Pgn April 6 - 12, 2018 by The Philadelphia Gay News

pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976

Vol. 42 No. 14 April 6-12, 2018

Family Portrait: Gregory Montagnino is a jack of all trades PAGE 23

Social Security ruling to determine same-sex marriage benefits PAGE 5

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

L7 reborn PAGE 19

I’m From Driftwood marks storytelling milestone

Mazzoni Center stands by new CEO: ‘The right choice for us’

Kenyatta brings in endorsements as Deering ‘focusing on what people need’ in 181st district race By Adriana Fraser PGN Contributor Political advocate and Democratic strategist Malcolm Kenyatta appears to be edging out his closest competitor in the primary race for state representative of Pennsylvania’s 181st House District after securing a series of key endorsements. Kenyatta’s most recent endorsement comes from state Sen. Sharif Street of the Third District, which includes North Central Philadelphia, Nicetown, Tioga, Logan, Lower Germantown, Olney, Fern Rock, Crescentville, Roxborough, East Oak Lane, East Hunting Park, East Wyoming and Melrose Park Garden. “Malcolm has proven himself to be a leader,” Street told guests last week during his birthday party, which doubled as his own political fundraiser at the Divine Lorraine Hotel on North Broad Street. “He’s proven himself to be someone who gets things done, and he’s proven he has a love for North Philadelphia,” he added in a press statement. During that fundraiser, Street emphasized his need for a partner in Harrisburg to help pass effective legislation. “People ask why Malcolm, and why this race is so important... One candidate has distinguished himself as ready to take on this important role and that’s Malcolm Kenyatta.” Kenyatta is one of six other candidates looking to fill the 181st District seat, which covers parts of North and North Central Philadelphia, Yorktown, Francisville, Glenwood, West Popular, Northern Liberties and Old Kensington. Rep. W. Curtis Thomas has held the seat since 1989. Thomas is now retiring, and has also endorsed Kenyatta. Other Democratic candidates include Alex Deering, Lewis PAGE 15

PAGE 2

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com

A BONNET ON IT: Luis Martinez and Terry Gsell show off their winning entries in front of guest judges and emcee Henri David (back) during the South Street Razzle Dazzle portion of the annual Easter contest April 1 in Head House Square. After the parade down South Street, hundreds gathered to hear the Philadelphia Freedom Band and to compete in one of the many categories, from best-dressed family to best bonnet. Martinez and Gsell moved to Philadelphia two years ago and this was their first Easter parade. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Philly hospitals among most LGBTfriendly in the nation By Jason Villemez PGN Contributor Nine Philadelphia-area health-care facilities are national leaders in LGBT patient care, according to the 2018 Healthcare Equality Index, an online survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital, Mazzoni Center, Temple University Hospital and Einstein Medical Center were among those that received a perfect score on a 100-point scale for criteria ranging from nondiscrimination policies, LGBT-specific patient care, employee benefits and engagement with the LGBT community. Four Philadelphia facilities received perfect scores in 2017. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital scored 70 out of 100 points on the survey. Hahnemann University Hospital, Cooper University Heath Care and Kennedy

University Hospital did not participate. Jefferson had previously scored 100 points in 2016 and 55 points in 2017. “ T h o m a s J e ff e r s o n U n ive r s i t y Hospitals has set a goal to be a LGBT Healthcare Quality Leader on the HRC’s annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI),” Chief Diversity Officer Joseph Hill told PGN. “Plans include ramping up efforts around existing staff education and supplier diversity. “Our mission is to care for all with dignity and respect and to break down barriers to health equity.” The HEI is a “roadmap” to equal care for LGBT patients, HRC President Chad Griffin said in a statement. It is “crucial that institutions continue to demonstrate that the march toward full equality is not slowing down,” Griffin said. “The 626 participants in this year’s HEI continue this march in partnership with the LGBT community, and we commend them for their leadership.” PAGE 15 The HEI began in

Mazzoni Center is standing by incoming CEO Lydia Gonzalez Sciarrino amid demands by the Black and Brown Workers Cooperative that she resign, at least partly due to her non-LGBT status. “We stand with Lydia. She’s the right choice for us,” Mazzoni Center communications director Larry Benjamin told PGN. “We don’t discriminate against people because of who they are.” Mazzoni board president Christopher Pope noted that Gonzalez Sciarrino ran a health center of similar size in her previous position and that she also impressed the board because of “her ability to work with people from different backgrounds and her ability to institute processes for better efficiency of the organization. She “is committed to the LGBT community and she’s fully aligned with the mission of Mazzoni Center,” Pope told PGN. But the co-founders of the Black and Brown Workers Cooperative (BBWC), who say they represent nearly 400 workers in Philadelphia, aren’t budging. “The days of people who are not from our communities coming in to take up a considerable amount of power in our communities is over,” said BBWC cofounder Shani Akilah. “That is non-negotiable. There’s nothing she can say to make her presence acceptable at all.” Akilah said a community-rooted organization such as Mazzoni Center must have leadership reflecting those it serves. “A white, straight cis woman is not fit to lead Mazzoni, no matter how much experience she claims to have,” said Akilah. “The one thing she does not have and will never be able to have is lived experience.” Abdul-Aliy Muhammad, cofounder of BBWC and a former Mazzoni Center staffer, said the board of directors doesn’t have the best interests of clients at heart. The board “has been failing us for years. That’s partly the reason why the cooperative exists — because of PAGE 8

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

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

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

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

Community centers • The Attic Youth Center; 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. • LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania; 3907 Spruce

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

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

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

• William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org.

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

• AIDS Library:

1233 Locust St.; aidslibrary.org/

• AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800-6626080

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

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

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

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

• Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad

St.; 215-685-1821

• Mazzoni Center:

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

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

• Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center:

1201 Locust St.; 215985-9206

• Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207

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

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

I’m From Driftwood fundraiser marks milestone and plans for tour By Scott A. Drake scott@epgn.com

Brinton, who shared his conversion-therapy experience. “It was early on in the trip,” said Lee, When Nathan Manske and Marquise “and it was the first story that shook me Lee undertook their cross-country adven- to the core. I’ve followed them from a ture in autumn 2010, it was a labor of love, distance since, and they’ve become such patience and improvisation. The goal was an inspiration. They’ve even helped pass to tell the stories of young and old, black anti-conversion-therapy legislation.” The organization’s YouTube collection and white, rural and urban, male, female, bisexual, transgender, queer and all the crossed the daunting threshold of 10-milrest, and turn it into an online collection lion views. From the humble beginnings of a few written stories to the vast storehouse for all to see that they were not alone. What emerged is the LGBT story of LGBT people’s intimate interviews, I’m archive I’m From Driftwood, with some of From Driftwood continues to grow. The organization’s website is replete the more memorable oral histories heading with reactions and affirmations that span to the Smithsonian. “We recently did a recorded oral rec- generations and almost comprise a comollection of the tour,” Lee told PGN. munity unto themselves. Comments reg“Our recorded experience with Sam ularly thank IFD for “being there” when [Brinton] and others will be archived at a reader was at his or her breaking point. the Smithsonian’s National Museum of The top videos alone have tens of thousands of views. American History.” The upcoming brunch at Anderson also On April 14, I’m From Driftwood will hold its fifth annual fundraising brunch highlights the group’s most recent efforts at the John C. Anderson Apartments in to include more personal tales from elders. Called “What Was It Like?” the videos CenterCity. Manske launched I’m From Driftwood focus on community members who can enrich LGBT history in 2009 with a website with stories of their dedicated to individual This past month the youth and coming out, stories from friends, as well as those social and friends of friends. organization’s YouTube and political changes E ve n t u a l l y, p e o p l e collection crossed the they have witnessed all across the counalong the journey. VIP try joined in. A book daunting threshold of and sponsorship tickfollowed to help fund 10 million views. ets to this year’s brunch the road trip, and then allow IFD to welcome came the first I’m From the residents to participate free of charge. Driftwood BBQ in New York City. The unlimited food and alcohol brunch The idea, according to executive director Manske, who is originally from runs from 1-4 p.m. April 14 at Anderson, Driftwood, Texas, was inspired by the 251 S. 13th St. Entertainment will be movie “Milk.” In one scene, Milk, por- provided by Justin Sekelewski Trio and trayed by Sean Penn, is riding on the hood refreshments include Tito’s Vodka for the of a car in San Francisco with a sign that unlimited Bloody Marys, Yard’s Brewing reads: “I’m From Woodmere, N.Y.” In Company and Barefoot Wine and Bubbly reality, Milk used the sign as a way to con- for the unlimited mimosas. Silent-auction items include Phillies Pride Night tickets, vey how far gays and lesbians had come. Lee is originally from Garland, Texas Philadelphia Folk Fest passes, and two but has lived in Philadelphia since 2004. United Airlines tickets good for travel anyIf you ask him about some of the high- where in North America. Tickets can be purchased through a link lights of the trip, he’ll happily regale you with stories. They include tales of friendly either on the website or the Facebook people who helped with lodging poi- event listing. Buy tickets early and get gnant personal stories like the one told by nearly 50-percent off. n

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

TAKE THE LEAD

Take an active role in your health. Ask your doctor if an HIV medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

UNBC4606_B_LEAD_10-125x11-35_Green_PhilaGayNews_p1.indd 1

9/26/17 3:18 PM

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

News & Opinion

10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Op-Ed Street Talk

Columns

7 — Body U: Keeping expectations real 12 — Out Law: Trump’s latest transgender attack

Arts & Culture 19 21 23 24 26 28

OH SAY CAN YOU SEE: A crowd of about 75 watches as a city employee raises a transgender flag March 29 at City Hall. The event was held in conjunction with the City Council proclamation of March 31 as Transgender Visibility Day. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Kutztown University drags in some talent for a cause.

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

— Feature: L7 comes back from the dead — Scene in Philly — Family Portrait — Comic — Out & About — Q Puzzle

Editor

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

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

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

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

~ OUT Law, on the latest attacks on transgender members of the military, page 12

Creep of the Week: Peter Thiel is appalled that his kid got detention for calling another kid a fag.

Kristen Demilio (ext. 215) kristen@epgn.com

“Judge Pechman issued a court order requiring that the Justice Department release the names of the military experts with whom Trump says they consulted for this new ban. The DOJ responded by saying they ‘choose not to identify’ those consultants, a stance that defies her court order.”

Advertising Sales Joe Bean (ext. 219) joe@epgn.com Kyle Lamb (ext. 201) kyle@epgn.com Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) prab@epgn.com Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com

New CDs offer a variety of divas to delight.

Art Director/ Photographer

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

Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America

Tribe of Fools stages a retelling of the oft-maligned Biblical character Mary Magdalene.

Copyright © 1976 - 2018 Copyright(s) in all materials in these pages are either owned or licensed by Masco Communications Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliate companies (Philadelphia Gay News, PGN, and it’s WWW sites.) All other reproduction, distribution, retransmission, modification, public display, and public performance of our materials is prohibited without the prior written consent of Masco Communications. To obtain such consent, email pgn@epgn.com Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 1976-2018 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863

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.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

TROPICANA’S

COMING OUT PARTY FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 9PM

Boogie Nights – Admission $30 at the door.

JOIN THE FUN WITH

•Reigning Miss’d America 2018 Pattaya Hart •Former Miss’d America 1999 Morgan Wells •The original Cowboy from the Village People Randy Jones •Philly A-List’s 2016 ‘Best Radio Personality’ DJ Robert Drake •Steven Andrade as Cher •Rainere Martin as Donna Summer •Hot go-go boys of Primal Men •Boogie Nights’ Big Gay Babes •Fashion Show and Contest

Can Social Security deny a marriage even when a state court recognizes it? By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com An upcoming judicial ruling could determine whether the Social Security Administration can refuse to recognize the existence of a common-law marriage, even if a state court has already recognized it, and deny a request for monthly survivor benefits. It took two years for gay widower John D. Roberts to receive spousal-survivor benefits from SSA after his spouse, Bernard O. Wilkerson, died in December 2015. Roberts, 64, of North Philadelphia, applied for the monthly benefits in February 2016 and filed a federal lawsuit against SSA in May 2017 after being repeatedly denied. In February 2016, SSA initially denied Roberts’ request on the basis that he and Wilkerson were only officially married for three months before the latter died. SSA requires a marriage to exist for at least nine months before granting monthly survivor benefits. In September 2016, Roberts obtained a ruling from the Philadelphia Orphans’ Court declaring the couple was in a common-law marriage dating back to July 4, 1990. Despite Judge George W. Overton’s ruling and a subsequent federal lawsuit filed by Roberts against SSA, the agency still refused monthly benefits to Roberts. “[I]t would be helpful to receive documentary evidence, which could include, but is not limited to, mortgages, leases, util-

ity bills, [and/or] joint checking accounts showing a home address, or any other documents showing that Mr. Roberts and Mr. Wilkerson constantly cohabitated during the period in question,” SSA wrote to Patrick Yingling, an attorney for Roberts, on Nov. 20, 2017. In December 2017, after Yingling submitted additional documentation, SSA granted monthly benefits to Roberts retroactive to January 2016, the month after Wilkerson died. In court papers, SSA asserts it granted the benefits not because of Roberts’ lawsuit but because he eventually produced “clear and convincing” evidence that a common-law marriage existed. SSA continues to hold the position that it can refuse to recognize a common-law marriage and deny a request for monthly survivor benefits until such evidence is produced, even in cases where a state court has already recognized the marriage. Yingling, who is based in Chicago at the Reed Smith law firm, recently requested about $28,000 from SSA to cover litigation fees and costs, citing SSA’s “unjustified legal position.” U.S. District Judge Berle M. Schiller must decide whether to grant Yingling’s request. Depending on how Schiller crafts his ruling, SSA could be forbidden from refusing to recognize a common-law marriage if that marriage already has been recognized by a state court. “Social Security cannot second-guess a Pennsylvania court that PAGE 15

TEA DANCE - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1PM Boogie Nights - Admission $10 at the door. •Drag Queen Brittany Lynn

MORE Savings Guests attending Big Gay Ball and Tea Dance can purchase one $35 wristband for admission to both events at the door at Boogie Nights on Friday, April 13. Guests who reserve a VIP booth on Friday at Big Gay Ball will receive a complimentary VIP booth on Saturday at Tea Dance. Book A Room Call 1-800-345-8767 and refer to booking code: TBGB to receive 10% off your room rate. *Discount is only valid for overnight stays on 4-13-18. Rates are based on double occupancy and valid for a standard room in the West Tower. Free passes are not valid for this event. This event is excluded from the Show Me Your Badge program.

LIVE IMPERSONATORS

BRITTANY LYNN TEA DANCE

AT BOOGIE NIGHTS

LIVE DJ

2018 MISS’D AMERICA

DJ ROBERT DRAKE

RANDY JONES THE VILLAGE PEOPLE

1-800-THE TROP | TROPICANA.NET BRIGHTON AND BOARDWALK, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 08401 Must be 21 or older. Bet with your head, not over it. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE: Members of Independence Business Alliance and PHLDiversity gathered March 29 at the African American Museum of Philadelphia. IBA hosted the event to foster inclusion and diversity in business, which follows a similar event at Cubra Libra with Latnix members. x Photo: Scott A. Drake

For more information or to book a VIP booth, please call the Boogie Nights Hotline at 888.940.7080 or email Boogienights@tropicana.net

THE ALL NEW

FUN VALUE VARIETY

A TROPICANA ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTY

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

It’s a drag: Alyssa Edwards to headline Kutztown U annual show By A.D. Amorosi PGN Contributor Now is a very good time to be gay at Kutztown University. The (KU) Allies activist student union just celebrated its 20th anniversary of supporting and advocating for the school’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, questioning and straight-ally community. The university is also celebrating another milestone: the 10th anniversary of KU Allies’ annual Allies Drag Show. The internationally renowned Alyssa Edwards (of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame) will perform along with noted drag queens Elektra Fearce St. James, LeKross DeAire and Aida Stratton. The show will also feature many other professional and student drag performers. The event is open to the public. “As one of the advisers of the Allies, I can say that the students look forward to presenting this mix

of professional and amateur drag performers, as well as identifying worthy local charities,” said Christine Price, director of both the Women’s Center and the school’s GLBTQ Center. Price is also advisor to the Allies Club, and in charge of curating, managing and promoting each event. The Association of Campus Events got involved as a sponsor of the annual Allies Drag Show, and, starting in 2017, helped the Allies pursue top-billed drag performers for the first time. “Last year we brought in Shangela Laquifa Wadley, and absolutely that helped with attendance,” said Price, recalling that the recent “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” contestant drew more than 600 attendees last year. “There was huge energy last year.” This year, the Allies Club and the Association of Campus Events went back to the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” well by hiring Season 5 and All Stars 2 sensation Alyssa Edwards, an

American drag performer and choreographer. All donations collected at the event will benefit Valley Youth House and Lambda Legal. “Every year the Allies Club students and board members choose where the charitable monies go,” said Price, noting that Valley Youth House provides homes for vulnerable, abused and homeless youth, and that Lambda Legal is committed to the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV by impacting litigation, education and public-policy work. “We give them the freedom to make those choices of charities, and I’m proud of them for making such wise ones.” n The Allies of Kutztown University’s annual charitable Allies Drag Show will be held 7p.m. April 5 in Schaeffer Auditorium 15200 Kutztown Road, Kutztown. For more information, go to www. kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4655.

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY PARTNERS IN LAW PARTNERS IN LIFE

MINSTER & FACCIOLO, LLC

When It Comes To Your Money… Experience Counts Serving our LGBT Community for over a decade. • Retirement Income Planning • Investment Management • Estate Planning • Insurance and Annuities

2016 Five Star Wealth Manager Philadelphia Magazine Award details at www.fivestarprofessional.com

Jeremy R. Gussick, MBA Certified finanCial Planner™

856-452-0060 jeremy.gussick@lpl.com

A Registered Investment Advisor Member FINRA/SIPC

Small businesses can afford special attention in our PGN directories. Spaces this size are only $50 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

• WILLS & ESTATES • • DISCRIMINATION • • SMALL BUSINESS • • DIVORCE • • EMPLOYMENT • • REAL ESTATE • • CIVIL ACTIONS • • AUTO ACCIDENTS • • POWER OF ATTORNEY • • PRE-NUP AGREEMENTS•

215-627-8200 PA 302-777-2201 DE 521 S. 2ND ST., PHILA., PA APPT. ALSO AVAIL IN DE & NJ

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

PGN directory ads are terrific way to tell people about your services. Spend as little as $50 a week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

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

215-735-1006

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

Email prab@epgn.com or call 215-625-8501 ext. 212 for more info.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

How quickly can I see results? As a trainer, it is common for people to I coached someone from Chicago Online ask me how quickly they will get results. who experienced this phenomenon. She People expect everything right now. was sedentary and wanted to look good Results happen when you put in the work. for a summer trip. Together, we created an On top of that, everyone is different. There exercise and meal plan that worked best are reality shows where trainers help peowith her lifestyle. I made sure she underple lose excess amounts of weight in 30-60 stood that this would require consistency days and you hear that many and discipline, especially since of those participants gain it all I was not physically present back, plus more, immediately for the workout end of things. after. Patience and consistency In one month, she developed are key. The goal shouldn’t be a habit of working out at least to lose weight fast. The goal three days a week and planned should be to get the body you her meal intake. She was want, and to keep it the way you allowed one cheat meal/drink want it. per week. She lost 15 pounds Your body is a machine and in her first month and gained acts as such. Every part of it is some good muscle. This is an connected. Your body lives to example of what can happen to prepare for the next day, which someone who commits themmeans every day matters. Your and utilizes their coach. Megan Nino selves body is fascinating because it is On the other hand, someone always ready to adapt. However, might have slower progress their first month and there are many factors as to adaptation takes time. When people lose why this is: It may be their first time at the weight quickly, their bodies have a hard time understanding what is happening, and gym, therefore their first couple of months will be focused on familiarizing themselves. therefore the lack of adaptation causes a It is also a time to develop a workout habit reduction in progress. while gaining confidence at the gym. Research shows that sedentary people who start working out are more likely Sometimes it may seem like you are eatto lose more weight, quickly, in the first ing well, but you’re not. Some diets can month of exercise versus someone who cause a lot of bloating, or may not complehas been working out more regularly. This ment your lifestyle. Your exercise regimen sounds great, but it requires a lot of work. may need adjusting, especially by the sec-

Body U

MAKING GREAT THINGS HAPPEN IN THE 175TH. LOOK AROUND! STATE REP MIKE O’BRIEN

RepMikeObrien.com Paid for by Citizens to Elect Mike O’Brien

ond or third month of exercise. Your metabolism may be slowing down due to age, metabolic imbalances or hormonal changes. Realistically, a person can lose a minimum of 8 pounds per month with the proper caloric expenditure. One pound is equivalent to 3,500 calories. This does not mean eating less. This means ensuring that eating habits complement your physical activity in order to gain a slight deficit. When your exercise regimen involves building muscle instead of eating less, you need to strategically eat more to fuel your muscles. One pound of muscle burns up to 50 extra calories at rest. If you are looking to be leaner, aim for building muscle. This is where people lose patience, though. Building muscle takes more time than dropping weight. It will take a commitment of about six months, however, the results will last longer. Whichever route you decide to take, don’t be discouraged if progress is slower than someone else’s. Take a step back to reevaluate what you have been doing, make some adjustments and keep going. n Megan Niño is a kinesiologist and personal trainer through her business Vigor Vida Fitness & Wellness. She is an energetic and positive person who prides herself on teaching others to find empowerment in their lives through fitness. She trains her clients out of Optimal Sports Club and offers in-home training in Philadelphia and on the mainline.

Getting married?

If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

LOCAL PGN MAZZONI from page 1

the board’s failure.” Both Muhammad and Akilah threatened further action until Mazzoni Center meets their conditions. “We expect to engage in escalating actions against Mazzoni leadership until our demands are met,” said Muhammad. If Gonzalez Sciarrino carries on as CEO of Mazzoni Center, she “will not be made comfortable,” said Akilah. “If for some reason she is put in this position, then she will not have any rest — because every moment she takes in this position is a disservice to our communities.” BBWC recently posted a petition calling for the departure of Gonzalez Sciarrino along with the resignation of key Mazzoni officials, among other demands. Muhammad also called for the dissolution of Mazzoni Center’s entire board of directors. “The entire 16-member board should be dissolved,” Muhammad said. “If there’s a legal way to do that with minimal impact on services, that board should be dissolved, absolutely.” Gonzalez Sciarrino’s first day on the job was April 2, but off-site until April 4, said Benjamin. He said Gonzalez Sciarrino will remain as the agency’s CEO despite criticism from the BBWC. Mazzoni Center’s 16-member board of directors remains steadfast in its decision to hire her, he added. “Lydia has a history of championing many causes, including the cause for LGBT equality,” he said.

If you live in south Philly or you’re hanging out on Passyunk Ave., you can ﬁnd a copy of PGN at these convenient locations: Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Famous 4th St. Deli, Fourth & Bainbridge sts. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • Tifﬁn Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Wedge Medical Center, 1939 S. Juniper St. •

Or from a news box at one of these convenient spots: 4th & Bainbridge sts. • 9th & Passyunk sts. • Broad & Ellsworth sts. • Broad & McKean sts. • Broad & Morris sts. • Broad & South sts. • Passyunk Ave & 10th & Reed sts. • epgn.com

@PhillyGayNews

You can also ﬁnd copies at the local library branches.

Benjamin declined to comment specifically on the BBWC’s demands. Muhammad said a new “democratic” search should be conducted for a Mazzoni Center CEO, adding that non-managerial staffers should decide who gets the job. “The union staff should go to the ballot box and vote. The management need not engage in that process at all,” Muhammad told PGN. Benjamin defended the CEO search process, which was conducted nationally between October 2017 and March 2018. He said some changes due to unanticipated confidentiality needs of some candidates resulted in less transparency than originally expected. “We don’t believe that any misunderstanding or changes in the search process affected the overall integrity of the process,” he said. “It was always our intention to have as many voices as possible involved in the process, from the beginning.” Benjamin acknowledged that a March 29 statement released by the board inaccurately asserted that a non-managerial Mazzoni staffer served on the executive search committee for a new CEO. Instead, he said, it was a managerial staffer who served on the committee. The five-member executive-search committee interviewed candidates and subsequently presented its selection to the full board of directors for a vote, he said. Board president Pope also defended the process. “We followed a very strict and comprehensive search process. It took into account all of the nuances of the CEO position,” Pope told PGN on March 30. “During the search process, about 100,000 executive directors and/or CEOs in the nonprofit field from across the country were contacted about the CEO opportunity at Mazzoni Center.” Mazzoni Center has 35,000 clients and patients and an annual budget of $16.5 million, $6 million of which is comprised of federal grants. The balance comes from revenue generated through the health center and private-development funding. An estimated 20-25 percent of Mazzoni’s clientele is non-LGBT, Benjamin said. Last year, Mazzoni Center was plagued by published reports of systemic racism, mismanagement and dysfunction. In April 2017, Robert Winn resigned as medical director amid charges of sexual misconduct. Later that month, then-CEO Nurit Shein was asked by the board of directors to resign, following accusations of delayed action on Winn’s alleged misconduct. Prior to her departure, Shein, an out lesbian, served as Mazzoni’s CEO for 22 years. The agency, which turns 40 next year, never had a non-LGBT person lead it prior to the hiring of Gonzalez Scirrino. Gonzalez Sciarrino, 50, has worked at six nonprofits prior to leading Mazzoni Center. Most recently, she served as CEO of Whole Family Health Center based in Ft. Pierce, Fla. The agency began as a small HIV clinic and under her leadership expanded into a much larger comprehensive health center. n

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

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

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

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

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

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

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

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

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com. NP-390-18

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

EDITORIAL PGN EDITORIAL

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Peter Thiel

Editorial

Why is the Gayborhood’s largest hospital scoring so low on the equality index? While Pennsylvania lacks legislation to adequately protect LGBT rights, particularly in terms of equal access to healthcare, the good news is that hospitals and other healthcare facilities are making it a priority anyway. The Human Rights Campaign’s Health Equality Index issued its rankings for 2018. Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationwide in its number of LGBT Healthcare Equality Leaders. A total of 34 health facilities participated in the survey, with 19 earning the leader status. “Many of these facilities are going well beyond the basics of nondiscrimination policies and are on the cutting edge of LGBT policies and practices,” the HRC said in its summary of Pennsylvania. Mazzoni Center, despite a year of turmoil and transition, earned a score of 100 out of 100, as did Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital, Temple University Hospital and Einstein Medical Center. Yet the hospital with the largest footprint in the Gayborhood, Jefferson University Hospital, only scored a 70, up from last year’s dismal 55 (it was a perfect score of 100 in 2016). What’s going on at Jefferson? We asked, but a spokesperson would only say, “Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals has set a goal to be an LGBT Healthcare Quality Leader on the HRC’s annual Healthcare Equality Index.” Jefferson “plans” to do more, said the spokesperson, but as of now… isn’t? It’s not unreasonable for a hospital with such a dominant presence in this city to equip its staff to treat LGBT patients with as much expertise and knowledge as anyone else. Apart from being the right thing to do, it’s a sound business decision. Jefferson: do better. n

Why do I hate investor and PayPal secret. And that founder Peter Thiel? his fire and fury Wait a minute. Let me back up. I don’t lawsuit was literhate Thiel. But I do not like him. At all. I ally inspired by think he’s a pretty horrible person. speech he did not But the fact that Thiel not only backed like kinda makes Trump in the 2016 election, but is still his whole “political backing him now over a year into this correctness” stance disaster of a presidency, shows that Thiel look like BS. lacks a certain something. That something Lambasting being integrity, or morality or compassion “political correctfor people who aren’t billionaires and are ness” is the go-to actually suffering under Trump’s hateful for sexists and racists and homophobes and petty administration. alike when complaining that “you can’t I know it’s not cool to make generalities, even tell a gal she has nice tits anymore,” but rich people are the worst. I know, I or “it’s reverse racism that only black peoknow. There are nice rich people out there ple are allowed to use the N-word” or “can (probably). But if the Trump era (and may you believe my kid got detention for callit be the shortest era known to mankind) ing someone a fag?” has highlighted anything, it’s that the more What Thiel really means is that there money you have, the more shit you can get is too much liberal politics in Silicon away with. Trump and his family are the Valley. Such liberal political dominance, perfect example of how money can’t buy says Thiel, has made it a very “totalitarian class or character. But it can buy a presiplace” that isn’t open to opposing ideas. dency, apparently. Ideas like “The giant baby-man from the But back to Thiel. “you’re fired” show Lambasting “political corThiel, a gay man, on television who backs a president rage-tweets at the rectness” is the go-to for who has done everyFBI all day instead sexists and racists and thing he can to roll of reading national back advances in security briefings, homophobes alike when LGBTQ rights, and who has made because Thiel can complaining that “you can’t the White House afford to. Literally. into a veritable even tell a gal she has It reminds me of “Keeping Up With a certain powerful the Trumpashians” nice tits anymore,” or “it’s lesbian named Mary is a great president. reverse racism that only Cheney during a All hail our great time when her dad black people are allowed to leader. was the vice presAnd consideruse the N-word” or “can you ing how Trump has ident in an administration that was been everything that believe my kid got detenopenly hostile to those who voted tion for calling someone a against him feared LGBTQ people. So lucky for her that she fag?” he would be, and was insulated from worse, I’d say any all of that through place that’s rejecting power and wealth. him is at least doing that one thing right. During a recent interview with Maria In other news, Thiel says that Bitcoin Bartiromo of Fox News, Thiel said, “Our is going to be the next big thing. Be sure greatest political problem is the problem of to stock up so you have enough money to political correctness.” compensate for the civil rights you stand to Said the white rich guy who sued lose under Trump. n Gawker media out of existence for daring D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian to publish that he is gay. I’m not saying living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been that outing people is great, but it appears writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow that Thiel’s sexual orientation was not a her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.

We want to know! If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

OP-ED PGN

Finding common ground in Mazzoni Center debate Last week, the LGBT medical clinic Here’s one way to look at it from in Philadelphia, Mazzoni Center, another community’s perspective: Are which serves more than 35,000 clients, there any non-African-Americans running announced that the board had appointed a African-American organizations? Recall new CEO. Lydia Gonzalez Scirarrino, it Rachel Dolezal, who lived as a black turns out, is not LGBT, and that seemed woman and headed her local NAACP. It to distress some people in the City of caused a national controversy when it was Brotherly Love and Sisterly discovered she was white — a Affection. How could a nondiscussion that still goes on LGBT person head an organiin that community today. She zation that has a majority of its finally resigned. Would that clients from the LGBT combe considered discrimination? munity? The same goes for Latino, There seems to be a way to Jewish and Catholic commufind common ground on this nity organizations. Haven’t issue, and it’s possible that the done the research on that, but answer is already out there. somehow I have a feeling that Take Washington, D.C., as an what happened to Ms. Dolezal example. The LGBT commuis the norm. There is another nity clinic there, Whitmanfactor, however, which is that Walker Health, has been run she concealed her background by an LGBT ally for years. In while running a rights organiother words, a straight white zation that mostly was volunmale. And guess what? There not a health center Mark Segal teer-driven, are many other non-LGBT with thousands of clients with people across the country medical needs. running organizations that serve mainly And one last thought: It also might be LGBT people, especially among health as simple as geography. In a place where and HIV/AIDS organizations, but not as the LGBT community is still struggling many in activist, equality or LGBT politi- and has few such organizations, there cal organizations. might in fact be a need for an LGBT There are many ways to look at this: executive director, since those areas Are these professional heads of nonprofneed good LGBT spokespeople and role its taking the job just for a good payday? models. Are they people who have had a calling The answer is out there, but only if we on our issues? Does their life history have a civil discussion. Maybe our comadd something to our struggle towards munity can lead the way on an issue that equality and diversity? Does it bring us many communities are also facing. n closer to the fight for social justice in all Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s mostareas of this divided nation? And the real award-winning commentator in LGBT media. You question in a truly fair world should be: Are they the most qualified person for the can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter.com/ position? PhilaGayNews.

Mark My Words

Op-Ed

Street Talk Should there be an LGBT contingent in Trump's military parade in November? "I have mixed feelings. I disagree with a lot of Trump's policies, especially his dealings with minority groups. But Kathleen Caldwell he is our student president. Center City And we can't ignore him. If there's an LGBT military contingent that wants to march, they have my wholehearted support. Actually, the recognition could be beneficial to the concept of LGBT equality in the military."

“No. Queer people in the military are frequently demonized for their queerness and/or transness. Why should we Zane Diamond participate in student a parade that Hartford, Conn. celebrates something that hurts us? I’d rather see people engage in volunteer efforts on behalf of queer veterans. That would be a much more worthwhile effort.”

"No. I'm not a fan of the American military in general. I don't want to see anyone participating in Trump's parade. Militarization is in direct opposition to an ideology liberation."

"Yes. But they should turn it into the gayest LGBT event ever. They should dance in the streets and shake their asses Aryel Morton everywhere. dog walker Make a West Philadelphia complete mockery of the thing. And there should be lots of anti-Trump placards."

Charlotte Ells student Swarthmore

of queer

Tell us what you think

Syreeta Dymond

‘Leave Jane Shull alone’ Jane Shull at Philadelphia FIGHT doesn’t know me. She knew my brother Brett, though. Brett had a lot of challenges. He died in 2009 at 38 after spending most of the previous 10 years homeless, addicted and living with HIV disease. He died because he was what they call a “non-compliant” client — he couldn’t be relied on to take his meds, show up for appointments or tell the truth to the doctors. He spent his adult life depressed and angry. I accompanied my brother to various kinds of appointments at FIGHT over

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

the three years he went there. Brett told me that when he was there, they got him to believe that maybe he could do something about all his problems. He was an ex-offender, and despite that, he felt that FIGHT treated him like a human being. When he was there, he said he found himself wanting to take his meds, wanting to show up for the support group, maybe evens wanting to stay alive. But when he went back to the streets, it just seemed too hard. The Black and Brown Workers Collective, which seems to be made

Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437.

up of a small, unhappy group of former FIGHT workers, is out to get Jane Shull, the founder and director of FIGHT, fired. Despite the overt racism of many LGBT community leaders, they say that the woman who has dedicated her life to saving the lives of poor LGBT people of color is the biggest racist of all. Her 30 years of service on the frontlines means nothing, in their minds. Her day-in, day-out, showing up to do God’s work for longer than most of BBWC’s tiny membership has been alive, means nothing. Her commitment

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

to do the right thing for people weaker than her — something BBWC seems to know nothing about — means nothing. Instead, BBWC denies history and the truth to continue a personal vendetta that is nothing but dangerous for the people who rely on FIGHT for their care. I don’t know Jane Shull. She doesn’t know me. But she did know Brett. Even though she’s known so many Bretts, she probably doesn’t remember him. And it’s in Brett’s memory that I say to BBWC: Leave Jane Shull alone. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

PGN

Trump’s aim at transgender troops sharpens The Trump administration announced a who transition while actively serving? new-ish ban on transgender people serving The DOJ requested the federal judges in the military on March 23. But in reality, who already decided on their first ban to there’s not much difference between this dissolve their injunctions as moot, but one and the ban he announced via Twitter U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman sees last summer. this for what it is: the government trying a The new policy disqualifies transgennew path around the injunctions. Pechman der members “with a history or diagnosis requested additional documentation to of gender dysphoria; individuals who the show how the new ban would affect the policies state may require substantial med- existing case, and cited a lack of facts to ical treatment, including medications and back up the assertions made by the DOJ surgery,” except under limited attorney, Ryan Parker. circumstances. Those circumMoreover, Pechman issued stances of exemption are for a court order requiring that the members who are “stable for Justice Department release the 36 months in their biological names of the military experts sex prior to accession,” service with whom Trump says they members who “do not require consulted for this new ban. The a change of gender,” and troops DOJ responded by saying they who started service under the “choose not to identify” those Obama administration. consultants, a stance that defies Advocates are calling this her court order. An article pubiteration of the transgender lished by Slate cited unnamed ban worse than the “Don’t Ask sources who claimed Trump’s Don’t Tell” policy because it is included several antiAngela “experts” a “categorical ban” requiring LGBTQ-rights activists, includtransgender members to live Giampolo ing Vice President Mike Pence, as their biological sex; thus, anti-transgender-rights advocate it would force people to choose between Ryan T. Anderson — whose book “When their humanity and serving their country. Harry Became Sally” shares some of the More offensive, the ban requires therapy same pseudo-science — and Tony Perkins, to prove the lack of gender dysphoria, head of the Family Research Council, which calling to mind conversion therapy, which is on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list urges LGBTQ people to “become straight,” of hate groups. Courts require that the government sometimes by extreme means. In the case show “exceedingly persuasive justificaof trans people, denial of gender dysphotion” for banning an entire subset of peoria is proven to exacerbate the problem, ple from service in the lawsuits already whereas the most effective treatment is transition, aligning the patient’s physical filed against last year’s ban. Trump’s snap gender to their gender identity, as affirmed tweet in July 2017 — which took Defense by both the American Medical Association Secretary James Mattis by surprise — and the American Psychology Association. makes it incredibly hard to prove any of But such alignment is now a disqualifying the research cited to back up the governmarker. ment’s position. Military officials are also The Department of Justice justifies the denying having been consulted, including ban by claiming the restrictions would the Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. improve unit cohesion, preparedness, Joseph Dunford. Lastly, after Friday’s morale and cost savings, according to announcement, the Pentagon went so far documents supplied to one of four federal as to announce that it would continue abidcourts that imposed temporary injunctions ing by Obama-era policies for the duration to block the implementation of the first of these legal battles. ban. The RAND Corporation, a nonprofit By refusing to comply with the federal think tank, studied the costs of transgender court’s requirements, both in providing soldiers in the military, using private insur- names of the ban’s authors and the research ance data to determine an estimated cost of behind it, the government will be unable $2.4-$8.4 million annually for the approxto use that information to defend the ban, imately 7,000 transgender service memleading to a fatal flaw: They can’t justify bers at the time of the study. To put this this discrimination. No amount of slight in perspective, in 2014, the Department rewording of an unconstitutional policy of Defense filled almost 1.18-million prewill suddenly make it constitutional and, scriptions to treat erectile dysfunction at a as such, hopefully this will be the last itercost of $84.2 million. Not even accounting ation of the ban against transgender people for inflation and the rising cost of medical serving in the military. n care, that’s more than 10 times the expense Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo of healthcare for transgender soldiers. Law Group, maintains offices in New Jersey and The cost of transgender soldiers’ healthPennsylvania and specializes in LGBT law, family care is 0.0034-0.0038 percent of $25 billaw, business law, real-estate law and civil rights. Her lion. If there’s money for a border wall and website is www.giampololaw.com, and she maintains there’s money to treat erectile dysfunction, a blog at www.phillygaylawyer.com. Reach out to Angela with your legal questions at 215-645-2415 or why is there no money for the healthcare angela@giampololaw.com. costs of transgender soldiers, even those

Out Law

PGN

Media Trail House rejects bill letting agencies refuse LGBT adoptions The Wichita Eagle reports the Kansas House of Representatives has rejected a bill that would have allowed adoption and foster-care contractors to refuse placements to gay and lesbian couples based on religious grounds. The House voted down the measure March 29, hours after the state Senate approved nearly identical legislation. The bill now goes to a conference committee, where lawmakers from the House and the Senate will negotiate a final bill. Sen. Barbara Bollier, of Mission Hills, called the legislation “sick discrimination.” But supporters of the bill say it’s needed to attract more organizations to help in adoptions. In other parts of the country, the American Civil Liberties Union has taken adoption agencies to court over similar policies. ACLU of Kansas says it would be willing to do so as well.

Columbus student spearheads city’s first gay Pride festival WTHR.com reports an 18-year-old Indiana high-school student is organizing what’s believed to be the first gay Pride festival for Vice President Mike Pence’s hometown. Erin Bailey said she proposed the festival last year for her senior project at Columbus Signature Academy New Tech High School. The April 14 event will feature bands, vendors and a drag-queen competition. Bailey identifies as bisexual and hopes the event will illustrate that the small, conservative community is open to diverse groups. Pence, a conservative Christian and Indiana’s former governor, signed a 2015 religious-protections law creating a legal defense for businesses that objected to serving the LGBT community. The law provoked a national backlash and led to boycott threats, prompting lawmakers to make changes to the law.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

Widow of Orlando nightclub gunman acquitted The Washington Post reports the widow of the gunman who slaughtered 49 people at a gay Orlando nightclub was acquitted March 30 of helping to plot the attack and lying to the FBI afterward, in a rare and stinging defeat for the U.S. government in a terrorism case. Noor Salman, 31, sobbed upon hearing the jury’s verdict of not guilty of obstruction and providing material support to a terrorist organization, charges that could have brought a life sentence. Her family gasped each time the words “not guilty” were pronounced. On the other side of the courtroom, the families of the victims of the June 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting sat stone-faced and silent. Within hours, Salman was released from jail and got into a waiting car without answering questions. “Noor is so grateful. Her belief in the process was shown. She wants to get back to her son,” said her attorney Linda Moreno. Family spokesperson Susan Clary said Salman’s family “always thought that Noor was the first victim” of her husband, Omar Mateen. The verdict reverberated through Orlando and legal circles beyond. “The government rarely, rarely loses these kinds of cases. It’s got every single factor on its side,” said David Oscar Markus, a Miami attorney who routinely tries federal cases. “It’s a pretty impressive win for the defense and a devastating loss for the government.” Mateen, the American-born son of Afghan immigrants, was killed by police after opening fire in the name of the Islamic State. Relying heavily on an alleged confession from Salman, federal prosecutors charged that she and Mateen had scouted out potential targets together, including Disney World’s shopping and entertainment complex, and that she gave him the “green light to commit terrorism.” But the defense portrayed her as an easily manipulated woman with a low IQ and argued that she signed a false confession because she was tired after a long interrogation and feared losing her young son. In a blow to the government’s case, the FBI itself found that receipts and cellphone signals showed the couple were nowhere near Pulse on the day Salman said they were. Also, prosecutors introduced no online posts, texts or any other evidence that Salman supported ISIS, and were hard-pressed to counter the defense’s portrayal of her as a simple, sweet mother who loves her 5-yearold son, romance novels and the cartoon character Hello Kitty. After the verdict, prosecutors said they were disappointed and took no questions. n — compiled by Larry Nichols

scottdrakephotos@gmail.com

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

PGN

International Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first trans TV anchor hopes to change perceptions Marvia Malik has made history in Pakistan by becoming the first transgender newscaster in a conservative Muslim country where members of her community are taunted in public, ostracized by family and targeted in violent attacks. Pakistan officially recognized transgender as a third gender in 2012, but transgender people are largely confined to the margins of society, with most forced to survive by begging, dancing and prostitution. At just 21 years old, Malik is already breaking down some barriers. Earlier this month, she became the first transgender woman to strut along the catwalk at a fashion show. But she says her true passion is journalism, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thrilled to be the face of the evening news on the private Kohenoor network in her native Lahore.

Northern Ireland grants license for first LGBT radio station

Intensive Outpatient Services now available at Mazzoni Center

T Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for substance abuse

Northern Ireland has granted a license to its first-ever LGBT station to air on FM radio. Juice FM will be Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first radio station to serve and focus on LGBT audiences. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Juice will play a mixture of dance and gay classics, music to stir the heart and move the hips,â&#x20AC;? a spokesperson told the Belfast Telegraph. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our speech content will be specifically tailored for the LGBT community, including LGBT news bulletins and a local magazine style show which will showcase and discuss the aspirations, concerns, successes and issues affecting our target audience.â&#x20AC;? Although the grant for the station has approved, it could take up to two years

for the station to be put on air. The station is currently streaming a sample service online through JuiceBelfast. com and has up to two years to get on air.

Costa Rica elects pro-gay marriage leader in surprise landslide Costa Ricans elected a candidate from the ruling party to be their next president, confounding polls, which had predicted a win for an evangelical preacher whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d campaigned on his opposition to gay marriage. Carlos Alvarado, 38, a novelist and former labor minister, will take office on May 8, after winning 61 percent of the vote with 95 percent of polling stations reporting. Fringe evangelical Fabricio Alvarado MuĂąoz, 43, received a surge in support after running on an aggressively anti-samesex marriage platform, and went into the final run-off as the marginal favorite. In contrast, Alvarado, 38, has been outspoken in his support of gay rights and a pan-American human-rights treaty that requires the country to provide legal recognition to same-sex couples. Speaking to thousands of cheering fans, the new president-elect said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My commitment is to a government for everybody, in equality and liberty for a more prosperous future.â&#x20AC;?

Gunmen in Pakistan kill trans woman, friend Police in Pakistan say unknown gunmen riding on a motorcycle shot and killed a transgender woman and her friend in the northwestern city of Peshawar. Police Officer Mohammad Tahir said the two were targeted as they traveled in a rickshaw late March 27. The motive for the killing is unknown, he added. Dozens of transgender people have been killed in recent years, mainly in the conservative Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital. The Trans Action Alliance, a local rights group, says 55 trans people have been killed there in the last three years. n â&#x20AC;&#x201D; compiled by Larry Nichols

PGN directory ads are terrific way to tell people about your services. Spend as little as $50 a week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

TO LEARN MORE CONTACT:

Intensive Outpatient Program at Mazzoni Center 215-563-0652, ext 248 or iop@mazzonicenter.org

Call 215-625-8501 for more info.

PGN SOCIAL SECURITY from page 5

recognizes a common-law marriage,” Yingling told PGN in a March 30 email. “We are hoping that a favorable ruling in this federal action will prevent Social Security from second-guessing Pennsylvania marriage rulings in the future.” Yingling said a favorable ruling from Schiller “would incentivize other attorneys to take on pro-bono cases, and it would discourage the government from taking similar unjustified legal positions.” Yingling also emphasized the importance of the case to the LGBT community. “If same-sex couples need to prove that they were married before 2014, they can attempt to show a Pennsylvania state court that they had a common-law marriage. But if Social Security is allowed to second-guess state-court rulings on common-law marriages, then samesex couples will continue to experience the discriminatory effects of the [prior] same-sex marriage ban. That’s not right. And that’s why this case is important.” In a March 28 legal brief, SSA opposed paying any money to the Reed Smith law firm. SSA reiterated that it acted properly in the dispute, citing the Social Security Act, federal case law and “sovereign immunity” in support of its position. David A. Degnan, an assistant U.S. attorney based in Philadelphia who’s representing SSA in the matter, declined to comment for this story, citing the ongoing litigation. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

CANDIDATES from page 1 educational initiatives. “I’m focused on what the people think C. Nash, Lewis Thomas III and Gilberto Gonzalez. T. Milton Street is the only and what they need,” Deering said. Kenyatta and Deering are both openly Republican candidate in the race. Street’s recent endorsement follows gay candidates of color vying for the state those of political and activist institutions representative position. Kenyatta said he is including the Philadelphia Democratic aware of the firsts in this race, but is focusParty, Victory Fund, District Council 47 ing more on delivering tangible results. “I’ve thought less about the hisAFSCME, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1776, Philadelphia toric nature of this [potential] win Federation of Teachers, Transport Workers and more about the historic nature of Union Local 234, former Gov. Edward the results,” Kenyatta told PGN after G. Rendell, Run for Something, Equality Street’s endorsement announcement. Kenyatta is a civic and community PA, Temple Association of University Professionals (AFT Local #4531), Asa advocate and has served as a member of Khalif, Black Lives Matter – Pennsylvania; numerous nonprofit and political organizations including the the former head of Liberty City LGBT Philadelphia Youth “I’ve thought less about Democratic Club, Commission and the historic nature of this the Philadelphia a host of others in Chapter of National education, antivi- [potential] win and more rg a n i z a t i o n f o r olence and crimiabout the historic nature of OWomen’s Education nal-justice reform. Fund, Equality PA and Deering, who is the results.” the Smith Memorial openly gay, told PGN he is not letting Kenyatta’s endorse- Playground and Playhouse. Kenyatta said he supports a minimum-wage increase to ments slow down his campaign. “My whole career, I’ve been running against $15 an hour, providing a fair-funding forthe establishment, the people in power, the mula for public schools and creating solupeople who work within the system,” said tions for systemic poverty that plagues his Deering. “Endorsements can be smoke and district. He added that he is a strong advomirrors, and not reflective of the work that’s cate for education reform, emphasizing the disproportionate gap in educational funding actually happening on the ground.” Deering said he is looking less to for public schools in privileged and underendorsements and more on providing privileged communities. “Our city is never going to thrive if resources for the community that he wishes to serve. Deering is currently a Democratic the people who need help the most are committeeperson for the 16th Ward in the left behind because of systemic poverty,” Sixth Division. His platform includes driv- Kenyatta said. “We have some serious work to do.” n ing economic development and innovative

HOSPITAL from page 1

2007 and is open to all healthcare organizations with 100 or more employees. This year, the index results show a 59-percent increase in hospitals that have written gender-transition guidelines, a 42-percent increase in trans-inclusive benefits and a 63-percent increase in recorded hours of LGBT-care training. The index also rates best practices such as participation in local LGBT events, resource groups for LGBT employees and policies that specifically aim to eliminate bias toward LGBT patients. Organizations that receive a score of 100 are designated as LGBT Healthcare Equality Leaders. “Our goal is to continue to listen, learn, heal and grow,” said Linda A. Hawkins of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “By listening to our LGBT patients, families and staff, we will remain responsive to the needs of our community. While we are enjoying the HRC endorsement, we want to continue to learn how to be better providers, locally and regionally, both in quality and scope of our care.” A Temple University Hospital spokesperson said the HEI provides tools to train staff and internally course-correct. “The area we’re in, we serve the underserved community,” said Ben Moore, Temple operations manager. “It’s important that we not leave out our LGBT patients. We did score a 100, but that doesn’t mean that we’re done. We’ve been focusing on making our culture here so much better.”n

If you live in west Philadelphia or you’re hanging out there, you can ﬁnd a copy of PGN at these convenient locations:

Thinking Queerly

Kristina Furia

Thinking Queerly explores the psychological and social experiences of being LGBT in America and sheds light on the importance of LGBT community members prioritizing their mental health.

Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Drexel University, 4001 Walnut St. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Metropolitan Community Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Saturn Club, 3430 Sansom St. • Saxby’s Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

Or from a news box at one of these spots:

epgn.com

@PhillyGayNews

30th & Market sts. • 34th & Spruce sts. • 34th & Walnut sts. • 36th & Walnut sts. • 37th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Chestnut sts. • 38th & Spruce sts. • 38th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Walnut sts. • 40th & Spruce sts. • University City SEPTA Station •

Only in Online and in print every second Friday.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

PGN

MEET YOUR

FAMILY!

Mother’s Day May 13, 2018

In their 22 years as a couple, Kelly McCrea and Janet Kollman have lived through their fair share of challenges, as well as revolutionary progress that enables them today to proudly wear the designation of partners in marriage—and breast cancer survivors! The Susan G. Komen® Philadelphia family is honored to have helped Kelly and Janet find the breast-health resources they need to live full, confident and healthy lives. Their fight belongs to all of us! Every dollar we raise together helps women like Kelly and Janet, as well as the people you work, interact and share your life with every day.

WE ARE FAMILY. LET’S END BREAST CANCER TOGETHER.

Since our first Race, Komen Philadelphia has invested more than $500,000 to support breast health programs developed to meet the specific challenges and needs of the LGBT community.

PGN

Art Museum / Fairmount

Jack’s Firehouse La Calaca Feliz London Grill Rose Tattoo Cafe Center City East

Dine at a participating restaurant on April 19 and 33% of your food bill will benefit local services in the fight against AIDS.

PRESENTED BY ACTION WELLNESS E V E N T B E N E F I T S H I V / A I D S P R O G R A M S AT :

Action Wellness • AIDS Delaware Camden Area Health Education Center Planned Parenthood Southeastern PA

Makers Market Local artisans that supply our Dining Out restaurants will be at the Food Truck Pop Up

, and some will be offering up

one of a kind flavors and brews throughout the month of April, with proceeds going to Action Wellness. John and Kira’s

ReAnimator Coffee

Machine Shop Boulangerie

Weckerly’s

Manatawny Still Works

Yards Brewing Company

Amis Trattoria Barbuzzo Bocconcini Bud & Marilyn’s Caribou Café Cheu Noodle Bar Craftsman Row Saloon El Vez Franky Bradley’s Giorgio On Pine IndeBlue Jamonera Jones Knock Little Nonna’s Lolita Mercato More Than Just Ice Cream Morimoto Nomad Roman Opa Porta Ristorante Aroma Sampan Tabu Talula’s Daily Talula’s Garden The Tavern Time Tria Cafe Wash West Valanni Varga Bar Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro Writer’s Block Rehab ZINC Center City West

a.kitchen Alma de Cuba Audrey Claire Barclay Prime Bellini Grill Butcher and Singer Continental Midtown COOK The Dandelion Day by Day El Rey Good Dog Bar Harp & Crown Restaurant The Love Metropolitan Cafe Mission Taqueria

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

My Thai Nineteen Oyster House Parc The Prime Rib Seafood Unlimited SliCE Rittenhouse Square Square 1682 Tria Cafe Rittenhouse Tria Taproom Wafﬂes & Wedges

Le Virtu Noord P’unk Burger SliCE Italian Market Stargazy Taproom on 19th Villa Di Roma University City

CO/OP Restaurant and Lounge Pod

Chestnut Hill / Mount Airy

Schmear It

Bacio Paris Bistro

Bucks County

Manayunk

Adobe Cafe Manayunk The Spicy Belly Northern Liberties Fishtown / Kensington

Bourbon and Branch Fette Sau Frankford Hall Heritage Loco Pez Mad Rex Restaurant Martha North 3rd Restaurant Original 13 Ciderworks Silk City SliCE Fishtown Old City

Buddakan Continental Restaurant DiNardo’s Famous Seafood Fork High Street on Market Lucha Cartel National Mechanics Panorama Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti Race Street Cafe Spasso Italian Grill Society Hill / South Street

Beau Monde Bistro Romano Bistrot La Minette Nomad Pizza Pizzeria Stella Serpico South Philadelphia / East Passyunk Ave.

Adobe Cafe Bing Bing Dim Sum Brigantessa Fond

Poco’s The Raven

southern new jersey

Barnsboro Inn Carlucci’s Waterfront CousCous Moroccan Cuisine El Sitio Grill & Cafe Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar (Moorestown) Keg & Kitchen Kitchen 519 L’Oceano Ristorante Norma’s Restaurant Nunzio Ristorante Rustico Oasis Mexican Grill Pop Shop Collingswood Robin’s Nest Restaurant Sabrina’s Cafe Collingswood

Chester County

Sapori Trattoria

Avalon Restaurant Cedar Hollow Inn Restaurant and Bar Éclat Chocolate High Street Caffe and Vudu Lounge

Steak 38 Café Tre Famiglia Ristorante Villa Barone Westmont Bagel Westmont Diner

Red Star Craft House Delaware County

Broadway Bar and Grill Diego’s Cantina and Tequila Bar Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar (Glen Mills) La Belle Epoque Wine Bistro Lotus Farm to Table The Original Clam Tavern Pinocchio’s Restaurant. Spasso Italian Grill Sterling Pig Brewery Tap 24 Montgomery County

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar (North Wales) Spring Mill Cafe Trax Restaurant and Cafe Viggiano’s BYOB White Elephant Restaurant Delaware

Food Truck Pop Up Saturday, April 14, 2018 11am TO 3pm 1300 block of Locust Street

Chef Johnny Bravo’s Surf n Turf Chewy’s The Cow and The Curd Cupcake Carnivale El Tlaloc Farm Truck Philly

BBC Tavern and Grill Bellefonte Cafe Christa-Bell’s Caribbean Cuisine Cromwell’s American Tavern and Taqueria Eden Restaurant Ernest & Scott Taproom Jam Bistro By Eden Mariachi Restaurant Timothy’s of Newark Tutto Fresco

Foolish Wafﬂes

Walter’s Steakhouse

Wafﬂes & Wedges

Gigi’s and Big R Mama’s Meatballs Mom-Mom’s Polish Food Cart Nomad Pizza Truck Oink and Moo BBQ Surf and Turf Truck The Tot Cart

Make an additional donation of $25 or more to receive a 20% Off Tuesday card which entitles you to 20% off of your table’s food bill on Tuesday evenings throughout the year at these restaurants! TThese restaurants are donating 33% of all food and beverage sales on April 19.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTORY The leader in

NON-MEDICAL IN-HOME CARE AND FREE ASSISTED LIVING REFERRAL

rev. dr. Nadine

Spiritual Counseling drsullivan@rosechild.org

215.704.4264

for more than a decade. • Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients • Cancer Patients • Bathing • Comfort Care • Companionship

• Dressing • Escort/Transportation • Errands • Grocery Shopping • Grooming • Hourly or Live-in Care

• Incontinence Care • Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Meal Preparation • Medication Reminders • Weekends & Holidays

www.rosechild.org

Spirituality • Sexuality • Relationships • Self-Esteem

John Bishop, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Waiver Provider in Philadelphia,

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy

Bucks and Delaware Counties

In New Jersey, Just Over the Bridge

Philly • 267-909-9248 Lower Bucks • 267-812-5744 www.abcphillybristol.com

304 Newton Ave. Oaklyn, New Jersey 08107

DPW Approved Aging

Rosechild Sullivan, ph.d.

Getting married?

215-341-5645 Most Insurances Accepted

Advertise your business in our directories for only $25 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

LGBT SMOKE FREE Living proudly. Living longer. For help quitting smoking, visit www.sepatobaccofree.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Project is an initiative of Health Promotion Council.

AC ul t ure rts

FEATURE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

Comics Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

Page Page Page Page Page

24 23 26 28 21

PAGE 24

Hard rockers L7 return, on their own terms By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Grunge/punk pioneers L7 are back in action this spring with two new scorching singles and a short U.S. tour that will hit Philadelphia at The Trocadero on April 13. Formed in 1985 by singer and guitarist Donita Sparks and guitarist Suzi Gardner, L7 were at the forefront of the alternative rock and grunge movements of the late 1980s and early ’90s sharing stages and drawing attention to activist causes such as Rock for Choice, along with the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, The Breeders and Nirvana. The band soldiered on through the 1990s before going on hiatus in 2001. L7 reunited in 2015 and have been performing internationally. Apart from Sparks and Gardner, the group also features Jennifer Finch on bass and Dee Plakas on drums. Last fall, L7 released a crowd-funded documentary film about the band called “L7: Pretend We’re Dead.” The film is currently available on streaming services YouTube, Hulu and Google Play as well as on DVD and Blu-ray. These days, like the early days, L7 is doing things on their own terms.

They crowd-funded their documentary, their two latest singles (“Dispatch from Mar-a-Lago” and “I Came Back to Bitch”) and their upcoming tour. Spark said the DIY nature of their work allows the band to do what they want, when they want. “It’s not so much about creative control, because we’ve always had that,” she said. “For lack of having a label, we don’t want to wait for somebody to approach us. For now, we’re just putting out singles when we want to, and just going for it.” The management of all aspects of the band is more than a full-time job, said Sparks. “The last few years, the band has been front and center in our lives because it’s such a DIY operation. There is stuff to do constantly. I work every day on the band with business shit. It’s a constant between social media and all the stuff you have to do. I’m very much enjoying this cycle, though.” In putting together the documentary, Sparks said she gained a certain level of clarity about the band’s history. “For me, personally, I was completely wrong about any flaws I saw in my bandmates back in the day,” she said. “It’s weird PAGE 20

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

JEFFREY E. GOLDMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW SPECIALIZING IN PARTNERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT LAW Proven track record of recovering millions of dollars for wrongfully treated employees!* Experience litigating: • Partnership & business disputes • Non-competes • Executive compensation • Employment discrimination • Real Estate Litigation Jeffrey E. Goldman, Esq. 100 S. Broad St. Suite 1330 Philadelphia, PA 19110

Also handle: • Wills, Living Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

Jeff.Goldman@verizon.net

*Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Put 18 years of experience to work for you!

Repairs, Renovations and Remodeling

(215) 467-3335 Pa. HIC #026545 Phila. Lic. #17895

“Our” Family Plumber for over 30 years

L7 from page 19

how you can be wrong about shit. As an older person looking at our younger selves, I was very impressed with us, being that we’re not metal virtuosos. We’re punk rockers and yet we pulled up a really good hard-rock band. I still think so, to this day.” In telling the band’s story, the documentary gives viewers a window into the time where the rules of rock music were rapidly evolving. “We kicked off a lot of women in grunge and women in music in the 1990s,” Sparks said of L7’s impact on rock culture. “We crossed over into the metal scene. We crossed over into the arts scene. We crossed over into the fashion scene. We got our feet wet in a lot of different ponds, so to speak, which is very unique. Usually when we play metal festivals these days, we’re the only female band on the festival. I think that is cool, for us. I think the grunge era’s greatest legacy was how many women were in bands and doing their own thing. What I hear from young people is that they look at that as a golden era of women in rock.” L7 has always had a visible and vocal gay and lesbian following throughout their career, Sparks said. “We always had a huge dyke contingent. We had a huge gay contingent. The gays got our humor a lot, maybe more so than the hard-rock people. A lot of the dyke gals were smitten with us. That was always cool and they were always pretty ferocious as audience members. So we always strongly identified [with gay and lesbian audiences].” Besides grunge and punk, L7 were also associated with the riot grrl movement in the 1990s. Later, when all-female-fronted artist festivals such as Lilith Fair started sprouting up, L7 and their loud, high-energy sound somehow never got invited to that party … not that they were going to show up if asked. “We never had any interest in being

segregated in any way because of our gender,” Sparks said. “Early on, we established a policy that we would not do ‘women in rock’ articles or magazine issues because that was a way, I felt, to diminish our status. Diane Arbus is not a great female photographer, she’s a great photographer.” Sparks said she considers L7 “a genderless band. I specifically didn’t want a gender reference in our name. Suzi [Gardner] and I really wanted our band to sound like you couldn’t tell whether we were male or female when you heard us on the radio. So we always had a politically androgynous stance in the way we portray our band.” The band members also enjoy the different facets of touring, whether they are performing at big outdoor festivals or rocking out at club shows. “I love performing at festivals because people are seeing us who’ve never seen us before, and we’re connecting with our peers,” said Sparks. “I like a small, threadbare old theater to play in with the seats torn out, just an old dance hall that is fucked up but the dressing room is OK … like The Trocadero.” n L7 performs 8 p.m. April 13 at The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St. For more information or tickets call 215-922-6888 or visit www.l7official.com.

• Cosmetic dentistry • Crowns • Implants • Veneers • Whitening

High quality dental treatment and preventive care

Andrea V. Cronin, DDS Craig T. Wakefield, DDS

Eating Out Should Be Fun! Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

- and check out our archive of past reviews on epgn.com.

Proudly serving the LGBT community and PWA for over 25 years. Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 255 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19103 (215) 732-8080 Evening hours available.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

MUSIC PGN

3 R&B and pop divas stick to styles that work on new albums

Lisa Stansfield Deeper Ear Music Acclaimed English singer Stansfield stays in her lane on her latest album, “Deeper,” where she continues to blend soulful R&B vocals with synthetic electronica production values that were all the rage with every dance artist in the early to mid-’90s. That “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality serves her well on tracks such as “Twisted,” which percolates with an upbeat and swinging Motown vibe. The retro vibe also does some justice to tracks such as “Coming Up for Air” and “Love of My Live,” which both benefit from seductive, bass-

heavy, trip-hop grooves. The Philadelphia Gayborhood is roughly When things speed up, that throwback vibe really starts to feel less and centered at Locust and Camac streets. Look for the less comfortable. Anthemic dancerainbow street signs at intersections and remember floor numbers like “Never Ever” and to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. “Everything” have their hearts in the right place but still feel as dated as an ice-cold bottle of Zima, making you Tabu The Bike Stop Boxers Toasted Walnut Woody’s 200 S. 12th St. 206 S Quince St. 1330 Walnut St. 1316 Walnut St. 202 S. 13th St. hope and pray that the DJ will break 215.964.9675 215.627.1662 facebook.com/ 215.546.8888 215.545.1893 out some Deee-Lite or Black Box. tabuphilly.com Levi/leather boxersphl Festively lit woodysbar.com Stansfield does make a nod to more Sports bar men’s bar; pool Sports bar with a women-owned bar Mixed crowd modern styles on the album closer, with food and tables, big-screen dozen huge TVs, complete with a Attatched to “Just Can’t Help Myself,” with frenetic shows upstairs sports action; pool table, brick “beer” pong table Walnut St. bars drum-machine beats peppering what basement dress pizza oven, sports Rosewood and otherwise would be a mournful torch code teams specials GloBar song. It’s a solid effort that showcases the timeless quality of Stansfield’s voice. Walnut St. “Deeper” gives longtime fans what <— they are expecting from an artist of Chancellor St. Stansfield’s caliber: a deep appreciation for the styles that came before while at least keeping some attention St. James St. focused on the future.

Locust St.

Manning St.

11th St.

Quince St.

<—

Latimer St.

12th St.

Kim Wilde Here Come the Aliens Ear Music Wilde returns with her first album in five years, which is overflowing with a shiny new batch of electro-pop rockers. The album cover might scream classic B-movie creature feature, but the sound is all glossy crunchy modern ear candy. The new-wave and pop rocker has always done a lot of stylistic borrowing and sonic co-opting along the course of her long career, and this album is no exception. Wilde runs the punkish cyber-rock gauntlet she helped to popularize back in the early ’80s so there’s no shame in her diving into the vibe of slick modern-sound groups such as The Killers, Garbage and Goldfrapp on swaggering, fun and infectious tracks such as “Stereo Shot,” “Kandy Krush” and “1969.” Wilde also manages to pull at the heartstrings, showing off her range with epic rock ballad “Solstice,” and then turning up the drama on the gothic grandeur of “Cyber.Nation.War.” “Here Comes The Aliens” is just another example of classic pop stars holding their own, at least in the realm of sounds and energy, among younger and more fawned-over counterparts. If P!nk, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga frequent your playlists, you might want to check out the latest from an artist who helped to create the blueprint for their success. n

Camac St.

Toni Braxton Sex & Cigarettes Def Jam Recordings The latest release from singer, actor and reality-television personality Braxton is barely over 30 minutes long and only features eight tracks, but solidly makes the case for quality over quantity. Braxton is as focused and as intense as she has ever been on this album, radiating power, vulnerability and resolve in equal measure throughout. Things start off with the laidback, acoustic guitar- and string-driven track “Deadwood,” which lays the groundwork for her vocal harmonies to hypnotize the listener. Then Braxton digs deeper and channels heartbreak on the level of Adele and Mary J. Blige, giving them some stiff competition. On the sparser, piano-driven tracks such as the title track, “Sorry” and “FOH,” Braxton doesn’t mince words about how she’s feeling and, if the title of the latter doesn’t give you a hint, drops some f-bombs along the way. Aside from a couple of grown and sexy dance grooves such as “Long As I Live” and the more feel-good club-oriented “Missin,’” this isn’t a party album. But if heartbreak, sorrow and drama inspire this level of performance and songwriting, we owe every guy who did Toni wrong in the last few years a huge thanks.

Guide to the Gayborhood

Juniper St.

By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

The

13th St.

m Spruce St.

Cypress St.

William Way LGBT Community Writer’s Block Rehab Center 1342 Cypress St. 267.603.6960 A cozy, comfortable bar and lounge perfect for escaping the norm

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

<— <— West of Broad Street Stir Lounge

1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700 stirphilly.com Fun two-bar lounge, DJ in the back, regular poker games and specials

The Attic Youth Center

255 S. 16th St. 215.545.4331 atticyouthcenter.org Safe space and programs for LGBTs age 16-23 weekday afternoons and evenings

Voyeur

Knock

U Bar

ICandy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PGN PROFILE

Family Portrait

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

Suzi Nash

Gregory Montagnino: No matter what else is happening in your life, take the time for your craft “He knew she was right, but didn’t care to relate his own life to her very egocentric observations. Her life had already become quite disenchanted, and Charlotte knew that for Teddy, it was only a matter of time; she hated that he got to be away, but loved the freedom he had.” ~from “Teddy Madison” by Gregory Montagnino Gregory Montagnino wears many hats, some of which he’s designed himself. As an author, clothing designer, teacher, event planner and host, this week’s Portrait is a jack of all trades, with a Master’s degree to boot. PGN: I love your name, it sounds very Shakespearian. What is the origin? GM: It’s Sicilian. It means Little Mountain. I’m 100 percent Italian on both sides. PGN: Tell me something about your Italian mother. GM: Well, like most Italian mothers, she’s an excellent cook. PGN: Has that talent extended to you? GM: [Laughing] Absolutely not. I have a lot of creative outlets, but that’s not one of them. I was a spectator in the kitchen for a lot of meals, but never picked it up. I have about three things that I can cook well. PGN: What was the dish that made you say, “I can’t wait for college break so I can have my mom’s…” GM: That’s so hard! Everything she makes is good. Penne alla vodka, if I can only pick one. PGN: Did your mom work when you were growing up? GM: She worked part-time as a preschool teacher and when I was about 10, my parents opened up their own business. But no matter what, she was always home by 3 o’clock when we got home from school. PGN: What was the family business? GM: They have a car company. PGN: [Laughing] Ah, I saw Ron’s Auto World on your resume and wondered how that snuck in there among all the artsy jobs. And like your mother, you also did some teaching, correct? GM: I did, but not young kids like she did. I was an education major and taught high school as a substitute teacher. PGN: Where did your creative side come from? GM: I was very shy, and I was always making things, building with blocks, putting things together. I loved to read and didn’t care to go outside. I was very sensitive.

PGN: So you were interested in the arts both in front of and behind the scenes, what did you study in college? GM: In college I took a different path. I was an English major with a double in education. Throughout college I had the privilege of being the student-body vice president and the diversity chair on the student activities board. I was also the president of the LGBT society, so I got to plan lots of events and programs. PGN: You had an interesting name for your Gay Straight Alliance, the “All Lifestyles Included” club. GM: It was called that when I got to the school; basically the school insisted that in order to be inclusive, the club’s name had to reflect that everyone was welcome. PGN: Tell me about your writing. GM: I wrote a novel about four years ago and self-published it. Now I’m working on the sequel. It’s called “Teddy Madison,” and it started as a short story that I wrote for a creative-writing class in college in 2008, and developed from there. It’s sort of a story within a story. The protagonist, Teddy, decides to have his memoir written so it’s told in a way that, as the person writing the memoir gets to know him and the people around him, so does the reader. It takes place from around 1916 to 1930 and she uses letters written back and forth between Teddy and other people. His diary, as well as interviews with people from his life tell the story. I tried to recreate the roaring 1920s with a realistic setting, but depicting a society without sanctions or labels on gender roles or sexuality. It’s historical fiction, so in this, Teddy marries a man, Admiral Harrison Archibald Jr., in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Their parents arranged the marriage. Something that wouldn’t happen even today, but in fiction it becomes normative when you take out the heteronormativity. PGN: I enjoyed the way you had supporting materials on the website: maps, pictures of the clothing, breakdowns of each character, etc. Even down to the colors used. GM: Yes, I wanted to make his world as real as possible. I often used real locations and events. But I also liked the symbolism of different colors attached to different characters. Teddy has monochromatic colorblindness, and his favorite color (what he feels is a color) is white. Others are tinted with lavender or saffron and other colors. PGN: What advice would you give a budding writer wanting to make their first American novel? GM: I’d say no matter what else is happening in your life, take the time to put in to the craft. You may spend years trying to get something accomplished that you may never see come to any public fruition, but in order to make it real and important to yourself,

you have to make the time to do it, somehow, some way. PGN: Speaking of telling your story, when did you come out? GM: [Laughs] Oh ho! Let’s see. It was right before I turned 18, I’d just started my senior year and I told my closest friends and my one sister. And most people’s responses were, “Duh.” As I got more comfortable I told more people but I didn’t make a big deal about it. If someone asked me I would have said yes, but I didn’t announce it. This was 10 years ago, and it wasn’t something openly discussed just yet. I then told my parents and my dad was much more accepting than my mom. It was not the image that she had for me. PGN: Before you said something, who did you expect to be more receptive, Mom or Dad? GM: Mom, definitely. Because we were very close and I expected her to be more understanding. But that was not the case.

together, things I never did with him — so we both thought she would have been the one to realize, but maybe because he was a little on the outside he was able to see it clearer. It wasn’t until two years later that my mom and I reconciled and now it’s all good. She came around when some friends who they’d known for years had a son who was gay. He had come out before me and his mom told my mom, “That’s your son, you have to accept it. It’s who he is, how could you not love him still? You’ve always loved him, what’s the difference now?” That’s when it clicked for her that it was going to be OK. PGN: Good to hear. As a substitute teacher, did you experience any homophobia? GM: No, and it was interesting. I did a sub job that lasted a few months in the same district where I went to school, and it was amazing how in just 10 years it had become a whole new place. In that sense, there were booming high-school GSAs and openly gay and gender-fluid kids. Students who we were so casual about, “Hmm, today I feel like wearing boys’ clothes but tomorrow I may wear a skirt.” It was normative for them. It was so nice to see. PGN: And let’s talk about what you’re doing now. I met you at National Mechanics during the Mx. Everything competition. GM: Yes, I’m the office and events manager for National Mechanics. Mx is over but we still have a drag show once a month and various burlesque shows, etc.

PGN: I ask because I often hear that the person you least expect to be the ally is the one who comes through. I interviewed Chaz Bono and he told me that his dad was much more accepting in the beginning than Cher, and that when he transitioned it was the Republican side of the family that was much more approachable. GM: You’re absolutely correct, and it was funny because my dad saw how much my mother and I had in common — we cooked and shopped and gardened and decorated

Photo: Suzi Nash

PGN: PGN How did you get involved with the restaurant? GM: I’d been laid off from my job and took about six months off to see what I wanted to do. I saw an ad for someone who could do event planning and was a self-starter, I looked up the place and it looked cool so I applied. I had no idea it would fit so well, honestly. But I have an incredible boss who gave me a shot and it’s been great. I’ve been here over a year now.

PGN: What makes it so much fun? GM: I love the private events that we do. For example, we had a couple who met here on karaoke night about four years ago. They wanted to have the rehearsal dinner here and I met with the groom’s party who were throwing the party. Such nice people, and it turned out they were from the same area in NJ where I grew up. So we had PAGE 28

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

PGN

Tribe of Fools presents Gnostic Mary Magdalene as an influential, powerful By A.D. Amorosi PGN Contributor Before Terry Brennan’s Tribe of Fools brings “Magdalene” to the stages of the Adrienne Theatre April 6-22 with its quietly enlightened and gnostic gospels-inspired take on the 13th apostle, consider the company Tribe of Fools is keeping. Since 2003, Tribe of Fools (ToF) has not only been Philly’s most breathlessly athletic, movement-oriented and kinetic assayer of incendiary theater, tackling tales of sexual identity, power dynamics, gender position, neighborhood politics and family, but the troupe is also one of the city’s LGBTQfriendliest. Themes of machismo and sexual preference weave their way into ToF pieces such as 2011’s “Heavy Metal Dance Fag” and 2014’s “Two Street.” Each year, ToF develops a new play using dance, theater, acrobatics and other forms of visual storytelling. This year, “Magdalene” features actor Colleen Hughes and the work of author/playwright Rachel Gluck. Artistic director Brennan and out staging director Doug Greene talked to PGN about their iteration of Mary Magdalene not as a fallen woman, but a powerful one, who was “sidelined for the crime of being a woman.” PGN: Who is the real Mary Magdalene to you, now that you have an understanding of the vision and inspiration from the gnostic gospels? DG: To me Mary Magdalene was always my favorite character in “Jesus Christ

Superstar!” Now I see her story as an ancestor to the Salem witch trials, or to our most recent presidential election. Again and again, we see the narratives around powerful women manipulated and changed by the men who feel threatened by them. TB: Before this play I always thought of Mary Magdalene as the cooler of the two Marys — there was Mary, the mother of God, and then there was Mary Magdalene, a character with flaws who I could relate to. If Jesus’ mom was the straight-A student, Mary Magdalene was the girl who was just as smart but cut class to smoke cigarettes out behind the school. Now I think of Mary Magdalene more similarly as an exiled leader. I didn’t realize how influential Mary Magdalene was when the church started. At the same time, I wasn’t surprised to learn that she was essentially sidelined for the crime of being a woman. In a lot of ways, I now think of her in a similar light as Joan of Arc. PGN: Several ToF shows touch heavily and humorously on LGBTQ issues, “Two Street” and “Heavy Metal Dance Fag” in particular. Doug, as a gay man, how do you feel that Terry has handled this? And Terry, as a straight man, how do you feel you went about being sensitive while touching on LGBTQ issues (you seem to play up the stereotypes of South Philly men and women, while making certain gay characters have no stereotypical behavior?) DG: ToF and Terry are great allies to the LGBTQ community. In the theater com-

Photo: Wide Eyed Studios

munity, we give a lot of lip service to diversity, but not everyone is as successful at it as ToF. ToF has LGBTQ artists, board members and audiences as part of their genetic makeup. The work they create reflects the voices they have in the room. TB: As a straight person, I’m on guard about using stereotypes of LGBTQ people. Obviously stereotypes of all types of people exist, and can be leveraged for comedy and to make a larger point, but if I’m not part of the group that we’re sending up, then I don’t like to make the jokes. That all being said, as you pointed out, I’ve often sent up the machismo behavior of South Philly. There are some days that I feel a little bit weird about that. Ultimately I try to come at the sending-up of straight Philly characters with as much love as possible. I try to write in contradictions within the characters, so that they aren’t just stereotypes — but as caricature and satire go, I’m sure that it leaves a bitter taste in some people’s mouths. PGN: Why do gay-themed/friendly plays make sense? How does that translate into a good business decision? And how is “Magdalene” a part of that decision/vision? TB: The gay-themed/friendly plays we make are more of an outgrowth of company culture than a business decision. A lot of our actors, designers and board members are queer, and I’ve always felt it is important to tell stories that have queer characters that don’t need to revolve around their identity as queer. As a matter of principle, we try to have at least one LGBTQ character in every play. As far as a business decision goes, it definitely doesn’t hurt. People like to and need to see themselves and their stories on stage, so in a way, we’re widening our audience base, but also LGBTQ audiences are pretty loyal. In relation to “Magdalene,” there are quite a few LGBTQ moments. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will keep this brief, but we

definitely speculate on Jesus’ sexual orientation and the play looks pretty hard at Betty Friedan’s active exclusion of lesbians and the problematic nature of second-wave feminism. PGN: Talk about your takes on the Tribe of Fools aesthetic, specifically its arc from the beginning in 2003 to “Magdalene”? TB: Our aesthetic has always been a physically stylized one. While we’re known for acrobatics and comedy, and that is where we really like to live, we’ve done heavier works in the past. For example, we created a short piece about the Berlin Wall when we appeared on the television show “Fake Off,” which was incredibly popular. That piece was quiet and lyrical; very different from our usual fare, but still physically engaged. “Magdalene” is an exciting shift for us, but we’ve been here before. I like to think of pieces like “Magdalene” as savory touches to our usually sweet menu. PGN: When, how and why did you find yourself involved with the “Magdalene” team/trio of women? What did you first love about that vision? TB: I saw a much shorter version of this two years ago at SoLow Fest. It was a 30-minute play that was put up to test out what worked and what didn’t. What drew me in was Mary’s antagonistic relationship to Peter. I love hearing different versions of the same stories. I really loved the movement language they were playing with. It felt like the opposite side of a coin. If Tribe of Fools is springtime, the movement in “Magdalene” is autumn — very similar in feel, but different in tone and intention. What I love about the updated version of “Magdalene” is that the artistic team has really leaned into the movement style. n All performances will be at Second Stage at the Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St. Tickets are $15-$20.

PGN

Food and Drink Directory

LovasH Indian

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

Wedding Services Directory

236 South St Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-925-3881

Restaurant and Bar www.lovashrestaurant.com EAT IN - TAKE OUT - DELIVERY Serving Lunch Open 7 Days a Week

and Dinner

Now Order Online!

Monday - Thursday: 4pm - 10pm Friday - Sunday: 11:30am - 10:30pm

Spice up your life with

Indian food

The Center City IHOP located at 1320 Walnut St. is now open 24 Hrs on FRIDAY and SATURDAY

THANKS FOR MAKING IT A IHOP DAY

Wedding Services Directory Ads in PGN. For Wedding Services designed with you in mind.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Boy in skirt invades Trump country By Gary L. Day PGN Contributor When it was announced that Roseanne Barr would be reviving her eponymous sitcom from 20 years ago, the response from both mainstream media and social media was to focus on her politics, zeroing in on the fact that the controversial comedian had revealed that she voted for Donald Trump. Her namesake character in the sitcom reboot is also portrayed as a Trump supporter. The show is already renewed for a second season. In the premiere episode that aired on March 27, most of the latter half focuses on her grandson Mark, a 9-year-old boy who is gender-fluid. He insists on wearing girlish clothes: skirts, leggings, scarves, glittery chokers; he also paints his nails and carries a pink backpack. While Mark says he identifies as a boy, he also insists that this manner of dress is an essential part of his identity. And his single mother, former goth-girl Darlene, is determined to support him. Darlene, with Mark and his older sister Harris, have just moved back to the town of Lanford, Il. from Chicago to live with Roseanne and Dan. The grandparents are, of course, worried about how the other children in school will react to this boy in a skirt. They plead with Darlene to make Mark dress in boys’ clothing, to no avail. Young Mark is determined to dress how he is comfortable. Through some predictable complications, Roseanne must accompany Mark to his first day at the new school. Her fear for him is almost immediately justified by mocking derision from other students. In true Roseanne fashion, Grandma immediately steps in and not only defends her grandson, but scares the bejeezus out of the offending students. Of course, the shows writers don’t try to tell us that Mark’s situation can be so easily resolved. But by the end of the episode, the groundwork is there for the ongoing portrayal of Mark’s struggle for acceptance as a trans kid. Something to remember is that, in its original run, “Roseanne,” despite its small-town, blue-collar setting, was one of the most socially progressive shows on the air. It had more openly gay regular characters than any other show on network television (more even than “Will & Grace”), plus a seriously diverse roster of supporting players. The one constant thread throughout the show’s original run was Roseanne’s love and support of her family and friends, regardless of how weird, eccentric or atypical their lifestyle choices might have seemed. That aspect of Roseanne the character, and Roseanne Barr the woman, clearly has not changed. Is this not important? Should this not be a significant part of the discussion among progressives? I think it should be, and here’s why:

First, there’s the matter of that dear, sweet trans kid Mark (played by the charming and charismatic young Ames McNamara). This is the first prepubescent trans child ever portrayed on network television. That is hugely important. Activists

PEACE, LOVE & HIP-HOP: Hip-hop collective Arrested Development burst onto the scene in the early 1990s, deep in the throes of bombastic gangsta rap, with a positive, socially conscious vibe, message and worldview that sold millions of records and won them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Now the group is back, on the road and celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album, “3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of…” with a performance 8:30 p.m. April 13 at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

AMES MCNAMARA AS MARK Photo: ABC

have long maintained that visibility, in and of itself, is a crucial component in changing the attitudes of moderate and conservative populations. The impact of the original “Roseanne” and “Will & Grace” in the campaign for marriage equality cannot be overstated. Likewise, the presence of the sympathetic Mark on a show watched by so many Trump supporters will go a long way towards planting that first seed of sympathy, or at least tolerance. The mere fact that these people will be exposed on a weekly basis to a courageous and sympathetic young boy in a skirt in the middle of Trumpland — well, no telling where that might lead. And finally, there is an issue moderate Democrats and Republicans have been trying to inject into the discourse for a while now, which this new “Roseanne” perfectly exemplifies. Some day, hopefully soon, Trump will be gone — but his voters will always be with us. How are we ever to move past this Trump-inspired polarization? Something “Roseanne” is trying to tell us is that not all Trump supporters are racist neo-Nazis beyond all hope of redemption. Yes, Roseanne Barr voted for Donald Trump. Yes, she is a frequently offensive provocateur. But what else is she? She is the woman showing millions of conservative Americans the challenges faced by a 9-year-old boy who wants to wear a dress … as well as those of the Trump-voting grandmother who loves him. Can we talk about that too? n

Theater & Arts Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends: New Worlds The acclaimed comedic actor and the world-renowned cellist collaborate on a live show, 7:30 p.m. April 4 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-8931999. Design in Revolution: A 1960s Odyssey Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of pop art and psychedelia from the civilrights and anti-war movements through Sept. 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Jean Shin: Collections Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition by contemporary artist Jean Shin (American, born in South Korea in

1971) in which she transforms everyday objects into dynamic works about connection and belonging, through July 15, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Jerry Seinfeld The superstar comedian performs at 7 and 9:30 p.m. April 7 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Kevin Smith at Home Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition spanning five decades of the Rochester-based artist’s mixed-media photographs, prints and books, through July 8, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Kyle Kinane The comedian, seen on Comedy Central, performs through April 7 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001.

Magical & Real: Henriette Wyeth and Peter Hurd, A Retrospective The Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition of works by Hurd (1904-84) and Wyeth (190797), important contributors to the arts of both the Philadelphia region and the Southwest, through May 6, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340- 9800. Noises Off Walnut Street Theatre presents the hit Broadway comedy about an ill-prepared theater cast trying to pull things together for opening night, through April 29, 825 Walnut St.;

215-574-3550. Philadelphia Voices The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through April 7 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Sancho: An Act of Remembrance The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the Philadelphia premiere of the one-man show about composer and social satirist Charles “Sancho” Ignatius, who became the first British-African to vote, April 13-14 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215898-3900.

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888.

PHILADELHPIA TO GET TRAUMATIZED: Acrobatic high-flying international pop-superstar, Pink, brings her Beautiful Trauma Tour to Philadelphia to get the party started with a raucous show, 8 p.m. April 13 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-389-9543.

Stockhausen’s KLANG Analog Arts and Elizabeth Huston present 24 pieces that were left incomplete at the time of composer Karlheinz Stockhausen’s death, April 7-8 at FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-413-1318.

Music Brit Floyd: Eclipse World Tour The Pink Floyd tribute band performs 8 p.m. April 6 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.

Varujan Boghosian: Master Manipulator Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition featuring works by the artist and collector who scours antique shops and flea markets for materials to use in his imaginative sculptures and collages, through April 18, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Sinatra and Friends The Philly POPS get into a Rat Pack vibe when they perform April 6-8 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215898-3900.

Virtually Rudy: New Dimensions in Sculpture The Michener Art Museum presents an exhibition of sculptures and their digital representations by Charles Rudy, through April 8, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215340- 9800.

Eric B. & Rakim The acclaimed classic rap duo performs 8 p.m. April 11 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215922-1011.

Philadelphia Voices The Philadelphia Orchestra performs through April 7 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.

Punky Meadows and Frank Dimino of Angel The ’70s glam rock musicians perform 6:30 p.m. April 12 at The Trocadero,

Outta Town

Rachmaninoff Live! The Philadelphia Orchestra performs works by the acclaimed Russian pianist, composer and conductor April 12-13 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215893-1999.

Love Letters Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross of former sitcom “Family Ties” star in this romantic drama through April 8 at Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2121.

L7 The grunge/punkrock band performs 8 p.m. April 13 at The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

The Isley Brothers The legendary funk/R&B band performs 6 p.m. April 6 at Xcite Center, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem; 888-5887279.

One Night of Queen The Queen tribute band, comprised of Gary Mullen and “The Works,” performs 8 p.m. April 13 at Keswick Theater, 291 N. Keswick Ave. Glenside; 215572-7650.

Nightlife Cabaret Sauvignon Lili St. Queer’s new solo cabaret show makes its debut 7-10 p.m. April 6 at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735. Mimi Imfurst Presents Drag Diva Brunch Mimi Imfurst, Bev, Vinchelle, Sutton Fearce and special guests perform 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 7 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555. Cabaret Vérité VII: Friday the Thirteenth, Part II The periodic cabaret returns with music and laughs, 7-8:30 p.m. April 13 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215732-2220.

The Evil Dead The classic horror film is screened 9:45 p.m. April 6 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Raiders of the Lost Ark The classic actionadventure film is screened 1:30 p.m. April 7 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Three Stooges Shorts Short films by the classic slapstick comedy trio film are screened 1:30 p.m. April 8 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Christopher Cross The soft-rock singer performs 8 p.m. April 13 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-1228. Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid Media Theatre presents a new musical version of the classic children’s tale, through May 20, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

“Gemini” director puts a queer spin on classic L.A. noir By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor “Gemini” is writer/director Aaron Katz’s cool, seductive L.A. noir with a queer twist. In this nifty film, which opens April 6 at the Ritz Bourse in Philadelphia and at the AMC in Voorhees, N.J., Jill (Lola Kirke), a personal assistant to in-demand actress Heather (Zoë Kravitz), becomes the suspect in a murder. But “Gemini” is not really about what it’s about — meaning, the “whodunit” element of the story is really just an excuse for Katz to tease the audience while also displaying gorgeous visuals and a dry, wry sense of humor. In a recent phone interview, the filmmaker explained that he created “Gemini” after living in Los Angeles for a few years, and “seeing the world of Hollywood for the first time.” He also said he paid homage to detective fiction, “especially the British 1930s mysteries, Raymond Chandler and Ross McDonald [novels], as well as 1980s/1990s thriller movies,” such as “Jagged Edge.” But what distinguishes the film and makes it so much damn fun to watch is how Katz draws in the audience, letting it unravel the story based on the characters’ behavior and visual clues. For example, the film is deliberately ambiguous regarding Jill’s relationship with Heather as well as Heather’s relationship with Tracy (Greta Lee). It is unclear whether these women are “girlfriends” or girlfriends. To that question, Katz responds as obliquely as his characters might. “I left Jill’s relationship with Heather open to interpretation,” he said. “There are a couple of looks that are a good friend making sure Heather’s OK, or that Jill is left on the outside; that Heather wouldn’t consider her this way.” “Gemini” looks at celebrity from the inside, says Katz. “The film reflects the ideas we all have that celebrities — that they are more than human, or elevated. Jill’s job — Heather’s managed to outsource everything unpleasant to Jill — means there’s an intense closeness [between them], as well as propriety.” Another way Katz plays with the audience is to take genre conventions such as the “skeptical cop” character, Edward Ahn (John Cho), who suspects Jill knows more than she’s telling. The interplay between these characters is enjoyable, especially when she eludes him in a scene that is full of misdirection. The filmmaker acknowledges Cho’s character is a riff on detectives from movies ranging from “In a Lonely Place” to “American Gigolo” and “Body Heat.” For some viewers, however, “Gemini” will be reminiscent of another great L.A. noir, Robert Altman’s meandering “The Long

Goodbye,” which featured Philip Marlowe (Elliot Gould) tracking down an old friend who is suspected of killing his wife. Katz shoots his film in a very deliberate style. “We wanted to capture the sense you get of L.A. when you are driving around at night — in terms of color and visual key,” he said. “In terms of space, my cinematographer Andrew Reed and I did what we do on

all of our movies, which is to start with locations that have something compelling about them. We try to ask ourselves not how to fit what’s in the script, but what’s interesting or what’s unique about this place? Heather’s house has a giant glass rotunda — how can we use this space? We send Heather one way and Jill the other in this one shot, and it establishes the geography of the space. It’s important to get a sense of geography before you know how it plays into the plot.” Other elements that contribute to the film’s moodiness include a few “meta” moments, as when a character tries to understand the killer’s motivation and wonders: If this were a movie, what would a character think or do? While the look and feel of “Gemini” are enticing, the film’s biggest asset is Kirke. The actor, who played a lesbian in 2016’s “AWOL” (which was set and shot in WilkesBarre), gives a feisty performance here. Jill is efficient at her job and intelligent and calculating when investigating the murder, but she is also vulnerable, as when she has a good cry on the beach. Katz said he took notice of Kirke when he saw her in the film, “Mistress America.” “I wrote the script with her in mind. I had never met her and hoped she’d do it. I sent her an early draft, and it turned out she was excited by it. So, we brought her into the process and developed Jill together, collaborating on finding out who she is.” The crying scene on the beach was especially challenging to write, he said. “I want characters to hide how they really feel. The stoicism in these kinds of movies is buried under social codes, and that is really appealing to me.” Then he added, “But it’s important to be truthful.” “Gemini” plays with the truth and with genre. It is a delicious mix that like every great noir is both cynical and highly satisfying. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

PORTRAIT from page 23

a great connection. And it’s nice to know I was a part of something that they were going to remember for the rest of their lives. I love that and things like the drag show that Josh Schonewolf and I have put together; it’s been about eight months and each month grows and gets better. It’s a great thing for the neighborhood and people have been very receptive to it. PGN: I see that you’re single, so how would someone woo you? GM: Ha! I read your column and was wondering when you would catch me with an off-guard question! Let’s see, I want someone who can see me in my office attire one day and walking around in a pink ballgown the next and still see me as just me and all my facets. It would be nice for someone to approach me and talk about art or music or do something clever to surprise me. PGN: What’s the best concert experience you’ve had? GM: I’m going to be clichéd and say a Cher concert, without a doubt. I was 13, it was at Madison Square Garden and I was one of 50,000 in the crowd cheering when she said, “I’m a gay man’s best friend.” I already knew she was speaking to me. I’ll never forget it as long as I live. PGN: [Laughing] And that wasn’t a clue for your mom that you were gay? GM: You’d think so! Especially since it was a present for graduating from middle school! PGN: What time in fashion would you like to go back to? GM: Rococo, for sure. That whole Marie Antoinette era. I would have been so happy dressing up back then. PGN: What’s your middle name? GM: Laurence. PGN: How did you get into designing? GM: I started dabbling with making costumes when I was 18, 19. College was a

AC ul t ure rts

PGN

very creative time for me. I started doing costumes for Halloween and then over the years I started making all my own clothes out of recycled materials. Old clothes that my mother had from the ’70’s. I’d cut them up and make new pieces. Now I mostly just make costumes. I’ll go to Philly AIDS Thrift and get a dress and alter it, add beads or embellishments. It’s fun because I always have something new or different to wear. PGN: Were you self-taught? GM: My grandmother taught me and my best friend’s mother, who is also my sister’s mother-in-law, showed me how to use the sewing machine my mom got me for Christmas. Up until then, I hand-sewed everything, it took hours! PGN: Favorite fabric? GM: Probably tulle. I like goofy things, so I use it in most of my costumes. It creates layers and fun dimensions. PGN: What was your favorite creation? GM: I made a Mary, Queen of Scots gown for Halloween once. It was made of a thick, deep-red fabric for the bodice and the lines of the corset had gold accents. The bottom was a big goofy skirt with shiny metallic and big pearls sewn in. PGN: Has your mom seen you in drag? GM: Yes! And the first time was when I was a sophomore in college. I’d asked her and my sister to come to a drag ball show they did once a year. I thought she’d go straight to her seat but she decided to come up and say hi first, not expecting to find me in this ridiculous big pink puffy ballgown. She stopped in the doorframe and just looked at me and then said, “Holy shit! You look just like me!” I look like her as a boy, so when I put makeup and a dress on, it’s uncanny. Then she said something about me needing more rouge and that was it. We were good. And she’s come to my shows ever since. n To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.

Nightlife, Concerts, Art Exhibits, Readings, Cabaret, Films, Theater, Food, Books, Music, Sports and Travel

Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News

Q Puzzle Dear Simon Across

1. “___ because you think I look like a guy?” (with 7-Across) 7. See 1-Across 13. Establishes sexual preference? 15. Classical guitar great 16. Put it to your mouth at a gay rodeo 17. Like the most in-vogue porn stars 18. Heal, like a bone 19. Earhart’s domain 21. They may be liberal 22. “___ because you donít look like a guy” (with 49- and 66-Across) 27. H.S. math course 29. How fag hags find gays 30. Suffix with hero 33. Was an angel on Broadway 35. Frank once of the House 37. Hairstylist, maybe 39. Pain in an orifice 40. Male enhancement exaggeration? 41. Home o’ the brave

43. XXX, to Greeks 44. Suddenly and completely 49. See 22-Across 51. Goldberg of _ The Color Purple_ 53. Opera tenor Caruso 56. Sauce brand 57. Above the horizon 61. Opposite of loads 62. Wilde country 63. Bodybuilder Charles 64. _ ___ fan tutte_ 65. Pine for 66. See 22-Across 67. You may go down on one

Down

1. Get into a slip 2. Pakistan neighbor 3. Eatery on the Orient Express 4. “The best is ___ come!” 5. _A Chorus Line_ song 6. Versatile vehicle 7. To God, to Caesar 8. Guy under J. Edgar? 9. The whole shebang 10. “Ay, ___ a king” (Shakespeare) 11. Type of personal lubricant 12. Goes down on 14. Quick bite 15. Small bush

20. It changes a seÒor’s gender 23. _Glen or Glenda: ___ Two Lives _ 24. Baldwin staffer 25. _Dark Angel_ star 26. _Maude_ producer 27. Name on a column 28. Byron poem 31. Old fruit drink 32. Bette Davis feature of song 34. Tease 36. Where Dover moved his “bloomin’ arse” 38. Trojan Horse, e.g. 39. Lawman Wyatt 42. “Fifth Beatle”

Sutcliffe 45. Lover with a penetrating glance? 46. _The Seven Samurai_ director Kurosawa 47. Buck of C&W 48. Family 49. _The African Queen_ co-star, informally 50. Make a pass at 51. Small songbird 52. Bugs Bunny’s Broadway musical? 54. Lambda Legal Defense suit, e.g. 55. Garfield’s pal 58. Sexual ending 59. Pitch preceder 60. Colette made a splash in it

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

FILIPPONE GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING EXPERTS SERVING PHILADELPHIA FOR OVER 75 YEARS

PA Lisc # PA116613 Philadelphia Lisc #45244 OSHA Lisc # 14-60-1324882

No Job Too Small

Carpentry - Kitchen/Bathroom Hardwood Flooring - Windows Doors - Sheetrock - Plumbing Electrical - Cement - Stucco - Painting

We’ll Beat Any Written Estimate Financing Options Available %15 Off when this ad is presented at time of estimate, and always for seniors, military and local or state police and fire employees

NJ office: 8569528197 Philly office: 2157833844

AFRCC_PGN_2x3.975_AD.qxp_Layout 1 1/

OFFICE FURNITURE PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR!

family

OwnED — an d — OpERaTED No Salespeople So ® No Commissions out of Your Pocket!

— —

seal roofing complete roofing service ®

CERTIFIED In all TypEs OF ROOFIng flat rubber roofs • coatings • shingles/metal roofs Payment Plan:

NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED

720 HYLTON ROAD • PENNSAUKEN, NJ 08110

856.488.5101

www.afrcc.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

1/2 Down after completed, Balance due after first rain. anufacturers Warranties *M & Residential * CWommercial hite Energy Efficient Coatings * Downspouts & Gutters * Roof Inspections * * Leak Repairs * Sidings

I5% OFF

any new roof installation upto $300 | must present ad | cannot be combined

IO% OFF

any roof/GUtter rePair upto $300 | must present ad | cannot be combined

licensed & insured / / 24-hr. emergency service / / Payment Plans available

2i5.533.4066

info@sealroofingteam.net

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

Classifieds All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.

Real Estate Sale

Legal Notices

VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________42-49 BOUTIQUE HOTEL JIM THORPE 3 Turnkey Luxury Suites + Retail space $599,000 Excellent cash ﬂow 570-732-4511 ____________________________________________ 42-16

Change of Name Notice In the Court of Common Pleas of Phila. County, PA January Term, 2018, No. 4349 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 26, 2018, the Petition of Dana Elliott Menkin was ﬁled, praying for a Decree to change Petitioner’s name to Dane E. Menkin. The Court has ﬁxed April 13, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 691, City Hall, Broad & Market Sts., Philadelphia, PA as the time and place for the hearing of said Petition, when and where all persons interested may appear and show cause, if any they have, why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________42-14

Real Estate Rent APT. FOR RENT RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA 50% OFF APRIL Hi ceiling, good light, hdwd ﬂrs. Quiet calm building. No pets. Studio w/deck, $795/mo. Take a look! Call 215732-8458. _____________________________________________42-15

Vacation/Seasonal Rental OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of full/partial week rentals. Call daily for FREE Brochure. Holiday Real Estate; 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com. $25 discount - new rentals. Code: “Summer289” _____________________________________________42-14

Help Wanted EARN $500 A DAY Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents *Leads, No Cold Calls *Commissions Paid Daily *Agency Training *Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020 ________________________________________42-14

For Sale SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com 800-567-0404 Ext.300N ________________________________________42-14

Services AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualiﬁed students – Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-207-0345. ________________________________________42-14

AC ul t ure rts

Notices Hello we are Dominic and Ayden, we are residence at, LGBTQ home for hope. One of the only LGBTQ Recovery/ Shelter’s for our community in Philadelphia, and we asking people for help with, any kind of donations like, Personal Care Items, Food, Clothing and Linens, and if someone’s time to, help with house repair’s, cleaning, education, etc. Any kind of donation/help would mean so much to not just us but everyone that comes though our door’s. Any questions feel free to contact us for more information, the number where you can contact us are, Noelle 215-867-8885, she is head staff Myself Dominic 267-730-9571, resident ________________________________________42-16

PGN Friends Men WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________42-15 Senior WM ISO same that would like to receive oral relief or if you would just to talk for a while. Call Walt at 856-625-9195. _____________________________________________42-14 Former inmate looking to get back into society seeking a frend or companion to help guide me through this. Write to Paul M at 2100 W. Venango St., Philadelphia PA 19140. Paul Major315@gmail.com or 267-340-3694. _____________________________________________42-15 WOULD Like to meet men from Puerto Rico and/or of Puerto Rican heritage for friendship and more. 856-547-4163. _____________________________________________42-16

Nightlife, Concerts, Art Exhibits, Readings, Cabaret, Films, Theater, Food, Books, Music, Sports and Travel

Because Life Is More Than Just Gay News

pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

PGN

Getting married?

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

TURNER BROTHERS PLUMBING & HEATING LLC •WATER HEATERS •HEATER REPAIR •CITY VIOLATIONS CORRECTED •ALL UNDERGROUND PLUMBING MENTION PGN TO RECEIVE 10% OFF

MICHAEL TURNER 215-852-0337 BRIAN TURNER 215-800-5072 Turnerbrothersplumbing@gmail.com

FAX 267-686-5072 R.M.P 43653

www.summersquality.com

Plumbing • Heating • Air Conditioning • Electrical Contracting • 8200 Ridge Ave PhilAdelPhiA PA 19128

215-482-8800 :

email info@summersquality.com

FLORIO HOME REMODELING Creating Fabulous Homes for Over 25 Years Remodeling Professionals

Customizable Kitchens and Bathrooms, Specialize in all Crown Molding, Install Windows and Hardwood Floors, Demolition and Home Clean Out Assistance Doors, Sheetrock, Electric & Plumbing

No Job Too Small - Free Estimates - Our Prices Will Not Be Beat

10% OFF

Financing Options Available

with this ad

FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS

Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

267-972-5928

FlorioHomeRemodelingLLC@gmail.com

Filippone Electrical

If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community.

Call/Email John Florio:

John Wissinger Inc.

HARDWOOD FLOORS Old Floors, Sanded & Finished Floors Stained New Floors Laid Steps Scraped (215) 335-4472 (215) 887-2899 Cell: (215) 816-4472

Spring Special

Free Estimates

(must be presented at time of estimate)

Advertise your business in our directories

20% off with this ad

215-783-3844 LICENSED AND INSURED Philly Lic #18313 • PA. Lic #053919 www.filipponeelectric.com

for only $25 per week when you run for a minimum of 8 weeks.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com April 6-12, 2018

FURNISH YOUR ENTIRE HOME

QUEEN BEDDING SE TS st star artiting ng at at

199.99

OR OFFICE for up to

700 OOFF FF %

RETAIL PRICES

Every Day!

Office Chairs

now only...

299.99

now only...

399.99

5-PIECE OAK BEDROOM SETS

5-PIECE BLACK BEDROOM SETS

(Dresser, Mirror, Queen Headboard, 2 Nightstands)

An AFR® Exclusive!

starting at...

22-PIECE APARTMENT PACKAGE

INCLUDED FURNISHINGS:

STARTING AT $24.99

Sofa, Loveseat, Cocktail Table, 2 End Tables with 2 Lamps, TV Media Stand, Dining Table with 4 Side Chairs, Headboard, 2 Nightstands with 2 Lamps, Mirror, Dresser, 2 Art Prints

899

.99

Office Desks

STARTING AT $149.99

TV Stands

STARTING AT $19.99

3 PC Occasional Table Sets

NOW ONLY $69.99

Available in Black or Oak!

(Cocktail Table + 2 End Tables)

starting at...

99.99

starting at...

5-PIECE DINETTE SETS

299.99

SOFA & LOVESEAT SETS

(Table + 4 Chairs)

Visit Your Local AFR ® Clearance Center & Start Saving Today!

Pennsauken, NJ

New Castle, DE

720 Hylton Road Pennsauken, NJ 08110

490 West Basin Road New Castle, DE 19720

856.488.5101

302.323.1682

Mon-Thu 11AM-8PM Fri 9AM-8PM Sat 10AM-6PM Sun 11AM-5PM

Mon-Fri 9AM-8PM Sat 10AM-6PM Sun 11AM-5PM

Like Us On Facebook!

DELIVERY SERVICES

MASSIVE SHOWROOM

PREMIUM STYLES

UNBEATABLE PRICES

New & Previously Rented Furniture *Photos are for advertising purposes only and may not match the condition of current sale merchandise. Prices reflect previously rented merchandise. Other exclusions may apply. See store for details.

EXPERIENCE MORE AT AFRCC.COM