PGN Feb. 13-19 2009 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Feb. 13 - 19, 2009

Vol. 33 No. 7

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Mayor, LGBT business leaders meet

Construction could wash out Gayborhood businesses

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A proposed Philadelphia Water Department construction project could shut down portions of a main Gayborhood thoroughfare, leaving area business owners concerned about the future of their shops. The Water Department has targeted an area of Pine Street, between Broad and Seventh streets, as the location for a Storm Relief Project. If the project proceeds, the Water Department would close off one- to two-block segments of Pine Street to vehicular traffic for between two-three months each as workers dig down approximately 16 feet to install a new sewer system. Wooden planks will be laid across the sidewalk for pedestrians to access homes and businesses and many of the street’s trees may need to be removed. The Water Department estimated the entire project should last about two years, as long as everything goes according to plan. The project is meant to stem sewage backup that had been recurring in some of the city’s river wards as a result of heavy rains. Between 200406, several large rainstorms, which accumulated at least 2.5-3 inches of rainwater an hour, resulted in sewage pipes backing up into basements of properties in Northern Liberties, Washington Square West and parts of South Philadelphia. Joanne Dahme, PWD Watersheds project manager, explained that when the city experiences intense rain, the aging and inadequate sewers often can’t handle the added water and empty into the basements of area properties instead of draining into tanks and rivers. “When the sewers fill up and reach capacity from the rainwater, the only way for them to be relieved is by backing up through a property’s laterals, coming up through floor drains or utility sinks at the basement level,” Dahme said. “After 2005, we had a few storms and thought that this could be a fluke as it hadn’t happened in decades, but then it happened again. We recognized that this could be the result of climate change but we are seeing more intense rainstorms, and in order to stop the sewage backup, we have to provide additional conveyance capacity.” Although Dahme noted the city hasn’t seen widespread backups as the result of intense rain since 2006, the project would guard against future flooding. “We’ve been lucky that we’ve had two summers where this has not happened, but we don’t want to just say, ‘It’s all over with,’ and See CONSTRUCTION, Page 9

MAN OF THE HOUR: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Dan Anders (far right) mingled with Sherrie Cohen (from left), Gary Davidoff and Adam Hofe during Anders’ Volunteer Kickoff party Feb. 10 at Tavern on Camac. The event was meant to spread the word about Anders’ upcoming election campaign and to drum up support from the LGBT and ally communities. Individuals who committed to volunteer for Anders’ campaign received free food and drink tickets. Anders, the first openly gay man to run for public office in Philadelphia, was appointed to the position in 2007 by Gov. Rendell and will be up for election for a full 10-year term in the May 19 primary. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Nondiscrimination bill nearly ready in the House By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A Pennsylvania lawmaker plans to reintroduce a bill that would ban discrimination against LGBT people across the state. The bill’s list of cosponsors has already surpassed the number of lawmakers who supported the legislation when it was ﬁrst introduced last session. Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Frankel (D23rd Dist.) has thus far enlisted the signatures of 73 cosponsors for the

legislation, which would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Such laws already exist in Philadelphia and 13 other Pennsylvania counties but not at a statewide level. Melissa Lewis, a research analyst with Frankel’s ofﬁce, said that while the lawmaker has not yet introduced the bill,

Mayor Nutter met with a group of LGBT community leaders last weekend to assess the community’s needs and inform its representatives about the current state of affairs within city government. Nutter participated in an hour-and-a-half discussion Feb. 8 at Duross & Langel, 117 S. 13th St., with 23 members of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, Midtown Village Merchants’ Association and the Independence Business Alliance, the city’s LGBT chamber of commerce, during which he explained how the city’s budgetary concerns could affect different facets of the LGBT community and asked for feedback from the participants about how the city can most effectively serve the LGBT business and tourism communities. Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs, said last weekend’s gathering was one of many the mayor is currently undertaking to establish connections with the city’s different communities. “As part of the budget discussions happening right now within City Hall, the mayor and other administration officials are engaging in a number of key stakeholder discussions,” she said. “This is a time for some of the stakeholders in various communities in the city to ask questions and voice their concerns.” Casarez said Nutter was able to get a better grasp on financial and other issues concerning the LGBT community from the diverse representatives. “These were people who have a heavy, deep stake in what’s rolling out now in the city in terms of the budget process,” Casarez said. “These were a range of business folks, from longtime business owners who have multiple properties in the Gayborhood to somebody who just owns one shop and to those who do independent consulting. To have all of those perspectives in the room was really beneficial, especially because they all had direct access to the

See HOUSE, Page 9

See BUDGET, Page 20

Obama names lesbian lawyer to White House staff Although President Obama is several weeks into his term, he’s still updating his list of staffers and the latest round of appointees includes an out lesbian. Late last month, Obama announced the names of 22 lawyers who would be joining the White House Counsel’s Ofﬁce, and Alison Nathan, an openly gay fellow at New York University’s law school and a former assistant professor at Fordham University’s law school, was on the list. Nathan and her fellow associate counsel staffers will advise the president on various

legal issues. Nathan is a 1994 graduate of Cornell University and received her law degree from the school in 2000. She taught civil procedure at Fordham from August 2006-08 and also conducted a seminar on the Supreme Court and the death penalty. Nathan was the 200809 Alexander Fellow at NYU. Prior to entering the world of academia, Nathan was a litigation associate at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, where she focused on civil litigation, Supreme Court and appellate litigation, Constitutional

law and habeas-corpus litigation in deathpenalty cases. In 2004, Nathan served as an associate national counsel for John Kerry’s presidential campaign, and last year was the national voter-protection senior adviser to the Obama campaign and sat on the campaign’s LGBT advisory board. Nathan was recommended to the position through the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute’s Presidential Appointments Project. ■

— Jen Colletta

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Penn athletics headed on right path By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer An LGBT and ally group on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania will stage a series of events next week that seek to raise awareness about the prevalent homophobic environment in college athletics and encourage students, faculty and staff to speak out against such attitudes. Penn Athletes and Allies Tackling Homophobia will host Homophobia in Athletics Awareness Week beginning Feb. 15, with activities that shed light on the challenges gay athletes face both on and off the court and what still needs to be done to create a more welcoming atmosphere for all college athletes. Kelsey Wolfe, co-chair of the group and a sophomore softball player, said this is the ﬁrst time the

organization has devoted an entire week to spreading its message throughout the Penn campus. PATH was founded in the spring of 2003 by a freshman swim-team member who Wolfe said “couldn’t deal with the homophobia he saw on the team” and decided to create an advocacy group to address the issue. Wolfe, who is openly gay, said the organization now has about 25 members who belong to the LGBT and athletic communities and some who are members of both. “A lot of what we do is trying to break the homophobic climate in the athletic community,” Wolfe said. “A lot of our social events pull together varsity athletes and people from the LGBT community and give them all a safe place to come together.” Wolfe, who said she has encountered homophobic attitudes

from a few of her fellow players, noted that such a mindset is common to many of the campus’ sports communities. “A lot of athletes are closeted,” Wolfe said. “People feel they can’t be out because it might ruin their relationships with their teammates or with their coaches.” Throughout Awareness Week, PATH will have an organizational banner hanging on Locust Walk, one of the campus’ main thoroughfares, where all Penn community members can sign their names and pledge their support for PATH and its mission. PATH members and supporters will gather for a pickup game with gay rugby team the Philadelphia Gryphons at 3 p.m. Feb. 15 at Hill Field, 34th and Chestnut streets, and afterward will head to Mikey’s Bar & Grill, 31st and Chestnut, where participants will enjoy food and

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drink specials. On Feb. 17, PATH will encourage all of its members to wear PATH T-shirts so the group’s message is carried to classrooms across campus. The following night at 6:30, PATH will welcome a collection of athletic representatives from area colleges for a panel discussion, “It’s Not Whether You’re Gay or Straight, It’s How You Play the Game: A Discussion on Homophobia in Athletics” in the Dunning Coaches’ Center. The discussion, which will analyze why LGBT college athletes often choose to stay in the closet, will be led by panelists Jen Moore, openly gay assistant coach of women’s softball at Swarthmore College; Michael Muska, openly gay former athletic director at Oberlin College; Sean Smith, openly

gay former assistant swim coach at Rutgers University; Paul Richard, head coach of men’s swimming at Dickinson College; Denis Elton Cochran-Fikes, compliance coordinator in Penn’s department of recreation and intercollegiate athletics; and Amanda Kammes, assistant coach of women’s basketball at Penn. Wolfe said the discussion will bring attention to an issue that is one of the most taboo subjects in the college-sports world. “The lack of visibility is why this panel is so necessary,” she said. “No one is talking about this issue, so it continues to be a problem.” For more information about PATH, visit www.vpul.upenn.edu/ lgbtc/path/. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

News Editorial 10 International News 21 Letters/Feedback 11 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 10 Other Views 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

PGN 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

World’s oldest LGBT bookstore is closing its doors

New executive director Matt Teter has big plans for Calcutta House

The Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookstore in New York City is about to become history.

Teter is working to ensure ﬁnancial stability while gearing up to expand the housing options the organization offers its clients.

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

30 38 42 31 30 29 40

Art Director Christopher Potter design@epgn.com

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208)

Family Portraits:

The Dumpsta Players unleash their latest entertaining assault on good taste with “Golden Girls Gone Wild.”

Eric Cheung

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Columns

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

36 35 28 28

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

Rufus Wainwright Classifieds Directories

Editor Sarah Blazucki (ext. 206) sarah@epgn.com

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

Wedding bells ring for Bianca and Reese next week on ABC’s “All My Children.”

Food News Food Review Offline Out Online

Publisher Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com

43 48

Eddie Bruce

The City of Brotherly Love has the concerts that are sure to set the mood this Valentine’s Day.

Offline

Out Online

Worth Watching

Love is in the air

Steps on starting a family

“Amazing Race”: Mel and Mike White

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

“Imperfect Moments: Mapplethorpe and Censorship Twenty Years Later” Page 39

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Poll results from our online survey ending Feb. 11: 17% Australia 17% Canada 0% France 9% Iceland 40% Netherlands 17% None of the Above

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

Which state do you think will be the next to legalize gay marriage?

National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Office Manager/Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com 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

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.

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News Briefing

Regional Tourism agency awarded for U.K. LGBT campaign

Black LGBT elders to speak to community To celebrate Black History Month, members of the local black LGBT community will gather next week to discuss the history and progression of the community. “Elders Speak: The Organizing of the Black LGBT Community in Philadelphia,” sponsored by The COLOURS Organization Inc. and the Black LGBT Archivists Society, will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St. The panel discussion will allow elders of the black sexual-minority population in Philadelphia to pass down their thoughts on the community to younger generations. For more information, contact COLOURS at (215) 496-0330.

Red-carpet fundraiser for LGBT festival

PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU COMMUNICATION MANAGER ELLEN KORNFIELD (FROM LEFT), DIRECTOR OF TOURISM SALES KATHLEEN TITUS, TOURISM ASSISTANT CRYSTAL HAYES AND PHILADELPHIA GAY TOURISM CAUCUS PRESIDENT TAMI SORTMAN Photo: Courtesy of HSMAI By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A Philadelphia tourism agency recently received an award from an international advertising company for its outreach efforts to the overseas LGBT community. The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International gave one of its prestigious Adrian Awards to the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau for the organization’s 2007-08 U.K. Gay and Lesbian Marketing Campaign. Representatives from PCVB accepted the Bronze award in the Public Relations, Consumer Marketing Campaign category during HSMAI’s 19th annual Adrian Awards dinner in New York City Jan. 26. Kathleen Titus, director of tourism sales at PCVB, said the group chose to apply for the award because its LGBT campaign was unique in both focus and target audience. “When we looked at the application of what awards we could go for, we thought that this was a nice niche for what we were doing with consumer advertising,” Titus said. “Every year PCVB submits different applications for awards like these and we thought that our gay advertising in the U.K. and throughout Europe would be one that we might have a chance of winning because we really went above and beyond on this campaign when you compare it to what other destinations were doing to attract these consumers.” The campaign, which launched in 2006-07 and stretched beyond the United Kingdom to countries like Germany, was fueled by the PCVB’s partnership with Gaydar Radio. PCVB worked with the online company to produce radio and Web spots that ran for four

weeks and followed the trail of a ﬁctitious gay traveler as he experienced all that Philadelphia had to offer. “The whole premise of the ads was that this gentleman Robert, whom we called ‘Ben,’ is loving Philadelphia so much that he never leaves. When people tuned into Gaydar Radio or visited the Web site, they’d listen for where he was going next, but he ends up never leaving Philadelphia.” Titus said that when the company was researching what elements of the city to include in the ads, they decided to not only promote Philadelphia’s unique LGBT community but also to bring in the city’s many mainstream attractions that would be of interest to LGBT travelers. “When we were looking at things that were unique to Philadelphia, we’re really home to the birth of civil rights and freedom,” Titus said. “And we have the actual Gayborhood itself, which is different and unique from those in other cities because it’s right in the middle of Center City, where people live, shop and walk. Everything falls right next door to City Hall — the theaters, the historic district, the shopping along Rittenhouse Row — these are all unique to Philadelphia and something we wanted to go after.” Titus said that although other tourist destinations are more traditional LGBT hot spots, Philadelphia’s rich history and culture make it stand out as an alternative travel spot. “When looking at gay and lesbian markets, especially in the U.K., a lot of people will say, ‘Let’s go to New York City or San Francisco.’ But these people have probably been there several times, so we tried to show them, how about coming to Philadelphia?” Titus said.

“This is where everything started. We tagged onto what GPTMC [Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Campaign] was doing with its ‘Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay’ campaign. Philadelphia has history and if you’re a gay traveler or not, when you come to the city you want to experience the same things as everyone else.” Several foreign journalists who’d taken note of the campaign visited the city to cover last year’s Equality Forum and PCVB representatives, along with Tami Sortman, president of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, and other PGTC members took the visitors on tours throughout the city, visiting traditional tourist spots as well as LGBTthemed events such as last year’s LGBT rodeo, Liberty Stampede. “[The HSMAI award] was a fabulous surprise because it was for international travel and international tourism, so it was a huge coup for Philadelphia to be receiving an award for an international campaign focused on the LGBT community,” Sortman said. Titus noted that the Adrian Award gives some well-deserved recognition to a city that has been committed to attracting LGBT travelers from around the globe. “This was a huge honor, being recognized for something internationally, especially when we were up against such tough competition. When most people think of gay and lesbian destinations, they think of prime areas, but they’re not doing as much advertising as Philadelphia’s been doing. It took a lot for Philadelphia to get to this point, so this is really great for us.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

If your invitation to L.A.’s Kodak Theater for next weekend’s Oscar extravaganza never arrived, you can still see the show in style at a fundraising party for a local LGBT arts endeavor. The Traverse Arts Project, which will stage the ﬁrst annual GLBT Artists Festival in May, will host a Red Carpet Party from 7:30-11 p.m. Feb. 22 at The Ethical Society Building, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, with proceeds beneﬁting the festival. The party will feature an open bar serving wine, beer and cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Lui Photography will provide all guests personalized photos of their parties on the red carpet. The Oscar telecast will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets bought in advance are $50, or $75 at the door. Students with valid ID can purchase tickets at the door for $30. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://traversetheater.org/.

Jersey starts first needle exchange The South Jersey AIDS Alliance has issued a call for volunteers to assist with its new needle-exchange program. The program, which allows syringe-users to anonymously exchange used needles for clean ones, is held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the SJAA’s Oasis Center, 32 S. Tennessee Ave. in Atlantic City. This marks the ﬁrst time a legal needleexchange program, geared to prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, has been instituted in New Jersey. To apply to volunteer with the program, visit www.sjaids.org. Completed applications can be faxed to Georgett at (609) 348-8775 or mailed to SJAA, 19 Gordon’s Alley, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Trans woman gets favorable rulings from PCHR By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large Bobbie E. Burnett has been involved in litigation against her employer, the Free Library of Philadelphia, for the past six years. She’s described the experience as frustrating, depressing and stressful. But at last she’s beginning to feel a glimmer of hope. On Jan. 13, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations issued three probable-cause findings in her favor. Those findings mean the PCHR determined that library officials probably violated Burnett’s civil rights on at least three separate occasions due to her gender identity. By issuing the probable-cause findings, the PCHR has paved the road for a public hearing on behalf of Burnett, where library officials would be required to respond to her allegations of abuse and mistreatment. But Burnett also holds out hope that a settlement will be reached prior to such a hearing, including financial compensation that will enable her to stop working at the library.

“Certainly there’s some hope now,” Burnett said. “But I’ve been so disappointed in the past, it’s difﬁcult for me to be too optimistic.” Burnett has served as a library assistant for the Free Library for about 17 years. Her take-home pay is about $425 weekly. The workplace harassment, discrimination and gender stereotyping she complains of started about eight years ago, shortly after she transitioned to the opposite gender, Burnett said. Her allegations run the gamut, from being hassled about the restroom she could use to being denied work-related courtesies routinely offered to others to having denigrating slurs hurled at her from coworkers and supervisors. Recently, when she wished a coworker a nice weekend, he responded by saying, “Burn in hell,” according to Burnett. She’s been transferred to eight different work sites in as many years, she said. “Most of these transfers were against my wishes, placing me in locations a great distance from my home. In some cases, they were physically unsafe. [Library ofﬁcials] also tried to place me in

areas where I’d have less contact with the general public, especially children.” She also complains of unfair performance evaluations, uneven enforcement of work rules, a lack of promotional opportunities and an inability to earn the maximum income available to library assistants. Burnett readily acknowledged that her behavior hasn’t always been perfect. But minor transgressions on her part — tapping a coworker with a paperback book or making an off-color joke — have resulted in disciplinary measures disproportionate to the incident, she said. “Sometimes out of stress and depression and frustration, I’ve done things that I wish I hadn’t done,” Burnett noted. “I’ve been suspended without pay on two occasions for minor things, which was unnecessary. Anybody else would have gotten a slap on the wrist. There are no slaps on the wrist for me.” Sandra Horrocks, a spokesperson for the Free Library of Philadelphia, declined to comment for this story, citing the pending litigation. Burnett is the ﬁrst transgender

complainant to receive a probable-cause finding from the PCHR since May 2002, when Philadelphia enacted a transgender civilrights ordinance. So far, she’s filed four complaints with the PCHR against the library system. Her first three complaints received the probablecause findings. A fourth complaint has not yet been ruled on. Rachel S. Lawton, deputy director of compliance for the PCHR, said she could not comment about the open case, but noted that if a public hearing were held, it would be open to all BOBBIE BURNETT Photo: Timothy Cwiek interested parties. and I’m deeply grateful for their Burnett credited her efforts.” spirituality for sustaining her. Burnett extended particular “God has strengthened me and helped me get through this,” Burnett thanks to her attorney, Kristine W. said. “What [library officials] did Holt. “I think we’re very fortunate to me has been really nasty and to have Kristine as an advocate for horrible. But they didn’t make my the LGBT community,” she said. life such hell that I’m not alive “I’ll always remember what Kristine Holt has done for me.” ■ anymore.” She also expressed gratitude to the PCHR. “The staff really worked Timothy Cwiek can be reached at very hard to unearth the truth, (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

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Media Trail USA Network ad backs gay marriage Page One Q reports a major television network has backed marriage equality in a recent ad campaign. The USA Network, whose ads feature the slogan “Characters Welcome,” has launched the campaign in conjunction with a coalition of advocacy organizations, calling on the audience to sign the “Characters Unite Pledge.” “At USA Network,” the ad states, “we believe life is richer when we see past our differences and appreciate each other for the characters that we are.” The characters in the 30-second spot ad, widely ranging in age and race, give their reasons for pledging, which include: “I pledge because everybody deserves wedding gifts.” LITERARY LEGACY: The owner of the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York City announced last week that the store would be permanently closing its doors next month. The store, which has been open for 41 years, is the oldest LGBT bookstore in the world. Owner Kim Brinster said the tough economic times, as well as the growth of large chain bookstores and online shopping, forced her to shut down the shop. “Unfortunately we do not have the resources to weather the current economic crisis and find it’s time to call it a day,” Brinster said in a message on the store’s Web site. Brinster thanked “all of our customers for their love and loyalty over the years.” The shop will remain open until March 29. Photo: Cecelia Martin

New Jersey sees first gay divorce By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Although gay marriage is not yet legal in New Jersey, a judge ruled last week that gay divorce is. New Jersey Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson ruled Feb. 6 that a lesbian couple who obtained a marriage license in Canada could receive a legal divorce in New Jersey. La Kia Hammond and her former partner Kinyati were married in Canada in 2004 and settled in North East, Md. The following year, Hammond discovered that she had a terminal form of muscular dystrophy and was told that she only had two years to live. In 2006, Hammond left Kinyati and moved to New Jersey with her 14-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Hammond, 33, has since started a relationship with another woman and wants to travel to Canada to marry her. New Jersey attorneys Lawrence Lustberg and Avidan Cover of Gibbons, P.C., and solo practitioner Stephen Hyland spearheaded the case for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, arguing that the couple should be granted a full legal divorce to prevent any challenges in Hammond obtaining another marriage license from the Canadian government. Kinyati did not respond to the divorce ﬁlings. The state Attorney General’s ofﬁce argued against the granting of the divorce pursuant to its 2007 order that same-sex marriages

performed in other regions be treated as civil unions, which have been legal in New Jersey since 2006, and that the state not recognize marriages from other states or countries that are “an affront” to New Jersey public policy. Jacobson, however, found that awarding an actual divorce, rather than the dissolution of a civil union, was the most appropriate method based on New Jersey law. “To grant the divorce here is not against public policy,” Jacobson said in the oral ruling. “It’s consistent with the strong marriagerecognition principles that have been practiced since the 1800s.” Ed Barocas, ACLU-NJ legal director, said the judge’s decision will allow the Hammonds’ separation to be a true legal process that should be recognized by the Canadian government. “The decisions of New Jersey courts don’t happen in a vacuum,” Barocas said. “If they only called this the dissolution of a civil union, then beyond the four corners of New Jersey it would have been unclear whether that relationship was terminated or not. The only way to ensure that the relationship was fully terminated was to have an actual divorce.” Barocas noted that in the 2006 New Jersey Supreme Court case Lewis v. Harris, the court found that the state could expand its marriage laws to include same-sex couples, which he said demonstrated that same-sex marriage is aligned with the state’s public policy. “Every day our family courts deal with marriages from out of state and the understanding is that we’ll recognize them as long as they’re valid and not an affront to

public policy. La Kia’s marriage was valid and not an affront to our public policy in any way,” he said. “What the court said last week made sense: If you come to New Jersey with a valid marriage, you’re entitled to leave with a divorce, just as if you come to New Jersey with a civil union, then you’re entitled to the dissolution of that civil union.” Jacobson noted that her ruling does not mean the state must recognize legal samesex marriages, which Hyland noted would be the most equitable procedure for same-sex couples. “This decision is a step in the right direction, but one that never should have had to be made,” said Hyland. “The Attorney General needlessly created confusion and legal problems for these couples. She should simply recognize out-of-state marriages, the only way to ensure equal treatment for couples married outside of New Jersey.” Following the ruling, Hammond noted the decision will pave the way for her to move on without the complications of further legal proceedings. “While the day a relationship ends is never happy, I am relieved that the courts of New Jersey are allowing us to move on, rather than keeping our relationship status in legal limbo,” Hammond said in a statement. “Breaking up is painful enough, and I’m happy we won’t have to face the hardship of having to ﬁght just to make it ofﬁcial.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Lesbian discharged from National Guard Advocate.com reports a nine-year member of the Kansas Army National Guard was discharged under the military’s ban on gay servicemembers. Amy Brian was the Kansas Guard’s ﬁrst discharge under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy after a coworker saw her kiss a woman in a Wal-Mart. The Iraq War veteran was “separated” in January. “I was not separated because of any type of misconduct but plain and simply because someone else had a problem with my sexuality,” she said. In July 2008, another gay guardsman warned Brian that someone was targeting her and, the following month, a lieutenant told her she was being investigated for homosexual conduct.

Antigay bill defeated in Wyoming 365gay.com reports legislation to amend the Wyoming constitution to ban same-sex marriage has been defeated in the state legislature. The Wyoming House voted 35-25 against it, despite massive lobbying by conservative groups. The vote ensures the measure will not appear on the ballot in 2010. The proposed amendment would have deﬁned marriage as between a man and a woman and blocked the state from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries. Wyoming already has a law limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples, but Republican state Sen. Curt Meier, the amendment’s main sponsor, said the law is not sufﬁcient and could be overturned by the courts. A constitutional amendment would have blocked that. ■ — Larry Nichols

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

‘Legends’ to come together for NJ marriage-equality event By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Although the red carpet will have already been rolled up and all the little golden statues handed out the previous weekend, New Jersey will host its own Oscar-type party Feb. 28, with glitz, glamour and a wealth of well-knowns gathering to honor individuals and organizations who’ve made signiﬁcant contributions to LGBT equality over the past year. Broadway, Hollywood and political legends will unite with New Jersey LGBT advocates for Garden State Equality’s annual Legends Dinner, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Palace at Somerset Park, 333 Davidson Ave. in Somerset, N.J. The event will feature a cocktail and smorgasbord hour, an open bar and a ﬁve-star dinner, as well as a silent auction and after-party concert. Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, which works to advance LGBT rights,

said the dinner will pay tribute to the accomplishments of the group and its supporters, as well as rally LGBT and ally individuals behind the push for marriage equality in New Jersey. “The dinner has an interesting message. On the one hand, it’s a celebration of our organization’s achievements; in our ﬁve years of existence, we’ve passed 204 [proLGBT] laws at the state, local and county levels, which is more laws in less time than in any other state in American history,” Goldstein said. “And on the other hand, we’ve got one more law to go — marriage equality — and we won’t rest until we get that 205th law.” Goldstein noted that he expects about 700 people to attend the dinner, which drew 500 individuals last year and about 300 the previous year. “That shows you how hot our organization and the cause of marriage equality are right now,” Goldstein said. “To get that kind of a turnout is a real sign of our organization’s growth.”

Out comedian Judy Gold will emcee the event, which will feature appearances by actors Fran Drescher, Judith Light, George Takei and Michelle Clunie. Stage legends Andrea McArdle of “Annie” fame, Marc Shaiman of “Hairspray” and Miche Braden of “Movin’ Out” will also be in attendance. For the ﬁrst time, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, a marriage-equality advocate, will attend the dinner and address the crowd. Goldstein noted that Corzine’s involvement in the dinner provides an added and integral level of support for the cause of marriage equality. “The governor has certainly moved into a very strong direction of supporting marriage equality,” Goldstein said. “After the Civil Union Review Commission Report came out in December, he released a very strong statement in support of marriage equality and said he’d sign a marriage-equality bill, and when that day comes when he gets to do that, he’ll be a very happy governor. For us in New Jersey, it’s just the question of when that will be, not

if. There is going to be marriage equality in the state of New Jersey, and the sooner, the better.” Corzine will be joined by other publicservice notables such as openly gay New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, U.S. Congressman from New Jersey Steven Rothman and the governor’s former chief of staff Jeannine Larue. During the event, Garden State Equality will honor the Robbinsville High School GayStraight Alliance, which fought for the resignation of a school board member who used an antigay slur, with its Lt. Laurel Hester Prize for Citizen Courage; LGBT student scholarship program Point Foundation with the Visionary Award; Democracy for AmericaNew Jersey with the Pillar of Progress Prize; and Prudential ScheringPlough with the Corporate Equality Award. The group will give its Loretta Weinberg Prize for Lifetime Achievement to Larue and the Gibbons Prize for Law and Social Change to transgender activist Jacqui Charvet. Rothman and the GayActivist Alliance in Morris County will both be inducted into the Equality Hall of Fame. The tax-deductible tickets begin at $225 and packages, some of which include backstage passes, are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. gardenstateequality.org.

NEW JERSEY GOV. JON CORZINE

■

Jen Colletta can be reached NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE QUINN PGN file photo at jen@epgn.com.

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

CONSTRUCTION From Page 1 then have something happen,” she said. Dahme said the Water Department is installing backwater valves to protect against sewage backups in basements for the time being, but that the expansion of the sewer system would provide a more permanent solution to the problem. Although most of the backups did not occur on Pine Street but on smaller surrounding streets, Dahme said the installation of the new system needs to occur on a larger roadway that can accommodate the equipment. Despite reliving headaches for local residents who’ve struggled with ﬂooded basements, the project has created other headaches for area businesses. Ed Hermance, owner of Giovanni’s Room, 12th and Pine streets, said the project could disrupt the building’s infrastructure. “We have a little room in our building that’s underneath the sidewalk, and my guess is the Water Department knows nothing about this room,” Hermance said. “If they’re digging down 16 feet, my building could collapse into that pit. It’s kind of scary.” Other business owners said the project could also cause a more ﬁgurative collapse of their stores. “This will pretty much destroy [business],” said Glenn Lash, manager of toy store Happily Ever After, 1010 Pine St. “With the current [economic] situation, if you walk down Pine Street, there’s not too much business anyway and about a quarter of businesses are already gone. This is a nice little neighborhood community so we do rely on mothers with strollers walking by and the tourist trade is very important too. Those doubledecker buses aren’t going to be able to get down the street, so they’re not going to know we’re here.” Dahme said the city does not have the funds to compensate business owners for any lost revenue during

HOUSE From Page 1 he did secure a bill number: HB 300. “We did reserve a bill number already, and we’ve been having some meetings and discussing when is the best time to reintroduce it,” Lewis said. Frankel introduced the same legislation in June 2007 with 70 cosponsors. The bill, HB 1400, was referred to the House State Government Committee, which held a series of public hearings on the legislation in fall 2007. Some committeemembers

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS the project, which will cost about $15 million. “The city does not have the means to pay for the pain and suffering businesses might face from this project, but we’re going to work to the best of our ability to make sure their services are not affected,” she said. Hermance said the cut in vehicular and foot trafﬁc could spell ﬁnancial crisis for Giovanni’s Room and other Pine Street shops. “All these little mom-and-pop stores — because that’s really who we are, we’re all small businesses — we just cannot be closed for months,” Hermance said. About 25 Pine Street business owners added their names to a petition sent to Mayor Nutter on Feb. 2, asking him to intervene and stop the project. “Nobody wants a project like this on their block. People are saying, ‘I’m not having this problem. Why do we have to go through this?’” Dahme said. “It’s a hard story to tell but everything is interconnected through the underground pipes. The neighbors are the ones having the problem and we have to look for a holistic solution.” The construction was initially projected from Broad Street all the way down to the Delaware River on Pine. Dahme said that after hearing the residents’ and business owners’ concerns during several neighborhood meetings, however, PWD decided to shorten the route to extend only to Seventh, a segment of which — between Pine and Lombard streets — will also be closed for a time. Dahme said that following an October meeting with concerned Pine Street residents, PWD has continued attempted to table the bill in September 2008, but that motion failed. The committee’s chair, Rep. Babette Josephs (D-182nd Dist.), a strong supporter of the legislation, chose not to pursue a committee vote on the bill, as she was unsure if lawmakers who’d pledged to back the legislation would actually follow through with a vote. Before it died in committee, HB 1400 had garnered 79 cosponsors, the highest amount of support ever given to a pro-LGBT bill. The companion Senate bill garnered 22 of 50 possible cosponsors. Lewis said Frankel and the bill’s other prime sponsors are now

PAGE 9

Triangle Medical General Practice Progressive HIV Care MARK T. WATKINS, DO JOHN DEL ROSSI, PA-C GIOVANNI’S ROOM to look into other possible locations for the construction project. She said the agency is reviewing computer models to analyze the feasibility of installing the new system either on Lombard Street or further into South Philadelphia. Dahme said PWD should make its ﬁnal decision on whether it will proceed with the project on Pine Street within a month or two. John Arneth, owner of Adornamenti, 1106 Pine St., who also operates Show of Hands at 1006 Pine with business partner Paul Harris and lives in the 800 block, called the project a “total disaster.” “We’re not chain stores; we have nobody to back us up. If Adornamenti had to close for even, say, two months, I’m out of business. When you’ve got only a one- or two-person operation and you don’t get foot trafﬁc, you’ve got a problem.” Arneth noted that area businesses are already grappling with the city’s decision to raise parking-meter rates to $2 an hour and that the construction project could further compel people to do their shopping elsewhere. “We’re trying to get people in here and we don’t want to give them another excuse for staying out.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com. canvassing for support and might wait until they’ve secured more cosponsors before introducing the bill. “We want to make sure we have a good list of cosponsors before introducing it,” Lewis said. “We were hoping to target between 70 and 80 cosponsors, so we’re going to shop it around and hopefully get a few more and see where we’re headed. We’re not sure exactly when it’ll be introduced, but it will be soon.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Editorial Open dialogue This week, Mayor Nutter met with local LGBT business owners, seeking their input on city budget priorities as part of a series of stakeholder meetings. These meetings, which have occurred over the past few weeks, are part of an effort to open dialogue and facilitate two-way communication between the mayor and his constituents. Many of the meetings, like this one, have not had prior publicity and weren’t open to the public. For others, like the civic-engagement forums that started this week, the public is invited and encouraged to attend. At the meetings, journalists will question city officials on the financial state of the city, then citizens will work in small groups to discuss priorities and tradeoffs they are willing to make. The goal is to move from discussion to action and provide tangible, workable solutions to the budget crisis. The output from these meetings will be used in the formulation of the 2010 budget. That the city is hosting public and targeted meetings to ask for input reflects a new way of doing business in City Hall. To be sure, this wasn’t what Nutter was thinking of when he campaigned on the slogan, “A New Way, A New Day.” But, to his credit, Nutter apologized for not including the public in the initial budget cuts in November, and the recent outreach demonstrates an openness to input and feedback. Government for the people, by the people, if you will. At the same time, the city’s leader needs to be able to make tough choices; to consider the variables, weigh the options and make a decision. And the city is facing tough choices. Frankly, the budget numbers seem intangible. A total shortfall of $2 billion in the next five years. Additionally, unemployment is above the national average. Realestate transfer-tax income is down and projected to continue to decline. Recently, the mayor asked his department heads to develop budget scenarios with 10-, 20- and 30-percent reductions. The results aren’t pretty. They include fire-departments layoffs and library closings — two proposed cuts that drew public ire last year under the first budget cuts. In keeping with last week’s editorial that “we’re all in this together,” it is important to think about what the essentials are, what the community needs vs. what it wants, what it should expect government to do and what is unreasonable, both on a community level and as individual citizens. And while the conversations at the local and national levels differ in tone (the city is not planning massive spending to stimulate the local economy), there are overlaps. Again, the community will need to consider what its priorities are, what it can do to contribute and what will provide the greatest benefit. ■

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 Jennifer Vanasco Waiting on the freedom to marry My girlfriend and I are talking about getting married. We’ve wandered down Fifth Avenue in New York City looking at engagement rings and have spent hours trolling the Web studying wedding dresses. Our friends are excited. They’ve offered us wedding books. Florist tips. The names of photographers and caterers. We’ve also started imagining where, exactly, we’d get married. We split our time between New York and Chicago, but we’d like to tie the knot in Manhattan, where we fell in love. We’re not even engaged yet, so probably all the dreaming about wedding-day speciﬁcs is a little premature. In fact, it’s a lot premature, because last weekend, New York state Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith said that equal marriage would not come to New York this year. Despite a Democratic majority in the Senate, he doesn’t have the votes. Smith told those at an HRC gala: “We are committed to pursuing [equal marriage’s] passage. And the question is not if; the question is when. So our work still needs to happen for it to happen this year. But I’m going to need your help, and I’m going to need your prayers ... we all want marriage and family, and a home to raise our families.” The delay of marriage in New York is a quandary for my girlfriend and me,

because New York actually recognizes gay marriages performed out of state. So if we were to get married in Massachusetts or Connecticut — or Canada, South Africa, Belgium, Spain or another country that recognizes marriage between gay couples — then New York would happily list us on their registers as married. This means that we could take a train to New Haven, get married in the clerk’s ofﬁce, and then celebrate with a ceremony and reception the next day or next month. But that’s not really what we want. What we want is to have a wedding surrounded by our family and friends in the city we will make our home, and — when the preacher pronounces us “spouses for life” — have it be legal. We’re not the only couple who feels this way, of course, which is why this is the 12th annual Freedom to Marry Week. All over the country, couples will be dropping in to their local city halls to try to get marriage licenses. They’ll be refused in most states, of course, but the point will have been made. They’ll also be lobbying their legislators, attending rallies and — most importantly — talking to their friends, colleagues and family about marriage. I myself will target brides. We all know straight couples who are getting married this year. One of them

is my baby sister and her ﬁancé. I don’t want to upstage their wedding planning or their big day, but I do want them to understand how painful it is for me that they can get married in New York City but my girlfriend and I cannot. It’s tough to have those conversations, but they’re necessary. We now know that merely knowing a gay person isn’t enough to change someone’s vote. But talking politics with them might change their thinking. And it is changed thinking that changes laws. I also want wedding vendors to understand that gay-marriage laws affect them, because I believe that pressure from the market is one of the best ways to get unfair laws overturned. So when I attend wedding expos with my sister, I want to start saying, “Hey, do you guys do gay weddings too? You do? Oh, isn’t it a shame that we can get married in Connecticut and not New York? Think of all the gay business you’d have ... ” The New York state legislature needs to know that the unions are behind us, businesses are behind us — and they should be behind us too. In the meantime, my girlfriend and I are hoping that New York will see its way to equal marriage in 2010. We are waiting on the freedom to marry. ■ Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning syndicated columnist. E-mail her at jennifer.vanasco@gmail.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Mark My Words

Street Talk

Mark Segal

On history, struggle and triumph February is Black History Month, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. (the same people who brought us Philadelphia’s groundbreaking gay tourism campaign) held an opening-night party at the National Constitutional Center for the world-premiere exhibit “America I AM.” The exhibit, not to be missed by anyone with even a passing interest in our history, takes a look at the African-American experience from the 1600s to today. It is a remarkable display, which will at times bring you to tears and other times bring a smile. Too often slavery is the only narrative told about the pre-Civil War black community in this country, but that is only part of the picture. Black Americans were part of the fabric of this country before it was a nation. For those who think about pre-emancipation blacks only as slaves, they will be surprised to see lavish household items such as ﬁne china and elegant clothing from the homes of free blacks. Another section shows the rich culture of the African heritage with intricate carved masks from the 1700s. The exhibit takes us back through time to the present, where it shows the inﬂuence of African Americans in sports and entertainment, including artifacts such as original gowns and suits owned by the likes of James Brown, Gregory Hines and Michael Jordon. The last item in the exhibit is a signed copy of President

PAGE 11

Obama’s speech on race given at the center during his presidential campaign. I personally believe it was the best and most poignant speech of his career to date. Our community is still ﬁghting for its rights. Seeing this exhibit will help you better understand that struggle. ... I cannot count the number of restaurant openings we’ve had in the last couple of months. And I’m thrilled they know that you — our community — really care about good restaurants in this city. And, to your credit, you are the trendsetters. Last week’s opening was Union Trust, a new steakhouse at 717 Chestnut St. You’ll be wowed the minute you walk in and see the renovations they’ve done on this stately building from the early 1900s. It’s great to see these elegant buildings brought back to life. And better yet, they enhanced what was the original building rather than just putting up sheetrock and a drop ceiling. You can feel the elegance, from the four-story open room with a painted ceiling to the marble and stone walls. And the food? The cocktail shrimp were larger than some lobsters I’ve seen. If anyone wonders if Philly is keeping its title as a restaurant city, three upscale new steakhouses have opened in the last two months. Two of them claim to be the largest restaurants in the city. This doesn’t even include the great Prime Rib or The Palm. Philly’s going through its second restaurant renaissance. ■ Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

Letters and Feedback

What do you hate most about Valentine’s Day?

Sylvia Aliaga student/florist South Philadelphia

Jen Dennis store manager Society Hill

“Those chalky, heart-shaped conversation candies that taste like shit. And Valentine’s Day should be in the spring, when romance is in the air. Not in the dead of winter, when it’s freezing out.”

“It’s cheesy, and there’s too much pressure to do something. If you have feelings for someone, those feelings shouldn’t be contained to one day. Why single out Feb. 14? Love should be shown all year.”

Meredith Righter bartender/pizza baker Fishtown

Dominique Schroom store owner Society Hill

“Being single and watching all the couples on South Street kissing and hugging and getting flowers. It makes you want to rip the sparkle out of their eyes. I work on South Street and see it every year.”

“It’s too hyped and commercialized. We just went through that during Christmas. Why start it up all over again two months later? Fortunately, I’m in a relationship. But single people must really feel left out.”

Rethinking the scholarship options I agree with your point on the GLBT community boycotting Israel [“Mark My Words,” Feb. 6-12]. On your point about reactivating the Sally Tyre Fund, I say what for? We now have more nonproﬁt funds than we need or can support. Since the Sally Tyre Fund was created, there are not just hundreds of GLBT funds, but thousands serving all manner of needs in our community. I might also mention that we didn’t even have the problem of AIDS when Sally Tyre passed on. I might suggest, for the cost of stafﬁng and processing candidates for scholarships, plus the accounting, oversight and distribution, it would be far wiser to contribute to The Point Foundation that runs the largest GLBT fund in America doing the very same thing. It has had tremendous success and has a proven track record of graduating students, which can be easily seen on its Web site. This year and for the next several years, we

will see many smaller nonproﬁts either merge or go out of existence because of lack of funding. In this issue of PGN, you speak of the cutbacks in support for our three block-party functions, driving them to cut back on programming as well as seeking more help from the public, which may not come. Not a very good time to be reactivating an unknown entity, which will only take away from those GLBT funds now struggling for support. I recently had to deal with a similar decision on the creation of yet another foundation and, speaking with many in the nonproﬁt business, was told by one and all there was no need for more funds. I urge your reconsideration before going forward with this idea. Mel Heifetz Philadelphia Regarding “Philly PFLAG looks to expand support, membership,” Feb. 6-12:

Fantastic article. Over the last 26 years, PFLAG Philadelphia has done much to educate people regarding LGBT issues, advocate for the LGBT community and give support to families and friends as well as the LGBT individuals themselves. — Pat Tedora This is a great article about a wonderful organization, PFLAG. — Gene Lieberman Regarding “Family Portrait: R. Eric Thomas,” Dec. 26, 2008-Jan. 1, 2009: I was very inspired by the story of R. Eric Thomas. It was nice to see that he really believes in marriage. I believe in it too: Even though any relationship takes work, I believe the work is worth it. — Warren Akers

Online. Anytime.

PAGE 12

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0663 ext. 242. AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at PHILADELPHIA 1201 Chestnut St., Suite 501; GAY NEWS (215) 563-2424 ext. 10. � Coming Out, a support group for gay, bisexual or questioning men, will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. at AIDS Delaware, 315, 100 The Suite Associated PressW. 10th St., Wilmington; (800) 292-0429. �A gay-friendly Scrabble ClubYork will ALBANY, N.Y. — New meet from 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Building, Locustthat streets; Smith said42nd last and Saturday his (215) 382-0789. Democratic conference lacks enough � The to LGBT Discussion Group will votes legalize gay marriage this meet but from 6-8committed p.m. at the United year, he’s to passing of Christ, E. Main St., aChurch gay-marriage bill300 soon. Newark, 292-0429. Smith Del.; said (800) in remarks prepared � Aa meeting/activity will for Human Rights night Campaign be held for gay, lesbian, event in Manhattan that hebisexual, strongly transgender and questioning youth supports equal marital rights for gay and their friends from 6-8 p.m. couples. at “Although the Rainbow Planned weRoom don’tofhave the Parenthood in Doylestown; (215) number of votes at this time needed 348-0558 ext.marriage-equality 65. to pass the and � A men’s group for those gender bill support this legislative session, withareHIV/AIDS meet from we committedwill to pursuing its 6-7:30 p.m. at Mercer County Area Early Intervention Services in Trenton, N.J. For location, call

at 986 S. Broad St., Trenton, N.J.; (609) 638-7264. � The Women’s Center of Montgomery County’s lesbian support group will meet from 79 p.m. at 101 Washington Lane, Jenkintown; (215) 885-8440. � A men’s coming-out group will meet at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride passage have the votes,’’ Center ofwhen New we Jersey. said Smith, of � Survivors ofQueens. Suicide Inc. Chester But his conﬁrmation thatmeet he County, a support group, will lacks likely a at 7:30enough p.m. atvotes Paoliis Memorial disappointment for gay-rights Hospital, Willistown Room, advocates, had hoped gay Medical Ofwho ce Building, Lancaster marriage would pass545-2242; after Democrats Pike, Paoli; (215) Web took control of the Senate in the site: phillysostripod.com. November elections. � Under the Rainbow, a discussion Democrats wonfor a 32-30 majority and social group 18-25-year-old after more than 40 years gays and lesbians, will meetofat GOP 7:30 rule But of initially p.m. in at the The chamber. Pride Center New four, then three dissident Democrats Jersey. threatened side with Republicans � The to Gay Married Men’s if they didn’t get the lucrative Association support group will leadership positions they sought meet at 8 p.m. at the William Way or attention toCenter; their top(610) legislative Community 626issues. 2577. Sen. steering Ruben Diaz of the Bronx, � The committee of Teama Philadelphia, a gay sports league, will meet at 8 p.m. at the William Way Community Center.

United Methodist Church, Broad and Arch streets; call Zak, (215) 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. � The Men’s Peer Support Group FEB. 13 - 19, 2009 will meet for topical discussion at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. � Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics minister, has said wouldn’t vote Anonymous will he hold a 12-step for a majority would let meeting at 7 leader p.m. who at Limestone aPresbyterian gay-marriage bill reach the ﬂoor. Church, 3201 Sen. Carl Road, Kruger, a conservative Limestone Wilmington, Del.; Brooklyn Democrat, also had some (302) 456-9129. concerns about gay marriage. � The Humboldt Society, a gay and Without either club, of their lesbian naturalist will votes, meet Smith Republican at 7:30 would p.m. at need the William Way support. AndCenter. the GOP conference Community has been at odds withAnonymous, Democrats � Sex and Love Addicts over legislative rules, stafﬁng and a 12-step program, will meet at 7:30 resources theChurch, transition. p.m. at Allsince Saints 18 Olive “WeRehoboth have Beach, reasonDel.; to (302) be Ave., encouraged,’’ Smith said. “I believe 542-3279. that theWomen’s opponents aren’t gripped by � The Peer Support Group the kind of all-consuming passion, will meet at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride if you of will, to Jersey. derail the rights of Center New same-sex to unite under � The couples Bisexual/Gay/Lesbian law.” ■ Alliance at Rutgers University will meet at 9:30 p.m. in Murray Hall, Room 211, 13 George St., New Brunswick, N.J.; (732) 932-1306. �

The Associated Press

introduced later in the state Senate. The House legislation has 59 sponsors, none of them Republican, though some GOP lawmakers have said they’ll back it, Larson said. “I know that there’s broad support in the House,” he said. Despite the enthusiasm, it’s unclear if the measure will see any action this session, with lawmakers preoccupied with the state’s ﬁscal crisis that has led to voluntary pay cuts, court closings and Gov. Jim Douglas’ proposal to lay off more than 600 state workers. “We’re still trying to decide whether it’s something that we would do this year,” said Democratic

PGN

House Speaker Shap Smith, who supports the bill. Supporters don’t expect the debate over gay marriage to be as rancorous as the one over civil unions, which triggered a yearlong battle and the ballot-box defeat of some supportive lawmakers. In nine years, the atmosphere in Vermont has changed, said Rep. David Zuckerman, a co-sponsor from the Progressive Party. “Nothing signiﬁcant changed for many, many Vermonters nine years ago. There was this great fear. And what we’ve really seen in the last nine years is that fear was unfounded,” he said. ■

�

NY Senate lacks gay-marriage votes

Vt. moving closer to gay marriage MONTPELIER, Vt. — Nine years after becoming the ﬁrst state to permit civil unions, Vermont moved a step toward legalizing gay marriage last Friday. A bill that would allow samesex unions was introduced in the Legislature, drawing a crowd of several-hundred supporters at the Statehouse in celebration. “This really is a great day and a part of moving forward to a time when all Vermont couples will be treated equally under our laws,” said a sponsor, Rep. Mark Larson. A similar bill is expected to be

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

New Calcutta House director seeks to expand services By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Although Matt Teter recently moved to the Philadelphia area, he’s no stranger to the housing issues faced by the city’s HIV/AIDS community. As a former administrator at a Midwestern HIV/AIDS housing organization, Teter saw ﬁrsthand the obstacles to adequate housing that HIV/AIDS-positive individuals had to overcome and is hoping to use his experiences to affect positive change for the local community. Teter, 27, moved to Philadelphia to take on the executive director position at local HIV/AIDS-service organization Calcutta House, which provides housing and other support services for people living with HIV/ AIDS, in mid-September. “I found that it was a unique opportunity to move to a city that was in desperate need of the programs and services that I felt I could help deliver,” Teter said. “I’m enjoying the opportunity and challenge that it will be to expand to meet the need for added AIDS housing here in Philadelphia.” Teter, who is openly gay, served for three years at Doorways, an HIV/AIDS-housing establishment in St. Louis, as the director of development and communications. “Doorways served as a national model for the full continuum of AIDS-housing options. It was led by Dr. Lynne Cooper, who’s one of the foremost leading experts in AIDS housing in the nation. The time I spent there learning from one of the best how to develop AIDS housing and how to quickly address the ever-changing need for it was very valuable.” Teter said that his time in St. Louis showed him that to meet the varied needs of the HIV/AIDS community, no matter which city they’re living in, service providers need to be well attuned to the people they are assisting. “When you look at HIV/AIDS, you can’t really ﬁnd another health issue that our society faces that has so dramatically changed over a short period of time. If you look at the changing demographics, the fastest-growing group affected by the disease is young AfricanAmerican women, many of whom have dependent children. This is a different demographic than we were working with at the beginning of the epidemic,” Teter said. “So when it comes to housing, you need to develop housing options that address

offers its clients. Currently, Calcutta House has 31 private rooms for individuals with HIV/AIDS; the organization’s Serenity Court housing options provide more direct medical services and assistance while its Independence Place is geared more toward individuals who can live on their own. “There is a greater need than we’re meeting at this point for highly supportive housing options, so we are currently looking into expanding those services. We are also developing plans for more independentliving options for people living with AIDS, and MATT TETER Photo: Scott A. Drake we have every intention of breaking ground on a that changing demographic; instead new building that would offer those of having one-bedroom apartments, options by the end of this year,” he maybe two- or three-bedroom ones said. “Our long-term expansion plans to accommodate children and other would be to continue those efforts supportive services that go along and develop as much independent with housing children.” housing as we possibly can to Now that he’s taken the reins address the overwhelming need for of Calcutta House, Teter said those services in the Philadelphia he’s looking to ﬁrst ensure the area.” ■ organization’s ﬁnancial stability in light of the economic crisis, but Jen Colletta can be reached at is also gearing up to expand the jen@epgn.com. housing options the organization

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BUDGET From Page 1 mayor to ask questions, give ideas and raise concerns. The mayor was able to engage with these folks and get more background about where we’re at directly from the folks in the room.” Tami Sortman, PGTC president, said the meeting gave the participants insight into a variety

of topics and allowed for the free ﬂow of communication between the mayor and the community. “We covered budget costs, safety, as well as who in his administration he suggested we should be getting to know and meeting with,” Sortman said. “It was deﬁnitely informative, that was the main thing. The mayor got his information out to us and then asked us if we had any questions to

react to that information.” Casarez noted that while it was beneﬁcial for the mayor to meet with the LGBT leaders, it was also important for the participants to become better acquainted with one another. “This was a time that was meant to be a dialogue. It’s valuable to get these folks together to talk to each other. Some people may be members of all three of these

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

organizations and others might belong to one, so they don’t all know each other and it was good to get them all together. Many of the things that are coming down from the city right now require that people talk to each other, so this is not a time for groups to be isolated and it’s important to get people together. We know it’s tough right now, and we want to make sure that we’re talking to small businesses and they’re talking to each other so we can see more collaboration going forward.” Bill Gehrman, IBA president, said that while the mayor gave just a basic overview of the budget situation, Nutter did mention the city is providing about $13 million for the development of commercial corridors such as the Gayborhood. “One of the positive things the mayor said is that although there are going to be more cuts, there is also money that the city has announced for commercial corridors, which is great and seemed like a really good

thing for us,” Gehrman said. He added the mayor stressed that LGBT residents should try to maintain a positive outlook and continue to invest in the community to preserve its success during the city’s ongoing ﬁnancial crisis. “The mayor encouraged us to work together and be upbeat. It’s going to be a tough time and everybody’s going to have to make decisions and deal with challenges that they don’t want to, but we’re going to get through this,” Gehrman said. “The whole community needs to stay upbeat as much as we can and go about our business. We need to keep going out to dinners, patronizing our businesses, donating to charities and just continuing to live.” To access a list of LGBT and LGBT-friendly area businesses, visit www.independencebusinessal liance.com. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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International News Lawyers discuss LGBT rights Gay-rights activists and lawyers from 11 countries recently met in South Africa for a four-day workshop on legal strategies for promoting LGBT rights in Africa. The 45 participants came from Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It was the ﬁrst meeting between lawyers who have worked on LGBTrights litigation and African LGBT leaders. Participants reviewed key pieces of litigation to discuss and document lessons learned. These cases included an unsuccessful challenge to Botswana’s sodomy laws in 2003, the prosecutions of 11 gay men in Cameroon in 2006, the arrests of two women in Rwanda on charges related to sexual orientation in 2008 and the ongoing trial of 18 young men in Northern Nigerian on charges of cross-dressing and homosexuality. Lawyers, activist leaders and donors attending the meeting acknowledged the importance of impact litigation for repealing sodomy laws and challenging other discriminatory statutes and policies. Participants also discussed the need for security for lawyers defending LGBT clients and causes. Many of the lawyers at the meeting had faced attacks on their reputations, attempts at disbarment and even physical violence.

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built a cult following in Russia despite 1.9 percent of After gaining winning just an Olympic gold the audience in February. medal in theshare Beijing Games last MTVwere in Russia also that August, some surprised shows “South Park,” but yet Matthew Mitcham, 20,haswasn’t to receive criticismendorsement from the signed to any numerous Protestant deals upon group. his return to Australia. Until recently, the openly gay diver’s Olympic glory has only won him a deal as the national face of AussieBum, a swimwear brand. Some argued that Mitcham’s sexual orientation may have been was announced March 14 that theItreason he was not offered the the second meeting of the European lucrative ad contracts that so many Transgenderwere Council will be held Olympians rewarded before this year in Germany. him. council, comprised ItThe has now been conﬁrmed that of Transgender Europe, the Mitcham will represent telecom Transgender Network Berlin and company Telstra at events and TransInterQueer product launches. Berlin, will meet May in Berlin. event The2-4 company said Their he is a last “positive was held in Vienna in 2005. role model for all Australians.” Representatives from international Mitcham declined to reveal how activist groups and experts such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are expected to attend

PAGE 21

Larry Nichols

much the Telstra deal is worth. “I was a little bit worried [about the lack of sponsors], so hopefully this will be a snowball effect, but I don’t want to count my chickens,” he said. “If I can get the opportunity where I would be able to train without having to worry about paying the bills, that would be the ultimate goal.” Mitcham currently trains 11 times a week in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics. He was the only out male athlete to compete in the games. Despite intensive coverage of other gold medalists’ personal lives during the Games, NBC failed to mention Mitcham was gay, or show footage of the diver’s partner cheering him on and congratulating him after the win.

German athlete to get biopic The story of a former East German professional soccer player who left the game after deciding to come out of the closet will be made into a ﬁlm. Marcus Urban, 38, was sent to a sports boarding school at 13 and played for the national youth teams in the 1990s before settling at second-division club Rot-Weiss Erfurt. “As I was incredibly aggressive, I played central midﬁeld [and] was a playmaker like Rafael van der Vaart at Hamburg,” he said in an interview last year. “When I left the place, I was again the shy grey mouse. I was full of complexes.” Urban said he realized that life as an openly gay professional player would be impossible and gave up

his career. Today he works with disabled artists. Berlin-based GrandHotel Pictures has conﬁrmed a biopic of Urban is in development. The ﬁlm is based on Ronny Blaschke’s “Versteckspieler,” a biography of Urban published in Germany last year.

by clients or police ofﬁcers. No one has been brought to justice for the killings. “Transgender women in Honduras must be terriﬁed right now,” said Kim ManningCooper, an Amnesty International

spokesperson. “Their community is experiencing serious violence and the authorities are not doing enough to protect them.” ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

Activists speak out for trans victims Amnesty International has issued an urgent appeal on behalf of a Honduran transgender woman who was arrested, beaten and threatened with death if she reported what happened to her. The woman, who is an HIV/ AIDS activist and sex worker in Palmira, alleged that police officers tried to rob her on Dec. 20 and then assaulted her when she resisted. The officers then arrested the woman, took her to a police station and then to a hospital. Because she was bleeding, the woman informed the officers that she is HIV-positive, to which they responded by calling her an “AIDS bitch,”she said. She was released without charge. The officers allegedly threatened to leave her “dead in the countryside” if she spoke of the incident. Despite this, the woman filed a formal complaint with the Human Rights section of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The attack on the woman follows the murders of three transgender women in Honduras since October. The women were all working as sex workers near Palmira when they were attacked. Transgender women who work as sex workers are frequentlyPAGE attacked 15

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Soap opera to air first lesbian wedding

BRIDE-TO-BE: Eden Riegel (“Bianca”) on “All My Children,” which airs Monday-Friday, 1 p.m., on ABC. Photo: ABC/Yolanda Pez By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer The hit soap opera “All My Children” is set to make its next great stride in LGBT television visibility with the wedding of lesbian characters Bianca Montgomery and Reese Williams the week of Feb. 16. The wedding is the latest in a series of daytime-TV ﬁrsts for the Emmywinning show, which has also been nominated for numerous GLAAD Media Awards in recognition of the its LGBT-positive storylines. Eden Riegel debuted as Bianca on the show in 2000 and, ever since, the 28-year-old actor has portrayed the character coming out to her mother, Erica Kane, famously played by Susan Lucci, and, in 2003, participated in the ﬁrst lesbian kiss on an American daytime soap to the character’s then-girlfriend Lena. And those were just a couple of the tamer episodes in Bianca’s life. Some of the more controversial events for her (and gay and straight fans alike) have included being raped and having the baby, which was stolen from her and returned amid a large fan outcry. She also had a brief romance with a transgender lesbian rock star. And the next chapter in Bianca’s story is set to make history.

Riegel said the creators of the show have always tried to keep it edgy and topical while staying true to the characters. “It’s what ‘All My Children’ has always done,” she said. “The show was created by Agnes Nixon and she’s always been extremely devoted to doing not just your everyday soap story, but using the medium to push the envelope and show people that we’ve always been on the cutting edge of social issues. The show had the ﬁrst abortion ever shown on television and we kept going with that legacy of getting people’s stories that are maybe more challenging than what they otherwise might see on soap operas. Also using the unique medium that we have, we have the opportunity to get into people’s living rooms every day, to reach middle America and reach people who maybe wouldn’t be exposed to all sorts of types of people in their lives, including people who don’t know an actual gay person. We’re saying here’s this person, letting them invest in that character, letting them fall in love with them, seeing them as a human being and therefore opening people’s minds. It’s a great opportunity and I think the show has always prided themselves on taking advantage of it.” Riegel added that after playing

Bianca for so long, she feels very protective of her character and is happy to see her evolve to this momentous point in her life. “When I started the show, I was a teenager,” Riegel said. “I’ve seen her through many, many struggles. She’s certainly a character who’s had her hardships and I was excited when they offered me [the chance] to come back for this story where Bianca would be in a real committed relationship with someone who wanted her 100 percent. I was told that it would be a lesbian romance. We would deal with all the issues that would be unique to a lesbian couple but, really, we’d be dealt with in the same way as any heterosexual couple on the show. That was important to me.” Riegel added that Tamara Braun, who plays Reese, is equally passionate about the two characters and their on-screen relationship. “The depth of our actual feelings for each other is palpable when we’re on screen with each other,” Riegel said. “We really love each other and it’s not hard to fool myself into thinking I’m in love with her.” Considering the salacious and sensational story lines that pop up in soap operas, it can be hard to imagine why something like a lesbian wedding hasn’t been done before now. But Riegel said that when it comes to gay characters and issues, soap operas have always had to walk the line between turning audiences on and off. “Gay marriage as an issue has only recently become an important one in our national identity and conversation,” she said. “It hasn’t, unfortunately, been an issue that has been on the forefront of the world. I applaud ‘All My Children’ for taking it step by step because they really never turned the viewers off. Everyone acknowledged that it was a risk with having a gay character on this traditional soap opera. Housewives are our target audience. When people ﬁrst found out that Erica Kane’s daughter was going to be a lesbian, there was an absolute outcry. So when the kiss happened, there were a few afﬁliates that didn’t broadcast it because they were afraid of a backlash. Those were in very conservative areas of the country.” According to Riegel, the powers behind the

show anticipated the controversy surrounding these events in Bianca’s life. “When I ﬁrst took the job, I had to have a top-secret meeting with the executive producers so that they could drop the bombshell on me that my character was gay and give me an opportunity to back out,” she said. “Nobody was more surprised than me that everybody was taking it so seriously. I have gay family members and friends. Of course I wouldn’t have a problem with it. I think everybody wanted to handle it with the utmost sensitivity. To me it was no big deal. So I was surprised when it became a controversy at ﬁrst.” Now that time has passed, Riegel said she has been pleasantly surprised at how the show’s audience has embraced her character, which allowed the show to go farther with the lesbian couple than they had dared to go before. “We couldn’t be as free as expressing physical love on the show at that time, but now things have changed,” she said. “We kiss on the show practically daily. We caress and speak lovingly. Bianca and Reese are shown in bed together not clad in very much. I feel like people are getting used to it. Just the fact that we can do a gay wedding on daytime television shows that we’re making great progress in this world of ours. I hope it’s no big deal at all. People might go, ‘That’s nice,’ and then move on.” Riegel said because Bianca’s story was told gradually over the course of years, the audience was more willing to accept her and her orientation. “I think the only reason we’re seeing two women getting married

is because the fans are ready for it — clamoring for it, actually,” she said. “Because the show has painstakingly told the story step by step, it’s allowed the audience to be open to this young woman. Because she’s Erica’s daughter, they’ve invested in her. They’ve grown to love her just like any other soap-opera heroine. It’s come to the point where people are rooting for her. When her baby was stolen from her, they were rooting for a lesbian woman to get her baby back. Now, they are rooting for her to have happiness and finally walk down the aisle, which not everyone in this country agrees should happen, but for people who watch ‘All My Children,’ it should open their minds and hearts to the possibility.” It may have taken a while for the housewives of America to accept Bianca, but she has become an icon in the gay community — a role that Riegel, who is straight, takes very seriously. As a California resident who has a gay sister, Riegel said she makes every effort to portray Bianca as a three-dimensional character. She also said she was devastated when Proposition 8 passed in November, overturning the rights of samesex couples to marry in the state. And while Prop. 8 isn’t directly mentioned in the wedding episode, it did have an influence. “I think it’s timely,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we’re telling this story now and have been telling it since Prop. 8 was still on the ballot. Pine Valley is in Pennsylvania, so we haven’t dealt specifically with the issues in California. But we have talked about how we want to have a wedding in Connecticut, where it is legal for

TAMARA BRAUN, RIEGEL AND LYNNDA KAYE FERGUSON Photo: ABC/Lou Rocco

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FERGUSON (FROM LEFT, REAR), DENISE VASI, CORNELIUS SMITH JR., JACOB YOUNG (FROM LEFT, FRONT), CHRISHELL STAUSE, JILL LARSON, JESSALYN WANLIM, SUSAN LUCCI, BRAUN, BABY, HALEY EVANS AND RIEGEL same-sex couples to be married. I’m very glad the show decided not to just have a commitment ceremony but have an actual, legal wedding.”

Riegel said the issue of gay marriage was one of the factors that prompted her to return to the show. The actor left “All My Children”

BRAUN AND RIEGEL Photos: ABC/Lou Rocco

twice since debuting as Bianca: once in 2005, returning in 2006, and leaving again in 2007. She said she feels very fortunate that the show has left the door open for her and the character of Bianca to come and go. “It is my family,” she said of the show. “It is my home. But I’m a young actress and I’ve been on the show for a long time. I want to experience other things and roles. So being away from the show affords me other opportunities that I’m dying to take advantage of. I think ‘All My Children’ will always be a part of my life, but there’s a lot out there. That’s why I left last time.” Given the nature of soap operas, the chances of Bianca and Reese (or any character/couple, for that matter) living happily ever after are slim. But Riegel has faith that these two will be able to endure whatever crazy plot twists the show’s writers dream up for them. “They are two women who love each other,” she said. “It doesn’t mean their relationship will be without struggle. I believe they share a connection that Bianca hasn’t been able to have in past relationships. She’s older now. She’s wiser and she knows a little bit more about who she is. She’s past this drama that has been crowding her life and now she can really focus 100 percent on her relationship and family. So I think they will get through anything that the soap-opera world throws at them.” Wedding bells ring for Bianca and Reese next week on ABC’s “All My Children.” ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Out artists converge on Philly for Valentine’s Day By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer If the idea of ﬂowers, a heartshaped box of fancy chocolates and an overpriced dinner just aren’t doing it for you this Valentine’s Day, take heart (no pun intended), as the City of Brotherly Love is overﬂowing with concerts that are sure to set the mood. One of the hottest tickets in town is sure to be out singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright, who is taking a break from his latest project to perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. How did Philly get so lucky? “I’m pretty homebound these days writing this opera that’s premiering July 10,” Wainwright said of the upcoming “Prima Donna.” “One of the perks of New York is it’s close to Philadelphia. There’s this incredible metropolis just an hour away. Also, I really, really am dying for a cheesesteak sandwich, I have to admit. I’ve been thinking about it for months.” It’s hard to imagine that Philly’s signature delicacy would be enough to entice Wainwright to venture south and work on Valentine’s Day, but fortunately love has put the troubadour in a generous mood. “I have an amazing boyfriend who really treats every day like Valentine’s Day, almost to annoyance occasionally,” Wainwright said. “So

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT it’s nice to come out and spread the love that I am getting to the rest of the people. I’ve got to dump some love.” Nothing screams Valentine’s Day like the words “spread” and “dump,” but Wainwright is conﬁdent that this special intimate performance will be more than enough to fan the ﬂames of romance. “It’s my solo show,” he said of what his fans can expect. “Every show is kind of different from the next. Unlike the ‘Release the Star’ shows, those are always set lists with costumes and lights. This show really depends on the mood of the evening and the mood of my subconscious. And also who’s cute

in the audience.” Rufus will be joined by his sister, fellow singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright, as his opening act. “We’re definitely singing together,” he said. “If we didn’t sing together, my mother would cut me.” See Rufus while you can, as next time he’ll be behind the scenes launching his first opera, a role he finds himself adapting to with surprising ease. “I’m excited, and horrified as well, by how easily I’ve fit into the maniacal composer role,” he said. “I’m just ready to chop off heads and maim people to get my art ahead. It’s very classical, melodic and romantic. I’m leaning on what I know best. I think it’s still viable and it’s not a throwback necessarily, but you can basically hear the music that has influenced me over the years. I’m not pulling any freaky punches. Just sit down and enjoy the beauty.” Like Wainwright, Philadelphiabased singer and bandleader Eddie Bruce has an appreciation for the classics as well, which may be why he’s performing a tribute to Tony Bennett through Feb. 22 at Morgan’s Cabaret at The Prince Music Theatre, 1412 Chestnut St. From an early age, Bruce seemed destined to become one of the most sought-after bandleaders in the region, as well as a tireless performer and cabaret artist — who now has

EDDIE BRUCE more that 3,000 shows under his belt, playing everything from Top 40, R&B, disco, house and swing. But jazz was his ﬁrst love. “All my friends were listening to The Beatles and The Stones,” he said. “I was listening to Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald, all the great jazz singers. When I was a really little kid, like 6 or 7 years old, my mother took me to The Latin [Casino] when it was in Philly and the headliner was Ella Fitzgerald. Growing up in the city where the ‘Friday With Frank Show’ was on every night, I got to listen to Frank Sinatra every night growing up. That had a great inﬂuence on me learning all these songs and my appreciation

for the Great American Songbook.” Bruce has been a fan of Bennett for most of his life, but it wasn’t until he caught one of Bennett’s recent concerts that he considered putting together a tribute performance. “The inspiration to do the Bennett show itself came from having seen him at the Mann Music Center two years ago and being reminded of how much his music has meant to me,” he said. “A lot of his songs over the years have played a role in my life and so I thought this might be an honest kind of show to be able to talk about how these song parallel some of my experiences.” Bruce said he even went out of his way to buy a front-row seat for the show so he could study the legendary performer’s every nuance. “I learned an incredible amount of things watching that close,” he said. “One of the astounding things for me was at 81 years old, he did 90 minutes without even a sip of water or sitting down on a stool. It was an extremely vigorous performance for a man that age.” For tickets or more information on Wainwright, visit www. kimmelcenter.org or www. rufuswainwright.com or call (215) 790-5847. For tickets or information on Bruce, visit www.eddiebruce. com or call (215) 569-9700. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Out playwright’s dark drama opens in Philly By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Christopher Shinn knows how to make the most of very little. In his dark and gripping drama “Dying City,” the openly gay playwright and Pulitzer Prize ﬁnalist needs only two actors, three characters and a sparse stage to tackle issues such as loss, grief and identity in the shadows of war. “I wanted the play to be really primal and I thought that two actors on a relatively bare stage was about as primal as you can get,” he said. “I wanted a play that would strip away any ability to distract the audience and get off the main track. Let me put one man and one woman on a basically bare stage and really stay in the intensity of that kind of showdown.” The drama in “Dying City” revolves around Peter and Kelly, played by Nathan Emmons and Pamela Sabaugh, respectively. Both are trying to cope and move on after the loss of Craig, Kelly’s husband

and Peter’s twin brother, who died fighting in Iraq. Shinn said that while the Iraq War is the catalyst for the drama in “Dying City,” the play isn’t meant as a commentary on the war. “I don’t believe in making political statements in art,” he said. “I think art has a place in exploring the political, but first and foremost I wanted to reveal people in all their depth and complexity.” And there is enough complexity to go around. Emmons plays both Peter, who is gay, and Craig (in flashbacks) in “Dying City.” Shinn said that having identical twins of differing sexuality adds to the hard questions about truth and identity in the play. “I think it’s interesting when you think of identical twins because, particularly with gay people, there’s a lot of speculation on what causes homosexuality,” he said. “Is it genetic? Is it physiological or hormonal? Does it have to do with early childhood experiences? Most studies done of identical

CHRISTOPHER SHINN twins show that they share the same sexuality about 50 percent of the time. You can look at it two ways. It would seem that maybe there is a genetic component at least in half the cases. But in the other half, you can’t explain the different sexualities based on what people are born with. I think that really raises fascinating questions about what human sexuality is. My interest in

the human psyche and looking at identical twins is an interesting way to ask how are we the same and how are we different based on the experiences we go through.” “Dying City” is just the latest in the OBIE award-winning playwright’s repertoire of tales of secrecy and tragedy, which Shinn said are universal to the human experience. “Everybody has secrets,” he said. “There’s no way to get through life without experiencing loss. Those are two things that only reoccur [in my work] only because they are so prominent in the lives of every human being.” Shinn added that while his stories and plays are in no way based on his own life, they do emanate from his “unconscious.” “I just try to remain open to whatever is happening inside of me,” he said of his inspiration. “That

doesn’t feel like it comes from me or certainly anything deliberate on my part. And once that starts happening, I just try to make more and more space for it to happen of its own accord. Then I just try to pay attention to it. There’s very little that’s autobiographical, but there’s no way to write outside of your own experience. Everything I write comes from inside of me. I think it’s the only authentic way to do it. I think that every character in every play I’ve written represents a part of me.” Amaryllis Theatre Company presents “Dying City” through Feb. 22 at The Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St. For more information, visit www. amaryllistheatre.org or call (215) 564-2431. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

Ann Hampton Callaway

Only 45 minutes from Philadelphia

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Offline

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Bruce Yelk

Love is in the air! And in the bars! If you travel to any city in the country and ask locals what they know about Philadelphia, they’ll probably say cheesesteaks, Rocky, the Art Museum or Independence Hall. Apart from our cultural, historic and artistic icons, most also know Philadelphia as “The City of Brotherly Love.” Less well known is that William Penn created this motto early in the city’s history to reﬂect a place where everyone is welcome regardless of any personal

differences. In a culture characterized by immediate gratiﬁcation and short attention spans, it’s notable that this motto has been utilized so extensively throughout Philadelphia’s history. From advertising campaigns and historical sites to parks and works of art, we celebrate this tradition in a wide variety of ways. So, it’s in the spirit of “brotherly love” that I offer this week’s column. Enjoy it, and don’t forget to spread the love! For couples making last-minute plans for Valentine’s Day, one of the most incredible spots to celebrate is XIX at the Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St. Chef Marc Plessis has created a romantic

four-course menu, highlighted by oysters, scallops, sea bass, tenderloin and a chocolatealmond macaroon. Dinner is $65 a person, but it’s well worth the investment to have a Valentine’s Day that you’ll remember forever. Reservations are going fast, so XIX is excited to offer this special Valentine’s Day menu tomorrow night and this evening. Visit www. nineteenrestaurant.com for more information. For my single readers, there’s no reason to sit at home this weekend. In fact, there’s no better time to get out, meet some new prospects and poke fun at all the Valentine’s Day outrageousness. Consider heading over to the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., on

OUTonline

Saturday for Cupid’s Burlesque Gay Bingo. Starting at 7 p.m. and for the bargain price of $20, you can enjoy an entertaining evening filled with camp humor and over-the-top personalities headlined by Miss Shady Pines. Remember, 100 percent of the proceeds benefit AIDS Fund, one of our community’s exemplary charitable organizations. Visit www.aidsfundphilly.org/gaybingo for additional details. Getting past Feb. 14, many of us will share a different kind of “love” this President’s Day. In honor of a well-deserved threeday weekend, I’ll be hosting the grand opening of 101 at O.N.E. on Rittenhouse Square, 121 S. 19th St. As the first weekly

LGBT party taking place outside the Gayborhood since Shampoo Nightclub opened in the 1990s, 101 will bring together some of the community’s most notable personalities starting at 9 p.m. every Sunday evening. The kickoff event this Sunday features $3 drinks from 9-11 p.m., music by local DJ/producer Robbie Tronco and a bartending competition, where the winner will secure a weekly job at 101. With no school or work on Monday, this is a great opportunity to get out to a different part of town and celebrate with friends. Visit www.nightlifegay.com to sign up for reduced admission before See OFFLINE Page 30

Jason Villemez

Steps on starting a family Starting a family can be difficult for any couple, but especially for LGBT couples who face more challenges in their path. Although prevalent religious and cultural stigmas are gradually dissolving, some states have completely banned options such as adoptions as well as foster care for gay couples, making the road to parenthood more difficult. However, as it becomes more and more prevalent, resources will become greater and people wiser. As more people become used to the idea of gay marriage and traditional ideas of relationships and families start to fade, the idea of gay families will also become more acceptable. And, as always, the more people see of us, the more accepting they will be of us as gay couples, individuals and families. One of my gay friends recently wrote in a Facebook note about his strong desire to be a father, to which I promptly reponded he should pursue. “But I have no idea what method to use,” he replied to me. We discussed different options like surrogacy and adoption, but beyond the definitions of the words, we

were both lacking knowledge about which route would be best and how to even start the process. And as we remembered the practical aspects like ﬁnances, emotional investment and legal issues, our lack of insight made the conversation both short and daunting. Fortunately, I found a great site called The Rainbow Babies (www. therainbowbabies.com), written by doctors, lawyers, counselors and social workers, many of whom are LGBT parents themselves. The site is divided into two primary sections, which we can generalize into “before” and “after,” with “before” sitting at the top of the site and the “after” section underneath. The ﬁrst section focuses on how to become a parent. Options such as insemination, surrogacy, adoption and pregnancy are discussed in depth, with another section on raising children. Other topics include known-versusanonymous sperm donation, which one of a couple should be the biological mother and how to choose a surrogacy agency, most of which couples probably hadn’t thought about before deciding to become parents. And, for those who have contemplated but not ultimately decided to raise a child, the section also features articles on whether adoption, surrogacy or pregnancy

suits a particular person or if parenting is right for someone in general. It gives me no shame in saying some of us simply aren’t fit to be parents at this point in time or, well, ever. I am completely satisfied with spoiling my nieces and taking them to movies. For aunts and uncles who need a kid-friendly movie idea or those parents in need of some good tips, check the “after” section. It has pages of movie and book reviews, personal stories from real families, spiritual and financial advice and helpful information like maps charting state-by-state discrimination laws, government reports, adoption forms and sperm-donor contracts. No matter how complex or frustrating the process may be, parenting is a part of life that should be enjoyed and cherished by anyone serious enough to undertake the challenge. One article on the site discusses a study showing that LGBT families, despite discrimination, are as happy as mainstream families. As news like that spreads, we’ll see our community become (even more) full of strollers, school nights, chores and curfews. (And, hopefully, less screaming.) ■ Contact Jason with feedback at outonline@gmail.com.

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Q Puzzle “Fate Club” Across 1. Stud fees? 6. Poet Teasdale 10. Nero’s bird 14. Black to Bonheur 15. Singer Dobkin 16. Farm erection 17. Close of “Serving in Silence” 18. A little behind 19. Reproduced without sex, for short 20. Like Fosse missing a cue? 23. Lennon partner 24. Pirates’ drink 25. Part of SASE (abbr.) 26. Evaluate Burke and Bean? 32. Masters 35. “ ___ of Eden” 36. Sound of the New York Liberty cheerleaders 37. Curve and others 38. Terence of “Priscilla” 40. Mishima’s continent 41. Bonehead 42. Pair, to Magnus Hirschfeld

OFFLINE From Page 28 midnight or for more information. For those planning ahead, mark your calendar for Feb. 22, as our favorite ﬁlm icons gather to share their love for costars, family and colleagues at the 2009 Oscars.

43. Bear 44. Nominating a homophobe? 48. Leibman of “Angels in America” 49. Gene’s makeup 50. Old streaker over the Atlantic 53. Put same-sex wedding vows on a plaque? 58. “Uh-oh!” to Lord Byron 59. Counterfeiters’ nemeses 60. Lurer of phallic fish 61. Not straight 62. Began a hole, with “off” 63. One to ten, e.g. 64. Changes from a couple to a threesome 65. “Blowjob” filmer Warhol 66. Bone in the back

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

1. “West Side Story” Jet, e.g. 2. Faith in music 3. Link with 4. Sea eagle 5. Kahlo and others 6. Oscar Wilde tragedy (1893) 7. Ruck of “Spin City” 8. Circumcision, for one 9. Tools for the Tin Man 10. Get up

11. Lisa Ben’s magazine 12. “Why should ___ you?” 13. Gay, to Brits 21. Fruitcake 22. Made it to second base, so to speak 26. Lawyer’s thing 27. Homophobia and such 28. Norma McCorvey’s memoir “ ___ Roe” 29. Gaydar, for example 30. Parade prohibition for Streisand 31. Swimmer you can eat 32. Retreat for D.H. Lawrence 33. Asian inland sea 34. Sitcom Jack 38. “American Beauty” director Mendes 39. Randy’s skating partner 40. Went down on 42. House opening? 43. Galindo and Mattis 45. Proposals in bars 46. Really camp 47. Part of Q and A (abbr.) 50. Conductor Georg 51. “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas” author 52. Orgasm, e.g. 53. Asked for on bended knee

54. Katharine’s “Butch Cassidy” role 55. Rainbow, to some 56. Have an opening for

57. Cut the crop 58. Org. for Evan Wolfson’s peers See SOLUTION, Page 33

Many local bars will show the live broadcast (including 101, which will be hosted by and beneﬁt the Sapphire Fund), but if you’re into something a bit more formal, consider heading to the Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, for its annual Red Carpet Party. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the Oscar broadcast

beginning promptly at 8. Guests will be treated to gourmet food, as well as complimentary wine and beer throughout the evening. Advance tickets for the event are $50, and all proceeds beneﬁt the First Annual GLBT Artists Festival. Visit www. traversetheater.org for all the details.

That’s just about all the “love” I have to give this week, but don’t forget to check out “Gossip Tuesdays” at Bump Lounge, 1234 Locust St., from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Though it’s typically a slow night at the bars, Bump has plenty to keep those of us who venture out early in the week entertained. Visit www.bumplounge.com for more

information or to preview drink and food menus. Thanks for checking in. ’Til next time, get ofﬂine and see what your community has to offer! ■

Down

NOAH’S ARC: JUMPING THE BROOM $24.95 dvd E. LYNN HARRIS’ BASKETBALL JONES $22.95 hb, less 10% Reserve Yours MON. - SAT. 11:30 - 7p.m. SUNDAY 1:00 - 7p.m. email: giovannis_room@verizon.net

PGN

Albert’s 2nd Story – the newest gay club

Fri. Feb. 20th, 8-12 p.m. Beneﬁt for Action AIDS–open bar/buffet, $35 a ticket. Buy now! Open Every Friday & Saturday Night 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Drag Show 12pm – Featuring Donna St. John & Brenda Lamoore Banquet Facilities available – Guest Staff – Bar Menu Available & Specialty Mojitos! Visit alberts2ndstory@aol.com for more info 3180 Grant Avenue (at Academy Road), Philadelphia, PA 19114

267 339 1579

If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail Bruce@nightlifegay.com, reference Ofﬂine.

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Family Portraits If you’re breathing a little easier these days, you might have Eric Cheung to thank. Cheung is the senior attorney and program manager of the Clean Air Council and is the former coordinator of the Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities program, which promotes alternative-fuel vehicles. I put down my inhaler long enough to talk to Cheung this week. PGN: So how did you get to work today? EC: [Laughs.] I rode my bike. I pretty much ride it everywhere. PGN: Are you from Philadelphia? EC: I grew up in the King of Prussia area and went to Upper Merion High School. I just moved to the city three years ago, but I’ve lived in the suburbs most of my life. PGN: Where did you go for higher learning? EC: I went to Villanova for undergrad and studied accounting and then went to University of Chicago for law school. PGN: What did your parents do? EC: My father was a chemist and my mother did ﬁnancial work. Originally she was a forecaster and then she became a CPA. I have a brother who lives in Delaware and he’s a computer engineer.

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Suzi Nash PGN: What traits do you think you got from your parents? EC: I think I ‘m socially outgoing like my mother. My father is an obsessive recluse and my brother is pretty shy too. My mother is more outgoing than I am but I’m the next most sociable in the family. I can’t think of anything that I got from my father. PGN: What’s your ancestry? EC: My parents emigrated from China. PGN: Did you play a lot with your brother as a kid? EC: He’s seven years older than me, so we weren’t around each other a lot socially. But I really looked up to him. He helped me with my homework and I always felt that he understood things better than I did. I might get an A, but I always felt that he actually understood the work. I remember in physics having a teacher that wasn’t good at explaining things, so I’d cry to my brother and he’d make it clear. PGN: What did you like to do as a kid? EC: I was a bit of a loner until high school. I used to collect toys. I had a hodgepodge of figurines that I’d play with. Masters of the Universe, Star Wars figures and Transformers would play along with Garfield and the Smurfs. I would create a

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fantasy world where all the toys would get along. I didn’t really socialize much. I talked to people in school, but I wouldn’t go over to people’s homes or anything like that. PGN: How did you blossom? EC: I met a guy in high school who had a better understanding of social friendships who really drew me out. He’d call me just to talk, which felt really weird to me at first. I wasn’t used to people calling or wanting to hang out with me, but he was persistent and after that I began to open up to people. I joined the track team and really got into extracurricular activities. PGN: What were some of your activities? EC: I did everything. I finally came out of my shell and was really empowered to do everything. I always got good grades but now I started to pad my résumé for college. I participated in choir, orchestra, math club, academic decathlon, cross-country, the environmental club, you name it. I was the valedictorian of my class. It made me feel good about myself but at the same time it was one of the most difficult times of my life. It was a terrific workload to take on. I’d routinely go to bed at 2 a.m. and be up at 6 a.m. When I went to Villanova, it was actually a break, it was so easy in comparison. Law

ERIC CHEUNG Photo: Suzi Nash school was a different thing: For the ﬁrst time in my academic life I felt that, at my best, I was only in the middle of the group. It was a good growth experience. It taught me to enjoy learning instead of just focusing on the grade. PGN: So how did you end up as an environmentalist? EC: Chicago University was a great law school but it focused on

getting people into lucrative law ﬁrms after graduation. There wasn’t much focus on public interest, so I worked at a law ﬁrm for a year because I didn’t know what else to do. It didn’t work out, so I decided to follow my heart and choose the area I wanted to focus on. I always was interested in the environment and wanted to lend my skills to the See PORTRAITS Page 32

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PORTRAITS From Page 31 cause. It’s funny: The nonprofit community is very informal and in some ways hidden from sight, so it was kind of hard to figure out how to get in. It’s mostly through networking. I called the Clean Air office out of the blue and talked to [executive director] Joe Minott and

asked him what opportunities were available for someone with a legal background. About a month later, I went to a Clean Air Council 5K run. I wanted to run for the cause and I thought it would be a good networking opportunity. Joe saw me and told me he might have a job for me. And here I am. PGN: So, changing gears, do you collect anything?

EC: I used to collect stamps, but I’m not very active with them anymore. I have a problem getting rid of things, though, so I’m a bit cluttery. I’m into horror and fantasy, so I collect things that are related, whether it’s comic books, music or ﬁgures. PGN: What’s your most prized possession? EC: Back in ’96 I got an

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009 appointment book. I would write in my meetings and things that I was doing. I kept the first one because it was a ‘Garfield’ book and I loved the little comic strips inside. As they started accumulating, I enjoyed having a reminder of what I’d been doing at a particular point in time. Now I kind of use it as a journal. I don’t write thoughts down but keep track of what I’ve done each day. If I’m going through something troubling, I can look back and say, “You’ve been through this before and you got through it.” As time passes, I’ve learned that there’s nothing that bad that you can’t get through. PGN: A fond childhood memory? EC: I loved going to Disney World with my family. I liked Tomorrowland and later the Epcot Center and the Journey Into Imagination attraction. Before my mother died, I took her back to Disney World. My favorite ride now is the MGM [now Hollywood Studios] Tower of Terror. I don’t remember a lot from my childhood, but I remember it as a good time. I think it was a time when I was at 100-percent happiness. But that is balanced by the fact that your expectations were low back then. It’s weird. Since then, I’ve experienced the death of a parent, lost loves, lost dreams, and yet have had first kisses, new accomplishments, new complications and challenges. I often wonder which was the better place, but I think the best time after all is right now. The high points aren’t as consistent, but they’re more intense and meaningful. PGN: How was coming out? EC: I think I always knew since grade school. I remember wanting to hang out with boys all the time. In high school, I was so focused on academics I pushed it aside and was essentially asexual. I didn’t have a real experience until I went to Chicago. My best friend there noticed that I never dated or talked about girls and just came out and asked me if I was gay. I normally would have avoided it, but I just decided there was nothing to lose and I said yes. He was really cool about it and after that I told all my friends. It was a good experience. When I moved back home, I got involved with someone who wanted me to move in with him. To go back a bit, when I was in undergrad, my mother had a stroke. It was severe and initially she needed help with all functions and I had to become a caretaker. At the time, she’d been pushing me to become an accountant. As she got better she told me that the stress from work and the pressure she put on herself had caused the stroke. She told me that all she wanted

was for me to be happy. That freed me to go to law school and to be true to myself. When I came back to the Philly area, I lived with my parents while working at the law firm. It was tough because she relied on me a lot, but I really wanted to move in with this guy. I knew I needed to tell her why I was leaving. Her initial reaction was denial. [Laughs.] She tried to tell me she loved her girlfriends too, so maybe I was just confused. I knew it wouldn’t be a major problem once she understood; it was just a matter of the initial shock. I remember watching TV with her as a child and there was a show on with a girl who’d been thrown out by her parents because she was gay. My mother turned to me and said, “I would never do that to my child.” So although I knew she might not be happy about it, I knew it wouldn’t be catastrophic. After she passed away, I read her journals. There were a lot of entries where she prayed to God that I would find a girl and settle down, but she never expressed it to me. My brother was fine with it; he had enough of his own stuff to worry about. My father was a different story. After my mother died, he became even more of a recluse than he had been. He joined the Jehovah’s Witnesses, so when I eventually came out to him, he had a very negative reaction and basically disowned me. That was almost three years ago. So I’ve pretty much created my own family with my friends. PGN: The best part about saving the earth? EC: [Laughs.] I think I’m so focused on the work that I do, I almost forget about it. My title is senior attorney, but like in a lot of nonprofits, you do what needs to be done. I help with bookkeeping, programming and other mundane stuff. I’m not out there like Erin Brockovich slaying corporate giants. But indirectly, by helping the organization thrive, I’m having an impact on the environment. And I do a lot of program work. For example, right now I’m working on reducing diesel emissions. I do enjoy it when I get to do outreach and speak to people directly. PGN: And like President Obama, you could have used your law degree to make lots of money but instead chose to use it for public service. EC: Yeah, he was actually my professor in law school. I never expected him to be president, but he definitely stood out. He was different from all the others, which is why I sought out his class. PGN: Different in what way? EC: Most of our professors were

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009 older, conservative white guys who’d been scholars for years. What was memorable about him was that he was so much younger than the other teachers, but his knowledge was on par with them. He was a state senator at the time too, so I thought maybe he was just doing it for PR or whatever, but he really knew what he was teaching. He also brought in racial and other perspectives that the other teachers didn’t have. He was a demanding professor too, but it was fun. I never saw the oratorical skills he displayed in his political speeches, though. He talked a lot like he did in the debates, very thoughtful and deliberate. Though he did drop some Ebonics one day, which was a riot. Unfortunately, I had to drop out of his class. I got viral meningitis, went into a coma and nearly died. PGN: Yikes, what happened? EC: I think I never learned my lesson in high school. I overachieved there and carried it on in graduate school. I formed a running club, I became an editor at the school newspaper, I was involved in the environmental group at school, just a whole lot of things. I got sick and didn’t allow myself the time to recover. I had a regular virus — it might have just been a cold — but because I was so overextended, my immune system was weak and the virus got into the fluid that surrounds the brain. I was in my dorm room and took a nap and I didn’t wake up. A friend of mine, whom I was supposed to have dinner with, got worried when I didn’t show up. He heard me in my room groaning and when I didn’t answer the door, he got the fire department to knock it down. I was in a coma for one or two days. He was supposedly straight but we started dating after that. He was my first crush.

SOLUTION From Page 30

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS PGN: That’s pretty drastic just to get your first kiss. Thinking of romance, what’s the last card you’ve written or received? EC: Well, as far as romance goes, I’m single, but I like to send my friends cards. I sent everyone a Valentine’s Day card this year. You know, the tiny little cards you used to get in fourth grade. Something nostalgic. PGN: Last movie you saw? EC: I just saw “Revolutionary Road” and it really made me think about things. What I was kind of trying to say before was that, as I’ve gotten older, I realize that your priorities shift. Before law school, I wanted to be a writer, but sometimes life intervenes and you change what’s important to you. For me, I don’t obsess over the future anymore; I just think about what is going to make me happy day to day. I saw my mother stress out over things so much that she made herself sick. And to what end? Instead of enjoying life, she became trapped in her own body and was miserable. I don’t want to do that to myself. PGN: You mentioned Obama bringing a racial perspective to law. How has being a minority affected you? EC: My parents are from China but I was born here. I don’t speak any Chinese, because like a lot of minorities, they felt it was more important to adapt and speak English to their kids. The only Chinese I know was from taking a class in college. They didn’t really give us any culture at home and most of my friends were white. I know that I look different, but I didn’t grow up with Chinese culture. I wish I had learned more about it from my parents. PGN: What’s the hardest part of being an environmentalist? EC: The hardest part is getting people to actually make changes. Everyone is for the environment: You’re not going to find someone who says they’re anti-clean air and water, but the hard part is actually doing the things that will make a significant difference. We’re really going to have to make changes in our behavior and lifestyles

to mitigate the impact we’ve had on the earth and to stem global warming. We’re very gadget- and consumer-oriented and that uses a lot of energy. On the other hand, I don’t like when environmentalists are too hardcore. To some, it almost becomes a religion and they become very judgmental. If someone states that they carpool, they tell them they should be

PAGE 33 riding a bike. I believe we should be positive and supportive of what people are trying to do. If someone drives an hour to work but buys a hybrid car, that’s at least one step in the right direction. I’m an incrementalist in my approach. I teach what I can and lead by example. I’m a vegetarian, mostly, and ride my bike everywhere, but I’m not always as good as I should

be about recycling. We can all do better, but as long as we get the information out there, we can start making wiser choices and start turning things around. ■ To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to: Family Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.

PAGE 34

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Rouge is keeping patrons out of the red sophisticated in my towering 11/2-inch heels — that’s as far as this lesbian goes), I heard a hearty laugh echo across the room. To my delight, bon vivant and my sometime-dining companion Noel Zayas was eating only one table away from us. That’s a good sign for any place. We exchanged air kisses and I stole a few French fries before taking a seat at my table. Executive chef Matthew Zagorski, formerly of Striped Bass and Lacroix, recently added new dishes to the menu and unveiled an affordable new option for lunch: “Choose Two” offers two dishes for $16, letting new customers try different options and regulars to order smaller versions of their dinner favorites. We got things started with the organic squash soup ($10). This delectable seasonal soup was smooth and topped with a sprig of parsley and drizzled with olive oil. Very flavorsome. I tried the cauliflower soup ($10). A more subdued offering, the cauliflower was delicate and almost silken with chive oil, which gave the soup just the enhancement it needed. Zagorski is known for his prowess with a soup tureen and both of the offerings were top notch.

The day I visited was warm despite winter. Though the windows weren’t open yet, the sun was shining and I decided to forego the wine selections and opted for an afternoon martini. I ordered the Pearfect ($13), a nice pour of Absolute pear vodka with Navaninfused cognac and fresh lemon and lime juice, and decorated with a thin sliver of pear. It was delicious. Next was the tuna tartare, served in a crispy wonton cup with ponzu sauce and wasabi lime aioli topped with micro greens. (The selections we sampled are all part of the Choose Two menu.) Up next was the Bibb lettuce and endive salad, a deconstructed affair with the lettuces tied with a ribbon of chive and accompanied by Roquefort cheese, grape tomatoes, red onions, spicy cashews, a red wine vinaigrette and Granny Smith apples. Chive oil and a little mound of Gorgonzola cheese comprised the rest of the dish. It was as lovely to look at as it was to taste. After that, we sampled the roasted pork with butternut squash puree served with haricots verts and roasted vegetable glaze. Leaning against the pork were two cute little potato waffles. The succulent flavor of the pork, though a little chewy, played nicely against the sweet flavors of the squash. We also tried the steamed mussels with a broth of fennel, lemon, tomato, basil, white wine and garlic and served with grilled baguette. I must say, the broth was bread-sopping good. Though the mussels were small and I think I ate more bread than shellfish, it was tasty. We also tried a miniature Rouge Burger, a 3-ounce version of the venue’s famed cheeseburger with Grueyere, caramelized onions, bibb lettuce and fresh tomato served with pomme frites (french fries). For those who don’t know, the restaurant’s signature burger has quite a reputation. GQ placed

ROUGE FROM THE SQUARE Photo: Suzi Nash

See ROUGE, Page 37

By Suzi Nash PGN Contributor Well, color me red: Rouge, the upscale bistro on Rittenhouse Square, has a new menu and a new attitude. I’d never been there but had read that it was the place to see and be seen by the upwardly mobile and trendy. (Which is probably why I’d never been there.) I was a little hesitant and made my dining companion wear his Sunday best, but my fears were unfounded. Rouge was certainly elegant. The intimate décor evoked thoughts of women wearing Christian Dior and men sporting fedoras. I almost expected to see Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall walk through the sheer curtains that hung from ceiling to ﬂoor. Or Audrey Hepburn perched on a stool at the white marble-topped bar, long cigarette holder in hand, staring at her reﬂection in the gold-painted mirror. The sophisticated sounds of Clooney — Rosemary, not George — lent to the retro-hip atmosphere of the place. Despite the quiet grandeur of the physical setting, the place was lively and the staff friendly. As I waited for my lunch companion to park the car (who took pity on me trying to be

PAGE 35

COCKTAILS

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PAGE 36

Food News

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Thom Cardwell

Valentine’s at Water Works The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, 640 Water Works Drive, is featuring a special $75 prix-ﬁxe Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Menu per person on Feb. 13 and 15, with a special wine pairing that will also be available as part of the dinner. Executive chef Darryl Harmon has created a tantalizing lovers’ dinner in one of the city’s most romantic settings at the landmark property along the Schuylkill River. Though the restaurant is sold out on Feb. 14, the special Valentine’s menu will be available on Friday and Sunday for the Valentine’s weekend. Harmon’s special menu will include a ﬁrst course of lobster bisque, crème fraîche and chive oil, and arugula salad with caramelized pear, Roquefort cheese, honey-

roasted pecans and raspberry vinaigrette; a second course of oysters on a half shell with vanilla blood-orange sabayon, diver scallops skewered with pancetta, Granny Smith apple maple syrup gastrique and baby maché; hearts of seared pineapple, mascarpone yogurt, port wine caviar and aged balsamic; an entrée choice of certified angus filet mignon, Peruvian mashed potatoes, smoked pearl onions and Bordelaise sauce; wild mushroom-encrusted Chilean sea bass, cauliflower puree, asparagus-salsify salad and truffle emulsion; or Kurobuta pork chop, candied sweet fingerling potatoes, organic baby vegetables and pomegranate reduction; and a dessert of chocolate sensation. In addition, diners may also enjoy a special Valentine’s Chocolate First Brunch from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Feb. 15. For more information, call (215) 236-9000 or visit www. thewaterworksrestaurant.com.

Valentine’s at Ansill Ansill, 627 S. Third St., will offer a romantic sharing menu for two from 5:30-11 p.m. Feb. 13-14, in addition to the restaurant’s regular á la carte menu. Chef/owner David Ansill will feature dishes for two that include such choices as an appetizer of surf and turf, tuna and steak tartare for $15; a 24-ounce ribeye with haricots verts, mushrooms and red wine sauce for $50; and ﬂounder stuffed with crab, served with lemon and fried capers, for $35. Ansill will host his Euro-style BBQ on March 4-5. For $35 per person, diners will be served a heaping plate of roasted pig, assorted grilled meats, marinated vegetables and a selection of sauces, and according to Ansill, enough food for two diners. For information, call (215) 627-2485 or visit www. ansillfoodandwine.com.

Valentine’s at Gypsy Saloon and Stella Blu

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

711 Locust St. Philadelphia, Pa 19106 (215) 928-0556 Free parking after 5 pm daily.

Chef Ralph Pallarino will present Valentine’s Day Aphrodisiac Menus at Gypsy Saloon, 128 Ford St., and Stella Blu, 101 Ford St, both located in West Conshohocken, from 5:3010 p.m. Feb. 13-14. The menu for lovers at Gypsy Saloon will feature a ﬁrst course of ﬂash-fried oyster sliders, ginger remoulade with spicy Chinese ketchup on crostini and grilled asparagus with roasted red peppers, goat cheese and toasted almonds; and a second course of brownbutter scallops with artichokes and butternut squash, almondcrusted striped bass with coconut, sweet basil, pineapple broth and sticky rice, and cinnamon- and coffee-rubbed venison with orange reduction and winter squash. For information, call (610) 8288494 or visit www.gypsysaloon.

com. The menu for lovers at Sella Blu will feature a ﬁrst course of arugula, shaved fennel, orange, parmesan and pine nuts with a warm lemon vinaigrette or grilled oysters oreganata with garlic, oregano, breadcrumbs and olive oil; a second course of pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, walnuts and trufﬂe oil; entrées of seared cocoa-dusted duck breast over cinnamon sweet-potato puree with sweet coffee cream or lobster tail with carrot, pineapple and yellow curry and scallion-lime risotto. For information, call (610) 825-7060 or visit www. stellablurestaurant.com.

World of Wine at World Cafe World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., will continue its wine-pairing dinner series with the World of Wine: Spain, for $55 per person, (including dinner, wine, tax and gratuity), with seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Diners can also enjoy the music of Kruno between seatings. Executive chef Matthew Babbage will feature a variety of tapas (small plates), including ajo mataero, country-style pork pâté; a ceitunas alinadas, marinated olives; almendras fritas, Spanish almonds fried in olive oil; tortilla Espãnola, potato and onion omelet; champiñones al ajillo, mushrooms in garlic; and Spanish olive oil with fresh assorted breads. For information, call (215) 6272485 or visit www.worldcafelive. com.

Le Bec-Fin hosts wine, cheese tasting Le Bec-Fin, 1523 Walnut St., Philadelphia’s premiere ﬁne-dining restaurant, has been providing memorable experiences since 1970.

On Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m., legendary chef/owner Georges Perrier will offer one more international gastronomical event in the historic landmark property: a special cheese- and wine-tasting experience with Emilio C. Mignucci of Di Bruno Bros. Mignucci will pair 10 artesian cheeses with ﬁve selected wines from regions across the country chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier. Throughout the special event, Mignucci and the sommelier will lead an informative, entertaining discussion. Tickets are $45 per person, space is limited and reservations are required. For information, call (215) 5671000 or visit www.lebecﬁn.com.

‘Choose Two’ at Rouge Rouge, 205 S. 18th St., has introduced an affordable new option for lunch called “Choose Two,” offering two dishes for $16 from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to the regular lunch menu, executive chef Matthew Zagorski’s “Choose Two” menu allows patrons to try smaller versions of some of the chef’s most inspired creations, allowing diners to customize their two-plate lunch experience at Rittenhouse Square’s ﬁrst bistro and sidewalk café. While dishes will change according to seasonal ingredients, choices may include acorn squash soup; Rouge burger, a 3-ounce version of the famed cheeseburger with Gruyère, caramelized onions and pommes frites; smoked salmon BLT on toasted pumpernickel; short ribs with white-bean ragout and braised cabbage; panseared scallops with caramelized cauliﬂower, spinach, Granny Smith apples and sweet vermouth sauce; and a daily house-made pasta with red-wine beef Bolognese, basil, lemon, oregano and parmesan. For information, call (215) 7326622. ■

Call Today!

(215) 625-8501 Our advertising representatives:

Nick, ext. 209 Greg, ext. 201 Kelly, ext. 207 Morgan, ext. 212

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

ROUGE From Page 35 it fourth in the magazine’s “20 Burgers You Must Eat Before You Die” and Oprah featured it among the best burgers in the country. Next Thursday, Zagorski will compete against other “best burger” contenders at the Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami. I don’t think the mini version did it justice, because at the table next to us I could hear Zayas praising his full-size burger as the best in town. Next up was the grilled swordfish. This was my favorite. The swordfish was perfectly moist and flaky, the roasted corn was sweet and crunchy and the roasted tomatoes, crispy shallots and lemon relish with parsley sauce and citrus oil made a wonderful combination. Last but not least was the linecaught fluke with caramelized cauliflower. Swimming in a sweet vermouth sauce with spinach and Granny Smith apples, this was an unlikely combination that worked well. Zagorski’s time at Striped Bass really shines in his seafood dishes. Taking a breather before dessert, I spoke to Zagorski about the new menu and style.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

we had your chicken salads, your omelets. I wanted to bring in something fresh. I went on my honeymoon in December and decided to revamp when I got back. It’s really starting to catch on. PGN: Were the changes inspired by the economy? MZ: Not really. We’ve been pretty lucky; with the location that we’re in and the following we have, we’ve been pretty stable. We’ve been here for 11 odd years, so it’s nice for people to pick up the menu and see something new. I just wanted to improve things. PGN: I have to say I was surprised at how comfortable the place seems. It’s much more laidback than I expected. MZ: That’s something we’ve really worked on. The previous owner wanted to make it someplace really special for people, a place where they would feel important, and sometimes that translated into not being terribly inclusive or welcoming to everyone. It could be a little stiff, but we’ve really tried to turn that around with our staff. I want

everyone to feel welcome and have a top-notch meal. I’ve also begun to add offerings to match certain dietary needs. I get people who call all the time asking what we put into the various dishes. Pretty much everything you see on the menu is what goes into it, so there are no surprises. That’s helpful for people on vegetarian diets as well. After speaking to the chef, we ended our meal with two desserts. I had the flourless warm chocolate cake ($8), a spongy cake filled with gooey chocolate, brushed with powdered sugar and topped with blackberries. It was presented in a mosaic of caramel sauce and raspberry puree that looked like a piece of mod pop art. Chocolatey! My lunch companion had the banana cream pie ($9). The crust was crunchy but not hard, the bananas were melt-in-your-mouth but not soft. It was a perfect ending to a lovely meal. I look forward to going back when the weather breaks and I can people-watch from the outdoor chairs facing Rittenhouse Square. I’ll be the one in flats. ■

PAGE 37

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PGN: What’s the concept behind “Choose Two?” MZ: I wanted to do something so that people could experience a little bit more of the menu at a reasonable price point. We’re also doing something similar at night so that people can try different things. We want to bring more food and more options with the same quality. The menu changes every day: We try to do two soups and things like the burger are always on the menu, but we strive for variety. I wanted to shake things up a bit, the lunch menu was getting a little stale,

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PAGE 38

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Diversions

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

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-year-old boy, through Feb. 22 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 9850420.

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.

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

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 white missionary 30 years later, through Feb. 15, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; (610) 644-3500.

What You Will Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the world premiere of the urban interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” directed by Keith Baker and Broadway choreographer Donald Byrd, through March 1, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; (215) 785-0100.

Dying City Amaryllis Theatre Company presents the Philadelphia premiere of a dark drama about the personal and political fallout of war by out Pulitzer Prize ﬁnalist Christopher Shinn, through Feb. 22 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, through Feb. 28 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 665-9720. My Name is Asher Lev Arden Theatre Company

Music classical THANK YOU FOR BEING A FIEND: The Dumpsta Players unleash their latest entertaining assault on good taste with “Golden Girls Gone Wild,” a drag-queen, genderbending take on the beloved sitcom, at 11 p.m. Feb. 18 at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St. For more information, visit www.dumpstaplayers.org or call (215) 545-4511. Photo: Tom Sheeder Jr. 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. 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 the University of Pennsylvania presents a comedy set in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance, through Feb. 28 at Prince Music Theatre, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-9700. The Philly Fan Act II Playhouse presents the popular one-man show starring Tom McCarthy, Feb. 17-March 1, 56 E. Butler Ave.; (215) 654-0200. The Prayer Kareem Rogers Productions presents a show about a man on his journey to ﬁnd happiness, his purpose and

the meaning of life, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. 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 event, through Feb. 22 at the Mainstage at The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 5688079. Resurrection Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a new

Brahms: Ein Deutshes Requim The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia presents a performance by the Choral Arts Society at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. A Celebration of Ol’ Blue Eyes Peter Nero and the Philly Pops presents Frank Sinatra songs at 3 p.m. Feb. 15, 21 and 22 and at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 and 20 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Plácido Domingo The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia presents a recital with the worldrenowned tenor at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Music other

Ben Folds The bandleader and pianist performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (215) 627-1332. Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant The solo R&B stars and New Edition members team up to perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650. Rufus Wainwright The out singing sensation performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble The colorful Mardi Grasinﬂuenced group performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710. Jann Klose The out singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 19 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710.

Exhibits

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

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Notices 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. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

Delaware River, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; (215) 4138631. Chelsea Hotel: An Artist’s Memoir The Sol Mednick Gallery presents a photographic exhibition by Linda Troeller, through March 6 at The University of the Arts Terra Hall, 211 S. Broad St.; (215) 717-6300. Circling Cartography Proximity Gallery presents a new series of works by Marie DesMarais, through Feb. 28, 2434 E. Dauphin St.; (267) 825-2949. Eli VandenBerg The out artist exhibits drawings from two series: “Passing,” which explores gender transition, and “Place and Home,” which focuses on discovering and rediscovering origins, through Feb. 27 at the William Way LGBT Community Center’s Art Gallery, 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220. 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) 4093500. InSights: Devon Dikeou — Marilyn Monroe Wanted to be Buried in Pucci The Galleries at Moore presents a mixed-media installation by New Yorkbased artist Dikeou through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 9654027.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS Landscape: Terrestrial and Extra-Terrestrial Twenty-Two Gallery presents an exhibition of “spacescape” paintings by Jerome Schwartz, through March 8, 236 S. 22nd St.; (215) 7721911.

PGN

PAGE 39

Pick

Books

CA Conrad The author of “The Book of Frank” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.

A Maine Island Life Allens Lane Art Center presents an exhibition of new photographs by David Graham, through Feb. 20, 601 W. Allens Lane; (215) 248-0546.

The Erotic Literary Salon L’Etage hosts a place to exchange information on erotic works, favorite authors, Web sites, blogs or original erotica, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Beau Monde, 624 S. Sixth St.; (215) 592-0656.

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.

Bryan Burrough The author of “The Big Rich: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Texas Oil Fortunes” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

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 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

Day at 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Cabaret Catch “Imperfect Moments: Mapplethorpe and Censorship Twenty Years Later,” from 9:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania, 118 S. 36th St. Two decades ago, the institute organized an exhibition called “The Perfect Moment” by out photographer/artist Robert Mapplethorpe. The show fell victim to public outcry against government sponsorship of “obscene” art when Washington’s Corcoran Gallery of Art canceled its stop on the tour, fearing negative repercussions and possible impact on National Endowment for the Arts appropriations. Today, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative at The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage will host a symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of Mapplethorpe’s exhibition with worldrenowned artists, critics and scholars examining the legacy of the 1990s culture wars on the arts. For more information, visit www.icaphila.org/events/mapplethorpe or call (215) 898-7108.

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 multi-sensory, interactive environment, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027.

Film

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Jacques Demy’s award-

winning 1964 musical is screened at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223. Singles Anti-Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt Saturday Meet Market Adventures hosts a competitive hunt for fun and sometimes racy items at 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at Rum Bar Lounge and Restaurant, 2005 Walnut St.; (877) 668-6338. Casablanca The 1942 Hollywood classic is screened at 2 p.m. Feb. 15 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Sing-along Mama Mia! Hiway Theater hosts a screening of the hit movie musical in a special singalong format with Philly’s own Chumley and Carlota Ttendant leading the festivities, 7 p.m. Feb. 15, 212 Old York Road, Jenkintown; (215) 886-9800. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist The 2008 queer-friendly comedy is screened at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington The 1939 classic about an idealistic new senator is screened for President’s

Cupid’s Burlesque Show Miss Shady Pines hosts a bevy of drag queens in an old-fashioned burlesque show, 7 p.m.-midnight Feb. 14 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St.; (215) 731-9255. Golden Girls Gone Wild! The Dumpsta Players conjure up another twisted show at 11 p.m. Feb. 18 at Bob and Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; (215) 545-4511. Eddie Bruce: A Salute to Tony Bennett The out bandleader performs a tribute to the music of Bennett, through Feb. 22 at Morgan’s Cabaret at The Prince Music Theatre, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 569-9700.

Etc.

3 Dollar Bill Dance Party The dance party open to all kinds kicks off at midnight Feb. 14 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 2221710. Speaker’s Panel on Homophobia and Heterosexism Dunning Coaches’ Center hosts a panel discussion about homophobia in athletics with a Q&A session to follow, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 231 S. 33rd St.; (215) 573-4025. ■

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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worth watching:

is struggling with his assignment to uncover information on the Dollhouse. Starring Eliza Dushku, who played the gender-bending vampire Faith in “Buffy.” 9 p.m. on FOX. SATURDAY Big Eden In this heartwarming romantic comedy, Henry, a successful New York City artist, returns to his rural hometown of Big Eden, Mont., after learning that his grandfather suffered a stroke. When he runs into Dean, his high-school best friend and first great love, he discovers that Dean is now divorced and finally showing interest in Henry. With Arye Gross, Eric Schweig and Louise Fletcher. 10 a.m. on Logo. Saving Face Alice Wu directs this film about Wil, a 28-year-old New Yorker whose life is a juggling act between a promising career as a surgeon and her responsibilities as a dutiful daughter and girlfriend to Vivian, a gorgeous dancer. Like the 7 train she takes to visit her Chinese family on a weekly basis, Wil is perpetually in transit between two worlds. With the exquisite Joan Chen and Michelle Krusiec. 6 p.m. on Logo. SUNDAY Amazing Race The new season debuts with a fantastic group of contestants, including a deaf man and gay activist Dr. Mel White and his gay son Mike. 8 p.m. on CBS.

LOOKING SHARP: “Ugly Betty” is going on hiatus on March 19, so get your fill now with this Fashion Week-inspired episode in which Betty copes with putting on a show for a bizarre new designer named Heinrich — who, by the looks of things, well deserves his reputation. 8 p.m. Feb. 19 on ABC. Photo: ABC/David Giesbrecht FRIDAY Kinsey Bill Condon wrote and directed this compelling biopic about the pioneering sex researcher Alfred Kinsey. Kinsey’s 1948 publication “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male” was one of the first works to address sexual behavior, and he developed the scale that rates sexual orientation from heterosexual to homosexual. Liam Neeson stars as Kinsey, Laura Linney is his long-suffering wife (Linney was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar) and Chris O’Donnell and Peter Sarsgaard play his researchers and partners. Lynn Redgrave appears in a cameo role as an older lesbian. 7:30 p.m. on IFC.

Dollhouse The much-anticipated premiere of Joss Whedon’s (“Buffy, the Vampire Slayer”) new series. The Dollhouse is a very secret, and very illegal, place where wishes come true. Clients with the right connections and enough money can hire “actives,” people who have been programmed to perfectly fulfill the needs and desires of their clients. The actives have chosen, for their own reasons, to surrender their bodies. Echo is one of the “actives” in the elite and illegal Dollhouse. Through different personality downloads, she plays the role of a lovestruck girl on a romantic weekend and then a ruthlessly efficient kidnapping negotiator. Meanwhile, FBI agent Paul Ballard

Desperate Housewives Orson is exceedingly unhappy with Bree. No news there. Except this time it’s because she has taken over her gay son Andrew’s life and is buying him everything he ever wanted — like his hubby-to-be. 9 p.m. on ABC. The L Word Jenny’s new script sells while Bette and Kelly make business plans. Jamie plays a third-wheel crush to Alice and Tasha. The girls test Dylan’s authenticity, and meanwhile Jenny intrudes on Shane’s rights. 9 p.m. on Showtime. Brothers & Sisters Last week Saul had an argument with Kevin and Scotty about his new boyfriend, Henry, before Kitty’s baby shower. Saul said he didn’t want to be marginalized as the gay member of the family, since only the gay men were invited to the baby shower. But then Saul showed up with Henry. They met

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

at the symphony. Now Kevin and Scotty and Saul and Henry will be hanging out together — while the women have all the sex. 10 p.m. on ABC. The United States of Tara Tara turns into her teenage personality “T” and steals her own car. While Max and Charmaine decide to chase after her, Marshall is left at home and decides to throw a party to (hopefully) win the love of his crush, Jason. 10 p.m. on Showtime. MONDAY House A priest who runs a homeless shelter sees a bleeding Jesus hovering at his doorstep. House takes on the case and the team

soon learns the priest had been involved in a molestation scandal that caused him to lose his faith. When the patient’s condition takes a drastic turn for the worse, House grapples with his past and his belief in the “Unfaithful.” 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. Six 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

Queer TV you can always see: All My Children Bianca’s sister, Kendall (Alicia Minshew), has come out of her coma to discover that her husband, Zach, donated the sperm for Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Reese’s (Tamara Braun) baby. Reese tries talking to Kendall, but it only makes things worse. Kendall tells Zach that seeing the couple is a constant reminder of what she considers his betrayal of her. She wants them out. Yesterday. Bianca and Reese are getting married on Valentine’s Day, so they are shocked when Zach asks them to move out just days before the wedding. Reese is sure it’s about the baby, but Zach lies. Later, Kendall tells Greenlee she doesn’t trust Reese. Will the wedding go on as planned? Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. on ABC. As the World Turns Luke (Van Hansis) is head over heels for Noah (Jake Silbermann), and has been for two years. Noah loves him too. They’ve been sleeping together for weeks and Luke wants to take it to the next level — living together. They had a cute conversation about Valentine’s Day gifts in which Noah told Luke not to buy him that wonderful jacket and goes on and on describing it (see — he’s gay! — he likes clothes). But Luke has a better idea — an apartment. Whoa!

Slow down there, fella. Noah, ever Mr. Pragmatism, says they aren’t ready yet. Luke is crushed. These two just can’t help causing trouble for each other. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS. Martha Martha Stewart isn’t queer, but no one has a gayer sensibility (or gayer friends — Tim Gunn, anyone?). Great food and great ideas with intriguing and/or cute guests. Check out videos of the show at marthastewart.com. Martha will be on Letterman Feb. 13 (11:35 p.m.) with Valentine’s Day ideas. Monday-Friday, 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 ellen. warnerbros.com. MondayFriday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show Smart and savvydeconstruction from the only out lesbian to host a political talk show. Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC. 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.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009 so not a good thing. 10 p.m. on ABC. RuPaul’s Drag Race The queens are tested on their multimedia prowess as they show off their talents as newscaster, product spokesperson and talkshow host to RuPaul and guest judge Debra Wilson of MADtv. 10 p.m. on Logo. TUESDAY American Idol Must-watch, train-wreck TV. This season might be the best yet. Watch for the sexy guy from Puerto Rico, Jorge Nunez. 8 p.m. on FOX. Nip/Tuck Two lesbian characters on one great show. Tonight, Christian relates to a patient with a unique condition whilst Sean pursues a new relationship. 10 p.m. on FX. WEDNESDAY American Idol The competition continues. 8 p.m. on FOX.

New Adventures of Old Christine Lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes makes this must-see TV. 8 p.m. on CBS. Lie to Me Tim Roth is sensational as the dark lie-detector specialist Dr. Cal Lightman. The team tries to prevent the assassination of a South Korean ambassador at a state wedding, but when someone else is shot Lightman reveals some of his own personal secrets to identify the assassin. 9 p.m. on FOX. Lost The best drama series on TV since “The Wire” has returned, more complicated and nervewracking than ever. With Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lily and Terry O’Quinn. 9 p.m. on ABC. 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 one more episode after tonight, the chefs cook for restaurateur Emeril Lagasse for a chance to be in the final challenges, but an unexpected twist will winnow the herd a little more than is expected. 10 p.m. on Bravo. THURSDAY Ugly Betty How gay can we be? Fashion Week brings chaos to the Modies, as Betty copes with simultaneously putting on a show for a bizarre new designer named Heinrich and an assignment from YETI to partner up with Matt, who works at a sports magazine, to learn about each other’s jobs. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina fears she’s lost her edge in the fashion world because she’s been spending too much time (playing dominatrix) with Conner. Daniel tries giving Molly a makeover, and a new member of the Mode team makes a dramatic entrance. 8 p.m. on ABC. Hell’s Kitchen The fifth season may be the best yet. Gordon Ramsay seems to be enjoying beating up his chefs more than ever. His nemesis, Colleen, who teaches cooking but never went to culinary school, just missed getting axed last week because the gorgeous and super-brave Ji injured her ankle and had to withdraw. Ramsay was so sad to see her go that he let her keep her chef’s jacket as a sign of her bravery. Meanwhile, the lesbian chef, LA, is one of the most solid of the women’s team, as is Pennsylvania’s own Andrea. Expect more beating-up of Colleen and Robert, the 400pound chef. 9 p.m. on FOX.

FATHER/SON BONDING: The 14th season of the globetrotting reality game show “The Amazing Race” kicks off with gay-rights activist, writer and pastor Mel White, 68, and his son Mike, 38, competing for the million-dollar prize. 8 p.m. Feb. 15 on CBS. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS

Grey’s Anatomy Where is the scorecard? Last week’s episode ended with Callie (Sara Ramirez) crying in the bathroom of the bar after a particularly trying day — and another lost possibility of romance with Sadie (Melissa George). So who follows her to the loo but Dr. Arizona (Jessica Capshaw). Dr. A wants Callie to know that all that talk about her isn’t all bad — people really like and respect her. Like who? asks Callie. And then Dr. A kisses her. Let’s hope blonde No. 3 is the charm for the lesbian-wannabe of Seattle Grace. 9 p.m. on ABC. ■

PAGE 41

Q on the tube: Still not OK to be gay By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor When Katy Perry sang “I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked It),” she might have been singing TV’s latest anthem. Women are kissing all over the tube these days. So why is it still not OK to be gay? Attractive women kissing has always been titillating to straight men and therefore acceptable in a way gay men kissing has not. Certain factors must apply, of course: The women must be pretty, sexy and preferably young, although a hot cougar works too. And the women must at least give the implication of bisexuality (that is, open to men joining in the fun) and not definitively lesbian. For two weeks, ABC has been promoting the upcoming wedding of Bianca and Reese on “All My Children.” The promo ads don’t just run during daytime; they also run during prime time. The scenes in the promos are of Bianca and Reese walking down the aisle together, Bianca and Reese kissing and — wait for it — Reese kissing Bianca’s brother-in-law, Zach. What’s the message here? Tune in to the first legal lesbian wedding in TV history and see one of the brides-to-be kiss her soonto-be brother-in-law? For months CBS was working the gay storyline between Luke and Noah on “As the World Turns.” Yet at no point was there promotion of Luke and Noah kissing or deciding it was finally time to have sex. Even though Noah has a bisexual past, just like Reese, while Luke and Bianca are gay, the same rules do not apply with men. Because it’s still not OK to be gay on TV. There have been gay scenes between men on prime time, notably “The Wire,” “The Shield,” “Prison Break” and “ER.” There were gay rape scenes on “The Shield” and “Oz.” Interestingly, all the actual sex scenes involved men of color — black and Latino — and more than half of the characters were criminals. On “Brothers & Sisters” and “Desperate Housewives,” there are established middle-class white gay couples. But these men are as de-sexualized as can be. Occasionally Kevin and Scotty kiss on “Brothers & Sisters” and they are legally married, but there’s no lovemaking, no sexual intimacy. Yet the other members of the cast are regularly hopping in and out of bed together. On “Desperate Housewives,” one gay character is allegedly a former gay porn star. But he couldn’t be less sexual in his on-screen scenes, even though he’s young and about to marry his boyfriend. Viewers are told he’s sexual but never see it. But the same show has shown intergenerational heterosexual sex among several couples with no apparent problem. TV likes to be on the cutting edge and push the envelope. Few series have pushed more envelopes than “The Shield” and “The Wire.” Yet even on those shows, the gay characters had a serious dark side that marginalized them as real gay people with real gay lives. Meanwhile, lesbian characters, with the exception of those on “The L Word,” seem to have flexible sexual orientations. Few, with the exception of Ellen and Bianca, have been lesbians throughout their tenure on their respective shows. And Ellen’s character didn’t come out as a lesbian on her sitcom until the show had been on for several seasons. Bianca has yet to be involved with another woman who wasn’t bisexual. What is clear is that queer relationships are still new to TV and still unsure of their footing. If a storyline is front-burner, as the Bianca/Reese or Luke/Noah storylines have been, are straight viewers turned off by the amount of time devoted to queer characters? That seems to be the question networks/cable are asking. The question LGBT viewers have for the networks/cable is this: When will prime time and daytime accept men being openly gay and intimate with each other as part of the panoply of sexuality on TV dramas? When will they accept lesbians who aren’t going to be straight in the next episode? When will it truly be OK to be gay on the tube, rather than just a phase a character is going through? ■

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations

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) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 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.

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. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing 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) 2223871. Spanish/English. 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,

Key numbers ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851

520 W. Fourth St., 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.

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

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513

■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

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

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

■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330. ■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW ■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities:

■ 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)

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) 587-9933. 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 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. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219. 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

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009 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. Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509. 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. 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. 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. 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) 250-1548; www.wexist.org.

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.

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.

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.

African Asian Latina Lesbians United Social-issues discussion group meets fourth Thursday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.

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.

Expressions Women’s Space Lesbian singles, family and coming-out groups meet at 1538 Church St.; (215) 535-3600.

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.

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.

Women

Bucks County Lesbian Alliance Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbianalliance.org.

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 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) 4413290. 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: SJLOC-owner@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 thinktank 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) 3480558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, 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.

Send submissions to: pgn@epgn.com or 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.

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

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Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Homebuyers turn frugal to save for down payments By J.W. Elphinstone The Associated Press She’s not ready to audition for the “Top Chef” TV show, but Nicole Nagel’s home cooking is helping her save for a house. The Miami resident is skipping fancy restaurants so she has enough money for a down payment. “I’ve had a lot of bad meals, but they’re sacriﬁces I need to make,” said the 29-year-old marketing manager, who hopes to have $20,000 saved by this summer to buy a two-bedroom condo for $250,000. Americans are saving more than they have in months, new data last week showed. And while that’s bad news for retailers and restaurateurs, it could be good news for the crippled housing market. Many potential homebuyers say they’ve stopped eating out, going to

movies, buying iTunes and other nonessentials to save money for larger down payments that lenders now are demanding. Lenders want buyers with between 20-25 percent of the house price in cash, said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance. Even loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a popular option for ﬁrst-time homebuyers, now require at least 3.5-percent down, up from 3 percent last year. “Everybody in America better be saving if they want to buy a house these days,” Cecala said. And they’re starting to. The personal savings rate rose to 3.6 percent in December and averaged 1.7 percent for 2008, the government said last Monday. That’s nearly three times the 2007 rate and far above the sevendecade low of 0.4 percent in 2004 — when lenders were wheeling

and dealing in no-money-down mortgages. Of course, many people are saving anew because they are worried about losing their jobs or because the stock market has obliterated their retirement accounts. Aspiring homebuyers should also get a little financial boost from Uncle Sam. Last week, the Senate passed a plan to give homebuyers a tax credit of 10 percent of the value of new or existing homes, up to a $15,000 limit. The program, if added to the economic stimulus package, would replace a temporary $7,500 credit for first-time homebuyers that was passed last summer. ChaVonne Gilzean of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., is crossing her fingers for a bigger tax credit, but she still needs some time to put away $4,200 by October to buy

a $100,000 townhouse using an FHA loan. That means no new earrings or shoes. No iTunes either, said the 26-year-old health administrator. She also plans to pay off her $2,700 credit-card debt with her tax refund. And she has set up two automatic monthly transfers into her savings account. “I did it so it wouldn’t hurt so bad,” Gilzean said with a laugh. Despite the daily deprivations, some savers have discovered some unexpected advantages to less lavish living. Jeff and Jaime LaMore said they’re happier now because they don’t ﬁght about money anymore. “It’s a marriage booster,” said Jeff, a 34-year-old computerreports writer in Roswell, Ga. “It puts things in perspective and you don’t dread the rainy days.” The couple overhauled their

finances last summer after plans to build a home without a down payment failed. “We were frustrated with ourselves,” said Jaime, a 31year-old dental assistant. “We were making six figures together and we couldn’t figure out where the money was going.” They put themselves on a $300 weekly budget. They traded nights on the town for weekends hiking with their dog, and restaurants for dinner parties at home. So far, they’ve paid off their credit cards and are squirreling away between $300 and $800 each week. They expect to put down at least 20 percent, if not more, on a $350,000 house in nine months. And after that, the LaMores are going to work on living debt-free. Says Jeff: “I don’t see us using a credit card ever again.” ■

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

Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Age of property: 175 years Cost: $299,900 Realtor: Conrad Kuhn Real Estate Co: Weichert Realtors Phone: 856-227-1950 ext. 124 Direct: 609-221-1196 Web site: www.conradkuhn.com

This charming home is located on one of the most convenient and photographed streets in Philadelphia. Completely renovated kitchen with access to huge outdoor space. Sold fully w/tasteful furnishings. Perfect for ﬁrst-time buyer.

Check your ad

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Washington Square West

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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

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Placing Classiﬁeds Liner Ads In Person: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, By Phone or on the Web: 24 Hours, 7 Days

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Real Estate

APRIL 18 - 24, 2008

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

VENTNOR, NJ PA (HEIGHTS) WALLINGFORD, HISTORIC House & adjacent lot (swimming pool). Circa 1737 3-Story Stone Colonial down a pri-5 Bedroom, Kitchen, Dinvate lane on2abath, large,Laundry secludedRm, lot! Unbelievable ing Room, Sunfront room great room. Living charm! Beautiful and&rear covered porches r-2 room, andfloors! lowerLarge & Upper decks.many 2ndcloswith brick bedrooms, bedrooms, bath, great sunBeautiful room, & ets, beamed1ceilings and 2 firoom, replaces! r.thoughout! 3 bedrooms, bath, room, deck fl1st wood oors Pond with living stream and foyer,area. diningLarge area, 2+ kitchen, laundry room,over and patio car stone garage deck. Central Air. Swarthmore Call 215-468-9166 spring! Wallingford Schools!after Close6 pm. $950,000.00. to downtown Media and Swarthmore, and 5 _______________________________32-17 minutes to I95 and I476. One of a kind home! REHOBOTH BEACH, DE Call 610-876-6678. 14 x 17 with 11 x 25 add. Many improv. 3 BR, _______________________________33-07 1.5 BA. Sht. dist. to beach. Ask $62,900. Call FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION 302-644-3331, lv. mess.&orMore 302-381-2797. Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, 500+ homes _______________________________32-16 Must Be Sold! REDC/Free Brochure 800-756PASSYUNK SQUARE 2144 USHomeAuction.com Spectacularly rehabbed townhome w/ beauti_______________________________33-07 ful h/wCountyoors &Keating magnicently styled and Potter Twp. 17 acresliving borders diningforest roomwith through to largetoEIK outtted state direct access snowmobile with granite counterclose tops,towood trails. Perc, electric, trout cabinets, streams, dishwasher, and stainless Second $72,900. Owner financing.appliances. 800-668-8679. oor features two spacious bedrooms and _______________________________33-07 huge bath boasts custom tiled shower,2 extra Florida Land Bargain of the Century! acre deep soaking tub. Nestled in quickly growing waterfront homesite only $69,900. (appraised Passyunk Square. Call Reggie @ Century at $169,900) Private, gated community with21 2 Newport Realty (215) 752-7660. recreational lakes. Municipal water & sewer. _______________________________32-17 Low taxes. Just 90 minutes to Orlando! ExcelHouse $315K lent financing.Open Call now 1-866-352-2249 x2183. Fabulous Grad Hosp 2BR FLlandbargains.com 728 S Smedley St, 19146 _______________________________33-07 Sun 4/20 1-3pm WATERFRONT PROPERTY _______________________________32-16 Oriental North Carolina Waterfront commuBank Repos & Foreclosures! 1-4 on bedroom nity. Price rollback. Save up to 20% home Homes $25,000! Great Locations! Paysites in from waterfront community with marina, menthouse, from $199/month! For listings & Informaclub swimming pool and tennis. Bank 800-604-8363. fition nancing. Dawson Creek 1-800-566-5263 _______________________________32-16 carolinawaterfront.com NEW Single-Family homes in active adult (55 _______________________________33-07 plus) community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, Adirondack Wholesale Acerage 141 AcresTroneardeer Beach and Bays. From $99,000. 302-659phy Area WAS: $169,900 NOW: $99,900. 5800 or see www.bonayrehomes.com 88 Acres w/ Large pond WAS: $159,900 NOW: _______________________________32-16 $119,900. 30 Acres- ADK Bass Pond WAS: 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo $45,000! $89,900 NOW: $69,900. 81 only AcresNear Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20 Salmon River/ Pulaski $99,900. Beautiful aceryearsprices @8%apr. Forlow. listings 800-604-8363. age, at 15yr Financing Available. _______________________________32-16 Christmas & Associates 800-229-7843 www. landandcamps.com _______________________________33-07

SALE

White Star Lending Group, Inc. Home Mortgage Rates zero points APR 5.760%

Lingo: Lingo: 302-227-3883 302-227-3883

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zero points APR 5.765%

(267) 341-1066 Direct Phone 6737 Harbison Avenue (267) 341-1067 Direct Fax Philadelphia, PA 19149 (800) 559-2514 Toll Free Enjoy the comforts of home. The Ultimate in Lifestyle. Convenient to Routes 38, 76,x1066 70, (215)all333-5200 Main I-676 New JerseyMain turnpike from robustmjenofsky@fpms.com downtown Philadelphia, (215)the 333-6012 Faxand 295. Just minutesEmail: 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. · · · · ·

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NORTHERN LIBERTIES 1006 N. 5TH, UNIT 1 – 1BR, 1 1⁄2 bath bi-level condo w/central air $239,500 Alison Ermilio OLD CITY 244-48 N. 3rd, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking included $225,000 Kera Ritter SPRING GARDEN 1601 Spring Garden ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $179,900 Janis Dubin

Rates have

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SALE

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HOMES FROM $10,000! MONTANA LAND BARGAINS Foreclosures for sale! 1-4 bedrooms available! 20AC with Utilities & Country Road was These homes must sell! For Listings Call 800- $99,900 Now $69,900 BLM access. Deer & 706-1762 ext. 6888. elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. _______________________________32-16 WesternSkiesLand.com ATTENTION OUTDOORMEN _______________________________32-16 NYS Old Scout Camp 15 Ac on Lake- $39,900 Licensed by PAGOLF Dept.SIDE of Banking SC HOME#16701 NEW CABINS- $19,900 Fishing & Hunting off Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. limits until now! A sportsman’s dream. Limited Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave time offer- call now! Christmas & Associates 602-758-9062. 800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line HERKIMER, NY 94.4 Acre dairy farm. 4 bedroom house, 85 near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some stall cow barn, 4100’ paved road frontage. open area, includes old hunting cabin, Great views, open elds. $236,000. www. electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. 800-668-8679. helderbergrealty.us 518-861-6541. _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16

There are easier ways to get noticed...

Real Estate Directory

CLASSIFIEDS

g l de enin o M Op d an www.philarealtyexchange.com r G RITTENHOUSE

2025 CHANCELLOR ST –(Whanamaker House) 3 br, 2.5 bth Townhouse comes w/ rooftop pool, fitness center, deeded parking, hw floors, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances and 24hr door man, plus much, much more $875,000 Alison Ermilio 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ -2 br/den. 2 bth, newly renovated, with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perno 1541 S. 31ST – 3 br, 1 bath, newer kitchen w/granite countertops, c/a, finished basement $99,000 Janis Dubin UNIVERISITY CITY 209 Saint Marks Sq- 6br,2.5bth porch front w/huge backyard, c/a, w/d, wood floors and high ceilings. $639,000 Janis Dubin

1305 Spruce St. TH1A New Listing, Great 2 room condo w/ unique custom touches. Gourmet S/S & granite kitchen, marble bath, hi ceilings, wood ﬂoors and low fees.................................................A Steal @ $225,000.00 242 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 � City location with the finest features 1222 Spruce St. Unit #3. Large, bright contemporary located in the haert a suburban townhome of Washington Sq. West.of Brand new everything. Low fees and taxes make this condo. A true must see............................................$350,000.00 � 2-3 Bedroom homes with garages 238 S. 13th St. Unit G100. “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden level to 1,710Low sq.fees ft.) from low $300’s 1 bd, 1 ba. unit w/ private(up enterance.. & Tax the Abatement. Lowest price one bedrm. in Wash. Sq. West.......................................$200,000.00 �

3 Bedroom homes with garages 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (up to 3,400 sq. ft.) from the mid $500’s

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

� Deck3or each home This newer move-in condition bd,balcony 2 1/2 ba.with townhouse comes with (4) four car parking. The extra deep lot runs through to Olive St. A large deck 10 year andAvenue rear garden off the�kitchen willtax addabatement to your living enjoyment. See this Schoolhouse Lane & Ridge before it is gone.....................Realistically priced only $425,000.00 East Falls one Free Center Shuttle 507 S. 15th St. Cute 2 �bd., 2 ba. home City located in the Rittenhouse Square 215.844.8888area. Full basement and side garden. Lowest price in the area. .................. FOR RENT .......................................................................A steal at only $250,000.00 1006 N. 5th ST #1-1br,1.5 baths, bi-level condo in Northern Liberties $1300 mo Alison Ermilio

Brewerytown Square B 215.765-2800 Brand New 2-3 Bedroom Townhomes with Garages Up to 1,700 sq. ft. From the Mid $200’s Tour our Decorated Models Free Center City Shuttle

711 S. 18th ST-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parking spaces, great space $2,000 mo Kera Ritter 3512 BARING ST – Res apartments, utilities included in rent starting at $950 mo Kera Ritter 3722 CALUMET ST- 3bR, landscaped patio, new appliances, c/a, w/d $2,000 mo Janis Dubin R E W E R Y TO W N 2349 DICKINSON St- Clean modern 4 bedroom house pet friendly $950 mo Janis Dubin 4030 W. GIRARD AVE-Huge Storefront retail space, $1,500 mo Kera Ritter 1613 LOMBARD ST Brand new everything working fp $2500 mo Kera Ritter 2314 REED St- 2 bedrooms- 2 Units-wood ﬂoors, new kit, exposed brick starting $895 mo Janis Dubin 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ-2br,den, recently renovated, balcony, view of park $3500 mo Tom Gangemi 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $1300 mo Janis Dubin 2015 WALNUT ST-Commercial Storefront in Rittenhouse Sq. $3,000 mo Kera Ritter 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”.

The Villas & Regency

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H P H ITobey LADELPHIA S O U TDan 215.698.4540 The Curtis Center 215.389.9881 170 W. Independence Mall , Suite L-44 A Lifestyle Community for Philadelphia, PA 19106 Adults 55 & Better Spacious New One Floor Living & 215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct Distinctive Townhomes with Garages From the Mid $300’s 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax Up dtobey@cbpref.com to 1,686 sq. ft. From the Mid $300’s Tour our Decorated Models

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CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

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REAL ESTATE

Patricia Kolea Coldwell Banker Preferred 230 Sugartown Road, Wayne, PA 19087 610-975-5900 Ofﬁce 610-517-4306 Cell

REAL ESTATE

SALE

RATES HAVE DROPPED: NOW IS THE TIME TO REFINANCE OR PURCHASE

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

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.

FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

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RITTENHOUSE SQUARE/FITLER SQUARE RITTENHOUSE SQUARE 2050 Pine Street $795,000 REDUCED Towers Miller Design truly 1 of a kind offers 3 plus bedrms, 2 plus baths, library w aluminum slide ladder, gourmet kitchen, wood ﬂoors thro/out, FP CA. Parking available. Germantown $365,000 Schoolhouse Lane Large duplex

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Chandler Pl, 22nd Locust $829,900 Suburban feel in urban setting. Bi-level 3 bedrm, 2 bath traditional home in park like setting with parking. New kitchen,elevator, ﬁreplace, CA. REDUCED FILTER SQUARE 261 S. 24th St. $259,900 SMALL WITH HUGE POTENTIAL

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FEB. 13 - CLASSIFIEDS 19, 2009

r”ra.5 t in 2

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. _______________________________33-07 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. _______________________________33-07 MANAYUNK RETAIL ITALIAN MARKET AREA 1200 s.f. + storage. $2500/mo. Renovated 2nd ﬂ. 2 BR apt., sep. ent., lg. walk in closet, on Main & Grape. 610-647-1776. www. lg. EIK w/modern amen., W/D, C/A, hdwd. ﬂrs. eadeh.com thruout. $950. Call 267-278-1636. _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-09 MANAYUNK Studio apt. $850/mo. + utils. Avail. May. 610647-1776. www.eadeh.com _______________________________32-17 NORTHERN LIBERTIES Cozy 3 story home, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, lg. yard, family PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL beams DISrm./den, laundry in bsmt. LR w/exposed ADS. SUCH &TINCTIONS brick. Hdwd IN rs,ROOMMATE EIK. $1100/mo. + utils. Call NOTATIONSor WILL BE EDITED. THANK 302-761-9500 maria@165girardave.com YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. _______________________________32-17 ___________________________________ GRAD HOSPITAL AREA GREATER NE PHILA. 2 newly renov. 2 BR apts, hdwd rs. 1st fgl. Have in S. a 23rd beautiful split w/rearyour yard,own W/D,bedroom C/A. 1319 St. $650. level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 267-320-9618. full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of _______________________________32-16 kitchen. Property isOLD by Welsh CITY& the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at Bldg, least Castings. Renovated Factory. Condo reasonably andApt. employed. Rent is $600 + Courtyard 1neat Bedrm HW Flrs. W/D, Ctl Air, 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. $1250/mth. Call 215 588-0606. _______________________________33-10 _______________________________32-18 GM sks same to share BR apt. 69th St. U.D. AVENUE OF2THE ARTS W/D. Newly renov. W/W crp. 610-352-1188. Modern 2 bedroom apartment with large liv_______________________________33-09 ing room, large eat-in kitchen, D/W, micro, KENNETT SQUARE ice maker, washer/dryer, central A/C, loaded GM professional seeks to share satellite TV, heat and hotroommate water, all included. home. Callgas Jerry, 484-732-8029. You pay; cooking and electric. Subway _______________________________33-09 and bus at the front door. $1,200 / month. 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a non-smoking building. _______________________________32-18 5SEASONAL bedroom, 2 Baths BankRENTALS Repo only $45,000! Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20 years @8%apr. listings 800-604-8363. OCEANFor CITY, MARYLAND _______________________________32-16 Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial 3 Bedroom foreclosure only $207/month! weeks. CallBank for FREE brochure. Open daily. 4 bedroom, bath home only $238/month! Holiday Real2Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! reservations www.holidayoc.com For listings 800-546-8656 ext. s915. _______________________________33-07 _______________________________32-16 A GREAT VACATION VALUE!!

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ROOMMATES

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Clean, Safe, & only a tank away. America’s Greatest FAMILY Resort Ocean City, NJ 800786-8884 or visit our website www.AcademySEASONAL RENTALS RealEstate.com _______________________________33-07 LOWER CHELSEA ATLANTIC CITY Lovely 3 bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. plus security dep. Call 609-347-8059. _______________________________32-17 REHOBOTH/LEWES 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

VACATION/

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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

Exchange Coordinators Wanted. EF Foundation seeks energetic and motivated representatives to help find homes for int’l exchange students. Commission/travel benefits. Must be 25+. 877-216-1293. _______________________________33-07 EARN EXTRA MONEY WEEKLY! Processing our brochures. Processors Needed NOW! Start Today call 1-800-6213560 Code 19. _______________________________33-07 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. _______________________________33-07 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. _______________________________33-07 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 _______________________________33-07 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 _______________________________33-07 Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies Furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131. _______________________________33-07 Extra Income Mailing Brochures. Weekly pay check! Free 24 hour information 1-888250-8110. _______________________________33-07 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. Call 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09 _______________________________33-07

DISCREET & CONFIDENTIAL LAB TESTING STD, HIV, Wellness ANY LAB TEST NOW! New Direct to Consumer Lab testing facility brings Anonymous, Confidential, Affordable and Convienent Lab Testing to the Philadelphia area. -No Insurance Required -Doctor’s Order Provided -Most Results in 24-48 hrs -Clean and Professional Environment -Visit us on the web at: www.anylabtestnowphilly.com 610-5432211 Mention this Ad and receive $10 off. _______________________________33-07 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 _______________________________33-07 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. FInancial aid if qualified. Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 349-5387. _______________________________33-07

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

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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 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. 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. 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.

Book reviews? Detour.

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

PGN

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.

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. _______________________________33-07 ATTENTION INSURANCE AGENTS Own your own Insurance Agency. Market to the masses. Turnkey system that equals high proﬁts. Leads- training. Call to schedule interview. 1-866-946-4340. _______________________________33-07

PERSONALS Looking for gay computer person to troubleshoot and teach me. I’m in the PA suburbs. drdpelliott@aol.com _______________________________33-07

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 _______________________________33-07

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.norwoodsawmills.com/300n Free information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________33-07 ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! Limited Offer! Power Wheelchairs & Scooters. ACT NOW: 1-800-719-0024. _______________________________33-07

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. _______________________________33-07

ADOPTION 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. _______________________________33-07 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. _______________________________33-07 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. _______________________________33-07 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. _______________________________33-07

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Is it time to look for a new doctor?

APRILFEB. 25 - MAY 1, 2008 13 - 19, 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

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

Individual, Couple & Family Counseling Life & Career Coaching

Speciﬁc Expertise: Grief & Loss Transitions in Life Children / Adolescents with Educational or Emotional Needs Private Pay: Moderate Fee Scale Ofﬁce Location: East Norriton, Montgomery County

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Free Online Personals or fax us at

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FEB. 13 - 19, 2009

Don’t paint yourself into a corner... Hire a professional!

PAGE 49

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this space: only $25 per week*

Your ad dollars go further when you target your audience *when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks

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Looking for customers for your unusual pet sitting business?

PGN

Home Improvement