PGN Jan. 5-11

pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976

Vol. 42 No. 1

Philadelphia FIGHT to start pediatrics program

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Jan. 5-11, 2018

Family Portrait: Dan Vetrano starts the year with a chuckle PAGE 23

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Meal Prep 101 for better eating habits in 2018

’Tis the season for all things indoors, any way you look at it PAGE 21

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Trans woman charged 12th Street Gym’s future uncertain under with assaulting firenew owners of building long as it can and still be ecoBy Timothy Cwiek fighter nomically viable,” Baer said. timothy@epgn.com

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

Kate Lynn Blatt, a trans woman who achieved a landmark civil-rights ruling, was incarcerated last week after an altercation with a Pottsville firefighter.

Blatt, 36, faces felony and misdemeanor charges, including aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

The incident occurred Dec. 23, after firefighters responded to reports of a fire at a property owned by Blatt.

Blatt emphatically denies the charges. She told PGN she acted in self-defense after a Pottsville firefighter touched her breast inappropriately, then other firefighters assaulted her.

“They had me pinned to the ground for 20 minutes. One of them put his boot on my head at my neck. Another pushed my head down into dirt.

Somebody spit in my hair. Another one reached under my clothing to see if I had a penis.”

Pottsville police arrived, placed Blatt under arrest and impounded her vehicle — even though a friend offered to drive it away, she said. Blatt claimes that personal belongings and money subsequently were stolen from her vehicle.

Firefighters misgendered Blatt during the incident and police officers failed to give her a Miranda warning, she added.

Blatt was denied access to a female section of Schuylkill County Prison during her fourday incarceration. A prison staffer allegedly told her: “You’re not a woman if you have a swinging dick,” according to Blatt.

But Blatt said that, to her relief, other inmates treated her kindly, getting her a wool blanket and placing a phone call to her mother at her request.

“The prisoners took care of me,” she said. “I had a Christmas miracle.”

On Dec. 27, a $25,000 bond was posted, paving the way for Blatt’s release. An arraignment is tentatively set for 9:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Schuylkill County Court House in Pottsville, she said.

Last year, Blatt received a landmark ruling in her civil-rights suit against Cabela’s Inc. when a federal judge said anti-trans bias is forbidden under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Blatt’s case subsequently was settled for an undisclosed amount of money. n

The fate of 12th Street Gym remained unclear this week as lease negotiations were ongoing with new owners of the building.

Located at 202-204 S. 12th St., the gym has been a well-known presence in the Gayborhood for three decades. Advocates say thousands of LGBT people use the facility to stay fit and healthy. But last month, New York-based developer Midwood Management Corp. purchased the building that houses the gym and 25 other tenants.

This week, gym co-owner Frank Baer said efforts were underway to establish a longterm lease with Midwood.

“These negotiations are very important to us,” Baer told PGN. “They’ll determine the future of the gym. We’re keeping all inter-

A post on the gym’s Facebook page states: “All membership contracts will be honored and we appreciate your patience during this process. We expect to have more specifics for you in the coming weeks.”

A spokesperson for Midwood Management Corp. couldn’t be reached for comment.

Casarez mural a source of concern

LOUIS ORTIZ SPEAKS AT THE DEDICATION OF THE CASAREZ MURAL ON THE WALL OF 12TH STREET GYM IN OCT. 2015 Photo: Scott A. Drake

ested parties informed. As soon as we get more information, they’ll be notified.”

Baer said a sharp increase in property taxes — along with the imposition of code upgrades by

the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections — have taken a toll on the gym’s financial situation.

“We’re doing the best we can to have the gym continue for as

An exterior wall of the building housing the gym displays a mural of Gloria Casarez, a local LGBT icon.

Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, said the mural cannot be transferred to another location for reinstallation. She said the mural PAGE 8 was painted

Local lawyer attends Irish senator’s wedding

By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com

WATER OF LIFE: Pastor BJ Tillman (left) and the Rev. Jeffrey Haskins share history and libations during the annual Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 30 at William Way LGBT Community Center. The weeklong observance focused on the sixth principle, creativity, as seven poets, writers, singers and musicians shared their original works.

Sisters with Hands (far right) were part of the celebratory evening, leading the opening procession and continuing throughout the event. About 50 people braved the frigid temperatures to attend. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Jim Pavlock, a lawyer based in Center City, told PGN about the wedding he attended last weekend. The civil ceremony was between Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer and his long-term partner, Conchobar Ó Laoghaire.

“It was one of the nicest ceremonies I have ever attended,” the 59-year-old said.

The Dec. 29 ceremony took place at the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork City, Ireland, and the reception was held in the Rochestown Park Hotel in the city.

Pavlock met the high-profile Buttimer and Laoghaire at the White Wind Inn in Provincetown about 10 years ago. He said the couple visits his home in Fairmount each year before heading to Provincetown. He also vacations with them in Sitges, Spain.

Pavlock wasn’t just a guest at this wedPAGE 7 ding; he also performed

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

Resource listings Legal resources • ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215-592-1513; aclupa.org • AIDS Law Project of PA: 215-587-9377; aidslawpa.org • AIDS Law Project of South Jersey: 856-784-8532; aidslawsnj.org/ • Equality PA: equalitypa. org; 215-731-1447

• Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations — Rue Landau: 215-686-4670 • Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-7603686; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com • SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-920-9537

• Office of LGBT Affairs — Amber Hikes: 215-686-0330; amber.hikes@phila.gov

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.

• LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania; 3907 Spruce

St.; 215-898-5044, center@dolphin.upenn.edu.

• Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center

Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

• William Way LGBT Community Center

FIGHT to launch pediatrics program in February

By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com A local health-services organization will soon begin to address the needs of the area’s younger patients.

Philadelphia FIGHT is set to launch its Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center next month. Patients will be able to take advantage of same-day appointments, routine checkups, sick visits, physicals, immunizations, an onsite social worker and benefits coordinator and mental-health screenings.

“The Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center at Philadelphia FIGHT is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, primary care to address the physical, emotional and sexual health needs of inner-city children and youth from birth through age 13, regardless of ability to pay,” the website’s description reads. “We recognize that inner-city children have unique needs and deserve the highest quality of care.”

Dr. Mario Cruz, a board-certified pediatrician, will take the lead as medical director of the new program, which will be located on the fifth floor of FIGHT, at 1207 Chestnut St. Cruz previously worked as an academic pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital for

Children for nine years.

“Oftentimes, people are stuck in a situation where they have to choose to take care of themselves or take care of their child,” Cruz said. “If you have a visit with your own doctor in one part of the city and your pediatrician in another part, something has to give. You can’t do those both in the same

“By building pediatric services here at FIGHT, we have the opportunity to decrease the burden of healthcare on families so they can get everything at one site.” date. So, by building pediatric services here at FIGHT, we have the opportunity to decrease the burden of healthcare on families so they can get everything at one site.”

In addition to providing medical services, Cruz is also collaborating with architects to renovate the new facilities. The floor will include six gender-inclusive restrooms and colorful kid-friendly PAGE 6

1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org.

Health and HIV testing • Action Wellness: 1216 Arch St.; 215981-0088, actionwellness.org

• AIDS Library:

1233 Locust St.; aidslibrary.org/

• AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800-6626080

• Bebashi-Transition to Hope: 1235 Spring Garden St.; 215769-3561; bebashi.org

• COLOURS: coloursorganization.org, 215832-0100 • Congreso de Latinos Unidos;

216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870

• GALAEI: 149 W. Susquehanna Ave.; 267-457-3912, galaei.org. Spanish/ English

• Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad

St.; 215-685-1821

• Mazzoni Center:

1348 Bainbridge St.; 215-563-0652, mazzonicenter.org

• Philadelphia FIGHT: 1233 Locust St.; 215-985-4448, fight.org

• Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center:

1201 Locust St.; 215985-9206

• Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207

Other • Independence Branch Library Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection: 215-685-1633 • Independence Business Alliance; 215-557-0190, IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com

• LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK • PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 • Philly Pride Presents: 215-875-9288

Judge: Lawsuit settled, despite gay litigant’s protest

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A federal judge last week ruled that an antibias lawsuit filed by Thomas Vandergrift has been settled, despite the plaintiff’s protests that he never signed a settlement agreement.

Vandergrift, a South Philadelphia gay man, filed suit against Pennsauken School District in 2012, after district officials reported him to New Jersey authorities as a suspected child molester. The reports subsequently were determined to be unfounded.

Vandergrift claimed district officials violated his civil rights and retaliated against him after he advocated for a proper education for his autistic nephew. He requested a federal jury trial in Camden.

But on Dec. 22, U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider ruled the case was settled orally during a court proceeding in October.

Vandergrift didn’t attend the proceeding, but was connected via an overseas phone call.

In court papers, Vandergrift argued he couldn’t hear the proceeding clearly due to a faulty phone connection. He also cited other reasons to dispute that a settlement was finalized, including the lack of a signed agreement.

But Schneider said a valid settlement

agreement between the parties didn’t require Vandergrift’s signature.

“The settlement was not contingent on a written agreement even though it is true the parties contemplated a written agreement would be signed,” Schneider opined.

“If [Vandergrift] or his attorney wanted the settlement to be contingent on a signed release, they should have said so.”

According to a settlement agreement that’s included in Schneider’s ruling, $215,000 will be paid to Vandergrift due to emotional distress he sustained. Medicaid must be notified about the payment and applicable taxes and legal fees also must be satisfied.

The judge also said Vandergrift appears to have “buyer’s remorse” about the $215,000 payment.

“What occurred here is a classic case of ‘buyer’s remorse.’ It is evident [Vandergrift] has second thoughts about the settlement amount he agreed to accept on October 19. Unfortunately for [Vandergrift], however, he is bound by his October 19 agreement. [He] cannot turn away from an agreed-upon settlement,” Schneider wrote.

Neither side had a comment for this story.

In court papers, Pennsauken School District officials denied any wrongdoing in the matter. n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

News & Opinion

10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words

Street Talk Transmissions 16 — International News 18 — News Briefing

Columns

8 — Body U: Meal

prepping guide 15 — Out Law: The year

in review

Arts & Culture

21 — Feature: Shows and

concerts this winter 23 — Family Portrait 25 — Scene in Philly 26 — Out & About 28 — Comic 29 — Q Puzzle

HAPPY NOON YEAR: Gina DelCorazon (left) and partner Ana take a moment away from the play and storytelling to enjoy the Philly Family Pride midday new year’s eve brunch for couples with small children. The party is scheduled so families can celebrate together without having to stay up until midnight or later.

The annual event was held Dec. 30 at William Way LGBT Community Center.

Election of board members finished off the brunch. For 2018, PFP will be led by chair Adam Podowitz-Thomas, vice-chair Nijah Newton-Famous, secretary Ruby Augustus and treasurer Gregory Hedler. Parents and prospective parents can gather more information about upcoming events at facebook.com/phillyfamilypride. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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

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~ Maureen McGuirk, on an upcoming LGBT couples summit in Haverford, page 6

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Creep of the Week: Trump’s GOP kicks off a new year of creep. Watch for The Donald to make regular appearances, again.

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

“It’s a place to talk about the unique issues for LGBT couples in an environment because everyone will have an understanding of those issues and get a way to come closer and build their relationship.”

Rufus Wainwright is set to perform a concert backed by the Philly POPS and Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Jan. 19 at the Kimmel Center.

Jeremy Rodriguez (ext. 206) jeremy@epgn.com

Interim Editor

Advertising Sales Joe Bean (ext. 219) joe@epgn.com

Brittany M. Wehner (ext. 215) brittany@epgn.com

Kyle Lamb (ext. 201) kyle@epgn.com

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com

Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) prab@epgn.com

Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

Art Director/ Photographer

Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com 267-736-6743 Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

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Out florist creates surprise art installations to make Philadelphians smile

By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com Marianna Coppola intended to make the citizens of Philadelphia smile, and plans to do so again through her artistry and design skills.

Coppola, a lesbian, has been creating art installations in surprise locations throughout the city. Her first work of art appeared in September in the East Passyunk Crossings area of South Philadelphia, where she and 10 others decorated a light pole with an assortment of colorful flowers.

“I wanted to create it in a place where people walk a lot,” the 40-year-old said. “On Passyunk Avenue, especially on a Saturday or Sunday on a beautiful day, there’s a lot of people walking by.

I just thought it would be nice for the community and to make people smile.”

Coppola took down the installation after four days because she did not want the flowers to die.

However, her mission to make others happy continued around

the holidays when she decorated the entire rail bridge on 10th and Spring Garden streets with her team.

“It’s not a very bright area,” Coppola said of the area. “It’s really sad at night and it’s really dark.”

To create a contrast with the darkness, Coppola and her team decorated the bridge with branches and lights, powered by a generator she purchased. She added that while the city typically has extravagant light fixtures around the holiday season, it is not the case for this area. To add that extra ingredient of cheer, Coppola created a sign that said “Happy Holidays” written above her company name, Creations by Coppola.

“At Creations by Coppola, we believe there is no greater artistic medium than fresh flowers,” the description for Coppola’s business reads on its website. “From the wild and vibrant, to the soft and romantic, we hope to endlessly inspire.”

Coppola, a native of Monte de Procida in Naples, Italy, received

a degree from the Flower School of New York before her career took off with her company.

These installations have also served a networking purpose for Coppola. She said she has received several new clients who called upon her services after they were impressed by her public designs “I thought it would be something different for people to talk about,” she said. “It’s a better way than putting my name on a magazine.

“They can see it live. [A magazine article can say] ‘She’s the greatest florist.’ But they don’t know.”

When asked why she does the extra work with these installations, Coppola’s answer is simple.

“Why not?” she said, adding that she likes to see people happy.

While Coppola took down her most recent work of art, she is already planning her next installation in the spring. She would not disclose details about the location or the design but teased about its overall nature.

“I’m going to have to get a per-

Photo: Creative Outfit

mit from the city for sure because there’s more traffic in that area.”

However, Coppola provided a few more tidbits about the artwork she has planned for the summer. She said this project will be on display in the Gayborhood, but

she still held back on details so as not to spoil the surprise.

“It’s going to be during a busy time. I can say that.” n For more of Marianna Coppola’s work, visit http://www.creationsbycoppola.com/.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

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2018 NOTICE OF STATED MEETINGS 2018 2018NOTICE NOTICEOF OFSTATED STATEDMEETINGS MEETINGS 2018 NOTICE OF STATED MEETINGS

The Philadelphia City Council will have its Regular Stated Meetings on the dates The Philadelphia Regular Stated thethe dates Philadelphia CityCouncil Council will haveits Regular Stated Meetings on dates listed below. All City meetings willwill be have held atits10:00 A.M. in Meetings Room 400on Hall, The Philadelphia City Council will have its Regular Stated Meetings onCity the dates listed below.

All meetings will be held at 10:00 A.M. in Room 400 City Hall, listed below.

All meetings will be held at 10:00 A.M. in Room 400 City Hall, except as notedAll below. listed below. meetings will be held at 10:00 A.M. in Room 400 City Hall, except except as as noted notedbelow. below. except as noted below.

Thursday, January 25, 2018 Thursday, January 2018 Thursday, February January25, 25, 2018 Thursday, 1, 2018 Thursday, January 25, 2018 Thursday, February 1, 2018 Thursday, February 1, 2018 Thursday, February 8, 2018 Thursday, February 1, 2018 Thursday, Thursday, February February8, 8,2018 2018 Thursday, February 15, 2018 Thursday, February 8, 2018 Thursday, February 15, 2018 Thursday, Thursday, February February22, 15,2018 2018 Thursday, February 15, Thursday, February 22, 2018 2018 Thursday, March 1, 2018 Thursday, February 22, 2018 Thursday, February 22, 2018 Thursday, March 1, 2018 Thursday, March 8, 2018 Thursday, March March8,1,2018 2018 Thursday, Thursday, March 1, 2018 Thursday, March 15, 2018 Thursday, March 8, 2018 Thursday, March 8, 2018 Thursday, March 15, 2018 Thursday, March 22, 2018 Thursday, March 15, 2018 Thursday, March 15, 2018 Thursday, March 22, 2018 Thursday, April 5, 2018 Thursday, 2018 Thursday, March March5,22, 22, 2018 Thursday, April 2018 Thursday, April 12, 2018 Thursday, April 5, 2018 Thursday, April 5, 2018 Thursday, April 12, 2018 Thursday, April 19, 2018 Thursday, Thursday, April April12, 12,2018 2018 Thursday, April 19, 2018 Thursday, April 26, 2018 Thursday, April 19, 2018 Thursday, April 19, 2018 Thursday, April3,26, 2018 Thursday, May 2018 Thursday, April 26, 2018 Thursday, May April 26, 2018 Thursday, Thursday, May 3, 10,2018 2018 Thursday, Thursday, May May3, 3,2018 2018 Thursday, May 10, 2018 Thursday, May May 10, 17, 2018 2018 Thursday, Thursday, May May17, 10,2018 2018 Thursday, Thursday, May 17, 2018 Thursday, May 17, 2018

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Havertown-based church offers LGBT Couples Workshop

By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com LGBT couples will receive support to strengthen their relationships during a free workshop in Havertown. St. James United Church of Christ will host its LGBT Couples Workshop, with lunch provided, on Jan. 20.

According to the event’s flyer, the workshop “will be a fun, meaningful and helpful day where there will be great takeaways for couples on how to communicate more effectively, ‘fight fair,’ and the importance of gratitude and appreciation in your relationship.

Our desire is to provide a place where your commitment to one another is celebrated and you feel safe and affirmed by just spending time with those who understand you and your story, because it is their story too.”

The Rev. Lynn Lampman, who is a lesbian, will oversee the workshop.

Maureen McGuirk, St. James’ ONA chairperson, noted that the church became open and affirming in 2014 and this workshop is part of that commitment. According to the church’s website, “Open and Affirming (ONA) is the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the UCC which make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.”

“One of the things we want to do is not just have an ONA statement on our website, but we also really want to live up to that commitment, and we want to continue to find ways to serve our community,” McGuirk said. “This was one of the things

COMMITTEE MEETINGS COMMITTEE 2018 NOTICE OF VACANTMEETINGS PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committee will meet in the Caucus Room, (Room The Vacant Property Review 401, City Hall) from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. the following dates:Room, (Room The Vacant Committee willon meet in theinCaucus The VacantProperty PropertyReview Review Committee will meet the Caucus Room, (Room 401, City from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. onmeet the dates:Room, The Vacant Property Review Committee will inthe thefollowing Caucus 401, CityHall) Hall) from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. onfollowing dates:(Room FIGHT from page 2 401, City Hall) from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on the following dates: designs.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Tuesday, July 10, 2018 “I want everybody to come in and feel Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Tuesday, July 10, 2018 welcome,” Cruz said. “If you’re a billionTuesday, January 13, 16,2018 2018 Tuesday, July 2018 Tuesday, February Tuesday, August 14,10, 2018 aire, if you have no money, if you’re gay, Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Tuesday, August 14, 2018 you’re straight — I want you to walk in and Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Tuesday, September 11,14, 2018 Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Tuesday, August 2018 feel like you belong there.”

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Cruz said there is a “huge need” for trauTuesday, March 13, 2018 Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Tuesday, April 10,13, 2018 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 11, 2018 ma-informed services. He works off the Tuesday, March 2018 Tuesday, September Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Tuesday, September 11, 2018 assumption that every patient or family who Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Tuesday, November 13, 2018 walks through FIGHT’s doors has been Tuesday, April Tuesday, October 9, 20189, 2018 Tuesday, April10, 10,2018 2018 Tuesday, October through some type of life obstacle. This can Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Tuesday, December 11, 2018 include poverty and violence but also the Tuesday, May 8,8,2018 Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Tuesday, May 2018 Tuesday, November 13, 2018 financial and emotional issues same-sex couTuesday, June 12, 2018 Tuesday, December 11, 2018 ples experience when trying to have children.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Tuesday, December 11, 2018 “By the time they come to see me, they Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Tuesday, December 11, 2018 have been through a lot just to walk through that door. I recognize that, and my job is to give those families a little bit more TLC.” Cruz said he also intends to collect data SUSIE D. JARMON, CHAIRWOMAN on patient wait times and that if families are Vacant Property Review Committee SUSIE D. JARMON, CHAIRWOMAN not seen within a reasonable time frame, he Vacant Property Review Committee SUSIE D. JARMON, CHAIRWOMAN will lead charges to revise interoffice proVacant Property Review Committee SUSIE D. JARMON, CHAIRWOMAN cesses.

“There’s no reason in the world why anyVacant Property Review Committee

that the church leadership brainstormed.”

Lampman previously attended couples workshops with her wife but said they were not particularly sympathetic to the unique challenges of LGBT couples, McGuirk said.

“When you go to a place to work on your relationship, the best way to be able to do that is to feel completely comfortable,” McGuirk added. “I think it will be a unique resource for couples in our area to be able to come and be with other couples who have similar experiences.”

She said being around other LGBT couples will also create a supportive environment.

“It’s a place to talk about the unique issues for LGBT couples in an environment because everyone will have an understanding of those issues and get a way to come closer and build their relationship.”

McGuirk also called the workshop a “unique experience.”

“It’s something that they can get that might not have been available to them before. There’s a point for everyone to work on their relationship. It’s not just for people who are struggling. Relationships take work. You always hear that and that’s true for all relationships. It’s important to continue working on it. That’s something that couples sometimes let go. We all get busy in our lives. We don’t always take time to work on our relationship, so it’s a unique resource.” n The LGBT Couples Workshop will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 20 at St. James United Church of Christ, 135 Myrtle Ave., Havertown.

Registration is required by contacting pastor@ stjamesucc.org or 610-446-3036 by Jan. 13.

one should be in our office for more than 90 minutes for a visit. I know two hours is standard for a lot of places but that seems ludicrous to me. You’re only seeing me for 15 minutes, maybe 20. So why would you be in the office for an hour and a half?”

Cruz grew up in the South Bronx in New York City, which he said had high levels of drug use and crime. He said that after he got into medical school, he fell in love with St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, where he served his residency before working full-time.

“I knew that if I went there for my residency training in Philadelphia, I could learn what I needed to do to be an effective advocate for kids,” he said.

Cruz called his new position at FIGHT a “dream come true.”

“I know what it’s like to grow up in a difficult situation so I said that if I ever get a chance to do something, I’m going to make sure I help kids who grew up like me.” n For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2CBG6Ya. To set up an appointment after the program’s launch, email pediatrics@fight.org.

CITY COUNCIL

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two piano solos: Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 140” and O’Carolan’s Concerto.

The Philadelphia resident noted the atmosphere of the event, which included traditional Irish music and a hand-binding ceremony to symbolize their union.

“You walk into the place in a very happy mood not only because two people were getting married but because this represented something much bigger,” Pavlock said.

Buttimer came out in 2012 in conjunction with his announcement as chairperson for the Fine Gael lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group. The group led efforts to campaign for a “yes” vote in Ireland’s marriage-equality referendum.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner at the time, Buttimer noted his reasons for coming out.

“I am a TD who just happens to be gay — it is just one little composition of the story that is me and I will continue to be the politician I was yesterday.

“I have got great support from my family and friends and from the wider community.

I’m a politician. I’m a gay person, it’s a part of me, it is not who I am.”

He also pointed out why LGBT people choose not to come out.

“There is a multiplicity of reasons and causes that allows us to get to the point in our lives where we decide to make a decision whether to come out or to stay hidden.

This group, and my decision, will, hopefully, be a footnote in the history of integration and inclusion.

“I think we need to have an honest debate about gay-marriage equality. Polls show nearly three in four people in [favor] of gay marriage. What heartened me was

the acceptance of civil partnership — the world hasn’t ended. It has been a huge benefit to many couples. I’ve always viewed civil partnership as being a stepping stone, a platform from which to build gay marriage.”

Buttimer’s decision to come out ultimately became a footnote when same-sex marriage was legalized in Ireland Nov. 16, 2015.

Other guests at the wedding included Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his partner Matthew Barrett, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his wife Fionnuala, Tanaiste Simon Coveney and his wife Ruth, and Dr. James Reilly and his wife Dorothy.

Pavlock noted that the highly anticipated event was well-attended and that guests witnessed a piece of history.

“It represented something,” Pavlock said of the high attendance numbers. “This is why we did it — because two people could

get married publicly and it’s a new Ireland.

Ireland is amazing. They have come so far in the last 20 years. The whole ceremony felt good because Jerry’s marriage to Conor was a product of this whole marriage referendum.”

Buttimer told the Irish Sun about his thoughts on the big day.

“I’m delighted — I am becoming one with the man I love and adore.

“To all of you who have traveled on my and our journey, a sincere heartfelt ‘thank you.’ Ain’t no mountain high enough.

“I am very happy that as a country we can now allow all of us to get married.

“I’m so proud not just for myself and Conchobar but also for the Ireland we live in today.

“This is such a special day for us both.”

The new husbands are currently vacationing in Paris for their honeymoon. n

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.

CITY COUNCIL

C I T YPennsylvania CPhiladelphia O U NGay CNews I Lwww.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018 Philadelphia, 19107-3290 C I T Y C O U N C IL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 2018 NOTICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 REVIEW CCOMMITTEE I T Y C OMEETINGS UNCIL 2018 NOTICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2018 NOTICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY REVIEW The Economic Opportunity Review Committee, established and constituted 2018 NOTICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS pursuant to Phila. Code § COMMITTEE 17-1607 and Resolution No. 120184, will meet in City MEETINGS Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times: 2018 NOTICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY REVIEW The Economic Opportunity Review Committee, established and constituted MEETINGS pursuant to Phila.Opportunity Code § COMMITTEE 17-1607 and Committee, Resolution No. 120184, will in City The Economic Review established and meet constituted The Economic Review Committee, established andtimes: constituted Council Chambers (Room Cityand Hall) on the following dates and pursuant to Phila.Opportunity Code § 400, 17-1607 Resolution No. 120184, will meet in City pursuant to Phila.

Code § 400, 17-1607 Resolution No. 120184, willtimes: meet in City Monday, March 5th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Council Chambers (Room Cityand Hall) on the following dates and The Economic Opportunity Committee, established andtimes: constituted Council Chambers (Room 400,Review City Hall) on the following dates and pursuant to Phila.

Code § 17-1607 and Resolution No. 120184, will meet in City Monday, June 18th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 5th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times: Monday, March 5th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, 5th,2018, 2018,2018, 10:00 A.M. A.M. September 10th, at 10:00 Monday, March June 18th, atat10:00 A.M. Monday, June 18th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, 5th,10th, 2018,2018, 10:00 A.M.A.M. June 18th, 2018, atat10:00 A.M. December at Monday, March September 10th, 2018, at 10:00 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 10th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 18th, 10th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. A.M. September 10th, 2018, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, December C I TatY10:00 COUNCIL Monday, December 10th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 10th, 10th, 2018, 2018, at at 10:00 10:00 A.M. 19107-3290 Monday, December A.M.

IOLA HARPER, CHAIRPERSON

CITY C O UNCIL Economic Monday, December 10th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Opportunity Review Committee

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 IOLA HARPER, CHAIRPERSON 2018 NOTICE OF LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW CCOMMITTEE ITY C OMEETINGS UN C ICHAIRPERSON L Review Committee Economic Opportunity IOLA HARPER, C I T Y C O U N C I L IOLA HARPER, CHAIRPERSON Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 Economic Opportunity Review Committee Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 Economic Opportunity Review Committee 2018 NOTICE OF LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW CITY C OCommittee, U N C ICHAIRPERSON L IOLA HARPER, The Living Wage and Benefits Review established and constituted COMMITTEE MEETINGS Philadelphia, 19107-3290 Economic Opportunity Reviewwill Committee pursuant to Phila. Code § 17-1311 Pennsylvania and Resolution No. 110807, meet in City 2018 NOTICE OF LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW Council2018 Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and NOTICE OFCOMMITTEE LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW MEETINGS The Review Committee, established and constituted times:Living Wage and Benefits COMMITTEE MEETINGS pursuant to Phila.

CodeOF § 17-1311 Resolution No. 110807, REVIEW will meet in City 2018 NOTICE LIVINGand WAGE AND BENEFITS Council Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee, established and constituted times: The Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee, established and constituted pursuant to Phila. Code § 17-1311 and Resolution No. 110807, will meet in City pursuant to Phila.6th, Code § 17-1311 will meet in City Tuesday,Council March 2018, at(Room 11:00 and A.M. Council Chambers 400,Resolution City Hall)No. on110807, the following dates and The Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee, established and constituted Council Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times: pursuant Phila. § at 17-1311 and Resolution No. 110807, will meet in City times: Tuesday, to June 19th,Code 2018, 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 6th, 2018, at(Room 11:00 A.M. Council Council Chambers 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times: Tuesday, September 11th, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 19th, Tuesday, March 6th,2018, 2018,atat11:00 11:00A.M. A.M. Tuesday, March 6th,11th, 2018,2018, at 11:00 A.M.A.M. December at 11:00 Tuesday, 11th, 2018, at 11:00 Tuesday, September June 19th, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. A.M. March 6th,2018, 2018,atat11:00 11:00A.M. A.M. Tuesday, June 19th, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, at 11:00 Tuesday, September 11th, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. A.M. June 19th, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. A.M. Tuesday, September 11th, 2018, at 11:00

CITY C O U NLAZER, C I LCHAIRPERSON RICHARD

Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. Living Wage 19107-3290 and Benefits Review Committee Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 11th, 11th, 2018, 2018, at at 11:00 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December A.M.

CITY COUNCIL

RICHARD C2018, I TatY11:00 C O U NLAZER, C I LCHAIRPERSON Tuesday, December 11th, A.M. Philadelphia, C I T YPennsylvania C OU N 19107-3290 C IBenefits L Review Committee Living Wage and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 2018 NOTICE OF VETERANS19107-3290 ADVISORY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania RICHARD LAZER, CHAIRPERSON CCOMMISSION ITY C OMEETINGS U N and C IBenefits LCHAIRPERSON RICHARD Living WageLAZER, Review Committee Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee 2018 NOTICE OF VETERANS ADVISORY 2018 NOTICE OF VETERANS ADVISORY RICHARD LAZER, CHAIRPERSON COMMISSION MEETINGS The Veterans Advisory Commission, established pursuant to Resolution No. 2018 NOTICE OF VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION LivingMEETINGS Wage and Benefits Review Committee 060059 (Adopted February 2, 2006), will meet in City Council Chambers (Room COMMISSION MEETINGS 2018 NOTICE OF VETERANS 400, Hall) on the following dates andestablished times. ADVISORY The City Veterans Advisory Commission, pursuant to Resolution No. COMMISSION MEETINGS The Veterans Advisory Commission, established pursuant Resolution No. 060059 (Adopted February 2, 2006), will meet in City Councilto Chambers (Room The Veterans Advisory Commission, established pursuant Resolution No. 060059 (Adopted February 2, 2006), will meet in City CounciltoChambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times.

060059 2, at 2006), will meet in City Council Chambers (Room Wednesday, March 7th, 2018, 2:00 P.M. 400, City(Adopted Hall) on February the following dates and times.

The Veterans Commission, pursuant to Resolution No. 400, City Hall) Advisory on the following dates andestablished times.

060059 (Adopted February 2, 2006), will meet in City Council Chambers (Room Wednesday, March June 20th, 2018, Wednesday, 7th, 2018,atat2:00 2:00P.M. P.M. 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times.

Wednesday, March 7th, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 7th, 12th, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September June 20th, 2018, 2018, at 2:00atP.M. Wednesday, June 20th, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 7th,2018, 2018,atat2:00 2:00P.M. P.M. P.M. June 20th, Wednesday, Wednesday, December September 12th, 12th, 2018, 2018, at at 2:00 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 12th, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September June 20th, 2018, at 2:00atP.M. 12th, 2018, 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 12th, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 12th, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 12th, 2018, 2018, at at 2:00 2:00 P.M. P.M. December 12th,

GEORGE GINDER, CHAIRMAN

Veterans Advisory Commission Wednesday, December 12th, 2018, at 2:00 P.M.

GEORGE GINDER, CHAIRMAN GEORGEAdvisory GINDER, CHAIRMAN Veterans Commission GEORGEAdvisory GINDER, CHAIRMAN Veterans Commission Veterans Advisory Commission

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

LOCAL PGN

Meal Prep Q&A What is meal prepping?

Meal prepping, as we know it, is planning and cooking your meals ahead of time — usually for the week or every couple days. However, meal prepping could simply be cutting vegetables or separating meats and seasoning them prior to cooking.

It’s all about planning and preparing for your week or weeks to come.

you like. You’ve got beef, chicken, pork, fish, shellfish, lentils, chickpeas, etc. Then decide what carbs you like. Now keep in mind that not all carbs are created equal.

You have really starchy carbs, you’ve got fibrous carbs and you have complex carbs.

Remember that vegetables are carbs and many have protein. You want to have a nice variety of colors and types of carbs. When choosing fats, be careful. There Why is it important? are lots of cooking options This allows you to plan your outside of vegetable oil and meals ahead of time. You will canola oil. You’ve got olive eat better and feel better. And oil, safflower oil, grape seed finally, you will save time and oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, regret during the week. etc. Explore which ones you like and what works best for Do you have to meal prep for your goals. Avocados and nuts seven days? are also great sources of fats.

The whole point for meal these macroMegan Niño Understanding prepping is to have control nutrients will make it easier to over what you are eating on a develop your shopping list. daily basis. You do not have to cook for seven days. You can prep for seven days What recipes do I use? What do you and cook every two days or you can cook recommend for marinating food, such as every three days — however you want spices? How can I reduce my mess? to do it, as long as you hold yourself Being in the age of technology, there are accountable. tons of recipe options! Surf the web for ideas. You can find recipes on Pinterest, Should you shop for groceries weekly Yummly, etc. And don’t be afraid to modor bi-weekly? ify them to your liking. Seasonings are Take some time to decide what you’re everything. Diversify your collection. You going to cook so you know what you’re don’t need tons of salt or seasonings with going to need. I personally shop for meats additives if you have a good variety. Also, bi-weekly and get everything else week keep in mind that when you cook with by week. This assures me that 1) I will not veggies, they also season your food. You over-shop and 2) I will save time because can find great seasoning sets online! You I know exactly what I want. Save time and can also use apple-cider vinegar and oils money when you shop! as a way to moisten your meat.

I know cooking in bulk can be messy.

Storing food: Do we need a I recently started buying my meats and million containers? separating them into Ziplock bags. I put at You do not need a million containers to least five meals’-worth in each bag. When meal prep. I personally store everything it is time to cook, I put about a teaspoon in their own containers and if I need two of apple-cider vinegar and add whichever meals packed, for example, then that day I seasonings I’m in the mood for. I zip up will pack two meals. the bag and shake! It’s easy, fast, clean and You can use plastic baggies as well. you can season with any spices or sauces.

What are some suggestions on healthy snacks or preparing healthy desserts?

Whether you have a sweet or salty tooth, there are plenty of dessert preps out there. You can make your own trail mixes with chocolate pieces or bake your own granola. You can add chili powder and lime on your fruit, which is my favorite! You can pre-make shakes with fruit, vegetables, seeds, peanut butter, yogurt, etc. There are some recipes that remove dairy or grains by using bananas or nut flours. Make your own banana chips or dried fruit or make some avocado toast. There are plenty of healthysnack alternatives. To keep it simple, you can buy bars or other healthy snacks. Be cautious of the serving sizes and sugar content.

Separating food groups: What do we need?

There are three types of food our bodies need on a daily basis: protein, carbs and fats. Decide what protein-rich foods

What are different methods of cooking that I can use?

You can sauté, bake, boil or use a crock pot! Some recipes may call for a combination.

Megan Niño is a kinesiologist and personal trainer who trains out of 12th Street Gym. She is an energetic and positive person who prides herself on teaching others to find empowerment in their lives through fitness.

BUILDING from page 1

Gym members concerned about its long-term status

he’d be “extremely upset” if it were taken down.

“It would be a desecration to destroy that beautiful piece of art.” Gliniak continued.

“The community needs to come together and force the issue. City officials need to step forward and do everything they can to make sure the gym doesn’t close.”

He said emotions ran high at the gym after news of its possible closure.

“It’s really quite sad,” Gliniak added. “I was at the gym on Tuesday and everyone was hugging each other, exchanging phone numbers in case the next day it closes. It was very emotional. People are upset.” n

Body U

onto parachute cloth that’s firmly adhered to the wall.

“The parachute cloth is adhered to the wall with acrylic gel. It almost becomes part of the wall itself,” Golden explained.

If changes to the building require that the mural come down, Golden promised that an alternate mural in honor of Casarez would be painted elsewhere in the city.

“The mural to Gloria is so important to us — and to so many stakeholders and citizens — that we would be on a mission to redo this mural somewhere else,” she said.

“We’re committed to that.”

Richard N. Gliniak, a gym member since April 1997, expressed hope that the facility won’t close and the mural will be preserved.

“12th Street Gym must be saved,” Gliniak told PGN. “It’s much more than a gym. It’s a central part of the LGBT community; a gathering place for diverse people. A lot of my socializing occurs there. I don’t go to bars. This is where I go.”

In October 2015, Gliniak attended the dedication of the Casarez mural and said

When is it OK to cheat? What is the difference between a cheat meal vs. cheat day?

With an active lifestyle and a controlled meal plan, it is safe to say that you can give yourself one or two reasonable cheat meals (this also includes alcohol). Beware of cheat days because they will counteract all of your hard work during the week. You can control a cheat meal. Cheat days can get out of control!

Plus, if you plan your meals appropriately, maybe you can make your favorite cheat meals at home!

Why is this a good topic going into the New Year?

This is a time where people want to be better and improve in certain areas of their lives. Health is always on the top of people’s minds between Thanksgiving and January. Be proactive by improving your eating habits! As I said before, it will save you time, money and regrets.

On top of that, you will feel better physically and mentally.

Please email me at megananino@vigorvida.com if you have any questions. n

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-18

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

EDITORIAL PGN EDITORIAL

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Donald Trump’s GOP

Editorial

We will continue to survive As PGN goes to press, it has been 421 days since the 2016 presidential election.

Members of the LGBT community and other marginalized groups remember the day after with dread. We cried many tears, shook our fists with anger and leaned on loved ones to get through the beginning of what was sure to be a challenging four years.

That day, this headline read, “What the fuck,” which perfectly illustrated how we were feeling in that moment. The piece included a sense of hope that we will overcome this. However, the last five words took note of what we were feeling in that specific moment: “But for now, it sucks.”

And things have sucked and continued to suck for the past 421 days.

Last week, President Donald Trump fired the remaining members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. This occurred after the mass resignation of half of the council’s members in June as they protested the administration’s position on health policy.

The president’s abrupt dismissal of this key group paints a clear message: He has no desire to improve our everyday lives. This was further illustrated weeks earlier with the introduction of his new tax plan, which is set to be a devastating loss for the middle class and a win for the rich.

But there’s one thing that we can’t forget: We survived 100 percent of these days. We kicked and screamed, but we survived.

Last summer, Trump unveiled his intent to ban all transgender people from joining the military. But we pushed back … hard. And just last week, the Department of Justice put the proposed ban on hold.

We did not have much hope when we kicked off 2017. But we’re starting off 2018 with something we didn’t have before: experiences. We have made it this far and we will continue fighting for what is ours.

That piece published after Election Day noted the historical resilience of marginalized communities such as ours, adding, “We will overcome this.”

And for the past 421 days, we have. And we will continue to do so. n

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.

I’d say, “Well, we survived the first year this presidency. It’s of the Trump Administration,” but the truth damn hard to do. is not everyone did or will.

It’s exhausting to Take this tax-scam bill that the be presented with a Republicans passed and Trump signed. By new slew of horrors removing the individual mandate in the every day. In fact, Affordable Care Act, they’ve essentially I’m tired of being removed a fundamental structure of the exhausted. I literprogram. The goal is for the whole proally have fatigue gram to collapse. The same goes for the fatigue.

Children’s Health Insurance Program. But Friends and family have asked me why here’s the thing: CHIP — as well as the I consume so much news if it just makes ACA — isn’t just a government program. me upset. I totally get people who are like, It’s access to health insurance, which is “I just can’t.” But I just can’t stop. I don’t access to health care, which is access to mean I’m obsessed or have a compulsion life. Republicans want us to go back to the to watch “The Rachel Maddow Show.” “good old days” when Americans who got There’s just too much at risk to stop paysick or injured went bankrupt or died or ing attention right now, even when paying both. attention is literally maddening.

Then there’s the full-on assault on LGBT I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: rights, with a heavy emphasis on anti-trans Elections have consequences. Local, state, hate. Every year since 1999, people have national elections can literally change your observed Nov. 20 as Transgender Day of life, especially if you are part of a vulneraRemembrance. And every year, the list ble population. The Republicans were literof transgender people murdered because ally willing to put up with anything to get of hate grows. Trans women of color are their tax cuts for the rich rammed through. at an especially great risk of being murChildren, the poor, racial minorities, immidered, not to mengrants, LGBT peoI’ve read plenty this year tion physically and ple, women — all sexually assaulted. happily sacrificed in of “alarm fatigue” and The Trump the process. “chaos fatigue” when it Administration’s I saw a bumper targeted campaign sticker that comes to trying to follow against transgender read, “Vote for people certainly isn’t the shit show that is this Democrats. We’re helping. Creating presidency. It’s damn hard not perfect, but a culture of fear they’re nuts!” I have to do. It’s exhausting to around transgender plenty of issues people and painting with the Democratic be presented with a new them as less than On a small slew of horrors every day. Party. human costs lives. level: Emails from Then there’s clithe Democratic In fact, I’m tired of being mate-change denial, Committee exhausted. I literally have National trying to bait North make me insane fatigue fatigue.

Korea into nuclear and whoever writes war, rolling back them should be environmental regulations that keep nasty fired. On a larger level: Black people, espeshit out of our air and water, anti-Muslim cially black women, have been doing the rhetoric, immigration panic, closing our heavy lifting in elections, yet their condoors to refugees, support for even-looser cerns and needs are often ignored. Instead gun laws, turning a blind eye to sexof dealing with issues like income and eduual assault, denying Black Lives Matter, cation inequality, mass incarceration and anti-science bias, restricting reproductive police violence, many white Democrats are freedom (which includes the assault on focused on how to get racist and ignorant Planned Parenthood and access to birth Trump supporters to vote for Dems. And control), further destabilizing the Middle while I am pleased to see mostly acrossEast, implicitly and explicitly supportthe-board support from Democrats for ing white-supremacist Nazis, slashing the LGBT people, it could have and should social-safety net (food stamps, housing have come much sooner. assistance, Medicare — they want it all So while Democrats will often disapgone), attacking journalists, and complete point you, Republicans will often try to kill abandonment of the truth or reality. you. And I think that’s a damn important Any of these alone could have deadly distinction. n consequences. Taken together, the danger is so great that it’s hard to wrap your brain D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian around. I’ve read plenty this year of “alarm living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been fatigue” and “chaos fatigue” when it comes writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski. to trying to follow the shit show that is

OP-ED PGN

Want to hear a presidential campaign secret?

Well, it’s been a year so guess I can tell open and if he accepted, we were going to this strange story. I’ll leave some names honor that offer. out for obvious reasons.

Well, that op-ed by Hillary is part of During the presidential election, every history now, but I’ve never written about newspaper worth its weight in newsprint what happened on the Trump side. During attempts to get interviews with the printhe process, we discussed the possibility cipals in the race. PGN received unpreceof high-level members of the campaign or dented access on the Democratic side. We Trump’s family providing his positions on interviewed almost every principal from the issues, and the possibility was always campaign manager Robby Mook to vice there that Trump himself might do it. I even presidential candidate Tim Kane. gave them scenarios that fit their We even had interviews with strategy. We publishers will go the leaders of Congress and the the limit (within ethical bounds) Senate: Rep. Nancy Pelosi and to get an important interview.

Sen. Chuck Schumer. No one But after we told them that else in LGBT media has ever Hillary decided to write an been granted this much access in op-ed rather than provide an one election cycle before, unless interview, and after we offered you count the coverage we did them the same, again withfrom Denver eight years earlier. out word limits or editing, You’d think we’d be very pleased they came back to us to offer and rest on our laurels. You know an interview with the openly us better. gay Milo Yiannopoulos, who There was still the presidential was editor for a blog that most candidate, Hillary Clinton. And people hadn’t heard of at that yes, we requested an interview. point. We had, and didn’t want To be fair and balanced as all give it any more publicity or Mark Segal to newspapers should be, we alerted credibility than it deserved. It’s name: Breitbart. And his boss: Donald Trump’s campaign that we expected to speak with Secretary Clinton a guy named Steve Bannon, who approved our interview. and we made the same offer to Trump. We If you think Bannon is evil, then you’d explained that they would both be given the think Yiannopoulos was the devil incarsame questions and their answers would nate. Months later, he was accused of supbe printed in full with no editing of their porting child sexual abuse. He denies this, answers. And they would appear side by but it came from a tape where he suggests side or, if not, the same week.

We were told our request on the Republican that relationships between 13-year-old side went all the way up the chain at Trump boys and adult men and women can be … headquarters and it looked good. you get the idea. When that became pubAs it got later in the campaign, we realized lic, it was even too much for Breitbart and that if it was going to happen on either side, the organization fired him. we needed to put a deadline on it for both.

How low do you have to go to be fired We heard from the Democrats first,

by Breitbart? who told us that there just wasn’t time, In hindsight, we made a good call. n but Clinton was happy to write an original op-ed piece for PGN and allow us to share Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-awardit with LGBT media. winning commentator in LGBT media. You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarkSegalPGN We accepted, but explained that we still or Twitter at https://twitter.com/PhilaGayNews. had our offer of an interview with Trump

Mark My Words

Transmissions

Gwendolyn Ann Smith

2018: Stand up By the time this column reaches you, the confetti will be swept out of Times Square and the Rose Bowl parade floats will exist as only a memory. Nevertheless, we’ll still be feeling the effects of the previous year.

In 2017, we witnessed the Trump administration — as they enacted travel bans focused on predominantly Muslim countries, threatened DREAMers and continued in attempts to forge ahead on a border wall — take aim at transgender people.

The administration pushed for judges who are anti-transgender, even one who claimed transgender people were a part of “Satan’s plan.” They also instructed the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention to not use the word “transgender” in its documents. The Justice Department instructed its attorneys that the law doesn’t protect transgender employees from discrimination and that the 1964 Civil Rights Act doesn’t protect people based on gender identity.

Most notably, they worked to discharge active-duty transgender people from the military, bar new transgender recruits, and halt the medical treatment of transgender people within the armed services.

This is only scratching the surface, of course. There were dozens of other steps, large and small, that impacted transgender people directly, and plenty of others that

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

11

Street Talk Would you attend a White House party while Trump is in office?

"Yes, I would.

I'm always interested in engaging with people with whom I disagree. I would go and try to have a conversation Leah Allyson with Trump. yoga teacher I heard Fitler Square he's very charismatic. I'd ask him if he'd consider having a conversation with people of differing opinions."

"No. It would be too uncomfortable for me to be in the same room with Trump.

He stands for the opposite of Jaycine Durnell everything I store manager believe in. He Antique Row perpetuates hate, which I find [to be] extremely unacceptable. He doesn't care about people; he cares about money."

"No. It doesn't appeal to me. I don't like the government.

Anyone who would choose Mike Pence as vice Lily Groot president student doesn't Rittenhouse Square deserve my time. I have better things to do."

"No. I don't support Trump. And I wouldn't want to give the impression that I do.

I've never been to the White House.

And I'd like to visit it someday. But is in office."

Devon Migeot cook South Philadelphia

not while Trump

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.

will affect trans folks as they hurt all marginalized people in the country.

We have started to see gains elsewhere this year, with bathroom bills losing traction in state legislatures. Most notably, a threatened pair of anti-transgender bills in Texas stalled, were revived in a special session, and still failed to become the law of the Lone Star State.

In the midst of this, we saw a record number of transgender people gain elected office. Perhaps most notable of these is Danica Roem, who beat Bob Marshall, a longtime lawmaker in Virginia who pushed the state’s own failed bathroom bill. Six other transgender people won office in

Please include a daytime phone number.

Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space con­sid­er­ations.

2017, with many more ramping up their own campaigns.

Yet the climate fostered by the Trump administration casts a pall over us all.

Anti-transgender violence remains at a high in spite of the waning of bathroom panics across the country. We still face bigotry from the left and right in this country and abroad, with the U.K. in particular becoming increasingly hostile toward transgender people.

Many of us out in the trenches are tired.

We have had to fight all year, not only calling and writing our elected officials on our own behalf, but standing for the rights of everyone oppressed PAGE 19

PGN

2017 LGBT year in review It has been quite a roller-coaster year for the a wedding cake. Justice Anthony Kennedy is being LGBT community, with some pretty high highs and touted as the key vote, and based on the questions he asked during oral arguments at the beginning of some equally low lows. We saw a new president December, experts aren’t quite sure which way he’ll take office, and with it came stalling of the proglean. At times, he seemed in favor of the gay couple, ress LGBT civil rights have made in recent years.

That said, organizations like the ACLU, the Human Charlie Craig and David Mullins. Kennedy pointed out that hanging a sign in a shop window stating Rights Campaign and the Center for Constitutional Rights have had our backs, filing lawsuits on behalf that wedding cakes are for straight couples only is an affront to the gay community. But later, he of LGBT citizens to preserve the hard-won protecshowed disfavor at the State of Colorado’s seeming tions we’ve fought for. disregard for Phillips’ religious beliefs.

Worldwide, we saw progress on the A ruling won’t be handed down until marriage-equality front. Four countries — closer to the court’s end of session in Malta, Germany, Australia and Austria — June, but we wait in hope that Kennedy legalized marriage for same-sex couples, will preserve decades of civil-rights bringing the total number to 26 countries precedent supporting anti-discrimination where “gay marriage” is now just conand public-accommodations laws. sidered “marriage.” In a sweet moment, Australian member of Parliament Tim In 2017, nine anti-LGBT bills were Wilson proposed to his boyfriend, Ryan signed into law — including three laws Bolger, on Dec. 4 from the House floor. allowing child-welfare organizations to Bolger’s resounding “yes” was recorded turn away qualified LGBT parents seekinto the government transcript by Deputy ing to adopt. On the flip side, several Speaker Rob Mitchell. pro-LGBT bills became law: banning By far, the most prevalent number of dangerous so-called “conversion therchanges in law affects the transgender Angela apy,” repealing heinous “gay-panic” community. In March, SCOTUS agreed defenses and simplifying the update of Giampolo identity to hear the case of Gavin Grimm, a West documents and other rights.

Virginia transgender student suing the Thanks to advocate organizations and Gloucester County School Board over his bathpushback from LGBT people, the business comroom access. The day before the SCOTUS hearing, munity, child-welfare organizations, faith leaders Trump rescinded the Statement of Interest signed and allies, more than 94 percent of anti-LGBT

by President Obama with guidance for Title IX bills proposed were defeated. We can expect that schools that receive federal funding to treat transin 2018, we are going to see more of the same. gender students in line with their gender identity, In November, Massachusetts will be voting on a on which Grimm’s case was based. Rescinding the ballot measure to repeal its nondiscrimination law Statement of Interest rendered the case mute and protecting trans people. In Texas, lawmakers introforced SCOTUS to send the case back to lower duced more than 30 anti-LGBT bills, making up courts in the 11th hour. nearly a quarter of all anti-LGBT bills nationwide.

The fight over transgender bathroom rights did Despite huge outcry, two of them became law. One not end there. A Seventh Circuit Court ruling in allows adoption and foster-care agencies to turn May held that Ashton Whitaker, a transgender away prospective LGBT couples, single or divorced student in Kenosha Unified School District in parents and interfaith parents, and the other law Wisconsin, had the right to use the bathroom corallows ride-sharing companies like Uber and responding to his gender identity. The basis of that Lyft to discriminate against transgender riders — case was not only Title IX but the 14th Amendment regardless of the fact that both companies opposed of the Constitution, and a three-judge panel unanithe measure and both have gender identity-inclusive nondiscrimination policies. mously ruled in Whitaker’s favor.

I must say that my favorite event of 2017 was the Then in July, President Trump announced (on return of “Will & Grace.” In 1998, no one would Twitter no less) an intended policy to ban transhave thought a TV show featuring two lead gay chargender members from serving in the military and acters would become an international success. In the signed the executive order on Aug. 25. The ban has been blocked as of Oct. 30, thanks to a suit brought last decade, we’ve made such progress and while that progress is being eroded, the return of “Will & by plaintiffs — current and aspiring service memGrace” could not have come at a better time. bers who are transgender — citing the ban denied To say that it has been a topsy-turvy year is an them the ability to serve equally and put them understatement. We still have many fights to fight, under threat of discharge. The presiding federal including employment and housing discrimination judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly cited in her ruling and furthering rights for the transgender commuthat the plaintiffs “are likely to succeed” in their nity. With a Trump-Pence White House, it may due-process claims, stating that the government’s arguments “wither away under scrutiny.” As of now, sometimes feel like we’re pushed back six(teen) steps but, as we slip off our 2017 shoes and don our the stay allows transgender service members to 2018 footwear, we’ll continue to march forward, serve in the military while the case winds through one day and one right at a time. n the courts. And Trump has backed down.

In one of the most important cases of the year, SCOTUS agreed to hear Masterpiece Cakeshop v.

Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo Law The Colorado Civil Rights Commission, wherein Group, maintains offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania bakery owner Jack Phillips has argued his right to and specializes in LGBT law, family law, business law, religious freedom and free speech (through artisreal-estate law and civil rights. Her website is www. tic expression) have been violated by the state giampololaw.com, and she maintains a blog at www. of Colorado, which held Phillips discriminated phillygaylawyer.com. Reach out to Angela with your legal against a gay couple when he refused to bake them questions at 215-645-2415 or angela@giampololaw.com.

Out Law

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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International

found it significant because of the existence of patriarchal structures and the ways in which some rulers used Christian faith to justify oppression of women or to deny personal gender identities beyond male and female.

The Swedish Academy only included ‘hen’ in its official dictionary in 2014, though activists had first begun promoting the pronoun some decades earlier.

Swedish church defends gender-neutral pronoun for Jesus

Singapore refuses gay man’s bid to adopt his own son

A church in the Swedish city of Västerås has defended its decision to use the gender-neutral pronoun to refer to Jesus in an ad.

In a local notice advertising a Christmas worship service, the church described Jesus using the pronoun ‘hen,’ which in Sweden is used to refer to non-binary people or in cases where a person’s gender is not known or not relevant.

“The word ‘hen’ is a way to give a new perspective,” said Susann Senter, dean at the church, in a statement after reports on the ad in Swedish media prompted both praise and criticism.

Senter acknowledged that the historical Jesus was a man, but argued that from a theological perspective, his gender was not a defining aspect of his identity. For that reason, ‘hen’ was used in the ad, which was set out in the style of a birth announcement with the aim of encouraging more people to attend the Christmas service.

The issue of gender identification and gender expression had been raised during a two-day discussion on equality issues at the church, Senter said. She stressed that people who felt comfortable referring to Jesus as ‘hen’ or ‘he’ should continue to do so, but that “there are other expressions that give different perspectives.”

“The religious Christ is greater [than the historical person] and needs to be described and talked about in each era, with new words and new songs,” she continued. “The desire behind the use of new words is to find a language of our time which opens up to the holy.”

She apologized to anyone who felt offended and said that had not been her intention.

The Bishop of Västerås, Mikael Mogren, has also defended the choice, saying he was “grateful” for the debate the ad started.

“The debate that is going on forces me to state the obvious: Jesus shares the life of every human being, not just men,” said Mogren.

He added that some of the critical comments aimed at the church included insults toward trans people and said: “Trans people are created by God. Your bodies belong to the beautiful and extraordinary creation of God.” Mogren went on to say that while debate over Jesus’ gender might seem trivial, he

A gay Singaporean man has failed in a bid to formally adopt his biological son fathered via a surrogate in the United States.

The man, a doctor in a long-term relationship, initially approached authorities about adopting in the city-state but was told a homosexual couple was unlikely to get permission, according to court documents.

The couple traveled to the U.S. where the doctor underwent procedures for in-vitro fertilization and found a surrogate who agreed to carry his child for $200,000.

A son was born and, as the biological father, the doctor, who has not been identified, was allowed to bring him back to Singapore to live with him. The boy is now 4.

The doctor applied to formally adopt the boy in Singapore to “legitimize” their relationship and hopefully secure him Singapore citizenship but a court rejected his bid, according to a judgment released in late December.

District Judge Shobha Nair said the doctor and his partner were aware that procedures to help couples have children were available only to married couples in Singapore and there were no surrogacy services in the city-state.

Gay marriage is not permitted in Singapore.

Surrogacy is not explicitly banned ,although official guidelines prohibit the practice in assisted-reproduction centers.

“The applicant, a medical doctor himself, was acutely aware that the medical procedures undertaken to have a child of his own would not have been possible in Singapore,” said the judge. “He cannot then come to the courts of the very same jurisdiction to have the acts condoned.”

The child’s welfare was not an issue in the case, as he will continue to be looked after by his biological father, and he is not stateless as he holds American citizenship, the judge said.

She was not swayed by the arguments of the man’s lawyers, Koh Tien Hua, Ivan Cheong and Shaun Ho, who denied he was seeking to adopt the boy to form what would effectively be a legally recognized gay family. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT RETURNS TO THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Rufus Wainwright – the vocalist, composer, and songwriter considered one of the greatest of his generation – will join the POPS orchestra on the Verizon Hall stage, under the baton of Music Director Michael Krajewski. The concert will contain highlights from his notable career, which have received critical and international acclaim.

Wainwright has said there’s “no better instrument than an orchestra to help illustrate” his music. The 65-piece orchestra will accompany Wainwright through his unique repertoire of pop, art-rock, classical, and opera – “genuine originality” as proclaimed by The New York Times. featuring

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

News Briefing One-man show to focus on mental health in black LGBT community Must Go On: A Right of Passage, written by Terrell M. Green, is a one-man show featuring yoga, dance, music, spoken-word and monologue performances examining the health and wellness of black gay men.

The one-man show will be performed 7 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at Art Sanctuary, 628 S. 16th St. In an effort to stimulate community discussion, open conversation following the show will look at the links between identity inclusion and the impact it has on mental and physical wellness.

William Way to hold annual meeting William Way LGBT Community Center will hold its annual meeting Jan. 20.

The annual meeting is an opportunity for the organization’s leadership team to provide updates, information and keep communication open.

The meeting will be held from 12:45-2 p.m. at the center, 1315 Spruce St.

To attend, please RSVP to Candice Thompson, cthompson@waygay.org.

Mazzoni Center announces annual gala date After a one-year hiatus, the Mazzoni Center has announced the date for the annual gala.

Formerly known as Elixir, the Mazzoni Center Gala will be held May 19 at the University of the Arts Dorrance Hamilton Hall.

The event was canceled last year following the departure of Mazzoni CEO Nurit Shein, who was the target of scrutiny over her alleged handling of accusations of sexual impropriety by former medical director Dr. Robert Winn, who also resigned.

“I am excited about the gala’s theme of Metamorphosis, which is appropriate not just because this has been a year of change but because change is in the DNA of this organization,” Mazzoni Interim CEO Stephen Glassman said in a statement.

In addition to live music, dancing and a silent auction, three individuals will be honored at the event with the Peter Mazzoni Award.

Proceeds from the event will support the center’s services including primary health care, mental and behavioral services, LGBT legal services, HIV and STI testing, food-bank and housing subsidies for families and individuals affected by HIV, support groups, outreach and education. n — Brittany M. Wehner

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PGN TRANSMISSIONS from page 11

by a hostile government. It is, nevertheless, a testament to the strength and fortitude of so many transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid activists — and all of our sibling activists fighting alongside us — that so many of us have survived 2017.

Now, as we turn our calendars to the New Year, it becomes all the more important that we do more than just survive the next 12 months. We need to win, and we need to thrive against all the odds.

Yes, we have to keep fighting. While the Trump administration has backed down on the military ban after several legal challenges did not go the way they hoped, they will continue to push against us, and others. They will continue to push trans-hostile judges, policies that harm transgender people, and will not hesitate to move against us when they can.

As we fight, though, we need to keep our focus. There are plenty who are willing to keep us tired, and outraged, and unfocused.

We need to keep our wits about us, and avoid being baited and trolled. We know what we have to do, and we need to remain on target. Those who seek to do little more than provoke us only have as much power as we cede to them: Let us give them as little as we can.

We cannot and should not lose the fights ahead. We will need to work to protect every unalienable right we are afforded.

It is all the more vital that trans and other organizations step up in the battle, and push back hard. We need to do all we can to not give our enemies a single inch — or

at least make them pay dearly for any they get. Like it did for Bob Marshall, the bigotry of others should come at a high cost to them.

All this said, we also should not lose sight of what we’re fighting for. We need to be there for each other, and find our joy when we can. We need to make sure that we can thrive, even as we struggle against our anti-transgender foes.

Finally, I want to remind everyone of one important thing: We have come a long way.

In my lifetime, we’ve gone from an era where transgender people were viewed as criminals just for expressing ourselves. We have survived an era where we were a medical curiosity, forced through the hoops of gatekeepers who were more interested in their own biases than in our care. We’ve come from a place where non-transgender politicians would never have stood up for us to a time when an increasing number of politicians are transgender. We shall not go quietly.

In 2017, we survived, a tough sprig that somehow survived to take root in spite of everything. In 2018, we will grow, we will stand resolute, and bloom into something beautiful and strong. What’s more, we shall not stand alone, as others stand alongside us, and push back against hatred, bigotry, xenophobia, racism and the myriad of ills we face today.

The next time the ball drops and marching bands take to Colorado Boulevard, we will be legion. n

Love or Lust?

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

Gwen Smith won’t back down. You’ll find her at www. gwensmith.com

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New Year New You Whether your New Year’s resolution was to shed afew pounds, work on stress-relief or boost confidence at work and at play, our New Year, New You guide gives you tips on how to face 2018 in the best possible physical, mental and emotional health.

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Love or Lust?

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE IS FEB. 2 Please call 215-625-8501 to be included in this issue.

AC ul t ure rts

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com The only thing more depressing than looking back on the horror show of 2017 is staring into the yawning abyss that is 2018. Or maybe the glass that is 2018 will be half-full instead of half-empty. Who knows?

Fortunately, there is a plethora of entertainment options on the horizon to give you temporary reprieve from whatever is stressing you. So break out your brand-spankingnew calendars and start making plans.

Comedy & Spoken Word Michio Kaku The theoretical physicist, futurist and author of “The Future of Humanity: Terraforming, Interstellar Travel, Immortality, and Our Destiny Beyond Earth” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-5674341.

Henry Rollins: Travel Slideshow The musician and writer performs a travel-themed audio-visual spoken-word show Jan. 25-26 at The Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

FEATURE PGN

Julie Goldman and Brad Loekle The out comedians perform 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-596-1027.

Judy Gold The out Emmy Award-winning comedian performs 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-596-1027.

Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A TwoWoman Show The actor from “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Mama’s Family” performs 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Roy Wood Jr. The comedian seen on “The Daily Show” performs Feb. 16-18 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-6066555.

Carson Kressley & Kristine W The out TV personality and the popular dance recording artist team up for an evening of humor and music 8 p.m.

March 17 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-596-1027.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

23 26 29 25

PAGE 24

Dance BodyVox The innovative dance-theater troupe performs a compilation of its greatest works Jan. 18-21 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 267-239-2941.

Les Ballet Jazz De Montreal NextMove Dance brings the best in international choreographers to the stage for a program highlighted by the Philadelphia premiere of “O Balcao de Amor” by Israeli choreographer Itzik Galili Feb. 15-18 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 267-2392941.

Shen Yun 2018 The traditional Chinese-dance ensemble performs Feb. 24-March 11 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.

Peking Acrobats The elite dance company makes its Annenberg Center debut March 9-10 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.

Company Wang-Ramirez The dance company makes its

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Philadelphia debut with “Monchichi,” a full-length work created and performed

by Sebastian Ramirez, a French man, and Honji Wong, a Korean woman, a couple on- and off-stage, March 15-18 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 267-239-2941.

Music Enter Shikari The hard-rock band performs 8 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic The funk pioneers perform 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.

Machine Head The metal band performs 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-9221011.

Who’s Bad The Michael Jackson tribute band performs 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.

PAGE 22

MELTING THE ICE: Carson Kressley (clockwise from top left), Kristine W, BodyVox, Noel Gallagher, K.D. Lang, “Waitress,” “Something Rotten,” Company Wang-Ramirez, Bianca Del Rio, Henry Rollins, Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

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WINTER PREVIEW from page 21

John 5 and The Creatures The rock guitarist performs 8 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808.

Black Veil Brides and Asking Alexandria The hard-rock bands perform 8:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

The Juice Crew Reunion Classic hip-hop artists perform, including Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Kool G Rap, MC Lyte and more, 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds The U.K rock group fronted by the former Oasis guitarists and songwriter performs 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.

Gin Blossoms The alternative-rock band celebrates the 20th anniversary of its breakthrough album “New Miserable Experience” 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

K. Michelle The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.

Howard Jones The new-wave singer performs 8 p.m.

Feb. 26 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808.

Rachelle Ferrell The R&B/soul singer performs 8 p.m.

March 4 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.

Alive ‘75 The KISS tribute band performs 8 p.m.

March 10 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

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Beth Ditto The out rock singer performs 8 p.m. March 11 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.

Bianca Del Rio The musician and drag star performs 8 p.m.

March 16 at The Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Nightwish The symphonic metal band performs 8:30 p.m. March 16 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.

Blake Shelton The country singer performs 7:30 p.m.

March 17 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.

K.D. Lang The out singer celebrates the 25th anniversary of “Ingénue Redux” 8 p.m. March

BETH DITTO 23 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.

Theater Next To Normal Media Theater presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play about how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness Jan. 31-Feb. 25, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Musical Thrones Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the theatrical parody of “Game of Thrones” Feb. 9-10 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-9850420.

Waitress Broadway Philadelphia presents the hit musical by a groundbreaking all-female creative team about a pie-maker who dreams of a way out of a small town and loveless marriage, Feb. 13-18 at Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; 215-893-1999.

Ready Steady Yeti Go Azuka Theatre presents the world-premiere drama about a romance that tries to bloom in the aftermath of a hate crime Feb. 21-March 11 at Proscenium Theatre at The Drake, 302 S. Hicks St.; 215-563-1100.

Something Rotten!

Broadway Philadelphia presents the Broadway hit set during the 1590s where two brothers are desperate to write a hit play to compete with Shakespeare Feb. 27-March 4 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Noises Off Walnut Street Theatre presents the acclaimed comedy about a theatrical production teetering on the edge of calamity March 13-April 29, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

If/Then Media Theater presents the Tony Awardwinning musical March 14-April 1, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

Rain Broadway Philadelphia presents the musical theater tribute to the legendary Beatles, March 23-25 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. n

PGN PROFILE

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

23

Suzi Nash

Dan Vetrano, keeping audiences laughing over the rainbow and beyond So, 2017 was a pretty crummy year for the country, so I thought it’d be nice to start 2018 with a hearty laugh. “Come, Rainbows” is a comedy show that features local LGBT comics Rebekah Rickards, Molly Hanulec, Domo Jones, Low Hanging Fruit and Hannibal Lickter (Karen E. Johnson). One of the funny hosts is local standup Dan Vetrano. I spoke to the jokester on Facetime. I’m just sorry his expressions can’t be translated to the page.

You’ll just have to see him in person Jan. 7.

PGN: So you’re a Philly fella …

DV: Uh, no.

PGN: Oh? Your intro said, “Philadelphia comedian.”

DV: I live here now but I’m from Long Island.

PGN: I’m not sure I believe you. You used two words instead of one!

DV: Ha! That’s my mom, she says ‘Longguyland” but I somehow escaped the accent! It’s funny. Everyone thinks I’m rich ‘cause I’m from the Hamptons, but what they don’t know is that there’s a very small poor section in the Hamptons and that’s where I’m from, not the fancy part.

PGN: I’ve always wanted to go there, the fancy part that is. Maybe this summer …

DV: Don’t do it! There’s nothing there except people trying to look rich to show off for everyone else.

PGN: Forewarned. So tell me about growing up in LI. DV: It was interesting. I was on the border between South Hampton and Hampton Bays, which was the dividing line between rich and poor and I got kicked into the school with all the rich kids. There’s not much else to say because it was so boring there. It’s so uninteresting, it’s not fit to print in the Philly Gay News.

PGN: Well, then tell me about the fam.

Hopefully they’re more interesting!

DV: I have an older brother who’s about to go to Nepal to climb Mount Everest. He’s one of those. He’s going soul-searching and I’m here in Philly doing standup, so yeah, we’re a little different. Then there’s my mom and my dad. They have a sort of unconventional relationship. My mom lives in Florida. My dad lives in LI and they see each other once a year for Christmas but they don’t call themselves divorced and I don’t think they ever signed anything even though they haven’t been together in decades.

PGN: What traits do you get from which parent?

DV: I get my sense of humor from my father’s side. My grandfather would make comedic drawings of the family whenever something funny happened. For instance, one

time my brother wanted a new softer mattress, so my grandfather drew a picture of him in court, standing before a judge saying, “All I wanted was a better sleep, Your Honor!”

Silly things like that. I think my way of analyzing and criticizing things around me in a humorous way comes from him. My insanity comes from my mother’s side. [Laughing] She’s very sweet. I love her to death but she tends to be a little oblivious to things. She’ll be in a store at the cash register and with a line of people behind her, she’s like, “Oh, look at that bird outside the window!” while people are grumbling for her just to pay and get out. I have to say, “OK, Mom, focus!” But now I’m starting to get like that too. I mentally wander off in the middle of something.

PGN: Ha. We have parallel lives. My mother will be driving and be like, “Huh, I never noticed that molding on that building before, did you see that?” while I’m shouting, “The road! Look at the road!” What’s your earliest memory?

DV: Oh boy, I smoke a lot of weed, so I’ve deleted a good number of memories from my brain. [Laughing] This is disgusting, but I remember shitting my diapers as a baby!

Wait, I have to remember something better than that. Oh, one time when I was about 3, my mom was really mad at my brother for something. I don’t remember what. She had one of those Brookstone back massagers and she was chasing my brother through the house with it. You knew she wasn’t planning on using it on his back because it wasn’t even plugged in! So far, this whole interview has been about making my mom look terrible!

PGN: A time you got into trouble?

DV: Well, there was a time when my parents were out of town. I was in 11th grade and I threw a party at the house when they were away. Somehow, my parents found out and they were furious. Even my brother was mad at me. As punishment, I had to go everywhere with my parents. Every year, they would go to the Poconos for a little getaway and because they didn’t trust me, that year I had to go with them. It was just them and me in a hotel room. It was really awkward because I could tell they wanted to have sex, so I went to the only movie theater and the only thing playing was “Lemony Snicket’s” with Jim Carrey. I gotta say: Watching my parents have sex would have been less painful. It was the worst movie ever!

PGN: And yet another story to mortify your poor mother.

DV: I know! I actually tell that story in my act in greater detail and did it when they were at my show one night in the front row. I was like, These are my parents, let me tell you

PGN: Just say you’re from the land of Italiya.

DV: Yes, I speak fluent Italianese.

PGN: Give me a description of a concierge’s job.

DV: It’s basically telling rich people about restaurants that you can’t afford to go to.

You have to BS people a lot and make things sound exclusive. “This restaurant has seasonal plates [rich people love anything seasonal] and only two place settings a night” … And granting their every wish.

PGN: Did that ever include you?

DV: Scandalous Suzi! You’re trying to besmirch my reputation! But yes, and I’m proud to say … that I slept with all of them.

what they did to me when they wanted to have sex! “Lemony Snickets”!

PGN: What was the first standup gig you did?

DV: It was actually at Tabu, where the “Come, Rainbows” show is going to be. Tom Cassisy and H. Foley used to run the mic at The Raven, which was one of the biggest mics around, still is. And they did a mic called “Out and About.” I happened to be at Tabu because I’m an alcoholic and gay, so it was perfect and I went upstairs where they were doing the show. Noah Houlihan was performing and there was no one in the room; he was funny but the place was empty. So I thought, I should write something and try it. So the next weekend, I did. And the rest is history!

PGN: Who was your favorite comedian growing up?

DV: Jerry Seinfeld. He’s still my hero. I love the way he would write jokes. His was one of the first books I read not too long after learning to read. His process is to sit and stare at something without moving until he figures out why it’s funny. It was very inspirational and now I have a similar process.

PGN: Who was your most memorable heckler?

DV: Oh boy, I’ve had eight years of constantly crazy stuff happening. I’ve built up an immunity to it. But I think the craziest moment was at MilkBoy on South Street.

There was somebody onstage before me, Ben Wasserman, and this was his first time at this venue. He does PAGE 29

PGN: Ha. I remember my mother chasing my brother with a broom and then crying because she hit him.

DV: Yeah, my mother once hit me with some keys and then said, “Look what you made me do!” I should interject at this point that my parents did a great job raising us and are in no way the monsters I’m making them out to be. I was happy and healthy growing up despite what it sounds like.

PGN: Glad to know people can put their pitchforks away. What’s your family background?

DV: On my mother’s side, we’re Jewish. She just did one of those DNA tests and would hate the fact that I’m already forgetting what she told me, but there’s some North African in there with Sephardic Jewish heritage, and Romanian too. This is more than you want to know, [mimics] “I’m 3/4 this and 1/16th that …” And on my dad’s side we’re … Italian.

Ha! I almost forgot the word for people from Italy!

PGN: Did you go to college?

DV: I went to Five Towns College in Dix Hills, N.Y. It’s kind of a fake college but their big claim to fame is that Adam Levine went there. Then I transferred to Temple where I smoked weed for four years before dropping out with 16 credits left. I’m not someone who makes good decisions. I started as a film major then switched to communications, with a French minor — pretty ambitious for someone smoking pot every day. While at Temple, I started working at the campus hotel and that’s what launched my thriving career as a concierge. Which I eventually quit to be a star and do standup comedy full-time! I did that for several years at several different hotels, the last one being the Sofitel.

24

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

PGN

Blockbuster musical kicks off a ‘Misérables’ New Year

The

Guide to the Gayborhood

The Philadelphia Gayborhood is roughly centered at Locust and Camac streets. Look for the rainbow street signs at intersections and remember to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go.

Boxers

1330 Walnut St. facebook.com/ boxersphl Sports bar with a dozen huge TVs, pool table, brick pizza oven, sports teams specials

Chancellor St.

m

m Locust St.

m

m Spruce St.

m

Cypress St.

1342 Cypress St. 267.603.6960 A cozy, comfortable bar and lounge perfect for escaping the norm

1315 Spruce St. 215.732.2220 waygay.org A resource for all things LGBT

<— <— West of Broad Street Stir Lounge the audience and the fans are ecstatic. It’s really wonderful. This story is universal in so many ways. I think whenever you experience live theater or some sort of narrative and you exist in a specific cultural or time period, it’s hard to not also bring into the theater what you experience day to day. Is it that they choose to come because of the issues? I’m not sure. But I think the way that they view it will always change based on how the audience is experiencing the world around them.” n Broadway Philadelphia presents “Les Misérables” Jan. 9-21 at the Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215790-5800 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

m

11th St.

Manning St.

Quince St.

m

12th St.

r

Latimer St.

William Way LGBT Community Writer’s Block Rehab Center

PHOTOS: Matthew Murphy

m

St. James St.

Camac St.

r

206 S Quince St. 215.627.1662 Levi/leather men’s bar; pool tables, big-screen sports action; basement dress code Walnut St.

m

m

The Bike Stop

200 S. 12th St. 215.964.9675 tabuphilly.com Sports bar with food and shows upstairs

202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com Mixed crowd Attatched to Walnut St. bars Rosewood and GloBar

m

m

13th St.

If you need a little revolution to brighten up your new year, you are in luck.

No, not that one. For whatever reason, that ball still hasn’t gotten rolling yet.

(Tick-tock.)

But in the meantime, you can always keep hope alive with the return of “Les Misérables,” a new production of the Tony Award-winning musical about broken dreams and unrequited love, sacrifice, redemption and triumph of the human spirit, set during the revolutionary period of 19th-century France.

Out actors and ensemble cast members Andrew Love and John Ambrosino both play multiple roles in the show. Love regularly portrays the Bishop of Digne and sometimes plays Police Inspector Javert, who doggedly hunts down the central character, Jean Valjean, throughout the play.

“I play 17 or 18 other characters throughout the show, but the bishop is a fun little feature part that I love doing,” Love said. “It’s one of my favorite parts of the show. But on the nights I get bumped up to play Javert, it’s just such a fun change of pace for me just because we do the show a lot and it’s fun to switch it up. There are many ways to play Javert but I play him not as a villain or antagonist, but as a passionate man who is just blind. He doesn’t know he’s blind, but he believes what he believes without rethinking anything in his life because that’s how he’s survived. And in the end, he ended up being wrong about it.”

“We are seriously out there for most of the show,” Ambrosino said about the “Les Mis” cast. “That group of 25 of us — who are doing the ensemble — have became an immediate family. The specific roles that we get to do are exciting for each of us because they’re just little moments where we get to shine and go into our craft and find something different and exciting and display these small characters to the audience.

“Being able to do all those different characters not only is exciting from a physical standpoint of moving around and being with a group of people and coming forward, but also as an actor being able to tell these

small arcs of a character quickly so that you can follow the main character’s plot.”

Given the themes that “Les Misérables” <— incorporates in its story, one could guess that the show resonates with American audiences in these strange and turbulent political times. Both Love and Ambrosino said that while that might be the case, the show does have a timeless appeal to its enthusiastic fan base.

“People come because it’s beloved and it’s been around for so long that there’s some nostalgia to it,” Love said. “But my hope is that when people come to see it, they see <— the parallels, especially because right now we’re touring in Washington, D.C., and that’s always on my mind when we’re in that show, not just revolution but a small group of people standing up for what they believe in.”

“It’s a dream come true to do this show every night if you are a musical-theater actor,” Ambrosino added. “It’s such a phenomenon,

Tabu

Woody’s

1316 Walnut St. 215.546.8888 Festively lit women-owned bar complete with a “beer” pong table

Juniper St.

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

Toasted Walnut

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

Voyeur

Knock

U Bar

ICandy

1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 voyeurnightclub.com After-hours private club; membership required

1220 Locust St. 215.546.6660 Relaxing corner bar, easy-going crowd, popular for happy hour and window watching

225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 knockphilly.com Fine-dining restaurant and bar, outdoor seating (weather permitting), piano in back room

254 S. 12th St. 267.324.3500 clubicandy.com Three floors with a total of six bars; dance floor, lounge and rootop deck.

Tavern on Camac Bar X 255 S. Camac St. Bar and dancefloor

255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Piano lounge with upstairs dance floor; Tavern restaurant below is open late.

Pa. bars close at 2 a.m. unless they have a private-club license. Please drink responsibly.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Temple professor adapts short film for full-length feature

By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Out filmmaker and Temple University film professor Lauren Wolkstein co-directed the fantastic and hypnotic drama “The Strange Ones” with Christopher Radcliff. The film, based on the co-directors’ 2011 short of the same name, opens in area theaters and on DirectTV Jan. 5.

The story concerns two brothers (Alex Pettyfer and James Freedson-Jackson) driving to a cabin in the woods to go camping. As they meet a series of strangers, nagging questions arise: Are they actually brothers? Is one of them gay?

And what are their real names? The filmmakers deliberately keep some, if not all, of the information a secret before the denouement, which may jolt viewers.

In a Skype session, Wolkstein explained that she met Radcliff at Columbia University. It was at film school where she became inspired to teach. Wolkstein started teaching senior projects and scene and script analysis at Temple four years ago. She divides her time between Philadelphia and Brooklyn, where she lives with her wife.

Wolkstein and Radcliff made their hypnotic short “The Strange Ones” seven years ago and had no intention of turning it into a feature back then.

“The success of the short was that we had a backstory based on an amalgam of several true crimes,” Wolkstein said. “We focused [the short] on this one moment when these two characters stumble across a motel clerk and how her relationship with who they are changes over the film’s 15 minutes.”

The deliciously intriguing, ambiguous short laid the groundwork for the feature.

“The fun of watching the [short] is that it asks the audience to determine who these characters are — like the clerk does,” Wolkstein said. “We could experiment with perspective in the short. A feature isn’t able to do that.”

Wolkstein, who was taught that subjectivity comes through character, breaks the rules of perspective by having viewers constantly recalibrate what they know (or think they know) about the characters and their situations.

“With filmmaking, you’re creating something that doesn’t have all the answers, and spoon-feeding the audience what to feel and think is talking down to them. That’s not realistic. You have a responsibility as a filmmaker to trust the audience to bring their own experiences to it. Grasping and grappling with identity is something filmmaking allows you to explore.”

Grasping and grappling with identity is something the film’s charac-

ters explore as well. The younger boy (Freedson-Jackson’s character), the filmmaker acknowledged, “is haunted by images and things in his past. He is dealing with trauma and trying to find a way to survive. He sees this older man [Pettyfer’s character] as a protector. He is at a transitional stage in his life grappling with identity and sexuality. He’s looking for something … ” His voice trailed off, alluding that something might be hanging in the air.

Wolkstein admitted that she wanted to “queer things up” but insists “The Strange Ones” is “not a gay film.”

“The main character may or may not be gay. The ambiguity is fascinating. Our goal was to create multiple interpretations to every scene so the audience can create their own experience. It was playing with desire and hate and that dichotomy between those feelings.”

How the story unfolds and what is revealed about the characters is absolutely best left for viewers to discover and debate. “The Strange Ones” is remarkable because the filmmakers are fantastic storytellers. They use an eerie flute on the soundtrack to create tonal dissonance and shoot through windows or slow zooms that force viewers to lean into the frame looking for clues or answers.

“We wanted to have a strong visual motif,” Wolkstein said. “If you look deep, you can find meaning in the different patterns; they really bring something more to it in terms of folklore and creating this mythical fantasy — or surreality — to the piece. It was important to create that tone of mystery and ambiguity. The coffee cup and the washing machine are ordinary objects that are skewed. The black scribble and the cave are these voids.”

Another key to the film is how it plays with genre. “The Strange Ones” was never meant to be a “whodunit” story. It’s a road trip that is a mystery. It doesn’t use genre conventions; rather, it subverts tropes and emphasizes mood and atmosphere.

Viewers will think about the central theme — you never really know anyone — long after the credits roll, which prompts the question: What is something people might not otherwise know about Wolkstein?

“That I am obsessed in poker,” the filmmaker responded. “I’m not that good, but it’s fascinating to be around the table.

“My next movie is about a female poker player,” Wolkstein added. “You can understand people in a different way by watching their faces and little gestures and tells. It’s a game about skill and mental agility and really being able to use psychology [and] math as well as luck. But there is a kind of reinvention in showing up at a poker table and being whoever you want to be.” n

OFF TO NEVERLAND: Arden Theatre presents a brand-new production of “Peter Pan,” the classic children’s story by J.M. Barrie about a magical island where fairies and pirates rule through Jan. 28, 40 N. Second St. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122.

Theater & Arts Annie Walnut Street Theatre presents the beloved musical about the charming orphan through Jan. 7, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Walnut Street Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s acclaimed adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1902 classic mystery “The Hound of the Baskervilles” through Feb. 4, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550.

Copenhagen Lantern Theater Company presents a dramatic mystery about German physicist Werner Heisenberg visiting his old mentor and Danish counterpart Niels Bohr in 1941 while their countries were at war Jan. 11-Feb. 11 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; 215829-0395.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Media Theatre presents the musical adaptation of the classic Disney animated film through Jan. 14, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100.

Juan de Marcos and the AfroCuban All Stars The dynamic Cuban musical orchestra performs 8 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-8931999.

Labyrinth The fantasy film starring David Bowie and featuring puppetry

by Jim Henson is screened 8 p.m. Jan. 8 at The Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

Les Misérables Broadway Philadelphia presents a new production of the Tony Award-winning blockbuster musical Jan. 9-21 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-7905800.

Ms. Pat The comedian performs through Jan. 6 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215606-6555.

office, is on display through March 4 at Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Old Masters Now: Celebrating the Johnson Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of European art from the likes of Botticelli, Bosch, Titian, Rembrandt and Monet through Feb. 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100.

Paula Poundstone The Kimmel Center presents the comedian 8 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215893-1999.

Pablo HerasCasado Returns The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with the acclaimed conductor Jan. 5-6 at Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.

Patricia Urquiola: Between Craft and Industry The work of acclaimed designer Urquiola, who creates cool, innovative objects for the home and

Peter Pan Arden Theatre presents the classic children’s story through Jan. 28, 40 N. Second St.; 215-922-1122.

Rich Vos The comedian seen on “Last Comic Standing” performs through Jan. 6 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

Todd Glass The comedian seen on Comedy Central, FX and “Last Comic Standing” performs Jan. 11-13 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

and Dan Vetrano, 7:30-9 p.m. Jan. 7 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

HAVANA KNIGHTS: Cuba’s rich musical history comes to life on stage with a genre-spanning performance by the internationally renown Juan de Marcos and the AfroCuban All Stars performing at the Kimmel Center 8 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-893-1999.

Music WORDZ the Poet MC The hip-hop lyricist and poet performs 6-11:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

70’s Tribute Revival The U2, Meatloaf and Journey tribute band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 6 at Keswick Theater, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.

Candy Volcano presents Bowie Forever The rock band celebrates the music of David Bowie 8 p.m. Jan. 6 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.

Satisfaction The Rolling Stones tribute band performs

8 p.m. Jan. 6 at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

Philly Loves Bowie presents Fascination: Inside Sigma Sound The show dedicated to exploring the lyrical artistry of David Bowie 5-7 p.m. Jan. 11 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Bruce in the USA The Bruce Springsteen tribute band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808.

British Isles Festival Week 1: Handel and Britten The Philadelphia Orchestra performs a “best of” treasury of Handel’s sunny “Water Music,” Jan. 11-13 at Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies The neo-swing band performs 8 p.m. Jan. 11

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.

Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven The alternativerock bands perform 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.

Nightlife Mimi Imfurst Presents Drag Diva Brunch Mimi Imfurst, Bev, Vinchelle, Sutton Fearce and special guests perform 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 7 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555.

Come, Rainbows The queer comedyvariety show hosted

by Michael Kelly, Annie Paradis, Betty J. Smithsonian, Alejandro Morales

Evil Genius Beer Company presents Secret Lair Burlesque Miss Frankie Eleanor, Broody Valentino and Miss V host and perform 6-11 p.m. Jan. 10 at Evil Genius Brewery, 1727 N. Front St.; 215-4256820.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

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Philly POPS and PGMC to perform with Rufus Wainwright

Outta Town Suspiria The classic Italian horror film is screened 9:45 p.m.

Jan. 5 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-1228.

A Hard Day’s Night The Beatles film is screened 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-1228.

Amateur Drag See the next crop of drag stars perform 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215-592-0656.

Sister Bear Performers present a body-positive burlesque show 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St.; 215-592-0656.

The Running Man The sci-fi film is screened 9:45 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228.

Rob Thomas The rock singer and Matchbox 20 frontman performs Jan. 12-13 at The Borgata Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609 - 317-1000. n

Photo by Matthew Welch

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Out acclaimed composer, vocalist and songwriter Rufus Wainwright will perform a concert backed by the Philly POPS and Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Jan. 19 at the Kimmel Center. The orchestra will accompany Wainwright through his unique repertoire, which will include highlights from his career.

Karen Corbin, vice president of the Philly POPS, said that while the orchestra is collaborating with Wainwright for the performance, the singer is calling the shots in regard to the songs.

“He’s created a series of shows lately that have an orchestral background,” Corbin said. “Rufus himself provides the setlist. There’s some back and forth on that. Then it’s performed with him in front of the full orchestra. Creatively, the repertoire comes from his songbook.”

Danny Palmieri, PGMC member and assistant director of sales, said the choral group’s participation in the event takes places before the concert and later during the final number.

“The POPS audience that night will be treated to a mini PGMC stage performance pre-show on the Commonwealth

Plaza stage,” he said. “Then they will be joining Rufus for the finale, his encore performance of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah,’ which with the orchestra and Rufus and the hundred voices of the PGMC, will be a stunning moment not to be missed. The PGMC are choosing pieces that fit in with the evening.

Some of their more-popular work will be performed on the Commonwealth Stage.”

Following the concert, Wainwright, the Philly POPS and PGMC will participate in a meet-and-greet at the William Way LGBT Community Center, which will feature another performance

by PGMC and a dessert reception.

Proceeds from the meet-and-greet will benefit the community center.

“When Rufus was brought on to this project, he was presented with a number of different charities and chose the William Way,” Palmieri said. “So we have VIP tickets we are selling that will bring you to the dessert reception after the concert. Rufus visited and he was so moved by the William Way Center. We are thrilled that he chose them as the most-deserving charity.” n Rufus Wainwright performs with the Philly POPS and the PGMC 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Kimmel’s Verizon Hall. For more information, call 215-8931999. For VIP reception tickets, call 215-735-2841.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

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PGN PORTRAIT from page 23

a very interactive set and he brings people up onstage. A random woman walked onto the stage and just stared at him and after a long moment yelled, “I’ve got guns, I’ve got bombs and I stand with Isis!”

Everybody in the bar started freaking out.

We were all like, OMG! Something terrible is about to happen! She kept repeating it: “Guns! Bombs! Isis!” People were panicking and poor Ben was onstage pleading, “Please, please sit down. I’m trying to do comedy.” He left the stage and the host announced real quickly, “OK, and now, folks, Dan Ventrano!” I just looked at the lady and she glared back at me. So I laughed and said, “So I’m gaaaaay!” to the Isis lady and she walked away. So I started doing my set, but no one was paying attention to me. They were just wondering if she was going to kill us all. I won’t say people were trying to leave because it was more like escaping. I tried to continue to do my set but it was trashed, until she then came back on stage and the whole crowd was like, Oh no, she’s got something this time! Is it her guns and bombs? So I just said, “Oh boy, Isis is back in town.”

She looked at me and said, “You’ve got sooooome nerve!” I responded, “Yeah, I’m a gay comedian who plays in straight clubs. I have nerve all day. Put your purse down and take a seat.” She looked at me, went back in her seat and laughed at the rest of my set. She loved it! She went from almost killing everyone to hooting and cheering and giving me a standing O. Needless to say, I think there was a little alcohol involved.

PGN: Are you involved with anyone?

DV: I am! His name is Onat. He just left or I’d show him to you.

PGN: I saw his picture on FB. DV: Oh good, so you know he really does exist.

PGN: [Laughing] I do. Speaking of “I do,” I see he put a ring on it.

DV: Yes, we’re married. He’s the breadwinner in the relationship, he has one of those real jobs with … what do you call ’em? Paychecks. So all of what you see in the house behind me is because of him!

PGN: [My phone rings.] Don’t stop, I’ll ignore them.

DV: Awww, star treatment for me! It’s a fun dynamic. He’s 42. I’m 29. I joke in my act that because he’s the moneymaker, I argue a lot less. It’s like, “Do you want to watch my favorite movie again, ‘Moulin Rouge’?” “Yes.” PGN: How did you meet?

DV: I knew him through a mutual friend and one night, I was walking past The Bike Stop, [flipping imaginary hair] because I wouldn’t dare enter that institution! … except for last night. Anyway, I saw him coming out and we talked for a minute.

He said he was Turkish and I squealed, “Nasılsınız!” which is the only word I

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

29

knew. It means, “How are you?” He was impressed and then we made out.

PGN: Best celebrity encounter?

DV: At Sofitel, during the DNC. It was nonstop celebrities and politicians. I was doing little odd jobs like getting cough syrup for Eva Longoria, “Make sure to get the kind with alcohol in it … ” and a rat-tail comb for Angela Bassett. She was super cool.

Everyone was very nice except for — wait for it — Debra Messing from “Will & Grace.” Nobody liked her. We had people like Sigourney Weaver making no demands and this chick who was on a TV show a long time ago (this was before the reboot) was the one with all the picky demands.

But forget her. I recently saw Conan and he looked me in the eyes.

PGN: What’s your favorite photo of Onat?

DV: His Grindr photo, it’s just so romantic!

No, there’s a great photo of us at the beach in Turkey that I like. It was this place that was like the Atlantic City of Turkey, fun and trashy. We were on the hotel rooftop with the sun setting behind us.

PGN: What’s the best conversation piece in your house?

DV: [Gasp] Well, let’s take a tour and see!

[We take a FaceTime tour to the living room] I think it would have to be this! It’s a 3D replica of me and Onat. Some people think it’s creepy but I like it. They even got my butt with my notebook in the pocket!

And the bookmark! It’s pretty remarkable.

PGN: The elbows are red. Rug burn?

DV: I wish. My skin is not properly lotioned. I don’t take care of myself at all.

Such detail. I did ask them to make the bulge bigger but no dice.

PGN: You were in Turkey. Were there nude beaches?

DV: Very close. They wore as little as possible without actually being nude — basically a napkin and dental floss. But I’m a fan of Turkish men, very hairy guys.

PGN: So let’s wrap up with your favorite quote or motto.

DV: Oh! I have three for you because I’m special. My high-school yearbook quote was from Frank Zappa and I still live by it: “I’d rather have something to remember than nothing to regret.” It’s how I live my life … full of regrets, and memories … regretful memories. My personal motto is to always have something to look forward to. So when you have a crappy day, you still have something cool that you have planned to look forward to and it really keeps you going. And I’ll end with a quote that I use often. In fact, I just uttered it last night: “Oh, I’m sooo drunk!” n Catch “Come, Rainbows” 7:30-9 p.m. Jan. 7 at Tabu. For more information and tickets, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/january-come-rainbows-tickets-41314327265 .

To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.

Q Puzzle My Father Would Lift Me High Across 1. Old news agency of Nureyev’s land 5. Rock Hudson roles, usually 10. Band that goes either way?

14. A word from Pilate 15. Any song by Patsy Cline 16. Trick 17. 2nd number one hit of Luther Vandross 19. Janis Joplin’s “Down ___” 20. Of the season after Mardi Gras 21. Reaction to a hottie 23. “Do” equivalent for the von Trapps 24. Dorothyís home 26. Subway vehicles 28. Like phone sex 32. Bentley of “American Beauty” 35. Bedfellow

36. Etheridge instrument 37. Rosie O’Donnell’s “Exit to ___” 39. Stan’s straight man 41. Former Chicago Cub Sammy 42. “More!” on Broadway 44. Pigged out (on) 46. Census goal helped by gay sex (abbr.)

47. Singer LaBelle who recently outed Vandross in an interview 48. Czech composer AntonÌn 50. Comes to terms 52. Center 56. Liberace portrayer Douglas 59. Barber composition 60. Estefan’s eight 61. Song that earned Vandross his first Grammy Award 64. The Minnesota Lynx, for one 65. Went down on with gusto

66. Finance major’s subj.

67. Verb of Verlaine 68. Hairy, stocky men 69. Trust in, with “on” Down 1. “Bust a Nut” band 2. Emulated Miriam Margolyes 3. Triangular treat 4. Disney dwarfs, e.g.

5. Bird in a simile about being nuts 6. Eliza Doolittle’s ‘ades?

7. Busy activity 8. Love seats 9. Voyeurs, e.g.

10. With 38-Down, Dionne Warwick song covered

by Vandross 11. ___ mots (witticisms) 12. Tallulah’s home state, for short 13. Jump for Doug Mattis 18. Nero’s land 22. Surfer’s paradise

24. “To ___ a Mockingbird” 25. Number one hit for Vandross in 1988 27. It’s for skin 29. The whole shebang 30. Grating sound 31. Pull a boa behind you?

32. Have an emotional discharge 33. John Travolta’s “Hairspray” role 34. Religious offshoot 36. Will of “The Waltons” 38. See 10-Down 40. LGBTQ people can now say them in Australia

43. Latvia’s capital 45. Ripley portrayer Matt 48. Cut 49. More charitable 51. Get straight 53. “___ with My Father” (Vandross song quoted in the puzzle title) 54. Seat in a gay bar 55. Of the Cowardly Lion’s hue 56. Tiny speck 57. Thespian rapper 58. Burn a bit 59. Suckers 62. “Ready to Wear” actor Stephen 63. Cont. of gay Paree

30

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Jan. 5-11, 2018

Classifieds 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 realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

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New Year New You

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.

WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________42-01 Philip C., Bruce A., Michael S., Mark S., Jonathan A., Michael F., Troy, Matt, Mat, Adam, Doug, Little Bruce A. and Craig (“Draco”), You’re Princes of my heart. Please text Theodore Michael Gagnon @ 267-966-5469. 202 Roberts Road. Love Teddy Boy. ________________________________________42-03 GBM prof looking for P/T GM housecleaner. Call or text 215-350-4997. ________________________________________42-01 Elderly WM ISO same that would let me try to give them oral relief. Call Walt at 856-625-9195. ________________________________________42-03

Our New Year, New You guide gives you tips on how to face 2018 in the best possible physical, mental and emotional health. Jan. 19, 2018 edition of PGN.

Nominate yourself or someone else for Day in the Life Of to have one of our reporters spend a day on the job with you, and write about the experience.

Email editor@epgn.com with your name, occupation, employer and work schedule for consideration.

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