Equal dec 2013 issuu by Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

DEC 2013

Homemade for the holidays

What to give and receive

Seasons Eatings

Fruitcake is not a bad word

The Naughty list

CYNDI LAUPER

Companies that leave us in the cold

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

12Gays of Christmas

A gift for her fans

BELLS RINGING are

The Burgh Bears make their presents known

PITTSBURGH SKYLINE TURNS (RED) CHECK OUT THE HIGHMARK SPIRE, THE GULF TOWER, AND THE BNY MELLON SIGN AS THEY GO (RED) FOR WORLD AIDS DAY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (PITTSBURGH)RED Bar Night Various locations Sponsored by Belvedere Vodka

Garden of Peace Project “Red Light Special” Variety Show 9 pm: $5 cover to benefit (PITTSBURGH)RED Cruze Bar 1600 Smallman Street, Strip District

Free HIV Testing at Cruze Bar

9 pm - midnight Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force will be offering free HIV testing. www.patf.org, 412-345-0597

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

World AIDS Day Interfaith Celebration of Hope

4 - 6pm Come together in FAITH (Fighting AIDS Inspires the Heart) to show your support for those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. The event will feature speakers, music, fellowship, a cookie bar, education resources, free hiv testing, and a floating lantern release at dusk. East Liberty Presbyterian Church 116 S Highland Ave, East Liberty

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

(PITTSBURGH)RED / World AIDS Day Event

Various Locations, Downtown Bars and restaurants in Market Square will feature “red plate” specials and will donate a portion of proceeds to (PITTSBURGH)RED. Outside Fifth Avenue Place, a large, inflatable red ribbon will be displayed and at noon an event will feature Mayor Ravenshtahl, politicians and speakers. Space generously provided by Highmark.

26th Annual World AIDS Day Ceremony

7:30 pm, Heinz Chapel 4200 Fifth Ave, Oakland reception to follow in Reconciliation hall sponsored by the Pitt Men’s Study 412-624-2008

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4

Update in the Care of HIV Prevention

7:30 am - 4:30 pm George G. McGovern Conference Center Allegheny General Hospital Presented by AGH’s Positive Health Clinic, Pittsburgh AIDS Center for Treatment, UPMC, and PA/MidAtlantic AIDS Education & Training Center pamaaetc.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

The Pittsburgh Honors Ball: Galaxy

8 pm - 2 am Stars converge from across the galaxy to earn their place in the Intergalactic Court. Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky Street, Northside Presented by Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force www.patf.org, 412-345-0583

CONTRIBUTORS & THANK YOU’S

G. Michael Beigay is a freelance photographer and special education professional for Allegheny Intermediate Unit. His photography has provided educational tools to aid students with cognitive disabilities. He also has worked with a media specialist at his LGBT-friendly church to develop various multi-media productions. Michael has shot for Cue, Whirl, and now Equal. He is one of the hosts for G2H2 and he is also the main photographer.

Mike Buzzelli is a standup comedian and author. His book, Below Average Genius, a collection of humor pieces culled from his weekly humor column at the ObserverReporter newspaper, is available at Amazon.com.

Stacey Federoff is a Sutersville, PA native, Penn State alumna, and reporter living in Park Place near Regent Square. She has written for The Daily Collegian, The Chautauquan Daily, Trib Total Media. She loves music, vinyl records, coffee, running, and volunteerism.

Jonathan Fobear is a native of Cass City, MI. For 12 years he has been an art director branding nonprofits, corporations, destinations, and city festivals. He has worked with clients as big as The Dept of Agriculture and NASA and as small as his mom & dad. Jonathan has presented branding workshops both in Pennsylvania and New York and currently resides in Pittsburgh’s South Side.

Mara Rago specializes in portraits, fine art, pets, events, model portfolios, legal, and corporate photography. She has a studio in the East End of Pittsburgh and shoots instudio as well as on location. Photography is Mara’s life. It’s a passion. Capturing visions in her little black box is a gift and, every day, she is grateful.

Jay P. Obertance Food, quality, and entertaining addict. A gourmand/ chef with a passion of fine dining, and a love of company to enjoy and share it with. As his motto goes, “Life is too short to eat mediocre food.”

Johnna Pro Johnna A. Pro is an award-winning reporter, radio talk show host, television pundit, and occasional actress who is passionate about politics, telling a good story, and all things Italian. In her spare time, Johnna enjoys reading, Turner Classic movies, Lawrence Welk reruns, and baking cookies. Johnna lives in Fallowfield, Washington County.

Guest contributors: Joe Corcoran Chrissy Costa John Altdorfer Laura Philips Rick Sicilio

COVER: Photo by Mara Rago Santa Suits provided by Spotlight Costumes Cover Models: DJ Wiggins and William Faust

Are YOU interested in writing for Equal Magazine? Email joek@equalmagazine.com 4

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N A K C PA

K C A B T U O Saturday, December 14, 2013 10am - 5pm

2014

Penguins & Paws Calendar! Calendar will feature members of the Pittsburgh Penguins® organization with some adoptable animals from the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center. Don’t wait! Order online at www.animalrescue.org or contact Ann Yeager at 412-345-0346 or ayeager@animalrescue.org. $2

Only

0 each

With every donation from our wish list, monetary donation or pet related item received to “Help Us Pack an Outback,” you get to spin our prize wheel – www.animalrescue.org/donation-wishlist Have a holiday photo taken of your pet and receive a treat for your pet. Enter to win two tickets to a Pittsburgh Penguins® game. Purchase a 2014 Penguins and Paws calendar for $20.

Event taking place at: Kenny Ross Subaru 11331 U.S. 30, Irwin, PA 15642 (724) 864-5100 www.kennyross.com Benefitting Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center

Proceeds from Order online at www.animalrescue.org/penguins-paws-calendar the calendar benefit the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center. WWW.ANIMALRESCUE.ORG • 412.345.7300

WITH LOVE Dear Friends was the month of December and all through the Equal... Our tireless staff members were busy writing, working researching and twerking.

This issue’s our gift to you-Our devoted reader. Once again, we’ve crammed the pages with full color features. Santa bear graces our holiday cover. the story that accompanies demonstrates why we love em. We’ve got stories on gifts to give that will have your loved ones overjoyed, and a story on anti gay companies you may want to avoid. Tis the season for fruitcake and holiday travel, 12 gays of Christmas for the ladies to unravel. We continue to break ground, with information that’s useful...and introduce you to a hot person who identifies as gender neutral. Our Out at work feature includes a math teacher. Our straight ally is a neighbor and community leader. The one and only Cyndi Lauper talks with us and gives a must read... about empowering gay youth that will touch your heart- guaranteed. So whether you celebrate Kwanza, Hanukkah, Christmas or Festivus... We wish you a season of love, family, friends and peaceful coexistence. As I close out this letter from the editor...may I just say in my usual gay way. “LGBT Visibility each and everyday” Happy Holi-GAYS from our Equal family to you and yours.

Joe King Editor-in-Chief

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December

WHAT PAGE IS THAT ON?

FEATURES

13 Putting the Boy in Boycott 19 Getting off on Good Behavior 34 Downtown Holiday Markets offer Unique Gifts 44 Cyndi Lauper shows us her True Colors

IN (ALMOST) EVERY ISSUE

16 20 24 26 28 30 32 38 42

Hot Neutrois Reads a Book Hey! Look at the fruitcake! Out at Work with Brad Ankney Bill Isler…our neighbor and straight ally What’s Gay and Goin’ On? The 12 Days of a Lesbian Christmas The Gift of travel The Gayest Gifts Ever Gain New Insights in a post-DOMA World

photo via Flickr

Equa lMa ga z ine.org

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73¢

per issue

Publisher: The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

Editor-in-Chief Joe King

Board Members

Art Director Jonathan Fobear

Gary A. Van Horn Jr. President

Emotional Support

Louise F. Stutler Vice President Brian J. Stankavich Secretary Peter J. Karlovich Treasurer Samuel C. Badger Michael G. Bartley

Mark Coffee Ice Cream

For questions, comments, and advertising inquiries, please email info@ equalmagazine.com

Daniel M. Catanzaro Mary Jo Geyer Steven R. Herforth Jim Sheppard

EQUAL Magazine PO Box 100057 Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Emeritus Board Members Charles W. Honse

A subscription to Equal Magazine would make the perfect gift for you or someone in your life. Plus it’s the only way to guarantee that you’ll get it every month!

$10 = 11 issues ($0.91 an issue) $18 = 22 issues ($0.82 an issue) $24 = 33 issues ($0.73 an issue) Subscribe today at deltafoundation.us/equal-magazine 8

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William R. Kaelin Donnie R. Thinnes Charles P. Tierney

The mission of the Delta Foundation is to be a vigilant catalyst for change that produces increased opportunities and a high quality of life for the LGBT community. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are those of the advertisers ONLY. Equal accepts no liability for claims made by advertisers. All rights reserved. ©2013 Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh.

Dec

STAY BUSY

Thurs

1 Sun

World AIDS Day Inter-Faith Celebration of Hope service 4 PM East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Fri

Nov - Sun, Dec 8

TRUE WEST

First Fridays with Kierra Darshell Mr. & Mrs. Tri-State All-Star Sebastian Armonte & Kourtney Brown

December Launch Party 6-8 PM Cattivo, Lawrenceville

12-14 Thurs-Sat

Sat

Sun

Pack an Outback

to benefit the Animal Rescue League

Pittsburgh Public Theater ppt.org

Kenny Ross Subaru 10 AM-5 PM animalrescue.org

24-29 Tues-Sun

The Rat Pack Christmas trustarts.org 10

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O’Reilly Theater ppt.org

11:30 PM Cruze Bar Strip District

Consol Energy Center consolenergycenter.com

JT 25

Wed

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

2 Mon

4 Wed

World AIDS Day Press conference

TAKING A CHANCE ON GOD

7 PM Hollywood Theater, Dormont

& 30’ Red Ribbon Display Noon Fifth Avenue Place (corner of Penn & Stanwix)

6 - 29

Fri - Sun

THE

NUTCRACKER Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Benedum Center trustarts.org

Sat

Renaissance City Choir Holiday Concert 7:30 PM East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Tues 31 -

Jan 5

Sat

Pittsburgh Honors Ball: Galaxy

Handmade Arcade

Presented by True T Entertainment Hosted by Pittsburgh Ballroom Council 8 PM-2 AM Warhol Museum patf.org

11 AM-7 PM David L. Lawrence Convention Center

18 Wed

Sun

MICHAEL with Persad Center $20 in advance; $30 day of

Pittsburgh Opera pittsburghpride.org/tickets or call 1-888-71-TICKETS

BOLTON

Holiday and Hits with the PSO 7:30 PM Heinz Hall trustarts.org

Tues

New Year’s Eve

Party

trustarts.org

Champagne toast at midnight 9 PM Cruze Bar

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FEATURE

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Ho! Ho! No. You get a piece of coal! You get a piece of coal! Everybody gets a piece of coal! Companies that want our business ...but don’t support equality. By Michael Buzzelli On Thursday, November 7, Monroeville Mall opened a 12 screen Cinemark theater with state-of-the-art XD (Extreme Digital Cinema), joining its other theaters in Center Township, Beaver County, Frazer near Tarentum and Robinson (plus the former Rave along McKnight Road in McCandless). Before you plunk down your money there, keep in mind that Alan Stock, Cinemark’s CEO, gave $9,999 to the “Yes on 8” campaign. “Yes on 8” was the campaign of ProtectMarriage.com, a collection of conservative political activists determined to oppose same-sex marriage. The coalition stated its goal is to “Defend and restore the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.” There are other companies who have had tarnished reputations with LGBT consumers. But there are many who have taken strides to improve their relationship with the community. Despite the fact that people can be legally denied a job or fired simply for their sexual

orientation in 29 states and their gender identity in 34, corporations have surged well ahead of lagging legislation to afford these protections.

year including PNC Bank, Alcoa, BNY Mellon, K&L Gates, Deloitte, Google, and Ernst & Young.

According to the Human Rights Campaign 2013 Corporate Equality Index, for the first time in history, a majority of the Fortune 500 offers both sexual orientation and gender identity protections. Beyond these basic and essential protections, record numbers of Fortune-ranked and other major businesses have comprehensively updated their benefits packages to ensure that newcomers to their workplaces can expect both partner benefits and transgender-inclusive benefits and that retiring LGBT workers will see the financial benefits that they have worked so hard to accrue will go to their surviving family members.

Unfortunately there are still some companies that have some work to do.

Last year, 189 major businesses accomplished a 100 percent rating on the most stringent scorecard the HRC Foundation has ever administered, including comprehensive benefits parity and more robust requirements of corporate responsibility to our community. 252 businesses received a perfect score this

Barilla Early this year, the spaghetti war was raging when Guido Barrilla, Chairman of the Barilla Group, a pasta company, said, “I would never do [a commercial] with a homosexual family, not for lack of respect, but because we don’t agree with them.” He told Italian radio, “Ours is a classic family where the woman plays a fundamental role.” Another pasta company, Buitoni Pasta, quickly launched a “pasta for all” campaign to counter balance their competitors discriminatory comments.

Cracker Barrel In 2002, Cracker Barrel finally added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy.

Equa lMa ga z ine.org

FOOD

“WE’RE GOING TO CREATE A WHOLE NEW MODEL OF HOW CITY GOVERNMENT IS RUN,” HE SAYS. “FOR DECADES WE’VE OPERATED UNDER AN OLD POLITICAL MACHINE AND WE’RE GOING TO DISMANTLE IT BOLT BY BOLT.”

Before 2002, the company’s HR policy stated, “It is inconsistent with our concept and values, and is perceived to be inconsistent with those of our customer base, to continue to employ individuals in our operating units whose sexual preferences fail to demonstrate normal heterosexual values.” Seventeen workers were fired because they were assumed to be gay after the first few months the policy was created. When Cracker Barrel entrepreneur Danny Evins died in January, 2012, the first line of his obituary in the New York Times reminded readers about his controversial policies.

Chick-Fil-A Even though the boycott list is shrinking, Chick-Fil-A should still be avoided. After a very public fight about gay marriage, the fast food chicken joint released a statement in July, 2012: “Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.” It doesn’t sound like an apology. However, even after a U.S. wide boycott of the chicken restaurant in 2012, sales rose 12 percent.

Exxon 14

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Exxon, the nation’s largest Oil & Gas Company, has also improved its non-discrimination protection by offering same sex domestic partnership benefits in September, 2013. In years prior, the company has fought against non-discrimination protection and equal benefits coverage for their employees for years. The Texas based company received a score below zero on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) ranking of corporate policies toward LGBT employees.

Wal-Mart Wal-Mart started offering domestic partnerships in August, 2013. Though it is improving its relationship with LGBT shoppers, there are still isolated incidents of discrimination, probably due more to the geographic location of the store and less to do with the company nationwide. In Chickasha, Oklahoma, Jonathan Pacheco and his boyfriend Miguel Escobedo, went into a Wal-Mart to buy cookies. The couple was told by an employee that they were not allowed in the store. The employee also

quoted scripture and made indelicate remarks such as, “It’s Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” Pacheco spoke to two store managers, but nothing was done about the situation. Pacheco laughed about the situation. He said, “I couldn’t do anything but laugh all the way home. I feel like I can’t go anywhere now. Out of all the stores I go to, Wal-Mart is the one that is prejudiced against someone’s sexual orientation? I mean, come on!” The store is looking into the allegations. Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2013 Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT employees. For more info, visit hrc.org.

KARAOKE Every Thursday

Underwear

KARAOKE 1st Thursday of the month

SHOT BOYS Every Tuesday & Friday

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s give and take all night. (412) 391-9990 965 Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Open 2 PM to 2 AM 365 days a year!

Jesse HOT NEUTROIS READS A BOOK

Estep

on “Science of Being and Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation” by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Photo by Mara Rago Photography

“Science of Being and Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation” by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is a book that every single human being can relate to and benefit from. In essence it describes the practice of meditation that grounds us and in turn connects us to the very source of life. Imagine if every person in the world was living from this place of pure truth. Living from this place creates a person that is expressing outwardly directly what they are experiencing on the inside. And when we live in direct and pure connection to our truth, our life source, we create a beautiful world full of love and cooperation. Each and every human being has unlimited potential. Imagine a world where we release our limits and live in this truth! I identify as ftn or female to neutrois. Neutrois is basically a lack of identification with the gender binary. I am neither male nor female. Astrology and tarot are therapeutic tools that I use daily. They never cease to fascinate and amaze me. I am a Sagittarius with a moon in Scorpio and a Libra rising. I get much enjoyment out of riding my bike and being outside; particularly being in nature. Meditation is integral to my well being and I believe it is integral to humans as a whole. My life goals are to travel the world and to fly, i.e. yogic flying. Adventure, creation, and love are what drive and motivate my life. 16

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LGBT individuals face unique financial challenges. We can help. Complex legal, tax and estate planning requirements present LGBT individuals with often overlooked challenges. That’s because many laws and regulations don’t offer the same default rights and access to assets that are available to opposite-sex couples. In fact, it is often the responsibility of LGBT individuals and families to proactively take steps to protect their assets and ensure they’re transferred the way they intended. If you’re an LGBT individual or family, we can help you understand these complex issues, and, together we can create a wealth management plan that covers every contingency and aspect of your financial life including. – A financial plan – Durable power of attorney – Healthcare proxy or healthcare power of attorney

– – – –

Advance healthcare directive Insurance Guardianship agreement Will

– Revocable living trust – Beneficiary designation – Wealth transfer plan

If you would like to know more about any of these important vehicles or strategies and how they can benefit you, we can help. Connect with us for our expertise and advice, as well as a more detailed checklist about how you can best protect your finances your best interests, and your family’s. Lee Oleinick, Senior Vice President–Wealth Management 412-665-9914 lee.oleinick@ubs.com Christopher Butsko, Vice President–Wealth Management 724-416-6027 christopher.butsko@ubs.com Jacob “Jack” D. Greenberg, Financial Advisor 412-665-9911 jacob.greenberg@ubs.com Debora Kuzmanko, Senior Wealth Strategy Associate 412-665-9906 debora.kuzmanko@ubs.com

Lee Oleinick has been recognized by Barron’s as one of the Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in the U.S. (2012, 2013)

Walnut Wealth Management Group UBS Financial Services Inc. 5600 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-665-9900 800-458-2224 ubs.com/team/walnut

We will not rest Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in the U.S. is based on asset under management, revenue, and quality of practices. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. ©UBS 2013. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. 7.00_Ad_8.625x8.625_OJ0830_OleL

FEATURE

Getting off on Good Behavior By Michael Buzzelli Photo by Mara Rago

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The holidays are a time of giving, and a lot of LGBT organizations have gotten into the spirit. The Burgh Bears, a non-profit social group for bears (burly men) and their admirers, was created to promote both social and recreational activities. The organization is involved in fundraising for the community. Its members aren’t all just from Pittsburgh. Lee Volk, the group’s president, said, “We have members from West Virginia, Ohio and some as far away as Toronto, Canada.” Every year the Burgh Bears have run charity events for a variety of worthy sources. For years, the group lived up to its namesake and donated money to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium by raising money for Rocky the Kodiak bear. Lee said, “We were raising money for the bear in the Pittsburgh Zoo until he died.” Rocky died in August of 2010. The Kodiak bear was twenty-eight. The group moved on to other charitable causes. It has given to the GLCC and Shepherd Wellness. And have held a variety of events at the Blue Moon, Donny’s/Leather Central, and elsewhere. This year, the Burgh Bears are having another event to raise money. It’s an event that isn’t really an event. Lee said, “We’re making it easy on our members this year. They don’t even have to leave the house to participate.” He added, “It’s been really costly to hold group events during the economic downturn. IBR [International Bear Rendezvous], one of the largest bear events in the country, had to suspend operations.” In 2011 the Bears of San Francisco made a decision to end their biggest party. The organization had raised over $50,000 for charitable organizations since its inception in 1994 by holding the International Bear Rendezvous, a huge party for bears, cubs, otters, chasers and anyone who identified with the scruffier members of the gay and lesbian community. The expense of running

the event became too costly as fewer members attended. The Burgh Bears came up with a solution to the attendance problem for their fundraising opportunity this year. Instead of getting dressed for a blacktie event, the Burgh Bears are asking its members to donate from the comfort of their homes via PayPal for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. PATF is dedicated to supporting and empowering all individuals living with HIV/AIDS and preventing the spread of the infection.

your community, support equality in the area, or meet a diverse and talented group of people, be sure to sign up for one of their upcoming volunteer orientations. For additional info, contact 412.322.2800 x 7002 or mmartin@deltafoundation.us. Santa Suits provided by Spotlight Costumes Modeled by DJ Wiggins and William Faust

You can contribute to PATF on your own, or join the bears, cubs, chasers, et al. and donate through their site, here; www. burghbears.org/bearmaul/patf. Deadline is December 15.

Giving and Receiving There are a variety of ways to give back in the LGBT community. Here are just a few: Each month, Gay for Good Pittsburgh selects a different non-profit and recruits folks to donate their time to a community service project. Their goals are to foster and promote a spirit of positive, enthusiastic camaraderie both within the LGBT community and toward their partner organizations. For the third year in a row, the G4G members will volunteer at the Shepherd Wellness Community’s annual “Cool Yule” dinner held December 6, at the First United Methodist Church. The women at iCandy are dancing and donating. On November 29, the ladies will hold the “Black Friday Bundle Up Benefit” at Cruze Bar to benefit the GLCC. In addition to a $5 cover charge, iCandy is asking revelers to bring new or gently worn blankets or outerwear to the door to benefit the homeless. In the past, iCandy Ladies Dance parties have raised money for the Animal Rescue League and a variety of local charities. The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is always looking for new volunteers. If you’ve been searching for a way to give back to

EVERY YEAR THE BURGH BEARS HAVE RUN CHARITY EVENTS FOR A VARIETY OF WORTHY SOURCES. FOR YEARS, THE GROUP LIVED UP TO ITS NAMESAKE AND DONATED MONEY TO THE PITTSBURGH ZOO AND AQUARIUM BY RAISING MONEY FOR ROCKY THE KODIAK BEAR.

Equa lMa ga z ine.org

FOOD

Hey!

Look at the fruitcake!

By Jay Obertance

Let’s face it, the traditional Holiday fruitcake gets a bad rap. Say fruitcake, and the first thing you think of is an overly processed loaf. This also brings words to mind like brick hardness, and gummy green and red chunks that are meant to represent “fruit.” Adding insult to injury, they can come boxed in the mail or given by your distant Aunt who smells like mothballs. No wonder why everyone turns an eye with thought of fruitcake. It doesn’t really make your mouth water, does it? It’s time to change that and revitalize a Christmas tradition that’s been heading to the South Pole for far too long. Fruitcake is a cake that is traditionally made with chopped fruits, spices, and nuts all soaked 20

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in spirits. The earliest recipes can be found back to the ancient Romans using pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, and raisins all mixed into a barley mash. With the discovery that high concentrations of sugar could preserve fruit in the 16th century, we began to shift to dried fruits and candied fruits. The problem was fruit was very expensive and there were costs of potent spices, liqueurs and the waiting game of soaking the ingredients in them. Then with years of commercialization and in a constant attempt to shrink costs and raise profits, fruitcakes started going alcohol free. They removed the best part and pumped it full of preservatives for a ridiculously long shelf life. No wonder why over the year’s fruitcake got such a bad reputation.

That being said, over the past months I have stumbled across multiple fruitcake recipes and two recipes stand out for the most superior. It was love at first sight and spot on perfection. So I invite you to recreate Chef Roland Mesnier’s Fruitcake recipe, and Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten’s Fruitcake cookie recipe. With a little time and costs, crank up the oven, pour yourself some eggnog, and be part of the fruitcake movement. No pun intended!

Make Your Season Bright! ONLINE PPT.ORG

Nut-Cracking

CALL 412.316.1600

HOLIDAY REVUE

At the O’Reilly Theater Ted Pappas, Producing Artistic Director

Dec 12 –14, 2013

✴

✳

SONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM Jan 23 – Feb 23, 2014 SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND HEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIM SONDHEIMSONDHEIMSONDHEIMSOND

SONDHEIM ✺

Tom Atkins is

COMPANY A Musical Comedy

Jan 2– 5, 2014

Chef Roland Mesnier’s Fruitcake Recipe 2 cups golden raisins 1 15-ounce package raisins 1 cup currants 10 ounces mixed candied fruits 1 6-ounce mixture of glazed pears, peaches, apricots, figs and dates, cut up **If you’re unable to find these I found out using a mixture of dried fruits like apricots, dates, and figs with the same proportions works just fine** 1/3 cup candied pineapple 1 cup chopped pecans 4 ounces slivered almonds 1/2 cup bourbon or Port 1/4 cup brandy 1/2 pound butter 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons honey 1 1/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour Grated rind of 2 lemons 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 5 eggs 1 cup sifted cake flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 12-ounce jar apricot preserves 1/2 cup rum 6 to 8 tablespoons bourbon 1 pound confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons softened butter Directions Combine the raisins, currants, candied fruits, glazed fruits, candied pineapple, pecans and almonds with the bourbon and brandy in a large bowl. Refrigerate overnight, or if possible, for two days. Beat the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, one-third cup of all-purpose flour, grated lemon rind, almond and vanilla extracts until well blended. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

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Sift together one cup of all-purpose flour, one cup of cake flour, salt, baking powder, nutmeg and cinnamon together. Add to the batter and beat until well mixed. Combine batter with the fruit and nut mixture, mixing well. Grease three 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch pans. Line the bottoms and sides with aluminum foil; grease the foil. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, smoothing tops. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until the centers spring back when lightly pressed. If tops are browning too fast, cover lightly with buttered foil. While the cakes are baking, bring the apricot preserves to a hard boil and boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to reduce. Remove the cakes from the oven and while they are still hot, sprinkle with the rum. Then brush with the hot apricot jam. Mix enough bourbon with confectioners’ sugar and butter to make a frosting that is thin enough to spread on top of the apricot jam while the cakes are still warm. Cool cakes in pans on wire rack. Allow frosting to dry. Remove cakes from pans; peel off foil. Cool completely. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate. Cake should be sliced chilled.

Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten’s Fruitcake COOKIE recipe 1/2 pound dried figs 1/4 pound raisins 2 ounces candied cherries, coarsely chopped 2 ounces dried apricots, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 6 ounces chopped pecans Kosher salt 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup superfine sugar

1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 1 extra-large egg 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour Directions Snip off the hard stems of the figs with scissors or a small knife and coarsely chop the figs. In a medium bowl, combine the figs, raisins, cherries, apricots, honey, sherry, lemon juice, pecans, and a pinch of salt. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit overnight at room temperature. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, cloves, superfine sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the egg and mix until incorporated. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt just until combined. Don’t over mix! Add the fruits and nuts, including any liquid in the bowl. Divide the dough in half and place each half on the long edge of a 12 by 18-inch piece of parchment or waxed paper. Roll each half into a log, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4-inch thick, making an 18-inch-long roll. Refrigerate the dough for several hours, or until firm. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. With a small, sharp knife, cut the logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place the slices 1/2-inch apart on ungreased sheet pans and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden.

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OUT AT WORK

FOR THIS TEACHER THE MATH DOESN’T ADD UP 24

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By Laura Philips Photo by John Altdorfer Growing up in the small rural, conservative town of Somerset, Pennsylvania, Brad Ankney was raised to believe that it was wrong to be gay. He will tell you that he always knew that there was something different about him, but it wasn’t until fifteen years ago when he walked into a bar and met his partner that he realized that he wasn’t alone. Brad will tell you it was love at first sight. In fact, Brad’s eyes will light up at the first mention of his partner, and maybe even well up with some tears. “He’s like the rock in my life.” Brad says. And, he adds that his partner is the first person that he ever felt like he could truly be himself with. Unfortunately, his employer doesn’t agree. After twelve years of working at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit as a math teacher, he is suing them because they will not offer his partner health benefits. In fact, they will hardly even entertain a conversation. Brad claims that the AIU is in violation of the Pennsylvania Equal Rights Amendment, and the Allegheny County Human Relations Act of 2009 which asserts that prejudice cannot be shown towards people based on sexual orientation. Brad was told by the AIU that the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium, through which they buy their insurance, was responsible for not allowing domestic partner benefits. But when Brad spoke with the Consortium, he found that they do offer benefits in many other school districts throughout the county including Upper St. Clair, Keystone Oaks, Allegheny Valley, Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School, West Mifflin Area and Fox Chapel Area, as well as the Community College of Allegheny County. “It’s a very simple concept” Brad says,

“I have always believed in fairness, and it’s gotten me into a lot of trouble” he adds with a laugh. It’s also gotten him into a lot of good. Brad works with at risk youth at the AIU’s Alternative Education Program and does tutoring after school at Gwen’s Girls. He is on the Board of Directors of the Allegheny YMCA on the North Side and is a Board Watch volunteer for A+ Schools. It is clear that Brad’s heart for children and youth who have been pushed to the fringes of society based on their economic and social status has been inspired, in part, by his own experiences. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming and regardless of the outcome, Brad feels like he has won either way. In his personal life, he has never felt more connected or more supported and believes that raising awareness is the first step in the right direction. Coming out at work has certainly been a struggle, but it’s also brought him into closer community to those around him. The Friends of Brad Ankney plan on hand-delivering a petition to the AIU in the near future. Please sign his petition by visiting MoveOn.org.

AFTER TWELVE YEARS OF WORKING AT THE ALLEGHENY INTERMEDIATE UNIT AS A MATH TEACHER, HE IS SUING THEM BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT OFFER HIS PARTNER HEALTH BENEFITS. IN FACT, THEY WILL HARDLY EVEN ENTERTAIN A CONVERSATION.

Equa lMa ga z ine.org

ALLY

Everything I ever needed to know, I learned from

Mister

Rogers

By Johnna A. Pro Photo by Bill Altdorfer In his new seventh floor office overlooking the city’s South Side, Bill Isler leans back to tell a story, one that illustrates all he has espoused in a four-decade career as educator, child advocate, and keeper of the legacy of Mister Rogers. As the story goes, Bill was running late to an awards ceremony for a Pittsburgh teenager who was named the Boys and Girls Clubs national Youth of the Year. He found himself in the back of the room standing next to Congressman Mike Doyle. Bill recalls Congressman Doyle telling him, “Wait ‘til you hear this kid speak. I heard him in Washington; I knew he would be the winner.” And so Bill listened. The teen spoke of a childhood in Boston marred by domestic violence, a broken home, parental abandonment and erratic foster care 26

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before he was adopted at the age of eight by a Pittsburgh couple and brought to the city to live. It was a modern tale of the tragic, not likely to have a happy ending.

groundbreaking work in children’s television continues today through The Fred Rogers Company where Bill serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.

But in a home filled with love and patience and kindness – a home created by a lesbian couple - this child whose future seemed so uncertain just a decade earlier grew into a young adult setting a standard for his peers in scholastics, athletics and community service.

“Everyone is uniquely different. Fred’s message was that all children want to be loved and know they can love.”

“At the end he said, ‘I can’t thank my two moms enough,’” Bill recalled, a wave of emotion sweeping across his face. As he tells this story on a bright autumn day, Bill is in schoolteacher mode sharing it as a lesson in the powerful yet simple message often lost in the heated debate about gay rights, gay marriage and the modern family. Every person’s desire – certainly every child’s desire – is to be loved and accepted. It is a philosophy taught to three generations of youngsters by the late Fred Rogers, whose

For children in general and Pittsburgh children in particular, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was the make-believe world where it was safe to explore real life situations literally from birth to death. Without a doubt Fred Rogers was the show’s heart and soul, but it is behind-thescenes players like Bill who today strive to keep his message alive not just for children, but for adults who have lost touch with their inner child. “Those qualities that are childlike, for some reason, adults have let that go.” Truth be told, Bill is media shy, and despite numerous public accolades, he has always preferred to work quietly and without fanfare

“Fred used the media to let children know that everyone can be accepted as a unique person. At the heart of it, everybody has the desire to be accepted.” on behalf of children and Fred Rogers’ legacy. But his dual role – at The Fred Rogers’ Company and as a member of the Pittsburgh School Board – puts him in the center of the city’s business and political circles, so it is only natural that people are curious about what he thinks about issues such as gay rights and diversity. “I’m not out front on these issues. But I have tremendous respect for Gary Van Horn and what the Delta Foundation does for the city. They’ve been able to work with elected officials; they’ve been able to work with business leaders; they’ve been able to work with the community; and they have been able to talk about justice and equality.” It is, as Bill sees it, a conversation in which people can learn from each other if they put aside childish behavior for a childlike curiosity to learn, explore and understand. “We have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. Equality and justice for all people have to be there if we are to be a civilized democracy. Exclusion is wrong.”

In the grown-up world in which we live, such concepts can be heady considering today’s debates occur in places like the United States Supreme Court and state legislatures across the country.The oft times heated debate is usually wrapped in the mantle of legalese or religious fervor much of which is too complex for children. But Bill’s work is a reminder to all that the basic global message isn’t any different from the one delivered by the soft-spoken, sweater-clad Fred Rogers. Preschoolers sitting cross-legged in front of black and white televisions were enamored with this gentle man in sneakers who assured them they were special. “Fred used the media to let children know that everyone can be accepted as a unique person. At the heart of it, everybody has the desire to be accepted.” That message is one that is worth sharing, and in this modern media world, Bill now spends his days finding ways to deliver it to

the next generation of children through new programming and on ever-changing, high-tech devices. Still, Bill is a man who appreciates simplicity, and his business card is a reminder that lowtech can deliver the Fred Rogers’ message quite well to adults who need a gentle reminder. While the front of his card has all the important information required of a corporate executive, the back of his card is where one finds a list of life lessons taught by Mister Rogers that are as relevant today as they ever were. Wonder about things. Accept people as they are. Look and listen carefully. We all have feelings. Ask a lot of questions. Haircuts don’t hurt. Teach by example. Feed the fish. Be yourself. Share. Play. Love.

Equa lMa ga z ine.org

EVENTS

What’s Gay and Goin’ on?

Gay for Good’s Pillowcase Decorating Party for Children’s Hospital

Photos by G. Michael Beigay Comedy at @Cruze Bar with Dana Goldberg

Healing the Hurt Conference@Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Persad 5K Run & Fun Walk@North Park Boat House

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G2H2 @ Cavo

Equal Launch Party @ Spin

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz Labor-Gay Meet & Greet photos by Mara Rago

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FEATURE

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (A Sing-along for just us girls)

By Chrissy Costa

On the first day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: A pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the second day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 2 tickets to TransSiberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

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On the sixth day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 6 pictures of her cat in a Santa hat under a tree, 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts, 4 male-on-male porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the third day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 3 organic omelets (from free-range chickens, of course) 2 tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

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On the fifth day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts (‘cause she clearly thought I was someone else), 4 male-on-male porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to TransSiberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the fourth day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 4 male-on-male porn DVDs (because what lesbian doesn’t love that?!) 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the seventh day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 7 mini bottles of tequila that we’ll be chuggin’ (the day she finally meets my family), 6 pictures of her cat in a Santa hat under a tree, 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts, 4 male-on-male porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to TransSiberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the tenth day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 10 accusations, followed by a drawn out conversation…because we found out we shared an ex, 9 shiny things called tools, an 8 candle-lit Menorah, 7 mini bottles of tequila that we’ll be chuggin’, 6 pictures of her cat in a Santa hat under a tree, 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts, 4 male-onmale porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the eighth day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: an 8 candle-lit Menorah (to remind me that she’s Jewish), 7 mini bottles of tequila that we’ll be chuggin’, 6 pictures of her cat in a Santa hat under a tree, 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts, 4 male-on-male porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the ninth day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 9 shiny things called tools, an 8 candle-lit Menorah, 7 mini bottles of tequila that we’ll be chuggin’, 6 pictures of her cat in a Santa hat under a tree, 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts, 4 male-on-male porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: 11 pounds of fresh guacamole to make up for an argument that was unruly, 10 accusations, followed by a drawn out conversation…because we found out we shared an ex, 9 shiny things called tools, an 8 candle-lit Menorah, 7 mini bottles of tequila that we’ll be chuggin’, 6 pictures of her cat in a Santa hat under a tree, 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts, 4 male-on-male porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to TransSiberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my lesbian lover gave to me: A 2nd date and 12 minutes to pack for our wedding in DC (‘cause she realized how awesome I am when medicated), 11 pounds of fresh guacamole to make up for an argument that was unruly, 10 accusations, followed by a drawn out conversation…because we found out we shared an ex, 9 shiny things called tools, an 8 candle-lit Menorah, 7 mini bottles of tequila that we’ll be chuggin’, 6 pictures of her cat in a Santa hat under a tree, 5 fuzzy sweaters with attached belts, 4 male-on-male porn DVDs, 3 organic omelets, 2 tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and a pair of camo pants wrapped in loose leaf tea. THE END

WAIT… Why are there so many days of Christmas? Nobody was actually married as a result of this song. Good luck singing “the twelfth day of Christmas” if you have a lisp… Happy Holidays!!

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TRAVEL

Give the

gift of

By Rick Sicilio Need some ideas on what to get your partner, a family member or some friends this holiday season? Does the idea of fighting the crowds at your local mall scare you more than the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come? Are you afraid that your gift budget will once again take off faster than Santa on Christmas Eve? If you are looking for that special gift that will go down in history, along with Rudolph, look no further. Give the gift of travel this year! Fortunately, traditional travel agents are here to help! Most agents will be able to talk to you either in person or over the phone and gather some basic information about your ideas and then get back to you with suggested destinations and travel packages. The first step is to sit down and figure out the

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Travel details: Who? What? Where? When? and How Much?

Who: Make sure that the person you are gifting would really enjoy the gift. You should know the person well enough to be certain that the travel choice you make will be not only appropriate, but also enticing. Providing this information to a travel agent will assist in matching the person to the correct trip. What: Decide upon the type of trip that you think your giftee would enjoy. Whether it would be a cruise, weekend get-away, or an international excursion, your travel agent will be able to provide suggestions for different types of travel. Where: As it’s been said before, it’s all about location, location, location! Just be sure that you don’t send a snow bunny to the desert – it

won’t end well. Trust me.

When: Timing is everything, especially when you’re planning a trip. Check to see when the “peak” travel times are for a specific destination. There are many options from which to choose – a weekend getaway, a cruise, or an extended vacation. Make sure that you know in advance of any scheduled events, so there won’t be a scheduling conflict. If you don’t know when would be a good time, you can always pre-purchase flights, tours, or trips through a trusted travel agent. That way, the trip can be scheduled whenever convenient. How Much: The cost of each individual trip varies according to what it contains. Just be sure that you know the refund policy and possible fees to make changes, if you are booking directly with a venue or company.

These fees can be substantial and surprising – so make sure you ask questions and read the fine print. Traditional travel agents are a wealth of information and will be able to provide suggestions and ideas for any type of trip. Gift certificates are one of the ways that making the gift of travel easy and trouble free. Many travel agencies are able to allow customers prepay a trip for family or friends and issue a certificate for that amount. The recipient of the certificate can then contact the travel agent and schedule the trip at their leisure. This seems to be the most convenient way for not only the gifter to provide a great gift, but also the giftee to get the type of trip customized to their liking. All you need to do is sit back and let the agent work their travel magic. According to surveys by Lonely Planet, these are the best gay friendly venues world-wide: Top 5 Gay Friendly Cities Worldwide: San Francisco, CA; Sydney, Australia; Brighton, England; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Prague, Czech Republic

Top 5 Gay Friendly Cities in the United States: San Francisco, CA; New York City, NY; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Seattle, WA; Providence, RI Top Gay Friendly Cruise Lines/Companies: Atlantis; RSVP; Olivia; Celebrity; Norwegian; Royal Caribbean In this age of tech savvy travelers, many people wish to investigate and book trips themselves using online sites. Some of the most popular sites such as Orbitz and Expedia are generally user friendly and can offer travel deals due to contracts made with certain venues. Prices for flights, however, are subject to what the airlines decide to charge – no deals there unless you book with mileage points. Travel agents will typically inform their clients to use Trip Advisor, the online site that issues comments, compliments and complaints from actual travelers. Venues are then given a rating so that consumers can gather information based upon actual travelers. Remember, though, if you wish to book a trip on your own, you are

responsible from start to finish for planning the perfect trip. No pressure, though. After all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, a New Years’ Getaway sounds pretty good, right? I thought so. Condé Nast has some great recommendations for trips around the country to ring in the New Year. From the East: Quebec City, Quebec, for that authentically French flavor; From the South: Savannah, Georgia for art lovers or lovers in general; From the Midwest: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for an urban-rustic playground; and From the West: Palm Springs, California, for a taste of that California sunshine. So don’t let your chestnuts roast over an open fire wondering what type of presents to buy, give the gift of travel this year for everyone on your holiday gift list. Now the tough part – who is on the naughty list and who is on the nice list?

Equa lMa ga z ine.org

FEATURE

Downtown Holiday Markets

offer Unique Local Gifts By Stacey Federoff As the weather gets colder and snow starts to swirl around the skyscrapers downtown, a number of events and artists’ markets are set to enhance the holiday atmosphere in the Golden Triangle this year. Curated to include many local artists who create one-of-a-kind items from hand-bound journals and Pittsburgh-centric stationery to

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steel ornaments and Himalayan felted hats, the markets are meant to complement those warm holiday feelings. “We really wanted to offer an alternative to the hecticness of the traditional holiday shopping experience,” says Leigh White, spokeswoman for Downtown Pittsburgh Partnership hosting the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square.

The market, in its second year, is set to expand by more than twice the size, now including booths featuring Wendell August Forge, Kathe Wohlfahrt traditional German ornaments, and fresh-cut trees and greens. “For someone who lives in River Vue to buy a live Christmas tree and walk it back to their apartment adds breadth to the neighborhood and incredible warmth to the market,” Leigh says.

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4 While the Market Square vendors focus on ethnic gift ideas throughout December, another day-long market features a more do-it-yourself atmosphere. In its tenth year, Handmade Arcade welcomes 150 vendors on December 7 to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center with about half from the Pittsburgh area as young as highschool age, says co-organizer Jennifer Baron. “It’s important to support the one-of-a-kind, the handmade,” she says. “There’s always something you don’t quite expect.” Now the market is also hosting workshops for visitors wanting to learn the crafting techniques themselves called Hands-On Handmade with drop-in, short and day-long interactive programs, demonstrations and tutorials. The vendors are a mixture of fun, quirky and cool, which attracted artist Jeff Brunner to the market for the first time this year.

“I wanted to be a part of that, have that energy and be in the atmosphere,” he says. Many of Jeff’s drawings are whimsical animals and colorful drawings of people, which all started with a children’s alphabet book idea when his niece was born three years ago. The 37-year-old gay artist from Brighton Heights says he is looking forward to interacting with people who enjoy his art and for feedback beyond his partner and friends. “That is a really exciting thing, to have those exchanges and conversations,” Jeff says. Just a few blocks away at 709 Penn Gallery, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has also gathered about 30 artists to showcase their wares through January 5th. In its second year, the Craftsman’s Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Market transforms the gallery, normally set for stark artists’ solo

exhibits, says curator Sonja Sweterlitsch. “(The gallery) changes its identity a little but during these couple months,” she says. The Craftsman’s Guild, founded in 1944, selects participants through a jury process. “Their artwork is really extraordinary and diverse and shows a high level of craftsmanship that anyone can appreciate was finely and skillfully made,” Sonja says. No matter which Downtown holiday market you choose, supporting locally made art is one way to give personal, unique gifts during the holidays.

Handmade Arcade

Saturday, December 8 11 AM-7 PM David Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd. handmadearcade.com

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Craftsman’s Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Artist Market

November 15-January 5 Wednesdays and Thursdays 11 AM-6 PM Fridays and Saturdays 11 AM-8 PM Sundays 11 AM-5 PM 709 Penn Gallery

Peoples Gas Holiday Market

November 23- December 23 Mondays to Thursdays 11 AM-8 PM Fridays and Saturdays 11 AM-9:30 PM Sundays 11 AM-6 PM Market Square downtownpghholidays.com

1. Don Jones, reused-mixed media robot sculptures; Craftman’s Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Market 2. Celest Michelotti, 18kt yellow gold and aquamarine ring. Craftman’s Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Market

3.Robert Clegg, glass mosaic. Craftman’s Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Market 4. Clothing by malagueta, Philadelphia-based designer Rachel Sherman, at Handmade Arcade. malagueta will be featured on December 7th, 2013. www.malaguetahandmade.com 5. Upcycled Designs by Pittsburgh-based artist Jen Primack on sale at Handmade Arcade, 2012. Photo by Joey Kennedy. Upcycled Designs will be featured on December 7th, 2013. www.upcycleddesigns.com 6. Pittsburgh-based artist Kim Fox of Worker Bird at her vendor table at Handmade Arcade. Worker Bird will be featured on December 7th, 2013. workerbird.com 7. Prints, posters and artwork by Pittsburghbased strawberryluna at Handmade Arcade. strawberryluna will be featured on December 7th, 2013. Photos by Joey Kennedy. www.strawberryluna.com 8. Toys for sale at Handmade Arcade. Photo by Joey Kennedy. (rabbit zombie photo artist unknown)

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We’re all in this together.

We work better when all of us work together. Inclusion means every person is valued, and all contributions are welcomed. At UPMC, inclusion begins with a core belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect. UPMC Center for Inclusion inspires a culture of collaboration throughout our company and within the communities we serve, all based on the simple idea that inclusion matters — to all of us, every day.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

GIVING

THE GAYEST GIFTS EVER! By Joe Corcoran

The holidays are on the horizon and everyone is filling the malls looking to purchase this year’s hottest seasonal gifts – from the latest high tech gadgets, to winter 2014’s fashion trends. But what if the X-Box One and new bag collection from Michael Kors aren’t in your budget range? Whether you celebrate ChristmaKwanzakkah or simply like to partake in the joys of the season, these inexpensive LGBT gifts are sure to make someone’s year happy and gay!

Snuffy the seal may not have survived shark week, but he’s forever immortalized in this year’s limited-edition holiday ornament from the Human Rights Campaign. For only $39 this ‘Seal of Equality’ can adorn your special someone’s tree this holiday season! shop.hrc.org

If it seems like all that’s available in the local card shops are generic greetings and gifts, check out Teazled, an LGBT greeting card company, that offers an assortment of holiday cards and gifts that would be perfect for your LGBT loved ones! teazled.com

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If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, the Family Equality Council has its own line of clothing. familyequality.org

Think equality. From an assortment of liquors, to high end health and beauty products, the Human Rights Campaign’s buyers guide showcases dozens of LGBT friendly businesses from which to buy budget friendly gifts: hrc.org/ apps/buyersguide

Give EQUAL Receive Joy

subscribe here

deltafoundation.us/equal-magazine

These couples’ tees are an adorable and creative way to spread love and awareness this holiday season: hisandhis.net

6 From “Scrooge & Marley,” a 2012 remake of “A Christmas Carol,” to the corny classic, “Make the Yuletide Gay,” an assortment of LGBTthemed Christmas movies are available for purchase on Amazon.com.

Not every present has to come wrapped up in a bow. Share the gift of music this year by purchasing tickets to the Renaissance City Choir’s annual holiday concert. 7:30 p.m., December 14th at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. $10-50

Is your special someone somewhat forgetful? Stick with the basics this year and pick up a 2014 calendar. From Lady Gaga to Hunk of the Month, there’s a calendar out there for everyone.

7 Forget the fruitcake and candy canes. Spice up this year’s stocking stuffers with these quirky holiday themed condoms and lube available at undercovercondoms.com

If holiday commercialism just isn’t your thing, perhaps consider making a charitable donation on their behalf. After all, it is the season of giving!

A subscription to Equal magazine is the gift that keeps on giving all year long. To subscribe, visit deltafoundation.us/ equal-magazine

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380

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Persad Center 5150 Penn Ave.

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East Liberty Presbyterian Church H hland Hig a 116 S. Highland Ave

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Donny’s Place Leather Central 1226 Herron Ave

Pittsburgh Opera 2425 Liberty Ave.

Pittsburgh Public Theater 621 Penn Ave

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941 & Tilden 941 Liberty Ave

The Warhol 117 Sandusky St

Real Luck Cafe 1519 Penn Ave

279

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