PGN March 6-12 2009 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Vol. 33 No. 10

Bill prohibiting discrimination introduced in Pennsylvania House

Federal lawsuit challenges DOMA

Mar. 6 - 12, 2009

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.) introduced a bill this week that would ban discrimination against LGBT people in the state. HB 300 would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, housing and employment. Fourteen municipalities across the state, including Philadelphia, currently employ such laws, but nearly 75 percent of the state’s residents are not covered under this legislation. This is the fourth time that an LGBT nondiscrimination bill has been introduced in the state House. Frankel introduced the bill March 4 and it was referred to the House State Government Committee. “It’s time for us in the legislature to take a stand against this kind of discrimination,” Frankel said. “The passage of House Bill 300 would bring our state in line with several of our neighbors who already offer these basic protections to their citizens, and it would establish Pennsylvania as a just, fair and competitive place to live and work.” The legislation was introduced with 79 cosponsors,

the highest level of support a pro-LGBT bill has ever been introduced with. Andy Hoover, legislative director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, noted that his agency is “very encouraged by the record number of legislators who have signed on as cosponsors of this bill and think it is a good sign for future progress.” Frankel introduced the same legislation, HB 1400, in June 2007 with 70 cosponsors, and it eventually garnered 79 cosponsors over the 15 months it was in consideration in the House. The House State Government Committee held a series of public hearings on HB 1400, and Jake Kaskey, policy and outreach coordinator at Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, said individuals across the state have expressed support for extending the state’s nondiscrimination bill to the LGBT community. “This legislation is critical to thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians who are trying to work and have a roof over their heads, and it enjoys substantial support from Pennsylvanians from every corner of the commonwealth,” Kaskey said. “At See DISCRIMINATION, Page 16

Biden discusses green economy By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Vice President Joe Biden was in town last week to discuss how environmentally friendly jobs can help the country’s middle class emerge successfully from the economic crisis. The White House Middle Class Task Force, which Biden chairs, held its ﬁrst meeting at the University of Pennsylvania on Feb. 27. The committee, which is also comprised of top-level administrators such as the secretaries of labor, health and human services, education and commerce, is charged with evaluating the issues faced by middle-class Americans and working with federal agencies to create viable solutions. Joining the vast array of lawmakers and politicians in the audience was a collection of invited business leaders, such as Kate Karasmeighan, chief of staff and director of afﬁliate relations at the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Karasmeighan and Bill Gehrman, president of local LGBT chamber of commerce the Independence

PHILLY GOES GREEN: Vice President Joe Biden (fourth from left) welcomes attendees on Feb. 27 to the first meeting of the White House Middle Class Task Force at the University of Pennsylvania. Biden was joined by task-force members Secretary of Energy Steven Chu (from left); Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis; Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood; Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, as well as local lawmakers U.S. Reps. Chaka Fattah (from right) and Bob Brady and U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter. Kate Karasmeighan (inset, left), chief of staff and director of affiliate relations at the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and Bill Gehrman, president of Philadelphia’s LGBT chamber of commerce the Independence Business Alliance, were See BIDEN, Page 16 among the invited guests. Photos: Scott A. Drake

By Denise Lavoie The Associated Press BOSTON — Gay-rights activists are suing the U.S. government, claiming a federal act that forbids recognition of gay marriage is unconstitutional because it denies access to federal benefits that other married couples receive, such as pensions, health insurance and tax benefits. Gay marriage is legal in Massachusetts and Connecticut, but the federal Defense of Marriage Act forbids U.S. government recognition of same-sex married couples, which makes them, for instance, ineligible to file joint tax returns. There are about a dozen plaintiffs, including the widower of former U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds, the first openly gay member of the House of Representatives. In the case of plaintiff Mary Ritchie, of Massachusetts, she and her spouse say they have paid nearly $15,000 more in taxes than they would have if they had been See DOMA, Page 17

DEFENDING THEIR MARRIAGE: In this May 2004 photo, the late U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds (DMass., left), is seen with Dean Hara on their wedding day in Boston, along with their dog Bonnie. Hara is part of a federal lawsuit challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevented him from collecting any of Studds’ pension. AP Photo: Dean Hara

Porn star testifies in murder trial By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Jurors in the murder trial of a Pennsylvania gay-porn producer heard last week from the porn star investigators say was at the center of the defendant’s motive. Sean Lockhart, who goes by the name Brent Corrigan in porn films, testified Feb. 27 during the murder trial of Harlow Cuadra, 27, accused of killing Bryan Kocis, the Dallas Township owner of Cobra Video, on Jan. 24, 2007. Prosecutors allege that Cuadra stabbed Kocis nearly 30 times and then set his house on fire to cover the evidence. If convicted, Cuadra could face the death penalty. Cuadra’s partner, Joseph Kerekes, 35, was also arrested for the murder, but pleaded guilty in December and

is serving a life sentence. Prosecutors argued that Cuadra and Kerekes plotted to kill Kocis so they could obtain the rights to work with Lockhart, who was locked in a legal battle with Cobra over the trademark of the Corrigan name. During the fourth day of the trial, Lockhart, 22, told the jury, and a standing-room-only crowd in the courtroom, that Cuadra and Kerekes repeatedly pressured him to work for their company. Lockhart testiﬁed that he and his romantic and business partner, Grant Roy, invited Kerekes and Cuadra to the Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas in January 2007. Lockhart said that during dinner, the four were discussing the legal See TRIAL, Page 17

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA NEWS PHILADELPHIA GAY GAY NEWS

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News Editorial 10 International News 18 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

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Home of gay activist Kameny named D.C. landmark

Oscar censorship creates a stir among Asian viewers

“Everybody will be able to appreciate how incredibly signiﬁcant Dr. Kameny is.” – Tersh Boasberg, architectural preservation board chairman

The speeches by actor Sean Penn and writer Dustin Lance Black were altered on the recorded rebroadcast whenever they mentioned “gay” or “lesbian.”

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Publisher

Detour

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

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

For the last decade, Womyns Fest has showcased performances featuring acoustic acts, rock, punk, world music, hip-hop, jazz, Celtic, poetry, dance and performance artists. Page 21

Professional Portraits:

“Watchmen” delivers big on the big screen. To call it a comic-book movie doesn’t do it justice.

Dr. Mark Watkins

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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

12 32 33 36

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

Books

DVDs

Two lesbian intrigues in print and a pair of gay thrillers on DVD Classifieds Directories

mark@epgn.com

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

Comics 30-31 38 Diversions 42 Meeting Place Portraits 31 30 Q Puzzle 29 Scene In Philly Worth Watching 40

Adoption Corner Best Sellers Books/DVDs Ms. Behavior

Mark Segal (ext. 204)

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It’s that time ...

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday morning. Please move gayly forward.

Ms. Behavior

THOMAS GLAVE

On marital aids, The dark side of marriage and Jamaica in “The Torturer’s Wife” civil unions Page 36

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Adoption Corner Charlie and PAWS’ March event calendar Page 12

Poll results from our online survey ending Mar. 4: If you got laid 79% Try to ﬁnd a similar job 14% Change careers off from your 0% Live off my signiﬁcant job tomorrow, other what would 7% Would you llke fries with you do? that?

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

When will the Defense of Marriage Act be repealed?

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.

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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News Briefing

Regional

PFLAG civil suit dismissed

BUSINESS IN BLOOM: Members of the Independence Business Alliance, the city’s LGBT chamber of commerce, enjoyed a members-only preview Feb. 26 of the Philadelphia Flower Show, hosted by IBA corporate investor and Flower Show sponsor PNC Bank. The event drew such guests as Jane Pepper, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (from left); David Huting, vice president of PNC; Bill Mills, president of PNC; and Bill Gehrman, president of IBA. Attendees were treated to a behindthe-scenes tour of this year’s show, themed “Bella Italia,” and also enjoyed a networking reception, buffet and cocktails. The show runs until March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets. Photo: Karen Cornell

Philly man files sexual-harassment suit By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large Steven C. Ellis, a former server, says he was forced out of a job at a local restaurant after complaining about workplace sexual harassment and gender stereotyping — including having his genitals groped and being referred to in feminine terms. Ellis worked as a server at Ruby’s Diner in the King of Prussia Mall from August 2004May 2007, and says he experienced daily mistreatment from members of the kitchen staff and certain managers. He recently ﬁled a federal civil-rights lawsuit against the restaurant chain, claiming his alleged mistreatment was so severe, it caused medical problems and has impeded his ability to function in society. “[Ellis] experienced orchestrated and constant discrimination and retaliation — all under the watchful eye of his supervisors and coworkers,” the suit alleges. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Thomas N. O’Neill Jr. Carolyn Hamamchian, a spokesperson for Ruby’s Diner Inc., based in Newport Beach, Calif., declined to comment about the speciﬁcs of Ellis’ allegations. “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on pending litigation,” Hamamchian stated in an e-mail. “However, it is important to note that as a company, Ruby’s Diner has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind.” Kitchen staff routinely referred to Ellis as “Stephanie,” often within earshot of customers, causing him great embarrassment, his suit maintains. His name also was listed

as “Stephanie” on a restaurant display board that listed each worker’s duties for a particular shift, according to his lawsuit. Ellis, 30, of the Kensington section, followed the speciﬁed protocol for ﬁling complaints about the alleged mistreatment, but his complaints were not addressed effectively, the suit alleges. “Complaints to management did not effect a change in the staff,” states the allegation. When kitchen staff learned of Ellis’ complaints, his food orders were prepared in an inferior manner, causing his customers inconvenience and decreasing their incentive to tip him generously, according to the lawsuit. In addition to having his genitals groped, Ellis experienced other types of unwanted touching by coworkers, and was subjected to “crude and suggestive comments and pejorative name-calling” that cast doubt on his manhood, the complaint states. His complaints resulted in ostracism and being branded as a “troublemaker.” Other forms of retaliation included having his work hours reduced and being encouraged to transfer to a less desirable work location, according to Ellis’ lawsuit. In May 2007, after a particularly upsetting episode of being towel-slapped by kitchen staff, Ellis attended a meeting with management to discuss his concerns, he alleged. However, managers at the meeting allegedly displayed a lack of sensitivity to Ellis — to the point where Ellis actually feared for his physical safety and left the meeting, according to his lawsuit. “Plaintiff felt threatened of a potential

physical altercation,” states the complaint. After that incident, Ellis was placed on paid administrative leave for about two months while upper-level management investigated his allegations of sexual harassment and gender stereotyping. After about two months, Ellis was informed by supervisors that his complaints were unsubstantiated and he was ordered back to work, but at an alternate location. Ellis declined to work at the other location, saying he viewed the transfer as punitive. Additionally, some of his alleged harassers worked at the alternate location, and his pay there wouldn’t have been commensurate with that of the King of Prussia location, according to his lawsuit. His employment ended after he declined to work at the alternate location. Citing a hostile work environment, Ellis sought medical treatment for severe anxiety and depression, for which he continues to be treated. His symptoms include mood swings, headaches, heart palpitations, panic attacks and sleeplessness, according the suit. Ellis is seeking punitive and compensatory damages, including compensation for loss of income, loss of beneﬁts, loss of training, loss of promotions, loss of seniority and court costs and fees. At press time, O’Neill had not issued a scheduling order for the litigation and attorneys for Ruby’s Diner Inc. hadn’t responded to Ellis’ allegations in legal papers, according to court documents. ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 6258501 ext. 208.

Last week, a judge in Johnstown dismissed a civil suit filed by a former president of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays against the Johnstown chapter and other individuals. John DeBartola, a former Johnstown PFLAG president, filed a suit against the chapter’s current board and two area residents, accusing them of defamation. Following a Feb. 23 hearing, Judge Michael Muslin issued DeBartola a letter stating the case had been “dismissed without prejudice,” signaling that DeBartola could re-file the charges. The PFLAG board removed DeBartola as president last year following controversy over a drag show he spearheaded. DeBartola said two lesbians from Johnstown, Lisa Richardson and Melissa Folta, claimed that the show was going to parody a fight the two had, although the allegations never proved true. DeBartola alleges the couple continued to make such charges in advance of other drag shows he was involved with. DeBartola began his own chapter of PFLAG in nearby Altoona after he was ousted as president, but the national PFLAG eventually shut down the organization because, according to PFLAG executive director Jody Huckaby, it “did not fit with the goals and mission of PFLAG.” DeBartola later had his membership in the PFLAG Johnstown chapter revoked and his registration fees returned to him by PFLAG national. In the civil suit, DeBartola had asked for $100 from the involved parties and an apology. DeBartola, Folta and PFLAG Johnstown president Shirley Gardill testified during the hearing. “All I basically wanted out of this hearing was for these people who wronged me to acknowledge that so that I can move on with my life,” DeBartola said. He said he was unsure if he would proceed with any further action against the chapter.

Softball league gets underway Philadelphia’s LGBT softball association, the City of Brotherly Love Softball League, will hold its annual spring-training event from noon-4 p.m. March 7 at Palumbo Recreation Center, 10th and Fitzwater streets. Anyone interested in playing in this year’s league, whether new or returning members, is encouraged to attend. CBLSL has men’s, women’s and co-ed teams for players of all levels of experience. For more information, visit www.cblsl. org. See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 22

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Pride organizers converge on Philly By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer More than 100 organizers of LGBT pride events from along the East Coast will head to Philadelphia to take in the sights, sounds and stories of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection during the 2009 Northeast Regional Pride Conference, an annual gathering of area pride directors, March 13-15. NERP is a geographic subdivision of InterPride, an international association of LGBT pride organizers. Franny Price, president of Philly Pride Presents, the host organization for the conference, said she expects about 125 pride coordinators who represent LGBT organizations from Maine to Washington, D.C., to attend. Philly Pride Presents won the bid to host the 2009 conference two years ago, and Price said plans have been in the works for the event since then. The conference is an opportunity for the representatives to network and learn what other organizations are doing, but it also gives the host city a unique opportunity to present its LGBT life to the visitors. The organization decided to design the conference along the same lines as the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation’s LGBT tourism campaign “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife

Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, who will speak about what gay life may have been like in the 1700s. Throughout the weekend, attendees can also compete in the Gayborhood Crawl, during which they will be given a map of the Gayborhood and its hot spots and encouraged to collect as many signatures as possible from individuals at the establishments. The conference will not be all fun and games, though; several workshops will address the possible issues and challenges of planning a pride event. The “Spirituality and Pride” discussion, led by the Rev. Pat Bumgardner of the Metropolitan Community Church of New York, will examine the incorporation of religious FRANNY PRICE AND CHUCK VOLZ AT THE 2008 NORTHEAST communities into pride events, REGIONAL PRIDE CONFERENCE PGN file photo and “Growing Up in Pride” will will have the chance to ascend to address the inclusion of children Gay.” “We want to showcase the the William Penn statue atop City and families. history of Philadelphia, as well as Hall for a tour that is rarely open to “It’s My Pride, Too,” the gay history of the city,” Price the public. facilitated by Cecilia Brown, On Saturday, participants will president of the Pro-Life Alliance said. “[Philly Pride Presents] has been going to these conferences get a taste of Philadelphia with a trip of Gays and Lesbians, and Chris for 15 years, so we looked back at to Pat’s and Geno’s for lunch, a gay- Alston and Michael Hinson of everything we liked and didn’t like history bus tour with the obligatory Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, will and tried to incorporate all of that Rocky run up the Art Museum steps focus on communities that may feel into this conference.” and that evening’s banquet dinner, marginalized by traditional pride Mayor Nutter will deliver the which requires guests to dress in functions. “Some people in our community welcome address at the conference’s colonial attire. The dinner, held at opening reception March 13 at City the National Liberty Museum, will don’t understand why there are gay Hall. Beforehand, the participants feature historic reenactors Thomas Republicans or pro-life gays and

PGN is pleased to announce our staff

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some don’t see the need for a black gay pride event,” Price said. “But the fact is that this is their pride, too, and sometimes these people may not feel welcome. So we thought it was important that they came and talked about why some people may feel rejected at times from some prides and from their own community.” Participants will also have the chance to join in small roundtable discussions, where they can share their event-staging experiences and learn helpful tips from other organizers, as well as forge useful connections. Price said the participants will have ample opportunity to explore the Gayborhood — the host hotel is the Alexander Inn and the workshops will be held at the William Way LGBT Community Center — and, unlike other NERP conferences in the past, the event will allow visitors to truly explore Philadelphia’s LGBT community. Chuck Volz, Philly Pride Presents senior advisor, added that this year’s participants will get handson experience. “We’re going to show them the high points of the city rather than just having them come to the city for three days and stay in their hotel,” Volz said. “I think we’ll do signiﬁcantly better than some other cities have.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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National

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Media Trail Bishop targets diversity program Times-Tribune.com reports Bishop Joseph F. Martino is calling on Misericordia University to “seriously consider discontinuing its Diversity Institute,” which hosted a gay-rights speaker in February. The bishop criticized the appearance of author and commentator Keith Boykin. The Diversity Institute, which promotes multicultural understanding, invited Boykin to speak on Feb. 17 as part of Black History Month. In a statement released by the Diocese of Scranton on Feb. 24, the bishop conveyed that students should learn respect for all races and cultures, but that viewpoints in opposition to Catholic teaching should not be presented “under the guise of ‘diversity.’”

FREEDOM TO ADOPT: Demonstrators gather Feb. 25 in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky., to protest a bill that would outlaw adoptions by gay or lesbian couples and also bar adoptions by unmarried heterosexual couples. If passed, the measure would allow children to be placed only in homes with people who “are not cohabitating outside of a marriage that is legally valid in Kentucky.” Six other states — Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska and Utah — have similar bans. AP Photo: Ed Reinke

Gay-military ban repeal bill introduced By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A bill to repeal the military’s 15-year ban against openly gay servicemembers was introduced in the House of Representatives this week, marking the third time such legislation has come before Congress. U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.) introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act on March 3. The bill would strike from the United States Code the clause prescribing that anyone who “demonstrate[s] a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts” is ineligible for military service. Tauscher planned to introduce the legislation on Monday, but the snowstorm that hit the East Coast shut down Congress for the day. The repeal legislation was introduced in both 2005 and 2007, but both bills died in committee. Last year’s House bill eventually garnered 149 bipartisan cosponsors. The current Military Readiness Enhancement Act has 112 cosponsors. Former U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan (DMass.), who retired from Congress in 2007, spearheaded the bills in the House, and Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese applauded Tauscher for continuing the campaign to repeal the law. “On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, I thank Congresswoman Tauscher for her continued leadership on issues of LGBT equality and, in particular, her sponsorship of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act,” Solmonese said. “Nearly 12,500 qualiﬁed

individuals have been discharged from the military because they were lesbian or gay, without regard to the skills and expertise they possess. It’s unthinkable that a policy that prizes bigotry over the security of our nation should remain the law of the land.” During a news conference this week, Tauscher said the law has reached its limit. “This law has failed our country and our military for 15 years,” she said. “It harms military readiness and discriminates against patriotic young men and women who want to serve their country. It’s time for Congress to right this wrong.” Solmonese noted that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will require full cooperation from Congress, President Obama and military leaders. “This discriminatory law has been in place for over 15 years and will not be repealed overnight. Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ requires a partnership with the administration. We look forward to working with the administration in achieving repeal, an effort that must include a strategy for building support in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill.” It has been reported that Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) is planning to introduce the companion bill in the Senate and is waiting for a Republican cosponsor, but Kennedy’s ofﬁce could not be reached for conﬁrmation. In a letter to her fellow lawmakers to encourage them to cosponsor the bill, Tauscher mentioned that the current political climate could be conducive to repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“With 15 years of social progress and the recent sea of change we have witnessed in the national political landscape, I am further encouraged that now is deﬁnitely the time to act,” she wrote. Obama has pledged to support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” but has noted that the support of top military ofﬁcials should be achieved before the law is overturned. “The president supports changing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said White House spokesperson Shin Inouye this week. “As part of a long-standing pledge, he has also begun consulting closely with Secretary [of Defense Robert] Gates and Chairman [of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael] Mullen so that this change is done in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and our national security.” In November, more than 100 retired generals and admirals issued a statement urging the overturning of the law, and former Sen. Sam Nunn, who crafted the original ban, also stated that it should be reevaluated. The introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act comes the week before a planned rally and lobbying effort in Washington, D.C., orchestrated by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which represents men and women discharged from the military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” For more information on the March 13 events, visit www.sldn.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Officer cleared in Pride shooting The San Diego Union Tribune reports the District Attorney’s Office will not prosecute a police officer for the fatal shooting of a dancer during last year’s gay pride festivities. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis announced that Officer Clyde Williams was justified in shooting Steven Paul Hirschfield, 37, of Los Angeles. Hirschfield was shot July 19 after he jumped off a cruise ship chartered for a pride weekend party. Williams and his partner, Wayne Schmidt, pulled Hirschfield from the water but claim he scuffled with them once on the boat. Williams said he heard Schmidt shout, “He’s got my gun! He’s got my gun! Shoot him! Shoot him!” and shot Hirschfield in the back. Hirschfield’s DNA was found on Schmidt’s holster, handgun and taser.

White House seeking LGBT interns 365gay.com reports the Obama administration is reaching out to LGBT youth to apply for White House internships. The deadline for the internship program, which runs May 22-Aug. 14, is March 22. “Administration ofﬁcials have reiterated to us their strong desire that the interns working in the White House should reﬂect the diversity of the country and that LGBT youth are part of that diversity,” said Candace Gingrich, senior manager for the HRC Foundation’s Youth and Campus Outreach Program. “After eight years of a president who essentially ignored LGBT Americans, it is a step forward to have President Obama reaching out to queer youth and inviting them to take an active part in his administration.” Applications are available online through the White House Web site. ■ — Larry Nichols

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Obama appoints openly gay man to head AIDS office community that Crowley may not be attuned to their needs because he’s white, he said he’s confident in President Obama announced last Obama’s choice. week that an openly gay Georgetown “I think we need to give him the University researcher will head benefit of the doubt and trust that the country’s domestic HIV/AIDS President Obama wouldn’t select effort. someone who’s not qualified,” Burns Jeffrey S. Crowley, formerly said. “Race doesn’t affect one’s a senior research scholar at ability to understand issues in other Georgetown’s Health Policy communities. I do understand these Institute, will become the new concerns, and I think it’s important director of the Office of National to bring to the table representatives AIDS Policy. from all the different communities ONAP, a component of the who are affected by HIV/AIDS, and Executive Office of the President’s the African-American community Domestic Policy Council, oversees is certainly very disproportionately the country’s HIV/AIDS prevention, affected, but I trust President Obama education and treatment initiatives to select people who are highly and works with agencies around the qualified and who can bring a lot to world to coordinate that table.” Jane Shull, H I V / A I D S programs. executive director “With Crowley’s leadership, we look of Philadelphia Crowley was also said a senior scholar at forward to working with the Office of FIGHT, Georgetown’s O’Neill Obama’s selection National AIDS Policy in setting an Institute for National was appropriate. “From everything and Global Health aggressive agenda to combat Law, a position he I know about him HIV/AIDS in our country.” had held since July. and the level of excitement in the Crowley focused AIDS-advocacy his research on JOE SOLMONESE, Medicaid and community, I think Human Rights Campaign Medicare issues in this is a wonderful choice for us. He relation to individuals with chronic illnesses, is an advocate as “Jeffrey Crowley brings the well as an expert in public health, such as HIV/AIDS. Crowley received his master’s experience and expertise that will which is important if he’s going to degree in public health from Johns help our nation address the ongoing be developing the national AIDS Hopkins University and his bachelor HIV/AIDS crisis and help my strategy.” administration develop policies Also last week, Obama named of arts from Kalamazoo College. After graduation, he joined that will serve Americans with Dr. Mary Wakefield, director of the Peace Corps and served as disabilities,” Obama said. “In both the Center for Rural Health at the a high-school science teacher in of these key areas, we continue to University of North Dakota, as the face serious challenges and we must administrator of the Health Resources Swaziland. Prior to joining the Georgetown take bold steps to meet them. I look and Services Administration. HRSA research team in 2000, Crowley forward to Jeffrey’s leadership on provides healthcare services to unoversaw the education and these critical issues.” and underinsured Americans. Joe Solmonese, president of the development efforts of the National On March 3, Obama nominated Association of People with AIDS as Human Rights Campaign, issued Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as the organization’s deputy executive a statement Feb. 28 applauding the secretary of health and human director for programs. During his Obama’s selection. services. Crowley noted that the diversity “The announcement of Jeffrey time at NAPWA, he was involved in the creation of the Ryan White Crowley signals that HIV/AIDS in the new administration should National Youth Conference and issues will be an integral part of allow for the viewpoints and needs the National HIV Testing Day healthcare reform in the Obama of a vast array of Americans to be Campaign. administration,” Solmonese heard. He also has served as a chemist said. “Throughout his campaign, “[Obama] cares about diversity, at the National Institute of Mental President Obama called for the not in a token way, but in really Health. development of a bold national AIDS drawing from the best of America,” Crowley, 43, said his first order strategy. With Crowley’s leadership, Crowley said. “He’s trying to of duty with ONAP will be to we look forward to working with build a team that is as diverse as create a plan to combat HIV/AIDS the Office of National AIDS Policy possible and that represents as many nationwide — something the in setting an aggressive agenda to perspectives as possible.” combat HIV/AIDS in our country.” The Victory Fund’s Presidential country has never had before. “The first thing I’ve been tasked Kevin Burns, executive director Appointments Project recommended with is to lead the president’s of Philadelphia’s ActionAIDS, Crowley for the position. ■ efforts to develop a national AIDS said although he has heard some strategy; this is something he’s very concerns from individuals in the Jen Colletta can be reached at HIV/AIDS jen@epgn.com. committed to,” Crowley said. “He’s African-American By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

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asked me to develop this working with various agencies of the federal government and state and local governments and organizations to make sure we do more to care for people living with HIV/AIDS.” Crowley could not comment on what effect the current economic crisis could have on the national HIV/ AIDS strategy, but in the proposed ﬁscal 2010 budget Obama outlined last week, the president indicated a commitment to expanding funding for domestic HIV/AIDS programs. More details on the funding should be available next month. In a statement released last week, Obama hailed Crowley as a muchneeded addition to the national HIV/AIDS ﬁght.

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 9

Home of gay activist Kameny Triangle Medical named D.C. landmark General Practice

Progressive HIV Care MARK T. WATKINS, DO JOHN DEL ROSSI, PA-C

(215) 829-0170 253 S. 10th St. First Floor Philadelphia

MARKING HISTORY: Franklin Kameny, known as “the father of the gay-rights movement,” in the District of Columbia, is pictured at his home in Washington, D.C. In his attic, he keeps a collection of signs, posters and memorabilia from the early days of the gay-rights struggle. Kameny’s home has been listed as a historic landmark for its role as the epicenter of the gay-rights movement in the nation’s capital. AP Photo/Washington Post: Jahi Chikwendiu

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — An inconspicuous, two-story brick home with a screened porch in northwest Washington has been listed as a historic landmark for its role as the epicenter of the gayrights movement in the nation’s capital. It’s the home of Franklin E. Kameny, 83, whom many historians consider the “father of gay activism,” according to the city’s Historic Preservation Review Board. Even before Harvey Milk had moved to San Francisco, Kameny was leading a fight against federal policies that discriminated against gays. Milk was the nation’s first openly gay man to hold a prominent political office when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. “If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and you get a job in government, it’s because of Dr. Kameny. If you need security clearance for a job and you get it, it’s because of Dr. Kameny,” said Mark Meinke, chairman of the Rainbow History Project.

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He advocated for the landmark status and credits Kameny with more than just rolling back employment policies that targeted gays. “If you’re not referred for electric-shock therapy when you tell people you’re gay, it’s because of Dr. Kameny,” Meinke said. Kameny fought in World War II, earned a doctorate at Harvard and then moved to D.C. to work as an astronomer. He was fired, though, by the Army Map Service in 1957 for being gay. In 1961, Kameny argued to the U.S. Supreme Court that a federal policy calling homosexuals a security risk was “no less odious than discrimination based upon religious or racial grounds.” It was the first civil-rights claim in a U.S. court based on sexual orientation. From his home, Kameny then led the fight to help overturn the American Psychiatric Association’s classification of homosexuality as a mental illness. In 1971, he was the first openly gay man to run for Congress. The Library of Congress admitted some of Kameny’s papers in 2006,

and the Smithsonian Institution has acquired some of his placards and buttons. Last Thursday, the architectural preservation board unanimously approved the landmark designation for the house. “I think it will resonate well, not only with the whole gay community but with everybody,” said board chairman Tersh Boasberg. “Everybody will be able to appreciate how incredibly signiﬁcant Dr. Kameny is.” Kameny, who still lives in the home, said he’s touched by the recognition, though he worries about how the house looks after so many years. “I haven’t been able to maintain it as adequately as I’d like,” said Kameny, who picketed in a threepiece suit. “The lawn is a mess, it needs to be put in order.” Only a few other sites across the country ofﬁcially mark the gay-rights movement, including a Philadelphia intersection where gays picketed every July 4 in the 1960s, Milk’s photo shop in San Francisco and the Stonewall Inn, the site of riots in 1969 in New York City. ■

Have an opinion? E-mail us a letter at pgn@epgn.com

PAGE 10

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Editorial On marriage and democracy This week, several lawsuits are challenging bans on same-sex marriage and related benefits — in Massachusetts at the federal level and in California at the state level. The suit in Massachusetts targets the Defense of Marriage Act passed in 1996, when Hawaii was considering legalizing gay marriage — and Congress wanted to ensure the rest of the country wouldn’t have to honor those marriages. Filed on Tuesday in Boston, the lawsuit only focuses on the provision of DOMA that prevents the federal government from giving benefits to same-sex couples; states would still retain the right to allow (or ban) same-sex marriage. In California, legal arguments started this week in the effort to overturn Proposition 8, the voter referendum that banned gay marriage in the state. Both raise constitutional challenges at the federal and state levels, respectively. In the DOMA suit, the question will be if Congress exceeded its authority when it barred benefits at the federal level strictly because the couples are of the same sex. With that reasoning, it could even be considered sex discrimination, as one partner is not the “correct” sex. For California, the question is if popular vote can restrict rights previously granted by the state Supreme Court. There, the court had ruled earlier in the year that barring same-sex couples from marrying was discrimination. About 18,000 couples got married in the state after the ruling. Interestingly, the California legislature already supports same-sex marriage, and has repeatedly passed legislation allowing it; Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger routinely vetoes it. The November vote rescinding the right to marry is the first time in California’s history that a popular vote removed a right specifically given by the court. That alone raises some interesting questions, such as, Will the court allow a majority of voters to determine what rights minority groups are allowed to have? Framed that way, it seems ludicrous that measure ever made it to the ballot. The judicial branch of the government is part of the system of checks and balances, there to balance the legislative and executive branches — and, yes, to protect the minority from the majority. While the United States likes to call itself a strict democracy, technically speaking, it’s not. Technically, the U.S. is a republic, where the populace elects representatives who make decisions on their behalf. Yes, the U.S. has open and free elections, but in a pure democracy, everyone would vote on everything — and could easily produce a “tyranny of the majority.” To be sure, that is not what our forebears had in mind when they established the American system of government. In fact, the Electoral College also comes from this mindset. While the nation might have outgrown the need for the Electoral College (or perhaps it just needs an update), the checksand-balances system is still necessary to protect the minority. ■

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Other Views

Les Robinson

A rocky time in the Rockies State senators in Utah and Colorado recently delivered hugely homophobic rants. It seems this country is suffering an outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fervor. In the Utah case, Sen. Chris Buttars (R-West Jordan) sat down with a documentary ﬁlmmaker to discuss the involvement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California’s Proposition 8 battle. Buttars said gay activists are “probably the greatest threat to America going down.” Not the frightening economy, not the two wars America’s ﬁghting, not the healthcare mess. The greatest threat to America is Americans demanding equality. The truth is out. Time for me to admit this gay activist is doing her part to bring America down: I’ve signed up to bring a town in Idaho, a subdivision in Michigan and a mall in Florida to their knees. Buttars also said, “What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that, because anything goes.” Yes indeed. Today I managed to lie, embezzle, assault and commit arson. All before lunch. The state senator compared gay activists to Islamic radicals. “Muslims are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side. And the gays are totally taken over by the radical side.”

While I’ve never known a gay activist who wanted to blow up planes, I could suggest the idea at the next meeting. Maybe we could talk some eager young twink into it. Promise him that in the next life — to which we are rushing him — he’ll be rewarded with a troop of Chippendales dancers. After a Salt Lake City TV station aired Buttars’ comments, people inside and outside the state called for him to resign. Fat chance. He has refused even to issue an apology. The Utah Senate president, a fellow Republican, removed Buttars as chair of a judicial committee — to keep him from being a distraction, not to punish him. One senator noted Buttars’ language was “immoderate,” adding, “I don’t believe that all gays have no morals whatsoever.” Oh. Goody. Over in Denver, Colorado state Sen. Scott Renfroe (R-Greeley) morphed into a preacher during debate on a bill extending health beneﬁts to partners of gay state employees. In a six-minute speech, Renfroe called homosexuality an “abomination” and an “offense to God.” He pinched a page from the playbook of Sen. Buttars in the neighboring state, comparing homosexuality not to terrorists but to something similar. “I’m not saying this is the only sin that’s out there,” he explained. “We

have murder. We have all sorts of sin. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those legal. And we would never think to make murder legal.” So homosexuality and murder are on a par. With apologies to John Denver, I’m experiencing a Colorado Rocky Mountain low. After the appropriate uproar, Renfroe told the press he didn’t mean to suggest that homosexuality and murder were the same. He also said he doesn’t advocate punishing gay people. However, he still holds that all sin, including homosexuality, offends God, and the state shouldn’t enact laws condoning any of them. There goes that law allowing counterfeiting I had in mind. Just when these two state senators have cast a pall over the region, an antidote arrives. Roger Carrier, a straight retired teacher from Salt Lake, was disgusted by the comments of Sen. Buttars. To combat what he feels is growing homophobia among Utah politicians, he’s proposed placing a statue of Harvey Milk at the Utah Capitol. It’ll never happen. But Carrier showed a happier attitude in the high altitude. ■ Leslie Robinson lives between the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Email her at LesRobinsn@aol.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Mark My Words

Street Talk

Mark Segal

Taking the economic long view The city is facing its worse ﬁnancial crisis in its history. This will affect all communities, including the LGBT community. There are literally dozens of organizations in our community that receive funding from the city. And they should. After all, we are taxpayers and deserve the same level of city services as any other community. And as partners in the city, the question should be: Are the cuts to the LGBT community equal to others? So I called Mayor Nutter to ask just that question. “It is painful to make cuts to services to the LGBT community,” he said. “We’ve had a great working relationship for over 25 years. These cuts are very painful to make but they’re in line with other communities. Our ﬁrst responsibility to all — including the LGBT community — is to protect as best as possible funds for health, safety and welfare.” Nutter also mentioned endangered youth and pointed out that The Attic, the city’s LGBT youth center, is an organization the city must continue to fund. He continued, “While we have to cut funds to such groups as the Mummers and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, we’ll continue to support core services in all communities and that includes the LGBT community. [Openly gay director of health and opportunity] Don Schwarz and [Mayor’s LGBT liaison] Gloria Casarez will assure that the LGBT community has a seat at the table.” So it all boils down to trust. I trust the mayor, but wanted to take the temperature of other community leaders. Some have had their funding partially cut, others completely cut, and it seems almost to an

PAGE 11

organization that this community understands and supports the mayor’s efforts. Here’s a handful of the numerous responses I received. From Jane Shull of Philadelphia Fight, whose funding was partially cut: “We very much appreciate the mayor’s continued support of AIDS Education Month. We realize he is in a difficult position and he should know we are willing to work with him in any way needed to assure that essential services remain in place.” From ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg, executive director of the William Way LGBT Community Center: “Mayor Nutter faces tough and unenviable decisions in balancing the city’s budget. These decisions have unfortunately affected every community in the city and, while each cut is painful, he does not appear to have favored one community over another. I believe the sign of a good leader is making difficult decisions when you lack the financial resources to make popular decisions.” From Bill Gehrman, president of the Independence Business Alliance: “As the LGBT chamber of commerce, the Independence Business Alliance is looking for opportunities to work with the mayor and assist LGBT businesses through these tough times.” And from Chuck Volz, senior adviser for Philly Pride Presents, which will not receive any city funding this year: “Philly Pride fully appreciates the budgetary crisis currently facing the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Nutter, and we support his even-handed approach in curtailing funding. Although we will be affected, we stand committed to organizing PrideDay and Outfest on our own until the city regains its economic footing.” Mr. Mayor, it seems that we in the LGBT community are taking the long view, and we are proud to be working with you to put the city back on track. ■

Will President Obama be able to end the ban on openly gay servicemembers?

Paul Bianchi

Andrew Carroll

“I have my doubts. He has so many other things on his plate. He needs to establish a proven track record on the policies he’s already implemented before he branches out into gays and the military. Of course, I hope he’s successful in repealing the policy.”

“Yes. If anyone can get it done, he would be the guy. His popularity will help sway people to his point of view. He’s very good at bringing human beings together. We haven’t had such an articulate and diplomatic president since Kennedy.”

Maureen Horesh

Brianna Jones

“No, probably not. Most of our country is conservative. We have two wars going on and an economy in crisis. So it can’t be his biggest priority, even if he wants it to happen. Maybe if he’s re-elected he’ll be able to get it done in his second term.”

“Yes. Barack Obama is a uniter, not a divider. He’s very well-spoken. But he really doesn’t have to say much. It’s so obvious. Gays don’t join the military to get laid. They risk their lives to protect our country, just like any other military person.”

workers’ compensation coordinator South Philadelphia

actor Center City

Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

Letters and Feedback Regarding “New gay immigration bill introduced,” Feb. 20-26: My partner and I [were] forced to separate and moved out of the country because of the inequality of immigration law. I do really hope it will pass this year. — dnschan Regarding “Gay vet murdered in Poconos,” Feb. 20-26: [Shawn] Freemore is a

PGN

@&#@*& psychotic jack— who needs to be removed off this earth tenfold in the manner that he did to his victim. Just look at that face and the outﬁt he is wearing — I’d refuse to have sex with him too! Get the boy to Holiday Hair and then I’ll nominate him for TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” I hope he rots in jail and in hell. Sorry for the victim’s family and the pain they must be going through. — Dan Sommers

[Editor’s Note: Police allege Freemore refused to have sex wtih Michael Goucher, then stabbed and killed him.] Regarding “Family Portrait: Evan Sorg,” Feb. 20-26: What a sweetie. I do believe that Evan is one of the nicest men that I have ever met. — Love you Evan You go you sexy bitch! — BillyB

Express your opinion at www.epgn.com or www.phillygaynews.com

real-estate investor Exton

yoga instructor West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 12

Adoption Corner

Name: Charlie Age: More than 6 years old Sex: Male (neutered) Health: Good Other information: Charlie has some dental problems that PAWS is addressing and will need some follow-up care. History: Charlie was a stray who has been at PAWS for just over a month. He is a very sweet, happy cat and is very fond of wet cat food. He enjoys being on a comfortable lap and being held, petted and loved. He gets along very well with other cats and shares his affections

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Scott A. Drake

readily. The PAWS Tile Wall Project reached a milestone 200 tiles on March 1. Tile designs created in the last six months will decorate the PAWS shelter. Tile designs for the next wall to be decorated are now being accepted. For a $50 donation, anyone can create a unique tile submission using a photograph, drawing or painting with markers, oil pastels, crayons or other media. The art may represent the memory of a pet, be a thank-you for an adopted animal, commemorate a

birthday, graduation or anniversary or pertain to some other personal memory. The Tile Wall Project raises funds for day-to-day operations. This week, PAWS has two very special events on tap. On March 7, the 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St., will host a Philly Roller Girls double-header. Philly PAWS dogs will attend the bouts, giving you a fun opportunity to meet them and learn about volunteering. On March 11, it’s Doggie Draught night at St. Stephen’s Green, 1701 Green St., and Bishop’s Collar, 2349 Fairmount Ave. At each pub, you can meet some PAWS dogs from 5-7 p.m. while enjoying specials on beers with “dog” in the name. Go to www.phillypaws.org for more information on these and other upcoming events. For the rest of the month: • Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: PAWS cat adoptions: — South Philadelphia PetSmart, 24th Street and Oregon Avenue — Cottman Avenue PetSmart, 7422 Bustleton Ave.

— PETCO, Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard • March 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Adopt a homeless dog, save a life! Your new best friend is waiting! — South Philly PetSmart, 24th Street and Oregon Avenue • March 14, 21 and 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Adopt a homeless dog, save a life! Your new best friend is waiting! — Cottman Avenue PetSmart, 7422 Bustleton Ave. • Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Visit and play with a homeless dog in Rittenhouse Square at the corner of 18th and Walnut streets. You can also ﬁll out an adoption application and buy a PhillyPAWS wristband for $1. Update: Duchess was featured in our Jan. 23 Adoption Corner. The 18-month-old Staffordshire-Terrier mix was taken into a foster home on Feb. 21. For more information on providing a foster-care home,

go to the PAWS Web site. The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society is dedicated to promoting public welfare and to saving the lives of Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned and unwanted animals and has a no-kill policy. PAWS 100 N. Second St. (215) 238-9901 Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. www.phillypaws.org

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Study finds Jewish leaders open to LGBT community By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A recent study found that a majority of Jewish leaders are open to welcoming LGBT people into their congregations. Jewish Mosaic, which seeks to foster the inclusion of LGBT individuals in Jewish congregations, and the Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, employed both an electronic survey and a series of interviews with rabbis from across the nation over the past few months to evaluate where the Jewish community stands on LGBT inclusion. The survey found that about 73 percent of rabbis felt that they did a “good or excellent job” of welcoming LGBT individuals to their congregations, although the survey analysts noted that there could be a discrepancy between the rabbis’ and the LGBT community’s notions. Both Jewish and Christian individuals gathered at the Jewish Community Center in New York City Feb. 22-23 and again in Los Angeles March 1-2 to discuss the data and share ideas on how to expand LGBT inclusion. Gregg Drinkwater, executive director of Jewish Mosaic, said both his organization and the Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation

are spearheading the Welcoming Synagogues Project, which would provide formalized standards by which synagogues can develop their LGBT-inclusive policies, similar to such efforts employed in some Christian communities, and the study provided the baseline data for the project. “In quite a number of more liberal Christian denominations there are official welcoming congregation movements. For example, the United Church of Christ has a Coalition for LGBT Concerns, which is an organization that has staff dedicated to helping UCC-affiliated congregations go through a process to determine what they can do to become more open and affirming of GLBT people,” Drinkwater said. “There are staff who can help, various resources, a checklist of things you can do and a whole process where you get a certificate you can hang in your church and you can be listed on the coalition’s Web site. The Jewish world has never done this. There are certainly a lot of people who are interested in GLBT inclusion in the Jewish world and a lot of work that happens toward that, but it’s very ad hoc and done locally and regionally; there’s been no national infrastructure to bring coherence to that process in the Jewish world.” The survey was sent to more than 3,000 congregations in the United States and Canada, and nearly 1,000 responded, which Drinkwater noted

comprises nearly 25 percent of all Jewish congregations across North America. Although the vast majority of rabbis thought their congregations were welcoming to LGBT people, Drinkwater said only 33 percent actually employed LGBT-speciﬁc programming. “We think that might be an overestimate on the part of synagogue leaders. Most rabbis and most synagogue leaders really do think they’re doing a good job and they mean well; they do intend to do a good job but tend to not know how to, or to not know how to do it in a meaningful way that’s going to resonate with GLBT people,” he said. About 72 percent of rabbis responded that rabbinical seminaries should offer more education in regard to transgender Jewish individuals, and 78 percent thought more education about gay and lesbian Jews should be provided. Drinkwater noted that responses to the study and support for the LGBT community varied among the four major Jewish movements, with the more liberal Reconstructionist and Reform congregations responding at a higher rate and expressing more support for LGBT issues than the more traditional Orthodox and Conservative communities. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PAGE 13 A Loving Family of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Catholics & our allies invites you to celebrate

Sunday Mass, 7:00 PM Social immediately following Mass

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

Fi r st Ba p t i st C h u r c h SERVICES: Wednesdays Noontime Sundays 11a.m.

17TH & SANSOM STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103

215.563.3853

Contemporary Service: Last Sunday of month Breathing Room Wednesdays 7 p.m.

Pastor Jerry deJesus

www.fbcphila1698.org

CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH

at Rodeph Shalom

A GLBT synagogue welcoming people of all gender and sexual identities since 1975

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

Friday, March 6: BA Shabbat service, 8:00 PM. Join us for a traditional rabbi-led BA service. Oneg following services. Saturday, March 14: The fabulous BA Players present this year’s Purim shpiel, “My Fair Esther,” 7:00 PM. Join us for an evening of fun, noisemaking and hamentashen. Get yourself to the shul on time! It will be loverly. Make sure to wear your ascot--gevalt! Admission: $10/person, payable at the door. Monday, March 16: Jewish Film Festival, Gershman Y, 401 South Broad Street, 6:30 PM [jointly sponsored with RS BoomeRS]. Join us for short film, “A Trip to Prague,” followed by documentary, “Jerusalem is Proud to Present,” about the difficulties faced by Jerusalem’s LGBT community in their struggle for acceptance and respect. We will meet for wine and cheese before the films, and Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum, and Mark Segal, PGN, will speak after the films. Please call (215)9232003 to RSVP for the wine and cheese, no charge. You can purchase your ticket at the Gershman Y on the night of the event. Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are affiliated in spirit and share a sacred home.. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah affiliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues. Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions

Focus on Family head resigns By Eric Gorski The Associated Press DENVER — Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson has resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family, but will continue to play a prominent role at the organization he founded more than three decades ago. Dobson notified the board of his decision last Wednesday, and the 950 employees of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based ministry were informed that Friday morning, said Jim Daly, the group’s president and chief executive officer. Dobson, 72, will continue to host Focus on the Family’s flagship radio program, write a monthly newsletter and speak out on moral issues, Daly said.

Dobson’s resignation as board chairman “lessens his administrative burden” and is the latest step in a succession plan, the group said. Dobson began relinquishing control six years ago by stepping down as president and CEO. While Focus on the Family emphasizes that it devotes most of its resources to offering parenting and marriage advice, it is best known for promoting conservative moral stands in politics. Dobson has gotten more involved in politics in recent years. He endorsed Republican John McCain last year after initially saying he would not, and also sharply criticized Democratic candidate Barack Obama. Gay-rights and liberal groups issued statements warning that

Dobson is not leaving the scene. Americans United for Separation of Church and State portrayed the move as Focus on the Family “merely rearranging the deck chairs on its big, intolerant ship.” D. Michael Lindsay, a Rice University sociologist who studies evangelicals and politics, said that although Dobson will continue to be Focus on the Family’s public face, his board resignation is significant because “he no longer has his hands on the levers of power” there. At the same time, Focus officials have acknowledged difficulties in raising money from younger families critical to its future. The economy also has hurt. Last fall, Focus on the Family eliminated more than 200 staff positions, its largest employee cutbacks ever. ■

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

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 14

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Calif. Legislature supports gay-marriage challenge By Don Thompson The Associated Press SACRAMENTO — Both houses of the state Legislature passed resolutions Monday endorsing the legal effort to overturn California’s same-sex marriage ban, just days before the issue goes to the state Supreme Court. The resolutions passed along party lines, 18-14 in the Senate and 45-27 in the Assembly, with several members absent in both chambers. Supporters of the resolutions said Proposition 8 should not have been placed on the November ballot through the initiative process. They said it represented a revision to the state constitution because it stripped away existing rights, arguing that only the Legislature can place such revisions before voters. “We’re talking about a radical revision to our constitution,” said Sen. Mark Leno, the San Francisco Democrat who sponsored the Senate resolution. “Do we have a constitutional democracy in California or do we have mob rule, where a majority of Californians can change the constitution at any time?” He equated it to the ﬁght for racial equality decades ago. He noted that in 1964, voters overwhelmingly approved a measure that would have allowed landlords to discriminate against renters based on race. Prop. 8 passed with 52 percent of the vote. By amending the state constitution, it overturned a California Supreme Court decision last year that legalized same-sex marriage. It was the second time California voters have said marriage should be between a man and a woman. Between the Supreme Court’s decision last spring and the November election, about 18,000 gay couples married. The Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday on lawsuits that seek to overturn Prop. 8. The lawsuits argue that the initiative was enacted improperly and is itself unconstitutional because it singles out a minority group for discrimination.

Opponents said the initiative was a constitutional amendment and properly placed on the ballot. “Voters did speak,” said Sen. George Runner (R-Lancaster), who opposed the measure. “They spoke from their hearts, from their minds. And for me, I’ve got to respect that.” Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (RIrvine) also opposed the Assembly resolution, saying it would send the state down a slippery slope. If the state allows gay marriage, DeVore said, it would have to allow polygamy because it could be argued as a First Amendment right. “If you proceed down this path, you will open Pandora’s box,” he said. The resolutions in each house were identical. They do not require action by the governor but merely express the intent of the Legislature — in this case to support the legal arguments against Prop. 8. Andrew Pugno, an attorney for the Yes on 8 campaign, said the resolutions will have no bearing on the legal case. The court, he said, will focus solely on the arguments before it. “This is simply a political drill, but the court knows that this is not a popularity contest,” Pugno said of Monday’s action in the Legislature. “All that matters is the law.” Leno, who introduced the Senate resolution, said it was proper for the Legislature to act for legal reasons, as well as to express its objections to discrimination against same-sex couples. The court’s ruling will set a precedent that will specify when constitutional revisions must come through lawmakers, he said. But Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, said the court was not likely to take lawmakers’ opinion into consideration. Because of gerrymandered legislative districts, he said the Legislature does not accurately reﬂect the will of the people. “If Proposition 8 is overturned, it’s essentially gutting the people’s authority to amend the constitution,” Brown said. ■

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 15

3 charged with hate crime The Associated Press GALVESTON, Texas — Two brothers and a 17-year-old were charged with a hate crime after a violent attack at a gay bar injured two people, one of whom was hit in the head with a 4-pound rock, police said. Marc Bosaw, 57, rode by ambulance to Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, where he received 12 staples in the back of his head. He was released following Sunday night’s attack in which police said one suspect held open the door to Robert’s Laﬁtte bar while two others launched an assault shortly after 8 p.m. The suspects allegedly threw the rock and several doorstops at patrons in the bar. “I thought I had just been slapped, and the second rock hit me here. Everything went white in my mind, and I thought that was it. I even said ‘goodbye,’” Bosaw said in an online

story for The Galveston County Daily News. James Nickelson, 39, was hit in the jaw but refused treatment. Lawrence Henry Lewis III, 20; Lawrneil Henry Lewis, 18; and Alejandro Sam Gray, 17, all of Galveston, each face two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with the enhancement of a hate crime, said Lt. D.J. Alvarez, a Galveston police spokesperson. He said their bonds had been set at $120,000 each. It was not immediately known whether the trio has attorneys. The district attorney’s ofﬁce authorized the hate-crime charge because the motive was to harass and the intent was to randomly assault the victims based on their sexual preference, Alvarez said. Police took the rock that hit Bosaw as evidence. It has his hair still attached, said Yvonne Gordon, of Galveston. Victor Clements, 47, said that

as he compressed the back of his 13-year partner’s bleeding head, witnesses chased after three men and gave a description to police. Police found three men who were brought back to the bar for identiﬁcation by witnesses, Alvarez said. “I kind of blacked out, and the doctor of psychiatry was sitting next to me,” Bosaw said. “He said I had a weak pulse and made me breathe deeply and kept shaking me.” While sitting at another bar Monday, Bosaw said he was feeling OK, except for the large and painful laceration to his head. “It’s sad that this type of behavior occurred in our city. It was good police work” to make the arrests quickly, Alvarez said. Laﬁtte bartender Joel Hickman, who was not on duty Sunday night, said the establishment is basically known as a gay bar. “Everybody around here knows that, but not all our clientele is gay.”

Scott hit Sucuzhanay with a beer bottle, and Phoenix beat him with an aluminum baseball bat. Phoenix’s lawyer, Jay Schwitzman, said his client and Scott were sitting in Phoenix’s sportsutility vehicle when Sucuzhanay and his brother kicked the vehicle. Scott then began ﬁghting with the brothers, Schwitzman said. The lawyer said after the arraignment that Phoenix was protecting himself and trying to break up the fracas, believing Sucuzhanay was going for a weapon in his waistband. “It was not a hate crime. I know the police have a different version,” Schwitzman said. Police said there was

no information to support Schwitzman’s account. Phoenix was found hiding last Friday in a suburban New York apartment. Police had released a video showing him grinning as he paid a bridge toll shortly after Sucuzhanay, 31, was brutally attacked. Schwitzman said Phoenix is sorry for what happened to Sucuzhanay. “He’s remorseful,” the lawyer said. “It’s a serious matter. He’s not laughing.” Scott has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder as a hate crime. If convicted, the defendants could face 25 years to life in prison.

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NEW YORK CITY — A lawyer for one of two men accused of murdering an Ecuadorean immigrant in a hate crime said last week his client acted in selfdefense, believing the victim was reaching for a gun during a scufﬂe. Keith Phoenix, 28, was being held without bail after his arraignment last Saturday on a charge of seconddegree murder as a hate crime. He did not enter a plea. Phoenix and co-defendant Hakim Scott, 25, are accused of shouting anti-Hispanic and antigay slurs as Jose Sucuzhanay and his brother walked arm in arm to keep warm on Dec. 7 in Brooklyn. Police said

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From Page 1 Business Alliance, looked to bring the topics discussed among the committee members and the panel of experts who testified back to the LGBT community. “It’s really integral for Bill and I to be able to hear the plans that are being laid out so that we can then push that into our community and ensure that the LGBT business community is able to take part in all the changes and the great things that are taking place now,” Karasmeighan said. “We’ve learned a lot and heard a lot of great perspectives,” Gehrman said. “We want to continue to learn more and find out ideas for our member businesses and see how we can tie the LGBT community into this.” The meeting centered on the idea that a city or community that invests in green jobs will reap the benefits, as it would not only be working toward the overall improvement of the quality of life for its citizens, but also to see the creation of innumerable new job opportunities for out-of-work citizens. “There are a lot of different definitions for ‘green jobs’ but the bottom line in simple terms, it means all jobs associated with environmental improvement, improving the lives of the American people,” Biden said. “A scientist who is working on an advanced renewable alternative to CO2producing fossil fuels is engaged in a green job just as is a laborer who is winterizing or weatherizing a

DISCRIMINATION From Page 1 a time when more and more people PAGE 15 across the state ﬁnd themselves unemployed, we need to make sure every Pennsylvanian who wants to work has a fair chance at work.” HB 1400 died in committee in September after the committee chair, Rep. Babette Josephs (D182nd Dist.), a strong proponent of the bill, chose not to proceed with a vote because she was unsure if legislators who’d pledged to support the bill would actually follow through. Josephs noted that the bill will need at least 102 favorable votes — a majority of the total 203 representatives — to pass the House, but called the number of cosponsors “encouraging.” Josephs estimated that as many as 35 legislators were hesitant to sign on as cosponsors, but said they would vote for it when the time came. She noted that the passage of HB 300 is going to require bipartisan support from lawmakers throughout

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MAR. 6 - 12, 2009 home.” Panelist Van Jones, founder and president of Green for All, highlighted the effect that promoting a green economy could have on future generations. “The country is facing a challenge of historic proportions. It is a challenge to retroﬁt and repower a nation, something that has never been done,” Jones said. “It is a technological challenge, it is a legislative challenge, it is a business challenge. But it’s also a moral challenge because we have young people just blocks from this building who have no hope, no future. This green movement has a moral responsibility to be a green wave that lifts all boats. We are the ﬁrst generation of Americans to build a green economy that Dr. [Martin Luther] King [Jr.] would be proud of.” Biden said that President Obama’s stimulus plan, which Congress passed last month, allocates $19 billion for investment into renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power as well as other allotments for the expansion of green jobs in the country. “This is not something we’re just throwing money at. This is a serious, serious undertaking and I think the country is poised to take advantage of it. Investing in green jobs means two critical things for the middle class: more jobs to keep up with the 21st-century needs and lower energy costs.” Biden noted that Philadelphia has 400,000 rowhomes, the owners of which could vastly decrease their home-heating and cooling bills by

having their houses weatherized. “Just doing that would lower household energy consumption by 20-40 percent, saving families hundreds of dollars a year,” he said. Gehrman said the IBA currently has one member business that installs “green” roofs, adding the chamber is eager to enlist other environmentally conscious companies. “We’d love to know more, not only about current LGBT businesses who are part of the green economy but also about other entrepreneurs who have ideas and are looking at that,” he said. “We want to know if any opportunities come down the road so we can feed those dollars directly into the LGBT community.” The task force will continue to tour the country and hold public meetings once a month for the next year, looking at other issues such as education and retirement. Karasmeighan said she found the inclusion of the LGBT community at last week’s event to be characteristic of the new administration. “From the beginning of the Obama administration, the LGBT community has really been included at every level,” she said. “The cofounders of NGLCC were invited to hear President Obama speak about the stimulus plan less than a week after his inauguration into ofﬁce, so this is a continuation of the LGBT business community being included in the administration’s plans.” ■

the state, which she said can be fueld by community involvement. “What needs to be done now is the community has to get active. The Democrats in Philadelphia are on board, as are many of the Democrats throughout the state, but very few Republicans are, and there is no reason why Republicans should be anti-civil rights,” Josephs said. “People who are Republicans or who have Republican state representatives ought to be opening their mouths and shouting loud about this. I’m definitely looking forward to victory in the House, but it won’t be acheived without help.” Steve Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said advocates have worked to expand support for the bill among lawmakers, whom he is confident will pass the legislation this year. “We believe we have established strong relationships with enough legislators to pass the bill this year in the House, and we’re hopeful that we can move it quickly to the Senate for their confirmation as

well,” Glassman said. “We have been working with Dan Frankel and the leadership to establish a broad base of support for equality legislation.” The Value All Families Coalition, which works to advance LGBT rights in Pennsylvania, is sponsoring “Rock the Dome: Pennsylvania Equality Lobby Day and Rally” March 17 in Harrisburg for LGBT and ally individuals to speak out in support of HB 300. A free lunch will be available prior to the 1 p.m. rally in the Rotunda, which will be followed by meetings with state legislators. All participants will be trained on how to effectively lobby for the legislation before heading into the State House. Buses will leave from both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that morning and return later that evening. Seats on the bus are ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served and can be reserved by contacting Kaskey at jkaskey@equalitypa.org. ■

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

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

TRIAL From Page 1 dispute between the actor and Kocis when Cuadra posited the question, “What if [Kocis] goes to Canada?” Lockhart went on to testify that Kerekes said, “Harlow has this guy who will do anything for him.” Lockhart said he and Roy settled the $1-million suit with Kocis during a verbal agreement that took place at the expo. “When I left, I thought everything was fine,” Lockhart said during his nearly three hours of testimony. “I had no thoughts in my mind that these two individuals were a little askew.” Lockhart said Cuadra called him Jan. 25, the day after the murder, and directed him to a local news Web site carrying the story of the killing. “I clicked on the story and it said a fire at 60 Midland Drive. I got that feeling in my stomach. Harlow said, ‘I guess my guy went overboard.’” Other models who worked with Cuadra and Kerekes testified last week that the pair thought they could make more than $1 million through a partnership with Lockhart. While Lockhart was on the stand, Luzerne County Judge Peter Paul

DOMA From Page 1 able to file joint federal returns. They can file state tax returns as a couple. “It saddens us because we love our country,” Ritchie said. “We are taxpayers. We live just like anyone else in our community. We do everything just like every other family, like every other married couple, and we are treated like less than that.” The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in federal court in Boston by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the antidiscrimination group that brought a successful legal challenge leading to Massachusetts becoming the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriage in 2004. Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire allow civil unions. Californians voted in November to overturn a court ruling that allowed gay marriage, but the state still offers domestic partnerships that guarantee the same rights as marriage. Hawaii is considering a bill that will allow same-sex civil unions. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was enacted by Congress in 1996 when it appeared Hawaii would soon legalize same-sex marriage and opponents worried that other states would be forced to recognize such marriages. The new lawsuit challenges only the portion

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS Olszewski halted testimony for several minutes and excused the jury after Lockhart admitted he had been under 18 when he began working for Kocis. Lockhart waived his right to an attorney. Both Lockhart and Roy, who took the stand March 2, testiﬁed that they cooperated with Pennsylvania State Police, who ﬁtted Roy with recording devices during two April 2007 meetings with Cuadra and Kerekes. Jurors listened to the entire transcript from an April 27 dinner and hours of tape of the four during an outing to a nude beach in San Diego. Lockhart said Cuadra pulled him aside on the beach and told him, “Don’t worry, it was quick. He went quick.” The alleged remarks were not caught on tape. Roy admitted on the stand that he hated Kocis and said he and Lockhart were afraid that investigators were going to suspect them of the crime. Prosecutors also called Renee Martin, an acquaintance of the defendant, to testify March 4 about hundreds of calls she received from Cuadra and Kerekes after their arrests, during which they allegedly discussed potential alibis, as well as

a letter Cuadra sent her in October 2007. In the letter, Cuadra outlined what he called “The Plan,” which included details about how he could sway a jury in his favor. Cuadra wrote that he needed to obtain “the means to hire attorneys that can tell a good story. That’s all this comes down to.” The trial was postponed for several months after Cuadra changed attorneys numerous times. Cuadra also stated in the letter that he needed nice clothing to wear in the courtroom. “A good-looking defendant is harder to sentence. That business look with contrasting happy ties would be just right,” he wrote, adding that dark-colored suits are a “no, no.” Cuadra also wrote that Kerekes’ online bog needed to be “cleaned up a lot” and “positive spin needs to be turned on.” Cuadra noted that he had also been in contact with some of his “pen pals,” whom he advised to wear a “‘Free Harlow’ T-shirt to court.” The trial is expected to last at least one more week. ■

of the law that prevents the federal government from affording certain benefits to same-sex couples. President Barack Obama has pledged to work to repeal DOMA and reverse the Department of Defense policy that prevents openly gay people from serving in the military. In August, Obama told Philadelphia Gay News, “DOMA was an unnecessary encroachment by the federal government in an area traditionally reserved for the state. I think that it was primarily sent as a message to score political points instead of working through these difficult issues ... I’m sympathetic to the political pressures involved, but I think that we need to bring it to a close ... ” At the time, Obama indicated that he preferred a legislative solution over a court challenge. Mary Bonauto, GLAD’s Civil Rights Project director, said the lawsuit is the first major challenge to the section of the law that denies same-sex couples access to more than 1,000 federal programs and legal protections in which marriage is a factor. All the plaintiffs are from Massachusetts and have marriages that are recognized by the state. They include a U.S. Postal Service employee who wasn’t allowed to add her spouse to her health-insurance plan; a federal government retiree who was denied health insurance

for his spouse; three widowers who were denied death beneﬁts for funeral expenses; and a man who has been denied a passport bearing his married name. “This law is an absolute intrusion into an area that states have governed for centuries — marriage,” Bonauto said. In Hara’s case, he was denied any portion of Studds’ $114,000 pension after the Democratic congressman died in 2006. The two married in 2004 after being together for 14 years. Defendants in the lawsuit are the United States of America and several federal agencies, which are being represented by the U.S. Department of Justice. “Obviously, we are going to take a look at it and make a determination as to how the government would ultimately respond after we review it,” DOJ spokesperson Charles Miller said. Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard Law School, said the lawsuit is a “plausible challenge” to DOMA. “It’s a question of whether Congress oversteps its bounds and engages in irrational discrimination when it draws a line in terms of concrete beneﬁts for individuals who are otherwise eligible, simply because the marriages they have entered involve same-sex couples rather than opposite-sex couples,” he said. ■

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

PAGE 17

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Sistah2Sistah, a discussion/ support group for sexual-minority women of color ages 16-24, will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th oor; (215) 4960330. � You’re Not Alone, a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Rehoboth Library, 226 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth, Del.; (800) 8106776. � Pink and Blues, a free depression and bipolar support group for sexual minorities, will meet at 7 p.m. at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 627-0424. � Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will rehearse at 7 p.m. at the William Way Community Center; (215) 7319230. � The Temple University Lambda Alliance will meet from 7-8 p.m. at The Village outside the Lambda ofce, SAC 205, 1755 N. 13th St.; (215) 204-6954. � The Trenton Gay and Lesbian Civic Association’s card and games night will be held from 7-10 p.m. at 986 S. Broad St., Trenton, N.J.; (609) 638-7264. � The Women’s Center of Montgomery County’s lesbian THE REV. GERHARD WAGNER support group will meet from 7AP Photo/rubra 9 p.m. at 101 Washington Lane, Jenkintown; (215)in885-8440. auxiliary bishop Linz, Austria’s � A men’s group will third largest coming-out city. meet 7:30 sparked p.m. at The Pride The atmove an outcry Center of NewCatholics Jersey. and church from Austrian � Survivors Suicidethe Inc.decision Chester groups, whoofargued County, a support group, could motivate people to will leavemeet the at 7:30 Church. p.m. at Paoli Memorial Catholic Hospital, Room, Wagner hadWillistown questioned whether Medical Ofce Building, Lancaster the “noticeable” increase of natural Pike, Paoli; 545-2242; Web disasters such(215) as Hurricane Katrina site: aphillysostripod.com. was result of pollution caused by � Under or thethe Rainbow, a discussion humans result of “spiritual and social group 18-25-year-old pollution,” such for as the acceptance gays and lesbians, will meet at 7:30 of homosexuality. p.m. at Thealso Pride of New Wagner hasCenter characterized Jersey.Potter novels as satanic. Harry � Following The Gay theMarried Men’s controversy, Association support groupup will Wagner said he was giving the meetasatauxiliary 8 p.m. at the William Way job bishop. Community Center; (610) 626He said he considered his decision 2577. to be in the interest of the church and � The steeringforward committee of Team that he looked to continuing Philadelphia, a gay in sports his job as pastor the league, Upper will meettown at 8 ofp.m. at the William Austrian Windischgarsten. Way Center. TheCommunity Vatican’s brief announcement said the pope had “exonerated ... Wagner from accepting the ofﬁce of Linz auxiliary bishop.” Wagner’s promotion was one of two recent controversial decisions by the Vatican that led to unusually open criticism of Vatican policy, even from top Roman Catholic churchmen. The other involved lifting the excommunication of a bishop who had said that no Jews were gassed during the Holocaust. Later, the Vatican distanced itself from British Bishop Richard Williamson’s remark and demanded that he recant it. The lifting of Williamson’s excommunication and that of three fellow members of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X had been part of the pope’s effort to reach out to ultraconservatives. �

International News Wednesday, Jan. 9 A support group for HIV-positive women will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, Broad and Arch streets; (215) 387-6055. � The Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative will offer free, on-site walk-in HIV testing from gay atman attempted to 3-6A p.m. 1233who Locust St.; (215) blackmail 985-3382. a closeted member of Australia’s Parliament was sentwill to � The library and reading room prison March be openonfrom 3-9 2. p.m. at the William Jake Michael Della-Vedova, 25, Way Community Center. will serve four months behind bars. � Project Teach, a peer-education He guilty Feb. 27 to one and pleaded empowerment program for count blackmail. peopleofliving with HIV/AIDS, will Thefrom name the atpolitician has meet 3-5ofp.m. the William been suppressed. Center. All that is known Way Community about him is that he is support married.group � A smoking-cessation exploited by an for“You sexualintentionally minorities, conducted aspect of theCenter, victim’s the Mazzoni willsexuality, meet at which knew made West him 5:30 p.m.you at the Washington vulnerable, light563of Project, 1201especially Locust St.;in(215) his 0663position ext. 242.in our community,” Judge Lisa Services Hannan said � AIDS in during Asian his sentencing. “It is sad volunteer that this Communities’ weekly remains the will sort meet of information that work group from 6-8 p.m. in society is usedSt., for Suite blackmail, at our 1201 Chestnut 501; but it is the reality.” (215) 563-2424 ext. 10. The court in Melbourne was told � Coming Out, a support group for that met the politician gay, Della-Vedova bisexual or questioning men, last on a 6-7:30 gay chat site. Over will June meet from p.m. at AIDS the next month, pair exchanged Delaware, Suite the 315, 100 W. 10th text messages and(800) agreed to meet at St., Wilmington; 292-0429. Della-Vedova’s home. � A gay-friendly Scrabble Club will Prosecutor Simon Cooper the meet from 6-11 p.m. in thetold P.I.C. court that 42nd after and having sex, streets; DellaBuilding, Locust Vedova complained that he was (215) 382-0789. short money and theGroup politician � The of LGBT Discussion will gave that he had United in his meet him from$150 6-8 p.m. at the wallet. During the Church of Christ,another 300 E. visit, Main St., politician handed over $250. Newark, Del.; (800) 292-0429. did not know the � The A politician meeting/activity night atwill time that for Della-Vedova hadbisexual, secretly be held gay, lesbian, videotaped encounters. transgender the and sexual questioning youth Della-Vedova later began and their friends fromthreatening 6-8 p.m. the manRainbow with exposure did not at the Room ifofhePlanned hand over more money. Parenthood in Doylestown; (215) The politician 348-0558 ext. 65. instead went to police. Della-Vedova wasfor arrested � A men’s support group those when he arranged to meet the with HIV/AIDS will meet from politician to getattheMercer cash. County 6-7:30 p.m. Police searched Services DellaArea Earlylater Intervention Vedova’s home and found the in Trenton, N.J. For location,taped call sexual encounters on a computer. Under questioning, Della-Vedova confessed. Della-Vedova could have received up to 15 years behind bars. �

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will be held at 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. at the William Way Community Center. � Breaking the Chain, a smokingMAR. 6 - 12, 2009 cessation group, will meet at 6 p.m. at The Attic Youth Center. � Gay Coffee Hours will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Joe Coffee, 1100 Walnut St.; (215) 592-7384. � Peer counseling services will be available from 6-9 p.m. at the William Way Community Center; (215) 732-8255. � A support group for formerly incarcerated minorities A Catholic sexual priest serving in will Brazilian meet fromCongress 6-8 p.m. has at Blacks the been Educating Blacks Aboutfrom Sexual temporarily suspended his Health Issues, 1217 Spring Garden priestly duties for supporting the St.; (215) 769-3561.of condoms to free distribution � 40 Acres of Change, a discussion prevent the spread of AIDS. group youth color, will The for Rev. Luizof Couto has meet been from 6:30-9from p.m. his at 1201 suspended workChestnut in the St., 15th oor; (215) 496-0330. northeastern state of Paraiba. � Twenty Times, a group for men Archdiocese spokesperson and women ofdecolor ages 20-29, said will Eisenhower Albuquerque meet at 6:30 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut the church took the action because St.,Couto’s 15th oor; (215) 496-0330. of public stance “in favor of � Diversity, an HIV/AIDS support the use of condoms, his support of group for all and infected or affected, gay marriage his opposition to meets from 7-9 p.m. at Arch Street priestly celibacy.” United Church, Broad CoutoMethodist spokesperson Jose and Archsaid streets; (215)a Moreira the call priestZak, is not 848-4380, or Paul, (215) 307-0347. gay-marriage advocate but is � The Men’s Peer Support Group an opponent of discrimination, will meet for topical discussion at “including discrimination against 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New homosexuals.” Jersey. � Rainbow Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous will hold a 12-step meeting at 7 p.m. at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Wilmington, A groupRoad, campaigning for Del.; full (302) 456-9129. marriage rights for gays and lesbians � The Humboldt Society, gay and in Ireland has revealed thearesults of naturalist club, widespread will meet alesbian new survey suggesting at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way support. Community Center. said 81 percent MarriagEquality � Sex and Lovebelieve Addictsthat Anonymous, of those polled all people a 12-step program, willreceive meet atequal 7:30 living in Ireland should p.m. at Allfrom Saints 18 Olive treatment theChurch, state regardless Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.; (302) of sexual orientation. 542-3279. Additionally, the poll found that � The Peer Support Group six outWomen’s of 10 people believe that will meetmarriage at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride denying to lesbians and Center Newof Jersey. gays is of a form discrimination. � TheThe Bisexual/Gay/Lesbian government has announced Alliance at Rutgers University will that civil-partnership legislation meet be at 9:30 p.m. before in Murray will brought the Hall, Irish Room 211,this 13spring. George St., New parliament � Brunswick, N.J.;legislation (732) 932-1306. The proposed will grant same-sex couples legal recognition in areas such as pensions, social security, property rights, taxes and inheritance. The government has ruled out gay marriage, claiming it would require a change to the country’s constitution and a potentially divisive referendum. MarriagEquality reported that 62 percent of those polled said they would vote in favor of same-sex marriage if a referendum on the issue were held. “The report is the ﬁrst of its kind to reveal such unequivocal support for lesbians and gay men having the choice to marry in a civil ceremony in Ireland,” said Grainne Healy, co-chair of MarriagEquality. “The government has a stated policy of equality, and these ﬁndings support

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MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

our call that government must actively recognize that equality includes the human and civil rights of lesbian women and gay men to marry. The ﬁndings support MarriagEquality in our search for access, not to religious marriage, but to access marriage in a civil ceremony, which will result in equal rights and recognition of our relationships and our children.” In Northern Ireland, civil partnerships have been legal since 2005. The law provides same-sex couples with the same rights and obligations as opposite-sex couples, including issues related to the care and welfare of children.

Teik, a prominent Malaysian arts commentator, in a letter to several media organizations. “Stop censoring the words that describe who I am.” Pang said the move “sent a message ... that gays and lesbians are still shameful things to be censored from the public’s ears.” Users of Internet forums in Singapore and India also complained about the censored speeches. Jannie Poon, STAR’s Hong Kong-based spokesperson, stressed that the company had no intention of upsetting any viewers, but said it has “a responsibility to take the sensitivities and guidelines of all

New legislation on samesex marriage, which came into force in January, amended the deﬁnition of civil marriage in Norway to make it gender-neutral and extended parenting rights for gay and lesbian couples. It replaced a 1993 law that gave same-sex couples the right to enter into civil unions. Couples with a pre-registered civil partnership can convert it to marriage. The Church of Norway is allowed but not compelled to bless same-sex marriages. Human-Etisk Forbund, the Norwegian Humanist Association, held its ﬁrst legal same-sex marriage ceremony, conducted by Rolf Solheim. “Our authorized celebrants have conducted partnership/civil union ceremonies since 2007,” he said. “However, this year Norway introduced a marriage law which gives gays and lesbians the right to use the term ‘marriage’ and ‘spouse.’” ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

SEAN PENN (LEFT) AND DUSTIN LANCE BLACK Photos: ABC/Adam Larkey and Michael Yada

Asians criticize Oscar censorship Gay Asians voiced indignation after television broadcasts of the Academy Awards in their region censored the words “gay” and “lesbian” in speeches that called for equal rights for homosexuals. The speeches by actor Sean Penn and writer Dustin Lance Black, who won Oscars for their work in “Milk,” were shown in full during live broadcasts of the Oscars that were screened across Asia on the morning of Feb. 23. But viewers who caught recorded telecasts that evening on STAR, an Asian satellite-TV service that reaches more than 300 million viewers in 53 countries, noticed that the sound was removed whenever both men mentioned “gay” or “lesbian.” “As a gay man, I am truly offended,” stated Pang Khee

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our markets into consideration.” Viewers ﬁrst noticed that the words were silenced when Black offered a tribute to slain American gay-rights pioneer Harvey Milk while accepting the Oscar for best original screenplay. “If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight ... that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you,” Black said.

Humanists conduct first gay marriage Humanists in Norway are claiming to have conducted their ﬁrst legal same-sex marriage ceremony. Cecilia Patricia Stensland, 24, and Janne Lemvig Abrahamsen, 38, wed in Oslo in late February.

Gay is our middle name.

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Out judge hosts fundraiser Common Pleas Judge Dan Anders, the ﬁrst openly gay man to become a judge in the state, will host a fundraiser for his upcoming campaign for the LGBT and ally communities at 6 p.m. March 12 at the Trinity Center, 22nd and Spruce streets. Gov. Rendell nominated Anders in 2007 to ﬁll a vacant seat, and the judge is now seeking election to a full 10-year term in the May 19 primary. For more information on Anders, visit www.judgedananders.com.

Discussion on HIV vaccine The COLOURS Organization Inc. is sponsoring a community social next week to draw attention to an HIV vaccine trial that will take place in the city. The trial, geared toward HIVnegative gay men of color, is a collaboration between the HIV Vaccines Trial Network and the University of Pennsylvania. The event, which will feature live entertainment, food and drinks, will run from 6-8:30 p.m. March 12 at Ms. Tootsie’s, 1314 South St. For more information, contact COLOURS at (215) 496-0330.

Theater production PFLAG adoption to benefit PFLAG forum rescheduled

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Act II Playhouse in Ambler selected the Philadelphia chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays as a beneﬁciary of its upcoming production of “Iron Kisses.” The theater traditionally invites community members to attend a production’s ﬁnal dress rehearsal, which it dubs Donated Dress Rehearsals, because all proceeds from tickets sales are given to local organizations. In the past, Donated Dress Rehearsals have raised nearly $1,000. Tickets to the event, 2 p.m. March 8 at the theater, 56 E. Butler Ave., are $10. “Iron Kisses” tells the story of a Midwestern family’s struggle to come to terms with their son being gay, and highlights the dynamic family relationships that resurface in every generation. For more information, visit www. act2.org.

A meeting of the Philadelphia chapter of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays that had been scheduled for Feb. 15 was cancelled the night before due to a meningitis scare on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, where the event was set to take place. The topic of the meeting — LGBT adoption — will be addressed during PFLAG’s next meeting, 2-5 p.m. March 15 at Penn’s LGBT Center, 3907 Spruce St. Jared Rolsky, executive director of Golden Cradle Adoption Services, will speak to attendees about the issues LGBT couples and singles face when looking to adopt. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.pﬂagphila.org. ■ — Jen Colletta

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Grrls, grrls, grrls

Detour A departure from the ordinary

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MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Womyns Fest celebrates 10th year By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer “I don’t have that energy to be on stage,” Vitamin D said. “I can’t breathe when I’m up on stage.” Keep the oxygen handy, then, because it’s too late for her to turn back now. Vitamin D (aka Denice Witkowski), contractor by day and festival mastermind/community activist in her spare time, is the creative force behind Womyns Fest, one of the longest-running free women’s festivals in the Philadelphia area. For the last decade, it has showcased various styles of music at the Rotunda, 4014 Chestnut St., with lineups featuring acoustic acts, rock, punk, world music, hip-hop, jazz, Celtic, poetry, dance and performance artists while raising money for worthy causes and screening ﬁlm shorts. Yes, we know what you’re thinking: Festivals are a dime a dozen, and all of them promise to be the most eclectic event going. But Vitamin D said Womyns Fest sets itself apart from other local festivals. “The one thing that’s different about Womyns Fest opposed to most of the festivals that do happen is that it’s more of a showcasing of a huge mix,” she said. “I try to get eight to 15 acts. It’s really diverse. There are so many different things and it’s quick. You can see 20-minute sets of so many different varieties.”

Vitamin D has promised to make its 10th anniversary a truly special occasion by performing on stage this year for the ﬁrst time with her newly anointed band, The Vitamin D 3, which includes out performers Steph Hayes and Chrissy Tashjian. “It’s scary,” Vitamin D said about the prospect of being in the spotlight instead of behind the scenes. “I was going to perform acoustic and then I went over to Chrissy’s and she threw an electric guitar at me and said, ‘Play this.’ I kind of liked it. So then, I knew Steph played bass and [Chrissy] is playing drums. It’s kind of fun now, but I was really scared to play. But I promised everybody that I would. Now I want to play because these guys are so good. It just makes it easy because I have them behind me. If I mess up, they’ll just keep playing.” Hayes said she’s excited to ﬁnally see Vitamin D perform songs she has written over the last 15 years in front of a live audience. “I’ve always heard her play,” she said. “She’ll pay at parties a little bit but she gets kind of shy. She writes all the time. She’s always telling me about songs. But she’s never gotten it together to play in front of people because she doesn’t like being on stage. I think this is monumental for her and I’m proud that I can help out doing these songs. It took a life of its own. I’m really psyched about it.” The Vitamin D 3 collectively agrees that their sound is 1960s-

inﬂuenced pop-rock. “It’s what I would have written if I wanted to be a musician,” Vitamin D said. “I would have wanted to be a rock musician. But I kept telling myself there’s no way. I have trouble playing in front of people. Doing it is going to be pretty exciting, I guess.” Performing with the Vitamin D 3 means Hayes and Tashjian will pull double duty at the festival, as they are also performing with their other groups. Actually, Tashjian, who is relatively new to the festival, will be on triple duty. “My main project is Dangerous Ponies,” she said. “Then, my main project that I was so into for a long time, The Naughty Naughty Nurses, we haven’t played for a long time. We recorded an album that a lot of people really want to hear. So we’re going to release it at the festival. We’ve been jamming and having a good time.” Hayes, a seasoned veteran of the Philadelphia music scene and no stranger to the festival, will perform with her former Stargazer Lily cohort, Susan Rosetti. She’s a little fuzzy on how many Womyns Fests she has played. “I don’t know because I remember performing pretty drunk a few

STEPH HAYES (FROM LFEFT), VITAMIN D, CHRISSY TASHJIAN. On the cover (clockwise from top): A.J. SHANTI, AVA AND SCOTT OF “THE PEEK-A-BOO REVUE,” CHRISSY, VITAMIN D AND CHRISSY, VITAMIN D AND HAYES Photos: Courtesy of Vitamin D Productions

DANGEROUS PONIES times,” Hayes said. “I’ve done most of them.” “I think she missed maybe two of them during some particularly crazy moments,” Vitamin D added. Hayes said the festival’s varied lineup is one of the main reasons she keeps coming back every year. “There’s always a nice diversity among the artists that are performing,” she said. “The commonality is women artists, but Denice books a broad range of women artists. There’s not one particular thing to expect, which is really cool. There’s been Middle Eastern music, belly dancers, rock bands, punk bands, acoustic artists and medieval music. It’s been all kinds of interesting stuff, so you never know what you’re going to get.” That turned out to be very true, as Hayes didn’t know that she and Rosetti were also going to be featured in the short-film portion of the festival until Vitamin D mentioned it. “There’s going to be a five-minute film of their song, ‘Train Song,’ that I edited because I do film too,” Vitamin D said. “I’m going to be taking a lunch break when that happens,” Hayes said. Vitamin D added that lesbian filmmakers submitted most of the shorts for the film portion of the festival. She said she has always included gay artists in the festival, but in recent years has put extra effort in trying to include transgender performers. “I try to reach out to the transgender community a lot because I got asked by them why there aren’t any trans artists playing,” she said. “Because none of them ever asked to play and I don’t know any except for this

girl A.J. Shanti, who is going to be playing. She identifies as trans. I don’t identify one way or the other. I think everyone has their own voice of who they are and they bring that to the show. They identify, speak out about who they are and then it all comes together in one room. There are a larger percentage of lesbian women that have performed over the years.” With the variety of the acts, the frequency of the set changes and the other various artistic elements of the festival to keep track of, Vitamin D admits she has had to become quite the efficient taskmaster. “After 10 years, it’s more like routine,” she said. “You know what it is and you know what you’re going to do. People know you too in the community. They know you’re showcasing bands. I‘ve got to get 12 groups on stage within five hours. Everybody is equal. The last two or three groups are a little bit larger so they get a few more minutes compared to the acoustic acts. But it’s pretty much equal. Everybody gets paid the same.” “If it takes you 20 minutes to set up, you should play 20 minutes at least,” Hayes quipped. “If it takes you more than 20 minutes to set up, you’ve lost your slot on one of my productions,” Vitamin D shot back. “I’m really tight like that. Because I’ve been such a drill sergeant from the very beginning, it does get easier for me because everybody knows when they come back, I’m always like, ‘All right, you’ve got two minutes to break down.’” Tashjian knows from first-hand experience that Vitamin D means business when it comes to set changes. “The Dangerous Ponies are a

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009 seven-piece band and Denise was like, ‘You have 10 minutes to get on the stage and get everything together,’” she said. “And there’s seven of us and we all have instruments. I was amazed that we got it done in time.” “That’s why they’re playing last this time,” Vitamin D added. “I think with a little encouragement, most bands can move that quick.” After organizing Womyns Fest and performing in it, Vitamin D could be forgiven for taking a long and well-deserved rest, especially considering she also organizes the Philadelphia World Peace Festival. But she begins planning for the following year’s festival as soon as this year’s events are over. “I’m always starting the day after the last festival is over, looking for someone for the next festival. I go out and I look for new material and see new acts. I’m looking all the time. It’s not as difﬁcult as one would think for me. I have a lot of energy.” Hayes, who is an artistic workaholic in her own right, applauds Vitamin D’s efforts to keep these events thriving and vital

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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THE PEEK-A-BOO REVUE to Philadelphia’s arts scene. “I love how Denice keeps her ﬁnger on the pulse,” she said. “I can’t keep up these days, but it’s so cool to see the new energy coming through, because I remember being in that spot where the music world of Philadelphia was kind of new. Now I’ve seen a lot of things come and go so I’m in a different place. It’s really cool to watch the young kids and all their youthful exuberance not yet quashed by the evils of the business.” “I feel like I’ve been playing music for a long time and I am still young, but I have quashed at moments,” Tashjian added. Vitamin D said she ultimately would like to expand Womyns Fest’s

audience and move the annual event to a larger venue. “I would like to have a bigger event at some point where we could make it into a weekend event where people could play on a large stage out in the country,” she said. Womyns Fest, featuring The Vitamin D 3, Kelly Carvin, Naughty Naughty Nurses, Steph Hayes, The Tara Lynne Band, A.J. Shanti, Emily Bate and Peek-A-Boo Revue, among other performers, runs from 3-11 p.m. March 8 at the Rotunda, 4014 Chestnut St. For more information, visit www.vitaminproductions.us or call (215) 462-3405. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

STEPH HAYES

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‘Watchmen’ exceeds expectations 267 736 6743

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THE COMEDIAN (JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN, FROM LEFT), SILK SPECTRE II (MALIN AKERMAN), DR. MANHATTAN (BILLY CRUDUP), OZYMANDIAS (MATTHEW GOODE), NITE OWL II (PATRICK WILSON) AND RORSCHACH (JACKIE EARLE HALEY) Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer If you’re expecting something like Superman, Wonder Woman or Aquaman out of “Watchmen,” you’re in for a shock. When “Watchmen” debuted in 1986, it was universally hailed as a high-water mark for comic books. Ever since, comic fans hoped for, and dreaded, a big-screen version, as it had been declared un-filmable — and with good reason. Hollywood has been notoriously bad at making even the simplest of comic-book adaptations any good. Most of the time, producers use the film as star vehicles, aim them at the lowest-common demographic and water down the stories to appeal to a mass audience, which is why the genre is more associated with disappointing efforts like the horrible “Catwoman,” the absolutely wretched “The Spirit” and the painfully boring “Superman Returns,” than more transcendent efforts like “The Dark Knight,” “Iron Man” and “X-Men.” Fortunately “Watchmen” holds its own against “The Dark Knight,” which is impressive considering there are no big stars attached and the story is complex and layered with high-global concepts, moral ambiguity and “heroes” who are very human and very flawed. “Watchmen” is set in an alternate version of Earth circa 1985, where Richard Nixon is still president, superheroes have been either outlawed or co-opted by the government and the U.S. and Russia are inching closer and closer to a

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world-ending nuclear exchange. The plot kicks off with the murder of a retired superhero, The Comedian, and his former superhero colleagues, led by Rorschach (now a vigilante feared by both cops and criminals), coming out of retirement/hiding to find out who killed him and why. Over the course of the film, the viewer learns through flashbacks that The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) probably won’t be missed in death, as he was an alcoholic, womanizing rapist. And that was when he wasn’t on the clock pulling off government-sanctioned assassinations. Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) is pretty much a god with limitless powers, but his status as the only thing keeping World War III from happening is making him increasingly wary of the limitations of humanity. Rorschach, played with admirable intensity by Jackie Earle Haley, is a sociopath amalgam of Batman and Dick Tracy with some deep-seated mommy issues. And these are supposedly the good guys. Other heroes, like Night Owl, Silk Spectre and Ozymandias, are seemingly content in their civilian lives, but are reluctantly drawn back into action as Rorschach begins to pull the pieces of a larger conspiracy together. It’s obvious in the first 10 minutes of the film that director Zach Snyder (“300”) isn’t going to pull any punches: The film is just as violent, gritty and dark as the comics, if not more so. Most comic-book movies like to smooth over the more violent elements of the story, preferring to imply rather than show, to earn a

PG-13 rating. This is not that film. The fistfights are visceral and bloody. The sins of the individual characters are unflinching. The deaths — and there are many — are brutal and shocking. All the gory and salacious details are shown, from the bird’s-eye view of the Kennedy assassination to two of the heroes getting it on in an aircraft. There’s also a gay superhero in the film, which is a comic-book film anomaly. Granted, her time in the film is short and tragic, but at least it’s something. The fact that a realitymanipulating android spends most of his time walking around naked probably won’t hurt the film’s gay appeal either. However, the minor subplot of the relationship between Metropolis and Hooded Justice — who stopped The Comedian from raping the first Silk Spectre — didn’t make it to the movie. But to call “Watchmen” a comicbook movie doesn’t do it justice. Combining a murder mystery, political intrigue and philosophical questions about ethics is a tall order and “Watchmen” delivers with impressive efficiency and skill. The film is also visually stunning, as it simultaneously does an excellent job of looking like it’s 1985 and pulls off convincing CGI feats, like Rorschach’s morphing mask and the glowing-blue visage of Dr. Manhattan. If “Watchmen” doesn’t earn comic-book movies the utmost respect, nothing ever will. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Author explores the darker side of Jamaica in both his literature and in his everyday life, and helped found the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays in 1998. He said that although starting a progay organization in such a hostile environment was an uphill battle,

By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer The Jamaica you read about in the works of openly gay, awardwinning author and professor Thomas Glave isn’t the sunny, hospitable Jamaica you see in the travel brochures and TV commercials. The Jamaica that appears in his stories, such as his latest collection, “The Torturer’s Wife,” is the dark and oftentimes nightmarish side of the island you see in the news — where LGBT individuals face discrimination and violence from angry mobs, politicians and religious zealots. The Bronx native, 44, spent time in Kingston while he was growing up and watched Jamaican culture evolve. “I went back and forth a lot,” Glave said. “I realize now how much an effect that time in Jamaica had on my imagination. I never went to school in Jamaic; I spent summers and vacations there. So, hearing the language and seeing the island change from an English post-colonial place to a now more Americanized place, I’m glad I had the opportunity to see all that.” Glave said that while the reports of violence and discrimination in Jamaica are very serious and real, it wasn’t a reality he was aware of given the environment he was raised in. “When I was a child, nobody talked about those things and I certainly didn’t think about it in those terms,” he said. “It wasn’t until later that I became aware of how very hostile the country was to [homosexuality]. But I grew up in a middle-class environment and, in

the environment I knew, the kinds of violent things that happened to people didn’t happen. Those would happen more in very deeply religious fundamentalist contexts. I couldn’t imagine anyone in my family burning someone alive in a house or chasing them out of a neighborhood. In my 20s, I became aware how hostile things were.” Glave said he felt he needed to confront the hostility toward gays and lesbians in his literature. “The longest story in the book takes place in Jamaica. It’s about the burning alive of a gay man in his home by a crowd of people,” he said. “That kind of thing has happened quite recently. I know people that have been killed there. So that was something that I wanted to write about. I haven’t seen anything like that in Jamaican or Caribbean literature. I also wanted to write about the social context of Jamaica. Coming from the middle class, I don’t see the middle class written about much, either.” Glave’s writing also touches upon American perspectives on sexuality, race and intimacy. “The ﬁrst story deals with two men who are in a relationship,” Glave said of one of the other stories in “The Torturer’s Wife.” “I don’t know if you would call them gay or not. They’re clearly of two different colors, but you don’t know which color which one is or what the colors are. And they make very racist comments about each other in their imaginations and secret thoughts.” Glave is very vocal about social issues

THOMAS GLAVE Photo: Evangelos Dousmanis

the struggle has been worth it. “We did make an impact in Jamaica because the social discourse is now completely different than it was when we began,” he said. “People are actually talking about homosexuality, for better

or for worse. Also, Parliament is having to deal with questions now about repealing some of the laws against homosexuality. Things have deﬁnitely come to the fore See AUTHOR, Page 30

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Philadelphia Gay News: online, anytime. Gay News – Philadelphia – Regional – National – International Media Trail ��

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MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Q Puzzle Judy, Judy, Judy ... Across 1. Bags for Billy Bean 6. Kind of traffic 10. Frida Kahlo’s zip 14. “Popeye” role of 44-Across 15. Jockey strap? 16. Very much 17. Judy Garland film, with “The” 19. Chianti, for one 20. Sault ___ Marie 21. Vibrator measure 22. State since 1948 24. Prepare for phone sex 25. Tina Chow concern 26. Top floors 29. Try to bite, doggy-style 30. Pop singer Cleo 31. “Show Boat” bundle 32. Welcome response after a tumble 36. Where fig leaves were worn 37. Worked the streets of San Fran 38. Byron poem 39. S&M root 40. “Glen or Glenda: ___ Two

AUTHOR From Page 27 in regards to social change in Jamaica and J-FLAG has made that possible.” Glave added that, despite any

Down 1. Bends over 2. Went down 3. They say it matters 4. NASA outing 5. First shot, for 10-Down 6. Fairy tale character 7. Test the weight of 8. Carnaval locale 9. Ready for action

10. Judy Nelson’s ex, Martina 11. “Are you calling me ___?” 12. Charity recipient 13. Bikini not just for women 18. “___ I say ... ” 23. Bathhouse feature 24. Judy Chicago art exhibit, with “The” 25. Was laid up in bed 26. Britten’s beers 27. Cry of pride 28. Bound 29. Tom, Dick and Harry 31. Military con man of ’50s TV 33. Alec of “Desperate Housewives” 34. Like some sexual expression 35. Reformer Ulrichs 37. Williams of “Brokeback Mountain” 41. Rudolf of ballet 43. Feedbag tidbit 44. Alison Bechdel cartoon character 45. Like unhappy lovers, maybe 46. “Ol’ Man” of Broadway 47. Gladiator area

48. 50. 51. 52. 53.

advances, Jamaica and the rest of the world still has a long way to go in accepting LGBT individuals. “I just did a radio show in Toronto that has a largely Caribbean and Jamaican audience and, I’m sorry to say, it was a very painful

experience because they had people calling in and they were saying things based on the knowledge that I had criticized the Jamaican prime minister in public,” he said. “Last year in Jamaica, when I was there for a literary festival, he

made some homophobic remarks and I criticized him very severely. People took issue with that and thought that I was disrespectful. So it goes to show you that it is still a very volatile issue.” Glave hosts a reading at 6 p.m.

Lives “ 41. Stock phrase 42. Equality ___ Concert 44. Shelley of “Popeye” 45. Great Plains tribe 48. Vidal’s Breckinridge 49. Peter Pan opponent 50. Casino gratuity 51. Rubber ducky’s spot 54. Declare firmly 55. “Judy’s Turn to Cry” singer 58. Flat rate 59. Big part 60. Annoy during a blow job? 61. Flat-bottomed receptacle 62. Screws up 63. “Twelfth Night” character in drag

Gelatin dishes Peter, for one The Tin Man’s best friend River to the Caspian Sea Sappho’s B

56. Always, to Emily Dickinson 57. Queer in Quebec See SOLUTION, Page 41 March 12 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. For more information, visit www.thomasglave.com or call (215) 923-2960. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Professional Portraits

Suzi Nash

If you Google him, you’ll see his ﬁve-star rating. No, he’s not a top restaurateur or hotel magnate: Dr. Mark Watkins runs a family practice in the heart of the Gayborhoood. In the healing business for over 20 years, Dr. Watkins was one of the ﬁrst to treat patients with HIV and AIDS. With a roster of longtime patients and the winner of the 2008 Patient’s Choice Award, Dr. Watkins is one of our community’s quiet heroes. And boys, he’s single ...

he was going to give you a shot in your left arm and while you were watching him on your left, he’d have his assistant jab you in the right arm. It took me years to trust what a doctor had to say! MW: That’s awful. I got lucky: He was the kind of guy who would come to our house to give us vaccines. I didn’t like shots either, but he told us exactly what was happening and I had full faith in him. I keep his obituary on my nightstand.

PGN: So, Doc, what made you want to get into the medical profession? MW: I always wanted to be a doctor. When I was about 4 years old, my uncle was dying of lymphoma and I remember trying to take care of him with my little doctor kit. I gave him little sugar pills and everything.

PGN: I still have a fear of needles. Do you have any phobias? MW: Certainly not blood. I can handle blood and guts [laughing], but I hate spiders! And I have a third-ﬂoor balcony that I can’t even look over the edge of, I have such a fear of heights. But I’m OK with airplanes. Go ﬁgure.

PGN: How did you even know about the profession? MW: My family doctor when I was growing up was a wonderful man and a role model. He was my biggest inspiration. He never rushed us and always addressed each individual. It never felt like you were in a factory like in some of today’s doctors’ ofﬁces, where you feel you’re just another number. I always wanted to be like Dr. Grossman. Hopefully, I’ve become the kind of doctor he was. PGN: My doctor would pretend

PAGE 31

PGN: Where are you from? MW: I was born right here in Philadelphia. I grew up in Logan, the area where all the houses were sinking before they tore them down. I went to Incarnation of Our Lord for elementary school. Then in about fourth grade we moved to the far Northeast. PGN: Family? MW: I have an older brother. He’s an auto mechanic. He lives out near the Poconos in the middle of the state. We’re very, very different. My mother was an ofﬁce worker and my father was a tool

and die maker. They live in a retirement community in Lebanon now. It’s an idyllic setting — there’s an Amish farm just across the road. PGN: Who are you more like? MW: I think I’m an amazing blend of the two. Sometimes I’ll be talking to my mom and say, “Boy, oh boy, I’m just like my father. Stubborn.” From my mother, I get my forgiving, gentle side and honesty. She always emphasized honesty no matter what. PGN: What sign are you? MW: I was born on Dec. 22, so I’m just on the cusp between Sagittarius and Capricorn. I think Capricorns are supposed to be perfectionists and I suppose I was competitive when I was in school, but I don’t know anything about Sagittarians. PGN: Competitive as in team sports or math Olympics? MW: No sports. I was a big academic nerd. My brother was the macho sport guy: I was the book nerd. On a scale of 1 to 10, my athletic ability was borderline zero. PGN: Your worst athletic experience? MW: [Laughs.] One time in college during gym class, they made me play football. I think they put me in at center or something. The one time they passed the football to me, everyone was watching me

DR. MARK WATKINS Photo: Suzi Nash and laughing, saying, “Oh God, what’s he going to do with that?” I liked playing soccer and I was a good swimmer, but that’s about as far as it went. PGN: Did you want to be anything other than a GP? MW: I was always interested in genetics and embryology and, for a time, I studied developmental abnormalities. I thought about going into medical research but quickly realized that [being] locked away in a lab was not going to work for me. I started medical school in ’82, at the start of the “gay plague,” and I saw a way to

combine research and practicing medicine. I was out then and it was something that was affecting my community. PGN: Where did you go to school? MW: I went to Ursinus College for undergrad and to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. I love being in this area. PGN: When did you come out? MW: When I was 17, right before I went to college. I remember looking in the phonebook under gay and homosexuals and I saw a listing for the gay switchboard and a coffee shop. My parents were on vacation so I took the opportunity to go down and check it out. I went to the coffee shop and I remember it was tough to find because, in those days, there were never any signs on the gay establishments. I went in and there were four people in the shop, one of them being Mark Segal [PGN publisher]. He was the first person I spoke to and he was really great to me. In an era when so many people were led astray by sex, drugs and alcohol, he really helped me to keep a level head and I made it through the time period OK. PGN: How did you know you were gay? MW: When my friends were going on about how attractive this girl or that girl was, I remember not noticing. I gauged how pretty a girl was by how cute the guy she was with was! PGN: Your first awareness of HIV? MW: It was first called the gay See PORTRAITS, Page 41

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 32

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Best Sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 9232960; www.giovannisroom.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover instore sales. DVDS GAY MEN’S FILMS 1. “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom,” directed by Patrick Ian Polik (2008, 101 min., $24.95 DVD). “Noah’s Arc” is back and you’re invited to the big wedding! But can Noah and Wade really pull it off? Will Ricky’s sexcapades get the better of him? Can Chance and Eddie stay together? And can Alex stay sane? Get set for a wild wedding weekend of love, laughs, sex and some serious drama. 2. “Boys in the Band,” directed by William Friedkin (1970, 119 min., $27.95 DVD). Friedkin’s

groundbreaking ﬁlm about a group of gay friends at a birthday party, who dissect their lives and relationships until a married straight friend unexpectedly appears. Based on Mart Crowley’s acclaimed Broadway play of the same name. 3. “Shelter,” directed by Jonah Markowitz (2007, 88 min., $24.95 DVD). Experienced and nurturing Shaun is everything Zach desires, but Zach isn’t fully accepting of himself as a gay man, causing a strain in their love life and in their friendship. Now Zach is forced to confront his closeted mentality or risk losing his ﬁrst true love forever. 4. “The DL Chronicles,” directed by Quincey Lenear and Deondray Gossett (2007, 132 min., $24.95 DVD). The stories of men of color who, by necessity and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret

lifestyles. 5. “Boys Briefs 5,” various directors (2007/8, 109 min., $26.95 DVD). The latest installment of the successful series takes us to Europe and back again in its search for the best gay shorts in the world. 6. “Whirlwind,” directed by Richard Lemay (2008, 99 min., $24.95 DVD). A smart and sexy story about the complexity of gay relationships, this touching, funny ensemble ﬁlm explores non-monogamy, commitment, friendship, getting older and more. 7. “Noah’s Arc: Second Season,” directed by P. Polk (2007, 180 min., $39.95 DVD). Noah and the boys are back for another season of Logo’s hit original series. 8. “Daydream Obsession 2: Inﬁdelities,” directed by Thomas Smyth (2004, 72 min., $29.95 DVD). Clayton’s obsession and

joy with overpowering his homewrecking boyfriend lead him on a delusion-filled path of naked men playing Frisbee and eating ice cream. Will Clayton break out of these delusions before he pushes the next victim too far? 9. “Siren in the Dark,” directed by Laura Reilly and Steven Vasquez (2009, 81 min., $24.95 DVD). Cameron, a police officer with psychic abilities, is called upon to interview an accused teen in hopes of finding the whereabouts of the teen’s missing gay lover. His investigation immediately spirals into sordid tales of drug abuse, sexual obsessions and a mysterious man living on a deserted mountain road. 10. “Another Gay Sequel,” directed by Todd Stephens (2008, 97 min., $24.95 DVD). Packed with celebrity cameos and total gross-out

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humor, this outrageous follow-up to “Another Gay Movie” follows the spring-break adventures of Andy, Nico, Jarod and Griff when they enter the Ft. Lauderdale “Gays Gone Wild” contest (a competition to see who gets laid the most). LESBIAN FILMS 1. “Red is the Color of,” directed by Anne Norda (2007, 87 min., $29.95 DVD). The tense marriage between two artists is disrupted when the husband’s provocative nude model ignites his wife’s sexual and spiritual awakening. 2. “The Guitar,” directed by Amy Redford (2008, 93 min., $26.95 DVD). Saffron Burrows stars as a young woman who loses her boyfriend and her job and is given a devastating diagnosis by her doctor. Mel’s surprising response to her misfortunes includes the purchase of a special guitar. 3. “Drifting Flowers,” directed by Zero Chou (2008, 99 min., $24.95 DVD). Teddy Award-winning director Chou (“Spider Lilies”) weaves three poetic tales about lesbians seeking their true identity. 4. “Karen Williams: I Need a Snack,” directed by Andrea Meyerson (2009, 59 min., $19.95 DVD). Williams shares her stories about sex, online dating and customer service in the irreverently See BEST SELLERS, Page 37

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 33

Mysteries in print and on screen By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor This month there is lesbian intrigue in print — the fine mystery “Blind Faith” by Diane and Jacob Anderson-Minshall and the disappointing thriller “X” by JD Glass. In addition, on DVD, there are a pair of gay thrillers — the fantastic H.P. Lovecraft-inspired “Cthulhu” and the execrable reworking of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” by David DeCoteau. Blind private detective Yoshi Yakamota gets a curious case when a young lesbian named Aneko hires her agency to find her missing sister Saya in “Blind Faith,” the third in the Blind Eye Detective Series mysteries. Saya “disappeared” from the Pioneer Institute, a faith-based center that uses aversion therapy to turn queer teens straight. While Aneko hopes that Saya is safe and alive, two other girls from the Institute end up dead. To find out what is going on, Tucker Shade, Yoshi’s PIin-training, goes undercover at the Institute and uncovers a dastardly plot. As one character in “Blind Faith” acknowledges, the story has “a gay elder sister, a missing queer teen and an ex-gay cult ... all the makings of a lesbian mystery novel.” And it’s a pretty good one at that. The

authors, a husband-and-wife writing team, make their points about the insidious nature of trying to forcibly alter one’s sexuality plainly, if not especially subtly. They also have a sense of humor, naming a detective character Dakota Manning and another woman Barbara Parkins (any similarity to the “Valley of the Dolls” actress is purely intentional). Yet “Blind Faith” keeps readers engaged as various characters reveal their surprising agendas. And although Yoshi becomes quite close with her client, the story’s romantic angles are played down in favor

of the thriller elements. As Tucker struggles with proving her value to the agency, she also wrestles with her feelings for the folks she meets at the Institute. It is a strength of the novel that Tucker’s sleuthing provides her with challenges of both heart and mind. “Blind Faith” may be an obvious “whodunit” but its messages about tolerance and respect are equally clear. A story of corporate espionage, assumed identities and a plot for world domination featuring two tough lesbian characters, “X” should be a page-turner. Alas, Glass’ novel is mostly a plodding bore. Although the story — about various characters with secret agendas — is complex, it does not take long to get up to speed. The central problem with “X” is that its characters are drawn too simplistically. Charli is the tough corporate VP who has a quasi-relationship with Anna, who works at her ﬁrm. The women have sex, go surﬁng and maintain “workplace respect and camaraderie” with each other. However, another coworker, Ben, is a computer geek who secretly fancies and admires Charli. Ben, it turns out, is conspiring with John, an evil mastermind who kidnaps Charli to put his nefarious plan in motion. It is not much of a spoiler to reveal

JASON COTTLE IN “CTHULHU” Anna is an undercover Treasury agent who tries to rescue Charli for both personal and professional reasons. She even gets to use her surﬁng skills in her attempt to save her. Alas, these scenes, like much of “X,” never generate any excitement. Glass may present a laudable feminist message by having the book’s heroines challenge stereotypes in the ﬁelds of business and government. Their ethics, which involve combating sexism in all forms, are the book’s only salient feature. Yet when a character reveals that her uncle abused her “to save her from being a total dyke” or a male character believes that all women want him sexually, it’s a reductive explanation for the characters’ behavior. Had Glass

injected a little more complexity into her characters, “X” might have had the X-factor it desperately needs. Inspired by the H.P. Lovecraft story “The Call of Cthulhu,” director Dan Gildark’s goosebumpinducing thriller features Russell (Jason Cottle), a gay history professor coming home to the island of Rivermouth for his mother’s funeral. He encounters a series of bizarre characters and situations — all of which conspire to keep him on the island — and ﬁnds himself in possession of a mysterious object. Trying to make sense of things, Russ reconnects with his sexy-butstraight buddy Mike (Scott Patrick See MYSTERIES, Page 37

PAGE 34

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

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PAGE 36

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Ms. Behavior

Meryl Cohn

Must-have marital aids Dear Readers: Occasionally Ms. Behavior learns something that she is compelled to share with her readers, before she even gets a letter asking about it. However, if there were a question leading to this response, perhaps it would be, “What are the 10 essential ingredients to a happy marriage?” While that topic is too cumbersome to address in one column, Ms. Behavior may consider a series on this topic. Meanwhile, she would like to extol the virtues of a pocket-sized marital aid she discovered recently. Ms. Behavior was, perhaps, late to this discovery. Much to her dismay, Ms. Behavior learned that her mother, Bubbles, had one first, though she hadn’t yet figured out how to work it. (Ms. B. did not offer to help because she finds life more manageable when Bubbles is trained in technical matters by her dates or her doormen.) Who in their right mind is purchasing marital aids right now? You can light candles and pick flowers and watch erotica for free. Live theaters practically beg you to buy seats for barely more than the price of a movie. This blessed item, however, costs approximately $200, which Ms. Behavior was reluctant to spend because her current priority is organic hair products and vegetables. But luckily, Ms. Behavior’s wife received this item as a gift. Is it an exaggeration to refer to a global-positioning system as a marital aid? No. Plug it into your car lighter, punch in your destination and the soothing female voice tells you just how to get where you’re going. You’re released from the job of directing your partner. She doesn’t call you names in a confusing city. Wrong turns are no problem; you don’t have to pull over and re-map your route if you make a mistake. Hours formerly wasted on fighting can now be spent on love and kindness. “The lady” inside the GPS machine says, “Recalculating!” and you continue on your way. So, yes, count this as the first in Ms. Behavior’s list of ingredients for marital bliss. Some may ask, “Why the inclusion of a GPS in a column geared toward LGBT advice?” Simply because: a) this issue falls under the category of relationship

advice, and b) any item Ms. Behavior touches is a gay item. Dear Ms. Behavior: My boyfriend Steve, a staunch defender of LGBT rights, read a few recent arguments in favor of civil unions. Now Steve says he would accept civil unions as a substitute for gay marriage; this is shocking because he was furious at his parents after they argued this point a couple of years back. I fear we’re losing ground on this issue if Steve can be swayed to the other side. What do you think about civil union as a substitute for gay marriage? — Martin Dear Martin: Ms. Behavior believes that a civil union is a consolation prize, much like being offered a seat in the middle of the bus: There’s the sense of being relegated to a specific section, without the privileges conveyed to those in the front. Advocates for federally recognized civil unions claim they would offer “all or most” of the benefits of marriage. In an op-ed piece in The New York Times (Feb. 22), the authors proposed that a condition be passed along with the same bill, ensuring that Washington would recognize “only those unions licensed in states with robust religious-conscience exceptions.” This means religious organizations would be “protected” from having to recognize same-sex unions, sparing them from having to host same-sex celebrations on their properties or from having to offer healthcare benefits to spouses of their gay or lesbian employees. A gay wedding could obviously be any church’s worst nightmare: Just imagine a gaggle of butt-loving nellies on their lawn, bumping and grinding in nuptial celebration. It’s easy to get distracted by the religious issue, but the bigger problem is that civil unions are not marriage. Would it be wrongheaded to settle for something that doesn’t create equal cultural recognition? Would a halfway measure bring us incrementally closer to the right to marry or would it be a resting place so “acceptable” that we’d never finish the journey? Ms. Behavior believes we should hold out for the real thing. ■ Meryl Cohn is the author of “‘Do What I Say’: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette.” Email her at MsBehavior@aol.com or visit www.msbehavior.com.

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

BESTSELLERS From Page 32 hilarious way only she can deliver. Grab a snack, sit back and enjoy an hour of non-stop laughter. 5. “Lost and Delirious,” directed by Lea Pool (2000, 100 min., $14.95 DVD). This terrific, full-on lesbian melodrama takes up the long tradition of girls’ boarding-school movies and features a stunning cast of young female stars. A gorgeous production from an out lesbian director. 6. “Butch Jamie,” directed by Michelle Ehlen (2007, 84 min., $19.95 DVD). A quirky, genderbending comedy about an out-ofwork butch lesbian actress willing to try almost anything for a role. When she finally lands one, she manages to find lust and love too. 7. “The L Word: Season 5,” various directors (2007, 658 min., $49.95 DVD). Season five is packed with more drama, more sex and more of the wild lesbian entertainment you’ve come to expect. 8. “She Likes Girls 3,” various directors (2008, 92 min., $24.95 DVD). The girls who like the girls are back in this jam-packed installment of the most popular lesbian-shorts DVD series of all time. 9. “Itty Bitty Titty Committee,” directed by Jamie Babbitt (2007, 87 min., $27.95 DVD). This latest fabulous movie from Babbit is a dynamic, romantic, frequently funny and politically astute production with a smart script, rockin’ soundtrack and terrific ensemble cast. 10. “Show Me Love,” directed by Lukas Moodysson (1998, 89 min.,

MYSTERIES From Page 33 Green), whom he is crushed on, and he meets Susan (Tori Spelling), who wants his sperm. But it is not until a creepily effective encounter with a late-night liquor-store cashier that “Cthulhu” starts getting really weird and scary. Gildark creates a vivid dystopia that is eerie and compelling, even though he sometimes resorts to some

$29.95 DVD). A sensitive and funny coming-of-age drama about two teenage girls growing up in a small town, who find liberation in a conservative setting. BOOKS LESBIAN INTEREST 1. “Rose of No Man’s Land,” by Michelle Tea (Harvest, 306 pp., $14 pb). A whirlwind exploration of poverty and dropouts, this furious love story between two weirdo girls brims with snarky observations and soulful wonderings on the dazzleflash emptiness of contemporary culture. 2. “Borderlands/La Frontera,” by Gloria Anzaldua (Aunt Lute, 288 pp., $16.95 pb). Rooted in Anzaldua’s experience as a Chicana, a lesbian, an activist and a writer, the groundbreaking essays and poems in this volume profoundly challenge how we think about identity. 3. “Night Call,” by Radclyffe (Bold Strokes, 242 pp., $15.95 pb). Medivac helicopter pilot Jett McNally’s heart belongs to an Army officer she left behind in Afghanistan, and good-time anesthesiologist Tristan Holmes is no substitute — except maybe in bed — in this high-stakes medical drama of love in the fast lane. 4. “Hungry for It,” by Fiona Zedde (Kensington, 300 pp., $15 pb). Zedde takes readers on a sensual journey through the heady nightlife of Miami in this scorchingly sexy new novel. 5. “Consequences” by Skyy (King’s Crossing, 304 pp., $15.95 pb). School’s back in session and there’s a lot of unfinished business. predictable horror-movie “Boo!” moments to ratchet up the tension. “Cthulhu” boasts some unnerving sequences — particularly one in which Russ encounters a missing boy who leads him to a shocking discovery — but the point that Russ’ homosexuality is something worth persecuting him for is perhaps as unsettling. Cottle’s fierce performance is riveting throughout, and he is especially good at becoming

This fast-paced sequel to “Choices” will leave you on an emotional roller coaster you won’t want to get off. 6. “Side Order of Love,” by Tracey Richardson (Bella, 251 pp., $14.95 pb). From the author of the runaway best seller “The Candidate” comes the story of two women trying to find the right recipe for love. 7. “Double Pleasure, Double Pain,” by Nikki Rashan (Urban Books, 232 pp., $14.95 pb). Rashan takes readers along on a passionate journey for an answer to the common question, Who am I? in this story of a young woman who must decide whether to continue a lopsided relationship with her boyfriend or submit to the unfamiliar passions felt toward another woman. 8. “As We Are Now,” by May Sarton (W.W. Norton, 134 pp., $13.95 pb). A novel in the form of a diary, this story tells of Caroline Spencer, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher who has suffered a heart attack and been deposited by relatives in an old-age home. Subjected to subtle humiliations and petty cruelties, she fights back with all she has and, in a powerful climax, wins a terrible victory. 9. “October’s Promise,” by Marianne Garver (Bella, 224 pp., $14.95 pb). Garver’s charming first novel features an unforgettable Cupid in a setting readers will wish they could find on a map. 10. “Venus Vendetta,” by Rose Pry (Spinsters’ Ink, 242 pp., $14.95 pb). When Gillian and Jazz find out their friend Reggie has vanished, the search for her leads them into the midst of an elaborate web of deceit, treachery and threats, all of which centers around a televangelist who unglued. However, if Gildark’s surrealist touches lend the film an appropriate haunting/otherworldly quality, “Cthulhu” builds inexorably to a rather limp conclusion. Still, the final frame is a corker. In contrast, DeCoteau’s gay re-imagining of the Edgar Allen Poe classic poem “The Raven” is terrible. Neither as strong nor as suspenseful as his previous effort, “House of Usher,” this film’s only

Meeting Place

PAGE 37 seemingly can’t be touched. GAY INTEREST 1. “Book of Frank,” by CAConrad (Chax Press, 151 pp., $16 pb). “CA is very good news as a raconteur, poet, performer and activist and makes news daily with his dedicated Outsider passion and ‘alternative path’ imagination.” — Anne Waldman 2. “Basketball Jones,” by E. Lynn Harris (Doubleday, 256 pp., $22.95 hb). Harris returns to explore the down-low culture that made his first novel, “Invisible Life,” a groundbreaking phenomenon in his latest rip-roaring tale of sex, secrets and betrayal. 3. “Skin Lane,” by Neil Bartlett (Serpent’s Tail, 320 pp., $14.95 pb). Part fairy-tale, part compelling evocation of a now-lost London, this is Bartlett’s fiercest piece of writing yet: cruel, erotic and tender. 4. “Murder in the Rue Ursulines,” by Greg Herren (Alyson, 256 pp., $14.95 pb). As New Orleans continues to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Chanse MacLeod becomes involved in a high-profile case involving a golden couple of Hollywood who have committed themselves to helping New Orleans recover. 5. “Drifting Toward Love: Black, Brown, Gay and Coming of Age on the Streets of New York,” by Kai Wright (Beacon Press, 224 pp., $16 pb). Prostitution, homelessness, drugs and violence against gay men of color are all discussed in unflinching, and at times wrenchingly intimate, detail, alongside touching

reminiscences of ﬁrst love and the initial realization of a “different” sexuality. An important book about an oft-marginalized group. 6. “Ultimate Gay Erotica 2009,” edited by Jesse Grant (Alyson, 248 pp., $15.95 pb). This year’s collection of hot erotica will leave the reader breathless and wanting more. 7. “Phoenix Rising,” by Kimberly Gardner (MLR, 280 pp., $14.99 pb). Two-dozen roses, one-dozen balloons and a night with a sexy young stripper. What a 36th birthday for Jimmy Trent. But the ultimate gift is yet to come as he ﬁnds himself falling in love with the beautiful dancer. 8. “The Torturer’s Wife,” by Thomas Glave (City Lights, 261 pp., $15.95 pb). Glave, known for his stylistic brio, expands and deepens his lyrical experimentation in stories that focus — explicitly and allegorically — on the horrors of despotic dictatorships, terror, antigay violence, the weight of memory, secret fetishes, erotic longing, desire and intimacy. 9. “A Perfect Waiter,” by Alain Claude Sulzer (Bloomsbury, 211 pp., $19.95 hb). This short, evocative novel combines a romantic melodrama of homosexual love and betrayal with deeper meditations on the passage of time, the essence of truth, the deception of desire and the inevitability of death. 10. “Best Gay Love Stories 2009,” edited by Brad Nichols (Alyson, 227 pp., $15.95 pb). People everywhere need romance in their lives, and this volume will have readers wishing they were the lovelorn characters who populate its stories. ■

salient feature is the slow-motion sex scenes of gay guys coupling in their undies. Roderick (Rick Armando) is hosting a masquerade ball at a mansion that was the site of a massacre 50 years earlier. An unhappy someone is dressing up in a raven costume and dispatching the partygoers to a screechy soundtrack. Maybe it is the lone survivor of the massacre? Then again, it could be Roderick’s

prep-school rival — and former lover — exacting a long-awaited revenge. Alas, viewers will care more about the shirtless hunks spilling champagne on each other than whodunit. This “Raven” is hardly campy fun; it’s a dull mystery that generates few thrills — sexually or otherwise. Maybe DeCoteau should have heeded Poe’s words more closely: nevermore. ■

Youth

A bulletin board for support groups and other organizations. • Trans • Community centers • Recovery • Religion • Activism/politics • Social groups • Professional groups • HIV/AIDS

PAGE 38

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Diversions

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

two composers who reshaped 20th-century music, 8 p.m. March 7 and 10 and 2 p.m. March 8 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Cats The longest touring musical in Broadway history hits town, through March 8 at the Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; (215) 336-1234.

Ida Levin, Peter Stumpf and Cynthia Raim The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents a Russian-themed evening of music, 8 p.m. March 9 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

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.

New Worlds The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Charles Dutoit conducting a program featuring one of the most popular symphonies of all time, Dvorák’s Ninth Symphony, 8 p.m. March 12 and 14 and 2 p.m. March 13 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

Honor and the River The Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 presents Anton Dudley’s powerful coming-of-age story about deep rivers and deeper emotions, through March 15, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Hugging the Shoulder The Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of a young man who kidnaps his older brother and takes him on a grueling road trip to conquer his heroin addiction, through March 8 at Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. The Irish and How They Got That Way The Kimmel Center presents an irreverent but affectionate history of the Irish in America that mingles laughter and sentiment in a tapestry of classical songs and stories, as told by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, through March 29 at Kimmel’s Innovation Studio, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Iron Kisses The heartfelt and often funny exploration of the relationships between parents runs March 10-April 5 at Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; (215) 6540200.

Music other THE FINAL WORD: The way television is going these days, we are probably never going to see this many lesbian characters on a show again. So say goodbye to Helena (Rachel Shelley, from left), Kit (Pam Grier), Jenny (Mia Kirshner), Shane (Katherine Moennig), Bette (Jennifer Beals), Tina (Laurel Holloman), Alice (Leisha Hailey) and Tasha (Rose Rollins), as the HRC and Sisters give “The L Word” a proper send-off with screenings of the series finale from 2-10 p.m. March 8, 1320 Chancellor St. For more information, call (215) 735-0735. Photo: Don Flood/Showtime

The Karma Cookie 1812 Productions presents a comedy following two British brothers around the globe on their quest for enlightenment ... sort of, through March 29 at The Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 592-9560. The Mammy Project Touchstone Theater presents a production using original music, storytelling and historical speeches by Frederick Douglas and Halle Q. Brown to transform an oppressive stereotype into a celebration, March 12-15, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem; (610) 867-1689. My Name is Asher Lev Arden Theatre Company

presents the world premiere of the story of a young Hassidic artist torn between his observant Jewish community and his need to create, through March 17 at Arden’s Arcadia Stage, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122. Scorched The Wilma Theater presents the East Coast premiere of the epic drama/mystery written by acclaimed Lebanese-Canadian playwright Wajdi Mouawad, through March 29, 265 S. Broad St.; (215) 546-7824. Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll BCKSEET Productions presents Eric Bogosian’s open meditation on the conﬂicts in his life, through

March 14 at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 923-0210. Six Degrees of Separation The dark and witty play explores themes of the New York elite, racial tensions, homophobia, homelessness, obsession with status and relationships between parents and children, through March 22 at Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St., Pottstown; (610) 970-1199. Wrong Turn at Lungfish The comedy-drama by the creator of “Happy Days” follows an intellectual, bitter college professor and the saucy, street-wise young woman who volunteers to

read to him in the hospital, through March 15 at Old Academy Players, 3540 Indian Queen Lane; (215) 843-1109. A Year with Frog and Toad Arden Theatre Company presents the revival of the smash-hit musical based on the Newbery and Caldecotthonored children’s books by Arnold Lobel, through April 19 at 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.

Music classical

Jurowski Conducts Mahler The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a unique program of early orchestral works by

Bleeding Through, The Acacia Strain and As Blood Runs Black The metal/hard-rock bands perform at 6 p.m. March 9 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483. Lucinda Williams The alt/country/folk singer performs at 8 p.m. March 6 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650. Lucy Kaplansky The singer-songwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. March 7 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710. Christine Havrilla The out singer-songwriter performs at the grand opening of Great Lodge Coffee at 8 p.m. March 7, 52 Main St., Flemington, N.J.; (908) 284-1221. Paul Green School of Rock All-Stars with Special Guest John Wetton This talented group of

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 9256437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

musicians hopes to pull off the music of King Crimson and Asia, 7:30 p.m. March 8 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710. Throwing Muses The reunited alt-rock band performs at 9 p.m. March 10 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710. Kinky The Latin-inﬂuenced electrorock band performs at 7:30 p.m. March 11 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 March 7, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250. Black Hands, Blue Seas — The Untold Maritime Stories of African Americans Independence Seaport Museum presents an exhibition that explores the African-American maritime experience, through March 22, Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; (215) 4138631. 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. Impressions of an Age: Ukiyo-e Prints from the Berman Collection The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS Ursinus College presents an exhibition of woodblock print (ukiyo-e) art made popular during Japan’s Edo Period, through April 17, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 409-3500.

PGN

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Pick

InSights: Devon Dikeou — Marilyn Monroe Wanted to be Buried in Pucci The Galleries at Moore presents a mixed-media installation by New Yorkbased artist Devon Dikeou through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027.

North by Northwest The 1959 Alfred Hitchcock ﬁlm starring Cary Grant is screened at 2 p.m. March 8 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Books

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.

Thomas Glave The award-winning author of “The Torturer’s Wife” hosts a reading at 6 p.m. March 12 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.

L’arte d’alluminar Haverford College Library Special Collections presents an exhibition of illustrations of Dante’s Divine Comedy, through April 22, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford; (610) 896-1161. Saving Face: Portraits from the Collection of Robert Infarinato James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition of iconic portraits of artists and celebrities from the collection of Bucks County resident Robert M. Infarinato, through March 15, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. Sendak on Sendak The Rosenbach Museum and Library hosts an exhibition exploring the work of gay artist/author Maurice Sendak, through May 3 at 2008-10 Delancey Place; (215) 7321600. Shift: Investigations in Contemporary Art The James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition featuring paintings, photographs, ﬁlm and sculpture with recurring elements, unusual juxtapositions and narratives that skew both time and space, through April 12, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. Women through the Lens of Time The Galleries at Moore

Banff Mountain Film Festival Philadelphia Rock Gym presents the best in outdoor adventure ﬁlms at 7 p.m. March 6-7 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Elaine Showalter The author of “A Jury of Her Peers: American Women Writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. March 10 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Cabaret Catch Holly Near when she performs a benefit show at 8 p.m. March 6 at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut St. The singer-songwriter, activist and lesbian icon has spent the last 40 years writing and performing folk and protest music as well as acting on stage and screen. All ticket proceeds after the first 200 will go directly to the church. For more information, call (215) 563-3980. presents a photojournalism exhibition featuring people, subjects, issues and events that student curators feel have reflected or shaped women’s lives, drawn from the archives of The Inquirer, which span 180 years, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027. Yumi Kori: Utatane The Japan-based architect transforms the Goldie Paley Gallery at Moore College of Art using video and sound to create a multi-sensory, interactive environment, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway;

(215) 965-4027.

Opera

Turandot The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents Puccini’s opera sung in Italian with English translations, 8 p.m. March 6 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Dance

The Sleeping Beauty First State Ballet Theatre presents one of the world’s best-loved classical story-

book ballets, 8 p.m. March 7 and 3 p.m. March 8 at Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; (800) 374-7263.

Film

Rethinking Sex on the Downlow The University of Pennsylvania presents an intimate portrait of four men negotiating their same-sex desires within the African-American community of Cleveland, Ohio, at 7:30 p.m. March 6 at International House, 3701 Chestnut St.; (215) 3875125.

Madame The legendary puppet/ diva performs at 8:30 p.m. March 7 at Harlans Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.

Etc.

The Sixth Annual Beargata The Liberty Bears host an evening of blackjack, roulette and poker from 6-10 p.m. March 7 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; (215) 627-1662. Womyns Fest The performance and ﬁlm showcase celebrates its 10th anniversary from 3-11 p.m. March 8 at the Rotunda, 4014 Chestnut St.; www. vitamindproductions.us. Paul Mooney The comic best known for his work with Richard Pryor and “The Chappelle Show” performs March 11-14 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001. ■

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MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Q on the tube: Identity crisis

Queer TV you can always see: All My Children Bianca has left Pine Valley and Reese, taking the couple’s daughters to Paris. But sources say Bianca will return, as will Reese’s parents. Will Bianca take Reese back? Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. on ABC.

By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor One of the reasons the Valentine’s Day wedding of Bianca and Reese on “All My Children” was so significant is because same-sex marriage is legal in only two states and in limbo in California. ABC promoted the upcoming wedding with the same fanfare it gives heterosexual weddings — an affirmation for queer viewers. Thus, the sudden sundering of the only lesbian couple on daytime came as a total shock. There was no rose-petal-covered marital bed for Bianca and Reese. Instead, their wedding night became a search-and-rescue mission for Bianca’s cousin Greenlee, who was run off a cliff in an accident caused by Bianca’s sister, Kendall. The complex relationship of Bianca and Reese, Kendall and her husband, Zach, who was the sperm donor for Bianca and Reese’s baby, was a source of tension for weeks prior to the wedding. Kendall had been in a coma for three months and during that time Zach made Reese his confidant. His attraction to Reese was apparent, but his devotion to Kendall never wavered. But at the rehearsal, Kendall and Bianca’s mother attacked Reese. She fled in tears, a bottle of Scotch in hand. Bianca held her and told her she would fix it and Reese yelled, “Then fix it.” But Bianca didn’t fix it. Instead, she spent the night before her wedding with her mother and sister — both of whom despise Reese — leaving her beloved drinking and crying alone. On TV, as in real life, drinking and crying alone never ends well. For Reese it ended with Zach coming to check on her and kissing her. It was a moment of weakness for Zach, whose wife has become intolerable. For Reese it was a moment of drunken upset. Zach had cared enough to come rescue her. She was grateful. What would have been just a mistake — two people being shut out by the women they loved and feeling the pain of that rejection — turned into tragedy when the secret kiss was revealed. The love affair of Bianca and Reese had developed over a year prior to the couple coming to Pine Valley from Paris. They had two daughters, including their new baby, Gabrielle. But the one kiss between Zach and Reese sundered not only their relationship, but their family. Bianca kicked Reese to the curb, got an attorney and demanded both an annulment and custody of the children. What was so disappointing about how “All My Children’s” storyline evolved — or devolved — is that it incorporated all the negative elements of lesbian relationships but offered no opportunity to showcase any of the positive ones. The message this storyline sent to straight viewers was simple: Lesbians are screwed up. There’s no question that Bianca was justified in feeling betrayed. But why end the marriage? Why tell her sister, Kendall, to work on her marriage and forgive her husband when she was unwilling to do the same thing? After all, the “sin” — the kiss — was the same for both Reese and Zach. And Bianca forgave Zach, but not Reese. Reese became the focus of everyone’s outrage. She was the porn stereotype of the hyper-sexual lesbian who will have sex with anyone — women or men — and doesn’t care about the consequences. But that’s not the Reese viewers were introduced to. Reese was presented as a vulnerable yet loving and devoted partner to Bianca and doting mother to Miranda and Gabrielle. “All My Children” ruined a promising storyline that could have presented the first lesbian family in daytime history and charted their life together. Instead they chose to demonize both lesbian characters. It’s not enough to merely present queer characters on TV. Those characters have to range beyond the stereotypical or sensational and be invested with some level of “normalcy” to be truly representative of what queers are really like. “All My Children” spent eight years building the character of Bianca and less than a week destroying her. And it set back the clock on the representation of realistic lesbian relationships on TV for a long time to come. ■

THE SHOW MUST GO ON: Elizabeth Vargas hosts a special edition of “20/20” called “Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Returns,” featuring exclusive interviews and highlights of the iconic entertainers’ careers and Roy’s inspiring recovery, culminating in their Feb. 28 final performance, at 9 p.m. March 6 on ABC. Photo: ABC/Denise Truscello

worth watching: FRIDAY America’s Next Top Model Tyra Banks takes her female/ TG models through their paces in Vegas. 8 p.m. on the CW. Bend It Like Beckham “ER’s” Parminder Nagra stars in this lesbian coming-of-age story about a girls’ soccer team in England. 8 p.m. on Oxygen. Dollhouse Echo cracks a safe, but her personality gets wiped while doing so. 9 p.m. on FOX. 20/20 Siegfried and Roy in flagrante. 9 p.m. on ABC. SATURDAY On the Downlow Depicts the subculture of African-American men who maintain straight lives in public while having secretive affairs with men in private. Set in Cleveland, the four men portrayed differ both in background as well as sexual preference. 8 a.m. on Logo. SUNDAY The L Word The series finale begins with an hour-long review of the prior six seasons. Then, in the finale, a celebration of friendship ends in disaster. Sergeant Duffy (Lucy Lawless) investigates Jenny’s death and someone will take the fall. 7 p.m. on

Showtime. Amazing Race Gay activist Dr. Mel White and his gay son, Mike, are still in the running. 8 p.m. on CBS. Desperate Housewives Susan (Terri Hatcher) meets a lesbian and kisses a girl. But does she like it? Considering her luck with men, it might be time to try her own gender. 9 p.m. on ABC. Brothers & Sisters How will Robert’s run for governor impact Kitty and Kevin, and will Prop. 8 factor in? 10 p.m. on ABC. The United States of Tara Max has his hands full while “Alice” is out again. Marshall fears Jason’s father knows about his crush on Jason. The boys grow closer. 10 p.m. on Showtime. MONDAY House House treats a patient who speaks his mind uncontrollably, wreaking havoc. 8 p.m. on FOX. RuPaul’s Drag Race In “Absolut Drag Ball,” RuPaul makes the queens hit the floor in a good old-fashioned drag ball inspired by Absolut’s realfruit-flavored vodkas. 10 p.m. on Logo.

As the World Turns Since Reg’s murder, Luke has been obsessively seeking his killer, putting strain on his and Noah’s relationship. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS. Ellen Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC. TUESDAY American Idol 8 p.m. on FOX. WEDNESDAY New Adventures of Old Christine Lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes. 8 p.m. on CBS. American Idol 9 p.m. on FOX. The Real World: Brooklyn Gay boy J.D. had a meltdown last week, smashing a coffee table and ripping a phone out of the wall. 10 p.m. on MTV. Sordid Lives: The Series 10:30 p.m. on Logo. THURSDAY Ugly Betty Betty meets Matt’s mother (guest star Christine Baranski) but things don’t go as she expects. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina gets creative to solve a cash-flow problem. 8 p.m. on ABC. Grey’s Anatomy Things heat up between the still-trying lesbian doctor and Arizona. 9 p.m. on ABC. Hell’s Kitchen The lesbian LA is still in. With five chefs out and the dreadful Lacey moved to the men’s team, the chefs host a Bar Mitzvah. 9 p.m. on FOX. ■

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PORTRAITS From Page 31 plague and then Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID) and ARC, AIDS-Related Complex. I recall sitting on the floor in my house reading the newspaper about this strange disease that seemed to be affecting gay men in New York and San Francisco. It was all about Kaposi’s sarcoma and Pneumocystis pneumonia and whatnot and my father said, “What are you reading that stuff for?” I replied, “Oh, you know, I’m going to medical school and I think this stuff is interesting. People don’t know it yet, but I think this is going to turn into something really huge. Hopefully we’ll learn something from it, whether it’s a new cancer treatment or more about the immune system.” I know he was questioning whether I was interested in the gay aspect or the medical aspect of the issue, and of course it was both. PGN: There was a lot of fear and ignorance about AIDS back then. I read that you were one of the first doctors to treat people with the disease in a dignified way. MW: I started my residency in 1988 and you had to work in an office setting as well as in the hospital setting. I did my internship at St. Joe’s Hospital and wanted to work with HIV, which no one else wanted to do. I tried to set a good example of how to treat patients with the disease. It was frustrating at times: The majority of physicians did not want to get involved or touch anyone with HIV/AIDS. I still can’t comprehend that mentality, as a physician, we’re supposed to look out for the good of all our patients. Thankfully things have gotten better in a short time period. I did a stint at Graduate Hospital in the ’90s and the people couldn’t have been nicer. They didn’t care if you were gay, straight or what your HIV status was. They were professional all the way around. I also worked in a small medical office. There were two men that came in that I guessed were a couple but I was too afraid to say anything. One of them came in one time and said that he would have to find a new doctor because he’d tested positive. I told him I wouldn’t be afraid to treat him and he asked if I knew that he was gay. I told him that I’d always thought so, and told him that I was gay too and we laughed. I treated him for some years. Unfortunately, he had a stroke and passed away five years ago, but his partner is still my patient, which is really nice. PGN: How did you get your own practice? MW: In ’89, I started practicing

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS with a Dr. Martin, who was one of the ﬁrst doctors to advertise in a gay paper. He retired in ’91 and I acquired his practice. I’ve always been protective of my patients. Being out really helps, especially when I have to refer patients to other doctors. If someone makes homophobic remarks, I know not to refer any patients to them. If they can’t be respectful of me, doctor to doctor, I know they won’t treat my patients with respect, so no. No, I won’t have anything to do with them. PGN: How did you come out at work? MW: Well, it’s funny. I was moving to Delaware and one of the male nurses asked me why I was moving. I told him it was because my boyfriend at the time lived there. The next day the whole of Graduate Hospital knew I was gay. They talk about queens gossiping, this guy was straight and he was like the Daily News! It was never an issue for me or for them. Those nurses, especially the ones who worked in HIV/AIDS, were wonderful, special people. PGN: Do you collect anything? MW: I have a wine cellar with about 300 bottles. I collect them faster than I drink them. And after going to Russia, I have a fascination with all things Russian. PGN: Last live production you attended? MW: Row two at Elton John’s performance at the Coliseum in Las Vegas. What’s cool is that when he ends the show with “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” the ﬁrst three rows get invited up on stage to dance around the piano with him. I’m a big Elton John fan, so it was fantastic. I go to see him any chance I get. PGN: Most dangerous stunt? MW: I went to Moscow by myself, not speaking the language. PGN: Oddest thing you ate there? MW: In one restaurant, they had beaver on the menu, but as a gay man, I was not about to go there! PGN: A favorite toy as a kid? MW: Operation! PGN: And yet you didn’t go into surgery? MW: Actually, I found surgery boring. Standing around in one spot over an unconscious person for hours was dull. I like to talk to my patients. PGN: Last time you threw a snowball? MW: Last winter with my dog. He was a German Shepard that I got from two of my patients.

Unfortunately he had to be put to sleep in December. PGN: Wackiest incident as a doctor? MW: Uh, due to confidentiality, I can’t say much. Well, I had one patient who’s dead now and I think he wouldn’t mind me telling the story anyway. He and his partner had a great twisted sense of humor. I was doing a rectal exam on him one time and his partner was in the room. I pretended to fall in up to my elbow and they started laughing. The problem was that the more the guy on the table laughed, the more he tightened up and I started saying, “Oh great, now I can’t get my finger out!” We all were howling and the guy said, “Wait, I’m not the bottom, I’m a top!” and his partner in the chair almost fell on the floor. It was hysterical. Every visit with them was funny. PGN: Any hobbies? MW: I have two salt-water fish tanks, a 200- and 300-gallon tank. It’s relaxing. You don’t have to worry about making it home in time to walk the fish. I miss my dog though. PGN: What kind of music do you like? MW: Obviously Elton John. I like a lot of piano music. I also like Shirley Bassey. I’m always playing her in the background at work. PGN: Do you get cookie plates, etc., from your patients? MW: Yeah, I’m spoiled. This year I got some nice Russian vodka and I have one lady who always brings me a card and a mug on the anniversary of her diagnosis. PGN: What was the hardest part of medical school? MW: I really enjoyed medical school, so it wasn’t difficult for me. Yes, it’s intense and the hours are long. The 24-hour shifts when you’re interning or doing a residency are barbaric and I think it jeopardizes people’s lives. It’s time to get rid of that tradition. The worst part was the smell of the anatomy labs. You can’t see that on TV. I had the class right before lunch and while the other interns ate lunch, I’d run home to shower and change into fresh clothes. [Laughs.] I guess that should have been a clue to my classmates that I was gay! PGN: Why do they make people go through those long, dangerous shifts? MW: It’s just tradition, it’s that old school “I had to do it, so you do too.” They’re starting to outlaw it in some states. I think they’ve done studies showing that driv-

PAGE 41 ing a car after being awake for 24 hours is equal to being drunk beyond the legal limit. I certainly wouldn’t want that person working on my mother in the emergency room. PGN: Worst clothing disaster? MW: I take the train from West Chester and there’s one guy who rides the train who is absolutely beautiful — unfortunately, he just started wearing a wedding ring — anyway, I was looking at his shoes one day and was thinking how nice his shoes were. I don’t have a foot fetish, but they were nice. I looked at my shoes and realized I was wearing two completely different shoes! I had to run home and change, I didn’t want my patients to think I was loony.

I think we would lose a lot of physicians. Already, they said that in Pennsylvania alone we will lose 40 percent of primary-care physicians in the next five years. Doctors are not making the fortunes that everyone believes. You go into the field today because you love it, not to make money. That being said, fighting with all the different insurance companies the way we have to do is ridiculous. A one-party payer system makes a lot of sense. Federal employees of the United States have the best insurance plan you could ask for. If we believe federal employees are worth it, then goddamn it, why isn’t every person in this country worthy of the same system? I mean Keystone Mercy, what a nightmare. Even with good programs like Personal Choice, I still have to get authorization to have an MRI done on someone. That I, as the doctor, have to stop and get permission from someone behind a desk is beyond words. I have an AIDS patient for whom I have to get authorization for one of his AIDS medicines. It’s atrocious. The insurance companies have too much power. They’ve gotten out of control. I won’t even take Keystone Mercy. Major changes have to be made. Mandatory coverage has to be passed.

PGN: I keep reading about the bare-backing trend and other risky behavior in the current generation. Is it really going on or is it mostly media hype? MW: No, it’s going on and it’s terrible. These kids live in a world where HIV drugs have always existed. We’ve made much progress and there’s no need for people to die anymore if you get the right drug combination, but what people don’t realize is that even though you might not die, it’s still an awful thing to live with. Whether because of media or general PGN: What sort of patients do you serve? acceptance, it’s lost its stigma and MW: I have all types of patients, lost its fear. Crystal meth makes from 18 to 83 years old, men and people feel that they’re invincible, and the number of young women, all races, genders and orientations. Everyone is welcome. ■ people coming in HIV-positive is upsetting. There are so many side effects that can occur due to the Dr. Mark Watkins Triangle Medical Inc. medicines, such as high cholesterol and heart attacks, that people 253 S. 10th St. (215) 829-0170 don’t take into account. There are changes to the body, like wasting, that we don’t fully understand. To suggest a community member for “Professional Portraits,” Why would you want to subject yourself to that? It’s disheartening. write to: Professional Portraits, I’m not saying that we should go 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol. back to a time of fear, but there com. should be an understanding of the disease and a respect for what will happen if you contract it. SOLUTION PGN: One of the fears expressed about universal healthcare is that we won’t get anyone going into medicine any more and that doctors are against it. What’s your take? MW: It’ll be a doubleedged sword all the way around. One of the pharmaceutical companies sent us to London years ago to see how their system operated and I didn’t like it. I don’t see it working here and you’re right,

From Page 30

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, 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, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport;

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

(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)

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

12-step programs and support groups Adult Children of Alcoholics

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

Professional groups

Al-Anon

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 627-9090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance The Philadelphia chapter of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development and educational opportunities. Holds monthly networking events; (215) 7014760; P.O. Box 12647, Philadelphia, Pa. 19129; www.independencebusinessalliance.com. Monthly Brown Bag forums for LGBT business owners at noon on third Thursdays at the William Way Center. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 304 S. 12th St.; (215) 8406141; www.gayphiladelphia.org. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 857-9283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Acceptance meets at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Episcopal Church, 22nd and Spruce streets. ■ Beginnings meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0663 ext. 282. ■ Community meets at 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Holy Communion Church, 2111 Sansom St. Gay and lesbian but all are welcome. ■ GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 100 W. Windsor St., Reading; (484) 529-9504. ■ Living In Sobriety meets at 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. Sundays at the William Way Center. ■ Night Owl meets at 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday at the William Way Center. ■ Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Beginners meeting meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2212 Spruce St. ■ Sober and Gay meets at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at the William Way Center. ■ Stepping Stone meets at 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Ties That Bind Us is a12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the BDSM, leather and alternative sexuality community. Meetings are held from 7:30-9 p.m. in South Philadelphia. For location, call (800) 581-7883. ■

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

Wednesdays:

A support group for HIV-positive women will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad St.; (215) 387-6055. ■ AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at 340 N. 12th St., Suite 205; (215) 563-2424. ■ Project Teach, a peer-education and empowerment program for people living with HIV/ AIDS, will meet from 3-5 p.m. at Philadelphia Fight, 1233 Locust St. ■ Positive Effect, for HIV-positive people 18 and over, meets from 5-7 p.m. at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432. ■

Thursdays:

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

Saturdays:

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

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

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

■

Emotional Support

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

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

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

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

■

HIV/AIDS

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

Open meeting, Tuesdays, beginners meet at 5:30 p.m., regular meeting at 6 p.m. at Hahnemann University Hospital, 245 N. 15th St., third ﬂoor, room 3208; call Troy, (215) 514-3065. ■

S.A.R.A.

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

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

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

■

Mondays:

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

Tuesdays:

AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence Branch of the the Free Library, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. ■

SEPCADD

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

Smoking Cessation

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

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. Complete Meeting Place listinga of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans, Youth groups can be found online @ www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PAGE 43

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

States’ budget woes will outlast the recession By Michael Hill The Associated Press Even after $135 billion in federal aid gets spent, many states will be staring down budgetary black holes unless they initiate dramatic spending cuts or tax increases, or both. In the short term, the massive stimulus will help balance budgets and keep key services, such as Medicaid, going. But economists agree the money will not quickly eradicate high unemployment, low consumer spending or distress in the housing market — the triple threats behind a nationwide tax-collection shortfall that is expected to drag on even after the economy begins to rebound. Without higher taxes, bigger cuts to government services — or yet more federal funding — states face budget gaps that could reach $120 billion nationwide in their 2011 budgets, according to an analyst at the Rockefeller Institute, a think tank in Albany, N.Y. James Difﬂey, managing director of Global Insight’s U.S. Regional Services Group, says it’s unlikely budget gaps will close

before 2013. “States’ budget problems lag the economy,” Diffley said. “What we see in budgets will get worse for at least another year.” Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke last week told Congress that the recession might end this year if the government is able to prop up the shaky banking system. States simply are not taking in enough money to cover expenses that are rising with the recession. So far, neither the spending cuts nor the tax and fee increases being discussed appear large enough to address the impending revenue shortfall, economists said. Spending increases were easier to cover in flush times earlier this decade, when tax collections jumped 40 percent over five years. Then the bubble burst. Inflated housing wealth collapsed, consumers hunkered down, businesses slashed jobs and tax collections plunged. Sales and income taxes can provide around two-thirds of tax revenue. Other revenue streams, like the realestate fund transfer tax, continue to

take hits, too, as the housing market scrapes bottom. States’ combined deficits have already climbed to around $50 billion in their 2009 budgets and are expected to grow in the following budget cycle, leaving governors and lawmakers with more painful choices over the likes of education cuts and layoffs. “They’re going to have to cut their budgets significantly,” said Mark Vitner, senior economist and managing director at Wachovia. Exhibit A for state budget messes is California, where lawmakers struggled to reach a deal to raise taxes, borrow money and cut services to close a multiyear $42-billion deficit. The state was hit as hard as any by the housing collapse, and residents like Tanya Duarte in Fresno illustrate the challenge California and other states face to turn things around. When the housing bubble burst, work dried up for Duarte’s husband, a house painter, and they could not afford the $2,215-a-month mortgage payment on their home. They have since struck a deal with the bank to avoid foreclosure, but have had to cut

back on everything to piano lessons for their 13-year-old son to cable TV. “We’re just doing the best we can,” she said. “We’re hanging in there.” Duarte was fortunate enough to avoid foreclosure in a state plagued with them. And her husband now has a job, but roughly 1.7-million Californians don’t — showing how deep and interconnected the revenue problems are for states. Fewer jobs mean less income tax. Even wealthy people with steady work are earning less taxable income because investment income is down. Losses for high earners add up fast due to progressive tax rates — a loss of $1 million in capital gains can hurt a state treasury more than dozens of workers losing $40,000-a-year jobs. New York and other states dependent on ﬁnance will be hardest hit, but many states will feel the pinch, said Scott Pattison, executive director of the National Association of State Budget Ofﬁcers. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine recently warned that losses in investment income could expand the state’s shortfall.

These states could get a rude awakening after tax returns are filed in April. The financial crisis became significantly worse late last year, and experts say it’s likely that many quarterly filers overestimated their capital gains and other investment income. That could sharply drive down states’ collections in the final quarter. Lost income, lower wages and job-security fears are in turn sapping demand for retail goods. In Missouri, where the unemployment rate is 7.3 percent, sales-tax collections fell 12 percent in January from a year earlier. In Georgia, where the unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, sales taxes dropped 17 percent in December. Consumers are putting off purchases of big-ticket items like cars, which can account for about 10 to 20 percent of a state’s sales-tax revenue. J.D. Power and Associates forecasts 1.8-million fewer cars will be sold this year compared to last year — a multibillion-revenue drop that would inflict pain beyond the teetering auto industry. ■

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

Queen Village – 925 S. 2nd St. A1

Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Age of property: Brand-new construction Square Footage: 3,700 Cost: $849,900 Realtor: Mike McCann Real Estate Co: Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors Phone: 215-627-6005 Direct: 215-440-8345 Web Site: www.mccanteam.com

Check your ad

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

This is a luxurious 4BD/3BA new-construction townhome featuring an elevator, family room, parking, top-of-the-line finishes, gas fireplace, hardwood floors, breakfast nook, patio, garden, deck, Juliet balcony, lots of closet space, finished basement and 10-year tax abatement.

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 44

MAR. 6 - 12, 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

Deadline for Line Advertising is Friday at 3 p.m. for the following Friday’s issue. You may place your ad via our secure voicemail system, fax or e-mail at any time, or on our Web site. Please have the following information ready to place your ad:

YOUR AD COPY • YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS • DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER • CREDIT CARD INFORMATION PHONE: 215-625-8501 ext. 200 OR 215-451-6182 (DIRECT) • FAX: 215-925-6437 • E-MAIL: don@epgn.com GENERAL INFORMATION

All classified advertising must be in our office by 3 p.m. Friday for the next Friday’s paper. Ads arriving after that time will be held for the next available issue. PGN reserves the right to edit or rewrite ads as needed, to refuse any ad for any reason and to determine the final classification. Ads determined to be in bad taste, directed to or from persons under the legal age of consent or containing racially or sexually discriminatory language will be refused. We need your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number on the insertion order form for you ad. This information is confidential and will not appear in the paper. Any ads received without full information will be destroyed. Sexually explicit language will be edited or refused at the discretion of the management.

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

Classified ads may placed online or by mail, fax, e-mail or in person at the PGN offices at 505 S. Fourth St., Phila. Phone, fax and e-mail orders are accepted with credit/debit cards only. A $10 minimum applies to all charges. If you are paying in person with cash, please have the exact change as we cannot make change at the office. All ads must be prepaid for their entire run. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL; IT’S NOT SAFE AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

TERM DISCOUNTS - BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ISSUES PREPAID 4 weeks, 5% • 8 weeks, 10% • 16 weeks, 15% • 26 weeks, 20%

CANCELLATION POLICY All PGN Classified ads are cancelable and refundable except for “FRIENDS” ads. Deadline for cancellation is 3 p.m. Friday. The balance will be credited to your credit/debit card. Checks take two weeks to process. The date of the first issue the ad appeared in, along with the classification, your name, address and daytime phone number is required to cancel your ad.

Classiﬁeds Liner Insertion Order

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

HEADLINE (24 SPACES PER LINE) FREE WHEN PLACED ONLINE 40 spaces Per Line 36 spaces Per Line 24 SPACES PER LINE

7 point 7 point 7 POINT

NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE

PLEASE PRINT STATE

ZIP

AMEX • MASTERCARD • VISA • DISCOVER CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION SIGNATURE NAME ON CARD # # #

“A” LINES @ $5.50 - $ “B” LINES @ $7.50 - $ “C” LINES @ $10.00 - $ BOX YOUR AD $5.00 SUBTOTAL

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

PGN now offers

FREE online classifieds. Go to www.philagaynews.com for the details. You can also place your print ad through the Web site it’s fast and easy!

TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED

Return form and payment to: Masco Communications 505 S. Fourth St., Phila., PA 19147 or fax: 215-925-6437 or email: don@epgn.com

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

Real Estate

REAL ESTATE

Adirondack Wholesale Acerage 141 Acres- Trophy deer Area WAS: $169,900 NOW: $99,900. 88 Acres w/ Large pond WAS: $159,900 NOW: $119,900. 30 Acres- ADK Bass Pond WAS: $89,900 NOW: $69,900. 81 Acres- Near Salmon River/ Pulaski $99,900. Beautiful acerage, prices at 15yr low. Financing Available. Christmas & Associates 800-229-7843 www. landandcamps.com _______________________________33-10 NEW Single-Family homes in active adult (55 plus) community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, near Beach and From $99,000. 302-659APRIL 18 - Bays. 24, 2008 5800 or see www.bonayrehomes.com _______________________________33-10 REAL ESTATE Potter CountyLog cabin on 22 acres with pond. Public water and sewer, free natural gas, near Allegheny River. $224,500 Field and Stream RE 800-668-8679. VENTNOR, NJ (HEIGHTS) _______________________________33-10 House & adjacent lot (swimming pool). 5 Land For Sale: Cabin FrontRm, Creek w/ 5 acres Bedroom, 2 bath, Laundry Kitchen, Din-ing $299/ month. It’sroom time to&invest your family! Room, Sun greatinroom. Living Back Basics: r-2 room,toand lowerCampﬁres, & Upper quiet decks.walks, 2nd sunsets. Call for1 details. Christmas Associates bedrooms, bath, great room, &sun room, & 800-229-7843 20 deck 1st r. 3 www.LandandCamps.com bedrooms, bath, living room, % down, 15 yrs. foyer, dining area, kitchen, laundry room, and _______________________________33-10 deck. Central Air. Call 215-468-9166 after 6 pm. $950,000.00. _______________________________32-17 REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 14 x 17 with 11 x 25 add. Many improv. 3 BR, 1.5 BA. Sht. dist. to beach. Ask $62,900. Call 302-644-3331, lv. mess. or 302-381-2797. _______________________________32-16 PASSYUNK SQUARE Spectacularly rehabbed townhome w/ beautiful h/w oors & magnicently styled living and dining room through to large EIK outtted with granite counter tops, wood cabinets, dishwasher, and stainless appliances. Second oor features two spacious bedrooms and huge bath boasts custom tiled shower, extra deep soaking tub. Nestled in quickly growing Passyunk Square. Call Reggie @ Century 21 Newport Realty (215) 752-7660. _______________________________32-17 Open House $315K Fabulous Grad Hosp 2BR 728 S Smedley St, 19146 Sun 4/20 1-3pm _______________________________32-16 Bank Repos & Foreclosures! 1-4 bedroom Homes from $25,000! Great Locations! Payment from $199/month! For listings & Information 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-16 NEW Single-Family homes in active adult (55 plus) community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, near Beach and Bays. From $99,000. 302-6595800 or see www.bonayrehomes.com _______________________________32-16 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20 years @8%apr. For listings 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-16

Florida Land- Investment Opportunity! 2 acre waterfront homesite only $89,900. (was $169,900) Private, gated community with 2 recreational lakes. Municipal water & sewer. Low taxes. Just 90 minutes South of Orlando! Excellent ﬁnancing. Call now 1-866-352-2249. FLlandbargains.com _______________________________33-10

Hunter’s Paradise! 60 Acres $99,900. Gorgeous mountain acerage loaded with trophy whitetail deer! All hardwood setting, pristine mountain views, trails thruout! State road fronage, 20 minutes Clarksburg, WV. Excellent ﬁnancing. Call now 1-877-526-3764. _______________________________33-10

SALE

PAGE 45

CLASSIFIEDS

SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

Conrad Kuhn

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

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Loan Ofﬁcer

6737 Harbison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19149 (215) 333-5200 Main (215) 333-6012 Main Fax

(267) 341-1066 Direct Phone (267) 341-1067 Direct Fax Toll Free (800) 559-2514 x1066 Email: mjenofsky@fpms.com

PGN

There are easier ways to get noticed...

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Andy Mariano

PAGE 91

Direct Line 610-789-0982 Office 610-325-4100 REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE E-Mail: sold.andy@verizon.net SALE SALE

HOMES FROM $10,000! MONTANA LAND BARGAINS 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Foreclosures for sale! 1-4 bedroomsOfﬁce: available! 20AC with Utilities & Country Road was 609.221.1196 These homes must sell! For Listings Call 800- Cell: $99,900 Now $69,900 BLM access. Deer & 706-1762 ext. 6888. www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. _______________________________32-16 WesternSkiesLand.com ATTENTION OUTDOORMEN Washington_______________________________32-16 Township Ofﬁce NYS Old Scout Camp 15 Ac on Lake- $39,900 5070 Route 42 SC HOME GOLF SIDE NEW CABINS- $19,900 Fishing & HuntingTurnersville, off 08012four bath. Fully furnished. Luxury fourNJ bedroom, 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

Mike Jenofsky

REAL ESTATE

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RITTENHOUSE 1326 SPRUCE ST #2903 (Center City One)-2br, 2 bth, 29th fl 2025 CHANCELLOR ST Mike –(Whanamaker House) 3 br, 2.5 McKeown views bth Townhouse comes w/ rooftop pool, fitness center, $435,000mike.mckeown@mindspring.com Tom Gangemi Email: deeded parking, hw1-888-533-9890 floors, recessed lighting, stainless GRADUATE HOSPITAL Licesensed by Dept.Triplex of Banking/Insurance in NJ, PA, DEsteel andappliances NY and 24hr door man, plus much, much 923 S. 17th-Attn Investors!! renovation started more $875,000 Alison Ermilio $260,000 Janis Dubin 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ -2 br/den. 2 bth, newly NORTHERN LIBERTIES renovated, with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi 1006 N. 5TH, UNIT 1 – 1BR, 1 1⁄2 bath bi-level condo SPRING GARDEN w/central air $239,500 Alison Ermilio 1601 Spring Garden ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, OLD CITY elevator and secure $179,900 Janis Dubin 244-48 N. 3rd, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking SOUTH PHILADELPHIA included $225,000 Kera Ritter 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living UNIVERISITY CITY room, $139,900 John Perno 209 Saint Marks Sq- 6br,2.5bth porch front w/huge 1541 S. 31ST – 3 br, 1 bath, newer kitchen w/granite backyard, c/a, w/d, wood floors and high ceilings. countertops, c/a, finished basement $99,000 Janis $639,000 Janis Dubin Dubin

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el ning d Mo Ope d an r G

FOR RENT 1006 N. 5th ST #1-1br,1.5 baths, bi-level condo in Northern Liberties $1300 mo Alison Ermilio 711 S. 18th ST-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parking spaces, great space $2,000 mo Kera Ritter 3512 BARING ST – Studio, utilities included in rent starting at $900 mo Kera Ritter 3722 CALUMET ST- 3bR, landscaped patio, new appliances, c/a, w/d $2,000 mo Janis Dubin City house location with 2349 DICKINSON ST- Clean modern 4�bedroom pet friendly $950 mothe Janisfinest Dubin features 225 E. GIRARD AVE-Imm Availability! Commercial, storefront windowtownhome $775 mo Alison Ermilio of a suburban 4030 W. GIRARD AVE-Huge Storefront retail space, $1000 mo Kera Ritter 1613 LOMBARD ST Brand new everything, 3 br, 2 bth and working fp $2500 mo Kera Ritter � 2-3 homes with garages 2314 REED St- 2 bedrooms- 2 Units-wood ﬂoors,Bedroom new kit, exposed brick starting $895 mo Janis Dubin 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ-2br,den, recently (up renovated, balcony, view of park $3500 mo Tom Gangemi to 1,710 sq. ft.) from the low $300’s 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $1300 mo Janis Dubin 2015 WALNUT ST-Commercial Storefront in Rittenhouse Sq. $2,000 mo Kera Ritter � 3 Bedroom homes with garages Various 1 and 2 bedroom residential listings-For More Information Please Call The Ofﬁce (upFULL to TIME 3,400 sq. ft.) FOR from the mid CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR SALES AGENTINTERVIEW CALL$500’s OFFICE “WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THOMAS GANGEMI AS A NEW SALES ASSOCIATE”.

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Deck or balcony with each home

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CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL46 18 - 24, 2008 PAGE

REAL ESTATE ESTATE REAL

SALE SALE

Buy or Sell in the Poconos Close to Mt. Airy Casino & Camel Back.

Corners of Routes 390 & 44 • Candensis, PA 18325 OFFICE: (570) 595-2110 • FAX: (570) 595-7207 CELL: (570) 994-5118

FRED W. BALDI

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® fred_baldi@hotmail.com

www.PoconosHomesInfo.com

Heights ofRoad Collingswood 148 Smithbridge - Concordville PA NEW CONSTRUCTIONw/Victorian Style-Priv Decks w/magnigicent views, Open Floor Plan makes this home the Entertaining “Home of the Year”Builder had the “Creative Decorator” in mind for this secluded 2.5 ac-Sng Home-Grmt Kit w/Grnt Enjoy all the comforts of home. The Ultimate in Lifestyle. Convenient to Routes 38, 76, 70, I-676 the New Jersey turnpike and 295. Just minutes downtownfor Philadelphia, Cntrs-Gas Frplc, Hrdwd Flrs-1st Flr from Fullrobust Bath-poss Main Collingswood is rich in Flr historical Neighborhood and quaintTub, shops 2 line Flr Bdrm-2nd Mstrassociations Ste w/Retreat Bthcafes w/Whrlpl the streets symbolic of an earlier time. Our newly renovated apartments feature upgraded add bdrms plus add Bath, 3rd Flr-poss W/O Kitchens and Bathrooms. We are located across the street5/6 frombdrms, Newton Lake Park and many activities including boating, and jogging trails. Fmly Rm-3 Car GarLL-ready to fifishing, nish-Game Rm or 2nd Access to allSpeed Major Philacourt/Swim & DE- Club and Train · Easy Free shuttle to PATCO line Arteries ·toTennis · Station 24 hour state of the art fitness center · Pet Friendly · On site dry cleaners Call Maria · On site food market · Garage parking available

· Flexible lease terms

McAnulty· @ 610-636-4557 Utilities included

Century 21- The Real Estate Store

Concordville 610-558-5800 Ofﬁce 856-854-4112 • Fax 856-854-9390

REAL ESTATE

SALE RENT

Noon - 1:00 242 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

238 S 13th St. Unit G100 “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden level 1 bd, 1 ba. unit 1608private Spruce St.,entrance.. Philadelphia, PA Low 19103 fees & Tax Abatement. Lowest price 1www.philarealtyexchange.com w/ bd. in Wash. Sq. West .................................................................................................................$200,000 FISHTOWN

1305E.Spruce TH1A Great room w/ unique touches. 262 GIRARD St. – Four unitNew bldg.Listing, mixed use, new2 roof h/wcondo flrs, rehab ongoingcustom $1,100,000 Alison Gourmet S/S & granite kitchen, marble bath, hi ceilings, wood floors and low fees...... Ermilio ..........................................................................................................A Steal @ $225,000 GRADUATE HOSPITAL 136-38 N. 2ND 4A “Malt House Condo” Extra large one bed one bath with large terrace. 1514 WHARTON Property a cleaned shell. Rearfees...................................$300,000 of property was removed. Ready for newer kitchen– and bath.isLow taxesout and condo rehab. Lot next door is available-may be1:30 sold as- a2:30 package. $99,000 Janis Dubin 1516 WHARTON – VACANT LOT. $40,000 Janis Dubin 432 Brown St. “New Listing First Time Open” Parking, Parking, Parking. This newer LOGAN SQUARE move-in condition 3 bd, 2 1/2 ba. townhouse comes with (4) four car parking. The extra deep–lot to Oliveout St.and A large rear garden off John the kitchen 149 N. 21ST Sixruns unit through building, cleaned frameddeck (shelland condition) $795,000 Perno will add to your living enjoyment. See this one before it is gone.................................... MT AIRY/OAK LANE Realistically priced only $425,000 .................................................................................... 2048 RITTENHOUSE – 3 New br, 1 bath homeGreat in need of TLC,condo hardwood flrs, deck $75,000 Stacy 1305 ESpruce St. TH1A Listing, 2 room w/ unique custom touches. Klein/Janis Dubin& granite kitchen, marble bath, hi ceilings, wood floors and low fees...... Gourmet S/S ..........................................................................................................A Steal @ $225,000 OLD CITY 507 RACE, S 15thUNIT St. 503 Cute 2 bd., 2 ba. in the Rittenhouse Square area. space Full 301 – Penthouse unithome in Oldlocated City’s Wireworks Bldg, high ceilings, storage basement and side garden. Lowest price in the area.................A steal at only $250,000 $269,000 Alison Ermilio 3:00 - 4:00 244-48 N. 3RD, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking included, tenant occupied until 11/08 700 S. 10th Unit 3A Two bedroom, one bath, loft style condo with new kitchen and $259,000 Kera Ritter bath. GARAGE parking. Condo building from the movie “PHILADELPHIA” Low taxes SOUTH PHILADELPHIA and fees............................................................................................................$425,000 1145 GERRITT – 3 BR, 1 BA, full basement, new w/d included $199,000 Alison Ermilio Search www.thephillyrealtors.com 1541 S. 31STall – 3Philadelphia br, 1 bath, newerarea kitchenlistings w/granite@countertops, c/a, finished basement $99,000 Janis Dubin Dan Tobey

FOR RENT

The Curtis Center 170 W. Independence Mall , Suite L-44 19106 –Philadelphia, Commercial PA space on busy street, $3,500/MON

262 E. GIRARD Alison Ermilio 215.546.2700 • 267.238.1061 Direct incl. w/d, refrig $3,500/MON 209 SAINT MARK’S SQ – Res 5Business BR 2 1⁄2 BA, Univ. City Victorian, Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax Janis Dubin 215.432.7151 dtobey@cbpref.com

REAL ESTATE

SALE RENT

Vacation Rental Wildwood Crest, NJ

Adorable seashore home in the heart of the Crest. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, EIK, living room, family room, outdoor shower and only 2 1/2 blocks to ESTATE the REAL beach! Great front RENT porch and back deck MANAYUNK for relaxing. OﬀRETAIL street 1200 s.f. + storage. $2500/mo. Renovated parking. Well610-647-1776. behaved www. on Main & Grape. eadeh.com pets allowed. _______________________________32-17 MANAYUNK Contact Lisa atutils. 973-492-1532 or iluvpits@msn.com Studio apt. $850/mo. + Avail. May. 610-

PGN

647-1776. www.eadeh.com _______________________________32-17 NORTHERN LIBERTIES Cozy 3 story home, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, lg. yard, family rm./den, laundry in bsmt. LR w/exposed beams & brick. Hdwd rs, EIK. $1100/mo. + utils. Call 302-761-9500 or maria@165girardave.com _______________________________32-17 Located at 17th and Lombard GRAD HOSPITAL AREA Ft.apts, on first floor rs. 1st fgl. 2 newly 1100 renov.Sq 2 BR hdwd w/rear yard,with W/D,full C/A.basement. 1319 S. 23rd St. $650. 267-320-9618. Is fitted as restaurant now, but _______________________________32-16 OLDretail, CITY salon or good for food Castings. Renovated Factory. Condo Bldg, professional office also.Ctl Air, Courtyard 1 Bedrm Apt. HWspace Flrs. W/D, $1250/mth. Call 215 588-0606. _______________________________32-18 AVENUE OF THE ARTS Modern 2 bedroom apartment with large living room, large eat-in kitchen, D/W, micro, ice maker, washer/dryer, central A/C, loaded satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included. You pay; gas cooking and electric. Subway and bus at the front door. $1,200 / month. PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DIS215-416-5545. Available May 2008. is a TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS.This SUCH non-smoking building. NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK _______________________________32-18 YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! ___________________________________ Payments GREATER from $199/month! 5% down, 20 NE PHILA. years your @8%apr. listingsin800-604-8363. Have own For bedroom a beautiful split _______________________________32-16 level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 3 Bedroom Bankupper foreclosure onlydecks, $207/month! full baths, W/D, and lower use of 4 bedroom, 2 bath kitchen. Property is byhome Welshonly & the$238/month! Boulevard, 1 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least 800-546-8656 reasonably neatext. ands915. employed. Rent is $600 + _______________________________32-16 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-10 HAVE YOUR OWN 2 RMS & BATH Share 1st fl. in hist. hse. 570 + elec. 215SEASONAL RENTALS 844-8118. _______________________________33-11 LOWER CHELSEA ATLANTIC CITY LANSDALE ROOMMATE WANTED Lovely bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in End unit3 townhouse. Large patio, gym, pool, beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to W/D, tennis. Rent includes all utilities Must beach, jitneyand at corner. Long season-12,500. be CLEAN responsible. 1st & security plus security dep.aCall 609-347-8059. needed. $525.00 month. Avail. May 1st. Call _______________________________32-17 Ron 215 412 9076. REHOBOTH/LEWES _______________________________33-10 Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. $1500/wk, $5000/mo. 302-236-3338. _______________________________32-19 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND SEASONAL RENTALS Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call RENTAL for free brochure. daily. SUMMER SEA ISLE Open CITY, NJ Holiday Estate. 1-800-638-2102Monthly Online More infoReal at www.vacationseaisle.com /reservations Half Seasonwww.holidayoc.com / Full Season. _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-16 eld, Debordieu, The PawleysOCEAN Island, CITY, LitchMARYLAND Jewels of the of South Carolina Coast. Best selection affordable rentals. Full/House/ partial condo rentals. vacations Open start daily. here! weeks. Call for Beach FREE brochure. www.lachicotte.com. For availability call 1Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online 800-422-4777. reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-10

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SPACE

Call: 267 544-0260 ROOMMATES

Open Houses Sunday MARCH 9, 2009

95 MAR. 6 - PAGE 12, 2009

VACATION/

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED SELL AVON! 50% PROFIT. 1-800-AVON-443 (ISR) _______________________________32-20 CC oral surgical office seeks outgoing, Servers motivatedBanquet front desk checkNeeded in person. Prior Avail experienceShifts helpful but7days/week not necessary. Call $12-14/Hour. Call Today!resume to Sean at 267-767-4780 or email Best Personnel seanmwild@gmail.com 1315 Walnut St. Suite 320 _______________________________33-10 215-732-3100 Looking for personal assistant, one day a week. _______________________________32-16 Errands, letter writing, etc. Please contact OPERATIONS DIRECTOR 732-299-2697. For successful growing cleaning company. _______________________________33-10 Starts P/T, becomes F/T. Must be: exible, POST OFFICE HIRING NATIONALLY! handspay on,$20/hr, detail oriented, to learn Avg. $57K/yr,willing incl Fed ben, and OT grow. Salary commensurate w/exp. Great optional fee-based test prep materials, not owners/leadership, great staff, paid training. afﬂ iliated with the US Postal Service. 1-866Call 856-424-1444. 446-8993. _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-10

REAL ESTATE

ROOMMATES RENT PGN WILL NOT OF PUBLISH RACIAL DISIN THE MIDDLE THE GAYBORHOOD TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH Available Immediately. One bedroom apartNOTATIONS BE EDITED. THANK ment with centralWILL air conditioning, ample closet FORtoYOUR COOPERATION. spaceYOU and wall wall carpet. Great Center City ___________________________________ Location for only $900 per month. Please call PHILA. Tom at SoloGREATER Realty Co. NE to see this space. 215Have yourext. own in a beautiful split 564-7656 22bedroom or tom@solorealty.com level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 _______________________________33-11 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, BROOKHAVEN, DELCO-1 BR use of kitchen. isRt., by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 Conv. toProperty I-95, Blue R-3, airport. 2nd ﬂ. sep. min. bus. We ask only that you bemodern, at least entr. to of58 showcase property. Clean, reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + new carpets, appliances, A/C. Lg. rms. eat-in 1/3 215-698-0215. kit., utils. bsmtContact laundry.Dave Heatatincl. No smoke, no _______________________________32-19 pets. Refs. rqrd. $750/mth. + $350 sec. dep. NE PHILA. Call 610-876-2229. House to share. $350/mo. Call John at 267_______________________________33-10 574-1804.1326 SPRUCE STREET _______________________________32-16 One bedroom condo, brand new kit, balc, doorOVERBROOK LINE man bldg, $1,450/mo.PARK/CITY Call 215-545-1500. Room. Use of kitchen, W/D, cable. $450/mo. _______________________________33-10 215-850-7900. _______________________________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. EARN EXTRA MONEY WEEKLY! _______________________________32-17 Processing our brochures. Processors Needed NOW! Start Today call 1-800-6213560 Code 19. _______________________________33-10 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-10 Drive the Big Trucks! Earn Big Bucks! 25 Driver Trainees needed. $700-$800/week No CDL, no problem. No credit, no problem. Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-10 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. _______________________________33-10 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09 _______________________________33-10

HELP WANTED

Jersey Shore Housekeeper/Driver wanted. 40 hours a week. Valid drivers license and references required. Started at $15.6k per year. Med. Insurance after 6 mos. (Low rent Apt. available.)

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. Skills: Computer procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Photoshop a plus.) Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style Team player

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

CLASSIFIEDS

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

HELP WANTED

DRIVERS: CDL/A Weekend HOME Time! PAID Vacation/Holidays Beneﬁts, 401K and MORE! Flatbed Carrier Since 1928. 6 months OTR required. 800441-4271 X PA-100 _______________________________33-10

Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies Furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131. _______________________________33-10 Extra Income Mailing Brochures. Weekly pay check! Free 24 hour information 1-888250-8110. _______________________________33-10

PAGE 47

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Executive Administrative Assistant

��

Vox, a leading, independent health care communications company, is currently seeking ahighly organized, detail and deadline oriented individual to support the senior team. Responsibilities include calendar management, general word-processing, creation and management of spreadsheets, proposal preparation including advanced PowerPoint skills and research.The candidate must have the following skills, abilities and attributes in order to be successful in this role: • Superior time management, follow-up, multi-task, and project management skills • Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor at all times • Must be pro-active, have common sense, and exercise professional judgment • Must have near expert MS Office skills in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint • Must have inherent customer service and communication skills

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

Does Your Man’s Cooking Leave You Feeling ��

Unsatisfied?

Does Your Man’s Cooking Leave You Feeling

Unsatisfied?

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please forward your resume with salary requirementshr@voxmedica.comor fax to 215 592-7748.

PGN

PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Attn.: Nick Forte EOE

Looking for gay computer person to troubleshoot and teach me. I’m in the PA suburbs. drdpelliott@aol.com _______________________________33-09

AUTOS

Adver tising 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 215-6258501, ext. 209. Email resume to nick@epgn.com or send resume to:

PERSONALS

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. _______________________________33-10

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES FULL SERVICE RESORT IN POCONOS Classic, upscale, full service resort with 4 dining rooms, 2 bars, gift shops, tennis court, swimming pool & hiking trails. #1608-HR Michael Baxter & Associates Commercial Real Estate 570-421-7666. _______________________________33-11 100% 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. _______________________________33-11

ADOPTION

PGN’s

ADOPTION Wishing to adopt newborn to nurture and adore. Will provide your baby with warm, loving, stable home. You will be treated with respect/ conﬁdentiality. Expenses Paid. Please call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. _______________________________33-10 ADOPT A life of warmth, security and love for your infant. You can help make us a family. Expenses paid. Please call Lewis & Cindy 1-866-343-0129. _______________________________33-10

FOR SALE Name Brand Laptops - Absolutely Free! Get the Laptop You Deserve. New! Super Thin - Super Fast! Includes Free Shipping! Log In Now! www.SuperFreeLaptop.com _______________________________33-10 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. _______________________________33-10 ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities. PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 meds $25 Coupon. Mention Offer: #21A31. 1-888531-6744. tri-pharmacy.info _______________________________33-10 ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! ALL BRAND NEW POWER WHEELCHAIRS, HOSPITAL BEDS AND SCOOTERS. IMMEDIATE DELIVERY. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-998-4111 TO QUAILIFY. _______________________________33-10

SERVICES Responsible and reliable girl looking for more houses to clean. Cleaning done by girl from Europe. If you want your home cleaned and in spotless condition, call 215-427-0989. _______________________________33-15 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 _______________________________33-10 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. _______________________________33-10

DINING GUIDE �� PGN’s Find A Nice Place To Eat DINING GUIDE 2nd & 4th Week Every Month 2nd & 4th Week Every Month

Social Security Disability Claims Appeals

Social Security Disability Claims Appeals PAGE 110 PAGE PAGE 110 PAGE 48 PAGE110 110215-629-0585 PAGE 110 Suite 202 Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2008

215-629-0585 CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 106 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 1, 2008 APRILMAR. 25 -- MAY MAY 1, 2009 2008 2008 CLASSIFIEDS 6 - 1, 12, APRIL APRIL25 25- -MAY MAY 1,2008 2008 APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

CLASSIFIEDS

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney

1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com

1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteermman.com

215-735-1006

PARTNERS IN LAW PARTNERS IN LIFE

Suite 202 Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030

Torchia & Kaufmann, L.L.C. William A. Torchia, Esquire THIS SPACE IS YOURS

Estate* & Tax Planning Estate & Tax Planning Only $25.00 GENERAL PRACTICE FOR THE COMMUNITY GENERAL PRACTICE FOR THE COMMUNITY Per Week! �� • Estate Administration • Domestic Relations • Incorporation • Powers of Attorney • Name Change • Immigration That’s Less Than • Property Agreements • Guardianships • Social Security • Accidents • Real Estate • Elder Law A Week’s Worth Of 1528 Walnut St. Suite 1220, �� Double Mocha Lattes Philadelphia, PA 19102 ��

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215-546-1950 (Voice) *8 Week Minimum

• WILLS & ESTATES • • DISCRIMINATION • • SMALL BUSINESS • • DIVORCE • • EMPLOYMENT • • REAL ESTATE • • CIVIL ACTIONS • • AUTO ACCIDENTS • • POWER OF ATTORNEY • • DOMESTIC PARTNERS •

James M. M. Quesenberry,MA, MA,CRC, CRC,CVE CVE James James M.Quesenberry, Quesenberry, MA, MA, CRC, CRC, CVE CVE Disability Consultant James M. Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE Disability Consultant DisabilityConsultant Consultant Disability Consultant

Suite 202 Suite Suite202 202 Suite 202 Rd. Oxford Valley Oxford OxfordValley ValleyRd. Rd. Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030 FairlessHills, Hills,PA PA19030 19030 Fairless 19030 Fairless Hills, PA 19030

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

Jeremy R. Gussick Financial Advisor

Smith Barney

1211 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-238-5849 jeremy.r.gussick@smithbarney.com A division of Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Member SIPC

• Criminal

�

A M W

215-546-8801 (Fax)

GALLOP �

Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Bar Association Serving Southeastern PA., South Jersey; and Delaware. Organized to promote civil and human rights. GALLOP Referral Service provides free referrals to attorneys sensitive to the needs of the community For info or a referral, call 215-627-9090 P.O. Box 58279, Penn Center Station, Phila., PA 19102 www.galloplaw.org

THIS SPACE IS YOURS Only $25.00* Per Week!

That’s Less Than A Week’s Worth Of Double Mocha Lattes *8 Week Minimum

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PRO LEG E PO FO C

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Financial Advice for the GLBT Community

• Adoption

�

215-627-8200 PA 302-777-2201 DE this space: only $25 per week*

�� • Wills, Living Wills, Trusts ��

215-546-1950 (Voice) 215-546-8801 (Fax)

Social Security Disability Social Disability Social Security SecurityDisability Disability Social Security Disability Claims Appeals Appeals Claims Appeals Claims Appeals Claims Appeals 215-629-0585 215-629-0585 215-629-0585 215-629-0585

MINSTER & FACCIOLO, LLC

Attorneys-at-Law

Attorney-at-Law

�

Charles S. Frazier, Esq. Attorney at Law

• General Practice • Wills and Trusts • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney • Cohabitation Agreements

Wayne, PA (610) 687-4077 cstar1@verizon.net

THIS SPACE IS YOURS Only $25.00* Per Week!

That’s Less Than A Week’s Worth Of Double Mocha Lattes

Gregory H. Quig

Attorney at L Real Estate / Zoni Liquor Licenses an

1822 S. Broad St. Philadlephia, PA 19145

*8 Week Minimum

R. FRANCISCO CORBIN, ESQUIRE Areas of Practice: Automobile Accidents Slip and Falls Workers Compensation Construction Accidents DUI Power of Attorney Name Change Estate Planning Wills, Living Wills

3000 Market Street Suite 201 Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 243-3450 or Old City Location 335B N. Front Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 717-7095

Reach Over 40,000Reach Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. 215-625-8501 Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little Call As $25.00 A Week.Today! Call 215-625

PAGE 108 CLASSIFIEDS

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

There are easier ways to get noticed...

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 49

�� PAGE 108

Is it time to look for a new doctor?

PAGE 108

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

Want to let Is it time to mom, dad and all look for a of your �� new doctor? exs know you’re tying the knot?

Is it time to look for a new doctor?

Individual, Couple & Family Counseling Life & Career Coaching

PGN Free Online Personals

www.philagaynews.com

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

��

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

��

PAGE 50

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008 APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

PAGE 106

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

PAGE 106

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

CLASSIFIEDS

CRC, CVE

bility PAGE 106

RESTORATION CONSTR

• KITCHENS, BATHS • CUSTOM CABINET • PRACTICING G

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MAR. 6 - 12, 2009

PAGE 51

CLASSIFIEDS

��

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

��

this space: only $25 per week*

Your ad dollars go further when you target your PAGE 106 audience

��

*when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks

ARE YOU HOT!

Dowd Heating & Air Inc. 215-752-3638

2490 Williamson Court Bensalem, Pa 19020

Fax : 215-501-8306

Reach Over 40,000 Readers Weekly For As Little As $25.00 A Week. Call 215-625-8501 Today!

PAGE 52

Adult/Personals FRIENDS

FRIENDS

LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-10

POSSIBLE SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP GWM, 41, masc. but receptive seek macho gay or bi male, 18-40 for poss. serious relationship and maybe home share at my place near Atlantic City. Latinos pref. D/D free. 609432-8151, lv. msg. _______________________________33-11 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-10 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________33-11 WANT TO TOP? You: big equipment! Me: real nice white butt. 215-732-2108, 8-11 PM. _______________________________33-12 WM, 62 ISO WM, 18-30 for gentle massage and mutual oral pleasure and hot shower. Page 877-510-7970 or 888-218-0022, leave number & message. _______________________________33-16 ORAL FUN Bi WM Looking to service singles,couples or groups. Would def be a bottom for the right pep. Call 215-498-8444, leave a message. _______________________________33-14 Y PLAY W/URSELF. I LUV TO Watch/feel & gobble 2 cumpletion. Daytimes, wknds, ur place. U2B38-62 but all welcum. Xdrs, panty wearer, big +. Me: D/D free, subm bi WM snr. 215-574-1824. OK 2 lv any type msg. _______________________________33-13

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6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________33-14 Xdress sex party. CD house orgy every Sat. nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 GWM, 71 ISO 45+ for platonic friendship. Any race, honest, sincere, Phila. area only. goodfriend19004@yahoo.com or PO Box 583, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. All responses answered. _______________________________33-12 Harrisburg area GWM, 67 seeks discreet oral. Age unimportant. Slim or medium build. Straight or married welcomed. No relationship, just get togethers. Call 717-732-6666, leave message if not home. _______________________________33-10

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PAGE 53

THE PLAYGROUND

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PAGE 54

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MAR. 6 - 12, 2009