PGN 02-06-09 Edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 33 No. 6

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Feb. 6 - 12, 2009

Teacher arrested for relationship with student

Budget cuts could bring festival woes By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A suburban high-school teacher was arrested last week after he admitted to carrying on an affair with an underage male student. Curtis Harold Key, 38, turned himself in to Haverford police Jan. 29 and is charged with one count of corruption of a minor, a misdemeanor charge. Pennsylvania’s statutory-rape law applies only to minors under age 16; the student was 16 at the time of the relationship. If convicted, Key could face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000, although Delaware County Deputy District Attorney Michael Galantino said a judge could lessen the penalties because Key has no prior arrests. The former language teacher from Haverford High School resigned from his teaching position in December after the Haverford S c h o o l District and police began an investigation into his relationship with a 16year-old CURTIS HOWARD KEY student. AFTER HIS JAN. 29 During ARRAIGNMENT i n t e r v i e w s Photo: Alejandro A. Alverez/ with police his Philadelphia Daily News before arrest, Key said that while he knew his relationship with the boy was wrong, he “fell for” him. Key and the student allegedly began a relationship after spending time together during an after-school Chinese club that Key moderated. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the student, who has since turned 17, told Key that he “had feelings” for him in early October, the teacher concurred, and the two began exchanging messages via online networking site Facebook. On Oct. 17, Key walked the student to his car after both attended a music event after school, and the two kissed. They See TEACHER, Page 7

spouses do not face, and foreign-born samesex partners also face visa complications if they wish to return to the United States with the FSO. In their letter, Baldwin and her colleagues requested that Clinton rectify these disparities and suggested that the inclusion of same-sex partners as eligible family members could be a viable solution to the problem. “The lack of equitable treatment could force dedicated, intelligent and needed FSOs and officials to make an unfortunate choice between serving their country and protecting their families,” the letter stated, referencing former U.S. Ambassador to Romania Michael Guest, who resigned last year because of the employment issues he and his partner faced. Baldwin and her fellow lawmakers said that the employment disparities “should not be the reason why highly qualified employees leave the State Department at a time when their service is needed more than ever.” “Many other nations now extend training, protection and benefits to the partners of LGBT employees,” the letter went on to say. “Further, the State Department’s past inattention to these disparities places it below parity with the best employment practices used in the private sector, where the majority of Fortune 500 companies extend employee benefit programs to cover the domestic partners. Without remedying these inequities,

With more budget cuts expected following Mayor Nutter’s announcement last month that the city’s five-year deficit could reach $2 billion, local LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations are feeling the effects of the city’s financial crisis. The original round of budget cuts, introduced in November, contained a provision that will impact organizers of city festivals, such as the several LGBT-oriented events held throughout the next few months. The initial budget cuts stipulated that organizers of outdoor events would be required to reimburse the city for “collection and cleaning associated with major special events,” which the plan describes could cut city costs by about $175,000. The budget also specified that the city would seek reimbursement for police overtime for special events. Luke Butler, spokesperson for the mayor’s press office, confirmed last month that the city would collect these fees from organizers of all outdoor city events, although he was unsure how much these services would cost. Karla Sainz, spokesperson for the Council of Spanish-Speaking Organizations Inc. (El Concilio), said the city informed her organization of the new regulations when the group’s business manager began the process of applying for permits for El Concilio’s numerous outdoor events, such as the Hispanic Fiesta in July and the Puerto Rican Parade in September. “We have had to consider cutting the event short, reducing the timespan, so we can afford to pay for these things or having to raise the amount of money that we charge people who participate in the parade, which is not something we want to do,” Sainz said. “We’re considering what options we have, but having to pay for police and trash collection is a big, big obstacle for us right now.” Sainz said El Concilio is still working with the city to determine how much the new provisions will cost the organization. Franny Price, president of Philly Pride Presents, which stages June’s Pride celebration at Penn’s Landing and October’s OutFest in the Gayborhood, said she has not been in contact with the city about the issue yet, but that she’s not concerned about trash collection, as the organization does not enlist city assistance for cleanup because the

See BALDWIN, Page 7

See BUDGET CUTS, Page 8

GAY GOURMET: Eric Matzke (standing) of City Food Tours passes around a cheese plate to David (from left), Ed, Gus and Kevin at Di Bruno Bros. Feb. 1. The Rittenhouse restaurant was a stop on the “Gay Gourmet OUT-ings” food tour, which also took attendees to PHAG and Valanni and served as a fundraiser for the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Baldwin asks Clinton to follow through on State Dept. pledge By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Openly gay U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (DWisc.) called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week to make good on her pledge to review the Department of State’s LGBT policies. Baldwin, along with Rep. Ileana RosLehtinen (R-Fla.) and Sens. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), issued a letter to Clinton Feb. 2 requesting that she take action to address widespread inequities faced by State Department employees and their partners. Currently, the same-sex partners of Foreign Service Ofﬁcers are considered members of household, not eligible family members, as are opposite-sex married partners. The distinction in status bars same-sex partners from accessing many of the rights afforded heterosexual FSOs and their spouses. Same-sex partners currently don’t have equal access to the language-training and other educational classes the department offers the spouses of heterosexual FSOs, nor are they given the same preferential treatment for overseas employment. They are also not included in the FSOs’ travel orders, are not part of emergency-evacuation plans and do not have access to certain healthcare options. Same-sex partners additionally have to overcome obstacles in obtaining visas to accompany FSOs overseas that heterosexual

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

News

PGN

Editorial 10 International News 15 11 Letters 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 10 Other Views 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506 Phone: (215) 625-8501 Fax: (215) 925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

GLAAD president Neil Giuliano is resigning from his position

Iceland swears in lesbian PM

Giuliano was successful in furthering GLAAD’s internal development, bringing in a wealth of new donors and expanding its inﬂuence at the Sundance Film Festival.

Johanna Sigurdardottir said one of her ﬁrst acts as prime minister will be to “change the leadership of the central bank.”

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Publisher

Detour Comic Diversions Family Portraits Meeting Place Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

Editor Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206) sarah@epgn.com Art Director Christopher Potter design@epgn.com

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

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Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

Family Portraits: Robert Weinberg

“Sugar Rush”: Teen sexuality and all of the pleasure, awkwardness and heartbreak that goes with it.

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Photographer/Graphic Artist Scott A. Drake (ext. 216) scott@epgn.com Advertising Manager Nick Forte (ext. 209) nick@epgn.com Assistant Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com

Columns

Classifieds Directories

mark@epgn.com

Staff Writers Jen Colletta (ext. 215) jen@epgn.com

The forthcoming documentary “Out in the Silence” chronicles the lives of several LGBT residents of Oil City, Pa.

Adoption Corner Best Sellers Books In the Spirit Ms. Behavior

Mark Segal (ext. 204)

Advertising Sales Representative Kelly Root (ext. 207) kelly@epgn.com

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National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

In the Spirit

Ms. Behavior

Books

Kun-Yang Lin

Embracing difference

Are all straight guys repressed fags?

Two compilations of this year’s “Best” love stories for lesbians and gay men

A fusion of dance styles

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Do you think marriage laws should be instituted by individual states or by the federal government?

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Poll results from our online survey ending Feb. 4: 0% The states 12% The federal government

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Executive Assistant Credit/Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press National Gay Newspaper Guild Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2009 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

25% Both will need to be involved 63% Leave “marriage” to the churches, let the states provide unions

Go to www.philagaynews.com to weigh in on this week’s question: ADOPTION CORNER: MUSTAFFA AND VANESSA

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

Which country will be the ﬁrst to elect an openly gay leader to serve a full term?

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

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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News Briefing

Regional

Smithson sentenced

SNOW CYCLE: This week’s winter storm brought between 4-9 inches of snow to the region, resulting in a rough morning commute and the obligatory vehicle snow clearing — which took on a different definition for some. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Center to host breakfast for marriage equality By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer As organizations around the country kick off events and rallies to commemorate National Freedom to Marry Day Feb. 12, the William Way LGBT Community Center will do its own part to raise awareness about marriage equality, looking at the issue from a faithbased perspective. The center’s Interfaith Breakfast, which begins at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 12, will bring together faith leaders from across the country with local clergy and lay people to discuss how the LGBT and faith communities can effectively respond to the call for marriage equality. The breakfast, which will be held in the Mark Segal Grand Ballroom of the center, 1315 Spruce St., will feature a kosher buffetstyle meal with vegetarian options. The event was coordinated in part by the center’s Out and Faithful Committee, which oversees the organization’s religious programming. Candice Thompson, director of center services at William Way, said the group began planning for the event in September, and it was further propelled by the passage of Proposition 8 in California, which banned same-sex marriage in the state. “When we were brainstorming events for the 2009 calendar, looking at the center’s recurring spiritual programming and what other organizations were offering, we saw a real need for a networking event geared toward the over 100 welcoming faith communities in the Philadelphia area,” Thompson said. “Our goal was to plan an event that was inclusive, substantive and timely, and we knew it had to be an event that allowed these welcoming faith communities an opportunity to dialogue and of course [to] eat food, so we decided to host

a prayer breakfast. In the south in particular, prayer breakfasts have had a long tradition of bringing faith communities together for honest dialogue so we decided to use that structure to create a powerful, welcoming event.” Thompson said committee member the Rev. Karla Fleishman of Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church in Glen Mills, who will give the opening prayer, suggested that the event coincide with National Freedom to Marry Day, which was conceived by Lambda Legal in 1999. “Marriage equality is particularly relevant to faith communities because they are the organizations who are oftentimes asked to perform the ceremonies,” Thompson said. “It is so important that they make the right decisions for their LGBT congregants to support full marriage equality and LGBT civil rights.” The center enlisted Harry Knox, director of the religion and faith program at the Human Rights Campaign and the former program director at Freedom to Marry, as the event’s keynote speaker. Knox said he will address the “spiritual movement for marriage equality that is manifesting nationwide” and how local faith communities can support the progression of this movement. Knox noted that leaders of the marriageequality movement have already done the legwork of identifying and uniting faith leaders who support the cause but that they must now concentrate on educating those who are not yet committed to the idea of same-sex marriage. “The primary thing is to see marriage equality as the pastoral issue that it is,” Knox said. “We have done a really good job of organizing all the people on the list who agree with us that this is a basic issue of civil rights and that marriage should be available to

everyone for the same reason all civil rights are available to everyone. That work is largely done.” Knox continued, “Now our work is to convince people in the moveable middle that they should support marriage equality, that civil unions are separate but unequal and that marriage is the only thing the government can provide that supports families equally and brings benefits and protections that we need. When religious leaders get out of the political thinking and get back to what they’re good at, telling stories of their parishioners and talking about the real needs of people, you can move the middle in really significant ways.” Knox noted that the recent change in government leadership could be an asset to the LGBT community’s pursuit of marriage equality but that supporters cannot become lackadaisical in their efforts. “Having President Obama is going to be a terrific help to us. He’s certainly not where we want and hope him to be on marriage equality, but his stated and proven desire for real dialogue and having everyone’s needs heard and met as much as possible puts us in a better position than we were in the past, when we were shut out of the conversation with the government altogether, so we’re very hopeful,” he said. “We are not, however, sanguine; we recognize that with that conversation comes a whole new level of deep and determined work that has to be done. We’ve got to work harder than ever now. We cannot rest on our laurels and just say, ‘We’ve elected our friends to Congress and the White House.’ The really hard work begins now of trying to help people govern in ways that are just for LGBT people.” For more information, call (215) 732-2220 or visit www.waygay.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

William F. Smithson, convicted in November of the strangulation death of Jason Shephard, was sentenced last week to life imprisonment without parole. At the time of the September 2006 crime, Smithson, 43, and Shephard, 23, worked for Daktronics, a South Dakota-based scoreboard manufacturer. Shephard was visiting Smithson’s home in Thornbury Twp., Delaware County, when Smithson allegedly administered a date-rape drug to Shephard, then tried to rape him. When Shephard resisted, Smithson strangled him to death, prosecutors said. In addition to the life sentence, Delaware County Common Pleas Judge Barry C. Dozor sentenced Smithson to 104 months in prison for attempted rape, kidnapping, unauthorized administration of intoxicants and abuse of a corpse, as well as two years of probation. Erica G. Parham, a spokesperson for the Delaware County District Attorney’s ofﬁce, lauded Dozor’s sentencing. “We respected the jury’s decision, and we also respect Judge Dozor’s sentencing because he applied the appropriate seriousness that we believe this case warranted,” Parham said. But Rob Nardello, 42, a close friend of Smithson, said Smithson did not receive a fair trial. “There’s no physical evidence that ties Bill to the murder, nor to any crime that he supposedly committed that night,” Nardello told PGN. “Bill was convicted due to circumstantial evidence and homophobia. The District Attorney’s ofﬁce didn’t prove anything.” Patrick Connors, an appellate attorney for Smithson, was unavailable for comment. — Timothy Cwiek

Dog extortionist paroled The minor found guilty of making terroristic phone calls to a local gay man who was looking for his missing dog was released from a juvenile facility Jan. 28. Victor Rodriguez, 16, was convicted of four misdemeanor charges in regards to phone calls he placed to Bill Whiting in November 2007. Whiting’s dog, Edna, had gone missing Halloween night and several weeks later Whiting received numerous calls from youth claiming to have the dog. The callers threatened to torture and kill the dog unless Whiting paid them, and Whiting said he heard a dog yelping on the phone. Phone records traced the calls to Rodriguez and he was arrested last February and found guilty of making terroristic threats, extortion, harassment and conspiracy. In April, a judge remanded See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 13

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

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By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large Richard N. Gliniak Jr., a publicschool teacher with AIDS, has filed a discrimination complaint against the city’s public-school system, claiming that school officials discontinued his medical-leave benefits because of AIDS bias. “They [district officials] just want to get rid of me,” Gliniak told PGN. “They want me to go back to work, which would be a set-up for disaster, because I’m not well enough to return to the classroom yet.” Gliniak, 47, of South Philadelphia, has been a teacher with the district for about seven years. He went out on medical leave in October 2008, but later that year, school officials had him evaluated by a psychiatrist, who determined that he’s capable of working. On the basis of the psychiatric evaluation, Gliniak’s medicalleave benefits, also known as

“wage-continuation beneﬁts,” were discontinued on Dec. 1, 2008, he said. He’s been losing about $650 weekly, due to the discontinuation of those beneﬁts, he said. Gliniak maintains that the district should have sent him to an AIDS specialist for evaluation. He said an AIDS specialist could easily determine that he’s incapable of returning to work due to chronic fatigue and other disabling AIDS symptoms. Gliniak takes nine different AIDS-related medications daily, and he said each medication has its own side effects, which can be disabling at times. “The school district didn’t send me to an appropriate doctor,” Gliniak continued. “Do they think so little of the students’ welfare that they wouldn’t bother to do an appropriate medical evaluation of my health status?” On Feb. 2, Gliniak signed a

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complaint against the district with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, alleging bias against him due to his AIDS disability. Rachel S. Lawton, deputy director of compliance for the commission, said Gliniak’s complaint has been accepted for investigation. “The allegations contained in Mr. Gliniak’s complaint will be fully investigated,” Lawton said. Gliniak’s complaint alleges that school-district officials “refused to fully review Gliniak’s request for a medical leave and subsequently denied his request for a medical leave, all on the basis of his disability.” Gliniak acknowledged that he’s had other extended medical leaves during his seven-year tenure with the district, but they were necessary due to AIDS-related illnesses. He does his best to limit his absences, and he always supplies supervisors with adequate documentation to justify his absences, he said. Fernando A. Gallard, a spokesperson for the school district, declined to comment for this story, citing school-district policy on personnel matters. Gliniak enrolled in the district’s wage-continuation program at the start of his teaching career, for which he contributes $78.32 every two weeks, he said. The program allows Gliniak to receive two-thirds of his salary while he’s on extended medical leave, as long as he keeps up with his premiums, and his absences don’t exceed the maximum allowed. Gliniak said he participates in the program in good faith, at times even returning to work when his physicians have advised him against doing so. “I only use my wage-continuation benefits when it’s absolutely necessary,” he said. “I want to go back to work, but it would be irresponsible of me to go back now. I couldn’t do justice to the job. I feel as old as my mother, who’s 73.” Gliniak remains optimistic that his health will be restored sufficiently to return to work in September, he said. ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

PGN

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National Media Trail protests GLAAD president steps down Church marriage ban By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation announced last week that he would be resigning from his position within the next few months. Neil Giuliano, who’s been at the helm of the organization since September 2005, will step down as president in order to focus on completing a book about his public and political work. GLAAD works to ensure positive and fair portrayals of LGBT people in the media, educating mainstream media outlets, as well as LGBT media representatives, in order to alleviate institutionalized homophobia and discrimination. The organization’s board of directors is meeting this weekend to begin planning for a national search for a new leader, and GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro said that although there is no speciﬁc timeline for the search, Giuliano will stay on as president until the transition is complete. Ferraro noted that Giuliano also plans to remain involved with GLAAD as a donor and senior volunteer. “It’s been an honor and privilege to work professionally in the movement for LGBT equality for the last three-and-a-half years,” Giuliano said. “The views of the American people on LGBT issues are clearly moving in the right direction, toward supporting full equality, and it has been a great experience to serve on the front lines, leading an amazing organization at such an historical time in the movement.”

During his tenure at GLAAD, Giuliano, 52, worked to broaden the inﬂuence of the organization, instituting educational media programs for youth, religious and sports communities to heighten their awareness of LGBT media issues. “When I was hired I said, ‘I think it’s important that we not just talk to ourselves but also to those who disagree with us so we can start to change people’s hearts and minds,’” he said. “The way the media covers us is so critical to that process of change; if you can’t change people’s hearts and minds then you can’t get the results and the progress that we need.”

BALDWIN

TEACHER

From Page 1

the State Department may fail to attract and retain qualiﬁed personnel.” In addition to expanding the opportunities for gay FSOs and their partners, the lawmakers also called on Clinton to institute a policy of recognizing the same-sex partners of foreign diplomats who are serving in the United States and affording them the same rights and privileges provided to heterosexual couples. The letter also requested that Clinton “provide guidance” to the U.S. Missions to the United Nations to allow for American employees of the United Nations to have their same-sex partners recognized as domestic partners. The letter reminded Clinton that during her recent conﬁrmation hearing she said she would look into the employment disparities faced by gay FSOs and their partners. “As you work to advance America’s national security and exemplify this great country’s values around the world, we hope you will follow through on this pledge and also work to fully support your diverse workforce.” ■

then made arrangements to meet at Key’s house in Wayne. Galantino said Key told police the pair performed sex acts twice while at his house, but the student alleged that sexual contact occurred more frequently, about once every two weeks from October to December. “There was some difference between the two regarding the extent of the sexual relationship,” Galantino said. “The defendant admitted they had sexual contact on two occasions, but the boy described it more frequently than that.” The student confessed the relationship to a friend, who shared the information with another student during a conversation that was overheard by a teacher. The teacher contacted the school district, which launched an investigation Dec. 16. After interviewing the student and his parents, district ofﬁcials referred the family to police, who began their own investigation the same day. The district suspended Key the same day, and he resigned Dec. 18. During the investigation, detectives obtained messages Key sent to the student via Facebook detailing his feelings about him. According to the afﬁdavit, the student’s parents were upset “not only that a much older

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

The organization also worked with LGBT and ally organizations at the federal, state and local levels; Giuliano noted that over the past few years GLAAD has trained an average of 3,000 LGBT and ally individuals every year, seeking to ensure that the community is wellprepared to present its concerns to the media. The group also expanded its influence at the Sundance Film Festival and late last year merged with the former LGBT advertising agency Commercial Closet Association, which will manage GLAAD’s advertising efforts. Giuliano was also successful in furthering GLAAD’s internal development. He expanded the organization’s annual budget from $7.5 million to $11 million and brought in a wealth of new donors. Last year he oversaw the organization’s successful fulfillment of its five-year strategic plan and worked with other GLAAD representatives to launch a new fiveyear plan last fall. Prior to coming to GLAAD, Giuliano served as the mayor of Tempe, Ariz., for 10 years and as an administrator at Arizona State University for 25 years. “I want to finish the book that I’m working on, do some consulting, travel a little and just take some time off. I have no set plans other than I know I want to slow down a bit,” he said. “I was already retired when GLAAD contacted me about this position in the summer of 2005, so I feel really good about my four-year run here, and I think now it’s time to hand off the baton.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com. man had secretly engaged in this relationship with their juvenile son, but that the man was a teacher who they entrusted with their son’s care.” Galantino noted that the sexual relationship was consensual. When detectives visited Key at his home Dec. 16, he provided them a written statement in which he acknowledged wrongdoing and said he exercised poor judgment. “I know that I should not have been involved, but the attention he gave me made me overlook the inappropriateness, naively,” Key wrote. “I in no way want to do any harm to [the student] and only wish him the best and certainly should have made a wiser decision.” Police confiscated the student’s computer and a school district computer for analysis. After he was arraigned last week, Key waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and Haverford Township District Judge Robert Burke set bail at $5,000, which Key met, under the condition that he is to have no contact with the student, his family or any minors. Key is also barred from using the Internet and was placed on home monitoring. Key’s attorney, Joseph Chupein, said he and his client are “looking forward to a prompt resolution of the case.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Ohio.com reports clergy at a church in Cleveland are protesting the state’s ban on gay marriage by refusing to sign all state marriage licenses. Ministers at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ say they won’t sign the licenses until gay unions are legal in Ohio. Heterosexual couples exchanging wedding vows at the church will need an additional civil ceremony by a justice of the peace or a judge to make their union legal. The move was approved by an overwhelming voice vote during a recent congregational meeting. Head pastor Rev. John Tamilio III calls it a civil-rights protest.

ESPN pulls offensive ad The Advocate.com reports ESPN has removed an ad featuring Shaquille O’Neal and sports commentator Mike Breen some found homophobic. ESPN pulled the ad under pressure from organizations like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign, who voiced offense at its homophobic tone. The spot shows O’Neal rejecting a fist bump from Breen after Breen called it a “fist kiss.” O’Neal moves away from Breen and says, “No fist kiss, no fist love, no fist hump. None of that. You’re a weirdo, man. Stay over there. Fist kiss. Disgusting.” “Our intent is to send a positive message about the camaraderie of sports and to do so as creatively as we can,” the network said in a statement. “However, we understand your perspective on this ad and would like to apologize to the members of the gay community.”

Mass. lesbian couple divorcing 365gay.com reports the lesbian couple whose fight to marry led to a court ruling that opened same-sex marriage in Massachusetts has filed for divorce. Hillary and Julie Goodridge have split up and petitioned Suffolk Probate and Family Court to end their marriage. In April 2001, the Goodridges went to court seeking the right to marry. The case reached the state’s highest court in 2003. In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled that a proposed civil-union bill was insufficient and that gay couples could no longer be excluded from civil-marriage rights. When the Goodridges married after the ruling took effect in 2004, they had been together for nearly 20 years. Hillary, 52, and Julie, 51, share custody of their 12-year-old daughter, Annie. ■ — Larry Nichols

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group’s volunteers clean and bag trash on their own following both events. Price did, however, say the group could face extra expenses in paying for police, who patrol both events. Price said she also received a letter last week from the city’s ARK ATKINS DO managing director, Camille Cates Barnett, detailing that Philly Pride OHN EL OSSI PA C Presents will now be financially responsible for festival equipment, such as podiums and the reviewing stand for the Pride parade. Price said this, too, should not impact the organization, as it has always paid for its own equipment. 253 S. 10th St. “What was actually upsetting about this letter was that it meant First Floor that somebody was getting that for Philadelphia free,” Price said. “We pay for it on our own all the time so for them to send out that letter means that Cosmetic Surgery some people have been getting that for Men equipment comped.” Chip Alfred, spokesperson for and Women Equality Forum, which stages the large street festival Sunday Out! in May, said the organization received the same letter, but he was unsure M.D., FRCS(C), FACS if Equality Forum would need to Board Certified Plastic Surgeon utilize the city’s rental equipment ‘Top Doc’ - 2001, 2002 this year, as it typically has not in ‘Top plastic surgeon’ -2003 the past. Philadelphia Magazine Local nonprofits are also grappling with the loss of a city grant initiative that provided funding for Complimentary Consultation the marketing of organizational and 215.829.6900 neighborhood festivals. The city commerce department’s Marketing, Planning and 301 South 8th Street Community Festival Funding Garfield Duncan Bldg., Suite 3H Program, which had been in place Philadelphia PA 19106 since 2001, was discontinued at the beginning of 2008. The program www.dradrianlo.com allocated $10,000 to organizations putting on single-day events and $25,000 to those sponsoring multiday festivals. Sara Merriman, director of PAGE 15 policy initiatives at the commerce department, said the program was discontinued as a result of limited finances coupled with internal restructuring. “Prior to the new administration, the city representative and director of commerce were the same people, but because of a charter change, the city representative became responsible exclusively for the promotion of the city and special events,” Merriman said. “And the core services for the department of commerce were more closely defined as essentially having to do with economic development as related to for-profit businesses.” Merriman said the program, which dispersed funding to about 40 local nonprofits in 2007, was successful but it was not feasible for the department to continue it. “The program was very popular, a lot of great things that happened as a result of it, but ultimately because

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FEB. 6 - 12, 2009 the core activities of the department were more sharply defined and everybody has limited funding, we had to make a choice about the level of service that we provided. We took all mention of the program off the Web site and notified former recipients as they inquired about it.” Price said Philly Pride Presents received the $10,000 grant from the commerce department in 2004 and 2007, but was told last year that there were no funds available. Alfred said he could not comment on if and when Equality Forum obtained the grant and how the revocation of the grant could impact this year’s event. Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs, emphasized that the city’s LGBT and other festivals were thriving and their performance had no impact on the discontinuation of the grant program. “The initiative definitely backed some of our community organizations, some more than others, because not all groups applied every year. But some did begin to rely on that funding and then the program was discontinued and some of the groups began to find out as they started inquiring about continued funding,” Casarez said. “It wasn’t not continued because these groups weren’t successful or weren’t bringing in enough people; our folks were very successful and weren’t not funded through any fault of their own.” Casarez met with the board of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Jan. 22 during the group’s board meeting to discuss ways the local LGBT community can respond to the loss of this grant and other city funding. “Obviously this means organizations are going to have to look externally for support,” Casarez said. “It’s a double challenge because these grantees are going to have to look externally when there’s a long line for external support right now, and external funders have their dollars tighter, too. It’s understandably a tough climate for folks to have to engage with external sponsors.” Casarez said local organizations seeking outside funding sources should emphasize to potential funders that they lost their funding because of the city’s financial woes and for no other reason. “The fact that these organizations were in otherwise good standing is something that new funders deserve to know. It doesn’t mean it’ll free up their resources if they’re tight already, but I think that if a funder has to decide between two groups and knows that this one was a former city grantee in good standing and the funding source just doesn’t exist anymore, they may look more favorably on that organization.”

Leaders of LGBT and HIV/ AIDS organizations around the city said they haven’t heard anything deﬁnitive about whether any of their city funding will be discontinued, but all said they were anxiously awaiting the details of the continued budget cuts. Louis Bonilla, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative, said the organization does receive some funding from the city’s general fund, which he said he believes is safe for the time being. “So far we haven’t heard how we will be affected, but we are waiting with baited breath on what the city will determine,” Bonilla said. “Many nonproﬁts run on tight budgets as it is, so if anything is cut, it will affect some of our services but we’re hoping to limit the effects.” ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg, executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center, said the only city funding the center receives is the $350,000 the city is contributing toward the construction of an elevator in the building. “Our contract is moving forward, and we haven’t heard anything from the city to indicate otherwise,” Goldenburg said. Michael Hinson, interim executive director for The COLOURS Organization Inc., said his organization receives city funding only to the extent that it is a project of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, which receives city money. “COLOURS doesn’t receive any funding from the city’s general fund, which is probably where the impact of the cuts is mostly going to happen,” Hinson said. “Most of the money we receive is federal or state funding passed down through the city. In that way, there’s less of a chance, but not no chance, that those funds are going to be affected.” Ron Sy, executive director of AIDS Services in Asian Communities, noted that ASIAC and many other local HIV/AIDS organizations receive funding from the Centers for Disease Control and the state and federal governments. He said the city oversees portions of this funding but that it is not directly drawn from the city budget, which he said could aid them now, although in light of the nationwide economic crisis, the future of this funding is not certain. “We might not be cut now, but there is that possibility in the future,” Sy said. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PGN

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 9

Philly PFLAG looks to expand support, membership By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer With the new year now in full swing and a new president at the helm, the Philadelphia chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is seeking to recommit itself to its mission of providing support to LGBT individuals and their loved ones, education to the public about LGBT issues and advocacy for the entire LGBT and ally communities. PFLAG Philadelphia will invite the LGBT community and its supporters to a forum on LGBT adoption next week, from 2-5 p.m. Feb. 15, at the Carriage House on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St. During the event, Jared Rolsky, executive director of the Golden Cradle Adoption Services, headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., will share his experiences working in the adoption ﬁeld and discuss the unique obstacles faced by potential LGBT parents. PFLAG president Myra Taksa, who was elected to the position in October for a two-year term, said the event will serve as an informative crash course in adoption for interested parents and their families. “From my conversations over the years with a number of LGBT individuals, I know that there have been a lot of questions that have been raised about what the logistics are for adoption, what the prospects are like,” Taska said. “For LGBT couples and individuals and their parents, friends and other family members, they can come away from this with information that could help if they are seeking to adopt and create their own families.” Taska said the adoption forum is one of the organization’s forthcoming efforts to increase its visibility in the local LGBT and ally communities in order to expand its membership base and strengthen its inﬂuence and reach. “Membership is not as high as it had been, and we’re interested in seeing it increase,” Taska said. “We have a saying that when you no longer need PFLAG, that’s when PFLAG needs you. We need people to give back and help other people in the way they were helped by the organization if they feel that they were.” Taska said the group’s current members range from heterosexual parents of LGBT kids to LGBT individuals and ally supporters; she noted that the diversity makes

for a welcoming and hospitable environment at all PFLAG events. “It’s deﬁnitely a mixture of people, and we love that. You can get so many different perspectives,” she said. “The people in PFLAG are just amazing. If only one new person were to come to a meeting, we’d happily embrace that person and allow them to feel comfortable.” Taska joined the group six years ago after her son, who was 16 at the time, came out to her and her husband. She said the monthly support meetings she and her husband attended proved invaluable to their understanding and support of their son. “You never know who’s going to walk in the door, and one year it was my husband and I, and we just needed to talk with people who’d gone through what we were experiencing when our son came out. There was no question we adored him beyond expression; we just wanted to be the best parents we could for him, and we didn’t know anything about having a gay child and how to help him.” Taska said her involvement with PFLAG Philadelphia allowed her to see the breadth and depth of the LGBT community and to value her son’s role in that population. “When I went into it, I didn’t have information, and I didn’t have

the facts, but I became educated. I saw that I wasn’t alone in having a child who had this characteristic of his, the characteristic being that he’s gay. He’s tall, has dark eyes and he’s gay; that’s just one characteristic.” Recently, members of PFLAG Philadelphia have taken that educational component to the wider public, participating in the marriage-equality rally staged in the city in November following the Proposition 8 vote in California and continuing the group’s work with the Philadelphia School District to ensure safe environments for all students. Taska said the chapter is also examining how they can integrate a national PFLAG safe-schools certification program, Cultivating Respect, at a local level. The group’s monthly meetings, which usually consist of a speaker or a panel discussion, small-group sessions and occasional advocacy work, are held on the third Sunday of the month, except in June, October and December, from 2-5 p.m. at Penn’s Carriage House. For more information on PFLAG Philadelphia, visit http://pflagphila. org, e-mail pflagphila@yahoo.com or call (215) 572-1833. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Editorial Feeling the pain Earlier this week, President Obama announced an executive pay cap of $500,000 for companies that received federal bailout money last year, following reports that they had given their top execs lavish bonuses. Obama’s action speaks volumes about his character — and his background. How many others would have had the courage to call the financial fat cats on their “shameful” behavior? It also speaks to his approach to leading the country and tackling the economic problems, a “we’re all in this together” mindset. This is vastly different from hardcore capitalists and Libertarians, who espouse a laissez-faire/no government involvement/every-man-for-himself approach. And considering the economic mess the country is in now, it’s a shame it’s taken this long to bring about change. As the country’s financial woes trickle down, they affect the states, the cities and the local communities. In Philadelphia, some LGBT organizations are facing cuts in city funding. For HIV/AIDS organizations, funds come from the Centers for Disease Control and are funneled through the city, and should be safe. But organizations that receive money from the city’s general fund may be impacted. Two cuts that specifically affect the LGBT community were made last year: The first was a marketing grant for groups to promote their events, the second was a change in the way the city handles outdoor festivals. For the marketing grant, the change appears to be two-fold. First, the city realigned the duties of the agency that had distributed the funds; second, the new agency ended the grant program because of lack of funding. Local groups used the marketing grant to pay for advertising, signs and other promotional materials to drive business and attract customers. (Hence, the commerce angle.) Some groups relied heavily on this funding, others applied intermittently. For the former, the loss will be hard felt. For organizations that host outdoor festivals, most are still sorting out exactly what the changes mean, what the financial impact will be and what they can do in the meantime. For instance, it’s still not clear if groups will have to reimburse the city for extra police presence or street cleanup, and it’s unclear if the city has a mechanism in place to collect such payments. If the LGBT community holds to Obama’s “we’re in this together” mindset, then as Philadelphians, it has two specific concerns with regard to the city’s financial woes. The first is, what can we do to tighten our belts and keep the economy humming? The second is assuring that funding for LGBT groups and events is treated equally in all budget decisions, cuts or no. ■

Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: (215) 925-6437. Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Other Views

Patricia Nell Warren

Free speech: A big deal for everybody So many issues are convulsing the LGBT world right now — notably samesex marriage — that the grandmother of all issues has been nudged out of the spotlight. I’m referring to free speech. Half a century ago, we were denied any freedom to discuss LGBT issues in the media, or even to discuss them among ourselves in publications sent through the mail. In 1954, the U.S. Post Office confiscated an issue of One, the first gay-rights magazine, alleging that any discussion of gayness was obscene in itself. In 1958, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of One, giving a boost to the new gay-rights movement. Today that battle for free speech goes on in a new arena of communication, the Internet. The very first day of Obama’s presidency, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the Child Online Protection Act was unconstitutional. For 10 years, the ACLU’s lawsuit to challenge this law had been grinding along like a glacier. COPA would have made it a federal crime to sell anything on the Web to minors that could be deemed “harmful” to them. My publishing company, Wildcat Press, and I were among the LGBT entities — including Philadelphia Gay News — involved in the fight against COPA. As an author, I view censorship as a personal kick in the teeth by government, so I’ve been involved in anti-censorship litigation since 1996, when I signed on with the ACLU for

a similar censorship ﬁght against the Communications Decency Act, which was also struck down. COPA was supposedly aimed only at hard-core porn on the Web, but was so broadly written that it could actually have been used to criminalize non-porn LGBT content, whether sexual health information or gay-themed books. For me, it was personal: My publishing company could have been prosecuted for selling my novel “The Front Runner” to a 17-year-old on our Web site. But the battle is far from over. Our enemies have already shifted their efforts to battleﬁelds where they have more local leverage — for instance, school districts. There, it’s shocking to see the narrowing of student free speech, which is viewed as “disruptive” by many school boards. A recent case in Louisiana shows how badly things have deteriorated. After Election Day, some schools punished students for talking about Obama’s election at school, even for wearing T-shirts with his image. The ACLU of Louisiana had to send a letter to Louisiana school districts reminding them that they were breaking the law. If Obama is a forbidden subject at school, we can imagine how verboten is discussion of LGBT issues. Indeed, a number of states outlawed any discussion of sex or sexual orientation in classrooms. Even heterosexual students

who support us can wind up being silenced. Last year a Florida student named Heather Gillman won a First Amendment lawsuit against her school, which had punished her for wearing a rainbow-flag symbol to school to show solidarity with gay and lesbian friends. Many Americans today don’t seem concerned about the gradual erosions of free speech under the U.S. Patriot Act. Compared to job loss, inadequate healthcare and the burden of personal debt, free speech seems like an antiquated and academic issue to some. The same goes for many LGBT people, who seem to take it for granted that those rights first granted in 1956 will be ours forever. Many gay media did scanty reporting on the COPA win, filling up their columns with Prop. 8 rehashes and speculations on what Obama might do for us. We’ll have to hope that Obama is more censorship-savvy than Clinton was. Yet when the chips are down, it’s not up to the president to protect our First Amendment rights for us. Only we can do that, by fighting for them. Indeed, we can debate and discuss all our other issues only when we have that most fundamental right of all. ■ Patricia Nell Warren is a bestselling novelist and blogs at the Huffington Post, the Bilerico Project and Outsports.com. Visit her at www. patricianellwarren.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Mark My Words

Street Talk

Mark Segal

Lesbians and students, Israelis and Palestinians Two issues this week, one local and one from the LGBT community’s own wacky fringe. First, let’s talk students, actually scholarships. There are two local LGBT scholarship funds in Philadelphia, the Jonathan Lax scholarship fund, which funds gay men, and the Sally Tyre scholarship fund, which funds lesbians. Sally Tyre worked tirelessly to support gay women in Philadelphia, first as an ad rep at PGN, then as a partner in a club where she created an atmosphere that allowed women to be themselves and excel in their community. Until recently, the Tyre fund had been dormant, but Irene Benedetti has breathed new life into it. With a new board and new enthusiasm, they intend to grow the fund. Their first event will be a benefit at Sisters in March. Your support is an investment in the youth of our community. Now for the wacky LGBT idea of the week: A queer activist group has suggested a boycott of the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival in June. There are so many points here it’s hard to decide where to start, but why would an LGBT organization boycott another LGBT organization in the only gay-friendly country in the Middle East? This is as crazy as those who wanted to boycott another gay-friendly film festival, Sundance.

PAGE 11

But let’s look more closely at this suggestion. On full disclosure: I’ve been to Israel and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, writing a series for the gay press from Beirut, Lebanon. I’ve also been a member of Peace Now, an organization that believes that Israel deserves to live in peace and the only way that can occur is to support the formation of a Palestinian state. If anyone took the idea of boycotting the Tel Aviv LGBT ﬁlm festival seriously it would put sexual minorities in the corner of the Palestinians — against the Israelis. Let’s compare. Israel, unlike the U.S., has gays in the military. Israel has limited domestic-partner rights, LGBT adoptions and common-law marriage for LGBT couples. Same-sex marriages performed in other countries are recognized, LGBT people have been elected to various Israeli government posts and some Israeli cities fund LGBT organizations. As for the Palestinian Authority, Hezbullah, Hamas and all other countries in the Middle East, none provide rights for the LGBT community. Some states have been known to imprison and execute members of our community. The reality is that many LGBT Palestinians travel to live in Israel to escape the oppression of their families. Putting all that aside, haven’t we in the U.S. learned by now that it is arrogant for us to be the international morality police? ■ Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

Should private schools be allowed to expel LGBT students?

Cassidi Ballou counter technician Brookhaven

Tiffani Dunschee resident counselor Germantown

“Yes. Let the school show its true colors. At least people will see what they’re all about — how completely wrong they are. Then, efforts can be made to have other students voluntarily withdraw. I wouldn’t shed a tear if [the school] shuts down.”

“Yes. When it’s a private school, you can’t say too much to them. If I had a gay child, I wouldn’t send them to a place where they’re not wanted; that could encourage suicide. I saw a movie about something like that. The child needs to be in an environment that’s open and supportive.”

Christina Gethers hairstylist West Philadelphia

Freddie Ortiz cosmetologist Northern Liberties

“No. God loves everybody. Nobody should be excluded because of their sexual preference. I don’t agree with any religion that would expel a lesbian or gay man from a school. They should be put out of business.”

“No. Everyone should be treated equal. There’s no excuse for discrimination. The school needs to change; otherwise, close them down. Religion should have nothing to do with a person’s education.”

Letters and Feedback Regarding “Ten years later: Robert Drake” Jan. 30-Feb. 5: I came to your Web site tonight via my Facebook account. On your homepage was this link to the story of Mr. Drake. I read it and was overcome with compassion. It was beautifully written and a great example of how people can succeed in the face of extreme adversity. It sounds as if he is creating a new story for his life, one ﬁlled with hope rather than hate. I am coming from the perspective of a lesbian, a woman who is currently in a grad school program for occupational therapy (as a second career), and someone new to Philly and its LGBT scene. Thus, I believe in the power of community, in the beneﬁt of empowering people, in therapy and in trusting what’s to come. Thank you for sharing Mr. Drake’s message. I won’t be able

to attend his luncheon, but please know that I am there in spirit. — Kim Gana Philadelphia Thank you for a very nice article. I hope more people will step up to not only help Robert but also to take actions against hate crimes. — Anh Dang Huh. The attackers got eight years. Drake got over ten. — Matthewwave Regarding “Binational couple wants Obama’s help in returning to U.S.” Jan. 30-Feb. 5: My partner and I have been living in Moscow, Russia, for the past seven years due to the fact immigration beneﬁts granted to heterosexuals are not granted to us. Interesting you should post

this article. We too want to return to the States. I have a home in Collingswood, N.J., that I rent out. My family is in the States. We want nothing more than to return to the States — but not if that means dissolving our family, our relationship. Can you imagine the frustration we have? There are 40,000 binational couples that are facing this situation according to Immigration Equality. There is a bill in congress called the UAFA — please write your Congressmen and urge them to support this. It is the Uniting American Families Act. Immigration Equality has more information on how to get involved. To PGN — thanks for printing this article. There are other couples in the region that are facing the same issue — the choice between family and country. — Patrick Kane and Max, Moscow, Russia

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 12

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Names: Mustaffa and Vanessa Breed: Chinese Sharpei-Labrador mix Age: Between one and two years old Sex: Mustaffa; male (neutered), Vanessa; female (spayed) Health: Good, with up-to-date shots Other information: Both dogs have a microchip. The Humane Society, animal control or any area shelter or vet that has microchip scanning technology can identify them. History: The Philadelphia ASPCA gave Mustaffa and

Vanessa to PAWS on Jan. 21 after housing them for two weeks. The dogs are littermates and have been together their entire lives. They have bonded and must be adopted together for their own emotional well-being. They were given to the ASPCA originally because their owners felt they needed to reduce the number of pets they had. Mustaffa and Vanessa are playful and good at keeping themselves entertained. Mustaffa is more dominant than Vanessa and is the more controlled of the two. He is a fast learner and listens well to commands. Vanessa is more

PAWS is hosting its fourthannual Puppy Love Valentine’s Party from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 12 at Orainna Hill Park, a volunteer-run dog park. There will be a heated tent, beer, wine, music, pet games and contests and appetizers by Devil’s Alley. Bring the dog you already love or fall in love at the party with one of PAWS’ eligible barkers. There will also be a silent auction and, of course, doggie bags. Admission is $35 per person and four-legged friends are free. Orianna dog park is on the 900 block of Orianna Street, north of Poplar between Third and Fourth. PAWS is dedicated to promoting public welfare and to saving the lives of Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned and unwanted animals and has a no-kill policy. PAWS 100 N. Second St. (215) 238-9901 Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. www.phillypaws.org

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In the Spirit

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 13

The Rev. Richard Smiraglia

Owning and embracing our difference You know that old myth about couples who live together getting so they look alike? I say myth, because anybody who knows us knows that even after 30 years my husband and I couldn’t look any more different than we do — we are a classic Mutt and Jeff combination. Of course, that difference was an essential part of what attracted us to each other in the ﬁrst place. “Opposites attract” has its roots in simple physics, after all. Differences are important. I was somewhere between startled and saddened to read about the controversy surrounding Portland, Ore., mayor Sam Adams. Portland is the largest city in the U.S. to have an openly gay mayor. Apparently his past includes a

brief intimate relationship with a teenaged legislative intern. No law seems to have been broken. The entire “scandal” seems to be that, when asked about it during the campaign, Adams lied. Of course he did. Do you talk openly about every sexual relationship you’ve had? Of course you don’t. And, when you get into a position of high public visibility, do you adjust your story telling to avoid potential conﬂicts? Of course — we all do. A few weeks ago, I was at a large event at my denomination’s local cathedral. There were easily several hundred people present. It was one of those things that overwhelms an introvert like me, so my usual tactic is to stand in one place and let it swirl around me. At one point, a colleague dropped by to introduce me to another priest. I remember being a little surprised when I heard myself introduced as “sort of on staff” at our parish. And half a second later it was over and they were gone. But I was berating myself for letting it go — after all,

I am the “missioner for the gay and lesbian community” at our church. But who wants to raise eyebrows with the “G” word? In fact, this is quite uncharacteristic of me — I usually enjoy smiling as I explain to the unwitting that the digniﬁed priest to whom they are speaking has devoted his ministry to gay inclusiveness! Obviously these two stories are nowhere comparable. I have to admit I know nothing about the politics of Portland, or really, of the facts about that case. But it still makes me want to shake my head in exasperation. I think it really is important to understand how easily and effortlessly all of us have learned to avoid bringing up even the fact of being gay, let alone the details of our lives. And yet, society needs to know about the ways in which we are different. And in order to lead spiritually fulﬁlled lives, we need to stop hiding in our own closets. We need to own our differences, to embrace them and to take pride in them.

NEWS BRIEFING

who’ve operated Cresheim Cottage for ﬁve years, put the restaurant up for sale in September for $775,000. The pair said the construction project, along with the general economic downturn, forced the closure of the business.

Forum to review city budget

From Page 5 Rodriguez to a juvenile facility in western Pennsylvania, which typically only holds youth for up to a year. Rodriguez is on parole under an agreement that stipulates that he must take his medication, complete his high-school education and regularly report to his parole ofﬁcer. Whiting’s dog was never found.

Cresheim Cottage closes The lesbian-owned Cresheim Cottage Café in Mount Airy closed its doors last week following a year of ﬁnancial difﬁculties, generated in part by a long-term construction project along the main thoroughfare in the neighborhood. A $17-million Pennsylvania Department of Transportation construction project, which began in November 2007, shut down stretches of Germantown Avenue, on which the restaurant was located, for months at a time. The project wrapped up late last year, but throughout its duration, Cresheim Cottage saw a nearly 75-percent drop in sales. Openly LGBT owners Donna Fitzgerald Robb and Lizza Robb,

LGBTs rally for marriage equality The LGBT and ally communities will come together in Harrisburg next week to voice their support for marriage equality. The community is invited to attend a Freedom to Marry rally at 4 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Dauphin County Courthouse at Front and Market streets. Nearly 50 organizations have signed on to sponsor the event, which will kick off with a marriage ceremony presided over by the Rev. Eva O’Diam. The rally will take place during rush hour outside the building where couples obtain marriage licenses. For more information, contact Alanna Berger, chair of Rainbow EqUUality Advocates at (717) 3612992 or alannaberger@comcast. net or Bolton Winpenny, head of Panzee Press, at (717) 564-2477 or Panzee@PanzeePress.com. Those interested in participating in the commitment ceremony can contact O’Diam at (717) 236-7387 or PastorEva@MCCofTheSpirit.org.

The University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Project for Civic Engagement will host “The City Budget: Tight Times, Tough Choices, Citizen Priorities” to explain the city’s current fiscal situation and invite recommendations for 2010 city budget priorities. At the forums, local journalists will question top officials about the city’s current economic status, which will be followed by “citizen-work sessions,” in which participants will analyze potential budget changes. Those who wish to make a statement to city officials will be permitted to submit a short, videotaped segment. Registration for all of the meetings begins at 6 p.m., with the panel discussion starting at 7 p.m. and the event concluding around 9:30 p.m. The forums are as follows: Feb. 12 at St. Dominic’s School, 8510 Frankford Ave.; Feb. 18 at Mastery Charter School-Pickett Campus, 5700 Wayne Ave.; Feb. 19 at St. Monica’s School, 1720 Ritner St.; and Feb. 23 at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 2251 N. 54th St. For more information, contact Dr. Harris Sokoloff, executive director of Penn’s Center for School Study Councils at (215) 898-7371. ■ — Jen Colletta

It seems that no matter how far we advance toward equality, our essential differences still mock us. And the reason is because we, as LGBT folks — we as different folks — refuse to embrace and celebrate that which makes us different. Nobody wants to walk into a produce market and ﬁnd only iceberg lettuce and cardboard tomatoes. Society needs to reach the point where it embraces the differences among people too. And we need to help society get there. Just as it is important to be

spiritually centered about who we are as LGBT folks, it also is critical that we act with pride and without apologetics about the differentness we bring that enriches society. Our job is to lift the spirits of the whole society, even as we afﬁrm our own. ■

The Rev. Richard P. Smiraglia is missioner among the gay and lesbian community at The Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square, 1904 Walnut St. He can be reached at ofﬁce@htrit.org. A Loving Family of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Catholics & our allies invites you to celebrate

Sunday Mass, 7:00 PM Social immediately following Mass

Please Join Us! - Services are held at St. Luke & the Epiphany 330 S. 13th Street, between Spruce and Pine streets, Philadelphia, PA Communion in the form of Consecrated bread, wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion available upon request. Information: 215-546-2093 www.dignityphila.org www.dignityusa.org

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JOIN US TWICE MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM Coffee, cake & conversation at the oneg following services

Friday, February 13: Tu B’Shevat seder, 8:00 PM. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to the BA phone line by Feb.6th so we can plan accordingly. Sunday, March 1, The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene presents, “Mama’s Loshn Kugel,” a traveling Yiddish revue featuring classic songs and sketches, 3:00 PM; $10/person, payable at the door, Teller Auditorium at Rodeph Shalom. Supertitles will be projected during the performance--no knowledge of Yiddish required. Please reserve by calling Beth Ahavah at 215-923-2003 and leaving your name and phone number on our voicemail. Saturday, March 14, The BA Players present this year’s Purim shpiel, “My Fair Esther,” 7:00 PM. Join us for an evening of fun, noisemaking and hamentashen. Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues. Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions

615 North Broad Street, Phila., PA 19123-2495 Phone: 215.923.2003 E-mail: BethAhavah@rodephshalom.org

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PAGE 14

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

International News

PAGE 15

Larry Nichols

Iceland swears in lesbian PM Earlier this week, Iceland swore in its first openly gay head of government — as well as its first female leader — when the new Social Democratic Alliance chose Johanna Sigurdardottir to be prime minister. While Norway’s finance minister Per-Kristian Foss, who is gay, was that country’s acting prime minister for a brief period in 2002 while both the prime minister and foreign minister were traveling abroad, Sigurdardottir is the first LGBT person to be chosen for a full term as head of government. Sigurdardottir entered politics through union activism as a flight attendant for IcelandAir. She became minister of social affairs in the outgoing cabinet for the Social Democratic leader, former prime minister Geir H. Haarde. Haarde stepped down from Iceland’s highest political seat after the nation entered financial devastation and political unrest in fall 2008. Sigurdardottir’s stint as prime minister may not last very long. The government forming under her party is required to govern only through April 25, when an election must take place. Sigurdardottir said one of her first acts as prime minister will be to “change the leadership of the central bank.” After Iceland’s financial collapse in October, the nation was forced to seek a $10-billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund and other countries.

Killer freed on gay panic defense A jury recently found a 25-yearold man in the Bahamas not guilty after he claimed a man he killed made sexual advances toward him. Frederick Green-Neely told a court in Nassau that he stabbed Dale Williams three times as he tried to ﬂee Williams’ home. The defendant said that Williams, the brother of a prominent local politician, invited Green-Neely into his home in February 2004. He claimed Williams revealed he was sexually attracted to Green-Neely and tried to grab him. Before ﬂeeing the scene, Green-Neely stabbed Williams. Prosecutors argued that the defendant had used excessive force, but the jury backed Green-Neely.

NEW LEADING LADY: Iceland’s Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir is seen in her new office for the first time, in Reykjavik, Iceland, Feb. 1. A new center-left government took office in crisis-hit Iceland Sunday, headed by the country’s first openly gay national leader. AP Photo: Brynjar Gauti

The Nassau Guardian reported that defense lawyer Dorsey McPhee told jurors his client was “defending his manhood.” “This man deserves to go home to be with his family,” McPhee said. “The death, we are saying, was justiﬁed. Show the nation you don’t impose yourself on somebody, because one day you just might meet the wrong person.” Green-Neely was acquitted of murder. The case is an example of the “gay panic defense,” which allows a person charged with murder to claim that he was driven into a state of violent temporary insanity by a sexual advance from the victim. There is also no equivalent defense relating to heterosexual encounters. The defense is most frequently used in the United States, particularly in areas where homophobia is widespread. In the U.K., where it is also referred to as the “Portsmouth defense,” the government holds that “The fact that the victim made a sexual advance on the defendant does not, of itself, automatically provide the defendant with a defense of self-defense for the actions that take place.” The Bahamas is one of 14 British Overseas Territories, which are under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, but not considered part of the U.K. itself.

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Gay Irish suicide attempts up A recent report issued by the Irish government on Feb. 2 found that nearly 20 percent of LGBT Irish citizens have attempted suicide and one in three has self-harmed at least once. It also found widespread physical attacks and rampant school bullying toward the LGBT population. The report, “Supporting LGBT Lives: A Study of the Mental Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People,” is the largest study into LGBT mental health ever carried out in Ireland. The report’s authors said that the study clearly shows “the negative effects of stigmatization, harassment and discrimination on LGBT people.” Twenty-ﬁve percent of respondents said they had been physically attacked because of their sexuality and 40 percent had been threatened with violence. The study found that almost 80

percent had been verbally abused because of their sexual identity and 58 percent had been bullied in school. More than 30 percent said that they had been bullied by teachers or staff. The Children’s Research Center at Trinity College and the School of Education at University College Dublin conducted the study.

tolerance of homosexuals and laidback sexual attitudes. The newsletter also quoted Wagner as saying that Katrina destroyed not only nightclubs and brothels in New Orleans, but also abortion clinics.

Vatican promotes antigay priest

The leaders of the Roman Catholic, Ethiopian Orthodox and Protestant churches have called on the government of Ethiopia for a constitutional ban on homosexuality. Currently the constitution makes no mention of homosexuality, but male homosexual behavior is illegal in the country and carries a penalty of up to ﬁve years’ imprisonment. Although there is no provision under Ethiopian law for lesbianism, there is the presumption that the punishment would be the same. “For people to act in this manner, they have to be dumb, stupid like animals,” an Orthodox leader told journalists. “We strongly condemn this behavior. They have to be disciplined, and their acts discriminated; they have to be

An Austrian pastor who has been quoted as calling Hurricane Katrina God’s punishment for sin in New Orleans is being promoted to the rank of bishop. The Vatican announced Jan. 31 that Pope Benedict XVI has tapped the Rev. Gerhard Wagner, 54, to be auxiliary bishop in Linz, Austria. Wagner has served since 1988 as pastor of a church in the Austrian town of Windischgarsten. In 2005, Wagner was quoted in a parish newsletter as saying that he was convinced that the death and destruction of Hurricane Katrina earlier that year was “divine retribution” for New Orleans’

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Detour PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 17

A departure from the ordinary

Breaking the ‘Silence’

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 18

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Filmmakers roll tape on small-town documentary By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Being a gay teen is hard enough if you live in a progressive metropolitan area of the country. Just imagine trying to scrape through the most awkward and fragile years of your life in an economically depressed and socially conservative piece of small-town America somewhere between Pittsburgh and Erie, but essentially in the middle of nowhere. Welcome to Oil City, Pa. In their forthcoming documentary, “Out in the Silence,” D.C. ﬁlmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer chronicle the lives of several LGBT residents of Oil City, Wilson’s hometown, after the couple published their wedding announcement in the local paper — and ignited a ﬁrestorm. “We, unknowingly when we published our wedding announcement, fell into an area that is home to the head of the American Family Association,” Wilson said. “I didn’t know that when I published my wedding announcement. [AFA president] Diane Gramley seems to see this as a real threat to her dominance of the area and the way things play out there. She initiated a campaign not just against publication of the wedding announcement, but of LGBT visibility in general. They seem to not be able to tolerate any acceptance in an open way of LGBT people in the community.” But the wedding announcement controversy also caught the attention of a local woman, Kathy Springer, whose teenage son C.J. was facing brutal and unrelenting abuse at school because of his sexual orientation. School authorities were doing little or nothing to remedy the situation so she sought out help from Wilson, the only openly gay person she knew from the area. “Out in the Silence,” in part, chronicles their struggle with school authorities who ignored the daily harassment and violence C.J. faced and the overall environment of intolerance the ultra-conservative American Family Association promotes. “Initially, it was an ugly

just wasn’t something With acres of farmland any kid would have and abandoned factories as its backdrop and considered back then. For C.J., he felt like the haunting music of he couldn’t back down transgender singeror deny who he was songwriter Namoli Brennet because today people providing the understand what gay soundtrack, people are. That’s Wilson interacts really brave of him but with town it also led to a lot of residents in an ostracism and bullying effort to get at his school.” to the heart Wilson added of issues of tolerance. C.J., that the heightened GIRL POWER for his part, visibility of gays in the media sometimes does documents his story chronicles the hills and valleys own experiences in the of their struggle over a two-year more harm than good in cases like town with a camcorder period to revitalize the local theater C.J.’s. “There also seems to be this odd Wilson gave him. that stands at the heart of the area’s Aside from C.J. hopes for revitalization.” thing playing out where when you and Wilson’s experiences, And while the film’s producers fit into the understood stereotypes, ROXANNE HITCHCOCK (LEFT) AND LINDA “Out in the Silence” also admit that teens in rural locations you can find a way to survive,” he HENDERSON details the stories of other have resources that they could only said. “So the kids that fit the more LGBT residents that call dream of when they were teenagers, feminine stereotypes of what it schools. It scared us, and it scared Oil City home, including Roxanne it doesn’t necessarily make the lives means to be gay are harassed, teased a lot of people initially, but what we Hitchcock and Linda Henderson, and struggles of people like C.J. any and abused but in a way they’re accepted in that role. For somebody found over the years that we were owners of The Latonia, a local easier. filming was that change really can theater, and their efforts to revitalize “The interesting point is, today like C.J., he’s a really tough kid. He played football. occur in this kind of environment. It the local economy. “Northwestern He’s a hunter. That just looks different than it does in an seemed to challenge urban environment. People who live Pennsylvania is postthings in a more rust-belt in these small towns have to figure industrial, threatening way for out how to navigate the difficult America in classic people and put him terrain of being open and proposing decline searching for in a really difficult different ways of looking at the a way to recover and position. He lost a world. At the same time, they have find a viable future for whole network of to make a living and get along with people there,” Wilson friends and became their families, friends and neighbors said. “This lesbian completely isolated in this tiny fishbowl environment. couple takes a very and a virtual prisoner So we think the film shows an prominent role in Oil in his home. He was exciting way to challenge this false City’s effort to put itself under religious-based discrimination.” back on the map. This HAMER AND WILSON OVERLOOKING OIL CITY constantly threat by people who perceived him as people know a lot more about crossing that gender boundary. In gay people than they did 20 a way, it seems almost worse to me years ago,” Hamer said. “It’s now then it would have been when a lot more open because it’s I was a kid because it was easier for on TV and in the newspaper. me to stay under the radar. Now, It used to be completely with the popular culture putting silenced. The bad thing about images of LGBT people out there, that is if you’re gay, you feel it creates this false sense of security like you’re completely alone. in society at large, but when it There’s nobody like you. plays out in these very conservative It’s a complete secret. You little environments, the backlash can’t talk about it. But on almost feels more intense and more the other hand, you don’t get threatening.” Wilson, like many gay teens tortured because people don’t acknowledge gay people. who grow up in small towns, got Today’s openness is good in out and moved somewhere more a sense that gay kids growing tolerant. And with major cities up know that there are more like Pittsburgh and Cleveland half gay people out there. They a tank of gas away, why would know they’re not completely any gay person with an ounce of alone. But the bad thing is that survival instinct stay in Oil City? because people are so much But moving away isn’t always an more open talking about it, option, especially when your sexual there’s actually probably orientation becomes an obstacle to even more taunting, teasing getting an education. “For somebody like C.J., his and torture, and kids are more likely to get identified. So for family is very working-class, as Joe, there was no real option are many people who live in that FILMMAKERS JOE WILSON (LEFT) AND DEAN HAMER of saying, ‘Hey, I’m gay.’ It area,” Wilson explained. “They’re environment,” Wilson said about returning to the small town where he grew up. “[Gramley] really ratcheted up the public campaigns against LGBT people or the acceptance or discussion of LGBT issues in

COLOR FEB. 6 - 12, 2009 not necessarily geared toward higher education as a way into their future. They very much see staying in the area and working and living there as the way their life is going to be lived. For C.J. unfortunately, when people like him suffer the way they have in the school system there, the opportunity to get even just the basic education credentials is complicated. In his case, he’s still struggling to get his GED. He lost the opportunity to attend school like other kids and was forced out into a cyber-school situation. It’s extremely challenging to not have the support of the school system to help you get your education. He’s still struggling to figure out what his economic future is going to be, and I think many people like him are in that same situation. He’s still living at home with his family. He’s doing well, but he’s got a long way to go to secure his future.” And the film has already had some tangible outcomes in Oil City, such as diversity training — including sexual orientation — at the local high school. Hamer also said the increased scrutiny brought about by the filming of the documentary has also brought about a marked changed in Gramley’s tactics in the town. “We do know one thing,” he said. “She was taken aback

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS I suppose is a good thing. They try not to characterize gay people as ‘sick’ or ‘perverted.’ They use the same thing as the American Medical Association says that gay people have more disease. She’s become really sensitive to the pressure that we’ve put on her.” For Wilson and C.J. (LEFT) AND KATHY SPRINGER Hamer, however, by the fact that she was challenged the future is looking on her own turf. In one case, when bright. They are close to completing [Hitchcock and Henderson] were “Out in the Silence” and, last year, opening up the Latonia theater and received a grant from the Sundance she tried to organize the boycott Documentary Film Program, which against it, the police chief called included funding, creative input and her and said they didn’t want any meetings with potential funders and violence here. She was taken aback distributors at this year’s festival. by that. We know that one result is The two filmmakers hope to that she has been less public in her complete the film in time for the proclamations, and instead of posting LGBT festival circuit this year, but things on her Web site and sending have already noted the impact on out e-mails, they’ve gone a little bit Oil City. underground. They’re doing things “We think it’s had a tremendous by telephone that are more difficult effect,” Wilson said. “That’s what to trace. I think she feels that she is the intent of the film is: to show how being observed and that she’s going things can play out in a hopeful and to keep things in check a little bit. optimistic way in places like Oil She’s become extremely careful City and small towns in rural areas about the language they use, which around the country when local people in particular have the courage to stand up and speak out.” For more information on Wilson, Hamer or “Out in the Silence,” visit www. outinthesilence. com. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

C.J.

PAGE 19

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Satisfyingly sweet ‘Sugar Rush By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Kim (Olivia Hallinan) is a queer 15-year-old virgin and the heroine of “Sugar Rush,” a terrific British TV series based on Julie Burchill’s teen novel. The first two (of 10) episodes debut on here TV! Feb. 6 and continue with two half-hour shows broadcasting every other week. This series smartly addresses teen sexuality and all of the pleasure, awkwardness and heartbreak that goes with it. Kim and her family have moved to “sin city, the capital of sleaze” that is Brighton, England, to escape the “excess” of London. Dad Nathan (Richard Lumsden) is a milquetoast, while mom Stella (Sara Stewart) is maternally unfit. Kim, however, is in the midst of grappling with growing up. In the show’s opening moments, she’s fantasizing about kissing her best friend Sugar (Lenora Crichlow), aka Maria Sweet, with the help of an electric toothbrush. Kim, as it is quickly revealed, is sexually obsessed with Sugar, and it’s easy to see why. Sugar has a personality as alluring as her body. She’s a shameless flirt, and Sugar always gets what she wants — sometimes by just taking it (she has a penchant for shoplifting). Kim, of course, is attracted to Sugar like a moth to a flame. And viewers will know right away why Sugar makes Kim’s heart “race like a rocket” and how someone so desirable will “rot her teeth.” Yet the friendship between the two girls — one dominant and dangerous, the other a wallflower slowly coming out of her shell — feels fresh here, even if it is as old as time. A heart-to-heart chat these teens share in the series’ final episode may actually jerk tears because it feels so real. Even if the situations the characters find themselves in are strained for dramatic effect, there is poignancy to the emotions. While the self-absorbed Sugar is initially oblivious to Kim’s same-sex longings, “Sugar Rush” still generates considerable sexual tension between the girls, complete with near-miss kisses. The show does not waste too much time before it addresses the issue of Kim’s sexuality, and the impact of this revelation on Sugar. Even if her first efforts at coming out result in a clumsy miscommunication, the dynamics of Kim’s un-closeted life do shift, and the aftershocks have a noticeable effect on her relationship with Sugar. It should be noted that “Sugar Rush” is one of those series in which each episode builds from the previous week even though minor

OLIVIA HALLINAN (LEFT) AND LENORA CRICHLOW IN “SUGAR RUSH” problems are generally resolved before the credits. Yet, the program thankfully relies on flashbacks in every episode (and the pre-credit sequence always features a recap of what has happened), which brings viewers who missed a program up to date. Still, it’s foolish to skip an episode as each one is a delight. Despite the teenage angst, there are several laugh-out-loud moments in the series. Sometimes they are throwaway ones — Kim recounting past chats with the lying Stella — and sometimes they are fully developed storylines, as when Stella borrows Kim’s jeans and discovers an unwanted surprise that makes her crabby. Yet what makes this series so engaging is the way the B story involving Nathan and Stella’s crumbling relationship acts as a strong counterpoint to Kim’s relationship with Sugar. In the first episode, Kim catches her mother having sex with a hunky male decorator. Her family difficulties eventually force her to spend the night with Sugar. The big sleepover is “frustratingly platonic,” but when things go poorly with Sugar, her parents’ situation seems to improve. The see-sawing nature of these difficult relationships prompt Kim to become empowered as in one episode in which Kim acts as the go-between for both her parents and Sugar and her French-speaking boyfriend. The combined situations drive Kim to the breaking point, but it also enables her to get what she wants from Sugar. There is joy in seeing this vulnerable teen start standing up for herself. Even when “Sugar Rush” has a silly storyline — as when Kim wants to drug Sugar and date rape her, or she attends an ex-gay meeting at a local church — the events don’t derail the plotting. In most cases, they actually enhance it. Suffice it to say, the creators (screenwriters Burchill and Katie Baxendale, among

others) have given every character a smart, touching narrative arc that allows them to grow. That said, the family’s finances are seriously abused without consequence, and there are a few slang terms (e.g., “minger”) that may go over the heads of American audiences. Throughout the show, Kim talks about falling for the wrong person, or liking someone who makes you feel miserable, but these feelings are what all of the characters — Kim, Sugar, Stella and others — experience. Late in the series, there is a fantastic scene in which Kim’s next-door neighbor, Tom, a teen suffering from romantic despair, has a talk with his gay father about his feelings. The exchange, which could have been sappy or which could have easily been cut from the show’s central drama, is quite moving. “Sugar Rush” cares that much for its characters. Furthermore, although Sugar is frequently objectified — she does jump on a trampoline in a skirt without underwear — the show is amusing, not pandering. The actors are perfectly cast in their roles. Hallinan blossoms before the viewers’ eyes as Kim transforms over the course of the season. Looking very much the child in the early episodes, she becomes more mature and more self-assured as her character turns into an out and proud young woman. Hallinan makes Kim’s every moment credible. (Viewers, however, may have to get past her quasiresemblance to Lindsay Lohan.) As her coconspirator, Crichlow is equally fine as Sugar. This young actress is very convincing as a mercurial, sexually active and wisebeyond-her-years-but-still-fragile teenager. Crichlow’s magnetism with Hallinan is what makes “Sugar Rush” addicting. And every episode in this series will have viewers craving more. ■

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Out choreographer fuses East and West

By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Kun-Yang Lin feels right at home in Philadelphia. So much so that the out and highly acclaimed Taiwanese choreographer has set up shop here both with his eponymous dance company and his Chi Movement Arts Center. “Philadelphia has great potential, and the arts scene is so vibrant,” Lin said. “I moved here in 2003, and I accepted a teaching position at Temple. Around that time, I commuted between New York and Philly to run my own company and continue my creative work. At one point I realized it wasn’t necessary. I had to find a home. It’s like coming out. You need to really find an identity, and a home provides you with an identity.” Lin is widely regarded as one of the finest choreographers to come out of Taiwan, and his work has been presented throughout North America, Asia and Europe. His style is a fusion of Western and Eastern dance styles, a byproduct of his emigration to the U.S. in 1994. “From the look, maybe a lot of people will get an Asian feel,” Lin said of his work. “But I often say, describing my own work, it’s a reflection of life itself. Obviously my background and where I grew up have a great influence. Moving as an immigrant to the U.S. was a great influence. All my studies and dancing with different contemporary dance companies in New York, they have all become part of my

his cell phone rang, and it was a reporter from the largest Chinese language newspaper in the world saying that she had heard that he had married a man. She interviewed him over the telephone. There were also other reporters there from Asia. Then just a day or two later, the Asian press covered it in very bold dramatic fashion with photographs and big spreads in the newspaper. That’s not something that typically happens here. Over there it was big news that an artist was openly gay and embracing his relationship with a same-sex partner. His mother came to the ceremony from Taiwan KUN-YANG LIN Photo: Shun Wao to participate, which is not something that would influences. So the style and the look happen over there. We did is contemporary dance with an Asian get a lot of nice e-mails from people aesthetic and philosophy because who were encouraged by seeing our that’s part of my background.” story.” Lin said the biggest difference Today, Lin splits his time between between the two styles is the level of performing and teaching, but doesn’t freedom and abandon that Western prefer one over the other. In fact, dance styles have. he doesn’t make any distinction “There’s nothing to worry about” between the two. in Western dance, according to Lin. “I often tell my students that I “Just let it happen. It’s almost like a never separate those things,” he free spirit.” said. “I think I enjoy everything That sense of freedom also carries associated with dance. When I over to issues of sexuality, which first studied dance, I never really Lin said he is more likely to express thought I would become a teacher in his work than most Asian artists. or choreographer. But I just do “In Asia, I did a piece several whatever I believe or I feel drawn years ago, which I created for to. Sometimes you feel alone. You another dance company,” Lin said. talk by yourself, but you realize “After I finished it, people said, there’s something more that you’d ‘It’s almost like your biography of like to express, and that’s when I coming out.’ I didn’t really realize started to create works. By now I’ve that. But I think I had become more created 65 works. I started teaching bold. You can say anything you want in 1998, but the most important time to say. That is part of the American was around 2003. I was diagnosed spirit: free speech. For me it was with a brain tumor. I asked myself if through dance. In Asia, sometimes I only had a year to live, what would people have to guess.” I do? I realized I want to share my art Ken Metzner, Lin’s life partner through work and then, I realized, to and executive director of Chi teach.” Movement Arts Center, added that Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers perform openly gay artists are rare in Asia. their first evening-length concert “From our observations and in Philadelphia featuring the world our relationships with other artists premiere of “A-U-M,” a Hinduin Asia, the artists who are gay inspired piece, and some of the or lesbian tend to be much more company’s other signature pieces closeted than they are here because at 8 p.m. Feb. 6-7, at Painted Bride homosexuality is less accepted Art Center, 230 Vine St. For more culturally in Asian countries than information, visit www.kunyanglin. it is here,” he said. “For example, org or call (215) 925-9914. ■ when we had our commitment ceremony in 2004, it was shocking Larry Nichols can be reached at because the minute we walked out, larry@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Philly DJ returns to gay party scene By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer

Dining Guide...next week in

After years of crafting club hits and DJ residencies all over the world, Philadelphia’s Robbie Tronco is set to make his return to the gay club scene with the opening of 101, the city’s newest Sunday night gay party from Bruce Yelk and Nightlifegay. com, at 9 p.m. Feb. 15 at One, 121 S. 19th. St. “I think it’s going to be fun,” Tronco said, raving about the party and its location. “It’s a 150-yearold mansion. There are many different rooms in there. There’s a lot to do. It’s a sexy room. If DJ you get bored in one room, there are six other rooms. When you walk in there’s going to be a DJ downstairs and upstairs.” Tronco isn’t blowing smoke about this. This party is primed to come out of the gate with its big club guns blazing with a “hunky bartender contest” hosted by Aeryanah Von Moi, where the winner gets a regular bartending job at the club. The party also promises to feature many of Philly’s familiar LGBT personalities and professionals staffing the event. But Tronco is definitely going to be one of 101’s main attractions. Having been in the industry since 1975, there probably isn’t a club in the city that the successful and flamboyant (but straight) DJ and producer hasn’t had packed with gyrating masses of partygoers. Adding to the anticipation is the fact that the man behind house hits like 1997’s “Freight Train” hasn’t held down a local gay party since his five-year run at Shampoo Nightclub’s Shaft Fridays ended in 2003 over what he calls “the politics of dancing and the business.” Tronco hasn’t been completely absent from the area in recent years. He hosts another weekly theme party at One called “Goth-a-billy,” on Tuesdays where the rock-a-billy crowd mixes with the goth crowd, new wavers and other Center City

stragglers who happen to wander in. But Tronco has always had a fondness for the carefree vibe reminiscent of the gay clubs where he cut his DJ teeth, and he is trying to recreate that feel with 101. “When I started going to gay clubs back in the 1970s, they were fun clubs,” he said. “The music was fun. It wasn’t so drug-drenched and dark. I hear a lot of these DJs playing all this dark music. Let’s make it fun again. Let’s hear some words once in a while. We’re doing a 1970s, ’80s and ’90s flashback thing when you first come in and a lot of local ROBBIE TRONCO stuff upstairs — uplifting house music.” As the weekly headliner for the event, Tronco hopes that 101 will be a welcome alternative to some of the more established scenes in Center City. “We’ll have more of the uptown feel as opposed to the whole Second Street nightmare,” he said. “The Gayborhood is the Gayborhood. When I first started doing parties out of the Gayborhood, it was hard to do to get the gay crowd out. Back then it was more for safety reasons. Now, the gay guys are stronger than the straight guys now. Have you see them lately? I love it.” Tronco added that he hopes that 101 will attract a wide variety of people from the community. “Everybody is going to have a good time no matter who comes,” he said. “The music is going to be all over the place. Even if you are not into that, there are a lot of coves in the place where you can have a conversation. So it’s not like a big disco. It’s almost like a big house party ... a big gay house party.” For more information on DJ Robbie Tronco or 101, visit www. myspace.com/djrobbietronco, www. nightlifegay.com or call (215) 5631038. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

PGN

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Q Puzzle “Terrrrrrrrific!” Across 1. The number of people who like it hot 5. New York Liberty game officials 9. Pink, for one 14. Retreat for D.H. Lawrence 15. Colorado, to Cocteau 16. Garment with a flared bottom 17. Suffix with leather 18. Byron poem 19. Two-footer? 20. Eartha Kitt’s 1984 song that became a gay dance club anthem 23. Grid coach Amos Alonzo ___ 24. One who looks into crystal balls 25. Same-sex vow in Connecticut 28. Prepare to shoot 30. Tom Courtenay movie, with “The” 32. Cole Porter song that was a hit for Eartha Kitt 37. Cash drawers 38. “Take a crack ___” 39. Conquers, sexually 42. Composer Edouard 43. Small bush 45. Eartha Kitt’s role on “Batman” 47. Began a hole, to Patty Sheehan 50. Lanka head 51. MTF operation 52. Scott of “Beautiful Thing”

54. Boobs or butts 58. Eartha Kitt’s 2000 Broadway show 61. “Corydon” author Gide 64. Have an opening for 65. Family diagram 66. Open-mouthed fivesome 67. And others, for Caesar 68. Island of Ashley Jensen’s land 69. Lech of Greek lore 70. 411 71. Greek love

Down 1. One way to cook fruit 2. Scout’s recitation, and others 3. Choral work at Metropolitan Community Church 4. Gay former NFL player Tuaolo 5. Field of Gene Robinson 6. Sappho’s H’s 7. Sows one’s seed, etc. 8. Didn’t leave the next morning 9. Minnelli movie 10. “Brothers & Sisters” producer Ken 11. Labium 12. “A Chorus Line” song 13. Color of a Columbus circuit party 21. “How queer!” 22. Debussy’s “La ___” 25. Religion of Allah 26. Queer photographer Grace 27. Bean of “Normal, Ohio” 29. “Mamma ___!” 31. Farm erection 32. Stays hard

33. It puts people out 34. Rubbers on rims 35. Macho man 36. Facial follower 40. Article of Frida 41. Have between your legs 44. Animal painter Rosa 46. Tuft of pubic hair, e.g. 48. Some escorts want it up front 49. Brown-nosed, with “over” 53. “Of course I ___ people ...”

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(Quentin Crisp) 55. Debussy contemporary Erik 56. Billy Bean boo-boo 57. Pool party? 58. Perry of Metropolitan Community Church 59. Ballet move 60. Votes for, for Frank 61. Some sex-toy batteries 62. R. Mapplethorpe supporter 63. Short one See SOLUTION, Page 32

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Professional Portraits Dating that hard-to-shop-for man/woman who has everything? With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you are probably tied up in knots trying to figure out the perfect gift and how to celebrate that most special of nights. Fear not. LGBT entrepreneurs Eric Matzke and Robert Weinberg have everything planned for you. The handsome couple own City Food Tours, a company offering specialized food tasting tours in New York and Philadelphia. This Saturday, they are offering a special Aphrodisiac Tasting Tour featuring samples of artisanal and handcrafted foods, interactive games and a cooking demonstration so you can learn the sexy science behind the foods you’ll be tasting. I took a little time to talk to the man behind the mocha, Robert Weinberg. PGN: I know you do a Flavor of Philly Foods tour featuring cheesesteak, Tastykakes and other Philadelphia staples. Are you from around here? RW: I was born in Flushing, N.Y. But I grew up in a section of Long Island called Great Neck until I left to come to Philadelphia for college. Other than a few years overseas, I’ve lived here all my life. PGN: But your parents lived here for a while? RW: My mother got her first job in Philly in the mid-’50s. She is a retired speech pathologist, and at the time she worked at CHOP [Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania] while my father was attending Wharton business school. They met in Brooklyn, N.Y. She later taught at Adelphi University, which was the first institution of higher education for the liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. She taught there for a while and then joined the Board of Trustees when she retired. My father was an investment banker — back when that was a good thing to be. He passed away in ’82. Wow, that was more then 25 years ago. She remarried a high-school biology teacher named Paul about four or five years after my father died. She met him in an anthropology class at NYU, and I’ll never forget, one of the first things that they did together was to assemble a skeleton on our billiard table. They still do all sorts of creepy things together. I have an older sister, Joyce. She’s also a Wharton grad. And a twin brother who went to undergrad at Penn with me while Joyce was in business school. It was a bizarre little concentration of Weinberg children in the Philadelphia area.

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By Suzi Nash

My brother lives out in California. We’re identical twins, but he didn’t come out until about 10 years after college. He’d never told me he was gay, and then one day I got an invitation to a wedding for him and his partner. I didn’t even know he was seeing anyone, never mind a man. It was a heck of a way to come out to everyone. PGN: Did you do twin things with your brother? RW: My name is Robert, so I always wore red; my twin’s name is Bruce so he always wore blue. One day we switched colors and went to each other’s classes for the whole day. Our friends knew, but the teachers never picked up on it. Someone from the New York Times heard about it and did a story about the “Color Coded Twins.” The only other devilish thing we did is that we learned to ﬁnger spell in sign language. We were pretty serious musicians — I played the clarinet and my brother played the trumpet — so my parents got a subscription to the New York Philharmonic for us. One time we were furiously spelling to each other during a concert. The woman behind us saw us, and my mother overheard her saying, “Isn’t that nice that she brought her deaf children even though they can’t hear the music.” My mother was mortiﬁed, and we weren’t allowed to do it anymore, especially at the orchestra! PGN: Do you still wear red?

RW: No. I hate it. That was such an awful, awful thing that my mother did to us. I think in rebellion I started wearing brown. I blame her for the fact that I have no taste in clothes. I have no interest in fashion whatsoever. It’s funny: I don’t drink, I don’t dance, I’m not into clothes, I swear if I didn’t have sex with guys I don’t know if I’d qualify for my gay card. PGN: What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? RW: Oh my gosh. I’m only 40, but it seems like so long ago! I guess riding my bike and going to the park. But probably the best thing was sailing. We had a boat the entire time I was growing up and we would sail each weekend. PGN: Were you an athletic kid? RW: Oh, God no! NO, NO, NO! God no. I was the typical gay kid making up excuses to try to get out of gym class and always either on the sidelines or in the nurse’s ofﬁce. PGN: Do you remember what your favorite toy was? RW: I was such a geek. Remember that game “Simon,” you know with the Errrr, ehhhh, errrrr sounds and you had to follow the ﬂashing lights. We played that on the boat all the time. That and Monopoly were my games. PGN: An early sign that you were gay?

ROBERT WEINBERG Photo: Suzi Nash RW: So help me God, I remember being on the playground in ﬁrst grade and while all the boys were playing kickball I was on the side making daisy chains with the girls in my class. We’d take dandelion ﬂowers and spilt the ends and thread them through with another

ﬂower and do it over and over and make necklaces out of them. I just remember always hanging around with the girls, until about third grade when I had my ﬁrst crush on a boy. I didn’t know exactly what See PORTRAITS Page 26

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PORTRAITS

Andrews. I loved that book. That and anything by Isaac Asimov, go ﬁgure. Oh, and I loved Judy Blume books, now that was an early sign that I was gay!

From Page 25 it was, but by sixth grade I knew exactly what it was and by ninth grade ... well, we won’t get into that!

PGN: Song you’re embarrassed to admit that you like? RW: Strip clubs. They don’t really have them for boys here in Philly, but they have them in D.C. and Atlanta, in Montreal. Wherever there is one, we’ll ﬁnd it.

PGN: Ever have any paranormal experiences? RW: I’m a practical kind of guy. If I can’t see it, feel it, touch it or taste it, and I do mean that in the dirtiest sense, I don’t believe it. I’m the worst Jew on the planet; I’m pretty much the poster boy for atheism. PGN: Well if you did come back as an object, what would you want to be? RW: Chris Evans’ underwear! He’s that hot guy from the “Fantastic Four.” PGN: A favorite book as a kid? RW: I just saw it on TV the other day, and it took me back 20 years: “Flowers in the Attic” by V. C.

PGN: [Laughs.] Actually, the question was song you like, not thing you like, but that was a ﬁne answer. RW: Oh! Well, there’s the Dolly Parton song “9 to 5.” I fucking love that song, and I don’t think I’m supposed to! PGN: Two sounds that disturb you? RW: I hate thunder, which is funny because my partner loves it. If there’s a storm, he immediately comes over to me and holds me

and tells me it’s going to be OK. Thunder really freaks me out. I also get startled by the sound of a light bulb popping. I hate that noise. Since I’m in construction it happens fairly often. Ironically, chalkboards don’t bother me at all like they do some people. PGN: What did you study at U of P? RW: Believe it or not, I majored in Japanese. I used to tell people I saw the movie “Shogun” one too many times. It actually did have a lot to do with it. It didn’t hurt that I had a crush on the star, Richard Chamberlain. And we didn’t even know her was gay back then! I went to Japan twice before I even went to college. I really liked studying the culture. PGN: What did you think you were going to be when you grew up? RW: I actually thought I was going to be a doctor. All throughout high school I volunteered at local hospitals. My brother and I had a competition to see who could log the most hours, so I put in thousands of hours helping sick people. It was actually the med school interns that changed my mind. Seeing them log 60-70 hours a week, trying to cope with no sleep and generally hating their lives convinced me to do something else. I really did like the Shogun book and started to think that studying a language was something I could make into a profession. It was during the period when the Japanese were really

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009 getting involved with American businesses. They were buying up Rockefeller Center and the Empire State building and opening a lot of trade. Unfortunately, I wanted to stay here, and Philly was not a big place for international trading. PGN: Did you leave the field? RW: Yes, I spent a few years working with Habitat for Humanity building houses. PGN: Well, I guess you have a little “butch” in you! RW: I have a lot of butch in me! I’ve done construction for years. I’ve done several rehabs. Wait, that sounds bad, I mean houses not drugs. I’m telling you, you get this little gay Jewish boy in a tool belt, and it’s all over. I’ve gutted probably six or seven properties myself, including the house we’re living in now. I’ve done friends’ houses; I do all sorts of hard-core construction work. Oh yeah, it’s shocking I know, but that’s part of the fun. People look at me, and I’m not flamey, but I’m definitely a gay boy and kind of geeky. They’re always surprised that I’m actually pretty good at what I do! PGN: If your home is any indication, you’re very good at it. RW: Thank you. I also went to culinary school in the summer during college. The reason that I did that is that my mother never cooked a thing ... ever. So I was really intimidated by the kitchen. I don’t like feeling intimidated by anything, so I decided to learn

all about it. I didn’t want to open a restaurant or anything, I just wanted to master it. I was tired of asking people how to boil water! PGN: How did you get into the food business? RW: My sister was between jobs. She’d been working for General Mills, and I’d just finished up a few houses, and we were each trying to figure out what to do next. She suggested that we open up a restaurant. It was called Beyond Measure. It was back where the old Commissary restaurant used to be. We bought the building, and I did some of the construction. This was in 1995, and we worked well together for a while, but we were never on the best terms, and this really strained the relationship. It was a good idea to open it, and it was a good idea to close it. I always tell people that the fun of losing money wore off. I got into real-estate development and, for a while, enjoyed getting a real paycheck. I got out of it just in time about three years ago. And who would have guessed, I’m now back in business with my sister. My partner, Eric, and I just started the Philly branch of City Food Tours a little over a year ago. My sister had started the company in New York, and she encouraged us to get involved. The first few months were very difficult because although we’d been together for 10 years, we’d never worked together. He’s much more artistic and See PORTRAITS Page 33

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Ms. Behavior

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS ®

PAGE 27

Meryl Cohn

Dry humping in the dark Dear Ms. Behavior: I have no clue how I got myself in this situation. All I can do is slap my forehead and sigh. You see, my friend, since age of five, and I spooned on a cold night out camping. This led to some vague dry humping — a near “Brokeback Mountain” moment. By the gravity of that sentence alone I’m sure you now understand how I feel. The culprits of this scandalous incident were freezing cold, hormones and stupidity (I guess those last two are practically synonymous). The night was colder than what we previously thought and our extra sleeping bag wasn’t offering much help, so I asked if he was “awake and cold” and once he said yes, we agreed to huddle next to each other for warmth. At one point in the night, I turn on my side; shortly after, my straight friend slides in and we’re spooning! I was shocked, turned on and confused. It doesn’t seem right, although I have found him physically attractive since junior high school, which I can easily get over. However, recently we’ve been spending more time together and I’ve found the urge to kiss him, but have chalked this up as misplaced affection. To make things even more complex, he’s dating a very close friend we’ve had since the seventh grade. And I don’t want to lose either of them as friends. If I find the courage, I plan on bringing the matter of the camping trip up sometime when we’re alone. All he said, indirectly, the next morning about it was he had some crazy dreams and didn’t want to stay another night even though it was warming up a lot. I took this to mean: let’s pretend I was having this sexy dream while rubbing against you, but to be safe, fuck staying another night. Really, I’d rather laugh about it than not say anything because now when we see each other it’s just well ... at least, I get nervous as all hell, he seems fine. Thanks in advance. — Neurotic Mess P.S. I’ve realized how I’d feel much safer in a locker room full of gay guys than straight guys from any

kind of grab ass. Here’s another question: Are all straight guys repressed fags? Dear Neurotic Mess: Who hasn’t fantasized about a Brokeback Mountain encounter? Practically everyone found that particular cinematic bump in the night to be raw and hot. Any sex that’s “forbidden” without being exploitative of children or innocent furry animals has the potential to be inspirational — regardless of gender or sexual orientation — to the masses, and perhaps even to your best friend. Your situation is confusing because of your long history as pals. You sound like you’re embarrassed by what happened; you describe your wish to kiss him as “misplaced affection” and your desire for more as “idiotic.” Granted, he’s straight, so you feel vulnerable for even hoping that he shares your feelings. And the truth is that he may not. For your friend, the hip-thrusting may have been a momentary impulse, triggered by the heady combination of proximity, comfort and affection for you. It could have been a one-time deal inspired by an errant boner. The truth is that you’re gay and, so far as you know, he’s not. It is, of course, possible that your straight friend harbors feelings for you but has been too fearful to act on them. If you want to find out more, you may need to broach the subject with him. But bringing up your encounter means that you risk facing rejection. Your friend could laugh it off, pretend he was dreaming or run screaming into the safe arms of his girlfriend. Are you willing to take that risk? The fact that you’re spending more time together lately may suggest that he’s waiting to see what happens next. But, he may also be trying to reassure himself that spending time with you is fine, and that he doesn’t have to worry that he’ll end up inadvertently boning you. As for your final inquiry — Are all straight guys repressed fags? — the answer is yes. Or, rather, maybe not, but it doesn’t mean they won’t, under the right circumstances, dry hump another man in the dark. ■ Meryl Cohn is the author of “‘Do What I Say’: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette” (Houghton Mifflin). E-mail her at MsBehavior@aol.com or visit www.msbehavior.com.

MISREPRESENT HIMSELF? DID YOUR CARPENTER

�� PGN LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

COLOR PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

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280 pp., $15.95 pb). Start with one independent, urban lesbian who cashes out her life in San Francisco for a secondhand travel trailer and sets off to the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival in search of a new life. Add to this a broken-down ’66 T-bird, a bunch of small-town Texas

Baptists, a ton of fried food and a church scandal. Pepper with a hot love interest and a dash of greed, and what you get is Eadie T. Pratt’s road trip gone awry. 3. “Uncross My Heart,” by Andrews & Austin (Bold Strokes, 235 pp., $15.95). Falling in lust with a priest is the last thing on Vivienne Wilde’s agenda ... but then she’s yet to meet Alexandra Westbrooke. 4. “Fireside,” by Cate Culpepper (Bold Strokes, 232 pp., $15.95 pb). A story of love, friendship, healing and laying our ghosts to rest at last. 5. “Paybacks,” by Gabrielle Goldsby (Bold Strokes, 192 pp., $14.95 pb). Two women with a fiery past discover paybacks can be hell ... and just as hot. 6. “Essential Dykes to Watch Out For,” by Alison Bechdel (Houghton Mifflin, 392 pp., $25 hb). For 25 years Bechdel’s path-breaking “Dykes to Watch Out For” strip has been collected in award-winning volumes, syndicated in alternative newspapers and translated into many languages. This collection gathers 60 of the newest strips. 7. “Turn Back Time,” by Radclyffe (Bold Strokes, 277 pp., $15.95 pb). Two women with nothing in common but a shared passion for surgery clash at every opportunity, especially when matters of the heart are suddenly at stake. 8. “Trails Merge,” by Rachel Spangler (Bold Strokes, 233 pp., $15.95 pb). After a devastating ultimatum from her lover, Campbell Carson returns to her childhood home, Bear Run Ski Resort, seeking her family’s unconditional solace and support. As barely healed wounds reopen, unexpected obstacles threaten any hope for a future together. 9. “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic,” by Alison Bechdel (Mariner, 232 pp., $13.95 pb). Through narrative that is alternately heartbreaking and funny, readers are drawn into a daughter’s complex yearning for her father. GAY 1. “Basketball Jones,” by E. Lynn Harris (Doubleday, 256 pp., $22.95 hb). E. Lynn Harris returns to explore the down-low culture that made his first novel, “Invisible Life,” a groundbreaking phenomenon in his latest tale of sex, secrets and betrayal. 2. “The Torturer’s Wife,” by Thomas Glave (City Lights, 261 pp., $15.95 pb). Thomas Glave, known for his stylistic brio, expands and deepens his lyrical experimentation in stories that focus — explicitly and allegorically — on the horrors of despotic dictatorships, terror, antigay violence, the weight of

memory, secret fetishes, erotic longing, desire and intimacy. 3. “Big Trips: More Good Gay Travel Writing,” edited by Raphael Kadushin (U. of Wisconsin, 296 pp., $24.95 hb). In this border-hopping anthology of travel memoir and fiction, every trip is a big one, as an advance guard of adventurous writers scatter across the globe, face the pure euphoria and sheer anxiety of travel and survive a lot of very fast living. 4. “Hotel de Dream,” by Edmund White (Harper Perennial, 225 pp., $13.95 pb). In the midst of gathering tragedy, Stephen Crane begins dictating what will surely be his final work: a strange and poignant novel of a boy prostitute in 1890s New York and the married man who ruins his own life to win his love. 5. “Uncommon Reader,” by Alan Bennett (Picador, 120 pp., $12 pb). From one of England’s most celebrated writers, the author of the award-winning “The History Boys,” comes a mischievous novella about the Queen of England and the subversive power of reading. 6. “Drifting Toward Love: Black, Brown, Gay & Coming of Age on the Streets of New York,” by Kai Wright (Beacon Press, 224 pp., $16 pb). Prostitution, homelessness, drugs and violence against gay men of color are all discussed in unflinching, at times wrenchingly, intimate detail, alongside touching reminiscences of first love and the initial realization of a “different” sexuality. An important book about an often-marginalized group. 7. “Men Who Love Men,” by William J. Mann (Kensington, 330 pp., $15 pb). Mann tackles the big questions of contemporary gay life, delivering a beautiful, thoughtful book about love, sex, commitment, friendship and fantasy, about the lives we engineer and the joyful surprises that happen when we least expect them. 8. “In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology,” edited by Joseph Beam (Redbone, 223 pp., $17 pb). In the life, an expression which means being gay, is also the title of this collection of writings in which more than 25 black authors explore what it means to be doubly different — both black and gay — in modern America. 9. “Got ’til It’s Gone,” by Larry Duplechan (Arsenal Pulp, 256 pp., $17.95 pb). In the midst of a midlife crisis, Johnny Ray falls for a much younger man with some serious issues. Throughout it all, he tries to look at love and life from both sides. A queer romantic comedy for the ages. ■

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 29

February’s tales of lust and longing By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Just in time for Valentine’s Day come two compilations of this year’s “Best” love stories for lesbians and gay men. “Best Lesbian Love Stories 2009,” edited by Simone Thorne, is a wonderful anthology that presents 20 different perspectives on Sapphic love. The international roster of new and established writers showcased in this collection celebrate the risk — and reward — of not always knowing another woman’s intentions. Perhaps the best stories in “Best Lesbian Love Stories 2009” feature tales of women who are friends first before becoming lovers. In “A Higher Love,” Mercedes and Ann act like “best friends on spring break,” before Mercedes has her first tender same-sex experience. Likewise, Jenny, the heroine of “For My Silly,” discovers that the love of her life — also named Jenny — was her best friend in high school. Even in the fabulous and immensely charming tale “The Felicity of Domesticity,” written by the amusingly monikered Allison Wonderland, two 6-year-old girls in a mock marriage consider the real thing years later. Another highlight in the book, which also demonstrates the strength and romantic power of female friendship, is Jean Copeland’s terrific story “Jamie’s Journey.” When Dorothy discovers a former lover, Suzanne, posted their tryst on the Web, she teams up with Suzanne’s current lover Jamie to drive across country to perform “a well-executed bitch-slap.” Of course, Dorothy and Jamie fall in love in the process, but the predictability of this encounter is less important than the journey of these two unified hearts. There are also a handful of erotic tales peppered throughout “Best Lesbian Love Stories 2009” that generate heat, such as “The River” by Blayne Mitchell, in which a seductive sharing of a mango is nothing compared to the juices that are generated between the two female protagonists during their intimacy. But even better is a sweet story called “A Promise to Love Her Fur Off,” in which the first person narrator catalogues the women she loves before she catalogues all of the things she loves about the woman she is with. But perhaps the most significant list of qualities is the one Susannah, a history professor, identifies in Sophie Moette’s delightful story, “Food for Thought.” Susannah bemoans how difficult it is to find someone “who’s intelligent, articulate, engaging,

reasonably good-looking and a lesbian on top of all that.” As “Best Lesbian Love Stories 2009” proves again and again, there is someone out there for every butch and femme. “Best Gay Love Stories 2009,” edited by Brad Nichols, is a romantic anthology featuring 18 torrid tales. The stories range from comic tales of romantic misadventures to predictable yarns about workplace rivals who fall in love. Other entries present exquisite accounts of heartache, ﬁrst love and erotic passages that may have readers blushing. While many of the stories featuring lovers ending up together — despite (or because of) their differences — the best entry in this collection bucks this convention. It would be a spoiler to reveal the particular tale in question, but the author perceptively describes the moment when a teenager’s heart “throbs with a different beat.” This entry may be the most tender and touching in the entire collection; the bond that forms between the main character and the object of his desire pulses with longing that is simply beautiful. Another winning entry is John

Holten’s “Paul and Alex: Two Sides to Every Story,” a romance told from the couple’s alternating perspectives. The drama itself is unremarkable, but what is valuable about this gimmicky tale is how people who share an experience — or a relationship — each recall it differently, and how these feelings often overlap, even if the facts themselves are misremembered. “Best Gay Love Stories 2009” often captures what makes men in love so romantic. Without being cloying or mushy, stories feature two guys holding hands in public in Dean Reynold’s “Callum,” or the palpable burn of a lover’s touch in “Jazz Moon,” Joe Okonkwo’s ﬁne story set in 1920s Harlem. For the protagonist in Shane Allison’s erotic entry, “The Sandwich Artist,” it’s an erection that “throb[s] like a

heart” and registers the love he feels for the title character. The racier entries in the book have their pleasures, and writers David Holly and Jay Starre describe passionate activities with purple prose in their respective works, “Love Has No Ears” and “The Flower in the Gun.” But some readers may ﬁnd that the naughtier pieces are too hardcore for an otherwise “romantic” collection of love stories. It may have been better to separate the PG and NC-17 stories into different volumes. The crudeness of Ryan Field’s “Bananas Foster” is offputting compared to the sweetness of Lawrence Schimel’s “Stag Night”

One of the book’s sexiest stories, “Not Looking for Love” by Kenn Dahill, reads like pure romantic fantasy — a 26-year-old picks up a surfer, takes him home for food and sex, and then they share more food and have more sex. Yet Dahill charms the reader with his appealing characters and his engaging writing. While much of “Best Gay Love Stories 2009” is as satisfying as a long kiss goodnight by a potential new boyfriend, one particular entry, Jan Vander Laenen’s “Fire at the Chelsea Hotel,” seems out of place. This work is a ﬁne memory piece, but there is nothing very romantic about it. Like “Best Lesbian Love Stories 2009,” “Best Gay Love Stories 2009” should prompt lovers to read the stories of love, lust and even heartbreak, perhaps out loud to each other in bed. ■

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FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

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Art + Science, 4259 Main St., Manayunk, is not your typical salon and spa. The full-service Aveda Concept Salon and Spa connects beauty, environment and well being by providing the highest quality of service in a relaxing, caring and visually stimulating environment. Art + Science fuses artistic design and nature’s resources to create styles that not only look great, but feel great too. Its services offer only the best in talent, and all include the use of Aveda’s naturally derived products. Art + Science services and products are organic in nature and utilize natural resources while giving back to the environment — with a goal of creating more beautiful people and a more beautiful world. For more information, visit www. artplusscience.com or call (215) 482-2242. Beau Monde and L’Etage With its romantic aesthetic and excellent menu, Beau Monde and

L’Etage, Sixth and Bainbridge streets, is known for being one of the best date spots in the city. The award-winning restaurant brings the crêperie to a new level of distinction with an extensive menu that’s sure to please any palate. Owners Jim Caiola and David Salama have imported ﬂat, round, cast-iron crêpe griddles from Brittany to perfectly prepare the light, ﬂavorful crêpes. Customary crêpe cooking utensils are also used, and onlookers can delight in watching the cooking process through large picture windows facing Bainbridge Street. After dinner, venture upstairs to L’Etage for some of the city’s best and most entertaining cabaret performances to round out your evening. For more information visit www. creperie-beaumonde.com or call (215) 592-0656. Chop Shop If you’re looking for a chic haircut that won’t break the bank, Chop Shop, with locations throughout the

city, has what you’re looking for. The establishment has become a mainstay on the Temple University campus, with its 15-year-old location at 1930 Liacouras Walk, a store at 513 South St., which has been open for seven years, and one at 4151 Main St. in Manayunk, which just opened its doors two months ago. Basic cuts begin at just $10 and Chop Shop follows an á la carte pricing menu, as it allows clients to choose their own style and services based on their budget. At Chop Shop, you can get what you need and pay what you want. For more information, contact the Temple location at (215) 2043932; the South Street store at (215) 923-5545; or the Manayunk establishment at (215) 487-2312. Pleasure Chest Don’t let the size fool you. Good things do come in small packages. The Pleasure Chest, 2039 Walnut St., is a lovely little adult store located below Wonderland, and offers everything from erotic games and lingerie to lotions and lubes.

It also carries a good selection of all the supplies necessary for a bachelor/bachelorette party and accessories like dildos, plugs, beads and leather goodies for the nonvanilla practitioners. For more information, call (215) 561-7480. Ristorante La Buca

Ristorante La Buca, 711 Locust St., has been serving Philadelphians the best in Tuscan cuisine for 29 years. The restaurant has been included as one of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America and, in 1997, Ciao Italia named it the “Insegna del Ristorante Italiano nel Mondo,” an honor that is reserved for establishments that serve true and exemplary Italian cuisine. A meal at La Buca could begin with a selection from its extensive antipasti menu, which offers such cold selections as saporita di granceole and jumbo Maryland crabmeat cocktail, and hot choices like the frutta di mare, steamed mussels, clams and shrimp.

Entrée dishes include fish, veal, chicken, beef or lamb selections, each of which is styled to typify true Tuscan quality. La Buca also offers numerous lunch specials, such as herb-filled ravioli in vegetable sauce for $10.95 or veal cutlet with eggplant and cheese for $14.95. For more information, visit http:// ristlabuca.com or call (215) 9280556. Sansom Coin Exchange Sansom Coin Exchange, 721 Sansom St., was established in New York City in 1979 and today is situated in the heart of Philadelphia’s Jeweler’s Row. The company buys and sells coins, bullion and paper money from around the world. Chief numismatist Malcolm Kurin is a renowned gold coin expert with over 30 years of experience, and senior numismatist of the firm Joe Guistino, has been working with world coins and paper money for over 40 years. Visit the Sansom Coin Exchange

Ristorante La Buca is celebrating 29 years in Business Thanks to our loyal customers. We still have the best Tuscan cuisine and fresh seafood.

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Since 1979, the Warsaw Café, 305 S. 16th St., has been dedicated to bringing its patrons the ﬁnest in Eastern European-inspired cuisine. Owned and operated by Marion Jarzemski in cooperation with his mother, Marie Jarzemski, the Warsaw has established itself as a delicious staple of Center City life. For more information, visit www. warsawcafe.thekalon.com or call (215) 546-0204.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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From Page 24

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PORTRAITS From Page 26 creative, and I am all into control and numbers. I was trying to get him to be more like me, and he was trying make me act more like him. But as soon as we acknowledged that we both had valid things to bring to the table, we were able to divide duties, and things were able to run smoothly. PGN: What do the food tours consist of? RW: We offer both public and private food tours and events. We go to places like Di Bruno Bros. and do a cheese tasting and talk about how cheese is made. We might go to Naked Chocolate Café and learn the process of making chocolate from the cocoa beans to the ﬁnal product. Joe Coffee has done some great demonstrations about coffee. If you learn something along the way to impress your friends that’s just a bonus, the most important thing is having fun. And of course you get to taste some of the best food in Philly. We’ve added more tours and events as we’ve grown, and so many of the area businesses have been amazingly supportive. The sisters at Tbar on 12th Street have been great, the folks over at PHAG shop and Duross and Langel have all participated in events with us. PGN: What the most memorable thing that’s happened on a tour? RW: Eric was doing a tour about a month ago, and there was a guy acting really weird. He was jumpy and nervous and sweaty and, as the tour went on, he got progressively worse. We didn’t know if the guy was on drugs or what. Eric was getting pretty concerned when the guy confessed to him that the reason he was so nervous and shaky was that he was going to propose to his girlfriend on the tour. With a sigh of relief Eric said, “OK, you just tell me how you want to do it, and we’ll take care of it.” At our third stop in Tavern 17 (another great place), he proposed to her and, thankfully, she accepted. Everyone on the tour had a great time. PGN: Speaking of romance, how did you and Eric meet? RW: A friend, Len Barbour, introduced us. It was not love at ﬁrst sight. I gave him my number, and he threw it away (he says he misplaced it). A few weeks later, I ran into him again, and I gave him a hard time. We went out, and this time he warmed up to me. A few months later we moved in together. PGN: I was looking at your Web site and was surprised at how reasonably priced your tours are. RW: Yes, especially considering

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS how personal they are. We never have more than 12-15 people on a tour. They generally last between two-three hours and usually include samples; some tours also include a full meal. PGN: How’s business? RW: We’ve been growing disgustingly fast. There was an article in the Inquirer on New Year’s Day that really put us over the top. We’ve also been working with Therese Flaherty at the Wharton Small Business Development Center, and they’ve been very helpful. She’s really amazing. She got one of her students to be our consultant. His name is Dalglish and, aside from being gorgeous, he’s also brilliant. And we found out that he’s gay! I usually assume everybody’s gay until proven otherwise, but this guy ﬂew completely under my radar. Two hours into the interview, in our home, he said, “What a coincidence that I was the one assigned to you?” Eric and I looked at him and said, “What do you mean by that?” He said, “I’m gay of course!” PGN: You have your Valentine’s Day aphrodisiac tour coming up. What’s a sexy fun food fact? RW: The ancient Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl” meaning “testicle tree” because the fruit hangs together in pairs and looks like male testicles. How’s that for a vision? Aztec women weren’t even allowed out of the house during the harvest season because they were afraid they would be sexually stimulated. They’re actually rich in vitamin E, which helps with reproductive health. Who knew? PGN: How involved in the LGBT community are you? RW: We’re obviously a gay-owned business, we’re members of the IBA [Independence Business Alliance], which is basically the gay chamber of commerce. We just did a beneﬁt for the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus last weekend, and we’ve started doing “Gay Gourmet OUTings,” which are a lot of fun. We also do things with the Liberty Belle Bowling League. I like being involved. I was the treasurer of the William Way Community Center for a while, and I’ve been on the board of DVLF [Delaware Valley Legacy Fund]. I also volunteered with MANNA for about 19 years. Last year we did a cheese and wine pairing for MANNAfest. ■ For more information, go to www. cityfoodtours.com or call (215) 3601996. To suggest a community member for “Professional Portraits,” write to: Professional Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Diversions

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

Altar Boyz The Media Theatre presents the satirical story of a Christian boy band from Ohio dealing with the marketing of religion, the judgments people make toward one another and the fact that everyone should basically be just who they are, through Feb. 15, 104 E. State St., Media; (610) 8910100. The Day of the Picnic People’s Light & Theatre Company presents a mysterious new play about a witch doctor’s revenge on the widow of a missionary 30 years later, through Feb. 15, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; (610) 644-3500. Dying City Amaryllis Theatre Company presents the Philadelphia premiere of a dark drama about the personal and political fallout from war by out Pulitzer Prize ﬁnalist Christopher Shinn, Feb. 1022, at The Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 564-2431. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum The New Candlelight Theatre presents the musical featuring the witty lyrics and toe-tapping tunes of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, through March 14, 2208 Millers Road, Ardentown, Del.; (302) 4752313. Jump/Cut Flashpoint Theatre Company presents the Philadelphia premiere of Neena Beber’s play about a writer/ﬁlmmaker couple who document their friend’s mental decline and the unraveling of both, Feb. 11-28, at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 665-9720. Mistakes Were Made Philadelphia Theatre

event, through Feb. 22 on the Mainstage of The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 5688079.

p.m. Feb. 6 at the Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 5727650.

Rent Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and ﬁlm adaptation, reprise the roles they made famous in this new tour, through Feb. 8 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Jewel The singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Borgata Hotel’s Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000.

Resurrection Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a new play by out playwright Daniel Beaty about ﬁve men from one community ranging in age from 20-60 who have their lives transformed by an extraordinary 10-yearold boy, through Feb. 22 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 9850420.

THE TIP OF THE BERG: Drawings from out artist Eli VandenBerg are on display through Feb. 27 at the William Way LGBT Community Center’s art gallery, 1315 Spruce St. Two exhibitions are on view: “Passing,” which explores gender transition, and “Place and Home,” which focuses on discovering and rediscovering origins. VandenBerg’s works have been featured in international and national exhibitions, including the National Queer Arts Festival. His work has also appeared in books and magazines, including the anthology “Self-Organizing Men: Conscious Masculinities in Time and Space.” For more information, visit www.elivandenberg. com or call (215) 732-2220. Company presents a reading of the new comedy by playwright Craig Wright (“Dirty Sexy Money,” “Six Feet Under”) at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 9850420. My Name is Asher Lev Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of the story of a young Hassidic artist torn between his observant Jewish community and his need to create, through March 17 at Arden’s Arcadia Stage, 40 N.

Second St.; (215) 922-1122. O Captain, My Captain: Whitman’s Lincoln The Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 presents the story of two great men with one grand vision for America, through Feb. 8, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. The Odd Couple The classic Neil Simon play runs through March 1 at Kimmel’s Innovation Studio, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

Oh, the Humanities! There’s Something about Mona The Mask and Wig Club of University of Pennsylvania presents a comedy set in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance, Feb. 12-28, at Prince Music Theatre, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-9700. The Rant InterAct Theatre Company presents a new drama in which the witnesses of the shooting of a young AfricanAmerican teenager offer varying accounts of the

A Streetcar Named Desire Walnut Street Theatre presents the Tennessee Williams classic as part of its landmark 200th-anniversary season, through March 1, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.

Music classical

Randy Brecker The Kimmel Center presents the award-winning trumpet player performing the music of Miles Davis at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

John Legend and Estelle The R&B singers perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Borgata Hotel’s Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000. The Cassidy Project The former Antigone Rising lead singer performs at 10 p.m. Feb. 7 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; (215) 9280770. Ballas Hough Band The pop-rock group featuring Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, as seen on “Dancing with the Stars,” performs at 10:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710. Combichrist, Black Light Burns and Acey Slade The electronic and hard-rock acts perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 9225483. Erin McKeown The out singer-songwriter perform at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; (215) 928-0770.

Cleveland Orchestra The Kimmel Center presents conductor Franz WelserMöstan and an evening of masterpieces at 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

Exhibits

Music other

Adventure Bound The Clay Studio presents an exhibition of sculptures by Pavel Amromin, through Feb. 22, 139 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453.

Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin The acclaimed singersongwriters perform at 8

a/chroma/scape/s AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of original paintings by Greg Minah and John Cartwright, through Feb. 28, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250.

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Notices

PGN

Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to pgn@epgn.com.

PAGE 35 screened at 9:45 p.m. Feb. 6 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223.

Pick

Zack and Miri Make a Porno The 2008 comedy is screened at 8 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483. Sita Sings the Blues The 2008 animated ﬁlm from Nina Paley is screened at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

Black Hands, Blue Seas — The Untold Maritime Stories of African Americans Independence Seaport Museum presents an exhibition that explores the African-American maritime experience, through March 22, Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; (215) 4138631. Circling Cartography Proximity Gallery presents a new series of works by Marie DesMarais, through Feb. 28, 2434 E. Dauphin St.; (267) 825-2949. First Members’ Exhibition Twenty-Two Gallery presents 17 area artists exhibiting works in a variety of media, through Feb. 11, 236 S. 22nd St.; (215) 7721911. Impressions of an Age: Ukiyo-e Prints from the Berman Collection The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College presents an exhibition of woodblock print (ukiyo-e) art made popular during Japan’s Edo Period, through April 17, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 409-3500. InSights: Devon Dikeou — Marilyn Monroe Wanted to be Buried in Pucci The Galleries at Moore present a mixed-media installation by New Yorkbased artist Devon Dikeou through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027. A Maine Island Life Allens Lane Art Center presents an exhibition of new photographs by David

Gone With the Wind The 1939 classic is screened at 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Books

T.C. Boyle The award-winning author of “The Women” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322. The hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars” tour is pulling into town at 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St. Toni Braxton, Lance Bass and Marlee Matlin provide the star power on the otherwise D-List packed show. And who knows? Maybe they’ll let the out ’NSYNC member dance with a guy this time around, but it’s unlikely since his dance partner from the show, Lacey Schwimmer (pictured), is on the tour with him. For more information or tickets, visit www.dancingwiththestarsontour.com or call (215) 336-3600. Photo: ABC/Kelsey McNeal

Graham, through Feb. 20, 601 W. Allens Lane; (215) 248-0546. New Works: Vivian Beer and Marilyn Kirsch Wexler Gallery presents an exhibition featuring new works from furniture artist Beer and New York-based painter Kirsch, through Feb. 28, 201 N. Third St.; (215) 923-7030. The Polish Poster Leonard Pearlstein Gallery presents an exhibition of 1,500 remarkable Polish posters created between the 1930s-’90s and originally collected by Prof. Frank Fox, through Feb. 6 at Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St.; (215) 895-2548. Plates The Clay Studio presents an exhibition of works by Howard Kottler, through Feb. 22, 139 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453.

Saving Face: Portraits from the Collection of Robert Infarinato James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition of iconic portraits of artists and celebrities from the collection of Bucks County resident Robert M. Infarinato, through March 15, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. Sendak on Sendak The Rosenbach Museum and Library hosts an exhibition exploring the work of gay artist/author Maurice Sendak, through May 3 at 2008-10 Delancey Place; (215) 7321600. Shift: Investigations in Contemporary Art The James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition featuring paintings, photographs, ﬁlm and sculpture with recurring elements, unusual juxtapositions and narratives that skew both time and

space, through April 12, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. Women through the Lens of Time The Galleries at Moore presents a photojournalism exhibition featuring people, subjects, issues and events that student curators feel have reﬂected or shaped women’s lives, drawn from the archives of The Inquirer, which span 180 years, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027. Yumi Kori: Utatane The Japan-based architect transforms the Goldie Paley Gallery at Moore College of Art using video and sound to create a multisensory, interactive environment, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027.

Dance

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers Painted Bride Art Center hosts the company that combines Eastern and Western inﬂuences at 8 p.m. Feb. 6-7, 230 Vine St.; (215) 925-9914.

Auditions

The Last Airbender M. Night Shyamalan’s new fantasy movie is holding an open casting call for soldiers, martial artists, dancers, gymnasts, athletes and families to works as extras, and looking for Near Eastern, Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean and Latino ethnic groups, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 7 at Independence Hall Visitor Center’s Independence Ballroom, Sixth and Market streets; (215) 574-7878.

Film

Oldboy The 2008 comedy thriller is

Henry Louis Gates Jr. The author of “In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary AfricanAmericans Reclaimed Their Past” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Cabaret

Eddie Bruce: A Salute to Tony Bennett Morgan’s Cabaret presents a tribute to the music of Tony Bennett, Feb. 11-22 at Prince Music Theatre, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-9700.

Etc.

Cupid’s Corral Liberty Gay Rodeo Association hosts their third annual cowboy/cowgirlthemed Valentine’s event, from 8 p.m.-midnight Feb. 6 at Pure, 1221 St. James St.; (215) 735-5772. Philly Roller Girls Double Header Join SisterFire as they watch the hottest women in Philadelphia duke it out on wheels from 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St.; www. phillyrollergirls.com. ■

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worth watching: FRIDAY Heavenly Creatures Oscar-nominee Kate Winslet in her breakout role as a young lesbian murderer in one of Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson’s early films, based on the notorious 1954 Parker-Hulme murder case. The imaginative world of two teenaged lovers, Juliet Hulme (Winslet) and Pauline Parker (Melanie Lynskey), is explored with lush extravagance in this extraordinary film. When Pauline’s mother tries to separate the two, murder ensues. (Mystery writer Anne Perry was revealed to be Juliet Hulme when the film came out.) Extreme violence in some scenes. 8:30 a.m. on Logo. The Rosa Parks Story Angela Bassett stars in this biopic about the civilrights icon who spurred the Montgomery bus boycott. With Cicely Tyson. 9 p.m. on

Lifetime. Dr. Strangelove Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece of political satire about nuclear holocaust. Starring Peter Sellers (in multiple roles), George C. Scott and Sterling Hayden. (Hard to ignore the similarities between Dick Cheney in his wheelchair at the Inauguration and Sellers as Dr. Strangelove.) Possibly the best political film ever made. 9:45 p.m. on TCM. SATURDAY Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin This superb documentary by Nancy Kates and Bennett Singer details the life of civil-rights leader Bayard Rustin, who organized the 1963 march on Washington, D.C., that culminated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. As an openly gay man, Rustin was expected to stay in the background, despite being one of King’s closest

friends and one of the foremost organizers in the movement. Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, “Brother Outsider” has won more than 20 awards, including the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary. 1:30 p.m. on Logo. Jumpin’ the Broom: The New Covenant This documentary shares the stories of four black gay and lesbian couples — two male, two female — and analyzes their views on love, commitment, relationships, marriage and religion. Delivers engaging characters and poignant images. Part of Logo’s “Real Momentum” documentary series. 3:30 p.m. on Logo. SUNDAY This Week Politics with George Stephanopoulos who seems to remember that the Democrats won in November. 10:30 a.m. on ABC. Grammy Awards Katy Perry kissed a girl and she liked it — she even told Katie Couric. Now she could get a Grammy for her hit song. Perry performs, as do Coldplay and Lil Wayne, who have the most nominations. 8 p.m. on CBS. Big Love The fun-loving polygamist returns with his three wives. Tonight, Roman’s case goes to trial. 9 p.m. on HBO. Desperate Housewives Bree goes wild with money from her cookbook, and her gay son Andrew is a recipient. Edie and Gaby head to a fat farm together. And Dave gets crazier and crazier. 9 p.m. on ABC. Brothers & Sisters The Walker saga returns with Tommy and Saul teaming up to oust Holly, which will not sit well with Becca. Meanwhile, Nora throws a baby shower for Kitty. But Kevin is still keeping Robert’s secret from Kitty — how long can that go on? (And how long can Kevin’s hubby, Scott, remain MIA?) 10 p.m. on ABC.

The United States of Tara Tara begins to feel better as she works on a mural project for her new friend, Tiffany. Unfortunately, Tiffany becomes a little too curious about Tara’s personalities SHANE AND JENNY SITTING IN A TREE ... : Shane (Katherine and affects Tara in a bad way. Moennig, left) and Jenny (Mia Kirshner) take their relationship Meanwhile, Tara’s son, Marshall, is to a new level on “The L Word” at 9 p.m. Feb. 8 on Showtime. trying to find a way to approach his Photo: Paul Michaud/Showtime

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

crush, Jason. 10 p.m. on Showtime. MONDAY House When a priest who runs a homeless shelter sees a bleeding Jesus hovering at his doorstep, he is admitted to the ER. House takes on the case as a distraction for the team while he confronts Foreman and Thirteen about their relationship. The team soon learns the priest had been involved in a molestation scandal that caused him to lose his faith. However, just as they are about to dismiss his case, the patient’s condition takes a drastic

turn for the worse, and House grapples with his past. 8 p.m. on FOX. True Beauty The premise of this reality series is that beauty is interior, not exterior — except the players don’t know that. Five contestants have been voted off the catwalk. Watch for the beefcake (Ray!) and openly queeny Nolé Marin (who has a Chihuahua named Empress Minnie). Judge Cheryl Tiegs, one of the first supermodels, shows why too much Botox and face-filler is so

Queer TV you can always see: All My Children Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Reese (Tamara Braun) are planning a Valentine’s Day wedding. They will soon be the first lesbian couple on TV to marry legally. Bianca’s mother, Erica (Susan Lucci), is planning the wedding. But the bridal shower she throws tosses a wrench into the happy couple’s preparations. (The morning of the shower Bianca and Reese woke up in bed and were kissing and just about to make love when Erica called them to get out of bed and get ready for the shower.) Never without an agenda, Erica tracked down Reese’s estranged mother, Claire, who arrives just in time to see Reese holding up a sexy black nightgown and says “Oh, just like the one you got at your first shower.” Their ensuing fight ends with Claire slapping Reese in the face and telling her that she doesn’t know what she wants. Reese tells her mother she doesn’t need her or her approval. “I have my own family now. Get out.” Monday-Friday 1 p.m. on ABC.

to a publicist, “For fans of this couple, we really wanted them to be able to watch these important scenes play out on air without a lot of spoilers.” And without a bedroom scene. But now that Luke (Van Hansis) and Noah (Jake Silbermann) are lovers, they have become matchmakers. Like gay yentas. At least they get to kiss each other in between fixing up their friends. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS.

As the World Turns The fallout over the lack of an on-camera consummation scene when Luke and Noah finally had sex after a nearly two-year courtship continues. Apparently Procter & Gamble, who owns “ATWT,” didn’t promo the event due to nervousness about conservative backlash, since the show has already been boycotted by the Family Research Council because of the love affair. But according

The Rachel Maddow Show Smart and savvy deconstruction from the only out lesbian to host a political talk show. Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.

Martha Martha Stewart isn’t queer, but no one has a gayer sensibility (or gayer friends — Tim Gunn, anyone?). For great food and great ideas with intriguing and/ or cute guests. Check out videos of the show at www. marthastewart.com. MondayFriday, 2 p.m. on NBC. Ellen We never tire of the dancing dyke diva of daytime. Be sure to check out Ellen’s commentary at www.ellen. warnerbros.com. MondayFriday, 3 p.m. on NBC.

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Consistently queer-friendly commentary, boy toys in leather gear and nightly drag routines from the Scottish comedian. Monday-Friday, 12:35 a.m. on CBS.

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Q on the tube: Fall from grace By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor

GOOD GRIEF: Charlie Brown just can’t catch a break on any holiday. He finally works up the courage to call the little red-haired girl to ask her to the Valentine’s Day dance but once again he ends up broken-hearted and empty-handed when he dials the wrong number and reaches Peppermint Patty instead ... who we all know would rather be going to the dance with Marcie. Catch all the drama in the 1975 classic “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 14 on ABC. Photo: United Feature Syndicate Inc.

not a good thing. 10 p.m. on ABC. RuPaul’s Drag Race Last week, the nine contestants had to re-invent their glam-drag looks using thrift-store clothing and tchotchkes from the 99-cent store. Tonight, wigs fly when the contestants split up into two rival girl groups, something guest judge Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child would know plenty about. Can the girls impress RuPaul with their lip-synching skills? 10 p.m. on Logo. Visit www. rupaulsdragrace.com to see behind the scenes of the show. TUESDAY Daphne Intriguing film about the bisexual/ lesbian mystery writer Daphne du Maurier, author of “Rebecca” and Alfred Hitchcock’s film “The Birds.” “Daphne” focuses on the years between 1947-52, when du Maurier was breaking off her relationship with her husband and moving on to a lesbian love affair with Ellen Doubleday. With Elizabeth McGovern. 5 p.m. on Logo. American Idol Must-watch, train-wreck TV. This season might be the best yet. Watch for the sexy guy from Puerto Rico, Jorge Nunez. And the girl with the shaved head (yes,

shaved head), Melinda Camille, from New York City. 8 p.m. on FOX. WEDNESDAY American Idol The competition continues. 8 p.m. on FOX. The Real World: Brooklyn This season includes Sarah, a tatted-up bisexual artist who works with victims of sexual abuse, Katelynn, a transgender female who wants to marry her boyfriend, and Chet, a Mormon frat boy. 10 p.m. on MTV. Top Chef: New York With only three nail-biting episodes left before the Feb. 25 finale, expect extreme knife fighting and a possible queer winner. 10 p.m. on Bravo. Sordid Lives: The Series LaVonda tells Noleta the truth about the affair, and they arrive in Los Angeles for the opening of Ty’s play. Ty ruins his relationship with Jacob by cheating. G.W. proposes to Peggy. Bitsy shares her feelings with Glyndora as they are kidnapped by Ritchie. Latrelle gets off Valium, and Sissy confesses to killing the goat and is arrested along with Noleta. Brother Boy blackmails Bumper, and he and Jackie make their

escape. 10:30 p.m. on Logo. THURSDAY Ugly Betty Betty tapes a video tribute for Claire Meade’s 60th birthday that’s very revealing, just not in the way she planned. But the real shocker comes when Betty accidentally leaves the camera on at home and discovers some revealing footage about Ignacio. Meanwhile, Daniel and Wilhelmina have difficulty adjusting to the new significant others in their lives. Expect more B & D with Wilhemina. 8 p.m. on ABC. Hell’s Kitchen The fifth season premiered with Gordon Ramsay beating up 16 new chefs. He developed a special loathing for Colleen, who teaches cooking, but never went to culinary school (and it shows). The first cook to be ousted was Wil, who presented a “pride pin” to declare his gayness with his signature dish. Alas, Wil was too fey to manage the garnish station and nominated himself to be ousted. The other queer contestant is LA. Her lip piercing irritates Ramsay and he hated her signature dish (he loved Wil’s), but there are others on the women’s team he dislikes way more. Like Colleen. And Colleen. 9 p.m. on FOX. ■

Ted Haggard came back from humiliation last week with a vengeance. The disgraced mega-church leader did a media blitz — a full hour on “Oprah,” a full episode of “Nightline” and appearances on other news and morning shows as well as meetings with clergy. The frontal assault was in anticipation of “The Trials of Ted Haggard,” the HBO documentary on Haggard’s exile from his church and banishment from his community. Haggard is far from alone in being a conservative, outwardly antigay man with a secret gay life. Nor is he the first to be exposed. What makes Haggard different is the way he has opened himself and his family to the world in an effort to explain and explore his own sexual conflicts. In the period since Haggard has been dealing with being banished from his church and his community (the church forced him and his family to leave not only the church he founded, but also his home and the state), he has clearly discovered what it is like to be marginalized and feel the pain he once inflicted. The experience has been, it seems, humbling. In the HBO documentary, Haggard and his family live like nomads, going from borrowed house to borrowed apartment to seedy motel. Savings exhausted, Haggard keeps seeking a job but finds none. In one scene from the film, a tired and cranky Haggard goes door-to-door on foot in shorts and T-shirt in Arizona putting hangtags on doorknobs. What Haggard said repeatedly in his TV blitz was how shocked he was at the harshness of his church. “I thought there would be more compassion and forgiveness,” he told “Nightline’s” Dan Harris, pain etched in his face. But there was nothing like compassion or forgiveness, except perhaps from his wife, Gayle, and his five children. The forgiveness of his children seems authentic and even mixed with relief: Prior to his own fall from grace, Ted Haggard the preacher was, as his children describe him, a distant and uncompassionate father with expectations of perfection. Thus for them, seeing the human side of their father, while embarrassing, meant that they too could be imperfect. Haggard himself tells a complicated tale. The various interviews in tandem with the film depict a man in turmoil who, while loving his wife, has always had overwhelming homosexual desires and continues to fight fantasies of gay sex on a daily basis. Haggard told both Oprah and Harris that he defines himself as a heterosexual with conflicts, but most LGBT viewers will see a gay man trying desperately to hold onto a straight lifestyle. Only his emotions are conflicted. Oprah suggested that heterosexuals don’t have conflicts over their sexuality, using herself as an example. She asked Haggard if he considered himself bisexual, but he said no. The talk-show host gave little ground to the Haggards, using words like “hypocrite” and “liar” — words Haggard himself accepted and agreed with. Since the film was made, another man has accused Haggard of having inappropriate sexual contact with him. The man was a teenager at the church Haggard led and came to Haggard for solace, only to have Haggard masturbate in front of him. Haggard does not deny the allegations and, in fact, says that he thought the young man and he had come to a state of forgiveness over the incident. Haggard will no doubt be in the news again. Whether he can reconnect with his religious community remains to be seen, but at present, still scalded by the treatment he received from fellow Christians, Haggard is urging a more expansive view of sexuality among religious groups and forgiveness by clergy of congregants with conflicted sexuality. Haggard’s own pain is still visible. Whether his experience will help others remains to be seen. ■

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Meeting COLOR

Place

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

A community bulletin board of facilities, organizations and activities

Activism/Politics

The Week Ahead

ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) Meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at St. Luke and the Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 386-1981; www.critpath.org/actup. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State Seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; (856) 863-3061; www.dvau.org. Equality Advocates Philadelphia Holds a volunteer night second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; (215) 731-1447; www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia Holds general meetings fourth Tuesday of each month (except April) at 6:30 p.m., 4134 Lancaster Ave.; (215) 243-7103; www.gpop.org. Log Cabin Republican Club of Philadelphia Meets at 7 p.m. third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Community Center; (215) 465-5677; www.phillylogcabin.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club Meets seasonally; (215) 760-7184; www.libertycity. org. OutFront! Board of directors meets third Monday of the month; (215) 842-0343.

Arts

Gay Men’s Book Discussion Group Meets at 6:30 p.m. ﬁrst Wednesday of the month at the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. Library Book Club Meets to discuss a new book at 7 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center. New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus Chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in Princeton, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. Open-mic night An amateur poetry, music and storytelling event sponsored by The Pride Center of New Jersey, meets at 8 p.m. every third Friday at the George Street Playhouse, 1470 Jersey Ave., North Brunswick, N.J.; (732) 846-0715.

Friday, Feb. 6 ■ Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will be held at 10 a.m. and 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Crystal Meth Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean View Lodge. Saturday, Feb. 7 ■ AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group will meet at 11 a.m. at AIDS Delaware. ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Philadelphia Transsexual Support Group will meet from 3-5 p.m. at 1201 Locust St. ■ Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will be held at 5:30 and 11:30 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous will meet at 8:30 p.m. at the William Way. Sunday, Feb. 8 ■ PhilaVentures will meet for a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park at 2 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Café, 8701 Germantown Ave. ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 p.m. at the William Way. ■ The Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group will meet at 5 p.m. at the William Way. ■ The Transgender Programming Committee will meet at 5 p.m. at the William Way.

Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Chorus rehearses from 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays; (215) 731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org.

Men of All Colors Together Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Friday of the month September through June at the William Way Center; (610) 277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org.

Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club Meets to share and listen to recordings at 6:30 p.m. on last Saturday of the month; (215) 224-6995.

Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

Philadelphia Voices of Pride Philadelphia’s ﬁrst mixed GLBT chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; (888) 505-7464; www.pvop.org.

Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219.

Queer Writer’s Collective Workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. on fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center. Women’s Book Group Meets ﬁrst Thursday of the month at 6:45 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; brassygrrl@hotmail.com.

Men

Boys Night Out A social gathering for gay men, meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Iron Hill Brewery, 30 E. State St., Media; BurbBoysNiteOut@aol.com. Delaware Valley 40-plus Club for Men Social group meets every other month; (215) 5879933. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets at 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; (215) 483-1032.

Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 206; johnson_ t@camden_ahec.org. Philly DADS An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets at 7:30 p.m. fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 668-5239.

Parents/Families

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-8005.

■ Crystal Meth Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the William Way. Monday, Feb. 9 ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Positive Brothers will meet from 6:308:30 p.m. ■ Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the William Way. ■ The Spartan Wrestling Club will meet from 7-9 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. ■ Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance will hold open meetings from 10-11 p.m. in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College. Tuesday, Feb. 10 ■ A representative from AIDS Services in Asian Communities will offer safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. at the Independence Branch of the Free Library. ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 p.m. at the William Way. ■ The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania will hold a back-to-work seminar from noon-2 p.m. ■ Boys Nite Out will meet at 7 p.m. at Iron Hill Brewery. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center, 1201 Chestnut St. ■ Ties That Bind Us will meet 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. Wednesday, Feb. 11 Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Cape May, N.J. Meets at 2 p.m. third Sunday of the month in the Maruchi Room of Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, 2 Stone Harbor Blvd.; (609) 861-1848. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets at 7 p.m. ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St., West Chester; (484) 354-2448. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Meets from 2-5 p.m. third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 572-1833. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; (609) 683-5155. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del. Meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; (302) 654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings are held monthly; (215) 844-3360; www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Recreation

Diversity Dancers

■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Lesbians with Breast Cancer will meet from 6:30-8:30 at Gilda’s Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 441-3290. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. Chester County will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Office Building. ■ The Gay Married Men’s Association support group will meet at 8 p.m. at the William Way. ■ The steering committee of Team Philadelphia will meet at 8 p.m. at the William Way. ■ “Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar,” will begin at 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 ■ Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 2 p.m. at the William Way. ■ Gay Coffee Hours will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Joe Coffee, 1100 Walnut St. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church. ■ Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous will hold a 12-step meeting at 7 p.m. at Limestone Presbyterian Church. ■ Young, Trans and Unified will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Attic Youth Center. ■ The Humboldt Society, a gay and lesbian naturalist club, will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way. Ballroom dancers meet the first Sunday of the month for tea dance and lessons. Other events scheduled throughout the year; (215) 922-2129; DiversityDancers@aol.com. Gay Bridge Club Non-beginners group meets Monday afternoons at the William Way Center; (215) 985-4835. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club Meets from 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; (215) 382-0789. Gay and Lesbian Scrabble Players in the tri-state area gather for socializing and friendly/competitive games; ScrabbleGroup@excite.com. Gay Opera Guys of Philly New group for opera appreciation meets last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/ Andorra area; (215) 483-1032. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists Meets second Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 985-1456; www. humboldtsociety.org. Indepedence Squares GLBT square dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 735-5812; www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group Male group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape. Call (267) 230-6750 for more information. Men’s Knitting Circle

Social and knitting group meets from 6-8 p.m. last Tuesday of the month at Joe Coffee Bar, 1100 Walnut St.; (215) 592-7384. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social Activities for sexual-minority seniors are held every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. PhilaVentures Philadelphia’s GLBT outdoor group meets for a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park on Sundays at 2 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Café, 8701 Germantown Ave.; (215) 271-8822. Rainbow Room A meeting/activity night held for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their friends Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Rainbow Room of Planned Parenthood in Doylestown; (215) 348-0558. Social XChange A social group for sexual minorities ages 1323 meets every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330.

Religion/Spirituality

Arch Street United Methodist Church Services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. at Broad and Arch streets; (215) 568-6250. Bethlehem-Judah Ministries Open and affirming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3847 N. Dupont Hwy., Kent Plaza Suite #2, Dover, Del.; (302) 734-9350. BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Church Hold services at 10:15 a.m. at 2040 Street Road, Warrington; (215) 343-0406. Calvary United Methodist Church Reconciling, welcoming and affirming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue; (215) 724-1702. Central Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 106 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-0664. Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church Services at 11 a.m. and Spirit at Play, an arts-based Sunday school for children, at 9:30 a.m. at 8812 Germantown Ave.; (215) 242-9321. Church of the Crucifixion Inclusive Episcopal community holds services at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sundays at Eighth and Bainbridge streets; (215) 922-1128. Church of the Trinity Lutheran Reconciling in Christ parish holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 18th and Wolf streets; (215) 334-6656. Dignity Jersey Shore An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets first Saturday of the month in Asbury Park. For time and location, call (732) 502-0305. Dignity Metro NJ An organization for sexual-minority Catholics meets at 4 p.m. Sundays at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, N.J.; (973) 857-4040. Dignity Philadelphia Holds Mass at 7 p.m. Sundays at 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 546-2093; dignityphila@aol.com. Drexel Hill Baptist Church Non-judgmental Christian congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the USA holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at Childs Avenue and State Road, Drexel Hill; (610) 259-2356; www. adhbaptist.com. Emanuel Lutheran Church Reconciling in Christ congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at New and Kirkpatrick streets, New Brunswick, N.J.; (732) 545-2673; www. emmanuelnb.org. Episcopal Church of St. Paul Welcoming and inclusive church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 89 Pinewood

THE PLAYGROUND FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 5454331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-6 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Drive, Levittown; (215) 945-2886; www.saint-paulslevittown.org. Evangelicals Concerned Lesbian and gay Christian group meets at 2 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month; (215) 860-7445. First Baptist Church Welcoming and affirming church holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 123 S. 17th St.; (215) 563-3853. First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne Welcoming church holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 140 N. Lansdowne Ave.; (610) 622-0800; www. lansdownepresbyterian.org. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia A liberal, welcoming and diverse congregation that affirms the dignity of all. Sunday services at 10 a.m. at 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-3980; www.firstuuphilly.org. The First United Church of Germantown A sexual-minority-affirming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave.; lunch follows; (215) 438-3677. First United Methodist Church of Philadelphia Inclusive, welcoming and progressive congregation worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 6023 Germantown Ave. Lunch follows; childcare is provided; (215) 438-3677. Gay Christian Singles Philly Burbs Provides support and fellowship for GLBT singles through discussion groups and social events; (610) 457-2081; gcsphillyburbs@aol.com. Global Heart Spiritual Center Holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 1812 HaddonfieldBerlin Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (609) 868-2372. Grace Epiphany Church A welcoming and diverse Episcopal congregation in Mt. Airy, holds services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, with an education hour for adults and children at 9:30 a.m., at 224 E. Gowen Ave., Mt. Airy; (215) 248-2950; www.grace-epi.org. Holy Communion Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation worships Sundays at 9 a.m. at 2111 Sansom St. and 11 a.m. at 2110 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-1840; www.

Send submissions to: e-mail: pgn@epgn.com fax: (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication.

centercitylutheran.org. Hope Ministry Family Fellowship Affirming Christ-centered church meets at 11 a.m. Sundays in Allentown; (610) 791-0716; hmff2001@aol.com. Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church Sexual-minority congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 1223 Middletown Road (Route 352), Glen Mills; (610) 358-1716; www.ImagoDeiMCC. org. Interweave Organization of LGBT Unitarians and allies meets monthly at Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill, N.J., 401 N. Kings Highway; (856) 667-3618; www.uucinch.org. LC/NA Delaware Valley chapter A group for Lutherans who are not out in their own congregations meets at 7 p.m. fourth Sunday of the month at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St.; (215) 387-2885. Jazz Vespers Held at 7 p.m. first Sunday of the month at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 646-2451; www.stjohnsambler.org. Kol Tzedek Reconstructionist Synagogue committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community meets at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St.; (215) 764-6364; www. kol-tzedek.org. Mainline Unitarian Church Holds services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 816 S. Valley Forge Road, Devon; (610) 688-8332; www. mluc.org. Maple Shade Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ Affirming congregation open to all sexual orientations and gender identities holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 45 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 779-7739; mapleshadeucc.org. Metropolitan Community Church Holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays preceded by a 9:30 a.m. Bible study at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia Holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 735-MCC3; www.mccphiladelphia.com.

Holds services at 10 a.m. followed by a group discussion at 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 478-5921. St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) Reconciling in Christ congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 646-2451; www.stjohnsambler.org. St. Luke and The Epiphany Church Open and welcoming church holds liturgy at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays fall through winter and “Prayer Around the Cross” at 7 p.m. ﬁrst Friday of the month at 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 732-1918. St. Mary of Grace Parish Inclusive church in the Catholic tradition celebrates Mass at 6 p.m. Sundays in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media; (610) 566-1393; www. inclusivecatholics.org. St. Mary’s Church Diverse and inclusive Episcopal church, with openly gay rector, celebrates Eucharist at 11 a.m. Sundays; adult forum is held at 9:30 a.m.; and evening prayer is at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 3916 Locust Walk; (215) 386-3916; www.stmarysatpenn. org. Tabernacle United Church Open and afﬁrming congregation holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 3700 Chestnut St.; (215) 386-4100. Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media. Children’s program (pre-8th) 10:30 a.m.; youth programming 6 p.m. Sunday; (610) 566-4853; www.uucdc.org. Unitarian Society of Germantown Welcoming congregation holds services 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 6511 Lincoln Drive (West Mt. Airy). Childcare is available; (215) 844-1158; www.usguu. org.

Penns Park United Methodist Church Welcoming and afﬁrming church holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-7601.

City of Brotherly Love Softball League GLBT softball league serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, in Fairmount Park; (215) 4622575; www.cblsl.org. Delaware Grifﬁns Women’s football team seeks players; (302) 6339054; www.delawaregrifﬁns.com. Frontrunners Running club meets Saturday mornings at 9:30 for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www.frontrunnersphila.org. Gay and Lesbian Bowling League Bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays in the Norristown area; call Doug Schneidig; (716) 864-4393.

United Christian Church Open, afﬁrming and welcoming congregation holds servies at 11 a.m. Sundays at 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown; (215) 946-6800. Unity Fellowship Church of Philadelphia Diverse, afﬁrming GLBT congregation holds services at 2 p.m. Sundays at Broad and Arch streets; (215) 222-3180. University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation Welcoming congregation holds services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 3637 Chestnut St. preceded by “Adult Forum: Sundays” at 9:30 discussing religious alienation and struggles of faith; (215) 387-2885.

Sports

Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club Meets for Tuesday and Thursday practice at Greene Field, Howell Street and Moore Road, West Chester;

Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509.

Philadelphia Fins Swim Team Male and female swimmers meet at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays in Center City; (610) 564-6661; www.philadelphiaﬁns.org.

Renaissance Transgender Assoc. Meets at 8 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Into the Woods ofﬁce complex in King of Prussia; (610) 975-9119 box 5; and 7:30 p.m. ﬁrst Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; www.ren.org.

Philadelphia Gay Bowling League Meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September through April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; (856) 889-1434; www. philagaybowling.com.

T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, agressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second ﬂoor, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 834-9063; tman215@aol.com.

Philadelphia Gay Flag Football New group forming. Contact Jered at gayﬂagfootball@gmail.com or (214) 770-5373. Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club Team seeks players; all skill levels welcome; (215) 913-7531; info@phillygryphons.org.

Philadelphia Phoenix Women’s football team seeks players; (267) 6799535; www.philadelphiaphoenix.org.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown Holds services at 10 a.m. at 1565 S. Keim St., Pottstown; (610) 327-2662.

Interweave New Jersey An organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian and their allies meets every third Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618.

Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, non-judgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658.

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, Mt. Airy Welcoming congregation holds services at 11 a.m. Sundays September through June at 6900 Stenton Ave.; (215) 836-1812; www.uurestoration.us. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, South Jersey Shore Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays in Galloway Township, N.J.; (609) 926-8890; www.uucsjs.org.

Trans

Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey A transgender civil-rights group meets ﬁrst Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club GLBT and allied soccer club; practices Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at Edgeley Fields in Fairmount Park;www.falcons-soccer.org.

Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association Meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday at William Way Center; (215) 755-2641; into@plta.us.

Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; (917) 656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley Motorcycle club meets regularly; (215) 836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 9 p.m. on Tuesdays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467. South Jersey Gay Bowling League Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7 p.m. on Fridays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467. Spartan Wrestling Club The gay wresting team meets from 7-9 p.m. Mondays at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 732-4545; www.phillyspartans. com. Team NJ Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; (908) 234-1481. Team Philadelphia Meets at 8 p.m. second Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center; www.teamphiladelphia.org. Women’s Table Tennis New group forming. Interested women are encouraged to e-mail michelesimone19144@yahoo. com.

Transhealth Programming Committee Meetings are at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (267) 549-6497. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization meets at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 732-1207; www.critpath. org/thac. WeXist FTM support group meets from 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; ﬁrst hour is open; second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; (267) 2501548; www.wexist.org. Young, Trans, and Uniﬁed! Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; (215) 545-4331 ext. 24.

Women

African Asian Latina Lesbians United Social-issues discussion group meets fourth Thursday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Bucks County Lesbian Alliance Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbianalliance.org. Expressions Women’s Space Lesbian singles, family and coming-out groups meet at 1538 Church St.; (215) 535-3600. Lesbians and BiWomen in Heterosexual Marriages A support group meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities

Key numbers ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377

■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW

■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: (215) 686-4670

■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221

■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: (215) 772-2000

■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513

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

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting worships at 11 a.m. Sundays at 1515 Cherry St.; (215) 2417260; cpmm@afsc.org.

■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633

Resurrection Lutheran Church Holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 620 Welsh Road, Horsham; (215) 646-2597.

■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330.

Silverside Church

www.brandywinerugby.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill Holds services at 10:15 a.m. at 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618.

New Thought Spiritual Community Nondenominational service is offered at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Cradle of Liberty Council, 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne; (610) 962-9923. Old First Reformed Church Open and afﬁrming United Church worships at 11 a.m. Sundays September through June, and 10 a.m. June through August at 151 N. Fourth St.; (215) 922-4566; www.oldﬁrstucc.org.

PAGE 39

■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities: Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555 ■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org ■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 40 for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville, PA 19460; http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; (215) 542-2899. Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 500-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn.southjersey.com. Lesbians with Breast Cancer A support group meets from 6:30-8:30 on second Wednesday of the month at Gilda Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 441-3290. Queer Connections Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; (215) 468-1352; queerconnect@yahoo.com. Republican Lesbians Meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on first Monday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. South Jersey Lesbians of Color Meetings are the first and third Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Starting Point, 215 Highland Ave., Suite C, Westmont, N.J.; (856) 824-0881; e-mail: SJLOCowner@yahoogroups.com. Women’s Coffee House for Lesbians A group for lesbian and bisexual women meets on first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. The Womyn’s Village The first womyn-owned and operated think-tank targeting black African, Asian, Latina and Native American LBT and two-spirited womyn. Meets at 5 p.m. on third Thursday of the month at COLOURS Organization, 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 765-0121; the_womyns.village@yahoo.com.

Youth

40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. Drop-in Group For gay, lesbian and bisexual youth; meets at 11 a.m. Saturdays at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-6776. HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; (610) 868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; (609) 683-5155. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-1861; info@myaonline.org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 772-1107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together

Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 1421, the SPOT meets Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester ofﬁce, 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester; (610) 692-1770 ext. 108 or thespot@ppccpa.org. Teen Support Group Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0658 ext. 319. Under the Rainbow Discussion and social group for 18-25-year-old gays and lesbians meets at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Youth in Transition A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets from 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 234; gray_w@camden-ahec.org.

Etc.

AIDS Law Project Provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., suite 600; (215) 587-9377; www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity Philadelphia area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the William Way Center; www.biunity.org. BiZone A group open to all bisexual, bi-curious and bifriendly people and their partners has meetings at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Boomers and Beyond A support and event programming group for sexual-minority seniors meets at 7:30 p.m. every first and third Monday at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Bordentown, N.J. Friends, Lesbians and Gays A political, community and social group that also works to promote Bordentown as a gay-friendly community meets at 6 p.m. on second Sunday of the month at Firehouse Gallery, 8 Walnut St., Bordentown, N.J.; (609) 298-3742. Delaware Pride Meets at 7 p.m. on first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., Newark, Del.; (800) 292-0429. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols For LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for self-defense; meets at 2 p.m. on third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southhampton; (267) 386-8907; www.pinkpistols. org. Friday Feast and Fun Dinner hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m. second Friday of the month, 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 576-8008. Gay Coffee Hours Meets from 6-9 p.m. on second Thursday of the month at Joe Coffee, 1100 Walnut St.; (215) 592-7384. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance Open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; (610) 896-4938.

Latina/o Virtual Community Local listserv offers various information and resources; (215) 808-2493; Zorros_mail@yahoo. com; LatinPhillyLGBT@yahoogroups.com. Lesbians and Gay Men of New Brunswick A social, educational and potluck group meets at 8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. LGBTQ and Friends Activity Group Meets at 7 p.m. on third Friday of the month to plan outings and potlucks at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County. Long Yang Club Philadelphia Social organization for gay Asians and their friends holds monthly socials; P.O. Box 401, Philadelphia, Pa. 19105; www.longyangclub. org/philadelphia. Metropolitan Community Church Christian education program is held Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. at the William Way Center. Our Night Out A casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, allied communities, friends and colleagues meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, send email to OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; PhillyGayCalendar.com/org/OurNightOut. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice Offered from 5-8 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month; (215) 238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers Club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; (610) 344-0853; www. primetimersphiladelphia.org. Philadelphians MC Club for leather men and women meets 7:30 p.m. first and third Mondays of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; (215) 627-1662. Philly Paw Pals Gay and lesbian dog owners and their dogs meet on first Saturday of the month at a dog park; (215) 618-5290; PhillyPawPals@aol.com. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL affiliated; private; weekly HF nets, monthly newsletter, e-mail server; (302) 5392392; www.rara.org. Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar Party A party for gay and lesbian rockers with host Psydde Delicious starts at 10 p.m. every second Wednesday at N. 3rd, Third and Brown streets; (215) 413-3666. Silver Foxes Social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older meets from 3-5 p.m. on fourth Sunday of the month at the William Way Center. Stonewall Model Railroad Club Meets monthly; (215) 769-4230; k3k@yahoo. com. Temple University Lambda Alliance Meets from 7-8 p.m. on Thursdays at The Village outside the Lambda office, SAC 205, 1755 N. 13th St. Trenton Gay and Lesbian Civic Association Meets at 7 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at the Mill Hill Saloon, 300 S. Broad St., Trenton, N.J.; (609) 396-9788. Thirsty Third Tuesdays Collingswood Out in the Neighborhood meets at 7 p.m. on third Tuesday of the month for coffee, dessert and conversation at Three Beans, 40 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield N.J.; (215) 439-8337.

Professional groups ■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 627-9090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance The Philadelphia chapter of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development and educational opportunities. Holds monthly networking events; (215) 701-4760; P.O. Box 12647, Philadelphia, Pa. 19129; www.independencebusinessalliance.com. Monthly Brown Bag forums for LGBT business owners

at noon on third Thursdays at the William Way Center. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org.

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Health

Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing is offered from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 222-3871. Spanish/English. HIV testing Testing offered from 4:30-6:15 p.m. on first and third Thursday of every month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St.,

12-step programs and support groups Adult Children of Alcoholics

Meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center. ■ Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Saturdays at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 456-9129. ■

Al-Anon

Gay Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. Fridays at St. Andrew’s Church, 50 York St., Lambertville, N.J.; (215) 986-1029. ■ Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at the William Way Center. ■

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Acceptance meets at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2212 Spruce St. ■ Beginnings meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■ Community meets at 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; (484) 529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets at 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets at 11:30 p.m. Sundays through Saturdays at the William Way Center. ■ Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Beginners meeting meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2212 Spruce St. ■ Sober and Gay meets at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets at 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Ties That Bind Us is a12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community. Meetings are held from 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call (800) 581-7883. ■

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

Meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays at the William Way Center.

■

Emotional Support

Healing After Loss has monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn. southjersey.com. ■ Pink and Blues is a free depression and bipolar support group for sexual minorities and meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 627-0424. ■ Pink and Blues Main Line, a peer-run mental health support group, meets 6 p.m. Thursdays at Bryn Mawr Consumer Center, 1001 W. Lancaster Ave.; (610) 527-1511. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc. meets at 7:30 p.m. on ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at 3535 Market St., Room 2037; (215) 545-2242; www.phillysos. tripod.com. ■ Survivors of Suicide Inc., Chester County meets at 7:30 p.m. on second Wednesday of the month at Paoli Memorial Hospital, Willistown Room, Medical Ofﬁce Building; (215) 545-2242; www. phillysos.tripod.com. ■

HIV/AIDS

Strength In Numbers Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ SINPhiladelphia.

■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 304 S. 12th St.; (215) 840-6141; www.gayphiladelphia.org.

■

■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 857-9283; popnews19@yahoo. com.

Tuesdays:

Mondays:

Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets from 6:308:30 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330.

Suite 2A, Williamsport; (570) 322-8448. HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, conﬁdential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www. mazzonicenter.org. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206.

Branch of the the Free Library, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets from 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; (215) 769-3561. ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIV-positive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St.; (215) 985-3382. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, begins at 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; (215) 387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets at 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; (215) 851-1898.

Wednesdays:

A support group for HIV-positive women will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; (215) 387-6055. ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; (215) 563-2424. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/AIDS, will meet from 3-5 p.m. at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ■

Thursdays:

A support group for HIV-positive men and women will meet from 6-8 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St.; (215) 769-3561. ■ Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support group for all infected or affected, meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55. N. Broad St.; call Zak, (215) 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. ■

Saturdays:

AIDS Delaware’s You’re Not Alone youth support group meets at 11 a.m. at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington; a social session will follow at 12:30 p.m.; (302) 652-6776. ■

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Meets at 2 p.m. Sunday through Saturday and at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the William Way Center. ■

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

Open meeting, Tuesdays, beginners meet at 6:30 p.m., regular meeting at 7 p.m. at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St.; for room location, contact Troy at (215) 514-3065. ■ Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■

S.A.R.A.

Substance Abuse – Risk Assessment; day and evening hours; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLA)

Mondays, 7 p.m. at the William Way Center. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 20 N. Route 9, Marmora, N.J.; (609) 675-1998. ■ Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 542-3279. ■ Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean View Lodge, Metropolitan Community Church, 521 Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) 945-5982. ■ Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. ■ ■

SEPCADD

■ Safe space to meet and discuss substance abuse problems with ofﬁce in William Way Center; (215) 340-9995.

■

AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence

■

SMOKING CESSATION FreshOUT!, Mazzoni Center’s free quitsmoking program, hosts individual sessions, classes and support groups and offers Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum and lozenges); (215) 563-0652 ext. 228 or e-mail quitsmoking@mazzonienter.org. ■

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

PAGE 41

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Renters still need to jump hoops in soft market By J.W. Elphinstone The Associated Press Apartment vacancies are rising. Rents are dropping. It’s a tenant’s market. Or is it? Renters in certain markets may ﬁnd bargains, but there are plenty of cities where rents won’t soften. In addition, certain leases and fairhousing laws make it harder, but not impossible, for renters to negotiate with landlords. There has been a barrage of bad news for landlords lately. Frustrated home sellers are renting out their properties instead, increasing the shadow rental market, which makes up about 40 percent of the rental stock. At the same time, rising unemployment is forcing more Americans to share apartments or move back in with mom and dad. The result? Apartment vacancies are surging, making it harder for landlords to raise rents. About 25,000 apartments came back on the market at the end of last year, pushing the national vacancy rate up to 6.7 percent from 6.1

percent in the third quarter, says Hessam Nadji, managing director at Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services. That isn’t a seasonal blip either. Nadji forecasts the vacancy rate will rise to 7.7 percent by the end of the year. As landlords compete for tenants, they are expected to cut rents by 2 percent to 3 percent this year, Nadji predicts. On a $1,000 per month apartment, that’s an extra $240 to $360 a year — nothing to sneeze at during a recession. But don’t count your cash yet. Rent declines will vary widely by city. In places where vacancy rates are still very low — Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Ore., Cincinnati and New York — renters have little bargaining power. But tenants in Phoenix, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Riverside, Calif., and most of Florida are looking at sweet deals. Those areas are bearing the brunt of job cuts and are seeing the worst of the foreclosure crisis. There, rents will likely fall between 5 percent and 7 percent a year, Nadji

estimates. On that $1,000 a month apartment, that equals between $600 and $840 a year. Cha-ching! So does that mean you can play hardball with potential landlords? Not necessarily. “It’s not like buying a car,” says Lisa Trosien, a consultant to the apartment industry. Generally, the apartment industry doesn’t negotiate rents, she says, although some landlords might offer a better rate if a renter signs a longer lease, for example. Landlords typically advertise any discounts upfront — but even if you don’t see any ads, it never hurts to ask. Existing residents should also take advantage of discounts offered to new renters. If your landlord is advertising one month’s free rent to new tenants, knock on his door. As a current renter in good standing, you should get that break too. “It’s the ﬁrst time in a long time that I’m seeing property managers and landlords offering the same deal to old residents that they’re offering to new renters,” Trosien says.

If your lease is up for renewal, you may also have more power to strike a deal, says Doug Chasick, a consultant and former apartment manager. It never hurts to ask for a break on the rent, especially if you’ve been a good tenant. Negotiations are tougher when you’re in the middle of your lease and want to change the terms. “It’s a popular misconception that you have the freedom to renegotiate,” Chasick says. Some landlords won’t even consider it because they could open themselves up to lawsuits under the Fair Housing Act. The law states that a landlord can’t charge a different rent to a person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Even if the landlord bases a rent reduction on that renter’s good payment history, another renter could misinterpret it as discrimination and sue, Trosien says. So a lot of landlords aren’t willing to take the chance. Another obstacle is your own lease, says Mary Gwyn, a property manager and apartment consultant in High

Point, N.C. If you threaten to break your lease unless you get the same deal offered down the street, it could be costly. To protect themselves, landlords often put a clause in the lease that requires the renter to continue to pay the bill until a new tenant is found. “The renter’s liability could end up being pretty high in a soft market,” Gwyn says. If you have any wiggle room in a current or new lease, make your move now. Favorable renter conditions won’t last long, Nadji says. He predicts vacancies will start to drop next year as the economy turns around. Those same renters who doubled up or lived at home during the recession will start looking for their own place again. Much of the glut in the shadow market will have disappeared by then, and the supply of new apartments will be low because of this year’s construction slowdown. “We should see this pent-up demand come back into the market starting next year and then in full force in 2011,” he said. ■

Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured property

Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Age of property: 100 years Square Footage: 756 Cost: $269,000 Realtor: Deborah Solo Real Estate Co: Solo Real Estate Phone: 215-564-7656 Direct: ext. 11 Web site: www.solorealty.com

On charming Madison Sq. Living room w/ exposed ceiling beams, reﬁnished ﬂoors, open to eat-in kitchen, patio, 2 bedrooms, tile bath w/ skylight, central air. Move-in ready.

Check your ad

PLACING ADS Using voicemail? Please be sure to have the following information ready when you call: • Your ad copy • The type of style you want • Desired abbreviations • American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA information • Your name and mailing

Graduate Hospital

address • Daytime telephone number Having all this information ready will speed your order and help to avoid errors. Phone calls can only be returned during business hours. For more information, see the coupon page in this section.

Philadelphia Gay News assumes responsibility for errors in classified ads only when notified by noon the Tuesday after the ad first appears. To receive credit for errors, please notify PGN by then. Credit only will be extended in the form of additional advertising space. Any cash refunds, for any reason, are subject to a $10 service charge. PGN will publish no classified ad — in any category — that contains sexually explicit language. Obviously excluded are traditional four-letter words that relate to sexual activity. Other words may be excluded at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right to edit or rewrite any ad that, in his opinion, violates this policy or its intent.

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 42

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

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Select the TYPE STYLE you want from the examples below, and begin each line under the arrow to the left of the letter representing that style. Write to the end of the line (hyphenate words correctly. Do not stop at any other arrow, as each arrow represents a starting point. Allow one block for each letter, number, punctuation mark and space. Be sure to skip a space between words. PHONE NUMBER MUST INCLUDE AREA CODE. Be sure to circle one of the classiﬁcations and compute the cost of your ad. Liner advertising is on a PREPAY BASIS ONLY, and payment must accompany this form. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL. Type STYLE A Type STYLE B TYPE STYLE C

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NUMBER OF WEEKS X SUBTOTAL % TERM DISCOUNT AD TOTAL CLASSIFICATION (CIRCLE ONE) REAL ESTATE FOR SALE • REAL ESTATE FOR RENT • ROOMMATES • SEASONAL RENTALS • SERVICES • FINANCIAL SERVICES HELP WANTED • JOBS WANTED • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • FOR SALE • AUTOMOTIVE • AUCTIONS • TRAVEL RESORTS ADOPTION • PERSONALS • FRIENDS MEN • FRIENDS BISEXUAL • FRIENDS TV/TS • FRIENDS WOMEN

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available! Call 800-

___32-16 N - $39,900 unting off m. Limited ssociates com ___32-16

ouse, 85 frontage. 00. www.

___32-16

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Real Estate

REAL ESTATE

SALE

NEW Single-Family homes in active adult (55 plus) community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, near Beach and Bays. From $99,000. 302-6595800 or see www.bonayrehomes.com _______________________________33-06 LOTS FOR SALE Timber Company Liquidation! 50 to 500+ ACRES. Own prime WV acerage at fraction of value! Timber Company liquidating over 33,000 acres! So many deer & turkey, natives call them pests! Mountain streams, wildlife ponds, spectacular views, meandering trails. Recreational paradise! Own for $1,300 to $2,000 per CLASSIFIEDS acre! Perfect for camp/cabin! Financing. Call 1-877-261-4868, x 31. REAL ESTATE _______________________________33-06 Adirondack Wholesale Acerage 141 Acres- Trophy deer Area WAS: $169,900 NOW: $99,900. 88 Acres w/ Large pond WAS: $159,900 NOW: MONTANA LAND BARGAINS $119,900. Acres- &ADK Bass Pond 20AC with30Utilities Country Road WAS: was $89,900 NOW: $69,900. Acres-Deer Near $99,900 Now $69,900 BLM81 access. & Salmon River/ Pulaski $99,900. Beautiful www. acerelk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 age, prices at 15yr low. Financing Available. WesternSkiesLand.com Christmas & Associates 800-229-7843 www. _______________________________32-16 landandcamps.com GOLF SIDE SC HOME _______________________________33-06 Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. MEET TRED BARTA! Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave Christmas &-Associates APRIL 4 10, 2008will be at the Greater 602-758-9062. Reading show in PA and Tred will be with us! _______________________________32-16 Come see us at Booth # 6524 Or call for more 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line information Christmas & Associates 800-229REAL ESTATE near www.landandcamps.com Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some 7843 open area, includes old hunting cabin, _______________________________33-06 electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. ATTENTION SNOWMOBILERS TUG HILL/ VENTNOR, NJ (HEIGHTS) ADIRONDACK HEAVEN 800-668-8679. House & adjacent lot (swimming pool). 5 Land on paved road w/ power! 6 acres w/ _______________________________32-16 Bedroom, 2 bath, Laundry Rm, Kitchen, Dinstorage shed- WAS: $19,900 NOW: $15,900. ing Room, Sun room & great room. Living 108 acres- $109,900. 5 acres w/ new cabinroom, and lower & Upper decks. 2nd r-2 $29,900. Access to snowmobile trails. Cabins bedrooms, 1 bath, great room, sun room, & built on any lot starting at $19,900. Financing deck 1st r. 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, available. Christmas & Associates 800-229Loanroom, Ofﬁcer foyer, dining area, kitchen, laundry and 7843 www.landandcamps.com deck. Central Air. Call 215-468-9166 after 6 _______________________________33-06 pm. $950,000.00. Potter County- 2 acres walking distance to _______________________________32-17 thousands of acresNJ of state forest near Keating VOORHEES HOME FOR SALE Summit. approved, electric, PeacefulPerc home sits in the centerprivate of 1.2road. acre $19,900. ﬁnancing. 800-668-8679. tree lined Owner lot. Back yard fenced. 4 BR. 2.5 BA, _______________________________33-06 2 car att. gar., new appl., carpet, paint. Partially

SALE

Mike Jenofsky

nished bsmt w/ofce. $450,000. Serious calls only, pleasePhone to 856-261-2156. (267) 341-1066 Direct _______________________________32-14 (267) 341-1067 Direct Fax 5 bedroom, 2 Bank Repo only $45,000! Pay(800)5%559-2514 x1066@ Tollfrom Free ments $199/mo! down, 20 years 8%Email: apr. For listings 800-604-8363. mjenofsky@fpms.com _______________________________32-14 5 bedroom, 2 Baths $425/month! 3 bedroom 1 bath $200/month! More 1-4 bedroom homes from $199/month! For listings & information 800-604-8363 _______________________________32-14 Bank Repos & Foreclosures! 1-4 bedroom Homes from $25,000! Great Locations! Payment from $199/month! For listings & Information 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-14 Potter County- 11 wooded acres bordering state forest!! Perc approved, surveyed, electric available, level building site, good hunting and shing area. $59,900. Owner nancing. 800-668-8679. _______________________________32-14 LIVE THE OUTDOOR IFE NYS LAND INVESTMENTS BARGAINS & SALES! 5 Acre Cody Brook- $13,900* 105 Acre- Cranberry Lake- Adks- $139,900* 25 Acre Francis Lake Frontage- $69,900* 7 acres Largest Adk River & Falls- $99,900* 6 acre- Salmon River Snow Trails- $15,900* 141 Acre- Trophy Whitetail Tract- $139,900* To hear more call 800-229-7843 now! _______________________________32-14 Hunting Land 23 acres for $56,900.00. 35 acres for $69,900.00. Abuts Trout Stream and State Forest. 4x4 access. For Camp & Cabin. North-Lands 570-748-8995. _______________________________32-14

Don’t get

stuck

with the

er wrong el ning d e et Mnod Opdoctor... ra Directory GHealth each week in ... PGN

PAGE 43

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Open Houses Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 Conrad Kuhn

Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2007 Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs

Ofﬁce: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Cell: 609.221.1196 www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com

PAGE 91 Washington Township Ofﬁce 5070 Route 42ESTATE REAL REAL ESTATE Turnersville, NJ 08012 SALE SALE

Let CHRIS CHRIS RISS RISSuse his Experience, Enthusiasm, and Contacts to sell your place or ﬁnd your new beach home. Most Transactions Award

makes it happen in CHRIS RISS CLASSIFIEDS REHOBOTH! Direct: 302-226-6655 REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Lingo: Lingo: 302-227-3883 302-227-3883 SALE

SALE

ChrisRiss@JackLingo.com

Rates have

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

432 Brown St. “New Listing First Time Open” Parking, Parking, Parking.

This newer move-in condition 3 bd, 2 1/2 ba. townhouse comes with (4) four car parking. The extra deep lot runs through to Olive St. A large deck and rear garden off the kitchen will add to your living enjoyment. See this one before it is gone.....................Realistically priced only $425,000.00 507 S 15th St. Cute 2 bd., 2 ba. home located in the Rittenhouse Square area. Full basement and side garden. Lowest price in the area. .................. .......................................................................A steal at only $250,000.00 1222 Spruce St. Unit #3. Large, bright contemporary located in the PAGE haert 49 of Washington Sq. West. Brand new everything. Low fees and taxes make this condo. A true must see............................................$350,000.00 REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

SALE Search allSALE Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com Dan Tobey

condition, w/d, spectacular city views, balcony, 1209 sq, asking $435,000 Let me show you When looking at the pricing on my other condo buildings on a cost per sq foot basis,New Center City One offers a very good Jersey! price. Recently renovated lobby and well managed Real Estate association board. Ronald G. Lees 6002 Route Route 130 130 North North 6002 Ron@RonLees.com FOR RENT: 226 Delran, New Jersey Jersey 08077Rittenhouse Sq, Dorchester unit 205 Delran, New 08077 856-824-1000 large 2 bd/den on Rittenhouse Sq. with balcony and park �� www.keygmac.com views! Currently being renovated with new kitchen, w/d, etc. Available Feb 1. Monthly rent $3500 includes everything. � City location with the finest features or selling at the shore? Call me! AlsoThinking for sale,about askingbuying $895,000. of a suburban townhome

The COOLEST homes in Philadelphia’s HOTTEST neighborhoods.

call Tom Gangemi�484 645 6117 2-3 Bedroom homes with garages (up to 1,710 sq.more ft.) from lowset $300’s For infothe or to up an app’t, call TOM GANGEMI � 3 Bedroom homes with garages

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The Curtis Center Let use his Experience, 170 W. Independence Mall , Suite L-44 Enthusiasm, and Contacts to sell your Philadelphia, PA 19106

Gay is our middle name.

Center City One, 1326 Spruce Street, unit 2903 Mike McKeown Email: mike.mckeown@mindspring.com 1-888-533-9890 2 bdrm 2 bath, seperate layout, renovated kit /bath good Licesensed by Dept. of Banking/Insurance in NJ, PA, DE and NY

Schoolhouse Lane & Ridge Avenue

touches. Gourmet S/S & granite kitchen, marble bath, hi ceilings, wood ﬂoors and low fees.................................................A Steal @ $225,000.00 136-38 N. St Unit 4A. Large and bright 1 bd, 1 ba. condo in the “Malt House” Huge terrace, low fees and great Old City location make this a must see..........................................................................only $300,000.00 242 S. 13th St. Units C/F. Furness Flats. Large 1 and 2 bed, 1 bath. last two units left in this highly desirable building. Low fees and taxes ...................... .....................................................................Starting at only $255,000.00

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Time to D reﬁnance, R consolidate debt, RatesOhave to or Time buy NOW! P D reﬁ nance, Ask about our P R consolidate debt, E no closing cost Now O is an excellent time to buy/ invest/ rent or buy NOW! D optionCity for buying P in Center Philadelphia. Aska about P home.our E noLOCATION, closing cost LOCATION! LOCATION, Mike Mike McKeown McKeown Email: mike.mckeown@mindspring.com D option for buying 1-888-533-9890 1-888-533-9890 Licesensed of Banking/Insurance in NJ, PA, DE and NY FOR SALE:by Dept. Excellent investment Avenue of Arts! a home.

PGN

Noon - 1:00 PM

1305 Spruce St. TH1A New Listing, Great 2 room condo w/ unique custom

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 place or ﬁnd Direct your new beach home. 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com Most Transactions Award

makes itit happen happen in in CHRIS RISS makes New Listings 738 Pine Street Unit B Direct: 302-226-6655 Direct: 302-226-6655

REHOBOTH!

Open 2/8/09 12 - 1 pm Lingo: Lingo:House 302-227-3883 302-227-3883

1 bedroom/ 1.5 bathrooms Spectacular and completely renovated, bi-level ChrisRiss@JackLingo.com condominium with a private entrance in a premier building in Society Hill. Historically elegant www.RehobothBeachHouses.com with gracefully proportioned windows, 14’ ceilings, beautiful moldings and columns. Custom stone and granite finishes throughout. 7 years left on a 10 year tax abatement, Shared outdoor space for BBQ, Parking credit given in nearby parking lot. $445,000

417 S. Iseminger Street Open House: Sunday, April 6th 12-1 PM Open House 2/8/09 3 - 4 pm

258 S. 3rd Street Unit 6

2 bedroom/ 1 bathroom Handsome and architecturally distinctive home with interesting uses of light, space and natural materials. Exposed brick walls, three fireplaces and hardwood floors throughout create a warm and A one-of-a-kind condominium in the Bouvier brownstone mansion peaceful home.ofEat-in kitchen with new steel appliances. third in the heart Society Hill. Thisstainless 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroomThe home floor isa perfect for a home office. There smaller outdoor space on the has Light-filled living room withis aoriginal moldings, working first floorfireplace and deckand off the floorceilings. with ‘greenThe roof’.spectacular $334,900 marble 9 third 1/2 foot Bulthaup

kitchen, with Subzero2342 refrigerator, Miele and Gaggenau Fitzwater Unit C1oven cook top. 1 bathroom. Custom Newly lighting and space audio with system with plan. invisible 1 bedroom/ renovated great floor This speakers throughout. master suite has twin walk in closets and building over looks the The beautiful gardens of Naval Square. This unit is French doors that lead to a sunroom with slate floor and wet bar. Off the spacious, light-filled and has a really pretty kitchen with newer appliances. sun room is a breathtaking There are hardwood floors throughout. 7 years left on a ten year tax landscaped roof deck that is abatement. $234, 900 perfect for entertaining. The panoramic views overlooking RENTAL historic Society Hill include both cityRodman skyline and bridge 2019 Street views. Fantastic 2 bedroom +den with 3.5 bathrooms and patio plus private secure parking.

$729,000 $2350 per month

210W. W.Rittenhouse Rittenhouse Sq., 210 Sq., Phila., Phila.,PA PA19103 19103 215.790.5234 Direct Direct 215.546.0550 215.546.0550 Office Office 215.790.5234

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 44

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

1615 North Street Between 16th & 17th, Wallace & Fairmount Streets

REAL ESTATE

SALE

$829,000

Open House, Sunday February 8th, 2009

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From 1:30 to 2:30 As seen on HGTV. Truly one of a kind designer home. 3 bedrooms + office + media room, 3 spa baths, hardwood floors throughout, the best eat-in kitchen, full finished basement, lovely garden, balcony, beautiful roof garden, garage and tax abatement.

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Heights of Collingswood 1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

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OPEN HOUSE: Sun Feb 8th, 1-3pm 244-48 N. 3rd, Unit 3B – Corner unit condo, parking included, $225,000 2025 Chancellor St-3 Story, 3 br, 2.5 bth w/ deed parking. Lunch Served Kera Ritter SOUTH PHILADELPHIA RITTEN HOUSE 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 Dorchester-2 br/den. 2 bth, newly renovated, with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi John Perno AVENUE OF THE ARTS 1541 S. 31ST – 3 br, 1 bath, newer kitchen w/granite countertops, c/a, 1326 SPRUCE ST (Center City One)-2br, 2 bth, 29th fl views $435,000 Tom finished basement $99,000 Janis Dubin Gangemi SPRING GARDEN GRADUATE HOSPITAL 1601 Spring Garden ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure 923 S. 17th-Attn Investors!! Triplex renovation started $260,000 Janis Dubin $179,900 Janis Dubin NORTHERN LIBERTIES UNIVERISITY CITY 1006 N. 5TH, UNIT 1 – 1BR, 1 1⁄2 bath bi-level condo w/central air $239,500 209 Saint Marks Sq- 6br,2.5bth porch front w/huge backyard, c/a, w/d, wood Alison Ermilio floors and high ceilings. $639,000 Janis Dubin FOR RENT DORCHESTER-2br, den, recently renovated, balcony, view of park $3500 mo Tom Gangemi 1006 N. 5th ST Unit 1-1BR, 1 1⁄2 bath bi-level condo w/central air in Northern Liberties $1300 mo Alison Ermilio 3722 CALUMET ST St- 3bR, landscaped patio, new appliances, c/a, w/d $2,000 mo Janis Dubin 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $1300 mo Janis Dubin 711 S. 18th St-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parking spaces, great space $2,000 mo Kera Ritter 1215 LOMBARD ST-2br,2.5, roof deck and garden $1,800 mo Alison Ermilio 1613 LOMBARD ST Brand new everything working fp’s $2500 mo Kera Ritter 2314 REED ST- 2 bedrooms- 2 Units-wood floors, new kit, exposed brick starting $895 mo Janis Dubin 2349 DICKINSON ST- Clean modern 4 bedroom house pet friendly $950 mo Janis Dubin 225 E. GIRARD – Immediate availability! Comm w/storefront window, $925 mo Alison Ermilio 301 RACE, #503 – Res 1 BR/1 BA penthouse unit, w/d, c/a $1,100 mo Alison Ermilio 2015 WALNUT ST-Commercial Storefront in Rittenhouse SQ. $3,000 mo Kera Ritter 4030 W. GIRARD AVE huge Storefront retail space, $1,500 mo Kera Ritter 3512 BARING – Res apartments, utilities included in rent starting at $950 mo Kera RitterDORCHESTER-2br, den, recently renovated, balcony, view of park $3500 mo Tom Gangemi Various 1 and 2 bedroom residential listings-For More Information Please Call The Office CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE “WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THOMAS GANGEMI AS A NEW SALES ASSOCIATE”.

Enjoy all the comforts of home. The Ultimate in Lifestyle. Convenient to Routes 38, 76, 70, I-676 the New Jersey turnpike and 295. Just minutes from robust downtown Philadelphia, Collingswood is rich in historical associations Neighborhood cafes and quaint shops line the streets symbolic of an earlier time. Our newly renovated apartments feature upgraded Kitchens and Bathrooms. We are located across the street from Newton Lake Park and many activities including ﬁshing, boating, and jogging trails. · · · · ·

Free shuttle to PATCO Speed line 24 hour state of the art ﬁtness center On site dry cleaners On site food market Garage parking available

· · · ·

Tennis court/Swim Club Pet Friendly Flexible lease terms Utilities included

Ofﬁce 856-854-4112 • Fax 856-854-9390

Send us your wedding/civil union/ commitment ceremony announcement and we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love.

E-mail information to editor@epgn.com or fax us at (215) 925-6437.

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

REAL ESTATE

SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

SALE

PAGE 45

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

White Star Lending Group, Inc.

223-1/2 Jamestown St., Manayunk Philadelphia 19128 Offered at $424,900

Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking #16701

Fabulous renovation in Manayunk, beautiful home with great views, upgrades galore. You won’t believe the ﬁnishes in this rare single just 3 short blocks off Main Street. 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, all the bells and whistles and a 10 year tax abatement. Open this Sunday February 8th 2-4 PM.

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PAGE 46 CLASSIFIEDS

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ison

for

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acy

pace

MON

REAL ESTATE

SALE RENT

COLLINGSWOOD/HADDON TWP. Haddon Township 2 bedroom rental on desirable residential block just 4 blocks from Collingswood PATCO; New gourmet kitchen, garbage disposal, gas stove and dishwasher; Beautiful sun porch; Great fenced backyard; Washer and dryer in basement; Multiple car driveway Very clean! Available by March 15th; $1450; 856-665-2279. _______________________________33-06 11TH & LOCUST ST. Available Immediately. One bedroom apartment with central air conditioning, ample closet space and wall to wall carpet. Great Center City Location for only $900 per month. Please call Tom at Solo Realty Co. to see this space. 215564-7656 ext. 22 or tom@solorealty.com _______________________________33-11 DEPTFORD VICINITY 2nd sty.REAL 1 BR, 1 BA, ESTATE kit, LR, porch, sep. ent. No pets. No smoke. $650 incl. utils. Call Ed, 856-227-2637. _______________________________33-06 MANAYUNK RETAIL BALA CYNWYD 1200 s.f. + storage. $2500/mo. Renovated 2 beds, bath, large EIK, w/w carpeting, onlarge Main & 1Grape. 610-647-1776. www. newly renovated, $990.00 + 610-667-2487 or eadeh.com j.richer@verizon.net. _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-06 MANAYUNK ITALIAN MARKET AREAMay. 610Studio apt. $850/mo. + utils. Avail. 2nd ﬂ. 2 BR apt., sep. ent., lg. walk in closet, 647-1776. www.eadeh.com lg. EIK w/modern amen., W/D, C/A, hdwd. ﬂrs. _______________________________32-17 thruout. $950. Call 267-278-1636. NORTHERN LIBERTIES _______________________________33-09 Cozy 3 story home, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, lg. yard, family

RENT

rm./den, laundry in bsmt. LR w/exposed beams & brick. Hdwd rs, EIK. $1100/mo. + utils. Call 302-761-9500 or maria@165girardave.com _______________________________32-17 GRAD PGN WILL NOTHOSPITAL PUBLISH AREA RACIAL DISrs.SUCH 1st fgl. 2 TINCTIONS newly renov.IN2 ROOMMATE BR apts, hdwd ADS. w/rear yard, W/D, C/A. 1319 S. 23rdTHANK St. $650. NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. 267-320-9618. YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. _______________________________32-16 ___________________________________ OLD NE CITY GREATER PHILA. Castings. Factory. Condo Bldg, Have yourRenovated own bedroom in a beautiful split Courtyard Bedrm Apt.men. HW House Flrs. W/D, Air, level home1with 2 gay is 4Ctl BR, 2 $1250/mth. Callupper 215 588-0606. full baths, W/D, and lower decks, use of _______________________________32-18 kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 AVENUE OFonly THE ARTS min. to 58 bus. We ask that you be at least Modern 2 bedroom apartment Rent with is large livreasonably neat and employed. $600 + ing room, large eat-in kitchen, D/W, micro, 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. ice maker, washer/dryer, central A/C, loaded _______________________________33-10 satellite TV, HILL, heat and hot water, included. DREXEL PA HOUSE TOallSHARE Youquiet pay;suburban gas cooking andfemale electric. On st. Skg. for Subway 2 BR on and bus atlevel the of front door. / month. downstairs 4 BR Cape$1,200 Cod home. Full 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This&iskit. a bath & closets. Shared spacious LR, DR non-smoking building. Full bsmt w/ W/D. Off st. pkg. $550/mo. + $300 _______________________________32-18 winter utils. Call Thérèse, 267-269-8627. 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! _______________________________33-06 Payments from $199/month! down, 20 GM sks same to share 2 BR apt.5% 69th St. U.D. yearsNewly @8%apr. ForW/W listings W/D. renov. crp.800-604-8363. 610-352-1188. _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-09 3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings 800-546-8656 ext. s915. RENTALS SEASONAL _______________________________32-16 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. SEASONAL RENTALS Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com LOWER CHELSEA ATLANTIC CITY _______________________________33-06 Lovely A3 GREAT bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in VACATION VALUE!! beautiful secluded court. 2 America’s blocks to Clean, Safe, & onlygay a tank away. beach, jitney at corner. season-12,500. Greatest FAMILY ResortLong Ocean City, NJ 800plus security dep.our Call 609-347-8059. 786-8884 or visit website www.Academy_______________________________32-17 RealEstate.com REHOBOTH/LEWES _______________________________33-06 Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. $1500/wk, $5000/mo. 302-236-3338. _______________________________32-19 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________32-16 Pawleys Island, Litcheld, Debordieu, The Jewels of the South Carolina Coast. House/ condo rentals. Beach vacations start here! www.lachicotte.com. For availability call 1800-422-4777. _______________________________32-16

ROOMMATES

PAGE 95 CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

HELPSALE WANTED

ROOMMATES HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________32-19 NE PHILA. House to share. $350/mo. Call John at 267574-1804. _______________________________32-16 OVERBROOK PARK/CITY LINE Room. Use of kitchen, W/D, cable. $450/mo. 215-850-7900. _______________________________32-16 REHOBOTH BEACH House share, room avail. Inc. pvt bath, deck, pool & utils. 5/1 to 9/1. $5400 season. Call 302-530-1071. _______________________________32-17

UP FOR A CHALLENGE? Why work for someone else when you can work for yourself. Set your hours, call your shots, build your future. www.evescents. candlebizfromhome.com _______________________________33-06 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-06 EARN EXTRA MONEY WEEKLY! Processing our brochures. Processors Needed NOW! Start Today call 1-800-6213560 Code 19. _______________________________33-06 Need A New Career? Drive the Big Rigs! 30 drivers needed now! $700-$800 week. No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem. Start ASAP! 800-961-4319. _______________________________33-06 Driver CURRENTLY HIRING Experienced Teams and Solos with HazMat. Dry Van & Temp Control available. O/O’s welcome. Call Covenant (866)-684-2519. EOE. _______________________________33-06 Over 18? Between High School and College? Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful Business Group. No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________33-06 DRIVERS: WANT GREAT MILES AND STILL BE HOME EVERY WEEKEND? Martini is Hiring Co. Drivers & O/O’s with CDL-A & 1 yr. OTR EXP 866-460-8464 www. gomartini.com _______________________________33-06 Pickup truck & Commercial truck drivers needed. Deliver RV trailers and commercial trucks and buses to all 48 states and Canada. Log on to www.RVdeliveryjobs.com _______________________________33-06 COMPANY & OWNER OPERATORS TEAM DRIVERS All Miles+Stop Pd. Exc.Beneﬁts Vacation/Holidays Pd. Assigned Equip. CDL-A & Haz Ends. Min. 2yrsExp. Req’d. Call Gissel 800-613-1287 x3202 www.geminitrafﬁcsales.com _______________________________33-06 Extra Income Mailing Brochures. Weekly pay check! Free 24 hour information 1-888250-8110. _______________________________33-06 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. Call 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-06

HOUSECLEANING SERVICE Expert housecleaning, servicing the South Jersey area. Prefer to work nights and weekends. Great prices, clean friendly service! Free estimates. References. 609-567-5816. _______________________________33-05 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 866-858-2121 www. CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-06

Advertising Sales Representative

PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Gay and Lesbian publications, is looking for a special candidate to fill this position in our advertising sales department. Applicants should have previous advertising sales experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written and verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market. Most important, you should aspire to become an integral part of our successful sales team. We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, as well as Health Insurance. Applicants should call Nick Forte at 215-625HELP WANTED HELP WANTED 8501, ext. 209. Email resume to nick@epgn.com or send resume to:

PGN

SELL AVON! 50% PROFIT. 1-800-AVON-443 (ISR) _______________________________32-20 Banquet Servers Needed Shifts Avail 7days/week $12-14/Hour. Call Today! Best Personnel 1315 Walnut St. Suite 320 215-732-3100 _______________________________32-16 OPERATIONS DIRECTOR For successful growing cleaning company. Starts P/T, becomes F/T. Must be: exible, hands on, detail oriented, willing to learn and grow. Salary commensurate w/exp. Great owners/leadership, great staff, paid training. Call 856-424-1444. _______________________________32-17

Jersey Shore

PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 wanted. Attn.: NickHousekeeper/Driver Forte 40 hours a week. EOE Valid drivers license and references required. Started at $15.6k per year. Med. Insurance after 6 mos. (Low rent Apt. available.)

Advertising works.

PGN Email: jjs@1616pr.com

Seeking part-time editorial intern

VACATION/

The Philadelphia Gay News is seeking a part-time editorial intern. As editorial intern, you will perform a variety of duties in support of the editorial staff. Duties might include writing short articles and weekly event listings, research, fact checking, ling, archiving data and special projects.

VACATION/

Intern(s) may also have the opportunity (depending on level of interest and journalistic skills) to attend local events (press conferences, rallies, etc.) and write news and features articles.

Make waves. Write a letter.

PGN

FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Intern(s) should be highly motivated with strong writing skills. A journalistic background is preferred but not required. Intern(s) must have the ability to stay focused while working independently. Intern(s) must be able to meet deadlines both on a daily and longer-term basis. This is an unpaid internship (academic credit available), 15-20 hours per week. Skills: Computer procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Photoshop a plus.) Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style Team player

Please send résumé, cover letter and three writing samples to Sarah Blazucki, Editor, Philadelphia Gay News, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Or e-mail, editor@epgn.com.

FOR SALE VALENTINE GIFTS Sweet Smells for your Sweetheart. Visit us at www.evesdesigns.com and www.evescents. com _______________________________33-07 SAWMILLS From only $2,990.00 Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodindustries.com/300n. Free information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________33-06 Metal Rooﬁng and Siding: Buy Direct, We manufacture and cut to your length, also a large supplier of Pole Building material 1-800373-3703 www.abmartin.net _______________________________33-06

WANTED TO BUY Antiques & Fine Art Wanted. Purchase or Consignment by New England Auction House. One Item, Estate or Collection. American, Asian, European. www.cyrauction.com 1-800-8871026 or 207-657-5253. _______________________________33-06

FINANCIAL SERVICES BEHIND ON PAYMENTS? FACING FORECLOSURE? We Can Help!! You Don’t Have To Lose Your Home. Attorney Based Firm Offers Free Consultation. CAll 1-888-582-5007 or 267481-3200. _______________________________33-06

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES 100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________33-06

AUTOS DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted 1-866-912-GIVE. _______________________________33-06

ADOPTION Loving married couple wants to adopt newborn baby for happy life of love, play and learning. Call Sharon and Lou anytime. 1-888-642-1931. Expenses paid. _______________________________33-06 LOVING, FINANCIALLY SECURE Professional couple wishes to adopt newborn. Endless love, educational opportunities, many cousins. Stay-at-home mom. Expenses Paid. Please call Rob & Nancy 800-216-4823. _______________________________33-06 A secure, successful, educated couple looking to provide home ﬁlled with love, learning, and stability to newborn. Expenses paid. Jessica & Brian toll-free 866-760-7676. _______________________________33-06 Pregnant? Considering Adoption? A successful educated woman seeks to adopt & needs your help! Will be a loving FULL-TIME mom. Expenses paid. Call Lisa (or Adam) 1-800790-5260. _______________________________33-06

E-mail us: pgn@ epgn.com

PGN

Social Security Disability Claims Appeals

Social Security Disability Claims Appeals PAGE 110 PAGE 215-629-0585 PAGE 110 FEB. - 12, 2009 PAGE6110 110 Suite 202 Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2008

215-629-0585 CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 106 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 2008 APRIL 25 25 -- MAY MAY1,1, 1, 2008 2008 CLASSIFIEDS 47 APRIL APRIL2525- -MAY MAYPAGE 1,2008 2008

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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Is it time to look for a new doctor?

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 FEB. 6 - 12, 2009

Want to let There are easier mom, dad and all waysoftoyour get noticed... exs know Wa you’re tying the m a knot? o ex

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

ty Is it time to look for a �� new doctor? Want to let mom, dad and all of your Send us your wedding/civil union/ exs know commitment you’re ceremony announcement tying theit Is it time to and we’ll share with the City of knot? look for a Brotherly Love. E-mail new doctor? S PGNto information

PAGE 108

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