, they see so many different things. I want people to walk away feeling amazing and educated and with a new support system.” For more information, visit www.transhealth.org. ■
speak.” Mock said accurate visibility in the media can help in the effort to curb violence against transgender people. “ We h ave v i sibility but we need it to challenge the dehumanizing portraits and portrayals of transwomen,” she said. “One thing that makes it easy and makes a lot of the murders justified are the way transwomen are portrayed as tricking men to sleep with them, and the idea that transwomen are not real. We need to take it to the next level and educate communities on a local level that transwomen are not deviants or outcasts — we’re a central part of these communities, we exist and we are worthy of attention.” These are some of the messages Mock plans to bring to PTHC. She said she was approached by the conference board to participate and was humbled by the request. “It is the biggest conference
there is that is organized for and by trans people, and the fact that it is free sends a great message because the organizers understand that access to money and services can be difficult for trans people,” Mock said. “It is an open and accessible conference and that is powerful.” Mock said she hopes attendees learn from and are empowered by her story. “With my story and my work and through my own journey, I learned to maintain my own wellbeing and self-care while doing vital urgent work within our community. But in the movement, we often don’t talk about how we got through that journey and taking care of ourselves and our community, and we need to hold each other accountable for that,” she said. “I am looking forward to sharing space with activists who have been working in the movement and hearing their stories and questions they have for me.” For more information on PTHC, visit www.trans-health.org. For more information on Janet Mock, visit www.janetmock.com. ■
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PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
PRIDE
JUNE IS...
UPCOMING EVENTS Faith Leaders and Community Summit SATURDAY, JUNE 7 • 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Marriott Downtown Hotel 1201 Market Street
Hip Hop for Philly featuring WALE on National HIV Testing Day FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Go to www.fight.org/hiphop for more information.
Beyond The Walls: Prison Health Care & Reentry Summit TUESDAY, JUNE 10 • 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pennsylvania Convention Center 12th & Arch Sts.
Community Cookout SATURDAY, JUNE 28 • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fairmount Park, Area #2 33rd Street & Cecil B. Moore Avenue
The Legendary Crystal Ball SATURDAY, JUNE 14 • 7 p.m. - Midnight University of the Arts, Hamilton Hall 320 S. Broad Street
Gospel Concert featuring Marvin Sapp SUNDAY, JUNE 29 • 5 - 8 p.m. Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ 6401 Ogontz Avenue
Prevention and Outreach Summit WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pennsylvania Convention Center 13th & Arch Sts. Movements for Change TUESDAY, JUNE 24 • 12 - 2:30 p.m. Friends Center 1501 Cherry Street
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE: Register online at www.aidseducationmonth.org or call 215.985.4448 x 200
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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PA Auditor General on money of marriage equality By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Just days before Pennsylvania legalized marriage equality, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale spoke out about the adverse financial effect of continuing to defend the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. DePasquale, elected as the state’s top fiscal officer last year after six years in the state House of Representatives, said he has been advocating for equal rights for decades. Late last month, PGN sat down with DePasquale, who was in Philadelphia visiting his mother’s hometown, to talk about LGBTrights victories in the state and where Pennsylvania is headed on equality. PGN: What was your reaction when Judge Jones’ ruling came down in Whitewood v. Wolf? ED: It just felt good and it felt right. There were those times as a legislator where I would literally sit there and think, in a state like Pennsylvania, on LGBT rights,
we were so behind the rest of the region. Now, do I think we are better than Alabama? Yes, but it began to feel very disappointing and overnight, it felt different. It just felt right.
something. Not only is it the right thing to do but it saves tax money. Even if you are against marriage equality, your child may lose art and music in public schools because of this.
PGN: You recently released a statement to Gov. Corbett about the cost of defending the state’s ban on marriage equality, saying it was wasting taxpayer dollars. What led up to this statement? ED: We sat down and I said to my staff, We got to get in this fight. Corbett is hiring outside counsel — which, there is nothing illegal about that — but this is costing money. However, what really prompted me to step it up is when the revenue estimate came in, we had a $1-billion shortfall. The administration is crying — for understandable purposes — that we would be heading into a very tough budget and I understand that and yet we are throwing this money out the window on all these lawyers. I said, Here’s a solution, let’s not spend that money. It doesn’t fix the whole problem but it is
PGN: What do you think the position of auditor general can do to move LGBT issues forward? ED: I think a part of it is leadership, what we can do in our own department to make sure we are transparent and open for everybody. We have a diverse staff and there are people who are LGBT who work in our agency. But also part of it is, now as laws get implemented, as Auditor General, not only do we audit state spending but we audit programs as well so now that [marriage equality] is the law of Pennsylvania, we can make sure it is operating in an efficient manner — how marriage licenses are being awarded, etc. PGN: What has the auditor general’s office done to not only further marriage equality but also nondiscrimination?
ED: I was more active on that side when I was a legislator and on House Bill 300 I was one of the cosponsors of the bill. It was one of my first bills too. As Auditor General on that side it is more that I voice my opinion, which is something I have been very clear about. But unless money or state laws impact it, it is tough for me to get in and get it passed. But, as auditor general, I can use my voice to advocate for it. PGN: From 2007-13 you served in the House of Representatives. What do you think your work in the House has helped you bring to your position as auditor general? ED: I think it certainly gave me more of a background on not just what the laws are but the policies and goals that go behind them. When we go in to audit a program, we have to look at, what is the intent of this law, how is it supposed to be carried out? It gave an underpinning on what the intent of the laws was.
PGN: What is your most rewarding experience while in office? ED: This week was rewarding. I got a lot of notes from LGBT friends saying how proud they are of the state. It also gives you pride when you find something that is wrong and you do an audit and it helps fix the problem. There are a whole bunch of advocates and allies who played a part in this and although we aren’t the whole part of it, we played a role. PGN: What do you think it says that we have a Republican governor who decided not to appeal the marriage-equality decision? ED: No matter why someone does the right thing, whatever the motivation is, if they do the right thing, you should say thank you. I don’t know what [Corbett’s] motivation was. I met with the governor on several occasions; I have a good working relationship with him. It is very cordial. We’ve agreed on some issues, we’ve disagreed on a lot more. He didn’t appeal and that is the right decision. ■
Renowned teacher to talk trans and Jewish issues in Philly By Ray Simon PGN Contributor Joy Ladin, a poet, professor and transwoman, will discuss the relationship between transgender and Judaism on June 8 at Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, 300 S. 18th St. Ladin, who wrote a memoir about her transition called “Through the Door of Life,” is appearing as part of a new author series called “Sicha,” which means “conversation” in Hebrew. She will be joined by Nurit Shein, CEO of Mazzoni Center. The event is open to the public. According to Shein, Ladin is an articulate interlocutor who is able to address a wide range of challenges confronting transgender individuals, including career, faith and parenthood. It is also notable that she transitioned during middle age. “She represents a group of individuals who transitioned later on in life, as opposed to many of the patients that we see at Mazzoni Center,” Shein said. “Now that the world has changed and is more accepting, we see younger people transitioning. I think
this is a story that hasn’t been told in many ways.” Ladin, who teaches English at Yeshiva University, cheerfully admits that her life is complex. A poet and scholar, she was already sensitive to nuances of language. Since transitioning, however, she has written less about poetry and more about the way trans identity illuminates human identity in general. “In terms of what I do, my identity has become much more complicated since my transition, which is interesting,” Ladin said. “I thought of my gender transition as a way of resolving contradictions, internal contradictions with my identity, and of course my life became much more complicated.” On a personal level, Ladin knows who she is. While acknowledging that there are multiple ways of being transgender, Ladin’s understanding of herself is straightforward. “I am an old-fashioned, binary, male-tofemale transsexual, so for me it’s a big deal to use female pronouns,” Ladin said. “My identity, the way that I live, is based on expressing my lifelong female gender identity.” Ladin is clear, however, that she does not consider herself a woman. As someone who transitioned after living for 45 years as a man, she said, it is not an identity she can claim. “One of the things I’ve learned about through the transition process is that gender
transition for me has not been a process of becoming a woman in any of the conventional senses of those words,” Ladin said. “Now I say, I used to live as a man I knew I wasn’t, and now I live as a woman I feel I am.” Another important aspect of Ladin’s life is her Judaism. Although her parents were not particularly religious, as a child she was curious about her faith. “I was drawn to Judaism from an early age, much more than my family was concerned with,” Ladin said. “I think part of the reason was that Judaism was the only thing that was part of my family’s lives that was as strange as I was. It’s this 3,000-year-old religion and it had nothing to do with the white, middle-class, not suburban but not so different than suburban lifestyle that we were living.” Ladin acknowledges that her original understanding of the Torah was idiosyncratic, but it still informs her mature reflections on Judaism. She describes her childhood connection to God as active and personal, something she claims is common among transgender children. “For trans kids, this is often a very active dialogue,” Ladin said. “God is the one who made us the way we are and that feels like we were made wrong and God can and should fix it, so it’s quite an active relationship. And also, we tend to have grown up
very lonely and so hanging out with God is a way of having a sense of companionship.” Ladin now teaches at Yeshiva University, but that is purely coincidental. What is significant, however, is the fact that she is by all estimates the only transgender person currently working at an Orthodox Jewish institution. Since publishing her memoir in 2012, Ladin has frequently been invited to speak to Jewish audiences, something she welcomes. In her experience, congregants would like to initiate a thoughtful conversation about transgender issues, but they often lack the vocabulary. “It’s easier to start those conversations, and really easier to have some of them, to ask certain kinds of questions, with people who are not part of your community, so nobody has to worry about devastating one of their members if they ask me a question and it’s not worded correctly,” she said. Shein is optimistic about the impact Ladin will have on attendees. “I hope that they will come away with a better awareness, understanding and compassion of the pain and the courage that it takes for people either to transition and for us to come out,” Shein said. “And that their hearts will be open to just seeing us, the LGBT community, as their fellow travelers on the journey of life.” For more information, visit www.bzbi. org. ■
PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
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PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
June 6
Pride Weekend
The Third Annual Kick-Off Block Party 6-11 p.m. 12th Street between Walnut and Spruce The annual block party kicks off Pride weekend. Get your Pride for a discounted $10.
Guerilla Queer Bar 9 p.m. Logan Square area, location TBA The Welcoming Committee hosts its Pride-themed pop-up party. Register at http://thewelcomingcommittee.com/philly to be notified of the event location.
Anna Crusis Women’s Choir Spring Concert: Beauty Unmasked 7:30 p.m. Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 6376 City Ave. Tickets can be purchased at www.annacrusis.com; use promo code “pride” for 20 percent off.
Woody’s Block Party Noon 13th Street between Walnut and Locust
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15th Annual Dyke March 3-6 p.m. Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets An annual march and protest in support of any individual who loves or defines themselves by the term “dyke.” Homecoming 2014 7-10 p.m. John C. Anderson Apartments, 249 S. 13th St. Hosted by William Way LGBT Community Center, the event celebrates community leaders. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $35 for students, seniors and non-drinkers.
June 7
What is PrEP?
A block party to celebrate Pride with DJs, games and drink specials. No cover.
Independence Hall and the History of Gay Rights in Philadelphia 2-3 p.m. June 6-7 and 4-5 p.m. June 8 Independence Visitor Center, Sixth and Market streets National Park Service Ranger Mike Doveton offers an interpretive program on Philadelphia’s role in the LGBT-rights movement. Admission is free.
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Crankshaft at The Bike Stop 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 206 S. Quince St. A party hosted by the Philadelphians MC. Stimulus Pride Party: The Official Dyke March and Homecoming After Party 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James St. Celebrate Pride with Stimulus’ last party at Voyeur before summer hiatus. Cover is $10 or $5 for Homecoming attendees or for those who wear their Dyke march T-shirts. June 8 Philadelphia Pride Parade and Festival Parade kicks off at noon in the Gayborhood, and festival runs through 6 p.m. at Penn’s Landing. Cover is $15; www.phillypride.org. IBA Sails with Pride 1:30-4 p.m. LGBT Chamber of Commerce Independence Business Alliance hits the Delaware River with the second annual Pride lunch, which includes an open mimosa, wine and Bloody Mary bar, as well as a cash bar for other cocktails. Tickets are $79 each and must be purchased in advance at www.independencebusinessalliance.com. Big Gay Boat Party: Pride Edition 2-11 p.m. Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd. The monthly party returns for Pride, with a $10 cover. ■
PRIDE PRIDE from page 1
lining, who are expected to be a hit. “Everybody is talking about it,” Price said. “The Village People were our first gay icons and they are relevant with our theme, ‘Reflections of Pride.’” Besides the headliner, this year’s lineup will include performances by BETTY, WellStrung, Lynne Koplitz, AKiRE, Ariana & the Rose, Mimi Imfurst and Wendy Ho. This year’s grand marshals are city director of LGBT affairs Gloria Casarez and Philly Trans* March founder Christian Axavier Lovehall, with youth grand marshals Avery McNair and Dashawn “Dalyla” Baker. This year’s Friend of Pride is City Councilman Mark Squilla. Reviewing-stand announcers are CBS 3 consumer reporter Jim Donovan and Rudy Flesher. Price said she had not heard whether antiLGBT protestors will show up but said they will not disrupt the festivities. “Pride is easier than Outfest because they cannot get into the festival and they show up at Independence Hall and once the parade gets there, they can’t make any noise because we have performers,” she said. “They are usually told to move.” Entrance to the festival increased from $10-$15 this year, but Volz said he doesn’t expect that to negatively impact attendance. “People will pay $15 to see a whole bunch of people perform,” he said. “That is still a bargain.” Wristbands can still be purchased for $10 in advance at the Kick-Off Block Party, 6-11 p.m. June 6 on 12th Street between Walnut and Spruce. To keep the entrance line moving at the festival, there will be a separate line for those who carry bigger backpacks and bags, but Volz discouraged attendees from bringing bags. He said organizers are expecting a crowd that reflects all facets of the LGBT community — one of the most valuable elements of the festival. “It is a wonderful thing for people to come and see how diverse our community is,” Volz said. “All elements of our community are in one place and it is one of the few places it happens.” “The wonderful thing about the diversity is it creates awareness and people see that we look just like everybody else,” Price added. “We pride ourselves on the fact that people say they don’t feel excluded.” For more information, visit www. phillypride.org. ■
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
S. Philly park to host LGBT jazz night By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A South Philadelphia neighborhood association is hoping to reach out to the LGBT community with a new musical event this month. Friends of Hawthorne Park will host LGBT Jazz Night at the park, at 12th and Catharine streets, 7 p.m. June 19. Friends of Hawthorne Park entertainment committeemember Gregory Seaney-Ariano said the neighborhood has grown increasingly LGBT-centric. “There have been so many gay people moving into the neighborhood, it’s now being called Gaythorne,” he said. The organization wanted to host an inclusive event not only in celebration of Pride month but to also enhance ties among LGBT and ally residents in the neighborhood.
“Although this isn’t an LGBT-exclusive event, we wanted to foster a sense of community for LGBT residents in the neighborhood because right now, there isn’t a neighborhood LGBT group,” SeaneyAriano said. “We would like to invite all LGBT neighbors out to this event and anyone else who would like to come listen. It is a chance to have fun and meet LGBT neighbors and friends.” Hawthorne Park hosted its first Jazz Night last year. Participating musicians for the LGBT night have not yet been announced. Seaney-Ariano said PennGALA will host a happy hour at a private residence before the show from 6-7 p.m. The happy hour and musical performance are both free and open to the public. For more information on the happy hour, email gseaney@aol.com. For more information on Friends of Hawthorne Park, visit www.hecphilly.org. ■
Local photographer fundraises for youth book By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com
Smith started her endeavor by photographing close friends, and overlaying their photos with their own words. As the project grew, she reached out to For one out Philadelphia-based photographer, a decade-long project is finally com- LGBT youth centers and other organizations. ing to fruition. “A project like this was informative and Rachelle Lee Smith is the author of to learn about friends and different expe“Speaking OUT: Queer Youth In Focus.” The photographic book features portraits riences of people was amazing,” she said. of a diverse group of youth ages 14-24, “I left it open to whatever anyone wanted; with more than 65 photos Smith took over people would name a specific moment in their lives or a general coming-out story. It a span of 10 years. The 128-page book will be published was really interesting and helped me learn about them.” Oct. 1 and will cost $14.95, Since the project has if Smith raises $25,000 to cut developed over a decade printing costs and make the in which societal attitudes book affordable to youth. toward the LGBT comSmith said although her munity have been rapidly own coming-out experience evolving, Smith said being was painless, she witnessed able to capture the changing some tough experiences face of the LGBT commufrom fellow peers and nity has been enlightening. friends. “It was great seeing the “I came out as a teen, still varied experiences people in high school, and had a really surprisingly easy and RACHELLE LEE SMITH’S had and how they’ve grown comfortable time with it ENTRY IN “SPEAKING and changed and how sociand I know that was rare,” OUT” ety has changed,” she said. “A decade ago, people were she said. “I was lucky but a little more latched onto didn’t appreciate how fortunate I was until I got to college where I met the theme of hatred and there was more fear people who had different experiences and in the tone of people and now there is a lot witnessed gay bashing and heard horrific more pride and non-labeling.” Smith recently launched an IndieGoGo stories from friends.” Smith said learning about these experi- site to fundraise for the book. She brought ences prompted her to want to help youth in $395 so far, with a total goal of $15,000 by mid-July. Sam’s Philly Mixer will also who were struggling with coming out. “As a photography student, I kind of went host a Speaking OUT fundraiser from through college searching for what I could noon-3 p.m. June 15 at Cavanaugh’s River do, how could I use my tool to get these sto- Deck, 417 N. Columbus Blvd. To donate to Smith’s campaign, visit ries out there and really just tell the stories of people,” she said. “I wanted to combine http://igg.me/at/speakingOUT/x/7219716. ■ my passions and my activism.”
PRIDE
CONNECTING. COMMUNITY.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
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PRIDE
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE WISH from page 8
The organization works to plan all details of the wedding, and to find vendors who will donate their services to the cause. The average wedding the organization donates usually would cost about $20,000. Wish Upon a Wedding assigned the couple a wedding planner, who helped them craft each detail of the day. “She would ask us, ‘OK, do you want A or B?’ And I’d be like, ‘I didn’t even know A or B was an option!’” Kelly said. “She asked if we wanted a DJ or live band, and I said, ‘Sure, a live band,’ and she said, ‘We can bring in a four-string quartet if you want.’ I was on cloud nine.” They were most excited by the selection of the event site. Michelle explained that, as a child, her mother didn’t have much money but saved up to take her and her sister to dinner on the Moshulu, explaining to them that hard work can earn you rewards. She said it remains one of her favorite memories of her mother, who has since passed. “I told [the planner] on the phone, ‘We’d want it in the Lehigh Valley, unless of course you can get the Moshulu, then we’d come to Philly. And I was totally joking,” Michelle said. “And she called me back and said, ‘Guess what we got?’ And it was the Moshulu. I didn’t even think that was a possibility. I told her I was joking, and she said, ‘Yeah, I know, but we did it anyway.’” With the music, flowers, bridal party, dresses, photographer and all other details coming together, the couple looked forward to the May 28 wedding. But, knowing that their marriage wouldn’t be recognized in their home state, they traveled to Maryland to receive a legal marriage license. Then, serendipitously, eight days before the wedding, Pennsylvania legalized marriage equality. “I was like, you’ve got to be kidding me. It was perfect timing,” Kelly said. On the wedding day, everything went off without a hitch, the couple said. The wedding party included Michelle’s father and sister, the couple’s three children and granddaughter and several friends, including the friend who set them up. They had 50 guests overall for the ceremony and reception aboard the Moshulu. “It all came together,” Kelly said. Michelle noted that the legal weight of their marriage does feel significant. “It feels like we matter,” she said. “It meant a lot for us and our kids. No matter what anybody says now, we’re a truly united family.” The family still has to grapple with Kelly’s illness, but Michelle said the wedding provided a respite from the worry, and a day of invaluable memories. “With everything going on with Kelly, the wedding gave us something positive to focus on. It might be easy to say, ‘Kelly’s terminal’ and go to the negative aspects instead of trying to keep positive. It gave our kids memories for a lifetime of a good time when a lot of people would think this is a bad time. The wedding experience gave us and our children so much positive.” ■
PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia We’re building a strong Jewish LGBT community in Greater Philadelphia – today and for the next generation.
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PRIDE
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE MURDER from page 1
Diane said the family has tried to cope by performing positive actions, including the donation of a Buddy Bench at Fox’s elementary school, Mays Landing Elementary School. Buddy Benches are brightly colored seating areas designed to bring together youth who are feeling alienated or alone. “It was something I couldn’t forget about because the concept is so wonderful,” Diane said. An inscription on the bench reads, “In Memory of Michael John Fox — A Buddy to Everyone.” Fox, who studied at Jean Madeline Aveda Institute, bartended at Woody’s and was an avid artistic roller skater. “After his passing, so many of his friends came to us and talked about how often he reached out to help them,” Diane said. “That is comforting to know that others saw him as a good person as well.” Davenport said if anyone has any information about the case, they should call 215686-3334. Anonymous tips can also be left at 215-546-TIPS. ■ PROTEST from page 1
event. PCC is supporting the event through promotions, said PCC director of communications Amy Hill. “The PCC’s relationship to the March for Marriage is the same as last year,” Hill said. “We support the cause of the march. We have promoted the event on our website and certainly encourage Catholics to attend. Several dioceses are once again organizing buses to take parishioners down to D.C. for the day to participate. That is being organized at the local level. We have not made any other contributions beyond these things.” Gavin said the archdiocese was “proud” to be a sponsor of the march. “The March for Marriage is a public witness to the church’s commitment to promote its understanding of marriage,” he said. “Laws that defend the traditional definition of marriage were enacted to defend the rights of children and contribute to the wellbeing of the larger community.” The archdiocese sharply criticized Pennsylvania legalizing marriage equality. In a statement the day of the ruling, Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput called the federal judge’s ruling “a mistake with long-term, negative consequences.” Gavin added that marriage, “in Catholic teaching and understanding,” is more than “a private arrangement between two people.” “It’s a public commitment of love and fidelity, and it’s ordered not just to companionship but to creating and rearing new life,” he said. “This is why every child deserves a mother and a father in a loving marriage, and the child is the fruit of that love. Affirming the true definition of marriage denies no one his or her basic rights. On the contrary, protecting marriage affirms the equal dignity of women and men and safeguards the basic rights of children. As Catholics, we believe marriage needs to be strengthened, not redefined.” ■
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Freedom love in the afternoon By Scott A. Drake scott@epgn.com On May 15, I went up to Hunting Park to talk to out 39-time Grand Slam winner Billie Jean King. The occasion was the oneyear anniversary of the park’s tennis courts being dedicated. After a tour of the courts a few years earlier, King created a foundation dedicated to inner-city park courts, and Hunting Park was the first recipient of foundation donations. The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation had previously tapped Ryan Howard and his foundation for a worldclass baseball field and Michael Vick’s Family Foundation for an upgraded football field, so King was a logical choice for the latest park improvements. The Hunting Park area of the city doesn’t have many of the amenities that we take for granted throughout Center City and its adjoining neighborhoods. This year, King donated 100 tennis racquets, shirts and other items to be used by surrounding schools and sports groups via the Philadelphia Freedoms — a world-class tennis organization in Philadelphia that King also co-founded. The focus of last month’s event was, of course, the youth. King was in her element — talking, laughing and having photos taken with nearly every kid there. Why this park and why here in Philadelphia? “I feel it’s important to give something back,” King said. “I started playing in a city park and I know what it means to have
this kind of opportunity. It’s a chance to do something that not everyone has the chance to do. And of course the first year I competed was here, in Philadelphia.” Legacy Youth in East Falls reaches across the city to encourage and support young people who may be interested in tennis but don’t have the resources to pursue the sport. The Legacy Youth organization was originally named after another tennis great, Arthur Ashe, until a family member requested the name change a few years ago. I mentioned that Liberty Tennis, the local LGBT tennis organization, has an annual tournament there at the end of July. She gave a “Hmm... ” and said she wasn’t sure what she was doing that weekend. King also described some of her feelings about being an ambassador to the Olympic Games in Sochi this past winter. The death of her mother prevented her from attending the opening ceremonies, but she was present for the closing event and recalled a poignant encounter with a young gay man during her visit. “This one young man I spoke to was so grateful that there were people there who he could relate to,” she said. “He couldn’t be open to anyone there. He would have been severely punished and maybe killed. It was both sad and rewarding to be able to talk openly with him.” She also mentioned her friendship with Elton John and the song “Philadelphia Freedom,” which she says he wrote specifically with her in mind. Whether the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis organiza-
DOUBLES MATCH: Nationally recognized tennis legend Billie Jean King (right) chats with her partner Ilana Kloss before addressing the crowd on the courts at Hunting Park. The May 15 event coincided with the one-year anniversary of the park courts’ rejuvenation, which was partially funded by King. About 100 people, including several-dozen kids from Legacy Youth Tennis and Education, attended the event. Photo: Scott A. Drake
tion’s name has any connection because of King’s affiliation is unclear. She is also a huge fan of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the accomplishments he’s achieved through it. I then asked King what one specific thing would she tell youth today who may be struggling with any number of personal issues, whether they be LGBT-specific or
something else. Her answer was firm and swift. “Be true to yourself. Be honest,” she replied. “When I was outed, the hardest thing I did was being honest to myself and everyone around me. It cost me endorsements and it cost me a lot of other things. But in the end, it was the best thing I could have done and I don’t regret it.” ■
Practice helps men put best face forward By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com Botox injections have been parodied in everything from films to comedy sketches — but a local plastic-surgery practice is looking to counter that stigma, and reports that the procedure, and other nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, are growing in popularity among men. Dr. Steven Davis, based in Cherry Hill, has been in practice for more than 25 years, focusing largely on cosmetic procedures. He said Botox injections are the most-popular non-surgical procedure he performs. Davis explained that Botox started being used to treat muscle spasms in the 1950s and about two decades ago emerged as a wrinkle-reducer. “It really has to do with knowing what muscles to inject and what not to inject so that the noninjected muscles take over and pull the skin in a direction that’s
tiredness or stress. pleasing,” Davis “I’m not trying explained. to look younger D av i s s a i d h e because I’m just most frequently performs the procedure not going to look for the brow and younger at a certain eye areas, as well as age. But I didn’t along the jaw line want to look tired or and in the neck. The cross. For me, it was injections last for up about looking more to six months. alert,” he said. “For While such proa lot of people, our cedures have largely face in the business been associated world and the social with women, Davis world is our business card, our greetsaid Botox has been ing. I call it curb increasingly utilized DR. STEVEN DAVIS (RIGHT) AND PATIENT STUART MAY appeal, and I think by men, including Photo: Scott A. Drake it is. And in the gay many gay patients. One such patient is Stuart May, world especially, we “More guys are are judged on the way we look; to tending to realize this is accept- who lives in Moorestown. May, 48, is a former performer say that is not a fallacy, it’s just a able, time-tested, reproducible,” he said. “You can do this dur- in Las Vegas who moved to this reality. So I want to look the best I ing your lunch hour so you don’t area about two years ago. can.” A make-up artist who also have to lose time from work. We May said the procedure is painhave more guys in our practice appears on QVC, May said he less. Davis numbs the area and lets right now than we’ve ever seen pursued the procedure not to elim- the numbing medication sit for 10 inate years but rather the signs of minutes before beginning. before.”
“It’s just a ‘tap, tap, tap’ and like a bee sting. There’s no bruising, no swelling. No one would even know you had it done,” he said. “It takes about six days to see the results start to happen.” May returns for the procedure about every four months. He said Davis works with patients to learn their areas of concern and goals for the procedure, and has a specific understanding of the male facial structure. “He really understands male facial features and can work to keep a masculine look to your face, which I think is very rare.” Other popular non-surgical procedures, Davis said, are facial fillers to plump up the face, which he said is especially common after patients experience weight loss, as well as CoolSculpting, a fatreduction tool, often utilized for the lovehandle areas. The medical advancements that have allowed such procedures to PAGE 60 be quick, Davis
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
The ACLU of Pennsylvania and the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender & AIDS Project congratulate our clients and our volunteer co-counsel who helped to make marriage equality a reality in Pennsylvania. Whitewood v. Wolf plaintiffs: Deb, Susan, Abbey, & Katie Whitewood Fredia & Lynn Hurdle Edwin Hill & David Palmer Kath & Heather Poehler Fernando Chang-Muy & Len Rieser Dawn Plummer & Diana Polson Angela Gillem & Gail Lloyd Helena Miller & Dara Raspberry Ron Gebhardtsbauer & Greg Wright Marla Cattermole & Julia Lobur Christine Donato & Sandy Ferlanie Maureen Hennessey
Info@aclupa.org
Volunteer co-counsel: Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller Mark Aronchick John Stapleton Helen Casale Dylan Steinberg Rebecca Melley University of Pennsylvania Law School Seth Kreimer
www.aclupa.org
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
Before the Bells
PRIDE
Jen Colletta
Where to say your ‘I Do’s’ With the landmark May 20 court ruling legalizing marriage equality in Pennsylvania, we’ve seen same-sex couples marrying in courthouses, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and at the iconic Love Park statue. But, if you’re planning a larger event, finding the right venue to host either a ceremony, reception or both can be one of the toughest, and quite likely the costliest, decisions of your wedding-planning process. As with other big decisions in the planning process, the venue you select should be one that fits your goals for the format, size and budget of the wedding, as well as one aligned with your own personal style. Types of venues Once you have obtained a marriage license, you can pretty much marry anywhere (public-permit issues aside), as long as you have a certified officiant witness and sign the license. For couples looking to save some money or have a more intimate affair, in-home or backyard weddings are a great fit, allowing for a low-key, laidback atmosphere. On the other end, there are a number of historic mansions, and even castles, in the area that rent their space out for weddings. (Note: many of these venues do not provide food or alcohol, so a separate caterer needs to be contracted.) A sea of area hotels offers wedding space, as do offthe-beaten-path venues like museums. My partner and I went with the country-club option (see “Spring Mill Manor”); many country club venues offer all-inclusive wedding packages and can accommodate large guest lists, two of our top priorities. Narrowing your options Compiling a list of potential venues is a harrowing task, but a quick way to identify your favorites is to toss out the ones that may not be terribly LGBTfriendly. In addition to jotting down a list of venues we liked solely because of their location, we scoured LGBT wedding websites for lists of friendly vendors, and even googled for photos and accounts of local same-sex weddings to find where other couples had been
married. Once we had a good list of possibilities, we emailed our prospects to set up in-person tours and mentioned that we were a same-sex couple, gauging their reactions. Some raved about the same-sex weddings they had previously hosted, others said they’d welcome same-sex couples and others didn’t even respond. They were out. We ended up visiting six venues before deciding on our favorite, and made sure to tour venues of different styles (country club, rustic, waterfront historic house). During one visit, after our contact had assured us he was excited to host our same-sex union, he began asking about our grooms — off the list! Some venues may purport to be LGBT-friendly but that commitment may not be wholly genuine; the comfort level of yourself, your fiancé and your family and friends shouldn’t be something you have to worry about on your big day, so trust your gut on the sincerity of all of your potential wedding vendors. Things to consider Once you’ve narrowed your search, making a number of smaller decisions can help illuminate some of the questions you need to ask your potential venue. If you’re having a ceremony and reception, do you want them both at the same place? A big pro is that travel time and cost is cut out, but depending on your religious affiliation, you may need to host a church ceremony and find a venue just for the reception. If you’re having both at the same locale, do you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony? If the latter, find out what the venue’s policies are on inclement weather: What does their inside setup look like? How many would an indoor space fit compared to outdoor? Who makes the rain call? What day of the week do you want the event? Saturday evenings are traditionally the most expensive, with venues often offering discounts for Friday evening or daytime weekend events. Depending on the day you choose, you can ask the venue how their monthly rates
vary; for instance, there may be a big difference from the last weekend in April to the first week in May, the month when wedding season ramps up. Determining if you want an all-inclusive venue or one where you provide some of the food and other services is also an important decision. The all-inclusive option certainly alleviates some of the stress on you, but you have to give up some of the control to the venue; on the other hand, a noninclusive venue can allow you to select your own caterer or even prepare your own food, but then you need to explore alcohol poli-
cies and do more price comparing. If you do select an all-inclusive venue, as we did, get a full list up front of what services are included and what are not. You don’t want any surprises the day of the wedding. Many all-inclusives offer a number of packages, with differing food and alcohol options; most venues let you pick up to three dishes, of varying prices, for your guests to choose from, and you can select open or cash bar and occasionally the quality of the liquor, if you serve it. Don’t be afraid to negotiate to save some
dollars; request one less appetizer station at cocktail hour or that the open bar be shut down a half-hour prior to the reception’s end. It’s also important to find out a venue’s policies — on everything from bringing in outside decorations to vendor insurance to payment plans to room capacities. The best way to be prepared for the sea of variables that sets each venue apart is to know ahead of time the format, size and budget of your wedding; once you have your vision set, it’s easier to spot the best venue to fit into that image. ■
Spring Mill Manor
My partner and I selected Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland to host our ceremony and reception next spring. The Bucks County venue is home to four ballrooms — two large and two small — as well as a country club and golf course adjacent to the property, which can also be utilized for weddings. We happened upon Spring Mill during a simple online search for LGBT-friendly venues in the area, stumbling upon a Facebook post from the venue talking excitedly about their participation in an LGBT wedding expo in the area. When we came in for a tour, we saw that the commitment to equality was genuine; when you meet with venue reps in person, you can quickly tell who’s sincere and who’s not. Apart from LGBT-friendliness,
we were also immediately taken by the venue itself. The sprawling property is not far from the city but its lush landscape suggests otherwise. On the Manor side, there is an expansive outdoor area used for weddings, where couples wed before a gazebo, bordered by ponds and fountains. The outdoor space connects to a patio that can be used for a cocktail hour in the larger ballroom. Apart from the tastefully decorated ballrooms that can be customized to fit your wedding, the Manor holds a grand sweeping staircase that serves as the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The country club also offers its own expansive ballroom and outdoor gazebo area. One of the things that hooked us was the plethora of options; the several different banquet halls, each with its own feel and each
designed to fit parties of different sizes (from 50-400), as well as the two separate properties, allowed us to find the space that was best for our event. Also appealing was the variety of packages. Weddings at Spring Mill are all-inclusive, meaning that, with the rental of the venue for your wedding comes the food, alcohol, decorations, cake and other aspects. Packages can be customized to fit your needs and budget. The staff works with each couple to get to know their vision and build a package that fits it. Perhaps the biggest selling point was a staff that was easy and pleasant to work with, eager to bring our ideas to fruition and treated all couples equally. For more information, visit www.springmillmanor.com or www.springmillcountryclub.com. ■
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PRIDE
The benefits of same-sex marriage: It’s not just about the love thing By Janis McDonagh, Esq., and Portia Rose, CPA Since the Defense of Marriage Act was effectively nullified by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2013, same-sex couples have been rushing to the altar. In striking down the traditional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, the court made it easier for more non-traditional families to take their vows. For all of you hopelessly in-love couples who have either taken the plunge or are considering marriage, you might want to be aware of some of the more practical benefits, rights and protections that a ring and the related legal document can provide. In the Supreme Court’s decision striking down DOMA (United States v. Windsor), same-sex couples married in one of the 19 states plus the District of Columbia, or in a foreign country that recognizes same-sex marriage, qualify for many federal benefits previously limited to opposite-sex married couples. Unfortunately, the rules for eligibility vary by federal agency, since the court didn’t address whether federal agencies must recognize the marriages of same-sex married couples living in nonrecognition states. Because the benefits vary from federal agency to agency and from state to state, every couple must thoroughly consider how those benefits will apply to their particular circumstances. So before making the big decision, take off the rose-colored glasses and think about the following:
marriages regardless of what state you live in. You are now able (and required) to file a federal joint-income tax return with your spouse and are afforded many of the benefits of filing jointly, including but not limited to: less time and expense in filing one return as opposed to two separate returns and a potentially lower combined income-tax bracket, if two spouses have substantially different levels of income, to name just a couple. On the other hand, however, you may find that you and your betrothed are now subject to the so-called “marriage penalty.” Your combined income may eliminate deductions and credits that might have been available at the lower individual-income thresholds. You may also find yourself in a higher tax bracket. Additionally, filing jointly mandates that you are jointly responsible for the entire tax liability. Your annual tax filings may also become more complicated both on the federal and state tax levels as you combine your income and expenses. On the federal level, you will file “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately.” Depending on the state you live in as well as the state you are filing in, you may have to file married or single. If you are living or filing in a state that doesn’t recognize your marriage, you will have to file as single. Talk to your tax professional about the pros and cons. It may pay to wait until January before taking your vows, since your tax-filing status is based on your marital status on Dec. 31. The tax savings could pay for your honeymoon!
Tax benefits The IRS now recognizes all same-sex
Estate-planning benefits As a married couple, you will be eli-
gible to receive an exemption from both estate taxes and gift taxes for the property you give or leave to your spouse. Married couples can combine their personal estate-tax exemptions as well; this is referred to as “portability.” The second spouse to die can leave property worth up to $10,680,000 (2014 exemption, indexed for inflation) free from federal estate taxes if the first spouse to pass away did not utilize any of his or her exemption amount. Unmarried couples do not get portability, so the second partner to die can leave only $5,340,000 tax-free. Additionally, spouses have priority if a conservator needs to be appointed by the court; that is, you would be the one making the financial and/or medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf. On the flip side of the estate-planning coin, you cannot “disinherit” your spouse. Your spouse has the right of election against your estate and has the first right to serve as your estate executor. A prenuptial agreement can address these aspects of your estate planning. You will want to talk to your lawyer about the intricacies of succession planning, particularly if children are involved. Death benefits Married couples are eligible to make burial and other final arrangements for their spouses — an important, if uncomfortable, caveat to contemplate as you weigh the advantages of marital bliss. Medical benefits Visiting your spouse in a hospital intensive-care unit or during restricted visiting hours is another benefit to being married. Hospitals can restrict visitors and most
often limit who can see a patient to family members. As a spouse, your visitation rights are less restricted. Whether or not you are married, it is important to have a health-care proxy to ensure someone you trust will be able to make decisions about your health care. Federal benefits Some federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, only recognize marriages that are valid in the state of domicile (where the couple lives) for the purpose of granting federal benefits. This means that if you’re in a same-sex marriage but you live in a non-recognition state at the time of your application, you aren’t eligible for Social Security benefits on your spouse’s work record. If you live in one of the states or Washington, D.C., where same-sex marriage is recognized, you will qualify for benefits. This rule also applies to Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, bankruptcy filings and benefits under the Family Medical Leave Act. Family benefits If the married family includes children, either spouse may file for stepparent status or joint adoption or joint foster-care rights. Also within your new family rights is the right to dissolve the marriage in the unfortunate case that your wedded bliss does not survive intact. You will need to involve attorneys to separate your combined lives. If you divorce, you will be entitled to equitable division of marital property and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders to split marital assets without income-tax PAGE 59
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or child support, child custody and visitation will have to be considered, if applicable. Also, if you are living in a state that doesn’t recognize your marriage, you won’t be able to divorce in that state; you will need to consult with your lawyer as well as your accountant, to make certain that the financial impacts of divorce are fully considered and planned for. Housing benefits As a married couple, either spouse may automatically renew a home or apartment lease signed by the other. Consumer benefits Married couples qualify for many types of consumer discounts and incentives offered at family rates, including health, homeowners’, auto and other types of insurance; tuition discounts and use of school facilities; and a variety of others. On the other hand, when it comes time for college, you may find that your child no longer qualifies for financial aid based on your combined incomes. Other legal benefits and protections Spousehood also comes with a variety of legal advantages not available to unmarried partners, such as the right to sue a third party for wrongful death of your spouses, loss of consortium (intimacy) or offenses that interfere with the success of your marriage, such as alienation of affection and criminal conversation (laws available in only a few states). Spouses can also claim the marital-communications privilege, meaning a court can’t force you to disclose the contents of confidential communications between you and your spouse
during your marriage. You can also receive recovery benefits if your spouse is the victim of a crime; obtain immigration and residency benefits for a non-citizen spouse; and exercise visitation rights in facilities where visitors are restricted to immediate family. The decision to marry has many practical and pragmatic implications, some that are beneficial and some that aren’t. Thoughtful consideration of all aspects is the key. The LGBT & Non-Traditional Family Practice at Marcum LLP is well versed in many of the considerations that can affect your decision to marry except, of course, the most important one — who you are going to ask. For additional information, visit www.marcumllp. com/LGBT. ■ Marcum LLP (www.marcumllp. com) is one of the largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms in the United States. Ranked number-15 nationally, Marcum LLP offers the resources of 1,300 professionals, including more than 160 partners, in 23 offices throughout the United States, Grand Cayman and China. Marcum’s LGBT & Non-Traditional Family Practice was the first by a national accounting firm dedicated to the unique tax and estate planning needs of same-sex clients. Janis McDonagh is a partner in Marcum’s LGBT & NonTraditional Family Practice. She can be reached at Janis. McDonagh@marcumllp.com.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law
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added, have helped enhance their appeal to men. “Everything can be done at lunchtime. You can go back to work and no one knows you did anything. You don’t have to take time off. That was a big thing that gave these procedures a stigma, especially with guys, when people thought it was a big process to get this kind of thing done,” Davis said. “Nowadays, the procedures are so userfriendly, which is why I think we’re seeing more and more guys take advantage of these procedures than women.” And, Davis said, while the procedures themselves are cosmetic, his patients are often motivated by less-physical reasons. “People want to stay active and vital in whatever they’re doing, in their community, in work. And when you’re feeling good, but look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, that can hurt your confidence. That’s what these office procedures are about; they create a feeling that you have an edge about you, you can go out and do what you need to do and accomplish what you need. They promote a better self-image for what you’re trying to achieve. You want to look the way that you want to come across.” May echoed those sentiments. “I’m not trying to look 30; I like my saltand-pepper hair. I don’t want to look tired and, when I don’t, it gives me the confidence to go out and feel good about myself.” For more information about Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, visit www.daviscps.com. ■
OPEN UNTIL 8 PM JUNE 9-13
February 10 - October 17, 2014
Library Company of Philadelphia 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 librarycompany.org
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locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — AROUND THE GAYBORHOOD
12th Street Gym, 204 S. 12th St. • 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. • AACO, 1101 Market St., 9th floor • Action AIDS, 1216 Arch St. • Apt. & Townhouse Rentals, 304 S. 12th St. • ASIAC, 1711 S. Broad St. • The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. • Bioscript Pharmacy, 1227 Locust St. • Cafe Twelve, 212 S. 12th St. • Charlie Salon, 203 S. 12th St. • City Hall NE Entrance • Club Body Center, 1220 Chancellor St. • Com-Har Living Room, 101 S. Broad St., 14th floor • Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. • Cut Salon, 204 S. 13th St. • Danny’s Bookstore 133 S. 13th St. • Dignity/St. Lukes, 330 S. 13th St. • Dirty Frank’s Bar, 13th & Pine sts. • The Foodery, 10th & Pine sts. • Fusion Gym, 105 S. 12th St., 2nd floor • Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. • I Goldberg, 1300 Chestnut St. • ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. • Independent Hotel, 13th & Locust sts. • John C. Anderson Apts., 249 S. 13th St. • Mazzoni Clinic, 809 Locust St. • Midtown II, 122 S. 11th St. • More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St. • Pa. AIDS Law Project, 1211 Chestnut St., 12th floor • Paolo Pizzeria, 1336 Pine St. • Parker Hotel Lobby, 261 S. 13th St. • Phila. FIGHT/Aids Library, 1233 Locust St., 5th floor • Phila. Family Planning Commission, 260 S. Broad St., 10th floor • Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust St. • Sansom Cinema, 120 S. 13th St., basement • Santa Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Scorpio Books, 202 S. Juniper St. • Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St. • Spruce Street Video, 252 S. 12th St. • Packard Apartments, 317 N. Broad St. • Safeguards lobby, 1211 Chestnut St. #610 • Salon K, 1216 Locust St. • Sante Fe Burrito, 212 S. 11th St. • Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. • Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. • Toast, 12th & Spruce sts. • Triangle Medicine, 253 S. 10th St., 1st floor • U Bar, 1220 Locust St. • Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. • Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. • Westbury, 261 S. 13th St. • William Way LGBT Community Center, 1325 Spruce St.
PHILADELPHIA — C.C. EAST OF BROAD
Bean Café, 615 South St. • Best Western Independence Park Hotel lobby, 215 Chestnut St. • Cedrone’s Flowers, 800 Lombard St. • Chocolate Works Condo lobby, 321 N. Third St. • Copabanana, 342 South St. • Dane Décor, 315 Arch St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Hopkinson House, 604 S. Washington Sq. • Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. • Independence Place Condos, 241 S. Sixth St., lobby in both towers • Independence Visitors Center, Sixth & Market sts. • Old City Ironworks Gym, 141 N. Second St. • Nationality Service Center, 1216 Arch St. • Packard Apts., 317 N. Broad St. • PGN offices, 505 S. Fourth St. • Philadelphia Java Co., 518 S. Fourth St. • Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Filbert sts. • Strands Salon, 25 N. Third St. •
PHILADELPHIA — C.C. WEST OF BROAD
Adonis Cinema, 2026 Sansom St. • Art Institute, 2300 Market St. • The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St. • Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. • Book Bin, 22nd & Market sts. • Dan Tobey R/E, 1401 Walnut St., 8th floor • Dr. Wakefield’s Office, 255 S. 17th St., Suite 2306 • Drexel Partnership, 1427 Vine St., 3rd floor • Latimer Deli, 255 S. 15th St. • L-2 Restaurant, 22nd & South sts. • MANNA, 12 S. 23rd St. • Marine Club Condos lobby, Broad St. & Washington Ave. • Metropolitan, 115 N. 15th St. • Safeguards Lobby, 1700 Market St., 18th floor • Sansom St. Gym, 2020 Sansom St. • South Square Market, 2221 South St. • Titan Room, 22nd & Market sts. • Touraine Building lobby, 1520 Spruce St. • U Do It Laundry, 15th & Spruce sts. • Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, 17th & Race sts. •
PHILADELPHIA — NORTH OF C.C.
1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beehive Hair Salon, 2319 Fairmount Ave. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Crooked Frame Café, 2545 Brown St. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Filter Coffee House, 331 Race St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st floor • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •
PHILADELPHIA — SOUTH OF C.C.
Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Equal, 1516 Snyder Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Expressive Hand, 622 S. Ninth St. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Hideaway, Days Inn, 2015 Penrose Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • South Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. •
PHILADELPHIA — UNIVERSITY CITY
Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 30 S. 33rd St., Rom. 113 • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •
PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS — OTHER
Almost Paradise, 742 Frankford Ave. • Coffee Junction, 7210 Cresheim Road • Elfant Wissahickon Realty, 8962 Ridge Ave. • Fantasy Island Books, 7363 State Road • GWHS Beacon Center, 10175 Bustleton Ave. • Harry’s Natural Foods, 1805 Cottman Ave. • Infusion Salon, 7133 Germantown Ave. • Morris House, 5537 Woodland Ave. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia University KANBAR Center, 4201 Henry Ave. • Prevention Point, 166 W. Lehigh Ave. • Today’s Videos, 9255 Roosevelt Blvd. • Touch of Class Books, 3342 Kensington Ave. • WCAU TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road • Weaver’s Way, 559 Carpenter Lane • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • WPVI TV lobby, City Line Ave. & Monument Road •
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.
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locations in Pa. outside of Philadelphia Allentown • Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton St. • Candida, 247 N. 12th St. • Stonewall, 28-30 N. 10th St. • Annville • Lebanon Valley College, Sheridan Ave. • Ardmore • Ardmore Station, Anderson Ave. near Coulter Ave. • Bethlehem • LGBTQ Services Lehigh U, 25 Trembley Dr. • Bloomsberg • Bloomsberg University LGBTA Center, 400 E. Second St. • Bristol • Bristol News World, 576B Bristol Pike • Freddie’s Bar, Pond St. • Bryn Mawr • Bryn Mawr College, Canaday Library • Bryn Mawr Station, Morris Ave. near Bryn Mawr Ave. • Fox & Roach Realty, 763 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 • Darkanyu, 504 Eagle Lane • Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St. • Siren Records, 25 E. State St. • East Stroudsburg • Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road • Easton • Lafayette College, 101 Hogg Hall • 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 • Hanover Township • Venture Lounge, 1266 San Souci Parkway • Harrisburg • AIDS Community Alliance, 100 N. Cameron St. • Brownstone Lounge, 412 Forster St. • MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St. • Stallions, 706 N. Third St. • Haverford • Haverford Station, Haverford Station Road near Lancaster Ave. • Hulmeville • Hulmeville Inn, Trenton and Hulmeville Road. • Huntington • Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Rd. • 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 • Diamond Check Cashing, 5 Points• Hurricane Jack’s, 7759 New Falls Rd. • Levitt Books, 7406 Bristol Pike • Levittown Gas, Green Lane and Mill Creek Road • Mailbox Unlimited, 922 S. Woodbourne Rd. • 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 • Bowman’s Tavern, 1600 River Rd. • Cornerstone Gym, 419 York Road • Eagle Diner, 6522 York Road • John & Peters, 96 S. Main St. • Karla’s Restaurant, 5 W. Mechanic St. • La Chateau Exotique, 31A W. Mechanic St.• The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St. • Sandbar, 90 S. Main St. • Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Drive • Wishing Well Giuest House, 114 Old York Rd. • New Milford • Oneida Campground, 2580 E. Lake Road • Newportville • Road House Inn, 220 New Falls Rd. • Newtown • Bucks Co. Community College, 275 Swamp Road • Norristown • Beagle Tavern, 1003 E. Main St. • North Wales • Adult World, 608 Upper State Road • Paoli • Paoli Station, North Valley Road & Lincoln Highway • Penndel • Selecto Food Market, Route 413 • Penns Park • United Methodist Church, 2394 Second St. Pike • Plains Township • Twist Bar, Fox Ridge Plaza, Rte. 315 • Quakertown • Adult World, 880 S. West End Blvd. • Reading • Berks 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 •
locations outside of Pennsylvania DELAWARE
Wilmington • AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St. • Crimson Moon, 1909 S. Sixth St. • Rehoboth Beach • Canal Side Inn, 34 Sixth St. • Proud Bookstore, 149 Rehoboth Ave. • Rams Head Inn, 35006 Warrington Ave. • Rigby’s Bar & Grill, 404 Rehoboth Ave. • Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave. •
NEW JERSEY
Asbury Park • Georgie’s, 812 Fifth Ave. • Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave. • Atlantic City • Oasis, 32 S. Tennessee Ave. • Ocean House, 127 S. Ocean Ave. • Ritz Condo lobby, 2715 Boardwalk • Rainbow Room, 56 S. Bellevue Ave.• Bordentown • Shoppe 202, 202 Farnsworth Ave. • Camden • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Cape May • Sunshine News, 7 Gurney St. • Cherry Hill • Unitarian Church, 400 N. Kings Hwy. • Collingswood • Honor Box, PATCO Collingswood Station • Honor Box, PATCO Ferry Ave. Station • Egg Harbour City • Red Barn Books, 1204 White Horse Pike • Galloway • Pride Alliance Stockton College, 101 Vera King Farris Dr. suite 240 • Gloucester City • Red Barn Books, 600 Rt. 130 South • Haddonfield • Honor Box, PATCO Haddonfield Station, PATCO Westmont Station, PATCO Woodcrest Station • Hammonton Club Revolution, 19 N. Egg Harbor Rd. • Highland Park • Pride Center of NJ, 85 Raritan Ave. • Lebanon • GLBT of Hunterdon Co., 126 Petticoat Lane • Lindenwold • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station East • Honor Box, PATCO Lindenwold Station West • Morristown • Gay Activist Alliance, Unitarian Church, 29 Normandy Heights Road • Oaklyn • Sacred Green Earth, 511 Whitehorse Pike • Princeton • LGBT Center, Princeton University, 246 First Campus Center • Somerset • The Den, 700 Hamilton Ave. • Stratford • White Horse Books, 906 White Horse Pike • Vineland • J&J News, 729 N. Main St. • West Berlin • Red Barn Books, 597 Route 73 North • Williamstown • Book Bin, 3852 S. Black Horse Pike • Atlanticare, 6550 Delilah Road • Buck’s Ice Cream, 25 Bridge St.
NEW YORK Blooming Grove • Help Inc., 48 Sylvan Trail • New York City • Lesbian and Gay Services Center, 208 W. 13th St.
All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at
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AC ul t ure rts
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Barcrawlr Dining Out Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching
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74 85 83 92 94 75 95
The Village People on Pride and pop By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Our prayers have been answered. After years of hoping and wishing, we finally have a musical act performing as a headliner for this year’s Philly Pride. Nothing against the comedians and TV personalities who have headlined Pride the last half-dozen or more years, but nothing ends the festivities in grand showstopping fashion like having everyb o d y within earshot up on their feet dancing and celebrating.
And what better group to close the Philly Pride festivities than one of the original groups to bring a gay sensibility to the mainstream: The Village People? When the group burst onto the scene during the height of disco in the late 1970s, they used their dance moves, colorful characters (the cop, the Indian, the sailor, the construction worker, the cowboy and the biker) and pop hits to take gay references, iconography and imagery to the top of the charts — surprisingly enough, right under the noses of the
mainstream. After having a string of hits, and even starring in a movie (“Can’t Stop the Music”) that became something of a cult classic, the group’s fortune faded when disco fell out of favor in the early to mid 1980s and they disbanded. The hiatus was brief and the group reformed in the late ’80s. Ever since, they have been touring internationally, performing their own concerts, appearing on festivals with other disco icons and headlining LGBT events. The group has had a num-
ber of different members as different characters over the course of its long tenure, but Felipe Rose has been there since the beginning. The Native-American dancer, who portrays the Indian in the group, is a founding member who went from go-go dancing in gay New York clubs to performing in venues all over the world for adoring fans. After returning from a string of performances in the Philippines with The Village People, Rose valiantly fought through his jetlag to answer some
questions about the history of the legendary group and its members’ legacies as both gay and musical icons. PGN: Does performing in Philadelphia, one of the birthplaces of the style of music The Village People is famous for making, hold any special meaning for the group? FR: Yes, it does because that is where the sound of The Village People came from ... the sound of Philly (Richie Rome), who was involved in Sigma Sound. It is PAGE 68
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where Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo worked with the infamous Gypsy Lane Band, which was an offshoot of Mother Father Sister Brother. Our sound came from Philadelphia: funk/R&B soundturned-disco. PGN: How did you end up working with Harry W. Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band on a new song, and what was that experience like? FR: We’ve worked together on tour many times and the way it happened was very organic. Basically, we were all together and KC was humming this tune so we asked what it was. KC said, “If I write it will you sing it?” and I said, “Of course.” A few weeks later, he presented us with the song and the rest, as they now say, is history. PGN: Are there any plans to record and release any new music? FR: Yes, the possibility of recording in the future is now real. PGN: How much of your performance schedule is comprised of Pride festival appearances? FR: This year it seems to be more prevalent. We have appearances scheduled at Pride festivals in the United States and Canada. With the new LGBTQ awareness, it is something that is finding us back in “theme” again and we are delighted.
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formed at the World Cup Soccer. PGN: Ten or 20 years ago, Pride festivals were, more often than not, featuring performers from very specific genres of music, and The Village People were one of the go-to performers for those events. How does the group feel about having a more diverse range of acts from a wider range of genres jockeying to perform at the festivals these days? FR: The more, the merrier. We are proud that we were among the first, and others are now eager to jump on the bandwagon. PGN: The group is coming off an international tour. Do you THE VILLAGE PEOPLE RECEIVE THEIR STAR ON perform in countries where THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME IN 2008 LGBT expression and rights are PGN: What’s the largest event you’ve ever not as celebrated as at home? been a part of? And if so, do you ever run into conflicts FR: We have been fortunate to have parwith any group that might not agree with ticipated in so many large events. We’ve the views and philosophies of the group? performed live for European telecasts FR: No, we don’t. The Village People have that have reached hundreds of thousands global appeal and we are accepted and of viewers. We performed to a crowd of loved around the world with each perfor110,000 at Canada Jam. We are in the mance. Guinness Book of World Records when 44,000-plus people danced to “Y.M.C.A.” PGN: Are there still people out there who at the 2008 Sun Bowl game. We perwould consider your music “subversive”
or does everyone see it as classic fun pop music? FR: The Village People are disco icons. We are loved by multi-cultural and multi-generational audiences. For a group celebrating decades of disco, we are still sought after for our music and performances. We are “the kings of disco.” PGN: Do younger generations of music fans and performers appreciate the social walls The Village People helped to climb during the course of the group’s career? FR: Yes, it is helpful to them in the sense of the lyrics of the songs in general; like to say, “be who you are.” If there was ever a university course on Gay Culture 101, then The Village People music would be a good course to take. PGN: Why do you think your music continues to be referenced in some way, shape or form in the pop cultures of every new generation that comes along, whether it be cartoons, movies or sitcoms? FR: The fact that our songs continue to be used by the media sends a message that our music is legendary and timeless. Our music was fun to make and remains fun to listen to. ■ The Village People headline Philly Pride June 8 at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. For more information, visit www.phillypride.org or www.officialvillagepeople.com.
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Comedian to make her Pride debut in Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Standup comedian Lynne Koplitz is the latest in a long line of comedians to grace the stage at Philly Pride. She’s best know for her appearances on TV shows like “Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best” and the current season of “Last Comic Standing.” Koplitz has performed in all kinds of venues over the course of her career but said her appearance at Philly Pride will be a first. “I’m really excited about it,” she said. “I’ve never performed at a Pride festival. I’ve done some other outdoor festivals like Bonnaroo and Summmerfest, but I’ve never done a Pride. I’ve been calling all my personal gays and asking them what I can talk about.” Pride festivals, while full of joy and revelry, aren’t exactly natural habitats for standup comedians, most of whom are used to performing in dark, controlled environments where they usually have the undivided attention of seated and sometimes slightly intoxicated audience members. But, Koplitz said she is up for the task. “It makes it challenging any time anything is outside,” she said. “Comedy is really not a daytime thing. Any time you have to do standup in the afternoon or morning and then, on top of that, being outside, it’s the trifecta of difficult circumstances. I adapt very quickly. I’ve done a lot of outdoor shows for colleges and I think it’ll be more me warming up for The Village People than it will be me doing my act. If I can stick to my material, I’ll just work off the crowd and make it work. The bottom line is to keep it fun and happy. I’m a little nervous. I live in Greenwich Village in New York and I go to Pride every year. The parade goes past my house. I work with Joan Rivers and we have so many gay friends we love. I’m just working on some jokes and studying up on local Pennsylvania culture so I can have some funny stuff to say.” Koplitz said she is accustomed to performing in situations outside the norm, which is something she had to do as part of the current season of the reality competition “Last Comic Standing.” “The process is grueling,” she said about being on the show. “You are in a holding room, you don’t watch the show, you don’t see the audience, and that is not how any comedian works. No comedian does com-
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edy and does not walk through the room and see the audience before they go on. I know I haven’t. So it’s just bizarre. Like any reality show, it’s not completely real. But it’s real in that the judges really do vote and these are real comics who write their own material. That part is all real.”
LYNNE KOPLITZ
Even with her busy performance schedule and numerous TV appearances, Koplitz knows that, to a lot of fans, she’s best known as “Joan Rivers’ friend,” and she’s OK with that. “I’m on a reality show with Joan and Melissa Rivers,” she said. “I’m really good friends with Joan and on the show they always label me as Joan’s friend. I understand. I’m not a big famous name so I understand why people would say, ‘She’s Joan Rivers’ friend.’ Whatever you are bringing to the table is what everyone leads with. So with Philly Pride, I’m ‘Joan Rivers’ friend.’ For something else, I’m ‘Jenny McCarthy’s friend’ because I’m on the ‘Dirty Sexy Funny’ tour with Jenny McCarthy. I’d like to be known as just ‘Lynne Koplitz,’ but it’s fine. It doesn’t bother me at all. If it pays the bills, I am more than happy.” ■ Lynne Koplitz performs at Philly Pride June 8. For more information, visit www. lynnekoplitzcomedy.com.
Gay is our middle name.
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Oz Men Out: ‘Wizard’ lands in Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The Yellow Brick Road runs through Philadelphia this week with the new stage adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz,” through June 8 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music. You and everyone else on Earth know the story of Dorothy and her ragtag band of friends as they venture to Emerald City to see the titular character, but this stage production puts its own stylistic mark on the story, including new songs and an updated artistic aesthetic. “The story is very much the same as the film,” said out actor Lee MacDougall. “It’s basically the same characters. Dorothy goes on the same journey but the design is different. It’s really elaborate and quite beautiful; there are video elements in the story. The designs, the costumes and the set are not a copy of the film in any way. It’s a reinterpretation of the story in that way. It’s the same familiar story people know but with a whole new element of fantasy and campiness. There’s a lot of comedy in the show as well. The Kansas scenes are all sepiatoned. Some of those elements are
DANIELLE WADE (FROM LEFT), JAMIE MCKNIGHT, LEE MACDOUGALL AND MIKE JACKSON IN “THE WIZARD OF OZ” Photo: Cylla Von Tiedemann
similar to the film, but to see it live on stage is beautiful and at the same time different.” MacDougall plays the Cowardly Lion and said the slightly revamped
and updated vision of Oz allows for a more colorful depiction of the familiar character. “People love the character and it’s a comic turn in the adaptation,” he
said. “There’s a lot of comedy and camp for the lion, which is a lot of fun. The costume is crazy. The audience reacts when I first come on just from the costume. I don’t have
to do anything; people just laugh at the visual of the costume, which is fun.” With the numerous versions of “Wizard of Oz” saturating pop culture over the years, it’s hard to fathom anyone not knowing the story, but MacDougall said many of the children being brought to see the stage show are experiencing Oz for the first time. “Everyone seems to know the story but it’s odd the number of people who bring kids to the show and the kids have no idea what’s going on,” he said. “It’s interesting performing the show and having them yell out because they are caught up in the show and don’t know what’s going to happen next. People who do know the show come because they know what they are going to get and they love the story. It hasn’t been difficult to get great audiences because the story is so beloved and they heard the production is good.” ■ The Kimmel Center presents “The Wizard of Oz” through June 8 at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5847 or visit kimmelcenter. org/broadway.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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The
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Let it go
����������
��� Guide to the Gayborhood
The Philadelphia Gayborhood is roughly centered at 12th and Camac streets. Look for the rainbow street signs at intersections and remember to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. Rosewood
1302 Walnut St. 215.336.1335 rosewood-bar.com Cozy, elegantlyappointed bar with high-end specialty cocktails
Voyeur
Woody’s
202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com Bar complex with Americanstyle bar food and large dance floor
i
❍ ❍
❍
Tabu
1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub.com After-hours private club; membership required
200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com Sports bar serving bar food with frequent special events on second floor
The Bike Stop
Four-level leather bar; basement enforces a dress code; secondfloor pool table and big-screen sports action
Walnut St. 3 Chancellor St.
❍
❍
St. James St.
❍ Locust St. 4
❒❒
❍
❍ Manning St.
❍
Quince St.
Camac St.
Latimer St.
12th St. 3
i
13th St. 4
Juniper St.
❍
❍ Spruce St. 3
William Way LGBT Community Center
1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org
A resource for all things LGBT
Westbury
261 S. 13th St. 215.546.5170 thewestburybar.net The original Philly sports bar/restaurant with 20 craft beers on tap and game-day specials
U Bar 1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660
Relaxing corner bar, easy-going crowd, popular for happy hour and window watching
Tavern on Camac
i
West of Broad Street
Stir Lounge
1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com Fun two-bar lounge, DJ in the back, regular poker games and specials
The Attic Youth Center
255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org Safe space and programs for LGBTs age 16-23 weekday afternoons and evenings
255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Piano lounge with upstairs dance floor; Tavern restaurant below is open late.
Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com Fine -dining restaurant and bar with outdoor seating (weather permitting)
ICandy
254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com Three floors with a total of six bars; dance floor, lounge and rootop deck.
Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Bar and restaurant with frequent entertainment
Pa. bars close at 2 a.m. unless they have a private-club license. Please drink responsibly.
All good things must come to an end. Knuckles with house music all night After seven years and 83 columns, long. House music all night long! Only $5 to get in. first on the leather community and then on bar events in general, the time has Philly Dyke March come for me to lipsync for my life and Not in the mood for a mild-mannered sashay away. This is my final column, kids. Pride parade? Then join the protest But like I always say — change is march from 3-6 p.m. June 7 at Kahn good! It’s important for fresh, new Park, 11th and Pine streets. They’ve voices to have a chance to be heard. It’s been marching since 1998 and they’ve good for folks to step aside after a while never gotten no stinking permit to do and give others a crack at things, don’t it, not once. And this year is no differyou think? I know, that’s not the way ent. The rally starts at 3, then the march things always go here in Philly. We tend steps off promptly at 4, returning to the to grab onto something and strangle it to park for speakers and loads of entertaindeath for fear of losing it, but I believe ment. Bring your signs, your drums, it’s important to step aside and your whistles, but most of all bring your friends! give someone else a try. Thanks to everyone who reads this column, and to Homecoming 2014 Support your local LGBT everyone who has ever said community center and our anything to me about it on the street or in the bars. It felt new senior residences from really great to hear feedback 7-10 p.m. June 7 in the courtfrom you, and I’ve appreciated yard of the John C. Anderson Apartments, 249 S. 13th St. everything you’ve ever said — There will be an Italian dinthe good and the bad! Thanks ner catered by Giorgio on also to everyone at PGN, most especially Jen and Sarah. I Pine, an open bar (wine and beer only), specialty cockloved working for you both Jim Kiley- tails, live entertainment, a and learned a lot from each of you. Thank you most of all to Zufelt silent auction and the crowning of the 2014 Homecoming my husband, Mike. You make Court. Tickets are $50 general everything amazing. Since this is my last chance, let me say admission, $35 student, senior or sober, or $500 to be a Homecoming Host, it one last time: Get out there, people! which comes with a VIP reception and a Social media is great and it can help bunch of other goodies. you get laid all fast and furious, but if you want to find someone, make a real Crankshaft connection and maybe even get married Crank it up at 9 p.m. June 7 at the someday (yay!), it’s so much easier to do that when you engage with people in the Bike Stop, 206 Quince St., at the annual Pride edition of the city’s best-dressed real world. So do it! code-enforced gear party, hosted by the men of Philadelphians MC. Don’t Pride Kickoff miss hot DJ Paul Ferrer, whom you’ll It’s that time of year again! Kick off remember from last year’s Bazaar on your Philly Pride Weekend from 6-11 Quince. Suggested donation is only $5. p.m. June 6 on 12th Street, between Suggested dress code: leather, sport or Walnut and Spruce. The block party fetish gear strongly encouraged; jeans will have vendors, games, music and a and bare chest minimum. It’s more fun chance to buy your festival wristbands when everyone gets into it, so get in early for only $10 and save $5 off the gear! price at the gate on Sunday.
Barcrawlr
Bearlesque Get a heaping helping of burly burlesque at 9 p.m. June 6 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Your host Connor Michalchuk and his cast of amazing performers will show you why this is Philly’s longestrunning all-male revue. Cutn Paste One of the hottest monthly parties in town gets even hotter at 10 p.m. June 6 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. In addition to the usual drink specials, projections, photo booth and pool table, they’ll be paying homage to Chicago house and legendary DJ Frankie
Big Gay Boat Pride Party Rock the boat from 2-11 p.m. June 8 at Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd. At 2 the drinking starts, at 5 the dancing starts and it all goes on long after the sun goes down. DJ DeeJay will be spinning the tunes while you enjoy drink specials all night long. Cover charge is only $10 and there’s a discount before 5 p.m. ■ If you want to tell Jim to go fuck himself or ask what took him so long to drag his tired old ass off into the sunset, please contact him at barcrawlr@gmail.com. G’night everybody! Love and hugs to all.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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We put our energy into celebrating pride. At PECO, we’re proud to support the LGBT community. So much so that the Exelon family of companies was recently recognized with the “2014 Corporate Equality Index Best Place to Work for LGBT Employees” award. Not to mention, PECO received the “Best Business” award at the Pride Day LGBT Parade and Festival for the second year in a row. We’re committed to LGBT inclusion and equality because we believe that working with individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds drive some of the most powerful outcomes. It’s what makes us proud to be a part of Exelon and happy to celebrate the power of diversity.
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Women’s choir celebrates Pride with song By Ray Simon PGN Contributor
Anna. Members typically suggest potential pieces and then discuss them thoroughly. “In terms of finding the music, we look everywhere,” Davidson said. “We pull from classical, from world music, from folk to pop. We try to find things that speak to the theme of the moment in some way.” As artistic director, it’s Davidson’s job to take those ideas and shape them into a cohesive, artistic statement. It’s a task she’s well-equipped to handle. The multi-instrumentalist grew up in a musical family and sang in Anna during the early 1980s. Later, she toured and recorded with the
between straight and differently oriented,” Davidson said. “All the people who are not straight are not lesbians, The Anna Crusis Women’s but most are. And age-wise, Choir is set to delight audiwe are very multi-generational ences with its spring concert, now, which is very exciting. “Beauty Unmasked: Songs We’ve got women in their 20s of Strength, Wisdom and the and women in their 70s. Beauty Inside.” “We have truly built a place The Philadelphia-based femwhere people feel welcomed inist choir will perform June and supported, and we care 7 at Overbrook Presbyterian about each other,” she added. Church, 6376 City Ave. in Joy Paton is one choir memPhiladelphia, and on June 8 ber who recently experienced at Trinity Episcopal, 301 N. that warm welcome firsthand. Chester Road in Swarthmore. She joined Anna in January, In honor of Pride, Anna after being gently nudged to Crusis is offering a 20-peraudition by both her partner cent discount to attendees who and her boss. enter the code “pride” when As a youngster, Paton was purchasing tickets online. reluctant to sing after an adult had criticized her voice, but she had to overcome that mild phobia while serving as a nun in the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “I was encouraged to sing by my superiors, and they were not particularly impressed by my appraisal that I couldn’t sing,” she said. Paton found singing during services liberating, but she had to put music on the back burner after leaving the order. MEMBERS OF ANNA CRUSIS CHOIR AT THE RECENT Yet, even as she was fashionMARRIAGE-EQUALITY RALLY AT CITY HALL ing a new life, including finding a career and being out, she Anna, as the choir is affec- duo Wishing Chair for more still occasionally broke out into snippets of song. tionately known, has long been than a decade. For her part, Davidson Since passing the audition, committed to musical excellence and social justice. Those is excited about the songs Paton has been working hard values are evident in its reper- s e l e c t e d f o r “ B e a u t y to prepare for the concert. “As I grow in confidence, I toire, which features songs by Unmasked,” which include a musicians such as folkie Holly mixture of old chestnuts and find that not only am I learning the music, how to sing Near and classical composer new material. “Our songs this concert, it, but I’m finding that the Jennifer Higdon, and also in some are sassy, some are spir- themes of the music are really the themes of its concerts. A c c o r d i n g t o M i r i a m itual, some are empowering,” teaching me, because we’re Davidson, Anna’s artistic Davidson said. “We’re doing trying to sing very empowdirector, “Beauty Unmasked” ‘Brave,’ you know, it seemed e r i n g , w o m a n - f r i e n d l y, emerged from members’ con- like a no-brainer, the Sara feminist-inspired, social-juscerns about the media’s por- Bareilles’ song that you hear tice-inspired music,” she said. Indeed, connecting with the trayal of femininity and its everywhere right now.” Anna’s diversity extends far music is important, a point promotion of a distorted body beyond its music. From the that Davidson underscored image. “How do we address what’s choir’s earliest days, it was when talking about what she really important about who we intended to provide a place hopes “Beauty Unmasked” are?” Davidson said. “Is it how where women could find their will accomplish. “We are really hoping that we look, is it more of what’s musical voices and lend their people will go on this jourinside, is it where we get our talents to worthy causes. Today, Anna has roughly 60 ney with us, this journey of strength from? Is it places we get inspiration from? People members, 48 of whom will per- self-empowerment and selfwe admire? How we move form in “Beauty Unmasked.” acceptance and awareness, through the world? And that’s Davidson, who has been and leave the concert feeling where this particular concert proudly out for decades, esti- like they can hold their head a mates that the choir’s current little higher,” she said. theme came from.” For more information about After settling on a theme, roster is half-straight and halfmembers began mulling over queer, but there is more to it Anna Crusis or to buy tickets to “Beauty Unmasked,” visit songs. It’s a democratic pro- than that. “We definitely run the gamut www.annacrusis.com. ■ cess and always has been at
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Local sci-fi film features same-sex relationship By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com
I didn’t want to make any mistakes,” she said. “The acting coach told me, [I] seem the most comfortable with this role and it’s because she is a villain. I have been exposed to villains my whole life. I have always been attracted to the Mad Hatter and the Joker.” Grillo said the film doesn’t sensationalize the fact that Gladys and Katia are a same-sex couple. “I think it was important to make it a normal relationship and not about them being lesbians,” he said. Hayslett agreed, and said the relationship isn’t the focal point of the story. “The film doesn’t make it in-yourface. It is just a matter of fact,” she said. Grillo noted that the treatment of the same-sex relationship is supposed to reflect expected societal views in the time in which the movie is set, in 2050.
A local filmmaker is hoping to start conversations on LGBT characters in the science-fiction genre. Christian Grillo, founder of Potent Media, wrote and directed “Apocalypse Kiss,” a futuristic science-fiction thriller released in April through OnDemand services. The film tells the story of the Red Harvest Killer, an infamous criminal known for artistic killings, and lesbian lovers Katia (played by Carmela Hayslett) and Gladys (played by Tammy Jean), serial killers whose crimes are mistakenly blamed on the Red Harvest Killer. The movie was based in Philadelphia and filmed in the city and Bucks County. Production began in February 2013 and shooting took 13 days over the course of three months. The movie, Grillo’s third feature film, cost about $34,000 to make. Grillo said most of the cast and crew were l o c a l bu t h e did fly in outof-town talent for the movie, including D.C. Douglas and Tom Atkins. Grillo said the idea for the story came A SCENE FROM “APOCALYPSE KISS” from Hayslett, his wife. “I think years from now same-sex “Carmela plays the main con artist and she sort of had a few ideas,” relationships won’t be looked upon he said. “I wanted to do something in as different or unique,” he said. “It the realm of science fiction. She had is another type of relationship in the the idea of playing serial killers who same way people don’t look at interwere lesbians and so we fused two racial relationships the same they ideas together so we could both be looked at them 20-30 years ago. It won’t seem odd.” happy.” Grillo said he hopes “Apocalypse Hayslett said, as an actor, she wanted to branch out into a differ- Kiss” motivates other science-ficent character from her past perfor- tion filmmakers to open the door to LGBT characters. mances. “Maybe I will inspire somebody “I told Christian that my goal was to play a serial killer and play a les- else too” he said. “I think in general, bian too. I didn’t expect the two to be the film industry is starting to open coming together and when I pitched up more to those storylines but not it to him, he said, ‘Game on,’” she as quickly. But we didn’t write it in there to be a major part of the story. said. Hayslett has been acting for seven We tried to represent every classic years and has 10 films under her culture in the film and there happens to be lesbians in it.” belt. For more information on She said the idea of playing a vil“Apocalypse Kiss,” visit www. lain always appealed to her. “I wanted an acting coach because potent-media.com. ■
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John Waters hits the road By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor John Waters is out to shock again. The filmmaker’s latest book, “Carsick,” chronicles his experiences hitchhikingalong Route 70 from his home in Baltimore to his apartment in San Francisco. But before the author describes his life “on the road,” he offers readers two novellas: One depicts the “Best” that could happen, the other the “Worst.” And is the Worst that can happen bad! Nauseatingly so, with disgusting bodily fluids and functions that remind folks why Waters has been dubbed the Prince of Puke. In a Skype session from his home in Baltimore (spoiler alert: Waters does not get kidnapped or killed in his travels), Waters spoke about how he came to write “Carsick.” “When I was young, I hitchhiked a lot,” he said. “But never that far. I drove across country five times. I thought that might be a good book, but what would that be like? So I fantasized about the good, the bad and what I was going to do.” Waters mentioned that he often hitchhiked in Provincetown and “got into it, even inviting dates to go hitchhiking.” He added with a laugh, “Those were my training wheels.” His real experiences, recounted in the book, were “all good,” he effused. “It was an optimistic journey. There was not one bad person. They were all kind and helpful. One woman wouldn’t leave until she gave me money. She thought I was a homeless man!”
WATERS
equally entertaining. They play like extended riffs on “Puff Piece (101 Things I Love)” and “Hatchet Piece (101 Things I Hate)” from his book “Crackpot.” The fictional essays read like short stories that could be made into films. One episode, set at a carnival, was a movie idea for Waters at one point. “All the good/bad chapters were like my movies. I could picture them as movies. I could be extreme, and hopefully I wrote it like I’m just telling you the story when I got out of the car.” Some of the tales include sexual episodes, which the writer treats with humor. “You can’t write a hitchhiking book without sex. I tried to have humorous fantasies about what would happen. No one will jerk off reading ‘Carsick.’” But for all the book’s pleasures, there are some very nasty episodes. While many people Waters encountered on the road did not recognize the filmmaker behind “Pink Flamingos” and “Hairspray” — though some folks, like the band Here We Go Magic, did — Waters was amused that some drivers knew him only from his “Chucky” film. “The celebrity I have, the only ones who recognize you are the ones you want to.” Still, Waters had several moments where he hoped using his celebrity would help him get a ride. “As soon as I was out there not getting a ride, I was flashing my mustache,” he admitted. “You’ll do anything to get a ride. You’ll get in a car with anybody.” He acknowledged, sheepishly, “You do what you have to do to get to the next place.” The nonfiction section of “Carsick” is full of such fascinating encounters. Waters bonds most and best with a 20-year-old, sandy-haired straight young Republican driver he calls “the Corvette Kid,” whom he recalls fondly. “He was just on an adventure. He didn’t know who I was. We had fun. It was a bromance, and we understood what it looked like. Friends texted him: ‘Way to go! You’re in a hotel with a gay man in Reno when you were on your way to a lunch at a Subway!’ We stayed [together] for three days in San Francisco. It really looked ... ” He let that thought dangle as if daring to finish it. While the stories of the real rides are fun, Waters’ “Best” and “Worst” novellas are
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“I take the worst that can happen seriously,” but with a caveat said Waters: “I think the gross stuff is so ridiculous. The tapeworm thing — I heard that as a child. I used to tell that at summer camp. And with hitchhiking, the paranoia is, Where am I going to eliminate? You can’t say ‘pull over.’ All those things [I wrote about] were my fears. And hopefully they can be funny, too.” Funny and shocking. “Carsick” includes a scene with a goiter that is pretty gross. Yet fans of the filmmaker’s work will likely be more amused than shocked. Still, Waters is surprised himself that “Carsick” happened at all. “Even when I read the book in proofing, when I read the real parts, I’m shocked I did them,” he said. Waters added he was daunted waking up in hotels only to have to go out and thumb another ride that day. “Usually when I stay at a hotel there’s a car picking me up, a limo,” he said. But in writing “Carsick,” Waters confessed, “I felt guilty that I got a cab on my night off to go to a movie. I felt like a pussy when I take a bus.” ■ John Waters will present “Carsick” at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., at 7:30 p.m. June 13.
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Philadelphia’s changing queer literary culture By SJ Punderson PGN Contributor Despite recent setbacks to the queer literary scene like the closing of the nation’s oldest bookstore, Giovanni’s Room, the truth is that Philadelphia is in the midst of a literary reawakening. Anyone who steps into a coffeehouse hybrid, membership-driven indie publisher or author reading will be hard pressed to dispute the fact that the City of Brotherly Love is an exciting place for anyone who reads, writes, touches or sells books. Paul Lisicky, an American novelist, memoirist and newly minted Philadelphia resident, took some time to discuss the changes happening in his newly adopted city. “I was orbiting around Philadelphia, trying to find a place to live, and I think I finally landed,” said Lisicky, who also teaches creative writing at Rutgers University’s Camden campus. “I’d lived in New York and Provincetown since the early ’90s. I left a long-term relationship of 16 years and part of orbiting was about trying to make a home that felt fully me.” Lisicky’s former partner, poet Mark Doty, won the National Book Award in 2008. “I don’t think the closing of Giovanni’s Room is necessarily an LGBTQ failure, but it’s just part of a general trend in the culture around bookstores as physical places,” said Lisicky. “The culture and customs are not as concretized in Philadelphia as they are in New York. The newer literary scene in Fishtown and Kensington is not unlike that in Brooklyn.” Physical bookstores are harder to come by nowadays, which may indicate that the guard has changed. Philadelphia, a city of neighborhoods, is bursting with established spaces that welcome the public. The Kelly Writer’s House at Penn offers author and student readings through the academic year, Big Blue Marble Books in Mt. Airy offers classes and readings and the William Way LGBT Community Center in the Gayborhood hosts a monthly Queer Writers Collective. The biggest names in writing make pit stops at The Free Library’s Author Series all year long and both Temple and Rutgers-Camden offer master’s of fine arts degrees in creative writing. The Apiary Magazine’s Literary Calendar can be a useful tool to find out what one wishes to know. The closing of Giovanni’s Room and the inclusion of Pennsylvania to the list of states that allow marriage equality is a telling sign of the larger change in the acceptance of queer culture. As a student at the Iowa Writers Workshop 24 years ago, Lisicky remembers the first time he workshopped a story with a gay character in it. “People came up to me before class to congratulate me for my bravery,” he said. “It felt alternately compassionate and patronizing.”
Recently at Rutgers-Camden, he had a student workshop on a piece in which gay sex appeared briefly on the page. “Overwhelmingly, the other students in the class suggested more sex,” said Lisicky. “That’s a different world than even five years ago.” Tucked away in a cozy Old City apartment, Lisicky has been working from home on his forthcoming memoir, “The Narrow Door,” which will be published by Graywolf Press in fall 2015. When he’s in need of a latte or simply human interaction, Lisicky likes to stroll down Second Street to United by Blue, an outdoor apparel shop and coffeehouse. UBB removes a pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold. Coffee shops aren’t just selling caffeine anymore. Another new cafe hybrid in Spring Garden, Vice, serves coffee, tattoos and books. And still, there’s room for more. “I would love to see a space that caters to every slice of our diverse community, but also offers a place for gay artists to gather and strengthen the bonds within our community and also develop and share our artistic skill sets,” said Brad Winhauser, a local writer and Temple University professor. An exciting concept called Community Supported Press has been introduced at the Head and the Hand Press, a new space in Fishtown. The CSP model works just like the Community Supported Agriculture model used by Philadelphia urban farms. Instead of vegetables, CSP members receive a year’s worth of books. An upfront investment is provided, in this case $50. T h i s spring’s literary harvest included a memoir, almanac and two chapterbooks. “Writing is in a huge renaissance in the United States,” said local poet Elliott batTzedek. “MFA programs are springing up everywhere, desktop and digital publishing has created an explosion of small presses and online journals are, I swear, doubling in number every month.” One of those new online journals, Cooper Street, was created this spring by MFA students at Rutgers-Camden. Tinge Magazine is edited by the Temple MFA-ers. As a growing number of readers get their information electronically, will-living room bookshelves become sparse? “I use my e-reader far more than physical books,” said Lisicky. “I have around 10 books in my apartment. But I have boxes and boxes in storage.” The future is hard to imagine without beloved places like Giovanni’s Room. Things in Philadelphia are changing, but some aspects of the literary community have not. Writers still put pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard) and share their work, in some form, with the world. Philly has a seat at the table and writers like Lisicky can proudly claim this city as their home. ■
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Local musician to make it ‘rain’ in Philly By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
the breakup,” said musician Steve Landes, who performs as John Lennon in the show. “It’s like seeing The Beatles play out their Fifty years after The Beatles made their career in two-and-a-half hours.” Landes, a native of Philadelphia and a debut on American television, the music of the iconic and legendary rock band comes lifelong musician, joined the Rain group alive on stage with “Rain: A Tribute to The in 1998. He writes and records his own Beatles,” June 11-15 at the Academy of music when he’s not touring as part of “Rain.” Being so immersed in the music of Music. The show is a live concert and multime- The Beatles, Landes said he works hard at dia experience taking fans on a visual and trying to distinguish his own music from what people see him performing most of sonic journey through the group’s career. “We play out The Beatles’ career live on the time. “It’s much more of a positive than a stage, spanning from Ed Sullivan where America was introduced to The Beatles to negative,” Landes said about the impact of “Rain” on his career outside of the show. “At this point, The Beatles are such an influence on music that I don’t think there is a recording artist out there that doesn’t have some sort of Beatles influence. I think people might notice it more in my music because they know what I do outside of my own music. They are looking to see which songs sound more like The Beatles and John Lennon. Outside of what I do with ‘Rain,’ the type of music I lean toward is a little bit more soulful and Motown-flavored. I think in a sense, my vocal style helps to differentiate between when I’m me and when I’m John Lennon.” The music of The Beatles ran the gamut STEVE LANDES AS JOHN LENNON IN “RAIN” Photos: Cyllavon Tiedemann from pop, rock and blues to folk, classi-
cal and psychedelic. The show captures all those phases of their career. Landes said his favorite Beatles period was near the end of the group’s career. “I think the later stuff, the ‘Abbey Road’-era stuff, is a lot of fun to perform,” he said. “At that point it was real rock ’n’ roll with a message, especially with John [Lennon], who was heavy into the peace and love. He was becoming an icon for that with the songs he was doing at the time with ‘Revolution’ and ‘Give Peace
a Chance.’ When the curtain first opens, people don’t know what to expect. So there is a little bit of scrutinizing but by the end of the show people are on their feet and dancing. It really feels like a celebration of The Beatles music.” ■ The Kimmel Center presents “Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles” June 11-15 at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-7905847 or visit www.RainTribute.com.
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Suzi Nash
Braden Chapman: From living on the streets to living on stage as Mimi Imfurst June 8 is Pride here in Philadelphia and this year we have much to celebrate and commiserate over. On the negative side, the closing of Sisters and Giovanni’s Room, and on the positive side, Ellen Page, openly gay elected officials and marriage equality in Pennsylvania! The latter will be commemorated at Pride with marriage ceremonies performed at Independence Hall by the Hon. Dan Anders. At Penn’s Landing The Village People (come on, make those letters in the air!) will be the event headliners. Other performers include Well-Strung, Akire, Lynne Koplitz (loved her on Comedy Central) and Betty. Keeping things moving will be the irrepressible Henri David. Among the honorees are Gloria Casarez, Mark Squilla and Miss Philly Gay Pride 2014 Mimi Imfurst. Mimi Imfurst, aka Braden Chapman, is perhaps best known for her stints on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” She has also appeared on several other TV shows such as “Celebrity Apprentice,” “The Big Ang Show,” “Jersey Couture,” “The Howard Stern Show,” ABC’s “What Would You Do?” and MTV’s “Jackass.” In 2005, the Catholic Advocacy Coalition named Chapman one of the top10 anti-Catholic people. Born in Hanson, Mass., raised in Maine and later adopted by a lesbian couple, Chapman told us about himself and how Mimi came to be. PGN: So how long have you been a Philly resident? BC: It’s funny, I’ve lived here since last year, but everyone here thinks I still live in New York, and the whole time I was in New York everyone there always thought I lived in Philly! Truth is, I was born in Massachusetts, raised in Maine and lived in New York for 10 years while getting a lot of work here. I commuted back and forth for several years, sometimes doing three or four shows a week in Philly, until I realized that my heart was here. PGN: What made you love Philly? BC: First and foremost, the community. I’ve made amazing friendships here. I’ve met such wonderful people and had amazing times doing shows here. Philly has the best audiences anyone could ask for. It’s such a beautiful city. I love the architecture and layout of the city and I love the appreciation for the history. I love the attitude here, which is like, “whatever.” People are not caught up in pretensions. PGN: Tell me about growing up up North. BC: I grew up in South Shore, Mass., in a very traditional family. When I was about to go into high school, my parents had a difficult divorce. It was about the same time that I realized I was gay. For me, I didn’t know much about gay people,
had never met one that I knew of, didn’t know what it meant to be gay and, because of that, I didn’t have a problem with it. There was never a struggle for me; it was just, “Oh, I’m gay. OK.” I was fine telling all my friends, I just didn’t tell my family because there was so much other stuff going on already. I’d gone to live with my aunt in Maine while my parents were dealing with the divorce and while I was living with her, I was assaulted by my bus driver, who pushed me up against the seat on the bus and called me faggot. It was bad. The school got involved, which led to my aunt finding out that I was gay. She was clearly uncomfortable with it; one night we had a big fight about it and the next day I was homeless. At 16, I was living on the streets. What was shocking to me was the lack of support for homeless LGBT youth. There are programs if you have substance-abuse problems or mental-health issues, but not much for LGBT youth, even now, though it’s a little better. We’re so focused on marriage equality — rightfully so, it’s a huge issue — but because of that a lot of programs aren’t getting the funding they need and queer youth are suffering.
PGN: So how did you go from the streets of Maine to becoming Mimi? BC: I studied theater at Marymount Manhattan College and I did drag all through school. The first time I ever did it was for Vacation Bible School and the theme was undercover agents for Christ. For some reason, my mother put me and my brother in drag. I think she was thinking costumey more than drag, but she had us dressed as old ladies. It wasn’t until years later I started doing drag as theater and someone offered to pay me for it, and I’ve been doing it for a living ever since.
I hadn’t met her and was nervous about opening in front of 15,000 people. I was in the dressing room opposite hers and she popped in and asked if I had any hairspray. I was like, “I’m a drag queen, of course I have hairspray!” She started fixing her hair and noticed that the air conditioning wasn’t working in my room. So she offered to share her room with me. I’ve worked with a lot of celebrities and she seriously has to be one of the nicest. She does her job and doesn’t expect to be pampered. She doesn’t ask for frills, she’s very low-key.
PGN: Did you try any other names before finding Mimi? BC: Well, I originally went by the drag name “Delilah DeMistra,” which was inspired by Hedy Lamarr’s character in “Samson and Delilah.” There was a great line, “No man can escape the love of Delilah!” I loved it, I would go to high school in drag as Delilah with my heels clicking. When I moved to New York
PGN: Who else have you worked with? BC: Oh, everyone from Whoopie Goldberg to Lady Gaga, RuPaul to Dolly Parton. And I’ve never seen any of them diva out or do anything ridiculous.
PGN: How did you survive? BC: There was an amazing program in Maine called “Outright,” which was a small network of organizations helping LGBT young people. They were dedicated to youth involvement and empowerment. They didn’t have the resources for housing but they made calls for me. At 16, you are not a priority in most states, because you’re about to be classified as an adult at 17 anyway. Eventually they tried PFLAG, thinking maybe someone had a kid in college whose room I could use. I’d been sleeping on the streets, on couches and in shelters, which are not safe for queer youth. The coordinator of PFLAG, Sue, hadn’t had much luck until she ran into a social worker named Penthea on the street. Sue explained my situation and Penthea, who had just run out to feed the meter, contacted her partner Jessica and they arranged to meet me for lunch. I moved in the day after that first meeting and they became my moms. I went through hell to end up with an amazing blessing. Everyone should have the parents I have. PGN: Did you get back in touch with your birth family? BC: I kind of let that go. My mom was going through a lot of stuff — I suspect substance abuse, but I’m not sure — my dad didn’t know how to deal with the situation and I think it was less about me being gay and more about just not being an active father. I have nothing but great memories growing up but when things went sour with them, I think he just didn’t know what to do. We don’t talk much but I know he loves me and I love him.
PGN: How did you end up on “Celebrity Apprentice”? BC: It started out with Lisa Lampanelli. I was working on the “New, Now, Next” awards where Lisa was a presenter. I ran into her backstage and her assistant said, “OMG, you could be her body double!” We hit it off and a year later when she was on “Apprentice” and wanted a drag queen version of herself, she called me.We’ve done a couple of projects together and I’ve been to her house. She’s loaned me dresses, though now she’s skinny, so I don’t think I can play her anymore. PGN: Did you meet Trump? BC: I did, and he’s intimidating because he’s so tall. Tall and orange.
there was another drag queen with the same name so I had to change it. I love Mimi Imfurst. I wanted something that would make people giggle if they saw it on a poster. Bill Cosby once said, “If you can make them laugh before you get on stage, you’ve done your job.” PGN: A best Mimi moment? BC: I’ve been so blessed it’s hard to pick a favorite. Getting to open for Kathy Griffin, she’s honestly so down-to-earth.
PGN: What are two of your favorite drag names? BC: Lisa Newcar, and I gave my drag daughter the name Lauren Order. I like names that are puns. You meet some queens and their names are a combo of a perfume and a supermodel — that doesn’t tell me anything. I prefer something clever. PGN: I noticed that you like to push the envelope. BC: [Laughs.] I don’t push the envelope, I deliver the mail! PGN: [Laughs.] Your song “Who Will I Blow” (sung to Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know”) PAGE 94
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Drury Beer Garden: A bit dreary By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Gayborhood Greek cuisine dynamo Opa has opened up its “backyard” space behind the restaurant and christened it the Drury Beer Garden, a place to grab a drink, congregate and play some games in a picnic environment. We knew going in that this was a more laidback environment with a scaled-back menu, but the beer garden’s connection to Opa gave the place a level of expectation that the menu oftentimes did not live up to. If you have a menu with a handful of items, you would expect most of them to be executed fairly well. The one dish that did live up to expectations was the chili garlic chicken tenders ($7), which had both great texture and flavors that were beyond typical. The crunch of the tenders was hot and satisfying and the flavor combination of honey and sriracha was pleasantly different from the typical buffalo style most places employ. The tenders were so good that we were able to forgive the fact that the accompanying French fries were slightly undercooked. The Kaseri and fig grilled cheese showed a nice bit of Greek flair and was unique in its sweetness, reminiscent of a Danish pastry when combined with the cheese. The spicy wings ($6) got the wings part right. They showed up decently prepared and steaming but the title of “spicy” wasn’t earned, as the saucing seem to be there more for visual purposes instead of any significant boost in flavor. We got a better kick to the taste buds with the whiskey pickles ($5), which lived up to the flavor promise of their title. The desserts didn’t generate much excitement. The chocolate pudding ($5) wasn’t very special in that the presentation and quality (cup, pudding, whipped
cream, crumbled pretzels) felt like something anyone could have thrown together on their own with the same results after reading the instructions on the box. The caramel and chocolate chip cookie ($3, and $3 with ice cream) fared better, mostly because we got it with ice cream. The cookie was decadent but very soft and slightly underdone.
JUST DESSERTS Photo: Larry Nichols While we applaud the effort to entice diners to eat outside in a more casual environment, we know what the main restauran is capable of. If they want to keep people in the garden, with the culinary glory that is Opa just on the other side of the door, they might want to try a bit harder. ■
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DRURY BEER GARDEN GAMERS TACKLE PING PONG AND CONNECT FOUR Photo: Scott A. Drake
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Drag group brings sass and songs to New Hope By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The Kinsey Sicks, a “dragapella®” beauty-shop quartet, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of serving up music and comedy to audiences all over the world. The group was founded in 1993 by Benjamin Schatz (who plays “Rachel”), a Harvard-trained civil-rights lawyer, former director of the National Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and one-time presidential advisor on HIV issues, along with Irwin Keller (who plays “Winnie”), a lawyer, linguist and former director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area. Schatz said what started out as something to do for fun with a group of friends quickly snowballed into a career that has seen the group perform on Broadway, record and release eight albums and appear in two feature films. “I never had any idea that there were so many people in America with bad taste and discretionary income,” he joked of the group’s ongoing success. “It’s been an amazing ride. I always thought that we were pretty fantastic. The chances of having any kind of successful career in the arts is miniscule. Add to that being out and queer which, until the last year or two, was
definitely not a marketing tool. Then being stopped practicing law to focus on perpolitical and controversial in our content, forming, Schatz said he’s still bringing the odds against us were extremely high a message to people through the group’s so I am incredibly proud of and constantly performances. “When I was a movement activist or a filled with delight.” Other members of the group have come and gone since the group formed but their appeal has continued to grow. Schatz said the Kinsey Sicks attracts people far beyond fans of the average drag show. “Our audience is ridiculously diverse,” he said. “Sometimes we do an early show and a late show and if you took a picture of the two crowds, you’d be convinced that they certainly aren’t there for the same show. We have a large gay male following, a large lesbian following, a bear following, but we also have a cappella lovers, Jews, people who are outsiders from society and people who like political humor. So we get an extraordinarily broad range of people, which is very flattering. A lot of other drag performers, 90 percent of their crowd is gay men. Our crowd is anywhere between KINSEY SICKS MEMBERS RACHEL (BEN zero and 100-percent gay men, SCHATZ, FROM LEFT), TRAMPOLINA (SPENCER BROWN), TRIXIE (JEFF MANABAT) AND WINNIE depending on the show.” Even though he has long since (IRWIN KELLER) Photo: Vixen Pinup Photography
talking head, I found that in general the people I was speaking to were already inclined to agree with me,” he said. “A lot of people come to our show not knowing much about us. They’ve never seen a drag show before — and once you’ve seen our show, you still haven’t seen a typical drag show — or they just want to see something funny. The combination of music and comedy and absurd larger-than-life characters that are loveable and also people to make fun of but relate to, it opens people up. We’ve performed in places like Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City. We did a county fair in Kansas several years ago, and we had articles in the press about people protesting us being there. Over a couple of days we had four sets. By the last set on the second day we drew the largest crowd that they had ever had. We were singing songs about gay marriage but we were loveable. People didn’t take it as a political speech. They wouldn’t have come if they had thought that’s what we were doing. So I feel like I’m just as much as an activist now but I’m reaching a broader audience and having a lot more fun.” ■ The Kinsey Sicks perform through June 8 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information or tickets, call 888596-1027 or visit www.kinseysicks.com.
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New releases set the right moods for summer By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
“Wedding Day,” “Maids of Elfen-Mere” and “Trouble’s Lament.” Amos still weaves together the yin and yang of playful and serious tones and textures like few others can, and this album finds her once again in peak captivating form.
Tori Amos “Unrepentant Geraldines” Mercury Classics After exploring orchestral and chamber music on her last few releases, the international piano goddess puts on a more folk-influenced wardrobe for her latest album, and it’s a good sound for her. Amos has never had trouble mesmerizing her fans with her angelic voice and graceful manipulation of the ivories. Piano-driven songs like the sparse tracks “Weatherman” and “Selkie,” as well as lush songs like “Promise” will please longtime fans. The electro-tinged “16 Shades of Blue” and rock-ish title track have a nice exploratory edge to them as well. But it’s also kind of fun to hear her piano-playing take more of a backseat and share the spotlight with classical and acoustic guitars on the more light-hearted and whimsical-sounding songs like
Chromeo “White Women” Atlantic Records/Big Beat It is extremely hard not to get the feeling that Chromeo wholesale-jacked the blueprints from Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories” for their latest album. But we can’t blame them for aping the living daylights out of that sound because it works, and summertime is the best time to serve up a heaping slab of lightweight disco-infused electro-dance pop. Most of the album drips with the throwback disco grooves of Giorgio Morodor, Chic and The Commodores (the latter of which the album cover owes a stylistic nod to). Daft Punk served up the tasty hybrid of classic
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grooves and technology last year and hauled home a boatload of Grammys. Chromeo seems happy to follow suit, especially on tracks like the infectiously fun “Jealous (I Ain’t With It)” as well as airy and funky tracks like “Come Alive,” which could easily pass for an Earth Wind & Fire song, as well as “Somethingood” and “Over Your Shoulder.” The album’s better moments are when they step outside the shadow of the globally famous French electronics robots they shamelessly copy. Songs like the frenetic “Sexy Socialite” and the gloriously dark “Old 45s” have the urgency of “Controversy/Dirty Mind”-era Prince. A soulful guest vocal by Solange gives the new-wave groove of “Lost on the Way Home” some much-needed gravity. And when most of the machines take a backseat and dial back the throttle, there are brilliantly heartfelt songs like “Ezra’s Interlude.” Chromeo has copied the right formula for an excellent summertime party record and, with results like this, we can’t blame them. Disclosure “Settle” Cherry Tree Records/ Interscope The debut full-length album by this U.K. electro/ house duo has enough character to stand out among its heavyweight peers. Disclosure isn’t doing anything particularly groundbreaking or innovative with the genre, but their taste in grooves and samples is spot-on and downright sexy at times. House artists can, a lot of times, be too focused on relentless mechanized grooves, bombast and whatever tricks they can pull out of their hats. Disclosure stays out of the digital-arms races and keeps it simple and effective.
There’s a refreshing throwback, late1990s feel to the way they construct a song with restrained beats, ethereal synths and soulful vocal hooks on tracks like “Voices” and “Latch.” They also play around with unconventional arrangements and stylistic curveballs on tracks on the disorienting and distorted “Second Chance.” The album also gets pleasantly ambient on tracks like “January” and “Help Me Lose My Mind.” If you are looking for an adventurous album to set the mood for an evening of low-impact socializing, definitely check out this album. Röyksopp & Robyn “Do It Again” Cherry Tree Records/ Interscope It’s sort of strange seeing the Swedish pixie pop/ electro/R&B firecracker that is Robyn in the ambient and trippy framework provided by the Norwegian duo Royksopp, but Robyn has never been one to get comfortable doing what is expected of her — and that’s what makes her so exciting. The mini-album collaboration between the two artists gives each of them room to be themselves, with Robyn playing to this electronic circus on the title track and “Every Little Thing.” Those two are closest to Robyn’s electro-pop sound, but Röyksopp’s cold technological style steers the songs further into classic ’80s synthpop territory. The other tracks are more epic and sprawling, where Robyn’s contributions are more subdued. This sonic playground is a bit darker than what we are used to hearing from Robyn, but we are not complaining. Ambient-techno Robyn still beats the breaks off 99 percent of the pop singers in the market any day of the week. ■
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Gay-themed stories, on the big and small screens By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor This month, there are several films — two in theaters and two on TV — that celebrate gay men and examine issues of sexual identity. All are worth watching. Opening June 6 at Ritz Theaters is the terrific documentary “Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia.” This candid profile of the queer writer features interviews and clips from TV (“The Johnny Carson Show”), as well as priceless quips and anecdotes about Vidal’s books (“The City and the Pillar”), films (“Myra Breckenridge”), plays (“The Best Man”) and screenplays (“Ben-Hur”), famous friends (The Kennedys) and details of his personal life with his partner Howard Austen. This documentary is a fantastic primer for viewers unfamiliar with Vidal’s life and work, but it is also satisfying for those who know the icon. But what makes “Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia” special is seeing Vidal in his element — be it clearing out his home in Ravello, Italy, fighting with William F. Buckley on TV or walking through the cemetery where both Austen and Jimmy Trimble, the young man he loved and lost, are buried. This is an elegiac portrait of one of the most vibrant and dynamic queer figures from political and literary history. Screening one night only — June 11 at the Balcony at the Trocadero — is “Test,” a compelling, low-budget drama set in 1985 San Francisco about the onset of the AIDS crisis. Frankie (Scott Marlowe) is a dancer whose unease about the disease is palpable. His concerns are contrasted with those of his fellow dancer, Todd (the magnetic Matthew Risch), who has a more reckless attitude towards life and sex. In Frankie’s eyes, Todd seems more likely to get “it” because of his behavior, but Frankie goes to get tested after a series of sexual encounters scares him.
“TEST” “Test” conveys the anxiety of the early days of AIDS, and the way young gay men grappled with their fears. It is to the film’s credit that viewers care about what happens to his character. But “Test” is about trials other than just one’s HIV status. Frankie is tested as an understudy in a dance company when
he gets the opportunity to perform at one point in the film. The lengthy dance sequences — both rehearsals and performances — are enjoyable to watch. Another “test” in the provocative “Test” is a point raised in the film’s end, where a character suggests AIDS enforces monogamy for gay couples — that it is “like a test.”
“BURNING BLUE” On VOD June 6 is “Burning Blue,” an intense, engrossing drama about a military investigation that turns up a possible “gay cell” on a Navy Aircraft carrier. Daniel (Trent Ford) and William (Morgan Spector) are best buddies. When Matthew (Rob Mayes) enters their unit, a love triangle tinged with jealousy develops. (One of the men is straight.) Writer/director DMW (David) Greer, adapting his own play, has crafted a poignant story about masculinity and sexuality within the culture of the military. “Burning Blue” is really about wanting what others say you can’t have. Ford’s strong performance is freighted with Daniel’s guilt over various issues. The film, which ends in 2001, is also an emboldening cautionary tale about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” On HBO June 9 is the short documentary “Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr.” Most fans of Robert DeNiro may not know that his father was an accomplished, if under-appreciated, artist. DeNiro Sr. exhibited in Peggy Guggenheim’s Art of This Century Gallery and was a contemporary of abstract expressionists like Pollock, de Kooning and Rothko. Yet DeNiro Sr. was different; he was a figurative painter influenced by French masters and therefore marginalized in the 1950s New York art scene. He did not fit in with the other artists of his era, and certainly not with the pop artists like Warhol, who came to prominence in the 1960s. As this wistful but affectionate short film shows, DeNiro Sr. was also a gay man, who struggled with conflicted feelings about his sexuality, as well as with depression and frustration at not being more recognized for his work. “Remembering the Artist” features poignant photographs, film clips, diary excerpts and interviews with DeNiro Jr. as well as artists and critics, to illuminate the life and career of the late DeNiro Sr. and give him the respect and recognition he craved. ■
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 06/06 Bill and Willie Geist The “CBS New Sunday Morning” correspondent and his son talk about their new book “Good Talk, Dad: The Birds and the Bees ... and Other Conversations We Forgot to Have,” 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5322 Jack Johnson The singer performs 7:30 p.m. at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; 215-546-7900. Jessie’s Girl The ’80s tribute band per-
PRIDE PRIDE
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
forms 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808. Meshell Ndegeochello The out R&B singer/songwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Morrissey The out rock singer performs 8 p.m. at Revel’s Ovation Hall, 500 Boardwalk; 855348-0500. Bearlesque A bear-themed burlesque show, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Tabu Lounge, 200 S. 12th St.; 215964-9675.
Christine The horror film based on the Stephen King novel is screened 9:45 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223.
Sat. 06/07 Boyz II Men The R&B group performs 8 p.m. at the Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets; 610-3520313. Kevin and Joe Jonas The boy-band members perform and host a Q&A 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650. La Roux The electro/rock singer performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.;
215-922-6888. The Smites The Smiths tribute band performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Stimulus: Pride Party The monthly LBGTQ party celebrates Philly Pride 10 p.m.-6 a.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James St.; 215-735-5772.
BACK AGAIN, DOING A LITTLE EAST COAST SWING: Recordbreaking hit R&B group Boyz II Men take fans on a trip through their biggest hits when they perform 8 p.m. June 7 at the Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets. For more information or tickets, call 610352-0313.
Sun. 06/08 Erin McKeown and Christina Havrilla The out singersongwriters perform 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Patty Griffin The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter performs 8
p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.
Mon. 06/09 Free Quizzo and 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. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? The animated action-mystery film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. First Person Arts Story Slam Spoken-word artists perform 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. Lipstick Mondays A weekly drag show featuring a changing roster of queens takes the stage 9 p.m. at The Raven, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-8622081.
nities affected by HIV and prison/ reentry issues, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.; 215418-4700.
Wed. 06/11 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. Test The film about a gay dancer trying to live and survive in 1985 San Francisco is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.
Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. The Burlesque Show The naughty fun begins 9 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show The outrageousness begins 11 p.m. at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; 215545-4511.
Fri. 06/13 Kenny Wayne and Shepherd Band Robert Randolph & the Family Band The two electrifying guitarists and their backup bands join forces 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Peter Murphy The goth/rock singer performs 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. ■
Thu. 06/12
Tue. 06/10
I Am Faymeproblems Quince Productions presents a gay cabaret show to benefit the William Way LGBT Center, 7-9 p.m. at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; www. quinceproductions. com.
Beyond The Walls: Prison Health Care and Reentry Summit The summit brings together commu-
Vanessa Carlton The singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St.,
PARADISE UNDER STAGE LIGHTS: La Roux, the U.K. synthpop group featuring androgynous singer Elly Jackson, is on the road in support of their new album, “Trouble In Paradise.” Catch them when they perform 8 p.m. June 7 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets, call 215922-6888.
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Opening Dave Matthews Band The rock band performs June 13-14 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 856-365-1300. Driving Miss Daisy The film of the stage play starring Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones is screened June 6-11 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-9170223. Full House: A Series of Cabarets Quince Productions presents a series of cabaret shows June 12-15 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; www.quinceproductions.com. Santana The rock guitarist performs 8 p.m. June 13-14 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
Continuing Artificial Light: Flash Photography in the Twentieth Century Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of diverse examples of flash
Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat Arden Theatre Company presents the classic children’s story through June 22, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122.
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How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying The Walnut Street Theatre presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about a lowly window washer climbing the corporate ladder through July 13, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Walnut Street Theatre presents the hilarious revue about love and relationships through June 29 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition highlighting the works of the famed fashion designer through Nov. 30, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Picasso Prints: Myths, Minotaurs and Muses Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s response to the world of classical antiquity in nearly 50 prints from four critical decades of his career, through Aug. 3, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Ritu Comes Home InterAct Theatre Company presents the story of a couple who unexpectedly has a
ANOTHER PARADE TO CATCH ON SUNDAY: Out singer-song-writer Erin McKeown and her backing band Her Fine Parade perform, with fellow out singer-songwriter Christina Havrilla opening the show, 8 p.m. June 8 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville. For more information or tickets, call 215-257-5858. Photo: Merri Cyr
photography, which gained widespread use in the 1920s with the invention of the mass-produced flashbulb, through Aug. 3, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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.
PASS OR FAIL: “Test,” the award-winning film set in San Francisco in 1985 shortly after the launch of the first effective HIV test, follows the effects of the HIV/AIDS crisis on gay dancers in the city. Catch the film when it is screened 8 p.m. June 11 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-6888.
third-world child they sponsored show up to live with them through June 22, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-568-8077.
an exhibition of photographs by James Mollison through June 29, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800.
That’s So Gay: Outing Early America The Library Company of Philadelphia explores gay culture through Oct. 17, 1314 Locust St.; 215-546-3181.
Closing
Where Children Sleep The James A. Michener Art Museum hosts
The Kinsey Sicks The “dragapella®” group performs through June 8 at the Rrazz Room, in The Ramada New Hope, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; 888-596-1027. ■
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Q Puzzle Feat of clay Across
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
1. “Take it off!” 6. Lahr of “The Wizard of Oz” 10. Kid-lit elephant 15. ___ donna 16. Saudi or Iraqi 17. Speed skater Ohno 18. Glenn Close’s “___ Attraction” 19. Lorca’s “but” 20. Andrew ___ Webber 21. Competition in which Clay Aiken sang 2 4 . Unconsciousness 26. Tickled pink 27. LeBlanc of “Friends” 30. Girl in a Beach Boys song 32. Chatter, in Brit slang 34. Cry in a stuffy room 35. Start of Clay’s comment on being in 21-Across 40. Rough stuff for
miners 41. Shakespearean sonnets and such 43. What guns shoot off 44. “Return of the Jedi” creatures 46. Right in the head 47. Guy with a “third leg” 49. Stein fillers 50. More of the comment 53. Mission ending 54. Club for swingers 55. Hollow stone 58. Whale’s “The Man in the Iron __ _” 62. Rev devices 66. End of the comment 69. Mel’s role with Jodie in “Maverick” 70. She sprang from the head of Zeus 71. Wilde country 72. Adam, created by a woman named George 73. It may vibrate when someone wants you to come 74. Fop prop
PORTRAIT from page 83
has Muppet-like puppets, and the line, “He cuts more lines than a cripple kid at Disney Land.” Is there a line you won’t cross? BC: Um, I don’t know. I’m a comedian and I say things that I know are offensive or outrageous and sometimes people will say, “I can’t believe you think that that way!” and I’m like, “Oh my God! Are you kidding me, do you really think I think like that? No! No! It’s a character!” I don’t understand political correctness. I think we shouldn’t take things so seriously. There’s so much awful stuff in the world and if we can laugh at it then we can deal with it. People are too uptight. PGN: I was reading your response to the controversy over RuPaul. You called it “Distractivism.” BC: Yeah, RuPaul is getting heat over using the term “tranny.” In our culture right we’ve really begun to get caught up over words, and I’ve seen it happen to a lot of celebrities over a lot of issues. It’s like, “You said this word, so we’re going to put you in timeout!” Everybody gets riled up for two weeks and then forgets about it. PGN: But in the meantime we’ve destroyed that person. I read that Logo is trying to distance itself from Ru. BC: Yes, and it’s ridiculous. First of all, if you look at the word “tranny” and its origin in the community, it was invented within the drag community as an inclusive word. It was a sisterhood of people who were male-identified drag performers and trans-identified drag performers, people who were often regarded as freaks and
Down
1. Lotion letters at South Beach 2. Sung syllable 3. “West Side Story” Oscar winner 4. Spencer Davis Group hit about Chaz? 5. Turn white 6. Spaghetti sauce ingredient 7. Lucci’s Kane in “All My Children” 8. Tried to tackle tight ends, e.g. 9. Butcher’s cut 10. Like Yul in “The King and I” 11. Grace under fire 12. Yalie’s cheer 1 3 . H a y w o r t h ’s Khan 1 4 . F i s h e r m a n ’s tool 22. Get juice from a fruit 23. Pastoral poem 24. Casino dice game 25. Drew Carey, e.g. 28. Studs of note 29. Strand in a drag queen’s wig 31. Kit letters 33. Always, to
Shakespeare 36. Uncommon, to Nero 37. Do a nocturnal activity 38. REM gear 39. Cloverleaf part 42. Plan to become wife and wife, e.g. 45. “Keep your pants on!” 47. Your, among Friends 48. Young lady coming out 51. Very, in Vichy 52. Cable syst. 55. Bee Gees family name 56. To be, in Toulon 57. Got a little behind 58. Not using the tongue 59. Queens tennis stadium 60. From A to B, to Debussy 61. Lucci in “All My Children” 63. “Pet” plant 64. One to blow on 65 Popeye’s ___’ Pea 67. A left or a right 68. Road topper
outsiders. We might identify differently off the stage, but on stage we are together. It’s been misconstrued by other people but so have so many other words. PGN: Kind of like us reclaiming “dyke” for the June 7 Dyke March. BC: Yes, and some people can’t deal with the way other people made them feel using certain words, so they want to project that onto everyone. If that’s how you live, you’re going to have a very hard life. I’ve been called names all my life. We spend too much energy and capital on shaming and destroying our own. To say that RuPaul is against the trans community is ludicrous! RuPaul is one of the most visible LGBT people I know; grandmothers in Kansas know who she is. She has spent her career breaking down barriers and educating people. To try to shame her and paint her as anti-trans is shameful. The argument is, “If you google ‘tranny’ you’ll find a description of people who work in the adult-entertainment industry or sex workers.” Well, to me that’s shaming those people! Saying that they are not equal to others, and I don’t find that acceptable. If you have a problem with certain words, then move. This is America and we have a First Amendment right that protects us, so we can say what the hell we want to say. Sorry, it gets me going. PGN: Hey, I agree. As reprehensible as I think Donald Sterling is, I’m uncomfortable penalizing someone for comments they made in private, in their own home. Arrest him for housing discrimination or unfair pay practices or if he said it on the job, but not personal comments taped
without consent. BC: I know, where does it end? If I utter, “Oh, I could just kill so-and-so,” am I under suspicion for murderous comments? It distracts us from so much good we could be doing. Stop putting our energy in being so PC and put it into getting homeless youth off the streets, feeding the hungry. PGN: Random topics ... If I could switch places with one person for a day, it’d be ... BC: Oh boy ... One of the Obamas. I’m a political dork and I would love to be in the White House, and I would love to hang out with Michelle Obama. I adore her. PGN: What topic puts you to sleep? BC: Nothing, I’m a nerd and I have ADD, so if something comes on TV that I don’t know or understand, I have to go to my computer and look it up. I want to know why that ship sank in 1847. PGN: What’s one item you should throw out but probably never will? BC: One of my many dresses, I have way too many frocks ... and shoes and wigs. I must have 200 wigs. I’m invested in Mimi. PGN: Worst etiquette breach? BC: When random people ask me for drink tickets. If you’re not buying the drinks, the drag queen’s not getting paid. Don’t ask for freebies. PGN: If Mimi was a natural element, what would she be? BC: Wind. PGN: What world record would you want to set?
BC: Hours awake. I hate going to sleep. I always feel like I’m wasting time when I could be doing something. PGN: What do you want on your gravestone? BC: I don’t want one. I don’t feel the need to take up space once I’m gone. It’s absurd. PGN: People are always telling me I need to stop ... BC: Worrying about what other people think. As a person who works in entertainment, it’s a constant battle, but it’s something we all should strive for — not to let other people’s words and behavior affect our happiness. ■ Mimi Imfurst takes the stage at the Philadelphia Pride Festival, which runs noon-6 p.m. June 8 at Penn’s Landing. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Worth Watching TIARAS AND MASCARA: It’s lightweight compared to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” but tune in and see who gets crowned when the “2014 MISS USA® Competition” airs live from Baton Rouge, La., 8 p.m. June 8 on NBC.
recently recentlywon wonsix sixawards awardsfrom from the Local Media Association the Local Media Association2013 2013 Editorial Contest Editorial Contest PGN PGNis isthe themost mostaward-winning award-winningLGBT LGBT newspaper in the country. newspaper in the country.
Best Special Section, Honorable Mention Staff, World AIDS Day Supplement
Best Entertainment Section, Honorable Mention Staff, Arts & Culture
Best Editorial Writing, Second Place Jen Colletta, Editorial
Best Continuing Coverage, Second Place
Jen Colletta, Coverage of PA’s marriage-equality progress
Best Breaking News Story, Second Place
Jen Colletta, Philly’s only lesbian bar shuts down
Best Arts and Entertainment Writing, Third Place Larry Nichols, Artist features trans portraits in new exhibition
CLAWING YOUR WAY INTO THE SPOTLIGHT: Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning actor Hugh Jackman returns to host “The 68th Annual Tony Awards,” live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City, 8 p.m. June 8 on CBS. Photo: Heather Wines/CBS
VICTORIAN SECRETS: Vanessa recalls her past and the events that led to Mina’s disappearance on the stylish period horror series “Penny Dreadful,” 10 p.m. June 8 on Showtime. Photo: Showtime/Jonathan Hession
... OR BUST: Jackie learns about a DEA investigation at the hospital that will require her to take a urine test, so she plots to get around it on a new episode of “Nurse Jackie,” 9 p.m. June 8 on Showtime. Photo: Showtime/David M. Russell
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
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Classifieds Real Estate Sale
Real Estate Sale
Open Houses - Sunday June 6, 2014 1:00-3:00 PM 1021 S. 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 New condos in Graduate Hospital from $269,900 12:00-2:00 PM 1810 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 3BR/2 full BA, 2-half BA townhouse with parking!! $695,000 Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.phillyrealestateagents.com Dan Tobey
1401 Walnut St. • 8th Floor • Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.558.1063 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com • www.cbpref.com
Real Estate Sale
Vacation Rentals
VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________38-25 BED AND BREAKFAST FOR SALE New Hope, Bucks County, PA. Beautiful, historic, well kept. 7 bedrooms and fireplaces. Call 215-297-8233. ____________________________________________38-23 NEW YORK LAND, RIVERS & CAMP BARGAINS 8.4 Acres w/ New Cabin & Access to Fish Creek River: $29,995. .. 34 Acres Cherry Forest & Access to Little Salmon River: $49,995. .. 27 Acres, Mohawk River Frontage: $49,900. .. We Finance Land! Call Christmas & Associates: 800-229-7843. Or Visit: landandcamps.com Owner/Broker. ____________________________________________38-23
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ________________________________________38-23 NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ- FLORENTINE FAMILY MOTEL Beach/Boardwalk Block, Heated Pools, Efficiency/Motel units refrigerator, elevator. Color Brochure/Specials 609522-4075 Department 104 www.florentinemotel.com ________________________________________38-23 Rooms for men. oceanhouseatlanticcity.com ________________________________________38-34
Services MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant now! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888-424-9412. ________________________________________38-23 AIRLINE CAREERS begin here - Get FAA approved Aviation Technician training. Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1888-834-9715. ________________________________________38-23
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 1800-578-1363 Ext.300N ________________________________________38-23
Adoption Young, married couple wishes to adopt child of any race. Loving, secure, happy home. Promises lots of hugs, reading, and fun. Expenses paid. JamieAndConorAdopt.com 917-324-4884. ________________________________________38-23
Wash West Beauty!
1229 Pine St.
All New Top to Bottom!
The story of A. Criniti Realty Inc. began in 1975 when Anthony Criniti III bought his first property at the age of 24. He always had a passion for real estate but waited until the right opportunity to pursue his interest. When he met his mentor, Bob Aversa, the late owner of Aversa Realty, he was given the chance to learn more about the business. In 1987 , he decided to pursue his passion full time and began studying for his broker license. Finally, in 1991 he received his broker license and shortly after opened up A. Criniti Realty Inc. on Broad and Reed. The company gradually built up its reputation over several years. In 1994, Anthony bought the building at 1633 East Passyunk Avenue and relocated his business. Working on its 18th year, A. Criniti Realty Inc. has grown a reputation for being one of the best family-owned real estate companies in South Philadelphia.
Anthony Criniti, Broker Theresa Criniti, Property Rental Manager 1633 E. Passyunk Ave., Phila., PA 19148 Tel: (215) 465-4225 Fax: (215) 465-4229 Email: myphillyrealestate@gmail.com or crinitirealty.com
All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
3 Bedroom , 2 1/2 Bath, 25’ Garden & Deck
$610,000
Suzanne E. Petruzel Sales Associate Cell 619-659-8030
Fox & Roach REALTORS®
210 W. Rittenhouse Sq. Phila, PA 19103 Dir. 215-790-5671 Fax 215-546-3415 Office 215-546-0550 suzanne.petruzel@foxroach.com
PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.
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Help Wanted Want A Career Operating Heavy Equipment? Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. “Hands On Training” & Certifications Offered. National Average 18-22 Hourly! Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________38-23 CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED TOTAL Respect - TOTAL Success. Start up to $0.38/mile. OTR & Regional Runs. CDL Grads Welcome. 700+ Trucks & Growing! 888-928-6011 www.Drive4Total.com ________________________________________38-23 Dedicated lane I-80 corridor. $1,000 min. wkly. pay. Weekly home time. New trucks. Lease purchase or company jobs available. Limited openings available. Hirschbach 888-4740729 www.drive4hml.com ________________________________________38-23 Drivers Prime, Inc. Company Drivers & Independent Contractors for Refrigerated, Tanker & Flatbed NEEDED! Plenty of Freight & Great Pay! Start with Prime Today! Call 877-736-3019 or apply online at driveforprime.com ________________________________________38-23 FRAC SAND Owner Operators Needed!! Highest Profit per Mile. Oakley Trucking is currently seeking owner operators to haul frac sand. Call Today (866)432-1781. ________________________________________38-23
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PAGE 97
120 Davis Rd., Malvern, PA. 19355 First Time Offered For Sale
$1,800,000
This extraordinary home, built to resemble a Chester County barn, 15 years ago, sits on over 4 acres of mature landscaped grounds with gardens of perrenials, roses, a stream, a gorgeous lap pool and spa area, a conservatory, a european outdoor summer kitchen terrace, a stream, several outbuildings for summer entertaining, and magnificent views of horse country.
Business Opportunities OWN YOUR OWN Medical Alert Company. Be the 1st and Only Distributor in your area! Unlimited $ return. Small Investment required. Call toll free 1-844-225-1200. ________________________________________38-23
Legal Notices Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, May Term, 2014, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 9, 2014, the petition of Bryan David Richards was filed, praying for a decree to change her name to Alice Natalie Richards. The Court has fixed June 20, 2014 at 9:00 A.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. ________________________________________38-23 Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, April Term, 2014, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 10, 2014, the petition of Brittany Lacey Patterson was filed, praying for a decree to change his name to Brian Henrey Patterson. The Court has fixed June 20, 2014 at 9:00 A.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. ________________________________________38-23
This spectacular property is nestled in Radnor hunt country. It was custom-built by a very well known interior designer, 15 years ago, to resemble a ‘Malvern barn’, with over 5500 sq. ft, of gorgeous interiors with soaring vaulted ceilings, high quality finishes, open spaces, 100 year old barn beams gives a ritzy london flair to the formal living room, a euro-chic country kitchen and breakfast room that lead out to the many terraces for entertaining. A conservatory with french doors that lead out to another entertaining terrace with a pair of european tiled panels in the background.
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PAGE 98
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PAGE 99
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PAGE 100
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
OPEN HOUSE
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PAGE 101
Friends Men LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________38-25 Philly boy looking for mail correspondence with guys in Philly while I finish my incarceration. 6’3”, blond hair, hazel eyes. Lots to discuss. Will reply to every letter. Give this a try, I guarantee you’ll have fun. Kenneth Houck, #06743-015, Englewood FCE, 9595 W. Quincy Ave., Littleton CO 80123. ________________________________________38-25 SOUTH OF THE BORDER GWM seeking men south of the border: Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans, also Asians for friendship and more. Social drinker, no drugs and pefer non smoker. Ole! 856-547-4163. ________________________________________38-27 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________38-23 IN SEARCH OF SOMEONE To share my love and life. Intelligent, older WM looking for a special guy. Take a chance! Call Alan at 215-677-5610. ________________________________________38-26 BM with big tool wans to nail a bottom to the floor. BM has equipment to make a bottom wish he wants more. I’m 6 ft and 198 lbs. and have 8.5 inches and 1.25 girth and know how to use it. Call anytime 215-763-3391. All replies answered. ________________________________________38-23 Attractive, intelligent, muscular WM, 55, looks 40, seeks boyish, cute, thin, smooth, clean shaven, 140lbs. or less, Bi or GWM 30-45, for friends w/benefits. Must enjoy: Hot/sweaty erotic body contact, safe 69 & making out at my place near the Ply. Mtg. mall. Leave msg. 24/7 @ 484-213-8479. ________________________________________38-24
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PAGE 102
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
THE BIGGER, BETTER & CLEANER CLUB IN THE CITY...
WHO’S YOUR DADDY???
BUSY TIMES FOR US:
Saturday, June 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
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
SUMMERTIME MADNESS Saturday, June 14th • Time: 11pm-3:30am
SUNDAY RELIEF
Half Price Rooms (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50
MONDAY thru FRIDAY:
WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More
Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00
Sunday, May 18th, 2014 • TIME: 3pm- 6pm
Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50
PANG (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT WHAT TO EXPECT: • An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys to Choose From & Soo Much More. For More Information On Group: www.phillynakedguys.com/
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TUESDAYS
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE
$12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight) Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....
Don’t forget to visit the Adonis Cinema right next door!! 2026 Sansom St/ PH: 215-557-9319
Thinking it’s about time for some professional help with the home repairs? PGN’s Services and Home Improvement Directory is a great place to get started when looking for contractors that know and proudly serve our community.
PRIDE
Men Delco Dudes A men’s social and support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road in Media; delco. dudes@uucdc.org. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets 7-9 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; www. gammaphilly.com. Men of All Colors Together Meets 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September through June, at William Way; 610-277-6595, www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey; njwarrior@aol.com. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330. Men of Standard A place for gay men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern meets 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; 856-963-2432.
Parents/Families Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park, and hird Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Warminster UCC, 785 Street Road; 215-348-9976. PFLAG/Chester County Meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St.; 484-354-2448. PFLAG/Collingswood, N.J. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave.; 609-202-4622, pflagcollingswood@yahoo.com. PFLAG/Media Meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Unitarian Universal Church, 145 Rose Tree Rd.; 610-368-2021. PFLAG/Philadelphia Meets 2-5 p.m. the third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; 215-572-1833. PFLAG/Princeton, N.J. Meets 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; 609-6835155. PFLAG/Wilmington, Del. Meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St.; 302-654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings held monthly; 215-600-2864, www. phillyfamilypride.org.
Trans
Youth
Evolutions A drop-in support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652 ext. 235.
40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-851-1975.
Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary health care and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, nonjudgmental environment, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658.
GLBT Group of Hunterdon County Social and support groups for youth, teens and young adults, as well as parents and family members, meet at North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. in Clinton, N.J.; schedule at www. glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com, 908-300-1058.
T-MAN People-of-color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, aggressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:309:30 p.m. Mondays, 1201 Locust St., second floor; 215-632-3028, tmanphilly.com. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; 215-851-1822. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization, 1201 Locust St., fourth floor; 215-732-1207. Young, Trans and Unified Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, www. atticyouthcenter.org.
Women Hanging Out With Lesbians A group in Central Pennsylvania that organizes concerts, camping, golf, picnics, hikes, plays and game nights in nonsmoking environments; http://groups. yahoo.com/group/howlofpa/. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group meets monthly for activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ LCDV/. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; 215-542-2899. Mt. Airy Lesbian Social Club For lesbians in the Philadelphia area ages 35-plus; www.meetup. com/mtairylesbiansocial/. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ queerconnections/. Sisters United A social/support group for transwomen of color ages 13-24, with weekly social events, open discusson and monthly movie/ discussions meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-496-0330. Women Coming-Out Support Group Women, ages 18 and over, who consider themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning and are at any stage of the coming-out process are welcome to meet 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; www.pridecenter.org.
HAVEN LGBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20 meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; 610-868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for LGBT and questioning youth meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; 609-683-5155, hitops.org. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; 610-688-1861, info@myaonline. org. PRYSM Youth Center Youth ages 14-20 meet 6:30-8:30 p.m Wednesdays at the center, 126 East Baltimore Pike, Media; 610-357-9948. Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center Youth ages 14-21 meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Social X Change Social activity group for LGBT youth of color ages 13-23 meets 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at 1207 Chestnut St., third floor; 215-8511975. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Planned Parenthood of Chester County, 8 S. Wayne St.; 267-6876648. Young, Trans and Unified A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 13-23 meets 7:15 p.m. Thursdays at The Attic Youth Center; 215-5454331, www.atticyouthcenter.org. You’re Not Alone Sponsored by AIDS Delaware, the group for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth meets during the school year at 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del; 800810-6776. Youth Making a Difference A group for LGBTQ AfricanAmerican and Latino youth ages 14-24 meets 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St.; 856-963-2432.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PAGE 103
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, 215-686-
■ 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 9980, helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov ■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org ■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378 ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: 215-686-2555
■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: 215-686-4670 ■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000 ■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-6863318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288
■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658
■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833
■ 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. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 1711 S. Broad St.; 215-629-2300; www.asiac.org. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 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 appoint-
■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; 215-627-9090; www.galloplaw. org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a website where everyone is invited to sign up for email notices for activities and
ment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215-685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing available 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 Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronicdisease management, including comprehensive HIV care, 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-noon Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.
Professional groups events; www.gppn.org; 215-9223377.
■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www. nlgja.org/philly; philly@nlgja.org.
■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for information about events, programs and membership; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370.
■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www. philadelphiagaytourism.com; 215-840-2039.
PAGE 104
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 6-12, 2014
PRIDE
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