PGN March 13-19 2009 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Mar. 13 - 19, 2009

Vol. 33 No. 11

House committee passes nondiscrimination bill By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

WEEK OF OPPORTUNITIES: Dr. Donald Schwarz, the openly gay deputy mayor for health and opportunity, addresses a crowd of local LGBT and ally individuals outside the Mazzoni Center March 10 to announce that Philadelphia would take part in the National LGBT Health Awareness Week, March 8-14. Pictured with Schwarz are the mayor’s director of LGBT affairs Gloria Casarez (far left) and Nan Feyler, chief of staff of the office of the health commissioner. The theme of the seventh annual awareness week is “Expect More: Everyone Deserves Good Health.” Representatives from numerous LGBT organizations, such as ActionAIDS, Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council, Philadelphia FIGHT and The Attic Youth Center, were on hand for the proclamation. “It is the people, the dedicated leaders and staffs of all of the LGBT organizations in this city, who really make a difference in the health and wellness of individuals in our community,” said Mazzoni executive director Nurit Shein during the event. Photo: Scott A. Drake

A committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to approve a bill this week that would prohibit discrimination against LGBT individuals, marking the ﬁrst time such a bill has been passed out of committee. The House State Government Committee voted March 11 along party lines, with the 12 Democratic representatives who were present — Babette Josephs (182nd Dist.), Michael O’Brien (175th Dist.), Louise Bishop (192nd Dist.), Brendan Boyle (170th Dist.), Mike Carroll (118th Dist.), Mark Cohen (202nd Dist.), Lawrence Curry (154th Dist.), Florindo Fabrizio (2nd Dist.), prime cosponsor of the bill Dan Frankel (23rd Dist.), Robert Freeman (136th Dist.), Frank Oliver (195th Dist.) and Greg Vitali (166th Dist.) — voting in favor of HB 300, and all 11 Republicans voting against it. Reps. John Galloway (D-140th Dist.), Jaret Gibbons (D-10th Dist.) and Rick Taylor (D-151st Dist.) were absent from the committee meeting. HB 300 would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act of 1955 to add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as classes protected from discrimination in employment, housing and

public accommodations. This is the fourth time that such legislation has been introduced in the House; all previous versions of the bill died in committee. “I am very pleased. This is historic,” said Josephs, chairperson of the committee and a strong proponent of the bill. “We’ve never moved a civil-rights bill for the LGBT community out of a standing committee until now.” Currently, 14 municipalities, including Philadelphia, across the state have LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination laws, but about 75 percent of the state’s residents live outside of these regions. “I’m very pleased committeemembers took the ﬁrst step in providing basic protections for all Pennsylvanians,” Frankel said. “Pennsylvania is at a competitive disadvantage when it does not protect all of its citizens against discrimination, and I look forward to the entire House voting to pass this important legislation.” Frankel introduced HB 300 on March 4 with 79 cosponsors, the highest number of cosponsors a proLGBT bill has ever been introduced with. Frankel had introduced the previous LGBT nondiscrimination bill, HB 1400, in June 2007 with See HB 300, Page 18

Defendant testifies in Gay man kills partner, porn murder trial self in New Hope By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Testimony in the murder trial of Harlow Cuadra, who is accused of killing Bryan Kocis, a rival in the gay-porn industry, wrapped up this week after Cuadra testiﬁed on his own behalf. Cuadra, 27, took the stand in his own defense March 10, against the advice of his attorneys, and testiﬁed that his former partner, Joseph Kerekes, committed the murder by himself. Kerekes, who pleaded guilty to the crime in December and is serving a life sentence, took the stand earlier that morning but refused to testify on Cuadra’s behalf. Attorneys delivered closing arguments March 11, and the case is now in the hands of the jury. Cuadra was the only witness for the defense. Cuadra and Kerekes, 35, were arrested in May 2007 and accused of stabbing

Kocis, owner of gay-porn company Cobra Video, nearly 30 times and setting his Dallas Township home on ﬁre Jan. 24 of that year. Prosecutors alleged that both men plotted to kill Kocis to obtain the rights to work with porn star Sean Lockhart, who was locked in a legal battle with Kocis, for whom he’d worked for several years. During his testimony and crossexamination, which carried over into March 11, Cuadra alleged that Kerekes dropped him off at Kocis’ home the night of the murder to discuss Cuadra acting in ﬁlms for Kocis, which Cuadra said was Kerekes’ idea. Cuadra said that after about 20 minutes, there was a “rapid knock” on the door and Kerekes entered the house and began punching Kocis. “I’m shouting at Joe, ‘What are you doing? What are you doing?’” Cuadra See PORN TRIAL, Page 14

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A quiet, upscale suburban neighborhood was teeming with investigators last week, seeking to piece together the murdersuicide of a longtime gay couple. Police say that Joseph Lofft, 50, shot and killed his partner of 21 years, Jerry Rudman, 48, before turning the gun on himself in the couple’s Solebury Township home in New Hope. A cleaning woman discovered the bodies around 9 a.m. March 5. Rudman had been shot multiple times and the woman found his body in the garage. Solebury Township Police

MURDER-SUICIDE DISCOVERED: Solebury Township Police Chief Dominick Bellizzie (left) and Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney Dave Zellis hold a press conference March 5 in front of the home of a gay couple found dead that day. Police allege that Joseph Lofft shot and killed his longtime partner, Jerry Rudman, then killed himself inside 6157 Upper York See NEW HOPE, Page 14 Road. Photo: The Intelligencer/David Garrett

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Businesses bring Pine St. concerns to Wash. West By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Members of the Washington West Civic Association board of directors said this week they wouldn’t support or oppose the Pine Street Storm Relief Project until the Philadelphia Water Department releases its final plan. About 15 area residents and merchants attended the association’s monthly board meeting March 10 to discuss the city’s plan for the possible construction project on Pine, which would shut down portions of the street for at least two years. The PWD said it needs to install a new sewer system to stem backup flooding that occurred in 42 houses in the area after several heavy rainfalls. Although no houses have reported flooding since 2006, the department said the project would prevent potential back-ups. The department’s original plan proposed the construction to

stretch from Broad Street to the Delaware River on Pine but, after a community meeting, shortened the construction route from Broad to Seventh on Pine. More than two-dozen area business owners sent a petition last month to Mayor Nutter and PWD requesting that the project be halted. Ed Hermance, owner of Giovanni’s Room, at 12th and Pine, asked the board during this week’s meeting to lend its support to the merchants who oppose the construction project. “We’re here to ask you all to tell the Water Department that their proposal to dig up Pine Street is unacceptable,” Hermance said. “It’s not reasonable to solve the ﬂooding in 42 properties by destroying dozens of businesses and even the buildings they are in. There must be a better way.” Carl Engelke, the board’s vice president, said the association did not want to take any formal position on the issue until the

PWD has conﬁrmed whether or not the project will proceed on Pine Street. Joanne Dahme, PWD Watersheds project manager, said last month that the agency is considering moving the sewer project to Lombard Street or to an area of South Philadelphia that is not as populated. “At this point we’re waiting for a new plan,” Engelke said. “They’ve gone back and changed the plan several times already based on the meetings they’ve had and the input they’ve gotten, so we’re waiting to hear back again. Given it’s already changed several times, we anticipate it will change again. Until we see that plan, it’s premature for us to say we oppose it.” If the plan proceeds in its latest incarnation, one- to two-block sections of Pine Street would be closed off to vehicular trafﬁc for two to three months at a time, wooden planks would be laid across the sidewalks and many

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trees would need to be removed. The entire project would cost the city about $15 million, according to Dahme. Jack Kirk, owner of Antique Design, 1102 Pine St., said the project could destroy the small businesses that work to keep the historic street thriving. “With the economy being the way it is and now with this, they’re just going to put a couple more nails in there and it’ll be the end of a street that’s been around for 300 years,” he said. Kirk asked the boardmembers if their opposition or endorsement could affect the project. “This is the city deciding what needs to be done and making a plan,” Engelke said. “Hopefully our voice would count for something, but there’s no formal process, no way we could appeal it. We would just be able to let the city and the Water Department know how we feel.” PWD did hear opposition this week from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, whose executive director, John Andrew Gallery, sent a letter detailing his agency’s resistance to the Pine Street project. Gallery said 107 properties on Pine between Seventh and Broad are listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and could be damaged by the sewer

project.

Gallery also noted that, because this area of Pine Street is located in a National Register Historic District, if the city uses state or federal money, it would need to undergo a formal review process per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to determine how the project could affect the area. Iris Gold, board secretary, encouraged Hermance and opposed merchants to author an opinion piece on the project for publication in the association’s newsletter. Hermance said he and several other business owners had not been informed about the original public meeting with PWD that took place about a year-and-ahalf ago or the more recent one in October. Engelke said the board will work with PWD to ensure all residents and merchants are properly informed about any upcoming meetings concerning the project. “The minute we hear about a plan, we’ll ask them to call a meeting, we’ll put out an e-post, post it on our Web site and ask the Water Department to do a better job of notifying people,” he said. ■

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

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News Editorial 10 International News 19 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 10 Other Views 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

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

Supporters and opponents watch and wait for decision

Local lawyer named to national LGBT legal board

The California courts are deciding whether the process by which same-sex unions were banned was legal.

Kevin Ray is also the chair of the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate sponsorship committee and has worked as a board member of Equality Advocates of Pennsylvania and the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Page 15 Philadelphia.

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Detour Comics Dining Guide Diversions Meeting Place Portraits Q Puzzle Scene In Philly Worth Watching

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

If Shakespeare, zombies, ﬁghting and blood spurting isn’t enough, there is a dance number in “Land of the Dead” as well. Page 22

Family Portraits:

The cutting-edge U.K. dance troupe Ballet Boyz is set to perform four Philadelphia premieres at the Kimmel Center.

Joanne Fleisher

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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

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

Columns Food Reviews Offline Out Money

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

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Psychic lesbian

Worth Watching

Dance

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Medium at large on small screen

A new friend from the gym

Shut up and dance for MANNA

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Poll results from our online survey ending Mar. 11:

When will the Defense of Marriage Act be repealed?

NYC funny guys in New Hope

0% This year 50% During Obama’s ﬁrst term 20% Not for a while 30% Really, what’s with all the marriage questions?

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

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What is the surest sign that spring has arrived in Philadelphia?

National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Office Manager/Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant Credit/Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press National Gay Newspaper Guild Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2009 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155 The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned “Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial representations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.

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News Briefing

Regional

Priest pleads guilty to stealing

SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN: Meg Rider, director of events and communications for Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance, reviews seating options with Stephen Gallagher, who purchased tickets to the upcoming fundraiser “Shut Up & Dance” at a meet-and-greet on March 5 at Tavern on Camac. The benefit performance with dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet will be held at 8 p.m. March 28 at the Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. See story on page 30. Photo: Karen Cornell

Women’s bars to reunite at Sisters By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Sisters Nightclub will play host to a unique reunion this weekend that will bring together women of all ages to celebrate some of the city’s former lesbian hangouts and raise money for a scholarship fund in honor of one of Philadelphia’s pioneering lesbian leaders. “Women’s Bars of the ’70s-’90s Remembered” will run from 3-9 p.m. March 15 at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St., as a fundraiser for the Sally Tyre Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition money to lesbians and transgender individuals seeking to further their education. Local LGBT activists Irene Benedetti, John Green, Bill Meyes and PGN publisher Mark Segal founded the fund in 1983 and distributed the ﬁrst scholarship three years later. Tyre, a former PGN advertising representative, opened one of the ﬁrst private women’s clubs in the city in 1973. The committee that oversees the scholarship fund, which is distributed through The Attic Youth Center, recently began meeting again after a period of inactivity. Benedetti, who retired last year as a

constituent-service representative in City Councilman Frank DiCicco’s ofﬁce, said now that she isn’t working full-time, she’s can focus on reinvigorating the fund. “It’s always been on my mind that I haven’t really moved the scholarship fund along,” Benedetti said. “I felt like it was unﬁnished business. I wanted to take care of what we started.” Benedetti suggested the idea to the scholarship committee of having a fundraiser that brought together patrons and supporters of now-defunct lesbian bar Sneakers, and fellow committeemember and Sisters owner Denise Cohen proposed a larger reunion of all of the lesbian bars that have served the community throughout the years. The reunion party will bring together women who used to frequent such locales as Rusty’s, Upstairs, PBL, Rainbow’s and Hepburn’s, as well as numerous other former LGBT hot spots. Benedetti said the committeemembers have contacted women they know who used to be active in the community and encouraged them to spread the word about the event. “We’ve all been reaching out to women who used to go to these bars and trying to get a real reunion of women who used to be out there in the community through the

years and who may not come out as often any longer,” she said. “So far we’ve gotten a lot of responses from women who aren’t as out there in the gay community as much anymore, saying, ‘This is wonderful, I’ll be there.’” Benedetti said that while the event is geared toward older generations of women, women of all ages could beneﬁt from meeting one another and hearing their stories of the changing Philadelphia LGBT community. “Younger women are certainly welcome. It’d be nice to see them there so they could see who and how many of these older women are still out there and still around.” Admission to the reunion party is $10 and will feature a buffet dinner and drink specials from 3-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.reunionphilly. com. For more information on the Sally Tyre Scholarship Fund, call (215) 545-4331 ext. 108 or e-mail scholarship@atticyout hcenter.org. To donate to the fund, mail a check, made payable to Attic-STSF, to The Sally Tyre Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 18026, Philadelphia, PA 19147. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

A former president of the largest high school in the Philadelphia Archdiocese pleaded guilty March 9 to theft and forgery charges but will not face any charges stemming from his alleged sexual abuse of a male student. The Rev. Charles Newman, former head of Archbishop Ryan High School, faces one count of forgery, a seconddegree felony, and two counts of theft, a third-degree felony. Prosecutors allege that Newman stole more than $900,000 from the school and his order of the Franciscan Friars between 2002-03. A grand jury presentment released in 2007 alleged that Newman gave $54,000 of the stolen funds to former student Arthur Baselice III. Baselice’s father told the grand jury that his son said Newman repeatedly sexually abused him and supplied him with illegal drugs while he was still in school. Baselice’s father said his son put an end to the abuse after his 1996 graduation but Newman continued to give him money. Baselice ﬁled suit against Newman in 2004 for sexual abuse, but the case was dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired. Baselice died of a drug overdose in 2006. During this week’s hearing, Common Pleas Judge Rose Marie DeFino-Nastasi did not permit Deputy District Attorney Charles Gallagher to read to the court the section of the presentment that mentioned the sexual-abuse allegations. Newman will be sentenced May 8. He could face up to 24 years in prison.

Prop. 8 discussion at Rutgers Rutgers University School of Law’s 20th annual State Constitutional Law Lecture next month will focus on Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that banned same-sex marriage in the state. Vikram Amar, associate dean and professor at the University of CaliforniaDavis School of Law, will lead a discussion on “Direct Democracy, the Proposition 8 Episode and the Nature of State Constitutions” at 12:30 p.m. April 1 in room 204 of the Law School Building, Fifth and Penn streets on the Rutgers’ Camden campus. The discussion, sponsored by the Rutgers-Camden Center for State See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 8

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District’s five-year plan doesn’t include LGBT school By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large Three new public high schools are in the works for Philadelphia, and another 10 schools may be totally transformed — but none of these changes are expected to result in a school devoted to LGBT students, Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman said last week. At a March 6 press conference, Ackerman explained the district’s five-year strategic plan, dubbed “Imagine 2014,” which she hopes will bring significant improvements to benefit the district’s 157,000 students. At the press conference, Ackerman reaffirmed her commitment that all students, including LGBT students, receive a quality education in an atmosphere free of bullying or harassment. But the superintendent said she doesn’t envision an LGBT public high school for the city, similar to the Harvey Milk High School in New York City. She noted that even San Francisco, where she

previously served as a school superintendent, doesn’t have an LGBT public school. However, Ackerman added that if the larger community demands such a school in Philadelphia, she wouldn’t stand in the way of its creation. Ackerman said Philadelphia has about 280 public schools, 85 of which were recently identiﬁed as under-performing. These schools have been given $18 million in additional resources to help students achieve scholastically, she said. Even with this boost, it’s probable that 10 schools will be completely transformed, possibly with the assistance of outside operators, she added. Ackerman cautioned that the 10 transformed schools may not be among the 85 schools already identiﬁed as under-performing. Once the school year ends in June, Ackerman said all city public schools will be reviewed to determine whether it’s still necessary to completely transform 10 of them. She said she prefers that no

restructuring be required, but that she won’t tolerate substandard schools, which puts students at a disadvantage for jobs after graduation — if indeed they graduate. The three brand-new high schools that Ackerman envisions will focus on career training. Another innovation she is promoting calls for “advocates” to be assigned to high-school students. The advocate would be a paid position, and would augment the traditional guidancecounselor services. She said the advocates would help students navigate their educational experiences. When questioned by PGN, Ackerman said openly LGBT individuals would be welcome to apply for the positions. Ackerman said the ﬁve-year plan calls for the district to have strong partnerships with all segments of the community, including the LGBT community. But she stopped short of promising to advocate for social and political issues of importance to the LGBT community, noting

that it could detract from her role as superintendent of the school district. Ackerman was asked if she would bring to the district’s School Reform Commission a resolution commending President Obama for pledging to end the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers. LGBT advocates say the resolution would beneﬁt openly gay and lesbian students attending the district’s two military schools, who may later wish to enter the military. Ackerman said she personally wouldn’t be interested in promoting such a resolution, but suggested that members of the LGBT community pursue the issue with the SRC on their own. Following the press conference, district ofﬁcials were asked about efforts to protect all publicschool students from anti-LGBT protesters, in light of the recent picketing outside Central High by supporters of the Rev. Fred Phelps. Ackerman’s spokesperson, Vincent E. Thompson,

responded, “The School District of Philadelphia works hard to let all of our schools understand that we are open to everyone, and that discrimination of any kind is not accepted. Fostering that kind of atmosphere inside our schools, we feel, will go a long way in dissuading people from protesting outside our schools.” The school district will hold a series of public meetings to solicit community input about the plan. The meetings will be held from 6-8 p.m. on March 19 at South Philadelphia High School; March 23 at Northeast High School; March 26 at Pepper Middle School; and March 31 at Girls High School. Dinner will be provided. To reserve a seat, call (215) 4005837 or e-mail dhurst@philasd. org. Additionally, individuals may directly comment on the plan by sending e-mails to strategicplan@philasd.org. ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

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National

Media Trail

Prop. 8 opponents, supporters await decision

PFLAG sees rise in membership

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer In a much-anticipated hearing last week, the California Supreme Court heard from opponents and advocates of Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in the state, and will release its ruling on the constitutionality of the measure in the next few months. The seven-member court listened to arguments March 5 for more than three hours and, while support for the overturning of the ban was tepid, the justices did express firmer backing for the validity of the samesex marriages that took place during the time that such unions were legal in the state. California voters approved Prop. 8 in the November election by a 52-48 percent margin, adding to the state’s constitution the wording that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” In a 4-3 decision in May 2008, the court had ruled that marriage was an inherent right that could not be denied to same-sex couples, but the voters overturned that ruling. More than 18,000 same-sex couples married between June and November. “When the highest court of the state declares that same-sex couples have the right to marry, how can one deny the validity of those marriages?” said Justice Marvin Baxter, one of the justices who voted against the majority in last year’s Supreme Court ruling. The primary issue during last week’s hearing was not the constitutionality of same-sex marriage but rather the process by which such unions were banned in the state. Shortly after the Nov. 4 election, two groups of same-sex couples and a group of local governments, led by San Francisco, filed legal challenges. Attorneys for the groups argued during last week’s proceeding that Prop. 8 should have been considered a revision, a major change to the constitution that would require the backing of two-thirds of both houses of the state legislature before being put to a public vote, rather than an amendment, which is posed directly to voters, as was Prop. 8. Chief Justice Ronald George, who voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage last year, noted courts have previously upheld “initiatives that have taken away rights from minorities by majority vote,” such as a ban on affirmative action initiated by the voters. “Isn’t that the system we have to live with? Is it for the court to limit the people’s power to amend the Constitution?” George asked.

365gay.com reports the passage of antigay measures and that the ﬁlms “Milk” and “Prayers for Bobby” have resulted in increased interest in Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The national advocacy organization reported receiving 75 inquiries about starting new chapters since Election Day. PFLAG said it is working with allies who have expressed interest in bringing the organization to their communities. “If there is a silver lining to the setback our families experienced on Election Day, it is that our allies in communities across the country have started to mobilize at the local level and work for change,” said Jody M. Huckaby, PFLAG national executive director.

WATCHING AND WAITING: Katie Shea (right) holds a picture of slain politician Harvey Milk as people watch Proposition 8 court proceedings March 5 on a giant screen in San Francisco. California Supreme Court justices heard arguments last Thursday on lawsuits seeking to overturn the state’s voter-approved ban on same-sex nuptials as thousands demonstrated outside the courthouse. AP Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez

Jennifer Pfizer, marriage project director for Lambda Legal and a co-counsel in the legal challenge to Prop. 8, said the public should not have the final say in an issue as far-reaching as same-sex marriage. “Proposition 8 is no ‘garden-variety’ amendment that changes a tax or zoning or safety rule in a way that affects everyone equally,” Pfizer said. “This is a radical attempt to strip a cherished constitutional right from just one targeted minority group and then to stop the courts from doing their most basic job of upholding the constitutional promise of ‘liberty and justice for all.’” Christopher Krueger, a senior assistant in Attorney General Jerry Brown’s office, argued for Brown that last year’s Supreme Court decision put forth the idea that marriage was an “inalienable right,” although the justices questioned the validity of his argument. Justice Joyce Kennard, who supported the same-sex marriage ruling last year, noted that the state’s voters also have the “inalienable right to amend the constitution.” “You ask us to willy-nilly disregard the right of the people to change the constitution of the state of California,” Kennard said. “But all political power is inherent in the people of California.” When the justices questioned Kenneth Starr, who argued on behalf of Protect Marriage in favor of upholding Prop. 8, he acknowledged that he believes the constitution gives the public the power to repeal any constitutional right, such as the

right to free speech, as long as such an issue gains a simple majority vote. “While it is unthinkable, the people do have the raw power” to do so, Starr noted. Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights who also presented arguments during the hearing, said the upholding of Prop. 8 could set a dangerous precedent for the state. “Our constitution is based on the principle that majorities must respect minority rights,” she said. “But if a majority can change the constitution to take away a fundamental right from one group, then it can take away fundamental rights from any group. Our government will have changed from one that respects minority rights to one in which the power of the majority is unlimited.” The night before the arguments, LGBT and ally individuals gathered for rallies and vigils across the state, with a San Francisco event drawing such guests as actor Hal Sparks, “Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, LGBT activist Cleve Jones and plaintiffs in the case Robin Tyler and Diane Olson and the Rev. Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church. Hundreds of marriage-equality supporters, as well as some protesters, demonstrated outside San Francisco City Hall, where the Supreme Court hearing was underway, as the proceeding played across a large television screen in front of the building. The court has up to 90 days to issue its ruling. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

D.A. to investigate gay sting arrests Advocate.com reports New York district attorney Robert Morgenthau told gay activists March 9 he would investigate the 2008 prostitution arrests of at least 30 gay and bisexual men targeted at Manhattan porn shops. He also said he may dismiss the cases against ﬁve of the men who are contesting the charges. “The ﬁrst thing Morgenthau said was, ‘We are going to investigate all these cases,’” said Joey Nelson, coordinator for the Queer Justice League and a member of the Coalition to Stop the Arrests. Last month, gay activists protested the arrests, alleging police targeted gay men. The Coalition to Stop the Arrests, an activist group, formed last month to address the issue.

Gay unions won’t be in census The Press Telegram of Long Beach, Calif., reports the 2010 Census will not count same-sex marriages. The federal Defense of Marriage Act does not recognize gay unions sanctioned by states. Census takers will ask same-sex couples who live together to deﬁne themselves as “unmarried partners.” The omission of gay marriage on the census bothers some gays and lesbians, who argue that a proper accounting would give them the same visibility as racial minorities, who gain political power when their numbers increase. ■ — Larry Nichols

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Center to host minority-inclusion conference By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The William Way LGBT Community Center will host leaders from other LGBT community centers throughout the region this weekend to discuss how to boost minority inclusion in their organizations. The Pipeline Project, an initiative of CenterLink, the umbrella organization that oversees LGBT centers across the nation, works for the advancement of people of color in LGBT-advocacy organizations. Ten leaders from centers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region will come together at William Way tonight and tomorrow to evaluate what steps the organizations can take to meet the needs of the diverse communities they serve. ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg, the center’s executive director, said the event will draw participants from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Maryland.

PGN

Goldenburg noted that the center volunteered to host the summit last fall in part because of Philadelphia’s prime location. “One of the things we love about Philadelphia is that we are so centrally located,” he said. “We’re equidistant from a lot of these centers, which is why we’re a great destination for conventions like this.” Pipeline hosted its first executive-director meeting in Florida last month and will stage two other regional meetings after the local event. Clarence Patton, administrator of the Pipeline Project, said that while the organization is looking to boost the number of minority individuals involved in such organizations as LGBT community centers, the regional meetings also give the centers a chance to analyze how well they’re reaching out to this population. “We’re looking at the issue from a number of different vantage points. The first is looking at

driving people into the movement — staff, interns, board members — using a more human-resources model. But another important piece is looking at organizational and institutional change around issues of diversity and inclusion,” Patton said. Patton said the progress made during the meetings can have a measurable effect on the communities the centers serve. “These two-day retreats are kind of strategic-planning meetings where folks get to talk about what the situation is in their professional situations and their organizations and communities around race, diversity and inclusion and then start looking at solutions and strategies to change those dynamics,” he said. “In the end, they’ll come up with goals and objectives for themselves in their professional networks and organizations, which can impact the communities that these centers are leaders in. These community centers really are the front doors to the community,

News you want, when you want it.

the point of entry for so many folks.” Throughout the meetings, Pipeline representatives will facilitate discussion, but Patton said the participants themselves will play an integral role in brainstorming and creating viable solutions to minority inclusion in their organizations. “The point of working with the EDs is that they are really charged with creating the vision of the organization and implementing it. As opposed to a situation where we come in and talk to them for two days, much of the work that will be done is at the discretion of the EDs. The answers and solutions will actually come out of the participants, the executive directors themselves, which is great. This is us getting together, rolling up our sleeves and hammering out some real achievable things that folks can do.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

NEWS BRIEFING From Page 5 Constitutional Studies and the Rutgers School of Law-Camden, is free and open to the public. For more information, call (856) 225-6625.

Kildare’s hosts DVLF fundraiser Kildare’s Pub will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the second annual “Kiss Me, I’m Irish and Gay” tea-dance party from 4-8 p.m. March 15 at the pub, 4417 Main St. in Manayunk. The event, which was conceived by a partnership between Thom Cardwell and James Duggan and Kildare’s founder Dave Magrogan, will feature drink specials, complimentary appetizers, giveaways, door prizes and free Tshirts. A portion of the event proceeds will go to beneﬁt the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, an LGBT grantmaking organization. ■ — Jen Colletta

www.philagaynews.com

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 9

Conn. bill would update law for same-sex marriage By Stephanie Reitz The Associated Press HARTFORD, Conn. — As Connecticut lawmakers consider updating state law to conform with a court ruling that allows samesex marriages, opponents of gay marriage fear their effort will go too far to promote homosexuality. The legislators’ work is spurred by last year’s state Supreme Court decision that concluded same-sex couples have the right to wed in Connecticut. The state’s 2005 civil-union law doesn’t give same-sex couples equal status of married heterosexual couples, the court said. The General Assembly’s judiciary committee is considering a bill to remove gender references in current state laws and transform same-sex civil unions into legally recognized marriages as of October 2010. The bill was the subject of a committee hearing last Friday. The measure also would strip language from a 1991 state antidiscrimination law that says Connecticut does not condone gay marriage and will not set quotas for hiring gay workers or encourage teaching in school about same-sex lifestyles. Some lawmakers consider the language outdated and unnecessary.

Karam Monnzer, M.D., Medical Director Angela Kapalko, MHS, PA-C Joseph Onderein, PA-C

The proposal to delete that language has upset opponents, who think the court ruling could be used to affect social policy in other matters, such as school curricula. The Family Institute of Connecticut, which calls the court ruling undemocratic, said on its Web site that changing the 1991 law “goes beyond mere legislative housekeeping.” Peter Wolfgang, the organization’s executive director, told the committee the proposed changes could be interpreted by “some enterprising judge” or others as encouragement to teach about homosexual lifestyles in schools. “We don’t want this misread as some sort of afﬁrmation, some sort of mandate, that things that are opposed to in parental rights or traditional public beliefs will now be taught in the public schools,” Wolfgang said. Waterbury resident Robert Muckle Sr. told lawmakers he worries about the effect on children if same-sex relationships are condoned or encouraged by educators. “Things are bad enough in our schools with the teaching of comprehensive sex education without the added promotion of homosexuality and bisexuality,”

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he said. State Rep. Michael Lawlor (D-East Haven), co-chairman of the judiciary committee, said the 1991 language prohibited actions that were never likely to occur anyway, such as setting quotas for hiring gay workers or pushing teachers to promote homosexuality. It was added only to appease people who otherwise might have blocked the antidiscrimination bill, Lawlor said. The language is a vestige of past discrimination that should be removed, said attorney Bennett Klein of Boston-based Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, which represented the gay couples who won the Supreme Court decision. “It’s meaningless language other than to express prejudice,” he said. State Rep. Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), whose ceremony with her partner, Tracey Wilson, was Connecticut’s ﬁrst same-sex

marriage, said the updates to state law are much more than mere procedure. “Marriage has meaning in our culture, and marriage has meaning in our state and to my family,” Bye, displaying her marriage license, told fellow lawmakers last Friday. The judiciary committee did not immediately act on the proposed changes, which would require full General Assembly approval. Only Connecticut and Massachusetts have legalized gay marriage, although the unions were legal in California for ﬁve months until a state referendum to ban gay marriage passed last fall. Vermont, New Jersey, California, New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia have laws that either recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships that afford same-sex couples similar rights to marriage. Thirty states have gay-marriage bans in their constitutions.

Connecticut had 2,140 civil unions recorded as of last Friday, including 24 since the Oct. 10 Supreme Court decision. Some church and conservative group leaders also want lawmakers to let Connecticut justices of the peace and anyone else with religious objections — such as wedding photographers or florists — refuse to participate in samesex ceremonies. “A situation has been created by the [court] decision where state policy seriously conflicts with the religious beliefs of a large number of people within the state,” said David Reynolds, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Catholic Conference. The law would exempt clergy from performing same-sex marriages based on their religious beliefs. However, some legislators say justices of the peace are state officials and must perform the ceremonies, since they are legally prohibited from discriminating based on sexual orientation. ■

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

Editorial Guv, Dems need to step up This week, the state House Government Committee passed HB 300, the statewide nondiscrimination bill. Though introduced previously, this is the first time the bill has made it out of committee and to the full House for consideration. If passed, the bill will prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accommodation. Advocates have worked hard for this, and the next few months will be crucial in its progress. Though the bill’s chances are slim in the Republicancontrolled Senate, it’s possible the Democraticcontrolled House could approve it this session. This bill is important for many reasons, namely to protect the roughly 75 percent of Pennsylvanians who live outside of municipalities that already offer protection to sexual minorities. While Philadelphia and 13 other cities and towns have such laws, the rest of the state does not. This means that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals can be fired and denied housing or accommodations for no other reason than someone doesn’t like their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. And they have no recourse. This bill would change that, providing legal protections and recourse to LGBT people. We are thankful to those who have advocated for this bill and for this vote, including committee chair Babette Josephs; Dan Frankel, who co-sponsored the bill; committee vice chair Michael O’Brien; committeemembers Louise Bishop, Brendan Boyle, Mark Cohen, Lawrence Curry and Frank Oliver; Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission chair Steve Glassman; Equality Advocates Pennsylvania; the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania; and the Women’s Law Project. That said, it’s also significant that Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast that does not have an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination law: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine have protections that include sexual orientation and gender identity; New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts have protections for sexual orientation only. Now, it’s crucial that constituents contact their representatives in support of this bill. Let them know who you are and how this bill will affect you, your partner, your family. It’s also time for Gov. Rendell and the Democratic leadership in the House and the Senate to take the lead on this. As Democrats, they cannot take the support of the LGBT community for granted. And as Democrats, their party platform specifically states they will “fight to end discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity ... ” It’s time the community held them to that party promise. ■

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Other Views

Jennifer Vanasco

On justice and fairness in California It looks likely we will lose the battle for marriage in California. But if we lose, California loses too — because the state will have taken a stand against fairness and toward the tyranny of majority rule. That the California Supreme Court justices are leaning toward upholding Proposition 8 was clear from the grilling they gave the lawyers last week who were seeking to overturn it. They all but announced two things: First, they didn’t feel comfortable overriding the people’s vote, which is now state law; and second, they didn’t see anything in the new law that would retroactively annul the 18,000 marriages performed for gay couples last summer. So. Those 34,000 people who rushed to have their marriages declared ofﬁcial were the lucky ones. They will continue to live as equal citizens. The rest of gay Californians? Not so much. The hearing was heartbreaking, because you could hear the judges’ minds working. They wanted to overturn the law, but they couldn’t. This is where justice and fairness fall on opposite sides. To see this more clearly, take a look at the questioning by Chief Justice Ronald George of Kenneth Starr, who was defending Prop. 8, as

blogged by the Los Angeles Times: “Starr argues that voters have an inalienable right to amend the state constitution as they see ﬁt through simple majority vote, including ‘things that tug at the equality principle.’ But George leans in on the question and asks whether, if Proposition 8 had speciﬁcally said that homosexuals had no right to form a family relationship or raise children, that still could be done by amendment? “Starr replies yes. “George pursues it further, asking if California voters could remove the right to free speech? “Starr says yes.” Giving a majority the ability to deny a minority crucial civil rights may be a “correct” reading of the law — that is, it may be “justice” — but it is exactly opposite our understanding of fairness and equality and violates the spirit of what it means to be an American. The Founding Fathers could have made elections hinge on a popular vote instead of the complex system of electors that we have in place — but they didn’t, because they believed that direct rule by the people would result in the “tyranny of the majority” — that is, would encourage the majority to start acting like despots.

James Madison, arguing for a representative democracy, as opposed to one in which the public voted on every issue, said, “A pure democracy can admit no cure for the mischiefs of faction. A common passion or interest will be felt by a majority, and there is nothing to check the inducements to sacriﬁce the weaker party.” If California’s court rules for Prop. 8, then all of California — not just the gay and lesbian population — should shudder. Because it would be clear, then, that Californians, through popular vote, can take away any right from any group. They could take away women’s right to vote. They could take away freedom of the press from Latinos. They could take away freedom of religion from Evangelicals. The majority could deny any right to any group — simply because there are more of them than there are of us. This is terrifying. I fear that the justices know this — and are using Prop. 8 to teach the state a lesson. It is a lesson California needs to learn. I just wish it didn’t come at our expense. ■ Jennifer Vanasco is an awardwinning syndicated columnist. Email her at jennifer.vanasco@gmail. com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

Mark My Words

Street Talk

Mark Segal

Spending our gay dollars Let me offer a humble suggestion, if I may. As the saying goes, charity begins at home. Our home is what we call the Gayborhood. In the ﬁnancial condition that the city, state and country are in, many people are cutting back on their spending. This is having an impact on our own gay and gay-friendly businesses. A local business owner wrote me recently to tell me about the cuts he had to make in his business: laying off employees, cutting staff hours and ending employee beneﬁts. All this to keep the business’ doors open. This is a business that we all know, one that has been around for some time now, and one in the middle of our Gayborhood. We all know it’s there, but how many times do we just walk by and spend our dollars in a place that has no connection or care for the LGBT community? Well, we just might be able to help our own community, and it comes from a slogan we’ve heard before: Buy gay. Our community businesses can meet almost all your needs. We have doctors, lawyers, real-estate agents, pets, furniture, cars, a fun night out on the town, a great dinner, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, candy, groceries, all forms of entertainment, books and magazines.

PAGE 11

I think you get my point. Spend money where it can help employ members of your community, your friends and the people who help make us a community. Now, I’m not suggesting that you only spend money in the community; just make an effort to do so when you have a choice. We are not isolationist, but we must make an effort to help our own when we can. Many years ago, the gay-rights activists wanted to show the impact of LGBT people on America’s ﬁnancial structure. The suggestion was made that each time you got a dollar bill, you write “gay” on it. At the time, there were two problems with that idea. For one, most people in our community were in the closet and would be wary of passing a dollar that had the word “gay” on it. Second, it was a time when there was little organization in the community, so the true impact of gay dollars couldn’t be felt. Of course there is the third reason: Defacing U.S. currency is illegal. But overall, it’s a great idea to come back to when the economy makes its way back. And it will. The economy is very much like a roller coaster — there are ups and downs. In the entire history of civilization, it has been up and down. We’re down now, so have no doubt about it, we will go up again. Until then, let’s try to help out those in our community. Buy gay. ■

What would you do as a job of last resort?

Henry Cirilo salesperson Germantown section

Kathryn Egan food deliverer Southwest Center City

“I’d be a paper boy, as long as the newspapers still remain in business. I like the outdoors, and it would be good exercise. I’m a sports fan. I could read the sports pages while delivering the papers.”

“Let my feet be used at a foot-fetish party. I saw it on Craig’s List. You can make $20 for 10 minutes. I’d also be open to the possibility of nude modeling. But only in the context of an art school. Nothing pornographic.”

Scott Ratinoff graphic designer Bella Vista

Jasmaine Williams hairstylist Germantown

“Something in the food industry — waiter or dishwasher. Even a barback. I worked in a kitchen at a day camp for kids when I was a teenager, so I’m familiar with the work. But it would be less pay. And it’s a lot of late hours. Even if you’re wellbehaved, you can’t get home until 3 a.m. sometimes.”

“Cleaning lady. I doubt that I would ever do it, unless I really needed the money. Some people have nasty living habits — bad personal hygiene. I’d hate to clean up after them. But I might do it if I were desperate for money.”

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

Letters and Feedback Regarding “Porn star testiﬁes in murder trial,” March 6-12 An insightful and valuable report. The fact that the most damaging statement allegedly made by Cuadra to Corrigan — “don’t worry, he went quick” — was somehow not captured on tape is most helpful to the defense. Based on the responses obtained during my May 14, 2007 interview with Cuadra and Kerekes (the last one before their arrests the next day), and given the utter lack of DNA and eyewitnesses, I believe this case is far from a wrap for the prosecution. — Damon Kruezer Regarding “Taking the economic long view,” March 6-12 It would have been nice for the community to learn how organizations that

primarily serve people of color have been impacted by the cuts. Organizations such as Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, The COLOURS Organization and ASIAC. Not at all trying to be divisive, but personally, I feel comments from a more diverse pool of organizations would have been nice for the article. — Lee Carson President, Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council Regarding “Study ﬁnds Jewish leaders open to LGBT community,” March 6-12 This study is ﬂawed and the article misleading. Surveys that rely on voluntary response are not valid. As for the interviews, we would need to know how the participants were selected. I would guess by those who completed the surveys. The Jewish congregations/ organizations, as the Jewish

Mosaic admits, run the spectrum from liberal to ultra-Orthodox. I am quite sure the latter failed to respond and would not submit to interviews. I would like the article to address the sample. I checked the Mosaic Web site and I cannot ﬁnd any of the data or sample information. The lead declares unequivocally an inclusiveness, but then later the article recants this and notes that their actions fall short with respect to outreach, and the study failed to include the LGBT congregants — which is where the survey should be centered, as they are best to assess. — Jay1111 Regarding “Womyn’s Fest celebrates 10th year,” March 6-12 The Rotunda is at 4014 Walnut St. in Philly, not 4014 Chestnut St. Otherwise, good article. — Gins

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PGN and Philadelphia welcome the Northeast Regional Pride Conference and Pride committees from Washington, D.C., to Maine to the birthplace of the nation and a city that was a leader in the gay-rights struggle. Don’t forget to visit the historical plaque marking the annual marches held at Independence Hall from 1965-69. In 1975, Pennsylvania was home to the ﬁrst executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, the ﬁrst statewide gay pride resolution and the Governor’s Commission for Sexual Minorities.

Welcome to history.

Thank you for everything you do. Without you, Pride wouldn’t happen.

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

Out Money

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 13

Fi r st Ba p t i st C h u r c h

Jeremy Gussick

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Don’t be a target for fraud Q: I’m a

recently retired gay man. With everything I’m reading lately about fraud and other retired seniors losing their life savings to these crooks, I’m worried something like that could happen to me. Any advice on how to protect myself? A: Considering what’s been going on lately, you’re absolutely right to be concerned. Even successful retirees can be fooled by today’s crafty investment con artists. Here are some things you need to know to help keep the gold in your golden years. With trillions in assets and plenty of time to listen to sales pitches, seniors have become popular targets for fraud. Promises of windfalls from persistent telemarketers and selfproclaimed financial specialists with shaky credentials have made fraud against those 65 and older a profitable business. The upcoming retirement of the boomer generation means the vast majority of Americans’ net worth will soon be in the hands of the newly retired. “Scam artists will swarm like locusts over this increasingly vulnerable group — because that’s where the money is,” warned Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox in a 2006 speech. To protect yourself, “find out all you can about the individual and the company,” said Joseph Borg, president of the North American Securities Administrators Association, the U.S.’ oldest international investor-protection organization. Do business only with financial advisors and financial institutions with proven track records — and keep these five tips in mind:

1. Beware of impressivesounding titles that suggest expertise in advising seniors. Some examples are “senior specialist,” “retirement specialist” and “certiﬁed ﬁnancial gerontologist.” Many titles mean nothing or can be secured with

little more than a membership fee. Most legitimate investment salespeople have to be licensed and registered with the SEC, a state securities regulator or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

individual circumstances before recommending any investment or strategy. They should ask about your ﬁnancial goals, investment time horizon and risk tolerance. If they don’t, how can they suggest ideas that are right for you?

2. Avoid investments that aren’t suited to your situation or stage of life. Certain investments that have withdrawal penalties or otherwise lack liquidity may not be a good option for retirees. These include certain annuities and real-estate investments. FINRA recommends watching out for products that involve using your home equity or retirement savings to fund high-risk investments.

5. Avoid e-mail and Internet scams aimed at seniors. Ignore unsolicited e-email. E-mail scams may claim to be searching for business partners and promise high returns on the next big investment opportunity. The Internet is one of the cheapest avenues for con artists, who buy millions of e-mail addresses for a few hundred dollars. If you don’t know the email’s sender, don’t even open it. If you can follow these guidelines, you’ll be one step ahead of those who would try to take advantage. Protect yourself ... and enjoy your retirement! ■

3. Be cautious when told that investment decisions have to be made immediately or in secret. If a salesperson uses the highpressure tactic of saying your investment decisions have to be made on the spot, don’t comply. Such decisions should be made only after you have had time to think and make sure that you know all the facts. Also, avoid anyone who insists that you make your decision without discussing it with family members and other advisors. A legitimate seller has no need for secrecy. 4. Be suspicious of one-size-ﬁtsall sales pitches. A responsible ﬁnancial advisor will want to learn about your

Jeremy Gussick is a financial advisor with Smith Barney in Center City, focusing on financial and investment planning for the LGBT community. He can be contacted at (215) 238-5849 or jeremy.r.gussick@smithbarney.com. Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. To the extent that this material or any attachment concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by the law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Smith Barney is a division of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC.

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JOIN US TWICE MONTHLY FOR SHABBAT SERVICES AT 8:00 PM Coffee, cake & conversation at the 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! You’ll dance all night. 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. Saturday, April 11: Passover Cafe, 6:30 PM. Join us for a meal of traditional Passover foods, followed by the reading of some Passover-related stories. Share your own joyful and entertaining Passover memories. $15/person, payable at the door. Please reserve by April 7, 2009 by calling the BA phone, (215)923-2003. 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

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 14

PORN TRIAL From Page 1 testified. “He pushed me down.” Cuadra said he tried to jump on Kerekes’ back to stop him, but Kerekes pulled a knife out of his pocket and slashed Kocis’ throat. Cuadra said he ran and hid in the back seat of the car that the pair had rented, while Kerekes did “something” inside the house. He said Kerekes returned to the car about 15 minutes later with two laptops, several computer towers and other stolen items, and disposed of one laptop and some papers at a service station. Cuadra said he did not see Kerekes start the fire. Cuadra testified he wanted to go to police when they identified him as a person of interest in the case, but that he was afraid of Kerekes. “Joseph wouldn’t let me,” he

said. “I can’t even go to the store to buy toilet paper without him.” Cuadra said they stayed in numerous hotels in Virginia Beach, Va., after the murder and fled their home in the town for Florida after learning that police raided their house. “Joseph started feeling really paranoid and rightly so,” Cuadra said. “I think it was beginning to dawn on him that he made his last mistake.” Cuadra broke down several times throughout his testimony and apologized to his mother, who was in the courtroom. He also detailed sexual abuse he faced from his stepfather while growing up and the difficulties he had coming out to his family. Cuadra’s account of the murder differed from what a prosecution witness testified to earlier this week. On Monday, Dallas Township Police Sgt. Doug Higgins said

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

that during questioning after his May 15 arrest, Cuadra denied Kerekes’ involvement in the murder. “He blurted out, ‘Joe didn’t do it,’” Higgins said. “The last thing he said was, ‘Joe didn’t do it.’” Cuadra’s attorneys ﬁled paperwork last week to transfer Kerekes from the correctional facility at Camp Hill to the Luzerne County Courthouse to testify for the defense. Although Kerekes took the stand, he only answered several brief questions before saying he wouldn’t talk about the murder. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my parents,” Kerekes said on the stand. “I think it will destroy them to say something that I didn’t do.” Kerekes addressed Cuadra attorney Joseph D’Andrea and said, “What I told you is untrue,” before he stepped down from the stand and was escorted from the

courtroom. It was unclear what Kerekes was referring to. As Kerekes was led out, Cuadra’s mother shouted, “You stole my son” at him. Throughout the trial, Cuadra’s attorneys suggested that either Kerekes or Lockhart and his romantic and business partner Grant Roy were responsible for Kocis’ death. Lockhart and other porn actors testiﬁed throughout the trial that Cuadra and Kerekes thought they could make $1 million from signing Lockhart. The prosecution called 86 witnesses over the course of 10 days, resting its case March 9. Last week, a state police computer expert testiﬁed that Kocis received a series of e-mails sent from Cuadra’s computer, setting up a meeting the night of the murder. The e-mails were sent under the name Danny Moilin,

who purported to be an aspiring porn actor and who attached a picture of himself, which matches Cuadra. Cuadra testified this week that Kerekes sent the photos and model application. Prosecutors also showed the jury surveillance video of the pair purchasing a knife and handgun at a pawn shop in Virginia Beach the day before the murder. An employee of the store testified in court and identified both men. Prosecutors called numerous forensic witnesses to lay the foundation that Cuadra was involved in the arson, as well as the theft of several items from Kocis’ house; the death penalty can only be sought if the prosecution can prove that Cuadra committed other felonies during the murder. ■

NEW HOPE

station. Lofft, a pharmaceutical consultant, and Rudman, a global projects manager with GlaxoSmithKline, did not arrive for work later that day. Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney David Zellis said investigators are unsure how much time elapsed between Lofft’s arrest and the murder. Zellis said there was broken and overturned furniture in the home, signaling a struggle. “This was clearly a domestic disturbance at some point,” he said. “There was blood throughout the house.” Bellizzie noted that police had previously been called to the house only in response to a security alarm.

“We had not gone to that location for any domestic disturbance,” he said. “The only time we responded there was for normal tripped-alarm calls, but for nothing else.” Bellizzie noted that violent crimes are a rarity in the area. “This is not a regular occurrence here,” he said. “Especially not in Solebury Township and the whole New Hope area.” MSNBC reported that Lofft left a note for his mother telling her where his will was and asking that someone take care of the couple’s two cats. The couple lived in the home for 10 years. ■

From Page 1 Chief Dominick Bellizzie said police have not determined a motive yet. Bellizzie said that after shooting Rudman with a Walther PPK .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun, Lofft attempted to clean the area and then took a shower, took medication and shot himself in the head with a .357-caliber Magnum in the couple’s bed. Lofft had been arrested around 3 a.m. March 4 and charged with drunk driving after he crashed his car into a guardrail about two blocks from his home. Police impounded his car and Rudman picked him up at the

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

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 15

Local lawyer named to national LGBT legal board By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Philadelphia attorney Kevin Ray was recently elected to the board of directors of the National LGBT Bar Association. Ray, 47, practices with Greenberg Traurig LLP, in the company’s business reorganization and bankruptcy and ﬁnancial institution practices divisions.

KEVIN RAY

Ray grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and received his bachelor’s and two master’s degrees — in arts and library sciences — from the University of Pittsburgh. He moved to St. Louis, Mo., PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS after graduation and worked as the director rarefollowing books, manuscripts built a of cult in Russia and art collections Washington despite gaining justat1.9 percent of University, heFebruary. attained his the audiencewhere share in doctorate MTV degree in English in Russia also and comparative shows “Southliterature. Park,” but has yet saidany he eventually felt drawn toRay receive criticism from the to law andgroup. earned his law degree Protestant from Washington University in 2001, then moved to Philadelphia Trans meeting the same year. He became involved with the set for Berlin National LGBT Bar Association the following year, after serving It was announced March 14 that on the host committee for the the second meeting of the European organization’s annualwillLavender Transgender Council be held Law conference, which took place this year in Germany. thatThe year in council, Philadelphia.comprised said he decided to pursue ofRayTransgender Europe, the the board position to continue to Transgender Network Berlin and expand and buildBerlin, upon the TransInterQueer willboard meet work he’sin already accomplished May 2-4 Berlin. Their last event with otherinlocal organizations. was held Vienna in 2005. He served as treasurer of the Representatives from international

activist groups and experts such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are expected to attend the event and share their experiences in the eld of human rights and transgender-related work. The results of the Study of the Lives of Transgender people In

PGN

board of directors of Equality Forum from 2004-06 and, since then, has been board chair, a position that ends this summer. Ray is also the chair of the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate sponsorship committee and a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Committee on Gay and Lesbian Rights, and has worked as a board member of Equality Advocates of Pennsylvania and the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia. “I’m wrapping up what is a six-year tenure on the board of Equality Forum, which will be concluding in June of ’09,” he said. “I have a lot of administrative board experience and a very real interest in the legal issues that are particular to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. I was looking for the next step of involvement, and the National LGBT Bar Association is a very active group.” The organization has been an ofﬁcial afﬁliate of the American Bar Association since 1992 and currently serves as the umbrella organization for 25 LGBT law groups in cities and states across the country, such as GALLOP. Ray said the election process was a multifaceted undertaking that he began last fall. “In the fall, the association sent out a call for nominations and then after that, I had a call from

D’Arcy Kemnitz, the head of the Bar Association. She gave me a call and we talked about what their needs were and what the position would entail and I then had to submit a statement of interest. After that, they narrowed down the pool of candidates and then there was a meeting with some of the current board members, and then in February at the annual mid-winter meeting, they voted on the incoming board members.” The organization and its 501 (c)(3) nonproﬁt branch together have 24 board members. Kemnitz said there were about 20 applicants for three board positions and that Ray stood out as a valuable addition to the group. “Kevin’s just wonderful, especially with his history of work with Equality Forum,” she said. “We’re delighted to have him.” Michael L. Lehr, regional operating shareholder of Greenberg Traurig, commended Ray’s election. “We are proud to support Kevin in his new position at the LGBT Bar. His wide-ranging legal experience and numerous community-service afﬁliations make him an excellent choice for this role,” Lehr said. Ray will serve a two-year term and is eligible for re-election. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PGN is pleased to announce our staff

placed in four award categories for the 2008 Suburban Newspaper Association Editorial Contest, out of more than 2,000 U.S. and Canadian publications. Our congratulations to: Larry Nichols

First Place, Best Arts and Entertainment Writing — Feature “Actor Chronicles Long Walk Along Celebrity Lane”

PGN Staff Second Place, Best Entertainment/Lifestyle Section Detour

Larry Nichols Second Place, Best Arts & Entertainment Criticism/Commentary “They want to keep you movin’ and groovin’”

Larry Nichols Third Place, Best Arts & Entertainment Writing — Feature “Cyndi Lauper launches new album and second True Colors tour

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MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

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By John Curran The Associated Press MONTPELIER, Vt. — Legislative leaders in Vermont pledged last Thursday to push for passage of a gay-marriage bill before the session ends in May, saying allowing civil unions was a good start but it’s now time to end the “inequality” of existing laws. “I do think that we’re in a different America and a different Vermont than we were nine years ago,” said state Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin. Vermont endured a fractious ﬁght over civil unions before becoming the ﬁrst in the nation to approve of them in 2000. California, New Jersey and New Hampshire have followed suit, and Massachusetts and Connecticut now allow gay marriage. Opponents say Vermont lawmakers should be addressing more pressing issues, starting with the economy. Gov. Jim Douglas

HB 300 From Page 1 70 cosponsors, and it eventually garnered 79 legislative supporters throughout the 15 months it was in consideration in the House. Three legislators — Reps. Galloway, Harry Readshaw (D36th Dist.) and Susan Helm (R104th Dist.) — dropped their names from the list of cosponsors for HB 300 in the last week, but Josephs said that does not necessarily signal they wouldn’t vote in favor of the bill. “People can take their names off or put them on, and I think the opponents did get to several people. But I’m not sure that means they’re going to vote against it when it gets to the ﬂoor,” she said. Jake Kaskey, policy and outreach coordinator at Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, said LGBT-rights advocates will be reaching out to legislators to counter the campaigns of opponents. “We understood after the bill was introduced that opponents would be getting folks across the state to e-mail those who were currently cosponsors,” he said. “We need to speak with them and let them know what the bill does and how it protects LGBT people, and we’re conﬁdent that we can retain their support.”

— who wouldn’t say last week if he’d sign a same-sex-marriage bill — said the Legislature should be focusing on economic issues. Shumlin and House Speaker Shap Smith, who lead the Democrat-controlled legislature, said that while their focus this year is the economic downturn, the Legislature can handle more than one issue at a time. Vermont couples who are in civil unions are unfairly denied Social Security survivor beneﬁts and other beneﬁts accrued to married couples, according to Shumlin. He favored civil unions over gay marriage in 2000, but now believes that Vermont should make it legal for gays and lesbians to wed. “Justice too long delayed is justice denied,” said Shumlin (DWindham). A same-sex-marriage bill has already been introduced in the Senate, but a different version will be introduced after lawmakers

return from the two-week Town Meeting Day break on March 16 and start a week of hearings on the topic before the Senate Judiciary Committee. A draft of the bill posted on the Legislature’s Web site stated town clerks would be authorized to issue marriage licenses for gay and lesbian couples starting Sept. 1, with each applicant specifying whether they want to be designated “bride,” “groom” or “spouse.” But it makes no mention of any rights that would be conferred by gay marriage that go beyond what people in civil unions now enjoy, other than marriage licenses. According to Shumlin, marriage would give gay and lesbian couples Social Security beneﬁts that people in civil unions don’t get. It also would give more rights to them in the event that one spouse had to make emergency health decisions for the other, and allow them to qualify as spouses in the eyes of health-insurance companies, he said. ■

Prior to voting the bill out of committee, the members also voted along party lines against a motion to suspend the rules that would have allowed the committee to consider a possible amendment to broaden the religious exemption contained within the Human Relations Act. “There is already a religious exemption within the Human Relations Act,” Kaskey said. “What this bill does is add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ every time the other protected classes are listed; it’s not toying with the current religious exemption at all.” Steve Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said he’s optimistic about the bill’s prospects in the House. “We are very pleased to see that the bill has been voted favorably out of committee for the ﬁrst time in its history,” he said. “We understand that there are still issues related to the religious exemption which need to be discussed with legislators on both sides of the aisle. “But we feel that we have very strong support for the passage of the bill in the House, and we are always happy to work with elected ofﬁcials to ensure that this legislation is as effective and inclusive as possible while

respecting the rights of all minorities.” Josephs did not give a timeline for when the bill might come up for a vote before the full House, but said it’s something the bill’s supporters are looking to accomplish “quickly.” “I am very optimistic that we have the votes,” Josephs said. “At this time, when people are losing their jobs and losing their homes, we need to give relief to the folks who are losing their jobs for reasons that have nothing to do with their qualiﬁcations. But we do need to take some time to persuade half of the senators that this is something that ought to be done.” The Value All Families Coalition, a statewide LGBT advocacy organization, will host “Rock the Dome: Pennsylvania Equality Lobby Day and Rally” March 17 in Harrisburg, where LGBT and ally activists can meet with legislators to discuss HB 300. Buses will leave from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in the morning and return later that night. For more information about the event or to book a seat on a bus, contact Kaskey at jkaskey@equalitypa.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

Yout group questio meet fr PAGE 19 Youth C �

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

International News Sydney celebrates Mardi Gras Revelers decked out in sequins, feathers, wigs and leather danced through the streets of Sydney last weekend to the cheers of more than 300,000 people at the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. More than 130 floats and 9,500 people participated in the parade, which began as a protest march in 1978 by gay and transsexual men and women and has flourished into one of the world’s largest LGBT pride events. “I am totally in my element,” said a transsexual who identified herself as Gummi Cat. “This is my first year being in the parade and I am absolutely loving it,” she said from a carriage being pulled by a man dressed in little more than a black leather harness. The parade kicked off with Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham, who stood atop the first float surrounded by male dancers dressed in Speedos and carrying scorecards. Lifeguards, cheerleaders, nurses and sports teams strutted and spun to their floats’ music. Banks, schools and churches were represented, as were the Australian Federal Police, the Defense Department and state

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firefighters. All of the marchers, whether flamboyant in feathers and high heels or wearing their official work uniforms, grinned ear to ear as they waved to the crowd. Spectators waited for up to six hours for prime viewing spots along the 1.5-mile route of the 31st annual parade. Many were packed 10 rows thick on the sidewalk along the main thoroughfare, Oxford Street, which was lined with metal barricades and police and parade officials. “I’m blown away. It’s been amazing,” said 75-year-old Peg Low, who waved a rainbow flag next to a barricade near the front of the parade route and attracted hugs from a few brightly dressed marchers. Low came from Queensland state to attend the parade in memory of her son, Stephen, who died of AIDS 15 years ago. “I’m so happy because all our gay friends made this work, created something so wonderful,” she said. Joan Rivers, in town for her onewoman comedy show, waved from atop a truck. Another float was dedicated to slain U.S. gay-rights activist Harvey Milk, the subject of a movie last year starring Sean Penn, who won an Oscar for his role.

This year’s parade theme was “Nations United,” a tribute to gays around the world, particularly in countries where they cannot live openly. In Australia last year, lawmakers passed legislation giving samesex couples the same rights as heterosexuals, though they have not legalized same-sex marriages. Together We Can, a discussion group for people dealing with emotional, mental and addictive problems, will meet at 7 p.m. at The

Parents pull kids from gay lessons

The Trans-Health Information Parents who removed their Project will hold a drop-in center children from a London elementary for all trans from 7-11 p.m. school overpersons lessons marking oor;

LGBT history month could face prosecution. The Humboldt Society, a gay and The U.K. observes history lesbian naturalist club,gaywill meet month February year Way and at 7:30in p.m. at theeach William schools are encouraged to mark it with classesUs, as aa way to Tiesspecial That Bind 12-step teach tolerance. More than 30 students were pulled out of classes at the George Tomlinson School in East London. The area is made up mainly of immigrant families, many of them Muslim. Among the parents objecting to the classes was Pervez Latif, who kept his two sons, who are 9 and 10, from going to school throughout the week. See INTERNATIONAL, Page 21

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INTERNATIONAL From Page 19 “I didn’t want my children to be learning about this,” Latif said. He said he wrote a letter to the school explaining his objections and was told the children would be listed as truants if they were not in class. The law allows for 19 excused days a year; any additional days a student is not in class are viewed as truancy. But the school regards the removal of the students as an unexcused absence. The penalties range from a ﬁne to criminal charges. “If I am faced with court action, then I will just explain that these are my views,” said Latif. Special gay-history lessons at the school ranged from references to famous gays and gay events in history classes to reading ageappropriate books in literature classes. In a statement, a spokesperson for the school said no decision had been made on seeking charges against the parents. “As part of the borough’s policy of promoting tolerance in our schools, children are taught that everyone in our society is of equal value,” the statement said.

Burundians want gays criminalized Tens of thousands of people from Burundi, an impoverished East African nation, demonstrated March 6 in the capital of Bujumbura to demand the outlawing of homosexuality. The demonstration, which drew up to 20,000 people, followed the government’s refusal to pass a law that would have criminalized homosexual acts. On Feb. 17, senators voted through a draft criminal-code law that abolished the death penalty, but rejected an amendment that outlawed homosexuality. At the protest, Jeremie Ngendakumana, the ruling party’s chairman, said, “[We are] protesting today to support the [view of the] majority of Burundians that homosexuality should be punished by law. Homosexuality is a sin. It is a culture which has been imported to sully our morals and is practiced by immoral people.” Before the senators rejected the antigay amendment, the lower chamber of the nation’s parliament adopted the amendments in November that

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

sought to penalize homosexuality by up to two years in jail.

British PM criticizes Prop. 8 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown blasted Proposition 8, the California law banning same-sex marriage, as “unacceptable” and said it was a setback for civil rights in the United States. Brown made the comments during a speech to British gayrights leaders at a reception last week at the prime minister’s ofﬁcial residence. “This attempt to undo good that has been done is unacceptable,” Brown said. “This shows why we have always got to be vigilant, always got to ﬁght homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination.” The prime minister praised U.K. gay leaders for pushing to have civil partnerships legalized in 2005, giving same-sex couples all of the rights of marriage except the name. He praised the activists for “changing opinion” about samesex unions. “You have shown how the legislative process, by your pressure, can respond,” he told the group. Brown’s comments came only hours after the California high court heard arguments challenging the legality of the proposition. It could be up to 90 days before a ruling is made in the case.

Indian city to open trans bathrooms The Indian city of Chennai will build new toilets for trans people. Officials from the Chennai Municipal Corporation have identified three areas with the largest trans populations, which will benefit from the new facilities. The first will be built in Saidapet, where it will cater to those living in Kothamedu, Theedeer Nagar and Athuma Nagar. The move is part of a pilot project to recognize the considerable trans community in south and central Chennai. Each lavatory will have both toilets and urinals. Municipal commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni was quoted as saying that the scheme was aimed at “extending recognition to the

community and mainstreaming them,” and that more facilities could be built if the public responded well to the idea. However, there has been a mixed reaction from the city’s trans population, with some saying that it would open the way for discrimination and isolation. “I don’t agree with this. We want to mingle with the mainstream. We don’t want to be separated like this,” said Aasha Bharati, president of the Aravanigal Association in Tamil Nadu State. India’s ﬁrst transgender television host, Rose Venkatesan, said, “It is a big problem because not everyone has undergone a sex change. This is a good idea but, in the long run, I see a society where there is no difference and all use the same toilets.”

Man acquitted of murder in ‘gaypanic’ killing A man who confessed to killing a gay couple in Spain has been acquitted of murder by a jury, who accepted his “fear” defense. Jacobo Piñeiro Rial will instead spend 20 years in prison for setting fire to the home of Isaac Ali Dani Peréz Triviño and Julio Anderson Luciano in July 2006. The couple, who lived together in Vigo, were planning to marry. Rial told the court in Pontevedra that he had met one of the men in a bar and returned to their house to have a meal with them. Later that night, he stabbed the couple 57 times and then set fire to the house, claiming he had suffered “an unbearable fear” in their presence after one of the men had allegedly threatened him with sex at knifepoint. Despite the number of wounds inflicted, a jury found him “in legitimate defense.” It was revealed in court that Rial had spent the previous day drinking and taking cocaine at a local gay bar. His defense attempted to argue that this had clouded his judgment, but toxicology experts said the substances would have left his body by the time of the murders. Triviño’s mother, who lived with the couple but was away the night they were killed, described the verdict as “homophobic, racist and brainless.” ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Detour A departure from the ordinary

The living (undead) Shakespeare

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PAGE 23

Zombie thespians invade Philadelphia! By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer “The first thing that went across my head was, ‘Shakespeare and zombies, I’m doing it,’” said Daniel Student, actor and Plays and Players Theater executive committee member. Well, yeah. We’re pretty much sold on this end too. The out actor will play William Shakespeare in the East Coast premiere of “William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead,” the culmination of Plays and Players’ “Zombiedelphia,” a month-long celebration of all things that rise from the grave seeking to consume human flesh. Philadelphia is hosting the second-ever run of the play, written by John Heimbuch, that set records when it debuted in Minneapolis. “It sold out,” said director Bill Egan, Plays and Players’ openly gay president. “It was the highestgrossing Minneapolis Fringe piece that they’ve ever had.” As luck would have it, Student, who is friends with Heimbuch, was shown the script for “Land of the Dead” around the time Plays and Players was looking for something ghoulishly appropriate for its Zombiedelphia activities. “We were actually thinking about doing a zombie-themed piece already called ‘Evil Dead: The Musical,’” he said. “I did read the play and discovered that it was quite original, so I felt comfortable passing it on to a couple other people and everyone just loved it at the first read.” We know. We’re devastated that “Evil Dead: The Musical” got passed over too. But Student said the decision to go with the bard/ zombie mash-up was both artistic and practical. “There were some rights’ issues with ‘Evil Dead; The Musical,’” he said. “What’s nice about this is it’s a new play and we don’t have to pay for that. At the same time, it clearly has a buzz to it. It’s just such a great idea to take this very-well-researched historical costume drama and mix it in with this horror-comedic-schlockzombie theme.” Egan agreed that “William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead” is muh deeper than it appears on the surface. “Originally, when we first heard about the project, our main

assumption was that this was a fun ﬂuff piece that was kind of camp,” he said. “But what’s interesting and more appealing about the piece is that it is actually a very detail-oriented, well-thought-out Shakespearean farce. That’s how it starts. There’s a lot of fun and camp in it, but it has a really strong, solid base, [asking]: Did Shakespeare write everything he wrote? How did he get audiences? Then you throw in the zombie DANIEL in the play on top of that.” If the appeal to your intellect isn’t enough to get you camping out for tickets, check this out. “Right now, we’re at about two gallons of blood per performance,” Egan said. Oh yes, there is blood. Egan said the Plays and Players’ production will be more elaborate with gore and special effects than what the enraptured audiences in Minneapolis got to see. “Our production, compared to the Minneapolis production, has two dedicated ﬁght coordinators,” Egan said. “So we have a lot more physical combat and blood spurting that they couldn’t do in their original production. It was hinted at in the script but they didn’t have

STUDENT (CENTER) AS WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE WITH ZOMBIES

the ability or time to do that. That’s one of the things we wanted to go for in this production. There are all kinds of swordﬁghts and battles happening. And it’s all men and women. It’s full combat of all races because when people are zombies, it doesn’t matter if they are a man or a woman.” Student said the ﬁghting sequences make this production one of the bigger challenges he’s had to face as an actor. “I came in with very little stagecombat experience and we’re having seven or eight full rehearsals of stage combat,” he said. “That’s something that I never had an opportunity to be a part of. A lot of actors who are playing just the zombie roles are people who are

pretty well trained in stage combat. The people that just run on stage and fight are doing some pretty impressive stuff while the rest of us get to pretend and look good.” Egan said many of the play’s actors are excited to take on such physically demanding roles. “I have 26 people in my cast,” he said. “Half of those people have speaking lines. These are all trained actors, but the appeal to them is being involved in the project and to learn the fighting and the stuff that goes on in a production like this that you wouldn’t get in a typical show — especially in this era where we’re prone to do twoto four-character plays with limited budgets and small sets. So it’s been a really great opportunity for them to do a show like this to expand their skill set.” Oh, and if the fighting and blood spurting isn’t enough, just know there’s a dance number as well. “In traditional Shakespeare shows, there was always a final dance after the show ended, so we’re doing this as a traditional combination Shakespeare-andzombie piece, sort of a la Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’” Student said. “The play ends with me standing on stage, carnage everywhere ZOMBIE BAR CRAWL ON FEB. 13 and zombies creeping

in. And then the zombies just start dancing — just one last little bit of over-the-top kitsch to throw in at the end.” If you think it all sounds just a bit over the top, it is. So why haven’t you stopped reading to reserve tickets? And if you don’t like the idea, stay home and read “Macbeth.” Then you might realize that ghosts and witches are no strangers to Shakespeare’s plays. Could zombies be that much of a stretch? Probably, but Egan said the zombies in this piece of theater are more the catalysts of inside jokes among people who know Shakespeare’s work than a ramping-up of the supernatural elements in his plays. “This happens toward the beginning third of his writing career, so there are a lot of references to plays he already wrote and there’s a lot of things that John, the playwright, cleverly weaved in that become the premise of future plays to come,” Egan explained. “At some point in the play, at least five of six people come to Shakespeare saying, ‘You know, I have this idea for a play.’ You know what play it is but they never say the right title. It’s always goofy other titles. It keeps the audience in on the joke.” Egan said he expects some Shakespeare enthusiasts won’t appreciate the show’s zombiespiked humor. “It’s a tongue-in-cheek thing,” he said. “There are still people who are Shakespeare purists that think it’s ludicrous to think he didn’t write all his plays. And then there are other people who think you’re crazy if you think he wrote all of them. The spectrum of appeal of a show like this is from die-hard Shakespeare fans to the opposite end of die-hard zombie fans and those people who fall in between.” Set shortly after the opening performance of “Henry V” at the newly built Globe Theater in 1599, “Land of the Dead” finds Lord Chamberlain’s men and their renowned playwright William Shakespeare forced to fight for their lives in a quick-and-vicious zombie outbreak, seemingly influencing the future plays of Shakespeare ... if he survives. Historic characters such as Richard Burbage (a great dramatic actor of the time), Will Kemp (the great clown/comedic actor), Francis Bacon (philosopher and lawyer) and Queen Elizabeth See ZOMBIES, Page 24

PAGE 24

ZOMBIES From Page 23 herself all make an appearance as they seek safety in the Globe from the zombies just outside its walls. Student said it’s OK if you don’t see Shakespeare as a zombiekilling machine because he doesn’t start out that way. “He’s kind of a dopey one,” he said of the character’s supposed action-hero status. “He really spends most of the play obsessed with the history of his legacy and his writing than with the actual fact that zombies are attacking. The action sort of happens around him and he is just concerned with what this will mean to his writing and legacy. He deﬁnitely gets his moment at the end at being the masculine action hero. There’s a lot in his plays about combat and war. This [play] would ﬁt well into the world of his writing.” If the enthusiasm of the actors and talent involved is any

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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audience and behind the scenes, to make the show a hit. “I’m a big fan of horror movies and Shakespearean farce, so this is the best of both worlds,” Egan said. “I love a lot of the zombie movies but I would not say that I was originally a zombie fan. The movies are definitely a draw: the concept that it could happen or that anything is possible, especially as we become more afraid with all the scientific stuff we have going on. The potential of some of these movies gets kind of scary when you start to think about what could actually LEFT: WILL KEMP (RYAN WALTERS) AND QUEEN ELIZABETH (TANYA LAZAR) CONSIDER A ZOMBIE happen and then how (DAVID QUINN); RIGHT: PETER DANZIG (FROM LEFT) AS JOHN RICE AND STUDENT AS SHAKESPEARE the government would Photos: Jamie Grace-Duff respond to something like that. Every generation indication, “Land of the Dead” in Philadelphia. Even if the theater eating, there are more than enough reinvents it when you’re could see continuing success here elite can’t get behind the brain fans of zombie culture, both in the talking about the atomic bomb or all the way back to the plague. Whatever decade you look at, there is always a concept of, wow, this could happen.” Egan added that he hopes a production like this will encourage zombie fanatics and horror-movie fans to enjoy theater more often. “Maybe it will turn them on to theater when they normally wouldn’t think, ‘Hey, let’s go see a show,’ on a Friday or Saturday night,” he said. “That’s part of the draw and why we added the two midnight performances. We’re trying to do our take on the ‘Rocky Horror’ genre and put a little more audience integration to go after the non-standard theatergoer. It shows them that it’s not always this stuffyshirt kind of thing and there’s a lot of different types of theaters: You don’t have to be a Shakespeare expert to come see this and have a good time. From what we’re seeing, there’s definitely a huge market for it. I think Philly Fringe is the only thing during the year that speaks to that audience. This was one of our first shows where people started buying tickets the first day we started selling.” You heard the man: Shamble on down to the box office and get yours now! “William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead” will crack zombie skulls open like coconuts through March 28 at Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Place. For more information, visit www. playsandplayers.org or call (215) 735-0630. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

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Family Portraits They say the best way to write is to go with what you know best. In 1979, Joanne Fleisher was married with two children and discovering her feelings toward women. Unable to find resources that addressed the invisible population of married lesbians, she negotiated the road on her own. She managed to carve out an amicable divorce from her husband of 12 years with shared custody of their children and, four months later, she met the woman who would become her long-term partner. After completing her master’s degree at Bryn Mawr School of Social Work in 1981, she developed a clinical practice and created programs to address the needs of women like her. In 2005, Fleisher published “Living Two Lives: A Married Women’s Guide to Loving Women” (Alyson Books). Since then, she has launched lavendervisions.com, an online counseling resource for women all over the world; has been featured on “Oprah;” and became a proud grandmother. PGN: Are you from this area? JF: I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I then went to college in Boston and got married a year after graduating. I went with my husband to Portland, Ore., for a while and then to Denver for a couple of years. This was during the time of the Vietnam draft, and so I got pregnant to help him avoid having to go into the Army. A lot of women were doing that at the time. Another thing we did to try and keep him safe was to join VISTA [Volunteers in Service to America], which is what took us to Portland. After our first child was born, we moved back to the Philadelphia area. I have two daughters. PGN: Were you both involved in VISTA? JF: Yes; he was a lawyer, so he worked for legal aid. I actually started working at an abortion clinic. At the time, abortion was only legal in a very few places. Oregon was one of the few states where a woman could get a legal abortion. I helped set up an underground network for people to find doctors who performed safe abortions. As a girl from the suburbs, it was my first introduction to, I’d guess

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Suzi Nash you’d call it, a counter-culture at the time. When I got back to Philly, I started working for CHOICE [Concern for Health Options: Information, Care and Education]. I became an abortions-options counselor. By then, I had my second child and I’d been involved in the women’s healthcare movement for some time. I was one of the women involved in setting up the Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center, which at the time was the first women-owned gyn/abortion clinic. PGN: Were you an only child? JF: No, I’m the second of four. I have two sisters and a brother. Two of them live in the New England area and my oldest sister and I actually share an office together. She’s also a therapist. We’re very close. We had a nice, easygoing childhood, nothing terribly exciting. My mother was a stay-at-home mother and my father was a small businessman. He owned a small printing business. PGN: What did you enjoy doing as a kid? JF: I was born before the women’s movement and I was raised like a girl, which meant that I played with dolls and, at the appropriate time, I seemed to be boy crazy. I followed the script. I married a guy who I dated when I was 13 years old. I was somewhat protected and somewhat naïve. I don’t think I really came into myself until much later. PGN: At 13, where did you go for your first date? JF: I don’t remember that, but I remember going down to the shore at the end of the school year with a group of friends. I vividly recall him saying to me, “You may not know this now, but you’re going to marry me someday.” We’d been dating off and on, and I was kind of cold to him even though he was in love with me. Looking back, I just hadn’t discovered myself sexually. PGN: Did you have any inklings? JF: Not really. Looking back, I thought I was straight, and anyone looking at me would have absolutely thought I was

straight. In college, I dated a number of boys and was sexually active with them. I didn’t have any feelings for girls, but my secret was that I never seemed to fall in love with boys the way my friends did. I thought there was something missing in me. PGN: What did you study at school? JF: I studied politics at Simmons College in Boston. It’s a small liberal-arts and professional college in Boston. Gwen Ifill is one of our alumnae. PGN: How was coming out? JF: It was twofold. On one side, it was gradual in that it caused intimacy problems that slowly affected my marriage. At the same time, I got involved in the women’s movement and met many strong women, a number of them lesbians. Lonnie Barbach, who wrote the book “For Yourself: The Fulfillment of Female Sexuality,” was chairing a group, the Women’s Sexuality Collective. We trained with her to teach other women and the group got very close. One of the members was an out lesbian and I found myself attracted to her. We became good friends and eventually had a brief affair. It didn’t last long, but after that I knew I had to end the marriage. I realized what had been missing in my life. PGN: How do you help other people come out as lesbians? JF: Something I do with women is help them get past the label. A lot of women want me to help define them: Am I gay or bisexual? If you’ve been leading a heterosexual life, it’s easy to fit in a bisexual mold, because you have been with men and it’s not completely foreign, but is it what you want? For me, I could be with a man, which might put me more toward the bisexual side of the Kinsey scale, but I don’t choose to. I’ve been with a woman for 30 years. I think some women feel that if they keep the bisexual label, they can stay within the marriage but if they label themselves lesbian, they have to leave their husbands. It’s not about the name because we all define it differently. I help them look at the real issues of what defines them.

JOANNE FLEISHER Photo: Suzi Nash

PGN: Your Web site, Lavender Visions, is worldwide. Who is the person farthest away that you’ve counseled? JF: I’ve had a woman from Cairo that I’ve worked with regularly, and I spoke to a woman from China once. They were both dealing with incredibly repressive cultures and had to be extremely careful. They really needed some help getting resources and guidance on the consequences of any given actions and what steps they might need to take. It’s not just about talking: They needed concrete information that is not available to them at home. PGN: A person who stands out in your mind? JF: I had a woman who lived in an extremely conservative community. She was married to a man who had a very highproﬁle job and she’d fallen in love with a woman at work. She had children and was horribly conﬂicted because she had very conservative values that were inconsistent with what she was feeling. She also had high standing in the community and they were seen as the perfect family, living what people imagined was the American Dream. She realized that she was

gay but was in a difﬁcult spot. In addition to not wanting to have her children ostracized, she had to worry about it affecting her husband. He was a very conservative politician. As many women do, she felt she’d be pitting her happiness against her family’s happiness. Through therapy, she was able to tell her husband and eventually come out. It took seven years, but she did it. PGN: What are some of the dangers women face coming out after being in a heterosexual marriage? JF: Sometimes we get men on the message boards. As women express the guilt or conﬂict they feel about coming out, they’ll post things like, “Well, you should feel guilty, you’re destroying your family.” Very hurtful and punitive stuff like that. I can always tell who they are and we just ignore them. The thing that sticks out, though, is a boy who wrote on the message board that he was furious with his mother and the thing that he was upset about was not that she’d come out, but the fact that she’d hidden it from him. That she’d kept it in the dark for so See PORTRAITS, Page 28

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PORTRAITS From Page 27 long and then just expected him to accept it out of the blue. It was very sad. PGN: You’re an author. What books do you read? JF: I love mysteries and I recently read a Gothic novel that I enjoyed. I also read “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski not too long ago. It was about a mute boy who raises dogs and it was really enchanting. And I love the poems of Mary Oliver. She’s a Pulitzer Prize winner and openly lesbian. I keep her poems in my kitchen and around the house. I never read much poetry before, but her work is really accessible. It’s simple and direct, but deep. PGN: Any hobbies? JF: I do yoga and a lot of walking and, lately, I’ve been getting into a lot of meditation. Not religious, but spiritual meditation. PGN: Something that made you laugh until you cried? JF: I’ve been with my partner for 30 years and we always make each other laugh. But when they were changing the name of Beaver College, we started making up our own suggestions. I can’t tell you what they were, but you can imagine. We really cracked each other up. PGN: What’s a favorite smell? JF: I used to like the smell of patchouli but I don’t think I’m there anymore. I love the smell of lilacs. I love to garden and I have a beautiful flower garden. PGN: Worst job? JF: I can go straight to that. It was my first job. I was the secretary to the director of the government department at Harvard and I was the world’s worst secretary. I couldn’t type, I couldn’t take dictation. It was awful. PGN: Something you’d do if you weren’t afraid? JF: I’d travel the world to exotic locations. I get stressed by the difficulties of travel and am uncomfortable being in a place if I don’t speak the language and can’t communicate. I’d love to go to India, but it’s intimidating. PGN: A beautiful childhood memory? JF: My first-grade teacher used to hold me on her lap at the end of each day. The other kids would be

leaving the class and I would get to snuggle up. I remember feeling so special and nurtured. PGN: Any phobias? JF: I have a fear of heights. I can’t go close to the edge of anything that looks down over a steep drop, like a rooftop or cliff. I can’t even watch someone else go close to the edge. I panic and want to yell at them to move back. PGN: Hidden talent? JF: I can make funny faces with some pretty unusual facial distortions. I don’t think people expect that from me. Most people don’t know that I’m pretty silly in my private life. PGN: Favorite body part? JF: Well, it’s changed over time! It used to be my breasts, but I think now I’m down to the calves. They’re well developed from walking. PGN: Store where you’d max out your credit card? JF: Probably Whole Foods! They’re so outrageously expensive, you could max out in one trip, but they have the best produce in town. PGN: Others are embarrassed when you ... JF: Am seriously singing a song thinking that I’m on key. I could be one of those ﬁrst-week “American Idol” contestants. PGN: What would you sing? JF: Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” PGN: An object from your childhood bedroom? JF: I had a map of the world that covered one wall in my bedroom when I was a child. I think it was some kind of wallpaper. Maybe that’s what makes me wish I could travel. PGN: Someone’s diary you’d like to read? JF: George W. Bush. I’d like to know what he really thought and how disinterested in the rest of the world he really was. Was he really so unaffected by the things he did and his terrible approval ratings? He came off as so stupid; was he really that dumb? Only his diary knows for sure. PGN: Getting serious again for a moment, you’ve done so much groundbreaking work: How scary was it at the time? See PORTRAITS, Page 34

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“I’ve literally had priests on my couch that have been unbelievably supportive of my work,” she said. It’s not easy being able to talk “Then you will have people that to the dead. say that it’s the devil’s work. Only As one of the world’s leading people who are into what I call trance mediums and experts in serious dogma, born-agains and psychic phenomena, Suzane things of that sort, come out really intense against what I do.” Northrop should know. It was those kinds of reactions “I’ve done this work for a very that made it difficult for her to long time,” said the openly lesbian continue working with police conduit to the spirit world. “I departments as an was doing medium before investigative consultant. anybody else was doing medium.” “I haven’t done it in Northrop said she was several years,” she said. born with the gift of being “It’s extremely intense. I able to communicate with did much of that work in spirits and realized she was California and Connecticut. different from everybody Unless you are a medium else as a child. that has some kind of “It was a natural thing. direct correlation with I wasn’t raised in a strong somebody of the law, they religious family so I don’t know how you work didn’t have that dogma. I and you’ll end up being was raised in a rural farm the one interrogated even community, so I think my though they’re going after somebody else. experience was a little “I did a case many years different than other people ago, and one of the police who might learn this work. officers was born again By the time I realized [Christian]. Ultimately, what that meant, I was what happened is that he too far gone. I was in my took the information and early 20s. You can’t shut the weapon that was used it off at that point. But my and threw it in the ocean background was music. and said that it was the That was what I aspired to devil because I had given do with my life. Of course, the information on where to I ended up not living my find the pipe that someone life exactly how I wanted, had been beaten by. If but I think in that process artistically I was receiving SUZANE NORTHROP AND DAVID MILLBERN you’re going to work with somebody, you’ve got to music and contact from the spirit world.” there’s Lisa Williams that does work with someone who believes It appears the spirits have been Lifetime.” in what you do and understand According to Northrop, the the process of tracking down the good to Northrop. In her 26year career, she has parlayed her shows are edited for aesthetics information.” Still, Northrop said she has been ability to bridge the gap between and not because the mediums the world of the living and the aren’t genuine. “I don’t think surprised at how open people are departed into a successful literary it has to do with integrity,” she to her talents in some of the most career with books like “The said. “I think it has to do with the unlikely locations, as she learned Séance: Guide for the Living,” networks. They want it to look a in her recent nationwide book“Second Chance: Healing certain way; that’s why they’re signing tour. “One part of it was the South,” Messages from the Afterlife” edited.” Northrop said she’s aware she said. “I thought there would and “Everything Happens for a Reason” to her credit. She also of her skeptics but that it’s just be a lot of eye-raising, and on has lectured extensively in North the nature of what she does that some level there was and on another level there wasn’t. I was America and Great Britain and creates doubt. “I think a lot of it is fear and unbelievably graciously accepted acted as a consultant to police departments in New York City, misunderstanding,” she said. in Memphis, and that’s really in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., “I think they think this is like a the center of the Bible Belt.” “The Afterlife with Suzane computer printout. They figure and Los Angeles. Her heightened profile in her that if you’re connecting with Northrop” can be seen on field has made her a favorite guest someone who has passed over, the Here! network. For more on TV shows such as “Extra,” you’re having a linear conversation information and show times, visit “Entertainment Tonight” and and you’re not. The information www.heretv.com/the_afterlife or “The Regis and Kathy Lee Show.” comes more right brain than left www.theseance.com. ■ Now, like some of her more high- brain.” She said religious and spiritual Larry Nichols does not see dead profile colleagues, Northrop has her own show. Here! TV’s “The beliefs also play a factor in how people and can be reached at larry@epgn.com. Afterlife” debuted on March people view what she does. By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer

scottdrakephotos.com scottdrakephotos@gmail.com

Lesbian medium lands TV show 6, with Northrop and co-host David Millbern holding a series of unedited séances for a gay and lesbian audience. “It will be the only show done live with a medium that’s not edited,” Northrop said. “It’s a pretty big deal. There are only two other shows that are currently on air. The other is John Edward on WE. I actually mentored him, so he’s the real deal. Then

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Dancers take the stage for MANNA By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Although some people may be cutting down on their entertainment expenses to slow the thinning of their wallets, one

upcoming dance performance will result in a big payout — for the audience and, more importantly, area residents battling life-threatening illnesses. All proceeds from the Pennsylvania Ballet’s annual

“Shut Up & Dance” performance will benefit Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance, a tradition the company has continued for 17 years. “Shut Up & Dance” will kick off at 8 p.m. March 28 at the

Forrest Theater, 1114 Walnut St. MANNA provides nutritional meals for local individuals who are affected by such diseases as HIV/AIDS. Last year’s event raised $125,000, and MANNA executive director Richard Keaveney said the organization is looking to draw $155,000 this year, a figure he noted would comprise about 5 percent of the organization’s total budget and that could ANDREW DALY (LEFT) AND JERMEL JOHNSON provide meals Photo: Brett Thomas Photography for tens of neo-classical and high-energy thousands of local individuals. “Shut Up & Dance” differs jazz.” Keaveney said the show usufrom other Pennsylvania Ballet ally draws audience members productions in that the dancers ages 20s-60s with varying ecothemselves choreograph their nomic backgrounds. numbers. “In many ways, it’s reflective Jonathan Stiles, who will serve as the producing director of the of the total MANNA family, program for the second consecu- which creates this special enertive year, said 12 dancers will gy around the night,” Keaveney choreograph the performances, said. “It’s the one night a year directing the dozens of per- that we have 1,700 people in formers from the Pennsylvania one room and we can inspire Ballet and its affiliate troupe, the them about what they’re supporting and the mission we proPennsylvania Ballet II. vide.” The dancers began planning Stiles said the event is benefifor the performances in January cial for the entire community. and went full-speed-ahead last “We’re all kind of looking a month. “Everyone’s been rehearsing little more closely at where our in the evenings after they’re done entertainment dollars are going, their work at the Pennsylvania and I think we should do what Ballet, so we’re there five nights we can to keep them in the a week, from 6-8, after our day area,” he said. “These dollars go at the ballet is done,” Stiles said. right back into Philadelphia and “People also find times during the Delaware Valley.” Tickets to “Shut Up & Dance” the day when a studio’s open range from $50-$100, also with or on their lunch breaks to pull packages that include tickets to everyone together.” an after-party with the dancers Each piece will fall within 46 minutes and range from solo at SoleFood Restaurant, which performances to group dances will feature openly gay DJ Robert Drake. with up to seven performers. For more information or to Stiles said the dancers will perform to a vast array of musi- purchase tickets, visit www. mannapa.org. ■ cal selections. “There’s everything from contemporary pop music to clas- Jen Colletta can be reached at sical music, as well as some jen@epgn.com.

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Offline Bruce Yelk High class, low cost A few weeks ago, I dedicated my column to a review of the Gayborhood’s best restaurant values — both wellknown and best-kept secrets. This week, I’m highlighting my top restaurant picks from other parts of Center City. I selected the places that provide Philadelphia’s highest-quality service, food and atmosphere at a reasonable price. In researching this column, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of Philly’s best-reviewed eateries have diversified their menus in light of the economic crisis. Some of our ritziest restaurants have made strategic adjustments without sacrificing quality, making it possible for residents and visitors to remain budgetconscious while experiencing the best Philly has to offer. One of Philly’s newest restaurants is Union Trust, 717 Chestnut St. The most recent in Philly’s parade of high-end steakhouses, Union Trust has made an immediate impact on restaurant culture with a diverse menu and an immaculate space that must be experienced to be adequately appreciated. With a plethora of superior meat and seafood options throughout the day, the restaurant also features a penny-pincher’s lunch menu with everything from a 10-ounce prime burger ($12) to a decadent crab-cake sandwich and fries ($15). Visit www.uniontruststeakhouse.com for details. If you ask any Philadelphian to name the city’s most extravagant restaurant, it’s likely they’ll say Le Bec-Fin, 1523 Walnut St. The crown jewel of internationally renowned restaurateur Georges Perrier’s empire, Le Bec-Fin has long had a reputation of impeccable quality and, for many, being too expensive. But over the last year or so, the menu has expanded and changed to include more reasonable prix-fixe options for lunch and dinner. Most exciting, though, is a new bar menu with a number of appetizer and entrée offerings priced from $15-$35. This strategy has dramatically increased Le Bec-Fin’s

affordability and accessibility for an entirely new customer base. But don’t take my word for it — check out www.lebecfin.com. For those of us who work in Center City’s business district, lunchtime is critically important. I recently read that more deals are negotiated during lunchtime than in boardrooms and on golf courses combined. Picking a high-quality lunch spot that won’t drain your expense account is a critical skill. If you work in the business district or near Rittenhouse Square, my top recommendation is Pietro’s, 1714 Walnut St. The space is comfortable, the menu diverse and, whether you order a salad with chicken or a pasta dish, you’ll get out for under $20. A list of all locations and hours is available at www.pietrospizza.com. Another great lunch spot is Tinto, 116 S. 20th St., Jose Garces’ restaurant and wine bar. Tinto features the Bilboa Express Lunch, which includes two generous courses, beverage, tax and gratuity for only $18. For each course, diners select from about eight options that range from cheeses and salads to soups and sandwiches. The service is fantastic and the décor relaxing. See www.tintorestaurant.com for more information. If you need a lunchtime getaway to unplug and relax, look no further than Capriccio at Café Cret, 16th Street and the Parkway. They have wonderful soups and sandwiches, as well as a full menu of specialty coffees and teas. The average lunch is under $8, and it’s the only place to enjoy picturesque views of the Parkway’s architecture as you dine on a spacious patio. Visit www.capricciocafe.com to view photos and sample the menu. That’s about it for this week, but I look forward to seeing all my readers at the PINK Pub Crawl starting at Tavern on Camac at 9 p.m. March 21. Visit www.nightlifegay.com for all the information. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer. ■ If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail Bruce@nightlifegay.com, reference Offline.

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NYC comics bring the laughs to New Hope By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Normally, there’s more than enough work and not enough personal transportation in New York to keep most comics, especially the openly gay ones, bouncing around the many, many stages in the bustling metropolis. But luckily, two of the Big Apple’s rising gay comedic talents, Paul Case and Shawn Hollenbach, are breaking out to liven things up in New Hope when they take the stage March 14 at Harlans Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Road. So is the sleepy hamlet of New Hope really that much more appealing than the bright lights of the big city? “I really like New Hope,” said Case, 28. “I was there over Christmas. Shawn and I had talked about trying to do stuff outside of New York a little bit this spring, and it seemed to make sense.” Hollenbach, who freely admits to lying about his age — which is, for press purposes, “28” — was more to the point with his reasons. “They pay,” he said. Case added that the refined atmosphere of a cabaret stage is a welcome change from the more aggressive environs comedians

are used to. “It’s nice sometimes to get people who are just out for a good evening and not necessarily for being in a comedy club, so to speak,” he said. Hollenbach said that even though the audiences are a little more civilized, there isn’t much that separates a comedy club from a cabaret room. “The only difference is one has a brick wall and the other one doesn’t,” he said. “We perform in cabarets in the city. It works just as well as a comedy club. A lot of times on a cabaret stage, the audience is treated more like human beings by the staff. The audience also doesn’t feel licensed to heckle, but I love hecklers.” Not surprising, considering that both agree Hollenbach’s comedy style is the more in-yourface of the two. “His is a little more energetic and upbeat,” Case said. “Mine is a little more dry and sarcastic.” Whatever happens at Harlans, the quiet calm of New Hope won’t be too much of a culture shock for Case and Hollenbach,

Pennsylvania epiphany. “I went to college in Virginia and, once I left, the spell wore off and I realized it was not for me.” Now the two comics and friends are movers and shakers in New York’s thriving gay comedy scene and produce their own weekly gay comedy show, “The Back Room,” at Ochi’s Lounge, 353 PAUL CASE SHAWN HOLLENBACH W. 14th St. as they Hollenbach said producing your own show is both grew up in less-than-cos- almost a necessity for anyone mopolitan parts of Pennsylvania: trying to make a mark in New Erie and Lebanon, respectively. York. Both of them admit to knowing “I hate waiting for opportuniearly on in their lives that they wanted to make a beeline for New York. “I knew that I wanted to work in entertainment and I knew that wasn’t going to happen in Erie,” Case said. “I went to college in Pittsburgh and just planned the whole four years I was there that, when I graduate, I’m out of here and going to New York.” “I was in the middle of nowhere,” Hollenbach said of his I’ve-got-to-get-the-hell-out-of-

ties,” he said. “I’d rather make them myself.” Case said that while the comedy scene is competitive in New York, it’s not always cutthroat, at least among the gay comics. “The competition it creates makes it hard to book people,” he said. “But, it really fosters a good community. There’s a lot more positive that comes out of it than the negative aspects that can come with it.” Case and Hollenbach will perform at 8:30 p.m. March 14 at Harlans Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information, visit www.harlanscabaret.com or call (215) 8625225. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

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to me. I wanted to ensure that others were able to get the same information.

PORTRAITS From Page 28 JF: Well, I consider myself prochoice. But when counseling at the abortion clinic, I included all options. We did a lot of family planning. It was a good thing. I am in favor of making abortions available to women who want or need to exercise that option. The reason I felt so strongly about it was because of the inaccessibility of safe abortions for women back then. There were only a handful of states where it was legal. When I ﬁrst got involved, women were having illegal abortions and they were dying as a result. Also, at the time, I was with my husband and family planning was something that was of interest

PGN: Like now, it was a hotbutton issue. Was it something that was difﬁcult to talk about? JF: No, I didn’t and don’t feel at all ashamed. PGN: I meant more for your safety. JF: No. Listen, if I was afraid about safety, the work that I do now puts me at greater risk. It looks like I’m helping married women come out of the closet and leave their husbands. I’ve been very lucky that I’ve only received one threatening phone call in all the years I’ve done it. My partner worries about it sometimes. I guess over the

years I’ve done a lot of stuff that people could get angry at, but I just think that it’s important. I trust that it’s going to be OK and, if it isn’t, that’s just my fate.

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

SOLUTION From Page 26

PGN: Last question: St. Pat’s Day is coming up. What would you wish for if you could kiss the Blarney Stone? JF: I’d wish that kissing the Blarney Stone actually worked. ■ You can ﬁnd out more about Joanne Fleisher, her book and her practice at www. lavendervisions.com. To suggest a community member for “Family Portraits,” write to: Family Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.

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Q on the tube: News you’re not seeing

Queer TV you can always see: All My Children

How bad can things get in Pine Valley for Reese? Last week Zach grabbed Reese to drag her out of Pine Valley and she fell facefirst into a tray of glassware. Now she’s badly injured, blinded and aching even more for Bianca. Dr. Angela Hubbard wants to bring Bianca back. Will she? Or will Reese’s parents use her accident as an excuse to try and take control of their lesbian daughter again? Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. on ABC.

By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor March is Women’s History Month. Yet there are few promos on the various networks reminding viewers of the remarkable achievements of the honorees as compared to Black History Month. On the tube, women are still often relegated to the role of eye candy and, recently, to titillation with bisexual dalliances. But in the real world, the lives of women are extraordinarily fraught, and very little of what women and girls face is being broadcast. Paris Hilton may be the norm on tabloid TV, but women with her privilege and choices — she recently discussed her eight birthday parties in four international cities on late night — are far from the norm. Far too often, the norm is a 9-year-old Brazilian girl who was raped by her stepfather from the age of 6. That in and of itself is not news, alas. What makes this particular Brazilian incest survivor’s story news is that her mother and her doctors were excommunicated last week from the Catholic Church. Their crime? The girl had been impregnated by her rapist stepfather and her mother sought an abortion to save her daughter’s life. Doctors agreed the girl would likely die if she attempted to carry the pregnancy to term. Archbishop Jose Cardoso Sobrinho insisted, “God’s law is above any human law. So when a human law ... is contrary to God’s law, this human law has no value.” Hence the excommunication. Brazil is far from alone in ignoring crimes against women and girls. On March 9, Amnesty International called for an immediate response to the proposed stoning deaths of eight Iranian women for the crime of adultery. In our own hemisphere, rape has become the tool of “change” to address lesbianism in Jamaica. Known lesbians have been gang-raped. Others have attempted to ﬂee the island nation and come to the U.S. to avoid the constant verbal, physical and sexual harassment they get for being queer in Jamaica. In August 2008, a Jamaican lesbian was granted asylum in Florida when a judge determined that deportation might result in severe injury or death in her native country. On March 6, Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the guest on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” One of the issues Tutu discussed was the use of rape as a tool of war in the conﬂicts in Darfur and Congo. On the March 5 episode of “Oprah,” award-winning journalist Lisa Ling gave a follow-up report on her earlier investigations of Fundamentalist Church of Latter-day Saints compounds in the Southwest. Women and girls in these plural-marriage Mormon sects are often required to be married as young as 12 to middleaged men. Ling interviewed one man whose seven wives and 19 children watched in silence. The Feb. 8 beating of pop singer Rihanna by her boyfriend Chris Brown was initially reported as a tiff — until “TMZ” released police photos of the badly beaten — and bitten — Rihanna. Last week, Brown was charged with two felonies. The two are reportedly trying to work it out. While TV ignores the myriad accomplishments of women like Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman and others of equivalent importance and gives only passing attention to news of women being brutalized worldwide, it’s vital to remember Women’s History Month. Maybe next year the networks will remember that there’s more to women’s lives than celebrity birthday parties. ■

As the World Turns

Luke and Noah seem to have cracked the case of who killed Reg and Elwood, but the investigation is ongoing. Next week, however, someone from their past returns to Oakdale. What does it mean that Brian — with his crush on Luke — is out of the closet and coming back to town? MondayFriday, 2 p.m. on CBS. THAT’S MY SPOT: Normally we wouldn’t give the tired sitcom cliché of my-new-friend-just-happens-tobe-gay thing a second look but, given that Orlando Jones (left) is guest starring as Brad, Jeff’s (Patrick Warburton) new friend from the gym, we’ll give “Rules of Engagement” a look at 9:30 p.m. March 16 on CBS. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS

Ellen

Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show

Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.

worth watching: FRIDAY Double Indemnity Hollywood’s closet lesbian, Barbara Stanwyck, as a scheming wife. 8 p.m. on TCM. Dollhouse Echo infiltrates a dangerous cult to save another woman — blind. 9 p.m. on FOX. Mildred Pierce Joan Crawford at her awesome best as the eponymous Mildred, trying to make a better life for her daughter. 10 p.m. on TCM. SATURDAY Showgirls The campy lesbian cult classic stars Elizabeth Berkley and Gina Gershon as Vegas showgirls. 8:30 p.m. on Logo.

Susan’s (Terri Hatcher) possible new lover. Will the housewives become the new L-word gals? 9 p.m. on ABC. Brothers & Sisters Robert recovers from his heart attack with Kevin’s help. Tommy heads to prison. 10 p.m. on ABC. MONDAY RuPaul’s Drag Race Episode seven features highlights, lowlights and previously unseen footage from the first six episodes. 10 p.m. on Logo. TUESDAY The Eyes of Tammy Faye The fascinating life of televangelist Tammy Faye, known for her outlandish eye makeup and fearless compassion. Narrated by RuPaul. 7:30 a.m. on Logo.

SUNDAY Amazing Race Gay activist Dr. Mel White and his gay son, Mike, are still in. Barely. 8 p.m. on CBS.

WEDNESDAY America’s Next Top Model The female and TG models get makeovers. 8 p.m. on the CW.

Desperate Housewives Swoosie Kurtz guest stars as

Chopping Block Can there ever be enough reality

shows with queer chefs? No! 8 p.m. on NBC. New Adventures of Old Christine Lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes. 8 p.m. on CBS. The Real World: Brooklyn Bisexual Sarah, transgender Katelynn, Mormon frat boy Chet and gay boy J.D. 10 p.m. on MTV. THURSDAY Ugly Betty Daniel and Wilhelmina hope an issue of Mode devoted to sex will turn their fortunes around. 8 p.m. on ABC. Grey’s Anatomy Callie and Arizona, Izzie faces death, Meredith and Dr. McDreamy plan a future. What could possibly go wrong? 9 p.m. on ABC. Hell’s Kitchen The lesbian chef, LA, is still in. Last week, Chef Ramsay sent Colleen, whom he’s hated from the start, home. 9 p.m. on FOX.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

Izakaya brings the Japanese pub to A.C. By Suzi Nash PGN Contributor Michael Schulson is a celebrity chef and star of Style Network’s hit show “Pantry Raid.” The show takes people who are too busy or clueless to fare well in the kitchen and teaches them to make a decent meal. The cooking-challenged become gourmet chefs and change the way they think about preparing food. I may have to entreat Schulson to pay me a home visit: As much as I love to consume, I don’t have much patience in the kitchen. Nah, I’ll just continue my favorite sport of dining out. To that end, I decided to check out his new restaurant, Izakaya, in the Borgata in Atlantic City. Schulson got his start at The Culinary Institute of America and interned at the Park Avenue

Cafe under culinary legend David Burke. Schulson’s credentials include working with a number of premier chefs including Laurent Manrique of Philadelphia’s Le Bec-Fin. In 2006, after extensive experience working with top chefs, Schulson realized he was ready for the challenge of his lifetime and opened the highly anticipated Asian-fusion restaurant Buddakan NYC as the executive chef. To expand his knowledge, Schulson did a stint at the Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo, as well as at Spago. While in Asia, he attended the renowned Chang Mai cooking school in Thailand. “When I was in Japan, I used to go out to eat with the chefs from the Four Seasons and the izakayas — the local pubs — were the only places the chefs

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would go. They were cooler, hipper, trendier places with really, really good food.” Back in the U.S., Schulson worked with Susanna Foo at her eponymous Philadelphia ﬂagship before accepting the executive-chef position at Pod (Hi, Eric!), where he designed and executed the restaurant’s wildly popular pan-Asian menu. Most recently, he served as the debut executive chef for Buddakan in New York City’s Chelsea Market. Izakaya showcases Schulson’s own “really, really good food” and his extraordinary culinary knowledge in a space he hopes will be “fun, not stuffy or uptight.” The trip to Izakaya starts with a walk over a glass bridge — no water underneath, but sleek black pebbles. It is cool and dark

and deﬁnitely transports you out of the casino environment. The front room, where I dined, is chic and sleek and, with its black walls and towering ceilings, reminded me a little of Jetsonsmeets-Memoirs-of-a-Geisha in a large underground cavern. (I like all three, so I was happy.) Brannen L. Brock, of AlvarezBrock Design, created the decor. “We took very common Asian elements and interpreted them in a modern way,” said Brock. “Things like the traditional Japanese teahouse, the geisha, the Japanese pagoda, the screens.” The back room, which is a little more subdued, features a 20-foot screen adorned with gold-leaf patterns based on Japanese designs and a carvedwood sushi bar, all created exclusively for Izakaya. We started our meal with the

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edamame dumplings ($10) from the hot section of the menu. The menu is split up into simple sections: Hot, Cold, Meat, Fish, Sides and Specialty Rolls. The only one that might require a definition is the robatayaki sections, but more about that later. The dumplings were served in a flat glass bowl/ plate that looked like a flying saucer, which reinforced the Jetsons theme for me. Made with edamame and shallots in sweet sake, the dumplings were delightfully light and appetizing. My dinner companion remarked that she normally didn’t care for dumplings as they were usually too heavy for her taste, but said she would order these again. In fact, they were one of her favorites of the night. The next thing on the menu for us, also from the hot section, was the red miso-glazed eggplant ($8). This was my favorite, and I found myself defending the plate with my chopsticks throughout the night. Beautifully seared squares of red eggplant were cooked perfectly, in delicate contrast with crispy tofu topped with Thai basil. We also had the crab fritters ($12), a specialty of the day, with jumbo lump crabmeat tempura with garlic aioli. These were a little on the hushpuppy side with the batter, so I wasn’t as crazy about this dish. However, the garlic sauce was delicious. In the rolls section, we had the king crab California roll ($16) and the rainbow roll ($21). Though the dishes at Izakaya are supposed to be served familystyle, they failed to mention they’re huge portions! The California roll was a jumbo affair that required a forklift rather than chopsticks. I’ve been accused of having a big mouth, but even I couldn’t handle this in one bite. The rainbow roll was more manageable, with

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a combination of crab, tuna, yellowtail, salmon, shrimp and whiteﬁsh. I had a small carafe of Yuri Masamune Diaginjo sake ($14) to help me with the rolls and it did the trick. Izakaya has an extensive wine menu and over 20 types of sake at the all-glass sake bar. Particularly appetizing were the green-tea sake martini and the sake sangria, but as I had a long drive back to the city, I put it off for another time. Instead, we indulged in some of the items from the robatayaki section of the menu. Robatayaki is the practice of grilling skewered foods over charcoal. Supposedly, robatayaki originated hundreds of years

portions, we forged ahead and ordered the crispy whole snapper ($32). I’ve mentioned before that I’m not crazy about my food looking back at me, no matter how good it is, so I was a little nervous about how whole the whole snapper would be. However, it was delicately presented with the front half neatly shorn and the back of the fish still attached, but nice enough for me to handle. The snapper was light and fresh in a ponzu sauce with cilantro on top of spinach and topped with a ginger and leek salad. A good choice to share. We wrapped up the evening with the desserts. I had the flourless chocolate cake ($12), crunchy on the outside and gooey inside. It was beautifully presented, topped with a tofu crisp and a side of sake ice cream balanced on shortbread crumbles and a ribbon of green-tea foam. My dining companion ordered the tempura banana split ($10), four fingers of banana baked in tempura batter, drizzled with caramel and served with a trio of ice cream atop crushed cashews. The trio consisted of green tea, vanilla ginger and pineapple ice cream, and I have to IZAKAYA confess to eating most of the pineapple. ago among Japanese fishermen, My dining companion works who would grill their catch on in the industry and wanted me the boat and then share the food to make sure I mentioned the with neighboring fishermen, lovely linens on the table. I’m passing it around on wooden not that girly, but they were oars. In Japanese, “ro” means nice. ■ fireplace and “bata” means around, or surrounding. We started with the lobster ($15), succulent skewers served with crispy shallots. Instead of a lemon wedge, the lobster was Izakaya served with lemon vinaigrette. One Borgata Way We also sampled the Kobe Atlantic City, N.J. beef skewers ($14). My dining 1 (866) MY-BORGATA companion favored the lobster Open Friday through while I enjoyed the beef, which Tuesday;closed was dressed with an apricot Wednesday and mustard and topped with micro Thursday cilantro. Since these were smaller

PAGE 37

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Diversions

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

obsession with status and relationships between parents and children, through March 22 at TriCounty Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St., Pottstown; (610) 970-1199.

Born Yesterday The Walnut Street Theatre presents one of America’s original screwball comedies, about a business tycoon who goes to Washington, D.C., to break into “special interest” business with an ethically challenged senator, through April 26, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.

William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead Shakespeare ﬁghts zombies in the East Coast premiere production, through March 28 at Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Place; (215) 735-0630.

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) 475-2313. 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. 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 Prizewinning 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 through April 5 at Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; (215) 654-0200.

BALLERINA BOYZ: The Ballet Boyz are on a mission to demystify the stuffiness and formality of ballet. More power to them. The cutting-edge U.K. dance troupe will perform four Philadelphia premieres by celebrated choreographers Russell Maliphant, Liv Lorent, Rafael Bonachela and Craig Revel Horwood at 7:30 p.m. March 17-18 at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St. For more information, call (215) 898-3900.

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) 5929560. 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 of power, through March 15, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem; (610) 8671689.

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) 9221122. The Prisoner of Second Avenue The Walnut Street Theatre and Isis Productions present the Neil Simon comedy, through March 29 at Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Scorched The Wilma Theater presents the East Coast

premiere of the epic drama/mystery written by acclaimed LebaneseCanadian playwright Wajdi Mouawad, through March 29, 265 S. Broad St.; (215) 546-7824.

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 Newberyand Caldecott-honored children’s books by Arnold Lobel, through April 19 at 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.

Music classical

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.

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, at 8 p.m. March 13 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Six Degrees of Separation The dark and witty play explores themes of the New York elite, racial tensions, homophobia, homelessness,

Beethoven Lives Upstairs The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the family-oriented concert at 11:30 a.m. March 14 at Kimmel’s Verizon

Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Kodo Drummers The Kimmel Center presents the theatrical and musical journey between the ancient and modern worlds of Japanese culture, at 8 p.m. March 17 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. The Firebird The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Charles Dutoit bringing together a mixture of French and Russian sounds, at 8 p.m. March 19, 21 and 24, and 2 p.m. March 20 and 22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

Music other

Avi Wisnia The out singer performs at 7 p.m. March 14 at The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave.; (267) 671-9298. Duncan Sheik The alternative singersongwriter performs at 8 p.m. March 14 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 5727650. Hall & Oates The pop hit-makers perform at 8 p.m. March 14 at the Borgata Hotel’s Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000. Ozomatli The Latin/World musicinﬂuenced band performs at 9:30 p.m. March 14 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710. Butch Walker The proliﬁc rock songwriter performs at 9 p.m. March 15 at TLA, 334 South St.; (215) 922-1011.

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

installation by New Yorkbased artist Devon Dikeou through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027.

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PAGE 39

Pick

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.

Books

Peter Singer The author of “The Life You Can Save: Acting Now to End World Poverty” hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. March 18 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Saving Face: Portraits from the Collection of Robert Infarinato James A. Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition of iconic The Ting Tings portraits of artists and The English pop duo celebrities from the performs at 8 p.m. March collection of Bucks 19 at First Unitarian Church County resident Robert of Philadelphia, 2125 M. Infarinato, through Chestnut St.; (215) 563March 15, 138 S. Pine St., 3980. Doylestown; (215) 3409800.

Exhibits

Assembled Abstractions AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of original paintings by Barbara Klein and Michael Smith, through April 25, 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) 413-8631. Impressions of an Age: Ukiyo-e Prints from the Berman Collection The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College presents an exhibition of woodblock print (ukiyo-e) art made popular during Japan’s Edo Period, through April 17, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 4093500. InSights: Devon Dikeou — Marilyn Monroe Wanted to be Buried in Pucci The Galleries at Moore presents a mixed-media

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) 732-1600. 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) 3409800. Women through the Lens of Time The Galleries at Moore presents a photojournalism exhibition featuring people, subjects, issues and events that student curators feel have reﬂected or shaped women’s lives, drawn from the archives of The Inquirer, which span 180 years, through March 14, 20th Street and The Parkway; (215) 965-4027.

screened at 7 p.m. March 17 at Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898.

Samuel R. Delaney The inﬂuential and openly gay science-ﬁction author hosts a book event at 7:30 p.m. March 18 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Cabaret Catch the Kodo Drummers at 8 p.m. March 17 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. The 14-piece ensemble will take audiences on a theatrical and musical journey between the ancient and modern worlds of Japanese culture. For more information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org or call (215) 790-5847.

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

Opera

Wozzeck The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents Alban Berg’s powerful, psychological thrill ride where the title character’s dark life is spiraling toward a seemingly inevitable conclusion, at 8 p.m. March 13, 2:30 p.m. March 15 and 7:30 p.m. March 18 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Dance

Ballet Boyz The U.K. dance troupe performs four Philadelphia premieres by celebrated choreographers Russell Maliphant, Liv Lorent, Rafael Bonachela and Craig Revel Horwood, at Yumi Kori: Utatane 7:30 p.m. March 17-18 The Japan-based architect transforms the Goldie Paley at Annenberg Center for Gallery at Moore College of the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 898-3900. Art using video and sound

Cinderella The Pennsylvania Ballet presents the rags-to-riches story through March 21 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Film

Rockabilly Baby Backseat Film Festival presents the ﬁlm written by gay writer and actor Leslie Jordan, 7 p.m. March 13 at 941 Theater, 941 N. Front St.; (215) 235-1385.

March 15 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223. Jerusalem is Proud The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival presents a documentary on the events leading up to Jerusalem’s ﬁrst gay pride parade as part of its Documentaries and Dialogue Series, at 7 p.m. March 16 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-1042.

Precious Places Community History Thirst Collingswood Library hosts Project Premiere Scribe and IHouse present a free screening of the documentary examining the 10 new documentary shorts, at 7 p.m. March global access to water, at 7 p.m. March 13, 771 Haddon 16 at International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut Ave., Collingswood, N.J.; St.; (215) 387-5125. (856) 873-3260. The Mask The 1994 comedy starring Jim Carrey is screened at 2 p.m. March 14 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold The 1965 suspense thriller is screened at 2 p.m.

Role Models The 2008 comedy is screened at 8 p.m. March 16 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 9225483. Superman II The 1980 ﬁlm where the Man of Steel ﬁghts criminals from his home planet of Krypton is

Revival Burlesque: A Boob Tube Fantasy Join Annie A-Bomb, Heather Henderson, Deana Colada, Chloe Valentine and Monsieur Thojone as they channel sexy small-screen characters from that Jeannie in a bottle to the red-headed screwball comedienne from the 1950s, at 10 p.m. March 14 and 8 p.m. March 15 at Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; (215) 4279255.

Etc.

Paul Mooney The comic best known for his work with Richard Pryor and “The Chappelle Show” performs March 1314 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001. Paul Case and Shawn Hollenbach The two openly gay comedians perform at 8:30 p.m. March 14 at Harlans Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225. 3-Dollar Bill Dance Party The up-and-coming dance party for everyone regardless of sexuality, race or background starts at 11:30 p.m. March 14 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1710. ■

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 40

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, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-6 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

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)

Men

Boys Night Out A social gathering for gay men, meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Iron Hill Brewery, 30 E. State St., Media; BurbBoysNiteOut@aol.com. Delaware Valley 40-plus Club for Men Social group meets every other month; (215) 587-9933. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets at 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; (215) 483-1032. Men of All Colors Together Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Friday of the month September through June at the William Way Center; (610) 277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org. Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 206; johnson_ t@camden_ahec.org. Philly DADS An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets at 7:30 p.m. fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 668-5239.

Parents/Families

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009 Interweave New Jersey An organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian and their allies meets every third Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618. Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, non-judgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658. Renaissance Transgender Assoc. Meets at 8 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Into the Woods office complex in King of Prussia; (610) 975-9119 box 5; and 7:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; www.ren.org. T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, agressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 834-9063; tman215@aol.com. Transhealth Programming Committee Meetings are at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (267) 549-6497. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization meets at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. WeXist FTM support group meets from 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; first hour is open; second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; (267) 250-1548; www.wexist.org.

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

Young, Trans, and Uniﬁed! Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; (215) 545-4331 ext. 24.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Cape May, N.J. Meets at 2 p.m. third Sunday of the month in the Maruchi Room of Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, 2 Stone Harbor Blvd.; (609) 861-1848. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets at 7 p.m. ﬁrst Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St., West Chester; (484) 354-2448.

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

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Meets from 2-5 p.m. third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 572-1833.

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

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; (609) 683-5155. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del. Meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; (302) 654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings are held monthly; (215) 844-3360; www. phillyfamilypride.org.

Trans

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

Women

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

Lesbians and BiWomen in Heterosexual Marriages A support group meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville, PA 19460; http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; (215) 542-2899. Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 500-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn.southjersey.com. Lesbians with Breast Cancer A support group meets from 6:30-8:30 on second Wednesday of the month at Gilda Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 4413290. Queer Connections

Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; (215) 468-1352; queerconnect@yahoo. com. Republican Lesbians Meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on first Monday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. South Jersey Lesbians of Color Meetings are the first and third Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Starting Point, 215 Highland Ave., Suite C, Westmont, N.J.; (856) 824-0881; e-mail: SJLOC-owner@yahoogroups.com. Women’s Coffee House for Lesbians A group for lesbian and bisexual women meets on first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. The Womyn’s Village The first womyn-owned and operated thinktank targeting black African, Asian, Latina and Native American LBT and two-spirited womyn. Meets at 5 p.m. on third Thursday of the month at COLOURS Organization, 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 765-0121; the_womyns. village@yahoo.com.

Youth

40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. Drop-in Group For gay, lesbian and bisexual youth; meets at 11 a.m. Saturdays at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-6776. HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; (610) 868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; (609) 683-5155. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-1861; info@myaonline. org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 772-1107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 3480558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester ofﬁce, 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester; (610) 692-1770 ext. 108 or thespot@ppccpa.org. Teen Support Group Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0658 ext. 319. Under the Rainbow Discussion and social group for 18-25-year-old gays and lesbians meets at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Youth in Transition A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets from 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 234; gray_w@camden-ahec. org.

Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication.

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PAGE 41

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Mortgage woes break records again in 4Q By J.W. Elphinstone The Associated Press NEW YORK CITY — Foreclosures are spreading by epidemic proportions, expanding beyond a handful of problem states and now affecting almost one in every eight American homeowners. It’s an economic role-reversal: The economy, driven down by the collapse of the housing bubble, is causing the housing crisis to spread. Figures released last Thursday show that nearly 12 percent of all Americans with a mortgage — a record 5.4-million homeowners — were at least one month late or in foreclosure at the end of last year. That’s up from 10 percent at the end of the third quarter, and up from 8 percent at the end of 2007. In addition, the numbers now include many once-qualiﬁed

borrowers who took out ﬁxed-rate loans. Data from the Mortgage Bankers Association also showed that a stunning 48 percent of homeowners who have subprime, adjustable-rate mortgages are behind on their payments or in foreclosure. The reckless lending and borrowing practices in states like Florida, California and Nevada that were the epicenter of the problem are no longer driving up the nation’s delinquency rate. Instead, foreclosures are being fueled by a spike in defaults in places such as Louisiana, New York, Georgia and Texas, where the economy is rapidly deteriorating and unemployment is climbing. “It’s jobs. People are losing their jobs left and right,” said Houston real-estate agent Michael Weaster.

Last Thursday, the Labor Department said new unemployment claims the prior week totaled 639,000, lower than expected, but still at elevated levels. That trend highlights one of the biggest challenges confronting the Obama administration’s mortgage-relief plan launched this month. While the $75-billion plan could help change the loan terms or reﬁnance up to 9million homeowners, unemployed borrowers will have a hard time qualifying. The key to the housing market is what kind of workers are losing their jobs. Unemployment for people with college degrees, some college education or technical training — those most likely to own homes and have prime ﬁxedrate loans — has nearly doubled over the past six months, according to the bankers association.

To give debt-burdened homeowners a little more muscle to negotiate with their lenders, the House passed a bill 234-191 last Thursday that would give bankruptcy courts the power to reduce mortgage payments. The legislation would give bankruptcy judges — who now can modify loans for cars and student loans but not for primary residences — new power to cut the interest rate and principle on a home mortgage. The Senate is expected to take up the measure in a couple of weeks. The only bright spot in the foreclosure report was that the devastation wrought by subprime ARMs is waning. Their 30-day delinquency rate continues to fall and is at the lowest point since the ﬁrst quarter of 2007. Most of those types of loans have made their way through the system as lenders stopped originating them in the

first half of 2007. That offers little comfort to Florida, where 60 percent of homeowners who have a subprime ARM are at least one payment behind and one in five of all mortgage holders are not current on their loans. And while the worst is not over for Florida, the problems appear to be just beginning in once-healthy markets like Houston and New York. The number of unsold homes in Houston skyrocketed to a 17month supply in February from eight months in January because homeowners fear they will be in financial straits soon or already are, said Weaster, of Century 21. And in the New York area, where the financial industry is handing out pink slips like ticker tape, homeowners who once had good credit are defaulting at an increasing clip. ■

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

1326 Spruce St., Center City One

Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Square Footage: 1,209 Cost: $435,000 Realtor: Tom Gangemi Real Estate Co: Philadelphia Realty Exchange Phone: 215-545-6111 Direct: 215-645-6117 Web Site: www.philarealtyexchange.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

One of the best values in Center City, Avenue of the Arts! 2 bedrooms, renovated 2 baths, 29th ﬂoor with spectacular city views, renovated kitchen, hi-end carpet, balcony, w/d, 24-hour doorman building! Compared to other condo buildings, Society Hill Towers, Hop House, Wanamaker House, Center City One offers excellent value on a per-sq-foot basis

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 42

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

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

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.

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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%

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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

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MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

Real Estate CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

)

HOMES FROM $10,000! PRIVATE RETREAT IN PAOLI for sale! 1-4Private bedrooms available! 4Foreclosures Bed 2 Bath Quiet Retreat in TheseGet homes sell! For in Listings Call 800Paoli. awaymust to your home this completely 706-1762 ext. 6888. redone 4 bed 2 bath home 3 car gagage, _______________________________32-16 private wooded setting like living in a bed ATTENTION OUTDOORMEN and breakfast! To view pictures visit current NYS OldatScout Camp 15 Ac on Lake- $39,900 lisings http://amy.mazaleski.lnfre.com NEW CABINS-Long $19,900 & Hunting off 215-439-3168 and Fishing Foster Real Estate, limits until now! A sportsman’s dream. Limited 215-654-5900. time offer- call now! Christmas & Associates _______________________________33-13 800-229-7843 Potter County- 5www.landandcamps.com acres adjacent to State Game _______________________________32-16 Lands, electric, hard road frontage, small HERKIMER, NY stream, part open and part wooded. $34,900. 94.4 Acre dairy farm. 4 bedroom house, 85 Owner ﬁnancing. 800-668-8679. stall cow barn, 4100’ paved road frontage. _______________________________33-11 Great views, open elds. $236,000. www. helderbergrealty.us 518-861-6541. _______________________________32-16

MONTANA LAND Land For Sale: Cabin FrontBARGAINS Creek w/ 5 acres -20AC $299/ month. It’s time&toCountry invest inRoad your family! with Utilities was Back to Basics: Campﬁres, walks, sun$99,900 Now $69,900 BLMquiet access. Deer & sets. Call forCall details. Christmas & Associates elk galore! to view 877-229-7840 www. 800-229-7843 www.LandandCamps.com 20 WesternSkiesLand.com % down, 15 yrs. _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-11 GOLF SIDE SC HOME Florida LandInvestment 2 Luxury four bedroom, four bath.Opportunity! Fully furnished. acre waterfront homesite only $89,900. (was Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave $169,900) Private, gated community with 2 602-758-9062. recreational lakes. Municipal water & sewer. _______________________________32-16 Low taxes. Just 90 minutes South of Orlando! 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line Excellent ﬁnancing. Call now 1-866-352-2249. near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some FLlandbargains.com open area, includes old hunting cabin, _______________________________33-11 electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. 800-668-8679. _______________________________32-16

SALE

pool). 5 hen, Dinm. Living 2nd r-2 n room, & ng room, oom, and 66 after 6

___32-17

ov. 3 BR, ,900. Call -2797. ___32-16

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PGN

SALE

Features you want.

Mike Jenofsky

Loan Ofﬁcer

___32-17

___32-16 bedroom ons! Pay& Informa-

___32-16 adult (55 Delaware, 302-659om ___32-16 $45,000! down, 20 4-8363. ___32-16

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...

PAGE 43

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 91

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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

Gay is our middle name.

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

PGN

ChrisRiss@JackLingo.com

www.RehobothBeachHouses.com

Thinking of . . . Rates have D R O P P E D

Time to reﬁnance, consolidate debt, or buy NOW! Ask about our no closing cost option for buying a home.

SELLING your townhouse or condo? BUYING in Center City? OWNING versus renting? INVESTING to generate cash ﬂow or Mike McKeown to add to your investment portfolio? Email: mike.mckeown@mindspring.com

PHILA. REALTY EXCHANGE Use the MLS listing service, where most agents become aware of properties on the market and can inform their client base. To discuss the above and to get a better overview of the market,

1-888-533-9890

Tom Gangemi at 484-645-6117

Rates are at a 40 year low!

Philadelphia Realty Exchange.

The COOLEST homes in Philadelphia’s HOTTEST neighborhoods.

Mortgage Money is available!

g l de enin o M Op d an r G

�

City location with the finest features of a suburban townhome 2-3 Bedroom homes with garages (up to 1,710 sq. ft.) from the low $300’s 3 Bedroom homes with garages (up to 3,400 sq. ft.) from the mid $500’s

� Deck or balcony with each home Thomas J. Gangemi

� 10 year tax abatement Schoolhouse Lane & Ridge Avenue Philadelphia Realty Exchange East Falls 1608�Spruce St., Phila., PA 19103 Free Center City Shuttle 215.844.8888 215-545-6111 ext. 16., 484-645-6117 cell

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

please contact:

Now is an excellent time to explore the OPPORTUNITIES that exists in today’s market! Licesensed by Dept. of Banking/Insurance in NJ, PA, DE and NY

tomjgangemi@aol.com The Arbours at Eagle Pointe The Villas & Regency at Packer Park S O M E R TO N SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 215.698.4540 215.389.9881 A Lifestyle Community for Adults 55 & Better Spacious New One Floor Living & Distinctive Townhomes with Garages From the Mid $300’s Up to 1,686 sq. ft. From the Mid $300’s Tour our Decorated Models

Online. Anytime.

WWW.EPGN.COM

or at

PAGE 44

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

CLASSIFIEDS

Open Houses Sunday MARCH 15, 2009

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Noon - 1:00

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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

SALE

PREFERRED • FREE Listings by Email...DAILY! • Negotiable Commissions!

238 S 13th St. Unit G100 “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden level 1 bd, 1 ba. unit w/ private entrance.. Low fees & Tax Abatement. Lowest price 1 bd. in Wash. Sq. West .......................................................................................$200,000 1305 Spruce St. TH1A New Listing, Great 2 room condo w/ unique custom touches. Gourmet S/S & granite kitchen, marble bath, hi ceilings, wood ﬂoors and low fees. ............................................................................A Steal @ $225,000

Andy Mariano

Maybe it’s time to relax.

1:30 - 2:30 1305 Spruce St. TH1A New Listing, Great 2 room condo w/ unique custom touches. Gourmet S/S & granite kitchen, marble bath, hi ceilings, wood ﬂoors and low fees. ............................................................................A Steal @ $225,000

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

Heights of Collingswood

700 S. 10th Unit 3A Two bedroom, one bath, loft style condo with new kitchen and bath. GARAGE parking. Condo building from the movie “PHILADELPHIA” Low taxes and fees .................................................................................$425,000

Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com Dan Tobey

The Curtis Center 170 W. Independence Mall , Suite L-44 Philadelphia, PA 19106

Health Directory

215.546.2700 Business • 267.238.1061 Direct 215.432.7151 Cell • 215.546.7728 Fax dtobey@cbpref.com

APRIL 4 - 10, 2008

REAL ESTATE

SALE

VENTNOR, NJ (HEIGHTS) House & adjacent lot (swimming pool). 5 Bedroom, 2 bath, Laundry Rm, Kitchen, Dining Room, Sun room & great room. Living room, and lower & Upper decks. 2nd r-2 bedrooms, 1 bath, great room, sun room, & deck 1st r. 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, foyer, dining area, kitchen, laundry room, and deck. Central Air. Call 215-468-9166 after 6 pm. $950,000.00. _______________________________32-17 VOORHEES NJ HOME FOR SALE Peaceful home sits in the center of 1.2 acre tree lined lot. Back yard fenced. 4 BR. 2.5 BA, 2 car att. gar., new appl., carpet, paint. Partially nished bsmt w/ofce. $450,000. Serious calls only, please to 856-261-2156. _______________________________32-14 5 bedroom, 2 Bank Repo only $45,000! Payments from $199/mo! 5% down, 20 years @ 8% apr. For listings 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-14 5 bedroom, 2 Baths $425/month! 3 bedroom 1 bath $200/month! More 1-4 bedroom homes from $199/month! For listings & information 800-604-8363 _______________________________32-14 Bank Repos & Foreclosures! 1-4 bedroom Homes from $25,000! Great Locations! Payment from $199/month! For listings & Information 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-14 Potter County- 11 wooded acres bordering state forest!! Perc approved, surveyed, electric available, level building site, good hunting and shing area. $59,900. Owner nancing. 800-668-8679. _______________________________32-14 LIVE THE OUTDOOR IFE NYS LAND INVESTMENTS BARGAINS & SALES! 5 Acre Cody Brook- $13,900* 105 Acre- Cranberry Lake- Adks- $139,900* 25 Acre Francis Lake Frontage- $69,900* 7 acres Largest Adk River & Falls- $99,900* 6 acre- Salmon River Snow Trails- $15,900* 141 Acre- Trophy Whitetail Tract- $139,900* To hear more call 800-229-7843 now! _______________________________32-14 Hunting Land 23 acres for $56,900.00. 35 acres for $69,900.00. Abuts Trout Stream and State Forest. 4x4 access. For Camp & Cabin. North-Lands 570-748-8995. _______________________________32-14

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Rates have D R O P P E D

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Time to reﬁnance, consolidate debt, or buy NOW! Ask about our no closing cost option for buying a home.

Mike McKeown Email: mike.mckeown@mindspring.com Mike McKeown 1-888-533-9890 1-888-533-9890 Licesensed by Dept. of Banking/Insurance in NJ, PA, DE and NY

Enjoy all the comforts of home. The Ultimate in Lifestyle. Convenient to Routes 38, 76, 70, I-676 the New Jersey turnpike and 295. Just minutes from robust downtown Philadelphia, Collingswood is rich in historical associations Neighborhood cafes and quaint shops line the streets symbolic of an earlier time. Our newly renovated apartments feature upgraded PAGE 49 Kitchens and Bathrooms. We are located across the street from Newton Lake Park and many activities including ﬁshing, boating, and jogging trails. · · · · ·

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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

· · · ·

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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

CHRIS CHRIS RISS RISSuse his Experience,

Enthusiasm, and Contacts to sell your

Ofﬁce 856-854-4112 Fax place or • ﬁnd your856-854-9390 new beach home. Most Transactions Award

makes itit happen happen in in CHRIS RISS makes New Listings 258 S. 302-226-6655 3rd Street Unit 1 Direct: 302-226-6655 Direct:

REHOBOTH!

NEW LISTING!!! 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom One-of-a-kind bi-level condominium in the Lingo: Lingo: 302-227-3883 302-227-3883 historic Bouvier Brownstone Mansion. This home features 15 1/2 foot ceilings detailed with beautiful and original moldings and medallions. There are random width tongue ChrisRiss@JackLingo.com and groove yellow pine hardwood floors, two Italian marble fireplaces and gracefully www.RehobothBeachHouses.com proportioned windows from floor to ceiling. Two original horse-drawn carriage brick arches accent the lower level. There is a beautiful and private enclosed patio.

$590,000

738 Pine Street Unit B

Let me show you my New Jersey!

Real Estate 6002 Route Route 130 130 North North 6002 Delran, New New Jersey Jersey 08077 08077 Delran,

856-824-1000

www.keygmac.com

Ronald G. Lees Ron@RonLees.com

��

Thinking about buying or selling at the shore? Call me!

JUST REDUCED!!! 1 bedroom/ 1.5 bathrooms Spectacular and completed renovated, bi-level condominium with a private entrance in a premier building in Society Hill. Historically elegant with 14’ ceilings, beautiful moldings and columns. Custom stone and granite finishes throughout. 7 years left on a 10 year tax abatement. Shared outdoor space for BBQ. 2K Parking credit given in a nearby parking lot.

Open House: Sunday, April 6th 12-1 PM

258 S. 3rd Street Unit 6 $419,000

2342 Fitzwater Street Unit brownstone C1 A one-of-a-kind condominium in the Bouvier mansion 1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom. Newly renovated space with great floor plan. This building over in the ofgardens Society Hill. Square. This This 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom home looks theheart beautiful of Naval unit is spacious, light-filled and has has Light-filled livingappliances. room with moldings, working7 a reallyapretty kitchen with newer Thereoriginal are hardwood floors throughout. years left fireplace on a 10 yearand tax abatement. marble 9 1/2 foot ceilings. The spectacular Bulthaup $239,000 kitchen, with Subzero refrigerator, Miele oven and Gaggenau RENTAL cook top. Custom lighting and audio system with invisible speakers throughout. The master suite Walk has twin walk in closets and 1205 Addison French doors that lead to a sunroom with slate floor and wet bar. Off the Fantastic 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bathroom town home with chef’s kitchen and private patio. sun room is a breathtaking landscaped roof deck that is $2650 per month 1206forAddison WalkThe perfect entertaining. Gorgeous 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bathroom town home with newly renovated kitchen with granite overlooking and stainless, great patio.panoramic Owner wouldviews like to rent partially furnished historic Society Hill include $2800 per month both1216 city Locust skyline Space and bridge views.in the heart of Washington Square West. 900 sq. feet commercial space $729,000

$1725 per month

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

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

PAGE 45

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

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

1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.philarealtyexchange.com

OPEN HOUSE- SUN Mar 15th 1-3pm

209 Saint Marks Sq- 6br,2.5bth porch front w/huge backyard, c/a, w/d, wood ﬂoors and high ceilings. $599,000 Janis Dubin AVENUE OF THE ARTS 1326 SPRUCE ST #2903 (Center City One)-2br, 2 bth, 29th ﬂ views $435,000 Tom Gangemi GRADUATE HOSPITAL 923 S. 17th-Attn Investors!! Triplex renovation started $260,000 Janis Dubin OLD CITY 244-48 N. 3rd, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking included $225,000 Kera Ritter SPRING GARDEN 1601 Spring Garden ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $179,900 Janis Dubin

RITTENHOUSE 2025 CHANCELLOR ST –(Wanamaker House) 3 br, 2.5 bth Townhouse comes w/ rooftop pool, ﬁtness center, deeded parking, hw ﬂoors, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances and 24hr door man, plus much, much more $859,000 Alison Ermilio 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ -2 br/den. 2 bth, newly renovated, with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perno

FOR RENT 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 2349 DICKINSON ST- Clean modern 4 bedroom house pet friendly $895 mo Janis Dubin 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 2314 REED St- 2 bedrooms- 2 Units-wood ﬂoors, new kit, exposed brick starting $895 mo Janis Dubin 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ-2br,den, recently renovated, balcony, view of park $3500 mo Tom Gangemi 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $1300 mo Janis Dubin 2015 WALNUT ST-Commercial Storefront in Rittenhouse Sq. $2,000 mo Kera Ritter Various 1 and 2 bedroom residential listings-For More Information Please Call The Ofﬁce CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE “WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THOMAS GANGEMI AS A NEW SALES ASSOCIATE”.

Gay is our middle name.

PGN

REAL ESTATE

RENT

REAL ESTATE

RENT

10th & Federal 2 bdroom apt. no pets, non smoker prefered 10th and Federal location, gay friendly bldg. Reference and background check required.

$800/ month

Please call 215 -465-6033 between 9 am and 3 pm only

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 46 APRIL 18 - 24, 2008 REAL ESTATE

RENT SALE

REAL ESTATE

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAYBORHOOD Available Immediately. One bedroom apartment with central air conditioning, ample closet space and wall to wall carpet. Great Center City Location for only $900 per month. Please call Tom at Solo Realty Co. to see this space. 215564-7656 ext. 22 or tom@solorealty.com _______________________________33-11

ROOMMATES REAL ESTATE

SALE

PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-15 HAVE YOUR OWN 2 RMS & BATH Located at 17th and Lombard Share 1st fl. in hist. hse. 570 + elec. 215844-8118. 1100 Sq Ft. on first floor _______________________________33-11 with full basement. LANSDALE ROOMMATE WANTED End unit townhouse. Large patio, gym, pool, Is fitted as restaurant now, but W/D, tennis. Rent includes all utilities Must good for food retail, salon or be CLEAN and responsible. 1st & security needed. $525.00 a month. Avail. May 1st. Call professional office space also. Ron 215 412 9076. _______________________________33-11 GM sks same share 2 BR apt. 69th U Darby. NEWW/D, CONSTRUCTIONcable, sunny. 610-352-1188. _______________________________33-14 w/Victorian Style-Priv Decks

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SPACE

148 Smithbridge Road - Concordville PA

Call: 267 544-0260 VACATION

w/magnigicent views, Open Floor Plan makes this home the VACATION Entertaining “Home of the Year”RENTAL OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Builder had the “Creative DecoraBest selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial tor” in mind forRENTAL this secluded 2.5 NJ SUMMER SEA ISLE CITY, weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. info at www.vacationseaisle.com Monthly Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online ac-SngMore Home-Grmt Kit w/Grnt / Half Season / Full Season. reservations www.holidayoc.com Cntrs-Gas Frplc, Hrdwd Flrs-1st Flr Full Bath-poss for Main _______________________________33-16 _______________________________33-16 Flr Bdrm-2nd Flr Mstr Ste w/Retreat Bth w/Whrlpl Tub, 2 add bdrms plus add Bath, 3rd Flr-poss 5/6 bdrms, W/O LL-ready to ﬁnish-Game Rm or 2nd Fmly Rm-3 Car GarEasy Access to all Major Arteries to Phila & DE- and Train Station

RENTAL

Vacation Rental Wildwood Crest, NJ Call Maria McAnulty @ 610-636-4557

Adorable seashore Century 21- The Real Estate Store home in the heart of Concordville 610-558-5800 the Crest. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, EIK, living room, family room, outdoor shower and only 2 1/2 blocks to the beach! Great front porch and back deck www.philarealtyexchange.com 1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 for relaxing. Oﬀ street FISHTOWN parking. 262 E. GIRARD –Well Four unitbehaved bldg. mixed use, new roof h/w ﬂrs, rehab ongoing $1,100,000 Alison Ermilio pets allowed. GRADUATE HOSPITAL Contact at 973-492-1532 iluvpits@msn.com 1514 WHARTON Lisa – Property is a cleaned out shell. Rear or of property was removed. Ready for

rehab. Lot next door is available-may be sold as a package. $99,000 Janis Dubin 1516 WHARTON – VACANT LOT. $40,000 Janis Dubin LOGAN SQUARE 149 N. 21ST – Six unit SALE building, cleaned out and framed (shellFOR condition) $795,000 John Perno FOR SALE MT AIRY/OAK LANE 2048 E RITTENHOUSE – 3 br, 1 bath home in need of TLC, hardwood ﬂrs, deck $75,000 Stacy ONLINE PHARMACY Klein/Janis Dubin DIVORCE With or without Children $95.00. With FREE Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar OLD CITY name change documents (wife only) and $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities. PRICE IN301 RACE, UNIT 503agreement. – PenthouseFast unit and in Oldeasy. City’s Wireworks high ceilings, storage spacemeds marital settlement CLUDES Bldg, PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 Call us 24hrs./7days: $25 Coupon. Mention Offer: #21A31. 1-888$269,000 Alison Ermilio1-888-789-0198. _______________________________33-11 tri-pharmacy.info 244-48 N. 3RD, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking531-6744. included, tenant occupied until 11/08 SAWMILLS _______________________________33-11 $259,000 Kera Ritter From only $2,990.00 Convert your LOGS Name Brand Laptops - Absolutely Free! Get SOUTH PHILADELPHIA TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your Norwood the Laptop You Deserve. New! Super Thin 1145 GERRITT – 3 BR, 1Log BA,skidders full basement, new w/d- Super includedFast! $199,000 Alison Ermilio portable band sawmill. also availIncludes Free Shipping! Log In able. Now! www.SuperFreeLaptop.com 1541 www.norwoodsawmills.com/300n S. 31ST – 3 br, 1 bath, newer kitchenFree w/granite countertops, c/a, ﬁnished basement information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________33-11 $99,000 Janis Dubin

_______________________________33-11 ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! Metal Rooﬁng and Siding Buy Direct, We ALL BRAND NEW POWER WHEELCHAIRS, FOR RENT manufacture cut to your length, also street, a HOSPITAL BEDS AND SCOOTERS. IMMEDI262 E. GIRARDand – Commercial space on busy $3,500/MON Alison Ermilio large supplier of Pole Building material 1-800- ATE DELIVERY. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-998209 SAINTwww.abmartin.net MARK’S SQ – Res 5 BR 2 1⁄2 BA, Univ. City Victorian, incl. w/d, refrig $3,500/MON 373-3703 4111 TO QUAILIFY. Janis Dubin _______________________________33-11 _______________________________33-11

CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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 _______________________________33-11 HVAC Tech Training! GET TO WORK! Avg. Tech earns $40K/yr. No Exp. Needed. EPA & OSHA Certified 3.5wks. Local Job Placement and Financing available. 1-877-994-9904. _______________________________33-11 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Housing available. CALL Aviation ESTATE InstituteREAL of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________33-11

RENT

MANAYUNK RETAIL BUSINESS 1200 s.f. + storage. $2500/mo. Renovated on Main & Grape. 610-647-1776. www. eadeh.com FULL SERVICE RESORT IN POCONOS _______________________________32-17 Classic, upscale,MANAYUNK full service resort with 4 dining rooms, 2 bars, gift shops, tennis court, Studio apt. $850/mo. + utils. Avail. May.swim610ming pool & hiking trails. #1608-HR Michael 647-1776. www.eadeh.com Baxter & Associates Commercial Real Estate _______________________________32-17 NORTHERN LIBERTIES 570-421-7666. Cozy 3 story home, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, lg. yard, family _______________________________33-11 rm./den,100% laundry in bsmt. LR w/exposed RECESSION PROOF! beams rs, EIK. utils.local Call & brick. Do you Hdwd earn $800 in a$1100/mo. day? Your+own 302-761-9500 or maria@165girardave.com candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy _______________________________32-17 All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. GRAD HOSPITAL AREA _______________________________33-11 2 newly renov. 2 BR apts, hdwd rs. 1st fgl. w/rear yard, W/D, C/A. 1319 S. 23rd St. $650. 267-320-9618. _______________________________32-16 OLD CITY Castings. Renovated Factory. Condo Bldg, DONATE VEHICLE Courtyard$1000 1 Bedrm Apt. HWCoupon. Flrs. W/D,Noah’s Ctl Air, Receive Grocery $1250/mth. Call 215 588-0606. Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to _______________________________32-18 Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free TowAVENUE OF THE ARTS ing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted Modern 2 bedroom apartment with large liv1-866-912-GIVE. ing room, large eat-in kitchen, D/W, micro, _______________________________33-11 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. 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a non-smoking building. ADOPTION _______________________________32-18 Wishing to 2adopt to only nurture and 5 bedroom, Baths newborn Bank Repo $45,000! adore. Willfrom provide your baby warm, Payments $199/month! 5%with down, 20 loving, stable home. You will be treated with years @8%apr. For listings 800-604-8363. respect/ conﬁdentiality. Expenses Paid. Please _______________________________32-16 call GlennaBank 1-866-535-8080. 3 Bedroom foreclosure only $207/month! _______________________________33-11 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings 800-546-8656 ext. s915. _______________________________32-16

OPPORTUNITIES

AUTOS

ADOPTION

HELP WANTED VACATION/ TRAVEL AGENT WANTED

SEASONAL Motivated agent for wellRENTALS established travel agency in NE Philly specializing in cruises. CITY215Min LOWER 2 years CHELSEA experience.ATLANTIC ask for Dave Lovely 3 bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in 969-8666. beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to _______________________________33-13 beach, jitney at corner.Internet Long season-12,500. Part-time, home-based business. Earn plus security dep. Call $500-$1000/month or 609-347-8059. more. Flexible hours. _______________________________32-17 Training provided. No selling required. FREE REHOBOTH/LEWES details. www.K348.com Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. _______________________________33-11 $1500/wk, $5000/mo. 302-236-3338. EARN EXTRA MONEY WEEKLY! _______________________________32-19 Processing our brochures. Processors OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Needed NOW! Start Today call 1-800-621Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial 3560 Code 19. weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. _______________________________33-11 Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supreservations www.holidayoc.com plies Furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call _______________________________32-16 Now! 1-800-307-7131. Pawleys Island, Litcheld, Debordieu, The _______________________________33-11 Jewels of the South Carolina Coast. House/ Extra Brochures. Weekly condo Income rentals. Mailing Beach vacations start here! pay check! Free 24 hour 1-888www.lachicotte.com. For information availability call 1250-8110. 800-422-4777. _______________________________33-11 _______________________________32-16

MAR. 13 - MAR. 19, 2009

HELP WANTED REAL ESTATE

SALE

Post Ofﬁce Hiring Nationally! Avg. pay $20/hr, $57K/yr incl Fed ben/OT Test req, offered fee-based prep opt. not afﬂiliated with the US Postal Service. 1-866-446-8993. _______________________________33-11 **ABLE TO TRAVEL?** Hiring 6 people, Free to travel all states, resort areas. No experience neccessary. Paid training/Transportation. OVER 18. Start ASAP. 1-888-921-1999 www.protekchemical.com _______________________________33-11 Driver CURRENTLY HIRING Experienced Teams and Solos with HazMat. Dry Van & Temp Control available. O/Os welcome. Call Covenant (866)-684-2519. EOE. _______________________________33-11

PAGE 95

HELP WANTED DriveROOMMATES the Big Trucks! Earn Big Bucks! 25 Driver

Trainees needed. $700-$800/week No CDL, noPGN problem. credit, no problem. CallDISNow! WILLNo NOT PUBLISH RACIAL 1-800-961-4319. TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH _______________________________33-11 NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK Over YOU 18? Between HighCOOPERATION. School and College? FOR YOUR Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful ___________________________________ Business Group. No Experience GREATER NE PHILA.Necessary. 2wks Lodging, Have Paid your Training. own bedroom in aTransportation beautiful split Provided. level home1-877-646-5050. with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 _______________________________33-11 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of NOW AVAILABLE! kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. toPOST 58 bus. We ask JOBS. only that you be at least 2009 OFFICE $18-$20/hr. NO reasonably neat PAID and employed. Rent is $600 + EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, FED BEN1/3 utils.VACATIONS. Contact DaveCALL at 215-698-0215. EFITS, 1-800-910-9941 _______________________________32-19 TODAY! Ref #PA09 NE PHILA. _______________________________33-11 House to share. $350/mo. Call John at 267574-1804. _______________________________32-16 OVERBROOK PARK/CITY LINE Room. Use of kitchen, W/D, cable. $450/mo. 215-850-7900. _______________________________32-16 REHOBOTH BEACH House share, room avail. Inc. pvt and bath, deck, PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Gay pool & utils. 5/1 to 9/1. $5400 season. Call Lesbian publications, is looking for a special candidate to 302-530-1071. _______________________________32-17 fill this position in our

Advertising Sales Representative

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advertising sales department. Applicants should have previous advertising sales HELP WANTED HELP WANTED experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good SELL AVON! 50% PROFIT. communication skills (both written and verbal), and an 1-800-AVON-443 (ISR) aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special _______________________________32-20 Banquet Servers Needed niche market. Most important, you should aspire to Housekeeper/Driver wanted. Shifts Avail 7days/week become an integral part of our successful sales team. $12-14/Hour. Call Today! hours a week. We offer a competitive salary40 plus bonus, Best Personnel 1315 Walnut St. Suite 320 Valid drivers license and as well as Health Insurance. 215-732-3100 required. Applicants should call Nick Forte atreferences 215-625-8501, ext. _______________________________32-16 OPERATIONS DIRECTOR 209. Email resume to nick@epgn.com or send resume to: Started at $15.6k per year.

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For successful growing cleaning company. Starts P/T, becomes F/T. Must be: exible, hands on, detail oriented, willing to learn and grow. Salary commensurate w/exp. Great owners/leadership, great staff, paid training. Call 856-424-1444. _______________________________32-17

Insurance after 6 mos. PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Med. Phila. PA. 19147 (Low rent Apt. available.) Attn.: Nick Forte Email: jjs@1616pr.com EOE

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.

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